《Everyone's a Catgirl!》 Chapter 1: The Bench It all happened so fast. ¡®You Died¡¯ didn¡¯t flash before my eyes. There wasn¡¯t a guardian angel or that ¡®light at the end of the tunnel.¡¯ I didn¡¯t even get the memory reel that everyone talks about. Just a giant vastness of nothing. When my consciousness returned, it didn¡¯t come with a body. Well, it kind of did, but not the corporeal flesh golem I was used to. It was more like an outline, hinting at where the edges of my skin should be. I thought I¡¯d lost all five senses before I found myself standing in a room, staring at the hinted shapes of other people. Dead people? There were a lot of ways I¡¯d imagined the afterlife, and this definitely wasn¡¯t one of them. I stood in the lobby of an enormous building flooded with stringent white light. Rooms lined the hallways to my left and right, extending farther than I could see. Each section was closed off by glass panels, allowing curious onlookers to peer into what looked like courtrooms. Stern-faced judges in black robes sat at the head of every room while other souls¡ªat least, that¡¯s what I assumed they were¡ªstood at the defendant¡¯s table. Tinkling piano music overlapped the solemn scene. It was bright and cheery; reminded me a lot of a dentist¡¯s waiting room. Which, let¡¯s be honest, has never had the intended calming effect. The whole setting had a dream-like quality that I couldn¡¯t seem to shake, but something told me that this was very, very real. ¡°Am I in hell?¡± I wondered aloud, happy to hear my own voice emit from a source that I was sure had lost its lungs. ¡°I dunno, man. I just got here.¡± Another form next to me shrugged. ¡°But this sure is my idea of hell.¡± This was all too fast and too damn soon¡ªI¡¯d just barely turned twenty. I couldn¡¯t be dead yet. I still had so much I wanted to do. ¡°Matthew Kelmer?¡± a kind voice called over the crowd. I looked up to see a young woman who couldn¡¯t have been much older than me but possessed a more solid-looking body. Her blonde hair fell in waves just past her curved hips, and she wore a sharp black jacket with a tight skirt and brightly colored scarf. Made me think of a sexy flight attendant. ¡°That¡¯s me,¡± I said, stepping past the other souls. Her smile was brilliant and unnervingly comforting. Not that there was anything else to take comfort in. ¡°Come with me, please.¡± ¡°Hey! What¡¯s the deal? He just got here!¡± a man in the back shouted. ¡°This way, please,¡± she repeated, ignoring the outcry. There was an annoyed grumbling from the heckler. I squared my shoulders and fell into step behind the stranger. ¡°Can you tell me where I am?¡± I asked once we were far enough away from the crowd. ¡°Surely you¡¯ve heard of purgatory?¡± she asked. ¡°Well, yeah.¡± I realized that being called back so quickly probably wasn¡¯t the best thing to happen in purgatory. ¡°Hold up, I didn¡¯t just stamp a one-way ticket to hell, did I?¡± ¡°No, silly. Quite the opposite. Here, please.¡± She stopped in front of a large metal door and held it open for me. It was one of the only rooms not sectioned off by glass. I stepped inside and waited. ¡°Who are you?¡± ¡°My name is Leiana,¡± she said as she shut the door behind her and strode past me to her desk. She gestured to the chair before her, and I took a seat. ¡°I¡¯m one of the managers of purgatory.¡± ¡°Managers?¡± ¡°Your world refers to them as ¡®goddesses,¡¯ I believe,¡± she said, sitting down. I thought of pinching myself to wake up. But there was nothing to pinch. ¡°Um. Okay.¡± ¡°You see, Matthew¡ª¡± I bristled. ¡°Just Matt is fine.¡± A corner of her smile twitched downward, but her cheerful demeanor remained. ¡°Your heroic death has earned you another chance. A new life in a different world.¡± My what? In a what? A dozen questions assaulted me. ¡°Heroic death?¡± With a snap of her fingers, a virtual display appeared above her workstation. A movie in stunning high definition began to play, and I watched in silence. It was me at the gym I¡¯d been standing in not an hour before. I was lying on the bench, preparing to do a bench press without a spotter. Who the hell needed a spotter? It didn¡¯t look that hard. I¡¯d never done one before, but I knew the other girls in the gym loved to watch guys compete against each other with the weights. And there was a girl there I had my eye on. If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°You battled against this metal beast with such courage!¡± Leiana exclaimed. The dots began to connect. Oh, Jesus Christ. In the video, it was clear that I hadn¡¯t secured the weights well. Briana, the girl I¡¯d been hoping to catch the attention of, had noticed. She¡¯d jogged over to the bench just as I lifted the bar. Her lips were moving, and she was waving her arms, but I had my headphones in and didn¡¯t hear her. ¡°See how you struggled!¡± Leiana clasped her hands and swooned. ¡°You protected her with all your might.¡± Yeah, I struggled, alright. As I pushed harder on the bar, my face turned beet-red, and the veins in my throat pulsed against my skin. I¡¯d racked up almost three hundred pounds¡ªnearly twice my weight. The bar tilted in my unsure grip, and my arms buckled. As my shoulders gave out, the bar hurtled toward me past the catches on either side and crushed my windpipe. I must have died instantly. Briana bent over and wrestled to get the bar off of me, shouting words I couldn¡¯t make out. ¡°And as all tragic romances end, true love¡¯s kiss,¡± Leiana crooned. Briana had tried to give me CPR after the weights were off. I squirmed the entire time I watched. I wanted to crawl under Leiana¡¯s desk. I hadn¡¯t even stayed alive long enough to feel Briana¡¯s lips on mine, god damn it. The screen went dark. ¡°I could not let your judgment pass without offering another chance.¡± Leiana sighed. ¡°These are the stories that go down in history.¡± God, I hope not. I had no idea what to say. ¡°So, another chance?¡± ¡°Yes. As a manager, you see, I can grant second chances to special cases such as yours. There are hundreds of other worlds that could use your strength and valor. With a few stipulations, of course.¡± ¡°Such as?¡± Leiana giggled. ¡°It depends on the world! Every world has its own set of rules.¡± She replayed the video from the beginning. ¡°Goodness, I believe I could watch this for eternity.¡± And now I¡¯m in hell. ¡°Can we talk about the other worlds?¡± ¡°Oh! Yes, of course. Let¡¯s see what we have available.¡± With a flick of her finger, the window closed and a new one opened¡ªsomething akin to a spreadsheet program. Names and languages I¡¯d never seen scrolled by at a blazing speed. Her smile wavered. ¡°Hmm.¡± ¡°What?¡± I was beginning to wonder if I¡¯d rather risk it with the judge. I hadn¡¯t done anything too terrible in life to deserve eternal damnation, right? ¡°Well, you see, I only have three worlds available at the moment.¡± ¡°Out of that whole list?¡± I couldn¡¯t hide my disbelief. ¡°There are many specifications, requirements, and overrides involved in such a feat. But we¡¯ll make the best of it, Matthew, I promise you!¡± ¡°Matt,¡± I corrected flatly. ¡°Of course, Matt!¡± The giant list condensed down to three names, all composed of symbols I didn¡¯t recognize. She selected the first line, and a screen filled with bar graphs and pie charts overlayed the spreadsheet. ¡°So, our first potential world has a moderate difficulty rating, a balanced monster score, and vast opportunity for growth!¡± ¡°Difficulty rating? Monster scores? Like a video game?¡± ¡°Yes! Very much like the video games of your world. You must complete tasks and earn yourself a place in their society by honing your attributes and gaining skills.¡± ¡°Are you saying I have to level up?¡± ¡°Something like that.¡± ¡°Are all worlds like this?¡± ¡°No. However, the three available are.¡± Okay, maybe this wouldn¡¯t be too bad. I¡¯d played enough games to have a handle on that sort of system. ¡°What are the rules of this one?¡± I gestured to the graphs. ¡°You must begin life anew as a dungeon.¡± I paused. ¡°A what?¡± ¡°A dungeon. It¡¯s very popular, from what I understand.¡± I pictured dark, scummy caves filled with bats and spiders and bears. I imagined smelling like stale water and mold. ¡°Who the hell would want to be a dungeon?¡± ¡°Well, many before you have chosen this option, but we can move on,¡± Leiana mumbled, seeming disappointed. She quickly regained her composure and pulled up the second set of charts. ¡°Our second world begins in the Kingdom of Rhodes. The difficulty rating is low, the monsters are on the gentler side, and magic powers the realm.¡± Boring. I¡¯d played every JRPG on the planet. The last thing I wanted to do was live in a tropey, easy fantasy land. ¡°Next.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t wish to hear the rules?¡± ¡°No. Next?¡± Leiana sighed and pulled up the third name. The graphs for this one looked more intense compared to the other two. She chewed her bottom lip and glanced at me before looking back at the hologram. ¡°What?¡± My interest piqued. ¡°Well, the difficulty rating is quite extreme, and the monster score is on the higher end of what I¡¯m familiar with. And, well¡ª¡± she trailed. This sounded interesting. ¡°Well, what? Go on.¡± ¡°Everyone¡¯s a catgirl.¡± If I still had a heart, it would have stopped. ¡°Wait. It¡¯s a world full of catgirls?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Like girls with cat ears and tails?¡± Leiana narrowed her eyes. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Do I have to be a dungeon?¡± There had to be some stupid catch. This was way too good to be true. ¡°I do not believe so.¡± ¡°Do I have to be a catgirl?¡± She opened another document and glanced through the illegible script. ¡°No. Per their stipulations, you would arrive just as you were before you passed. But your attributes and profile would be entirely reset. Matt, I don¡¯t¡ª¡± ¡°I¡¯m going there.¡± I leaped from the chair. My head swirled with pictures of beautiful, petite girls with adorable kitty ears and bells. ¡°Send me there.¡± Leiana drummed her fingers along the top of her desk as she stared up at me. ¡°Are you sure?¡± ¡°Absolutely.¡± Catgirls wearing maid outfits, in silk lingerie, in bathing suits. It was like the ultimate dream come true. She paused. ¡°The difficulties will be immense. We cannot change this decision once you¡¯ve made it.¡± ¡°I understand.¡± What part of ¡®Send me¡¯ didn¡¯t she get? She frowned. ¡°You are certain, then?¡± ¡°I¡¯m more than certain.¡± How many times was she going to ask me? I didn¡¯t care how hard it was or how awful the grind could be. It was a whole damn world of catgirls. I wanted nothing more. ¡°Send me!¡± ¡°As you wish.¡± She stood and signed off on the bottom of the stipulations sheet. ¡°Your necessary tools will be given to you after you arrive. Please check your inventory.¡± ¡°Wait. How do I do that?¡± In a video game, my inventory was accessed by a button. How did someone pick through a physical inventory? Would I get a suitcase or something? She ignored my question and made a series of hand signals. A warm glow surrounded her hands, and her final gesture pointed toward me. ¡°For your valor, Matthew Kelmer. Be reborn!¡± For the second time that day, the world went dark. Chapter 2: The Beach My entry into the new world was rough, to say the least. I thought I might teleport in, walk through a mystical door, something like that. Leiana hadn¡¯t given me a chance to ask. No. Instead, she¡¯d warped me above the middle of an ocean, and now I was drowning. I¡¯d learned to doggy paddle with the best of them, but somehow my desperate flailing led me to sink faster rather than bring me back to the surface. My arms waved around helplessly. Were all of those bubbles coming from me? Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. Did I seriously get dropped into a new world just to die again? And then I saw her. A lithe, dark-haired girl was swimming toward me. Her expression was hard to read through the water¡¯s blur, and my consciousness was quickly fading. I extended my hand and felt a tug at my wrist. That was the last thing I remembered.
Chapters 2 through 41 have been removed to comply with Kindle Unlimited''s guidelines. Chapter 42: One Cannot Step Twice in the Same River I¡¯ll be the first one to admit it. I was not looking forward to getting back on a boat. Our last journey ended with Ravyn frying up a herd of fishcats, and I was sure there were plenty of other Encroachers waiting out there to call us dinner. At least this time, I felt ready. Higher Level, better gear, and a full Party. Still, it was tough to shake that nagging feeling that my encounters so far were only the beginning. Keke, Cannoli, Ravyn, and I found Portia on the dock, caring for and crooning over her new sloop like a newborn baby. The Bells she¡¯d won from her card games with Cailu had paid off. ¡°How¡¯s sailing, Portia?¡± I called with a wave. ¡°Oh, Goddess above, never been better!¡± Portia laughed. She hopped from the deck to the dock and greeted us with a smile. The tattoos on her arm flexed and reshaped as she stretched her arms. ¡°She steers like a dream. And she¡¯s big enough to keep the damn roaches away. Most of ¡®em, anyway.¡± ¡°Heh. I have a feeling that it isn¡¯t just the boat that keeps them away,¡± Ravyn snickered, coiling her thick red tail around her leg. ¡°You probably have a point there. Got a few new weapons in the kit to boot.¡± Portia cracked her neck, and the silver hoops in her left ear caught the sunlight. ¡°What can I do for my favorite customers?¡± ¡°We¡¯re on a Quest!¡± Cannoli announced. Buttons, her blue blazard, scurried into her hair and took a seat on the top of her head, bobbing his head in time with hers. ¡°We need to find the men on the other islands!¡± Portia ran a hand through her cropped green hair. ¡°Hmm. Well, ya know where Cailu is. Though his purse is a lot lighter.¡± ¡°Right. Not Cailu,¡± Keke agreed. The ocean breeze blew her dark brown hair back and the scent of her with it. She always smelled incredible. ¡°Cailu¡¯s the one who sent us on this little adventure in the first place. Now we need to go to Ichi Island and Shi Island,¡± I explained. ¡°But I¡¯m not sure where to start.¡± ¡°Ichi¡¯s dangerous as hell. There¡¯s a lotta high-leveled Encroachers and more Defiled there than Nyarlothep, as I heard it.¡± Portia crossed her arms. ¡°And the desert is a pain to cross without the right equipment.¡± ¡°I went there once. I¡¯m not looking forward to going back,¡± Ravyn added. Portia nodded. ¡°Shi Island is, er, well¡­¡± She trailed, chewing in thought. ¡°Shi Island is strange.¡± ¡°Strange how?¡± I asked. After our escapades on San Island, I wondered how much ¡®stranger¡¯ Nyarlea could get. ¡°It¡¯s a pretty harmless island, I think. But the girls there, they¡¯re a weird bunch,¡± Portia said. ¡°They can¡¯t be much weirder than Ravyn, right?¡± Keke asked with a dry laugh. ¡°Hey. Eat shit,¡± Ravyn snapped. Ball Gag, her hellkite familiar, snickered from his perch on her shoulder. I hate that bird. Portia laughed. ¡°If I had to choose between Ichi and Shi to visit first, I¡¯d say Shi. It¡¯ll be an overnight ride, but the sloop has plenty of room for all of ya. We can take turns on watch.¡± ¡°That sounds great. We should have enough Bells for the trip.¡± I dug through my [Cat Pack] and procured a section of the money left over from our equipment run. We¡¯d made a solid amount off of the four lizard Encroachers we¡¯d hunted the day before, so I knew we¡¯d have enough money for inn stays and food. It was nice not scraping the bottom of the barrel for Bells. ¡°Oh, Matt, I can pay my own way. It¡¯s okay!¡± Cannoli said, her fluffy white ears perking up as she rifled through her pack. ¡°We made lots yesterday!¡± ¡°Let me have this one,¡± I insisted. ¡°You girls have done enough for me.¡± Cannoli beamed, then tied her [Cat Pack] shut. ¡°Alright.¡± I paid, and we swapped to [Combat Mode] before boarding. Portia swiftly had us out to sea, and I sat down with the iPaw. I¡¯d thought about where I wanted my points to go before I¡¯d Leveled, so it didn¡¯t take much time to throw my Stat point into [Resistance] and the Class Point into [Adrenaline Rush]. After Cannoli¡¯s explanation of [Resistance] on our return from San, and the Shulan Defiled¡¯s Enchantment display, anything to resist that bullshit was welcome. With that out of the way, I decided to take a look at our Party and see what we had to work with. Matt Base Level 5 Warrior Class Level 5 Base Experience: 710/1000 Class Experience: 710/1000 Health Points: 39/39 Myana Points: 5/5 Energy: 20/21 Strength: 3 +4 Vitality: 2 +2 Dexterity: 1 Agility: 1 +1 Magic: 1 Resistance: 2 +3 I grinned from ear to ear. For once in my life, I was making visible progress. Though, something about my Stats seemed off. Where am I getting 11 more [Health Points]? I distinctly remembered having 28 [Health Points] before I hit Base Level 5. In fact, my [Strength] and [Vitality] looked higher than I remembered as well. I wasn¡¯t about to look a gift horse in the mouth, but I needed to know what was going on. I thought about asking Keke, but I decided to go straight to the source for the information. ¡°Hey, Ai,¡± I said. Seconds later, a window with Ai¡¯s portrait appeared on the iPaw¡¯s screen. The pixelated, blue-haired catgirl had returned to her Ni Island sailor¡¯s outfit, and the sound of her monotone voice was somehow comforting. ¡°Can you help me out?¡± ¡°How may I assist, [User Matthew]?¡± I frowned. Start calling me Matt, for starters. ¡°My Stats seem to be a bit higher than I remember. My [Strength] and [Vitality] as well. I didn¡¯t put them up myself, so I was wondering if you knew about some feature I might¡¯ve missed.¡± She blinked. ¡°Are you referring to the Class Bonus received at Class Level 5?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± I shrugged. ¡°Would that explain it?¡± ¡°Possibly. First Classes receive a bonus to their Stats upon reaching Class Level 5.¡± Ai pointed up with one finger, and the list of notifications started to scroll. It stopped on an announcement detailing that I¡¯d received a Class Bonus. ¡°Perhaps you missed it.¡± I scratched my head. ¡°Not sure how I would have.¡± ¡°You were intoxicated that night,¡± Ai said with, dare I say, a hint of motherly judgment in her voice. ¡°You saw that?¡± Ai nodded. ¡°Yes. You dropped me three times.¡± I swallowed. ¡°S-so, will the notification explain it, or would you be more helpful?¡± ¡°Yes, that is the objective of the notification,¡± Ai said after a pause. ¡°They are simple in nature. Upon reaching Class Level 5, you will receive a boost to your Stats. Congratulations.¡± ¡°Will I get bonuses every five Levels?¡± ¡°Not necessarily,¡± she replied. Silence. I see we¡¯re not chatty today. As helpful as the iPaw was, Ai could be frustratingly vague. ¡°Thanks, Ai. That¡¯s all.¡± The stern catgirl nodded, her portrait disappearing. I tapped the notification I¡¯d received and skimmed over the Class Bonus. It¡¯d given me a point of [Strength], [Vitality], and 5 additional [Health Points]. No wonder I felt so damn good. 39 [Health Points]. Hell yeah! With that out of the way, I scrolled up to see if there was anything else I missed, and lo and behold, there was. A message stating that [Axe Mastery] had granted me a new bonus popped up, and I pressed my index finger against it. A large window took up the screen, detailing the new bonuses accompanied with [Axe Mastery], and I rattled them off to myself. ¡°Efficiency and damage increases to 10%. In addition, user is granted a toggle. When activated, attacks draw more [Enmity].¡± That was great on its own, but the best part came at the end. ¡°[Enmity]-boosting effects from other toggles stack.¡± I hissed through my teeth. I had to call upon Ai. Again. The girls were resting below deck, and I wasn¡¯t about to disturb them. Besides, that¡¯s what Ai was for¡­ Right? ¡°Hey, Ai,¡± I started. ¡°I got one last question for you.¡± Her portrait appeared once more. ¡°Yes, [User Matthew]?¡± ¡°How do I use a toggle Skill?¡± The smallest hint of a smile tugged at her lips. ¡°Toggles may be turned on or off at will. Think it, and it will occur.¡± ¡°So¡­like breathing?¡± I sighed as I realized how dumb that sounded. ¡°What I mean is it¡¯ll just come naturally to me? Like breathing?¡± I cringed. Still dumb. Her smile faded. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Thanks, Ai. I¡¯ll leave you alone now.¡± Her portrait disappeared, and I released a sigh as I dismissed the iPaw. I¡¯d need to take a look at the girls¡¯ Stats and Skills soon, but I could wait until we arrived at Shi Island. I took a seat on the stern near Portia, eager for some company that didn¡¯t resemble angry malware. ¡°Did you have a good time on your own?¡± ¡°Saoirse¡¯s tits, yes,¡± Portia groaned in satisfaction. I laughed. ¡°Saoirse? Who¡¯s that?¡± ¡°The goddess of this world. You didn¡¯t know that?¡± She wrinkled her eyebrows. ¡°You are a curious one.¡± I¡¯d heard plenty of the girls talk about a goddess and a heaven, but it was the first time anyone had said her name. Was there a temple for her somewhere? Was she a ¡®manager¡¯ like Leiana? I made a mental note to ask more about her later. ¡°Where¡¯d you go?¡± The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Made it to San and back in record time. Sailed around Ni for a day. I wanted to warm this baby up and get to know her better.¡± ¡°Sounds like a great time.¡± I flinched at the word ¡®baby.¡¯ ¡°Hey, Portia, you said your dad was around for a while, right?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± She took a seat next to me and dug two bottles free from a nearby bucket filled with ice. After passing one to me, she popped the cap and took a swig. I accepted the drink and did the same. It was ice cold and refreshing beneath the warm sun. ¡°Does that happen a lot?¡± I had to know. It seemed contradictory to their survival, but Portia seemed pretty attached to her dad. ¡°I mean, dads staying around with their daughters.¡± Portia studied me for a time. ¡°No, it doesn¡¯t. I know I was really lucky to have Pops around for as long as I did.¡± ¡°How did he manage it?¡± After another drink, Portia replied, ¡°From what my mom told me, for most of his kittens, he didn¡¯t. I was the last of his kids, and my mom was his last partner. We had eight great years together.¡± ¡°What happened to him?¡± She shrugged. ¡°I remember a royal guard coming to the door and calling him away, and he never came home. Mom never told me what happened. She died a few years later.¡± She clicked her tongue, then took another swig. Have all of you been alone for so long? ¡°I¡¯m sorry to hear that.¡± Portia gestured toward me with her bottle. ¡°I don¡¯t envy you, Matt. The men in this world have a hefty charge on their shoulders.¡± ¡°I¡¯m worried about the girls I won¡¯t be there for,¡± I admitted. ¡°Don¡¯t be. We¡¯re all more than capable of taking care of little ones. And if there¡¯s trouble, there¡¯s plenty of nyannies to help ¡®em out.¡± ¡°Right. Still, though. That¡¯s rough.¡± Portia clapped me on the back and chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re not a bad guy. Talking with you makes me miss my pops. He would¡¯ve liked ya.¡± A brief image of my dad in his army uniform surfaced. Bald-headed, tall, stern, and judgmental as hell. He didn¡¯t take no for an answer, and between him and my mother, it felt like I never had room to be myself. To hear that someone else¡¯s dad would¡¯ve approved of my actions felt¡­ empowering. Like I didn¡¯t mess everything up. I grinned. ¡°Thanks. That means a lot.¡± ¡°Ano sa!¡± Ravyn called from the steps. ¡°How will the watch work later?¡± ¡°Guess we can figure that out now.¡± Portia shrugged.
The ride was relaxing, and I¡¯m happy to say there were no roaches on the way to Shi Island. There wasn¡¯t a whole lot of room for five people to sleep, so we took turns on which of us used the two beds. At least, that was the intent. What this really meant was that Keke and Cannoli fell into unawakenable comas while Ravyn ribbed me raw, so I escaped out onto the deck to talk with Portia for most of the ride. Admittedly though, I caught more sleep than I thought I would once Ravyn was out cold. And when the morning came, we arrived on the island. The sloop didn¡¯t need to dock for me to realize what I was looking at. There, just a few dozen meters away, were catgirls. Not just catgirls, though. What I beheld was something many men would have committed murder over. ¡°Hey, Portia,¡± I said, turning my head toward her slightly but never taking my eyes off the island, ¡°you said they were a bit of an odd bunch?¡± ¡°Yeah, keep your wits about ya,¡± Portia said. That may be difficult. The port was small, under half the size of the Port of Meow. The service, though¡­ Oh, the service. ¡°Welcome to Shi Island.¡± A pair of catgirls dressed like French maids curtsied at the bottom of the ramp. ¡°We hope you enjoy your stay!¡± Amazing. I give this island a perfect ten. I shimmied my way through from the back of the sloop and descended the ramp. Their eyes lit up, and mouths hung open as I drew closer. The maid on the left, a beautiful girl whose hair was short and deep blue in color, elbowed the other maid on the right. The wounded catgirl mumbled something back to the perpetrator with a look of irritation, sweeping her long, golden-blonde hair behind her. ¡°Hey there. My name¡¯s Matt,¡± I said with a brief wave. Both girls awkwardly shifted and fidgeted with their hands, but I was beginning to wonder if I¡¯d get a peep out of them. ¡°Hello?¡± I repeated. ¡°Just say ¡®Hi¡¯ to him!¡± Ravyn snapped from behind me. The girls wagged their tails, a visible hue of pink on their cheeks. ¡°Uh, um,¡± the blue one started. ¡°Destiny, Lara, stop wasting time and see to it that our guests are taken care of!¡± boomed a voice from behind them. A brunette catgirl with her hair tied in twin braids was approaching at a brisk pace, her heels clicking against the stone. She stopped just before running into the two maids, then bowed at the waist, shooting a nasty glare in their direction. ¡°Your nonsensical fantasies can wait another summer. They have just arrived, and I¡¯m sure they are most exhausted from their venture. Have you bothered to find out where they hail from?¡± ¡°N-no, Madame Celestia,¡± the blue one replied. Celestia shook her head. ¡°A disgrace, Destiny. An absolute disgrace.¡± The blonde catgirl, who I assumed was Lara, slowly began to exit. When her back was completely turned, Celestia grabbed her by the collar without bothering to look at her. ¡°And where do you think you¡¯re going, young lady?¡± ¡°Ah!¡± Lara squealed. ¡°Told you they¡¯re weird,¡± I heard Portia whisper from behind me. ¡°That¡¯s really not necessary,¡± I said, holding my hand up to reassure her. ¡°I understand if they were caught off guard by my sudden appearance.¡± Celestia adjusted the pince-nez glasses on the bridge of her nose and bore her sharp eyes¡ªso dark, I swore they were black¡ªinto mine. It was unnerving, and a little voice inside of me said that this was not a woman whose bad side I¡¯d ever want to see. ¡°Unacceptable,¡± Celestia said. ¡°Your kindness is noted. However, I do not tolerate such timidity and hesitation in my cloister.¡± Cloister? Is this a religion? Celestia spun Lara around by her collar, staring daggers into the poor girl. ¡°I had better not witness such a display of disrespect again. Man or not, you are expected to uphold your duties to the best of your ability. If you are unable, then you shall be replaced. Is that understood?¡± ¡°Y-yes, Madame Celestia.¡± Lara bowed her head. She was shaking in her boots, and frankly, I couldn¡¯t blame her. What a hardass. ¡°Very good.¡± Celestia drew back and passed looks between them. ¡°The two of you are dismissed for an hour. Since you seem to have forgotten it, I expect both of you to practice our mantra while I take care of our guests.¡± ¡°Yes, Madame Celestia,¡± they said in unison. I watched them as they walked away solemnly, and I couldn¡¯t help but feel empathetic toward them. I¡¯d worked under bosses like this before, and gee, she had the same crazed look in her eye as a Safeway manager on a short-staffed Saturday. ¡°My humblest apologies,¡± Celestia said once more, bowing. ¡°This sort of reaction is abnormal.¡± She straightened and extended a hand out past the dock and toward the port town. ¡°If you would allow me, I would show you to the inn and a number of our finest eateries.¡± ¡°T-thanks,¡± I said, tilting my head nervously. As Celestia began her walk, Keke and Cannoli closed in and flanked me, each of them resting their hands on my arms. ¡°That¡­was a little weird,¡± Keke mumbled. ¡°Maybe we should leave,¡± Cannoli suggested in a whisper. ¡°Nah, we got a job to do,¡± I replied, shaking my head. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. You can depend on me. I¡¯m betting the island is safe with girls like this here. At least they seem to take their jobs seriously.¡± ¡°A little too seriously,¡± Ravyn said with a raised brow.
After we switched back into [Civilian Mode] at the suggestion of Celestia, she took us on a tour around the town. Portia politely declined, saying she was more than happy to find her own food and sleep on the boat. Save for the catgirls in maid outfits, one of the most noticeable things about the island was how organized everything was. The dirt roads had the same tufts of grass hanging over the borders from beginning to end, never breaking in pattern, all virtually identical in size. Hedge animals¡ªor, Encroachers, I suppose¡ªdecorated lawns and gardens, and fresh arrangements of flowers sprouted from seemingly every corner of every building. Homes were built with gable arches and points, many of them having one, two, sometimes even three hexagonal structures attached to the building. It reminded me of the old Victorian homes I¡¯d ridden my bike past when I was a little kid. The entire city was exceptional. Shulan and the Port of Meow were spectacular in their own ways, but this was on a whole other level. Their architecture and grid-like layout of homes and businesses were close to the level of modern-day Earth. ¡°They must be loaded,¡± I murmured. ¡°I apologize, Master. By what do you mean by ¡®loaded¡¯?¡± Celestia asked as she continued to guide us through the roads and alleyways. I didn¡¯t realize I¡¯d spoken out loud. ¡°Oh, I-I mean, like¡­ahem. I¡¯m referring to this city looking very, uh, profitable.¡± Nice word choice, dude. Celestia pointed to an alley on her left and continued onward. ¡°If you are referring to whether or not it costs a great deal of Bells to construct our neighborhoods, then no, you would be incorrect.¡± ¡°Just exhausting, bone-breaking work,¡± Ravyn said. I turned around to see Keke and Cannoli shooting her the same look of astonishment as I felt. ¡°Eck, my feet ache just thinking about it.¡± Celestia¡¯s sharp gaze caught Ravyn, and for a moment, I thought she was going to go Terminator on her and pull out a shotgun from under her skirt. To my relief, her gaze lasted mere moments. ¡°From where do you hail?¡± Celestia asked. ¡°Oh. I¡¯m from¡ª¡± I began. ¡°My apologies, Master,¡± Celestia said in a rather strange monotone voice, ¡°but I was referring to the one in red.¡± ¡°The one in red,¡± Ravyn mumbled, pushing her tongue against the inside of her cheek. Keke gripped Ravyn by the elbow, casting her a glare. ¡°What are you doing?¡± she whispered as low as she could. Ravyn shook her arm away. ¡°Name¡¯s Ravyn. I¡¯m from Shulan. As I¡¯m sure you expected.¡± ¡°The third island,¡± mused Celestia. ¡°The very same.¡± ¡°Do the orphans still commit theft?¡± Her tone didn¡¯t suggest the previous care or attention, just pure malice. ¡°I have heard that is still quite the problem.¡± I really don¡¯t like where this is going. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t know,¡± Ravyn lied easily and shrugged. ¡°Left a long time ago.¡± ¡°I see.¡± To not only my relief, I¡¯m sure, Celestia arrived at our destination¡ªa smaller home than the other elaborate Victorian estates. Smaller, but still ridiculously sized. The front and center were box-shaped, and flanking the sides were two hexagonal towers. A black wrought iron fence surrounded the entire building, and a pair of dragon-shaped hedges flanked the red-brick pathway. There¡¯s no way they aren¡¯t loaded. How in the hell do they manage something like this? ¡°This is where you will be staying if you so choose,¡± Celestia said, presenting the estate with a half-bow. ¡°What does it cost?¡± I asked while reaching for my [Cat Pack]. She shook her hand, glancing over at Ravyn. ¡°For you, Master, no cost. Naturally, that applies to your companions as well. Venicia is a hospitable town. We take care of our own, especially the men.¡± ¡°Um, thank you,¡± I said, putting away my [Cat Pack]. ¡°What¡¯s the catch?¡± Ravyn asked. Oh my God. Can you not leave well enough alone? Celestia didn¡¯t hide her glare. But it quickly morphed into a smile. ¡°Why, there is no ¡®catch¡¯ in the town of Venicia. We strive to provide great service to our men and their fortunate companions. ¡®Service, Grace, Urgency.¡¯¡± Celestia held up a single finger, reciting the words as if counting them to herself. ¡°These are the three pillars that we practice and abide by each day.¡± Her smile widened. ¡°I understand if it is a shock to someone from San Island. Their greed is reprehensible.¡± I could practically hear the teeth grinding in Ravyn¡¯s mouth, and before it could escalate, I raised a hand. ¡°So, uh, where do we eat?¡± ¡°Inside. There is a veritable array of fruits and vegetables. Please help yourself and pay no mind to the speed of consumption. If you require further, then you need only ring one of the many serving bells.¡± ¡°Where do we find them?¡± asked Keke. ¡°A fine question,¡± Celestia said. Her tone grew more and more chipper with each question, as if she couldn¡¯t wait to show off. ¡°There is a serving bell in each room in the house, including the basement and attic. They are silver and rest upon wooden countertops where available.¡± ¡°Thank you, Celestia. I think we can take it from here.¡± I held out my hand, and Celestia waved her hand in refusal. ¡°Please. This is fine enough.¡± Celestia curtsied. ¡°Thank you for visiting Shi Island and gracing this humble town of Venicia with your presence. We wish to serve you again soon.¡± With that, Celestia left at a casual pace. I was sure she had other places to be, and maybe the hustle and bustle of retail and food industries had instilled that sense in me, but she was awfully slow-paced for an acting head maid. Manager? Madame? ¡°Well, why don¡¯t we get inside and talk about what to do next?¡± Keke suggested. ¡°Alright, sounds good,¡± I said, nodding. Just as Keke reached for the latch around the gate, she pulled back in a yelp. ¡°Ow! What the heck?¡± ¡°Are you okay?¡± I asked, putting my hand on her shoulder. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m fine,¡± she said, shaking her hand. ¡°Just a weird shock.¡± ¡°Static electricity,¡± I said with a chuckle. Her cheeks turned pink, and I reached for the latch this time. Nothing happened. ¡°Looks like an ordinary latch to me.¡± I flicked it back and beckoned the girls behind me. Cannoli was the last to enter, shutting the gate behind her. The steps leading up to the home were made of varnished wood. Have to say, I was impressed. As I reached for the door, I noticed it was missing a lock. Especially if this was supposed to be a guest house. I thought this was a little strange since even Ni Island had locks on their doors, and everyone seemed to know everyone there. Guess it¡¯s just a super safe neighborhood? I reached for the door handle, and this time it was my turn to be struck by the electricity. My hand jerked back involuntarily, and I whispered, ¡°Ow!¡± ¡°Your turn!¡± Keke said with a laugh. I laughed with her. That would¡¯ve been fine if that had been all that happened, but the spot where my ear was pierced throbbed for a split second. I fingered the earring, and Ravyn shot me a suspicious look, clicking her tongue. Feeling apprehensive, I went for the handle again and pushed the door open. The inside was just as beautiful as the outside. We were met by wooden floors shined to perfection, white silk drapes, four-panel window panes, and a spiral staircase. And then I spotted the catgirl to my right. ¡°Welcome home, Master!¡± she said brightly. Well, this is going to make things a little awkward. Chapter 82: Blue Screen [Initiate ping: USER MATTHEW KELMER¡­] [USER MATTHEW is not responding.] [VITAL SIGNS: STABLE] [Initiate ping: USER TRISTAN ERATO¡­] [Connection successful.] [Transmitting feed¡­] There were already a thousand questions clouding Tristan¡¯s head, and a hundred more joined them when Matt disappeared from the tavern. ¡°What just happened?¡± He looked around at the girls¡¯ blanched faces. Ara sat closest to him, rotating her jaw as if chewing the event itself. Ceres, the newest warrior to apparently join their ranks, gave Tristan a slight shake of her head. Jazz stood from her table and sauntered to theirs. Without asking permission, she slid into the seat beside Tristan, forcing him to scoot over. Ara frowned but silently did the same. ¡°I¡¯ll go check on him,¡± Keke said, butting her shoulder against Ravyn so she could escape the booth. ¡°I don¡¯t recommend that,¡± Jazz replied, twining her fingers together and leaning her elbows on the table. ¡°I can¡¯t imagine he¡¯s in a fit state to speak to any of you.¡± ¡°What do you want, bitch?¡± Ravyn snarled. Tristan flinched. His eyes wandered to the dark red streaks on Jazz¡¯s fingers. ¡°Ravyn,¡± Ceres warned. ¡°No. Fuck that,¡± Ravyn snapped. ¡°Speak plain, Jazz, or go back to your hole.¡± Ceres sat back, recognition flickering in her eyes, and hardened her stare. Jazz only smiled. ¡°I would think you would all show more compassion to a leader who¡¯d lost six of her tribe.¡± The smile widened, and Tristan shivered. ¡°Especially when it¡¯s your fault.¡± Cannoli, who¡¯d sat watching the exchange with watering eyes and lowered ears, held her blazard close to her chest. Her mouth formed a tiny ¡°o¡±-shape, and she blinked in confusion. ¡°That¡­couldn¡¯t be, though,¡± she murmured in her angelic voice. She looked to Keke, Ravyn, Ara, then Tristan for clarity. ¡°Could it?¡± Jazz reached across the table and took a tendril of Keke¡¯s long brown hair between her fingers. ¡°Why did you do it, hm? What is it you¡¯re trying to prove?¡± All eyes turned to the [Scout]. Tristan replayed the dangerous walk from Catania to Sorentina again in his head and could tell the others were doing the same. They¡¯d stalked between tall grass and thickets, shying away from uncovered areas. They¡¯d fought the slime and avoided a number of Encroacher nests and Defiled approaches. So, when could Keke have possibly shifted the attention of a monster to another group? ¡°I-I don¡¯t understand,¡± Keke stammered. Ball Gag hopped from Ravyn¡¯s shoulder to Keke¡¯s, snapping his sharp beak in warning mere inches from Jazz¡¯s fingertips. ¡°Hands to yourself, cunt! Squaaawk!¡± ¡°Naughty bird.¡± Jazz tapped the top of his beak, and the blue parrot yawped in anger. ¡°You threw that rock where Marianne¡¯s group was hiding. You saved your own skins in exchange for six of mine.¡± Tristan had seen Keke¡¯s terror when facing the skeleton and the [Necromancer]. How her skin lost its color to the point where her lips turned grey. But the look on her face now was worse than either situation. Her mouth hung open, and her eyes glistened. Her whole body slumped as if the strings holding her up suddenly snapped. ¡°Keke wouldn¡¯t have done that if she saw them!¡± Cannoli protested. Buttons nodded his enthusiastic agreement, though Tristan was certain the blazard would agree with anything his master said. ¡°She was just keeping us safe!¡± ¡°Oh? Is that all?¡± Jazz¡¯s smile vanished, replaced by the fearsome facade they¡¯d witnessed their first night in Catania. ¡°Not out of spite? Jealousy, perhaps? As I understand it, Marianne so recently enjoyed the pleasure of his company.¡± Keke¡¯s ears flattened, and she shook her head. ¡°No. No, no. I didn¡¯t know. Please,¡± she begged. ¡°I had no idea. I¡¯m so sorry.¡± ¡°If only apologies were enough to bring them back,¡± Jazz mused. ¡°I can¡¯t imagine Matt is taking the death of an unborn kitten well, either.¡± ¡°Enough!¡± Ceres slammed her armored hands against the table, her long braid bouncing against her shoulder. ¡°I trust my Lord and his companions with my life. If Keke says it was unintentional, then it must be true. Your provocations are unnecessary and unwelcome.¡± ¡°And what is it that I win in this exchange, hm?¡± Jazz replied. ¡°From where I¡¯m sitting, the only ones who have gained anything are your allies.¡± Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. Silent tears streamed down Keke¡¯s cheeks. Cannoli clasped her shoulder and murmured words of assurance in her ear. Ravyn accepted Ball back to her shoulder and looked behind her in the direction Matt had disappeared. The sounds of comfort and merriment from the other girls grated against their ears. Tristan traced the familiar shape of Desiree in his lap. Ever since they¡¯d removed him from Venicia¡¯s School of Etiquette, he¡¯d felt out of place and like he¡¯d just entered Nyarlea for the first time all over again. Matt had served as their party leader and face, and right now, he was completely out of the picture. I have to show them I¡¯m not worthless. Matt can¡¯t do this alone. ¡°You¡¯re right, Jazz. You¡¯ve risked and lost a lot.¡± The surety of his tone surprised him. Ara¡¯s surprised gaze emboldened him. ¡°But you came here for farmers and foragers, right? And you still have plenty of girls willing to stay.¡± ¡°Young Master is correct. There¡¯s still much you can do for Catania. Their deaths will not be in vain,¡± Ara added. Ceres clasped her hands together and looked from Tristan to Jazz. ¡°Allow me to clarify. You wish to leave girls here and take ours back with you?¡± ¡°Ah, she does listen. Yes, little warrior. We leave a few fighters to train with you and help guard your precious Sorentina in exchange for your knowledge of farming and foraging.¡± Ceres frowned. ¡°For lawful purposes, I assume?¡± ¡°So, you¡¯ve heard of me,¡± Jazz laughed. ¡°I¡¯m flattered.¡± ¡°Just answer the fucking question,¡± Ravyn groaned. ¡°This isn¡¯t Nyarlean Court intrigue, for fuck¡¯s sake.¡± ¡°None of Sorentina¡¯s people will be subject to anything unlawful. You have my word,¡± Tristan said. ¡°And as we all know, Tristan¡¯s word is gold,¡± Jazz teased. Tristan locked her gaze. ¡°Jazz. Please.¡± He¡¯d seen a side of her that he was sure very few had before. All he could do was hope that gave him some weight in the conversation. Jazz held her silence for a few heartbeats, then relented at last. ¡°Yes. You have my word.¡± Tristan sighed in relief. Keke wiped the tears from her cheeks and touched Ravyn¡¯s arm. ¡°Excuse me,¡± she whispered. ¡°Yeah. Sure,¡± Ravyn said, stepping away from the booth to let Keke free. She put a hand on Cannoli¡¯s shoulder and shook her head. ¡°Let her go.¡± Cannoli chewed her lower lip, and Tristan couldn¡¯t imagine the war she was fighting with herself. But she conceded to Ravyn and slid back into the booth next to Ceres. ¡°I¡¯m close with the Captain of the Guard. I can arrange the exchange and have the girls ready in two days,¡± Ceres continued. ¡°If your girls are comfortable sharing room arrangements, we can split them between the inn and the Guild Hall.¡± ¡°We¡¯ve lived in cramped spaces for years. They¡¯ll appreciate the change of scenery, I think,¡± Jazz said. That¡¯s an interesting ¡®we¡¯ considering your gigantic room, Tristan thought but bit his tongue. ¡°Right. I will help pay for food and medicine for your injured. The guard should be able to assist me with the remaining bill. And,¡± Ceres gestured to the tattered garments dangling from Jazz¡¯s lithe body, ¡°we will find you more suitable attire.¡± ¡°Back to playing servants, are we? What a glorious day.¡± Jazz gestured grandly. ¡°Mattaku! Just thank her, you ungrateful twat!¡± Ravyn shouted. It was Cannoli¡¯s turn to flinch. ¡°Yes. Thank you. Saoirse bless you.¡± Jazz tapped Ceres¡¯ forehead. A piece of dried blood flecked away and clung to her yellow hair. ¡°Now, if you¡¯ll excuse me, I have six rites of death to organize.¡± Jazz stepped away from the table and looked over her shoulder one last time. ¡°Oh, I forgot, Happy Cherishing Day.¡± She smirked and returned to her table. Cannoli carefully plucked the blood from Ceres¡¯ hair. ¡°Thank you,¡± Ceres bowed her head toward Cannoli. ¡°She is more terrifying than I ever imagined.¡± ¡°I¡¯m surprised Tristan escaped her gross clutches alive,¡± Ravyn noted. Tristan blushed. Ara saved him from having to reply. ¡°I take it the aim was to retrieve you all along?¡± Ara said, staring straight at Ceres. ¡°I don¡¯t understand what you are insinuating,¡± Ceres replied levelly. ¡°Your comrades dragged us through every hell on this island under the guise of showing the Young Master the poor conditions of the cities.¡± Ara¡¯s hand moved to one of her daggers¡¯ sheathes. ¡°No one thought to mention that we suffered so Matt could steal another girl from this island?¡± ¡°¡®Steal another girl?¡¯¡± Ceres scoffed. ¡°How could you say such a thing after my Lord saved my life?¡± ¡°No, Ceres, it¡¯s okay.¡± Tristan rested a hand on Ara¡¯s wrist and shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t think the whole thing was a lie, Ara. I needed to see what Shi Island looked like. It¡¯s really bad.¡± ¡°Yeah, no shit,¡± Ravyn spat. Tristan ignored Ravyn¡¯s comment, focusing only on Ara. ¡°Don¡¯t you think we should fix it?¡± Ara paused but dropped her hand away from her weapon. ¡°It is my purpose to ensure your safety.¡± ¡°I know. But what do you want?¡± Cannoli let Buttons roam free on the table. He dove into a bowl filled with peanuts and wrestled two into his mouth. ¡°You have some time to decide,¡± Cannoli said softly. ¡°But the original reason we came here was to find Tristan so all of Nyarlea¡¯s men could meet safely in one place.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Ara asked. ¡°Because the Defiled are fucking everywhere, and it¡¯s getting worse,¡± Ravyn supplied. ¡°And as much as I hate agreeing with a waste of good air, the man who suggested it has the right idea.¡± Ceres nodded. ¡°A united front will be much more powerful than, well, being locked away in a school.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want that. Ever again,¡± Tristan said, heated resolve in his words. ¡°I will never close my eyes to this again.¡± ¡°Young Master, we must return to Venicia¡ª¡± Ara began. ¡°Eventually, yes. But we¡¯ll meet with the others first and then decide where to go from there.¡± Tristan scratched the back of his neck. ¡°If you¡¯d rather go back alone, I¡¯m sure we can find someone to go with you.¡± ¡°No. My place is at your side.¡± ¡°Then come with me. Please.¡± Ara¡¯s cheeks reddened, and she placed a hand on her chest. ¡°O-of course. You can always count on me.¡± ¡°Mou ii,¡± Ravyn whined. For the first time that afternoon, Cannoli giggled. Please be okay, Matt. I can¡¯t do this without you. Chapter 132: Rhododendrons and Heather Leaving Shi Island was bittersweet. Tristan and Ara must¡¯ve shared at least half a dozen farewells and promises before we finally departed, and I am proud to say I remained silent the entire time. I wasn¡¯t about to get in their way and ruin the moment. Ara had her work cut out for her, to be sure. Between her, Lynn, and many of the other capable catgirls on the island, I was confident that Tristan would return to an island he¡¯d be proud of. Portia snaked across the crowded sloop, grumbling and muttering curses that closely resembled the ones I¡¯d hear out of the mouths of sailors back in my old world. She¡¯d gone above and beyond the call of duty, and I made sure I thanked her for all the work she did. I¡¯d have to make it up to her later. From the moment we left until the dock was finally out of sight, Ara and Lynn never moved. Tristan watched them the entire time, and I pretended not to notice. I couldn¡¯t imagine the thoughts going through Tristan¡¯s head, and I didn¡¯t try to. Instead, I figured it was best to look at the future and not dwell on what could have been or what we could¡¯ve done better. What was done was done, and we still had one more man to collect. For better or worse. ¡°Do we need to pick up anything for either of you?¡± I asked, passing glances between the twins. Destiny put a finger to her lips. ¡°I think I got everything I need in my [Cat Pack].¡± ¡°You¡¯d better,¡± Ravyn said with a raised brow. ¡°[Alchemist]s are an expensive Class.¡± She shifted the weight from one curvy leg to the other. ¡°You¡¯re not going to run out in the middle of a fight, are you?¡± Destiny blinked. ¡°Well, we certainly won¡¯t be fighting all that much.¡± Uh oh. She¡¯s making some dangerous assumptions there. ¡°Even if that may or may not be the case,¡± Keke said with her beautiful back turned to us, ¡°we want to make sure we¡¯re prepared. Cannoli, Matt, Ravyn, and I are all experienced with [Alchemy].¡± ¡°Some of us more than others,¡± Ravyn commented. Keke glared over her shoulder, then turned back to the rope she was fastening. ¡°It¡¯s good, Portia!¡± ¡°Thanks a ton! The wind is rough today!¡± Portia called. ¡°Wind¡¯s in a bit of a mood, I believe,¡± Lara said. Well, that was a weird comment to make. ¡°Oh! And Destiny is a great [Alchemist],¡± Lara continued excitedly. ¡°She helps people all the time!¡± To be honest, I had my doubts. Though I struggled to remember the exact details, I was pretty sure I remembered them being somewhat despondent when it came to their maidly duties. Then again, perhaps my mere presence was the main culprit for how they reacted. Celestia did have a strong collar on these girls, it seemed. ¡°Okay, so then you¡¯re fine. But I do have to warn you, we¡¯ve seen a good share of Encroachers and Defiled, so I just wanted to make sure you¡¯re prepared. We can always go and collect materials,¡± I said. ¡°Oh, I, uh, I couldn¡¯t ask you to do that,¡± Destiny said as she played with a lock of her hair. Tristan parted the girls, seating himself between them. ¡°Did I miss anything?¡± I shook my head. ¡°Not at all. We¡¯re just making sure we¡¯re all prepared. How are you holding up?¡± Tristan took a few seconds to reply. ¡°I¡¯m doing okay. I trust Ara with my life, and I think she¡¯ll do a great job. I¡¯m sad I can¡¯t be there to help her, but¡­from what you¡¯ve told me, I can see the reason in assembling the men.¡± He reached for my hand. ¡°I want to thank you for helping me see what was really going on, and at the same time, I want to offer any assistance that I can. We shouldn¡¯t be struggling alone.¡± I reciprocated without a second thought. ¡°I¡¯m with you, man.¡± We shared a smile, and I caught Ravyn rolling her eyes within my peripheral vision. When our hands parted, I looked at Lara. ¡°So how does [Conjurer] work?¡± Lara tilted her head. ¡°Meaning?¡± Tristan laughed. ¡°I¡¯m quite curious myself. I¡¯m still delving into the magical arts, so I¡¯d like to get to know both of you a little more.¡± Perhaps it was just my imagination, but I was sure he shot a look in Destiny¡¯s direction at the end. ¡°Think you could help me out?¡± Lara blinked. Her eyes wandered for some time like she was thinking about it. ¡°[Conjurer] is good at three Elements. Water, Wind, and Earth.¡± ¡°Oh, so you summon nature?¡± asked Tristan. ¡°Uh, sorta? More like, I plead with it and ask for help, and then I hope it listens. Like a kitten, really.¡± How awfully honest of you. I hope Mother Nature doesn¡¯t frown upon your word choice. If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. I gawked and inched closer. I caught a gentle whisper from behind me and made room for Cannoli. She sat down beside me and listened in. ¡°So, what do you mean exactly? I haven¡¯t touched any magic-related Classes, so I¡¯m still learning.¡± I heard Ravyn snicker, and I shot her a glare. ¡°Erm, I¡¯m having a hard time finding a way to explain this.¡± Lara scratched her ear and bowed her head. ¡°Let¡¯s see, it¡¯s kind of like riding a bike. You can¡¯t really explain it to someone, but when you do it, it just makes sense.¡± Silence fell upon us. The calm wind blew through our hair, and a salty smell entered my nostrils. Lara¡¯s explanation made no sense whatsoever. Considering it might just be a modern perspective of mine, I looked at Keke, Ravyn, then turned around to look at Cannoli beside me. Each of them wore bewildered stares. ¡°I am unsure what you mean by that,¡± Ceres admitted a few feet from behind me. She¡¯d been standing next to Portia the entire time, and I assumed she heard in on the conversation. ¡°Could you please elaborate?¡± Lara thought again, taking her time to respond. ¡°So, like, if I start talking to Wind, or Earth, or Water, I ask them for favors. If they like me, then they do stuff for me.¡± I opened my mouth to speak but quickly shut it. Each time Lara spoke, I found myself more confused. ¡°You¡­talk to the land?¡± Destiny nodded. ¡°Yeah. When they¡¯re on good terms, the Elements respond, and then they¡¯ll do her favors.¡± She shrugged. ¡°I have no idea how it works. I understand potions and tonics much better. But it¡¯s true!¡± She elbowed her sister playfully. ¡°Show ¡¯em, sis!¡± ¡°The Elements are kind of shy, though. I¡¯m not sure any of them will listen to me right now,¡± Lara admitted. ¡°Oh, go on! Give it a try!¡± Lara turned her head to the never-ending ocean. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll try.¡± She put her left palm out toward the sea. ¡°Water, can I ask for your help for a bit?¡± A pause followed. ¡°I know, but I have some new people with me, as you can see¡­ right, no, I know that, but I¡­ uh huh. Okay? But I might have to fight.¡± Lara¡¯s frown deepened. ¡°I know, but Earth isn¡¯t around right now. I¡¯m out in the middle of the ocean, so I¡¯m asking you.¡± Lara sighed. ¡°I understand. Will you come when I need you in a fight? Yeah, but¡­ okay. But if they need healing, and I mean some strong healing, I can depend on you, right?¡± Lara¡¯s shoulders slumped. ¡°I¡¯ll ask Wind, then.¡± I¡¯m not sure how familiar Tristan was with Lara, but based on what I¡¯d seen, I was beginning to have second thoughts about taking her with us. Was this a typical trait for all [Conjurer]s? ¡°So, can [Conjurer]s normally talk with the Elements like you do?¡± I asked. I had to know. It was the burning question that would keep me up at night if I didn¡¯t get answers. ¡°Some of them,¡± said Lara. That¡¯s not a good look for you, Lara. Tristan put a hand on her shoulder. ¡°So, what are you going to do now? Sounds like the water was having issues?¡± Lara shrugged, then whipped her long, blonde hair behind her. ¡°Water¡¯s in a weird mood right now. I know I shouldn¡¯t say that out loud, but Water tends to get upset with me. Something about attunement and not being proper for the situation.¡± ¡°The elements don¡¯t talk.¡± Ravyn crossed her arms and rolled her eyes. I raised my hand. ¡°So, then, you can¡¯t talk to the elements, Ravyn?¡± The look she gave me could kill most men. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Please continue, Lara.¡± Lara made several noises resembling a hissing cat, shooting a glare at Ravyn all the while. ¡°Yes. They can.¡± She puffed out her cheeks, then snapped her head back around. ¡°I¡¯ll ask Wind, then.¡± Is this going to be the process every time there¡¯s a fight? This does not bode well. ¡°Before you do, you said the elements are shy.¡± I met Lara¡¯s eyes. ¡°Does that mean the elements have personalities?¡± ¡°Yes! Absolutely! Hang on, let me converse with Wind.¡± Here we go. Lara raised both hands into the air. I was half-expecting lightning bolts to strike the tips of her fingers. ¡°Wind, can you hear me?¡± After a pause, Lara flinched. ¡°How are you doing? Ahh, I¡¯m sorry to hear that. Is she okay?¡± Lara¡¯s expression continued to change, and I wished I could hear what was going on between her and, uh¡­Wind. ¡°That¡¯s horrible! Well, don¡¯t listen to her. She¡¯s wrong about you. In every way I can imagine. Uh-huh. Yep! So, I¡¯m sorry to interrupt you, but can you do me a quick favor?¡± ¡°Tristan, were you aware of this?¡± I asked. He swallowed and scratched the back of his neck. ¡°Y-yeah!¡± I see. ¡°Thank you!¡± Lara clapped her hands together, then began to whip her right arm through the air. The wind wrapped around her wrist in ribbons of green light. As she continued, more and more of the strange winds began to tighten and converse around her, enveloping the entirety of her arm. There was a sudden popping noise, and then the currents converged into a single ball of wispy air with a gentle light in the middle. The sphere did nothing on its own, just rotated around her head. ¡°I now have Wind with me! Now Wind will perform an action I ask of it. Wind is kind, under-standing, and exceptionally creative, so her and I often see eye-to-eye.¡± So, there was some reasoning behind what she was doing. ¡°What can you do now?¡± I asked. Lara rose to her feet, then looked off into the distance where we couldn¡¯t see a thing. She turned her head to Portia. ¡°Your name is Portia, right?¡± Portia nodded. ¡°Yeah, what¡¯s up?¡± ¡°Can you stop the boat for a moment?¡± ¡°Sloop,¡± she corrected. ¡°And yeah, hold on.¡± The sloop slowed, and the waves became gentler with the reduction in speed. After a couple of minutes, the sloop came to a halt, and Lara offered her one of Shi Island¡¯s curtsies. ¡°Thank you so much, Portia,¡± said Lara. She directed her attention back to the ocean and held out her hand. ¡°Observe the power of nature!¡± I¡¯m watching. ¡°I command you, spirit of nature! [Whirlwind]!¡± A whistle soared past my ears. It was loud enough that it almost hurt. Above us, a dark cloud formed, and lightning and thunder roared within. The orb of wind that Lara had summoned disappeared, and shortly after, a gust of wind blew past us, forming a miniature tornado some distance away from us from below the cloud. Before I could even register what happened, the cloud disappeared, and with it, the wind. Lara fell to one knee, panting. ¡°That¡¯s¡ª Hold on for just a second.¡± She heaved, then rested back into a cross-legged position. ¡°She wasn¡¯t in the best of moods right now, so it was a little weak. But that¡¯s a small example of what [Conjurer] can do!¡± I had no idea what to say. On the one hand, it appeared to have a ton of potential. However, if it was so fickle, then I had my concerns. Is nothing ever easy? Bonus Quest: Cannoli: Isolation ¡°Hello? Is anyone there? Sevastopol! Come in!¡± a metallic voice echoed through the room. ¡°Owwie¡­¡± Cannoli groaned. Her head was throbbing, and a thousand lights were blinking at her from all angles. She peered around the room and realized a dozen things all at once. First, this wasn¡¯t Ni Island. Or anywhere she¡¯d been in Nyarlea, for that matter. It was like a big metal box with smaller metal boxes holding lots of lights and unfamiliar sounds. Thick threads ran from some of the contraptions to the walls, and that voice kept repeating the same thing over and over. Second, her vision and hearing seemed¡­strange. Everything came in with a clearer focus and vivid detail. She could count the threads beneath the metal and pick out every color. Every syllable that the voice called out was punctuated and precise through the static. Third, was she just imagining it, or was everything very far away? As if she was towering over it from a few extra heads higher than normal. Maybe it¡¯s all just really small¡­ ¡°Nani the fuck?¡± a familiar timbre hissed from a nearby room. ¡°Can you keep it down? She¡¯ll hear you!¡± Ravyn! That meant Cannoli wasn¡¯t alone after all! That¡¯s great! She swerved her head back and forth and was nearly knocked back with the motion. Goodness, why did her head feel so heavy? ¡°We haven¡¯t had contact in hours, Sevastopol. What¡¯s going on over there?¡± the voice replied. ¡°What isn¡¯t going on in here, baka?¡± Ravyn growled. Cannoli¡¯s gaze finally landed on a wide¡­ door? Okay, really, why is the door short, too? She thought it was a door, at least. It didn¡¯t have a handle, but it wooshed open when she stepped toward it. She squeaked and hopped back, waiting to see if something was waiting for her behind it. M-magic?! When nothing happened, she chanced a few hesitant steps, then ducked through and padded her way outside into a long hallway. A loud spark to her right startled her, and she jumped. More magic?? ¡°Shit. I have to go. Stop calling.¡± There were a few clicking noises, and the metallic voice was silenced. Cannoli moved away from the sparks, her tail dragging on the ground behind her. When did my tail get so long? There was a dull thud from inside the room Ravyn was occupying, and Cannoli¡¯s attention snapped away from her tail. What if she¡¯s been hurt? The door wooshed, and she tip-toed inside. Well, she thought she was tip-toeing inside. Her footsteps were definitely quiet, but her feet didn¡¯t seem to make the same motion she was used to. ¡°Ravyn?¡± Cannoli called. The sound that escaped her was a low, guttural snarl. Is my throat stuffy? She coughed, and it translated into a dull roar. With a confused blink, she shook her head. If Ravyn¡¯s hurt, she needs help first. Worry about yourself later. However, as Cannoli peered around the room, she couldn¡¯t find Ravyn anywhere. But¡­ But I just heard her! She knelt to look beneath the metal desks only to find another bevy of wires. A quick check behind the boxes also turned up empty. ¡°Ravyn,¡± she called, softer this time. It was the same twisted snarl as before. Urk. Maybe she was in another room? Her hearing had improved quite a bit, so it was possible she¡¯d gone into a room too early. Plus, who knew how things echoed with all this metal around? Cannoli wandered outside, back into the hallway. The thing that had sparked so loudly before was still flickering with dull light, but the sound wasn¡¯t nearly as bad. Didn¡¯t they have anyone to fix that around here? As she moved to inspect it, she caught her reflection in the window shielding the room she¡¯d started in. She raised her hands¡ªno, these were claws¡ªto meet the reflection. Is this really me? Am I¡­ am I a Defiled? You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. Her head was enormous¡ªa long, bulbous shape that protruded far beyond her back. Everything else was sinewy and lithe. Hardened muscles shaped her thighs and biceps, then led to thinner calves and forearms. Three strange protrusions on her back reminded her of skinny chimneys, and her tail had thick ridges shooting out from the base. Kind of like a gigashank¡¯s. I can¡¯t be a Defiled! I¡¯m still Cannoli! Her thoughts were still very much her own. Nothing compared to the blood-thirsty Defiled and Encroachers they¡¯d encountered so many times. Maybe¡­ maybe this is magic, too! Ravyn should be able to change me back! Just as she¡¯d thought it, there was a tink sound, and a tiny piece of debris slid across the floor. ¡°Shit. Shit, shit, shit,¡± Ravyn cursed under her breath. There she is! Cannoli whipped around to where the sound originated, just in time to see a green jumpsuit and a fluffy red tail disappear into the wall. ¡­ Into the wall? Cannoli trotted forward, pulling up short just as a metal circle wound its way closed. It was very small¡ªit would just barely fit her head and body inside. Why would Ravyn go in here? But a clamoring from inside suggested that Ravyn was, in fact, climbing through it. Maybe she¡¯s in trouble? ¡°Ravyn! I¡¯m coming in!¡± The words were garbled by a throat that clearly couldn¡¯t speak catgirl. I probably shouldn¡¯t talk. She inched closer to the circle, and it whipped open. It was lit by very few lights, but when Cannoli blinked, her vision adjusted, and she could see everything as clear as day. She bent at the hips and slipped her head inside first, then the rest of her body. Once inside, she realized that her feet worked best if she kept them on her tiptoes, and she skittered along the painfully narrow duct. ¡°¡®Give space a try,¡¯ Matt said. ¡®It¡¯ll be fun,¡¯ Matt said. Kuso. Baka. Fuck this,¡± Ravyn¡¯s soft cursing reverberated against the walls, bouncing around the corner to Cannoli¡¯s sharp hearing. Space? Matt? What¡¯s going on? More questions than answers cropped up as she traveled. The familiar scent of Ravyn¡¯s perfume lingered in the passageway, hinting that Cannoli was getting closer. How do I talk to her if everything I say sounds so scary? She wondered. Eventually, Cannoli lost the trail of Ravyn¡¯s perfume, replaced only by the smell of smoke and something burning. I swear I was getting closer. ¡°You are becoming hysterical. Please, let us talk this out,¡± a blunt, mechanical voice announced beneath her. Cannoli looked down, realizing she¡¯d crawled on top of a grate that allowed her to see what transpired below. A blue man marched forward, glowing red eyes focused on Ravyn. ¡°Of course I¡¯m hysterical, you thick-headed robot!¡± Ravyn shrieked. ¡®Robot?¡¯ Is that another weird word like ¡®baka?¡¯ ¡°If my services do not meet Seegson''s standards, please log a complaint,¡± the blue man replied, briskly marching toward her. ¡°Leave me alone!¡± Ravyn buried her hands deep into her pockets. Cannoli didn¡¯t like how the ¡®robot¡¯ held its hands out to her as if ready to grab her. She needs help! Cannoli kicked open the grate with one powerful leg, then dropped down on top of the blue man. He crumbled to the floor with her weight, and Cannoli realized she¡¯d smashed one of his arms flat. The fluid that leaked from the joint was white. Humans don¡¯t bleed white. Ravyn was already halfway down the hallway, shrieking, ¡°You deserved it, motherfucker!¡¯ She¡¯s right there! Cannoli sprinted away from the dazed blue man, catching up to Ravyn in five long strides. Ravyn looked over her shoulder and grimaced, another slew of curses spilling from her mouth. Cannoli scooped Ravyn up beneath the arms, then spun her around, so they were face to face. ¡°Change me back!¡± Cannoli squealed, but it came through as a terrifying roar. ¡°H-hey. Let¡¯s talk about this, okay?¡± Ravyn said quickly. ¡°We won¡¯t get very far without me, you know?¡± ¡°I know, just¡ª¡± more guttural grunts. Ravyn patted her head. ¡°Good alien. Nice, alien. Please let me fucking go, alien.¡± ¡°I want to, I just¡ª¡± When Cannoli opened her mouth, a second, smaller mouth emerged, inches from Ravyn¡¯s face. Ravyn screamed. There was a wall of fire. Cannoli screamed. And then the world went black.
¡°Ravyn, help!¡± Cannoli squealed. Cold sweat covered her back and drenched the inn¡¯s thin blanket. ¡°Help you what?¡± Ravyn grumbled next to her, clutching Ball Gag close to her chest. ¡°You¡¯re the alien.¡± Cannoli blinked. When had Ravyn snuck into her bed? And¡­ had she just said alien? Running her hands through her damp hair, Cannoli shook her head clear of the dream. Maybe it was just the heat getting to them both. Buttons hopped into her lap, his glimmering eyes searching Cannoli¡¯s face. ¡°I¡¯m okay, Buttons,¡± she giggled. ¡°Let¡¯s get some sleep, hm?¡± She smoothed her hand over his back, noting some of the bumps on his tail. I sure hope Buttons doesn¡¯t look like that when he grows up. After a quick pat between Ravyn¡¯s ears, Cannoli fell sound asleep. Chapter 172: Scarlet Terror It was something else to see Cailu again. Every emotion in the book washed over me. On more than one occasion, I¡¯d struggle to recall his features. Honestly, there were times I¡¯d forgotten he was even an elf¡ªthough I had Ravyn and Ball to remind me of his ¡°knife ears.¡± ¡°It surprises me to see you¡­ Ravyn, was it?¡± Cailu said. ¡°You didn¡¯t seem a loyal type.¡± ¡°And you still haven¡¯t learned to mind your own fucking business. Surprises for everyone, Cailu,¡± Ravyn snapped. ¡°Cailu the Cunt!¡± Bally screamed overhead. Cailu narrowed his eyes. ¡°Charming.¡± The unfamiliar catgirl to Cailu¡¯s right smirked. Naeemah shot a furious glare to the sky. We returned to camp, and Ravyn stormed back into the tent without another word. Keke moved to join Cannoli, and Ceres looked up in interest, but Cannoli quickly averted her gaze. Lara perched in the sand next to the fire, her lips moving as if she were whispering her secrets to the licks of flame. Zahra sat a few steps back from Lara, oiling the blade of her katana. Destiny huddled closer to Tristan but was left alone when he stood, eyes wide and hands resting behind his back as if Cailu had called him to attention. ¡°Who is this?¡± Cailu asked flatly, looking at Tristan. ¡°Tri¡ª¡± I started. ¡°Tristan Erato,¡± Tristan interrupted, offering his hand. ¡°You must be Cailu. Matt¡¯s told me much about you.¡± Cailu briefly looked at me, then back at Tristan before offering a gloved hand. Their difference in stature was immense as the two of them shook hands. ¡°Cailu Raloquen, first of his name. A pleasure.¡± ¡°The pleasure is mine,¡± Tristan said easily. ¡°I cannot stand on ceremony, so let¡¯s make this quick.¡± Cailu looked at me again, crossing his arms. ¡°I must congratulate you on acquiring Shi Island¡¯s¡­¡± he paused, glancing at Tristan. ¡°Man. However, I must ask¡ªwhy are you pitched so far away from R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨©? Surely you¡¯ve been to the capital by now.¡± ¡°We were forced to retreat. Temporarily, mind you,¡± Ceres said as she moved to stand beside me. ¡°A minor setback.¡± ¡°I believe that I asked Matt,¡± Cailu said with a hint of irritation. I tensed, but Ceres was the picture of grace. ¡°My apologies,¡± Ceres said with a slight bow. Cailu looked back at me. ¡°Now. Why are you not closer to the city?¡± I cleared my throat. ¡°Cailu, what are you doing here?¡± As much as I hated answering questions with questions, his tone with Ceres had me on edge. In addition, Ravyn¡¯s warnings from earlier worried me. The last thing I wanted to see happen was Cailu burning this place to the ground. ¡°It¡¯s been months. I wished to see how far you had come along,¡± Cailu said with what felt like a forced smile. ¡°Considering your acquisition of Shi Island¡¯s man, I must say I am impressed.¡± Acquisition? Tristan isn¡¯t a piece of gear. ¡°That¡¯s in no small part to Tristan and his Party.¡± ¡°Your methods aside, it seems you¡¯ve run afoul with R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨©.¡± Cailu¡¯s tone changed, and the friendly facade vanished. Something dark flickered in his gaze, and his mouth pulled into a thin line. ¡°Magni is a rakefire. I intend to see that this meeting occurs, no matter what it takes. Now, if you would, please answer my question.¡± My heart skipped a beat, and my mind ran a mile a minute. I wanted to say something snarky in reply, especially with that challenging tone. But I¡¯d never seen such a serious look on his face before. He has a history with Magni, then. ¡°As Ceres said, we just had a setback,¡± I said. The fire crackled, granting Cailu¡¯s armor an almost holy glow. I stepped in front of the flame to block the light. ¡°We were kicked out of the city,¡± Keke said, surprising me. She returned to my side, looking up at the tall elf. ¡°The inner shells want nothing to do with us, and their warriors are bullies.¡± ¡°Ah, just as I remember,¡± the woman I didn¡¯t recognize said on his right. Her skin was dark, littered with splotches of white in streaked patterns. Her tail and ears didn¡¯t seem to have any hair or fur, but it was difficult to say for sure with so little light available. Rings of gold like those of her eyes wrapped around her limbs, her fingers, her neck, hell, even her toes. The word ¡°Wild¡± came to mind. She continued, ¡°As the wind blows, so too does the sand. I suppose it will only be a matter of time before our home is buried beneath the sands, huh, Nae?¡± Naeemah shot her a glare, yanking her mask down around her neck. ¡°You¡¯ve truly a death wish?¡± The stranger¡¯s sharp smile widened. ¡°Come now. At least introduce me first.¡± Cailu sighed. ¡°This is Kirti, my Party¡¯s [Witch Doctor]. Pay her no heed. Tell me what happened at R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨©.¡± ¡°Rude,¡± Kirti murmured as she toyed with a glowing pair of red and blue rocks between her fingers. I didn¡¯t like it¡ªdid anyone enjoy admitting their shortcomings?¡ªbut after the first few sentences, Tristan and I spilled the whole truth of the matter. Cailu hummed and nodded while we laid our tale bare, making occasional comments here and there on our mistakes and room for improvement. It felt less like I was talking to an ally and more like I was reporting to my manager. ¡°And that¡¯s where we¡¯re at,¡± Tristan said once we¡¯d finished. ¡°I see,¡± said Cailu. ¡°Appear, iPaw.¡± The device manifested in his hand, and after a short time, he frowned and looked up at me. ¡°We need to talk about your progress. I will be frank with you. I am amazed that you managed to survive up to this point. I expected you to at least have your Second Class by now.¡± You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. ¡°He¡¯s been working on your little project,¡± Keke said in my defense. ¡°Cut him some slack.¡± Is this what it looks like when your girlfriend sticks up for you in front of your dad? Cailu opened his mouth. ¡°What are you planning to do now that you¡¯re here?¡± Tristan cut in before Cailu could admonish Keke. Cailu paused. ¡°That depends on the rest of you.¡± His hand rested on the hilt of his blade. ¡°I think it would be in our best interests to work together. These Ejderha sound unreasonable at best.¡± ¡°That doesn¡¯t even begin to explain it!¡± Destiny exclaimed. Her sudden outburst had us all turning to face her. ¡°I have never met such an irritating group of unreasonable, uncouth scum as them! I swear they want to dig their own graves! Relish in it, even! Their actions are inconceivable!¡± To my surprise, Cailu chuckled. ¡°Then we are in agreement. Despite our strengths and numbers, we must figure out how to circumvent them first. Do you know what Class Sanrai is?¡± ¡°The best source of information that we have on the Ejderha¡¯s leader is her sister.¡± Tristan looked to his right. ¡°Zahra?¡± Zahra continued to polish her sword, glancing in Naeemah¡¯s direction. It seemed to me her mind was in another place. ¡°When we trained long ago, she spoke of becoming a [Crusader] or [Battleguard]. I know not which she chose to devote herself to.¡± ¡°What Skills has she used?¡± Cailu asked, nearing her. ¡°None that I¡¯m aware of. She¡¯s never called out her Skill names,¡± I admitted. ¡°Wise woman. Does she believe in Saoirse?¡± Cailu asked. How would we know that? Ring her doorbell and try to convert her? ¡°Everyone does,¡± Cannoli said with wide eyes. ¡°Everyone must.¡± I scratched the back of my head uncomfortably, looking to shift the conversation away. But Cailu spoke before I could. ¡°There are many who decline to practice Saoirse¡¯s commandments,¡± Cailu said, turning his head toward Cannoli. ¡°Do not make such presumptuous claims.¡± ¡°Watch it,¡± I said, growing defensive. What the hell, man? This isn¡¯t the friendly asshole I knew. This is just the asshole. ¡°It was meant in good faith. If she does not wish to accept my counsel, she will learn the hard way.¡± Cailu shrugged. ¡°You¡¯re every bit the man I¡¯ve heard, Cailu.¡± Zahra resheathed her katana and raised a brow. The [Myrmidon] didn¡¯t seem the least bit intimidated by Cailu. ¡°I¡¯ll assume you meant that as a compliment. I would like to avoid digressions.¡± He gestured with his hand. ¡°It seems I must defer to you on Sanrai. What of her faith?¡± ¡°No, she was not religious. Not that I¡¯m aware of.¡± ¡°All [Crusader]s are required to take a test of faith issued by Nyarlothep¡¯s enclave. Considering how you¡¯ve described Sanrai¡¯s actions and intentions, I find it unlikely that [Crusader] is her calling. Of the two named possibilities, [Battleguard] is more likely.¡± Cailu moved his finger across the iPaw, nodding to himself. ¡°This Chikara. You say it summoned decomposed heads from the ground. What did they look like?¡± ¡°The heads of catgirls,¡± Tristan answered, narrowing his eyes. ¡°No two heads looked alike from what I could tell.¡± Cailu¡¯s gaze landed on me. ¡°Yeah, just as he said. Each one was unique,¡± I said. Cailu brought a gauntleted knuckle to his chin, flickers of firelight catching his face. ¡°First, let us dispatch the Chikara.¡± ¡°I get that you¡¯re a big guy and all and the savior of Nyarlothep and yadda yadda, but I don¡¯t think ya get it. The Chikara kills anythin¡¯ and everythin¡¯,¡± Agni said, rounding the tent and passing the fire. She¡¯d been tending to the gigashanks and hadn¡¯t caught the first half of Cailu¡¯s arrival. ¡°I ain¡¯t gettin¡¯ within three miles of the thing, friend.¡± She reached up to throw an arm around Cailu¡¯s shoulders. Naeemah¡¯s form blurred. In the blink of an eye, she had Agni¡¯s wrist in one hand and a knife at her throat. ¡°Then don¡¯t,¡± Cailu replied, his stare impatient and cold. ¡°Saoirse¡¯s tits. Put me down, snake,¡± Agni blustered, hand clenching in Naeemah¡¯s grip. ¡°A warning would have been nice.¡± ¡°This is your warning. The only one,¡± Naeemah hissed, then pushed Agni toward me. I caught her, and the fiery woman shouldered me off, murmuring profanities as she returned to the tent. ¡°The head of the Chikara would make an excellent bargaining tool to secure an audience with Magni. Surely you all see that,¡± Cailu continued, as if his [Assassin] hadn¡¯t just tried to murder our guard. ¡°I really don¡¯t think we can kill it. Not at our Level,¡± I said, frustrated with Cailu and his Party treating the rest of us like misbehaving dogs. ¡°I could do it,¡± Kirti said, smiling. No. That wasn¡¯t a smile. Not in the traditional sense, anyway. I hadn¡¯t seen that expression in some time, but I recall Celestia wearing a similar make. I got the sense that she looked at this island like a game. As she spoke, her smile settled into indifference. ¡°The Chikara subdues the souls of those it takes, making them its own. If one can reclaim the souls, then the Chikara loses its puppets, and the Defiled is forced to fight using its main body.¡± ¡°How do you know that?¡± I asked. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you like to know, boy.¡± She giggled. You know, I¡¯m getting tired of this ¡®boy¡¯ thing. First, Ravyn, and now you. ¡°What if it decides to run?¡± asked Keke. ¡°Defiled aren¡¯t stupid. If it realizes that the odds are against it, it could run away to fight another day.¡± ¡°I will call upon Earth,¡± Lara said with her usual air of whimsy. ¡°I almost had the Defiled last time, but I needed to protect Tristan.¡± ¡°Could you force it above ground?¡± Tristan asked. ¡°If Earth is happy that day. He¡¯s aggressive and territorial. He and Water get into arguments a lot here, so sometimes I must be careful who I call upon because then they get angry at me.¡± Lara sighed. ¡°Which frustrates me. I get that Earth is proud and strong, but so is Water. Just in different ways. I think that if they were to talk it out and really just assess their¡ª¡± ¡°Thanks, Lara,¡± Tristan said, gesturing for her to quiet down. ¡°Very well,¡± Cailu said, frowning at Lara. ¡°Then Lara will force it above ground in the event the Chikara chooses to flee.¡± ¡°What if we run into their morning hunting party?¡± I asked. ¡°As we said, we¡¯re not exactly on great terms.¡± ¡°It changes nothing,¡± said Cailu. ¡°If they choose to engage us, then we dispatch them. Simple as that.¡± ¡°Could we not approach that possibility from a more diplomatic viewpoint?¡± Ceres asked, her hand draped across her chest. ¡°That opportunity left when you decided to hold them hostage,¡± Cailu argued. ¡°Your blunder will not jeopardize this mission, I assure you.¡± Gee, thanks, Dad. You¡¯re the greatest. ¡°Naeemah and Kirti suggested we travel the desert at night, much to my dismay,¡± Cailu continued. ¡°However, seeing as you are, I will not impose our standards. Tired bodies are the most useless kind.¡± Cailu¡¯s stare traveled a short distance from our tent. ¡°We will assemble our tent across from yours. If anything is amiss, pray, do not hesitate to inform me.¡± He placed a hand on Naeemah¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Stand watch.¡± ¡°As you say,¡± Naeemah said. ¡°We will reconvene at first light,¡± said Cailu. He waved over his shoulder as he left, Naeemah beside him. Kirti turned and began to walk away. After a few swaying steps, she turned her head, staring at Lara. That same sinister smile stretched across her mouth, and without another word, she strode her way over to where Cailu and Naeemah were putting up their tent. That woman is bad news. Chapter 173: Brimstone By the time I¡¯d returned to the tent, Ravyn was already asleep. I admit that I was relieved. I¡¯d been wracking my brain for the right words to say, and I couldn¡¯t come up with anything that would make her feel better. All I could do was hope she understood the situation we found ourselves in. Ball was perched on a small pot, courtesy of Cannoli. He looked up at me, cocked his head to one side, then resumed preening his feathers. Is the bird angry with me too? I took a spot between Keke and Cannoli, and thanks in no small part to the exhaustion of the day, I was able to fall asleep without issue. I must¡¯ve been more on edge than I thought because the mere sound of Cailu¡¯s muffled voice was enough to wake me. I sat up, rubbing my eyes and looking around. All of the catgirls were accounted for in the tent¡ªsave for Agni. ¡°Make haste,¡± came Cailu¡¯s demanding voice. ¡°The sun will not wait.¡± Cailu¡¯s footsteps grew distant. ¡°The sun will not wait,¡± I mimicked in a mocking tone under my breath. ¡°Get over yourself.¡± I heard a snort to my right. Ravyn had sat up while I was distracted. ¡°Good morning. Sleep well?¡± ¡°Not even a little,¡± said Ravyn. Keke mumbled beside me. ¡°Already? Nooo. Why?¡± I smiled and bent over to give her a kiss on the forehead. Her eyes fluttered open, and she sighed. ¡°There aren¡¯t enough hours in the day,¡± she whined. One by one, the girls began to wake. We gathered our things and filed out of the tent. Sure enough, Agni was out front, talking with Cailu. He wasn¡¯t wearing the armor from last night. Instead, he wore a tan doublet and long, brown trousers. They were a bit on the baggy side and frayed at the edges. His sword, now a sharp contrast to the new outfit he wore, hung on his left side. Now that I think about it, I¡¯ve never seen him out of armor. Still, even without the shimmering plate, Cailu¡¯s muscular shoulders and arms easily filled out the doublet. Jesus, did he pool everything into Strength? ¡°Oh, hey, Matt!¡± Agni said with an easy smile. ¡°Cailu and I were just discussin¡¯ payment!¡± ¡°Oh boy. I love talking about finances,¡± I said with obvious sarcasm in my voice. ¡°Don¡¯t we all,¡± Cailu said with a chuckle. Is that a bit of the friendly asshole I¡¯m used to? The Cailu I saw the night prior was not a man I wanted to get to know. ¡°Pray, mind not the finances we discuss at current,¡± Cailu continued. ¡°Your tab has been paid.¡± What a generous god. ¡°Thanks,¡± I said, scratching the back of my head. He smiled easily. ¡°Now, let us speak of today¡¯s agenda.¡± It was a much lengthier conversation than I would¡¯ve liked. Cailu sure did like to take his time in explaining things. At the very least, we had a plan. I wasn¡¯t sure how well it would be executed, but I wasn¡¯t in any position to complain. After a quick breakfast tossed together by Cannoli and Ceres, we packed up camp and set off. ¡°We grow closer,¡± Kirti said from the back of a gigashank. Her, Naeemah, and Agni had taken one of the shanks together. It was a tight fit, but with Cailu¡¯s sudden appearance, we didn¡¯t have much of a choice. The gigashanks were clearly struggling, and so we had to stop every so often. But it didn¡¯t seem like Agni minded. In fact, she was absolutely beaming. I had to wonder why. Cailu¡¯s sweet, sweet cash, maybe? ¡°There,¡± Kirti said, pointing over Agni¡¯s shoulder. Agni made a gesture over her shoulder, one hand still firmly held on the reins. Our gigashanks came to a stop. Kirti and Naeemah got down from the shank. Cailu, sharing a seat with Zahra, dismounted from his and both he and Zahra followed. ¡°Alright, off we go,¡± I said to Keke and Cannoli behind me. To my left, I could see Tristan, Ravyn, Destiny, Lara, and Ceres descending from their gigashanks and striding over to where Cailu¡¯s girls stood. Cannoli swallowed. ¡°I¡¯m scared, Matt,¡± she admitted. Even though her hands were balled, I could tell she was trembling. Her white knuckles and blanched face didn¡¯t help. I really needed her to stick to the plan this time. I couldn¡¯t carry her around in my arms. I jumped off of the gigashank, approaching it from the side and taking one of Cannoli¡¯s hands. ¡°Hey, it¡¯s going to be okay,¡± I whispered, looking her in the eyes. ¡°He might be a prick, but Cailu¡¯s a terrifying force to be reckoned with. He¡¯s been in Nyarlea for¡­ god, I don¡¯t know how long. A lot longer than me, though.¡± ¡°I know,¡± said Cannoli. Keke got off the gigashank next, taking to my side. ¡°It¡¯ll just be like all the other times we went out collecting food. Everything will turn out fine, you¡¯ll see. I promise!¡± Keke smiled and put her hand on top of Cannoli¡¯s hand, ruffling her hair playfully. ¡°Just stick close to me. I¡¯m going to stand far away, anyway.¡± ¡°Yeah, listen to Keke,¡± I said next. ¡°She knows what she¡¯s talking about.¡± Keke and I shared a look and nodded. ¡°I¡¯m glad to have such wonderful people in my life,¡± Cannoli said through a forced laugh. She drew a long, shaky breath, then jumped off the gigashank with her hand still in my grasp. She let go and brushed some of the sand off of her dress. ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s go!¡± Kirti stood at the top of a dune, her eyes scanning over the endless expanse of the desert. I couldn¡¯t help but feel she was in her element. The entire time she watched, it was without a shred of fear, emotion, or concern. ¡°Apathy¡± was the word that came to mind. After a time, Kirti flicked her pointer finger into the air. A neon-green flame came to life at the tip. ¡°Go,¡± she said. The flame hovered away from her finger at a snail¡¯s pace. As it grew more and more distant, it became smaller and less vibrant until it just vanished. Kirti crossed her arms. ¡°Now what?¡± I asked. ¡°We wait,¡± she said, her gaze planted firmly ahead of her. Cailu was still wearing his doublet behind Kirti, alongside Naeemah. I was going to ask why he wasn¡¯t in his armor until I realized he¡¯d be cooking himself alive in something like that. Still, he seemed under-dressed for the task. Confronting the Chikara again in anything less than adamantium armor made my stomach turn. ¡°When it comes to the battle, focus on preservation,¡± said Cailu. He adjusted the cuffs of his overly detailed doublet. ¡°Do not do anything unnecessary.¡± ¡°The fuck,¡± Ravyn spat somewhere on my left. ¡°We can take care of ourselves just fine, cunt. Just look after yourself.¡± ¡°Fuck off, squaaawwk!¡± Ball flapped his wings while perched on her shoulder. ¡°Then die for all I care,¡± said Cailu. ¡°In your last moments, you will remember what I said. There will be no other to blame for your blunder. Not this time.¡± At that, Ravyn¡¯s face darkened, and her mouth drew into a thin line. Not good. I opened my mouth to speak, but Ceres was quicker. This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. ¡°Sir Cailu. I understand you speak with consideration for the safety of our group at large. However, I cannot condone your choice of language toward my friends.¡± Her words drew Cailu¡¯s stare. ¡°Your attitude toward us as a whole is abhorrent and disrespectful. Please refrain from speaking of Ravyn¡¯s life as if it were a flame to be snuffed out.¡± Cailu and Ceres stared at each other for a time. I frowned, mentally pumping an arm and cheering for Ceres¡¯ remark. Eventually, Cailu turned back to look at the sands before them. ¡°My apologies,¡± he said. Holy shit, did he really say sorry? To a catgirl? Of all the times in my life to be without a smartphone, it had to be now. What I wouldn¡¯t have given to capture this moment on camera. I raised my hands, prepared to clap. Keke went wide-eyed, pushing my arms down and shaking her head. I know, Keke. I wasn¡¯t going to. It was a reaction. But I was so god damned tempted. ¡°You can take that apology and shove¡ª¡± Ravyn began. An unsettling sound interrupted Ravyn¡¯s retort. Kirti sniffed the air, giggling. Well, ¡°giggling¡± wasn¡¯t the right word. Maniacal cackling, I think, is a better term for the noise that escaped her throat. ¡°It has come,¡± she said, biting at the tip of one of her nails, eyes glittering with anticipation. ¡°Oh, but there are so many of them.¡± ¡°You¡¯re sick,¡± Naeemah said with a frown. ¡°And I¡¯m all yours.¡± Kirti laughed again before hopping down the dune, smoothly gliding through the sands. Cailu and Naeemah didn¡¯t follow. ¡°Wait, what is she doing?¡± I asked, stepping forward. Cailu raised his hand above his shoulder. ¡°We stay here. For now.¡± ¡°Okay, fine, but what is she doing?¡± I asked again. Cailu turned toward me. ¡°Circumventing the Chikara¡¯s forces.¡± ¡°By herself? That was the plan for distraction?¡± I¡¯m not about to watch a single catgirl solo the Chikara, am I? Kirti sneered. Folding her hands behind her back, she walked forward with exaggerated steps. Like a woman knowing full-well you had a crush on her and adding that extra swing to her hips. It was the kind of saunter that spoke miles long of her confidence and excitement. The ground trembled. The sudden shifting of plates beneath my feet caused me to gasp. ¡°It¡¯s comin¡¯,¡± Agni said. ¡°I¡¯ll light it up with all I¡¯ve got, Tristan,¡± Destiny said next to Tristan, rolling one of her bottle grenades in her palm. ¡°I know you will. As soon as the heads are gone, you know what to do, right, Lara?¡± Tristan asked. ¡°Yes, yes,¡± Lara said as if she were half-asleep, nodding. ¡°Earth is eager to rid this creature of its bosom.¡± Those are words. And then it happened. A single head rose from the sand next to Kirti. She turned her gaze toward it, flashing a sadistic smile. Then another behind her. Another at her side. Soon, severed heads surrounded her from every angle. Cailu motioned for us to get down on our bellies, and so we did. I could barely see what was happening. A handful of rotting heads scuttled toward the [Witch Doctor], their spindly legs clicking and clacking like a pair of twigs repeatedly struck against each other. She bent to one knee, her hand on the ground. A larger figure swarmed beneath the sands, circling her like a shark in a pool. The entire time I watched, all I could think was, What the hell happens next? Two simple words left Kirti¡¯s lips. ¡°[Release Captive].¡± A choir of howls permeated the air. Flames of bright green rose from the eyes and mouths of the decapitated heads. They fell in droves, thin legs twitching one final time before going still. ¡°What are those?¡± I whispered. Cailu shuddered, and his reply was cold. ¡°Souls of the dead.¡± A second Spell sounded from Kirti. ¡°[Soul Trap].¡± The flames stopped midair as if tethered to the ground. She held up a large, smooth rock with her free hand. From where I hid, it had the same dark green coloring as an emerald. When she raised it high above her head, the facets caught the sunlight and glittered like a diamond. The eerie flames¡ªno, the souls¡ªraced into the rock with terrifying speed. It was like watching a vacuum. The howls grew louder with each one that entered the stone. When the last soul was inside, a flash of green covered the sands, blinding me. A roar followed. ¡°Now!¡± Cailu cried. The man was on his feet and down the hill in seconds. I leaped to standing and followed him. To my left, Ceres, Destiny, Lara, and Zahra were already descending the dune. When we reached the base, Lara was the first to speak. ¡°[Summon Earth]!¡± A disfigured sphere of rock and roots manifested a couple of feet away from her face, circling around her. Cailu rushed to Kirti¡¯s location, feet crunching against bone and mangled flesh, positioning himself between her and the figure beneath the sands. ¡°[Toe the Line]!¡± Cailu whipped his sword across the sand in front of him, carving a blue-white light in the sand. The ground quaked as the Chikara moved toward us. Without warning, it stopped before the glowing line. Like some sand dolphin demon, the Chikara turned to its right, then breached the ground. It was an abomination among abominations. For the most part, it shared its resemblance with an ant lion. Large, bulbous back, gigantic mandibles, and tiny, spindly legs. On the underbelly, however, it was a different story. It looked as if someone flayed the jaundiced skin of a catgirl, stretched it at all angles, then fused it to the bottom of the beast. Every limb was recognizable, and her head dangled free. I grimaced. ¡°[Summon Earth]!¡± Lara cried again. A second, haphazardly-made ball appeared opposite of the first one she summoned. The Chikara¡¯s figure moved swiftly through the sands toward Lara. ¡°[Provoke]!¡± I yelled. The Chikara continued its momentum. It was a vain attempt, but I had to try. ¡°[Fire Ball]!¡± cried Ravyn. Fire and arrows rained down upon the mass that was quickly reaching Lara¡¯s location. My axe gripped tightly, I ran toward her. Destiny was standing beside her, a molotov readied in her hand. I wasn¡¯t going to make it. The Chikara¡¯s upper body rose from the sand to strike Lara. My breath caught, and the notion of throwing my axe came to mind. No! Not with the girls there! I restrained myself, putting every ounce of strength I could behind my sprint. ¡°Hey, cunt!¡± Ravyn screamed. Cailu turned his head toward her. ¡°Get ready to block!¡± Cailu frowned. ¡°[Displace]!¡± As soon as the word left her mouth, Lara and Cailu switched positions. ¡°Damn you, Ravyn!¡± Cailu bellowed. ¡°[Iron Wall]! [Bulwark]!¡± He held his shield in front of him, and the Chikara¡¯s mandibles caught his shield in a vice. Something snapped. As I watched, I saw cracks appear in the Chikara¡¯s pincer-like mouth. The Chikara screeched and reeled, diving back into the sand. ¡°Blasted creature!¡± screamed Cailu. ¡°Earth is ready!¡± said Lara. With her hands held out before her, palms up, she continued. ¡°[Summon Earth]!¡± A third oddly-shaped sphere hovered around her. The three clumps of rock and root reassembled themselves to form a triangle, tethered together by a yellow-orange light. ¡°[Roaring Stalagmite]!¡± No earthquake I¡¯d experienced on Earth was ever this bad. The ground shook with a severity that knocked me off balance. Everyone, save for Cailu and Lara, was on their bellies. If I listened closely enough, I swore I could hear the ground under me cracking and exploding. What the hell kinda spell is this? The ground stopped trembling. Like the sudden stop at the end of a roller coaster¡ªone second you¡¯re flying through the air, and the next second you¡¯re done. Then, a sound like air being sucked through teeth echoed across the dunes. When I saw the Chikara again, it was speared atop a spire of stone that soared into the sky. Green spittle sprayed from the puncture point and its mouth. Now that I could see the Chikara in all of its unholy glory, I noticed something. The splayed catgirl was still moving. A muffled scream bubbled and inflated the Chikara¡¯s underbelly with every breath she took. The spear of stone had managed to pierce the Chikara¡ªand by proxy the catgirl¡ªthrough the stomach. I watched in horror as the catgirl drew its last breaths from under the Chikara¡¯s body, sickly green blood pooling around her mouth before dribbling down the length of Lara¡¯s attack. It seemed everyone else was just as disturbed as I was, as we all stood there, quietly watching the Chikara until it eventually stopped moving. Silence. Horrible silence. ¡°What the fuck was that?¡± I mumbled to myself. The sound of singing steel woke me from my thoughts. Standing in front of Lara was Naeemah. I¡¯d almost forgotten she was here. Where the hell had she been? A sickening sound echoed in my ears. Chitin snapped, chunks of flesh dropped from the Chikara, and the top half of its body slid away, falling to the ground and rolling toward Naeemah. She stopped it with her heel. Green blood coated her blades and a thin sheen of sweat glistened from her brow. She¡¯d sliced the Defiled in half in the span of a heartbeat. Naeemah turned to Lara, eyes narrowed. ¡°Always confirm the kill.¡± Now accessing system memory¡­ Oh my goodness, you¡¯re pregnant again? I am. My third kitten this year. Think of the others! Don¡¯t you miss them? Every day. Every single day. Perhaps, your body¡ª No. Saoirse willing, I will have a family. Memory storage successful. Chapter 174: Devil Reverse ¡°We only need the head,¡± Cailu said, toeing one of the large bristled teeth protruding from the Chikara¡¯s face. Naeemah nodded. Her form blurred, and her daggers sliced deftly through the neck joint. She returned to his side and wiped the blades on her thigh. Cailu lifted the enormous head of the Chikara from the sand and held it up for inspection. Naeemah had carved it at an excellent length¡ªthe Defiled was immediately recognizable, and the viscera didn¡¯t touch the ground as he held it. The worst part about it was the putrid scent of its thickened green blood, like that of a beast who¡¯d begun decaying weeks ago, not one alive only moments before. ¡°T-those rocks,¡± the white-haired girl squeaked¡ªone of Matt¡¯s¡ªpointing at Kirti¡¯s clenched fist. ¡°What did you do to those girls?¡± ¡°What I had to,¡± Kirti replied smoothly, revealing the shimmering green stone in her hand before rolling it across her knuckles. ¡°Their souls turned the tide of this battle.¡± ¡°You were serious?¡± Matt stared at Cailu, incredulous. ¡°She uses souls for magic?¡± Cailu sniffed, eyes narrowing. ¡°What else must I do for you to take me at my word, Matt?¡± He dropped the enormous head of the Defiled and searched his pack for a rope. ¡°Your constant second-guessing will be your end.¡± ¡°Good thing one of us has quick instincts then,¡± Ravyn said, appearing at Matt¡¯s side before crossing her arms. ¡°We almost lost our tree-hugger thanks to you.¡± Your what? She was baiting him. Cailu¡¯s irritation returned as he twisted the rope around his arm. ¡°Should you attempt an asinine tactic like that again without warning, it will be the final Spell you cast.¡± ¡°I mean no offense, but have you considered not casually threatening these girls with every other breath you draw?¡± Tristan approached, frowning as he brushed the sand from his trousers. ¡°Everyone makes mistakes, but Ravyn¡¯s reaction was spot on. She saved Lara¡¯s life.¡± Cailu studied them one by one. This wanton duet of Parties that were certain to have lived due to luck rather than skill. Tristan was short and thin, still carrying the bright eyes and soft face of a boy. He looked impossibly young to still be alive in Nyarlea. Then there was Matt, still so very behind in Levels and experience. So unsure of himself. Both relied on their companions far more than taking situations into their own hands. How could they possibly be ready to face what was ahead? You set them to this task, love. It was Fera¡¯s voice that whispered from the depths of his mind. Have the patience to see them through it. Hadn¡¯t Fera told him something similar all those years ago? When the king¡¯s council still looked to him for guidance? Cailu took a deep breath, forcing the distant memories back into their respective depths. It seemed that regardless of world, time, or circumstance, he would always be the one to lead the many. ¡°I will be more cognizant of my replies.¡± It was the best he could do. Lara¡¯s Spell should have materialized sooner, and Ravyn should have warned him before casting [Displace]. If Kirti or Naeemah had failed him in such a way, they understood it would have meant their permanent removal from his Party. ¡°Thank y¡ª¡± Tristan began. ¡°You have to let them go! Now!¡± The white-haired girl¡¯s voice pitched high, eclipsing their conversation. ¡°They must find peace with Saoirse.¡± Matt turned, shook his head, and jogged to where his [Acolyte] stood arguing with Kirti. ¡°Foolish girl. These are not for you to command,¡± Kirti growled, the stone vanishing from her hand. ¡°Cannoli. Hey, come on.¡± Matt rested a consoling hand on her arm. If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Cannoli tore it away. ¡°No! Matt, you don¡¯t understand. A catgirl¡¯s soul belongs only to Saoirse. What this woman does, it¡¯s¡­it¡¯s¡ª¡± she paused, hands trembling. Evil, Cailu thought. Kirti¡¯s presence unnerved him. Her fearsome Spells and dangerous methods would have seen her burned at the stake in his previous world. She utilized souls to her advantage¡ªboth when she¡¯d locked them within stones or perceived them inside their living shells. More than once, he wondered how Nyarlea had allowed a [Witch Doctor] to continue her practice while [Necromancer]s were hunted for sport. Kirti studied Cannoli¡¯s face, that creeping, knowing smile twitching at the corners of her lips. She read the girl like a book. ¡°Do you play at purity like your mother, child?¡± She reached forward and cupped the [Acolyte]¡¯s chin. ¡°I understand my truth. You¡¯ve a long journey ahead of you.¡± Tears escaped the corners of Cannoli¡¯s eyes. ¡°Y-You¡­ I-I¡ª¡± Ravyn shouldered Matt aside before slapping Kirti¡¯s arm away. Her fingertips glowed with flames. ¡°Don¡¯t you touch her again, bitch.¡± ¡°Kirti,¡± Cailu called before the [Witch Doctor] could say anything else. Kirti¡¯s smile only widened. She shrugged and rejoined Cailu, taking the opposite side of the Chikara¡¯s head. ¡°You wished to tie this to the gigashank, did you not?¡± A cold shiver slid down Cailu¡¯s spine. He hadn¡¯t said his intentions aloud. Kirti¡¯s haunting smile never wavered, and the smell of death permeated the air. He wondered if the Chikara alone was emitting that scent.
The ride to R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨© was silent, save for the gigashank¡¯s scaled, heavy footsteps and the constant scraping of the Chikara¡¯s head dragging along the back of Agni¡¯s mount. When they arrived, he had two cards to play: the trophy and Naeemah. From Matt and Tristan¡¯s regaling of their experience, the Ejderha had forgotten their place in the island¡¯s design. And, though it came as no surprise, so had Magni. Cailu believed it would take a show of power to remind them. Matt and Tristan had made it clear that violence would not curry favor with either of their Parties, so his first two attempts would be passive. As the city¡¯s walls came into view, Cailu glanced over his shoulder at Naeemah. While her mask shielded the lower half of her face, the intense longing in her eyes was unmistakable. For years, she¡¯d patiently waited to return home. Now that they were so close, a piece of him envied her for it. What he wouldn¡¯t give to see Fera¡¯s face and hear Heiki¡¯s laughter just one more time¡­ ¡°So, erm, where do you want this thing?¡± Agni called, gesturing to the Chikara head. They had neared the city gates much faster than Cailu had expected. ¡°Stop near the city, and I will carry it,¡± he replied. ¡°You need only take care of your Encroachers.¡± ¡°Yessir.¡± Agni saluted with a grin. ¡°I¡¯ll be at the Tipsy Turtle when you need me.¡± Don¡¯t spend all of your coin on drink, woman. Cailu thought bitterly. They still needed rations and supplies to return to Kandota. ¡°Be mindful that my payment was for the entire trip.¡± ¡°Understood, captain. Not like they have much to drink here, anyway.¡± Agni hopped off her gigashank and motioned for the others to dismount. ¡°Mostly keep to m¡¯self.¡± ¡°That is for the best,¡± Naeemah murmured. She stepped away from the enormous reptile, then paused and examined the walls. ¡°What has Magni done?¡± ¡°He¡¯s been busy, it seems,¡± Kirti added, moving to stand beside her. ¡°What do you think awaits us inside, Nae?¡± Naeemah blinked, and for a moment, Cailu was certain that her blade would meet Kirti¡¯s heart. Instead, she pulled the mask away from her face and murmured, ¡°[Civilian Mode].¡± The [Assassin]¡¯s garb slid away, replaced by Naeemah¡¯s seldom-worn casual clothing. While she almost always kept her hair pulled back from her face, it now streamed down her back in a river of black. A deep green silk skirt perched high on her waist, flowing outward until the hem reached the sand. The long-sleeved top of the same color cut short, bearing a few inches of her dark skin between its edge and the beginning of the skirt. Over her left shoulder rested a wide, translucent sash embroidered with intricate designs in golden thread. A heavy necklace, dangling earrings, and a thin gold chain that swept across her forehead completed the ensemble. Naeemah looked capable, regal, beautiful. Magni had underestimated her once, and Cailu would not be so quick to stay her hand this time if she found him unworthy. Zahra, the [Myrmidon] from Tristan¡¯s party, moved to stand before Naeemah. She crossed her chest with one arm, touching her first to her shoulder, and bowed at the waist. ¡°I prayed it was you. My lady. It¡¯s an honor to welcome you home.¡± Naeemah lightly touched Zahra¡¯s shoulder and turned to look at Cailu. ¡°Remember your promise.¡± ¡°You have my sword, Naeemah.¡± The others gathered quietly around them, looking between Cailu, Naeemah, and the reverent Zahra. Naeemah took one final breath, then nodded. ¡°May the wind carry our desires.¡± Chapter 175: Strike Back The thought of marching back up to the gates of R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨© was more anxiety-inducing than Tristan wanted to admit. His chest tightened, wracked with worry and concern. The fight with Sanrai replayed itself several times over in his head, and countless possibilities toyed with the fabric of his mental well-being. He fought hard to wear a brave face as they approached. With the same care one would show with a bag of garbage, Cailu tossed what remained of the Chikara at the guards¡¯ feet, then crossed his arms. The head landed with a sickening mushy crunch. A trail of its viscous blood left dark green spots in the sand. Naeemah, Zahra, and Kirti formed a line in front of the guards beside him. ¡°The Chikara is no more. My cohorts and I seek an audience with the gracious King Magni,¡± said Cailu. Tristan had expected Cailu to elaborate. Instead, the [Paladin] and the ladies of Ichi Island just stood there, waiting. To Tristan, it seemed this man was accustomed to getting what he wanted when he wanted it. ¡°W-W-What? How would¡ª¡± the guard on the left stammered. Tristan didn¡¯t recognize either of them. Their eyes widened as they caught sight of Naeemah. ¡°M-My lady.¡± The guards went down on one knee. Cailu exhaled. ¡°Did you hear what I said?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± said the guard on the right. She quickly rose to her feet, mirroring the same salute Zahra had demonstrated minutes earlier. ¡°Lady Naeemah, forgive me, I¡ª¡± ¡°Enough,¡± Naeemah said, raising her hand. ¡°We haven¡¯t the time for this. Open the gate.¡± ¡°O-Of course!¡± said the guard on the left. Seconds later, the gate rose. Tristan was baffled by the influence Naeemah held over the residents of R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨©. Even after her protracted absence, they revered her like a queen. Agni was gone in a flash, roping her gigashanks away and singing a merry tune. The gate shut behind the three Parties. Naeemah drew a deep breath, then slowly breathed out, furrowing her brow. ¡°Much has changed.¡± ¡°Seems the king has been hard at work,¡± Kirti said, stepping ahead of the three Parties, looking to her left and then her right. ¡°Our people suffer inside these walls,¡± she said. Kirti¡¯s presence raised the hairs on Tristan¡¯s skin. There was something otherworldly and disturbing about her. Did she understand the duality of her statement? ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± He had to know. Ever since she appeared, she¡¯d put him on edge. Kirti peered over her shoulder at him. ¡°The dead are loud here. They cry for release.¡± ¡°They will find no release from a demon like you,¡± Cannoli hissed from behind Tristan. Matt motioned with a shake of his head and a finger to his lips. ¡°Cannoli, stop,¡± Tristan heard him whisper. Tristan could see Cannoli¡¯s jaw muscles tightening from where he stood. As questionable as Kirti¡¯s methods were, Tristan would never have expected such words out of Cannoli¡¯s mouth. Of all the catgirls in their Parties, Tristan felt she was the most soft-spoken and understanding. Judging from the look on Matt¡¯s and his girls¡¯ faces, they were just as taken aback. Kirti¡¯s smile widened before she turned her attention back to the city. ¡°Let us make our way to the Second Shell,¡± said Naeemah. ¡°Of course, My Lady,¡± Zahra said. Without waiting for a response, the four set off toward the gate. ¡°I guess we just follow suit?¡± Matt asked as he and his Party came to stand beside Tristan. ¡°I suppose so,¡± Tristan replied with a shrug. ¡°When in Rome, do as the Romans do,¡± Lara said with a bit more pride than Tristan felt was warranted. ¡°I suggest we follow them.¡± Matt chuckled. ¡°Where did you learn that?¡± ¡°You remembered,¡± Tristan said, smiling. ¡°I have an excellent memory.¡± Lara beamed. ¡°We¡¯ll be right behind you, Tristan,¡± Destiny added, nudging herself against Tristan¡¯s arm. ¡°Perk up.¡± ¡°Thank you so much for your support, Destiny, Lara,¡± Tristan said. ¡°Let¡¯s see what they¡¯ve got planned.¡± ¡°I know what they¡¯ve got planned,¡± said Ravyn. ¡°They¡¯re just going to roast anyone who gets in their way. I know how this cunt works.¡± I wonder what their history is. There was a softer person inside Ravyn¡¯s barbed shell; of that, Tristan was sure. He¡¯d witnessed it personally while he and the others training beneath her back in Catania were learning to be better [Mage]s. She¡¯d spoken with elegance and pride, somehow abstaining from swearing and showing a level of patience he rarely saw in any of his teachers growing up. There had to be more to her history with Cailu than him simply being a ¡°cunt.¡± ¡°The sooner we finish this, the better,¡± Matt said. There were clear signs of exhaustion in his voice. His footsteps left deeper imprints than Cailu. Was Matt stomping his way over without realizing it? Two catgirls stood at the gate. By their mannerisms and attire, Tristan recognized them as Ejderha. ¡°Stand aside,¡± Kirti advised, rolling a glimmering stone over her knuckles. ¡°No one gets in without Sanrai¡¯s permission,¡± said the girl on the left. She bore fiery-red hair and emerald eyes. A piece of her left ear was missing. Chewed off, if Tristan had to guess by the ragged skin left behind. ¡°Haven¡¯t you lot done enough?¡± She tilted her head to one side, observing Cailu with a narrowed gaze. Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. ¡°Forgive the transgressions of my allies,¡± Cailu said, his hand across his chest. ¡°They acted with haste, as I had instructed. I, Cailu Raloquen, offer my sincerest apologies. Time runs short. I must have words with King Magni. As a tribute, we have brought the head of the Chikara to your gates. Please, allow us entry.¡± The guard eyed the Chikara, her mouth narrowing into a thin line. ¡°You¡¯ve got long ears, and still, it seems you didn¡¯t hear me. I said no,¡± said the catgirl. Cailu¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Please. You must allow me passage,¡± said Naeemah, her fingers intertwined in front of her. ¡°Nyarlothep requires M¡ª ¡­King Magni¡¯s presence to see that Nyarlea prospers.¡± ¡°Not our problem. You think taking the guise of Lady Naeemah will somehow get you in?¡± the girl on the right asked. Her brown hair whipped over her shoulder as she looked away, chuckling. The sunlight emphasized a scar strewn across her right cheek. ¡°You have some nerve. She¡¯s dead, buried by the sands that created her.¡± ¡°She stands before you now,¡± Naeemah hissed. ¡°Since when did the warriors of Ichi Island abandon their people? Their neighbors? Culture? Dignity? Tell me.¡± ¡°Since you left, Lady Naeemah.¡± Leveling her spear toward Cailu, it touched the fabric of his doublet, cutting strand after tiny strand as she sat there. Tristan¡¯s eyes widened. Naeemah¡¯s breathing quickened. The spear had opened a small gap in his clothing with little more than a nudge. That edge would cut flesh without effort. ¡°Leave, or suffer the wrath of the Ejderha.¡± ¡°Our people suffer in the streets,¡± Naeemah hissed, her gaze dancing between the spear and Cailu. The venom in her voice was unlike Tristan had ever heard. ¡°And you would have me leave them. We wish for a peaceful resolution, and yet you bar our path. My path.¡± ¡°Lady Naeemah,¡± Zahra said, her hand on Naeemah¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Bring the one named Sanrai to me,¡± Naeemah said, slapping Zahra¡¯s hand away. ¡°I wish to speak with her.¡± ¡°This doesn¡¯t concern her,¡± the red-headed catgirl said, the spear threshing away more threads from Cailu¡¯s attire. ¡°Why don¡¯t you get out of here?¡± ¡°How dare you graze him with your weapon,¡± Naeemah said, drawing a dagger from seemingly nowhere. ¡°This will not go how you think. Not this time.¡± Cailu¡¯s face was impassible, but his hand twitched at the hilt of his sword. No. No more bloodshed. Tristan had had enough. ¡°Why are you people so unreasonable?¡± he asked. No matter what position he looked at it from, he could find no reason for such atrocious acts. Catgirls were in the walls, people were starving for food, and water was rationed off like gold despite its abundance. When he thought of the miserable nights back on Earth, starving and scrounging for whatever he could find, he felt a distant camaraderie with the girls within the Third Shell. ¡°Three men stand before you,¡± Tristan announced loudly. ¡°Something I have yet to see recorded in any book¡­ and yet you turn them away. The woman you revere stands beside them. And still, you push us away?¡± Tristan clenched his right hand into a fist and shouldered his way to the line that Cailu and the Ichi Island girls had formed. Destiny and Lara tried to stop him, but he barely acknowledged them. A red haze clouded his vision. ¡°What you do here is evil! It is beyond comprehension!¡± Tristan continued. ¡°You suffer under the rule of a tyrant! Your hypocrisy speaks volumes about the comforts you enjoy! People are dying, starving, destitute and miserable.¡± His voice lowered to a growl. Was that really him speaking? ¡°You hold them at arm¡¯s length, teasing them with a carrot they can¡¯t see. Any attempts to talk are squashed by your repugnant Ejderha.¡± Air hissed through his teeth. ¡°I should never have to see a child in the streets begging for coin.¡± ¡°You speak to Ejderha, little man,¡± the left catgirl said, amusement on her face as if she were watching a yipping puppy. ¡°I don¡¯t care,¡± Tristan said. ¡°Peace was never an option for you.¡± ¡°Tristan, stop,¡± Matt cautioned. ¡°Don¡¯t fight!¡± Cannoli squeaked. ¡°Stop it!¡± The brunette Ejderha clicked her tongue. ¡°Leave, or the rest of the Ejderha will be here within seconds. You want to make a scene?¡± She motioned to a warhorn strapped to her belt. ¡°You plead like a kitten, screaming when you don¡¯t get your way. Don¡¯t be so petulant.¡± ¡°You have to be fucking kidding me,¡± Ravyn snarled. ¡°Petulant?¡± Tristan asked, aghast. He couldn¡¯t believe what he was hearing. Even after everything they¡¯d said, everything they¡¯d done, the Ejderha turned a blind eye. ¡°Your people¡ª¡± ¡°Will survive and be made stronger for it,¡± the catgirl continued. ¡°You cannot comprehend Magni¡¯s plan. Your short-sighted anger blinds you. Years after we¡¯re gone, Ichi Island will flourish. San and Shi will be but children compared to our might.¡± She rolled her tongue around in her mouth. ¡°Your comments have simply strengthened my resolve.¡± ¡°Our resolve,¡± the red-headed catgirl corrected. ¡°Now, leave.¡± ¡°No,¡± said Cailu. He snatched the spear with his left hand, pointing the edge down to his side. The catgirl visibly struggled against his strength. Cailu¡¯s expression was steeled and cold; his arm did not tremble, did not strain. It was clear to Tristan that the [Paladin] was putting in minimal effort. ¡°The pleasantries have overstayed their welcome.¡± The brunette reached for her warhorn. Cailu snapped the spear¡¯s head off. ¡°[Shatter Soul],¡± Kirti said. The green pebble splintered into dust between her fingers. A flash of pale-green light illuminated the area, and screeching howls filled Tristan¡¯s ears. The two Ejderha flew backward as if a hurricane had knocked them off their feet. Their backs hit the portcullis. A dull crack followed, and they slumped to the ground. Their eyes rolled back into their skulls, and foam erupted from their gaping mouths. There was a spark of recognition in their eyes¡ªsmall but evident¡ªand then emptiness. Cailu took one step forward, unsheathing his decorated blade. ¡°Wait, Cailu, don¡¯t!¡± Tristan screamed. ¡°Stop him!¡± Ravyn bellowed. Cailu knelt and struck the red-haired Ejderha across the face with the pommel of his sword. Her body fell limp to the side. She was still barely breathing. Naeemah simultaneously knocked out the brunette in a similar fashion. Tristan exhaled a breath he hadn¡¯t realized he¡¯d been holding. His heart hammered against his chest. Cailu¡¯s gaze settled on Ravyn. ¡°How many times will you interrupt my work, cretin girl?¡± ¡°The fuck do you mean by that, cunt? Anyone could¡¯ve seen you were about to kill them!¡± Ravyn spat back. ¡°Would you have me stand there and accept a spear through the chest, then?¡± Cailu shook his head. ¡°Still as dense as the day you abandoned this Party.¡± ¡°Mou ii, I swear if¡ª¡± ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡± Matt yelled as he glared at her. ¡°Stop it, Ravyn. This is not the time.¡± Ravyn opened and closed her mouth, clearly at a loss for words. Zahra motioned to the guard Naeemah had taken care of. ¡°You move so swiftly, my lady. Even in [Civilian Mode].¡± Naeemah said nothing, her rage still evident on her face. Kirti stifled a laugh behind her. The tension between the Parties was palpable. ¡°Everyone¡¯s safe. That¡¯s the important part,¡± Tristan tried to reassure them. ¡°What do we do from here?¡± Cailu sheathed his blade and rested his hand on the hilt, gazing down the tunnel past the portcullis. He drummed his fingers against the sword. ¡°We force our way in.¡± Chapter 176: Solemn Judgment Naeemah¡¯s flowing green dress reverted to the black leathers I¡¯d grown to associate her with whenever we met. She lifted the brunette beneath the arm and dragged her away from the gate. Only two girls in the Third Shell had dared linger to watch the encounter, and Zahra had moved to warn them away. Forcing our way in had been precisely what we¡¯d wanted to avoid. Ravyn had warned that Cailu¡¯s plan would lead to this, but now that it hung out in the open, I couldn¡¯t find a reason to protest. Tristan¡¯s outburst had really solidified just how damn hard we¡¯d worked to see Magni since we¡¯d arrived. If the Ejderha couldn¡¯t see reason and wouldn¡¯t acknowledge brute strength, then we¡¯d have to convince them otherwise. I looked at the girls, expecting any one of them to protest Cailu¡¯s declaration. Keke caught my eye and shook her head, silently answering my question. Ceres and Destiny were busy checking the guards¡¯ wounds. Ravyn had positioned herself as far away from Cailu as she could manage, leaning against the inner tunnel wall with her arms folded while Ball nuzzled her hair. Lara drew something vaguely resembling a butterfly in the sand with her finger. Cannoli¡¯s gaze was locked on Kirti, a fury I had never seen before burning within. ¡°Hey, Cannoli.¡± I touched her arm, hoping to draw her attention away from the [Witch Doctor]. ¡°Do not ask me to ignore what she does,¡± Cannoli hissed. Her ears lay flat against her head, and her tail was tucked between her legs. ¡°Her Spells are sacrilege. Blasphemous. She traps and uses souls, Matt.¡± ¡°I gathered that,¡± I murmured. ¡°No one can tell you how to feel about it. But maybe we can hold off on a confrontation until after we get this summit over with?¡± Cannoli¡¯s jaw worked, and her fingers clenched in her hands. Her eyes darted to Kirti, then back to me. ¡°I¡­¡± She lowered her voice and turned her body until she faced the opposite of Cailu¡¯s Party. ¡°I¡¯ve never felt like this, Matt.¡± I brushed her back with the tips of my fingers, afraid that too much contact would send her reeling. ¡°I don¡¯t think I have, either. So I¡¯m not the best person for advice right now.¡± She nodded slowly, then raised both hands to her face and exhaled into her palms. ¡°I want to go home.¡± Her voice was muffled through her fingers, but the words were clear enough. ¡°Yeah, me too.¡± Cailu waved an arm, catching my attention, then pointed down the tunnel. I responded with a wave of my own. On to stage two. ¡°We¡¯re almost there, Cannoli. Then we can go to Abalone together.¡± I¡¯d hoped to win even a little bit of a smile, but she flinched at the city name. ¡°Hm.¡± She glanced over her shoulder, eyes resting on the [Witch Doctor] again. ¡°I¡¯ll try my best.¡± ¡°That¡¯s all I can ask. Tell me if there¡¯s anything I can do to help, okay?¡± She nodded, then moved to Keke¡¯s side. Keke shot me a worried look before striking up a quiet conversation with Cannoli. Ceres joined them soon after, and the tension in Cannoli¡¯s shoulders began to ease. I jogged to where Cailu and Tristan had pulled ahead of the group. Kirti and Naeemah stood close behind; the [Assassin] with her blades unsheathed and her mask pulled over her face. ¡°How long before Sanrai comes looking for us, do you think?¡± I asked no one in particular. ¡°Should word reach her, I think she¡¯ll stop us in the First Shell,¡± Tristan replied. ¡°It¡¯s likely that no one in the Third Shell will report the Ejderha down. Not even the guards.¡± ¡°No?¡± ¡°People will oft turn a blind eye if it is in their favor,¡± Cailu said. He¡¯d retrieved the Chikara head, though I wondered if that would do us any good farther in. ¡°These miscreants that call themselves Ejderha, per your reports, have tortured and oppressed those in the Third Shell. It is more likely they will wake with empty pockets.¡± Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! I wanted to protest that they didn¡¯t deserve it. But as we stepped through the corridor into the Second Shell, I held my tongue. Of course, they do. They lived in paradise while the rest of the city was forced to squalor. Three girls wandering the clean walkways caught sight of us. Their eyes widened, and mouths gaped. They gawked at our group for the span of a few heartbeats before turning tail and running to the nearest building. ¡°You don¡¯t think Sanrai will grab us here?¡± I asked. ¡°What if we¡¯re here to burn the place down?¡± ¡°You already had that chance, and you didn¡¯t take it,¡± Naeemah growled. ¡°Their strongest forces will be at the palace.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want any more violence. We shouldn¡¯t need to resort to taking lives for our own gains,¡± Tristan said. Silken curtains snapped closed on the houses we passed. Someone shouted for help from far off, and silence was their only reply. ¡°Our own gains?¡± Cailu sneered. ¡°What of this island, boy? What of the thousands of others suffering your bleeding heart seeks to defend? You have the intelligence; now summon the mettle. Otherwise, stay out of my way.¡± And the winner for the most back-handed compliment of the year goes to¡­ Tristan¡¯s face went red, and his eyes dropped to the ground. I thought of Tristan standing up to Celestia on his own. Facing the horrors on Shi Island and taking full responsibility for its future. ¡°You¡¯re not giving him enough credit, Cailu. He¡¯s a lot stronger than you think.¡± ¡°Then prove it,¡± Cailu barked. ¡°Both of you.¡± The finality of his words kept me silent. Pushing any harder now would be like poking an angry dog. We were all frustrated as hell and tired of R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨©. The sooner this was over, the better. Only one guard stood at the gate between the Second and First Shell. She leaned against the stone wall, arms folded across her chest as she watched our approach. Her silver hair was cropped short in the back, but her bangs fell down to her shoulders. Smooth, bronzed skin without a single scar or blemish peeked out from her loose attire. Leather pauldrons and faulds were her only armor, surrounded by sheer silks and fabrics that wouldn¡¯t provide much cover in a fight. ¡°Huh. There¡¯s more of you than we thought,¡± the guard said, sizing us up one by one with her yellow gaze. Her eyes fell on the Chikara¡¯s head, and a wry smile tugged at the corner of her lips. ¡°Nice trophy. Too bad killing it was the wrong choice.¡± ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡± Keke asked, stepping up to my side. ¡°That thing made it harder to escape the city. Scared the girls out of their minds.¡± She smacked her lips and shrugged. ¡°Ah, well, what¡¯s done is done.¡± I frowned. Who wants to lose free labor? ¡°Let us into the First Shell,¡± Cailu demanded. No more niceties from him, it seemed. ¡°Oh, yeah, go on in.¡± The guard jerked her thumb over her shoulder. ¡°They¡¯re itching to meet you.¡± Naeemah¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°Exactly what I said.¡± She lifted her spear from the wall, twirled it once in her palms, then slammed the butt into the sand. ¡°I¡¯m not your problem.¡± ¡°Then why the other two Ejderha at the last gate?¡± Tristan pointed behind him. ¡°They wouldn¡¯t budge.¡± ¡°I¡¯m just the messenger. Take your questions to the woman in charge.¡± With one last jerk of her thumb down the unblocked corridor, she sighed and circled around our group. ¡°Enjoy your stay.¡± ¡°What an interesting turn of events,¡± Kirti noted, watching the guard leave. ¡°I don¡¯t like this,¡± I heard Naeemah hiss to Cailu. ¡°Nor do I.¡± Cailu threw the Chikara¡¯s head to the side, then summoned his sword and shield. ¡°All we can do is keep going,¡± Tristan murmured. ¡°Finish what we started.¡± ¡°Yeah. Let¡¯s stay on our guard.¡± I followed Cailu¡¯s example, calling my axe and shield to my hands. We made our way through the torch-lit corridor, weapons at the ready. Keke, Naeemah, and Kirti¡¯s ears rotated in frantic directions, and I found myself squinting into the dim lighting. Dammit. I can¡¯t really help out here. Just as the tunnel¡¯s glowing outlet came into view, the torches went out, leaving us in pitch black. There was the sickening sound of flesh giving way to steel, then a scream. My heart skipped, and my breath caught. Cailu cursed beneath his breath. ¡°[Illuminate]!¡± Cannoli cried. ¡°[Holy Force]!¡± Cailu shouted simultaneously. Lara fell to her knees, Sanrai¡¯s blood-soaked spear pulling free from her shoulder. Her sanguine eyes glittered in the white lights of Cannoli¡¯s staff and Cailu¡¯s sword. ¡°You will never leave this place alive,¡± Sanrai snarled. We were surrounded. By every last Ejderha left in R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨©. Chapter 177: Shadow of Eyes There wasn¡¯t time to acknowledge what was happening; the scene happened in flashes like a strobe light. The lights going out. The Ejderha surrounding us. I watched as Lara fell to her knees, the faint light reflecting in the blood pooling beside her. She had her hand against her shoulder, tears in her eyes. ¡°La¡ª¡± I started. ¡°Lara!¡± Tristan screamed and rushed forward, putting Zahra to his right and Destiny to his left. ¡°I¡¯ll burn you alive, you filthy wretch! [Enchant Bomb]!¡± Destiny screeched. Her bottle grenade was already in the air by the time I understood what she¡¯d done. Sanrai pivoted to her side, knocking away the bottle with the butt of her spear like a professional baseball player. Gasps followed as the bottle came careening back toward Destiny. ¡°[Convert Force]!¡± Lara gasped, her hand extended. A blue-white light flashed around the bottle, instantly extinguishing the flame within. ¡°Behind!¡± I heard Cailu bark. The sounds of clanging metal followed as Cailu¡¯s party engaged in combat behind us. Zahra shouldered her way past Tristan, drawing her katana and catching the inert bomb in her spare hand. She passed the bottle back to Destiny, her stare glued to her sister the entire time. ¡°My own sister continues to fight me,¡± Sanrai said, bemused. Lara groaned, crawling across the stones on her hands and knees behind Destiny and Zahra. Sanrai stamped on Lara¡¯s ankle, raising the point of her spear to the center of the [Conjurer]¡¯s back. Zahra advanced on her sister; katana gripped at her side with the intent to kill. ¡°My sister died a long time ago!¡± Zahra bellowed. At that moment, my lungs filled with cool air as the world around me slowed. Each time this effect of Zahra¡¯s swept over me, I understood it a little better. While my body couldn¡¯t move very quickly, my eyes were uninhibited. And so I took in my surroundings as best as I could. Destiny and Tristan stood beside one another, Zahra ahead of the pack. Lara reached for her sister, her face captured in agony. Down the hall¡ªat least as far as the light would allow¡ªI could see four, no, five Ejderha. Two of them, a few meters away from Sanrai, had their hands extended. Spellcasters, most likely. I couldn¡¯t see the remaining two Ejderha well enough to see what weapons they wielded. Time resumed its normal pace. ¡°Tristan! Cast to Sanrai¡¯s left!¡± I cried. With Zahra¡¯s wide swing of her sword, a physical attack risked putting the [Myrmidon] in danger. There was a half-second delay before Tristan extended his hand out in front of him. ¡°[Fire Ball]!¡± A great blaze of flame larger than any I¡¯d seen shot out of Tristan¡¯s palm, roaring as it soared through the air. Sanrai¡¯s eyes widened as the blaze approached. It took up nearly half the space of the corridor from wall to wall. Sanrai leaped backward as Zahra¡¯s attack followed through, narrowly evading the swing of her sister¡¯s katana. The [Fire Ball] crashed against something down the corridor, and a disturbing scream filled the air. The effigy of a catgirl flailed, their body outlined by white-hot flame. Soon, the cries of others followed. ¡°Put her out!¡± ¡°I¡¯m trying!¡± ¡°Stop running! You¡¯re going to get us all killed, you fool!¡± Sanrai held her spear in both hands, with the point at the side of her head. Despite the cries for help from her fellow Ejderha, she didn¡¯t seem the least bit fazed. Her gaze remained firmly on her sister. Zahra motioned with a wave of her arm behind her. ¡°Take Lara! Now!¡± Destiny was at her sister¡¯s side in a heartbeat, one of Lara¡¯s arms over her shoulder. As Tristan made to join her, I grabbed him by the shoulder, moving past him so that I stood between him and the retreating Destiny. He¡¯d drawn blood from how tightly he was closing his fist. His stare wandered between Destiny, Zahra, Sanrai, everything. ¡°Stay back,¡± I said. ¡°I know you want to help, but you¡¯re a backliner. You won¡¯t do any good squaring off against Sanrai. Just give us some backup.¡± Destiny dragged Lara back to safety, and I caught sight of Sanrai¡¯s handiwork. The bloodied rips in Lara¡¯s clothing haunted me. The wound was dark and deep. I prayed that the damage wasn¡¯t as bad as it looked. I hurried past Destiny and the wounded Lara, standing beside Zahra. Ceres repositioned to my right, her brow furrowed. I glanced at her polearm, grateful that at least one of us had a method for fighting off Sanrai¡¯s reach. ¡°L-Lara, hang in there!¡± Cannoli squeaked. Even from here, I could feel the panic in her voice. Destiny¡¯s sobs filled my veins with concentrated fury. Cannoli offered gentle words to Destiny as the corridor erupted with the blood, sweat, and tears of those fighting. ¡°[Pinpoint Weakness]!¡± Keke screamed. Fire and arrows soared through the air toward the targets in the back, one right after the other. A cacophony of shrieks followed. ¡°We¡¯ll keep them busy! Take her down!¡± Tristan said. ¡°Squawwwk! Burn them to cinders!¡± ¡°Your tyranny ends here,¡± Ceres said, her polearm extended. ¡°Come,¡± Sanrai said, spinning her spear in one hand. Shit, can the three of us even beat her? ¡°Don¡¯t do anything reckless, boy!¡± Ravyn yelled. If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Yeah, I know. Thanks. Ceres led the charge, her polearm held low to the ground. I followed close behind, axe held underhanded with my shield before me. Sanrai leveled her stare with Ceres, leaning back on one leg, her spear wielded outward. Ceres stopped just short of running into Sanrai, then took one hand off of her polearm. ¡°[Icicle Shard]!¡± Ceres bellowed. A single shard of ice fired from Ceres¡¯ palm with blinding speed. Sanrai hissed as she stepped to the side, the fragment narrowly missing and lodging itself into the wall behind her. My chance arrived, and I swung my axe upward at Sanrai, hoping to catch her flat-footed. Sanrai¡¯s wicked sanguine eyes landed on me. I struggled to ignore the chill I felt looking into them. The world slowed once more as I felt Zahra¡¯s presence nearing my left. This was the perfect opportunity. My grip tightened, and I swung with every ounce of power I could muster. Regret filled every fiber of my being. Sanrai moved at a fraction of her speed, but it was still leagues quicker than any of us within Zahra¡¯s realm of Perception. She had to be moving three, maybe four times faster than we were. I drew a deep breath, watching as a slow-motion spear headed straight for my face. Sanrai had evaded my attack seconds before it had even followed through. And then time resumed as normal. ¡°Fuck!¡± I said, reeling backward and slicing at the air between us to keep Sanrai off me. Pain seared across my face from one cheekbone to the next, splitting the bridge of my nose clean open. Warm blood gushed from the cut. As I drew breath, I coughed out spittles of blood from trying to breathe through my nose. If not for Zahra¡¯s Perception, that swing would have cleaved my head in half. ¡°Matt!¡± I heard Keke and Ravyn yell in unison. Goddammit, don¡¯t worry about me. Just focus on her entourage. Sanrai pulled back as Ceres swung her polearm underhanded, narrowly missing the shaft of Sanrai¡¯s spear. As Sanrai drew away, Zahra advanced with her katana held above her at an angle, then swung. With one fluid spin of her spear, Sanrai hit Zahra against the back of the head with the blunt side, using Zahra¡¯s momentum to send her stumbling several feet away. Sanrai repositioned her spear in one smooth motion, then thrust toward Ceres. ¡°[Titan of Ice]!¡± Ceres said. The familiar crystalline barrier surrounded her, and Sanrai¡¯s spear halted inches from contact. Ceres spun on her heel, carving the air between her and Sanrai, her blade aimed at the neck. Sanrai leaped backward, clicking her tongue as Ceres moved to stand in front of us. ¡°Allow me,¡± Ceres hissed. I wiped away what blood I could from my face and readied back into a fighting stance. Zahra moved to stand beside me once more as Ceres, our vanguard, stood in front of us to create a triangle formation against Sanrai. If we could bait Sanrai into striking Ceres¡¯ barrier, we could land a finishing blow. We¡¯d need to be careful, though. If the barrier detonated when we weren¡¯t ready, Zahra and I could get caught in the blast. Not that Sanrai knew that. At least¡­ I hoped she didn¡¯t. The three of us glanced at each other, nodding to one another. It was all or nothing. ¡°[Invoke Frost],¡± said Ceres. A cool, icy wind blew in, covering her weapon in a sparkling blue mist. ¡°We should attack without restraint.¡± ¡°Agreed,¡± said Zahra. ¡°[Holmgang]. [Army¡¯s Unity].¡± At Zahra¡¯s words, the edge of her blade glistened for a fraction of a second. We each readied into our positions and charged the leader of the Ejderha. The air whistled at the rotation of Sanrai¡¯s spear. She stabbed at the approaching Zahra, cutting loose strands of black hair as the point glided past her. Ceres followed up with a sideways swipe at Sanrai¡¯s waist, forcing the leader to hop back. Zahra pursued with a stabbing motion, leaving behind a small cut between Sanrai¡¯s ribs. As she lurched backward, hissing through her teeth, I swung from the side opposite, catching the loose clothing around her shoulder. It tore away from her shoulder. We had Sanrai on the defensive. We formed a tight line with Zahra to Ceres¡¯ right. So long as Ceres acted as a deterrent, there was a very real chance we could win this fight. But I knew the Spell couldn¡¯t last forever. We were on a time limit. ¡°Continue!¡± cried Zahra. Ceres went for a sweeping attack next, only to have Sanrai parry with the point of her spear toward the approaching Zahra. Gasps left the girls'' throats as Zahra raised her katana to block Ceres¡¯ incoming attack. The world came to a grinding halt once more. As Ceres¡¯ polearm met the flat of Zahra¡¯s katana, Sanrai stepped forward. Something told me I knew what was about to happen. Urging my muscles to move faster, I carved my axe through the air beside me, hoping to catch Sanrai¡¯s weapon. The worst possible outcome played out in slow motion before my eyes. I watched as the spear penetrated the icy wall, then Ceres¡¯ stomach. Agony colored Ceres¡¯ features as Sanrai withdrew the spear, leaving behind a gaping mass of gory viscera. A hole was left in the iridescent circle where the spear had been. Sanrai had broken through the ice shield and retreated faster than it could detonate. When time resumed, the barrier around Ceres shattered. Magical ice covered Zahra and me from head to toe, locking us in place. ¡°So easily baited,¡± Sanrai snarled. ¡°Amateurs.¡± A yelp escaped Ceres¡¯ lips as she dropped to one knee. Her braided hair came loose as red soaked her pearly-white apron. No! No! No! Please! Not like this! ¡°Ceres! Get up!¡± Ravyn said, her voice cracking. ¡°She¡¯s wounded!¡± Keke barked, loosing an arrow in Sanrai¡¯s direction. Sanrai moved her head to one side, dodging the arrow with minimal effort. These were not the actions of a person or a soldier. These were the actions of a cold-blooded animal going in for the kill. She wouldn¡¯t mince words, and she cared not for the corpses she stepped over in the process. And there was nothing I could do about it. ¡°Cailu!¡± Ravyn snarled. ¡°[Displace]!¡± I blinked, and Ceres was gone. In her spot was Cailu, his shield raised with his sword held over the top. ¡°[Chain Lightning]!¡± came a voice down the hall. ¡°[Quelling Force]!¡± Cailu retorted. Lightning streaked across the hallway, bouncing off of Cailu¡¯s shield and back into the group of catgirls beyond. Screams of agony filled the air, and as Cailu neared Sanrai, I heard him utter another Skill. ¡°[Beheading Slice].¡± Steel sang as Cailu¡¯s blade whipped through the air with a speed I could barely register. His cape billowed from the momentum, and the unsettling sound of tearing flesh, then a dull thump as Sanrai¡¯s head hit the ground permeated my ears. It rolled, then stopped less than a dozen feet away from me, her face frozen in surprise. The Ejderha leader¡¯s body slouched to the dirt, and the clang of her spear as it dropped seemed to ring above the sounds of battle. ¡°Sanrai is down!¡± Shouted another Ejderha. ¡°Collapse the tunnel!¡± ¡°Oh, God,¡± I muttered under my breath. ¡°Retreat to the rest of the group!¡± said Cailu, turning tail to join the others. ¡°Now!¡± ¡°R-right!¡± I stammered. Zahra and I ran alongside Cailu. My heart pounded against my chest. I weighed whether we could make a run for it, but I had no idea how we¡¯d do that with Ceres and Lara the way they were. The muffled sounds of explosions crashed against the outer walls, drawing closer by the second. Cailu motioned for everyone to gather around. ¡°[Sacred Ground]!¡± Cailu stuck his sword into the ground and fell to one knee. A brilliant white light surrounded his shield, obscuring its details. As the light grew brighter, my anxiety rose. Nothing had happened yet, and bricks were coming loose in the walls. I lapped at the blood trickling around my lips and closed my eyes. All of our lives depended on him. Where was the Skill? Why wasn¡¯t it activating? Stone shifted between stone, and I watched in horror as the structure came down around us. Chapter 178: Absolute End ¡°Hey. You okay?¡± Tristan blinked. His vision was cloudy, and the words sounded like they were spoken through a glass window. Muddled, drowned out. There was a silhouette of a figure above him, holding out a hand. ¡°You look like you¡¯re in bad shape.¡± He felt like he was in bad shape. His energy was sapped as if he¡¯d just run a marathon without water. A dozen questions prodded his hazy thoughts. Short hair bobbed around the stranger¡¯s chin. Hadn¡¯t someone tried to help him like this so long ago? When he was living on the streets? But, then, if he were on the streets, that would mean¡­ ¡°Tristan! Can you stand?¡± The distant memory faded, and the fog vanished, leaving behind a blanched Destiny standing over him, a bottle in one hand, the other reaching for him. Her eyes were bloodshot, and tears streamed down her face. The dust from the collapsing walls settled on her cheeks and arms. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m fine.¡± Tristan took her hand and accepted her help, gingerly righting himself to standing. What happened? ¡°Drink this. Now.¡± Destiny clapped the bottle into his hand, then rushed back to the ailing Lara. Cailu knelt at the group¡¯s center, holding his shield perpendicular to the ground. A beam of blinding light umbrellaed into a shimmering, translucent white dome encapsulating them inside. Beyond his protection were hunks of bricks and mortar, wrenched and broken from the tunnel¡¯s collapse. Zahra moved to Tristan¡¯s side. ¡°You were out for a few minutes. A brick made its way through before he cast that Spell.¡± ¡°And found my head, I see.¡± Tristan rubbed the pulsing bump on the back of his head. ¡°How¡¯s Lara?¡± ¡°Lara¡¯s stabilizing. Ceres, however¡ª¡± Zahra¡¯s gaze drifted to Matt. She shook her head. ¡°Her condition worsens by the minute.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± He uncorked the potion Destiny had given him and drained the bottle as he closed the few steps it took to get to Matt. Zahra moved to stand beside Naeemah, both silently inspecting the outer edge of the dome. Ravyn and Keke stood on the opposite end, similarly murmuring quiet observations to one another. Tristan¡¯s headache eased with the tincture, giving way to the panic rising in his chest. How did this go so wrong? Ceres lay on the ground, her head in Cannoli¡¯s lap. Cannoli stroked Ceres¡¯ golden hair, murmuring gentle encouragements. Her skin had turned an ashen grey and glistened with a cold sweat. The wound in her stomach was bad. Worse than bad. ¡°Has anyone healed her?¡± Tristan asked. ¡°Potions, Spells, or otherwise?¡± Matt nodded. ¡°Potions won¡¯t¡ª¡± he swallowed, then tried again, ¡°¡ªthey won¡¯t stay in her stomach. Cannoli stopped the bleeding, but, well¡­¡± His words trailed, and he motioned to Ceres¡¯ wound. ¡°Even if we had the supplies, trying to stitch her closed would welcome infection in an environment like this,¡± Tristan murmured. Ceres coughed, and a trickle of blood escaped the corner of her mouth. ¡°M¡­ Matt. Do not w-worry about me. Escape.¡± ¡°I would advise listening to her. Our time is finite,¡± Cailu said. ¡°If we do not find our way out of this ensnarement, we will all perish.¡± ¡°How long do we have?¡± Tristan asked. ¡°Less than an hour. Should my Myana deplete entirely, we will be crushed beneath the rubble.¡± Cailu frowned, his eyes hard. ¡°I cannot assist in physical tasks or Skills. Any action I take will negate the effects of my Spell.¡± ¡°Couldn¡¯t we just feed you Myana Potions?¡± Ravyn asked over her shoulder. ¡°The air in here won¡¯t last,¡± Tristan announced. ¡°Let me help your darling kitten.¡± Kirti sauntered to Cannoli¡¯s side, then dropped to one knee. She unfurled her long fingers to reveal three glowing stones. ¡°I¡¯ve fresh sources to utilize.¡± Cannoli¡¯s chin whipped to face Kirti and, to Tristan¡¯s surprise, Cannoli hissed. Her usually warm, ruby eyes shimmered with loathing. ¡°Those don¡¯t belong to you, witch. Grant Saoirse what is rightfully hers.¡± Kirti smiled, accepting Cannoli¡¯s reaction without so much as flinching. ¡°You would let your companion die instead of accepting my aid?¡± ¡°We are not in a position to judge who lives and who dies,¡± Cannoli snarled. ¡°You say this while intending on training as a [Bishop]?¡± Kirti laughed. ¡°Do you think your mother lived by such a credo?¡± Cannoli shrieked and drew her arm back, away from Ceres¡¯ head. No! We can¡¯t be fighting right now¡ª Matt snatched her wrist and looked at Kirti. ¡°Heal Ceres, Kirti.¡± Cannoli gasped, head twisting to award Matt with an incredulous stare. ¡°Matt!¡± Matt continued, leveling Kirti¡¯s gaze. ¡°After you¡¯re done, stop aggravating my girls.¡± ¡°Which piece of finite time until death did not resonate with you, Kirti?¡± Cailu barked. ¡°You men are so very interesting.¡± Kirti snickered, then chose one of the smooth stones from her palm. ¡°[Devour Essence].¡± Stolen novel; please report. The rock shattered, freeing the light within. It hovered above her hand for only a moment before swirling to Ceres¡¯ chest and disappearing into her. The [Magic Knight]¡¯s breathing caught in her throat, and her shoulders trembled. The wound in her center pulsed with faint light, and tendrils of sinew and muscle mended over one another in quick succession. It was simultaneously the most difficult and fascinating progression that Tristan had ever witnessed. ¡°I¡­ I feel restored,¡± Ceres whispered as more sweat beaded on her brow. ¡°T-thank you, Miss.¡± ¡°Do you know what you¡¯ve done?¡± Cannoli growled at Matt. ¡°Cannoli¡­ I am sorry to have caused you such pain¡ª¡± Ceres stammered. Cannoli continued as if Ceres had said nothing. ¡°That soul will never find peace.¡± ¡°According to your beliefs, yes,¡± Kirti countered. ¡°And now, instead, your companion will live. Judgment has been cast and exercised.¡± Matt shot Kirti a dark look. ¡°Mm. Right. Master¡¯s orders.¡± Sarcasm dripped from her tongue as she pocketed her remaining stones. ¡°The chance of infection is still high. She will need further attention, or her injuries will fester and kill her.¡± ¡°Thanks, Kirti,¡± Matt murmured, turning his attention back to Ceres. ¡°Now we just need to get the hell out of here.¡± ¡°Any ideas?¡± Tristan asked, hoping to change the subject. The tension in Cannoli¡¯s face and shoulders put him on edge. She clenched and unclenched one free hand, and her tail flickered behind her in agitation. Had he ever seen her this mad? Had Matt? ¡°Can we cast Magic through the barrier?¡± Ravyn asked. ¡°No,¡± Naeemah replied. ¡°Nor Skills or normal attacks.¡± She unsheathed one dagger from her side and slammed the edge against the barrier. The bubble reverberated with her attack, but the rocky barrier didn¡¯t sustain a scratch. ¡°Would you kindly not make my job harder?¡± Cailu snapped. Naeemah¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°[Sacred Ground]¡¯s barrier does not take damage.¡± ¡°No, but I can feel the pressure of your attack, as well as the pressure of every rock and brick stacked upon us now,¡± Cailu grunted. ¡°Could I throw bottle grenades through it?¡± Destiny asked, pulling a bottle free from her [Cat Pack]. ¡°We aren¡¯t that far from the entrance, right? We just need to get rid of a little bit?¡± ¡°That¡¯s a good idea, actually,¡± Tristan noted. ¡°You will kill us all,¡± Cailu warned. ¡°Items cannot leave or enter this Spell, either.¡± ¡°That means arrows aren¡¯t an option, either,¡± Keke grumbled. ¡°E¡­ Earth says that I¡¯ve asked him for help too many times lately.¡± Lara brushed her hand through her hair, then dabbed the sweat from her forehead on one sleeve. ¡°He thinks this would be a deserved death.¡± That¡¯s comforting. ¡°Then we¡¯ll keep thinking,¡± Tristan said. He was desperate to keep high spirits. The alternative twisted knots into his stomach. ¡°There has to be a way.¡± Zahra paced from one side of the dome to the other. ¡°My mother told me a story once, about a kitten trapped in a cave. She finds a sack of enchanted Bells, each of which grants her a wish. But every time she wishes for freedom, the Bell whisks her to another trapped cave.¡± She frowned and crossed her arms over her chest. ¡°Wit and logic save her in the end, but I find myself running dry of both.¡± ¡°There¡¯s a similar story where I grew up. Just with a magic lamp instead of Bells.¡± Tristan dropped to the ground and drew the dome and wall in the sand. ¡°Didn¡¯t pack a genie in your [Cat Pack]?¡± Matt asked. Tristan chuckled. ¡°Not this time.¡± ¡°Your idle banter does little to remove us from our current situation,¡± Cailu said. ¡°More ideas, if you would.¡± ¡°Baka. You hold up a shield, and it releases you from helping us?¡± Ravyn snapped. ¡°What are your ideas, Cailu?¡± Cailu set his jaw, then glanced at Naeemah. ¡°Seeing as I can do little to help and less to observe, I am at a loss.¡± As Tristan stared at the sketched diagram on the ground, he felt the same weight of hopelessness pressing against his chest. ¡°[Sacred Ground] sounds like it doesn¡¯t allow anything or anyone inside or out of it while the Spell is active, right?¡± ¡°Correct,¡± Cailu replied. ¡°So, even if I were to summon my familiar, she couldn¡¯t slip through the dome.¡± Tristan sketched Desiree¡¯s feline face outside of the dome. ¡°Bally¡¯s tried to leave twice already,¡± Ravyn grumbled. The blue parrot sat uncharacteristically silent on her shoulder. ¡°Besides, it¡¯s not like you¡¯d get far. The rocks are right up against the barrier,¡± Keke added. ¡°Then the only option would be to pile on Skills and Spells when [Sacred Ground] is dropped.¡± Tristan drew the wall up and around the dome. ¡°But, the wall goes too high for even a combined effort to take out in one blast.¡± ¡°And I believe I¡¯m the only one who would be able to outpace its falling should we open a path forward,¡± Naeemah said. The group fell silent as the truth settled. There was no escaping this collapse. The Ejderha had played them right into their trap. Three of the world¡¯s men and arguably its strongest catgirls would die with it. Matt raised his chin, and they locked eyes. Tristan found his emotions echoed in that stare¡ªdesperate, frustrated, powerless. They¡¯d both wanted to help the ones closest to them live in a better, safer world. Never this. ¡°Tristan, sorry for dragging you here, man,¡± Matt said. He rubbed the back of his neck and looked back down at Ceres. ¡°I¡¯d rather die trying than die ignorant,¡± Tristan replied honestly. ¡°I don¡¯t regret it.¡± ¡°So that¡¯s it, then? We¡¯re giving up?¡± Ravyn snapped. ¡°Roachshit. We still have time. Put your damn brains together and think.¡± Keke touched Ravyn¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Ravyn¡ª¡± ¡°Death is a natural part of our cycle, girl. No need to fear it,¡± Kirti advised. ¡°No. I¡¯m not rolling over and dying in this pit. Mattaku. We¡¯re better than this. Even the cunt.¡± Zahra nodded. ¡°I must agree. There has to be something we¡¯re missing.¡± Tristan tapped his drawing. ¡°I don¡¯t think¡ª¡± He stopped. A soft scraping sound behind him caught his ear. A distant scratching seemed to echo from the outside of the brick enclosure. It can¡¯t be. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Tristan?¡± Destiny asked. Tristan leaped to his feet and marched toward the sound. Another scrape, this time followed by a thunk. ¡°I hear it!¡± Keke shouted, rushing to his side. Another scratch. Then another thunk. Everyone but Cannoli, Ceres, and Cailu joined him at the edge of the dome. A thin stream of sunlight broke free just above Tristan¡¯s head. Hope filled his chest, and tears threatened his eyes. ¡°Hang in there, boys and girls! We¡¯ve got you!¡± a familiar voice called. Jaya! ¡°I told you Glitter saw them go this way! He¡¯s the bestest!¡± a kitten¡¯s voice announced. ¡°Let¡¯s save them like they saved Glitter!¡± ¡°Meera! Be careful up there!¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine, Mama!¡± The tears flowed free. Matt wrapped his arms around Keke¡¯s shoulders and kissed her on the top of her head. Sunlight flowed into the dome as bricks and boulders were thrown to the side. They were saved. Chapter 179: Ultimate Offering I¡¯d never been so happy to see the light at the end of a tunnel. As more and more of the wall shifted, the stress in my muscles began to alleviate, and I cocked my head back, breathing a sigh of relief. ¡°Our efforts weren¡¯t in vain,¡± I heard Tristan whisper to my left. ¡°No. They weren¡¯t,¡± I replied, rubbing Keke¡¯s shoulders. I turned to look at Cailu¡¯s back. His shoulders visibly shifted up and down from his labored breathing. I wondered how much concentration it took to keep up that barrier. Thick stone bricks were piled on top of the barrier. Each one of them looked to be around a foot in diameter. A sudden thought occurred to me. They can¡¯t clear the whole wall¡­ ¡°How do we get Cailu out of this safely?¡± I asked aloud to no one in particular. I had no doubt he could outrun any of us, but there were plenty of rocks above the barrier that could crush him. ¡°I¡¯ll [Displace] him,¡± Ravyn said flatly to my right. She tapped her finger to an elbow, her arms crossed. ¡°I¡¯ll switch him with a rock.¡± The group fell silent. I got the feeling everyone had their own thoughts to combat with, and if I was being honest, I wasn¡¯t in the headspace to grapple with them yet. We could worry about them once the situation was stable. I felt awful that none of us could help Jaya and the others. Surprisingly enough, though, as more and more stones were moved, I could see it wasn¡¯t just Jaya, Meera, and her mother. As many as a dozen girls had come to assist. Though admittedly, at least half of them looked well-fed and clothed. I doubted any of them had come from the Third Shell. ¡°That should do it!¡± Jaya said, wiping the sweat from her brow. To my relief, Meera had stopped helping after the first stone had been removed. The last thing a kid like that needs to experience is unearthing dead catgirls and their beheaded leader. ¡°Cailu. It¡¯s time,¡± Naeemah said with a consoling hand on his shoulder. ¡°Good.¡± Cailu looked over his shoulder at the rest of us. ¡°Get to the farthest end of the barrier. I¡¯ll release it, and we can make a run for it.¡± ¡°Got it,¡± I said, nodding. ¡°I¡¯m going to [Displace] you with a rock, so be ready,¡± Ravyn said, tossing a small stone in her hand. Cailu nodded, and we began to huddle against the barrier in preparation. Lara and Ceres were deathly pale. A cold sheen of sweat glistened on Ceres¡¯ forehead. Her breathing rasped and her eyelids drooped. Although she seemed past the worst of it, I¡¯d heard stories of people getting out of surgery who died later due to infection. I got down on one knee beside her. ¡°Ceres, let me carry you.¡± The tiniest hint of a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. ¡°You are too kind.¡± I took her hand in mine, slowly helping her up onto her feet. Her legs trembled under her own weight, and for a moment, I thought she might fall over. ¡°Easy does it, Ceres.¡± Once she was on her feet again, I put one hand against her back and positioned my other arm behind her knees. ¡°Alright, you can relax. I got you.¡± It could¡¯ve been my imagination, but I swore I could feel the warmth of her trust against my body. There wasn¡¯t an ounce of resistance or apprehension¡ªthough it could have been from exhaustion. She shut her eyes and leaned her head against my chest. ¡°Thank you, Sir Matt,¡± she said. You¡¯re barely alive, and still the title? I stared at the leftover wound on her belly. Wet blood and dry, chipping flakes stained the front of her dress, and the scent still hung thick in the air. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m sorry I failed you,¡± Ceres whispered. ¡°Hey, quit that,¡± I said. ¡°You didn¡¯t fail anyone. You fought great. Save your strength, and we can talk later.¡± Ceres nodded. ¡°Is everybody ready?¡± Keke asked, craning her head over the crowd. I was the last one to arrive. Her eyes met mine, and she dropped her voice to a whisper. ¡°Is she okay?¡± She gestured toward Ceres. ¡°I think so,¡± I said, nodding. ¡°We¡¯re ready. Let¡¯s get the hell outta here.¡± Addressing the group, she announced, ¡°Then let¡¯s do it.¡± ¡°On three!¡± Tristan cried, waving. ¡°One! Two! Three!¡± The barrier began to give, a little at a time. As if the gentle breeze blowing through the tunnel was sweeping Cailu¡¯s magic away. As soon as there was enough room, we ran for it. Just as the rubble above began to give way, Ravyn turned on her heel and dropped the rock in her hand on the ground, shouting, ¡°[Displace]!¡± Cailu appeared beside Ravyn a half-second later, and the two ran while the stones began to fall around where [Sacred Ground] once was. When the rubble stilled, cheers and applause surrounded us. I turned to see almost two dozen catgirls before us. ¡°We¡¯re sorry we didn¡¯t do anything to help before,¡± one girl said as she stepped forward. Her hair was short and neon-green with pink tips. Her skin was dark but on the fairer side when compared to the girls of the Third Shell. Silks of pink and green crossed her chest, exposing her midriff. A long green sarong cut high on one side, revealing a smooth, toned leg. ¡°My name¡¯s Melly.¡± The gold bands around her wrists and ankles jingled as she offered her hand. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. ¡°Thank you,¡± Tristan said, gripping and shaking his head. ¡°Name¡¯s Tristan. How did you know it was us?¡± ¡°The Ejderha,¡± said another short-haired girl beside her. She was taller than Melly, bearing a head of blood-red hair. ¡°Their orders were to stay inside. The only time they ever bark orders like that is when they plan on doing something really awful.¡± ¡°It¡¯s true what Charlotte says,¡± Melly said, suddenly looking uncomfortable. ¡°It¡¯s been a long time since they made such a fierce demand like that.¡± She looked at Charlotte, then back at Tristan. ¡°Considering what happened the last time we saw you in the Second Shell, we tried to think if there was something we could do.¡± ¡°And that¡¯s where I came in,¡± Jaya said, crossing her arms with a smug smile. ¡°Thanks to little Meera here,¡± she said, ruffling the hair of the kitten next to her, ¡°and Glitter, we were able to track Matt¡¯s scent down to the Second Shell.¡± Glitter scuttled across the sand toward me. It walked a couple of circles around me until finally crawling halfway up my calf, fluttering its wings. Cute when he¡¯s quiet, if a bit disturbing. ¡°Well, I¡¯m grateful,¡± I said, ¡°but I have two girls who are severely wounded.¡± I gestured to Ceres in my arms. At some point, she¡¯d fallen asleep. It nearly caused my heart to leap into my throat until I saw the staggered rise and fall in her chest. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with her?¡± Melly asked as she approached. A gasp escaped her lips when her eye caught the wound on Ceres¡¯ belly. ¡°Oh my goodness, please bring her to my house.¡± She put a gentle hand on my bicep. ¡°I can clean her up.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± I said. I gestured to Lara on the opposite side. ¡°Her too, please.¡± Melly roped her arm around Lara¡¯s and gently walked her over to where I was standing with Ceres. ¡°Follow me.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll come too!¡± Destiny marched to Lara¡¯s opposite side, taking an arm over her shoulders. ¡°I can keep healing both of them this way.¡± ¡°Alright, then.¡± I glanced at the other girls in my party. ¡°I¡¯ll be right back,¡± Cannoli was the only one who refused to look at me. What the hell should I do about her? There wasn¡¯t anything I could do at the moment. Right now, Ceres and Lara needed care. I had to wonder what stories the girls from the Second Shell were told about us. The entire time we walked, Melly continued to converse with Destiny and Lara like old friends. Laughter filled the air between them, and I couldn¡¯t help but smile. It felt like the first decent conversation we¡¯d experienced since arriving in R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨©. ¡°Hey, Melly?¡± I started. ¡°Yeah?¡± Melly looked over her shoulder, smiling wide. ¡°Thank you. You don¡¯t know how much this means to me. To all of us, really.¡± ¡°Think nothing of it!¡± Melly rubbed Lara¡¯s arm. ¡°I just want to help those in need.¡± ¡°I-I¡¯m so sorry, Destiny.¡± Lara¡¯s voice cracked. Her jovial spirits descended into tears. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Earth. And Water. I¡¯m such a failure.¡± ¡°W-w-what?¡± Melly said, her cheeks growing red. ¡°Where¡¯s this coming from?¡± ¡°Lara¡ª¡± Destiny began. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I¡¯m such a burden!¡± Lara leaned her head against Destiny¡¯s shoulder, coughing and hiccuping through her sobs. The three never stopped walking, but it was clear from the look on Melly¡¯s face that she was uncomfortable. Destiny murmured assurances, and glanced at me over her sister¡¯s head. ¡°Hey, Lara,¡± I said. She didn¡¯t look up, but I knew she had to have heard me. ¡°You¡¯ve done great on this journey. We wouldn¡¯t have gotten this far without you.¡± ¡°T-t-thank you,¡± Lara said through choked sobs. ¡°Shhh, shhh. There, there!¡± Melly massaged Lara¡¯s back. ¡°Things will get better. You¡¯ll see!¡± By the time we arrived at Melly¡¯s home and put Ceres and Lara in bed, I was ready to collapse. I took up a seat in a small wooden chair in the corner of her living room¡ªwhich was spotless and immaculate¡ªand leaned my head back. Melly was on her way upstairs with a damp rag and a ceramic bowl when I realized my mouth felt like the desert itself. ¡°I don¡¯t suppose you have any water you could spare?¡± I asked. ¡°Of course I do!¡± She pointed down the hallway she was down just moments ago. ¡°The kitchen is in that direction. Just get it out of the faucet.¡± I blinked. ¡°The faucet?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± ¡°You have a faucet?¡± ¡°Of course I do.¡± She frowned. ¡°What¡¯s the problem?¡± ¡°Melly? Is everything okay?¡± Destiny called from upstairs. ¡°Perfectly fine!¡± Melly replied, then looked again at me curiously. I waved her away. ¡°Nothing. Don¡¯t worry about it. Thanks.¡± Melly rushed back up the stairs where Ceres and Lara were resting, and I made my way down the hallway. The kitchen could¡¯ve given some of the houses on Earth a run for their money. Straight ahead of me was a faucet¡ªone of the most magical things I¡¯d ever seen since entering the hellhole that was Ichi. A marble island stood at the center of the room, covered in cookware and spices, and brown and pink tile covered the floor. Dual sinks were positioned beneath a far window, much like the stainless steel ones I would¡¯ve seen on Earth. Home sweet home. I walked over to the left sink, a single eyebrow raised. Beads of water dripped from the faucet and into the basin below. After everything we¡¯d seen in the Third Shell, I admit, I had a hard time believing the damn thing would work. I reached forward and put my hand on the knob. It was one of those twisting metal handles that you¡¯d see on a backyard gardening hose. Swallowing hard, I turned the knob, and a beautiful sound met my ears. It was the sound of clean running water. The smell of running water. The majesty of running water. I put my hand under the faucet, baffled by the clear liquid dribbling over my palm. I¡¯d nearly forgotten what it felt like to have water running over my skin. Like a kid fresh from gym class, I threw my head under the faucet and drank every drop like it was my last. A chill swept over my body. My thoughts began to clear. When I had my fill, I turned the faucet back and leaned over the sink, my elbows on the counter. The euphoric sensation was fleeting. In its place was unbridled fury. Thanks to Sanrai and her cronies, we¡¯d nearly lost our lives. And for what? For trying to help? For wanting to try and organize our movements, so the girls aren¡¯t constantly dying to the Defiled threat? ¡°This is all about him,¡± I whispered to myself. ¡°Magni couldn¡¯t give two shits about the girls out there.¡± I didn¡¯t know if I could stop myself from burying my axe in his throat. Rage boiled in my veins, and the picture of Sanrai¡¯s spear disappearing into Ceres¡¯ stomach continuously replayed in my head. I couldn¡¯t wait to meet the man who nearly killed us. Chapter 180: Royal Decree The wall¡¯s collapse obstructed the view of the First Shell, creating yet another impediment to reaching Magni. Cailu eyed the enormous pile of rubble, testing his footing at the base. The baked bricks shifted and collapsed if he placed significant weight on them¡ªit would be too dangerous for their Parties to climb. Hell take you, Magni. Naeemah and Kirti stood nearby, the [Assassin] watching Cailu¡¯s progress while the [Witch Doctor]¡¯s bemused gaze flickered from him to the group of catgirls that had saved their lives. Tristan and Zahra lingered near Matt¡¯s Party, looking to Cailu for orders. Will I ever see the day when I no longer need to give orders? Cailu waved to a well-dressed young woman, presumably of the Second Shell, and she quickly padded over to greet him. ¡°Tell me, is there another gate into the First Shell?¡± ¡°No, sir. King Magni commanded that this wall be well-protected.¡± Despite living in a citadel fortified for war. Cailu sighed. ¡°That will be all.¡± She curtsied before returning to her group of peers. Cailu wandered to Naeemah¡¯s side. Within the depths of his frustrations was a needling reminder of a sadness he hadn¡¯t expected. Naeemah would not be joining him when they left this island. ¡°Naeemah,¡± Cailu began. ¡°Yes?¡± She pulled her mask to her chin and waited. Cailu paused, crossing his arms over his chest. What was this sensation? Grief? Loss? He shook his head; now wasn¡¯t the time. ¡°This city is yours. Will you rebuild this wall?¡± Naeemah studied the heap of stone, then shook her head. ¡°Every wall must come down. R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨© must be reunited.¡± He nodded in agreement with her conclusion. ¡°It is too unstable for us to cross.¡± ¡°I surmised that as well.¡± Rubbing his hands together, Cailu lifted one of the larger stones in his arms and hauled it away. The others watched with interest as he moved it to a vacant circle of sand and dropped it to the ground. Naeemah caught on to his intentions, as she always had. Turning to the group of R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨© girls, she asked, ¡°Are any of you familiar with deconstructing these materials?¡± ¡°Aye, I can do it.¡± The hulking woman that Matt had called Jaya raised her hand. ¡°There¡¯s a lot here, but I know a few girls that can help me. What¡¯ll we do with it once it¡¯s done?¡± ¡°We¡¯ll begin by rebuilding the houses for those in the Third Shell,¡± Naeemah replied. Many of the catgirls gasped. Another girl in silken finery stepped forward. ¡°But what of King Magni?¡± ¡°What of him?¡± Naeemah¡¯s tone was flat. She clasped her hands, cheeks pinking as her eyes dipped to the sands. ¡°My lady, he would never allow such a thing.¡± Naeemah looked at Cailu, who gave her the barest of nods. She turned back to the abashed catgirl. ¡°It is not his right to say. This island is no longer beneath his rule.¡± More stunned whispers and gasps. Cailu returned to lift another hunk of wall. The kitten with the curious golden beetle skipped to his side and grinned up at him. Her skin, hair, and clothing were filthy, and her elbows and knees were scraped and bruised. She lifted a brick and proudly held it over her head. ¡°I¡¯ll help!¡± ¡°Your assistance is appreciated,¡± Cailu replied. ¡°Me, too.¡± The girl¡¯s mother moved to her side. ¡°It¡¯ll go faster with more hands.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll clear this out in no time!¡± At least a dozen catgirls followed Cailu¡¯s lead in clearing the broken wall. Jaya jogged off to find girls to help her break down and store the bricks for new building materials. Tristan turned to the others. Cailu caught him speaking as he circled back for the third time. ¡°There¡¯s plenty of water running through this shell for everyone. Why don¡¯t we gather containers of it and set up a drink station?¡± ¡°That¡¯s a great idea, Tristan,¡± Keke agreed. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Ravyn looked at Cannoli. Her face softened as she touched the [Acolyte]¡¯s shoulder. Cailu had never seen the [Sorcerer] look at anything with such tenderness. ¡°Cannoli, let¡¯s see if the Second Shell girls have stores we can cook. I¡¯m sure we¡¯re all starving.¡± ¡°Food! Now! Squawk!¡± the wretched bird screamed. ¡°All right,¡± Cannoli whispered and nodded. ¡°Zahra,¡± Naeemah called from behind Cailu. The [Myrmidon]¡¯s ears perked, and she snapped at attention. ¡°Yes, my lady?¡± ¡°I wish to speak with you.¡± Zahra¡¯s face flushed as she marched to Naeemah¡¯s side. Cailu watched them as they wandered farther down the wall, clearing rubble out of the earshot of the other girls. ¡°Does she know?¡± Kirti¡¯s sultry, meretricious voice caught him off guard. Cailu turned to her, awaiting the [Witch Doctor]¡¯s preposterous response in silence. Kirti¡¯s typical coy smile was absent from her lips. Her orange eyes bore into him as she searched his face. ¡°You may bury your feelings in the depths of time, Cailu, but it is never too late to live without regret.¡± She gestured to Naeemah. ¡°She deserves your thanks.¡± ¡°Naeemah¡¯s dedication is not without gratitude,¡± Cailu snapped. ¡°Our relationship was founded on unequivocal trust and efforts¡ª¡± His words trailed as Kirti crossed her arms and raised her eyebrows, her lips narrowing into a thin line. The memories he¡¯d kept so carefully bottled away began to drip into his consciousness. Naeemah¡¯s swift form and sharp blades in battle after battle as she protected him from Encroachers, Defiled, and rogue catgirls. Naeemah¡¯s calm demeanor and level-headed suggestions in even the most challenging of conflicts. Her laugh when she first learned Queen¡¯s Gambit and tried to cheat. Her glistening body clothed in steam when they bathed together. She deserves your thanks. Naeemah deserved the world. And, somehow, that realization had evaded him until it was time to let her go. ¡°Never too late, hm?¡± Cailu repeated, eyes wandering until he found Naeemah beside Zahra. Kirti¡¯s sly smile returned, and she smoothed her hands over the geometric patterns on her skirt. ¡°You can owe me a favor later for this little tidbit of advice.¡± He grimaced. ¡°I do not desire to owe you anything.¡± ¡°Come, now. It won¡¯t be so bad.¡± She chuckled and shrugged. ¡°I will help the others fetch water, as I am not so suited for¡­ physical labor.¡± Must every word you mutter sound like an innuendo? ¡°As you wish.¡± Cailu returned to removing the debris. In time, Tristan, Keke, and Kirti had situated large vats of water with lines of wooden cups to take and drink. Ravyn and Cannoli tended three campfires, with many Second Shell girls bringing their food stores and cookware to utilize. Jaya and three others worked fervently with pickaxes and hammers, breaking down the stone, bricks, and mortar before storing them in barrels for reuse later. They laughed, sang, and talked, both shells mingling with one another as if there had never been a wall between them. Matt reappeared, checking in on his Party before joining Cailu and the others in clearing the wall. Naeemah caught Cailu¡¯s attention just as the sun touched the horizon. ¡°Cailu, may we speak privately?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± He wiped his hands on his trousers before joining Naeemah and Zahra. As they made their way to an isolated area, they passed by a slurring Jaya and her howling companions. It seemed alcohol had made its way into the fray. No matter. If a pickaxe found its way into a foot or a tail, the Second Shell had the supplies to tend it. ¡°This is Zahra. Her father was Krethik; the last man before Magni,¡± Naeemah said, gesturing to the red-headed catgirl. ¡°It is an honor, sir.¡± Zahra crossed an arm over her chest and bowed at the waist. ¡°Once the summit has resolved, I¡­¡± Naeemah hesitated, struggling to meet Cailu¡¯s gaze. ¡°I wish for her to take my place in your Party.¡± Cailu¡¯s chest tightened, and his fingers felt numb. He grappled with the right words to say, and for all of his struggling, he remained silent. ¡°She battled her own sister on multiple occasions to protect Tristan, and for the good of the island. I believe she would be an apt replacement.¡± No one could replace you, Naeemah. He looked at Zahra. ¡°What of Tristan? You would leave his Party for mine?¡± ¡°I joined Tristan¡¯s Party to see my home restored. My mother and I both owe our livelihoods to Lady Naeemah, and your work here, I believe, will soon satisfy my quest,¡± Zahra replied evenly. ¡°To be of assistance to you and my lady would be my greatest achievement, sir.¡± Cailu looked between them and weighed his options. Naeemah¡¯s gaze was still focused just over his shoulder. ¡°If Naeemah trusts you, then so shall I. However,¡± Cailu held up one hand as Zahra¡¯s expression ignited with joy, ¡°I will only accept your help with Tristan¡¯s consent. Even then, you will be held to high expectations.¡± ¡°Of course, sir.¡± Zahra¡¯s smile peeked through her determined expression as she bowed. ¡°You are a second Class. That must be rectified as soon as possible,¡± Cailu continued. ¡°Whatever it takes, sir,¡± Zahra replied quickly. ¡°With your leave, I will speak with Tristan.¡± ¡°Permitted.¡± It was like speaking to a new military recruit. Naeemah¡¯s suggestion seemed well-founded. Zahra jogged away without another word, leaving Cailu alone with Naeemah. ¡°I trust her,¡± Naeemah said after a heartbeat of silence. ¡°She will serve you well.¡± She deserves your thanks. For the first time in their history together, Cailu stepped forward and circled his arms around Naeemah in a tight embrace. Her body tensed, her arms frozen at her sides. Just as he worried that he had pushed beyond her comfort, she wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her cheek against his chest. The faint scents of lavender and cedar still lingered in her hair. ¡°No one will ever replace you, Naeemah,¡± Cailu murmured. ¡°Thank you for all you have done.¡± They stayed in each other¡¯s arms, further platitudes unnecessary. Their history was carved together in their memories; their futures stronger for it. Cailu drew away, clinging to the echoes of her body on his. At last, she met his gaze, and he gave her a resolute nod. ¡°Let us finish what we began.¡± Chapter 181: EXEC_CHRONICLE=KEY/. They worked late into the night, well after the moon had peaked and set. The mood in R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨© had wholly transformed with the wall¡¯s fall, and Tristan realized just how much of the segregation between shells was perpetuated by the Ejderha. There were still some uneasy approaches by catgirls in the Third Shell, but the vast majority of the Second Shell inhabitants welcomed them with open arms, refills of water ration tanks, and fresh-cooked food from Cannoli and Ravyn¡¯s makeshift cafeteria. Everyone joined in the fold of songs, jocund conversations, and laughter. It helped Tristan forget, if only for a little while, that all of them had been an hour from death. Keke was a speedy and efficient partner, carrying far more containers of water than Tristan could manage. He watched the levels in the enormous clay vases one of the Second Shell girls had provided while Keke took cups of water to those working. Many of the women he¡¯d seen working the future fourth shell wall joined Jaya¡¯s group, carting molds and additional materials for recycling the broken-down debris. Bricks were mixed, poured, and set aside to begin baking in the morning sun. The Second Shell girls had changed from their finery to durable leathers to help move the rubble, deliver water, or serve food. Every pair of hands was busy, and the excited energy in the air was contagious. ¡°Tristan, might we speak?¡± Cailu was suddenly at Tristan¡¯s side, Zahra and Naeemah flanking him. He¡¯d been so focused on the water refills that he hadn¡¯t heard his approach. ¡°Of course.¡± He waved Keke down, and she returned with an armful of empty cups. ¡°Can you watch this for a few minutes?¡± ¡°Yeah, of course.¡± Keke looked between Tristan and Cailu. ¡°Everything alright?¡± Tristan nodded. ¡°I think so. Thanks, Keke.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Keke gingerly placed the cups on the small wooden bench they¡¯d turned into a serving platform. She was refilling them as Cailu led Tristan away. They stopped in a dimly lit doorway, away from prying ears. Tristan wiped his palms on his trousers¡ªdespite assuring himself that things had turned out for the better, he was nervous. He should have been able to come up with a plan of escape in that tunnel. If Cailu intended to chastise him for it, he deserved it. Even pocked with dirt and sweat from hours of labor, the [Paladin] struck an imposing figure. Tristan felt insignificant in his presence. ¡°Tristan,¡± to Tristan¡¯s surprise, it was Naeemah who spoke first. ¡°As you are aware, I will not be leaving Ichi Island once the citadel is reclaimed.¡± ¡°Right.¡± Cailu¡¯s deferral to her on what would happen with the walls had made the statement loud and clear: Naeemah was in charge here. ¡°I would like Zahra to accompany Cailu¡¯s Party in my place.¡± Naeemah gestured to Zahra. Tristan blinked. ¡°Wait, really?¡± Cailu held up a hand. ¡°It is not our intention to harm or disband your Party. Give the word, and she stays with you.¡± Why is this up to me? Zahra had initially asked to join them until they reached Magni¡¯s castle. Their journey had strengthened their bond beyond what he¡¯d ever expected, and Tristan felt an attachment to her that panged his heart when he thought about losing her. Still¡­ ¡°Zahra, what do you want to do?¡± Cailu raised an eyebrow but said nothing, turning to look at Zahra. Zahra crossed an arm over her chest and bowed, her long red ponytail sliding over her shoulder. ¡°I don¡¯t have enough words to show you my gratitude for accepting me into your Party and treating me with nothing but kindness. Even now.¡± She righted herself. ¡°But there would be no greater honor than for me to fulfill my lady¡¯s wishes.¡± Tristan nodded. She was well on her way to Third Class, and with how far behind he was, he¡¯d just be holding her back. He smiled and gave her his best nonchalant shrug. First Ara, now this. Was he doomed to never have a static group? ¡°Then who am I to stop you?¡± Zahra smiled, relief flooding her features. ¡°Thank you, Tristan. From the bottom of my heart.¡± ¡°Our Parties will remain the same in composition until we leave R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨©,¡± Cailu said. ¡°There is no need to tip the balance of power unnecessarily before our summit.¡± Stolen story; please report. Tristan ran a hand through his hair. ¡°How do you think that¡¯ll go?¡± A sardonic smile quirked the corner of Cailu¡¯s mouth; his eyes ice cold. He touched the hilt of his sword. ¡°Who can say?¡± Naeemah¡¯s serpentine gaze flickered with venom and her tail wavered in agitation. Tristan shivered. Not well. ¡°Guess we¡¯ll see.¡± He glanced over his shoulder at Keke. She had a long line of catgirls taking water, and it seemed she was tipping the last of their haul from the final ration container. ¡°I should head back.¡± ¡°Before you go, there is one more thing I wish to tell you.¡± Cailu crossed his arms over his chest. Tristan braced for an earful. ¡°Your diplomatic work in the Third Shell is to be commended. It is clear that your and Matt¡¯s dabbling with the citizens had a lasting effect¡ªone that saved our lives.¡± ¡°O-oh. Thank you.¡± Tristan worked to hide the surprise on his face and prayed the dim light was enough to conceal his blush. A pride he felt he didn¡¯t deserve washed over him. ¡°I¡¯m glad I could be of help.¡± Cailu offered him a final curt nod. ¡°Be sure to reserve your energy. Our next challenge will soon be upon us.¡± When Tristan returned to help Keke refill the water, he was surprised to find the section of collapsed wall half-cleared of the debris. ¡°Everyone¡¯s working so quickly,¡± Tristan noted. ¡°I think the girls living here want this to be over just as badly as we do,¡± Keke replied, shifting the containers in her arms to a more comfortable position. ¡°How was your talk with Cailu?¡± ¡°It was¡­ interesting,¡± Tristan admitted. ¡°Zahra wants to join his Party when all of this is over. Naeemah asked her to.¡± Keke frowned. ¡°Are you okay with that?¡± ¡°Can I be honest?¡± Tristan glanced behind him. They were far enough from anyone that he could speak freely. ¡°Of course.¡± Keke set the containers near the canal and knelt at its edge. She cupped the clear water in her hands and splashed it on her face before taking a quick drink. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to have a bath.¡± ¡°Me, too,¡± Tristan chuckled. ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to interrupt. How do you feel about her leaving?¡± Keke asked as she dunked the first container beneath the surface. ¡°Sad. Sadder than I thought I would feel. When she joined us, I figured she¡¯d stay here once we were done. But, I¡¯ve really enjoyed having her around.¡± Tristan uncapped the container and slowly lowered it into the canal. ¡°She gets along well with Destiny and Lara, she¡¯s level-headed, and an incredible fighter. She¡¯s, well, a lot like you, Keke.¡± His cheeks burned as he made the connection. What Keke had with Matt was something Tristan found himself wanting with his Party. Keke grinned. ¡°That¡¯s nice of you to say.¡± ¡°I mean it. Not to mention, Zahra has saved my hide more than once. I feel like I owe her a lot.¡± ¡°Is that why you let her go?¡± Tristan flinched. Was that why? ¡°That¡¯s a good question. She said it¡¯s what she wanted, and, yeah, I guess I felt like I owe that much to her.¡± Keke¡¯s ears flicked forward, and she nodded. ¡°From what I learned as a kitten and what I¡¯ve seen in traveling with Matt, there are the men who take our feelings into account when they make decisions, and there are men who see us like tokens in a board game. You¡¯re a great guy, Tristan. You feeling sad about Zahra leaving and indebted to her actions shows that you care. I think it¡¯s good that you feel that way.¡± ¡°Thanks. I just wish I could keep a consistent Party. Like you guys.¡± Tristan shrugged. ¡°Well, I think you¡¯re stuck with Destiny and Lara for life.¡± Keke giggled and flicked two fingers of water in Tristan¡¯s direction. ¡°Who else will ask Water how she¡¯s feeling today?¡± ¡°That¡¯s true. Destiny¡¯s been with me for a long, long time now.¡± Tristan smiled and splashed Keke back. ¡°And I couldn¡¯t imagine life without Lara now.¡± ¡°Zahra¡¯s a better fighter and person for spending time with you.¡± Keke filled her final container and stretched. ¡°See? It¡¯s just a matter of time before you find the right third.¡± ¡°Thanks, Keke.¡± The tension he¡¯d felt with Zahra¡¯s news eased from his chest. Keke was right; it was okay to miss her. ¡°Any time.¡± She stood and heaped the containers back into her arms. ¡°Now, let¡¯s get these back to our water station before they start wondering if we fell in.¡± The night pressed on, with everyone working their hardest to clear the debris between the Second and First Shells. Tristan was physically and mentally exhausted; he was sure the same could be said about Matt, Cailu, and the rest of their Party. But the knowledge that they were so close, that this would soon be over, was enough to keep him pushing. When the sun crested the horizon, the orange morning light enveloped the citadel at the center of the First Shell. Enough of the wall was cleared away, offering a first look into the makings of a hidden paradise. Flourishing trees towered over multi-story homes. Canals and ponds joined decorative pools and water fountains in every residence''s front and back yards. Pathways with flowing mosaics composed of smooth, colorful glass led from the base of the wall, inviting the viewer to travel deeper into the pawm tree forests. ¡°And we thought the Second Shell was bad,¡± Matt muttered, joining Tristan in looking over the wall. ¡°Some of those trees aren¡¯t native to this island.¡± Tristan shook his head, bewildered. ¡°Now we know where the King¡¯s Tax is going.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t believe they have water fountains. The girls in the Third Shell were rationed, and this place has water fountains,¡± Keke hissed. ¡°Meaningless extravagance,¡± Cailu growled. ¡°Come. It is time.¡± Bonus Quest: Cherishing Day Tristan sat at his easel, leaning in until his nose nearly touched the canvas. A few feet ahead of him, the wall-length enchanted screen displayed a field of tiny blue flowers bending in the breeze and welcoming the blue butterflies that flocked to their petals. With a tiny brush and a teensy dab of paint, Tristan carefully penned the delicate outlines of the lule misre blossoms. This had to be perfect. Outside his door came a soft thud and a pair of whispering, giggling voices. Tristan ignored them and kept working. Cherishing Day was, in a word, overwhelming. Celestia had explained it to him the first year he arrived on Shi Island. A holiday where everyone celebrated the ones closest to them. Cherishing Day¡¯s origins were detailed in one of the many books the school provided him with. Hundreds of years ago, Saoirse had brought gifts to her followers and asked them to carry on the tradition. Except, the girls in the school used it to try and win favor with Tristan. Lining the hall outside of his door with chocolates, flowers, cakes, and curiosities. Hand-written notes and signed names adorned the packages with curled ribbons. The majority of the girls were ones he¡¯d never met, while the minority he¡¯d shared intimate encounters with only once. A lot of them he stashed away for Celestia to give to the kittens in the nurseries. How was he supposed to eat twenty cakes by himself? The holiday felt a little¡­ empty. But then, Destiny had come along. Their first meeting was etched into his memory as one of the best nights of his life. It was six months after Tristan was situated in Venicia¡¯s School of Etiquette. He couldn¡¯t sleep, so he perched at his desk, sketching a picture of the school from memory when a soft tapping came at the door. He moved to stand beside it and waited. The tapping came again. ¡°Madame Celestia?¡± Tristan called. Celestia¡¯s knocking generally followed the click of her unlocking the door. For her to call on him so late was out of character. ¡°No. Um, my name is Destiny,¡± came the reply. Tristan paused, hand resting on the door handle. ¡°I didn¡¯t see your name on the schedule.¡± ¡°Schedule? Oh, uh, no. I wasn¡¯t¡­ well, I wasn¡¯t chosen to see you.¡± Destiny stammered through her sentences, her voice barely audible through the thick wood. ¡°I just wanted to meet you, I guess.¡± Tristan blinked. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Because if I were stuck in a room for six months, I¡¯d be bored out of my mind,¡± Destiny replied, a confidence that hadn¡¯t been there before tinting her voice. Tristan chuckled. ¡°I have plenty of company.¡± ¡°I know, but¡­ What about friends?¡± ¡°I¨C¡± Tristan glanced at his desk. His sketchbook and journal lie open, filled with comforting pictures and entries. The home-cooked meals he received three times a day, the sweet sounds of girls laughing and singing, sleeping in a warm bed every night. Madame Celestia was a kind matron, but they didn¡¯t know enough about each other to be considered friends. ¡°No, I guess not.¡± ¡°My sister and I don¡¯t have friends here, either,¡± Destiny said. ¡°I, er, maybe this was foolish of me. I¡¯m sorry for bothering you, Tristan.¡± It was the first time someone had used his name. Not ¡°Master¡± or ¡°My Lord.¡± Tristan clicked the lock on the door and swung it open. ¡°Don¡¯t leave. Please.¡± Destiny had already turned to walk away but spun when she heard the door open. Her dark blue hair framed her soft features, and she smiled in surprise. ¡°Hi.¡± ¡°Hey there.¡± Tristan chuckled, then gestured behind him. ¡°Come on in.¡± He found Destiny easy to talk to, witty, and clever. They chatted about everything and nothing until the first hints of sunlight glimmered through the small, sole window high in the room. Night after night she returned, sneaking through the school to visit him and grant him a friendship he hadn¡¯t realized he so desperately needed. When the first Cherishing Day came around, she brought him a series of inks she¡¯d crafted using her skills in [Alchemy]. They flowed like watercolors, leaving behind stunning hues he hadn¡¯t been able to achieve with many of the paints Celestia had provided him. He¡¯d felt foolish and unprepared¡ªwhat would be a gift worthy of Destiny? The second year, she¡¯d scrounged her Bells from working at the docks to buy him a leather-bound sketchbook with Tristan¡¯s initials stamped into the corner. TE. He had sketched a portrait of Destiny for her to keep, but it still didn¡¯t feel like enough. This was their third Cherishing Day together, and Tristan was certain he¡¯d finally found the perfect gift. Leche was Destiny and her twin Lara¡¯s hometown. It was an expensive journey from Venicia that would take time away from her education and work. She often mentioned that she missed the season when the lule misre bloomed and the butterflies returned. Since his enchanted wall could show him a perfect recreation of anyone who touched it, he had suggested to Destiny that she do just that. She was giddy every time he showed her the evening skylines from Earth, but when she saw Leche laid out before her, there was so much longing on her face. It shouldn¡¯t just be his room that she had the chance to see home again. The canvas may not have been as big as the wall, but it was a piece that she could take with her. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. There was a hard knock at the door and the sound of a key turning in the latch. ¡°One second!¡± Tristan leaped up from his chair, snatching the painting from his easel and gingerly setting it aside. He rushed to the wall and changed it back to the sandy beach and sunshine that had become a kind of screensaver for visitors. If Celestia saw Leche on his wall, it would destroy the careful secret he and Destiny had maintained for years. As far as he knew, Lara and Destiny were the only two girls in the school from the countryside village. ¡°Okay! I¡¯m ready!¡± Tristan called, moving back to his easel and setting another half-finished painting of a school of colorful fish he¡¯d found in a book titled Nyarlean Sea Life. Celestia opened the door and stepped through. ¡°Is everything quite all right, young master?¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine. I was just changing,¡± Tristan lied easily, tapping his brush to the canvas. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± ¡°As is tradition this time of year, there are¡­ numerous gifts outside of your door.¡± Celestia adjusted her glasses and sighed. ¡°No matter how many warnings I give them¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s all right. I¡¯m sure the kittens love the attention.¡± Tristan grinned. ¡°Can we get them to the nursery?¡± ¡°Oh, yes. We shall wait until tomorrow.¡± She smoothed her skirts and clasped her hands over her apron. ¡°There will be no scheduled visits this evening. You should not have to work on this blessed day.¡± Work is right. ¡°That¡¯s kind of you, Celestia. Thanks.¡± ¡°Of course. I will have dinner delivered in two hours. Do you require anything further before I retire for the evening?¡± Tristan considered her question. She asked it every night, but this one sparked an idea. ¡°I¡¯m feeling pretty hungry today. Can you request they cook a little extra?¡± Celestia¡¯s brow raised, but she nodded all the same. ¡°Of course, young master.¡± ¡°Thank you!¡± Tristan hopped up from the easel and snatched a drawing from his desk. A perfect portrait of the Madame herself. He crossed the room and handed her the picture with a half bow. ¡°And Happy Cherishing Day, Madame Celestia. I appreciate you taking such good care of me.¡± It was the first time he¡¯d gifted her anything for Cherishing Day. She was a difficult woman to read, and he hoped this would cheer her up. Celestia¡¯s cheeks pinked, a reaction Tristan rarely witnessed. In his opinion, it looked cute on her and softened the stern expression she often wore. ¡°How unexpected! Thank you, young master.¡± ¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡± Tristan wandered back to his chair. ¡°See you in the morning?¡± ¡°Yes. A wonderful evening to you, young master.¡± She held the portrait close to her chest. ¡°And my deepest thanks once again.¡± Once the door was closed and locked, Tristan counted to thirty before changing the enchanted window to Leche and swapping his canvas out. He only had a few hours to finish before Destiny arrived. ¡ª The soft tapping came at the door just as he¡¯d added the final touches on the butterflies¡¯ wings. Setting his paints aside, he hurried to let Destiny in. She grinned, her blue eyes shining in the dim light. She held her arms behind her and leaned forward at the waist. ¡°Happy Cherishing Day, Tristan.¡± ¡°Happy Cherishing Day, Destiny.¡± He returned her smile and stepped aside. ¡°Your haul somehow gets bigger every year.¡± Destiny pointed to the gift-covered hallway as she crossed the threshold. ¡°Which, honestly, is crazy that it can.¡± ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡± ¡°Because the suga¡ª¡± Destiny glanced at him and bit her lower lip. ¡°There just aren¡¯t many bakeries around, that¡¯s all.¡± He tipped his head, wondering what she had really wanted to say. But his excitement at their evening together pushed down his question. ¡°I waited for you to have dinner.¡± Destiny glanced past him at the candlelit table. Her ears perked, and her tail flickered back and forth behind her. ¡°Goodness! You didn¡¯t have to do that!¡± ¡°Hey, it¡¯s a holiday.¡± ¡°Thank you, Tristan! But, first, you should open your present.¡± She brought her hands to the front, holding a small black box tied with a blue ribbon. Tristan accepted the box and carefully untied the bow. ¡°Can I be honest?¡± ¡°Always.¡± ¡°Yours is the only present I really look forward to every year,¡± he admitted, sliding the top from the box. Destiny blushed and raised a hand to her lips. ¡°I¡¯m glad,¡± she squeaked. Sitting atop a bed of red satin was a calligraphy pen carved of polished wood with a silver tip. ¡°Woah. This is beautiful.¡± ¡°It¡¯s special. It was enchanted so that, no matter how much you use it, it never runs out of ink,¡± Destiny explained. ¡°You can just keep sketching with it.¡± Tristan¡¯s jaw dropped. ¡°Destiny, this had to have cost a fortune¡ª¡± ¡°Shh.¡± She held a finger up, signaling him to silence. ¡°Now try it out!¡± He reached forward and gently took her hand, flattening it in his palm. As she watched in stunned silence, he drew a butterfly on the back of her hand. The ink flowed free, never skipping like a ballpoint pen would on skin. It was as easy as marking a parchment with pencil. ¡°This is incredible,¡± he marveled, twisting her hand back and forth to study his work. Destiny drew her hand back and studied the inked butterfly. ¡°You really turn everything you touch into art, you know that?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t have to touch you for that,¡± he murmured. Her blush returned, and he cleared his throat. ¡°Can I show you your gift?¡± Destiny¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°You didn¡¯t have to!¡± ¡°Neither did you.¡± His mouth parched as he guided her to the canvas. She gasped as her gaze fell over the field of lule misre, drifting along the flight of the butterflies. With her decorated hand, she brushed a flower with delicate fingertips. Tears gathered in the corners of her eyes, and she blinked them away. ¡°T-Tristan¡­¡± ¡°Is it okay?¡± She playfully nudged his arm. ¡°It¡¯s more than okay. It¡¯s beautiful. It¡¯s perfect. It¡¯s¡ª It¡¯s home.¡± Looking from him to the painting, one of her tears fell free. ¡°This is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me. Thank you.¡± ¡°Destiny, your visits, your companionship, your care, have changed my life. There¡¯s nothing in this world I could give you that would repay that.¡± Destiny shook her head. ¡°This is more than I deserve.¡± She turned to him and embraced him in a tight hug. ¡°You¡¯re more than I deserve.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not true,¡± he muttered into her hair. ¡°If there¡¯s anything I can do for you, just say the word. I mean it.¡± ¡°Then just let me stay like this for a bit.¡± She buried her face in his shirt. He kissed the top of her head and hugged her close. There were not enough words he could say or paintings he could create that would convey how Destiny had single-handedly dispelled his loneliness in an entire school of catgirls. Tristan cherished her more than she could ever know. Chapter 182: EXEC_RIG=VEGA/. There wasn¡¯t a peep to be heard. Not that we were surprised, considering the explosion that¡¯d taken place the day prior. I doubted anyone wanted to be near the wall during or after the collapse. ¡°The silence is unnerving,¡± Tristan said. ¡°I¡¯m sure Sanrai would have advised everyone to hole up in Magni¡¯s citadel,¡± Zahra reasoned. ¡°That is something I would expect from my sister.¡± I shared admiration and concern for Zahra in equal measure. I was sure the people of Ichi Island were accustomed to watching their own flesh and blood die by now, but still. If it were me, I don¡¯t think I¡¯d be able to keep it together after watching my sibling¡¯s head get caught off, no matter how estranged. ¡°I believe you are correct,¡± Cailu replied. I inhaled deeply. ¡°Straight to the castle, then.¡± The First Shell, to use one of Tristan¡¯s favorite words, was opulent. For starters, the paths. I¡¯m not sure I¡¯d ever walked on a more intricately made walkway in my entire life. The longer I stared at them, the sooner I realized that small dragons were carefully carved into the stones. The multi-colored reflections gave the impression that an ancient civilization had built these roads. With how nice they looked, part of me wondered if they were meant to be treaded barefoot. I almost felt bad walking on them with my boots. Almost. ¡°Think we¡¯ll find the Mall of R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨© in here?¡± I murmured to Tristan. Tristan chuckled. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Would ¡®Fashion Square¡¯ be the rich version of a mall?¡± ¡°You have a point.¡± Every structure, every monument looked as if it had been painstakingly designed from scratch. The homes bore a theme similar to those I¡¯d seen on San Island. They were triangular, pointed at the tops. At the center of each roof was a four-legged dragon made of gold. It reminded me of the ones I saw in medieval-themed video games. ¡°Subtle,¡± I mumbled sarcastically. ¡°Which bit? The dragons on the roofs or the ones in the yards?¡± Ravyn spat. ¡°Wait. The yard?¡± Now that she¡¯d mentioned it, most homes had a garden dragon among the flora. Unlike the ones on the rooftops, these dragons were black. The detail of the scales and faces was impeccable. Just counting the ones I could see, there were a dozen. Ruby and emerald eyes reflected the morning sunlight, and their bodies glowed in the dawn. Garden gnomes were creepy, but honestly, given a choice between the two, I would¡¯ve taken the gnome. I wanted to snap every one of those damn dragons in half. Tristan walked up to one of the black dragons, looking at it from every direction. ¡°Polished obsidian,¡± he muttered, grazing his finger across the figure. ¡°Not an easy thing to make.¡± ¡°Or find,¡± Naeemah added. ¡°No expense spared,¡± Kirti said with an air of amusement. ¡°Every aspect of this king leaves much to be desired,¡± the [Assassin] hissed. ¡°We should probably keep moving,¡± Keke said as she came to stand beside me. I looked at Cailu to my right. He drummed his fingers against the hilt of his sword, his gaze glued to Magni¡¯s sanctuary. He hadn¡¯t said anything since we entered, but he bore a colder stare than any I¡¯d seen from him so far. His added silence just made me more uneasy. ¡°Yeah. Let¡¯s keep moving,¡± I agreed. The extravagance continued to shock and awe me as we continued to travel the winding paths. The number of water fountains was insane. Each of them was comically sized as well, easily dwarfing any of the ones I¡¯d seen in Washington. On top of that, no two fountains looked identical. One had a horse at its center, another a gigashank. They came in white, black, and even red. It saddened me that Ceres couldn¡¯t see this right now. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Keke frowned, pointing. Something I¡¯d learned during my time with Shizen was that plant life was just as much part of the culture as anything else. Many of the other islands had lush, vibrant life. Ichi Island was¡­ lacking in that area. If not for the sun and occasional pit of sand, I would¡¯ve struggled to tell the difference between here and San Island. That¡¯s why I nearly gasped when I saw what had caught Keke¡¯s attention. Huddled between two homes was a house of glass interconnected by steel shafts. Beyond the glass were plants and flora of all shapes, sizes, and colors. It was an enormous greenhouse. ¡°My lady!¡± Zahra called after Naeemah. She¡¯d zipped past us while we were staring, making a beeline for the glass building. We followed, watching as Naeemah snapped the handle off the door and tossed it into the dirt beside her. The crash of glass followed, and she and Zahra entered the greenhouse just as we¡¯d caught up. ¡°Incredible,¡± said Tristan. ¡°They built a greenhouse.¡± ¡°A greenhouse?¡± asked Keke. ¡°It traps warmth and humidity inside so plants can grow in any weather,¡± I explained. Tristan nodded. ¡°Matt has the right of it. If done properly, you can grow almost anything you want in one. Normally, that¡¯d be a great way to roast them in a desert, but¡ª ¡± Tristan¡¯s gaze shifted between the houses flanking the glass house. Afterward, he looked up, shielding his eyes from the sun. ¡°Looks like they use the homes to create shade for the plants.¡± ¡°That actually works?¡± ¡°It must,¡± Tristan said, shrugging. ¡°I¡¯m sure they still struggle to grow anything that needs a cold temperature, though.¡± ¡°Not if they have a [Wizard] or [Sorcerer],¡± Ravyn said as she came to stand next to me. She fetched a cookie from her pack and fed it to the quiet parrot. ¡°Ice magic can be used to control how hot it gets inside, as well as the humidity.¡± Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. I frowned. ¡°How do you know that?¡± ¡°Remember Felsi¡¯s ice cream shop?¡± Keke pointed out. ¡°She used magic to keep the ice cream cold.¡± ¡°Exactly. Same magic, different house,¡± Ravyn replied. ¡°No less impressive,¡± said Tristan. ¡°I wonder how many they have.¡± ¡°I have to see what¡¯s inside,¡± Keke said, gingerly stepping over the shards of glass littered around the hole Naeemah had made. Most of us followed her inside, but Cailu and Kirti stood where they were. ¡°Coming?¡± I asked. Cailu shook his head. ¡°Is this errand necessary?¡± ¡°Probably not.¡± He frowned. I didn¡¯t want to stop Keke¡¯s exploration, and taking a quick inventory didn¡¯t sound like a half-bad idea. ¡°We¡¯ll be fast. Maybe we¡¯ll find something useful.¡± ¡°I will remain here.¡± Cailu sighed. ¡°Time is valuable, Matt.¡± ¡°I know. I¡¯ll be right back.¡± I turned and hopped over the glass to join Keke. The smell was amazing. Scents, both familiar and foreign, bombarded my nose. To my left were flowers of countless colors and shapes¡ªto my right, fruits and vegetables of every variety. Each plant was nestled into a small clay pot, not unlike the ones I would¡¯ve seen back on Earth. I took a step forward, and I felt a minor stab of pain where my ear was pierced. I looked up and saw a series of poles attached to the walls, crossing over one another like a grate. Every other bar had been garnished with a tiny blue rock. A gentle light radiated from each one, bathing the area around it in a soft blue. ¡°Ravyn,¡± I said, catching her shoulder as she brushed past me. ¡°Kuso! Don¡¯t just grab me like that!¡± She spun on the spot, batting away my hand. ¡°Don¡¯t touch Master, squawwwk!¡± Ball Gag screeched, spitting cookie crumbs all over me and the floor. ¡°That¡¯s right, Bally. At least you know some manners.¡± I sighed. ¡°What is that?¡± I asked, pointing at the rock. She blinked, then turned around to where I was pointing. ¡°My ear hurts. That got something to do with it?¡± Ravyn shrugged. ¡°Probably.¡± Thanks for your illuminating reply. ¡°Should I be concerned?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s find out.¡± Ravyn put her hand out and shut her eyes. Mere seconds passed before she spoke again. ¡°Those are how they control the heat. There¡¯s an ice enchantment on them.¡± Safe enough, then. ¡°Is that something a [Sorcerer] can do?¡± ¡°My, this is rare,¡± Ravyn cackled, looking over her shoulder. ¡°In the mood to ask questions about Nyarlea for once?¡± I rolled my eyes. ¡°Yeah, yeah, laugh it up.¡± ¡°I will. But not before I answer.¡± She looked back up at the stone. ¡°[Sorcerer]s can do that, yes. Whoever did it most likely has an affinity for ice-related magic.¡± ¡°Figured that part. Is that something you can do?¡± Ravyn shook her head and approached a plant resembling a lily. ¡°No, not right now,¡± she said, brushing her fingers against the flower¡¯s petals. ¡°Bally doesn¡¯t know the trick yet.¡± Yet, huh? Didn¡¯t know it was something Bally had to be taught. Cannoli picked through a nearby garden of vegetables and herbs, refilling some of her emptied [Cat Pack] supplies. I spied a plot of spices¡ªones I¡¯d grown with Shizen and other unfamiliar sprouts. They¡¯d be worth coming back later for, but I grabbed a handful of the ones I knew would help restore Ceres¡¯ [Energy]. It was easy to get distracted when there wasn¡¯t anyone or anything to stop us. I could practically feel Cailu¡¯s weighty gaze from outside the greenhouse as I waved to the others to leave. Naeemah was the first to exit the greenhouse wearing a dark scowl. Zahra remained at her heel. I found Tristan sifting through a berry bush, plucking and sniffing dark purple spheres with interest. I clapped a hand on his shoulder. ¡°We still have a king to overthrow.¡± ¡°Right.¡± He pocketed the berry and followed me out. Having grown so accustomed to sand finding its way into every damn spot of my skin, my hair, and my clothing, it was weird to see so little of it here. Unlike the prior shells, the sand in the First Shell was sectioned off for aesthetic effect. Bricks placed in triangle formations contoured to the shapes of the homes and monuments. With how little sand littered the paths, I wondered if someone had made a habit of sweeping it. We were fast approaching Magni¡¯s keep when something out of the corner of my eye caught my attention. To our left was the spitting image of a park I would¡¯ve seen back on Earth. It had everything¡ªa swing set, a sand pit, monkey bars, benches for the moms, hell, even one of those weird iron web deathtrap domes. An entire jungle gym was right in front of me, shaded by ample trees and twin cloth awnings. What doesn¡¯t the First Shell have? ¡°Matt, are you okay?¡± Keke asked, breaking me out of my reverie. ¡°Uh, yeah. Yeah, I¡¯m fine,¡± I said. I gestured to the playground equipment. ¡°Just distracted by that stuff.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± The tone in her voice said she was just as confused to see it as I was. ¡°A jungle gym. With enough imagination, you could do anything.¡± I furrowed my brow. ¡°There must be a lot of kittens here.¡± ¡°That looks like an obstacle course for adults,¡± Keke replied lightly. ¡°Like I said, you just have to have enough imagination.¡± How long has this been here? When we reached the citadel''s entrance, we were forced to stop at a giant door that was nothing short of imposing. Walls for what felt like miles stretched above our heads, forming a decorative arch at the top. ¡°So, how do we get inside¡ª¡± I started. ¡°Ravyn,¡± Cailu said. Ravyn clicked her tongue. ¡°I know what to do.¡± She stepped up to the entryway, motioning for everyone else to stand back. ¡°I¡¯m trying a new Spell that Bally and I have been practicing, so I need space.¡± When did she find the time to practice? ¡°Ready, Bally?¡± she asked. Ball nodded and flew up to the door. ¡°Let¡¯s melt this gaudy hunk of metal.¡± Ravyn drew a deep breath and put a hand to her chest. ¡°I call upon the scorching fires of the deep.¡± An orange glow surrounded Ball¡¯s shape. ¡°Raise your sword against those who would defy me. Grant me a fury greater than any other.¡± With each word spoken, Ball became brighter and more difficult to look at. Eventually, I had to shield my eyes. ¡°[Flamethrower]!¡± An unearthly growl escaped Ball¡¯s beak just before a torrent of fire followed. As the seconds passed, the flames grew larger and hotter. Beads of sweat collected on Ravyn¡¯s skin, and her breathing began to shake. Is she going to be okay? After a while, I could no longer see anything past the blaze. It¡¯d grown so large that I became increasingly concerned that Ravyn might burn herself. But then it stopped. Ravyn trembled, then fell to her hands and knees, gasping for air. ¡°Ravyn!¡± I raced to her side and bent down on one knee, a gentle hand on her back. ¡°Are you okay?¡± ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m fine,¡± she breathed. Ball fluttered down and landed before her, returning to his usual blue hue. He nuzzled his cheek against her forearm. ¡°Master,¡± Bally crooned. ¡°You did great, Bally,¡± Ravyn said, bowing her head. I rubbed Ravyn¡¯s back, glancing at where the door used to be. A pile of orange goop sat where a great door of obsidian and gold once was. It smelled like Espada¡¯s forge. Cailu strode past, observing the door. ¡°You have my thanks.¡± The others came to stand behind him. The smoke made it difficult to see what was beyond, but that would soon change. Cailu tightened his grip around his sword. At last, the end was finally in sight. Chapter 183: EXEC_FLIP_ARPHAGE/. The smoke and haze cleared from the room, leaving the group standing alone inside the immense welcoming hall. Cailu had his sword drawn while Naeemah and Kirti maintained a watch of their flank¡ªthat oversight in the tunnel would never happen again. The high ceilings of the citadel were the same as Cailu remembered all those years ago when he¡¯d first stepped foot on this desiccated island. However, many of its windows were replaced by stained glass depictions of dragons. Dozens of decorative light fixtures dangled low from the tall ceiling, forming a dizzying circle of glass spheres with twin wires lit and maintained by magic. Naeemah knelt, fingering the rich red carpets that covered the floors beneath their feet. ¡°Not a single expense spared.¡± ¡°Oh? You didn¡¯t enjoy luxury while residing in this citadel, Nae?¡± Kirti twisted her hand in the air, smiling as the lights flickered in response. ¡°Do not put words in my mouth,¡± Naeemah snarled. She stood, shoulders tense as she studied the room. ¡°Not to this degree, Kirti.¡± Cailu shook his head. ¡°I advise we abstain from idle chatter, lest we find ourselves once again surrounded.¡± ¡°Most of the Ejderha should be dead, right?¡± Matt asked quietly. ¡°Yes. But Magni still lives,¡± Cailu replied. ¡°Split up.¡± Matt nodded, then moved to the left side of the room with his Party while Tristan occupied the right, Zahra following closely behind him. There was an echo of what sounded like a high whimpering. Kirti¡¯s ears twitched to the side, and she looked in Tristan¡¯s direction with mild curiosity. ¡°Guys,¡± Tristan hissed. After catching the group¡¯s attention, he pointed to the hallway leading to the next chamber, then cupped his ear as if listening in. Cailu nodded, leading their entourage into the corridor with a wave. If he recalled correctly, Naeemah had fashioned the next hall into a reception room for Ichi¡¯s citizens to hold conference with her. Though never to this magnitude. A hush befell the room as they entered the reception hall. No small feat, seeing as over a hundred catgirls and their offspring had been herded inside like cattle. Many of them were pregnant, and most had multiple kittens that clung to their sides, whimpering at the sight of the newcomers and their bloody, dirt-stained aspects. The room was impossible to navigate without stepping on toes or tails. Cailu halted their advance at the edge of the crowd. ¡°At last, the hunter leads his mongrels to the slaughter,¡± a deep voice announced from the back of the room. ¡°Will you kill my women and children, too?¡± ¡°Magni,¡± Cailu hissed. The man himself sat at the center of a dais on a tall glimmering throne bedecked in precious jewels and deep purple cushions. His curved horns dripped with golden chains, and the thin black braids of his hair held tiny clasps of silver. Shining, unmarked armor that rivaled Cailu¡¯s [Combat Mode] Equipment wrapped around his chest and limbs, embellished with a purple cape. Magni¡¯s languid posture and apathetic expression summoned the latent fury in Cailu¡¯s blood. ¡°No one¡¯s here to kill your people, Magni,¡± Tristan called. ¡°You¡¯ve done a good enough job of that yourself,¡± Matt growled. ¡°Hm. Interesting.¡± Eerie white eyes studied each person in their group in turn, then rested on Naeemah. ¡°Are you not too old to continue this farce, Naeemah?¡± ¡°I could ask the same,¡± Naeemah retorted. ¡°Only a child hides in their room when confronted with a difficult truth.¡± ¡°Truth?¡± Magni raised his head, then slowly stood from the throne. ¡°What truth is that?¡± ¡°That you are a plague on the people of Ichi Island,¡± Zahra said suddenly. ¡°You starve, torture, overwork, and underpay them. Every city fears your wicked Ejderha and meaningless tax.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Magni crossed his arms over his chest and studied Zahra with a frown. His gaze snapped to one of the women in the room, and he barked, ¡°Eshe! Bring them the books.¡± ¡°Eshe,¡± Naeemah murmured. ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± A white-haired catgirl with silver eyes curtsied to Magni, holding three thick tomes to her chest with one arm. Her dark face was just beginning to bear hints of crow''s feet and small wrinkles at the corners of her mouth. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. ¡°Mama, wait!¡± A dark-haired kitten with eyes just like her mother¡¯s clung to Eshe¡¯s silk dress. Tears streaked her soft cheeks, and her eyes were bloodshot. ¡°Please don¡¯t go. I don¡¯t want them to kill you, too.¡± Naeemah hissed a rushed breath between gritted teeth. Cailu raised a hand at his side, cautioning her to silence. Magni had painted their retinue as monsters, labeling them murderers and doubtlessly blaming them for the tunnel¡¯s collapse. Ravyn¡¯s melting of the door hadn¡¯t won them any favors¡ªthe panicked tension in the room was palpable. Ichi Island¡¯s man had grown into a cold calculator since their previous encounter. We must keep our reactions in check. ¡°We will not hurt your mother, child,¡± Cailu assured her, sheathing his sword before turning his icy gaze on Magni. ¡°Though, one must wonder the reason for this pompous ceremony.¡± Eshe tiptoed through the crowd, curtsying to Cailu. She turned to Naeemah with the same motion, then stopped herself. Magni¡¯s gaze narrowed, and Eshe¡¯s face flushed. ¡°I wish to confront you with a difficult truth, Cailu.¡± Magni slowly paced the dais, his cape flowing behind him. ¡°You have come to destroy everything we have worked for.¡± With shaking hands, Eshe passed Cailu the first book. ¡°What is this?¡± Accepting the tome, he flipped through its yellowed pages. Each one was filled with carefully penned ink depicting charts, lists, graphs, and notes. ¡°That is a current and accurate account of Ichi Island¡¯s exports and imports. Beneath my rule, we have brought in twice the amount of capital than Naeemah ever mustered,¡± Magni replied. ¡°May I?¡± Naeemah asked, holding a hand toward the book. Cailu passed it to her, accepting the second book from Eshe. ¡°And you used your shiny piles of Bells to decorate your castle?¡± Ravyn snapped. Keep silent, wretch. Magni gestured to the throng of women and children in the room. ¡°You yourself have borne witness to the Second and First Shells. My citizens live without fear of wondering where their next meal will come from. They¡¯re educated and pampered. All of this comes at great cost.¡± ¡°What about the Third Shell? They live in squalor, Magni,¡± Tristan countered. Magni raised his eyebrows and clicked his tongue. ¡°Boys are leading islands now? I thought this was a man¡¯s job.¡± Tristan flushed, fists clenching in his palms. Matt put a hand on Tristan¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You¡¯re ignoring his question.¡± ¡°You understand that things take time, surely? Luxury and protection will extend into the Third Shell, then the Fourth. The ones worthy of it already have it.¡± Magni spread his arms wide, sweeping them over the crowd. ¡°Do any of these women look tortured to you?¡± ¡°You¡¯re basing the happiness of your citizens on a small percentage. What of the outside cities? Madhyam? Kandota?¡± Tristan pressed. ¡°Time, boy. At current, each city receives a monthly stipend from the collected taxes. How they choose to use it is of their own volition.¡± Magni pointed at Cailu. ¡°That book lists taxes, payouts, and criminal records.¡± Naeemah paused her skimming, eyes locking with Magni¡¯s. A slow smile spread across the self-proclaimed king¡¯s face. ¡°That¡¯s right, Naeemah. Your rule required multiple tomes dedicated to criminal record keeping. Ichi Island¡¯s number of crimes are obsolete in comparison.¡± ¡°That¡¯s because you lock them in cages!¡± Matt snapped. ¡°The Ejderha bully these girls until they fight back, and you let them bake in the sun.¡± ¡°You insinuate that I show favor. My Ejderha are not exempt from punishment, as I¡¯m sure you noticed with Aliye.¡± Magni descended the stairs that led to the throne, and the girls parted to let him pass. ¡°Allow me to level with you. You infiltrated my city, ignored protocol and regulation, kidnapped my hunters, murdered my Ejderha, destroyed one of the walls offering us much-needed safety from the Encroachers, and Defiled. You carry the blood of my second in command, Sanrai, on your hands. Progress on the Fourth Shell must not only be halted but stalled as we rebuild the First Shell¡¯s wall.¡± He reached Cailu, standing nearly a head taller, and used his full height to look down on him. ¡°All of this in the name of a summit¡ª¡± he glanced to the side at Matt and Tristan, then frowned, ¡°¡ªwith children.¡± Cailu stared at Magni in silence, his hatred for the irredeemable bastard striking at his patience like a hammer to the forge. It was an emotion he hadn¡¯t experienced in what felt like lifetimes. Once again, he stood on the defensive against a manipulative, self-indulgent monarch that had won the people to his side with underhanded tactics and ego-driven business practices. Why hadn¡¯t these political confrontations died with him? Vanished with Fera and Heiki? But¡­ Won the people? Magni has done no such thing. ¡°Magni, your proposed ¡®satisfied populace¡¯ in the Second Shell and Third Shell are outside dismantling that wall with matched enthusiasm.¡± Cailu forced his voice to remain unwavering. ¡°Your claims of improving this island and its inhabitants lose all meaning by hiding behind those who can¡¯t fight.¡± He mocked Magni¡¯s sweeping gesture toward the filled room. ¡°Pray, tell me what would happen if you greeted the Second and Third Shell citizens right now? Would they welcome you with open arms?¡± Magni¡¯s mouth pulled into a long, thin line as he set his jaw. ¡°You are the one who brought children to a summit,¡± Cailu snarled. ¡°You are a coward, Magni.¡± ¡°Are you implying I cannot fight?¡± Magni¡¯s sharp teeth shimmered in the light. ¡°You fight the weak¡ªthe ones who cannot fight back. A detestable, pusillanimous tactic.¡± ¡°What are you suggesting, Cailu?¡± Magni hissed, his features twisting with anger. ¡°Should I strike down one of your boys? Will that satisfy your bloodlust?¡± ¡°Fight me, you fatuous bastard.¡± Cailu straightened his back, never allowing Magni¡¯s gaze to go free. ¡°To the death.¡± Chapter 184: EXEC_COSMOFLIPS/. Magni snarled, reeling back from the elf¡¯s suggestion. Always pushing his ideals and forcing his ways, this little man. ¡°Your arrogance is no less cloying than when we first met, Cailu.¡± ¡°More cowardice, Magni?¡± Cailu narrowed his eyes. ¡°You called for the murder of three of Nyarlea¡¯s men, and you dare consider my challenge one of arrogance?¡± ¡°Murder?¡± A smile twisted the corner of his mouth. ¡°You collapse my tunnels and kill my remaining Ejderha, and dare claim I¡¯m the murderer?¡± Cailu¡¯s features darkened. ¡°You continue resorting to lies?¡± He drew his sword, and the catgirls in Magni¡¯s court whimpered and hissed. ¡°Either step down graciously or duel me with the scrapped remnants of your honor.¡± Flecks of blood marred the glittering blade, catching Magni¡¯s eye. Ejderha blood, no doubt. Sanrai¡¯s. Fury boiled in his veins. Of all that was lost in Matt, Tristan, and Cailu¡¯s frantic bedlam in R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨©, Sanrai¡¯s absence pierced his heart. He looked over his shoulder at the catgirls awaiting his response. They depended on him for their safety and happiness¡ªit was on his shoulders to maintain the status quo. And here stood three fools and their cohorts that so stridently believed they had the right of it. No matter. Their actions had lost favor with any in the First Shell and presumably a portion of the Second. Donning the mantle of a gracious leader had never been easier. ¡°Very well. If your island means so little to you, we will fight.¡± Behind him were at least a dozen gasps. He held up a hand. ¡°However, it is not my desire to cut a man down when he is at half strength.¡± ¡°Half strength?¡± Cailu blustered, gritting his teeth. ¡°I assure you, I¡ª¡± Magni shook his head. ¡°You wear rags and dirt. Where is your armor? The bags beneath your eyes say you haven¡¯t slept, and the smell suggests you haven¡¯t bathed.¡± He gestured to the entourage as a whole. ¡°As you recall, the citadel can comfortably house you all. Eat, rest, let the duel begin at dawn.¡± ¡°What, so you can poison us?¡± the redhead standing beside Matt snapped. Magni frowned. ¡°You have a master of poisons among you who can assess the food and drink. Isn¡¯t that right, Naeemah?¡± Naeemah¡¯s expression was hidden behind her mask, but the glint of concern in her eyes was enough. I know of your attempts, fallen queen. ¡°Why do you delay the inevitable?¡± Cailu growled. ¡°I believe your challenge to be made in haste. I hope that rest will clear your senses.¡± Magni replied. ¡°You understand that I act with the Queen¡¯s blessing?¡± Cailu¡¯s hands wrung the hilt of his sword until his knuckles turned white. ¡°Killing one of Nyarela¡¯s men in cold blood carries a fatal consequence. But three?¡± He raised the blade to his shoulder. ¡°Her Majesty would understand if I did not bring you to trial.¡± Magni raised his eyebrows. Was Cailu truly so anserine as to execute him publicly? Did he not understand who was perceived as the enemy in the room? ¡°Cailu. Stop.¡± Naeemah was suddenly at the elf¡¯s side, hand on his shoulder and mask beneath her chin. A deep scar ran beneath her right eye¡ªa wound sustained after her time as R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨©¡¯s ruler, it seemed. To Magni¡¯s surprise, Cailu hesitated. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ¡°You wanted the summit, correct? Take the night and have one,¡± she continued. Her serpentine eyes lingered on Magni¡¯s face. ¡°Magni will not kill us. He would never betray the trust of his court.¡± Intrigue is still your strong suit, I see. ¡°Or my guests.¡± The woman with patterned skin and unsettling orange eyes studied Magni¡¯s face. ¡°When did you begin to consider us guests, King Magni?¡± Magni grinned, pushing away the chilling sensation that she was peering into his depths. ¡°As soon as you crossed the citadel¡¯s threshold.¡± He clapped his hands twice. ¡°Lakshmi, Aanya, would you be so kind as to show them to the guest wing and draw them baths?¡± Two women stepped out of the crowd and bowed, gesturing for the group to follow. Matt and Tristan exchanged uncomfortable looks before Matt touched the shoulders of his Party and jerked his chin in the servants¡¯ direction. Cailu tarried behind, eyes never leaving Magni. At last, he sheathed his sword, then turned and marched behind Naeemah and Lakshmi. ¡°Eshe. A moment,¡± Magni announced. ¡°What about the rest of us, my king? Shall we remain in the citadel?¡± a young woman named Lotus asked, her voice and demeanor timid. ¡°Yes.¡± He watched as Lotus¡¯ face fell. It wasn¡¯t the first expression of upset at being forced from their homes. ¡°I assure you, this is temporary. Once there¡¯s sufficient protection in the First Shell and reappointed guards, you all may return home.¡± Lotus nodded, hugging her kitten closer to her side. ¡°For now, please enjoy the citadel¡¯s facilities and offerings. Hail an attendant should you need anything.¡± Magni spread his arms wide and smiled. ¡°This is not a prison, dearest subjects. You are free to move about as you wish.¡± Many of the catgirls bowed and curtsied before funneling out of the great hall. They would be safe enough¡ªharming any of them would only be a detriment to Cailu, Tristan, and Matt. Besides, spreading the citizens throughout the castle offered a wider range of ears and eyes should the intruders attempt a coup d¡¯¨¦tat. ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Eshe appeared before him and bowed, the record books held fast in her arms. Her daughter was gone, presumably dismissed with the other kittens before her mother answered the king. ¡°Join me in the room of records.¡± Magni strode toward the opposite end of the throne room before Eshe could reply. She scuttled behind him, balancing the books in her arms. They moved inside the small alcove, filled with tomes upon tomes of statistics, registers, and receipts. Books that meticulously outlined and disclosed at least two hundred years of Ichi Island¡¯s history. In his previous world, those born beneath the dragon were meant only to rule as a figurehead, leaving accounting and lawmaking to the royal council. In Nyarlea, he¡¯d had to learn every working cog of Ichi Island¡¯s clock. Magni traced the leather spines with his fingertips, noting the sheer number of pages that his rule encompassed. ¡°Eshe, you are one of the last women alive that I can trust.¡± Eshe crossed her hands over her lap and bowed her head. ¡°That¡¯s kind of you to say.¡± ¡°You proved your loyalty long ago when you reported Naeemah¡¯s attempted assassination to me.¡± Magni tugged one of the books free and thumbed through the pages. ¡°You two were close, were you not?¡± ¡°Y-yes, Your Majesty.¡± Eshe¡¯s face flushed, and her gaze dropped to the floor. ¡°However, I didn¡¯t agree with her approach. I¡­ I still don¡¯t.¡± ¡°And what of my approach? In keeping R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨© safe from those who wish to see it restored beneath Naeemah¡¯s rule?¡± Magni sat at the enormous pawm wood desk and snapped his fingers. A half-dozen candles ignited around them, illuminating the yellowing pages. Eshe¡¯s tail wavered with uncertainty. ¡°I am not versed in battle or defensive tactics, my king.¡± She peered up through her dark bangs and softened her voice. ¡°I know you must miss her, Your Majesty. I¡¯m not a suitable replacement for Sanrai.¡± ¡°No one is,¡± Magni replied curtly, skimming one page with his pointer finger. ¡°Even so, I would ask you to keep an eye on Cailu and Naeemah this evening. If anything seems out of sorts, report it directly to me. Immediately.¡± ¡°Yes, of course.¡± Eshe bowed again. ¡°Is there anything else I can do for you, my king?¡± ¡°No, that will be all. Thank you.¡± Magni waved her away with his free hand. Eshe exited the room, closing the door behind her. Magni¡¯s finger stilled over the passage he sought. A personal journal entry he¡¯d penned not long after Naeemah had vanished with Cailu. The Defiled are not what they seem¡­ Chapter 185: EXEC_with.METHOD_METAFALICA/. Adrenaline pounded against my eardrums, limiting my hearing and blurring my vision. Magni was there. He was right there. The man that had almost killed us. He had no guards left, no protection. Hell, he¡¯d brought women and children to block our path. It would be so easy to summon my axe and swing. Bury my axe in that scaly neck and watch him bleed out all over the floor. ¡°Matt,¡± Keke murmured, putting a hand on my shoulder. ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s get cleaned up.¡± And just like that, we watched him walk away. My hands balled into fists, nails piercing dirt-caked flesh. ¡°Cailu,¡± I snarled as he passed. ¡°Let it go, Matt,¡± Cailu hissed. ¡°One way or another, this odyssey ends tomorrow.¡± ¡°But, Magni¡ª¡± Cailu snatched the front of my shirt in a fist, his cold slate eyes inches from mine. He lowered his voice, the words strung together with a ferocity that paralleled mine. ¡°Games of court intrigue do not absolve Magni from what he has done. One false move here will destroy everything we have worked for. Is that what you want?¡± ¡°No. I just¡ª¡± Tristan appeared at my shoulder, his hand over Cailu¡¯s fist. ¡°There are a lot of eyes watching how we interact right now.¡± He tipped his head back, gesturing to the crowd of catgirls lingering behind him. ¡°It would be safest to assume that they¡¯d love to report this back to the king.¡± I looked between them, an inch of my anger deflating from my shoulders. They were both right. The only ¡®court¡¯ I¡¯d ever been inside was while I waited for jury duty, so I didn¡¯t have a clue what formalities were being enacted now. Plus, seeing the abject horror in the kittens¡¯ eyes with our entry tore at my chest. How could they not know about girls like Meera? Kittens on rationed water and leftover scraps of food. ¡°Behave yourself, Matt.¡± Cailu released my shirt, spinning on his heel and jogging to catch up with Kirti and Naeemah. ¡°Sure. Thanks, Dad,¡± I grumbled, rubbing the spot on my chest where Cailu¡¯s knuckles had dug into my skin. Tristan chuckled. ¡°He does kind of give off that vibe, doesn¡¯t he?¡± ¡°I guess.¡± I shook my head. ¡°Tristan, how can you be so damn calm right now?¡± Our strides fell in sync as we followed the two girls to the guest wing of the citadel. ¡°Well, any way you think about it, we¡¯re all safe. It¡¯s a nice change from the last couple of weeks.¡± He glanced behind him and said in a hush, ¡°Magni won¡¯t try to kill us. Not right now.¡± ¡°How do you figure?¡± ¡°It would ruin the appearance of his hospitality for the First Shell girls. He treats them well, and they¡¯re his eyes. Every one of them will be on high alert to see what either side does.¡± ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that be more of a reason to kill us all if we¡¯re the villains in this charade? Seems like the girls would have no problem helping.¡± ¡°From what I¡¯ve read, any Nyarlean inhabitant who witnesses a man¡¯s death would need to report the incident to the Queen and have the account corroborated by any other witnessing citizens of the city. They launch a full-scale investigation with the Royal Guard; it¡¯s incredibly intensive,¡± Tristan explained. ¡°The boy is correct,¡± Cailu called over his shoulder. ¡°At least one of you has performed a modicum of study.¡± Tristan flushed, then sighed. ¡°Anyway, it¡¯s one thing for three men to die in the unexpected collapse of a wall. Easily substantiated, especially if the Ejderha perished with it. It¡¯s another to commit outright murder.¡± I frowned. To me, it seemed Magni was willing to do just about anything to see us all locked in cages or with our heads on pikes. But if both Tristan and Cailu trusted the political song and dance, I would go along with it. ¡°Here we are,¡± the white-haired girl stopped at one door, and her black-haired cohort moved to a second one a few steps away. ¡°There are three beds in each room. Lakshmi and I will draw your baths just across the hallway.¡± She pointed to a door to the room¡¯s direct opposite. ¡°We will fetch you when the baths are ready.¡± Three beds. I looked up at my girls, meeting Keke and Ravyn¡¯s gazes. Keke and I could share¡ª ¡°I¡¯ll stay with Tristan and Zahra,¡± Cannoli said, moving to stand next to Zahra without ever meeting my eyes. I see. ¡°Sure, Cannoli. That¡¯s fine.¡± I didn¡¯t want to push her. We could talk about it later. Keke, Ravyn, and I wandered into the room the white-haired girl¡ªAanya, I remembered¡ªhad stood by. The chamber was enormous; each bed could comfortably hold three people. Mosaics plastered the walls with more delicate glass tiles in the shape of fire-spewing dragons. A fireplace was embedded into the far wall, with a small water fountain gurgling cheerily beside it. ¡°Damn. This would fit well in the queen¡¯s castle,¡± Ravyn noted. She lifted Ball from her shoulder and placed him on a wooden headrest. ¡°Why is it like this, though?¡± I ran a hand through my hair, then tossed my [Cat Pack] on the nearest bed. ¡°Is he really hosting anyone?¡± ¡°Maybe not. But if it¡¯s an intimidation tactic, it¡¯s working,¡± Keke admitted. ¡°Magni has enough Bells to afford anything he wants.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a dangerous thought,¡± Ravyn replied. ¡°Yeah. I think so, too,¡± Keke agreed. ¡°Pardon me. Your bath is ready,¡± Aanya announced with a bow. ¡°I will have a clean set of clothing for each of you here when you are finished.¡± ¡°Thanks, Aanya.¡± There was no reason to be rude to the girls in the castle. It wasn¡¯t their fault that their king was an enormous douchebag. We watched as she exited the room to tell the others, then Keke whispered, ¡°Honestly, if there¡¯s a long hot bath waiting in there for me, they can poison me all they want.¡± Ravyn cackled a laugh, and I responded with a weak chuckle. I wanted to feel better about the whole situation, really. Find some humor in it with the others. But the image of Ceres lying in my lap, holding her guts in with her arms, kept replaying in my head. I sighed and followed them to the bath.
Once we were clean and redressed, I felt a little bit like a civilized person again. Aanya left me a pair of loose-fitting tan trousers and a white button-up shirt. The material allowed the air to pass freely through it, cooling my skin as I walked. Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. For the girls, well, they looked like Arabian princesses. Keke wore an ivory top that wrapped across her chest, around her waist, then crossed high on her back. Flowing white skirts hung at her hips, shifting like water with her every step. Long sleeves belled from the bends of her arms, the edges trailing down to the hem of her dress. Golden chains, charms, and accessories dripped from her neck, waist, and sleeves, shimmering like stars in the light of the lamps. She caught me staring, performing a twirl on the ball of her foot. Everything moved with her; a hypnotic blend of skin, fabric, and gold. ¡°Like it?¡± ¡°I do,¡± I admitted. ¡°But now I feel pretty underdressed.¡± ¡°You can wear mine if you want,¡± Ravyn grumbled. Her attire was similar, though the cloth was crimson red and the gold accented with rubies. Strings of metal beads around her hips jingled as she walked. ¡°Everyone will hear you from a mile away.¡± ¡°It¡¯s better to warn them, really,¡± I teased. ¡°Baka.¡± The sleek lines of their taut stomachs seemed to invite my fingertips. I shook my head to clear it. ¡°Pardon me.¡± Aanya was at the door, her long white hair falling over her shoulders as she bowed. ¡°Dinner is served.¡± ¡°Shall we?¡± I turned to the girls, and they nodded. Aanya showed us to an enormous dining table packed to every edge with food. Cooked meats, sugared fruits, bread, and vegetables both familiar and foreign. An assortment of wine bottles and pitchers of golden liquid punctuated the feast from one end of the table to the other. The smell was incredible. Magni sat at its head on another golden throne accented with wings and dragon heads, Eshe at his side. And here I thought Nyarlea¡¯s theming was too strong. Cailu and Tristan were already there. Naeemah had returned to her green silks while Kirti still wore the pink patterns of her [Witch Doctor] attire. I briefly wondered if she had [Casual Mode] clothing. Zahra wore a deep red saree that crossed over her left shoulder, and Cannoli donned a simple white shift. She didn¡¯t look at me as we took our seats at the table. ¡°Now. Let us eat as friends at least, hm?¡± Magni spread his arms wide, his glowing white smile radiating from his face. I grunted a non-committal reply; Tristan and Cailu were more vocal. Everyone filled their plates and ate in silence. It had the same feeling as one of those family holiday meals that no one wants to actually be at, but everyone showed up for the free food. Which was excellent. But the whole time, you sit there wondering when Aunt Patti will ask you why you¡¯re not in business school or have a girlfriend. The other problem was the exhaustion setting in with every bite. It really started to sink in. I hadn¡¯t slept in almost forty-eight hours. From the Chikara, to the Ejderha fights, to the tunnel. Then working tirelessly to clear the wall enough for us to pass through. After a bath and a good meal for the first time in weeks, every nerve in my body was screaming for me to sleep. Even with sticking to water over wine, I felt my eyes grow heavy. My head lulled forward, threatening to choose the table as an adequate pillow. ¡°Magni, will you allow me to explain our true purpose here?¡± Cailu announced suddenly. His voice jerked me awake. Even Keke and Ravyn flinched with Cailu¡¯s booming voice. ¡°A summit, correct? That is what you told my Ejderha before slaughtering them?¡± Magni asked, venom coating his words. Cailu frowned, then looked around the table. ¡°Matt, choose one of your girls to remain behind.¡± I blinked, my tongue trapped in my mouth. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Let us each keep one pair of additional eyes and ears for this meeting. It will help us stay on track and prevent idle banter,¡± Cailu explained. ¡°I¡ª¡± I started. Ravyn stood and touched my shoulder. ¡°Mattaku. You can explain everything later.¡± She moved to Cannoli¡¯s side and knelt to grab her hand. It was strange to see her act with so much care. ¡°Come on, Cannoli. Let¡¯s go relax.¡± ¡°O¡­ Okay,¡± Cannoli squeaked, standing to follow Ravyn out of the room. Kirti shrugged and did the same without another word. Zahra remained between Tristan and Naeemah, and Eshe at Magni¡¯s right. ¡°Allow me to be frank.¡± Cailu clasped his hands on the table. ¡°Nyarlea, as a whole, is in desperate straits.¡± ¡°My island is fine,¡± Magni growled. ¡°Every island,¡± Cailu continued, emphasizing the word, ¡°as well as Nyarlothep, has its slew of problems and difficulties that would be better handled by all four men as a team. Not a solo endeavor.¡± ¡°As I understand, my position in this world is to protect and produce offspring. By all accounts, I¡¯ve done just that for many years,¡± Magni countered. ¡°I would argue the latter more than the former,¡± Tristan said. Magni¡¯s eyes narrowed, white irises burning into Tristan¡¯s face. ¡°Who are you to cast stones, boy? Is your island free of Defiled? Economically prospering? Are your girls content with their daily lives?¡± Tristan blinked. I could see his hands fidgeting beneath the table. But, to his credit, he never dropped Magni¡¯s gaze. ¡°I understand when it¡¯s important to ask for help. Do you?¡± ¡°I do not require your help, boy. Don¡¯t you see? You are the ones who have done everything in their power to manipulate and mutilate this island,¡± Magni snarled. I¡¯d had enough. ¡°Because you refused to meet with us on equal terms. Instead of leaving your precious castle, you would rather murder us and our Parties. You¡¯ve built an island where anyone that refuses to bend to your will must die.¡± Magni raised his eyebrows, then laughed. ¡°I have never heard such hypocrisy.¡± ¡°Silence! All of you!¡± Cailu bellowed. His deep voice echoed against the walls, and the room fell quiet. ¡°Judgment of ruling methods and approaches aside, I need assistance from all of you in curbing the Defiled threat in Nyarlothep and reestablishing order on the islands. I will not always be here to continue this legacy, and it is high time for us to work together in this world.¡± ¡°And if we do not wish to help you with your¡­ legacy?¡± Magni asked, crossing his arms over his chest. ¡°If I¡¯ve more important work to do here?¡± ¡°Then I will see you at dawn,¡± Cailu snapped. ¡°My challenge stands.¡± Magni looked incredulous. ¡°Do you have such a grand death wish, Cailu?¡± Cailu leveled his gaze. ¡°What is your answer, Magni?¡± ¡°I have no use for other islands or Nyarlothep. They are not my burden to bear.¡± Magni pushed his throne back from the table and gestured for Eshe to step back. ¡°A duel to the death, then, as you so desire.¡± He looked from me to Tristan. ¡°If you are still in my sights when I am claimed victor, I will kill you both.¡± I tensed, but the exhaustion stilled any comeback that I hoped to have. We watched Magni leave, and Eshe closed the door behind them. ¡°Cailu¡ª¡± Naeemah began. ¡°Tristan, Matt,¡± Cailu interrupted. ¡°I will write you both letters of recommendation for Queen Nehalennia. Should I not be available to join you to Nyarlothep, you must take them to her.¡± ¡°What?¡± Not join us? Was he really afraid of losing to Magni? ¡°Cailu, seriously?¡± Cailu nodded. ¡°Magni has made it so that I cannot view his information in the iPaw. I must assume he is Third Class, which leaves no room for error.¡± He looked at Naeemah and Zahra. ¡°This island and its people are promised to Naeemah. I ask you to retreat if the worst happens and find a way to return it to her.¡± Naeemah snatched the butter knife from her plate setting and stabbed it into the table with a snarl. A chill ran down my spine as I watched it wobble back and forth. ¡°You promised me, Cailu. Finish this, or I will never forgive you.¡± A wry smile twitched at the corners of his mouth. ¡°Both of you must reach Second Class as soon as possible. Do every Quest available to you and find your way to the Queen. Nyarlothep will fall without your aid. Do you understand me?¡± With another frustrated growl, Naeemah stood and marched out of the room. I wanted to fight him on it, but there was no reason. He¡¯d made up his mind. It seemed Tristan understood, too. We replied, ¡°Yes,¡± in unison. ¡°Thank you.¡± Cailu stood, the dark circles beneath his eyes a lot more evident in the candlelight. ¡°Get some rest. This will all be over soon.¡± Chapter 186: Ring of Death Cailu¡¯s sleep was fitful, at best. He watched as the last licks of flame perished beneath the charred wood in the fireplace. The letters of recommendation for Tristan and Matt lay sealed and stamped with the sun emblem insignia he¡¯d adapted for himself in Nyarlea. Naeemah tossed and turned in the bed next to his. At least twice, her eyes had snapped open, emeralds catching the firelight as she stared at Cailu with a haunting mixture of pain and anger. She felt betrayed, and rightfully so. There were not enough words in any language to convey his frustration with this venture. This world. He¡¯d spent so long carrying the expectations of the queen, of San Island, of the mysteriously sentient Ai. There were tomes and scrolls detailing Nyarlea¡¯s renaissance¡ªa time when the Defiled were well-managed and the men readily available to assist the capital. Then, the capable men vanished. Repeatedly replaced with weak-willed, anserine fools that cowed in the face of difficulty. This was the closest he¡¯d ever been to a revival of peace and restoration of trust. Tristan and Matt needed the training, but both understood the urgent necessity of their summit and were prepared to assume their roles within the Nyarlean system. But Magni¡­ Gods damned Magni. The shuffling of blankets caught his attention. Naeemah swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood. She¡¯d remained in her [Combat Mode] attire, despite reassurances that no harm would come to any of them. She marched around the footboard, then paused for a moment at the side of Cailu¡¯s bed. With a deep breath, she pulled the blankets back and slipped beneath them, resting on one of the numerous excess pillows and searching for his eyes in the dark. ¡°It seems neither of us has managed to sleep,¡± he murmured. Noting Kirti¡¯s steady breathing, he added, ¡°Well, save for one of our number.¡± ¡°You cannot die to him, Cailu.¡± Her whisper was steady and sharp. ¡°I will never forgive you.¡± ¡°My promise will be carried out by¡ª¡± ¡°It¡¯s not about your promise. The islands will crumble without you. I¨C ¡­I will¨C¡± Her words trailed into an exhale as a tear escaped the corner of her eye, and she quickly wiped it away. ¡°You ruled this island with unparalleled dignity and grace for over a decade. Alone, Naeemah. You do not need me to continue your monarchy.¡± Cailu bent his elbow, propping his head up on one fist. ¡°One way or another, this island will be yours once more.¡± ¡°We have not come so far to see you dead at the hands of a tyrant,¡± she hissed. ¡°We are out of options and out of time. This was the only certain way to pass off the city to you. Even if I win, the situation may worsen before it improves. But you are more than capable of handling it.¡± ¡°Cailu.¡± Naeemah reached for his free hand, grasping it in hers. Her skin was smooth and warm, and the gesture brought a comfort he hadn¡¯t expected. ¡°I know you tire of this world. I see it in your eyes and hear it in your words. We so rarely have an opportunity to think or space to breathe. Even so, don¡¯t let this be your last day in Nyarlea. Don¡¯t let it be my final memory of you.¡± Cailu found himself gently tracing the back of her hand with one thumb. An idle, mindless motion that he couldn¡¯t recall doing in years. Naeemah¡­ He wanted to promise her that the duel would go exactly as she wished¡ªMagni dead and Cailu walking away unscathed. But fighting another person was much different than battling a mob of Encroachers or a Defiled. Without knowing his Class or Skills, he would have to deduce them on the spot. One wrong step could cost him the duel. Kirti jerked to a sitting position without warning, her orange eyes peering out the window, then at Cailu. ¡°It is time.¡± Naeemah released his hand and slid from the blankets. She righted herself and marched to the door, disappearing into the hallway. Cailu ran a hand through his hair, then pushed himself to sit. Naeemah, I¡¯m sorry.
Breakfast was a disquieting affair. Everyone picked at their meals in silence, most unable to bring themselves to eat. Cailu forced down two eggs and a mug of water¡ªhe would need the energy. Tristan and Matt exchanged worried glances while the girls kept their eyes on the table. Kirti seemed the only one at ease, taking her time with her meal and flashing anyone her token sardonic smile should they dare to look at her. Magni was not in attendance. The duel was to be held in one of the many courtyards of the citadel. Once Cailu and the others had donned their [Combat Mode] attire, Aanya led the group outside, where a handful of First Shell catgirls were gathered around a large, glowing blue ring. One young woman stood on the outskirts¡ªa [Priest] from the appearance of her garb¡ªher eyes focused on the ring as a glimmering trail of magic shimmered from her staff. ¡°What is that?¡± Matt asked, pointing at the magic glow. ¡°It acts as a wall,¡± Cailu explained, stepping forward and laying his hand on the air just above the circle. As he expected, pressure stopped his palm from falling inside. He gave the invisible wall a few knocks with his knuckle. ¡°It absorbs magic, too,¡± Tristan added. He blushed when everyone looked at him in surprise. ¡°I read about them. It¡¯s safer for the spectators this way.¡± Perhaps this world still stands a chance. ¡°Cailu, I pray you slept well?¡± Magni greeted in his booming voice. His resplendent gold armor clicked as he walked, stopping to stand next to Cailu. ¡°The workers in the citadel offer excellent hospitality, as always,¡± Cailu growled. ¡°Their leadership has much to learn from them.¡± Magni¡¯s mouth drew into a thin line. ¡°Let¡¯s get this over with.¡± He slammed the visor of his helmet over his face and signaled for the [Priest] to drop the wall momentarily. ¡°Good luck, Cailu,¡± Matt said, extending a hand. Cailu shook it, then handed him the two letters of recommendation. ¡°Thank you, Matt.¡± With one last lingering look at Naeemah, Cailu turned and strode into the dueling ring. Magni stopped fifty paces from where Cailu stood. The hunk of metal he shouldered could scarcely be called a greatsword. It was enormous, black and unwieldy, nicked and dented beyond reason. Cailu raised a brow and drew his dueling sword from the scabbard. It had been years since Scorn had seen use, but it was just as beautiful as he remembered. Made with the finest steel Bells could afford, the sword was forged to perfection and enchanted by the most powerful [Arbiter] in all of Nyarlea. Augmenting every Spell in the [Paladin]¡¯s arsenal, the [Arbiter] had claimed the sword her life¡¯s work. Gems so clear you could see straight through them laid inside the hilt. Spirals of faded white and red colored the blade, swirling until they met at the sword¡¯s tip. With the blade''s flat held toward him, Cailu rotated the weapon in search of imperfections. The edge was still razor sharp, catching the sun¡¯s light as if it were forged just minutes ago. Cailu had never seen a finer sword in all his life. The [Priest] gestured the two men to their positions. Fifty paces would separate them, as was Nyarlean custom. Both individuals were allowed to use whatever weapons or Spells they deemed appropriate. For most duels, anything was fair game. Magni threw his fist into the air, signaling to the [Priest] that his preparations were complete. Cailu leveled his gaze on the dark-eyed girl, mirroring Magni¡¯s signal. She nodded and motioned to a pair of flanking catgirls to kneel beside her. Maintaining the barrier was exhausting work, often requiring the assistance of others to help provide a steady pool of [Myana Points] to the [Priest]. Cailu drew a deep breath and readied himself into a fighting stance, one foot in front of the other, sword behind, shield in front. ¡°[Wall of Sanctity],¡± the [Priest] recited. The barrier was up, the gauntlet thrown. All that was left was to put the dog down. ¡°[Invoke Gale]!¡± Magni swept his greatsword behind him as if it were weightless. A gust of wind kicked the sand around him up into the air, snaking its way around his weapon. As the Spell completed, Magni added, ¡°[Tailwind]!¡± The twin sand cyclones wrapping around his weapon leaped to Magni, blanketing him like the eye of a hurricane. [Tailwind] would significantly improve Magni¡¯s attack and movement speed. These were [Magic Knight] Spells. With his sword held in one hand behind him, Magni ran at Cailu with an ear-piercing battle cry, like a barbarian lusting for blood, the wind carrying him across the ground at an alarming speed. ¡°[Iron Wall]!¡± Cailu yelled as he raised his shield. Magni came to a skidding halt, kicking sand toward Cailu and lifting his greatsword for an overhead swing. As Cailu raised his shield to block the blow, Magni spun on the spot and came at him from the right instead. Damn! The world slowed at that moment as Perception activated much earlier than Cailu preferred. There was no time to block the attack with his shield. He would have to put his sword in danger. ¡°[Protective Finish]!¡± Cailu cried in the world of slowed time. A flash of white swept over the blade as time returned to normal, and the greatsword made contact. The sound of screeching metal echoed in the courtyard as the two weapons clashed. Cailu shifted his weight and used the force of the attack to spin away from Magni, steadying his posture. Magni continued his assault, swinging at Cailu¡¯s left. Cailu swung his shield against the oncoming strike, yelling, ¡°[Disarmament]!¡± The whites of Magni¡¯s eyes flashed beneath his helmet as shield and sword clanged against one another. A loud hum followed, and Magni¡¯s weapon soared into the air, crashing against the barrier before falling uselessly to the dirt. Now was his chance. Cailu stepped forward and lunged for the slits of Magni¡¯s helmet. As Magni stepped to the side, Scorn¡¯s tip found purchase inside the outermost hole, tearing the helmet from Magni¡¯s head and sending it careening into the sand. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. ¡°[Cutting Wind]!¡± Magni screamed. Cailu¡¯s shield went up as a green beam of light erupted from Magni¡¯s palm, piercing through the air and connecting with Cailu¡¯s shield. The blast knocked him back several feet and threw him off balance. As he steadied himself, Magni sprinted to where his greatsword lay, and Cailu threw his shield and sword down beside him. ¡°[Call Arms]!¡± Cailu cried, his hand extended. The greatsword trembled slightly before rising into the air and flying toward him. Magni grasped at the greatsword¡¯s handle, missing it by mere inches. Fury twisted his features as he stretched his arm outward. ¡°[Bind]!¡± At last. There it was. A Skill that betrayed Magni¡¯s primary Class. It would have been foolish to reveal both too early in their duel. However, there was but a single Class that could learn [Bind]. A portal as dark as a bottomless well opened between Cailu and Magni. Dozens of chains snaked out of the alternative dimension, coiling around the greatsword and pulling it inside. Moments later, another portal opened beside Magni, and the chains deposited the greatsword into his hand before retracting back inside. With a hum, the doorway disappeared, sparks of violet and crimson licking at the edges. Magni bowed his head forward, allowing his hunk of steel to fall against the ground. Even at this distance, Cailu could feel the slight tremor it created. ¡°So now you know,¡± Magni growled. ¡°It will do you no good.¡± Cailu bent to retrieve his sword and shield. As he rose, the corner of his mouth twisted into a smile. ¡°Then what are you waiting for?¡± He raised Scorn, pointing the tip at his opponent. ¡°Or do you prefer to drivel like a child?¡± ¡°[Invoke Blaze]!¡± Magni bellowed a bloodcurdling roar, a great blaze erupting over his sword. ¡°You think I don¡¯t know what Sub-Class you use?¡± Magni closed the distance in seconds, jumping into the air with his sword held high. ¡°[Scorching Fervor]!¡± The heat of the blaze grew tenfold, drawing beads of sweat from Cailu¡¯s scalp. There would be no avoiding this attack, Perception or not. With [Disarmament] on cool down, the best Cailu could do was increase his defenses as high as possible. Cailu dropped to one knee and raised his shield, yelling, ¡°[Bulwark]! [Mirror Shield]!¡± The greatsword and shield met again, sending a deafening knell through the air as if someone had just struck a bell. Magni landed and pushed the weight of his sword against Cailu¡¯s shield. Hungry flames lapped at Cailu¡¯s body, stopped short by [Mirror Shield], and redirected to the surrounding pitch. A ring of fire scorched the ground around them, and as Magni began to lift his weapon, Cailu pushed. ¡°[Shield Bash]!¡± For the second time, Cailu knocked Magni¡¯s greatsword to the ground. With this momentum, he could not stop. He needed to put himself on the offensive. Cailu stepped forward, swiping his sword through the air at Magni¡¯s face. Magni hissed through gritted teeth as he stepped back, throwing a powerful kick toward Cailu. Cailu refused to relent. ¡°[Beheading Swipe]!¡± A screeching hum followed as Cailu stepped forward and whipped his shield through the air. The metal around the rim morphed to fine edges in the blink of an eye. However, with [Tailwind] on his side, Magni managed to dodge his attack with inhuman speed. Instead, Cailu caught the man¡¯s breastplate, ripping a gaping horizontal cavity into the unblemished gold. Magni staggered backward, gasping for air and grasping at the metal. With the effects of [Tailwind] still behind him, he jumped away as if the winds carried him. As his fingers brushed against the fastenings of his breastplate, the metal fell to one side, hanging by its remaining strap. ¡°You fucking cretin,¡± Magni snarled. ¡°Ah, there¡¯s the real Magni,¡± Cailu mocked. ¡°Show everyone who you truly are.¡± ¡°I grow tired of your unmerited hubris,¡± Magni growled and ripped the strap off, tossing the plate to his right. Cailu saw a large cut across Magni¡¯s shirt where a thin line of blood was forming. ¡°I will defend my people.¡± Cailu shook his head. ¡°Still, you insist on playing the role of a benevolent king.¡± He brought the hilt of his sword level to his face, point held upward. Now that he knew what Class Magni was, he no longer had to hold back. He was done testing the waters. ¡°[Incandescent Weapon].¡± The gems sparkled in response. White smoke rose from the blade¡¯s edge like dozens of little threads, vanishing a few feet above the sword. ¡°[Open Gate],¡± Magni said, then repeated the Spell. Two black portals opened¡ªone beside his discarded greatsword and the other to his immediate right. Without ever taking his eye off Cailu, Magni reached into the nearest portal. Cailu watched from a distance as Magni¡¯s hand came through the exit, grabbing the greatsword and pulling it inside. With Magni¡¯s sword back in his hands, he waved his arm through the air, murmuring, ¡°[Bridge the Gap].¡± The two gates vanished, morphing into small violet-and-black orbs which flew toward Magni. He inhaled deeply as the spheres entered his chest. Cailu settled into a fighting stance once more, breathing steadily. [Void Walker] was a Class that depended on its [Myana Points] and portals to get anything done. A defensive style was more appropriate if he wished to keep the upper hand. He prayed that his taunts had encouraged aggressive behavior. ¡°[Open Gate]!¡± Magni cried. A portal began to open beneath Cailu¡¯s feet. He rolled to his left, swiping his sword at the swirling blackness on his way. White light trailed from Scorn¡¯s tip as it arced across the portal, dispelling Magni¡¯s gate. A gut-wrenching shriek sounded from the dark void before it closed. The arc of light remained as Cailu shifted back to standing. Magni frowned. ¡°[Shadow Double]!¡± Cailu turned around, swinging his sword across the chest of the Magni copy that was forming from Cailu¡¯s shadow. The fiend given life screamed, its voice echoing against the dueling grounds like a banshee. Cailu looked over his shoulder to see Magni with his greatsword over one shoulder and the [Void Walker]¡¯s signature chain wrapped around his other arm. ¡°[Bind]!¡± Magni cried. The chains around Magni¡¯s arm came to life, lunging for Cailu like dozens of snakes. ¡°[Mirror Shield]!¡± Cailu stepped forward, then dug his back foot into the dirt to brace for the impact. The chains clanged against his shield, reversing direction toward Magni. ¡°[Shadow Leap]!¡± With Magni¡¯s command, a portal opened in front of him, the chains vanishing inside. Immediately after, another portal appeared beside Cailu, and Magni jumped through¡ªthe redirected chains wrapped securely around his wrist again¡ªand swung the chains back out at Cailu, wrapping around his shield. Magni pulled, ripping the shield away from Cailu and throwing it behind him. Cailu reeled, hissing in breath and resetting his footing. Magni laughed. ¡°Leaving already?¡± He readied the chains, then unleashed them at Cailu once more. Cailu staggered backward, cutting at the incoming chains. The light of Scorn vanquished the chains, sending them up into the air like wisps of smoke. Magni advanced, swinging his hunk of steel at Cailu¡¯s side. Scorn pivoted to block the blow, rattling with the contact and sending a shudder throughout Cailu¡¯s entire being. ¡°You¡¯re mine!¡± Magni broke the clinch, stepping forward to kick Cailu square in the chest. The impact sent Cailu flying several feet. Magni easily closed the distance on foot with [Tailwind] for an overhead swing. ¡°[Call Arms]!¡± Cailu¡¯s shield flew back to his arm, and he raised it to block the incoming blow. ¡°Hell take you, Cailu!¡± Magni bellowed. ¡°[Umbral Blade]!¡± The greatsword¡¯s disheveled form changed as if the weapon were shedding its skin. Chunks of iron and steel evaporated into thin air, revealing a serpentine-shaped sword of black underneath. ¡°It¡¯s over.¡± Magni swung with all his might, and the ebony blade soared through the air. Cailu screamed. The shield, his gauntlet¡ªneither had managed to deflect the blow. Blood seeped through his armor, splattering his ornate silver plate. Magni continued his onslaught, and Cailu could feel the bones of his forearm splintering. ¡°How does it feel?¡± Magni whispered. ¡°To know your life is at an end? To know everything you¡¯ve worked for will disappear before your eyes?¡± A chuckle escaped his lips. ¡°[Force of Will].¡± With Magni¡¯s Spell, the weight of his blade increased. ¡°You tell me,¡± Cailu hissed. ¡°[Martyr¡¯s Vengeance].¡± At his command, an unassailable force blew Magni backward, forcing him to disengage. The greatsword separated from Cailu¡¯s flesh, a sickening crack following. [Martyr¡¯s Vengeance] offered an initial blast and Stat increases, but it would take more than that to keep Magni at bay. Cailu rose to his feet, panting. ¡°[Vanquish the Dark]!¡± He turned Scorn around and plunged it into the ground. A second wave pushed Magni farther back, and a cool breeze blew around the elf, enveloping him in white winds. The sleek ebony greatsword reformed into its initial decrepit appearance. Blessedly, the effects of [Vanquish the Dark] had begun to stop the bleeding. While the Spell could do nothing to mend bones, it kept the blood in his body. ¡°The devil is this?¡± Magni grunted, his eyes wide. ¡°What have you done to my sword?¡± Cailu leveled his gaze, ripping Scorn out and holding the blade¡¯s point toward Magni. ¡°Your Spell is forfeit.¡± He didn¡¯t have much time, as [Vanquish the Dark] only afforded him a mere ten seconds of safety. With a trembling sword hand, Cailu brought Scorn close to his face and muttered, ¡°[Burn the Wicked].¡± Cailu¡¯s vision narrowed as the stacks of Zealotry clouded his mind¡ªa terrible side effect of [Burn the Wicked]. Each stack granted him Dexterity and Strength, and, in turn, Cailu was forced to fight against a slew of painful memories. It was enough to drive a man insane. His breath caught in his throat when the hallucination worsened. An intimately familiar woman and child appeared beside Magni. They were holding hands, smiling, and waving to Cailu. The corner of his mouth twitched in fury. They are not real. Fera and Heiki are¡­ they are gone. You will never see them again. Cailu closed his eyes, breathing in and out. When he opened them, the ghosts of his past were gone. ¡°[Searing Weapon]. [Aura Blade],¡± he snarled. Two ropes of light trailed the blade''s edge¡ªone red and the other white. When they joined at the tip, the blade split into two colors, and magic sparked where the colors collided in the center. At last, the shield brought forth by [Vanquish the Dark] ended, and Magni ran toward Cailu, his blade underhanded. ¡°[Burden the Foolish]!¡± he cried, his palm extended toward Cailu. One of Magni¡¯s portals appeared beneath him, immobilizing his feet and slowly pulling him inside. Cailu cursed under his breath. He had no way to dispel the portal. The effects of [Incandescent Weapon] were gone, and his remaining defensive tools on cool down. While Magni¡¯s attack limited his movements, Cailu could still shift his footing somewhat. He would have less than a second to perform the maneuver. If this did not work, then his life would be forfeit. Tossing the remnants of his shield to the ground beside him, he two-handed Scorn, and settled into a stance common among [Myrmidon]s¡ª[Balance Stance]. He waited and prayed for the moment he needed. Magni ended his charge and swung, the ragged edge of his greatsword aimed for Cailu¡¯s throat. ¡°[Third Eye]!¡± Cailu screamed. The world slowed, and Cailu saw where the weakest point of Magni¡¯s greatsword was. Striking that point would grant Cailu the highest chance of success. Two finger lengths from the blade''s hilt was the slightest flicker of blue-white light. Now! Time returned to its normal pace, and Cailu slashed his sword through the air, creating an arc of fire before him. Like a hot knife through butter, the sword and the flame engulfing it streaked through the greatsword, severing blade from hilt. The blade clamored against Cailu¡¯s pauldron before falling to the pitch. With Magni trapped in his momentum, Cailu thrust his good fist upward, uppercutting the man in the jaw. Magni yelped and reeled backward, flailing as blood stained his teeth and gushed from his mouth. With his concentration broken, the sinkhole caused by [Burden of the Foolish] vanished, and Cailu was back on his feet. ¡°Let¡¯s finish this,¡± Cailu growled. ¡°[Gate to the Shroud],¡± Magni spat, sanguine droplets pooling in the dirt. A pale green portal appeared before him. Cailu immediately recognized the Spell. The user could escape into the portal for twenty-four hours, allowing them to recover. It was the second time Cailu had witnessed its utilization, and he would be damned if another person escaped. ¡°Coward!¡± Cailu bellowed, throwing Scorn into the portal. Magni stepped back and watched in horror as the portal turned white for a split second before shattering like glass. ¡°This can¡¯t be¡ª¡± Cailu charged Magni and punched him square in the face. Magni stumbled, and Cailu threw another, and another, and another. Magni¡¯s face began to bruise and break under the combined might of [Burn the Wicked] and [Martyr¡¯s Vengeance], and spittles of blood speckled the sand around them. At last, the dragon fell to his knees, gasping for air, his arm held out. ¡°S-stop!¡± Magni pleaded. Cailu stood over the man, casting a shadow over him. ¡°Your reign ends here.¡± ¡°No.¡± Magni covered his face. ¡°It can¡¯t end like this.¡± Cailu shoved him backward with the sole of his plated shoe. ¡°[Divine Retribution].¡± He held out his hand, and a flash of white blanketed the area. A loud ringing permeated the air, rippling and distorting every sound passing through, and then a second later, a beam with enough light to rival the sun shot out from Cailu¡¯s palm, barreling its way through Magni¡¯s chest. The smell of burning flesh rose from what remained of Magni¡¯s mangled heart. The fallen king reached out and gripped Cailu¡¯s wrist, tears staining his cheeks. As the light faded from his eyes, he spoke a single word. ¡°B-book.¡± The strength of his grip faded, and his arm fell to the side. Magni was dead. Side Quest: Ceres and the Sword of Virtues Ceres sat at an ornate dining table, her hands clasped in her lap. An old grandmother clock stood against the wall of the opposite room, its pendulum swinging and its hands clicking. To date, Amy had never been late. If anything, she had a tendency to be too early. Ceres shuffled the nails of her thumbs to alleviate the anxiety in her chest. A nearby door clicked open, and Ceres turned toward the noise. A catgirl with short pink hair and a red ribbon behind her left ear shut the door quietly behind her. Her heels clicked against the hardwood floor as she strode toward Ceres at a brisk pace. The grandmother clock rang just as Amy took a chair beside Ceres, lifting it slightly so as not to damage the chair or the floor. Ceres adjusted her seat so that the two of them faced each other. ¡°Looks like I made it just on time!¡± Amy said, giggling. ¡°Y-yes,¡± Ceres said, a portion of her anxiety vacating. Amy put one hand over the other in her lap and tilted her head with curious ruby eyes. ¡°So, what did you want to discuss?¡± Ceres took a deep breath, slowly exhaling. ¡°I am considering the possibility that I may join the Knights of Sorentina.¡± Amy¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Oh my goodness!¡± She put a hand on top of Ceres¡¯. ¡°Truly?¡± Ceres nodded slowly. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Well, you simply must go! You have my full support!¡± Amy grinned. ¡°Thank you, Amy.¡± Ceres curled an errant strand of her short blonde hair around her finger. With each passing second, her father¡¯s face seemed to occupy more of her idle thoughts and decisions. It had been six years since he¡¯d signed her away to the Venicia School of Etiquette and two years since his final missive. Yet, somehow, she could recall his features and disposition as if she had seen him only yesterday. ¡°This is about your dad, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Am I so transparent?¡± ¡°That¡¯s what friends are for.¡± Amy squeezed Ceres¡¯ hand. ¡°Hey, he would be really proud of you if he were still with us. You should seek your dream out, Ceres.¡± ¡°I wish¡­ not to betray his expectations,¡± Ceres said through a forced laugh. ¡°I think you soared above his expectations,¡± Amy said with an easy smile. ¡°Most kittens don¡¯t even know who their dad is. You were one of the lucky ones.¡± She rubbed her thumb against Ceres¡¯ skin. ¡°His actions were not those of a man who didn¡¯t care. They were those of a man who wanted everything for his daughter. I¡¯m sure he would agree if he were still with us.¡± Ceres fought back the tears that built in her eyes. ¡°Yes. Yes, I am sure you are correct.¡± ¡°Come on! You¡¯re sixteen! You have so much going for you!¡± Amy performed an arm pump. ¡°The Knights of Sorentina would be lucky to have you! Besides, I¡¯ve seen how you handle that broom. You swing it like it¡¯s a weapon.¡± Ceres¡¯ cheeks grew hot. ¡°I¡­ did not know anyone had seen that.¡± ¡°Nothing gets past me. You know that.¡± ¡°Thank you, Amy.¡± Ceres bowed at the neck. ¡°For everything.¡± ¡°H-hey! Don¡¯t say your goodbyes yet! Surely you¡¯re not leaving already!¡±
Ceres spent days acquiring any letter of recommendation she could find. Every submission was another voice, another chance the Knights of Sorentina would acknowledge her. Any who had joined the knights swore to lead a life of honor and respect. Denying her entry would be akin to denying the instructors of their position. Thankfully, not a single person rejected her request. By the time she finished, she had accrued six letters. The months that followed were the most stressful in all her life. Every day held dreams of becoming a [Magic Knight]. Visions of standing proud in her armor, protecting those who could not defend themselves. As she waited, she spent the passing days practicing motions she had learned from a book about combat with her trusty broom. Ceres knew little of blacksmithing, but at least she knew how to tie a shaped rock to the broken end of a broomstick. She originally had her heart set on a greatsword, but with no blacksmiths in town, her only option would be to order one from Sorentina¡ªan expensive commitment for one whose job security was dubious at best. Her tuition would also need to be paid, assuming she was accepted. So, for practice, a spear would do. The weight, the balance, the motions, all of it felt natural to her¡ªas if this was what she was meant to do. Day after day, she spent her time in the courtyard, spinning, twirling, pivoting, anything she could teach herself from one book and a handful of sketches. It was a cold morning when a voice grabbed Ceres¡¯ attention. ¡°Ceres!¡± Amy cried from behind her. Ceres spun her spear to her side with the point held downward. She let out a slow, steady breath, looking over her shoulder at her friend. ¡°Something came in the mail for you!¡± Ceres¡¯ breath caught. Her heart began to pound against her chest. Service. Grace. Urgency. Always a lady. It was no good. Ceres broke into a jog, unable to contain her excitement, and ran to Amy. Her friend held out the yellowed envelope with a big smile, and Ceres took it with trembling hands. She turned the letter over, admiring the red wax seal¡ªa pair of crossed swords held before a flame. Her mouth dry, Ceres broke the seal and retrieved the letter. She read it aloud. ¡°¡®To Lady Ceres of Venicia. A most curious letter arrived on my desk a month ago. It seems that the Venician school of etiquette has taken an interest in offering us one of its most talented students. Its contents told of a woman of unparalleled virtue and stoicism. A woman who was not afraid to strengthen not only her mind but her body and spirit as well.¡¯¡± Ceres cocked her head back, and a snowflake landed on the tip of her nose. ¡°Keep reading, keep reading!¡± Amy encouraged. ¡°Right.¡± Ceres cleared her throat. ¡°¡®I must say, I am most impressed with your record. You seem a fine woman with the proper understanding of what is expected of a knight. It is for this reason that we invite you to join the Knights of Sorentina. One of my [Magic Knight]s will be there in seven days to escort you to Sorentina. Please follow the instructions below. Do not be tardy. Signed, Lady Emersyn, [Magic Knight] of Sorentina.¡¯¡± ¡°Oh my goodness, oh my goodness!¡± Amy gripped Ceres¡¯ wrists and jumped up and down. ¡°You did it! You did it! You got accepted!¡± Ceres was dumbfounded. Then, slowly, a smile overwhelmed her. Soon, she and Amy were hopping up and down, thrilled about the future.
Ceres¡¯ farewell proved to be a bigger deal than she had anticipated. There had to have been at least a few dozen girls who wished her a safe trip. They crowded around the [Magic Knight]¡¯s cart, eliciting a few snippy remarks from the knight. ¡°W-w-will you come back soon?¡± Amy asked, her face red from crying. ¡°I-I¡¯m going to miss you!¡± Ceres offered her a sweet smile. ¡°I will return. You have my promise. On my honor as a future [Magic Knight].¡± Admittedly, she was unsure when she would be allowed to return. While the school supposedly offered the girls short vacations, Ceres was aware of the rumors surrounding the knights. It could be a long time before she returned. ¡°Become a great [Wizard], Amy. I have the utmost faith in you.¡± ¡°T-thanks, Ceres.¡± Amy hugged her friend for the fifth time that morning, drenching her apron in tears. ¡°I¡¯ll do my best on San Island,¡± she said muffledly. ¡°I know you will,¡± Ceres said, leaning forward until their foreheads touched. She ran her fingers through Amy¡¯s hair, and for one brief moment, Ceres wanted to join in the sobbing. There will be time for that later, she reminded herself. ¡°It¡¯s time,¡± said the [Magic Knight]. ¡°Come.¡± ¡°Yes, my lady,¡± Ceres said, nodding. She and Amy parted, and Ceres sat on the wagon next to the armored catgirl. The wagon began to move, and Ceres waved. She only stopped waving when she could no longer see Amy.
Seven days later, Ceres arrived at the Sorentina keep. It was a structure of incredible majesty. Women dressed in black and white garbs similar to Ceres marched their way around the building, silver plates of armor held firm against their bodies. Flashes of fire and ice drew Ceres¡¯ attention, her stare lingering longer than was proper. Two catgirls who bore breastplates over their maid attire came down the main staircase, curtsying before her. ¡°We have been awaiting your arrival, Lady Ceres,¡± said the catgirl on the left. ¡°Please follow us,¡± said the one on the right. ¡°Thank you,¡± said Ceres. The girls led Ceres up the stone staircase, past the portcullis, and into the main hall. Lush, red carpets embroidered with threads of gold lay upon black marble floors. Chandeliers made of crystal hung from the ceiling while a nearby catgirl snapped her fingers, igniting the wick of the candles. Ceres had to practice constant self-control whenever something caught her eye. This place was everything Ceres had expected and more. The knights escorted Ceres up a pair of spiral staircases and into the center room on the second floor. Several others briskly strode past them, platters of food perched on their palms. She listened as the girls in the kitchen to her left barked orders. ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am!¡± ¡°Understood, ma¡¯am!¡± The knights gestured to a door opposite the long hallway. ¡°You are to refer to her as Lady Captain at all times. Is that understood?¡± said the one on the left. ¡°Yes. I understand,¡± said Ceres. Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Good. Go on in. She¡¯s waiting for you.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± said Ceres. Drawing a deep breath, she turned the knob of the dark wood door and pushed it open. A catgirl in stunning armor halted her pacing upon Ceres¡¯ entrance. She bore striking red hair tied into a long ponytail and eyes of emerald. ¡°Take a seat. Close the door behind you.¡± She gestured to a chair in front of her desk. ¡°Yes, Lady Captain,¡± Ceres said. The door clicked behind her as she shut it. Taking great care to remember her etiquette lessons, Ceres gracefully settled into the chair, her back straight and with one hand clasped over the over in her lap. The captain hummed. ¡°Your etiquette is refined.¡± The woman took the seat opposite, mirroring her posture. ¡°You are the one they call Ceres, are you not?¡± Ceres nodded. ¡°Yes, I am Ceres of Venicia.¡± ¡°My name is Aline. However, you are to continue referring to me as Lady Captain. Is that understood?¡± ¡°I understand, Lady Captian.¡± ¡°Excellent. Do you have any experience in combat, Ceres?¡± Ceres wished to be honest. ¡°My knowledge is somewhat middling. Most techniques I have learned have been self-taught from books.¡± ¡°We will need to change that immediately. It is good that you come from the school of etiquette. That saves us a step in your training.¡± Aline¡¯s tone was flat, almost cold. There was an air of shrewdness surrounding her. Ceres could not help but feel that Aline spent every glance, every second, managing and observing any inflections in Ceres¡¯ voice or movement. It left her feeling uneasy and vulnerable. ¡°Do you know of your affinity?¡± No. Ceres thought back to when she was a kitten, and the other girls picked on her. At the time, she had been able to use ice-related spells. They were parlor tricks at best but promising ones for one as young as she was. ¡°I do not,¡± said Ceres. ¡°However, I am of the belief that I lean toward the element of ice.¡± Aline raised a brow. ¡°My, that is a rare one. Most of my girls lean toward fire or earth.¡± She cocked her head to the side, her gaze resting on an oil painting on the wall. ¡°I can think of only one woman suited to teach you.¡± She pulled open a drawer on her right. ¡°My apologies for causing undue distress,¡± Ceres said, bowing her head. ¡°Hardly. Pray, allow me one moment.¡± Pulling out a piece of stained paper, she dipped a quill in a nearby ink bottle and began to write. Ceres¡¯ gaze wandered to the numerous paintings on the wall. Her lessons in Venicia allowed her to identify the many strokes and techniques used by the painters. As she scanned the room, a watercolor painting of a ship at sea caught her attention. It depicted a man in tattered clothes, standing atop the foremast before an enormous Defiled with dozens of tentacles. She could not help but wish to jump into the painting and combat the evil alongside him. ¡°Here you are,¡± said Aline. Ceres¡¯ attention snapped back to her captain. She extended a folded piece of paper before her. ¡°Take this to Lady Giselle. She will see to it that you are properly trained.¡± Ceres¡¯ eyes lit up. ¡°Thank you so much. Where is she now?¡± ¡°Go back to the main hall and take the door on your right. That will lead you to the courtyard. That is where our knights train.¡± ¡°You have been most gracious, Lady Captain,¡± Ceres said, bowing again. ¡°As have you. You are dismissed.¡± Ceres carefully rose to her feet, gripping her hands tightly against her belly to hide the shaking. Goodness, was she excited to begin her training. With the letter held flat against her stomach, Ceres exited the room, offering one last bow before she departed¡ªas was expected of a subordinate. When she acknowledged no one else was around, she grinned and squealed quietly to herself. At last, it was time. When Ceres arrived in the courtyard, she counted dozens of crosses adorned with thatch bags. Each bag had been stuffed with hay and painted, offering each knight an opponent of equal size. ¡°Excuse me,¡± Ceres said to a passing catgirl. She looked new, as she bore no armor and was littered with pocks of dirt and sweat. Despite that, she still carried herself with the grace expected of a Knight of Sorentina. ¡°Where might I find Lady Giselle?¡± The catgirl clicked her tongue, then pointed over her shoulder. ¡°The one standing behind the girls there. White hair, blue eyes. Can¡¯t miss her.¡± Without so much as a goodbye, the catgirl quickened her pace and returned to the main hall behind them. Goodness, I hope she is alright. With apprehension in her breast, Ceres approached the woman, stopping a few feet from her. ¡°Excuse me.¡± The woman raised a hand to silence her. ¡°Put your back into it! You¡¯re not bringing plates of food to a man; you¡¯re striking with the intent to kill! So, kill!¡± ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am!¡± the girls cried back. She turned toward Ceres with a raised brow. ¡°What is it? I haven¡¯t got all day, so make this quick.¡± Ceres extended the letter. ¡°You are Lady Giselle, are you not?¡± ¡°I am.¡± She rolled her eyes as she took the letter from Ceres. ¡°Another would-be [Magic Knight], huh?¡± Unfolding the letter, she began to read its contents. Ceres was unsure what would be proper to say, so she chose to remain silent. ¡°I see,¡± Giselle said. She crumpled the letter and threw it into the fire pit behind her, where a pot of stew was cooking. ¡°Don¡¯t think that just because you might have an affinity for ice that it somehow makes you special. I¡¯m going to grind you into the dirt. And you are to refer to me as Lady Commander. Is that understood?¡± ¡°Yes, Lady Commander. I understand.¡± Ceres bowed at the waist. ¡°Good. Stay here. I¡¯ll be back in a moment.¡± Ceres nodded, glancing at the lady commander as she disappeared inside the building. As she waited, she observed the girls training. They all wore outfits like Ceres¡¯, though many were not wearing armor. Their swings were uniform, and judging from the expressions on their faces, they were struggling. One of the dummies was missing a training partner, and Ceres surmised it had belonged to the girl who passed her by. The door behind her clicked open. Giselle made her way back onto the courtyard, standing before Ceres with two closed fists in front of her. ¡°In case you¡¯re unaware, [Magic Knight]s are unable to conjure lightning and water.¡± Giselle opened her left hand to reveal three diamond-shaped stones. ¡°Only as a Third Class, an [Arbiter], will you have access to these Spells. You will struggle fiercely if your affinity lies in one of those two areas.¡± She opened her right hand to reveal three more stones. ¡°Most catgirls have a primary and secondary affinity. Let us hope you¡¯re attuned to ice as you claim you may be.¡± She plucked a yellow stone from the group with one gauntleted hand, pouring the remaining stones into her other hand. ¡°Do you know how to manage your Myana?¡± ¡°I do,¡± said Ceres. ¡°This will be a quick process, then.¡± Giselle placed the stone in Ceres¡¯ hand. ¡°Close your hand around the stone and focus on pouring a small bit of Myana into it.¡± Ceres shut her eyes and held the stone close to her chest. Breathing slowly and steadily, she experienced a strange sensation like dozens of little pins poking into her skin. ¡°I can sense it. Open your hand,¡± said Giselle. Ceres opened her hand, palm upright, so that Giselle could see it. ¡°Not the glow we would expect. It seems earth is your secondary affinity.¡± Ceres gasped. ¡°Did you know that would happen?¡± ¡°I figured it likely. In most cases, those who have used ice-related magic gravitate toward water or earth. Consider yourself lucky you didn¡¯t land in the former.¡± Giselle gestured for the rock. ¡°Hand it here.¡± Ceres placed the rock back in the lady commander¡¯s hand. ¡°Now for the real test.¡± She snatched a blue-white stone from the bunch and gave it to Ceres. The effect was instantaneous. Before the rock had even touched Ceres¡¯ skin, it began to glow and vibrate between Giselle¡¯s fingers. The light pulsated, humming as if charged with lightning. Giselle frowned. ¡°Interesting.¡± Collecting the stones into her one hand, Giselle slid them into the [Cat Pack] around her waist, folding her arms. A tiny smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. ¡°Ceres, was it?¡± ¡°Y-yes,¡± Ceres stammered. ¡°Grab a weapon.¡± Giselle flicked her head to a rack of wooden training weapons on her right. ¡°The sooner we start, the better.¡±
Four years had passed since Ceres began her training. Giselle was ruthless, cunning, noble. Everything Ceres wanted in a mentor and more. For the most part, that is. Ceres felt her tone and word choice could use some work, but it was never more than a thought. Speaking ill of your commander was a fine way to end up on kitchen duty. Amy¡¯s letters of encouragement always soothed the sting of the difficult days. Her dearest friend was doing well for herself on San Island, her [Wizard] training proceeding as planned. They would both achieve their dreams. Ceres mused of their reunion, hoping it would come sooner than later. ¡°Are you prepared for the ceremony?¡± Sheerie asked, jogging in place. Most likely to calm her nerves. She and Ceres had become close friends during their time in Sorentina. Ceres felt she could trust her with her life. ¡°I believe I am,¡± Ceres said. The door to the common room swung open. In the doorway was Nora, a high-ranking [Magic Knight] clad in gold armor laden with jewels of every color imaginable. The armor was ceremonial and unfit for combat. ¡°It¡¯s time,¡± Nora announced. Sheerie halted her jogging and made her way over to stand beside Nora. ¡°I¡¯m ready,¡± said Sheerie. She gestured for Ceres to follow. ¡°Let¡¯s do this.¡± Ceres rose from the bottom bunk bed, smiling. ¡°Let¡¯s.¡± There was a strict rule for the ceremony hall. Only those who were [Magic Knight]s could enter. The one exception was the [Magic Knight] initiation. Getting caught in this hall as a trainee was grounds for exile from the Knights of Sorentina. The hall was just as large and grand as Ceres had pictured. Unlike the red and black themes seen throughout the keep, the room was constructed from white marble. A rug of royal blue stretched from one side of the room up to a narrow table adorned with a white tablecloth, where a single silver sword lay at its center¡ªthe Sword of Virtues. Lady Aline approached Ceres and the other initiates, bowing at the neck while the initiates bowed at the waist¡ªa common courtesy granted to those of higher ranking. ¡°Pray, follow me,¡± Lady Aline gestured. Lady Aline''s was the most ornately decorated of all the knights Ceres had seen up until now. While the others wore gold armor similar to Nora¡¯s, Lady Aline wore silver. Her cape bore the same deep blue color as the rug beneath her feet, granting her an almost queenly presence. If anyone in their number could be named the queen¡¯s protector, it would be Aline. The ten would-be [Magic Knight]s followed Aline to the table. Upon it rested the Sword of Virtues¡ªa blade every [Fighter] had enchanted to get where Aline, Giselle, and the many other [Magic Knight]s were today. The weapon sat upon a bed of black pebbles. Gemstones sparkled inside the sword¡¯s hilt, and the light of the flickering candles cast a spellbinding glow upon the faces of the knights. ¡°I will call your name, one by one,¡± began Lady Aline. ¡°When I do, approach the table and retrieve the sword. Call upon the Invoke Spell of your choice. The Spell will succeed if the sword finds you worthy of becoming a [Magic Knight]. If not, we must ask you to continue another year of training.¡± All eyes were on Lady Aline, the shared tension in the room palpable. ¡°Do you understand?¡± ¡°Yes, Lady Captain,¡± Ceres and the others recited in unison. ¡°Excellent.¡± Lady Aline unfurled the scroll in her hand and began to call out the names. Only two of the six girls who had approached the altar had been found worthy by the sword. Ceres had expected to see tears from the ones who had failed. Instead, they remained stoic and forthright. As a knight should. ¡°Lady Sheerie,¡± Lady Aline called next. Sheerie looked at Ceres, eyes wide with anxiety. ¡°You can do it. I have the utmost faith in you,¡± said Ceres. Sheerie¡¯s teeth chattered. ¡°Right. Okay. I can do this.¡± With steady steps, Sheerie ascended the stairs and approached the sword. Pulling back the hood of her white cloak, she reached for the handle and held the point upward. Seconds passed. ¡°[Invoke Blaze]!¡± she said, raising the sword as high as she could. Flames erupted from the sword''s hilt, coiling around the blade like a pair of snakes. As the ropes of fire joined at the tip, the blaze roared to life, engulfing the edge. The girls clapped, and as Sheerie brought the sword down to eye level, the flame subsided in size, reaching a point of stability. ¡°Congratulations, Lady Sheerie,¡± Lady Aline said with a gentle smile. ¡°You have advanced to [Magic Knight].¡± The flame disappeared, and Sheerie set the sword down. The pebbles shifted from the weight, and with the dignity of a Sorentina [Magic Knight], Sheerie descended the stairs, taking her place beside Ceres. ¡°Lady Ceres,¡± said Lady Aline. ¡°Please approach the altar.¡± Ceres swallowed the lump in her throat and ascended the stairs next. Just as Sheerie had, Ceres removed the hood of her cloak before the Sword of Virtues. The blade was infinitely more intimidating up close than it was from afar. Jewels caught every hint of light that touched them, creating a dancing prism of colors against Ceres¡¯ alabaster skin. Ceres reached for the sword with trembling fingers and mirrored Sheerie¡¯s prior gesture. Saoirse. If you are watching, please grant me the strength to protect the weak. Ceres raised the sword into the air. ¡°[Invoke Frost]!¡± An ephemeral gust blew past Ceres. Wisps of blue swirled around the blade, ascending to the point. As the wisps rose higher and higher, tiny flakes of snow and ice manifested within the air, moving toward the sword as if it were a magnet. The air around her grew colder, and the flakes and shards grew larger around the blade. A second gust of wind came, only this time it erupted from where she stood. She shut one eye and squinted the other. Then, as if the temperature had never descended, the room''s warmth returned. Ceres opened her eyes, delighted to see a blue-white aura had surrounded the sword. As she moved it from side to side, the particles within sparkled. It was beautiful. ¡°Congratulations, Lady Ceres,¡± said Lady Aline. ¡°You have advanced to [Magic Knight].¡± Chapter 187: Fair and Square Magni crumbled to the side in a heap of blood and viscera. Cailu¡¯s final Spell had seared his insides, and his face bore an empty horror that twisted my stomach. As I¡¯d watched them fight, a sobering realization dawned on me. There would have been no way in hell that we could have taken Magni down. Not me, not Tristan, not the combined force of both of our parties. Third Classes were in a league of their own. Every Spell cast, portal opened, and Skill utilized would have crushed us a dozen times over. The look of astonishment on Tristan¡¯s face as the battle raged on said he felt the same. The clashes and clangs still rang in my ears as I turned to say as much. However, a grinning Kirti caught my eye. She balanced three polished stones between her fingers, all glowing with a potent light. The [Witch Doctor] caught me staring, and her malevolent smile widened, bright, sharp teeth illuminating her face. ¡°It seems a man¡¯s soul holds an incredibly potent Essence,¡± she purred. Cannoli jerked forward, and Ravyn caught her wrist. I stepped between them, holding an arm out to shield them, and narrowed my gaze. ¡°Put your rocks away, Kirti.¡± ¡°You are evil!¡± Cannoli shrieked. ¡°Hell will welcome you with open arms!¡± ¡°Of that I pray,¡± Kirti replied, sliding the stones into her pack. ¡°Cannoli, let¡¯s go inside,¡± Ravyn insisted. ¡°Evil!¡± Cannoli repeated, tugging against Ravyn¡¯s hold. ¡°Come on. We should check on Buttons, remember?¡± Ravyn said calmly. ¡°She¡¯s right. We can rest now,¡± Keke added, stepping forward to take Cannoli¡¯s hand. ¡°We¡¯ll all go inside.¡± Keke leveled my gaze, and I gave her a slight nod. I could meet them inside. Tears bubbled over Cannoli¡¯s eyes. She fretted at her lip but finally gave in to Ravyn and Keke¡¯s suggestion, turning to head back inside the citadel. ¡°Kirti¡ª¡± I started. ¡°I will not filter every word I speak, boy,¡± Kirti hissed. ¡°Your [Acolyte]¡¯s fragile beliefs are not for me to fix.¡± She crossed her arms and shifted to face the evaporating [Wall of Sanctity]. ¡°Besides, we have more to concern ourselves with than Cannoli¡¯s inadequacies.¡± I wanted to argue with her, but she was right. ¡°The duel is Cailu¡¯s,¡± the head [Priest] announced, gesturing to the [Paladin]. ¡°It shall be recorded and submitted to Queen Nehalennia with our blessing.¡± Turning to the crowd, she spread her arms wide and announced with a shaking voice, ¡°Per the conditions set by our ancestors, R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨©¡¯s future is in Cailu¡¯s hands.¡± The two dozen or so girls that had crowded around the ring converged into its center. A handful were tearful, the rest flush with surprise. One woman hung on the outskirts, then fell to her knees and retched onto the dirt. Aanya, the white-haired girl who acted as our hostess, stepped forward, her light eyes wide. ¡°What will become of us?¡± Cailu rested his hand on the small of Naeemah¡¯s back, exchanged a long, unreadable glance with the [Assassin], then stepped backward. Naeemah took center stage, her back straight and chin held high. Her posture and mannerisms were perfect, befitting of a noblewoman. ¡°I will take King Magni¡¯s place,¡± she proclaimed. ¡°However, before I speak to you of politics and plans, it is important to take time to mourn.¡± I blinked. Mourn that asshole? But, as soon as the words left her mouth, more tears streaked the onlooker¡¯s faces. Shoulders shook with grief, and the few kittens in attendance clung with their faces hidden against their mother¡¯s skirts. Naeemah¡¯s tone softened. ¡°I know many of you had close, personal relationships with the king, and this will be a difficult adjustment. We will honor him with a burial ceremony befitting his station and a period of bereavement. Then, and only then, will we move forward together.¡± ¡°Can we¡­ can we go home?¡± a golden-haired kitten asked with shimmering eyes. ¡°Yes. You can all go home.¡± Naeemah nodded. ¡°Nothing inside of R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨©¡¯s walls will bring you harm.¡± Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. Two young women turned heel and stalked back to the citadel, faces twisting in anger. Two more followed. Just when I thought they were all ready to walk out on their new queen, Eshe stepped forward and bent on one knee. ¡°Lady Naeemah,¡± Eshe began, bowing her head. ¡°I pray you can forgive me for my misguided decisions. If you find them unpardonable, please return me to the sands.¡± She licked her lips. ¡°If you choose to accept me for all of my faults, allow me to be the first to welcome you home.¡± Naeemah leaned forward and took Eshe¡¯s hand, gently assisting her back to standing. ¡°I¡¯ve missed you, Eshe.¡± Eshe beamed through trails of tears, then encircled Naeemah in a tight embrace. The remaining girls followed Eshe¡¯s lead, bending to one knee and awaiting Naeemah¡¯s greeting. Cailu nodded, then turned and placed his hand on my shoulder. ¡°Let us leave her to it.¡± He gestured to Tristan, Kirti, and Zahra. ¡°We can regroup inside.¡± He marched toward the citadel, and Tristan joined me in watching him go. Something was off¡ªthe way he carried himself was different. I was having a hard time placing it. ¡°It killed me to leave Ara behind,¡± Tristan murmured. ¡°I can¡¯t imagine what he¡¯s feeling right now.¡± No way. I crossed my arms over my chest. ¡°He sees catgirls like tools. It was one of the first things he said to me.¡± Tristan shook his head. ¡°Everyone protects themselves a little differently, Matt.¡± He shrugged. ¡°Maybe there¡¯s more there than you think.¡± ¡°Yeah. Maybe.¡± I had to admit, Tristan¡¯s knack for reading people hadn¡¯t steered us wrong yet. Though, in Kirti¡¯s words, we had bigger things to worry about. ¡°Let¡¯s go inside.¡±
Ravyn, Cannoli, and Keke had vanished inside the halls of the Citadel. I guessed they¡¯d gone back to the guest wing to give Cannoli some time away from Kirti. Cailu, Tristan, Zahra, and I sat at the enormous dining table while Kirti worked on Cailu¡¯s arm. Much like Cannoli, her healing regimen was a mixture of magic, tinctures, and potions. I really need to get back to Alchemy. It seemed in Nyarlea that potions weren¡¯t the end all be all to healing. I remembered a lot of games I¡¯d played that I could tank a mob of baddies as long as I spammed the thousands of potions in my inventory. But here, the effects were slow and sometimes uncomfortable. Stomach aches, headaches, and hallucinations, if Ravyn was to be believed. Even with Kirti¡¯s magic and knowledge in Alchemy, once she¡¯d finished wrapping his arm in clean bandages, she fashioned him a sling. Cailu looked at her with incredulous disdain. ¡°I must wear that?¡± ¡°The bone was splintered and fractured into a dozen pieces. You are lucky to keep it,¡± Kirti growled, hooking the sling around his neck. ¡°This will keep you from using it. Unless, of course, you want to lose all control of your hand.¡± ¡°This is¡­ primitive,¡± Cailu grumbled, resting the arm in the sling. ¡°Healing takes time, foolish man. All your years in this place, and you have yet to learn something so fundamental?¡± Kirti flicked his forehead. Cailu scowled. ¡°I had heard as such from lesser healers. Perhaps I overestimated your capabilities.¡± ¡°And I yours.¡± Kirti¡¯s wry smile returned. ¡°Should you not have returned from your duel unscathed?¡± ¡°...Witch,¡± Cailu murmured under his breath. Zahra leaned into the table, clasping her hands and staring wistfully at Cailu. ¡°It was an honor to witness your use of the [Myrmidon] Class, Cailu.¡± ¡°It is an excellent pairing for [Paladin],¡± Cailu replied, testing the sling¡¯s range of movement. Kirti struck him on the shoulder. ¡°Stop moving it.¡± Tristan chuckled. ¡°What Third Class were you thinking of taking, Zahra?¡± Zahra¡¯s expression brightened. ¡°[Samurai]. It has been my dream for some time.¡± Cailu nodded in approval. ¡°Not as fast as [Assassin], but [Samurai] will still perform well with our Party composition.¡± ¡°That is wonderful to hear you say.¡± Zahra beamed. ¡°I will¡ª¡± ¡°Matt,¡± Keke appeared in the dining hall¡¯s doorway, breathless. ¡°Sorry to interrupt.¡± ¡°Everything okay?¡± I stood, my pulse racing. She studied my expression and nodded. ¡°Cannoli and Ravyn are fine. But there¡¯s something all of you will want to see.¡± ¡°Okay. Lead on.¡± We all rose from the table and followed Keke across the castle. She led us through more hallways and furnished rooms before stopping at a polished door designed exactly like the one that led to the dueling courtyard. ¡°I was exploring the castle to get a better idea of the layout, and I wanted to see what was in the other courtyards.¡± Keke grabbed the handle and pushed it open. ¡°This one is¡­ well, you¡¯ll see.¡± For a brief instant, the sunlight blinded me. A chorus of growls, snarls, roars, and hisses plugged my ears as I blinked away the white spots in my vision. ¡°Woah,¡± Tristan murmured. Understatement of the year. Humongous cages with golden bars lined the courtyard walls, and each one was packed with Encroachers of a different species. Feline, reptilian, and winged roaches paced, gnawed, and screamed inside their enclosures. And with them, miniature versions of themselves picking at food bins and lapping at water dishes. ¡°Was Magni¡­ breeding Encroachers?¡± I asked aloud. Cailu laughed. Not the high-and-mighty laugh he reserved for when I said something stupid. A real laugh. ¡°That bastard.¡± ¡°What?¡± I asked. What am I missing here? ¡°Magni could Level and practice any Class he wanted to without ever leaving the citadel,¡± Tristan deduced, stepping into the courtyard. ¡°This is a literal Experience farm.¡± Kirti rolled her eyes and went back inside. Keke frowned and shook her head, and Zahra joined Tristan in getting a better look at the Encroachers. ¡°Tristan. Matt,¡± Cailu said, his laugh diminished. ¡°Your training begins now.¡± Chapter 188: Durga Yantra The courtyard was large enough to give Olympic-sized swimming pools a run for their money. Tristan could think of no single room in the citadel that matched the courtyard¡¯s colossal span. The snarls and snapping of the Encroachers shook him of the reverie. ¡°Training?¡± Tristan asked. ¡°Yes.¡± Cailu furrowed his brow. ¡°If the two of you are to become proper protectors, then we must expedite the process. Appear, iPaw.¡± The device fell into Cailu¡¯s hand, and the man awkwardly perused the screen with a single hand and thumb. Tristan briefly remembered his grandfather trying to navigate modern cell phones with both hands. ¡°Level 22.¡± Cailu¡¯s gaze landed on Tristan. ¡°Have you settled on the Second Class you wish to advance to?¡± ¡°M-maybe [Wizard]?¡± It sounded right the first time he¡¯d said it, but seeing how Ravyn worked her Spells, Tristan had his doubts. Her lessons had proven invaluable on their journey, and he tried to imagine what Desiree might become if he advanced to [Sorcerer] instead. ¡°I need more information first. What are the differences between them?¡± The faintest hint of a smile tugged at the corner of Cailu¡¯s mouth. ¡°[Wizard] had many tools in its arsenal. It specializes in overwhelming its enemies with the elements. It should be noted, however, that they require front-line support to perform adequately. Many of their Spells take a considerable amount of time to cast.¡± Tristan bowed his head and put a finger to his lips in thought. With Zahra joining Cailu, that limited his options. ¡°You, on the other hand,¡± Cailu said, looking at Matt, ¡°are still Level 9. With a single Level separating you from Second Class, it is paramount we rectify the issue of your competence in combat.¡± ¡°Yeah, I know,¡± Matt said, scratching the back of his neck. ¡°I¡¯ve been meaning to get to it. Just a lot going on.¡± ¡°What do you know of [Sorcerer]?¡± Tristan asked, hoping to deflect criticism away from Matt. Cailu blinked. ¡°It does not have the potent force of a [Wizard], electing for support and control in more areas than the [Wizard] offers.¡± He cracked his neck from one side to the other. ¡°Did Ravyn not tell you this?¡± ¡°N-no, she did. I just, uh, wanted to hear it from a man who¡¯s been around for a long time,¡± Tristan said quickly. ¡°Hmm.¡± Cailu dismissed his iPaw, then walked past Tristan and Matt. ¡°I¡¯m going to locate the one responsible for this pen.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it,¡± Keke offered as she moved to stand in front of him, her arms crossed over her chest. ¡°I¡¯m sure you don¡¯t want Kirti to catch you walking around more than you should.¡± Cailu sighed. ¡°So be it. But be quick about it.¡± Keke saluted as she left, and Cailu turned around to face Tristan and Matt. ¡°Let us discuss some qualities the two of you lack while we await her return.¡± ¡°Like what?¡± Tristan asked. ¡°What do you know of Subclassing?¡± Matt rubbed the back of his neck. ¡°Honestly, nothing.¡± ¡°Yeah, not a lot, admittedly.¡± Tristan remembered seeing maybe a sentence or two in a history book, but the memory was foggy. ¡°As expected. Upon reaching Second Class, you may select another Class to act as your secondary.¡± Cailu stepped forward and stood between Tristan and Matt, lowering his iPaw so both of them could see. Tristan¡¯s eyes widened at the sight before him. Cailu¡¯s Stats were every bit as fearsome on the screen as they had been in the heat of battle. ¡°[Myrmidon] is a fine Class for dueling. Thus I selected it for my fight against Magni.¡± ¡°Do you have any other Third Classes?¡± Tristan asked. Cailu nodded. ¡°[Templar].¡± ¡°Why not subclass another Third Class, then?¡± ¡°Subclasses must be one tier below your own. Hence, Second Classes may only select First classes, and by extension, Third Classes may only select Second Classes,¡± Cailu explained. ¡°So I could do something like an axe-wielding magic user?¡± Matt asked. ¡°Precisely.¡± Cailu nodded. ¡°It is vital to find synergistic Classes and gear to utilize this function best. [Paladin], as I imagine the two have noticed by now, is a Class primarily dependent on defense. [Myrmidon] offered a portion of the offense and mobility I required.¡± ¡°Fascinating,¡± Tristan said, scratching the tip of his chin. ¡°So, how come we¡¯re only hearing about this now? This would¡¯ve been helpful earlier. Especially since some of the girls we¡¯ve met are Third Class.¡± ¡°Only men may select another Class.¡± ¡°Are you sure?¡± Matt asked, frowning. Cailu glared at Matt. ¡°Yes. I am sure.¡± Well, that explains the lack of text. ¡°Do the catgirls know about this?¡± asked Tristan. ¡°I feel like this is really important to know.¡± ¡°Many do not. You must understand that few men ever get far enough to be offered the option to select a Sub-Class.¡± Cailu rolled the shoulder of his bad arm. ¡°In addition, a unique Quest must be completed. From the information I have gathered, no two Quests are the same.¡± Tristan exchanged a quick glance with Matt. So we can¡¯t really help each other with them. ¡°Cailu,¡± he started, ¡°what would you suggest we do first?¡± ¡°I¡¯m back!¡± Keke announced. She¡¯d brought another with her¡ªa girl littered with freckles from head to toe with fair skin. Her emerald eyes sparkled beneath a crop of bushy, bright orange hair cut short and curled at the tips. Thin silks of white crossed over her ample chest, creating a revealing V-shape of her torso from the belly button up. A sash of golden fabric was tied around the woman¡¯s waist, giving Tristan the impression that it was the only thing keeping the outfit from falling to the ground. The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. Keke had her arm hooked around the bend of the girl¡¯s elbow. ¡°W-what is this?¡± the girl stammered. ¡°Y-you¡¯re not going to hurt me, are you?¡± ¡°No,¡± Keke said, pulling her closer. ¡°Promise. Nothing bad is going to happen.¡± Tristan watched as the girl¡¯s stare darted from one person to the other. After a few passes, she bowed her head, her face as red as a beet. ¡°Are you the one who manages this pen?¡± Cailu asked as he approached. The girl nodded, refusing to meet his gaze. ¡°My name is Cailu Raloquen, first of his name.¡± ¡°J-J-Jeenie.¡± The girl snaked her arm away from Keke and covered her face. ¡°I¡¯m s-sorry. I¡­I¡¯m not good with people.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry,¡± Tristan said with an easy smile as he moved to stand in front of her. ¡°We don¡¯t bite. Well, maybe Cailu does a bit.¡± He hoped he might elicit another genuine laugh from Cailu, but as he looked up, Cailu met his stare with a cocked brow. ¡°A-anyways, my name is Tristan.¡± Tristan leveled his gaze with Jeenie. ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you.¡± ¡°Mhm,¡± she mumbled. ¡°Are you scared?¡± Matt asked, a hand on his hip. ¡°Like he said, we don¡¯t bite, so you don¡¯t have to¡ª¡± ¡°Quite the opposite,¡± Jeenie hissed under her breath. Her fingers wormed between one another, her face growing redder by the second. ¡°I couldn¡¯t ask for a better situation. I did not often find favor with Magni. It felt as if I could never get the truth out of him. As if he was always hiding something. I just admired his¡ª¡± she stopped to breathe. ¡°Incredible physique.¡± ¡°We want to make a bigger difference in Nyarlea.¡± Tristan smiled. ¡°Would you be able to help us?¡± Jeenie squeaked, her head snapping up to meet his gaze. She nodded quickly and mumbled some incoherent words before brushing past him and Cailu. Jeenie moved to stand beside a cage¡ªone that accommodated a pen of angry-looking birds¡ªand reached between the bars to scratch one behind the neck. Tristan and the others walked up to her at her command, standing a few feet behind her. ¡°What are these?¡± Matt asked. ¡°They look like vultures.¡± ¡°Yeah, they do,¡± Tristan replied. Standing around four feet tall, they were black with large chests, bearing necks like flamingos. As he moved closer, one of them tilted its head toward him, black smoke rising from three pairs of nostrils lining its beak. A hollow hiss whistled through the holes. ¡°Scorchers,¡± Jeenie said, reaching through the gaps to scratch one below the beak. The bird responded fondly, leaning against Jeenie¡¯s finger. ¡°Touchy creatures. Very dangerous.¡± ¡°What¡¯s so dangerous about them?¡± Matt asked as he leaned closer next to Tristan. The scorcher puffed up its chest and opened its wings, squawking. ¡°Too close. Get back,¡± said Jeenie, her tone suddenly serious. ¡°They¡¯ll breathe fire if they feel threatened or see you as food.¡± Tristan and Matt stepped back a few paces, their hands held up. ¡°But they¡¯re softies once you get to know them. Just don¡¯t make any weird, sudden movements.¡± ¡°Can they be trained?¡± Keke asked, her curiosity peaked. ¡°Absolutely!¡± Jeenie exclaimed proudly. ¡°Incredible for [Hunter]s like me. Makes up for all that Magic we¡¯re missing out on. They hunt their prey by setting them on fire from the sky.¡± ¡°Like a dragon?¡± Tristan asked. ¡°Like Ball,¡± Matt murmured. Jeenie nodded and continued excitedly, ¡°Yeah! Like a dragon! They can only eat cooked flesh, so they only breathe fire as a last resort. Most of the time, they¡¯ll just blow smoke out of their nostrils.¡± Jeenie looked Keke up and down. ¡°You have a [Hunter]¡¯s build. Nice abs. Are you a [Scout]?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Keke said, a rare hue of red decorating her features. ¡°Thanks. I was thinking of becoming a [Hunter] eventually.¡± ¡°Then a scorcher would be a great partner for you!¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Matt said. ¡°Don¡¯t we have enough fire between Tristan, Ravyn, Buttons, and Ball Gag?¡± Keke frowned. ¡°Matt. Look at it. It¡¯s majestic. Can you imagine letting this thing loose?¡± Matt and the scorcher locked eyes. The scorcher didn¡¯t blink or look away. The irises of its blood-red eyes continued to enlarge until Matt averted his gaze. ¡°Yeah. I think I can, actually,¡± Matt said. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t want to fight that thing.¡± ¡°You are here to fight, though, aren¡¯t you?¡± Jeenie asked. ¡°I can¡¯t think of why else you¡¯d be here.¡± ¡°That is correct,¡± Cailu answered. ¡°What Level are you?¡± ¡°It is not for me.¡± Cailu waved his hand. ¡°It is for them,¡± he said, gesturing to Matt and Tristan. ¡°Do you have any Encroachers suitable for Level 9?¡± Jeenie snorted. ¡°It¡¯s been a long while since I¡¯ve had to get the babies out. Let me see what I have. Stay here for a few.¡± Jeenie made her way over to a cage on the opposite side of the courtyard. Tristan smiled as she ran. There seemed to be no shred of the shy girl that had first appeared on Keke¡¯s arm. She moved with the enthusiasm and motions of a person who¡¯d been doing this for years. ¡°The babies?¡± Matt said, his shoulders slumping. ¡°Come on, man. I¡¯ve killed Defiled, I don¡¯t need to be fighting a bunch of baby Encroachers. I can take on something tougher.¡± ¡°Uh-huh. And what happened the last time you said something like that?¡± Keke grinned. Matt grunted. ¡°Your safety must be secured,¡± Cailu explained. ¡°There is no reason to put you in greater harm than is necessary during training. I am not about to watch you wound yourself and lose days, possibly weeks of valuable Experience because of your hubris. A steady pace is imperative.¡± ¡°I get that, I do,¡± Matt said. ¡°I just want to put my abilities to the test.¡± He sighed. ¡°Sorry, I feel like a loser compared to you guys. Hell, Magni never left the damn castle, and he had a subclass.¡± ¡°Matt, that¡¯s a little melodramatic,¡± Keke giggled. Matt looked at Keke. ¡°Watching their duel just kinda put things into perspective for me, you know?¡± He pocketed his hands into his pants. ¡°Feel like we¡¯re so far behind, and it¡¯s my fault.¡± ¡°Matt,¡± Cailu began. ¡°I will be candid with you. When I offered you assistance, you refused it. I am sure the catgirls have explained to you your role in this world, so I can only assume you have neglected your duties on that front as well.¡± ¡°Cailu, that¡¯s¡ª¡± Tristan began. Cailu raised a hand to silence him. ¡°You have no one but yourself to blame for where you are. With that said, you did as I asked, located the remaining men, and even managed to secure one in your group. You are to be commended for it. The past is just that¡ªthe past. The future has not been written. You have a chance to redeem yourself. Do better.¡± Tristan struggled to read the expressions on Matt¡¯s face. His features seemed to dance on a fine line between anger and self-deprecation. ¡°Let¡¯s just do as he said, Matt,¡± Tristan offered. ¡°We have plenty of time.¡± ¡°Yeah. Yeah, I know you¡¯re right,¡± said Matt. Jeenie came back, gasping for air. ¡°Hey! I got a few cages set aside for a Level 8! I know they¡¯re a Level below you, but they should still be worth a good chunk of Experience!¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± Cailu said, bowing at the neck. ¡°Your efforts are appreciated. Returning to our earlier discussion, getting you and your Party to Second Class takes priority. Afterward, we can discuss what to do. Nyarlea¡¯s future is in our hands.¡± He stepped forward and stood beside Jeenie, looking at Tristan and Matt. ¡°Do not disappoint me.¡± Chapter 189: Red Diamond ¡°This feels pretty awful,¡± I said, looking at the tiny Encroachers. A few cages with thick iron bars were set around me. Each pen stood as high as my waist, the infantile roaches snarling at me from inside. ¡°Try not to let it bother you,¡± Jeenie said with a dismissive wave. ¡°They were born for this; bred for it. Try to look at it more like a farm¡ªnothing here goes to waste once it¡¯s all over. These babies¡¯ll provide food and materials for the rest of the girls living here. Kittens included.¡± ¡°I guess that helps a little.¡± I was bullshitting. That didn¡¯t help me at all. There was no way I could feel good about killing Encroachers who were already at an extreme disadvantage. Then again, Jeenie had a point. It really wasn¡¯t that much different from farming chickens or cows. At least it would be a quick death. That should make it a bit less painful. Right? ¡°Do not hesitate,¡± Cailu said as he moved to stand beside me. ¡°We must expedite your journey to Second Class. Do not make me repeat myself.¡± I drew a deep breath and exhaled. ¡°Yeah, I get it.¡± I leveled my gaze with Jeenie. ¡°So, how does this work?¡± ¡°We can do it in a number of ways. I can open the door, and you can start swinging¡ª¡± ¡°No. Neither Matt nor Tristan will not learn how to defend themselves that way,¡± Cailu countered immediately. ¡°Yeah, Sanrai and Magni were the same way,¡± Jeenie said with a half laugh. ¡°What I usually did was take them out to the arena to do battle.¡± ¡°The one we just came from?¡± Tristan asked. Jeenie shook her head. ¡°This one¡¯s¡­a bit different. I¡¯ll escort the Encroachers over and release them in whatever way you see fit.¡± I leaned in and studied my first potential opponents. They were pale violet, about a foot high, and thin as a tree branch. Two tiny claws extended from the top of one¡¯s scaly wings. Its head was round, bulbous, and its beak long and pointy like a hummingbird¡¯s. Spirals were carved into the creature¡¯s beak, which was strangely absent of nostrils. I tried to put myself in a child''s mind and imagine that this could¡¯ve been some kid¡¯s bizarre interpretation of a pterodactyl baby. ¡°I guess one at a time would be best, right?¡± I wondered aloud. ¡°That depends,¡± said Cailu. He knelt to get a better look at the Encroachers. ¡°Have you ever fought a didrilla?¡± ¡°A what?¡± He pointed at the strange pterodactyl-looking Encroachers. ¡°I, uh, guess not.¡± I scratched the back of my neck. ¡°Should I have?¡± ¡°No,¡± Cailu said, standing up. ¡°A rare encounter in the deserts of Ichi Island.¡± ¡°Real annoying to fight, though,¡± Jeenie added. ¡°If you¡¯re going to fight one, then¡ª¡± Cailu raised a hand to silence her, and Jeenie¡¯s cheeks turned a deep shade of red. ¡°Tell him not of what they do. I want to see how Matt deals with a situation he has no knowledge of.¡± ¡°Y-y-yes, Cailu,¡± Jeenie said, averting her gaze. What is with this girl? ¡°I bet I could pluck one of these out of the air,¡± Keke said as she looked at them next. ¡°Didrilla, you said? It¡¯s cute, in a creepy sort of way. ¡°The color is interesting,¡± Tristan noted. ¡°You have to wonder how it hides in the desert.¡± Keke nodded. ¡°That¡¯s a good point. By the way, where are its eyes?¡± ¡°It has no eyes,¡± said Cailu. ¡°It is blind.¡± ¡°You want me to beat up a blind Encroacher? What are you not telling me about this thing?¡± I asked. Looks were deceiving; I¡¯d learned that the hard way. It seemed like every Encroacher or Defiled had some sort of trick up its sleeve, no matter what I brought to a fight. I wasn¡¯t about to underestimate these things again. ¡°Worry not. Let us take these to the arena,¡± said Cailu. ¡°Jeenie.¡± ¡°Huh? What? Oh, hey, uh, yes?¡± Jeenie stammered, blinking rapidly. Cailu frowned. ¡°Repeat what I said.¡± ¡°Um. Take these to the arena?¡± ¡°With haste, if you would.¡± ¡°R-right! I¡¯ll take care of it.¡±
What have I gotten myself into? I stood waiting at one side of the arena in [Combat Mode], axe in hand, waiting for the others to give the word that Jeenie had everything in place. I watched as Cailu, Tristan, and Jeenie carried on a casual conversation, Keke close behind me. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. I say arena, but this courtyard was practically a colosseum. High walls contained us in an enormous bowl, complete with a row of seats behind a bar that prevented anyone from falling inside. ¡°Why wasn¡¯t their duel out here?¡± I meant it rhetorically, but Keke tried anyway. ¡°The walls probably don¡¯t stop Magic. If a roach uses a Spell, it won¡¯t be as terrifying as a Third Class using a Spell.¡± ¡°Yeah, that makes sense.¡± I dug the heel of my boot into the sand. ¡°What¡¯s taking them so long?¡± ¡°Relax, Matt,¡± Keke cooed. ¡°You¡¯ll be fine.¡± ¡°I just wish he would¡¯ve told me what I¡¯m getting myself into,¡± I said, rolling my shoulder and cracking my neck to one side. I needed better sleep than I¡¯d been getting for the last week. Hell, better sleep than what I¡¯d been getting since we first arrived on Ichi Island. ¡°Knowledge, you know?¡± ¡°Cailu¡¯s not going to let you get hurt any more than you have to. This is good practice anyway.¡± Keke slid her arms around my waist and nuzzled her cheek against my back. ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Her body felt soft and warm against mine. I hadn¡¯t realized how much I¡¯d missed it. ¡°Tired. Drained. Touchy. I want to get away for a while, you know?¡± I sighed. Cailu motioned to us with his good arm, and I waved back. ¡°Maybe sometime soon.¡± ¡°Hmm. Maybe.¡± ¡°What about you?¡± I asked. ¡°How¡¯ve you been feeling?¡± ¡°Conflicted. I¡¯m worried about Cannoli.¡± ¡°Have you talked to her yet?¡± ¡°No,¡± Keke mumbled against my top. ¡°I¡¯m not sure what to say to her right now. I can only hope Ravyn¡¯s been keeping her calm.¡± ¡°It probably sounds crazy, but I believe in Ravyn,¡± I said, smiling. ¡°She might be rough on the outside, but you can tell she cares. I never imagined she and Cannoli would get along.¡± Keke giggled. ¡°Neither did I.¡± I rubbed the back of Keke¡¯s palms with my off hand. Her skin had become a little coarser lately, probably due to the desert air and the unending sea of sand. I couldn¡¯t wait to take Keke and the others back to the beach for a bit of R&R. Cailu approached, and Keke let go, opting to stand next to me. ¡°The battle¡¯s specifications have been finalized,¡± said Cailu. He wiped a bead of sweat from the side of his head. ¡°You will engage with three didrillas. Are your preparations complete?¡± ¡°Yep.¡± I gestured to my axe. ¡°Not a whole lot else to prepare with.¡± ¡°Potions? Tonics? Enchantments?¡± Every word out of his mouth felt pointed and deliberate. It was hard not to see them as personal attacks, but I felt he already knew the answers to his questions. ¡°Potions, yeah.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s let Matt focus on the battle, Cailu,¡± said Keke, her arms crossed. ¡°We can offer advice when he¡¯s done.¡± ¡°Very well.¡± Cailu put a hand on my shoulder as he and Keke walked past me to the stands. The nearby gates shut, the ground beneath my feet trembling slightly. Ahead of me, the portcullis was rising, and I could hear a light screeching from within. After a few seconds, a didrilla hopped across the stone-laid entryway and out onto the arena¡¯s pitch. Its jerky movements mimicked that of a finch; the creature occasionally whipped its head from side to side. Around its neck was a small black choker with a red diamond-shaped jewel at its center. What¡¯s that choker for? ¡°The hell?¡± I mumbled. The Encroacher¡¯s attention snapped toward me. I slowed my breathing, my feet glued to the spot. The didrilla and I ¡°stared¡± at each other for a while. It felt like a game of chicken. But after a time, I rolled my eyes. What the hell was I doing? I wasn¡¯t here to try and stay away from it. I needed to fight it, gain some Experience and move on with my life. I readied into a battle stance, the sand scratching beneath my shoes. ¡°Shwa! Shwa! Shwa!¡± the didrilla squawked. At least, it had the resemblance of a bird that squawked. The sound was very much like the creaking of wood and¡ª ¡°Ahh!¡± I spun on my heel as the creature launched itself at me like an arrow, narrowly avoiding my arm and landing in the sand behind me. There was no room for hesitation. Not when you were fighting. I was learning this more with each passing day. I lunged for the tiny pterodactyl, screaming, ¡°[Adrenaline Rush]!¡± The axe grew lighter mid-swing, finding its mark against the Encroacher¡¯s back. The sickening sound of crunching bone made its unwelcome return to my ears, and as I pulled my axe away, the bottom half of the Encroacher came with it, sticking to one side of the blade. ¡°Oh, god.¡± ¡°Shwa! Shwa!¡± came the cries of others. Two more barreled out of the arena¡¯s corridor, each soaring through the air like Olympic divers. I sidestepped to my right, evading one. But the second one was a different story. I raised my shield to block it, but the beast moved like lightning. Its beak spun like a power drill, screeching against the metal and drawing a long line across the shield and my forearm. ¡°Ouch! Hell!¡± ¡°[Heal]!¡± cried someone from the crowd beyond. Within seconds of the word, the pain was leaving. The bleeding stopped within moments, and the wound slowly stitched itself together. My entire body felt lighter as if someone had breathed air into it, giving it the precious oxygen it desired. One of the didrillas had recovered from its attack, fluttering toward me. It hopped, hopped, hopped, and as I stepped back, it launched at me again. This time I was ready for it. I reeled to one side, catching it by the neck with the edge of my axe. The two pieces of its body continued their momentum, landing in the sand next to me. ¡°You¡¯re next!¡± I cried as I advanced to strike the last one; its head was stuck in the dirt. Its tiny legs batted behind it while sand blew into my face. ¡°Ack!¡± I shielded my face, mostly my eyes, stepping back until I could no longer feel the coarse dirt strike my skin. When I opened my eyes, the didrilla was gone. ¡°Shit, where did you go?¡± I mumbled, both hands on my axe. A scene from a movie I watched when I was a kid resurfaced. It was about a bunch of worms under the ground that could sense the vibrations of their prey. Then they¡¯d erupt from the soil, swallow them whole, and retreat underground. I wonder if I could trick him in a similar way? Taking great care not to move my feet more than was necessary, I reached into my [Cat Pack] and pulled out one of the potions I¡¯d made a while ago. A strange sticky film had begun to form across the surface. I couldn¡¯t imagine this was safe to drink anymore. Not that it mattered. Holding the bottle at arm¡¯s length, I leaned forward and dropped the bottle on the ground. Like clockwork, the little buzzard rocketed out of the sand right where my, uh, jewels would¡¯ve been, its beak pointed to the sky. ¡°Gotcha!¡± Instinct guided my swing, and the hatchet found purchase in the beast¡¯s breast. It squealed as I took it to the ground, leveraging my weight against it until it grew silent. My breathing rapid, I ripped the blade out and waved to Cailu and the others waiting in the wing. That wasn¡¯t so bad. Wonder how much I got? ¡°Appear, iPaw.¡± The device manifested in my hand. I gawked at the sight before me. ¡­How in the hell? Matt has gained: 93 XP! Chapter 190: Circling Back Around The Encroacher battle had proven to be much more effective than Tristan had anticipated. Since his escape from the school, he had seen the slow trickles of Experience and understood how long it could take to gain a Level in Nyarlea. To hear Matt obtain 93 Experience in mere minutes was simply jaw-dropping. Tristan approached as Jeenie entered the arena to retrieve the collars from the didrillas. ¡°What does that collar do?¡± Tristan asked, pointing at Jeenie¡¯s hand. ¡°O-oh, this?¡± Jeenie held the collar by the tip of its leather strap, and Tristan nodded. ¡°This strengthens the Encroacher. Magni spent an exhaustive amount of time with my mother experimenting.¡± Jeenie sniffed the jewel embedded in the collar, nodding to herself. ¡°After a while, they realized that the stronger the Encroacher, the more Experience it gave.¡± Jeenie rose to her feet and shook the collar for effect. ¡°So we made these things. Boosts their offense, reduces their defense.¡± ¡°That¡¯s why I got so much Experience?¡± Matt asked as he came up behind her. ¡°Because they were stronger than they were supposed to be?¡± Jeenie looked at Matt over her shoulder. ¡°That¡¯s right. On a frail Encroacher like didrillas, it can be pretty hefty to¡ª¡± Her voice trailed off, her gaze attached to Matt¡¯s torso. After a while, she shook her head and averted her gaze. ¡°I-I-uh, anyway. These things are great on Encroachers who aren¡¯t very sturdy to begin with.¡± ¡°But it¡¯s a risk,¡± Tristan reasoned. ¡°You strengthen the Encroacher too much, and it could prove to be more than you can deal with.¡± ¡°That¡¯s why we caged them,¡± Jeenie said, shrugging. ¡°Get a stick or a spear and start stabbing them at a distance. Free Experience. Does make getting the collars out a little tough, though.¡± Tristan and Matt exchanged wide-eyed stares. ¡°We could hit Second Class, hell, maybe Third Class while we¡¯re here?¡± Matt asked. ¡°I doubt that,¡± Tristan said, pinching his chin in thought. ¡°These gems look expensive. There¡¯s also no guarantee they won¡¯t break after some time. Am I correct?¡± ¡°Heh. Well, you¡¯re a smart one.¡± A breathy sigh escaped Jeenie¡¯s lips. ¡°I like that in a man.¡± Tristan smiled. ¡°So, then, what are the particulars?¡± ¡°Well,¡± Jeenie said, composing herself and breathing deeply, ¡°the gems do break after a while. They require the enchantment of an [Arbiter], so as you can imagine, they are not cheap to make. It¡¯s hard enough to find an [Arbiter], let alone one experienced enough to enchant a stone with such complex magic.¡± Jeenie sighed. ¡°On top of that, the enchantment is temporary, and as the wearer grows weaker, the magic has to work harder to bridge the power gap, thereby shortening the lifetime of the enchantment. So it¡¯s best to kill the Encroacher as quickly as possible to make the most out of it.¡± Jeenie¡¯s cheeks pinked as she waved her hands in front of her. ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry if that was too much to explain all at once! Erm, does that make sense?¡± ¡°I think so,¡± Tristan said. ¡°You¡¯ve cleared up a great deal for me, so thank you, Jeenie.¡± ¡°Y-yeah! Of course! Any time! Haha!¡± Jeenie bowed her head and continued to collect the collars in silence. Keke soon approached from behind Tristan. ¡°You did great, Matt!¡± She put a gentle hand on his arm. Tristan had seen that gesture hundreds of times. He hid his smile under his hand as she continued, ¡°You¡¯ve gotten good at this.¡± ¡°You think so?¡± Matt said, the slightest hint of blush coloring his cheeks. ¡°Thanks, Keke. I guess I should get this taken care of quick, huh?¡± He gestured to the wound on his arm. It had healed substantially since the initial attack, but the skin was red and welting, like a nasty sunburn. ¡°Let me see.¡± Keke lifted his forearm. Her stare glided across Matt¡¯s arm, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. ¡°It looks worse than it is.¡± ¡°When you¡¯re finished, why don¡¯t we pay Melly a visit?¡± Tristan suggested. ¡°I¡¯ve been wanting to check in on Destiny and Lara, anyway.¡± Matt and Keke exchanged looks and nodded. ¡°Yeah, sounds good,¡± said Matt. ¡°Think we should get Cannoli and Ravyn too?¡± Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. ¡°No,¡± Keke said, shaking her head. ¡°Let¡¯s leave them alone for a little bit.¡±
Exiting the First Shell was a stranger experience than Tristan had expected. As immaculate as the Second Shell was, it didn¡¯t hold a candle to the First. If the Second Shell was New York City, then the First Shell was Beverly Hills. A few of the catgirls were still cleaning up from the tunnel''s collapse, and, as far as Tristan could tell, the peace between them had been maintained. He hoped the relations between the Shells would only continue to improve. There would be much to discuss once Cailu and Naeemah had sorted out their affairs. Melly was quick to answer the door when Tristan knocked. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you! Your name was, uh¡­¡± ¡°Tristan,¡± Tristan said, smiling. ¡°Melly, right?¡± ¡°Yes! That¡¯s me! Please, come in!¡± The door shut behind them, and Melly motioned them upstairs. Each step was sturdy, devoid of the squeak Tristan was accustomed to hearing during his short time with Matt and his Party. A long rug of red and white fabric trailed from one end of the hallway to the other upstairs, bedrooms lining the wall to their right. Melly stopped at the second door, pushing it open and stepping inside to make way for everyone else. Tristan walked in to see Destiny perched on a small stool beside her sister¡¯s bed. She turned her head toward Tristan, her eyes red and puffy. She wiped away the remnant of a tear and approached with brisk and quiet steps with a finger to her lips. ¡°They fell asleep just a quarter of an hour ago,¡± Destiny whispered. ¡°How are they doing?¡± Tristan asked. ¡°Better now.¡± Destiny bowed at the neck and put a hand to her chest. ¡°They¡¯ve been having fits off and on all day.¡± ¡°Fits?¡± Matt asked. ¡°They had fevers for a while,¡± Melly explained. She gestured toward the bed in the back where Ceres was resting. She had her hair down and back turned. ¡°Ceres¡¯ was exceptionally high. But, I¡¯ve never seen an injury that bad before.¡± Matt visibly swallowed. ¡°Is she going to be okay?¡± ¡°Yes. They just need time to rest.¡± Melly nodded. ¡°It was fortunate they came to me when they did.¡± ¡°Anything else we should know?¡± Tristan asked. ¡°Well, the wounds were infected. There was a great deal of dirt and grime.¡± Probably from the tunnel collapse, Tristan thought bitterly. ¡°Destiny has been invaluable as a triage partner.¡± Melly looked at Destiny, smiling. ¡°I¡¯m not sure I could have saved both of them if not for her. She¡¯s a talented [Alchemist].¡± ¡°I had to do what I could,¡± Destiny said with what Tristan knew was a forced smile. ¡°I¡¯m just glad they¡¯re finally stabilized.¡± ¡°Is it okay if Keke and I sit next to Ceres for a bit?¡± Matt asked. ¡°I don¡¯t mind,¡± Melly said, shaking her head. ¡°Just be quiet. They haven¡¯t been able to sleep much.¡± Reaching into her [Cat Pack], Melly procured two small blue marbles and handed one to Tristan. ¡°If anything bad happens, shake that until it glows.¡± Melly held up her other marble and pointed at it. ¡°When one glows, so does the other. That¡¯ll let me know if something happens. I need to go visit my daughter and let her know what¡¯s going on.¡± ¡°Will do.¡± Tristan pocketed the small rock. ¡°Great. I¡¯ll be back as soon as possible.¡± Three beds were lined up parallel to one another, their headboards against the far wall. Lara slept in the center while Ceres occupied the bed beside the curtained window. Tristan, Matt, and Keke entered the room as Melly brushed past them, shutting the door behind her. Quietly, Tristan and the others each took a stool from the neighboring table and sat beside their respective Party member. ¡°How are you holding up, Destiny?¡± Tristan asked. He gave her some time to answer. When she didn¡¯t, Tristan reached for one of her hands and put his palm on top. He massaged the knuckle of her pinky, and they watched as Lara breathed slow and deep. After a time, Destiny readjusted her hand and slid her fingers between Tristan¡¯s. Gradually, her grip tightened, and a tear escaped the corner of her eye. She shook her head and rested her forehead in her free hand. Tristan glanced at their entwined hands and noticed the dried blood under her nails. Tristan fought the emotions welling up in his chest. Destiny had said on countless occasions how dear her sister was to her. No one else in this world was more important to her than Lara. Seeing her sister¡¯s blood on her hands must¡¯ve been traumatizing. Tristan continued to rub his thumb against Destiny¡¯s hand while she quietly sobbed. Lara¡¯s skin was an ashen pale. Deep, dark bags hung under her eyes, and her cheeks sunk into her thin face. A rag lay draped across her forehead while beads of sweat collected around her hairline. Tristan looked away, noticing Lara¡¯s maid uniform hanging over a rack in the room''s opposite corner. Blood pocked the whites of the dress, a dark stain barely visible between the threads of black. The entire left sleeve had been torn off. ¡°She¡¯s going to be okay,¡± Tristan said. Destiny sucked in her lips and leaned her head against Tristan¡¯s shoulder. Tristan kissed the top of her head before resting his head against hers. Truth be told, the tunnel fight was still replaying in his head. The image of Lara bent over, bleeding over the stones, had begun to haunt him. A couple of inches to her right, and she would¡¯ve been dead. Tristan swallowed hard at the thought. Cailu was right. If anything was going to change, they¡¯d need to take this more seriously. Another misstep like that could mean the end of their lives. I will never be so powerless again. Chapter 191: Risk After leaving Matt and Tristan to their affairs, Cailu moved to the citadel¡¯s foyer alone. Kirti was still occupying herself with whatever dark avocations she filled her pastimes with, but Naeemah had found her way back to the great hall. She was discussing quiet affairs with a dark-haired girl, Naeemah¡¯s face serious and her voice soft. It was bittersweet to see her returned to her element¡ªthough the dark looks and sharp glances of other catgirls still in the palace did not escape his notice. Cailu was certain that the reestablished queen was also well aware of the tension within the grandiose walls. Naeemah caught Cailu¡¯s eye and offered a slight nod. She wanted him to wait. He shifted uncomfortably against the sling and rolled his shoulders. How long would it be until he could fight? Tristan and Matt should have a reliable escort to Nyarlothep for their first voyage, and Cailu wouldn¡¯t prove much of a help if he was at such a severe disadvantage. The glimmering of the dragon¡¯s eyes in the gratuitously embellished throne raised the hackles on the back of his neck. He hoped Naeemah would have the gods-forsaken chair melted in a pit with the heinous cages trapping citizens above the walls. ¡°How did they do?¡± Naeemah asked, bringing Cailu back from the image of an enormous bonfire that smelled of burnt iron and charred gold. ¡°Well enough for a first day,¡± Cailu replied. ¡°There is a courtyard filled with Encroachers and maintained by a [Hunter] who knows her craft.¡± Naeemah nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll make a note to see her.¡± She looked behind her, long, golden earrings tinkling as she did. ¡°Let us find some privacy?¡± ¡°You are far more familiar with the citadel than I.¡± Cailu gestured with his good arm. ¡°Lead on.¡± A tiny smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she guided them past the throne and into a smaller corridor. ¡°I want to destroy that throne,¡± she sighed as they walked out of earshot of the women idling in the foyer. ¡°I was just thinking the same.¡± Cailu chuckled. ¡°You have my full support.¡± ¡°It weighs as much as a gigashank. I could hardly lift one of the legs on my own.¡± Naeemah turned a corner and procured a key from her pack. ¡°I¡¯ll need as much support as I can receive.¡± ¡°Certainly some of the more capable hands outside will aid you. I can only lend you a single arm.¡± He tried to raise his hand in the sling and flinched. ¡°Though, Kirti may resort to violence if I go against her orders.¡± Naeemah¡¯s eyebrows raised. ¡°Is that so?¡± She slipped the key into a locked door and turned it to the side. The tumbler clicked on its release. ¡°Do I need to speak with her?¡± ¡°No. I believe it is for my own good this time. You will be the first to know should my supposition change.¡± Cailu dismissed her concern with a wave. ¡°If you insist.¡± She leaned into the door, and it swung open. Cailu stepped inside, and she closed it behind him, resecuring the lock. The outside light trickled in from the surrounding windows, illuminating the spacious chambers within. A plush bed covered with red, silken sheets was situated in the far back right corner, flanked by night tables made of dark, polished wood. Along the walls were multiple wardrobes, a writing desk, and round stands with vases of fresh flowers on display. Near the entrance were a twin set of sofas, separated by a narrow table of the same dark wood. ¡°Is this the grand chamber?¡± Cailu asked, noting the tapestries and paintings on the walls. Naeemah shook her head. ¡°If you mean Magni¡¯s room, I believe he slept upstairs. All the better, as I¡¯ll be able to,¡± she paused, rolling her options on her tongue, ¡°refurnish it.¡± Cailu chuckled and took a seat on one of the sofas. The space reminded him of Queen Nehalennia¡¯s private rooms. A creeping tension crawled the length of his spine as the weight of expectation throbbed at his temples. No. Naeemah has never asked for a child. He watched Naeemah glide to the sofa opposite and gracefully take a seat. My promise to her is fulfilled. And still, the dull ache in his chest suggested that he was not prepared for their parting. Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡°What has you so pensive, Cailu?¡± Naeemah asked softly, crossing her long legs beneath her skirts. Cailu couldn¡¯t cross his arms or fold his hands in his lap. Damn this sling! In a frustrated compromise, he rested his hand on his knee. ¡°I fear that my departure will leave you at the mercy of wolves.¡± ¡°You¡¯re worried about me?¡± Naeemah murmured. Cailu blinked, working to keep his gaze leveled with hers, then nodded. ¡°When Krethik passed, it was only a few of us who took to the citadel to lead the rest. A temporary arrangement, we assured. R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨© fought against us. Every city sent delegates in protest,¡± Naeemah explained. ¡°They wanted to leave the seat open for the next man.¡± This was a story she¡¯d told him shortly after they¡¯d begun traveling together. Tiny pieces of it collected and formed in his memory like the delicate threads of a spider¡¯s web. At the time, he¡¯d needed a capable warrior to assist him in forcing Nyarlea beneath his thumb. Naeemah¡¯s history made no difference¡ªshe would accompany him so long as she was returned to her rightful station on her island. How things have changed. ¡°A year passed. Then two. The angry voices quieted, and those in direct opposition¡¯s opinions shifted in favor of my rule.¡± Naeemah smoothed her skirts. ¡°These women just need time. Should the sands walk with me, time is a commodity I can offer them in ample quantities.¡± ¡°I know you can give them more than just time, Naeemah. You are a queen this island¡ªthis world¡ªdeserves,¡± Cailu replied, watching her hands. The soft, warm hand that had slid into his just hours earlier. The emerald eyes that had begged him to emerge victorious. Naeemah studied his face for a long time. ¡°Cailu, why not stay here?¡± Her voice softened. ¡°With me?¡± To his surprise, his initial reaction was to agree with her. Whoever may appear on Ichi could just as easily be whisked to San Island to take care of the girls there, leaving Cailu to assist in rebuilding R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨© and the outlying cities. At Naeemah¡¯s side. But¡­ Damn this world. Cailu inhaled deeply and sighed. ¡°I cannot. I must ensure that Matt and Tristan arrive in Nyarlothep safely and discuss strategies to protect Nyarlea and its islands¡¯ futures.¡± ¡°It does not have to be right now,¡± Naeemah countered. ¡°Once you feel Matt and Tristan are ready to play the parts set before them, and you have reached an agreement that takes this world from your shoulders, you can return here.¡± ¡°Naeemah¡ª¡± She raised a hand before he could continue, a gesture she rarely deployed. ¡°You have done your duty over and over again. You deserve to rest.¡± She lowered her gaze as her hand returned to her lap. ¡°You deserve to find happiness. If not with me, then whenever you feel most at ease.¡± The poignant sting of discordant emotions was as keen as Magni¡¯s blade in his flesh. So many years before, in another lifetime, he¡¯d pledged his heart and soul to his wife. Now, Naeemah¡¯s invitation stirred a once-forgotten tonic of compassion and longing. Fera, do I betray your memory? ¡°I will consider it,¡± Cailu replied at last. Naeemah stood, crossing to the second couch in two elegant strides before taking a seat beside him. Her shoulder touched his, and she tipped his chin to look at her. ¡°What do you fear?¡± ¡°Nothing,¡± he murmured, cursing himself in silence for his racing heart. ¡°Liar.¡± Naeemah brushed his cheek with her thumb. ¡°What are you afraid of?¡± He searched the depths of her gaze, finding more of the singular emotion forbidden in Nyarlea. She leaned forward and brushed her lips against his in a delicate, sensual kiss. Cailu¡¯s breath caught in his chest, and it took every ounce of his willpower not to wrap his arm around her waist and reciprocate. Naeemah¡­ We cannot do this. Their connection was more than this. Better than this. He never wanted to view Naeemah as one of them¡ªthe women who followed him at every turn, pleading for their chance at offspring. Cailu drew away and stood. Naeemah¡¯s conflicted stare followed him¡ªheartache painted in her expression. ¡°We will stay until Matt, Keke, and Cannoli are ready to advance to Second Class.¡± Turning to the door, he switched the lock and pried it open the width of a few fingers. ¡°I would not want to impose longer than necessary.¡± ¡°As you wish,¡± Naeemah replied, not moving from the sofa. He exited the room and closed the door behind him, unable to spare Naeemah another look. The ghost of her kiss echoed through his skin, and he shook his head to clear it. I am afraid of you, Naeemah. Chapter 192: Twister (NSFW) We left Melly¡¯s house after the sun had set, so the moonlight and oil lamps from the Second and First Shells were what guided us back to the castle. It was good to see the girls in high spirits, still working vigorously on taking down the wall. Jaya caught my arm to let me know that all cages had been lowered, and they were nursing many of their inhabitants back to health. A handful hadn¡¯t made it, but everyone was doing what they could to help those that did. Well, almost everyone. As Tristan and Cailu had expected, there were still plenty of people in all Shells who refused Naeemah¡¯s takeover, and whispers that the duel was rigged made it to our group as we headed back. I hoped that those would stop soon, if just for Naeemah¡¯s sake. She had enough on her plate already. My thoughts kept drifting back to Ceres. Her damp hair clinging to her cheeks, her rasped breathing, the sweat dripping from her forehead. It had felt like an eternity since she¡¯d been the one watching me while I slept, teetering on death after the Defiled attack. ¡°I should be there with her,¡± I mumbled. Keke and I were a few paces behind Tristan, who was lost in his own thoughts. ¡°Matt, she¡¯s in the best place she can be right now,¡± Keke replied. She slid her hand into mine and squeezed. ¡°Melly and Destiny are taking great care of her.¡± ¡°I know, it¡¯s just¡­ she was there for me when I needed her. I don¡¯t feel like I¡¯m doing enough.¡± I sighed and rubbed the back of my neck. ¡°Hey, you¡¯re doing what you need to be doing right now. What would she say if she woke up and found out that you could have been gaining Levels instead of watching her sleep?¡± I couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. ¡°¡®Sir Matt! I have hindered your progress!¡¯¡± I put on my best Ceres impression. Keke grinned. She straightened her back and held a hand to her chest, warping her expression with concern. ¡°¡®Pray, my lord, allow me to fetch a thousand Encroachers for you to single-handedly slaughter.¡¯¡± ¡°And that¡¯s the part we¡¯re buried under a thousand gigashanks.¡± I found myself smiling, too. ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re right. She¡¯d want me to keep pushing to Second Class.¡± Tristan glanced behind him and stopped walking. ¡°You two all right?¡± I didn¡¯t realize just how far back we were. ¡°We¡¯re fine!¡± I tugged on Keke¡¯s hand and we jogged to catch up. ¡°What about you, man?¡± Tristan nodded and fell into step beside us. ¡°I¡¯ll be okay.¡± He looked up at the sky. ¡°Not to eavesdrop, but I know how you feel, Matt.¡± ¡°Melly and Destiny are doing everything they can,¡± Keke reassured him. ¡°If anything happens, we¡¯ll be the first to know.¡± ¡°I know you¡¯re right, and I get where Matt¡¯s coming from. I want to help where I can, too.¡± Tristan shrugged. I patted him on the shoulder. ¡°We¡¯ll keep working hard. Impress the hell out of all of ¡®em when they¡¯re back.¡± He flashed a bright smile. ¡°Yeah. We got this.¡± The mood around us lightened, and we switched to easier conversations as we crossed through the First Shell and back to the castle. The scents of smoked meats and roasted veggies beckoned us all to the dining hall, where Kirti and Cailu ate in silence. ¡°What¡¯s on the menu?¡± I asked, pulling a chair out for Keke before taking a seat. Kirti raised her eerie orange eyes with a smirk. ¡°Whatever you killed in the arena, boy.¡± Now that she mentioned it, the long, sinewy strips of meat did look like the didrillas. The shwa shwa sound they made rang in my ears when I took my first bite. It tasted like chewier chicken and was strangely cajun in flavor. ¡°Will we be back in the arena tomorrow, Cailu?¡± Tristan asked, spooning cubed orange vegetables onto his plate. Cailu didn¡¯t reply. That¡¯s new. I leaned forward, catching a glimpse of him around Tristan. Cailu was staring off into space, not blinking. Kirti smirked as she watched him expectantly. ¡°Cailu?¡± I called between bites of didrilla. Cailu blinked and shook his head. ¡°Apologies. What did you need?¡± ¡°Are you feeling okay?¡± Tristan asked. ¡°I know it¡¯s been a long day.¡± ¡°Yes. I just need a full night¡¯s sleep, I believe.¡± Cailu pushed his plate away and stood. ¡°Let us meet here in the morning before we move to the arena. If you will excuse me.¡± He left without another word. I exchanged looks with Tristan, and Kirti chuckled under her breath. ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± Keke asked, sliding the plate of fruit closer to herself. ¡°Nothing, child. Enjoy your ignorance while it lasts.¡± Kirti tapped her napkin to her lips before standing. ¡°I, too, will take my leave.¡± After she¡¯d gone, Keke grumbled low enough for just me to hear. ¡°The cure for ignorance is knowledge, Kirti.¡± I chuckled, spooning another helping of didrilla and vegetables onto my plate. ¡°Don¡¯t let her get under your skin. I think she enjoys it.¡± Keke sighed and nodded, popping a slice of red fruit into her mouth. ¡°She¡¯s doing enough to Cannoli as is.¡± I grimaced. That was one conversation I wasn¡¯t looking forward to in the near future. ¡°Honestly, I think all of us need some time to process this¡­ adventure,¡± Tristan said. ¡°The good news is, we have it.¡± The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Tristan was right; we could finally take some time to recover. Magni was gone, and we were safe. With real beds and water and three meals a day. Cailu had probably paid Agni enough to get her through the next three years of her life, and there was an entire football field of Encroachers outside to farm. ¡°Yeah. All we can do is our best, right?¡± ¡°Mhm.¡± Tristan and Keke hummed in unison, then smiled. We finished our meals, and Tristan waved us goodnight before disappearing down the hallway. ¡°Hey, Matt.¡± Keke slid her fingers through mine and gently touched my arm. ¡°Want to get cleaned up?¡± ¡°Sure. They should have drawn the baths by now¡ª¡± I stopped talking as soon as I met her eyes. That tiny, mischievous smile curved the corners of her lips and lit up her golden gaze. That was the look. My heart skipped, and I squeezed her hand. ¡°Yes. Please.¡± The sound of her giggle was like lightning through my veins as she led me down the hallway and into the bathing room across from our quarters. Abalone felt like a million years away¡ªanother lifetime since I¡¯d felt her skin on mine. I closed the door behind me, glad to see the tub still filled. Aanya had drawn a long curtain across the steaming water as a separator for our privacy¡ªof course, it wasn¡¯t hiding anything I¡¯d already seen. But Tristan and I had followed the rules and stayed on our side of the curtain. Well, until now, at least. Keke tip-toed around the bath, and we disappeared behind the drape. I¡¯d barely kicked off my shoes before she was yanking my shirt over my head. I had enough time to steal a kiss between her unbuckling my belt and her skirt hitting the floor. Her lips trailed to my jawline, dipped into my throat, and the tip of her tongue traced my collarbone. I buried one hand in her hair and caressed the length of her spine with the other. She shivered as she sank to her knees. ¡°Keke¡ªah!¡± Keke¡¯s lips encircled my cock, and she peered up at me with wide, hungry eyes. I sucked a gasp between my clenched teeth, hoping the doors were thick enough that no one could hear me. ¡°Fuck, I missed you.¡± I slid my fingers through her hair, cupping the back of her head. She hummed a sensual reply, reaching for my free hand and moving it right behind her ears. Her tail wrapped around my calf, and she pressed her thumbs just inside my hip bones. I pulled her head closer and could feel her hot breath against my thigh. Gentle licks with the tip of her tongue against the underside of my shaft sent tiny pulses of ecstasy through every nerve of my skin. Her throat was slick and searing, tightening around me every time she crept nearer, trying to take me deeper. I massaged the base of her ears, urging her down every few seconds. Her tail twitched and constricted around my leg, and with each gasp for breath, she looked back up at me with one word written on her face: More. She wanted me to push her; encourage her. My mouth went dry when she looked up again, waiting. ¡°Good girl, Keke.¡± The words tumbled out before I could stop them. An embarrassed heat bloomed on my neck and rose to my face. An erotic whimper escaped her, and she worked her tongue harder, the strokes more desperate. I groaned and tightened my grip on her hair. ¡°You like that?¡± I whispered, breathless with pleasure. ¡°Mhm,¡± she hummed, the sound reverberating against my shaft. I thrust my hips forward and pressed her head down until I hit the back of her throat. She squeaked in surprise but remained in place, her breathing quick and uneven through her nose. I drank in the picture of her hair tumbling down her arched back, the perfect curves of her body quivering beneath my grip. I relaxed my hold, and, to my surprise, she drew back for only a second to catch a breath before descending again with even more enthusiasm than when she¡¯d begun. The pleasure and sensitivity skyrocketed in equal measure. I blinked, dizzy with need and drowning in her desire. ¡°Keke, you¡¯ll make me come like this.¡± A sound between a hum and a giggle slipped from her tongue, and she doubled her efforts. I couldn¡¯t hold back¡ªit had been way too long. I climaxed, and she drew her tongue along my length, then swallowed. ¡°Such a good girl,¡± I growled, watching her drink every drop. She slowly pulled away, and I stepped down into the bath. I grabbed her around the waist and guided her to join me. ¡°Come here.¡± Keke licked her lips and nodded, sinking into the warm water beside me. Could you get any sexier? There was a smooth, narrow ledge for occupants to sit and soak, and I propped her on it. ¡°Your turn.¡± ¡°Matt, you don¡¯t have to,¡± she murmured. ¡°I want to.¡± I repositioned myself between her legs and kissed her. God, I want to. I followed the bend of her inner thigh with my hand, parted the soft skin of her center, and slid two fingers inside of her. ¡°Mnh!¡± she whimpered against my mouth, her chest gliding against mine. I held the small of her back with my free hand, cradling her at an angle that let me reach as deep as her body would allow. Breaking our kiss, I kissed her throat and moved down to her breast. She twined her fingers in my hair as I teased at her nipple with my tongue, kneading her yielding depths. ¡°Ngh! That¡¯s so good,¡± Keke breathed, tilting her head back. ¡°Don¡¯t stop.¡± ¡°Not a chance,¡± I murmured against her skin. I added a finger to her heat and set my thumb to her clit, caressing it every time I thrust inside her. She covered her mouth with one hand, masking the sharp squeals and moans that managed to break free. Her heels dug into my back, and the tip of her tail teased between my legs. God, enough of this, and I¡¯ll be ready to go again. ¡°I¡¯m close! Please don¡¯t stop,¡± she whispered, her voice strained. Her body tightened around my hand, and her breathing was erratic. I repositioned so that our eyes were level and my lips were moments from hers. ¡°Be my good girl, Keke.¡± ¡°Matt!¡± I nibbled her lower lip. ¡°Come for me.¡± ¡°I¡¯m coming!¡± Keke gasped, sealing our kiss before the convulsions rocked around my fingers. She rolled her hips against my knuckles, releasing euphoric moans into our shared breaths. I massaged and kneaded every spot that made her tremble and squeal until the tension left her body and her shoulders relaxed. I carefully drew away from her and took a seat beside her, curling one arm around her shoulders and pulling her close. I chuckled and ran a hand through my hair. ¡°What?¡± Keke tipped her head against my chest, the fur on her ears tickling my skin. ¡°You like being my good girl?¡± I asked. I could feel the heat on her face as she blushed a deep red. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare tell anyone.¡± ¡°I would never.¡± I kissed the top of her head. ¡°That¡¯s a first for me, too.¡± ¡°Did you like it?¡± ¡°Probably too much,¡± I admitted. Keke giggled. ¡°Or just enough.¡± She snuggled closer to me. ¡°I wish we could be like this every day.¡± Maybe. Some day. But I can¡¯t make those promises just yet. ¡°Me too.¡± We were quiet for some time; our even breathing and the faucet¡¯s rhythmic dripping were the only noises in the room. She reached up and touched my face and watched me for a few drawn-out seconds. I kissed the tip of her nose. ¡°We have another long day ahead of us tomorrow. Let¡¯s get cleaned up.¡± I touched her shoulder and chuckled. ¡°For real this time.¡± Chapter 193: Spin the Bottle Tristan returned to his room to find Zahra asleep while Ravyn and Cannoli were huddled at the headboard of the second bed. Dark circles framed Cannoli¡¯s eyes, and Ravyn had one arm over her shoulder while Buttons and Ball Gag affectionately fussed at Cannoli¡¯s hair and cheeks. ¡°Do you need me to leave?¡± Ravyn asked, tossing her head toward Zahra. ¡°I don¡¯t want to wake her.¡± Tristan looked at the three girls in turn, then shook his head. He riffled through his [Cat Pack] and retrieved the plate he¡¯d taken from the kitchens. The girls there had stacked it with fresh fruit, slices of bread, a wide selection of meats and cheeses, then secured it for easy transport with a lid. Nothing that big should have ever fit in his pack, but he¡¯d learned to stop questioning the magic in Nyarlea. He pried off the lid, and Ravyn stared at it with wide eyes, then licked her lips. ¡°I figured the two of you might be hungry. We could get some fresh air? There¡¯s a room with a balcony nearby,¡± Tristan suggested. It had caught his interest during the short opportunity he¡¯d had to explore between meals. ¡°I think that would do us both some good,¡± Ravyn replied, squeezing Cannoli¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Why don¡¯t we go with him, Cannoli?¡± Cannoli held a stuffed blue parrot close to her chest, avoiding Tristan¡¯s gaze. After a stretched moment of silence, she nodded and stood. Ravyn sighed and followed, motioning for Ball to move to her shoulder. They padded into the hallway, and Tristan led them down the expanse to a sitting room with lush sofas and polished tables. So far, it seemed unoccupied, and a pair of doors led outside to an expansive balcony with four chairs and a small glass table set between them. A fire pit was stationed near the balcony¡¯s stone railing, and the kindling burst to life with a murmured word from Ravyn. Tristan set the plate on the table and allowed the girls to choose where to sit before situating himself near the firepit. The flames lapped away the evening chill while thousands of stars blinked at them from overhead in a blue velvet sky. Ravyn stacked squares of meat and cheese on a slice of bread before she passed it to Cannoli. ¡°You need to eat.¡± Cannoli stared at the offering and frowned. ¡°Please?¡± Ravyn added. With quivering hands, Cannoli accepted the bread, then nibbled at its edge. She has the same vacant stare as she did on Shi. Tristan ran a hand through his hair as he watched Cannoli gingerly eat. Cannoli locks all of her emotions away¡­ ¡°Cannoli, can I ask you something?¡± Cannoli¡¯s ears flickered in his direction, and she gave him a tiny nod. ¡°Of all the books I had on Shi Island, the ones Celestia said were the hardest to get ahold of are about Saoirse,¡± Tristan explained, careful to keep his voice neutral. ¡°Can you tell me more about the goddess of Nyarlea?¡± Ravyn visibly tensed, and her mouth pulled into a thin line. She crossed her legs, and the look she shot Tristan said he¡¯d gone too far. ¡°I want to understand how you feel,¡± he added gently. To his relief, Cannoli lowered her snack to her lap and met his gaze. ¡°Saoirse is the Mother of all catgirls. She guides our queen and her subjects. We are created in Her image and carry Her line to our kittens. She is the reason we can use Magic and Skills, and by Her hand alone are we permitted to transcend Classes.¡± ¡°What about the men? It¡¯s not Saoirse¡¯s approval we need, right?¡± Tristan asked. Cannoli looked at Ravyn. ¡°Men aren¡¯t held to Saoirse¡¯s¡­ standards,¡± Ravyn said carefully, feeding a section of bread to Ball. ¡°Once you have enough Levels and training for your next Class, your iPaw changes it for you.¡± ¡°However, men and iPaws are gifts from Saoirse as well,¡± Cannoli added. ¡°If you believe that, yeah,¡± Ravyn countered. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Cannoli flinched as if she¡¯d been struck. Ravyn sighed. ¡°Cannoli, your faith is your own. No one can take that from you¡ª¡± ¡°You still don¡¯t believe what Kirti did is wrong, do you? What she¡¯s doing?¡± Cannoli snapped. ¡°Cannoli, hang on. Let¡¯s back up.¡± Tristan moved his chair closer to Cannoli¡¯s and placed a hand on her shoulder. ¡°Tell me what Kirti¡¯s doing.¡± Cannoli¡¯s tone sharpened, her words thick with malice. ¡°[Witch Doctor]s should be persecuted and burned like [Necromancer]s¡ª¡± Tristan pulled his hand away and leaned forward, watching her face. ¡°But they aren¡¯t.¡± ¡°Departed souls belong in Saoirse¡¯s care. It is Her judgment alone that will determine our eternity. Kirti not only delays Saoirse¡¯s judgment, she interrupts its cycle by destroying souls to cast her Magic,¡± Cannoli snarled. ¡°The thing is, Kirti says they¡¯re souls, but they might not be,¡± Ravyn said with the bland reassurance of someone repeating the same sentence a dozen times. ¡°What makes you say that?¡± Tristan asked. ¡°A lot of [Classes] need a cost satisfied to use Skills or Spells. Sometimes it¡¯s an item, most times it¡¯s Myana, and almost every cast takes a toll on Energy.¡± Ravyn grabbed a slice of cheese and ripped it in half. ¡°What Kirti¡¯s siphoning and using could be any one of those things.¡± ¡°I told you. I can feel them, Ravyn,¡± Cannoli whimpered and shivered. ¡°I feel their sadness and their desperation.¡± ¡°Is it possible that you¡¯re projecting your own emotions onto Kirti¡¯s stones?¡± Tristan measured his words, guessing that Ravyn had said something similar. Cannoli¡¯s frown and furrowed brow confirmed that this wasn¡¯t the first time she¡¯d heard that conclusion. ¡°I know my experience is limited, but I read at least three books on the history of forbidding [Necromancer]s and another half-dozen on Nyarlea laws,¡± Tristan explained. ¡°I admit, there¡¯s very little out there I could find about [Witch Doctor]s, [Dark Priest]s, and [Demonologist]s, but if the queen herself believes them safe, maybe Kirti¡¯s overplaying her role?¡± Cannoli blinked. ¡°Overplaying?¡± ¡°Exaggerating what she¡¯s doing to get a rise out of you,¡± Ravyn supplied. ¡°That¡¯s what I said she¡¯s been doing from the beginning. She¡¯s a bitch and wants to watch you squirm.¡± ¡°But, I¡­¡± Cannoli trailed. ¡°Matt, he¡­¡± ¡°Matt had to make a snap decision, or Ceres would have died,¡± Tristan finished for her. ¡°Every choice has consequences.¡± Cannoli was quiet for some time. ¡°I think you might look at this as him choosing Kirti over you, Cannoli,¡± Tristan continued. ¡°But it really isn¡¯t the case. He cares about you and would have done the same if it were you or Ravyn or Keke who was badly hurt.¡± ¡°I wouldn¡¯t want him to do the same for me,¡± Cannoli countered. ¡°No, but we all make bad decisions when it comes to the people we care about.¡± Tristan laid his hand on top of hers. ¡°It¡¯s okay to feel mad and upset, even betrayed. But I can say for certain, Matt acted with the best of intentions.¡± Ravyn fed Cannoli¡¯s abandoned food to Ball and took her opposite hand. ¡°We¡¯ve all been through a ton of shit together. Tristan¡¯s right, Matt¡¯s a baka, but he¡¯d never do something to hurt you on purpose. Or¡­ any of us for that matter.¡± Cannoli squinted her eyes shut and nodded. Her shoulders twitched, and her breathing was sporadic as she fought off sobs. ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m so sorry.¡± Ravyn rubbed Cannoli¡¯s back, and Tristan squeezed her hand. Tears streamed down Cannoli¡¯s face, and the twinges in her shoulders turned to shakes. ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Tristan murmured. ¡°We¡¯re right here.¡± Cannoli¡¯s sobbing escalated. Just let it out, Cannoli. Don¡¯t keep the bottle closed. Ravyn mouthed a silent Thank you. Tristan nodded his reply. They stayed at Cannoli¡¯s side until the early hours of the morning. At last, Cannoli¡¯s tears dried, and she wiped the streaks from her cheeks. She sniffled and rubbed her nose on the back of her wrist. ¡°I¡¯ll¡­ I¡¯ll apologize to M-Matt tomorrow.¡± Her voice was hoarse with crying, but it had lost its angry edge. ¡°Pfft, nah. Let him sweat over it for another day or two,¡± Ravyn replied with a wry smile. For the first time in days, Cannoli giggled and pushed her hair away from her eyes. ¡°You¡¯re right. He is a b-baka.¡± A baka that needs you. Cannoli took a hand from Ravyn and Tristan and pressed them to her forehead. ¡°Thank you both.¡± ¡°Anytime, sweet,¡± Ravyn crooned as she stroked Cannoli¡¯s hair. ¡°Anytime at all.¡± Tristan quietly watched the exchange between them, surprised by Ravyn¡¯s tenderness. Your whole Party needs you, Cannoli. Chapter 194: Clue When I awoke, Keke wasn¡¯t there. Her scent covered the bedsheets, filling my nostrils and putting me at ease. I groaned as I stretched my ligaments¡ªevery bone and muscle in my body felt weighty. The last day or two had hit me a lot harder than I¡¯d anticipated. The constant tension we¡¯d been suffering was at last melting away, and I struggled to find the willpower to leave the one place of comfort we¡¯d found. I really could just sleep for a couple of days, I think. Sighing, I turned my head to the side and tangled my fingers in the sheets behind my head. It¡¯d been so long since I¡¯d been able to wear the robe Shizen gave me. With how clustered together we were and the relentless hint of danger constantly nipping at our heels, I¡¯d lost the chance to wear it ever since we arrived on Ichi. Until I wore it to bed last night, I¡¯d forgotten just how comfortable it was. Between the robe and Keke, I fell asleep within minutes. I knew I¡¯d be bombarded by something the moment I left the room. There was still much to do¡ªprobably more than ever. The discovery of the Experience Farm meant we had an incredible opportunity to better ourselves. To be honest, we couldn¡¯t ask for a better position. And yet, the thought of more fighting made my stomach churn. At least here, in this bed, I was safe. Okay. That¡¯s enough of that. There¡¯s stuff to do. Come on, Kelmer. I forced myself to my feet and reached for the ceiling. My muscles screamed in protest, beckoning me back to the bed. Before I could fall prey to the bed¡¯s seductive comfort, I switched into my casual clothes and left the room, closing the door behind me. I happened to see Cannoli walking down the hall to my right, her tail swaying side to side. Ah, right. What do I do about her? Space, Keke had told me. Just give her space. Hoping to stay out of her sight for the time being, I took the opposite path and made my way to the dining room. It felt great to see everyone eating and smiling. Cailu waved me down from the other end of the table, and I took the seat closest to him. Keke came to sit next to me, and beside her sat Ravyn. ¡°We have much to do today,¡± said Cailu. He was dressed in a simple tunic and pants. Reminded me of something I¡¯d seen in art from the renaissance. ¡°I figured as much,¡± I replied simply. ¡°Got another fight for me?¡± ¡°Yes. We can discuss it after breakfast.¡± ¡°Sure.¡± ¡°I went to see Lara this morning,¡± Tristan said across from me. ¡°She¡¯s awake now, thank goodness. Ceres too.¡± I breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°That¡¯s good to hear.¡± Truth be told, I was sorely missing Ceres¡¯ voice. My day felt absent without a ¡®Sir Matt¡¯ to accompany it. ¡°I want to pay her a visit first before we start.¡± Cailu nodded, tipping a golden cup against his lips. His cheeks were flushed, and his stare looked vacant. Well, more vacant than usual. He¡¯s not drinking wine this early, is he? ¡°Hey,¡± Ravyn said, leaning over the table to look at me. She fed a cookie to Ball as she looked at me. ¡°Have you seen Cannoli?¡± ¡°Saw her, yes. But she went the other way.¡± I shrugged. ¡°Why?¡± Ravyn frowned and relaxed in her chair. I guess that¡¯s the end of that. By the time breakfast was over, I¡¯d barely said a word. Cailu asked that I meet him back at the arena when I was finished checking in on Ceres. Keke offered to come with me, but I declined. With how hectic things had been lately, I needed to clear my head and hear my own thoughts for a while. I descended one of the staircases to the ground floor. Halfway down the stairs, I saw Cannoli waiting at the bottom. She had her arms behind her, kicking at a loose pebble on the ground. Despite our disagreement, I couldn¡¯t help but smile. I hope you¡¯re okay, Cannoli. This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. While I considered how Ravyn had acted during breakfast, I continued down the stairs. Putting a serious talk off wouldn¡¯t do either of us any favors. Our gazes met, and she quickly bowed at the neck, averting her eyes. ¡°Good morning, Cannoli,¡± I said with a casual wave. ¡°Did you sleep okay?¡± Cannoli looked up at me. Dark bags hung under her half-open eyes, and her skin had more of a pale sheen than usual. That¡¯s a no. She clasped her hands in front of her, and they shook slightly. I¡¯d hoped she¡¯d eaten or bathed since Magni¡¯s death, but I had my doubts. ¡°Mhm. Can I talk to you for a moment?¡± she asked, her small smile clearly forced. ¡°Yeah, sure.¡± Despite anticipating the question, my heart skipped a beat. Does anyone like hearing ¡®We need to talk¡¯? ¡°What did you wanna talk about?¡± ¡°Um.¡± Cannoli fidgeted. ¡°It¡¯s about how I acted earlier. When you¡­ had to help Ceres.¡± She kept her stare glued to the ground the entire time she spoke. It left me feeling uncomfortable. ¡°I still think it¡¯s wrong what Kirti does, and I¡¯m still mad at you.¡± I felt a tinge of irritation, but I kept my mouth shut. ¡°But I shouldn¡¯t have lashed out at you the way I did. So, I¡¯m sorry. It just, well. It hurt me. It hurt me a lot, and I said some things I shouldn¡¯t have.¡± In cases like this, I¡¯d usually reassure whoever apologized to me that it wasn¡¯t a big deal or that we could move on. Water under the bridge, as far as I was concerned. Many of my friends said I was a pushover in that regard, always willing to bend over backward for people. ¡®Wipe your feet on the welcome Matt¡¯ is how they would sometimes refer to me, and I despised the term. So, I¡¯d take a note from my friends today. There would be no reassurance, no bouncing back. Saving any of my girls, no matter the cost, was never something I would apologize for. This world wasn¡¯t holding its punches. And after watching the fight between Cailu and Magni, I knew I still had much to learn about Nyarlea. Hell, probably lots to learn about myself. This time, I would simply accept the apology. ¡°Thank you for apologizing,¡± I said. ¡°We can agree to disagree.¡± I continued past her when she caught me by the hem of my shirt. I was eager to talk with Ceres, and while it may have come off as insensitive, I wasn¡¯t in the mood for a sermon. I turned my head to look at her. ¡°Something else, Cannoli?¡± ¡°Really, Matt. I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m really sorry,¡± she squeaked. Tears fell down her cheeks. I stood frozen in place as she sobbed quietly. I couldn¡¯t leave her like this. ¡°Hey,¡± I said, embracing her. ¡°It¡¯s okay. Really.¡± Damn it, Kelmer. What happened to accepting the apology and walking away? ¡°No, it¡¯s not. It¡¯s not okay at all.¡± Cannoli¡¯s body felt so small against mine. She buried her face in my chest and balled my shirt in her hands. Her tears soaked my front, and my heart crumbled as I tightened my arms around her. ¡°I couldn¡¯t bear to watch it, to see it. To know that those souls were gone, forever kept from Saoirse¡¯s cycle. It tore me apart. It¡¯s cruel.¡± ¡°Have you thought maybe that Kirti doesn¡¯t actually destroy souls?¡± I suggested. I¡¯d regretted the words as soon as they¡¯d left my mouth. I wasn¡¯t sure if I was ready for this sorta conversation, but here we were. Cannoli whimpered something I couldn¡¯t make out. Keep trying? I had to make sure Cannoli was getting by. ¡°I mean, she did use the word ¡®Essence¡¯ once or twice. Maybe she¡¯s just an edge lord.¡± ¡°Huh? An¡­ edge lord?¡± Cannoli drew back, an eyebrow cocked. Her puzzled expression looked out of place among her red cheeks. I flushed. ¡°It, uh, shit. It¡¯s a, uh, term for someone who¡¯s being a little too dark and stoic, sorta?¡± Did this even make sense as I was saying it? ¡°To the point where it comes off childish. Like someone who can¡¯t grow up. We¡¯d call it edgy in my old world.¡± ¡°Edgy.¡± She hummed the response. ¡°Are you an edge lord?¡± Ouch. ¡°N-no. Not me,¡± I said, chuckling. The heat was rising in my face. ¡°Why would I be an edge lord?¡± Cannoli pursed her lips and averted her gaze. Oh no. She does see me as an edge lord. ¡°A-anyways,¡± I said, scratching the back of my head, ¡°try not to beat yourself up over it. We all say stupid things sometimes. Maybe just try and stay away from Kirti. I think she enjoys taunting people.¡± ¡°Oh, she does,¡± Cannoli said matter of factly. ¡°You can see it if you watch how she speaks with Cailu and Naeemah.¡± ¡°Yeah, probably. I¡¯m sure Cailu keeps her around because she¡¯s effective.¡± I shrugged. ¡°If he could take someone else, I think he would. Regardless, she¡¯s not our problem.¡± ¡°Maybe.¡± Cannoli relaxed in my arms, letting her forehead rest against my chest. ¡°I¡¯ll try to be better. I will.¡± After a time, I let Cannoli go, and she sighed. It seemed to be one of relief. ¡°Thanks, Cannoli,¡± I said after a few seconds of uncomfortable silence. ¡°We can talk this out later, okay? Hopefully, we won¡¯t have to work with her for much longer.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Cannoli offered a wry smile. ¡°I hope so. Are you visiting Ceres?¡± ¡°I am. I heard she woke up, so I wanted to pay her a visit and see how she¡¯s feeling.¡± I started to walk away as I spoke. ¡°I¡¯ll see you soon. Make sure you eat something, okay?¡± ¡°Okay. Have a nice visit.¡± Cannoli rubbed her sleeve against her nose and tiptoed upstairs. As I entered the Second Shell, I replayed the conversation with Cannoli over and over in my head. It was awkward and stilted, just as I had imagined. There was no way I could¡¯ve let Ceres die. I made the right choice. I know I did. I hoped Ceres would agree with me. Chapter 195: Guess Who Tristan sipped his water as he watched Cailu and Ravyn finish off one dark bottle, then a second, then called for another. Cailu¡¯s cheeks were flushed, and, despite his claim of needing a good night¡¯s rest, the dark circles beneath his eyes suggested he¡¯d barely slept. Something was wrong. Naeemah hadn¡¯t joined them for breakfast, and Kirti had come and gone without a word. Matt left to see Ceres while Keke, Cannoli, and Zahra were elsewhere. Tristan reasoned that he¡¯d give Destiny time with Lara before he went to check on them, which left him in the dining hall with the increasingly intoxicated Ravyn and Cailu. ¡°What¡¯s the celebration?¡± Tristan asked, casually gesturing to the newly appeared bottle. Ravyn shrugged. ¡°I see wine and I drink it. Elf?¡± Cailu chuckled, swirling his golden goblet. ¡°The false king is dead, and the queen is restored. I have achieved my goal for unity among men in Nyarlea.¡± His eyes lingered on the wine, and his voice softened. ¡°There is much to celebrate.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t sound very happy about it,¡± Tristan replied. He kept his tone even, hoping not to spark Cailu¡¯s ire. ¡°Mm,¡± Cailu hummed, then looked up at Ravyn. ¡°Now that I think about it. You hid away with the man who came before me, did you not? On San Island?¡± The room seemed to drop ten degrees as Ravyn¡¯s furious violet gaze raised to Cailu¡¯s face. Tristan¡¯s shoulders tensed. ¡°The hell are you getting at?¡± Ravyn growled. Cailu shook his head. ¡°I do not ask to ignite your rage or persecute your actions. You paid for it with a surfeit of rehabilitation before joining my Party, as I recall.¡± Rehabilitation? Ravyn? Tristan recalled a passage in one of the difficult Nyarlean Law tomes outlining the need and utilization of rehabilitation for men and catgirls who fell in romantic love. It was meant to ¡°cure¡± them of the emotion. It was a sensitive enough topic for two people on good terms. From what he¡¯d gathered in Ravyn and Cailu¡¯s interactions, they¡¯d parted on a sour note, to say the least. Ravyn¡¯s eyes flashed to Tristan before she stole another deep drink of wine. ¡°Then what the fuck is your point, Cailu?¡± Setting the goblet on the table, Cailu rested one hand beside it, adjusting uncomfortably against his sling. ¡°You clearly cared for him to an unlawful degree, yet it appears that you harbor similar feelings for Matt.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± That single word from Ravyn¡¯s lips carried a heavier challenge inside it than Cailu¡¯s demands of a duel with Magni. Tristan felt compressed between them; caught in the crossfire. ¡°Cailu, hang on¡ª¡± ¡°How can you stand it? Betraying the memory of the one you cherished most?¡± Cailu pressed on. A sharp, strident slap rang against the walls before Tristan could register that Ravyn was on her feet. A pink haze blossomed on Cailu¡¯s face where she¡¯d struck him, and her ears lay flat against her head. Ball Gag flapped erratically around her shoulders, shrieking with surprise. ¡°Mayhap, I could phrase my questions more adequately¡ª¡± Cailu began. ¡°How fucking dare you,¡± Ravyn snarled, punctuating every word. She snatched the bottle and her goblet from the table. ¡°Don¡¯t you ever talk about Finn again.¡± ¡°Ravyn, sincerely, I did not mean¡ª¡± ¡°Always a cunt,¡± Ravyn spat. She spun on her heel, taking the wine with her and vanishing from the dining hall. ¡°Cailu the cunt! Squawk!¡± Ball¡¯s cry rippled behind her. Cailu sighed, kneading the place she¡¯d hit him with his fingertips. He leaned back in his chair and glanced at Tristan with a weak smile. ¡°Well, that was a disaster.¡± Tristan blinked, overwhelmed with questions. Where do I even start? ¡°So, I¡¯ll pretend like you weren¡¯t trying to brutally insult Ravyn for a moment. What just happened?¡± ¡°It is a cruel irony.¡± Cailu¡¯s eyes searched the vacant chair where Ravyn had sat only moments before. ¡°Ravyn is likely the one person here who¡­¡± His words trailed, dying in the enormous room. He shook his head and drained his goblet. ¡°No matter. It is a fool¡¯s errand to expect anything of her.¡± ¡°Cailu, what¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°Nothing. All is well.¡± Cailu pushed his glass away and looked thoughtfully at Tristan. ¡°You are an avid bibliophile, are you not?¡± ¡°Er, yes.¡± Tristan was more than a little taken aback by the unexpected inquiry. ¡°Why do you ask?¡± ¡°What book in this world would hold enough importance to be recommended with a man¡¯s dying breath?¡± ¡°Is¡­ this a hypothetical question?¡± Tristan asked, puzzled. ¡°No.¡± Tristan¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°What exactly was said?¡± ¡°Just before he died, Magni said ¡®book.¡¯¡± Cailu rested his temple against his good fist. ¡°At first, I pushed it aside as the final prayer from a tyrant. However, to ignore any information that could potentially help us in this world is blatant ignorance.¡± If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. ¡°Hm.¡± There were thousands of books in Nyarlea¡ªsome more difficult to find than others. To Tristan, all knowledge was important and necessary, especially in a world different from his own. But to recommend a title in his final moments? As he mentally thumbed through the countless books in his time at Venicia, an idea struck. If he wanted to convey information to a stranger, he would have left it in his sketchbook. ¡°What if it¡¯s a journal?¡± Tristan asked. Cailu raised an eyebrow. ¡°More of his self-serving ideals for Ichi Island?¡± ¡°It could be. Or his record books or a sketchbook like I have.¡± ¡°It seems that for us to all ponder over this would be a waste of time.¡± Cailu crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair. ¡°While I help Matt train when he returns, I task you with researching the nature of his final request.¡± Tristan flinched. This could take a while. Unless¡­ ¡°Maybe we could ask Eshe? Magni¡¯s previous assistant?¡± Cailu shook his head. ¡°I would err on the side of caution and draw your own conclusions first. Let us make Magni¡¯s confidants a final resort.¡± Tristan held back a sigh. ¡°All right.¡± He finished his water and pushed away from the table. ¡°I¡¯ll look around.¡± ¡°Oh, and Tristan?¡± ¡°Hm?¡± ¡°How old are you?¡± Tristan shifted uncomfortably. ¡°Eighteen.¡± Cailu nodded. ¡°Two summers younger than Heiki would be now,¡± he said, his features wistful. ¡°But I digress. I shall meet with you later.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ kay,¡± Tristan replied, watching as Cailu exited the dining room, leaving him alone. There was something very wrong with Cailu.
The citadel had more wings, stairs, and hidden rooms than Tristan could fathom just by looking outside. Most of them were empty beyond a few pieces of furniture or imported decorations. He passed a handful of catgirls in his wanderings, but it seemed like most of the women and kittens they¡¯d seen on their first day in the castle had dispersed to their homes in the First Shell. He did spy Naeemah through the open slot of one grand room, sitting at a wide polished desk and looking over what he only assumed were Magni¡¯s books of record. It wouldn¡¯t make sense for both of them to pore over the same information. He kept silent and continued on. At the top of a second-story banister was a grouping of three rooms out of the way with closed doors. He approached the first, knocked, waited, then peaked inside. There were stacked crates and furniture covered in white blankets. Spiderwebs glittered in the sunlight peaking through a high window, and a thick coating of dust flooded the floor. Doesn¡¯t look like this has been used for a long time. If I¡¯m right about the journal, it won¡¯t be here. He made a mental note to check it out if nothing else turned up and moved on. Knock, knock, knock. Tristan waited. This is silly. No one¡¯s up here. Just as he pushed on the door, it opened from underneath him. He stumbled forward but quickly caught his balance. A catgirl with deep almond skin and dark hair tied back in a circle of braids at the base of her neck blinked in surprise. Her eyes were a pale yellow¡ªlike stars. ¡°Can I help you?¡± Her voice was smooth and even. ¡°Sorry to bother you. Just looking for a¡ª¡± No, Cailu said a last resort. ¡°A book collection, I guess. Maybe a library?¡± Her perfect eyebrows raised, and she stepped back, opening the door wide. ¡°It¡¯s tucked away, but you¡¯ve come to the right place.¡± Her blue skirts swayed around her ankles, bedecked in golden beads that matched the fastenings of her long-sleeved top. She paused and held a hand up. ¡°You¡¯re not here to¡­ damage them, are you?¡± ¡°No! I wouldn¡¯t dream of it.¡± Tristan shook his head vehemently. ¡°It would feel like killing friends.¡± ¡°Then you may pass.¡± A smile played at the corners of her mouth. ¡°I¡¯m Svarga.¡± ¡°Tristan,¡± he replied, stepping through the threshold. As he peered around the room, he withheld a gasp. Shelves upon shelves of books were stacked neatly together from one end of the room to the other, each with just enough room for a single person to move between. The scents of aged paper and ink wafted through the room like a siren¡¯s call, begging to show Tristan their secrets. He thought his collection on Shi Island was expansive¡ªthis room was at least three times that size. ¡°This is amazing. Someone wanted to get rid of it?¡± Svarga nodded. ¡°The late king did not care for Nyarlean literature. This was the last safe haven for these stories.¡± She frowned. ¡°One particularly cold and unprosperous winter, I lost a handful to kindling.¡± Tristan¡¯s stomach turned. Just when I think he can¡¯t get any worse. But, if Magni considered the books in Svarga¡¯s wing of the castle disposable, what Tristan sought was likely elsewhere. Your book is in another castle. ¡°What do you do here, Svarga?¡± Tristan asked, wandering to the nearest shelf. It wouldn¡¯t hurt to look all the same. ¡°I was the scribe for many years. King Magni could read and write, of course, but there¡¯s power to be had in dictating to someone beneath your station.¡± Svarga whisked away to a desk, her footsteps barely disturbing her posture. Like she was floating. ¡°Were you unhappy with his reign?¡± Svarga fingered an impressive sapphire pendant at her throat. ¡°He was generous and kind with those of us in the First Shell. My daughter and I have wanted for nothing.¡± She sighed. ¡°Even so, I hope the Second and Third Shells receive the same kindness beneath Naeemah¡¯s rule.¡± Tristan nodded. ¡°I believe they will.¡± Svarga shuffled through a stack of papers, catching his attention. Curiosity got the better of him, and he wandered to her side, glancing over the tower of books framing her workspace. Delicate cursive decorated the loose parchment in long paragraphs and strings of dialogue. I¡¯ve seen her handwriting somewhere¡­ ¡°Are you writing a book, Svarga?¡± Tristan asked, lifting one of the tomes that flanked her current work. ¡°I¡¯ve written a few,¡± Svarga said hurriedly, reaching for the book in his hands. ¡°But, Tristan, wait¡ª¡± Before she could take it back, Tristan caught the name Josselyn penned in the same elegant writing as the paper on the desk. He favored her with a wry smile as she clamped the cover shut and held it to her chest. A pink tinge hued her cheeks, and she avoided his stare. ¡°Josselyn¡¯s your pseudonym,¡± Tristan said. ¡°Y¡­ Yes.¡± ¡°You¡¯re the erotica writer.¡± He chuckled. ¡°I¡¯ve read your work and know a few other people who have, too.¡± Svarga carefully set the book back on the tower. ¡°I know it¡¯s fantasy drivel. I couldn¡¯t let it leave this citadel beneath my own name.¡± Her blush deepened. ¡°I am certain there are many¡­ inaccuracies. Writers work with what they know.¡± Her eyes stayed fixed on the papers before her. ¡°That statement says enough, I believe.¡± Tristan traced the spines of the leatherbound tomes with his fingertips. Magni was gone, but his scribe was a good place to begin asking around for the elusive ¡®journal.¡¯ Easing Svarga¡¯s tension couldn¡¯t hurt. ¡°I could help.¡± He flashed Svarga a disarming smile as her gaze locked his. ¡°What would you like to know?¡± Chapter 196: House of Healing I was in a strange mood. On one hand, I felt like skipping over to Melly¡¯s house. The fact that Ceres and Lara were awake was great news. I¡¯d spent the majority of my time agonizing over what I could¡¯ve done to prevent Ceres from suffering such a terrible wound. Still, every time I tried to think of what I could¡¯ve done better, I was always led back to the same thought¡ªSanrai was a monster. A catgirl truly deserving of the word. If anything, we were lucky to come out in as good shape as we did. On the other hand, though, things still felt a little stilted between everyone¡ªespecially with Cannoli. There was an awkward force in the air that made it increasingly difficult to just be myself. Some part of me blamed Cailu for that. Now that he was around, I felt I had to work three times as hard to earn my place in the group. Every word out of my mouth was met with either a disappointed glance or a scolding. Admittedly, I know I deserved some of it. I wasn¡¯t as well-read as Tristan or as seasoned of a fighter as Cailu. But, man, I hadn¡¯t really had the chance to do a lot of either since I¡¯d come to Nyarlea. Hopefully, there was still enough time to prove myself to both of them. I knocked on Melly¡¯s door, then waited with my hands in my pockets. Most of the First Shell¡¯s debris had been cleared, with the stray stone or trinket resting against the walls beside the tunnel. A few of the catgirls had wandered off to see what the other Shell looked like, though the Second Shell girls seemed a bit more optimistic and curious than those who resided in the First Shell. There was a clear divide of wealth and luxury between the two Shells, though not to the degree we¡¯d seen in the Third Shell. Many remarked on the jewelry and fine housing in the other¡¯s district. I hoped that our being here and forcing them to mingle would work out for the better. ¡°Oh, Matt! Good to see you,¡± Melly said, answering the door. Her hands were dyed purple, and streaks of the same color splattered her cheeks in a messy array. ¡°Here to see Ceres?¡± ¡°I am,¡± I said, nodding. ¡°Is she awake?¡± ¡°She is! I was just making pie. Come on in.¡± ¡°Oh? Do you mind if I have a slice?¡± I hadn¡¯t had pie since the girls had made one together. ¡°Well,¡± Melly hummed, ¡°it needs to cook for close to an hour. But if you¡¯re still here, then you¡¯re welcome to it.¡± ¡°Thanks.¡± Melly led me up the stairs for what was the third, maybe fourth time? I wasn¡¯t sure; I¡¯d lost count at this point. She knocked on the door, then pushed it open. ¡°You have a visitor,¡± she announced. She stood to one side and waved me in. ¡°Sir Matt!¡± Ceres whipped the covers off her and threw her legs over one side. ¡°It¡¯s good to¡ª¡± ¡°Hey!¡± Melly barked. ¡°Stay in bed. You¡¯re still in no condition to be moving around like that.¡± ¡°A-ah. Yes. My apologies.¡± Ceres resumed her position in bed and brought the covers back over her legs. ¡°Can I use one of those?¡± I asked, pointing to one of the stools next to the table. ¡°Go ahead. I¡¯ll be downstairs if you need anything,¡± Melly said with a smile. ¡°Good to see you, Matt,¡± Destiny said, glancing at me with a curt nod. She looked better than before. The dark bags were gone, and there was life in her features again. Seeing Lara awake seemed to have done wonders for her well-being. ¡°Same, Destiny. How are you feeling, Lara?¡± I asked as I grabbed one of the stools by the leg. ¡°Better. Melly said I could leave soon. Tomorrow maybe.¡± Lara¡¯s tone of voice hadn¡¯t returned to its airy, whimsical norm, but seeing her and Destiny talking again was a huge weight off my shoulders. ¡°The nightgown looks good on you.¡± Maybe it was a weird thing to say at the moment, but I wanted to make things sound casual. Ceres and Lara were provided a change of clothes at some point. They wore matching one-piece gowns of white, which frilled around the edges of the fabric. They looked comfortable as hell. Lara blinked. ¡°Oh, thank you.¡± I set the stool next to Ceres¡¯ bed and took a seat. ¡°It is wonderful to be in your presence once more, Sir Matt.¡± Ceres offered a polite nod. Her hair wasn¡¯t braided and fell around her shoulders in long strands of gold. There was a tender tone to her voice, a bit hoarse. She coughed to the side, away from me, and cleared her throat. ¡°It seems I cannot drink enough water this morning.¡± She reached for the glass beside her and swallowed two large gulps before setting it down. ¡°You look so much better, Ceres,¡± I said. To be honest, she was striking. Seeing her out of her armor with her hair freed was rare. It was softer than I was used to, but she wore it well. ¡°I was worried about you. The wound was pretty rough, from what I heard.¡± ¡°Indeed. I lament that I have caused you undue stress. From what I have been told, you have visited me a few times now.¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± I said, averting my gaze momentarily. ¡°Melly stressed that you would heal, but for a while there, she didn¡¯t seem to know what the damage might entail. Has she talked to you about it?¡± ¡°Yes. She informed me that I shall make a full recovery.¡± Her gaze landed on Lara. ¡°However, I may be here for another day or two.¡± Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. ¡°That¡¯s okay. Take time to heal.¡± I half laughed. ¡°I don¡¯t know a lot of people who can say they were stabbed in the stomach and lived.¡± Ceres clasped her hands upon her lap. She made several complex expressions before she responded. ¡°Yes, I suppose that is true.¡± Her gaze looked lost and sad. I noticed the book resting on the table beside her and cleared my throat. ¡°Keeping yourself busy?¡± Ceres turned to the book and retrieved it. I recognized the cover; it was the same one she read when I was recovering from the Defiled twins. ¡°Yes, Sir Matt.¡± She flipped the book open and thumbed through the pages until halfway through. She straightened the folded paper corner and grazed her pointer finger down the page. ¡°I have learned much. Our tendency to find ourselves in trouble has further expedited my desire to see my [Alchemy] improve.¡± Yours isn¡¯t the only one that needs improving. Those Potions I made don¡¯t look too great anymore. ¡°How does your expedition fare?¡± Ceres asked, shutting the book and placing it on her lap. ¡°From what little I have heard from Destiny and Tristan, it sounds as if the infiltration was a success.¡± This wasn¡¯t really what I wanted to talk about. I admit I don¡¯t know what I really wanted to talk about¡ªjust something that didn¡¯t involve politics, the duty of men and catgirls, or fighting for Experience. What sounded great right now was a vacation away from it all. But hey, catgirls. ¡°It went great,¡± I said. Hearing the tone of my voice, I put a bit more enthusiasm into my next words. ¡°Cailu defeated Magni in an official duel, so he¡¯s dead now.¡± I scratched the side of my nostril, sniffing. ¡°Naeemah is working to bring order to the city, and Cailu¡¯s helping me train. There¡¯s an Experience farm that Magni had been working on.¡± Ceres frowned. ¡°Forgive me. Experience farm?¡± ¡°They trained up a bunch of Encroachers and bred them for battle. The girl responsible for them, Jeenie, said that Magni used them to get easy Experience and Levels.¡± ¡°Celestia entertained a similar thought,¡± said Destiny. I repositioned and sat parallel to the beds, looking at her. ¡°The costs were enormous. Celestia estimated a minimum of two years before a proper Experience farm could be made. Even then¡­¡± ¡°Ah, yes, I remember,¡± Lara said with a finger to her lips, her eyes half open. ¡°¡®Too many to manage,¡¯ she said.¡± ¡°Well, seems like Magni managed just fine,¡± I said. ¡°Jeenie mentioned that she straps some sort of choker to their body. It¡¯s supposed to make them stronger, and so¡ª¡± ¡°They provide more Experience,¡± Ceres finished. ¡°Fascinating.¡± Yeah, I guess. ¡°Anyways.¡± I waved my hand in hopes of getting away from the topic of the Experience farm. ¡°We¡¯ve been relaxing and training while we try and figure out what we do from here. Cailu is adamant about getting Tristan and me to Second Class.¡± ¡°I must admit, that is a fair demand to make,¡± said Ceres. ¡°If I recall correctly, your Class is Level 9, is it not?¡± ¡°Yeah, it is.¡± ¡°Excellent.¡± Ceres nodded. ¡°I shall do whatever I can to hasten your journey to Second Class.¡± I guess it couldn¡¯t hurt to ask a few questions. ¡°What was Second Class like for you?¡± Ceres bowed her head. Her smile vanished, replaced by a thin line. She seemed pensive, almost reluctant somehow. It was hard to get a read on her. ¡°My journey was a complex one,¡± she finally said, raising her head to look at me. ¡°I spent years training my body and my Magic so that the Sword of Virtues would receive me as one worthy of the [Magic Knight] title.¡± She shuffled one thumb over the other before continuing. ¡°I met many who shared my passion for eliminating the Defiled threat. I gained many allies and lost many who trained alongside me. Reaching Second Class is an arduous task for any, and [Magic Knight] remains among the most difficult of Second Classes to gain access to, let alone master.¡± ¡°Years?¡± I repeated. ¡°I¡¯ll be training for Second Class for years?¡± ¡°I admit, I do not know. That would be an excellent question for Cailu.¡± She shuffled her thumbs again. ¡°There are many times that I miss my training and my peers.¡± With each word she recited, she spoke as if she was talking to an old friend. For a moment, I wondered if I was digging up some bad memories from the sad look on her face. I didn¡¯t want to upset her. ¡°So a sword decides if you¡¯re allowed to become a [Magic Knight]?¡± I teased. ¡°What if the sword broke or got stolen?¡± Ceres smiled, but it didn¡¯t reach her eyes. ¡°There are several like it, each with different monikers.¡± I nodded, pretending I knew what ¡®moniker¡¯ meant, and let her continue. ¡°Saoirse left behind a number of holy swords. The queen considers each one a treasure, and thusly they are heavily guarded. To breach the fort holding the Sword of Virtues would mean to enter combat with every catgirl available, a great deal of them formidable [Magic Knight]s.¡± She sighed. ¡°At least, that is how it was until shortly before you arrived.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°The Sword of Virtues was stolen,¡± Destiny explained. ¡°Is that true?¡± I asked. ¡°Yes,¡± Ceres said with a sullen expression. The corner of her lip twitched. ¡°The fault was mine. I was the acting vanguard the day it was taken. A detestable Defiled had breached the city¡¯s walls, and I called upon the actions of every available [Magic Knight], including the [Fighter]s who were still training.¡± A pause followed. ¡°I left behind two [Magic Knight]s to protect the sword. They were killed by the thieves.¡± I had no idea what to say. I wasn¡¯t expecting such a bombshell, and honestly, I wasn¡¯t ready for it. ¡°I¡¯m really sorry, Ceres.¡± The words left my lips, but they didn¡¯t feel like they were enough. My dad never talked much about being in the military, just that it was tough. I imagined it was a similar concept for Ceres. Seeing your friends dead and a priceless relic stolen underneath your command had to sting. ¡°Do not worry yourself over me,¡± Ceres shook her head. ¡°The past is the past. There is little more I can do now than try to atone and make amends wherever I am able.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I sound insensitive, but then how do [Magic Knight]s come to be, now?¡± ¡°The [Magic Knight]s still possess two more swords capable of bestowing their power to adepts. Since that theft, the queen has taken it upon herself to keep the remaining swords.¡± I guess it¡¯s a good thing I won¡¯t be going down that path. ¡°I see. Is it¡­ tough to talk about?¡± ¡°Somewhat,¡± Ceres said. ¡°But it does no soul well to dwell on what cannot be changed. As I have said, the past is simply that¡ªthe past. You can continue living in it, but no one is there anymore.¡± ¡°So wise,¡± Lara said with evident admiration. After that, I shifted the conversation away from Second Classes as we continued to talk. I was more concerned about Ceres and her personal interests than Nyarlean politics. As uneasy as it made me to probe her for information on her past, I was glad to learn more about her. I wanted to know my girls and how they ticked. I¡¯ll need to make a better habit of this. Chapter 1: The Backroll ¡°...And that¡¯s how your journey into Nyarlea would transpire,¡± Leiana concluded, closing the screen with a few quick keystrokes. Wait, what? What the hell had we just watched? ¡°That was catgirl world?¡± ¡°Correct.¡± Leiana folded her hands on the desk. ¡°I must say, you most certainly looked as if you could successfully battle the metal demon upon reaching Level 10.¡± ¡°Jesus. I almost died. Again. Four or five times,¡± I grumbled. ¡°And that was after getting better gear.¡± ¡°This particular simulation was the one where you continued to live. Our systems simultaneously calculated 13,667 simulations of your experiences in Nyarlea. In every other one, you perished.¡± Holy shit. ¡°Uh¡­huh.¡± I blinked. ¡°I thought I told you just to send me?¡± ¡°You did, Matt.¡± She gave me a solemn nod. ¡°However, the dangers and tribulations are so statistically high that I believed showing you a simulation of your time spent among them would behoove you.¡± ¡°Why did your simulation jump to other people? Most of the time, I wasn¡¯t in those.¡± I frowned, stretching my incorporeal legs away from my chair. ¡°Like, what do, erm¡ª¡± I struggled to remember their names. ¡°The guys.¡± ¡°Tristan and Cailu?¡± Leiana supplied. ¡°Yeah, them. What do they have to do with me and the catgirls?¡± ¡°All threads of a world are important to its fabric.¡± I squirmed a bit in my seat. ¡°Even their sex lives?¡± In Leiana¡¯s simulation, I¡¯d personally seen plenty of action with catgirls. But, man, watching another guy go at it just wasn¡¯t my thing. ¡°The simulation is quite detailed.¡± A tiny smile toyed at the corners of her lips. ¡°Besides, I found ample enjoyment in our time together.¡± I¡¯m sure you did. ¡°Hang on. How long have we been watching this?¡± Time here seemed nonexistent. I didn¡¯t feel the nagging pull seeking productivity¡ªI was perfectly content in the manager¡¯s office. ¡°Let¡¯s see.¡± Leiana¡¯s fingers danced across her desk. ¡°In Earth time, it has been one year, seven months, seven days, and three hours.¡± ¡°What? We¡¯ve been watching a simulation for almost two years?¡± ¡°That is correct.¡± I stared at her while I let her words sink in. Two years. Two years of near-death experiences, heartbreak, and struggling to keep my head above water in the name of Nyarlea; the catgirl world. Thirteen thousand opportunities to die. Maybe she was right. Maybe this was way out of my league. ¡°Alright. Fine.¡± I shrugged. Something new couldn¡¯t hurt. ¡°I¡¯ll be a dungeon.¡± Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. ¡°That is an excellent choice.¡± The screens lit up with foreign glyphs and expansive graphs. ¡°Your necessary tools will be available to you upon your arrival.¡± As a dungeon? ¡°Tools?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± She reached for one of the holographic screens nearest her and pressed her palm against it as if it had a tangible form. The image shot forward, enveloping me in a blue haze. ¡°For your valor, Matthew Kelmer.¡± For the second time that day, the world went dark. Now Loading¡­
Life as a dungeon was weird enough. Life as a dungeon on another planet took a lot more getting used to. For starters, it took weeks before I understood what the hell my purpose was. My new form as a rocky cavern was underwhelming, to say the least. A few wandering critters and beings covered from tip to toe in purple fur chanced to check inside but left when they realized there wasn¡¯t much to see. Let me tell you, it was strange as hell feeling them walk inside me. But then I started hearing the whispers. Like idle thoughts from other dungeons, challenging travelers to come search for their treasure and try to make it out alive. So, is my goal to trap them in or let them out? I wondered. A bit of both, an undistinctive thought replied. The trapped ones give you Skills and Experience, another chimed in. Trap too many, and they¡¯ll stop trying. I could only assume ¡°they¡± referred to passing adventurers. So, don¡¯t kill all the residents. Seemed easy enough. Though, what the dungeon hive-mind failed to explain was that the treasure needed to come off of whatever I trapped. No one seemed to want to take a deep dive for common animal parts. I did catch one hungry guy after setting fire to a blue, four-legged deer thing. I have to admit, no matter how much time and work I put into expanding my dungeon self, glimpses of Leiana¡¯s simulation from Nyarlea continued to slip through the cracks. As I willed the leafy tendrils that acted as my arms to strip the armor from an adventure claimed by a pit of doom, Keke¡¯s laugh as she reeled in a fish echoed against the halls. Cooking always made me think of Cannoli. The adventurer¡¯s polearm was uncannily close to Ceres¡¯ favored weapon. And screeching birds that lost themselves in the darkness recalled visions of Ravyn cuddling with her blue parrot. Even if I hadn¡¯t lived through it, I¡¯d spent over a year with all of them through Leiana. They felt like friends. And the Nyarlea version of me hadn¡¯t been such a bad guy. Maybe I made the wrong choice. Hey! That jackass was supposed to be mine! Another dungeon cried. I¡¯ve been after that armor for months! Get good, Carl. I piled the expensive armor into a locked chest resting at the bottom level. A full Party would come for that set, I was sure of it. And they¡¯d be in for a surprise when the chest bared its teeth. I didn¡¯t have to wait long. ¡°Guys, it¡¯s this way!¡± a familiar voice called. ¡°Keke, wait up!¡± another girl squeaked. ¡°Kehehe. Last one there¡¯s a roach!¡± ¡°Ugly roach! Ugly roach! Squaawk!¡± ¡°Ladies, please! This is not a contest! We will share the spoils equally, as always!¡± When the four catgirls crested the hill nearby, I felt a rush of excitement and familiarity that made little sense. I¡¯d never seen them before. Besides, it¡¯s not like I could say hello, or hug them. After all, I was just a dungeon. Chapter 197: Sea of Stars (NSFW) Tristan went to the kitchens, tossing three goblets into his [Cat Pack] before filling a pitcher with clear water. Staying well-hydrated during intimate encounters was a habit ingrained into him at the School¡ªone of the few he¡¯d let stay with him. Even if Svarga claimed she wasn¡¯t thirsty after their tryst, it was worth having it on hand, just in case. Besides, now she¡¯d asked for Matt to join them. Matt¡­ Hesitating, Tristan set the pitcher on a nearby marble counter and fished a dark bottle from a rack that stood beside the cooling chests. He uncorked the stopper and drank deeply. The taste was somewhere between brandy and whisky but not unpleasant. Some liquid courage couldn¡¯t hurt. It wasn¡¯t that they¡¯d never done it before. Honestly, that may have been the problem. During their time in Abalone together, when it was just him, Matt, and Peony, the feeling had struck him like a bolt of lightning. That more-than-friends crush that high schoolers chased and inhaled like a drug. Tristan took another swig. The last thing Tristan ever wanted was to make things awkward between them. Ravyn¡¯s comment while they were camping about them making out had completely thrown Tristan for a loop. He thought for sure she¡¯d figured it out. But, judging from Matt¡¯s reaction, there was no mutual interest to be had. Which was fine. Tristan was honored to call him a friend. Except that now Tristan found himself worrying that he¡¯d destroy their friendship by accident thanks to his silly crush. Maybe he¡¯d say something offensive, or a stare would last too long. Or, the current contender, Hey, Matt, want to get naked with me again? There¡¯s another catgirl waiting. Tristan groaned and stole one more sip. The warm tonic was at least calming his nerves. ¡°Hey, Tristan. Didn¡¯t expect to find you here.¡± Matt rounded the corner into the kitchens. Tristan nearly leaped out of his skin. He swiftly corked the bottle and shoved it into his pack. ¡°O-oh! Hey! I was looking for you, actually.¡± Matt grinned and began sifting through cupboards and cabinets, grabbing a handful of dried fruits here and a few strips of smoked meats there. ¡°Cailu let me go early today. Said he had too much of a headache.¡± ¡°Probably an early hangover.¡± He popped the fruit into his mouth and tore a bite of jerky before leaning against the counter. ¡°Wait, seriously?¡± Tristan nodded. ¡°He and Ravyn split two or three bottles of wine this morning.¡± ¡°Sorry, Cailu and Ravyn shared wine?¡± Matt looked incredulous. ¡°It went about as well as you imagine.¡± Tristan scratched his chin. ¡°I think Cailu was honestly trying to ask her for advice and failed catastrophically.¡± ¡°Jesus. All right. I¡¯ll check on Ravyn later.¡± He chewed another handful of jerky before he continued. ¡°You said you were looking for me. What¡¯s up?¡± This sounded a lot easier to do when Svarga asked. ¡°Remember the book Peony was reading? In Abalone?¡± ¡°The one you said was smut?¡± Matt chuckled. ¡°Mhm.¡± ¡°Yeah, I remember. What about it?¡± ¡°The author lives here.¡± Matt paused. ¡°Really?¡± Tristan nodded. ¡°Yeah. Her name is Svarga. I, er, was just in her room with her.¡± He shifted uncomfortably, then crossed his arms over his chest. ¡°She asked to try some things. With both of us.¡± Matt¡¯s brow furrowed, and Tristan shrank beneath his stare. Do you see right through me? ¡°You don¡¯t have to if you don¡¯t want to. I just offered to ask, is all,¡± Tristan added quickly. Very smooth. I¡¯m sure that didn¡¯t raise any suspicion. ¡°No, it¡¯s fine.¡± Matt sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. ¡°If you¡¯re good with it, I am, too.¡± ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I be?¡± ¡°Yeah. You¡¯re right¡ªno reason for you not to be. You¡¯re a pro at this.¡± Matt flinched, his smile wavering. ¡°I mean, I¡¯ve only finished the breeding Quest once.¡± He laughed. Something about it seemed forced. ¡°I don¡¯t know why I thought that¡¯d sound better than ¡®sex quest,¡¯ but there it is.¡± Tristan flushed. His initial years in Nyarlea were filled by Celestia setting a calendar of girls for him every single day. Being able to choose whose bed he¡¯d spend time in was still very new¡ªand admittedly exciting. It dawned on him that Matt¡¯s hesitation had nothing to do with him. ¡°Matt, seriously, you don¡¯t have to¡ª¡± Matt waved a hand, then gestured to the door. ¡°We¡¯re good. Lead on.¡± When Tristan hesitated, Matt¡¯s easy smile returned. ¡°C¡¯mon. Not nice to keep a lady waiting, yeah?¡± Tristan grabbed the pitcher with a nod, guiding Matt up the stairs to the secluded hallway where Svarga¡¯s library and bedroom resided. He paused outside the closed door, then knocked. ¡°It¡¯s Tristan,¡± he announced. ¡°Come in,¡± Svarga called. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. Tristan opened the door and let Matt in first before he followed and switched the lock. Svarga perched nude in the middle of her bed on her knees, thighs parted and yellow eyes studying them in turn. Her spine arched slightly forward, accentuating her chest, and her long tail swayed behind her like a pendulum. Matt¡¯s eyes widened, and he coughed into his fist. ¡°Svarga?¡± ¡°The one and only.¡± Svarga smiled. ¡°I¡¯m Matt.¡± He looked over at Tristan, sliding his jacket off and tossing it into a nearby chair. ¡°Is it my birthday? She¡¯s got the pose and everything.¡± Tristan snickered under his breath. ¡°She wants to write more accurate material.¡± ¡°It is as he says.¡± Svarga slowly leaned forward, planting her hands on the bed before walking toward them on all fours. ¡°So, Matt, what will you teach me?¡± Matt shrugged, watching her as she moved. ¡°I¡¯m still pretty new at this myself.¡± Tristan approached the bed. He cradled Svarga¡¯s face in one hand and followed the line of her lips with his thumb. ¡°What are you comfortable with?¡± Svarga sucked his thumb inside her mouth, rolling it around with her tongue. The moist heat of her mouth echoed across his skin. ¡°Anything,¡± she murmured. ¡°Are you sure?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± she crooned. ¡°Please.¡± She reached for Tristan¡¯s shirt and yanked on it. ¡°Everything off.¡± Tristan and Matt divested their clothing and tossed it aside. Tristan¡¯s eyes flickered back and forth between Svarga and Matt, and he prayed that neither seemed to linger for too long. He crawled on the bed behind Svarga, drawing her shoulders backward until she was seated, her back against his chest. Matt joined them, positioning himself at her front. ¡°Wrap your arms around my neck,¡± Tristan murmured. Svarga did as he said, folding her arms behind her head until they rested around Tristan¡¯s neck. He slid his hands beneath her thighs and spread her legs. ¡°How do you feel?¡± Tristan asked. ¡°Vulnerable,¡± Svarga replied, her legs trembling in his hold. ¡°Helpless.¡± ¡°Do you like it?¡± Matt trailed his fingers along her abdomen, kissing her cheek while he waited for an answer. ¡°Yes,¡± she whispered. Matt let his hands wander higher, massaging Svarga¡¯s ample breasts against his palms. Tristan sunk his teeth into her shoulder as Matt captured her kiss. She whimpered, her toes curling. One hand fell free from Tristan, circling Matt¡¯s neck and pulling him closer. All awkward tension between them vanished with Svarga¡¯s desperate moans. Matt took Svarga¡¯s hips from Tristan, shifting them to rest in his lap while her head rested on Tristan¡¯s shoulder, her arms still shared between them. Matt plunged his fingers inside her just as Tristan moved his attention to her chest and masked her groans with his lips. She yielded to his tongue, seemingly welcoming the dual penetration of her body. She tasted like cinnamon and wine, and Tristan drank her in. Svarga¡¯s airy whimpers escalated in pitch and speed. She wrapped her legs around Matt¡¯s waist, and her arms returned to Tristan¡¯s neck. Her entire form shuddered with her climax, and her back arched to welcome their touch. Tristan pulled away from their kiss, pushing the hair from her face and waiting for her breathing to slow. Before he could say anything, Svarga uttered a single word, ¡°More.¡± Tristan exchanged a look with a surprised Matt. I know. Catgirls are made of different stuff. ¡°Can you lift her?¡± ¡°Yeah, I think so. Why?¡± Tristan blushed. ¡°If I told you I saw this in an eroge once, would you trust me?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know what that means, but sure.¡± Matt shrugged and slid away from the bed. ¡°Put her back to you and hold her thighs like I just did,¡± Tristan instructed. Matt took the euphoria-drenched Svarga and carefully lifted her from the bed, leaning her head against his chest and supporting her just beneath the bend of her knees. ¡°Still okay, Svarga?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Svarga whispered, wrapping her tail around Matt¡¯s back. ¡°Goddess, yes.¡± Tristan moved to stand in front of them and cupped the cheeks of Svarga¡¯s backside in both hands. Holding them apart, he looked at Matt. ¡°Lower her down on you. Slowly.¡± ¡°Tell me to stop if you need to,¡± Matt murmured to Svarga. He positioned himself against her opening and gingerly let gravity do the work. Tristan moved his hands to her chest, pinching and teasing her nipples to keep her concentration divided. ¡°Mnh¡­ ah!¡± Svarga hissed a breath through her teeth. One arm reached behind her, hand holding onto Matt¡¯s neck, the other forward to hold Tristan¡¯s shoulder. ¡°That¡¯s really tight.¡± ¡°Yeah, it is,¡± Matt groaned. ¡°Fuck, that feels good.¡± Tristan kept one hand on her breast and used the other to angle the head of his cock to her heat. Her body welcomed him as Matt lowered her down, and there was a collective gasp. She was scorching hot and soaking wet. Her head rocked forward, and her lips met Tristan¡¯s. ¡°I¡¯m gonna move you,¡± Matt warned. He lifted Svarga by a few inches, then left her to the descent. He moaned and bit his lip. ¡°Jesus. Good on your, er, arrow-gee.¡± Tristan nibbled Svarga¡¯s lower lip and chuckled. ¡°Eroge,¡± he corrected against her mouth. Matt sputtered a laugh, then lifted Svarga again. ¡°How¡¯s that, Svarga?¡± ¡°I-I don¡¯t¡ªmnh! I don¡¯t have the words,¡± she stuttered, grasping at their skin with her fingernails. ¡°It¡¯s so good.¡± ¡°Better hang on, then,¡± Tristan growled, winding his arms through her legs to further stabilize her. He bucked into her, thrusts hard and measured. Standing added a new dimension of pleasure¡ªhe could reach the limit of Svarga¡¯s depths, more constricted and textured from Matt behind her. Too many overwhelming thoughts and sensations pushed Tristan to an uncharacteristically fast edge. Svarga¡¯s sweltering body, her fingernails raking into his back, the taste of her skin, Matt within arms reach, the sound of his ragged breathing, the muscles in his arms working as he held her. ¡°Ngh! Shit!¡± Tristan cried, tipping over the edge of his climax. ¡°Don¡¯t stop! Harder!¡± Svarga commanded. Matt grabbed Tristan¡¯s forearm and held fast, keeping both him and Svarga in place as he plunged furiously inside her until they climaxed. Tristan barely heard her squeals or Matt¡¯s groans. Instead, his imagination moved Matt¡¯s solid grip beyond his forearm to pinning his wrists¡ª Dammit! Stop it! Tristan blinked, clearing his thoughts, and returned to the present. He drew away from Svarga so Matt could bring her back to the bed and lay her down. He fished his pants from the pile of clothing and ran a hand through his hair. ¡°Think your next book will be more accurate?¡± Tristan asked as he dressed. Svarga smiled. ¡°I do.¡± She looked between Tristan and Matt. ¡°Though you will still need to teach me how to touch a tail correctly.¡± ¡°I will later on. No problem.¡± Tristan threw on his shirt and retrieved the empty goblets from his pack. ¡°Make sure you drink plenty of water.¡± ¡°Tristan, you okay, man?¡± Matt asked, leaning against the bed. ¡°This is pretty ¡®hit and run¡¯ for you.¡± ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m fine. I just need some fresh air,¡± Tristan lied. He left the room without another word, heading for the nearest courtyard. No matter how much rubbing or scratching he did, the pressure against his forearm wouldn¡¯t go away. Chapter 198: Streaks of Red To help transition Svarga from an awkward situation, I talked with her to keep her company. I wondered what was going on in Tristan¡¯s head, but I chalked it up to stress. This island had been the personification of Satan¡¯s asshole, breaking wind whenever the sun rose. Svarga was pretty reserved with Tristan¡¯s absence. She spent much of the time scribbling in a yellowed book. With how silent things were, it took a while to get a good feel for when I could leave. Eventually, I found an excuse in the form of Ravyn. Svarga was still penning down notes when I left. It was just a matter of time until Ravyn and Cailu were at each other¡¯s throats. That wasn¡¯t strange when I spent more than a minute thinking about it. What was strange to hear was that he somehow thought to ask Ravyn for advice. Besides Naeemah, I had a hard time imagining Cailu asking for anyone¡¯s help, let alone Ravyn¡¯s. Not wanting to catch Ravyn off guard, I knocked on the door to our room. It didn¡¯t take long until it swung open, the stink of alcohol rising into the air. Ravyn kept one hand on the door handle and a bottle of wine in the other. She wore a robe reminiscent of the one I got on San Island, her cheeks beet-red. The black and red fabric crossed over her chest, and a sash secured it around her waist. Cutting just above the knee, the robe offered a sneak peek of her shapely legs. Deja vu swept over me as the memory of our first meeting replayed in my head. I swallowed. ¡°Well, isn¡¯t this a familiar sight,¡± Ravyn hiccupped. ¡°Are you okay?¡± I asked. The tone of her voice had me worried. It squeaked, and there was a bit of hoarseness behind it. As if she¡¯d screamed her throat ragged. I wondered if the red I saw in her cheeks was from the wine or something else. ¡°You don¡¯t look so good.¡± ¡°The cunt was being a cunt,¡± she said with a growl. ¡°You¡¯re here to make nice, aren¡¯t¡ª¡± she hiccupped. ¡°Ah, fuck.¡± She took her hand off the handle and rubbed her forehead. ¡°Head¡¯s killing me.¡± ¡°Ravyn, really. Are you okay? What did he¡ª¡± ¡°He made wild assumptions about me and my fucking¡­ rehabilitation.¡± Rehab? Well, I guess I could picture you at an AA meeting. ¡°What rehab?¡± I asked. ¡°You never said anything like that before.¡± There was always something more to Ravyn than meets the eye. Her lips formed a thin line as her violet eyes searched me. It put me on edge. Something was up. ¡°I need some time alone, Matt.¡± Tears were forming at the corners of her eyes. My mind warred with itself. With how reliable Ravyn was, it was like watching a great wall crumble in front of me. I wanted to help her. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine after this bottle.¡± Before I could stop her, she shut the door behind her, the clicking of a lock following. I stood there for a moment, baffled. I turned to leave, and after a few steps, I stopped and glanced over my shoulder. I wish you¡¯d be more open with me, Ravyn.
Cailu¡¯s enthusiasm to get us leveled seemed to return with each passing day. The next morning he knocked on my door at the crack of dawn and demanded I make my way down to the arena for more training. My muscles were still recovering from the day prior, but I supposed Nyarlea wouldn¡¯t wait for any man. I ate a light breakfast and hurried to the fighting pit, where a strange creature awaited Keke and me. Once Jeenie finished hooking it up with the choker, business continued as usual. ¡°Behind you!¡± I cried. Keke turned on her heel and went down on one knee as she nocked and fired an arrow in a single motion. The arrow sang as it soared through the air, grazing the bulb of the pricklepuck¡ªa strange hybrid between plant and Encroacher that stood up to my waist. It bore a bell-shaped head and walked on its roots, gliding across the sand at an alarming speed. It whipped its leaves through the air as if they were arms. The stem and roots of the creature served as its body, with spines as long as my finger lining its, uh, skin? ¡°Crap!¡± Keke yelped as she dove to the side to dodge the incoming Encroacher. The roots of the pricklepuck made disturbing scuttling sounds as it ran past her, turning on a dime and maintaining its momentum toward her. I positioned myself between Keke and the pricklepuck, swiping my axe through the air at its stem. The creature reeled back, then caught my leather bracer at the wrist with the razor-like teeth around its ¡°mouth.¡± ¡°Ah!¡± I swung with my free hand, nailing it in the face with the blunt of my shield. Hitting the damn thing felt like I was striking a sponge¡ªthe axe¡¯s blade just would not stick. I hit it a few more times until it whipped its head to one side, tossing me to the ground and sending my axe across the sand. The pricklepuck was eating through my Energy and patience way too fast. ¡°Damn it!¡± Adrenaline pounding in my ear, I felt the renewed vigor granted to me by the arena¡¯s [Priest] and reached for my axe. The pricklepuck drool dripped down my bracer as it stared at Keke briefly before lunging toward her. Keke leaped into the air as the pricklepuck¡¯s bulb opened wider. The bulb narrowly missed Keke¡¯s heel, and the pricklepuck tripped over itself, landing in the dirt with Keke settling back to the ground a few feet behind it. The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Keke nocked another arrow as I ran to the Encroacher¡¯s side with my weapon in both hands. One of the beast¡¯s sharpened leaves flew at me, slicing across my cheek like a shallow paper cut. It stung like a mother but did nothing to impede me. I struck the pricklepuck overhead, shouting ¡°[Adrenaline Rush]¡± before the attack landed. I felt the blade enter the creature¡¯s spongy flesh, and feeling its resistance, I doubled down and pulled back to hook the axe into its body. Three arrows struck the weed from the back of the head, drawing violet blood from the puncture points. It moved to look in Keke¡¯s direction, but I pulled it back to the ground and stomped on it with my boot while I extracted the axe and struck it again. Arrows continued to lodge themselves in the Encroacher¡¯s body, and I soon felt the thing¡¯s strength leave. A sickening gurgle escaped the mouth of the creature as I withdrew my axe and exhaled. ¡°Well, that was an¡­ interesting one,¡± I commented. ¡°Nyarlothep is not to be trifled with,¡± Keke sighed. The pricklepuck, as Jeenie had explained it, was not native to Ichi Island. This was a creature that resided in Nyarlothep. Hearing Jeenie say that these bastards hang out in communal groves together just made the idea of running into them that much worse. My skin crawled at the thought. The gate opened, and soon Cailu and Jeenie appeared. Jeenie practically bolted over to us while Cailu took his sweet time to arrive. ¡°Oh my goodness, you were dashing in there,¡± Jeenie said, biting her lower lip. ¡°Did you see how much Experience it gave?¡± I didn¡¯t think to check. ¡°Appear, iPaw,¡± I said. The small device fell into my hand, and while I was getting used to seeing bigger numbers in the arena, I couldn¡¯t help but gape. ¡°Two hundred and fifty-three Experience?¡± I scrolled down with a flick of my thumb to see Keke had gained the same amount. I turned and imagined I was just as wide-eyed as she was. ¡°How do you feel?¡± ¡°Stronger! Much stronger!¡± Keke said as she opened and closed her spare hand. The look on her face said it all. ¡°I feel it. I¡¯ve gone up a Level. I think I¡¯ll grab a point of Strength.¡± ¡°Been meaning to ask since we met,¡± I said, feeling silly for never asking her before, ¡°but does Strength actually help you?¡± ¡°Of course it does,¡± she frowned. ¡°How else am I going to pull the string of my bow back if I don¡¯t have the Strength to do it? Isn¡¯t that common sense?¡± ¡°Well, yeah, I guess. I¡¯ll explain why I asked later on.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± Keke smiled. Matt has gained: 253 Base XP! Matt has gained: 308 Class XP! Matt is now: Base Level 10! Matt is now: Class Level 10! Keke has gained: 253 Base XP! Keke has gained: 308 Class XP! Keke is now: Base Level 9! Keke is now: Class Level 9! ¡°No way,¡± I muttered. ¡°I¡¯m Level 10 now.¡± ¡°Excellent,¡± Cailu said, arriving just in time to hear Matt. ¡°It was fortuitous that Jeenie still had a pricklepuck in her pens.¡± ¡°Takes a real careful hand to keep them from growing out of control, I¡¯ll have you know,¡± Jeenie said, shooting him a glare. ¡°I am aware,¡± said Cailu. ¡°Thanks, Jeenie. Seriously,¡± I said, hoping to break the awkward tension between her and Cailu. They were all business all of the time, and they were mostly snippy with each other. It was like watching my parents fight all over again. ¡°I¡¯ll pay you back. I promise.¡± Jeenie grinned. ¡°Yeah, you will.¡± Keke cuffed the bends of our elbows together and pulled me close. ¡°Congratulations, Matt! You can become a Second Class now!¡± ¡°Second Class, huh?¡± I holstered my axe around the belt loop and examined the shield on my arm as I thought. Guess I couldn¡¯t spend my time thinking about where I wanted to go with my build anymore. It was time to get an expert¡¯s opinion on the matter. I swallowed my pride and inhaled deeply. ¡°What options do I have, Cailu?¡± The faintest hint of a smile tugged at his mouth. ¡°For a [Warrior], you have the option of pursuing [Battleguard] or [Myrmidon].¡± Cailu sniffed. ¡°From what I understand, you have had the fortune of fighting alongside both. Which one appeals to you more?¡± It was hard to say. I¡¯d grown attached to my axe, and it didn¡¯t seem like [Myrmidon] had many¡ªif any¡ªoptions for fighting with an axe. To learn how to use a sword, let alone a katana, felt like I¡¯d have to re-learn my Class all over again. Maybe I should¡¯ve used a sword. Zahra¡¯s attacks were incredible. ¡°Can I be honest without getting talked down to?¡± I asked, meeting Cailu¡¯s gaze. I don¡¯t know why my tone sounded so angry. Maybe the weight of the world was pressing down on me. Perhaps I was starting to take my role in the world more seriously. Whatever the case, if I was going to ask for advice, I wanted to hear something fair and open-minded. Good decisions required knowledge¡ªsomething I still lacked. Cailu nodded, albeit slowly, and I continued. ¡°Thanks. I¡¯d like to know the difference between them.¡± When Cailu opened his mouth, I raised a hand. ¡°And I need details. Not simplistic explanations. Please.¡± He raised a brow. ¡°That goes without saying. I will pour what knowledge I have of [Battleguard] and [Myrmidon] into you.¡± Cailu rubbed his chin in thought. ¡°Allow me to retrieve Zahra before we continue. I feel her input regarding [Myrmidon] will also be important.¡± ¡°Thanks, Cailu. Sorry if I came off harsh.¡± ¡°Do not trouble yourself over it,¡± Cailu shrugged. ¡°Meet me in the dining room when you are ready. I will discuss it with you then.¡± I nodded and watched as Cailu quietly left the arena. ¡°What a hardass,¡± said Jeenie, a hand on her hip. ¡°Ah, well, what does it matter.¡± A snide smile was forming. ¡°Did I mention how good you looked out there?¡± ¡°You did,¡± said Keke. ¡°We have a few things to take care of, so we¡¯ll see you later, Jeenie.¡± Jeenie raised a brow. ¡°Suit yourself. See you in the dining hall.¡± Keke tugged me away with more force than necessary. I waited until we were a good distance away before I spoke. ¡°That was sudden. You okay?¡± ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m fine,¡± Keke said, flashing a smile and returning to her usual tone. I¡¯m not sure I¡¯ll ever understand women. Chapter 199: Dozens of Details Stretches of stone between square structures. Enormous pots of exotic flowering plants. Tristan paced the courtyard, noting every detail as if preserving it to draw later. It was a habit he¡¯d picked up long before Nyarlea¡ªtaking mental snapshots of people and places he wanted to sketch. It doubled up as a good distraction from stress and hunger on the days he only managed to scrap together enough for a couple of candy bars. But, this time¡­ this time it was so much harder to deflect the thoughts that plagued him. Mosaics built into the smooth ground. Sweeping designs, powerful dragons, licks of fire. Destiny¡¯s soft knock at the door. Ara¡¯s gentle smile as she sleeps. Pawm trees, woven furniture, curved pool. Matt¡¯s¡­ Dammit! Tristan furiously shook his head. It wasn¡¯t just his feelings for Matt that bound his chest so tightly that he could hardly breathe. He loved Destiny and Ara¡ªthe former he¡¯d known for years; the latter was realized during their expedition through Shi Island. And he could never say it out loud. Not to either of them. Nyarlea would never allow it. Nor would Tristan ever put them in a position that called for rehabilitation. Cabanas, sheer red curtains, dragon-embroidered cushions. ¡°Tristan?¡± Zahra¡¯s voice interrupted his thoughts. He paused halfway around the enormous pool and looked up. Zahra padded down the stairs, shading her face with one hand as she peered across the water. ¡°Are you all right?¡± she asked. Tristan offered a half-hearted smile but felt it falter. Not really. ¡°Yeah, I think so.¡± Zahra frowned, then jogged around the painstakingly detailed tiled edge of the pool. Tristan sped his walk, meeting her halfway. ¡°I did not know there was a courtyard like this,¡± Zahra murmured, gaze darting to the lush cabanas and what appeared to be a portable bar. ¡°Everything about the late king was overly extravagant, it seems,¡± Tristan replied. Back on Earth, the courtyard would have easily passed as a resort pool. It felt very¡­ modern. ¡°We should invite the Shells to a pool party.¡± ¡°They wouldn¡¯t all fit in here,¡± Zahra laughed. ¡°Maybe the oasis would be a better choice.¡± Tristan nodded and ran a hand through his hair. ¡°I don¡¯t think Naeemah would appreciate all the sudden company anyway.¡± ¡°I believe Lady Naeemah would find a way to make it work. She resolves conflicts faster and more efficiently than anyone I have ever met.¡± Zahra fingered a pendant around her neck, then shook her head. ¡°We divert from the path. What¡¯s on your mind, Tristan?¡± Tristan swallowed against the building lump in his throat. There was no way he could talk about his feelings with Zahra, not when she had the ear of a woman who could send him to face the Queen of Nyarlea with a wave of her hand. ¡°It¡¯s nothing, really.¡± ¡°Your face says it is far more than ¡®nothing.¡¯¡± Zahra placed a consoling hand on his shoulder. ¡°You helped me achieve my quest and allowed me to fulfill the wishes of my queen. The least I can do is lend you an ear.¡± She took a seat in one of the cabanas, patting the cushion beside her with a grin. ¡°You may speak freely here.¡± This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. Accepting her invitation, Tristan sat, leaning forward to rest his elbows against his thighs and clasp his hands between his knees. ¡°It¡¯s complicated.¡± ¡°All of the best things are.¡± He rubbed his face in his hands. How can I tell her without breaking at least a dozen laws? With a deep breath, he began slowly, ¡°So, Shi Island is my island.¡± ¡°Right.¡± Dropping his arms, he lifted his face to the sky. It was a cloudless day, just broad strokes of brilliant blue. ¡°My first three years of Nyarlea were spent in one room. Reading, drawing, studying, and sleeping with whoever was scheduled for me.¡± Zahra blinked. ¡°That sounds like a prison.¡± ¡°In a way, it was. But in other ways, it was so much easier. I knew what my days looked like, and everyone was¡ª¡± he hesitated, chewing the inside of his cheeks. ¡°Everyone was what?¡± she pried gently. ¡°Everyone was emotionally kept at arm¡¯s length,¡± he admitted, letting the words tumble free before he could stop himself. ¡°It¡¯s part of my job here¡ªto keep the population going. I should be better at not feeling protective or¡­¡± ¡°Or love,¡± Zahra finished for him. Embarrassment heated his face. ¡°Yeah.¡± Silence stretched between them, and for a few terrifying heartbeats, Tristan feared that he¡¯d misplaced his trust. Then, Zahra touched his hand. ¡°May I offer another perspective?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± ¡°We are raised to revere men. Much like the Goddess Herself, men are seen as out of reach for the majority of catgirls and are taught to respect their wishes and their time. This puts you in an extremely disadvantageous position.¡± Zahra squeezed his hand and drew away, resting it on her thigh. ¡°How so?¡± ¡°The weight of expectation upon you before you arrive is entirely unfair. Per Saoirse¡¯s decree, men and catgirls should not show favoratism or preference. We should not be jealous of others¡¯ positions or interactions. We must put the good of our island and of Nyarlea before our own personal feelings.¡± Zahra shook her head. ¡°We are taught and trained in these things from birth. Men like you, who existed in an entirely different plain, must adapt.¡± ¡°And rehabilitation awaits us all if we fail.¡± ¡°As I said. Disadvantageous,¡± Zahra repeated. ¡°When I was still a kitten, my mother told me that there were many who loved Krethik. He was brilliant, just, and kind. Much like yourself.¡± Tristan blushed. ¡°You and Ishani are too kind.¡± ¡°I imagine he felt similarly conflicted, too. Many times,¡± Zahra continued. ¡°It is not a widely shared belief, but my mother told me that to deny your feelings is foolish. However, to love is to understand that you must let them go.¡± Tristan¡¯s heart sank. It was the same realization he¡¯d come to with Ara, and he missed her more than words could say. ¡°I know it must hurt. Deeply. I¡ª¡± it was Zahra¡¯s turn to hesitate. She looked back toward the entrance to the citadel and surveyed the courtyard. Dropping her voice to just above a whisper, she said, ¡°I see the same pain on Queen Naeemah¡¯s face, and I am helpless.¡± Behind Tristan¡¯s personal turmoil, it felt as if the final piece of a puzzle he¡¯d been waiting to solve had fallen into place. Cailu¡¯s question of betrayal to Ravyn. His fluctuating moods. Naeemah¡¯s solemn isolation from the rest of their group. I am not alone. ¡°Dammit. It really isn¡¯t fair,¡± he murmured. There was a fraction of solidarity in it. Understanding. ¡°It is not,¡± Zahra whispered. ¡°Yet, still, we steel ourselves and press on. We must, or the whole world suffers for it.¡± Tristan nodded. ¡°You¡¯re incredibly observant, Zahra. Cailu¡¯s lucky to have you in his Party.¡± ¡°And it was my honor to be in yours, Tristan.¡± She clasped him on the shoulder. ¡°Never stop caring for those closest to you, and may the wind carry your desires.¡± ¡°Thanks, Zahra.¡± He still felt frustrated and hollow, but hearing it out loud and knowing that this battle wasn¡¯t his alone to shoulder eased some of the tension. ¡°Ah, there you are, Zahra!¡± Cailu¡¯s call snapped both of them to attention. Zahra leaped to her feet and offered him a quick salute. ¡°Come. I need your assistance.¡± Cailu waved a hand, gesturing for Zahra to follow. That¡¯s new. ¡°Of course, sir. Right away!¡± Zahra hollered. She turned to Tristan with an apologetic smile. ¡°Come find me if you want to talk again?¡± ¡°Sure thing. Thank you, really.¡± He nodded toward Cailu. ¡°Best not to keep him waiting.¡± After Zahra disappeared inside the castle with Cailu, Tristan summoned Desiree. The sweet Familiar wove through his legs with a purr, then hopped into his lap. He scratched her behind the ears and leaned back, grateful for the cool breeze that toyed with his hair. Polished white shells, tall thin torches, copper-colored wind chimes¡­ Chapter 200: Clash of Classes Keke and I waited in the dining hall for Cailu to return with Zahra. It was nice to spend some extra time with Keke lately, but I had to admit, it was weird not having Ravyn¡¯s snappy retorts, Cannoli¡¯s soft voice, or Ceres¡¯ melodic laugh with me. I missed them. If I was being honest, I was looking forward to getting the hell out of R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨© so we could all be together again. ¡°Are you excited?¡± Keke asked suddenly. ¡°What?¡± ¡°To hit Second Class!¡± She grinned and bumped her shoulder against mine. ¡°It¡¯s about time we reached Level 10, hm?¡± ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s been a hell of a ride,¡± I replied. It sounded a lot more tired than I¡¯d intended. Keke searched my face. ¡°Are you feeling okay?¡± Ravyn was at the bottom of a bottle. Cannoli was in a religious crisis. Ceres was healing from a near-fatal wound thanks to my possibly condemning someone¡¯s soul. Both Tristan and Cailu were acting strange and seemed caught in their own heads. ¡°I¡¯m great. Really. Nowhere to go but up, right?¡± She frowned, and her ears flattened against her hair. ¡°Matt.¡± I never was very good at hiding my emotions¡ªmy face always gave me away. ¡°Just a little homesick for Ni, I think.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Keke¡¯s expression softened. ¡°That¡¯s¡­really sweet, actually.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Tinges of pink bloomed across her cheeks. ¡°Just that you see Ni Island as home. It makes me happy to hear.¡± I wasn¡¯t sure how to respond, but Cailu and Zahra¡¯s entrance saved me the trouble. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t Tristan be here?¡± I asked once they¡¯d taken seats at the table. ¡°As disdained as I am to admit it, Ravyn would be a better tutor in Nyarlean Magic.¡± Cailu adjusted his arm in his sling and rested his free hand on the table. ¡°I have done little more than dabble in the ways of witchcraft.¡± Sounds like someone¡¯s superstitious. ¡°I¡¯m sure Ravyn will be happy to teach him,¡± Keke said. ¡°She seems to like teaching quite a bit.¡± ¡°Plaudits to her, then.¡± Cailu sniffed and waved his hand. ¡°However, we are here to discuss Matt¡¯s options.¡± He turned to face Zahra. ¡°Would you please assist him in understanding [Myrmidon]?¡± Zahra¡¯s eyes widened, and a small gasp caught her tongue. ¡°But, sir, you so expertly showed your skill as a [Myrmidon] in your duel against Magni. Are you certain you wish me to speak instead?¡± Cailu nodded. ¡°It is a Class I practice, but it is one you have dedicated your life to. Your experience surpasses mine.¡± Zahra nodded, but I could see the excitement burning from her eyes and the pleased flick of her ears. I couldn¡¯t blame her. In my experience, Cailu rarely deferred to catgirls for anything. But, I¡¯d watched him hand the city to Naeemah, Tristan had claimed he asked for Ravyn¡¯s advice, and now this. What changed, Cailu? ¡°The first, and arguably the most important, aspect of [Myrmidon] is Perception.¡± Zahra straightened her back and clasped her hands on the table. ¡°As you have witnessed, Perception warps how you perceive time, allowing you to make quicker movements than normal. This trait is vitally important when advancing to [Ninja] and [Samurai] Classes.¡± ¡°Right. That seems like it would take some getting used to,¡± I noted. ¡°It takes years of practice to grow comfortable with it. Timing its use and making precise strikes under Perception requires copious amounts of honing. Agility and Dexterity improve Perception¡¯s effectiveness,¡± Zahra continued. ¡°The second vital factor you must master for [Myrmidon] are the various stances. Each stance offers specific Skill enhancements depending on which stance you take. Some Skills require a certain stance to perform.¡± ¡°That must take a lot of set-up,¡± Keke said. ¡°Anticipating your enemy¡¯s moves that far in advance has to be hard.¡± Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. Not something I¡¯ve been great with. Zahra and Cailu both used [Myrmidon] like it was second nature. Just how long had they been practicing? ¡°Do you always have to use a sword?¡± ¡°Some Skills require a katana, but not all of them. There are a few axe Skills available, but the katana far outweighs them,¡± Zahra said. ¡°If you wish to continue with axe and shield, it may benefit you to select a different Class for the time being,¡± Cailu replied. ¡°Keep in mind that Sub-Classing will be available to you, and knowledge of multiple weapons can only improve your ability to survive and adapt.¡± Sounds like I¡¯ll have a few weapons for Espada to work on. Gotta pinch my Bells. ¡°It sounds like [Myrmidon] doesn¡¯t have a lot of Strength. Does it not do much damage?¡± Zahra shook her head. ¡°[Myrmidon] requires a balance of Strength, Agility, and Dexterity to make it stand out. The attacks are swift and strike deep.¡± ¡°Oftentimes, a [Myrmidon]¡¯s blows are not as violently gruesome as the blade of an axe. However, Perception is a desirable trait, and many Parties utilize a [Myrmidon] to have it on hand. It is a boon for both the user and their group,¡± Cailu added. Death by a thousand cuts, then. It sounded like a powerful subclass, but I was having a hard time imagining myself with a katana. I¡¯m cringe enough. I don¡¯t need to add a weeb flair. ¡°I¡¯ll keep it in mind. Thanks, Zahra.¡± I turned back to Cailu. ¡°Now, what about [Battleguard]?¡± ¡°[Battleguard]s have a dissentious reputation. They are overzealous in combat due to their Skills encouraging reckless behavior. They are known for their vicious tendencies,¡± Cailu began. I thought of Erina, still ready to fight after losing her arm. Yeah, I can see that. ¡°Many of their Skills require a tribute of Health Points,¡± he said. Keke blinked. ¡°That sounds a little masochistic.¡± She looked at me. ¡°You¡¯d use it well, I think.¡± What the hell is that supposed to mean? I coughed behind my hand. ¡°As I said. Dissentious,¡± Cailu continued. ¡°Most Skills require an axe. They can use a shield, but some call for a two-handed weapon. [Battleguard]s have options that will allow you to perform offensively or as a protector for your Party. It is the only Class with a [Provoke] Skill that affects multiple targets.¡± I thought about the minotaurs. I couldn¡¯t decide if that would have helped or just gotten me killed. ¡°Risky.¡± ¡°It is. To its credit, [Battleguard] is one of the strongest Sub-Class options. It can bridge the gap of survivability for Classes that suffer from low Health Points.¡± I drummed the tabletop with my fingertips. ¡°Honestly, that sounds more my style than [Myrmidon]. As great as you¡¯ve both made [Myrmidon] look, I feel like I¡¯d have to start over from the beginning to get the hang of it.¡± Zahra nodded. ¡°Wielding a katana in a fight is much different than using an axe.¡± Cailu frowned. ¡°If that is what you wish. However, Matt, if you do pursue [Battleguard], you will need to employ a capable healer.¡± ¡°I have a capable healer,¡± I snapped. ¡°You have a fledgling [Acolyte]. She may be able to stop your bleeding, but she cannot restore your Health Points¡ªa reserve you will spend the duration of your combat draining,¡± Cailu retorted. ¡°I¡¯m not leaving Cannoli behind.¡± I looked at Keke, who shook her head. Why aren¡¯t you backing me up here? ¡°Matt, I want Cannoli to come with us as badly as you do. If she starts Leveling with us and ascends to Second Class, then I think we¡¯ll be fine.¡± Keke laid a hand on my shoulder. ¡°Cailu¡¯s right.¡± I wanted to shake her away. ¡°You¡¯re joking.¡± ¡°Nyarlothep is not for the weak-willed. You have come this far, do not squander your efforts on poor decisions and lack of observational awareness,¡± Cailu chided. ¡°If you plan to bring Cannoli in her current state, you should choose [Myrmidon].¡± Thanks, Dad. I hated what I was hearing. From both of them. Regardless of our disagreements, I wanted Cannoli to stay in my Party. We could get past this. Right? ¡°We have some time before we depart. I could show you a few stances and help you learn the katana,¡± Zahra offered. ¡°Whatever would help you make your decision.¡± I worked my jaw, staring at each of them in turn. ¡°I¡¯ll talk to her,¡± I said at last. ¡°Then I¡¯ll choose.¡± Cailu nodded, wearing the disappointed dad look well. ¡°Our time here grows short. Do what you must. But, Matt, do not let trivial emotions withhold you from your potential.¡± ¡°Yeah. I¡¯ll try,¡± I replied dryly. ¡°Are we done here?¡± Cailu shrugged his good shoulder. ¡°If you have no further questions.¡± Not for you, anyway. ¡°I¡¯m good.¡± ¡°Very well.¡± Cailu stood. ¡°You are dismissed for the evening.¡± Sir. Yes, sir. ¡°Sure.¡± I pushed away from the table and stood. ¡°Matt, listen¡ª¡± Keke started, reaching for my arm. ¡°I¡¯m going to talk to Cannoli,¡± I interrupted. Her hand hesitated inches from my elbow. Nothing she could say would make me feel better about what had just happened. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it.¡± ¡°Right. Of course.¡± She dropped her hand. I left the room without another word. Chapter 201: Next Level Cailu¡¯s headache following his conversation with Matt had little to do with the previous day¡¯s inebriations. How could Keke, a member of Matt¡¯s Party, see the necessity of an adept healer, but he could not? At least Tristan seemed to grasp the weight of the task ahead of them. Browsing what Eshe called the Room of Records, Cailu pulled another leatherbound tome from a cluttered shelf, setting it on the polished desk before leafing through the script penned within. So far, he¡¯d found nothing more than transactions, reports, and trading information in the dozens of books he had reviewed. It was a slow process with one good arm. Eshe had little to say to him in their interactions, which left him to search for Magni¡¯s cursed book alone. As he perused another volume of imported seeds and plants, his thoughts returned to Matt. To choose such a reckless Class like [Battleguard] without the proper support was tantamount to suicide. Cailu wanted to believe that Matt¡¯s boorish decisions and crassitude approach to the girls he chose to surround himself with obscured a stubbornness that would keep him alive. He wasn¡¯t entirely inept in combat, and Keke was adaptable, moving instinctively at his side without needing commands. Ceres had performed admirably in their battle with the Ejderha. Ravyn was questionable, at best. But Cannoli had not shown any desire to Level nor any interest in her future Class. Her disdain for Kirti anchored her own progress, and by association, Matt¡¯s. What is it that clouds your judgment, boy? In all his years in Nyarlea, one of the many aspects of the other island¡¯s men that puzzled Cailu was their overwhelming, unrelenting attachment to the women in their Party. Allowing emotional attachments to form was not only dangerous, but it also risked the willingness to continue procreating their island. What did they stand to gain by Leveling beyond their Party¡¯s capabilities and halting progress to wait for the others? The image of Naeemah¡¯s piercing gaze gripped his heart. He slammed the cover shut and shelved the book. It is not the same. Naeemah has been at my side for far longer¡­ Doubt does not suit you. Cailu chose another book. How long had Naeemah spent at his side? He could hardly recall his first day in Nyarlea or when he¡¯d begun traveling to the other islands. When had time become so mangled? It had taken a century to find Fera and two decades to lose her. A new world presented an opportunity to pour his frustrations and mistakes into honing himself to perfection. This time, he would install a queen open to guidance. Establish an island that bent to his will. Grow powerful enough that the sword of a noble could never bring him to his knees again. So he had. And still, it was not enough. When would it be enough? With a grunt, Cailu tossed the tome on the desk, then skimmed through the pages. The ink was still dark and unmarred, the parchment unfaded by time. This was a newer record. He slowed his finger, reading down an imported list of rare Encroacher leathers, silks, and mined metals and ores from Nyarlothep and beyond. All materials for armor. Transferred to the inventory of Ikrele. Perhaps he could not convince Matt to find a new Healer, but there were other ways to increase his chances of surviving in Nyarlothep and beyond. He snapped the book shut and collected it under his arm. Cailu marched to the courtyard that held the castle¡¯s Encroacher farm. Jeenie and Keke peered into an enclosure that held a pair of inyokas¡ªblack, serpent-like creatures with sharpened scales and six ruby eyes each. They subdued their prey with powerful constriction and a merciless bite. Jeenie stroked the top of one¡¯s head as if she were petting a housecat. Keke watched intently, muttering a string of questions as fast as Jeenie could answer. Cailu had intended to find Jeenie alone, but Keke could satisfy a curiosity he¡¯d had since arriving on Ichi. ¡°Keke,¡± Cailu called. ¡°Great,¡± Jeenie murmured under her breath. ¡°At least he¡¯s nice to look at.¡± Keke¡¯s ears perked up, and she glanced over Jeenie¡¯s shoulder, tilting her head and narrowing her eyes. ¡°Yes, Cailu?¡± ¡°Are you, Matt, and Cannoli still equipping the armor made from the Enchantress¡¯ tigers?¡± Cailu approached the cage, keeping a safe distance from the inyoka. The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡°We are,¡± Keke replied, touching the tiger skin scarf around her neck. ¡°Is there a problem?¡± Matt¡¯s priorities. ¡°It is outdated,¡± Cailu replied. Keke bristled. ¡°It¡¯s done a good job so far.¡± Cailu narrowed his eyes. ¡°Oh? How did Matt receive such a brutal scar on his chest? Was he in his armor then?¡± Matt¡¯s erose net of scarring had caught his notice during their fight with the Chikara. Keke¡¯s features darkened, and her ears flattened against her head. Her tail flicked at her ankles in agitation. So he was. ¡°Do you have a point, Cailu?¡± Jeenie interrupted. The inyoka at her fingertips hissed. ¡°You lose your allure the longer you talk.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± He turned to Jeenie and held up the book. ¡°Who is Ikrele?¡± ¡°You could have started with that,¡± Keke grumbled. ¡°Ikrele is¡ªwas?¡ªMagni¡¯s armorsmith. She has a huge place in the First Shell where she made whatever he wanted.¡± Jeenie sniffed and rested her arm at her side. ¡°Leather, plate, whatever. She made Magni¡¯s armor and all of the Ejderha¡¯s stuff.¡± She must have come from Nyarlothep. No one on Ichi Island could have taught her such a wealth of Skills. ¡°Where can I find her?¡± ¡°First Shell, directly west of the castle. It¡¯s the only forge there; you can¡¯t miss it,¡± Jeenie paused, chewing her lip. ¡°Assuming she¡¯s still there, at least.¡± Cailu frowned. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°Are there working eyes in that pretty head of yours?¡± Jeenie snickered. ¡°Everyone in the First Shell was sure you came here to kill them¡ªMagni said as much. And then your lot blew the door off the castle, and you killed the damn king.¡± ¡°In a sanctioned duel,¡± Cailu snapped. ¡°That changes nothing,¡± Jeenie snarled. ¡°A lot of us were terrified; I know I was. We thought we were next. Many girls fled the city before Magni drew his last breath.¡± ¡°You can¡¯t blame them, Cailu. If a handful of catgirls went missing to help R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨©¡¯s new queen resume her rule, there are no questions asked. Our lives aren¡¯t nearly as important as yours,¡± Keke said. ¡°You¡¯ve said as much yourself.¡± Brainwashed simpletons. ¡°It is the truth. However, I am not the murderous villain so many of you believe me to be.¡± The inyoka nearest Jeenie whipped its head toward Cailu, baring its glittering teeth and licking its chops. ¡°Do you need anything else?¡± Jeenie hissed. ¡°No.¡± Cailu gestured to the cage. ¡°I suggest keeping your monsters muzzled in the future, lest you lose a hand.¡± ¡°I won¡¯t be the one losing a hand,¡± Jeenie countered, shifting her attention to the enclosure. Keke¡¯s gaze lingered a few heartbeats longer on Cailu, flickers of concern in her expression. Then she turned back to the inyokas and her conversation with Jeenie. Cailu turned and made his way back to the castle, swallowing the creeping feeling of doubt that pecked away at the edges of his thoughts.
As Jeenie had said, the building was easy to find. Ikrele¡¯s home was expansive, even compared to the other enormous dwellings within the First Shell. A metal sign depicting a hammer crossed over a needle swung above the front door, and green awnings covered every window. The chimneys over the forge were clear of smoke, and the clank of metal against anvil was notably absent. Cailu knocked on the door. There was the sound of someone moving inside, but no one came to the door. He knocked again. ¡°We¡¯re closed!¡± a stern voice called. ¡°Then make an exception, Ikrele,¡± he barked. Another few seconds passed before the door swung wide. A thick-armed woman with skin like tanned leather and a mop of silver hair tied back at her neck stared up at Cailu. Her dark eyes were cold and hard; twin pieces of ore the heat of the forge had never reached. A stained smock covered a pair of thick trousers and a grime-pocked tunic. ¡°The king killer, is it?¡± Her voice was gruff. ¡°Come to clean up the rest of his little helpers?¡± ¡°If you thought I would kill you, why answer the door?¡± Cailu challenged. ¡°I¡¯d prefer to keep my dignity in my last moments. Not let you chase me around my house like a goddess-damned kitten.¡± She crossed her arms and frowned. ¡°Though, I might have a chance if you¡¯re down an arm.¡± ¡°Your life is not mine to take,¡± Cailu replied, holding out the book. ¡°I came to ask for your help.¡± Ikrele wrinkled her nose and accepted the tome, flipping through its pages. ¡°You here to loot my supplies, then?¡± Cailu sighed. ¡°No, Ikrele. I need armor made.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t work for free.¡± She closed the book and passed it back. ¡°As you shouldn¡¯t. I can pay you well. From my own pockets or Magni¡¯s stores, whatever you wish.¡± Ikrele raised a brow and leaned against the doorframe. ¡°That¡¯s as tempting an offer as I¡¯ve ever heard. What do you need, king killer?¡± ¡°Please, just Cailu.¡± Matt, Keke, Ravyn, Ceres. ¡°I need four¡ª¡± Cailu hesitated. Cannoli. He sighed. ¡°I need five sets of armor crafted. Name your price.¡± Chapter 202: Antifragile My steps carried me through the halls at a brisk pace, the corner of my eye twitching every second of the way. I couldn¡¯t believe Keke refused to back me up when I needed her most. After everything we¡¯d been through, how could Cannoli¡¯s best friend abandon her like that? What would our journeys be like if Cannoli wasn¡¯t there? If Cannoli wasn¡¯t there anymore, then¡­ Images of Cannoli cooking over an open fire with a wide smile filled my head. Pinching my cheek, filling the bowls of kittens in Catania. She had the kind of attitude, the kind of personality that set your heart at ease. As long as she stuck around, I was sure everything would work out somehow. Cannoli just carried that sorta energy around her. To see it all disappear would just be¡­ No. I¡¯ll convince her. We¡¯ll make amends and laugh over food like we always do. She can do this. I know she can. She could do this. Right? I eventually caught Cannoli leaving one of the bathing rooms. Her hair was damp, and she wore a decorated white robe. She offered what could barely qualify as a smile as she approached. ¡°Matt. Are you okay?¡± The tone in her voice couldn¡¯t hide anything. There was no real concern or interest in it. It was gut-wrenching. ¡°Can we talk for a bit?¡± The way I figured it, we¡¯d be much better off just biting the bullet and getting this over with. I hated to take away from her relaxation, but time was of the essence. We couldn¡¯t stay in Magn¡ªer¡ªNaeemah¡¯s castle much longer. There were things to do. ¡°It¡¯s important.¡± Cannoli hummed and gazed at the ceiling. ¡°Sorry. I¡¯m not really in the mood to talk right now. Maybe tomorrow?¡± My heart sank. ¡°Yeah. That¡¯s fine, I guess.¡± I scratched the back of my neck while my thoughts haunted me. No, it¡¯s not fine, Matt. ¡°Just let me know as soon as possible, okay? Like I said, important.¡± ¡°Mhm.¡± Cannoli started down the hall, and I watched as her tail bobbed between the folds of the robe¡¯s fabric. I began to drum my fingers against my thigh and tap my shoe against the floor. Cailu could yell at me for this later. I wasn¡¯t about to make the same unreasonable demands that Cailu made of his Party. These weren¡¯t just my Party members. They were my friends, my¡­ my girls. And now what? Now you sit here, waiting for her while she takes her time to think about how you made her feel? ¡°Shut up,¡± I quietly whispered to myself. The others fought tooth and nail beside you. They did what they had to in order to ensure not just your survival but theirs. Given the chance, Cannoli would¡¯ve let Ceres die. You¡¯re okay with that? I continued to curse the voice in my head while I bunched my hands into fists. The voice was wrong. It had to be. This wasn¡¯t me talking, it was someone or something else. Cannoli had always been the life of the group¡ªthe glue. Bringing us up when we were down. And that¡¯s all she does, the irritating thoughts continued. She whimpers in the background as the Party¡¯s damsel in distress¡ªyour princess. Maybe Cailu¡¯s right. ¡°Cannoli,¡± I said before my thoughts could grow louder. This had to be resolved. Now. Feelings and concerns I hadn¡¯t realized were there¡ªor perhaps I refused to acknowledge¡ªwere rising up within me. ¡°We need to talk.¡± ¡°Matt,¡± Cannoli sighed, looking over her shoulder. ¡°Tomorrow, okay? I¡¯m really not¡ª¡± ¡°We can¡¯t wait for you anymore,¡± I blurted. I shut my eyes and sucked my lips in between my teeth. ¡°This can¡¯t wait.¡± Cannoli furrowed her brow and frowned. Was that anger? Resentment? ¡°What do you mean, Matt?¡± There was no squeak or stammering surrounding her question. Gone was the timid and thoughtful [Acolyte] I¡¯d grown so accustomed to. I wasn¡¯t sure who I was looking at. ¡°We¡¯ve been training, and I hit Level 10.¡± Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. Cannoli¡¯s eyes widened as she closed the distance between us. ¡°Matt, that¡¯s great!¡± At last, there was a hint of happiness in her voice. The cheer I so adored. The beating of my heart slowed. ¡°But, combat? Against Encroachers? You know that I¡­ I can¡¯t fight very well.¡± ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m here.¡± I reached down and took her hand, holding it between us. ¡°Keke¡¯ll be 10 too, soon. I want you to train with us. That way, you can become a [Priest].¡± Her smile faded into a thin line. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ not so sure about becoming a [Priest],¡± Cannoli admitted. ¡°I don¡¯t know if I¡¯m qualified to do much of anything.¡± ¡°Yes, you are.¡± Oh, Matt¡¯s coming to the rescue again, the thoughts chided. Seems she can¡¯t do anything without your support. Grow a damn backbone. Cannoli blinked. ¡°You really think so?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± I said, nodding. ¡°But you have to put the work in, Cannoli. We need you. I need you. Please.¡± ¡°Matt, I¡ª¡± Cannoli hesitated. Please. Just say yes. Let¡¯s go train and get you back up. It¡¯ll be just like always, I promise. ¡°Maybe it is time we talk,¡± Cannoli continued. ¡°But not in here. Let¡¯s go to my room.¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Cannoli rubbed my hand with her thumb and graced me with a quick smile before heading off down the hallway. As her feet pitter-pattered against the marble, a sense of anxiety began to fill my chest and tighten my stomach. The same kind I used to get shortly before my past girlfriends broke up with me. When Cannoli led me to her room, it was empty. She motioned for me to sit on the nearest bed, then took a seat beside me. ¡°This is very hard for me to talk about,¡± Cannoli began. She fiddled with her thumbs in her lap, her gaze constantly moving. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, and I struggled not to shake the words out of her mouth. ¡°So please¡­ just bear with me.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°There¡¯s something you should know. About my¡ª my past. My family,¡± she murmured. I nodded. ¡°My mother was¡­ not a good person. She was everything we stand against. Years ago, when I was still a kitten, she was taken away from me for being in love,¡± Cannoli paused. She¡¯d said as much after I returned from Abalone. ¡°Cannoli, I rememb¡ª¡± ¡°I¡¯m not done. Just wait.¡± Cannoli stood and paced the room. ¡°I wasn¡¯t completely truthful with you. It wasn¡¯t my father she loved, it was another island¡¯s man. She hid him.¡± I blinked. ¡°I see.¡± ¡°I owe Keke and Elona everything for what came after. I¡¯m sure I would¡¯ve thrown myself in the ocean if not for her. Still, I felt an emptiness from my mother¡¯s absence. And so I turned to Saoirse. ¡°For me, my faith was my everything. My way of life, why I woke up every morning, my guiding light. After Mother was unsuccessfully rehabilitated and then imprisoned, I was shamed by her sins. I wished to repent, to atone for my mother¡¯s atrocious acts, and become a [Bishop] that was worthy of the name.¡± A chill crawled down my spine. Cannoli¡¯s words were starting to sound less like her and more like a zealot. ¡°I spent every day worshipping Saoirse, praying that the same sins would not befall me. I¡¯ve committed her Decrees to heart and followed them as best I¡¯m able.¡± Cannoli¡¯s ears twitched downward as she turned and made another circuit around the room. ¡°When I realized how I felt about you, I was afraid I¡¯d destroyed everything I worked for.¡± She said as much with Ravyn. ¡°But then, you¡­ you allowed¡ª¡± Her words trailed, and she inhaled a deep breath. ¡°What Kirti has done is reprehensible, and you will not change my mind on this. I cannot follow a person, man or not, if I do not understand the full weight of Saoirse¡¯s teachings and expectations.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± I chanced asking. ¡°Let me finish,¡± she snapped. I chewed my tongue and stayed silent. ¡°What I¡¯m saying is,¡± Cannoli continued, ¡°I must first understand what and who it is I follow. I have to understand Saoirse if I am to become a [Priest].¡± I fought down the urge to emphasize the importance of our training. There would be no further understanding unless she could follow a full-fledged [Priest], which meant she had to get to Level 10. She was jumping too far ahead. ¡°I spent days preaching and celebrating her blessings with a mere figment of understanding,¡± she said. ¡°I barely qualify as an [Acolyte], let alone a [Priest]. I wish to undergo formal study. That¡¯s why¡­ I think, at least for the time being, we should part ways.¡± I shot to my feet. ¡°No, Cannoli. Come on, no! We¡­ we can figure this out. I¡¯ll help you get to Level 10, and we¡¯ll take you to Nyarlothep!¡± I gripped her by the shoulders. ¡°Then you can continue studying while Keke and me work on hitting Second Class.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not the same, Matt,¡± she whispered. She shut her eyes as tears threatened to fall. ¡°I will go to Nyarlothep with you, and we shall part ways there.¡± Her lips trembled, and my head throbbed at the thought of her absence. ¡°F-f-formal education m-may take some time. I¡­ I n-need this. I need closure. My mother, she¡ª¡± I pulled her into an embrace as tears trickled down my cheeks. Wasn¡¯t there anything else we could do? How long was formal education supposed to take? Surely there was a better alternative. There was no Party without Cannoli. She was irreplaceable. Damn it! ¡°I understand,¡± I choked. ¡°Thank you, Matt.¡± Cannoli wrapped her arms around me, squeezing me tightly. Another sob choked her throat. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry.¡± Side Quest: The Welcome Matt Matt¡¯s thumb whipped across the screen of his smartphone as he mouthed the text message to himself. She shouldn¡¯t think I¡¯m a total creep, right? Recently, it¡¯d become a trend whenever he tried to chat up a local lady. Whether he was picking up groceries, grabbing a cup of coffee, or visiting a local bookstore¡ªbecause hey, girls like books¡ªthe response was always the same. ¡°And, sent!¡± Matt said, dropping his phone on the bed. Crossing his fingers, he leaned his head back and prayed. The text message was a simple invitation for coffee and a walk around the outdoor mall. Pure, simple, and honest. Nothing weird, nothing sexual. Natasha seemed to enjoy his presence well enough, and hey, you missed a hundred percent of the shots you didn¡¯t take. The phone vibrated, and Matt slowly looked down to see the four most dreaded, soul-crushing words ever conceived into a single sentence. ¡°I have a boyfriend,¡± came Natasha¡¯s reply. Matt¡¯s heart sank as he retrieved the phone to type his reply. No, man! Don¡¯t reply right away! It makes you look desperate! ¡°She already turned me down,¡± he mumbled to combat his thoughts. ¡°hey no worries! i just thought we would hang out as friends :)¡± Matt replied. The three dots that indicated Natasha was typing popped up below his message. They disappeared, appeared for a few more seconds, then disappeared again. And now you get ghosted. Good job, Kelmer. Matt sighed and leaned back against the frame of his bed. It was a rickety old thing, beaten to hell and back from when he was a kid. His mom had been overly frugal most of his life, refusing to replace anything that could still be repaired or fixed up. ¡°Waste not,¡± she would always say. With his enthusiasm shot, Matt pitched his pay-as-you-go phone to the side and pulled the bed covers up to his neck. ¡°Is there something wrong with me?¡± he whispered, turning to the wall beside him. He never found himself to be particularly unattractive or irritating to be around. Yet somehow, he could never hold onto a girl for over a month. Three if he was lucky. ¡°Maybe I should work out. Chicks dig dudes with big muscles, right?¡± No, it was definitely a personality problem. Something about the way he approached people, spoke, divulged interests¡­ it had to be something in that category. Sure, he was no model, but he still had a decent body shape. One of the few things he felt grateful to his dad for. Regardless of where the issue was, he¡¯d have to do something different. This had been the fourth girl to shoot him down in as many days. Whatever he was doing wasn¡¯t working. ¡°Only a fool keeps doing the same thing expecting different results,¡± he mumbled. ¡°That¡¯s how it went, right?¡± Matt drummed his fingers against his elbows in thought, the tantalizing call of video games beckoning him to leave his covers and lose himself in an imaginary world. He would¡¯ve listened if he wasn¡¯t so damn depressed.
¡°Matthew Taylor Kelmer!¡± came the ratty voice of Matt¡¯s mom. Matt shot up, tossing the covers off and throwing his legs over the side of the bed. Before him was a thin woman with curls of brown hair flecked with gray. She looked upon him with a disapproving glare. ¡°What did I say about dying your hair, mister?¡± she asked, tapping her foot on the carpet like she was scolding a child, and not a nineteen-year-old man. ¡°And red? Are you turning into one of those cartoon porn addicts?¡± ¡°N-no, Mom. Calm down, okay? I just wanted¡ª¡± ¡°Wanted what? What did you want?¡± She was inconsolable when she got like this. The rule of the household was that Mom was the queen, and you were her servant. Breaking the rules or simply disagreeing with her was tantamount to breaking the law. She¡¯d scream, and you would listen whether you liked it or not. It was a frequent point of contention whenever Matt¡¯s dad wasn¡¯t around. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Unfortunately, it also meant getting a word in without talking over her was nearly impossible. ¡°I don¡¯t understand what¡¯s wrong with you,¡± she continued, shrugging and scoffing. ¡°I put hot meals on the table, I give you wonderful birthday gifts, I think the world of you. You are my pride and joy.¡± She gestured to the red streak in Matt¡¯s hair, tears welling up in her eyes. ¡°And this is how you repay me. You go and dye your hair like one of your cartoon porn characters.¡± Matt took a deep, quiet breath and rubbed the back of his neck. He¡¯d have to be careful showing weakness. She would throw a bigger tantrum when he showed a hint of upset. So instead, he smiled. ¡°You¡¯re right, Mom. I¡¯m sorry. I should¡¯ve talked to you about it first,¡± said Matt. ¡°I was just frustrated, you know? Girls keep turning me down left and right.¡± She clicked her tongue. ¡°Oh, that Natasha girl.¡± Matt frowned. ¡°You know about her?¡± ¡°Yeah, I saw what she said to you. Forget about her. Girls these days are twisted. They can¡¯t tell one good man from another. They¡¯re more interested in being hookers.¡± She leaned forward and gave him a peck on the forehead. ¡°But not my special boy. You¡¯ll find a good match one day. You¡¯ll see. The right girl is out there for you somewhere.¡± A well of emotions flowed through Matt¡¯s veins. It¡¯d do no good to argue about her going through his phone. They¡¯d had that conversation once before, which turned into a screaming match between her and Dad. Just change the password and let it go. ¡°Get dressed. I have breakfast downstairs.¡± She turned on her heel and left, stuffing an old shirt of Matt¡¯s under the door. A trick she often used to suggest he stay awake. ¡°No son of mine is getting up past six a.m.¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± He¡¯d have plenty of time to lose himself in video games later. For now, he¡¯d need to get downstairs asap. When Mom had a meal on the table, you arrived right when she said it was ready. Matt divested his pajamas and reached for a black t-shirt and jeans, slipping them on quickly. On the way out, he plucked his green jacket from the hook on his wall, his mother¡¯s voice calling him down. ¡°I¡¯m coming!¡± he yelled back. Matt barreled down the stairs, sliding into the kitchen on his socks. He struck a pose and said, ¡°The man of the house is here.¡± ¡°Good to see you, son.¡± Matt snapped to an upright position, his hands at his sides. A man in army camouflage sat at the dinner table, a newspaper in one hand and a cup of black coffee in the other. The sunlight hit him from behind, casting his shadow on Matt. ¡°D-Dad? You¡¯re back already? What about¡ª¡± Matt stammered. ¡°I¡¯m on call for now,¡± he said without looking up. Whatever he was reading was more important than looking at the son he hadn¡¯t seen for six months. ¡°So you¡¯ll be seeing me for a while.¡± ¡°I-I see.¡± Matt sheepishly approached the table, readjusting the jacket around his shoulders before taking a seat. ¡°I made your favorite,¡± his mother said with a spatula in one hand and a plate in the other. She scooped a handful of bacon and hashbrowns onto the plate before him. ¡°Made them extra crispy, just how you like it.¡± ¡°Thanks, Mom,¡± Matt said with a forced smile. Dad set his coffee down on the table and ran a hand over his shiny, bald head. ¡°So, how have things been?¡± he asked. ¡°Uh. Good, I guess.¡± Matt grabbed the ketchup and squeezed some onto his hashbrowns in a figure-eight. Capping it, he pushed it forward in case his dad wanted any. He was as much a ketchup addict as he was. His dad hummed a non-committal response. Would it kill you to look at me? ¡°Just living day by day, you know?¡± Matt helped a heaping of hashbrowns into his mouth. ¡°I see,¡± said his dad. How he spoke always felt manipulative. Rather than speak over or attempt a cordial conversation, he tended to wait until the person couldn¡¯t respond before speaking. He came off as a reserved person to most people. Well, most people didn¡¯t know how Matt¡¯s dad really was. ¡°Got a girl?¡± Matt swallowed. ¡°Er, working on one.¡± ¡°You should¡¯ve seen what this girl typed to him last night,¡± his mother started. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t, really. It¡¯s okay,¡± said Matt. ¡°No, it¡¯s not okay, honey.¡± His mom set the spatula by the stove and put a hand on her hip, leaning on one leg while she spoke. ¡°This Natasha girl was nasty. These hussies are just looking for the next GQ man. They couldn¡¯t give two shits about personality so long as his dick is big.¡± She scoffed, and Matt rubbed his forehead. ¡°Taylor, are you listening to me?¡± ¡°I am, honey.¡± ¡°Mom, stop,¡± said Matt, his hand extended. ¡°Just forget it. It¡¯s not worth it. Like you said, I¡¯ll find the right girl someday.¡± She let out an exasperated sigh. ¡°Well, it just makes me so damn mad that these girls can¡¯t see a good catch.¡± ¡°What¡¯s that smell?¡± Dad asked, sniffing the air. ¡°Oh, shit! Shit!¡± Mom grabbed a pot holder hanging from the wall and whipped it through the air. Black smoke billowed from the stove, the fire alarm ringing seconds later. Taylor pushed his chair back and rushed to her side, extracting the spatula she¡¯d left on the stove burner. ¡°Watch it! You need to pay attention when you¡¯re cooking! What do you wanna do, set the house on fire?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t get smart with me! Why don¡¯t you try cooking all fucking day, big man?¡± ¡°Just. Pay. Attention to what you¡¯re doing!¡± he bellowed. ¡°That¡¯s all I¡¯m asking. Can you just do that much? Look! Why is the burner still on?¡± He turned it off. ¡°Thanks for the meal,¡± Matt mumbled as he rose to his feet. It was time to get the hell out of here. Chapter 203: Shut Down I wiped the stray remnant of tears from my eye as I exited Cannoli¡¯s room. A billion thoughts swarmed my mind as I entertained what the formal education of Saoirse could look like. From what I¡¯d heard up until now, Saoirse rubbed me the wrong way. But I wasn¡¯t about to denounce her in front of anyone. For now, I was just pissed that a goddess was taking Cannoli away from me. I shook my head and turned on my heel to leave, gliding down the hall at a brisk walk. There wasn¡¯t any point in thinking about this. Cannoli had made her decision, and I had no right to tell her what to think or believe. All I could do was hope that the Cannoli I cared about would still be there by the time she became a [Priest], and, if I was lucky, she¡¯d come back to me. Everyone needs something to believe in, Kelmer. I stopped when I saw Ceres at the opposite end of the hall. She didn¡¯t carry the same gait in her step as usual, but she was no less impressive to look at. ¡°Ceres!¡± I called. Ceres turned to look at me, clapping her hands beneath her chin before performing a perfect curtsey. ¡°Sir Matt!¡± I ran to her, eager to get my mind off of Cannoli and elated to see Ceres back on her feet. ¡°It is such a pleasure to see you again. I yearned to be beside you once more.¡± ¡°I know, Ceres,¡± I said, smiling. I wanted to pick her up and hug her, but I was too afraid of making her injury worse. ¡°How are you feeling? You sure you¡¯re okay to walk?¡± ¡°Quite,¡± she nodded and rested her hands against her apron. I¡¯d expected her to have ditched the maid attire for something else, considering what it looked like after Sanrai and the cave-in. But her outfit was strangely absent of any noticeable damage. ¡°Staying in bed for an extended period of time has put pawm civets in my feet.¡± ¡°In your feet?¡± ¡°You have never heard the term.¡± She phrased it like a statement as if she were saying it aloud to confirm it rather than ask me. I shook my head anyway. ¡°It means to have restless feet. As if they scurry with the minds of pawm civets.¡± She laughed. ¡°After my training as a [Magic Knight], I struggle to find solace in moments of rest.¡± On my left, I caught Lara ascending the spiral staircase, her eyes half-open with Destiny and Tristan close behind. ¡°Oh hey, it¡¯s the other maids,¡± I teased. ¡°Yes,¡± Lara said. As with Ceres, Lara had managed to keep her maid uniform intact. Now that I was thinking about it, sewing was likely one of the skills taught in the school of etiquette. It was easy to imagine Ceres and Lara stitching their clothes back together in recovery. ¡°We are together again.¡± ¡°Just don¡¯t overdo it,¡± Destiny said with a gentle hand on her shoulder. ¡°Sister, I¡¯m fine,¡± Lara said, plucking her sister¡¯s hand from her shoulder and kissing the top. ¡°The Elements have already accepted my apology. They¡¯re in a great mood today.¡± Until they¡¯re not. ¡°Hey, Tristan,¡± I said with a flick of my head. He paused but offered a gentle smile. ¡°How are you holding up?¡± ¡°Fine. How about you, Matt?¡± he asked. I nodded. ¡°About the same. I¡¯m ready to leave this island in the dust. I¡¯m sure you are, too.¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± he said with what sounded like a forced laugh. ¡°Me too.¡±
A couple hours later, we settled into the arena. This time, Keke had asked to do some fighting on her own. It was strange to see her standing alone at the center, waiting for the next batch of Encroachers to attack her. It made me feel a bit uneasy if I¡¯m being honest. At the same time, though, I knew how capable Keke was. Even in a worst-case scenario, the arena¡¯s [Priest], Kirti, and I were all available in case something happened. Cailu was strangely absent. Jeenie wouldn¡¯t release hell on Keke, would she? I caught Jeenie staring at me like her new favorite snack. She licked her lips and blushed when she realized I was looking back. C¡¯mon, Jeenie. Don¡¯t let me down. I sat higher up in the stadium than everyone else. Whenever I¡¯d go to a circus or some other open-air event, I preferred to get a seat in the back so I could see everything that was happening. Sure, there weren¡¯t many heads to look over, but old habits die hard. I leaned back against the stone behind me, somewhat glad to be alone with my thoughts. Watching Keke fight was just the distraction I needed to pull me out of any lingering doubts concerning Ceres and Cannoli. I wasn¡¯t sure if we should talk about Kirti¡¯s saving Ceres. But if Ceres wasn¡¯t going to say anything, then neither was I. Keke nocked an arrow across her bow, loosing it the moment the portcullis opposite her opened. I couldn¡¯t see what happened, but I did know there were supposed to be four scaled hunchbacks¡ªa sorta goblin-like creature with black scales and a giant underbite¡ªand only three came out. I had to assume Keke had shot one dead already. Everyone else exploded with applause and cheer as the others barreled toward her. The hunchbacks moved like monkeys and were apparently also Encroachers from Nyarlothep. They had terrible tempers and tough skin¡ªthe perfect kind of monster for Keke to fire a few arrows into. Like an orc, they bore thick, jutting teeth from their lower jaw. From what Jeenie had told us, they used their jaws to crack open the tough shells of hair nuts¡ªa coconut-looking fruit¡ªand drink the nectar inside. Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. I assumed that meant they were herbivores. It turns out that they also used their jaws to crack open the skulls of Encroachers and, horrifyingly enough, catgirls. ¡°[Pinpoint Weakness]!¡± Keke cried before shooting two more arrows into the chest of an approaching hunchback. The creature fell to its side, prompting Keke to lift her leg before smashing it down on the hunchback¡¯s neck. With her hand free of arrows, she retrieved the dagger around her belt and stabbed it in the temple. I grinned, intoxicated by Keke¡¯s nimble movements. God damn, you¡¯re sexy. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Cailu entering the arena next. He and I locked gazes for a moment, and he gestured toward me. I hoped that didn¡¯t mean he would sit next to me. I really couldn¡¯t deal with his disappointment in me on top of everything else going on. I rested one leg on top of the other and stretched my arms out in hopes that he would bother me another time. I had no such luck. ¡°Matt,¡± Cailu started. ¡°May I?¡± I leaned forward and set my head against my palm. ¡°Sure,¡± I said, making no effort to hide my disdain. I glanced at him, noticing his arm was finally free of the sling. ¡°How¡¯s the arm?¡± ¡°Better.¡± He took the seat to my right. ¡°Glad to hear it.¡± Seconds of uncomfortable silence swept past us. As much as I tried to keep my attention on Keke, I¡¯d grown to understand that Cailu was not a man who participated in activities unless he saw a reason to do so. His sitting next to me was no coincidence. He wanted something. ¡°If you would allow it,¡± said Cailu, ¡°I would appreciate you clearing something up for me.¡± I clenched my jaw. ¡°Sure. Go ahead.¡± ¡°During our campaign against the Defiled on San Island, Yomi took an interest in you.¡± Something told me this conversation had a chance to come up, but I had hoped he moved on. The hairs rose on my skin. My toes curled, and my heart began to race. My stomach twisted into knots. ¡°Oh yeah?¡± I said. There was safety in ignorance, and I had no idea what he wanted. I clenched my fists and kept them out of sight in an effort to hide my trembling. I watched Keke fight and tried to absorb myself in her. Why the fuck was Yomi still bothering me? ¡°A number of circumstances arose, and Yomi had to be removed from my Party.¡± He paused, his attention on the fight before him. ¡°Do you know anything about that?¡± ¡°How should I know? She wasn¡¯t my Party member,¡± I spat back. The small crowd roared as Keke defeated the third hunchback. I couldn¡¯t tell you what happened. While my eyes were looking, my mind was blank, as if I couldn¡¯t see what was right before me. I felt scared, timid, ashamed, vulnerable. I don¡¯t want to fucking talk about this. ¡°I wish to speak of this with delicacy, Matt. I have no doubt that your Party members informed you of your role here in Nyarlea.¡± Cailu took a deep breath. ¡°Yomi disappeared the night of the Defiled attack. Naeemah nor I could track her whereabouts.¡± Another bout of silence. Maybe he was expecting me to confirm or deny something, but instead, I kept my trap shut. ¡°Matt,¡± Cailu continued. ¡°Yomi had to be removed from the Party due to pregnancy.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t offer anything to her,¡± I growled. I¡¯m going to punch this man in about four fucking seconds. Third Class or not, ¡°I do not doubt the sincerity of your words, Matt. The truth was plain to see. The circumstances behind it even more so.¡± The sound of Yomi¡¯s bells rang in my head. Maybe it was my imagination or something else, but I felt a sharp pain where my earring was. ¡°That earring,¡± said Cailu. ¡°I recognize the gemstone. It is commonly used to ward off Enchantments. You were not wearing it the day of the Defiled fight.¡± Ace detective right here. ¡°So what?¡± I said. ¡°I got new equipment. What do you care?¡± ¡°I am not breeching this subject to cast blame on you,¡± Cailu quickly said. ¡°Yomi¡¯s actions are reprehensible. She must be brought before the queen for judgment.¡± ¡°No,¡± I hissed. At last, Cailu and I looked at each other. His stare was hard, cold, and perplexed. Ravyn had told me everything I needed to know about Yomi¡¯s situation¡ªmy daughter¡¯s situation¡ªand my options. I was not about to track her down to have her imprisoned or worse. ¡°Punishment must be wrought upon her, Matt,¡± Cailu argued. ¡°I do not mean to imply we waste valuable time and effort in locating her. A simple bounty would prove well enough. Time would force her hand. Surely you see that.¡± Flashes of Yomi showing up on Ni, begging forgiveness. I don¡¯t know if I could ever forgive her. But¡­ ¡°I said no. Ravyn told me about my rights.¡± Cailu cocked his head back, his expression like that of one whose last puzzle piece clicked into place. ¡°I see,¡± he said. ¡°You worry for your daughter.¡± ¡°Yeah. And I guess¡­ to some extent, for Yomi.¡± I ran a hand through my hair. ¡°I don¡¯t know why. Laugh all you want.¡± He frowned. ¡°This is not a laughing matter, Matt.¡± The man sighed, setting his sights on the battle. ¡°I will not force your hand, but I must implore you to reconsider.¡± ¡°I won¡¯t reconsider, Cailu.¡± I was getting tired of repeating myself. ¡°The last thing I will do is place the stigma of a rapist on my daughter.¡± ¡°You care for a daughter you never agreed to.¡± Cailu studied me in disbelief. ¡°You¡¯ve met, then?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°Matt¡ª¡± ¡°She doesn¡¯t deserve it. She¡¯s done nothing wrong,¡± I snapped before he could continue. ¡°Yomi can¡¯t do any further damage anyway, and I¡¯m not a big believer in sins of the mother falling to the daughter.¡± Cailu searched my face in silence. For what, I couldn¡¯t say. At last, he stood. ¡°Very well.¡± He extended a hand. ¡°I wanted to be sure you were aware of your options. Our obligation is a heavy burden. We would do well to support one another.¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± I took his hand and shook it. ¡°I agree.¡± Cailu nodded and walked the other way. With him finally gone, I turned my attention back to the fight. Some black gunk¡ªprobably the Encroacher¡¯s blood¡ªwas splattered across Keke¡¯s waist, but she was otherwise clean and unharmed. It was an overwhelming victory for her. ¡°Appear, iPaw.¡± The device manifested in my hand. I scrolled down to where I could see our Experience and grinned. Keke was Level 10. Nyarlothep would surely be the greatest test thus far. Shi and Ichi had each been their own can of worms. But as a team, we pushed through and accomplished the impossible. Former enemies had even become allies in some cases. As Second Classes, we could do so much more. I could do so much more. Our time on Ichi was coming to an end. Chapter 204: Generation Desiree marched across the width of Tristan¡¯s shoulders, pausing to paw at the neckline of his top. After three laps and a few scratches between the ears, she settled around his neck, purring softly into his ear. The comfort she brought him was similar to how he¡¯d felt with Sam, a cat he¡¯d grown up with. Warm and soft and sure, quiet and unjudging. He wondered if Ravyn felt the same way about Ball Gag. Tristan¡¯s sketchbook was laid open across his lap, and the Enchanted pen Destiny had gifted him a lifetime ago danced across the page. He had wanted to draw a portrait of Naeemah since her ascension to Ichi¡¯s throne, and this seemed as good a chance as ever. She carried herself like true nobility¡ªstraight-backed and proud, the assertive gaze that dared any to challenge her. Her high cheekbones and sharp angles of her face were as alluring to behold as her daggers. How do you keep so much confidence? He wished that he could feel even a fraction of her assuredness. ¡°Tristan,¡± Cailu called, crossing the courtyard to stand beside him. Tristan quickly closed the sketchbook and rested his hand on top of it, embarrassment creeping into his cheeks. Art was probably the last thing on Cailu¡¯s list of productive activities. This isn¡¯t training, or reading, or searching for Magni¡¯s book. Cailu opened his mouth to say something, then closed it, eyes lingering on the book. ¡°You are alone?¡± ¡°I just needed some time to think,¡± Tristan replied. Desiree hopped to the ground, snaking between his feet to rub against his calves. He reached down and stroked the top of her head. Cailu hesitated, crossed his now unimpeded arms, and asked, ¡°Are you well?¡± Tristan blinked. This was obviously not a question Cailu asked lightly nor often. In the short time they¡¯d spent together, it seemed his priorities were fixed on his own well-being and improving the state of Nyarlea. ¡°I¡­ I think so.¡± He gestured to Cailu¡¯s folded arms. ¡°Is your arm feeling better?¡± ¡°It is. Kirti is many things. Thankfully, an apt healer is among them.¡± ¡°At least you know for sure that she prefers you healthy,¡± Tristan quipped with a grin. Much to his surprise, Cailu returned the smile. A warm, easy reaction that was nothing like the fa?ade he wore as a hardened mentor. ¡°That remains to be seen. Only the gods know what goes on in her head.¡± Gods? It interested Tristan to hear him speak of a pantheon outside of Saoirse. He made a mental note to ask Cailu about it later if he had the chance. The last thing he wanted was to shatter the moment with his unending curiosity. ¡°Personally, I think her bark is worse than her bite.¡± ¡°I can certainly hope.¡± Cailu took a seat beside him, gesturing toward the sketchbook. ¡°Were you writing?¡± The embarrassment returned. ¡°Drawing, actually.¡± Cailu raised an eyebrow. ¡°May I see?¡± Tristan¡¯s heart hammered against his chest. Normally he wouldn¡¯t have minded sharing his drawings. But Cailu was such a driving force in Nyarlea. What if he hated them? Or confirmed Tristan¡¯s suspicions that this was the last thing he should be spending his time on? ¡°...Alright.¡± He handed the sketchbook over. While Cailu thumbed through the pages, Tristan leaned forward and clasped his hands, letting them hang between his thighs. He did his best not to writhe his fingers with nervousness, settling on a war between his thumbs. ¡°Your work is extraordinary,¡± Cailu said. ¡°Really?¡± Tristan couldn¡¯t help himself. It wasn¡¯t the reaction he¡¯d been expecting at all. ¡°Yes. You perceive a person¡¯s depths and capture it to a page.¡± He held up a portrait of Destiny that Tristan had drawn a few months before Matt had taken him away from the school. ¡°There are more than just pen strokes here. There is a soul behind the image.¡± Tristan allowed himself to bask in the praise. Just a little bit. ¡°Thank you, Cailu.¡± If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. ¡°Heiki¡ª¡± Cailu paused. It was the same name Tristan had heard him speak before. He waited. ¡°My daughter would love to see these,¡± Cailu continued, his words slow and measured. ¡°She desperately wished to apprentice to a painter.¡± From his last world? It must have been. Cailu must have fathered five times the kittens that Tristan had in his three years in Nyarlea. ¡°You said she would be twenty now, right?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Cailu maintained his gaze on the sketchbook. A new light flickered in his eyes¡ªthe glimpse of a favored memory. Tristan often saw the same spark in Destiny¡¯s when she talked about Leche. ¡°Even if she didn¡¯t find an apprenticeship, I¡¯m sure she paints wonderful pieces,¡± Tristan suggested. ¡°Art never seems to leave a person. It¡¯s like an itch that can¡¯t be scratched any other way.¡± Cailu chuckled. ¡°Heiki would share your sentiments. She believed it her sole duty to capture the beauty of the world as she saw it.¡± ¡°Spoken like a true artist,¡± Tristan said. ¡°My wife was proud to have an artist in the family¡ª¡± Cailu stopped on Tristan¡¯s most recent drawing. Naeemah. The brief light that had ignited Cailu¡¯s gaze as he spoke of his previous life was extinguished. How can you stand it? Betraying the memory of the one you cherished most? Cailu¡­ you are not alone. Tristan gently took the sketchbook from Cailu¡¯s hands and spread it wide over his lap. ¡°I know I¡¯m younger than your daughter, but I¡¯d like to tell you what I think, if I may.¡± ¡°Hm?¡± Cailu stared at something miles away in the distance. Lifting the page containing Naeemah¡¯s drawing, Tristan carefully tore it away from the spine. ¡°In your last world, I can only imagine you as a great father and husband. With all you¡¯ve done for me and Matt, I¡¯m positive that Heiki counts herself lucky to call you her dad.¡± He tugged the final inches of paper free and closed the book. ¡°There¡¯s nothing you can do for Heiki or your wife anymore. You¡¯ve done all you can. However,¡± he held the drawing out for Cailu to take, ¡°there are people here, in this world, that care about you.¡± Cailu accepted the sketch of Naeemah and studied it in silence for a time. ¡°I don¡¯t think that seeking happiness in your second chance at life¡ªespecially when you¡¯ve done nothing but give this place your everything¡ªbetrays anyone,¡± Tristan continued softly. ¡°Nor will it take away the memories that you made.¡± Another stretch of silence passed between them. At last, Cailu murmured, ¡°You certainly do have a gift of seeing others as they are, Tristan.¡± He tried to hand the drawing back. Tristan shook his head and held up a hand. ¡°Keep it. Please. I¡¯m just glad you like it.¡± ¡°You have my thanks.¡± The way Cailu said it implied that he meant more than just the sketch. ¡°Anytime.¡± Tristan smiled. ¡°So, why did you actually come out here to find me?¡± ¡°Ah, yes. The topic at hand.¡± Cailu nodded and carefully rolled the sketch before depositing it into his [Cat Pack]. ¡°How does the search for Magni¡¯s book fare?¡± ¡°Not great,¡± Tristan admitted. ¡°There¡¯s a small library on the third floor managed by a woman named Svarga.¡± Mentioning her name teased at the feelings he desperately wanted to suppress. He swallowed hard and continued. ¡°She says she was Magni¡¯s scribe.¡± ¡°You view this as a poor result?¡± Cailu looked bemused. ¡°Considering she also said that Magni burned a few of the books for kindling, yes. I don¡¯t think a book that matters so much to him would be stored there.¡± ¡°Did you happen to inquire with the scribe about this tome?¡± ¡°You said to keep it to ourselves for now.¡± Tristan shrugged, replacing his sketchbook and pen in his pack. ¡°So, no. I didn¡¯t ask her.¡± Cailu nodded. ¡°You listen attentively and learn quickly. Matt would do well to learn from you.¡± ¡°There¡¯s plenty I want to learn from him, too.¡± Tristan ran a hand through his hair. ¡°But I can ask Svarga later if nothing turns up.¡± ¡°Your time to do so may be limited, which brings me to my next request. I wish to meet with you, Matt, and your Parties to discuss where we will travel next.¡± A cold understanding trickled through Tristan¡¯s veins. They¡¯d have to split up again. After everything they¡¯d been through together. ¡°I-I see.¡± ¡°You will both have the means and equipment to face your next challenges. We will also establish a reliable method of communication between us,¡± Cailu replied. ¡°These are all things I wish to address with all members present.¡± Tristan was fine with Cailu misinterpreting his apprehension for fear of being ill-prepared. It was easier than the alternative. ¡°That makes sense.¡± Cailu stood, and Tristan followed suit. ¡°Let us convene in the dining hall?¡± ¡°Sure. It should be close to dinner time anyway,¡± Tristan agreed. ¡°I¡¯ll be right there.¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Cailu turned and made his way back to the citadel. After a few strides, he stopped. ¡°Oh, and Tristan?¡± ¡°Hm?¡± ¡°Any man would be lucky to call you their son.¡± Without another word, Cailu disappeared into the castle. Desiree jumped into Tristan¡¯s arms as he watched Cailu go. The torrent of emotions building in his chest overwhelmed him with Cailu¡¯s words. He bowed his head into Desiree¡¯s fur and let the tears run free. Chapter 205: Bubble Pop! Cailu waited at the narrow dining room table as Tristan, Matt, and their Parties filed into the room. Zahra was at his left, ever still and stalwart. Kirti sat at his right, reserving dark side glances toward his arm, but otherwise remained silent. Removing the sling one day early will not be the death of me, witch. Naeemah was once again absent from their meeting. She¡¯d taken care to avoid Cailu since their conversation. Perhaps that was for the best. ¡°The whole family¡¯s here. It¡¯s like Thanksgiving dinner all over again,¡± Matt grumbled, taking a seat next to Keke. What nonsense do you speak of now? Tristan responded with a weak laugh, apparently familiar with this ¡®Thanksgiving.¡¯ ¡°It won¡¯t be that bad. We¡¯re all friends here.¡± ¡°I wouldn¡¯t go that far,¡± Ravyn hissed. Matt replied with a noncommittal grunt. Cannoli took a seat beside Ravyn at the far end of the table. Her gaze was downcast, and her ears dipped to the crown of her head. Tristan positioned himself between Destiny and Lara, his cat familiar circling his lap before curling to rest. Three servants delivered a selection of small plates and bowls filled with appetizers. Matt plucked a handful of mixed berries from a wooden container. He popped a few into his mouth and asked, ¡°So, Cailu, what¡¯s this meeting for?¡± Don¡¯t speak with your mouth full. It was like addressing an ill-mannered child. ¡°The other islands are strained by our absence, and we must return to our duties posthaste. You and Keke have achieved Level 10. Summon iPaw.¡± The square device materialized on the table. Cailu navigated through the menus before selecting [Companion iPaw]. As both Matt and Tristan were within the required proximity, options for [User Matthew] and [User Tristan] appeared. He chose Matt first, then scrolled through the images of his Party. ¡°Cannoli, you are still Level 8. This will need to be rectified¡ª¡± ¡°No. It doesn¡¯t,¡± Cannoli interrupted, raising her eyes to his. ¡°I will travel with Matt to Nyarlothep and seek Saoirse¡¯s Sanctuary.¡± The quiet, timid girl had vanished behind a face of furious determination. ¡°I don¡¯t need your¡ª¡± her eyes flickered to Kirti, and she frowned, ¡°¡ªassistance.¡± Cailu looked to Matt. With tense shoulders and his hands folded on the table, Matt nodded his agreement. There was more to this that neither of them chose to say. Is this you replacing your healer, Matt? ¡°Very well. I can summon an escort to ensure your safety to the Sanctuary.¡± When Cannoli opened her mouth to protest, Cailu raised a hand. ¡°It will be a [Bishop] of the faith, I assure you.¡± With another furious look at Kirti, Cannoli nodded and refocused her attention on the table. Her blazard pet worried at her fingers, pushing its face against her hand. Cailu pressed on. ¡°Tristan, how is Shi Island faring?¡± Tristan¡¯s face blanched, and he crossed his arms. ¡°I wasn¡¯t looking forward to this conversation,¡± he admitted. ¡°Shi Island is in a very, very bad way.¡± ¡°How so?¡± ¡°The groups of Defiled are destroying the cities one by one,¡± Ceres spoke up. ¡°Venicia is one of the few remaining that prospers.¡± ¡°Our hometown was one of them,¡± Lara said sadly. ¡°Not even the Elements could save Leche.¡± In the whirlwind of events since his arrival on Ichi Island, Cailu realized he had very little information on Tristan¡¯s arrival or time on Shi. He accessed Tristan¡¯s Party on the iPaw. Base Level 20 was not so great a feat, especially if you utilized your time and resources. But he was still a First Class¡ªthat part concerned him. ¡°Are you new to this world?¡± Tristan shook his head. ¡°No. I¡¯ve been here for three years.¡± Cailu¡¯s eyes narrowed. Surely you did not neglect your duties? ¡°Before you tan his ass, they were holding him hostage on Shi. Inside the School of Etiquette,¡± Matt said, his tone sharp. ¡°What kind of man allows himself to be taken hostage?¡± Cailu asked. ¡°You¡¯re asking the wrong question, Cailu,¡± Destiny growled. ¡°What you mean is, what kind of catgirl takes a man hostage?¡± Tristan laid a hand on Destiny¡¯s shoulder. ¡°There¡¯s no excuse for my remaining complacent for three years. I should have done more, and I¡¯ll be the first to admit it.¡± Stolen story; please report. ¡°But, Tristan¡ª¡± Destiny began. ¡°No, it¡¯s alright. I can¡¯t change the past, Cailu. None of us can,¡± Tristan locked his gaze, words weighing heavy in the air. ¡°What I can help with is the future. So tell me what to do.¡± Cailu studied Tristan in silence. The boy¡¯s intentions were genuine, and there was heart in everything he said. There was little reason to distrust him now. ¡°This¡­ catgirl. Is she still in a seat of power at the school?¡± ¡°Celestia was removed from her position by myself and two of the island¡¯s residents. Ara is the one leading the school and pushing attempts to restore Shi in my stead,¡± Tristan explained. ¡°It¡¯s not perfect, but it¡¯s a start.¡± ¡°That is well enough,¡± Cailu replied. ¡°Shi Island is known for its [Magic Knight] training, is it not?¡± Ceres held up a hand, signaling her desire to speak. At least one of you has manners. He gave her a curt nod. ¡°It was, sir. The school was destroyed in the attacks, and the Sword of Virtues stolen. It is no longer an adequate space for [Magic Knight] training.¡± ¡°That explains the influx of recruits in Nyarlothep,¡± Cailu noted. ¡°Tristan¡ª¡± ¡°Hey. Who the hell are you to give Tristan so much shit about his island?¡± Ravyn snapped. Ball flapped away from her shoulder with her sudden outburst. ¡°There are starving kittens crawling all over Shulan, stealing [Cat Pack]s and Bells so they can eat.¡± Cailu frowned. ¡°My duty is shared between San and Nyarlothep. There is no time¡ª¡± ¡°All I¡¯m hearing are fucking excuses. Kuso! Tristan and Matt gave hope to a bunch of kittens who had to live underground on Shi Island. What the hell have you done to help the girls on San?¡± How could you possibly understand the weight on my shoulders? Cailu inhaled a deep breath through his nose. No, as much as it pained him to admit it, Ravyn was correct. The economical situation on San Island was out of hand, to put it lightly. It was one of the many reasons he needed assistance from the other men. A sudden idea occurred. ¡°Tristan, you wish to study [Wizard], do you not?¡± ¡°I do.¡± ¡°The hell does that have to do with San¡ª¡± Ravyn started. Cailu talked over her. ¡°You are an avid reader with attention to detail.¡± Ball screeched over Ravyn as she raised her voice. ¡°Don¡¯t ignore¡ª!¡± ¡°Suppose we were to trade places for a time,¡± Cailu suggested. Ravyn quieted at last, staring at Cailu in disbelief. Tristan furrowed his brow. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°San Island is the epicenter of [Mage]s and Magic. I believe you would flourish both in your studies and as an economic advisor.¡± Cailu gestured to Zahra and Kirti. ¡°In the interim, we will cull the Defiled threat on Shi Island.¡± Drumming his fingers on the table, Tristan hummed in thought. ¡°How will you know where to go? Certain cities are affected more than others.¡± ¡°I will join them,¡± Ceres said. ¡°Ceres?¡± Matt raised an eyebrow. ¡°Sir Matt, it will take some time for you and Keke to study and obtain your Second Class. I wish to help these efforts in improving Nyarlea to the best of my ability.¡± Ceres¡¯ eyes shined with pride, and she held her chin high. ¡°It would be my honor to assist in restoring my island.¡± ¡°Ceres would make a great guide, Matt. And you know she¡¯d be safe,¡± Keke added. ¡°I know, I just¡­¡± Matt looked from Ceres to Cailu, then puffed out his cheeks with a sigh. ¡°Yeah. Alright.¡± ¡°So, why don¡¯t I go with Tristan, then?¡± Ravyn asked, her anger seemingly quelled by Cailu¡¯s proposition. ¡°Help get him comfortable. You know what it¡¯s like in Shulan.¡± Matt¡¯s face paled. He set his jaw and looked at Ravyn. ¡°Are you sure?¡± ¡°What, you want me to sit around and wait for you to finish your Second Class?¡± Ravyn snapped. ¡°Baka. I¡¯ll be ready for you again when you¡¯re done. You won¡¯t miss me.¡± The expression Matt wore said otherwise. He rubbed his neck, then crossed his arms. ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°Is there anything left here that we still need to do?¡± Tristan asked, eyes lingering on Cailu. ¡°I¡¯m awaiting the completion of a commissioned order in the First Shell,¡± Cailu replied. ¡°If she has apprentices, it should be finished within a few days. I will visit her tomorrow. Once she is finished, we will depart.¡± ¡°What¡¯s the order?¡± Lara asked, touching her chin and staring at him with wide eyes. ¡°You shall see when it is done. No sooner.¡± Though it seems Cannoli¡¯s armor will end its life in a wardrobe. ¡°What about Ni Island?¡± Matt asked. ¡°None of us will be there.¡± ¡°Ni Island didn¡¯t have a man for a very long time until you showed up,¡± Keke said gently. ¡°The girls there have been doing a good job of keeping things peaceful. They¡¯ll be okay for a little while longer.¡± Matt¡¯s face fell. Cailu felt a tinge of empathy for him. It was difficult to be called superfluous. ¡°They will need you, Matt. It is why you train. Accept Keke¡¯s advice as a blessing.¡± ¡°Yeah. Sure.¡± ¡°Sir, dinner is complete,¡± one of the servants returned to announce. ¡°May we bring it out?¡± ¡°A moment, please.¡± He waited for the girl to bow and leave before addressing the table. ¡°Any questions?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think so,¡± Tristan replied. Destiny and Lara shook their heads. Keke, Ravyn, and Ceres also signaled they were satisfied. Cannoli¡¯s stare was years away. ¡°I¡¯m good. Are we done?¡± Matt asked. ¡°Yes, that is all for now.¡± ¡°Great. I¡¯m not hungry.¡± Matt stood and pushed his chair back to the table. ¡°Gonna go for a walk. Enjoy dinner, guys.¡± ¡°Matt,¡± Keke said, reaching for his hand. ¡°Nah, I¡¯m okay.¡± He pulled it away. ¡°Eat something. I¡¯ll find you later.¡± Cailu watched him go, raising an arm to the maid waiting with their meal. This is the reality, Matt. Nyarlea is forever changing, and we must change with it. Chapter 206: Wild Magic Alone. I¡¯d be fucking alone in Nyarlea. Just when I thought I really had something going. My Party breaks. My girls. My family. I was pissed. Beyond pissed. I stormed out to the courtyard filled with the Encroacher zoo. I wanted to put my axe in something¡¯s face. Strangle it with my bare hands. It¡¯s temporary, Kelmer. I had to get to Second Class; I knew that much. And with how much faster I Leveled than the girls, it made sense for them to work in my absence. But who the hell knew if Cannoli was coming back, or if Ceres would be safe with Cailu, or if Ravyn would beg to swap to Tristan¡¯s Party after everything that had happened between us. Fuck! I roared with frustration and punched the wall. A sickening crack followed, and I was sure I broke at least one of my knuckles. The skin split and bled. I hardly felt it and I didn¡¯t care. I whipped around to the nearest cage of roaches, grabbing onto the bars with my good hand. I was determined to mince whatever was inside to shreds. What looked back at me was a cluster of furry green roaches, each sharing the length and build of a ferret. They had four ears and wide glittering eyes, their heads adorned with a miniature rack of horns. Cannoli would love these. The thought drained all the fight out of me. I tottered backward, collapsing against the wall with my knees to my chest. My hand and head throbbed in time, and my heart hammered against my chest. ¡°Fluffpuffs have a calming effect on people,¡± a gentle voice came from my right. ¡°Maybe you should have checked them out before you punched the wall.¡± I looked up at an approaching Jeenie. I had hoped it would¡¯ve been too late for her to still be manning the cages. Hack first, apologize later. She studied my face and stopped short. ¡°I don¡¯t mean to bother you.¡± I grunted. She procured a rolled bandage and a corked tonic from her [Cat Pack]. ¡°At least let me see your hand. Then you can spend all the quality time with the fluffpuffs that you want.¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you a [Hunter]?¡± ¡°I often dabble in [Alchemy]. It¡¯s less embarrassing tending to bite wounds from the babies,¡± she explained. ¡°I can stop the bleeding, at least.¡± I raised my hand. The pain was getting worse, and the blood coated my wrist. I twisted it to get a better look in the setting sun. Probably broke two knuckles. I sighed. ¡°Sure.¡± With a resolute nod, she took a seat next to me and held out her hand. I laid my palm in hers, flinching as she examined it. ¡°Whatever the wall did, I¡¯m sure it deserved it.¡± I wanted to smile but found it impossible. Instead, I leaned my head against the wall and searched the violet sky. ¡°My whole Party is splitting.¡± Jeenie exhaled a long, drawn-out breath before retrieving another bottle and pouring it on my hand. Stung like hell, but it was easier to focus on than everything else. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°So I can train for Second Class.¡± ¡°Oh. Well, that¡¯s not permanent, right?¡± She dabbed the skin with a separate cloth. ¡°Maybe? I don¡¯t think so.¡± I groaned, covering my face with my hand. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± ¡°Hang on. I need to stitch you up a bit. This cut is pretty big.¡± She held up a needle and translucent, thick thread. ¡°It¡¯s not fun.¡± ¡°Go for it,¡± I said. She could have chopped my hand off and I don¡¯t think it would have hurt as much as that damn meeting. ¡°Matt, listen,¡± Jeenie began, biting off a length of thread before weaving it through the needle¡¯s eye. ¡°I¡¯ve lived in this castle for years. None of the women here looked at Magni the way your girls look at you.¡± I pictured our first day in the castle, the entirety of the First Shell huddled inside the throne room, staring at us in fear. Looking to Magni as their savior. The rage on their faces when Cailu killed him. ¡°Bullshit.¡± ¡°I know that I can¡¯t convince you one way or the other.¡± The needle pierced my skin, and I barely flinched. ¡°But I believe they¡¯ll all be waiting for you when you¡¯re finished. And all of you will be stronger for it.¡± How can separating us make us stronger? Especially when we¡¯re just starting to work well together? Two more pokes through my hand, followed by the tension of Jeenie pulling the thread. As if she were stringing me up like a puppet. This world is fucked. ¡°How long have you lived here, Matt?¡± Jeenie asked when I didn¡¯t respond. ¡°Three, maybe four months,¡± I replied. I¡¯d lost track of time. ¡°Hm. Not long, then.¡± Another pinch. ¡°Maybe you¡¯ve heard this already, but a lot of kittens grow up dreaming of being chosen for a man¡¯s Party. You can imagine how rare of an opportunity that is.¡± I didn¡¯t know what to say or see where this was going, so I stared forward in silence. ¡°I was one of them. And I can say with certainty that every member of your Party is lucky to have you.¡± She jerked her chin toward the castle. ¡°I¡¯ve seen the alternative.¡± A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. ¡°Thanks, Jeenie.¡± One of the fluffpuffs came up to the bars and peered out at me, flicking the pompom on its tail. It made a chittering noise, and its companions joined it. A fluffle of fluffpuffs. The thought made me smile. Just a little. ¡°See? Even the fluffpuffs like you.¡± She tied off the thread and uncorked the second tonic. ¡°This one¡¯s for you to drink.¡± I accepted the bottle and downed its contents while she emptied the second container to clean off the remaining blood. The potion was sharp and bitter, but the throbbing in my head and hand dissipated. ¡°If you can see a healer, they¡¯ll be able to clean up the broken knuckles,¡± Jeenie explained as she gingerly wrapped the bandage around my hand. ¡°If you don¡¯t feel like explaining yourself, I can make you more potions, and they¡¯ll heal in a couple of weeks so long as you don¡¯t use them.¡± A sardonic thought came to mind. Could ask Kirti. What¡¯s one more soul rock? I pushed it away. There were [Priest]s sanctioning the duel; I could probably find one of them without much of a problem. ¡°Yeah. I¡¯ll do that.¡± I lifted my arm. The hand had begun to swell, but the bleeding was gone, and Jeenie had done a good job of bandaging it. ¡°What¡¯s a few more badass scars, right?¡± Jeenie laughed. ¡°Just tell them you wrestled a chattaan. Anyone on Ichi would believe that.¡± I felt myself return her smile. The aching in my chest was letting up, and the preemptive fear of losing my girls was starting to disappear. Without Jeenie realizing it, she had confirmed the tiny voice in the back of my head¡ªthis was all temporary. I knew about Cannoli¡¯s search for Saoirse before walking into that dining hall. Keke had to hit Second Class too, and Ceres and Ravyn were pretty adamant about regrouping once we were finished. We¡¯d be okay. I¡¯d be okay. One day, one Level, one Class at a time. ¡°So,¡± Jeenie began, loading the empty bottles into her pack, ¡°Second Class, punching walls, Party breaks; sounds like you¡¯re leaving soon?¡± ¡°Sounds like a few more days,¡± I replied. ¡°I¡¯ll miss having you around.¡± She licked her lips and let her eyes wander. ¡°You have a great,¡± her gaze lingered at my hips, then returned to my face, ¡°sense of humor.¡± I don¡¯t know why her dumb joke struck such a strong chord with me. Maybe because of how badly I wanted everything to work out. Maybe because how Jeenie looked at me now was the shit I had dreamed about while sitting in Leiana¡¯s office. But I laughed way harder than I should have. ¡°It¡¯s my best trait, I hear.¡± Jeenie grinned. ¡°Good to hear you laugh again, Matt.¡± She stood, smoothing her thin white skirt that barely covered more than a few inches of her thighs. ¡°I¡¯ll quit bothering you.¡± ¡°Jeenie, wait.¡± I got to my feet, and her stare followed me as if she had a lock-on button. ¡°I thought you said you weren¡¯t good with people.¡± ¡°Hmph. Better with Encroachers, honestly. But,¡± she crossed her arms over her abdomen, raising her ample chest by a few inches, ¡°there are some exceptions.¡± For the first time since I¡¯d arrived in Nyarlea, I took a page from Tristan¡¯s suave handbook. This was my job, and I felt the hints of a genuine connection with Jeenie. ¡°I know I kind of screwed myself wrestling that chattaan.¡± I took her hand in my good one and brushed my thumb over her knuckles. ¡°But do you want to spend the night with me?¡± Jeenie flushed a deep red behind her ocean of freckles, the color nearly as bright as her orange hair. ¡°R-really?¡± she stammered, hand squeezing mine. ¡°Y-you¡¯d let me?¡± There¡¯s the Jeenie I know. ¡°Yeah.¡± She sucked in a breath and licked her lips. ¡°C-can we, um¡­ can we go to my wing?¡± Somehow, her blush deepened. ¡°I just don¡¯t want anyone to hear me,¡± the volume of her voice decreased with every word. I laughed. ¡°Sure thing.¡± I brushed her shoulder with my fingertips. ¡°We don¡¯t have to, Jeenie.¡± ¡°No! Goddess, please. You have no idea how¡ª How I¡ª You have no idea!¡± She tugged on my hand. ¡°Just follow me!¡± ¡°Alright, lead on.¡± Her excitement was palpable as she led me to the back of the courtyard. I watched her hips and brilliant orange tail sway with renewed fervor. Her hand was warm in mine, and the spring in her step was adorable. The door she unlocked was flush with the wall; it would have been impossible to see if you didn¡¯t know it was there. She pushed it open, revealing a candle-lit den filled with furs and trinkets. The walls were filled with paintings and sketches of Encroachers. A furry shadow raced from the center of the room to the hallway, out of sight before I could register just what it was. ¡°That¡¯s Ren. He¡¯s harmless,¡± she breathed, closing the door behind me. That¡¯s what they all say. ¡°Bye, Ren.¡± Jeenie laughed. ¡°This way.¡± She pulled me down a corridor lined with tapestries and flowering vines. Everything seemed to depict or reflect some aspect of nature, and it felt like every island¡¯s wildlife had some kind of representation. The whole place smelled like flowers and exotic spices, much like Jeenie herself. Her room had the same kind of organized chaos that I¡¯d kept back on Earth. A desk stacked with books, half-filled parchment, and sketches stood to the left of the door. More art and decorations spanned every wall, and a tall oil lamp stood stalwart in the corner, illuminating the space. The focal point was an enormous rug woven with colored rings, each one containing a marching line of animal shapes. Jeenie caught me staring. ¡°My mother made that.¡± ¡°It¡¯s beautiful,¡± I said. Really ties the room together. ¡°It must have taken her years.¡± ¡°Pretty much her whole life,¡± Jeenie replied. ¡°B-but we can talk about that later! No need to bore you! Ha ha!¡± I brushed my hand through her hair. ¡°You¡¯re not boring, Jeenie. I¡¯m not going anywhere.¡± She leaned into my touch, moving her ears between my fingers. A dreamy moan squeezed from her lips. That was it. All other thoughts were wiped away, and I was frozen in place. The only thing I wanted to touch, feel, and breathe was her. ¡°You like that?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Jeenie purred. She cupped my hand, bringing it to her cheek and sliding my thumb into her mouth. I watched her face; drank in her expression. She was desperate to please. And I was happy to oblige. Memory saved and stored for catgirls. . .
For a few euphoric seconds, everything was perfect. We curled up together on Jeenie¡¯s bed, mouths locked and her hands rarely leaving my skin. I don¡¯t know how much time had passed before she drew away and blinked up at me. ¡°U-um, is it terrible¡­ i-if I want to go again?¡± she mumbled. I smoothed her hair and kissed her forehead. ¡°You have me all night.¡± I carefully flexed my injured hand. It hurt like hell. ¡°I might need another potion, though.¡± ¡°Oh! Right! Of course!¡± Jeenie leaped from the bed and retrieved her [Cat Pack]. As she dug through it, she said, ¡°So¡­ do you know how few Encroachers carry cytotoxic venom?¡± I touched the scar on my chest. ¡°This was a Defiled.¡± ¡°Well, now you really have to tell me what happened.¡± Jeenie pulled a bottle free and passed it to me. ¡°Please?¡± She pouted. I uncorked the bottle and drained it in three gulps. ¡°Yeah. Alright.¡± Even when my thoughts returned, things seemed a little brighter. Jeenie was right; my training would be temporary. I had to trust my girls. I owed them that much. Quest Updated! [The More the Merrier] 4/8 Catgirls Successful! Side Quest: Kekes Secret Keke knew it wasn¡¯t right to spy on people. Her mother had said as much on numerous occasions, but she couldn¡¯t help herself any longer. Elona seemed so distant and tired. The dark circles under her eyes betrayed nights of restless sleep, and she was gone from the house more often than usual. Mother barely talked to her or Cannoli. Of course, she still shared pleasantries and ensured that meals were always on the table. But there weren¡¯t any of the deep talks that she and Keke always shared in their quiet evenings together. What wasn¡¯t Mother telling her? She was fourteen now, no longer a kitten. Surely it wasn¡¯t something so dire that she must hide it away from her daughter? Then, when Elona turned down a day of fishing together, Keke resolved to find out what was happening. Keke hardly slept, tossing and turning after a night of weighing her options. If she were caught, it might make the situation worse. But maybe it was something she could help her with. Like the Defiled that fateful rainy afternoon in the forest. Besides, Keke was much better with a bow now than she was then. So she decided to spy. Mother woke at dawn as she usually did, despite going to bed just a few hours earlier. Keke tiptoed from her room, then down the hallway once Elona had entered the kitchen. Cannoli slept soundly in the room across from hers¡ªa typical occurrence for the last four years. Keke could hear the high whistle of her soft snores as she passed, checking that the door was completely closed before creeping to the hallway¡¯s entrance. Elona leaned her hand on the counter and ran a hand through her golden hair. A heavy sigh slid from her lips, and she straightened her back. Keke recognized the posture; Mother was preparing for a confrontation. She¡¯d mirrored the expression and movement whenever a strenuous Encroacher Quest circled the town or if a Defiled was close to Junonia. Only twice had she done it when speaking with Keke, and both times were within as many weeks. Without bothering to eat, Elona fixed her [Cat Pack] to her hip and left the house. Keke inhaled a deep breath and licked her lips, counting slowly to five before following her outside. It was a lot like stalking a roach. Elona marched through the forested path with purpose, switching to [Combat Mode] as she walked. Maybe it really is a Defiled. The morning sun shimmered through the canopy of trees, lighting the leaf-littered path. Keke was careful not to step on dead leaves or twigs. When her left boot string caught the hanging leaf of an unnoticed thistle, a frustrated hiss of air shot through her teeth. Elona¡¯s ears perked toward the sound, and she hesitated. Keke stopped, squatting low to the ground and holding her breath. Just a squirrel, Mom. Please think it¡¯s just a squirrel. Elona shook her head and continued forward. Keke slowly let the air she¡¯d been holding stream through her nose, counted to five, then followed. It was too early for most of the shops to open yet, so the square was mostly empty. The smells of fresh-baked bread wafted from the bakery mingled with smoked meat from the butcher next door. Elona passed the grocer¡¯s stalls, the tailor, and the forge, stopping at the wooden doorway that belonged to the [Alchemist]. Nauka¡ªor Granny Nauka, as the girls Keke¡¯s age affectionately called her¡ªhad been on Ni Island for as long as anyone could remember. She welcomed all who had an interest in the art of [Alchemy], though she taught with a firm hand and was notorious for her lack of patience. Keke ducked behind a line of wooden barrels of ale beside the Junonia Tavern. She still had a clear view of her mother if she peeked just above the casks. Elona¡¯s hand rested on the door¡¯s handle, and she froze. What¡¯s she waiting for? An uneasy silence filled the air. It seemed like not even the birds were awake yet. It was finally broken by the creak of the door¡¯s hinges as Elona threw it wide. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. ¡°Nauka!¡± she called, taking a step inside. Nauka¡¯s gravelly voice shouted an incoherent string of words. It must have been a command, as Elona drew her leg back and crossed her arms over her chest. Granny Nauka wandered outside, closing the door behind her before turning to face Keke¡¯s mother. She adjusted her small glasses on her nose, eyes piercing Elona from deep inside her wrinkled face. ¡°This is the fourth day you¡¯ve come,¡± Nauka growled, wagging a finger at Elona. ¡°You need to stop this.¡± Elona looked somehow more tired than before, her golden gaze narrowing to thin lines. ¡°Nauka, she will die without it¡ª¡± ¡°Utter roachshit, Elona,¡± Granny Nauka cut her off with a wave of her hand. ¡°Aurora¡¯s a powerful [Bishop]. It¡¯s not for her that you¡¯re asking, and you insult me with this hoax.¡± Keke flinched. Cannoli¡¯s mom is in trouble? Elona crossed an arm over her chest, resting her elbow against her wrist to knead at one temple. She blinked and shifted her balance to her other foot, seeming to chew on her words as she fidgeted in place. ¡°And what if you¡¯re right?¡± she said slowly. Nauka made a disgusted sound between a cough and hiss. ¡°The rumors are true, then.¡± ¡°He¡¯s ill, Nauka.¡± Elona dropped her arms to her sides, turning her palms up with her plea. ¡°He needs your help. Everything Aurora has done hasn¡¯t helped him.¡± ¡­He? ¡°Maybe he shouldn¡¯t have left his island, then,¡± Nauka grumbled. ¡°Perhaps the cure is a padded cell in Nyarlothep. One for each of ¡®em.¡± Elona¡¯s face blanched, and she lowered her voice. ¡°This cannot reach their ears. Think of her daughter¡ª¡± ¡°Why should I? Aurora¡¯s not,¡± Nauka snapped. ¡°You know what she¡¯s teaching Cannoli? Selfishness. Abandonment.¡± She jabbed her finger into Elona¡¯s chest. ¡°How to use people.¡± ¡°That¡¯s below you,¡± Elona growled, swatting Nauka¡¯s hand away. Keke flinched and shrank behind the barrels. Her mind reeled with questions, trying to assemble the pieces of their conversation into a coherent image. She¡¯d never heard her mother use that tone. Not with anyone. ¡°Let him rot, Elona. If she can¡¯t cure him, it¡¯s Saoirse¡¯s will,¡± Nauka continued. ¡°He shirked his obligations as a man, and those consequences shouldn¡¯t be on any of our hands.¡± ¡°Then don¡¯t let it be on your hands.¡± Nauka scoffed. ¡°That¡¯d be much easier if you weren¡¯t haunting my doorstep every goddess-damned day.¡± Elona shook her head, her tail hastily ticking from side to side with agitation. ¡°Look. You¡¯ve taught me [Alchemy] for years. Just tell me what I need to do.¡± ¡°Turn. Them. In.¡± Nauka enunciated each word, spittle spraying from her lips. ¡°It would crush her,¡± Elona pleaded. ¡°Surely your heart hasn¡¯t withered away with the rest of you.¡± ¡°Matters of the heart are above my station.¡± Nauka signed her reverence to Saoirse. ¡°And you are wasting my time. Don¡¯t ask me again, Elona.¡± Without another word, Nauka turned, snared the door of her shop, then vanished inside. Elona stamped her foot to the ground, hands balling into fists, a snarl of frustration rumbling from her chest. Keke chewed her lip, forcing herself to stay put. She wanted to hug her mother and tell her it would be okay. That maybe he would just get better, like she and Cannoli did whenever they got sick. ¡°Elona?¡± a soft voice called behind her. Elona spun on her heel, eyes wide with surprise. ¡°Rael!¡± Saphira¡¯s mom. Despite being close to the same age, Keke didn¡¯t know Saphira well. They bought their fruits and vegetables from their stand, but Saphira was always so timid and quiet. ¡°I¡­ I didn¡¯t¡ª¡± Elona stammered. Rael held up a hand and shook her head. ¡°I overheard you talking with Nauka.¡± ¡°Oh, goddess,¡± Elona sighed, exasperated. ¡°Please, Aurora¡¯s not at fault.¡± ¡°No, I understand.¡± Rael¡¯s tone was kind, her soft smile bright against her tan face. ¡°I just wanted to offer you a piece of advice if you¡¯ll hear it.¡± ¡°Yes, of course.¡± ¡°A dear friend of mine recently moved to Nyarlothep to study as a [Hermetic]. I believe she would be sympathetic to your cause.¡± Rael smoothed her hands against her apron. ¡°It sounds like time is short. I can give you her information and write to her if you would like to seek her out.¡± Elona¡¯s eyes brightened, and she nodded. ¡°A Third Class. Yes, please. That may be exactly what we need.¡± Keke¡¯s hands balled into fists. Aurora isn¡¯t Questing in Nyarlothep. She¡¯s here. She¡¯s hiding. She thought of Cannoli, and her heart broke for her best friend. All this time, Aurora had left her behind. And Elona was protecting her. Why? With half-hearted excuses, Elona embarked to Nyarlothep the next day, leaving Keke and Cannoli to maintain the house and her stall. Aurora returned, heartsick and weakened¡ªas if she hadn¡¯t eaten for days. Keke never asked but could only assume the man she was hiding had perished. Elona never came home. Chapter 207: Words of Radiance It took a lot of effort to hide the wound on my hand. I snuck out of Jeenie¡¯s room early in the morning and searched out the castle¡¯s ward, where I found a few [Priest]s residing. Jeenie¡¯s work had done a lot to prevent permanent damage from what the [Priest] told me. With the additional healing, all I had to do was refrain from using it for a few hours, and it would be mostly back to normal. At least, normal enough that I could take the bandages off. The muscles and bones were still sore, and I had to be careful not to move my fingers too fast, but you could hardly tell I ever punched a wall in the first place. A few knicks still draped across my knuckles, but they looked more like paper cuts than anything else. Keke was coming down the hall when I left the washroom. ¡°Hey, Matt.¡± She offered a small wave and moved to stand before me, the heels of her boots clicking against the marble floor. ¡°Are you doing okay?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± I nodded. ¡°Sorry if I worried you yesterday. I just needed some time to myself. Lots to think about, you know?¡± Keke didn¡¯t seem convinced, but she nodded. ¡°What have you been up to?¡± ¡°I wanted to practice my archery for a bit, so Cailu set up some targets in the arena.¡± ¡°How¡¯d you do?¡± Keke grinned. ¡°Stationary targets are too easy. They used to be nice as a kitten when I could barely pull back the string. Now though?¡± A laugh escaped her lips. ¡°With all of the Encroachers and Defiled we¡¯ve fought, I find even the farthest stationary targets much too easy. I suppose I didn¡¯t realize that, so I might have Jeenie set something up later.¡± ¡°Hit a few bullseyes for me,¡± I said as I walked past her, ¡°I¡¯m going to head to the other Shells for a bit.¡± I made it a few feet away until she called my name. ¡°Are you doing alright?¡± I stopped in my tracks. Keke continued. ¡°I know you spend a lot of time ensuring that the rest of us are okay. But I hope the burden you¡¯re carrying isn¡¯t too heavy. So, like you¡¯ve offered so many times before¡­ talk to me if something¡¯s amiss, okay?¡± I glanced over my shoulder. ¡°I will.¡± I stared down the hallway. The annoying voice in the back of my head resurfaced, and the thoughts I had the previous day came with it. I replayed what Jeenie said about the temporary nature of my situation, and the voices quieted. I turned around and gave her a genuine smile. ¡°I¡¯m okay. I promise. But we¡¯re still going to be here for another couple of days, so I want to check out the rest of R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨© and see how everyone¡¯s acclimating to their new conditions.¡± Keke frowned. ¡°Those were some big words.¡± She seemed to realize how she came off because she quickly waved her hands in front of her. ¡°I-I mean, sorry. I didn¡¯t mean it in a bad way or anything, but¡ª¡± I laughed. ¡°Keke. It¡¯s okay. Seriously. I think Tristan¡¯s just rubbing off on me.¡± I thought for a moment, gazing at the beautiful floor beneath us. ¡°And Cailu, to some extent.¡± ¡°Now, there¡¯s something I never thought I¡¯d hear. You¡¯d better not tell Ravyn.¡± I chuckled and met her gaze. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll keep it on the down-low. Don¡¯t get me wrong, he¡¯s still a total ass, but¡­ he does make some good points. Points I think I just didn¡¯t want to hear, I guess.¡± I paused. ¡°I¡¯ll admit, I¡¯m not happy about us going our separate ways for a while. But I also understand that we¡¯re a Party. This is only temporary.¡± ¡°Only temporary,¡± Keke whispered just loud enough for me to hear. ¡°Yeah.¡± I breathed deep, slowly exhaling. ¡°Alright. I¡¯m going to get going. Maybe talk to Ai for a bit about my Class change. It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve spoken with her anyway.¡± ¡°Okay. See you later?¡± ¡°See you later, Keke. I¡¯ll be back soon.¡± I offered her a wave goodbye, then made my way down the staircase. Once outside, I followed the pathway to the main gate and out into the First Shell. I stretched my arms behind my back, glad that Keke hadn¡¯t noticed anything about my hand. Letting them fall to the sides, I called upon the iPaw. ¡°Hey, Ai.¡± Ai appeared in her red Ichi Island garb at the bottom of the screen, straight-faced and monotone as ever. ¡°Hello, [User Matthew]. How may I assist you?¡± ¡°I have some questions about Second Classes,¡± I said as I walked toward the Second Shell. ¡°Are you able to answer some of them?¡± Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. ¡°I will offer any information I am able. Proceed.¡± ¡°Thanks. For starters, I¡¯d like to know more about the [Battleguard] Class.¡± ¡°Please specify.¡± I thought about it for a few seconds. Cailu had made a point to emphasize its reliance on a healer. While I could see no one else but Cannoli healing me, I had to verify that it was the truth. I phrased the question a few different ways in my head, but ultimately the best way to figure out its potential was to ask about the Class itself. ¡°What kind of self-sustaining options does [Battleguard] have?¡± I asked. Ai went through several idle animations before she replied. ¡°[Battleguard] has Skills which restore its own [Health Points] as it draws blood from a target with its chosen weapon.¡± ¡°Is that the only kind it has?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± I glanced up from the iPaw, waving to a passing catgirl dressed in expensive white garbs. ¡°What other defensive options does it have? Anything from shielding, protecting other Party members, etcetera.¡± ¡°[Battleguard] possesses four notable defensive Skills. One reduces the effectiveness of weapons around them for a period of time. Another reduces incoming damage when attacking. The [Battleguard] may also restore [Health Points] through the use of said Skills. Lastly, they are the only Class to possess a Skill which [Provoke]s multiple targets.¡± Ai blinked. ¡°While it does not serve as a Skill, they also boast the highest [Health Points] total of any Second Class.¡± This was strange. It felt like Ai was being a lot more helpful than I was used to. ¡°You¡¯re giving me a lot more information than you usually do,¡± I said, passing through the now-open valley separating the First and Second Shells. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± ¡°This is information available to you through the [Class Selection] screen. The information was not available until Class Level 10.¡± And I continue to feel like an idiot. ¡°Thanks, Ai. That¡¯ll be all.¡± I nodded to a few kittens who ran passed me, breathless and giggling. Ai nodded, then disappeared. I pocketed the iPaw and continued on my way to the Second Shell. She hadn¡¯t told me anything that I didn¡¯t already know, except that the [Battleguard] didn¡¯t sound like it had a lot of options for keeping itself alive. I found myself smiling when I pictured how Erina fought before she lost her arm and how my heart was set on becoming the same monster of a tank to protect the girls. It felt nostalgic. It felt right. I have to go [Battleguard]. Even if it needs a competent healer to work right, I can¡¯t just drop my axe and learn the way of the blade. I¡¯ve come this far with this thing; I can¡¯t stop now. Besides, the axe was a natural fit. Since day one, I could never picture another weapon in my hands. I mean, unless it was a bigger and better axe. Depending on the specifics, maybe I could try a greatsword at some point. The two didn¡¯t fight too differently from what it looked like, anyway. The Second Shell was starting to look more and more like a village and less like a resort town. Citizens from the Third Shell mingled with the Second Shell girls, apprehensive expressions glued to their features. Some were shaking, others were crying. I happened to see Melly tending to the scraped knee of a kitten, her smile warm and bright. I smiled in turn and approached. ¡°Melly?¡± The catgirl stopped and glanced at me over her shoulder. ¡°Oh, Matt! Hang on just a second, okay?¡± She gently rubbed at the blood and peeled skin with a rag. The kid flinched and squinted her eyes while Melly worked. She carries herself like a Triage nurse. Maybe she could be my temporary healer? I shook my head of the thought. No, Cannoli was going to be my healer. I was sure she¡¯d be ready as soon as I was a [Battleguard]. It would just take some time. ¡°You¡¯re a brave girl, Serenity,¡± Melly said. ¡°Hold this in place for a bit. I just need to have a conversation with this young man, okay?¡± Serenity nodded and held the rag against her knee. Melly brushed her hands against one another as she rose to her feet. ¡°Sorry about that. Did you need something?¡± I shook my head. ¡°Nah. Just came to see how things were doing. Seems like you got a lot more people now.¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Melly said, furrowing her brow in concern. ¡°Many of the girls are too intimidated to approach the First Shell, so they stay here and receive help from the rest of us.¡± Melly drew a deep breath. ¡°It¡¯s a lot of work but satisfying. I feel I can truly put my Skills to the test.¡± She shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s awful how many sick and malnourished people there are.¡± Cailu¡¯s voice crawled beneath the wrinkles of my brain, whispering and offering unsolicited advice. ¡®Matt, if you do pursue [Battleguard], you will need to employ a capable healer.¡¯ The thought was growing louder. I swallowed the building lump in my throat. Would Melly make a good healer? Melly tilted her head. ¡°Are you alright?¡± ¡°Yeah. Yeah, I¡¯m fine,¡± I lied. I had to future-proof my Class change somehow. In the worst-case scenario, what if Cannoli hadn¡¯t finished on time? What if it would take her months or even years to complete her training? I had no idea what formal education looked like here. You can¡¯t just sit idly by and wait for Cannoli. My hands tightened into fists. It hurt, but I couldn¡¯t take any chances. ¡°Hey, Melly. I have a proposition for you.¡± Chapter 208: Splintered I struggled to come up with the words. It was taking an immense amount of willpower to accept the very real possibility that Cannoli wouldn¡¯t be in my Party anymore. It hurt like hell. But even Keke had agreed that Cannoli might just not be cut out for it. They were like sisters. I¡¯m sure it wasn¡¯t said lightly. Apparently I took too long to say anything. Melly shifted from one foot to the other beneath my gaze, her eyes darting to the side. She licked her lips and brushed her hair away from her shoulder. ¡°Matt, I can¡¯t exactly tell you no, but¡­ I don¡¯t think a kitten would be the best idea for me right now¡ª¡± ¡°No, that¡¯s not it.¡± I shook my head. ¡°Sorry. Let me start over. Cannoli told me that she needs to spend time on her faith. Outside of my Party.¡± ¡°Oh. I¡¯m sorry to hear that,¡± Melly replied, lifting her eyes. ¡°Yeah, me too. So I honestly don¡¯t know if she¡¯ll ever come back. But I want to be ready once I change to [Battleguard]... which means I need a healer.¡± I brushed a hand through my hair. ¡°You¡¯ve been great with Ceres and Lara, and clearly the rest of R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨© feels the same way.¡± I gestured to Serenity. ¡°I¡¯d love it if you came with me.¡± Melly¡¯s eyes widened a fraction, and her tail flicked behind her. She chewed her lower lip and took her time to answer. ¡°I¡¯m flattered that you¡¯d ask me. Really.¡± Glancing over her shoulder, she continued. ¡°And if it¡¯s what you command, I understand that I have to abide.¡± Ravyn wasn¡¯t kidding. These girls really don¡¯t have a choice when it comes to men. ¡°But my city and my people need me,¡± she continued. ¡°There aren¡¯t many knowledgeable healers in the First and Second Shells, and perhaps one or two in the Third. Most of the girls know little more than basic first aid.¡± I worked to keep my face neutral. She had a point, but damn, it didn¡¯t make the rejection any easier. ¡°I see.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not saying no. Maybe¡­ when you¡¯re done with your Class change, I¡¯ll be free to join you. Right now, though, I think me leaving the island would only hurt it more.¡± She clasped her hands over her skirt and bowed her head. ¡°Please don¡¯t misunderstand. I know full well that this is your choice to make.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not going to force you to leave, Melly. You¡¯re right. There are a lot of sick girls in the Third Shell that need you. It was selfish of me to ask.¡± Damn it. ¡°No, not at all. If you¡¯d asked me two weeks ago, I would have gone with you without a second thought. Just¡­ a lot of things have changed, you know?¡± Melly grinned. ¡°I have to say, I never thought I¡¯d be the first pick for a man¡¯s Party.¡± ¡°Anyone would be lucky to have you.¡± I glanced to the side, catching Serenity¡¯s expectant stare. She needed Melly. ¡°In that case, what can I do to help you while I¡¯m here?¡± ¡°Oh! Really?¡± Her mood brightened, and the tension seeped from her shoulders. ¡°I don¡¯t want to take up too much of your time!¡± ¡°Nah. I have a few days here still. I want to help.¡± Anything to keep my mind off of the future. Off of my Party splintering away into fragments. ¡°Whatever you need. Just name it.¡± ¡°That would be wonderful, Matt. Thank you!¡± Melly reached into her [Cat Pack] and tugged free a small leather journal and a thin stick of graphite. ¡°This has helped me more than I can say,¡± she said, catching my curious stare. Flipping the dark cover open, she turned to an empty page and began to write a list. ¡°I need these ingredients for a few common potions and tinctures that I¡¯ve noticed are rare within the Third Shell.¡± ¡°Melly?¡± Serenity called. ¡°I¡¯ll be right there, sweetheart. Just another moment for me,¡± Melly replied over her shoulder before returning to her list. ¡°[Alchemy] ingredients?¡± I wondered aloud. She nodded, not looking up from her work. ¡°Yes. Do you practice [Alchemy]?¡± ¡°Only a little,¡± I admitted. ¡°I can see if Destiny or Ravyn are free. Otherwise, I can at least help you brew.¡± ¡°Honestly, so long as you don¡¯t mind chopping up ingredients, a second pair of hands would really speed up the process.¡± She carefully tore the page free from her journal and passed it to me. ¡°Where do I get these?¡± I asked, skimming over the unfamiliar ingredients. Fangs and nails of Encroachers I¡¯d never heard of, plants I couldn¡¯t pronounce, and any number of ingredients that could have been solid or liquid. ¡°The citadel keeps most, if not all, of these in their stores. I¡¯m not sure if the castle¡¯s [Alchemist] hung around after the duel. I haven¡¯t seen her.¡± She gave an apologetic shrug. ¡°But if you can ask Lady Naeemah or Eshe, they should be able to help you find them.¡± ¡°Yeah, sure thing. One of them should talk to me, right? I don¡¯t think I¡¯m all that scary.¡± I smiled. ¡°Jeenie may have some of the Encroacher parts, too.¡± ¡°Oh, Jeenie talks to you?¡± Melly returned my smile. ¡°She made a point to stay as far away from King Magni as possible.¡± A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. I imagined Jeenie crouched behind one of the roach cages, hissing when Magni came within thirty feet. It was way too easy to see, and the thought made me laugh. ¡°I¡¯ll take it as a compliment. But yeah, she talks to me.¡± ¡°That¡¯s great! Well, as soon as you have everything, just come find me around here, and we¡¯ll get brewing.¡± Melly tucked her notebook back in her pack. ¡°Thank you again, Matt. This means a lot to me.¡± ¡°No problem, Melly. I want to keep my hands busy. See you in a bit.¡± I gave her a small nod, stuffed the list in my [Cat Pack], and headed back to the castle. So much for staying away for the day. The thought of leaving the island once again clamped around my chest. It was so damn hard to try to find the same excitement and anticipation for seeing Nyarlothep as I¡¯d had the first few days of arriving on Ni. I¡¯d promised Keke and Cannoli that we¡¯d see it together. Well, we would see it together, but this wasn¡¯t how I¡¯d pictured it at all. This world wasn¡¯t what I¡¯d pictured at all. At least you¡¯re helping them. Isn¡¯t that what you wanted? I sighed and marched back to the castle. As I passed through the First Shell, a sudden movement caught the corner of my eye. A tail of black hair and a wave of green silk disappeared inside the glass greenhouse. Naeemah? Well, I needed to talk to her anyway. If she decided to ignore me like she usually did, then I could check her off my list and go find Eshe and Jeenie. I changed course for the greenhouse, passing a few catgirls carrying wicker baskets piled with dirty sheets and clothing. They smiled and greeted me warmly, and I did my best to do the same. The shattered glass from Naeemah¡¯s initial break-in had been swept away from the path, and it seemed that someone had removed the broken doorframe, leaving behind a rectangle of smooth glass. I caught Naeemah¡¯s silhouette disappearing down the farthest row of plants and jogged to catch up. Three steps down the aisle, a hand gripped my shoulder and spun me around. I nearly jumped out of my skin. ¡°Why are you following me?¡± Naeemah hissed, eyes narrowed. She still wore her [Civilian Mode] dress but had a dagger clasped in her hand. I raised my empty hands to my sides. ¡°Jesus. I come in peace.¡± She frowned. ¡°Sorry. I¡ª¡± I began to lower my hand to my pack, and she raised the dagger. I froze. ¡°¡ªI have an [Alchemy] shopping list that Melly said you could help me with.¡± Lowering the blade, she nodded. I retrieved the paper and held it out for her. She accepted it, and her frown deepened as she looked it over. ¡°Eshe can help you with this.¡± I shrugged. ¡°I saw you come in here and figured I¡¯d take my chances. Didn¡¯t mean to interrupt anything.¡± She passed it back. ¡°The medicinal ingredient stores are in the healing ward of the citadel. I understand you¡¯re familiar with the [Priest]s there. They can help you.¡± It was my turn to frown. ¡°How do you know that?¡± ¡°It¡¯s part of my role as Queen. No Bell, service, or trade is exchanged without my knowledge.¡± She strode down the row of thin, bushy-leaved trees with ruby blossoms the size of my hand. She¡¯d turned away from me, but it felt like she had eyes in the back of her head, always watching. ¡°Will that be all?¡± Why do you seem more upset than usual? It didn¡¯t seem like the place to ask. Well, okay, maybe a part of me was more worried that her blade would disappear inside my chest if I dared to question her. ¡°You know, I have been wondering. When we first got here, why did you break down the door?¡± I motioned behind me to the greenhouse¡¯s opening. Naeemah rested her hands behind her, back perfectly straight, shoulders squared, chin held high. Everything about her read ¡®Queen¡¯ with a capital Q. She pursed her lips, studying one of the flowers in silence. Just as I was ready to give up and go, she replied, ¡°There are dozens of methods and hundreds of years of farming and [Harvesting] cataloged on Ichi Island. Beyond the unprecedented sugar shortage, I have always fed my people on the gifts from the sands.¡± She fingered a long, red petal. ¡°Not a single plant, spice, or flower in this structure is native to Ichi Island. They were all imported at a premium.¡± ¡°Trade keeps each of the islands going though, right?¡± I asked. This was definitely more of Tristan and Cailu¡¯s area. ¡°It does. And in time, I will have the door repaired.¡± Naeemah plucked the flower away from its tree. She spun it between her fingers, and the stem caught fire, petals enveloped by flames. I stepped back, surprised. Wasn¡¯t sure if that was just a quirk of the flower or if Naeemah was casting Magic outside of [Combat Mode]. ¡°However,¡± she spoke through gritted teeth, spreading the ashes to the dirt, ¡°this building is another act of unneeded extravagance. Bells and resources that should have been allocated to every citizen in every corner of this island.¡± Yeah. Okay. I probably would have done the same thing. ¡°I see your point.¡± I tried to think of how to transition the conversation and failed. ¡°Thanks for humoring me. I¡¯ll leave you be.¡± ¡°Hold on, Matt.¡± Her expression softened, though she didn¡¯t look at me. ¡°Thank you.¡± For¡­? But a reason never came. I had too many things to think about anyway, and I didn¡¯t want to press her. ¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡± I left the greenhouse without another word, returning to my hunt for ingredients. Between the [Priest]s and a giddy Jeenie, I managed to scrape everything together. Had to borrow an extra [Cat Pack] from the ward to bring it all to Melly, but it made it easier than carrying them in multiple trips or a giant sack. I found Melly tending to another kitten with a cut on her forehead. She smiled when she saw me. ¡°How many days did you say you have left?¡± she asked. ¡°Three, I think,¡± I replied, handing her the extra pack. ¡°Great. I¡¯ll take up as much of your time as you¡¯ll give me.¡± Melly picked through the [Cat Pack] and pulled out a bottle with swirling blue liquid inside. ¡°I¡¯ll throw three meals a day and a comfortable bed into the bargain if it sweetens the deal.¡± There was an unmistakable trace of understanding in her tone. She¡¯d read me like a book. And I¡¯d be lying if I said I wasn¡¯t grateful. ¡°That sounds great, Melly. Thanks.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡± Ruffling the kitten¡¯s hair between her ears, her smile widened. ¡°Let¡¯s get to work.¡± Chapter 209: Witchshadow A break from the castle was just what I needed. And hey, besides, being out of the castle for a while gave me an excuse to learn more about [Alchemy]. The conversation I shared with Keke was brief and a bit awkward initially, but I couldn¡¯t hide anything from her. Despite my poor attempts to hide the truth, Keke was no less wise than Melly concerning my situation. In the middle of helping Melly, Keke sought me out, gave me a peck on the cheek, and offered to be a shoulder if I needed her. For the next three days, I worked as Nurse Matt. The first day was the busiest. I¡¯ll admit, I could never do what Melly does. Seemed to me that caring for the patient¡¯s emotional state was just as important as tending to the wound. Thinking back on it, Ceres was invaluable when she hung around my bedside. She didn¡¯t even have to do much. Just knowing that she cared and kept a watchful eye over me was good enough. I couldn¡¯t imagine it was much different for the people in the Third Shell. Most Third Shell residents had taken notice that the wall was still in disarray and that the Ejderha were not returning. So many of them looked so scared to walk into the Second Shell, and my heart went out to them. I had to hope our Parties weren¡¯t partially responsible for their fear. But I wasn¡¯t about to walk up to them and ask what their opinion was on us. Best to leave well enough alone. ¡°Keep stirring, Matt,¡± Melly cautioned with a gentle hand over mine. ¡°Just not too fast, okay? It can easily fizz over if you¡¯re too aggressive with it.¡± We continued the stirring motion together for a few more seconds until she steadily drew away from me. I continued to stir the concoction until it turned the baby-blue color Melly was looking for. Reminded me of how a parent would guide their kid on a bike, then let go. Luckily, unlike my unfortunate bike crashes as a child, this came naturally. ¡°Hey, I got it!¡± With the stir stick still held between two fingers, I drew back, impressed with my work. I was getting better with this each and every time. Part of me wondered if my affinity for video games had anything to do with my dexterous motions. Probably not. ¡°Heck yeah!¡± ¡°Good job, Matt!¡± said Melly. ¡°Now, take it off the heat just like I showed you.¡± ¡°Right.¡± I grabbed the tongs beside me and used them to set the container on the table. ¡°Sorry, could you remind me when we cork it?¡± ¡°Three minutes.¡± Melly had returned to her side of the table with a beaker and flame of her own. I had to admire her dedication to her craft. Not once while she worked did she ever look at me. Her attention remained glued to the bottle at all times. ¡°You¡¯re a quick learner. Has anyone ever told you that?¡± Uhh, I don¡¯t think so. If anything, I hear the opposite. ¡°No, not really.¡± The mist bubbling from my concoction was beginning to disappear. ¡°Well, you are. [Alchemy] isn¡¯t a very popular craft, but it¡¯s a necessary one.¡± Melly plucked a few nettles from a bowl beside her and set them on a chopping board. Retrieving one of the sharpest-looking cooking knives I¡¯d ever seen, she chopped them into fine pieces. Her movements mirrored those I¡¯d seen of professional chefs. ¡°Many aren¡¯t willing to put in the proper time required to see it bear fruit.¡± ¡°Why do you think that is?¡± I asked, crossing my arms. ¡°It¡¯s practical as hell.¡± ¡°It can feel like nothing but diminishing returns sometimes. Especially if you¡¯re trying to learn it on your own.¡± She smiled. ¡°It¡¯s good to have a teacher.¡± A stain where Melly had diced the nettles had appeared on her cutting board. I wasn¡¯t super great at it yet, but thinking back to what Shizen taught me regarding different plants, I wondered if there was something more to the style of slicing the herbs that helped in the potion¡¯s edibility. ¡°Why do you cut them like that?¡± Melly looked at me briefly, then glanced at the bottle heating under the flame. ¡°Why not?¡± She mouthed something to herself, then said, ¡°Uhm, so there are two reasons. One is that it makes the potion easier to swallow.¡± Ha! Nailed it! ¡°The other,¡± Melly continued, ¡°is that the thorn has these tiny buds inside. I¡­ well, dang it. I¡¯d show you, but¡ª¡± ¡°They¡¯re all cut up now,¡± I chuckled. ¡°Eheheh. Yeah, and I don¡¯t want to waste any. Desert opals are rare enough as is.¡± Melly flushed when my face fell. ¡°N-not that you wasted it! You¡¯re learning. Anyway, tiny buds lie within the nettle. The tough outer shell protects the pods, so you need a very sharp knife to puncture it without it splattering everywhere.¡± Melly raised the blade and retrieved a sheet of paper off to the side. ¡°Watch.¡± With the blade¡¯s edge held upward, she guided the sheet over it, and the knife effortlessly cut through the paper until the two pieces floated away from her onto the floor. ¡°This is my best knife.¡± If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Hot damn, I would hate to be on the receiving end of that thing. ¡°Wow.¡± It seemed to me [Alchemy] was a craft someone could spend years practicing if they put their mind to it. ¡°Having the proper tools must be expensive though, right?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Melly nodded. ¡°Thankfully, I never wanted for such things.¡± Her lips formed a thin, pensive line. ¡°If I¡¯m being honest, it¡¯s nice to be needed again.¡± ¡°Again?¡± I frowned. ¡°What do you mean?¡± Please don¡¯t tell me another tragic Ichi Island story. ¡°My mother passed away a couple of years ago.¡± Oh, god damn it. ¡°I¡¯m sorry to hear that,¡± I said as I glanced back at my beaker. ¡°Don¡¯t be,¡± Melly said, her smile returning. ¡°She lived a full life. One she could be proud of. She passed away peacefully in her sleep.¡± What a relief. The last thing I needed to hear right now was that Magni threw her into a cage, or she became an Ejderha, or something like that. ¡°I¡¯m glad you had a good relationship with her.¡± ¡°Thanks, Matt. Me too.¡± I was honestly having a great time learning more [Alchemy], and it kept me out of my own head for a while. We worked quietly until we¡¯d both finished cutting. ¡°This¡­ may sound like a silly question,¡± Melly stammered suddenly, ¡°but do men have mothers?¡± It took everything I had not to laugh. It reminded me of a meme I¡¯d seen years ago about girls becoming pregnant from holding hands. The innocence of her question had me sucking in my lips. ¡°They do,¡± I replied. ¡°Ahh, that must¡¯ve been nice.¡± ¡°Where do you think we come from?¡± I asked, catching my breath. ¡°Saoirse¡¯s gifts to Nyarlea. So, in a way, we believe Saoirse to be your mother.¡± Melly hesitated. ¡°It¡¯s a shame catgirls can¡¯t give birth to men.¡± ¡°Any idea why that is?¡± The mist had cooled away from my container, so I grabbed two oven mitts I¡¯d set aside from the kitchen. Carefully cradling the glass, I carried it to the table behind me. ¡°That¡¯s like asking me why I can¡¯t fly,¡± Melly laughed. ¡°If you read Saoirse¡¯s Decrees, giving birth to a man is high above a catgirl¡¯s station.¡± ¡°Hm. Where I came from, there was a fifty-fifty chance of a boy or a girl being born if a woman got pregnant.¡± I frowned as the words left my mouth. The bizarre nature of the conversation was not lost on me. But hey, at least I didn¡¯t blush at the talk of sex anymore. ¡°That¡¯s strange,¡± Melly mused. Glass clinked, and the cutting of herbs sounded from behind me. ¡°That makes no sense to me why a boy¡­ I¡¯m assuming that¡¯s a small man, yes?¡± Small man. What a term. ¡°Yeah, I guess so,¡± I said, half-laughing. ¡°Boys are what men are before they¡¯re, er, well, men. Like kittens into catgirls.¡± A pause followed. ¡°That other man following you. The¡ª¡± she raised her hand equal to her eyes, ¡°¡ªpetite one. He is a man, right? Not a boy?¡± Ouch. Sorry, Tristan. ¡°Yeah, full-blooded man. As true as they come.¡± A series of small jars rested in a small alcove carved into the wall¡¯s stone. I grabbed five of them and set them to the right of the beaker. ¡°Boy. Boy, boy, boy.¡± Melly repeated it as if it were a new word she was trying to add to her vocabulary. ¡°Huh.¡± I guess it¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve had a talk like this. Kinda nice, actually. ¡°That¡¯s so weird,¡± Melly hummed in a lower tone. ¡°Men being born as children. I could never imagine such a thing.¡± ¡°Is it really so hard to picture?¡± I asked. ¡°Just imagine me,¡± I turned around for effect, one of the empty jars in my hand, ¡°and picture me about half this size. That¡¯s a boy.¡± I returned to the containers and began to carefully fill each one with the substance I¡¯d made only minutes earlier. The consistency and thickness reminded me a lot of milk. As long as I was slow, it wouldn¡¯t splash, either. ¡°This looks awful to drink,¡± I muttered. ¡°What was that?¡± Melly asked. ¡°Just wondering how this stuff tastes.¡± ¡°Not great.¡± Melly giggled. ¡°I have to say, women giving birth to boys is such a strange concept to me. I always wondered if the death of one man meant that Saoirse simply births another.¡± I don¡¯t think that¡¯s too far from the truth in this world. ¡°So, if men come from mothers like catgirls do, then does that mean that you had a mother?¡± Melly¡¯s question froze me on the spot. ¡°Yeah.¡± I¡¯d nearly forgotten about her, and as my mother''s grating voice returned to my mind, I shook it away. ¡°What was she like?¡± ¡°We weren¡¯t close.¡± Pulling open a drawer beneath the table, I procured a leather belt. Pouches lined the strap from one end to the other. They were the perfect size for small bottles like the ones I¡¯d just filled. After corking the tiny jars, I filled five of the pouches. They were snug but not overly so. I imagined something like this being invaluable to combat [Alchemist]s. I wonder if Destiny needs one? ¡°Sorry if that¡¯s a sensitive subject,¡± Melly said when I didn¡¯t add anything else. At some point, she¡¯d completed her own batch of Chloro Potion. It looked mostly like mine, baby blue with a thick consistency. Though hers was a bit darker in color. ¡°It¡¯s not your fault.¡± I twisted the belt between my fingers. ¡°It sounds like you miss your mom quite a bit.¡± ¡°I do. Very much so,¡± she admitted. ¡°Is your grandmother still around?¡± I buttoned the tops over each bottle and began my way over to a counter in the corner of the room where we¡¯d agreed to put the supplies. ¡°Granny Nauka moved away a long time ago. I don¡¯t know where she is anymore. Sending and receiving letters on Ichi hasn¡¯t been reliable for years. ¡± I stopped dead in my tracks. The name drop had nearly caused me to drop the belt. No. I misheard that. It¡¯s a coincidence. ¡°Sorry. One more time,¡± I said, slowly turning to face her. ¡°Who?¡± ¡°Oh, dear. I¡¯m mumbling again.¡± She laughed nervously. ¡°Granny Nauka¡ªthat is, my grandmother¡ªshe moved away a long time ago.¡± Melly shook her head. ¡°She disagreed with where the island was heading. I haven¡¯t heard from her since I was a kitten.¡± It can¡¯t be. Right? Matt has gained: 2 Levels of [Alchemy]! Matt has learned a new [Alchemy] recipe! Chapter 210: The Last Wish ¡°I¡¯ll have you know that I had to call all hands on deck for your project here,¡± Ikrele grumbled, smoothing a hand over a polished silver breastplate. ¡°Well, the ones left, anyway.¡± ¡°I appreciate your attentiveness to my commission,¡± Cailu replied. He leaned over the counter, inspecting the matching gauntlets while he compared them to Ceres¡¯ measurements listed in the iPaw. They seemed so small and delicate when held against the metal plates around his own forearms. ¡°You followed my instructions exactly?¡± Ikrele narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms. ¡°Not a whisker out of place, king killer.¡± Cailu frowned. ¡°Typically, artisans will flatter their clients if they wish to receive a gratuity.¡± He let the gauntlet rest near its breastplate and moved to inspect Matt¡¯s armor. Even he had to admit the craftsmanship on each piece was immaculate. Not a single stitch skipped or loose seam. The plate was hammered and polished to perfection. Every material used would have cost a fortune in Nyarlothep. Ikrele barked a laugh. ¡°I doubt me or any of the girls here could sweet talk those extra Bells out of your pack, Cailu. You aren¡¯t that kind of person.¡± ¡°And you presume to know what kind of person I am?¡± Cailu didn¡¯t bother to meet her gaze. She scratched her head just behind the ear and stared him down with a wry, toothy grin. ¡°You and me have been stuck in this world for a long time. It¡¯s written all over your face. You¡¯re out of patience for this shit. Just like I am.¡± ¡°Perhaps.¡± Cailu worked to keep his tone even. ¡°Hey. Look. It wouldn¡¯t kill you to loosen up a little,¡± Ikrele said, lifting Cannoli¡¯s dress and folding it with expert hands and perfect creases. ¡°Life¡¯s too short.¡± And yet it takes so long. ¡°Your advice is¡­ noted.¡± ¡°Good enough.¡± Ikrele rolled her eyes and moved on to the next dress¡ªRavyn¡¯s¡ªfolding it with the same level of care. ¡°Get your Bells out, and I¡¯ll get these packed up.¡± As he counted the hefty sum where Ikrele could clearly watch, her words plagued him. When had he lost his ability to maintain a neutral expression?
After asking one First Shell resident and two in the second, Cailu found Matt in a building thick with alchemic haze. The bitter smell of desert opals wafted from the common room, where Matt and the young woman who had taken in Ceres and Lara¡ªMelly, if memory served¡ªworked at a narrow table with a dozen jars and bottles framing its surface. Melly murmured something as she sliced open another desert opal with deft fingers, and Matt chuckled. Matt looked up with Cailu''s footsteps, and his smile faltered. ¡°Hey, Cailu.¡± Melly''s eyes darted to Cailu''s face, and her ears flattened against her head. She avoided his gaze and offered him a quick bow. ¡°Good evening, Matt.¡± Cailu shifted the bundles of armor under his arm. Matt glanced at them curiously but remained silent. ¡°Practicing [Alchemy] is an excellent use of your time.¡± Matt set his jaw. ¡°Thanks. Melly''s a great teacher.¡± Melly hummed an unintelligible reply. ¡°What did you need, Cailu?¡± Matt asked, his words sharp. ¡°Another fun-filled family dinner?¡± Cailu shook his head. ¡°I understand that your situation is turbulent¡ª¡± Matt sputtered a short, incredulous laugh. ¡°¡ªHowever, we should leave tomorrow at first light,¡± Cailu finished, ignoring Matt''s response. It will hurt no matter how long we delay our departure. Setting his knife aside, Matt laid his hands on the table, balling them into fists. He rocked on the balls of his feet, then nodded. ¡°Sure. If you say so.¡± ¡°I also need you to disperse these amongst your Party.¡± Cailu moved a series of flasks aside, clearing enough room on the table for all five packages. Matt raised an eyebrow. ¡°What are they?¡± ¡°Armor for you, Keke, Ceres, Ravyn, and Cannoli.¡± Cailu lifted the lid on the box containing Matt¡¯s. ¡°It will last you well into your Second Classes.¡± Matt blinked. His attention flickered to the cloth in Cailu¡¯s hands, then back to Cailu¡¯s face. ¡°I don¡¯t have the Bells for all of that.¡± ¡°I know. Which is why I paid for it,¡± Cailu continued slowly. ¡°I task you with having new weapons crafted for all of them as soon as possible.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want to owe you anything, Cailu,¡± Matt snapped. ¡°Shit¡¯s hard enough as it is.¡± Cailu covered the package and drummed his fingers across the top. ¡°The only repayment I need is for you to stay alive.¡± Matt¡¯s expression darkened, and they stared each other down in tense silence. ¡°U-um, excuse me for asking,¡± Melly murmured, then pointed to the boxes. ¡°B-but, if Matt didn¡¯t know about this, how did you know their measurements?¡± Matt shook his head. ¡°That¡¯s true. Is this going to fit?¡± Cailu sighed. Perhaps you should take the time to browse your iPaw, boy. ¡°When an armorer or tailor fits you or any members of your Party, the measurements are logged in your [Equipment] screen.¡± ¡°Is that a ¡®Second Class only¡¯ thing?¡± Matt asked. Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. ¡°No. However, viewing another man¡¯s information and Party statistics is. Ai can guide you to the correct window.¡± Cailu folded his arms over his chest. ¡°I digress. You may spend your night¡ª¡± he glanced at Melly, ¡°¡ªdoing whatever you please. Be ready to leave in the morning.¡± Melly turned a furious shade of red and ducked her head, hiding her face behind her hair. Matt lay a hand on Melly¡¯s shoulder and glowered at Cailu. ¡°Will you ever stop looking at them like mindless pieces of meat?¡± Cailu frowned. ¡°You misunderstand¡ª¡± ¡°No, Cailu. The only thing I don¡¯t understand is how Naeemah put up with you for so long,¡± Matt growled. Anger bubbled in Cailu¡¯s chest, and heat consumed his throat. ¡°Matt, you do not¡ª¡± ¡°Thanks for the armor. I¡¯ll make sure my girls get it,¡± Matt interrupted. ¡°Come on, Melly. We need more supplies.¡± He turned his back on Cailu and marched down the hallway. ¡°Okay,¡± Melly squeaked. ¡°Matt!¡± Cailu barked. Matt clasped both hands into fists on either side of his head and raised his middle fingers. What is this, now? More nonsense from Matt¡¯s previous world, surely. With a quick bow to Cailu, Melly said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Excuse me,¡± and scuttled away to join Matt. Regaining his composure, Cailu ran a hand through his hair and exited the dwelling. Matt seemed consumed by attachment to any catgirl he encountered. Even Yomi, who had so profoundly betrayed him, fell beneath his protection. Why? Why cling to such otiose idealisms that would only end in grief? He reached into his [Cat Pack], touching the drawing of Naeemah that Tristan had given him. But then, do I deserve to question him? Staring into the afternoon sun, he considered his final tasks before he could consider them ready to leave. Tristan would be easily found within the citadel or in the dining hall at supper time. Cailu could warn him to be ready soon enough and find any final possible leads on Magni¡¯s ¡®book.¡¯ He pulled the drawing free, studying the dark, judgmental gaze that stared back. There was one other person he needed to speak with before their departure.
As soon as Cailu knocked on the polished wooden doors, his heart sped. He cursed under his breath. ¡°Come in,¡± Naeemah called. Cailu pressed against the door and stepped inside. The twin sofas had been pushed to the right to make way for a gilded writing desk. Leather tomes were splayed open across the desk¡¯s surface while Naeemah perched at the center, comparing the page her quill was posed over to the others. She glanced up when Cailu entered, then dropped her gaze to continue her work. ¡°Forgive my intrusion,¡± Cailu said, closing the door behind him. ¡°I know we have been¡­ distant these last few days.¡± ¡°Did you come to tell me you¡¯re leaving?¡± Naeemah asked, eyes still fixated on the book. ¡°You have my blessing.¡± Cailu¡¯s chest tightened with her facile dismissal. This was the kind of treatment he expected from Nehalennia and her court. Not Naeemah. Naeemah has tried to reach out, and I have struck her down each and every time. This is the treatment I deserve. Cailu knew he should leave it at that. A short, simple parting between them ensured their safety and his continuous protection of Nyarlea. But this is not how I want to leave you¡­ I¡­ don¡¯t want to leave you, Naeemah. It took five steps to close the distance. Five steps that conveyed more than words. Naeemah carefully laid her quill beside the book, and with an unsteady hand, Cailu twined his fingers with hers. She studied their clasped hands, then whispered, ¡°Cailu, what are you afraid of?¡± Cailu hesitated. ¡°When you first asked me that question, I thought my answer was you, Naeemah.¡± He focused on an empty page, letting his honesty spill free. ¡°I find that, in truth, it is not you I fear. It is me.¡± Naeemah rose to her feet, black silks shifting like the sands around her ankles and the tiny medallions on her top clinking together. She leveled his gaze, harnessing the same intense pride he¡¯d always known in her. ¡°Why?¡± The answer was simple, yet caught in his throat. An admission that could destroy them both. The last thing he wanted was to patronize her, but like as not, his words and thoughts held an immense amount of sway in this world. Naeemah lifted her hand, laying her palm against his chin before stroking the line of his cheek with her thumb. ¡°Tell me why.¡± Her close proximity and intense gaze tore down the fortress he¡¯d constructed around his heart brick by brick. ¡°I am afraid of the end, Naeemah. Of being unable to uphold my duties or find satisfaction in this world anymore. I find that I can no longer hide my emotions or reactions from others.¡± He leaned into her touch, relishing her cool skin on his face. ¡°I can no longer hide how I feel for you.¡± ¡°In this, you are not alone.¡± Naeemah squeezed their entwined hands. ¡°Saoirse be damned, Cailu. I love you.¡± ¡°Those are words that will kill us both¡± Cailu tilted his forehead forward, touching hers. I shouldn¡¯t¡­ ¡°All our years together, and you believe I would let our conversation escape these walls?¡± She drew her hand away, then snaked her arms around his neck as she leaned her lithe body against his. We shouldn¡¯t¡­ ¡°Walls have eyes and ears, Naeemah. You know this as well as I.¡± The scent of her was intoxicating. Logic warred with longing. No matter how loud the warning, he couldn¡¯t push her away. ¡°Mhm,¡± she hummed, looking up at him. There are people in this world that care about you. Cailu kissed Naeemah before he could second-guess himself. She immediately reciprocated, her tongue dancing between his lips and her tail curling around his thigh. It was a needy embrace that continually fed into one another like timber to a fire. His heart raced, and his skin was alight with the taste of her. He¡¯d nearly forgotten how such a genuine connection could feel. Naeemah pulled away with a gasp and leaned her forehead against his chest. With a giggle entirely unlike her, she said, ¡°I can¡¯t have a kitten. Not right now.¡± ¡°Thank goodness kissing is chaste,¡± he quipped, stroking a hand through her hair. ¡°We both know where this leads,¡± Naeemah murmured. Cailu tipped her chin up, searching her face. Her gaze glittered with worry. ¡°Then allow me to return when you are ready. Or, perhaps, before then. When I am ready.¡± Surprise replaced the concern in her eyes. ¡°Cailu¡­¡± ¡°Only if you still desire it,¡± Cailu added. ¡°I understand I have not made this easy.¡± ¡°That¡¯s just your nature,¡± she teased. ¡°Of course I still want you here.¡± ¡°Then it is settled.¡± The tenderness in their touch felt foreign and unpracticed but not unwelcome. ¡°If another man like Magni appears, I give you permission to dispatch him. I will put it in writing if I must.¡± Her laugh was like music to his ears. ¡°You have my word.¡± ¡°And you my trust.¡± Cailu¡¯s yearning for her kiss prodded at his heart. The taste of her lingered on his tongue. He pictured her in their many shared baths, dressed in nothing but steam. His hands slid to her bare waist, and he memorized the feel of her skin. The sight of Naeemah¡¯s breaths speeding with the rise and fall of her chest made it nigh impossible to stop there. ¡°I will miss you.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting,¡± she breathed. Cailu chanced one last kiss, his heartbeat throbbing against his skin. He broke away before it escalated to a stage they would both regret. She understood the same, withdrawing her arms and taking a seat at her desk. A pink flush hued her cheeks, and a knowing smile played at her lips. ¡°Write to me?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Cailu straightened his hair and tunic, then moved to leave. With one last look at Naeemah, he closed the door to her room. Chapter 211: Un Verano Sin Ti I rubbed my face with both hands, stealing gasps of bittersweet air through my fingers. Why was everything out of Cailu¡¯s mouth a goddamned shot at me? ¡°¡®I need for you to stay alive,¡¯¡± I mimicked quietly. I¡¯m sure to Melly I sounded like a kitten throwing a tantrum and, as the next flask I picked up shattered in my grip, I¡¯m sure I looked like one, too. ¡°Matt! Are you okay?¡± Melly danced around my back, then delicately searched my hand for cuts. ¡°Sorry. I¡¯ll pay for that,¡± I grumbled, pulling a small shard free from a shallow cut near my thumb. Good job, Kelmer. First your knuckles, now this. At this rate, Erina will have a one-armed student in no time. ¡°No, don¡¯t worry about it! Really, there are plenty,¡± Melly assured me, skipping to a cabinet against the wall and scouring through wicker baskets for a bandage. ¡°Let¡¯s get you patched up.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not that bad.¡± I sucked at the cut, hardly feeling the sting of pain reverberating into my wrist. Squatting low to the floor, I carefully picked up the larger pieces of glass and tossed them into a nearby trash bin. Melly returned to my side, pulling my hand from my mouth before dabbing it with a damp cloth. ¡°You don¡¯t want an infection, remember?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± For the second time that week, I watched as another person cleaned and wrapped a self-sustained injury. Maybe it was Melly¡¯s questions about my parents, but faded memories of my dad breaking plates and punching holes in the wall resurfaced. I never wanted to be like that. Ever. I have to get this under control. ¡°Melly, seriously, I¡¯m sorry.¡± Melly shook her head as she secured the bandage, the pink tips of her green hair tickling her cheeks. ¡°It¡¯s just a flask. What¡¯s important is that you¡¯re okay.¡± She bent down to help me sweep away the tiny glass shards that were barely visible on the tile floor. ¡°Does he always talk to you like that?¡± ¡°Always,¡± I sighed. ¡°¡®Matt, why have you not mastered [Alchemy] yet?¡¯ ¡®Matt, it has been three days, now. You should be Third Class.¡¯ It¡¯s nonstop.¡± ¡°But then he buys all of that armor.¡± She wrinkled her brow. ¡°If Ikrele made those sets, they¡¯re each worth a fortune.¡± ¡°Right? I want to believe he¡¯s trying to help. I really do. One second he¡¯s shelling out thousands of Bells to help me and my girls stay safe. The next, he¡¯s telling me how fucking stupid I am for wanting to keep the same people in my Party. It¡¯s his way or the highway.¡± Melly¡¯s ears perked. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, his way or the what?¡± Oh. Right. ¡°Like I have to follow in his shadow exactly or he¡¯ll make an example of me.¡± I waved a hand across the air, picturing a lit marquee above a theater. ¡°Come see the weakest asshole in all of Nyarlea! Matt Kelmer!¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think anyone believes that, Matt. Not even Cailu,¡± Melly countered. She stood and brushed her hands against her apron, the gold bracelets around her wrists jingling as they fell together. ¡°I was only a kitten when Naeemah left, but I remember the other girls talking about him. A person who didn¡¯t care for others wouldn¡¯t bring Naeemah home and duel the one obstacle standing in her way. He wouldn¡¯t buy five sets of armor for someone else¡¯s Party.¡± So, what, this is tough love? ¡°If he cared, he wouldn¡¯t look at you like a piece of ass.¡± She flinched. I chewed my tongue. Real smooth, Kelmer. ¡°Too harsh. My bad.¡± I stood and touched Melly¡¯s clean dressing. Melly gave a half-hearted laugh, though it didn¡¯t reach her eyes. ¡°You know, Granny Nauka used to say that all men were only here to chase our tails. I never really understood what she meant. Why would anyone want to chase our tails?¡± She took her pink-tipped tail in her hands, smoothing the ends between her fingers. ¡°What you said makes a lot more sense.¡± The sadness in Melly¡¯s voice and the listless way she touched her tail tore at my heart. I turned and pulled her into a tight hug. She squeaked in surprise but quickly relaxed and wrapped her arms around my back. ¡°Fuck what Cailu and Nauka think. You¡¯ve been the best friend and teacher a guy could ask for,¡± I said, cradling her head against my chest. ¡°If there¡¯s anything I can do to repay you, just tell me.¡± ¡°This is nice. And warm.¡± She giggled. ¡°I¡¯ve enjoyed my time with you. But there is one thing I¡¯d like you to do.¡± ¡°Name it.¡± She drew away and blinked at me with wide green eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t let your girls go without telling them how much they matter to you.¡± I flushed. I wanted to argue, but I was the one avoiding them for three days. Doing everything in my power to distance myself before the true split happened. ¡°Hey. It¡¯s important that they know,¡± Melly added gently. ¡°I can see it, but everyone needs a little encouragement once in a while.¡± I nodded. ¡°Yeah. You¡¯re right.¡± I squeezed her shoulders and smiled. ¡°Thanks, Melly.¡± ¡°You¡¯re welcome. Now, go get packed. You should head back to the citadel.¡± She cupped her hands around mine. ¡°They¡¯ll be waiting for you.¡±
I figured the armor handouts would be as good a time as any to visit my girls. Honestly, we¡¯d have a long ride back to the port in Kandota and a slow boat to Nyarlothep to talk about what happened from here. And, for the most part, I wasn¡¯t worried about Keke, Ravyn, and Ceres during our time apart. Melly was right. I didn¡¯t want Cannoli and my final conversation to be about her need for a pilgrimage. We¡¯d been carefully distancing ourselves from one another, and that had to end now. Another idea hit me. One that required a little help from a certain [Hunter], and I¡¯m not exactly proud to say what I traded for it. But I got what I was looking for out of the exchange. I found Cannoli kneeling on a balcony on the second floor, hands clasped at her chest and head bowed. A silk rug patterned in blue and silver loops and swirls was spread beneath her, and a bowl with lit incense rested in the upper right corner. Buttons lay curled up and asleep to her left. This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it Maybe I shouldn¡¯t interrupt her. But if I didn¡¯t do this now, then when? Just keep putting it off until it was too late? ¡°Cannoli?¡± I said gently. ¡°Can I borrow you for a few?¡± Her ears flickered forward, and she turned her head to face me, eyes slowly blinking as if awakening from a trance. Her gaze was steady and sure. Where was that bright light I¡¯d come to associate with her? ¡°Sorry, Matt. I¡¯m busy.¡± ¡°I know. It won¡¯t take long,¡± I assured her, clinging to the last fragments of my confidence. ¡°We have to leave at first light, and I don¡¯t know when we¡¯ll get another chance alone.¡± Cannoli frowned and studied me for a long time. Like she was trying to figure out if it would be worth it. Don¡¯t give her up without a fight, Matt. ¡°Alright,¡± she agreed at last. I sighed in relief. Cannoli scooped Buttons into both hands, moving him to her shoulder. He yawned and stretched, taking his favorite perch at the curve of her neck. She smoothed her skirt over her knees and stood, pacing barefoot from the rug, past me, then into the hallway. ¡°What is it?¡± I grinned. ¡°Come with me.¡± The tiniest spark of curiosity slid into her gaze. The Cannoli I knew and adored was still in there, and it gave me hope. She gestured with one hand. ¡°After you.¡± I led her downstairs and out to the Encroacher-filled courtyard. She paused at the door, sliding on a pair of slippers before stepping onto the pitch. ¡°Matt, what¡¯s this about?¡± Annoyance crept into her tone. ¡°Almost there, promise.¡± I fished the key Jeenie lent me from my [Cat Pack]. She¡¯d promised to bring the cage forward and disappear for a few hours, and the lack of her manic giggling was good enough for me. ¡°Here, let me hold Buttons,¡± I said, holding out a hand. Cannoli eyed it suspiciously. Buttons did the same. ¡°Why?¡± Come on, Buttons. I bought you, for Christ¡¯s sake. ¡°I¡¯ll give him right back.¡± With one more leering glare at my hand, Cannoli lifted Buttons from her shoulder and passed him to me. I opened the front pocket of my green jacket and held Buttons close to it. ¡°Just hang in here, little guy. Won¡¯t be long.¡± Buttons gave me another incredulous look. Seriously, dude? ¡°I put a few peanuts in there.¡± That did the trick. Buttons hopped head-first into my pocket in search of his favorite treat. I chuckled and went to the cage¡¯s door. ¡°Matt¡ª¡± Cannoli began. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t bring you here unless I knew you¡¯d like it, right?¡± I asked, sliding the key into the lock. She crossed her arms over her chest. ¡°I guess.¡± ¡°Do you trust me?¡± That answer took a lot longer. Her weight shifted from one foot to the other. She looked from me to the cage, then back to me. Come on, Cannoli. Please. Puffing her cheeks out, she whispered, ¡°¡­Yes.¡± Relief flooded my veins. I hadn¡¯t realized how badly I¡¯d needed to hear it. I had to blink away the flush of emotions assaulting my face as I unlocked the cage. I swung the door open and held a hand out to her. ¡°Come with me, then.¡± Her expression softened. She hesitated, then reached her arm forward, resting her delicate hand in mine. That single touch could have crossed an ocean. I led her inside the cage and closed the door. My surprise was huddled in a sleeping throng in the shade of the cage, shaped like an enormous dark lump. I snapped my fingers, and six tiny, fluffy heads jolted awake. Two yawned. The other four stretched and skittered forward. Cannoli gasped, cupping her mouth with both hands. Her ruby eyes burst to life, glittering with adorable adoration. It was like watching every tarnished layer poured over her in our travels melt away. ¡°Well, hello there!¡± She giggled, kneeling down between three of the fluffpuffs. One placed its paws in her lap, and she leaned forward. It sniffed at the tip of her nose, then licked it. ¡°You are so cute!¡± I grinned and took a seat against the bars. I didn¡¯t want to ruin this. I wasn¡¯t stupid; I knew this couldn¡¯t last forever. But if for even five minutes Cannoli could be herself again, could pretend like I never broke her heart, that would be enough. She stroked the back of one and gently touched the pompom on another¡¯s tail. They made light chittering noises as they circled and sniffed her. Like a bunch of ground squirrels. A miniature one¡ªprobably a newborn¡ªmade a game of chasing the tip of Cannoli¡¯s wagging tail. Jeenie had expanded on fluffpuff physiology when she¡¯d handed over the key. When threatened, fluffpuffs emitted some kind of pheromone that calmed both people and other species of roaches within a five-foot radius. A little like having a glass of wine. It was a great defense mechanism, she said, since it gave them time to escape. But it wasn¡¯t harmful, and there were no lasting side effects. Cannoli looked at me with a wide smile, her cheeks pink and her eyes sparkling. I memorized her expression, swearing to keep it close even if we were far apart. ¡°Matt! They¡¯re so cute!¡± ¡°They are,¡± I said, returning her smile. ¡°Careful, you¡¯ll end up bringing the whole family with us.¡± ¡°I wish,¡± she said, breathless. ¡°It¡¯s like petting a cloud!¡± Gone were the distanced gaze and cautionary stare. Just pure, unbridled joy. I stood and moved closer to her. One of the fluffpuffs scampered up to me, then hopped in my lap. It circled my legs like a cat before curling to rest. Whether it was the green ferret or Cannoli¡¯s smile, the weight in my chest began to lift. ¡°I brought you out here to tell you something,¡± I began. I wished I could have let the words die in my throat, but then we¡¯d be back to where we started. Touches of the cold mask she¡¯d worn lately framed her expression. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry for my part in all of this. I know we won¡¯t always agree on everything. And I understand why you¡¯re choosing to find Saoirse,¡± I continued, scratching the fluffpuff between the ears. Cannoli¡¯s voice echoed in my head. Scritch it, Matt! ¡°You deserve to know how much you mean to me. Beyond Levels and combat and Quests. Just hearing you laugh, seeing your smile, being blessed by your ridiculous [Cooking] Skill. You have made my hardest days bearable and the impossible possible.¡± Cannoli in her pajamas, bouncing around her room, excited for us to cuddle together. I just really want to be close to you right now. Cannoli¡¯s face in the firelight; the taste of her lips in the chill desert evening. I pressed the bandage against my eyes. God damn it, this was hard. ¡°I just want to tell you that no matter what happens, there will always be a place for you in my life and in my Party. Whatever it is you need from me, just say the word.¡± She swallowed, blinking against watery eyes. Stroking one of the fluffpuffs, she nodded. Her voice lowered, just audible over the chittering around her. ¡°Thank you, Matt. I¡­ I really needed to hear that.¡± ¡°I mean every word.¡± ¡°I know.¡± She smiled through her tears. ¡°I trust you.¡± I leaned my head against the bars and stared up at the fraction of sky I could see behind the cage¡¯s ceiling. I was willing myself not to cry again. We¡¯d done the tearful farewell. I wanted this to be a good memory for us both. The chittering escalated as Cannoli shifted closer to me, then gently pushed the fluffpuff off of my legs. She positioned herself in my lap, knees tucked beneath my crossed legs and her head against my chest. I curled my arms around her and held her close. The fluffpuffs surrounded us in a warm, fluffy circle. We stayed like that for a long time¡ªlong enough for some of the critters to fall back asleep, and their whistling snores joined the quiet chittering. Even if it was just a couple of hours, it was enough. Chapter 212: Hermoso Cari?o The next morning was a swingset of emotions. I fought hard not to let it show on my face. One moment I¡¯d be chipper and excited for our trip to Nyarlothep, and the next came the battering thoughts of leaving my girls behind for who knew how long. Easy there. Remember, it¡¯s not like this is goodbye. It¡¯s more like a ¡®see ya later,¡¯ Kelmer. Breakfast was the typical fare, albeit a bit more lively than usual. The sun still hadn¡¯t peaked over the horizon, and at Cailu¡¯s suggestion, I stopped eating once I was satiated. Not that I really had the appetite to stuff myself, anyway. Cailu¡¯s expressions came off more human than usual. Well, about as human as a statue can be, I guess. He still used that same holier-than-thou language, and it still sounded like he was talking down to me. But I swore I saw the faintest hint of a smile on his face. ¡°So, what¡¯s our plan?¡± I asked, shoveling a spoonful of soup into my mouth. It had a strange taste¡ªlike someone decided to make a broth from a cactus and lemons. The bite-sized lumps of didrilla within reminded me a bit of goat. Tough and a bit stringy. The gamey flavors were something I¡¯d grown used from so many of our nights spent camping. Cailu leaned against the table and set his chin on top of his hands. ¡°We must locate someone who can offer us gigashanks. Our time is precious.¡± ¡°Agni let us borrow the ones we used to get here,¡± Tristan supplied. ¡°We could see if she¡¯s still around?¡± ¡°A fine suggestion,¡± Cailu nodded. ¡°We must hurry if we are to catch the merchant ship sailing to Nyarlothep. If we¡ª¡± ¡°We have Portia,¡± I interrupted. ¡°Yeah,¡± Tristan said with a nervous laugh. ¡°She¡¯s probably wondering where we are.¡± Even if this is pretty normal for her by now, we should really make it up to her. ¡°Portia? Was she the same one you traveled with to San Island?¡± Cailu asked. Yeah, the one who robbed you blind. ¡°The one and only. She¡¯s taken us from island to island,¡± I said, grabbing a small roll off the decorated center plate. ¡°There¡¯s no one I trust more to get us there.¡± ¡°Is she going to be okay with so many people coming aboard?¡± Cannoli asked from across the table. ¡°I know her boat¡¯s bigger, but we have three more people now.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll sweeten the deal,¡± said Ravyn. She sat next to Cannoli, feeding Ball the occasional treat. Ball perched on the table, littering the area with crumbs. The blue-feathered banshee had been oddly quiet as of recent. ¡°Unless you¡¯re planning on walking up to her with a handful of Bells¡ª¡± Keke started. ¡°I am,¡± Ravyn finished. ¡°She¡¯ll see reason. She always does.¡± Keke groaned and rested her head on the table between her crossed arms. ¡°Fine. Do whatever you want. It¡¯s too damn early anyway,¡± she whined. She shut her eyes, and I admired the rise and fall of her back. ¡°Portia is a lovely girl.¡± Destiny leaned forward to see around Tristan, a warm smile tugging at the corners of her lips. ¡°She would be perfectly suitable, I think, to take us there. I have enjoyed our company with her very much. Tristan, too.¡± Tristan returned her smile. ¡°Matt and Destiny are right. I trust her. She seems to know the waters intimately.¡± Cailu let one arm fall and pinched his chin in thought. Does everything you do have to be so pompous? ¡°Then we will make contact with her first.¡± Cailu settled his gaze on me. ¡°If you trust her, then I¡¯ll see to it that she is properly compensated for her efforts.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll hold you to that,¡± I said, not bothering to look at him. ¡°How did you get here, Cailu?¡± Tristan asked. ¡°I can¡¯t imagine the Nyarlothep merchant ship makes that many stops to Ichi in such a short amount of time.¡± Cailu shook his head. ¡°We purchased passage from a [Dark Priest]. Without knowing how long I would be dispatched to this island, I sent Y¨³ x¨©¡ªthe woman who captains my ship¡ªand her crew back to San Island. They await my orders.¡± Of course he has a crew. Breakfast carried on like it had been since the morning after we walked into the citadel. Every day felt like my own personal hell whenever I sat at that table. A few times, I¡¯d gone out of my way to take my food to another room, if just to avoid the overbearing stare of judgment that Cailu poured on me. I finished eating and returned to my room. Once I¡¯d packed the rest of my belongings, I examined the armor Cailu had given me. It had a distinct Ichi Island feel to it¡ªan everlasting reminder of the nights we spent in this hellhole. Hey, man. Stop that. It¡¯s good equipment. Just put it on. ¡°[Combat Mode].¡± My combat equipment appeared, and I took my time removing my old gear and swapping it for each new piece. The sleeveless top was made of a thick, off-white fabric that pooled around my neck in a makeshift hood¡ªprobably in case of sandstorms¡ªthen split and billowed behind me like a cape. The edges had detailed embroidery that swirled and spun like the desert winds. Imagine that. A shirt that covers my chest and my stomach. Two thick leather belts held the tunic against me, one crossing my shoulder, the other just above my hips. Dark pants made from a denim-like material tucked into knee-high leather boots. Matching leather bracers circled my forearms and wrists, with fingerless gloves at the ends. Metal armbands that looked like burnished gold clasped around my biceps, each holding a shimmering green gem in their center. Looking at the pile of tiger leathers at the foot of the bed, I began to realize just how worn my armor had become. ¡°Out with the old, in with the new,¡± I muttered. I slid the stupid aviator cap from my head and tossed it in with the pile of tiger leathers. That 1 Resistance point wasn¡¯t doing much for me anymore. Good fucking riddance. Once the equipment was set, I switched back to [Civilian Mode] and picked up my old armor. What should I do with this stuff? The thought of throwing it away was bittersweet. We¡¯d busted our asses to get these sets. It carried a lot of good and bad memories, especially of San Island. The Defiled attack, the pickpocket kittens in the streets, the incredible food, and¡­ Yomi. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. A sigh escaped my lips, and I found I couldn¡¯t part with the armor. At least, not for now. Perhaps later I¡¯d scrap the stuff and get something for it. Until then, it would sit in my [Cat Pack] or at Keke¡¯s house or something. Time to deliver the armor. I left the hall, thinking on how I should¡¯ve given the girls their new sets before turning in the night prior. But Cannoli and her well-being took priority. I wasn¡¯t about to skip out early on our time with the fluffpuffs just to deliver Cailu¡¯s gear. Cannoli was more important than that. Keke had fallen asleep on one of the sofas in the main hall last I¡¯d seen her, and I hadn¡¯t been able to find Ravyn since I left the dining room. With that in mind, I decided to make Cannoli the first one I visited. I knocked on the door to their room, and Tristan answered. ¡°Oh. What¡¯s up, Matt?¡± ¡°Hey,¡± I smiled and offered a casual wave. Standing behind him was Cannoli. ¡°Ah, there you are.¡± I gestured behind Tristan with a quick nod. Tristan left the door open and went over to where Zahra was quietly packing her things. Cannoli hopped closer to where I stood, a familiar pep in her step. What a relief it was to see. I cleared my throat and handed each piece of Cannoli¡¯s gear to her one at a time. Cannoli¡¯s outfit alone looked like it could pay for my retirement and then some. ¡°Oh my goodness!¡± Cannoli plucked one of the fabrics hanging over her forearm, her eyes widening as her thumb brushed against the silky material. ¡°It¡¯s so soft! Oh my gosh! Feel it!¡± She shoved the folded cotton against my cheek, and I couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. ¡°Damn,¡± I said with absolute seriousness. ¡°This is like a pillow.¡± ¡°Many pillows,¡± Cannoli breathed without taking her eyes off the equipment. Hopping from one foot to the other, she looked over her shoulder at Tristan. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Tristan. Can we get the room for a minute?¡± ¡°Sure thing,¡± Tristan said easily. ¡°Do you still need time to pack, Zahra?¡± ¡°No,¡± Zahra shook her head. ¡°I have everything I need now.¡± She grabbed the scabbard containing her katana and put one end around her neck so that it hung at her side. I made my way into the room while Zahra and Tristan brushed past me, shutting the door behind them. Cannoli carefully placed each piece of her new set on the bed in sequential order, beginning with the headpiece. Her tail swayed from side to side with the enthusiasm I¡¯d come to expect from her. After a time, Cannoli stepped back and marveled at the sight before her. She bit her bottom lip and clapped her hands together. ¡°It¡¯s so pretty,¡± she whispered. I fought down the minor bit of jealousy I felt. I wish I could have been the one who did this for her. But I held onto what Melly had said¡ªno one did this sort of thing on a whim. There must¡¯ve been something about me that Cailu admired. Hell, just getting three of the guys together was a miracle in itself. So, in a way, this was because of me. Besides, if it meant helping my girls out, I could swallow my pride on this one. ¡°Try it on,¡± I encouraged. Cannoli held the top close to her chest, then said, ¡°[Combat Mode].¡± The tiger outfit replaced her prior clothes, and as unbuckled the cape, she paused. ¡°Oh. Right. Should I leave?¡± I glanced at the door. Should have thought of that a lot sooner. ¡°No, it¡¯s okay. Can you just turn around, please?¡± ¡°Sure.¡± I turned around and listened to the sound of clothing ruffling and rubbing together. The occasional clang of metal drew a squeak from her, and I smiled. ¡°Okay, done.¡± When I turned around, I gasped. ¡®Regal¡¯ was the first word that came to mind as I observed her. Golden plates rested over one another on each shoulder. Long sky-blue sleeves covered both arms, attached to a robe that rested just above her ankles. Around her waistline was a golden v-shaped ring, an incredible jewel of green at its center. The same gem decorated a similarly made necklace and form-fitting corset. ¡°Cannoli, you look like a princess,¡± I said, wide-eyed. Cannoli averted her gaze, flushing. ¡°D-do I really?¡± ¡°Absolutely. How does it feel?¡± ¡°Amazing! I could take the armor off and fall asleep in this. But then I¡¯d wear it out, so I¡¯ll be good.¡± ¡°Cailu said it was powerful armor, so let¡¯s just how powerful it is. Appear, iPaw.¡± Cannoli frowned. ¡°Cailu, huh?¡± ¡°I know. I¡¯m not exactly thrilled, either. But I have to agree that we need the best armor we can get. And I want you to be safe, so.¡± I shrugged. I scrolled through the menus like I usually did and located Cannoli¡¯s profile. It felt strange to see Keke and me at Level 10 and her at Level 8. I stared at her portrait for a time, burning it into my memory. Chances were, this would be the last time I saw her picture in my Party window. I swallowed against the building lump in my throat and forced out my words. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s see what it looks like.¡± Cannoli has gained: Emerald Herald¡¯s Band! Cannoli has gained: Emerald Herald¡¯s Gown! Cannoli has gained: Emerald Herald¡¯s Sleeves! Cannoli has gained: Emerald Herald¡¯s Pantaloons! Cannoli has gained: Emerald Herald¡¯s Slippers! Cannoli has gained: Emerald Herald¡¯s Necklace! Emerald Herald¡¯s Band: +10 Myana Points, +3 Magic, +3 Resistance. +3 Defense, +8 Magic Defense. Enchantable. Emerald Herald¡¯s Gown: +8 Myana Points, +4 Magic, +3 Resistance, +5 Defense, +10 Magic Defense. Enchantable. Emerald Herald¡¯s Sleeves: +5 Myana Points, +2 Magic, +3 Dexterity, +3 Defense, +8 Magic Defense. Enchantable. Emerald Herald¡¯s Pantaloons: +8 Myana Points, +3 Magic, +3 Resistance, +5 Defense, +10 Magic Defense. Enchantable. Emerald Herald¡¯s Slippers: +5 Myana Points, +2 Magic, +3 Agility, +3 Defense, +8 Magic Defense. Enchantable. Emerald Herald¡¯s Necklace: +10 Myana Points, +5 Magic, +5 Vitality. Special Effect: Reduce Wind-Element damage by 15%. I¡¯d nearly dropped the iPaw. The tiger set was incredible, but this blew it out of the water. No wonder why this armor would¡¯ve cost a small fortune. If every equipment set was like this, then I couldn¡¯t wait to see what the others looked like. This ¡®Enchantable¡¯ notification was especially interesting. Hopefully, I could get details about that from someone not named Cailu. ¡°Matt?¡± Cannoli put a gentle hand on my shoulder. ¡°Are you okay?¡± ¡°Y-yeah. Er, how do you feel?¡± I stammered. ¡°Uhm.¡± Cannoli retracted her hand and put it against her chest. ¡°It¡¯s hard to describe. My fingers feel funny. Tingly? Sparkly?¡± She frowned. ¡°My head feels a bit heavy.¡± As eager as I was to try and see how the insane improvement to her Magic would affect her Skills, I couldn¡¯t see any way to test it. Well, beyond slicing open my finger and seeing how well she could heal it. Or maybe [Blessed Light] would permanently blind me. ¡°Are you going to be okay?¡± I asked. ¡°Yes, I think so,¡± Cannoli said with a hand to her forehead. ¡°What does the armor do?¡± I traced my finger down the row of Magic improvements, silently mouthing the addition I was doing in my head. ¡°You, uh, got nineteen more points of Magic.¡± Cannoli gasped. She fell back onto the bed and clapped a hand to her mouth. ¡°No wonder my hands feel so weird.¡± ¡°Is that normal?¡± Cannoli nodded. ¡°Mhm. It happened when I first put my tiger armor on, too. Usually it only lasts for a couple of seconds, though. Like stretching my hands or feet! Sometimes I¡¯ll feel a little lightheaded, but then it¡¯s gone.¡± I wondered if putting up Magic shared physical effects like Strength and Vitality, just for the brain. What changes, exactly? ¡°It¡¯s starting to go away,¡± Cannoli whispered just loud enough for me to hear. ¡°Good.¡± I moved to stand beside her, leaning against the post. ¡°You like the armor, then?¡± ¡°Yes. I love it.¡± She smiled and drew in a deep breath. ¡°Hey, Matt?¡± ¡°Yeah?¡± ¡°I can¡¯t wait to see what I can do as a [Priest].¡± I returned her smile and brushed a long strand of hair away from her face. ¡°Neither can I.¡± Chapter 213: Chica Práctica After a short trip back to my room to pick up Ceres¡¯s new set of armor, I made my way down the hall to the room farthest on the left. The irony was not lost on me that the maids of both Parties had all ended up in a single room together. Maybe this would give Ceres a chance to bond with Destiny and Lara in a, uh, mutual love for service. Destiny was the one to open the door after I knocked. ¡°Oh! It¡¯s Matt! Did you need to speak with Ceres?¡± ¡°Yeah, is she here?¡± I asked. ¡°Sir Matt!¡± Ceres peered around the doorframe with the same light in her eyes as a child on Christmas morning. It was a stare I was sorely missing while she recovered. ¡°I shall see to his needs.¡± Destiny offered a curt bow before situating herself on the bed behind her. ¡°Can I come in?¡± I motioned with a flick of my head. ¡°By all means, please make yourself comfortable,¡± Ceres said with an exaggerated wave of her arm. ¡°Thanks, Ceres.¡± Unlike the rooms prior, this one¡¯s beds were lined up side by side to my right. Destiny and Lara were perched on top of one, talking about something regarding Tristan and San Island. I tried not to eavesdrop, electing to sit on the floor where an oval-shaped red and gold embroidered carpet lay. ¡°I got something for you.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Ceres¡¯ ears perked. ¡°What is it?¡± I motioned with my hand for her to sit down. When I realized how uncomfortable sitting on the floor could be¡ªcarpet or not¡ªI stopped myself. ¡°Er, if you wanna grab a chair, then¡ª¡± She knelt in front of me, resting on her legs with her hands crossed on top of her lap. Ceres¡¯s gear proved to be more difficult to carry to her room the first time around. I¡¯d spent a good few minutes dropping the pieces before my bright self decided to dump the tiger armor in my room, pack Ceres¡¯ stuff into the [Cat Pack], and bring it to her that way. One by one, I removed each piece of armor from my [Cat Pack], putting it on the floor between us. She gaped as soon as the first piece of plate hit the floor. ¡°Matt, this is¡ª¡± ¡°Your new armor,¡± I finished. ¡°There¡¯s a lot to it, so bear with me.¡± It took a while to find everything. There were so many belts, straps, and pieces to the set that I began to realize just how much work Espada put into her stuff. When Ceres¡¯s entire set was laid before us, I breathed a sigh and worked my hand inside the [Cat Pack] just in case I missed anything. ¡°I think that¡¯s everything. So? What do you think?¡± Ceres took her time answering. ¡°It¡¯s beautiful, Matt. Is this¡­ the commission that was promised by Sir Cailu?¡± Sir Cailu? My eye twitched. ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°My, my, my,¡± came Lara¡¯s airy voice. ¡°This suit alone could make enough Bells to feed all of Leche.¡± ¡°Ooh,¡± Destiny marveled as she took a seat beside Ceres. ¡°This is your new armor?¡± ¡°That is what I am told.¡± Ceres met my gaze with a smile. I set my jaw, trying not to let Cailu¡¯s new title bother me. ¡°Why don¡¯t you try it on?¡± ¡°I would be honored. [Combat Mode].¡± After her attire changed, Ceres rose to her feet, immediately undoing the knot of her maid¡¯s apron and tossing it onto the middle bed. ¡°Don¡¯t you want a little privacy?¡± I asked. I wasn¡¯t expecting her to just start stripping. Ceres tilted her head. ¡°My undergarments hardly warrant fawning,¡± she giggled. ¡°Besides, there is nothing beneath my threads that you have not already partaken in.¡± She really does have no filter. I tried to cough away my blush and ignore Destiny¡¯s wide-eyed leer. ¡°Still, though, if you don¡¯t mind,¡± I said, standing up and looking at the wall behind me, ¡°I¡¯m going to turn around. It¡¯s just, uh, the gentlemanly thing to do.¡± And I¡¯m going to pretend Destiny isn¡¯t looking at me like that. Lara affirmed my words with a nod. ¡°What a respectful man you have, Ceres.¡± ¡°There are none like him,¡± Ceres said, untying the skirt around her waist. I turned around just as I heard it hit the floor. ¡°Untrue,¡± Destiny combated. ¡°Tristan is a man among men.¡± ¡°Hm,¡± Lara hummed. ¡°You¡¯re lying again.¡± ¡°I am not! He¡¯s wonderful! He¡¯s smart, attractive, blonde¡ª¡± ¡°Your pancheent for blonde men is cute.¡± ¡°Penchant,¡± Ceres corrected. I brushed a hand through my dark hair on instinct. As the three continued to chatter, I pocketed my hands and thought for a while. Ceres seemed pretty unaffected by our temporary parting, despite her referring to me as ¡®Lord¡¯ for so long. She was probably eager to get back home and defend it like she had before I came along. It had to hurt to see the island you grew up on fall into such chaos. ¡°I am finished, Sir Matt.¡± I turned around as Ceres was making the finishing touches on her hair. I was surprised she knew what to do with the golden thread inside. The iPaw had made it clear that the thread was an important piece of gear, but I couldn¡¯t fathom in what way. It started to make sense once I saw her weaving it through the braids. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. Wow, that¡¯s beautiful. Silver plates outlined in gold dressed Ceres from the waist up. The pauldrons, gauntlets, and breastplate were made of interconnected pieces that fell atop one another like the scales of a snake. Around her waist was a decorated skirt colored black with a white apron. From what I¡¯d seen, a mesh of chain hidden under the skirt offered a balance between beauty and practicality. Her boots were fairly simple, the foot portion resembling a pair of Mary Jane¡¯s, just metal instead of leather and thread. Ceres finished her braid, allowing the length of her golden hair to drape over her shoulder. She put one hand over the other on top of her apron, smiling. ¡°Do you approve?¡± To be honest, she looked incredible. She tread the line between strong and graceful strikingly well. I¡¯d seen what Ceres was like when she was serious, and she had all the characteristics of a Lady Knight. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ kinda at a loss for words. In a good way,¡± I admitted. My brain had gone numb. Cailu¡¯s irritating voice had endlessly nagged the back of my head, but for once, it was quiet. Seeing Cannoli and Ceres in their new gear had shut it up. For now, at least. ¡°How do you feel about it?¡± ¡°It is exceptional quality,¡± she said, lifting one leg to look at the bottom. ¡°There is support where it is required,¡± she said, lifting the plate beneath her bust slightly, ¡°and movement feels natural. The weight is negligible, and I am experiencing a significant performance increase to my Stats.¡± She opened and closed her hand a few times. ¡°My single complaint lies with the gorget.¡± ¡°The what?¡± I asked. I watched as Ceres put a hand against the golden, well, neck brace for lack of a better term, suddenly realizing that ¡®gorget¡¯ was the name of the thing. ¡°That¡¯s what it¡¯s called?¡± I scratched my head. ¡°Was wondering what the heck that was.¡± ¡°Aye,¡± Ceres nodded. ¡°It is a most important piece of a knight¡¯s attire.¡± Her fingers brushed against the material in thought. ¡°However, I am unaccustomed to such armor. It will take much practice before I am comfortable fighting with it.¡± ¡°Are you going to be okay wearing it?¡± ¡°Yes. Please, bear my concern no mind.¡± ¡°Whoa-ho-ho!¡± Lara cheered. ¡°Cailu¡¯s loaded! What do you think this is made of?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know, but I¡¯m in love,¡± Destiny said in awe, grazing the metal¡¯s edge with her fingers. Ceres flexed one arm, a confident smile brimming on her face. ¡°The Defiled will know justice.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s see how much justice,¡± I laughed, procuring my iPaw. I scrolled down to Ceres¡¯s portrait and clicked on the [Equipment] option that displayed, just as I had with Cannoli. The boost to Ceres¡¯s Stats was just as ludicrous as Cannoli¡¯s. Ceres has gained: Enchanter¡¯s Dragon Braid! Ceres has gained: Enchanter¡¯s Dragonplate! Ceres has gained: Enchanter¡¯s Dragon Gauntlets! Ceres has gained: Enchanter¡¯s Dragon Cuisses! Ceres has gained: Enchanter¡¯s Dragon Sabatons! Ceres has gained: Enchanter¡¯s Dragon Gorget! Enchanter¡¯s Dragon Braid: +3 Health Points, +7 Myana Points, +2 Strength, +2 Magic, +2 Vitality, +8 Defense, +6 Magic Defense. Enchantable. Enchanter¡¯s Dragonplate: +4 Health Points, +5 Myana Points, +2 Strength, +2 Magic, +2 Vitality, +2 Dexterity, +12 Defense, +8 Magic Defense. Enchantable. Enchanter¡¯s Dragon Gauntlets: +3 Health Points, +4 Myana Points, +2 Strength, +2 Magic, +2 Agility, +6 Defense, +5 Magic Defense. Enchantable. Enchanter¡¯s Dragon Cuisses: +6 Health Points, +6 Myana Points, +2 Strength, +2 Magic, +2 Dexterity, +2 Agility, +8 Defense, +6 Magic Defense. Enchantable. Enchanter¡¯s Dragon Sabatons: +4 Health Points, +6 Myana Points, +1 Strength, +2 Magic, +2 Vitality, +6 Defense, +5 Magic Defense. Enchantable. Enchanter¡¯s Dragon Gorget: +10 Health Points, +10 Myana Points, +1 All Stats. Special Effect: When the effect of an Invoke-type Spell expires or is dispelled for another effect, increase all Stats by 10% for 10 seconds. Always with the dragons. As I read off the Stats, Ceres remained straight-faced while Destiny and Lara oohed and awed. Ceres carried the disposition of a person about to be sent out to battle, and she seemed to be enjoying every minute of it. ¡°Superb,¡± Ceres said, looking down at her gauntlets. ¡°I owe Cailu my gratitude.¡± ¡°Yeah. I guess so.¡± ¡°Your tone suggests I should not be gracious.¡± Way to call me out in front of the other maids. ¡°Just wishing I didn¡¯t have to rely on him to get you better gear,¡± I admitted, dismissing the iPaw. ¡°Trust me, I¡¯ve had this conversation already.¡± And I wasn¡¯t about to have it again. ¡°I get that we need help, just feeling a bit, well¡­ what¡¯s the word?¡± ¡°Broke?¡± Lara asked. ¡°Depressed?¡± Destiny added. Jesus, guys. It¡¯s not that bad. ¡°Inadequate,¡± Ceres finished for me. I snapped my fingers. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s the word. Inadequate.¡± ¡°You are hardly inadequate, Sir Matt.¡± Her tone turned serious, and she furrowed her brow. ¡°Believe me when I say I have seen the alternative. Please allow others to assist. No single person can upheave the Defiled¡¯s nature. Cailu is living proof. It will take the work of all three men to see Nyarlea¡¯s future is a bright one.¡± Clutching the hem of her skirt, she curtsied. ¡°I apologize if I have overstepped my boundaries.¡± ¡°You haven¡¯t.¡± Ceres straightened her back. ¡°Very well. I will do my very best while you are away. I wish to make you proud.¡± ¡°You always do, Ceres.¡± I glanced at Destiny, then at Lara. A part of me was at least happy to see that Tristan wouldn¡¯t be traveling in San by himself. Besides, he has Ravyn to guide him. The thought tightened my chest. ¡°Alright. I should get going,¡± I sighed. ¡°Still gotta deliver Keke and Ravyn¡¯s new sets.¡± Just as I grabbed the door handle, Ceres stopped me with a hand on my shoulder. ¡°Matt. May I offer one last piece of advice?¡± I looked at her from over my shoulder. Her eyes dug into me with a sense of severity I seldom saw. Whatever she wanted to say was important. ¡°Sure. Go ahead.¡± ¡°I cannot stress this enough. Accept help when it is offered to you. Pride tarnishes even the finest heroes.¡± Noted. ¡°Thanks, Ceres. I¡¯ll see you shortly.¡± I shut the door behind me and traveled the hallway at a brisk pace. There were still two sets of armor left to deliver, and the sun would soon be up. I pictured Cailu as the kind of dad sitting in the car with the engine on fifteen minutes before ass-in-seat time. But I couldn¡¯t carry all of this by myself, and I wanted my girls to be geared. Ceres¡¯s words swam around in my thoughts. Pride, huh? Chapter 214: Que De Raro Tiene Once I¡¯d begun looking for Keke and Ravyn, I started to worry. I could just hear Ravyn¡¯s voice in my head. ¡°¡®I¡¯m not taking handouts from a cunt,¡¯¡± I muttered, pitching my voice like hers. The spitting image of sophistication, that one. I made my way to the room Keke, Ravyn, and I had been sharing since we first arrived at the castle. Things would¡¯ve been so much easier if they were still together packing, but they weren¡¯t there. Of course. The gear was cumbersome to carry all at once. Even after leaving my tiger gear in the room, my [Cat Pack] wouldn¡¯t be able to carry all of it. I drummed a finger against the door¡¯s handle, wondering who I should try and locate first. I guess we¡¯ll find Ravyn first. Probably shouldn¡¯t put that off. Ravyn would undoubtedly be the worst of them to convince. But, much like a shot, it was best to just get it over with. The longer I put it off, the worse it would get. After I threw her new gear into my [Cat Pack], I walked the lengthy halls of the castle in search of our resident witch. It wasn¡¯t until I exited into one of the palace¡¯s numerous courtyards that I finally found her. Ravyn was hunched over a plot of violet flowers. Her tail swayed side to side as she plucked one by the stem to sniff it. She¡¯d periodically look up at Ball, who was perched on the trellis¡ªa word I¡¯d learned from Shizen¡ªbeside her. Ravyn was muttering something I couldn¡¯t hear. The only word I¡¯d caught was my name. I rubbed the clasp around my ear. Ball had seen me the moment I walked outside. The hellkite and I looked at one another for a time, and I wondered why he hadn¡¯t let Ravyn know I had arrived. This would usually be the moment the little shit would scream some vulgarity, and he and Ravyn would share a laugh at my expense. It was odd to see him quiet. For some reason, it felt as if someone had filled my shoes with cement. My feet refused to move, paralyzed by what I knew was going to be an awful conversation about Cailu. I ran a hand through my hair, leaned my head back, and shut my eyes. Come on, man. Like a shot. I took a deep breath and approached, my hand on my [Cat Pack]. ¡°Ravyn?¡± Ravyn shot to her feet, shooting a dark glare at Ball. The parrot narrowed his eyes, and the two shared an experience I had no words to describe beyond ¡®uncomfortable.¡¯ ¡°What?¡± Ravyn snapped. ¡°Sorry if I caught you while you were busy,¡± I said, nearing her. ¡°Baka. I am always busy.¡± ¡°What? Drinking?¡± I chuckled. Ravyn glanced at me over her shoulder, spun the flower in her hand, then tossed it to the side. She turned to face me, crossing her arms and wearing her usual expression that seemed stuck somewhere between a pout and a glare. ¡°I¡¯ll have you know that I only had one drink last night.¡± ¡°Great,¡± I said with a forced smile. ¡°I come bearing gifts.¡± She raised a brow. ¡°Of what variety?¡± ¡°Just, uh¡­ let me explain, alright?¡± Reaching into my [Cat Pack], I procured the headdress from within. ¡°Here. There¡¯s a lot.¡± Ravyn¡¯s frown deepened. ¡°Where did you get that?¡± ¡°Nowhere.¡± I continued to extract the remaining clothes from within, grateful that her outfit was primarily cloth. Most of it folded over my forearm with relative ease. All that remained was the jewelry. ¡°It was about time we got new gear, so¡ª¡± ¡°Cailu set you up,¡± Ravyn finished. Here we go. ¡°I¡¯m not taking handouts from a cunt,¡± she continued. ¡°The last thing I want is¡ª Why are you laughing?¡± I couldn¡¯t hold it in. I bowed my head forward and rubbed my eyes as I chuckled. ¡°Sorry, it¡¯s nothing. Really.¡± ¡°Mou ii. Whatever. The equipment I have is fine.¡± ¡°Hold this,¡± I said, tossing the headdress at her underhanded. Ravyn responded, catching with a stumble. Her cheeks reddened. ¡°What do you feel?¡± The way I figured it, she¡¯d be able to pick up on the outfit¡¯s boosts like Cannoli and Ceres did. If it was even half as powerful as her current gear, then she should¡¯ve been able to detect it immediately. After all, you can basically smell magic, right? Ravyn gaped. ¡°The fuck? This¡­¡± ¡°So I take it it¡¯s strong?¡± Ravyn has gained: Summoner¡¯s Scorching Headdress! I had no idea why it was called a headdress. It was more like a golden thread or chain if anything. It wasn¡¯t so thin like Ceres¡¯s, where it was obviously meant to be weaved into your hair, but several precious jewels and ornaments hung from it like what I¡¯d expect to see on royalty. ¡°Very,¡± Ravyn mumbled before clenching it in her fist. She met my gaze, and an expression I hadn¡¯t yet seen twisted her features. It felt like she was trying to decipher what was in my head. Almost as if I was up to something. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll take it.¡± ¡°And the rest?¡± She grunted. ¡°And the rest.¡± I smiled. ¡°Thanks, Ravyn.¡± I handed her the remaining pieces of fabric, setting the sandals and jewelry in a neat stack on top of a nearby garden chair, eager to get this over with. I couldn¡¯t tell how much of it looked in a pile, and frankly I couldn¡¯t care less. If I was being true to myself, it hurt me that Ravyn was being so blase about the situation. She wouldn¡¯t be with me for my Class change or for¡­ well, much of anything for the foreseeable future. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. It was hard to imagine. The worst part though? I still struggled to see where we stood. I never knew how to act when we were alone. After our first act of intimacy, our interactions had felt stilted, awkward, unsure. Like there was something each of us wanted to say but didn¡¯t have the guts to say it. To me, it felt like there was a fog between us. And neither of us was willing to cross it to understand the other. For my part, I constantly feared I¡¯d just make things worse. ¡°Alright. I¡¯m going to get out of your hair. Lots to do,¡± I said. I¡¯d spent enough time delivering these outfits. Cailu was undoubtedly sitting in a chair somewhere, wondering where I was. ¡°Hold on.¡± Ravyn spun the length of golden chain around one finger, a hand on her hip. ¡°I want to see exactly what boosts I¡¯m getting from this.¡± ¡°Go ahead and strip. I¡¯ll turn around,¡± I joked. ¡°I need at least three drinks if I¡¯m going to strip in a courtyard.¡± She strode by me, chain clenched in her hand, and tugged me by the sleeve of my jacket. ¡°Come.¡± Ravyn has gained: Summoner¡¯s Scorching Robe! Ravyn has gained: Summoner¡¯s Scorching Bands! Ravyn has gained: Summoner¡¯s Scorching Knickers! Ravyn has gained: Summoner¡¯s Scorching Sandals! Ravyn has gained: Summoner¡¯s Scorching Brooch! I¡¯d expected her to drag us back to our own room. Would¡¯ve made things easier too, assuming Keke had returned. Instead, she pulled me into a room that hadn¡¯t been claimed. It was furnished like the others, with gold and red embroideries, lavish marble floors, deluxe beds. You know, exactly what you¡¯d expect from a dragon who enjoyed hoarding his treasure. Ball flew inside just before Ravyn shut the door, perching atop the closest bedpost. ¡°Turn around,¡± said Ravyn. ¡°Oh, what, now we¡¯re shy?¡± I teased. She raised a brow and crossed her arms, tapping her foot against the floor. ¡°Alright, alright.¡± I turned around, looking at Ball. ¡°So, how have you been doing?¡± Ball shut his eyes into half-slits. ¡°Stupid Matt! Squawwwk!¡± ¡°Great. Glad to see our relationship hasn¡¯t changed,¡± I grumbled. ¡°What was that?¡± Ravyn asked. The sound of her clothes hitting the floor raised the hairs on my skin, and I shook my head away of any intrusive thoughts. ¡°Nothing.¡± ¡°Baka.¡± Minutes passed. I was beginning to wonder how much longer this was going to take. Surely it wasn¡¯t that complicated to put on. Save for the chest piece, it seemed like it was mostly fabric. ¡°Having trouble?¡± I asked. ¡°No. You stay put.¡± I sighed and tapped my foot against the floor, watching Ball preen himself. The entire time Ravyn dressed, Ball kept his attention on me. For some reason, it felt more¡­ I don¡¯t know, more analytical than usual. Probably just the stress getting to me. The days I spent away from the castle were nice, but they¡¯d also made me slightly awkward with the girls. Guess that¡¯s what happens when you spend time away from people you¡¯ve been traveling with for so long. And it¡¯s going to be a lot longer soon. ¡°I¡¯m finished,¡± Ravyn announced. When I turned around, I raised my brows. Gone was the sexy witch; in its place was the graceful sorceress. Maybe this would be a nice¡ª ¡°I wonder if someone could shorten this for me,¡± Ravyn muttered. ¡°It¡¯s much too long. Doesn¡¯t show off my assets.¡± Of course. She looked every part the [Sorcerer] she¡¯d boasted she was. Silks of red draped over her body, ribbons of gold shimmering in the lamplight. A decorated chest piece of golden metal covered her torso, emphasizing her bust. As I continued to stare, I saw that her arms were bare, covered by a half-cape attached to the necklace that looked like it could be used as a weapon. A single emerald stone rested in the groove of her brooch. I could see what she meant, though. The dress hovered just above her ankles. ¡°You look incredible,¡± I said. ¡°I mean, beautiful, really.¡± A rare shade of red colored her cheeks. Her eyes dropped, and she twirled a lock of hair around her finger. ¡°Thanks.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s see what the Stats look like.¡± I summoned the iPaw, happy to see it had already updated with her new equipment information. Summoner¡¯s Scorching Headdress: +15 Myana Points, +4 Magic, +2 Dexterity, +3 Defense, +8 Magic Defense. Enchantable. Summoner¡¯s Scorching Robe: +10 Myana Points, +4 Magic, +2 Dexterity, +5 Defense, +10 Magic Defense. Enchantable. Summoner¡¯s Scorching Bands: +8 Myana Points, +2 Magic, +3 Dexterity, +3 Defense, +8 Magic Defense. Enchantable. Summoner¡¯s Scorching Knickers: +10 Myana Points, +4 Magic, +3 Dexterity, +5 Defense, +10 Magic Defense. Enchantable. Summoner¡¯s Scorching Sandals: +8 Myana Points, +2 Magic, +1 Dexterity, +3 Agility, +3 Defense, +10 Magic Defense. Enchantable. Summoner¡¯s Scorching Brooch: +20 Myana Points, +5 Magic, +5 Dexterity. Special Effect: Reduces the Myana Point cost of Fire-Element Skills and Magic used through the familiar by 15%. Sweet Christ, that¡¯s a lot of Magic. A burst of flame came to life in the palm of Ravyn¡¯s hand. Could have been my imagination, but the flame felt considerably hotter than it usually did. ¡°Oh, yes,¡± she whispered, a malevolent smile twisting one corner of her lips, ¡°I like this very, very much.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll let Cailu know.¡± She snapped her hand closed, snuffing out the flame. ¡°The fuck you will.¡± She marched up to me, grabbing me by the shirt. It was weird not hearing the click of heels. That¡¯d take some getting used to. ¡°The cunt doesn¡¯t deserve the satisfaction.¡± She let go of me, folding her arms once more and sighing. I straightened out my shirt while she tapped her foot in thought. ¡°Why did you leave the castle?¡± ¡°I needed some time alone with my thoughts,¡± I admitted. ¡°I overreacted, and no one needed to see that.¡± Ravyn¡¯s expression turned to one of confusion. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Did she really not understand? Or was this another one of her jokes? ¡°Nothing. I¡¯m fine now.¡± Don¡¯t let your girls go without telling them how much they matter to you. Melly¡¯s words rang loud in my ears. I hesitated and scratched the back of my neck. Ravyn¡¯s combative voice wouldn¡¯t be there anymore, and I¡¯d have to be okay with that. ¡°Really.¡± She didn¡¯t deserve that. She already had too much on her shoulders. ¡°Just had a weird few days.¡± I could take it. ¡°Matt.¡± Ravyn closed the distance between us and embraced me. My first instinct was to push her off of me, but I couldn¡¯t. Not when I wanted this so bad. My facade was falling. ¡°I can tell when something¡¯s bothering you. You have that same look you did the night I gave you that earring.¡± Ravyn pulled back and looked up at me. ¡°I¡¯m going to miss you something fierce,¡± I relented. Ravyn rolled to the balls of her feet and kissed my cheek. Her tone softened and she laid a hand on my chest. ¡°Hey. I¡¯ll be back. I promise. You can¡¯t get rid of me that easily.¡± My eyes welled up, but pure stubbornness prevented the tears from falling. I didn¡¯t speak until I was sure I could do it without choking, coughing, or crying. I returned her gaze. ¡°I¡¯m glad to hear it,¡± I said finally. I still had no idea where we stood. For the time being, though, this was good enough. I brushed an errant strand of hair away from her face. ¡°It¡¯ll be weird without you.¡± She smirked, pushing me away in a playful manner. ¡°Of course it will. I¡¯m a [Sorcerer]. You¡¯re going to be practically naked while I¡¯m gone.¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± I smiled, running a hand through my hair. ¡°Pretty much.¡± Chapter 215: Antes Que Se Acabe When I went back to our room, Keke was lounging on the bed, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She yawned and rubbed her hands against her face. ¡°I thought we were supposed to be leaving,¡± she whined between her fingers. ¡°I could have slept in longer.¡± I smiled and took a seat next to her. ¡°This is my last errand. Promise.¡± She peeked over her fingertips and awarded me with a curious stare. ¡°Errand?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± I collected the final package of equipment from beneath the bed and handed it to her. ¡°This is for you.¡± Keke yawned again, then accepted the box. Her eyes widened as soon as the lid was off, and she poked at the lemon-colored fabric. ¡°Armor?¡± ¡°A full set.¡± ¡°Matt¡­¡± She blinked, lifting the black leather choker into her hands. With a gasp, her expression turned to surprise, and her stare snapped to me. ¡°Goddess above. Please don¡¯t take this personally, but how did you pay for this?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t. Cailu bought all of us armor,¡± I admitted for the fourth time that morning. At least it was getting easier to say with repetition. Like memorizing useless Shakespeare plays in high school. ¡°Why?¡± The blatant question made me laugh. ¡°I¡¯d wondered the same thing.¡± I picked a stray thread from the neatly folded yellow top. ¡°As much as he gets under my skin, I think he¡¯s trying to help.¡± Lifting the single pauldron tucked at the side, Keke carefully inspected it with scrutinizing eyes. ¡°He really spared no expense on this.¡± ¡°So I¡¯m told.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s not waste it, then.¡± With a resolved nod, she set the package aside and stood. ¡°[Combat Mode].¡± Her casual clothing cast a warm glow before shifting to her tiger leathers. ¡°Do you want me to step outside?¡± I asked. ¡°No.¡± Keke tugged the striped scarf away from her neck. ¡°Should I turn around?¡± ¡°No.¡± A wry smile played at the corners of her lips as she reached around for the ties on her corset. A bittersweet chill slid down my spine. I thought a few days of distance would have made this easier, but everything I felt for Keke crashed into me like a hurricane. Just enjoy the time you have, man. I stood and put a hand on her shoulder. ¡°Let me help, then.¡± ¡°If you insist,¡± she teased, turning away from me. I brushed her hair to the side and set to work on the leather ties. I memorized the curve of her back and the strong line of her shoulders as I worked, loosing the strings one by one. ¡°Keke, can I tell you something?¡± ¡°Anything.¡± She pulled her hair over her shoulder, toying with the ends. ¡°I know that this isn¡¯t forever and it¡¯s only temporary. I¡¯ve told myself that at least a hundred times in the last few days.¡± The ties came free, and the top separated from her back. I traced her spine with my fingertips, smiling as the goosebumps raised behind my touch. ¡°But I¡¯m going to miss you so damn much.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll miss you too, Matt. A lot,¡± she replied, letting the bodice slide to her wrists. She wrapped her tail around my hips. ¡°I think this is hard on all of us. More than any of us want to admit.¡± I rested my hands on her waist, willing them not to slide forward and grope her exposed chest. Don¡¯t let anyone say I wasn¡¯t getting better at reading the room. ¡°That¡¯s a little comforting, at least.¡± ¡°We don¡¯t want to worry you while you¡¯re gone. You should be able to concentrate on Second Class without thinking we¡¯ll crumple the moment you leave our sides.¡± I bit my tongue. I wanted to argue with her, but the reality was that I was scared of exactly that. Somehow, if I couldn¡¯t keep my eye on them, that would be the end of it. I opted for a grain of truth instead. ¡°It¡¯s not that I think you¡¯re weak.¡± ¡°I know that, and they do, too. It¡¯s just that everyone wants to put on a brave face. I mean, it¡¯s what we¡¯ve been doing since we were kittens.¡± She tossed the armor to the side and set to work on the buckles at the tops of her bracers. ¡°My mom told me that one of the best things you can do for your friends during a rough time is stay strong.¡± ¡°That makes sense.¡± I followed the hem of her pants until I found the belt buckle. Resting my chin on her shoulder, I slid the strap free from the loops. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. ¡°That doesn¡¯t mean you always have to act strong, though,¡± she added. One bracer joined the discarded bodice, then the other. ¡°I just didn¡¯t want to bring the mood down, I guess.¡± ¡°I know. And I didn¡¯t want to force you to talk to me.¡± She leaned into my embrace and circled her arms behind her, resting them around my neck. ¡°You know that I¡¯ll be thinking of you every day while you¡¯re gone, right?¡± ¡°I¡­ wait, seriously?¡± Heat flooded my neck and face in a furious blush, and I got a little tongue-tied. To be honest, that was one of the nicest things anyone had ever said to me. Part of me outright rejected it¡ªthere was no way I deserved those words from Keke. But here she was, letting me roll her leggings down her hips, exposing her to the world save for a pair of black underwear. God, she smells incredible. Keke giggled, turning to kiss my cheek. ¡°Seriously.¡± She dropped her arms and tail to step out of her pants. But before she went to retrieve her armor, she turned toward me and hugged me into a tight embrace. ¡°I¡¯ll be by your side again in no time. You¡¯ll see.¡± I stroked her hair and enjoyed her warmth against me. ¡°Yeah. You¡¯re probably right.¡± Rocking forward on her tiptoes, she brushed her mouth against mine in a sweet, tender kiss. The nineapple juice she¡¯d enjoyed at breakfast still lingered on her lips, and I savored her warm body against mine. A harsh knock at the door interrupted us. ¡°One second!¡± I barked, hoping no one would barge through. ¡°Matt! Our entourage has waited a quarter of an hour for you to depart! Are you quite done?¡± Cailu bellowed. Fuck. I guess it was only a matter of time before he started laying on the horn. I sighed. ¡°Just five more minutes, Cailu. I¡¯m finishing up right now.¡± ¡°Your time starts now! On my next visit, there will be no warning knock!¡± ¡°Fine! Like I said, I¡¯ll be right there!¡± I shook my head. One final knock. Then silence. Keke laughed and slid from my arms, hurrying to free the armor from its case. ¡°¡®There will be no warning knock,¡¯¡± I mimicked under my breath. ¡°He has a point. I told you we should have left earlier,¡± Keke countered with a grin. ¡°Don¡¯t you start, too,¡± I groaned. But thanks to her, my spirits felt higher. We¡¯d finally get off this sand-packed hellscape. I would see forests again. A concept that felt so painfully foreign after so long in the desert. Keke dressed with impressive agility. For my part, I could only watch. There wasn¡¯t much for me to help with on this set. The black leather bodice covered her entire torso and featured straps that criss-crossed over her chest with a round, ruby gemstone at their center. A golden half-jacket rested on top of it; the right sleeve flared just above the elbow while the other vanished beneath a golden pauldron. Black shorts cut high on the thigh while black leather boots rested just above her knees. Both were surrounded by a golden half-cape that fell from the belt at her waist. Green trimmings, black leather bracers, and her black choker with a golden buckle completed the ensemble. Keke has gained: Stalker¡¯s Hunting Ringlets! Keke has gained: Stalker¡¯s Hunting Vest! Keke has gained: Stalker¡¯s Hunting Gloves! Keke has gained: Stalker¡¯s Hunting Pants! Keke has gained: Stalker¡¯s Hunting Boots! Keke has gained: Stalker¡¯s Hunting Choker! ¡°I feel stronger,¡± Keke remarked, clenching her hands into fists as she marveled at the pauldrons. ¡°What are the Stats on this?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s see.¡± I summoned the iPaw and navigated to Keke¡¯s equipment. Jesus. I slowly read each piece off to her. Stalker¡¯s Hunting Ringlets: +4 Myana Points, +3 Strength, +3 Dexterity, +4 Defense, +5 Magic Defense. Enchantable. Stalker¡¯s Hunting Vest: +4 Myana Points, +2 Strength, +3 Dexterity, +2 Agility, +8 Defense, +6 Magic Defense. Enchantable. Stalker¡¯s Hunting Gloves: +2 Myana Points, +1 Strength, +2 Dexterity, +2 Agility, +5 Defense, +5 Magic Defense. Enchantable. Stalker¡¯s Hunting Pants: +4 Myana Points, +2 Strength, +2 Dexterity, +4 Agility, +8 Defense, +6 Magic Defense. Enchantable. Stalker¡¯s Hunting Boots: +2 Myana Points, +2 Dexterity, +4 Agility, + 5 Defense, +5 Magic Defense. Enchantable. Stalker¡¯s Hunting Choker: +5 Health Points, +5 Myana Points, +2 Strength, +2 Dexterity, +2 Agility. Special Effect: Increases the duration of [Pinpoint Weakness] by 20%. Keke shook her head, her face the picture of disbelief, and touched the gemstone. ¡°Did Cailu tell you what ¡®Enchantable¡¯ means?¡± ¡°He did not.¡± Maybe the Nyarlean Wikipedia is feeling generous today. ¡°Hey, Ai¡ª¡± The door slammed open, and a very frustrated Cailu stepped inside. ¡°Enchantable gear can be further altered by an [Arbiter].¡± He gestured through the door with a sweep of his arm. ¡°This I can explain and more during our journey to Nyarlothep. Which begins immediately.¡± I shared a quick glance with Keke, who looked like she was trying her best not to laugh. ¡°I¡¯m ready if you are,¡± she said. ¡°Yeah.¡± I turned to Cailu. ¡°I¡¯m ready.¡± Bonus Quest: Dungeons & Dragons ¡°[Sharpshooter]!¡± Elona cried, hopping up onto a boulder and readying another arrow. The narrow cavern didn¡¯t allow for a lot of free movement, forcing her to utilize the uneven territory in their battle. ¡°Mou ii. We don¡¯t have to yell out our passives, remember?¡± Ravyn jumped to the side where Elona was standing moments before, narrowly avoiding a fist-sized rock flying toward her head. ¡°And how the hell do bugs throw rocks?!¡± She raised her hands to her chest and screamed, ¡°[Fire Ball]!¡± ¡°That¡¯s Fire Bolt, Ravyn,¡± Janusz bellowed. His icy blue reptilian eyes glared at her beneath red, leathery scales. Ravyn blinked. ¡°I am never going to get used to that voice. Whatever. [Fire Bolt]!¡± she shouted again. A string of flames materialized from thin air, colliding with the enormous, wasp-like creature that buzzed through the air. The monster squealed in pain and whirred in desperate circles to put the flames out from its wings. Another gigantic insect readied its stinger and rocketed toward Janusz. Bunny raised her staff and cried, ¡°[Sanctuary]!¡± A warm glow surrounded the bejeweled sphere at its peak, then flowed forward, encompassing Janusz in a hazy, swirling fog. Just as the sharp point of the stinger brushed against Janusz¡¯s shield, the wasp hesitated. It fluttered in confusion, bulbous eyes searching the dragonborn¡¯s form as it hovered before him. Janusz swung his sacred sword with all his might, cleaving the insect in twain. Green blood sputtered from its severed halves as it fell to the ground, splattering the [Paladin]¡¯s well-worn shield and armor. ¡°You have my thanks, Bunny!¡± he called, charging forward toward the next foe. ¡°O-of course!¡± Bunny stammered, tucking a length of snow-white hair behind her ear. ¡°Ravyn, heads up!¡± Elona cried. She unsheathed a dagger from her boot and leapt from the boulder, driving the blade into the eye of a wasp that had snuck up behind Ravyn¡¯s back. ¡°Fuck!¡± Ravyn spun on her heel and stepped backward, giving Elona plenty of space to work. The [Ranger] stabbed the wasp a second time, then a third. At last, its wings slowed, and it drifted to the ground. A pool of green drained from its carapace. ¡°I didn¡¯t even hear it! Kuso! Human ears are stupid!¡± Ravyn grumbled. ¡°But you¡¯re a tiefling! You get to see in the dark!¡± Bunny said happily. ¡°Let us focus on the task at hand, friends!¡± Janusz commanded. ¡°Okay, Dad. But we¡¯re just fi¡ª¡± Before Ravyn could finish her thought, another airborne rock sailed through the air and struck her forehead. ¡°Nani the fuck, Matt!¡± Ravyn shrieked, throwing her dice to the table. ¡°You can¡¯t just hide monsters from us!¡± Matt shrugged. ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be hidden if you paid attention.¡± ¡°And how do bugs with no hands throw rocks?¡± she continued. ¡°With telekinesis.¡± Matt grinned. ¡°I wanted to keep you on your toes.¡± ¡°That¡¯s so fucking stupid.¡± ¡°U-um, Ravyn? It¡¯ll be okay,¡± Cannoli said, resting a hand on Ravyn¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I can heal you! I still have a cast of [Healing Word] left!¡± ¡°You wouldn¡¯t have to use it if Matt wasn¡¯t being a jackass,¡± Ravyn snapped. ¡°Besides, why are our Spells limited per day? That¡¯s ridiculous.¡± ¡°Those are the rules.¡± Matt frowned, drumming his fingers on the table. ¡°And these books! Kuso!¡± Ravyn thumped her fist against the stack of [Sorcerer] manuals. ¡°I have to read an entire library, then do complex math equations to cast anything!¡± ¡°You could have picked a [Rogue] like you said,¡± Keke quipped, flicking a piece of popcorn into the air and catching it in her mouth. ¡°I find it interesting that in an imaginary game where you can be whatever you choose, you decided to essentially play as yourself,¡± Ceres added thoughtfully. ¡°Well, except for the horns, of course.¡± ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I want to be myself?¡± Ravyn countered. ¡°That makes more sense than being a dragon man.¡± Ceres furrowed her brow. ¡°A man is a revered and respected position, as you are well familiar.¡± She tapped the head of her freshly painted dragonborn miniature. ¡°Besides, according to these books, a dragonborn makes an exceptional [Paladin]. Which we require, as Matt is not our fearless leader in this sense.¡± Ravyn snickered under her breath and fed Ball Gag a cookie. ¡°Yeah, okay. Better a dragon man than Cailu¡¯s female variant, I suppose.¡± Keke¡¯s face darkened, and her cheeks turned red. ¡°Elves get bonuses to Dexterity in this world!¡± ¡°Fine, but did you have to look like him?¡± ¡°Ravyn,¡± Matt warned. ¡°My mother had blonde hair. Besides, isn¡¯t Cailu what all elves look like?¡± Keke looked to Matt for help. ¡°I couldn¡¯t tell you,¡± Matt said honestly. ¡°Hey, guys? Can we get back to the game?¡± Cannoli asked. Buttons danced around her fingers, making a game of touching the tips with his tail. ¡°I¡¯m having fun with it.¡± ¡°Yeah, of course.¡± Matt straightened in his seat and cleared his throat. ¡°So, as I was saying¡­¡± Ravyn sunk to the floor, cradling her head in her hand. Bunny rushed to her side, relieved to find that the rock had hardly cut the skin. A trickle of blood vanished into Ravyn¡¯s fiery red hair, but it seemed to only have dazed the [Sorcerer]. ¡°Oh! I have a potion for this!¡± Bunny rummaged through her side pack, procuring a tiny glass bottle filled with a golden tonic. ¡°Here, drink up!¡± ¡°Thanks, Bunny,¡± Ravyn said, accepting the bottle and popping the cork. ¡°It¡¯s so cute when you say my name!¡± Bunny exclaimed, patting Ravyn between the horns. ¡°Don¡¯t patronize me.¡± Elona thrust a hand forward, her palm aimed at the wasp that had ambushed her companion. ¡°[Ensnaring Strike]!¡± A twisted tangle of vines erupted from the right wall and the floor, capturing the wasp mid-air. Sharp thorns sprouted from the tangles, piercing the insect from all angles. It hissed, struggling against its binds¡ª ¡°Insects don¡¯t hiss,¡± Ravyn said. ¡°In this world they do,¡± Matt countered. ¡°Shut up! You¡¯re ruining my moment!¡± Keke snapped, shoving a hand against Ravyn¡¯s shoulder. Ceres laughed. ¡°So the wasp was hissing?¡± Cannoli prompted, her eyes glittering. ¡°What¡¯s next, Matt?¡± Matt nodded. ¡°Alright. So. The hissing grows louder as two more vines bind the insect¡¯s wings¡­¡± It was like an iron maiden, clamping and squeezing the writhing monster. ¡°[Hunter¡¯s Mark]!¡± Elona cried, nocking an arrow over her bow and drawing it back. The wasp¡¯s carapace radiated a soft yellow light, signaling the success of Elona¡¯s Spell. Inhaling a deep breath, Elona pulled the arrow back and freed it on her exhale. Her shot sang true, missing the vines, plunging deep into the wasp¡¯s shell, and piercing its heart. The monster shrieked, gurgling green blood from its tiny mouth before dying. ¡°It seems that is all of them,¡± Janusz announced. He drew the long blade across his thigh, cleansing it of the wasp¡¯s verdant lifeblood. ¡°Wonderful. Can we leave this fucking hell-cave now?¡± Ravyn grumbled. She pushed herself to her feet, brushing the dirt from her black robes. ¡°We¡¯re here to find the golden dragon, remember?¡± Bunny said, straightening the collar on Ravyn¡¯s dress. Elona procured a hand-drawn map, a quill, and a small bottle of ink from her pack. She crouched on the floor and carefully sketched their current location, connecting the lines of the stone corridor to the previous room. ¡°We solved the riddle at the entrance, moved through the tomb of the Empress, and left our blessing with the Shrine of the Golden Dragon. Cere¡ª I mean, Janusz, what else do you remember from your dream?¡± Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! Janusz sheathed his sword and adjusted the shield on his arm. ¡°I recall the sound of flowing water near her den.¡± He looked from side to side. ¡°None of these walls or structures would suggest a tempering by water.¡± Ravyn narrowed her eyes. ¡°How would you know that?¡± ¡°The ocean¡¯s tides heavily influenced my home islands of Valkyn,¡± Janusz explained, stroking the cool rock walls with one clawed hand. ¡°Stone fences and brick roads were at the mercy of the salted water¡ªsmoothed and laid low by its machinations.¡± ¡°Woah, Ceres really did her research,¡± Bunny murmured to Elona. ¡°It certainly puts us to shame.¡± Elona giggled. ¡°Hmph. Did we come to the wrong cave, then?¡± Ravyn wandered to the far end of the hallway. ¡°Why would this cave have everything else we needed, then?¡± Elona challenged. ¡°Like the Shrine of the Golden Dragon?¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay if it¡¯s not super close! We have plenty of supplies and Spells left,¡± Bunny interrupted. ¡°There¡¯s no need to worry. We¡¯ll find her when we find her.¡± ¡°How much do you think a golden dragon head is worth?¡± Ravyn wondered aloud. Janusz shook his head. ¡°Ravyn, for the dozenth time, we are not here to kill the dragon. She summoned us for a reason.¡± ¡°Then why, Janusz, has she gone out of her way to kill us?¡± Ravyn demanded. She held out one hand, ticking their trials off on her fingers. ¡°If Elona hadn¡¯t solved the riddle correctly, the walls would have flattened us into pudding. The shrine would have destroyed anyone not pure of heart, so we¡¯d be up in flames if it weren¡¯t for Bunny. There are the traps, the bottomless pits, the monsters¡ª¡± ¡°Perhaps it is a test. Not everyone has the opportunity to speak with a dragon,¡± Janusz suggested. Elona carefully rolled up her map and deposited the ink and quill back into her pack. ¡°Whining won¡¯t get us any closer to the dragon or to the college¡¯s reward.¡± ¡°Um, about that.¡± Bunny raised a hand. ¡°Do you really think it¡¯s okay to give your map to strangers? Will the dragon be safe?¡± ¡°The college requested it for archival purposes. I do not believe it will be used for nefarious purposes,¡± Janusz reasoned. ¡°I agree with him. I think it¡¯s important to know as much as you can about a place like this. Especially if it could affect the city¡¯s citizens in the future,¡± Elona said. ¡°Less talking, more walking.¡± Ravyn gestured over her shoulder, pointing forward. ¡°Torches don¡¯t last all day, remember?¡± Bunny idly braided a section of her hair. ¡°I wish I had [Illuminate] here. Or that I could call on my quori to give us light. Like Lara does with the Elements.¡± ¡°Could you not have taken [Illumination], Bunny? I recall seeing it in one of this world¡¯s tomes,¡± Janusz asked. Bunny blushed, her clear blue eyes dropping to the floor. ¡°I-I didn¡¯t slot [Illuminate] into my daily Spells,¡± she murmured. ¡°That¡¯s what torches are for!¡± Ravyn called from around the corner. ¡°Wait, I have a question,¡± Elona raised a hand. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Matt asked, looking up from behind the screen. ¡°Can I carve the monsters?¡± Keke asked. ¡°Like Encroachers or Defiled. Would the wasps have anything I can sell or use?¡± ¡°Erm, I didn¡¯t really think of that.¡± He leaned over his notes. ¡°Do any of you have points in [Alchemy]?¡± ¡°Oh! I took two!¡± Cannoli clapped her hands. Button hopped up and down with glee. ¡°You know, just in case.¡± ¡°Alright, then sure. You find two wasp stingers. Bunny recognizes them as potion ingredients for antidotes,¡± Matt said. ¡°Great. That¡¯ll work.¡± Keke gave a satisfied nod, shoveling another handful of popcorn into her mouth. ¡°We can continue on.¡± ¡°Everyone else good?¡± There was a universal nod of agreement around the table. ¡°Cool. So, the four of you continue down the dark, silent hallway. Your footsteps echo against the walls. Roll me a Perception check.¡± ¡°Five,¡± Cannoli said. ¡°Six,¡± Ravyn grumbled. ¡°Ten,¡± Ceres announced. ¡°Fifteen with my bonus.¡± Keke grinned. Matt nodded. ¡°Elona hears the sound of running water¡­¡± ¡°It sounds like we¡¯re going the right way,¡± Elona announced to the group. ¡°Well, well. The pointy ears are good for something,¡± Ravyn said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. ¡°More than you can say for your horns,¡± Elona snapped back. ¡°I think both of you look beautiful,¡± Bunny interjected. ¡°Just like you always do.¡± That seemed to placate the duo. ¡°This smell¡­ It is familiar.¡± Janusz closed his eyes and inhaled, the scales at the back of his head flaring outward. ¡°Yes, this was just like my dream!¡± ¡°Dragons have a smell?¡± Ravyn asked no one in particular. Elona shrugged. ¡°Children, you have come,¡± a deep, elegant voice spoke, surprising all four adventurers. They exchanged uncomfortable looks. ¡°Should we prepare for the worst?¡± Bunny whispered. ¡°If we go in with our weapons drawn, she may think we¡¯re here to hurt her,¡± Elona murmured. ¡°We¡¯re not?¡± Ravyn asked. Janusz and Elona glared at her. ¡°Jeez, relax. I was joking.¡± ¡°Please, step forward. No harm will come to you,¡± the voice said. ¡°No more harm, she means,¡± Ravyn grumbled. Janusz led the charge to the end of the hallway, then stepped into the final chamber of the dungeon. The constricted walls and low ceiling opened to an expansive room glittering with gold. Every surface was plated with the shimmering metal, enhanced by ornate designs shaped with tiny gemstones. A mosaic of a dragon splayed across the floor, the crown of its head vanishing beneath piles and piles of golden coins lying at the feet of the golden dragon herself. ¡°A whole bunch of stuff about Magni just started to make sense,¡± Ravyn murmured. The dragon was larger than anything they¡¯d ever seen. From her nose to the tip of her tail, she could easily fill a house. The tops of her wings brushed against the impossibly high ceiling, and a long, spiked tail wrapped around her legs. Her shimmering scales were just as vivid and blinding as the coins beside her claws. ¡°Oh, reverent one. We have answered your call.¡± Janusz dropped to one knee, bringing one fist to his chest in an honorable salute. He caught the eyes of his companions, who followed suit. The dragon nodded her great head, then closed her eyes. Her gigantic body began to shrink and reshape itself. The tail pulled into her torso and the spikes smoothed along her dark skin. The flare of scales around her head grew into long, flowing locks of golden hair as claws turned to fingers and toes. The scales shifted and formed into a yellow dress of silk that pooled at her feet. She approached the adventurers as a human, her smile warm and hands open at her sides. ¡°I am Apalala. Please, rise. Consider yourself my honored guests.¡± ¡°Nani? Hang on a second,¡± Ravyn began. Ravyn poked the human miniature beside the golden dragon. ¡°Is she a [Druid]?¡± ¡°No, she¡¯s a dragon,¡± Matt replied. He worked his jaw, then a sudden realization lit his eyes. ¡°Wait, can [Druid]s change into Encroachers?¡± ¡°Well, yeah, obviously¡ª¡± ¡°I want to talk to the pretty dragon lady!¡± Cannoli pleaded. ¡°Please, please, please!¡± ¡°I, too, have questions of my own. We can speak of Nyarlean Classes later,¡± Ceres added, looking pointedly at Ravyn. Keke raised her eyebrows expectantly. Ravyn¡¯s shoulders slumped, and she sighed. ¡°Yeah, yeah. Apalala¡¯s guests. Keep going.¡± Matt laughed. ¡°Apalala gestures for all of you to stand¡­¡± Bunny rose to her feet, clasping her hands at her chest. ¡°The honor is ours, Lady Apalala!¡± Apalala smiled, resting a hand on Bunny¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I owe my thanks to each of you for your presence here, pure-hearted one. It has been three centuries since I have last enjoyed visitors.¡± ¡°Your messages were a gift, my lady. We have brought the items you requested.¡± Janusz slid the bag of holding from his belt and presented it to Apalala. ¡°Might I ask their use?¡± Apalala graciously accepted the bag, turning back the flap before feeling through its contents. ¡°My magic, while powerful, is finite. Visiting my kin¡¯s dreams, the mists you traversed, my lair¡¯s many enchantments¡ªall of this slowly sips from my pool of mana.¡± She pulled an ivory comb made from the tusk of a razor boar free from the bag, then drew its teeth through her long hair. With a contented sigh, she stroked the golden tendrils until the comb disappeared. Bunny gasped. ¡°I-it¡¯s gone!¡± Apalala laughed, then set the bag to her side. ¡°There are many materials and elements in this world that carry a spiritual synergy with me, restoring my magic upon their use. Without them, I would not be able to enjoy the peaceful life that I do.¡± ¡°I have a question, if you wouldn¡¯t mind, my lady,¡± Elona spoke up with a quick bow. ¡°Of course, dear elf. Anything at all.¡± Ravyn snickered. Bunny grabbed Ravyn¡¯s wrist and shook her head. ¡°The college requested a map of this dungeon. They offered a great sum for its completion.¡± Elona pulled the map from her pack. ¡°Would that bring harm to your existence?¡± Apalala wrinkled her brow and leaned forward, closely examining Elona¡¯s drawing. She carried a perfume of frankincense on her skin. ¡°I understand the value of knowledge, truly. However, in addition to your rewards, I will double their offering if you do not share your experiences within my lair.¡± Without another word, Elona shredded the map and held it out toward Ravyn. ¡°Don¡¯t have to tell me twice.¡± Ravyn snapped her fingers, and the shreds of parchment burst into flames. ¡°Though I¡¯m telling you, we bring the dragon¡¯s head back, and they¡¯ll give us the city.¡± Apalala turned to Ravyn, her expression dark. ¡°You, infernal one, bring evil to my sanctuary.¡± ¡°Hey, no, wait a second¡ª¡± ¡°I cannot trust you to keep my secret.¡± ¡°With a wave of Apalala¡¯s hand, Ravyn turns to stone. Forever cursed to remain a treasure of the golden dragon,¡± Matt said. ¡°Hey! Baka!¡± Ravyn snapped. ¡°The rest of the group receives the following legendary items¡ª¡± Matt continued, ignoring her. ¡°Matt! That¡¯s bullshit! You know I didn¡¯t say that in character!¡± Ravyn slammed her hand against the manual. ¡°Does he, though?¡± Keke asked. ¡°Keke is right. Your character has said such things since this campaign began,¡± Ceres added. ¡°C¡¯mon, no I haven¡¯t!¡± Ravyn looked at Cannoli. ¡°Have I?¡± Cannoli scooped Buttons up from the table, then slowly nodded. ¡°Critical failure! Squawk!¡± ¡°Not you, too!¡± Ravyn sighed and crossed her arms. ¡°Kuso. Alright. I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean it. Can I please take it back?¡± Matt grinned. ¡°Alright. Just this once, though.¡± ¡°Oh, what a generous god.¡± Ravyn rolled her eyes. Matt cleared his throat. ¡°Apalala thanks you for burning the map, then turns to her treasure trove¡­¡± ¡°For Janusz, my blessed kin, a shield that will protect you from evil.¡± Apalala passed Janusz a spotless platinum shield with a golden dragon emblazoned on its surface. Janusz bowed deeply, accepting her gift with a stern face. ¡°I shall wield it proudly, my lady.¡± ¡°For Bunny, the purest of heart, a silken sash.¡± Apalala stretched a garment made of shimmering, translucent fabric that changed from purple to blue depending on the way the light struck it. ¡°This sash will shine as brilliantly as your good nature. Your foes will be blinded in your presence.¡± ¡°Thank you, Miss Apalala!¡± Bunny immediately donned the sash over her robes, fingering the brilliant fabric with wonder. ¡°For Elona, strong of mind, I grant you a token befitting of a warrior.¡± Apalala looped a chain over Elona¡¯s head, careful not to catch her hair as she positioned the golden falcon pendant against the [Ranger]¡¯s chest. ¡°You shall find your steps faster and lighter. No longer will your enemies hear your approach.¡± Elona clasped her hand over the pendant and bowed. ¡°I will use it well, Lady Apalala.¡± Apalala smiled and stepped before Ravyn. ¡°And for Ravyn, the sharp-tongued infernal, I award you¡ª¡± ¡°¡ªa boot to the head,¡± Matt finished. Ravyn¡¯s jaw dropped in an incredulous stare. Keke burst out laughing, clapping a hand over her mouth as her face turned red. Ceres hid her laugh behind a cough. Cannoli stared at Matt with wide eyes. ¡°Matt! Ravyn helped so much! We couldn¡¯t have done this without her! You have to give her something!¡± Matt laughed and waved his hand in dismissal. ¡°I know. It was just worth it to see that look on her face.¡± ¡°Baka!¡± ¡°I award you a ring of eternity,¡± Apalala said, sliding a golden ring encrusted with rubies onto Ravyn¡¯s finger. ¡°May your Spells always remain at your fingertips.¡± ¡°I can cast as many Spells as I want now?¡± Ravyn gasped. ¡°One. You can have one Spell with infinite casts. Second-level or lower,¡± Matt said. He tilted his head, a wry smile playing at his lips. ¡°Wait, are you getting into this now?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not¡ª¡± Ravyn stopped, looking into the expectant faces of her companions. Pursing her lips, she groaned. ¡°Okay. Maybe a little bit.¡± ¡°Yay! That¡¯s wonderful!¡± Cannoli cheered! ¡°What happens next, Matt?¡± Keke asked. ¡°Apalala gives you the money she promised, and you make your way back to town. This Quest is officially complete.¡± Matt folded his hands on the table, looking at the girls. ¡°I wish to find our next adventure if my companions are keen to remain at my side,¡± Ceres said, examining her miniature before placing it on the picture of the tavern. ¡°Ravyn?¡± Keke asked. Ravyn rolled her eyes. ¡°Sure. Let¡¯s keep going.¡± The others cheered. Matt smiled and opened another book. ¡°Here we go, then. You hear a rumor that the college isn¡¯t happy about the map¡­¡± Chapter 216: Magnificent Trio The return trip to Madhyam somehow felt a great deal faster than the initial voyage to R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨©. Tristan chalked it up to a combination of things¡ªEncroachers seemed to stay out of their way, the winds and sands moving in their favor, and everyone received at least one full night¡¯s rest. With so many bodies, it was easier to split the night watch between all of them. Tristan shared his gigashank with Zahra, and they filled the time with idle chatter. His thoughts were consumed by the immense amount of work that lay before him, not allowing for anything deeper than brief observations and inquiries. Cailu had asked him to essentially resolve the same issues on San Island that plagued San Francisco; homelessness and orphaned kittens. Battling Encroachers and Defiled were one thing, but resurrecting a broken economy? That was a task that could take years of designing and implementing. Just how long did Cailu want him to stay on San? When they did reach Madhyam, the group made a point to visit Ishani at Tristan¡¯s suggestion. It was the least he could do for Zahra after all of her help. They were welcomed just as warmly as their first visit with Zahra¡¯s mother. ¡°Three men in my house! What an honor!¡± Ishani fussed between them, her eyes glittering with wonder. ¡°Please, allow me to serve you a small meal before you continue on.¡± She rested her hands over her stomach and performed the traditional bow. Tristan returned it, and Cailu was nearly in sync with his movements. Tristan cleared his throat to catch Matt¡¯s attention and was glad when he followed suit. ¡°It would be our pleasure,¡± Cailu replied. ¡°Your daughter has been a tremendous help.¡± Ishani straightened her back and clutched her hands to her chest. ¡°You bless us both. Sands walk with you, sir.¡± There was an unspoken rule on Ichi when someone invited you to stay. The guests were meant to relax and let the members of the household do all the work. But even with Zahra¡¯s help, preparing anything for thirteen people would be no easy feat. ¡°Ishani, if you¡¯d permit me to, I¡¯d love to help you prepare everything.¡± Tristan smiled. ¡°I know there are a lot of us.¡± ¡°Oh! Me, too!¡± Cannoli said. She¡¯d been far more chipper during their journey back than Tristan had seen her in a long time. He hoped it was a good sign. Ishani studied them for a time, eyes flickering to the full group as her tail rocked back and forth in thought. At last, she nodded. ¡°Yes, I would be glad to have your assistance.¡± ¡°And mine, of course,¡± Zahra chimed in. ¡°It is still my house after all.¡± Ishani swept an arm over Zahra¡¯s shoulders and hugged her daughter close. ¡°Of course, my sweet. This will always be your home.¡± They moved to the modest kitchen while the rest of the group made their way outside. Cannoli set to work on passing out drinks and preparing small plates while Ishani gave Tristan and Zahra instructions for cutting and seasoning meats. While they worked, Ishani¡¯s questions began to roll in like the tide. ¡°We heard of Magni¡¯s death a little over two days after it happened,¡± Ishani began. ¡°An Ejderha arrived begging for Sanctuary. How did it happen?¡± Zahra pursed her lips. ¡°The Ejderha didn¡¯t say?¡± ¡°It is best to hear a tale from a tongue you trust,¡± Ishani replied. ¡°Cailu challenged Magni to a sanctioned duel and won,¡± Tristan said. ¡°He left the throne to Naeemah.¡± ¡°Then it is true. That is wonderful news!¡± Ishani stoked the flames at the stove, hooking a large pot over the coal. ¡°And what of Sanrai?¡± Tristan looked up from his diced onyans and over at Zahra. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Zahra¡¯s expression softened. ¡°Sanrai returned to the sands, Mother,¡± she said softly. ¡°She refused to see reason.¡± Ishani froze, her hand hovering over a ladle. A string of expressions passed over her face, her eyes searching into an abyss they could not see. Even after the hell Sanrai had put them through, Tristan¡¯s heart broke for her mother. He couldn¡¯t imagine how receiving news like that felt, and he desperately searched for the right thing to say. Sanrai was powerful, intense, calculating. She¡¯d driven them out of the city not once, but twice, and very nearly killed Ceres. ¡°Zahra did everything she could to bring her sister home.¡± Tristan was careful to keep his words even. ¡°You raised two incredible daughters, Ishani.¡± Ishani¡¯s lower lip quivered, and a string of tears trickled from the corners of her eyes. Zahra stepped forward and embraced her mother in a tight hug. Tristan quietly set the knife down beside the cutting board and stepped into the hallway. He was surprised to find Cannoli on the other side of the threshold, hugging the doorframe and peeking inside. Cannoli¡¯s cheeks pinked, and she rapidly blinked her bright ruby eyes. ¡°I-I just didn¡¯t want to interrupt anything,¡± she whispered. ¡°I know. You¡¯re not the type to eavesdrop.¡± Tristan grinned. ¡°Tristan¡­ how do you do that?¡± He blinked. ¡°Do what?¡± ¡°You always know just what to say to make someone feel better,¡± Cannoli murmured. She looked into the kitchen and back at him. ¡°Not just to me, but what you said to Ishani about Sanrai was so kind. Even though Sanrai was never nice to us. Not once.¡± It was Tristan¡¯s turn to blush. He ran a hand through his hair and crossed his arms, realizing only a second later that it was a gesture he¡¯d picked up from Matt. He sighed and shook his head. ¡°I just try to put myself in their shoes.¡± Cannoli cocked her head to the side and touched her chin. ¡°Why would you want to wear their shoes?¡± ¡°No, not actually wear their shoes.¡± Tristan covered a laugh behind his hand. ¡°What I mean is, I think about what I would want to hear in their situation. Like finding you here. You wouldn¡¯t want me to call you a spy, right?¡± ¡°No. I would have felt awful if you thought that.¡± ¡°Exactly. It¡¯s important to see things from the other person¡¯s perspective, I think. No real magic to it.¡± Cannoli rocked on the balls of her feet. ¡°You make it sound so easy.¡± ¡°It takes a lot of practice.¡± He leaned to the side, seeing if he could catch Zahra¡¯s eye. Zahra locked his gaze and waved him into the kitchen. Ishani dabbed at her eyes with a cloth and inhaled a deep breath. ¡°Back to work, then?¡± Tristan asked Cannoli. ¡°Yes.¡± She touched his shoulder and flashed him a brilliant smile. ¡°Thank you, Tristan. For the advice.¡± ¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡± He cupped a hand over hers. ¡°Though, a smile like that will make anyone feel better, Cannoli.¡± Cannoli giggled and ducked into the kitchen. ¡°Apologies for my poor manners, Tristan,¡± Ishani said as he returned. ¡°Please, you have nothing to apologize for.¡± He shook his head. ¡°Besides, cutting onyans makes everyone cry, right?¡± Ishani laughed, her mood brightened, and they continued to prepare the afternoon meal. They were able to serve it in good time, and the conversation was light-hearted and cordial. Everyone seemed to be in high spirits and laughed easily. Tristan was happy to enjoy a meal outside of the citadel. The experience was a lot closer to an intimate family gathering rather than the battle strategy style meetings that every meal in R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨© brought with it. Tristan finished eating before the others and procured his sketchbook from his [Cat Pack]. With the enchanted pen, he sketched a smiling Zahra. Something about her had changed since they first met. She now carried herself with a grace Tristan recognized in Naeemah, and the determined spark in her eyes had changed to one of excitement. She¡¯d succeeded in her mission, and it showed. Flipping the page, he made one more drawing. A piercing, ruthless gaze. Lips slanted in a dry, knowing smile. Dark tattoos carved into umber skin. Sanrai looked as alive in his sketch as she did in the shadow of the citadel. As the others readied to leave, he handed the sketches to Ishani. ¡°These are for you.¡± Ishani accepted both pieces of parchment, her lips parting in a silent ¡®o.¡¯ Eyes wide, she looked at Tristan. ¡°You protected my daughter, and now you grant me such beautiful gifts. Tristan, I have no way of repaying you.¡± ¡°You already have, Ishani.¡± Tristan touched her wrist. ¡°May the wind carry your desires¡ª¡± ¡°And the sun warm your back,¡± she finished for him, clutching the drawings to her chest. ¡°You are truly Saoirse¡¯s gift to this world, child.¡± As they departed Madhyam, Tristan let himself believe Ishani¡¯s words, just a little. He knew he¡¯d need them in the coming weeks. Chapter 217: Morphing Advance Once our trip to Madhyam was at an end, we began our journey back to Kandota where Portia was¡ªhopefully¡ªstill residing. The majority of our trip thus far had proven to be fairly uneventful. Encroachers avoided us, digging into the sands or flying away from our group. Occasionally, they would check us out with tilted heads and curious eyes, but for the most part, they left us alone. It was another melancholy night in the tent when I sat in front of Cailu with my iPaw, legs crossed. I happened to catch him while he was alone, tending to a cup of tea. ¡°I want to learn more about this world,¡± I started as I scrolled through the device''s settings, ¡°and you said you¡¯d talk to me about Enchanting.¡± Cailu regarded me with a stare I couldn¡¯t quite place. It seemed half irritated, half amused. He set his cup of tea beside him and adjusted the threads of his tunic. ¡°Where shall I begin?¡± ¡°How does it work? From beginning to end, I mean.¡± The lantern started to fade, followed shortly by Cannoli announcing, ¡°[Illuminate].¡± The light returned, its glow browned by the lantern''s glass. ¡°One must first become an [Arbiter] if they are to Enchant an item.¡± Cailu crossed his arms and straightened his back. He glanced at Ceres before continuing. ¡°Enchanting is a complicated process by which the [Arbiter] must combine certain materials together to form a bond.¡± ¡°What do you mean by ¡®bond¡¯?¡± He scratched the stubble on his chin. ¡°A bond between materials and Myana must be forged. From what I have been told by practitioners of the art, the [Arbiter] must first determine Latency within the item via a Spell.¡± The fire outside the tent crackled. ¡°Afterward, they must locate and forge other materials to create their desired effect.¡± Cailu continued just as I opened my mouth. ¡°By latency, what I mean is this. The [Arbiter] would first need to determine whether your equipment has the capability of an Enchantment. The Spell is called [Determine Latency]. The catgirls are unable to see whether an item can be Enchanted without the assistance of an [Arbiter].¡± Cailu leaned forward and used his pointer finger to tip the front of my iPaw down. ¡°Men do not suffer from such limitations.¡± I frowned. I didn¡¯t like how he phrased that, but I ignored it. ¡°So that¡¯s why our gear says it¡¯s Enchantable?¡± ¡°Precisely,¡± Cailu nodded and returned to his straight-backed posture. ¡°Thanks to the iPaw¡¯s miracles, men can determine the Latency of an item the moment it is placed in their inventory.¡± ¡°But then, how do the catgirls know whether they¡¯re crafting gear that¡¯s Enchantable or not?¡± ¡°They do not,¡± Cailu said, his voice stern. ¡°As I said, [Arbiter]s and men are the only ones who can. Because of this, an [Arbiter]¡¯s services are expensive.¡± ¡°I see.¡± ¡°I digress,¡± Cailu shrugged. ¡°After an [Arbiter] has determined the item¡¯s Latency, they then have to determine how to fill it with Potential.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± Cailu raised three fingers, the back of his hand held toward me. ¡°There are three factors to Enchanting. Latency, Potential, Desire.¡± I opened the iPaw¡¯s notepad feature I¡¯d requested from Ai ages ago and began typing on the screen. ¡°What are you doing?¡± he asked. ¡°Taking notes. Just a second.¡± I repeated the words to myself. Latency, Potential, Desire. To my surprise, Cailu wore the faintest hint of a smile. If you could call it one, anyway. When I finished, I looked back up. ¡°Okay. Please continue.¡± Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. A slight exhale left Cailu¡¯s nostrils. ¡°Latency is how the [Arbiter] determines if the item can be Enchanted.¡± He folded one finger inward. ¡°Potential is what the item is capable of. This, unlike Latency, is not something a man can discover. Only an [Arbiter] can tell you what Enchantments the item is capable of.¡± He curled his middle finger. ¡°Lastly, Desire is what an [Arbiter] projects onto the chosen item.¡± He rested his hands on his knees. ¡°If the [Arbiter] is successful, then the item is Enchanted.¡± A lot of those concepts went over my head. Then again, I was never too great at recording heard information¡ªthis was still pretty new for me. But I was sure it would make a lot more sense once I¡¯d written it all down and asked a few more questions. I¡¯d be a sad excuse for a Second Class otherwise. ¡°Any idea how these things work?¡± I asked. ¡°Like how Potential is determined, for example?¡± ¡°Loosely,¡± Cailu shrugged. ¡°[Arbiter] was not my calling. From how it has been described to me, Potentials can number in the thousands for possible effects.¡± He sighed. ¡°Enchanting my armor took months.¡± ¡°Months?¡± I frowned. ¡°You¡¯re kidding, right?¡± Cailu returned the frown. ¡°No. It is not as simple as selecting an option on your iPaw and delivering the desired effect to your equipment. The [Arbiter] will almost certainly spend a minimum of a few days locating the Potential you require. Even if she is successful at locating the Potential, it may require the armor to be readjusted. Depending on the Desire, the [Arbiter] may request stones, fabrics, woods, Encroacher parts, and materials that may surprise you.¡± He shook his head. ¡°It is a long and arduous process.¡± Something still didn¡¯t add up, though. How did Cailu know that these pieces of gear would be Enchantable? From what he¡¯d said so far, he¡¯d only know once the item was complete. That¡¯d avoid him getting screwed over by frauds, but I couldn¡¯t imagine he had them remake this equipment multiple times in just a few days. ¡°In that case, how did you manage to get all of our gear Enchantable?¡± I asked. ¡°Magni was thorough in his research,¡± Cailu explained. ¡°His smiths were aware of many techniques to produce exceptional gear. No doubt paid for by the tax. I recognized two of the designs detailed by the workers.¡± That got me wondering how this whole process worked between [Arbiter]s and smiths like Espada. From what it sounded like, the [Arbiter]s were the ones who could figure out if something had Latency. That, or a dude. ¡°Do a lot of [Arbiter]s practice smithing?¡± Cailu shook his head. ¡°The practice required to master either of the two crafts can take a lifetime. In Nyarlothep, the smiths and [Arbiter]s work together closely to ensure that every [Crusader] is armed properly to combat Defiled. However, as I said before, the process can take months.¡± His expression grew dark. ¡°It is not uncommon for a [Crusader] to perish before donning their armor.¡± Brutal. ¡°Last question, and then I¡¯ll leave you alone.¡± Honestly, I just didn¡¯t want to talk to him anymore. But I wasn¡¯t about to pass up solid information on [Arbiter]. ¡°Proceed.¡± ¡°[Arbiter] is a Third Class, right?¡± I asked. Cailu nodded. ¡°Which Class turns into one?¡± Cailu gestured to Ceres, who was standing right outside the tent. ¡°[Magic Knight].¡± Well, that makes things a little more interesting, I guess. ¡°Thanks, Cailu. I¡¯ll leave you to your tea. I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll have more questions once we¡¯re at sea.¡± I got up to leave, dismissing the iPaw. ¡°Thanks for the information.¡± Cailu nodded and returned to the cup of tea he¡¯d prepared. I made my way over to the tent''s entrance to find Ceres and Cannoli chatting a few feet away. It was nice to hear them giggling. ¡°Hey, Cannoli. Hey, Ceres,¡± I smiled. ¡°Hey, Matt,¡± Cannoli said, reciprocating. ¡°Mind if I talk to Ceres for a minute?¡± ¡°Not at all!¡± Cannoli shook her head. ¡°I¡¯ll go say hi to Ravyn!¡± ¡°Cool.¡± ¡°Is something amiss, Sir Matt?¡± Ceres asked once Cannoli had left. ¡°Nah, just curious to hear your thoughts.¡± It felt kind of awkward to just ask, but I suppose there was no other way to go around it. ¡°What do you think of becoming an [Arbiter]?¡± Ceres blinked. ¡°My, becoming an [Arbiter] would be an honor! Few ever have such a privilege! A lifetime of practice is oft-needed!¡± Ceres clapped her hands together against her lips, grinning. ¡°That Sir Matt would find me worthy of partaking in his adventures for such a lengthy period of time is truly uplifting.¡± ¡°You all mean a lot to me.¡± My face grew hot. ¡°I want to try and prepare for the future¡­ if I can, anyway.¡± ¡°Truth be told, I had abandoned such fantasies.¡± Her tail wagged side to side. ¡°Hey, if you want to be an [Arbiter], then I¡¯ll make sure it happens.¡± A rare shade of pink colored Ceres¡¯ cheeks. ¡°Thank you, Sir Matt.¡± She put a hand to her chest, bowing slightly. ¡°I shan¡¯t be gone long. I will return to your side with haste.¡± I watched Ravyn groan while Cannoli playfully tugged at her new [Combat Mode] outfit. Keke pointed and laughed from across the fire while Tristan sat between Destiny and Lara. Zahra wiped her sword with a rag, covering her mouth whenever she laughed¡ªsomething I hadn¡¯t seen much of since we¡¯d recruited her. It felt warm, felt right. I looked back at Ceres. ¡°Of that, I have no doubt.¡± Side Quest: Ravyns Lucky Star It was raining the day Finnegan stumbled inside the Lucky Star. His blonde hair was matted and plastered to his face. Blood soaked his right sleeve, and one of the lenses in his glasses was shattered. ¡°H-help,¡± he murmured. His knees hit the polished wooden floor. His glasses close behind. The inn and tavern were quiet¡ªmost girls preferred to stay inside on rainy days. Yomi and Ravyn weren¡¯t most girls, though. Some of the rarest Encroachers came out of hiding during the brutal San Island storms. That meant new weapons, new armor, and Bells. They were two drinks in, celebrating a successful hunt of a pack of galatrax, when the youth tumbled through the door. ¡°What the hell?¡± Ravyn jumped to her feet, Yomi close behind. ¡°He¡¯s bleeding!¡± Yomi hissed, rushing to his side. ¡°[Stabilize]!¡± Is this really the next man? Emberlynn, Ravyn¡¯s mother, had always built her father as a larger-than-life figure. A man that couldn¡¯t be felled by a little rain or surprised by a measly roach. This¡­ man¡­ was tall but thin. Gangly. Like he hadn¡¯t had a good meal in a long time. He blinked up at Yomi. ¡°A-are you¡­ are you a nekomimi?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, a what?¡± Yomi dabbed at the bite on his arm with the napkin she¡¯d snatched from the table. ¡°Mou ii.¡± He had the gall to look frustrated. Ravyn scoffed. ¡°A catgirl,¡± he tried again. ¡°Oh. Yes.¡± Yomi looked over her shoulder at Ravyn. ¡°We¡¯re, um, well, we¡¯re all catgirls.¡± ¡°Oh my God. This is the isekai jackpot.¡± He rubbed his eyes with his clean hand, blinking up at Ravyn. ¡°Even if the monsters outside are a pain in the ass.¡± Yomi hurried to the table, snagged her glass of water, and moved back to his side. ¡°Here, drink this.¡± ¡°Ah. Arigatou.¡± He accepted the water and took a deep drink. Ravyn had never heard so many unintelligible words in so few sentences. Which was impressive, considering who her mother was. ¡°You didn¡¯t fight back?¡± she snapped. ¡°Fight? With what?¡± He sputtered a laugh, his energy seeming to return. ¡°Besides, why would I fight something that could so obviously kill me?¡± Ravyn marched to his side and snatched his broken glasses from the floor. ¡°To survive. Level up. Get Bells. Moron.¡± ¡°Baka!¡± he hissed back. ¡°Ravyn,¡± Yomi warned, her ears twitching with annoyance. ¡°This could be new for him, remember?¡± ¡°Uh-huh. Saoirse has blessed us all with a¡ª¡± She paused, squatting so she was at eye level with the newcomer. ¡°Hey, is there a term for a small man? Like calling a young catgirl a kitten.¡± ¡°Erm, a boy?¡± ¡°Yes. Good. That will do.¡± Ravyn snapped the glasses in half at the thin bridge and looked at Yomi. ¡°Saoirse has blessed us with a boy.¡± ¡°Hey, I¡ª!¡± He reached for his glasses, then flinched back. His deep green eyes flickered between Ravyn and Yomi¡¯s faces. ¡°Nani? I don¡¯t need my glasses anymore?¡± ¡°Saoirse¡¯s tits, can you please speak like a normal person?¡± Ravyn commanded. ¡°Ravyn!¡± Yomi snarled. He stared at her in disbelief. ¡°How did you know I didn¡¯t need those anymore?¡± I didn¡¯t. ¡°Call it a hunch.¡± Ravyn tossed the remnants of his glasses in a nearby trash bin and wiped her hands. ¡°Good luck in Nyarlea, boy.¡± ¡°My name is Finnegan.¡± He pushed Yomi¡¯s hands away and stumbled to his feet. ¡°Are you a bitch all of the time, or am I a special case?¡± Ravyn growled, her hands balling into fists. On his feet, he was almost a head taller than her. But Finnegan was still a malnourished, ill-equipped boy. She raised one hand level to her chest and flattened her palm, the burst of flame mirrored in her violet eyes. ¡°Want to find out?¡± The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Holy shit,¡± he stepped backward, raising an arm to block his face. Yomi caught Ravyn¡¯s wrist and forced it down. ¡°She won¡¯t hurt you.¡± ¡°Hm? Please, try me.¡± He froze, then looked at Yomi. ¡°Wait, so¡­ [Stabilize]. That was a Spell?¡± I should burn you to a crisp right now. Save the Encroachers the trouble. ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Yomi said, positioning herself between him and Ravyn. ¡°I¡¯m Yomi, by the way.¡± Finnegan nodded, and his gaze returned to Ravyn. ¡°And you are?¡± ¡°Leaving.¡± Ravyn turned, retrieving the Bells for their drinks from her [Cat Pack] and plopping them on the table. She came to Shulan with Yomi for an adventure. Not to team up with a feeble man who used a strange language and had no idea that Magic existed. That was a fast road to a quick death. ¡°Ravyn, wait!¡± Yomi turned to Finnegan and raised her hands. ¡°Sorry, give me just a second.¡± ¡°Yeah. Sure. I¡¯m, uh, just going to sit down a minute.¡± He wandered to an empty booth, then searched the pockets of his trousers. ¡°Wait, what¡¯s this?¡± His hand surfaced with the silver rectangle that Ravyn recognized immediately¡ªan iPaw. ¡°We¡¯ll explain in a moment,¡± Yomi replied, taking Ravyn¡¯s wrist and yanking her farther back into the Lucky Star. Their waitress¡ªKiri¡ªand three other catgirls in attendance had witnessed his entrance and their exchange. Kiri was at his table in the blink of an eye, offering him whatever was on the menu free of charge. The other three leered longingly, joining into a single throng to share a whispered discussion. ¡°We will explain, Yomi?¡± Ravyn snarled once they were out of earshot. ¡°Yes. We.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡± ¡°Are you insane?¡± Yomi gestured wildly toward Finnegan, toward the other girls, and then back to Ravyn. ¡°Isn¡¯t this exactly why we left Zhuli?¡± ¡°To die trying to protect a mass of twigs? I don¡¯t think so,¡± Ravyn retorted. ¡°That is not a man. Let him go get himself killed, and then we can get a real man.¡± Yomi fervently shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know what your mother told you about the men of Nyarlea, but everyone has to start somewhere, Ravyn.¡± ¡°That boy, sitting over there, is beyond novice levels of experience.¡± Ravyn pulled the hefty pouch of Bells from her [Cat Pack] and waved it in front of Yomi¡¯s face. ¡°Look, right here. We¡¯re doing fine on our own. We hit Level 4 together, and we can hit Second Class together. We don¡¯t need him.¡± Yomi glanced over her shoulder and lowered her voice. ¡°No, but he needs us. Look at him.¡± The tittering trio had made their way over to Finnegan¡¯s booth, and Kiri had slid into the seat next to him. His face had turned a brilliant shade of red, and he stammered through his answers to the endless stream of questions. Now that he¡¯d dried off, Ravyn could see the dark circles beneath his eyes and the bruises on his neck and arms. There was a small cut on his temple and numerous abrasions on his knuckles as if he had come to blows with a roach. The tears in his clothing suggested he¡¯d been on the losing side. This wasn¡¯t Finnegan¡¯s first day on San Island¡ªit had taken him some time to find Shulan. But by the grace of the goddess or otherwise, he¡¯d survived and made it to the Lucky Star. Memories of lonely nights spent in her own room assaulted Ravyn like a tidal wave. Talking to her only friend¡ªa garnet, for Saoirse¡¯s sake¡ªand wishing someone, somewhere, would take the time to see things from her point of view. ¡°Fuck,¡± Ravyn whispered, the fight draining from her shoulders. ¡°Yomi¡ª¡± ¡°Look, we can make a deal,¡± Yomi interrupted, holding up a finger. ¡°We give him two weeks. If we can both agree that he¡¯s a lost cause, we¡¯ll go back to adventuring ourselves. Just the two of us.¡± It wasn¡¯t a terrible deal. Two weeks wouldn¡¯t set them back very far. Besides, the Bells her mother kept sending to Yomi¡ªRavyn had sent them back one too many times, apparently¡ªwould keep them afloat for a year if need be. As much as she despised using that money, Yomi was adamant about keeping a safety net should things go to hell. Well, here we are, Mother. Hell himself has walked through the door. ¡°Two weeks? Swear on it?¡± Ravyn sighed. ¡°I swear, Ravyn. Please.¡± Ravyn hooked her finger around Yomi¡¯s, tightening it in a tiny truce. ¡°I¡¯ll have your tail if you push me again.¡± ¡°Wouldn¡¯t dream of it.¡± Yomi grinned and hugged her. ¡°Oh. That¡¯s overkill. No need for this.¡± Ravyn held up her hands at her side, unsure how to react to the hug. ¡°I don¡¯t see why you¡¯re so stuck on him.¡± Yomi released her, her smile widening. ¡°What kitten doesn¡¯t dream of being in a man¡¯s Party?¡± This one. ¡°Yeah. Guess so.¡± Ravyn turned and marched to Finnegan¡¯s table. Narrowing her eyes, she glared at each of his newfound companions in turn. ¡°Alright, ladies, clear out.¡± ¡°Who the hell died and made you queen?¡± one of the whisperers retorted. ¡°Are you a healer, kitten?¡± Ravyn crossed her arms and tapped her foot. ¡°Are any of you healers, for that matter?¡± The three girls shook their heads. Ravyn jerked a thumb at Yomi. ¡°He¡¯s hurt. Let someone who can actually help him through.¡± ¡°Kiri, I think one of the girls in the back needs your help,¡± Yomi said. Smooth when you can be, huh? Ravyn grinned. ¡°We¡¯ll take good care of him.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll see about that,¡± Finnegan grumbled. Ravyn cleared her throat and raised her hand in the same movement she¡¯d done before to summon the flame. Finnegan jumped back as far as he could, holding the iPaw up like a shield. ¡°Don¡¯t set him on fire, Ravyn,¡± Kiri murmured as she vacated the table. The other three slowly followed, glowering at Yomi and Ravyn as they returned to their seats. ¡°We¡¯ll see about that,¡± Ravyn chirped. Finnegan shot her an angry look over his iPaw. Yomi took a seat next to him while Ravyn assumed the opposite side. She leaned forward, placed one finger on the top of the iPaw, and tipped it down until it rested against the table. ¡°Alright¡ª what did you call me earlier? Baka?¡± Ravyn began, her smile sharp. Finnegan¡¯s face darkened. ¡°Yeah.¡± Ravyn snickered. ¡°Well. Welcome to the Lucky Star, baka. Your training begins now.¡± Chapter 218: Falling Shadow I know I shouldn¡¯t have expected Portia to still be there, but I was still a bit disappointed and somewhat uncomfortable by the time we arrived at the Desert Rose in Kandota. ¡°She is not here,¡± Cailu said with a raised brow. ¡°Yeah, I know. I see that. Just, uh, give me a little bit to find her.¡± ¡°Perhaps she is on her ship,¡± Cailu continued. ¡°Let¡¯s check there,¡± said Tristan, nodding. ¡°This place probably lost its luster pretty quickly. If she¡¯s not there, then we can split up and look for her.¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Cailu said, mirroring his nod, ¡°a fine idea.¡± Sure enough, Portia had stripped down to a black bikini as she sat on the edge of her sloop, fishing rod in hand, feet kicking in the wind. She¡¯d grown awfully tan since the last time we saw her¡ªwell, more so than usual. Her skin glistened like bronze, beads of sweat littering her body. She adjusted the bottom piece of her bathing suit, exposing incredible tan lines. Portia gasped and threw the fishing rod behind her before she shot to her feet. ¡°About time you showed up! What in the heck were ya doing? You know how long I¡¯ve been waiting here?¡± ¡°Yeah, I know, sorry¡ª¡± I started. ¡°Uhh, buh-buh-buh-buh,¡± Portia interrupted with her index finger held up. ¡°No. No, boy. You listen to me. I am not your personal¡ª¡± she suddenly stopped, her brow furrowing deeper. ¡°And who¡­ who are these other people?¡± She inhaled slowly, her eyes widening. ¡°No. Don¡¯t tell me. They¡¯re not coming with us, are they?¡± ¡°They¡¯re, uh¡­ coming with us.¡± ¡°This boat will not be suitable,¡± Cailu said, his arms crossed. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you,¡± Portia said, hopping into the shallows. ¡°One loss wasn¡¯t enough for ya, huh?¡± Portia¡¯s smile continued to tug at one end of her mouth. ¡°Probably don¡¯t even remember me.¡± Caliu tilted his head in apparent thought. An expression of realization swept over him. ¡°Ah, yes. You played a fine game of cards. Ages it has been since I was so thoroughly defeated.¡± ¡°Wanna go another game? My wallet¡¯s feeling a little light,¡± she said, wading through the shallows and stepping onto the sand, her eyes digging daggers into me. ¡°Ya know, since someone left me here ages ago and food ain¡¯t free.¡± I avoided her gaze. ¡°What was that you said when you left? ¡®This won¡¯t take as long as Shi Island.¡¯ Are you kidding me?¡± ¡°Sorry, Portia. A lot of things came up.¡± Portia sighed. ¡°I¡¯m sensing a pattern here.¡± Portia readjusted the strap of her top and put her hands on her hips. ¡°I thought about packing up and leaving.¡± ¡°My sincerest apologies,¡± Tristan offered as he stood forward, a hand on his chest. ¡°We would have contacted you sooner, but the task proved to be much more difficult than we thought it would be. Cailu here,¡± he gestured to the elf, ¡°assisted us and made sure we saw it through.¡± ¡°Hey, okay, fine, cool it.¡± She looked at me once more. ¡°Always with the eloquence, this one. Hey, you. Matt.¡± She pointed at me. ¡°This is a sloop, not some grand ship employed by the Queen. We were struggling enough just to make room for yours and Tristan¡¯s Parties.¡± She did a quick count, frowning deeper with each person she pointed at. ¡°And you want to add three more?¡± There¡¯d be no easy way out of this, so I simply nodded my head. ¡°Yeah,¡± I said. ¡°We would, uh, need to add three more people.¡± Portia set her jaw. ¡°I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m actually doing this. You owe me big, Matt.¡± ¡°Mou ii. I¡¯ve got you covered, Portia. For everyone.¡± Ravyn snatched a sizable bag of Bells from her pack and waved it in the air. ¡°This should help the days we¡¯ve been gone, too.¡± Cailu raised a hand and started to say, ¡°I will also¡ª¡± ¡°No. You won¡¯t.¡± Ravyn cut him off. ¡°I¡¯m done owing you shit.¡± He stared at her thoughtfully but said nothing else. Portia reached forward and grabbed the bag, sliding the leather cord to the side and sifting through the Bells. Taking a few out to examine their color and size, she nodded. ¡°This doesn¡¯t let you off the hook, Matt. Not yet.¡± I sighed with relief. ¡°Thanks, Portia.¡± ¡°Yeah, yeah. Just get on board.¡± ¡°Matt,¡± Cailu said as he set a hand on my shoulder. ¡°May I have a word?¡± Oh, great. What is it this time? ¡°Yeah, sure.¡± He took me behind a nearby building and leaned against the wall. ¡°What¡¯s this about?¡± ¡°A sloop may not be appropriate for the journey to Nyarlothep. I would suggest we port on San Island and embark on a ship from there.¡± ¡°Why?¡± He frowned. ¡°The tides and Encroachers are vicious, Matt. There is always the potential for a Defiled attack. Portia¡¯s abilities aside, it puts our Parties at great risk. A stronger escort is necessary.¡± ¡°Are you sure about that?¡± I rested my shoulder against the wall opposite. I was grateful for his advice, but what had started as personal advice was starting to sound more like my dad was trying to control the whole ride there. Don¡¯t make me turn this boat around. Frankly, I was getting sick of it. ¡°Yes. Portia has the right of it. Such a vessel is unfit for an alliance of our size. We risk capsizing the sloop or worse with our numbers.¡± He glanced around the corner of the building before looking back at me. ¡°I understand if you are attached to Portia. But I must stress the importance of our mission.¡± ¡°Right.¡± I couldn¡¯t stand what I was hearing, but I couldn¡¯t fault him either. If the waters were even half as dangerous as Keke and every other catgirl had told me it was, then his warning of an attack was valid. If that happened, combat on the sloop would be dangerous. I didn¡¯t need any nautical training to know that. ¡°So then, what, you want me to say goodbye to Portia, too?¡± I regretted the words as soon as they left my mouth. Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. ¡°Is that what this is about?¡± Cailu stood away from the wall, straight-backed and imposing in his [Paladin] armor. ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t mean that. Yeah. I know you¡¯re right.¡± Ceres¡¯s words echoed in my head. Pride tarnishes even the finest of heroes, Kelmer. ¡°So, San Island, then?¡± Cailu drew a long breath. He looked like he wanted to say something but abstained. ¡°Allow me to speak with Portia for a time.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°If she has gained your trust, then I would have her with us when we collect the ship.¡± My heart soared. ¡°So, she would be a hand on the deck?¡± Did I use that term right? ¡°Aye, that is correct.¡± I couldn¡¯t hide my relief. ¡°Then, yeah. Go ahead.¡± Cailu nodded and returned to the group. I followed close behind, curious as to what he was about to do. When we returned, Ceres was asking Portia questions about her time away. ¡°Portia,¡± Cailu stated. Ceres stopped mid-sentence and backed away with a bow. Portia frowned. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Matt has informed me that you have been the one to escort him and Tristan around Nyarlea. Is that correct?¡± ¡°And the girls. Don¡¯t forget them,¡± I added. ¡°I did not.¡± Portia smiled. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s me.¡± ¡°Do you have experience on larger ships?¡± ¡°Quiz me. I won¡¯t get a single question wrong. My dad was the best there was.¡± She chuckled. ¡°Named my sloop after him, in fact.¡± Cailu rubbed the stubble of his chin with his pointer and thumb fingers. ¡°I have expressed to Matt that a sloop is unsuitable for the journey to Nyarlothep, considering our numbers.¡± ¡°Nyarlothep?¡± Portia¡¯s eyes narrowed in irritation. ¡°Matt, you could¡¯ve led with that.¡± ¡°I will ask this. Is this sloop suitable for the journey?¡± ¡°No,¡± Portia said without hesitation. Cailu glanced at me while Portia continued. ¡°If that¡¯s where you need to go next, Matt, then you¡¯re going to need a full-blown ship for that. Especially if you still want to bring everyone here along.¡± ¡°So, we have to part with Portia?¡± Cannoli said, her voice thin. ¡°Sorry, all,¡± Portia shrugged. ¡°I can take you somewhere else if you want, but even so, taking this many people on a sloop makes me uncomfortable.¡± ¡°How tragic,¡± Kirti mused. ¡°Quiet,¡± Cannoli hissed. Cailu sighed. ¡°Matt trusts you, and you have managed to escort him to each island on a sloop. So I would like to offer you a position on one of my ships,¡± he said. As Portia opened her mouth, Cailu interrupted with his hand up. ¡°It would be temporary. You would not be under any obligation to stay on board once we have been delivered to Nyarlothep. Your sloop would be taken care of during the journey.¡± ¡°A real ship, huh?¡± Portia wore a complicated expression. I thought I saw sadness, confusion, anger, and frustration in the way she worked her jaw and wrinkled her nose. ¡°Yeah. Fine.¡± She extended her hand. ¡°It¡¯s a deal.¡± Cailu reciprocated and shook her hand. ¡°We have an accord.¡± Once everyone was on board, we set sail for San Island. There was barely any room to stand, let alone walk. I stood behind Portia for a while. She was quieter than usual, and while I knew it was probably none of my business, I still wanted to know what was going on in her head. ¡°Hey, you doing okay?¡± I asked. Portia took her time to respond. ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m fine.¡± Her eyes were on the ocean, but her mind seemed to be somewhere else. ¡°Pops always promised to take me on a galleon one day. Just wish he could be here for it.¡± ¡°Did he teach you much about them?¡± ¡°About as much as a man without a lick of artistic talent could show me.¡± Portia laughed. ¡°We¡¯ll see what I remember.¡± ¡°You can teach this guy without any artistic talent what you learned. I¡¯ll be right here, struggling to keep my balance.¡± Portia laughed. ¡°Thanks, Matt. You¡¯re a good guy.¡± The rest of the voyage was smooth. We shared the story of Ichi Island with Portia, and with time, she returned to her usual scrappy self. Two days later when the sun was setting, we arrived on San Island, my back screaming in pain. I longed for a good night¡¯s rest in a comfortable bed with a few good drinks in my belly. We¡¯d taken turns in the one extra cabin, earning about two hours worth of a nap each. I was too afraid of falling off the boat to sleep otherwise. Apparently, I wasn¡¯t the only one, as there was a collection of yawns as we stepped out onto the Port of Meow. ¡°Gosh, feels like ages since I¡¯ve been here,¡± I said. ¡°Nostalgic, huh?¡± Keke said, taking to my side. I thought back to the fight we had right before stepping onto the port. We were bloodied from the battle with the fishcats. At the time, Cannoli looked like she¡¯d seen a ghost. Now, well¡­ Yeah, I¡¯ll just agree. Probably not a great memory to revisit¡ª ¡°Ye¡ª¡± ¡°You mean when we were caked in blood?¡± Ravyn asked, half-laughing. ¡°Very nostalgic.¡± Why is she like this? Cailu offered praise and smiles to the girls who approached us en masse upon our arrival. It was wild seeing him swap personalities in seconds. Words that sounded almost disgustingly charming came out of his mouth, his sour demeanor returning within seconds of their departure. I still couldn¡¯t stand this guy. Cailu led us around the port¡¯s lip. We passed by several merchant vessels, a wide variety of catgirls unloading crates from the neighboring ships. Unlike the ones earlier, these girls didn¡¯t seem to care one way or the other about Cailu, Tristan, and myself. ¡°There,¡± Cailu said without stopping. ¡°That is my ship.¡± ¡®Large¡¯ couldn¡¯t even begin to describe this boat. It looked straight out of a pirate movie. Flags of white with the same emblem Cailu wore upon his breastplate fluttered in the wind. The wood was dark and suspiciously clean for a piece of wood that sank in the salty water all day. I didn¡¯t have the words to describe what a gargantuan and beautiful piece of craftsmanship it was. ¡°What is that called?¡± I asked, pointing at the center flag. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s¡ª¡± Portia started. ¡°That¡ª¡± Ceres interrupted. The two apologized in unison. ¡°I forgot you liked ships, Ceres,¡± Portia noted. ¡°Yes, I adore them. As a kitten, I learned to build ships in bottles.¡± Ceres tapped the tips of her fingers together. ¡°It was something of an obsession of mine.¡± ¡°Why don¡¯t you tell Matt what that¡¯s called, then?¡± Portia smiled. ¡°The main mast!¡± she proclaimed proudly. ¡°The one behind it is the mizzen mast, and the last one is¡ª¡± She stopped and smiled wide. ¡°I shall give Sir Matt a hint.¡± Oh boy, here we go. Ceres¡¯s boots clicked against the stones as she moved to stand in front of me, her hands behind her. ¡°What precedes the word ¡®after¡¯?¡± Picture of elegance, this one. Okay, uh, let¡¯s see. ¡°Before?¡± I cringed. ¡°Yes!¡± She turned and pointed to the mast once more. ¡°Therefore, the mast at the front is called¡­¡± ¡°The¡­ before mast?¡± Portia put a hand to her mouth and snickered. ¡°Close.¡± I buried my face in my hand. ¡°Just tell me.¡± ¡°The foremast!¡± Ceres said. ¡°You know your stuff, Ceres,¡± Portia said, smiling. Cailu cleared his throat and stood before us. ¡°Once I give the word, we will depart by sunrise tomorrow.¡± ¡°Hah?¡± Ravyn balked. ¡°Can¡¯t we just sleep in for one fucking day?¡± My legs were killing me, so I raised my hand. ¡°I second that.¡± To my relief, Tristan also raised his hand. ¡°Please. I am exhausted. I¡¯d love to spend a day on San Island, anyway.¡± One by one, we all raised our hands. Even Kirti. Cailu sighed. ¡°Fine. We shall rest for two days.¡± ¡°Two days?¡± I asked. ¡°Yes. It is important that we leave by sunrise. You may do as you wish until then.¡± Cailu departed, his cape billowing as he walked, Kirti at his side. Tristan nodded to an expectant Zahra. She offered a bow and ran to catch up with Cailu. In two days, we¡¯ll be on our way to Nyarlothep. Chapter 219: Sapphire of the Emperor The Port of Meow. Tristan thought he wouldn¡¯t be surprised by the world¡¯s naming conventions after he¡¯d heard terms like ¡®Myana,¡¯ and ¡®Onyans,¡¯ but this one struck him as funny. Maybe it was the lack of sleep from their conditions on the boat. Every time one of the girls said it, he laughed. ¡°There are so many people,¡± Destiny murmured as they entered the port city. ¡°And all the buildings are so close together!¡± Lara inhaled a deep breath. ¡°Wind brings so many flavors with her. I have never smelled so many spices.¡± She pointed at one building, then the next, then a third. ¡°Earth is the ruler here. Each one of these structures begins and ends with him.¡± It really was incredible. The strips of buildings carried a spirit of older Chinese architecture, using a bilateral symmetry that stemmed from one focal structure into secondary components on either side¡ªlike wings on a giant bird. He was fascinated in middle school by Asian and Middle-Eastern design, and to see it dominating an entire island in a completely different world was mind-boggling. Such an intricate, elegant city. Called the Port of Meow. Tristan laughed. Destiny gently touched his forehead with the back of her hand. ¡°Tristan? Are you feeling alright?¡± ¡°Yes, sorry. I¡¯m fine. Just tired.¡± Her skin felt cool against his. ¡°I guess I did laugh at a weird time, huh?¡± Destiny chewed her lip. ¡°It isn¡¯t just that. You¡¯re very pale.¡± Lara bent her knees and looked into his face. ¡°My sister is correct, Young Master. I would advise we find a place to rest.¡± A sure hand clapped him on his shoulder. Matt was suddenly beside him, his Party at his side. ¡°Ready to get something to eat?¡± Tristan¡¯s chest tightened, and he licked his lips. He suddenly felt very dizzy. ¡°C-could you show us where to stay? I¡¯m not feeling well.¡± Cannoli danced to his side, her hands deep inside her [Cat Pack]. ¡°Poor Tristan! I may have a potion! Let me look!¡± ¡°That¡¯s sweet of you, Cannoli, but we¡¯ll take care of him,¡± Destiny said, favoring Tristan with a worried glance. ¡°If we need anything, I¡¯ll let you know.¡± ¡°The Spider Lily¡¯s this way.¡± Ravyn grabbed Matt¡¯s arm and tugged him away from Tristan. ¡°Don¡¯t crowd Tristan. He looks like he¡¯s about to faint.¡± Thanks, Ravyn. Destiny hooked her arm through Tristan¡¯s, and Lara copied on his opposite side. They made their way through the crowds together, drawing the eyes of almost every catgirl they passed. The port was bustling with activity. Sailors and merchants loaded boats on the multitude of docks while vendors in tents hawked last-minute travel supplies and whatever ¡®San Specials¡¯ were. In the sprawling wings on either side of the center building, there were small restaurants, shops, an armorer, and a tailor. Excited murmurs and laughter echoed from all angles, making it hard to hear one another as they fought through the throngs. It was nothing like Venicia. It turned out the Spider Lily was the center building. An expansive inn lit by dozens of paper lanterns, with metal gates forged by geometric patterns. Opaque windows mirrored the gates¡¯ rectangular motif, flecked with golden embellishments and pieces of colored glass. Ravyn led them inside. Incense burned on a polished podium, and they were greeted by a pair of young women in high-collared dresses, their dark hair tied away from their faces. ¡°Welcome to the Spider Lily,¡± the woman in red said, bowing deeply. ¡°You are Cailu¡¯s companions, are you not?¡± Ravyn made a sound between choking and gagging. ¡°You could say that,¡± Matt replied before Tristan could say anything. He nudged Ravyn with his elbow and offered a wry smile. ¡°Very good. I am Ayu, and this is Nalee. Your rooms will be free for the duration of your stay,¡± Ayu, the woman in blue, announced, copying her companion¡¯s bow. ¡°There are two suites on the second floor; one for each of you.¡± Tristan exchanged a confused glance with Matt. If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°Just two?¡± Keke asked first. ¡°Yes, miss. You will find four beds in each suite, as well as a full-service washroom. Is this not to your liking?¡± Nalee tilted her head to the side. ¡°Perhaps we can find something more suitable?¡± ¡°No, that¡¯s perfect. Thank you very much,¡± Tristan said with a wave of his hand. ¡°It¡¯s more than enough.¡± ¡°Excellent, sir. We have stationed Kaori and Ratu on the floor as well. They will retrieve anything you require. Food, drinks, travel necessities, you need only say the word, and they will bring it to you,¡± Ayu continued. ¡°Should they fail to meet your needs, Nalee and I will both see this rectified.¡± ¡°Pardon me, miss, but how will charges for these items be collected?¡± Ceres asked. ¡°Cailu has assured us that he will settle your tab,¡± Nalee said. ¡°It is not yours to bear.¡± Tristan heard Cannoli mutter to Keke, ¡°We can order anything?¡± Keke nodded. Cannoli took Buttons from her shoulder and looked at him excitedly. ¡°We can get you so many peanuts!¡± Ravyn cackled. That was the laugh of a girl with dad¡¯s metal credit card in her wallet. ¡°We will not cause Sir Cailu to regret this generosity,¡± Ceres replied with a deep bow and pointed glare at Ravyn. ¡°It is a great kindness, and we thank you.¡± ¡°I just need some water,¡± Tristan said, leaning his head against Lara¡¯s shoulder. Destiny raised her hand. ¡°Can we please get our key? We would like to go up now.¡± ¡°Of course, miss.¡± Nalee retrieved a key on a delicate chain from behind the podium and handed it to Destiny. ¡°Please enjoy your stay.¡± ¡°Why don¡¯t we head off to the Golden Dragon first?¡± Matt suggested to his Party. ¡°We can come back and check on them after.¡± Ravyn gawked. ¡°Did you not hear what the lady just said?¡± ¡°I did. And I¡¯m with Ceres on this one. Come on.¡± Matt waved his group outside. ¡°Baka!¡± Keke laughed as they filtered through the door. ¡°Let us go upstairs,¡± Lara said, squeezing Tristan¡¯s arm. ¡°Yeah. Good idea.¡± Destiny and Lara guided him up the two flights to the second floor, and Tristan¡¯s vertigo grew worse. It was like a combination of seasickness and stepping off the teacup ride at an amusement park. The world would just not stop moving. ¡°Hello, sir. My name is Kaori.¡± A green-haired girl bowed in the hallway of the second floor. ¡°And I¡¯m Ratu. Just let us know if you need anything at all.¡± A head of short blonde hair ducked deep with her bow. ¡°Thank you both,¡± Tristan replied, unsure if he had the energy for proper introductions. Destiny unlocked the door to their room and pushed it open. The dark hallway gave way to a room of colorful screens and vibrant tapestries. The single room was bigger than the apartment Tristan grew up in¡ªeach bed could fit three people without an issue. As soon as they were inside, Destiny knelt to help Tristan take off his boots. ¡°Y-you don¡¯t have to do that,¡± Tristan said, embarrassment burning into his face. ¡°I want to,¡± Destiny said, continuing to untie the laces. Lara moved to one of the beds, turning down the blankets with expert precision. The sheets fell with perfect symmetry, the rectangles laying parallel to the headboard. She smoothed the bottom layer and stepped back, looking expectantly at Tristan. ¡°Girls¡ª¡± he began. ¡°Please. Let us use all of this etiquette training.¡± Destiny laughed, sliding the second boot from Tristan¡¯s foot. ¡°We can¡¯t let Kaori and Ratu show us up.¡± ¡°Alright,¡± he relented. ¡°Just this once.¡± Destiny took his hand and led him to the bed. He stared at the freshly pressed white sheet for a long time. ¡°Will you two join me?¡± Destiny¡¯s eyes widened, and she hissed in a tiny breath. Lara took his hand in both of hers, her airy voice taking on a tone of concern. ¡°Young master, your current physical state will not allow you to perform¡ª¡± ¡°That¡¯s not what I mean,¡± he cut her off, a little harsher than he meant to. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. What I meant was¡­ I just want to be close to you right now.¡± ¡°Of course, Tristan,¡± Destiny replied softly. ¡°Here, lie down.¡± They situated him in the middle of the bed, making sure his feet were under the blankets and tucking him to the waist. Lara was the first to slide under the covers, wiggling her way to Tristan¡¯s right side. He hooked an arm around her waist and pulled her close until her head rested on his shoulder. ¡°You are very warm,¡± she noted. ¡°And you¡¯re very soft.¡± Tristan chuckled. ¡°Destiny?¡± Destiny turned multiple shades of red. She held her hands tightly clasped in front of her apron, her gaze never resting on one place. ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry. Is this really okay?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± he said, holding a hand out toward her. ¡°Please?¡± Destiny nodded and lifted the covers with care. One leg pressed beneath, then the other. She shifted forward, taking Tristan¡¯s hand and letting him guide her to his side. With a slow exhale, she relaxed against him, trapping his left thigh between her legs. ¡°You¡¯re soft, too,¡± Destiny whispered, wrapping her tail around his ankle. ¡°And you¡¯re wonderful,¡± Tristan murmured. ¡°Both of you are.¡± He yawned and closed his eyes, already feeling the warm descent into sleep. On a foreign island, in a stranger¡¯s bed, Tristan felt more at home than he ever had in Nyarlea. Side Quest: Dulce de Leche There wasn¡¯t a better time in all the year to visit Leche. It was the tail end of spring, and the warm sun played as the perfect counterbalance to the cool wind. A gentle breeze caught the reeds of wheat, blowing specks of golden brown into the air. Lara ran through the wheat field, her golden-blonde hair billowing behind her. Wind was happy today¡ªhappier than usual, in fact. As Destiny trailed behind in hopes of catching her sister, Lara occasionally caught the whispers of Wind advising her of where Destiny was next. Of all the Elements, Lara got along with Wind the best. Wind was fickle but valued beauty, competency, and speed. Lara liked to run a lot, so Wind was often by her side when she and Destiny played games together. ¡°Left,¡± a wispy, feminine voice whispered. Lara looked over her shoulder. Between the gaps of reeds was Destiny¡¯s figure. Despite Wind¡¯s advice, Destiny had closed the distance¡ªgoodness, was she fast. ¡°Hurry,¡± the voice encouraged. ¡°Okay!¡± Lara cried back. ¡°Are you talking to yourself again?¡± Destiny¡¯s voice asked as it grew more and more distant. Lara¡¯s trait was a unique one, eliciting furrowed brows and concerned murmurs. To her knowledge, all catgirls were blessed with an affinity for an Element. Determining one¡¯s Element was never an exact science, and from what she¡¯d been told, discovering your affinity was cause for celebration. So, why wasn¡¯t anyone celebrating that Lara could speak to all of them? ¡°I¡¯m gonna getcha!¡± Destiny cried. Her voice was getting closer. Wind was beginning to lose her patience. ¡°As I said, left.¡± Lara frowned. Despite Wind¡¯s solid advice and admiration for Lara¡¯s penchant for running, Wind was also exceptionally impatient. Lara didn¡¯t need to see her to know she was irritated. But Lara didn¡¯t have Destiny¡¯s stamina, and her breathing soon came in rasps. A breathy sigh filled Lara¡¯s ears as she folded them against her head in shame. ¡°I gotcha!¡± Destiny¡¯s tiny arms wrapped around Lara¡¯s torso, binding her arms to her sides. ¡°Destiny¡¯s suplex special!¡± As strong as she was, Destiny could never quite pull off the suplex she was so enamored with. Lara fell to the side, and the sisters rolled and rolled, bulldozing reed after reed. They came to a stop on their left side, Destiny¡¯s arms still firmly clamped around Lara. Their laughter filled the air, and soon Lara forgot all about the disappointed Wind. ¡°Mmm,¡± Lara hummed, basking in the warm sun with her sister. She bent her arms back, clamping Destiny¡¯s arms against her chest. All felt right with the world. ¡°I could sleep.¡± ¡°Huh? Ya just woke up from a nap an hour ago. It¡¯s time to play!¡± said Destiny. ¡°Oh! I know!¡± She let go and sprung up like a spring. Lara couldn¡¯t fathom how her sister had so much energy. ¡°Let¡¯s go see Mom!¡± Lara sat up, yawning. She massaged the bridge of her nose. It was becoming harder to leave the comfortable bed of wheat with every second that passed. ¡°Okay,¡± Lara murmured. ¡°C¡¯mon, sleepyhead! Let¡¯s go!¡± The wheat fields parted as Lara and her sister returned home. Destiny led the way, as usual, pausing and slowing down when Lara needed it. At moments like these, Destiny had to be careful not to lose Lara. Too easy was it for Destiny¡¯s ambitions to get the best of her, often leaving Lara lost to herself. Despite being twins, Destiny often took it upon herself to act as the older sister¡ªsomething Lara was grateful for. Leche was a small village reputed for its farmland. It was off the main road and served as a hub for novelty food and spices. Citizens of Anyona and Catania served as Leche¡¯s most common customers, often praising Leche for its unique ingredients and peculiar tastes seen nowhere else on Shi Island. Destiny and Lara came to a stop just outside of the wheat field, Destiny throwing her arms into the air. ¡°Who¡¯s the fastest?¡± ¡°You¡¯re the¡­ the fastest,¡± Lara wheezed. Beads of sweat sparkled in the sunlight as she looked up at her sister, envy in her chest for the girl with limitless energy. ¡°Can¡­ can we nap now?¡± ¡°Wha?¡± Destiny spun on her heel to face Lara. ¡°No way! We¡¯re just startin¡¯! Now we run to Mom!¡± But I¡¯m so tired. Lara knew it was pointless to put up a fight when Destiny wanted to run. At the very least, Mom wouldn¡¯t be far away now. With Leche being the smallest village on Shi Island, its population reflected that. It was a quaint town where the residents worked hard, played hard, and everyone knew one another. ¡°Destiny! Lara!¡± Destiny turned around before running off into the distance. Another girl, Samantha, beckoned to the sisters. She sported cropped chocolate-brown hair and caramel eyes. Her skin was slightly tanned by the sun. If there was someone who could give Destiny a run for her money, it was Samantha. Samantha carried a spunk not unlike her sister. She and Destiny got along like they¡¯d known each other their whole lives. Of all the catgirls in Leche, Samantha was Destiny¡¯s favorite to play with¡ªwell, barring Lara, of course. ¡°I¡¯ll race ya!¡± Samantha said, her hands balled into fists on her waist. The sunlight captured the outline of her body, creating an imposing figure. Imposing to Lara, anyway. The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡°You won¡¯t beat me!¡± Destiny cheered, dashing off like the blue blur she was. Lara counted herself lucky that Samantha managed to grab Destiny¡¯s attention. This meant Lara could sneak off for a bit to relax, maybe grab a cool glass of nyapple cider. While Destiny and Samantha raced each other between houses, Lara found solace beside her mother. With all the enthusiasm of a zombie, she wobbled her way over until finally resting against her mother¡¯s side. ¡°Oh, goodness!¡± her mother exclaimed as she finished hanging one of the shirts on the clothesline. Wind blew against the clothes, eager to be rid of Water. Lara listened to Wind and Water argue while Misty¡ªLara¡¯s mother¡ªran her hand across Lara¡¯s head, scratching her scalp periodically. Lara wanted so desperately to fall asleep like this. ¡°Did Destiny run you through the wringer again?¡± ¡°Mhm,¡± Lara muttered as she snuggled against Misty¡¯s long skirt. Like many who lived in Leche, Misty was a hardworking woman. She was strong, fast, reliable, everything Destiny was and everything Lara wasn¡¯t. If it weren¡¯t for Lara¡¯s facial structure, Lara would¡¯ve guessed Misty wasn¡¯t her mother. Destiny and Mom were practically twins, yet Lara had somehow ended up with golden hair and a poor constitution. Her mother had stressed she was just as unique as Destiny, attributing her golden hair to Lara¡¯s father. At times, Lara sure didn¡¯t feel special. ¡°Excuse me,¡± came a voice behind the clothesline. Lara and Misty looked up to see a catgirl who wore exquisite clothes. The dress was long and black, made of a decorated material Lara couldn¡¯t put a name to. Frills of white billowed from beneath the skirt while buttons of ornate copper held the dress firmly together. The woman parted one sheet away from her face while she spoke. ¡°Are you Misty?¡± Misty tilted her head. ¡°I am. What can I do you for?¡± The older woman¡¯s nose wrinkled. ¡°My name is Liz. You can explain to me why an order of wheat was infested.¡± ¡°Infested? I¡¯m afraid I don¡¯t know what you mean,¡± said Misty. She gestured for Lara to sit on a nearby stump¡ªthe remainder of the nyapple tree Mom had cut just days ago. ¡°Of course you don¡¯t,¡± said Liz. She neared, parting the clothes as she grew closer. Lara couldn¡¯t help but think the hat and net combo she wore on her head wasn¡¯t doing any favors for her greying hair. ¡°Look. I¡¯ll explain slowly so you can understand.¡± Lara¡¯s heart sped as Misty crossed her arms, frowning. ¡°I¡¯m listening,¡± said Misty. ¡°Why does my wheat have bugs in it?¡± asked the older catgirl. ¡°That couldn¡¯t have been ours,¡± Misty retorted. ¡°We check our deliveries inside and out before we send them.¡± Liz threw her arms into the air in frustration. ¡°Look, is there someone else I can talk to? Someone who might understand better?¡± ¡°I manage the wheat packaging, so no. You don¡¯t have to take that tone with me, by the way. I understand you plenty fine, ma¡¯am.¡± ¡°Apparently not! I did not order a swarm with my wheat!¡± Liz¡¯s voice rose rapidly, and soon Lara fidgeted with her fingers and toes. ¡°Yes, I agree,¡± said Misty. ¡°But I don¡¯t appreciate your tone. If you would tell me what¡ª¡± ¡°I want you to fix it! Do you not understand that?¡± The older woman shook her head in disbelief, hands on her hips. Lara didn¡¯t quite catch it, but she knew she heard the words ¡®Leche¡¯ and ¡®idiots.¡¯ ¡°I don¡¯t appreciate your word choice. Can you please¡ª¡± Misty started. ¡°No. No, I¡¯ve had quite enough. I do not want any more business with your kind.¡± The woman turned to leave, but Misty caught her arm. Liz looked down at her grip as if she regarded a wretched insect. ¡°Let go of me.¡± ¡°We got off on the wrong foot,¡± Misty said calmly. ¡°Can we please start over?¡± ¡°What¡¯s there to start over?¡± Liz shook Misty¡¯s hand away. ¡°I required your assistance in receiving a refund of Bells for the wheat batch you botched, yet here I receive nothing but resistance!¡± ¡°Ma¡¯am, I have been very¡ª¡± Misty tried again. ¡°And I am constantly interrupted! This is why Leche is doomed! None of you understand even a speck of decency!¡± She waved her hand in front of her, nearly hitting Misty. It was a good thing Misty had such strong reflexes. ¡°When I return¡ª¡± Lara blinked, and suddenly Destiny had latched herself onto the older woman¡¯s forearm! ¡°Get off of me, you wretch!¡± The woman screamed and shook Destiny off of her with ease. She backed away like she¡¯d been attacked by a wild Encroacher, shaking her arm with wide eyes. ¡°Destiny!¡± Misty yelled, grabbing her daughter by the arm. ¡°Why did you do that?¡± She pulled her closer. ¡°Answer me!¡± Destiny pouted, averting her gaze. ¡°Apologize to Miss Liz,¡± Misty demanded. ¡°But¡­ she was bein¡¯ mean to ya,¡± Destiny whimpered. ¡°The girl can¡¯t even speak properly,¡± the woman muttered. ¡°Alright. We¡¯re done here,¡± said Misty. ¡°You can leave, Miss Liz.¡± ¡°You¡¯re just going to throw me away like that? I¡¯ll have you know¡ª¡± ¡°I¡¯m sure you have a plethora of answers for illiterate people like us. But I don¡¯t care.¡± Misty pointed over the hill in the distance. ¡°Now, please leave.¡± Liz passed looks between Misty, Lara, and Destiny. ¡°This isn¡¯t the end of this. Mark my words. One day this village will become the dirt it sits upon.¡± The woman walked away, muttering all kinds of colorful words Lara didn¡¯t understand. Lara rushed to Destiny¡¯s side, gentle hands on her shoulder. ¡°Sister, why did you do that?¡± Lara asked. ¡°She was pickin¡¯ on Mom. She was gonna hit her,¡± said Destiny. ¡°Destiny,¡± Misty started. Destiny locked eyes with her mom. ¡°Please don¡¯t do that again. Do you understand?¡± Destiny slowly nodded. ¡°We don¡¯t attack people like that. Trust me.¡± Misty smiled and lowered her voice. ¡°Besides, between the two of us, she would¡¯ve been the one to go down.¡± Lara took Destiny¡¯s hand. The two glanced at one another, half-smiles decorating their features. Misty offered a warm smile. ¡°Now. Why don¡¯t the two of you go relax? The butterflies should be coming in soon.¡± Destiny and Lara¡¯s features lit up immediately. The Watching was Leche¡¯s favorite time of the year. Of all the cities and towns on Shi Island, Leche was proud to receive the largest passing of the little creatures. Waves of blues and violets would fill the skies in the shapes of butterflies while Leche¡¯s residents watched in awe. Destiny gasped, pointing to the top of Lara¡¯s head. ¡°You got a friend!¡± Lara gently swept her hand over the top of her head. The tiny body of a butterfly stopped her from making any sudden movements. When the gentle legs crawled upon her skin, she pulled her hand level to her face to see a purple butterfly stretching its wings on the top of her hand. Lara smiled wide and giggled. There was truly no place like Leche. Bonus Quest: Little Dove Cailu woke feeling rested for the first time in weeks. It was shortly before dawn, when gentle purples and oranges painted the sky and offered just enough light for Cailu to study the sleeping Fera beside him. Her raven hair fell in ringlets around her delicate, olive shoulders. Her chest rose and fell in a gentle cadence, and the first peeks of sunlight kissed the tips of her ears that poked through her hair. Too many mornings, Cailu was forced from their bed while the sky was still black, taking up arms to train and refresh recruits both new and old. The threat of war had quieted at last, and this day was his. There was a tiny knock on the door. Fera stirred, blinking her stunning green eyes awake. Her gaze met Cailu¡¯s, and he smiled. ¡°I¡¯ll take this one,¡± he offered, touching Fera¡¯s cheek. ¡°Are you certain?¡± She yawned and snuggled closer to him. ¡°We can pretend that we didn¡¯t hear it. Molly should be awake soon.¡± The offer was tempting indeed. Fera¡¯s warmth against his chest and the scent of magnolias wafted from her hair. Her thin white shift was the only barricade between their skin¡ªa simple enough obstruction to bypass¡­ Another knock. The door creaked open, and a blonde nest of curls tumbled through the small opening. ¡°Daddy? Are you awake?¡± Heiki whispered. Cailu chuckled. ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll be right there. Go quietly, Heiki. Let¡¯s not wake Mother.¡± ¡°Oh!¡± Heiki squeaked, then returned her voice to a whisper. ¡°Okay!¡± The yellow hair vanished, and she closed the door with a careful click. ¡°Tonight will be ours,¡± Cailu murmured into Fera¡¯s hair. ¡°Dream as long as you wish.¡± ¡°Dreaming is easier when you¡¯re here.¡± She kissed his shoulder and turned to her other side. ¡°See you soon, love.¡± Cailu drew the blankets to her shoulders, then quietly dressed. Fera had fallen back asleep by the time he left their room¡ªeven with Molly¡¯s assistance, Heiki had enough energy in her small body to run a full battalion ragged. The fresh creases in the hallway¡¯s carpet betrayed Heiki¡¯s excited skips down the hallway. Artwork collected by both Cailu and Fera¡¯s families over the years decorated the walls, now joined by a few of Heiki¡¯s favorite paintings that he¡¯d had framed for her as a surprise. As Cailu approached the dining room, he could hear his daughter¡¯s voice chattering away. ¡°Daddy¡¯s home today, Molly! He¡¯ll take me on a new adventure, and I¡¯ll take my sketchbook with me and draw everything!¡± ¡°That sounds lovely, young miss,¡± Molly replied. ¡°Yes! And he said I¡¯ve gotten really good at painting, so I have to keep painting so he can find me a teacher!¡± Cailu slowed his steps, creeping closer to the high back chair that Heiki stood on. The one he¡¯d told her countless times not to stand on. But manners could be ignored. Just for today. Cailu snatched her beneath the arms, swinging her around the chair and catching her in a tight hug. Heiki shrieked in elated surprise, descending into panicked giggles as she struggled against his hold. ¡°Your first battle begins now, little dove!¡± Cailu announced, tickling her stomach. ¡°How will you escape?¡± ¡°I¡ª hahaha! It¡¯s a pukwudgie! Hehehe! Molly! Help!¡± Heiki flailed and kicked, tumbling around his grip. The pleats of her satin dress billowed and folded as she thrashed, filling the air with sky-blue streaks. Cailu easily juggled Heiki¡¯s limbs from one hand to the other, stealing opportunities to tickle her and readjust her into awkward positions. Upside down, hanging by one leg, tossed over his shoulder. ¡°Oh, this one¡¯s beyond my abilities, young miss.¡± Molly smiled. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Aren¡¯t I taller than a pukwudgie?¡± Cailu teased. ¡°A big pukwudgie!¡± Heiki laughed. ¡°And you¡ª you hide your spikes!¡± ¡°Clever girl. You¡¯ve caught me.¡± He lifted her high. ¡°Now I¡¯ll have to hide you in a tower.¡± ¡°No! Not a tower!¡± Heiki¡¯s bare foot caught Cailu¡¯s forearm, and he loosened his grip, allowing her to steady her footing and climb up to his shoulders. ¡°I¡¯ll defeat you!¡± ¡°You¡¯ve found my weakness!¡± Cailu relented as she swung her leg over his head and straddled his shoulders. ¡°I can never reach you now.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right! I am a strong warrior like Daddy!¡± Heiki pointed forward toward one of the branching hallways. ¡°And now you, my trusty theed, will take me to my room!¡± ¡°Your steed, darling?¡± Cailu tickled her feet. Heiki paused. Cailu patiently waited as his daughter came to a conclusion. ¡°Horses are steeds. Pukwudgies are theeds.¡± ¡°Reasonable enough.¡± ¡°Will you need my assistance, my lord?¡± Molly stood and offered a curt bow. ¡°Not today. Thank you, Molly.¡± Cailu adjusted Heiki on his shoulders. ¡°Please attend to Fera when she wakes. Anything she requires today¡ªanything at all¡ªensure she has it.¡± ¡°Oooh, Mommy¡¯s getting spoiled,¡± Heiki marveled, tugging at Cailu¡¯s hair. Gods bless her if she can forgive us for the noise. ¡°C¡¯mon! To my room, theed!¡± Heiki kicked her feet against his shoulders. ¡°Patience, Heiki.¡± Cailu tapped on Heiki¡¯s shin. ¡°Sorry, Daddy.¡± She squirmed and chewed her tongue. ¡°Molly, is there anything else?¡± Cailu asked. ¡°No, my lord.¡± Molly bowed again, then touched Heiki¡¯s knee with a smile. ¡°Happy hunting, young miss.¡± After Molly vanished down the hallway, Cailu squeezed Heiki¡¯s ankles. ¡°Hold on tight, little dove.¡± Heiki wrapped her arms around Cailu¡¯s neck, and he ran the length of the dining room, circling the kitchen before taking the right-most path. Heiki laughed and cheered, tightening her grip and whooping as they passed the kitchen staff. Two of them returned her cheers. To the rank-and-file soldiers in his battalion, Cailu was the face of bravery and respect. To his daughter, he was anything she would ever need him to be. Cailu rounded the corner to Heiki¡¯s room and shouldered the door open. It was an expansive room filled with toys and gifts showered on her from her extensive family. He circled a rocking horse, then hopped toward her bed. ¡°Uh oh. You seem to have lost control of your theed,¡± Cailu warned. ¡°Oh no! Wait!¡± Heiki squealed. ¡°Time to fly!¡± Cailu propelled her from his shoulders into the air. Heiki soared in freefall for a few seconds, waving her arms like a bird, then bounced harmlessly on her bed. Half her hair covered her face, and she brushed it away, her cheeks red with her giggles. ¡°I can fly like a dove!¡± ¡°Indeed you can.¡± Cailu took a seat beside her. ¡°I heard we were going on an adventure?¡± ¡°Yes! But, um.¡± Heiki bundled up her dress in her fists, hiding beneath the golden tangles that tumbled over her shoulders. ¡°There¡¯s something I wanted to show you first.¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Heiki took his hand and hopped off the bed, leading him to her favored corner. It held an easel fashioned especially for her, surrounded by thick parchment and a chest full of paints and brushes. She released his hand and slid her hand behind the chest. ¡°Oh. Right. Close your eyes,¡± she said as her arm disappeared up to the shoulder. Cailu raised an eyebrow. Heiki sighed. ¡°Close your eyes, please.¡± He chuckled and did as she asked. The sound of shuffling parchment and her thoughtful hums were joined by the moving fabric of her dress and the soft pads of her feet. ¡°Okay. You can open them.¡± Cailu blinked. Heiki had placed a larger sheet of paper splashed with brilliant strokes of color onto the easel. Yellow, green, and orange leaves patterned the thick brown fruit trees that grew around the manor. Between the trees were two bright circles; one white, one blue. ¡°The Second Sun,¡± Cailu murmured. ¡°You were gone that day. And you, Mommy, and me always watch the Second Sun together.¡± Heiki pulled her arms behind her and glanced at the floor. ¡°I thought, this way, you could still see it.¡± Heiki¡¯s depiction was wonderful. It didn¡¯t matter that the trees were slightly askew or the leaves weren¡¯t perfectly rendered. Seeing the sacred event through his daughter¡¯s eyes was spectacular. ¡°This is beautiful, Heiki,¡± Cailu said, lifting the paper from the easel. ¡°One of your best.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Heiki brightened. ¡°You think so?¡± ¡°I do. This deserves its own frame.¡± ¡°Hooray!¡± Heiki clapped her hands and grinned. Then her smile faltered. ¡°But, um, will you see the Second Sun with us next year?¡± It was an impossible promise to make. Turmoil between kingdoms was a fickle thing, and explaining it to Heiki would not stop the disappointment she felt with his answer. He carefully replaced the painting on the easel. ¡°Yes, little dove. I will. Now, where shall we go first on our adventure?¡± Perhaps it was alright to lie. Just for today. Chapter 220: Earthshaker Ceres¡¯s wallet was louder than Ravyn¡¯s protests after we finished dinner. She covered the Bells and refused to accept any from the rest of us. I have to admit, it was pretty funny to watch Ravyn bursting at the seams to throw everything on Cailu¡¯s tab. Everyone was in good spirits and happy to be off the boat. We turned in early, and even though there were four beds, Keke still crawled into mine. Not that I¡¯m complaining. It was going to be hard to fall asleep without her. It was a peaceful night. Which was good. Because the next morning was a punch to the face. Tristan and co. joined us for breakfast, and Cailu found us in the Golden Dragon. He sat down and stared at me with that look on his face I¡¯d come to hate¡ªfurrowed brows, mouth in a thin line. Whatever he was about to say, I was not going to like it. ¡°What?¡± I grumbled, stabbing my fork into the chopped onyans and letting it stay there. Tie a napkin on that thing and it¡¯s a surrender flag. ¡°Just spit it out.¡± ¡°Matt.¡± Cailu frowned. ¡°After carefully considering our next steps, I believe it would be in our best interests if Tristan, Destiny, and Lara remained here.¡± He glanced at Ravyn. ¡°And you, if you still wish to assist him.¡± My stomach jumped to my throat, and I suddenly felt dizzy. No, this was too soon. We were supposed to have a boat ride to Nyarlothep together. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°For a multitude of reasons.¡± Cailu clasped his hands on the table, his gaze on me never wavering. God, I hated it when he looked at me like that. Like a kicked puppy. ¡°First, because many of your iPaw¡¯s advanced features will not be available until you have both reached Second Class.¡± I blinked. ¡°The hell does the iPaw have to do with this?¡± ¡°Because we will be able to keep in contact with one another through the device,¡± Cailu said. Okay? ¡°That¡¯s incredible. We wouldn¡¯t have to rely on letters being lost or messages not being carried,¡± Tristan reasoned. ¡°Correct. For example, if more royal missives were to find their way to any of us, it would be a combined effort,¡± Cailu added. ¡°Great. But we already knew that we had to hit Second Class. What does that have to do with them staying here?¡± Cailu inhaled through his nose. He was losing his patience with me. I didn¡¯t care. ¡°As I said, a multitude of reasons.¡± He gestured to Tristan. ¡°We will have time to meet the queen together at a later date. To ferry four people to Nyarlothep, then back to San Island will come at great expense, time, and manpower.¡± ¡°And here I thought you had an infinite Bell stash,¡± I countered. ¡°Matt¡­¡± Tristan trailed, then looked at me. The kicked-puppy-stare was catching on. Uh oh. ¡°He¡¯s right. It doesn¡¯t make sense for us to go with and then come back. Especially if hitting Second Class first would make such a big difference.¡± I knew what I felt was selfish. Like a little kid who didn¡¯t get the candy bar at the grocery store no matter how loud he screamed. But damn it if this entire trip didn¡¯t feel like some horrendous reality television series. Cailu¡¯s Road Show: Crushing Matt into Roadkill. In an insanely uncharacteristic gesture from Ravyn, she reached across the table and touched my wrist. ¡°Tristan and I should stay.¡± Somehow, I think it would have hurt less if she¡¯d slapped me across the face and called me a jackass. I watched my fork teeter side to side, then crash down against my plate. I pulled my hand back. ¡°The rest of us leave tomorrow, then, I guess,¡± I murmured. ¡°Cool. I¡¯ll catch up with you guys later.¡± I pushed away from the table and stood, my appetite shot. Every time I thought things couldn¡¯t get worse, something surprised me. Yeah, this was coming. Eventually. Not now. ¡°Matt¡ª¡± Keke started. I ignored her and left the Golden Dragon. I didn¡¯t know where I was going. I didn¡¯t care. This sucked. This all sucked. I weaved through the meager clusters of catgirls, ignoring their murmurs and concerned glances. At the edge of the shopping strip, there was a dirt path with a smudged sign pointing uphill. I couldn¡¯t read what it said; my vision was blurry. This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. I marched down the path, kicking every rock and branch I could find. I hardly noticed the steady incline, concentrating instead on the sun on my back and the salty breeze against my face. When I made it to the top, I found a worn lighthouse towering over the ocean far below. When did I climb this high? ¡°You know, there are a lot of stories about how this place is haunted.¡± A familiar voice behind me had me jumping out of my skin. I spun on my heel. ¡°Ravyn. You followed me?¡± Ravyn shrugged. ¡°You always run away when you¡¯re mad. We¡­ we both do. But I don¡¯t think you really want to be alone.¡± She walked toward the edge of the cliff and took a seat, letting her legs dangle in free fall. ¡°Sit.¡± ¡°You know I¡¯m not great with heights.¡± ¡°I won¡¯t let you fall. Sit.¡± Not push me over, either? I sighed and cautiously made my way beside her. Not willing to so casually throw myself over the cliff, I sat down a few feet away from the edge and scooted up next to her. Don¡¯t look down. ¡°Where¡¯s Ball?¡± ¡°Up there somewhere.¡± She leaned back on her hands and nodded at the sky. ¡°I wanted to talk to you without the peanut gallery listening.¡± That made me chuckle. ¡°That¡¯s new for you.¡± ¡°Yeah. A lot of this is.¡± Ravyn swung her feet back and forth. It took a lot for me not to look down at her legs. The mile-high drop was a good deterrent. ¡°I like heart-to-hearts as much as you like cliffs.¡± ¡°I know.¡± Ravyn licked her lips and stared off into the distance. ¡°This split¡­ It isn¡¯t hard on just you, you know. It¡¯s hard on all of us.¡± I slowly copied her pose, letting my hands rest on the dirt behind me before staring up into the sky. ¡°You say that, but everyone¡¯s been so excited about it. Even when it was first mentioned, Ceres was practically glowing.¡± ¡°Ceres¡¯s whole life is Shi Island, Matt. Of course she¡¯s excited to help.¡± Ravyn shook her head and lowered her voice. ¡°Besides, since you¡¯re going back to Erina, she¡¯ll stay by your side the longest.¡± Is that jealousy I hear? ¡°You looked like you couldn¡¯t wait to get away from me.¡± Ravyn flicked away a fly from her shoulder. ¡°Like I said. We run away.¡± I chewed on her reply for a long time, and we sat in silence. It wasn¡¯t awkward, just¡­ there. I¡¯d grown pretty used to it with her and my conversations; more of a feature than a bug. ¡°Can I tell you something?¡± she asked after a time. ¡°When have you ever asked me permission to tell me anything?¡± ¡°Hush,¡± she retorted, but she smiled. ¡°Yeah. What¡¯s up?¡± Ravyn sat up and folded her hands in her lap. ¡°Sometimes, I think about the night I pushed you away.¡± She sighed. ¡°Okay, more than sometimes. A lot.¡± Our brief encounter felt like such a distant memory with everything that had happened. I would be lying if I said it didn¡¯t have a few cards in my deck of dreams and nightmares, but I figured she¡¯d never let it bother her. ¡°I feel like I really fucked that up. I got scared. I ran.¡± ¡°Why did you run?¡± I¡¯d guessed at a dozen answers but hoped she¡¯d just tell me. ¡°Because I don¡¯t want to get close to you and then watch you die,¡± she whispered. ¡°I can¡¯t do it again, Matt.¡± It was the rawest confession I¡¯d ever heard out of Ravyn. As much as I wanted to, I couldn¡¯t promise her that I¡¯d stay alive. After all we¡¯d been through, it wasn¡¯t as easy to proclaim that I¡¯d always be there to protect them like I did in my first few months. Not when everything in Nyarlea was ready to chew me in half¡ªa few Defiled and a handful of catgirls had nearly succeeded. ¡°Ravyn¡ª¡± ¡°I know. It¡¯s fucking stupid.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not stupid.¡± I gently rested my arm around her shoulders. ¡°I just wish I could say I¡¯m immortal. Or that I¡¯ll live forever. But I can¡¯t.¡± Ravyn leaned against me, curling her thick tail against my hips. ¡°That just means you¡¯re taking Nyarlea seriously.¡± She hesitated, then wrapped an arm around my waist. ¡°I¡¯ll never know if Finn wasn¡¯t strong enough for this world. But¡­ I think you are.¡± I flushed, a warm pride sliding from my head to my toes. I rested my head on top of hers, memorizing the perfumed smell of her hair. ¡°Thanks, Ravyn.¡± ¡°Yeah. Maybe¡ª¡± she drummed her fingers against my side, then sucked in a tiny breath, ¡°¡ªmaybe we can both stop running from what we¡¯re scared of.¡± ¡°I¡¯m willing to try if you are.¡± She hummed her response and laid her ears down against her hair. ¡°You know I¡¯ll deny it if you tell anyone I said any of this,¡± she chided playfully. ¡°And then I¡¯ll set you on fire.¡± ¡°Of course. You have a reputation to uphold.¡± Ravyn relaxed, letting herself completely rest against me. ¡°Matt¡­ it¡¯ll be weird without you, too.¡± At last, I felt like I knew where we stood. There was still so much more I wanted to ask and say to her, but for now, this was enough. It would have to be enough. We stayed like that for a while, accompanied only by the ocean air. And maybe the ghosts in the lighthouse, but that was okay, too. ¡°We should head back,¡± Ravyn said. ¡°Yeah.¡± It was really the last thing I wanted. But she was right. I needed to face this. ¡°Keep Tristan away from any dragons, huh?¡± Ravyn stood and stretched. ¡°Dragons? On San Island? Don¡¯t be a baka.¡± Does that mean they do exist? I finally looked over the edge. The ocean crashed against the cliffside, waves sputtering to mist on impact. Even if the drop still made me dizzy, I felt safer with Ravyn at my side. Chapter 221: Collision Avoidance Keke struggled to keep her eyes open as she leaned into her palm. The murmurs of the Golden Dragon were still quiet. The gentle footsteps of patrons and the clinking of nearby dishes only served to send her back to sleep. How many times would it take before she could finally wake up at a reasonable hour like a normal catgirl? ¡°Where is Matt?¡± asked a firm voice from the opposite side of the table. ¡°It is time we depart.¡± ¡°I¡¯m here, I¡¯m here,¡± came Matt¡¯s soothing voice. His shoes thumped down the stairs, and Keke felt a tug at the corners of her mouth. ¡°Just making sure I have everything.¡± Keke curled and uncurled her fingers and toes. She envied the others for being able to wake up so early. Even Matt had her beat in that category. She would have felt a tinge of envy if she weren¡¯t so overcome by drowsiness. ¡°Keke, it¡¯s time to go.¡± Cannoli put a gentle hand on Keke¡¯s shoulder and rubbed. ¡°Are you awake yet?¡± ¡°Ye¡ª¡± Keke yawned and stretched her arms above her head. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m good. Let¡¯s get going.¡± Keke¡¯s heart quickened as she and the others drew closer to Cailu¡¯s vessel. Once they got on the ship, they¡¯d be departing for Nyarlothep. Their arrival would mean the beginning of her [Hunter] training and the end of their Party. Despite Ravyn¡¯s presence beside her, Keke could already feel the weight of her absence. ¡°This ship looks more impressive each time I see it,¡± Tristan marveled. ¡°I wish I could join you.¡± ¡°You will eventually,¡± said Cailu. ¡°I shall see to it that you are granted an audience with the queen when appropriate. At that time, we shall ferry you.¡± ¡°Well, I guess this is it,¡± Matt said, his arms crossed and his stare sharp. Keke had seen that look dozens of times. He wore it every time desire met obligation, and it pained her to see it. ¡°Feels kinda strange to be splitting up like this.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be back in your hair before you know it. Just get on the boat,¡± chided Ravyn. To Keke, it sounded playful, and she was glad to hear it. Matt turned to her and smiled. For a rare moment in time, Ravyn flushed and furrowed her brow. ¡°Boy.¡± Keke stifled a laugh. Matt¡¯s smile widened. ¡°I¡¯ll hold you to that.¡± ¡°How will we know you arrived?¡± Destiny asked, her face racked with concern. ¡°Sir Cailu shall send a missive upon our arrival to Nyarlothep,¡± explained Ceres. Matt rolled his eyes. ¡°Best of luck, Tristan.¡± Matt extended his hand, and Tristan reciprocated. The two shook, and Matt added, ¡°You¡¯ll take good care of them, right, Ravyn?¡± ¡°Baka. Of course, I will. Who do you think I am?¡± Ravyn¡¯s heels clicked against the stone as she approached Matt. She looked away for a moment, muttering something Keke couldn¡¯t hear. Ravyn pinched the bridge of her nose, sighing. ¡°You take care of yourself. Don¡¯t die while I¡¯m gone.¡± ¡°I¡ª¡± Matt paused. ¡°I¡¯ll try not to.¡± ¡°Good.¡± ¡°Wind is in a good mood this morning,¡± Lara said, her eyes half-open. ¡°She is eager to whisk you away.¡± ¡°Hopefully that¡¯s a good thing,¡± Matt chuckled, letting go of Tristan¡¯s hand. He drew a deep breath as Keke took to his side, looking up at him. ¡°It¡¯s going to be okay,¡± said Keke. ¡°They¡¯re tough.¡± ¡°Right.¡± Matt nodded. He looked like he was trying to affirm something to himself. ¡°Don¡¯t do anything I wouldn¡¯t.¡± ¡°Keh,¡± Ravyn snickered. ¡°Shall we?¡± asked Cailu, his stare firm, resolute. After saying their goodbyes, Keke and the others crossed the gangway onto the ship. There was a heavy, bittersweet feeling in Keke¡¯s chest as the ship left the port. Ball flew circles above the ship for a time until returning to perch on Ravyn¡¯s outstretched hand. Tristan and the others disappeared from view as the ship began to round the island¡¯s coast. It¡¯s not forever. We¡¯ll be back, thought Keke. As Keke turned around, she noticed Matt had taken to the ship''s opposite side. He was leaning over the ledge, a familiar device dangling from his hand. I should see how he¡¯s doing. Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Keke made her way over, gently touching his bicep as she approached. Matt glanced at her, and she was glad she hadn¡¯t surprised him. Something she¡¯d learned early on was that he appreciated slow and predictable touches. A sudden pat on the back or a poke on the shoulder was a great way to startle him. ¡°Oh. Hey, Keke,¡± said Matt. He rubbed the back of his neck, and although Keke knew nothing would come of it, she glanced at the iPaw anyway. Yep, they still look like squiggly lines. What she did notice, however, was Ravyn¡¯s portrait on the screen. ¡°You okay?¡± asked Keke. She leaned over the ledge with him, admiring the ocean''s tides. ¡°Yeah, I think so.¡± He sighed. ¡°I think I should remove Ravyn from my Party.¡± The thought had crossed Keke¡¯s mind as well. She was looking for a gentle way to put it, but having Ravyn in Tristan¡¯s Party could only help them. ¡°She¡¯ll need the Experience,¡± Matt continued, ¡°and it would just make things easier in general if, well, Tristan could add her to his Party.¡± ¡°I know it¡¯s hard,¡± said Keke. ¡°From what my mom told me, a catgirl can¡¯t leave a Party unless the man removes her. So, this is up to you, Matt.¡± His grip tightened around the iPaw. Turning around, he leaned against the railing and scrolled through the indecipherable options using his pointer finger. Keke relaxed her head against his arm and flicked her tail side to side. Three boxes appeared on his iPaw, with the largest taking up the top half of his screen. A few seconds passed before Matt pressed his finger against the small box to the left. Afterward, Ravyn¡¯s portrait disappeared. Matt sighed and cocked his head back. ¡°Alright. She¡¯s out.¡± ¡°She¡¯s coming back,¡± said Keke. ¡°We all will. That¡¯s a promise.¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°Hey!¡± Portia exclaimed. Keke¡¯s hairs raised at Portia¡¯s sudden shout, and Matt fumbled for the iPaw before dropping it into the water behind him. Matt groaned while Keke watched Portia hang upside down from one of the ropes keeping the ship¡¯s mast together. ¡°Have you seen this baby? Hoo, wow! If only Pops could see me now. He¡¯d be so jealous.¡± Keke giggled while Matt called his iPaw back from the ocean. ¡°Enjoying yourself?¡± asked Keke. ¡°Are you kiddin¡¯?¡± Portia gawked, flipping right side up and landing on the deck. ¡°This is a dream come true!¡± ¡°Yeah, probably glad to be on your favorite type of boat,¡± Matt said as he shook the water from his iPaw. ¡°That¡¯s ship, Matt. How many times do I have to tell you that?¡± ¡°Ship. Sorry. So what can this ship do?¡± Portia crossed her arms, ¡°This baby¡¯s got a name. The Callisto.¡± Matt rolled his eyes. ¡°What can Callisto do?¡± ¡°The better question is, ¡®what can¡¯t it do?¡¯¡± Portia stomped her foot on the deck. ¡°You feel that? That¡¯s quality! You see those?¡± She pointed at the mast. ¡°That¡¯s beauty! And that¡ª¡± A bell suddenly rang from atop the mast. As soon as Keke and Matt looked up, Portia raced across the deck and began climbing the frontmost mast. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± asked Matt. Keke knew it couldn¡¯t be anything good. Moments later, Cailu and Ceres emerged from the cabin in their [Combat Mode] attire, marching across the deck with purpose. Keke and Matt switched into their appropriate [Combat Mode]s and followed them to the head of the ship. Cailu received a spyglass from a nearby catgirl and peered through. Keke squinted at what she assumed was the Defiled in question. A collection of violet tentacles whipped about the surface on the horizon. From here, it looked as if it was already distracted with something. Keke briefly wondered if they could avoid it. ¡°Looks like a big one!¡± cried Portia. ¡°Defiled straight ahead,¡± said Cailu. He returned the spyglass and beckoned two other catgirls from behind him. ¡°Vanille, Ariel, prepare the cannons.¡± ¡°Yes, Master Cailu!¡± the girls said in unison before running back. ¡°What should we do?¡± asked Matt. ¡°Fall below deck and stay there,¡± Cailu said, his gaze never veering from the tentacles slapping at the water¡¯s surface. ¡°If all goes to plan, then there should be no need to enter combat.¡± ¡°And if it doesn¡¯t?¡± asked Keke. ¡°We want to do what we can.¡± Portia landed beside her, brushing her hands. ¡°Then I will call upon you.¡± Matt opened his mouth to speak, but Keke interrupted. ¡°Thank you, Cailu. Let¡¯s go below, Matt.¡± Keke was sure Matt was looking for something to preoccupy his mind, but Cailu and his crew had been sailing the seas for years. He knew this could happen, and she wasn¡¯t about to get in his way. ¡°Yeah, okay,¡± Matt said with a hint of irritation. Keke led him by the hand and descended the stairs to the first floor of the ship. They hadn¡¯t taken the time to organize who would be staying where, so she took the first room she saw and shut the door behind them, sliding the lock into place. Matt took a seat on the bunk bed and leaned his head into his palm. ¡°Feeling kind of useless.¡± ¡°Try to look at this as more of a ride than an adventure,¡± Keke said, sitting beside him. She wrapped her tail around the bend of his arm and relaxed her head on his shoulder. ¡°Besides, it means we get a little bit of quality time together.¡± Matt chuckled. ¡°Yeah, I suppose you¡¯re right.¡± A brief silence passed. ¡°Was it hard to remove Ravyn?¡± ¡°One of the hardest things I¡¯ve ever done. It just feels weird that she¡¯s not here anymore.¡± ¡°It does. But this isn¡¯t forever,¡± Keke assured him. She felt a tinge of jealousy, and a childish part of her hoped Matt would feel the same way when they parted. But her mother¡¯s words came swiftly to remind her of her obligations. ¡°It¡¯s temporary.¡± ¡°I know. But it still hurts.¡± Matt fell back on the bed with a hand behind his head. He looked like he wanted to say something else, but Keke decided not to prod. She still had plenty of time with him. Right? Chapter 222: Raking Fire For Ceres, there were few sensations in Nyarlea more gratifying than the thrill of combat. The adrenaline pumping through one¡¯s veins, a test of mettle between hero and monster, the pride that came with felling a terrible opponent. It was the ultimate test of skill and heroism, and Ceres wanted for little more. ¡°Fire!¡± At Sir Cailu¡¯s command, the cannons rained cannonballs against the tentacled monstrosity. Its appendages flailed in the air, its main body hidden beneath the wild tides. Ceres rushed to the starboard side as another cannon fired from below. A gasp escaped Ceres¡¯s lips, and she gripped the railing of the ship harder. Her inner kitten was screaming to fire a cannon, to brandish her poleaxe and shove it into¡ª ¡°Ceres,¡± came Sir Cailu¡¯s voice. Relax. Relax! Approach him with the same level of sophistication you were taught. Ceres looked over her shoulder. ¡°Yes, Sir Cailu?¡± ¡°Be ready. The cannons will not suffice. I have need of your assistance.¡± Yes! ¡°As you say, Sir Cailu,¡± Ceres curtsied. Her poleaxe manifested in her right hand, and she spun it once for effect. Ceres curled and uncurled her gauntleted fingers, pleased with the newfound strength in her body. ¡°Tell me where I must be.¡± ¡°I am assembling the archers,¡± said Cailu. ¡°You will hold the line beside them. With any luck, the Defiled will be dispatched with haste.¡± His eyes landed on Kirti talking to a group of robed catgirls beside the foremast. ¡°I have [Priest]s aboard who will protect us. I observed you had [Titan of Ice] during our battle against the Ejderha. Can you provide defense?¡± ¡°Absolutely, Sir Cailu.¡± ¡°Splendid. I am needed elsewhere. Remain on the starboard side and provide support as necessary to our archers.¡± With that, the man briskly approached Kirti¡¯s group, her words too quiet to hear. Two catgirls wearing matching leathers approached Ceres, flanking her. Each of them had a bow strung around their shoulder. ¡°Your armor is exquisite,¡± said the blonde one to her right. She had her hair tied in twin braids around her shoulders. Her tanned skin suggested years at sea. ¡°Where did you have it made?¡± The brunette to her left had her hair trimmed above her nape. Two thick bangs framed her face in a large ¡®M.¡¯ Unlike the other woman, her skin was fair, her arms littered with freckles. ¡°You are most kind. It was graciously commissioned for me by Sir Cailu,¡± said Ceres without missing a beat. ¡°It is the work of the Ichi Island citizens. I am in Sir Cailu¡¯s debt.¡± The girls looked at each other in surprise. The intense etiquette training reminded Ceres that she should introduce herself. She glanced toward the Defiled¡¯s thrashing tentacles in the distance. There is always time for courtesy. ¡°My name is Ceres, [Magic Knight] of Sir Matt.¡± ¡°Kana,¡± said the blonde one. ¡°Yumi,¡± said the brunette. Such unique names! Ceres abstained from clapping her hands together and inquiring on the origin of their names. Instead, she put a hand to her chest, politely bowing at the neck. ¡°My duty is to protect you.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll be relying on you!¡± said Kana, her scarlet eyes like deep rubies in the sunlight. ¡°If she can keep up,¡± Yumi smirked, her violet gaze digging daggers into Ceres. ¡°Your concerns are lighthearted,¡± said Ceres. ¡°Is the Defiled not a threat?¡± The girls shook their heads. ¡°Not really,¡± said Yumi. ¡°We deal with Defiled on the weekly, sometimes more often than that, depending on where Master Cailu wants to go.¡± Master. Should I be calling him master? That seems inappropriate. ¡°You never know what¡¯ll happen, Yumi,¡± shrugged Kana. ¡°You are both Second Class, then,¡± Ceres assumed. The pair nodded. ¡°[Hunter]s?¡± They nodded again. This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. ¡°Got decent instincts, I¡¯ll give you that much,¡± said Yumi, a hand on her hip. ¡°We¡¯ll see how you hold up once the Defiled comes in.¡± The Callisto was making a wide berth around the Defiled. As its tentacles neared, Ceres saw how little effect the cannons had on the Defiled¡¯s body. I shall let none perish this day. ¡°Let¡¯s get ready,¡± Kana said with a flick of her head. Yumi affirmed her suggestion and jogged to the center of the main deck, their bows readied and their quivers dangling at their waists. Ceres¡¯s poleaxe bobbed at her side as Portia came to stand next to her with her harpoon shouldered. ¡°Ready for this?¡± asked Portia. ¡°What Class are you?¡± As soon as the words left her mouth, Ceres had her guesses. Portia gestured to a dagger around her belt. ¡°[Rogue]. Usually, people aren¡¯t a fan of them, but you¡¯re a fellow ship lover, so you¡¯re good people.¡± Ceres cared not to judge Portia for her choice in Class. [Rogue]s were exceptionally adaptable, and she had no doubt Portia would be the same. Despite their reputation, Ceres had experienced Ara¡¯s presence firsthand to know that one¡¯s Class did not dictate their way of living. ¡°Any particular Skills I should expect from you?¡± asked Ceres. ¡°I have [Plagiarize] and [Lockout].¡± The Defiled was nearly next to the ship now. ¡°I got a few other tricks up my sleeve, so I¡¯ll fill in the gaps.¡± Portia lifted the harpoon over her shoulder, two-handing it. The Defiled was eerily fast. Within seconds of approaching the Defiled, one of its slimy tendrils slipped between the railing posts, slithering around one catgirl¡¯s leg. Ceres pivoted on the spot, flourishing her poleaxe and severing the tentacle from its captive in one fluid motion. A gasp escaped Ceres¡¯s lips as she felt the axehead of her weapon cleave through a plank. My goodness, I used far too much force for that swing. Adjusting the newly found [Strength] and [Dexterity] found in her armor was going to take some getting used to. So swift and powerful was her strike that the damage to the plank was nearly perfect in its cut. At least my technique has not faltered. Three more tentacles slithered on board, Cailu carving the latter of the three in half. An ear-piercing scream bellowed from beneath the waves, and the ship rocked to its port side. Portia and the other girls on board maintained their footing, but Ceres fell to one knee, grasping the post in front of her for purchase. ¡°Not a lot of experience on ships?¡± Portia cried as she stabbed another incoming tentacle. ¡°[Lockout]!¡± Each tendril that had managed to snake its way on board froze for a split second. Ceres frowned, noticing how the appendages no longer appeared to have any desire to wrap themselves around the girls. Portia extracted the dagger from her belt and swiped it at the tentacle, severing the tip. Violet blood poured onto the deck, and the waters blew upward from where the Defiled resided. ¡°What did you do?¡± Ceres asked, astonished at what she had just witnessed. ¡°The Defiled won¡¯t be wrapping itself around us anymore! At least for a good thirty seconds!¡± Arrows soared through the air, forcing the Defiled¡¯s tentacles back into the water. Ceres steadied her footing and returned to her prior stance, her gaze firmly attached to where the Defiled was last seen. ¡°Amazing,¡± Ceres marveled. ¡°You are a fine [Rogue], Portia.¡± ¡°Thanks! This is what I¡¯ve been waiting for all my life! Me and the ocean going toe to toe!¡± She flashed a pearly-white smile. When the water broke again, a large body surged onto the deck. Portia and Ceres dove to the side, the wave of the monster¡¯s approach spraying mist on her dress. Ceres turned to behold the beast in all its blasphemy. A creature shaped like a long dining table skittered across the deck with tiny clicking canines underneath. Around the ridges of its body were black beads blinking in an asymmetrical fashion. Ceres counted as many as twelve tentacles. What was most disturbing of all was the rate at which they were regenerating. Two nubs where Ceres and Portia had cut the beast had already stopped bleeding, the appendage growing back quickly enough for the eye to perceive. ¡°[Split the Arrow]!¡± cried one catgirl on the port side. The Defiled snapped toward her and rolled. ¡°[Titan of Ice]!¡± Ceres cried, her hand extended toward the archer. The girl gasped as the Defiled collided with the barrier, shattering it instantly. The other girls froze around her, yet the Defiled was unaffected. The beast wrapped itself around the girl in an instant, the teeth moments away from impaling her. ¡°[Disarmament]!¡± Cailu¡¯s Skill rang through the air alongside his shield. The shield struck the Defiled and stuck to it like glue. ¡°[Call Arms]!¡± He extended his hand, and the shield returned to him, dragging the Defiled away with it. The archer fell to her knees, her eyes wide with terror. Catgirls with crossbows buried bolts into the Defiled¡¯s leathery skin as it approached Cailu, halted only when he had retrieved his shield and stamped his foot on the beast. As the Defiled reached up, a hole opened up at the front where its mouth should be. ¡°[Lockout]!¡± Portia cried once more. The Defiled¡¯s ¡®lips¡¯ sealed shut, met by the cold embrace of Cailu¡¯s blade. A blood-curdling screech filled the air, Cailu¡¯s expression cold and distant. He muttered, ¡°[Purging Flame],¡± and the Defiled burst into flame like wildfire. Ceres had expected the Defiled to scream again. To writhe, wriggle, crawl, struggle, anything. Instead, the roaring flames drew beads of sweat from Ceres¡¯s forehead, and the Defiled steadily slumped over, the black pearls of its eyes popping from the intense heat. Relief washed over Ceres. Sure enough, Sir Cailu was every bit the man she imagined. He was the truest hero she had ever gazed upon. A man in beautiful shining armor, protecting the innocent with the word of Saoirse. Ceres balled her hand and brought it to her chest, inspired by Cailu¡¯s brutal efficiency. If only I could be so grossly incandescent. Chapter 223: Fighting at Anchor Cannoli clutched the stuffed pink rabbit Matt had gifted her what felt like an eternity ago to her chest. Before they¡¯d left San Island, Ravyn had taken the puffy red ribbon from the dress of her last [Combat Mode] equipment and tied it around the rabbit¡¯s neck. For good luck, Ravyn had said when Cannoli tried to protest. Don¡¯t stay away forever, alright? Stroking the long, plush ears, Cannoli breathed long and slow through her nostrils. She was alone in her modest cabin, perched on the edge of the bed with her feet tucked underneath her. Buttons clung to her shoulder, touching his cheek to hers. A loud thump sounded from the ceiling, and Cannoli flinched. She¡¯d been the first to descend the stairs and find a cabin when Cailu had announced they were approaching a Defiled. A tiny part of her had hoped Matt and Keke would come to find her and wait out the attack alongside her. But Keke had been really distant lately. Ever since Cannoli had announced her plans to dedicate herself fully to Saoirse, her best friend had started putting space between them. It was little things at first. Not sitting next to her at meals or sharing whispers like they always had. It was a slow, gradual build that peaked when Matt disappeared from the castle in R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨©. Cannoli couldn¡¯t find Keke at all while he was gone. As if Keke had made a point to avoid her. Ravyn remained as Cannoli¡¯s closest confidant, and she spent more time with Ceres and Tristan. Lara and Destiny were sweet, but they were often together working on their own things. Cannoli hadn¡¯t wanted to interrupt. Slam! Cannoli squeaked as the boat rocked back and forth. She squeezed her bunny close and steadied her balance with her tail. ¡°How did this happen, Buttons?¡± Cannoli whimpered. ¡°Why am I all alone?¡± Buttons carefully scaled her shoulder, creeping down her arm until he reached her lap. He gazed up at her, face wrought with worry. She¡¯d learned his expressions and changes in how he moved through all the time they¡¯d spent together. ¡°I wish you could talk.¡± She sniffed, stroking the top of the blazard¡¯s scaley head and neck. ¡°Instead, you¡¯re stuck listening to all of my problems.¡± He pressed his head against her fingertips, then sidestepped to the left. Puffing up his chest, he opened his mouth wide and exhaled. A smoke ring fluttered from between his jaws and expanded into the shape of a heart. ¡°When did you learn to do that?¡± Cannoli¡¯s eyes went wide. She touched the point of the heart with one finger. ¡°You¡¯re amazing, Buttons.¡± The boat stilled. There was a shriek from on deck, and Cannoli¡¯s ears flattened against her head. A cheer sounded shortly after, muffled by the wood between her and the upper deck. ¡°Sounds like it¡¯s over,¡± Cannoli murmured, glancing up at the ceiling. A knock at the door provoked another squeak as Cannoli bounced back to the pillow. Her heart raced, and she buried her face against the bunny¡¯s head. Stop being so jumpy! ¡°C-come in!¡± ¡°Cannoli?¡± Keke¡¯s voice carried around the doorframe as she inched it inside. ¡°Can I come in?¡± Cannoli blinked, surprised by Keke¡¯s sudden visit. ¡°Yes.¡± Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Keke slid inside and closed the door. Matt wasn¡¯t with her. ¡°Are you alright?¡± There was this sharp, uncomfortable sensation at the back of her thoughts ever since they¡¯d started traveling on Ichi Island. As if a knife was chipping away at her patience and gradually carving through her empathy. It worsened each time Kirti taunted her. Then hit its worst point when the [Witch Doctor] used someone else¡¯s soul to save Ceres. Despite Matt¡¯s reassurances, the feeling was impossible to block out, and Cannoli found herself thinking and saying things that she never would have before. Cannoli tucked her knees to her chest. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you cared.¡± ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I care?¡± Keke¡¯s lips pursed, and she took a step forward. ¡°Because you¡¯ve been avoiding me,¡± Cannoli replied. The words tasted angry and harsh. Her chest twisted with emotions she knew she shouldn¡¯t feel. Reactions she shouldn¡¯t have. ¡°It¡¯s fine. I get it. You¡¯d rather be with Matt than with me.¡± Keke reeled as if she¡¯d been slapped. She opened her mouth, made a strained noise, then closed it again. ¡°You don¡¯t have to pretend, Keke. You can go back to him,¡± Cannoli said. It was like a stream that had been stopped up for months was beginning to flow free. These were idle thoughts she¡¯d had while Matt was away from the castle and on days when Ravyn had been there while Keke was nowhere to be found, dancing on the edge of the incessant blade. ¡°I¡¯m not your problem anymore.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve never been my problem.¡± Keke approached the bed, golden eyes fixed on Cannoli¡¯s face. She was furious. ¡°You¡¯re my best friend. We¡¯re practically sisters.¡± ¡°Then why have you been ignoring me?¡± Cannoli shifted to her knees, setting the rabbit and Buttons down on her pillow. ¡°Why is this the first time in weeks that you¡¯re talking to me?¡± Keke¡¯s expression softened as she sat down on the edge of the bed. ¡°Because you isolate yourself, Cannoli. You locked yourself in your room when we went to Abalone. Bottled up all your feelings through Ichi. Tore Matt to shreds for saving Ceres. Then,¡± she took a deep breath, steadying her words, ¡°you decided it¡¯s time to go off on your own to Saoirse¡¯s Temple in Nyarlothep.¡± Cannoli chewed her lower lip and blinked away frustrated tears. ¡°It¡¯s like every time anyone tries to reach out to you, you shut yourself away. You¡¯ve done this for as long as I¡¯ve known you.¡± Keke clasped her hands in her lap. ¡°It¡¯s not that I¡¯d rather be with Matt. It¡¯s that you act like you¡¯d rather be literally anywhere else than with us.¡± ¡°Us?¡± Cannoli hissed. ¡°Yes. Us. Our Party. You, me, Matt, Ravyn, and Ceres.¡± Keke frowned. ¡°We all want to help you, and you want to run away.¡± Cannoli felt trapped. The constant throb in the back of her head ached, the sound pounding against her ears. Why couldn¡¯t Keke understand? What they were doing¡ªwhat they¡¯d done¡ªwas all against Saoirse¡¯s teachings. They should be back on Ni Island, helping Matt to protect the other girls. Men exchanging islands was unprecedented. A man killing another man was unforgivable. Kirti and Yomi both deserved to be tried and judged beneath the goddess. Instead, they roamed free, and their demonic, sacrilege practices continued. ¡°You¡¯re doing it again,¡± Keke said gently. ¡°You¡¯ve gone back into your head.¡± ¡°This is all wrong,¡± Cannoli whispered. ¡°Us leaving Ni. Matt training on Shi. Tristan and Ravyn fixing San. We¡¯re all out of place.¡± Keke blinked. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°Forget it.¡± Cannoli deflated, letting her head rest against the wall. ¡°I¡¯m fine, Keke. You don¡¯t have to worry about me.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t have to, but I am worried about you. Come on. We used to tell each other everything.¡± Keke snuck a peanut from her [Cat Pack] and passed it to Buttons. He took it with little hesitation. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s better this way. For both of us.¡± Cannoli scooped Buttons up and held him close. ¡°Just go.¡± Keke glanced toward the door, then back at Cannoli. ¡°Cannoli¡ª¡± ¡°Go!¡± Cannoli hadn¡¯t meant to yell, but the knife cut deep, and the pain ricocheted through her head. Keke¡¯s presence only made it worse. Keke stood, her ears flush with her hair. With a resolute nod, she tucked her tail between her legs and left the room. Cannoli hugged her rabbit and curled up on the bed. Tears slipped from her eyes and dampened her cheeks. Ravyn, how am I supposed to do this without you? Chapter 224: Periplous Lara strode behind Master Tristan and Destiny while Ravyn led them to the end of the strip where a row of horses were stabled. Ravyn had been short and concise with her words up until now, and Tristan wore a series of difficult expressions during their trek. ¡°She¡¯s hard to understand,¡± Lara mumbled as she tilted her head to one side. Destiny glanced at her before returning her attention to the young master. ¡°She has much on her mind,¡± a wispy voice said beside her. ¡°The familiar knows more than he lets on.¡± ¡°How do you know that, Wind?¡± Ravyn glanced at Lara next, rubbing the bridge of her nose and frowning. ¡°A dishonest one, to be sure,¡± Water rippled from a nearby bucket, her voice like a hollowed-out hum. ¡°Perhaps she¡ª¡± ¡°Are you okay, Lara?¡± Tristan asked with a hand on her shoulder. ¡°¡ªCan teach us more.¡± ¡°Are you going to answer him or just stand there?¡± asked Wind, her impatience¡ª ¡°Come on, get in the cart!¡± Ravyn beckoned as she jumped into the back of a merchant¡¯s wagon. Lara shook her head and did as she was told. She took a seat beside Destiny, who sat next to Tristan, and leaned her head against her sister¡¯s shoulder. Destiny giggled and wrapped an arm around Lara¡¯s shoulders. The wagon began to move, and for a moment, the Elements went silent. ¡°Is there anything I should know about Shulan?¡± Tristan asked, his curiosity as charming as ever. ¡°It is an awful place with awful people.¡± The voice sounded like a growl. As if it was constantly on the cusp of yelling. Lara knew this as the voice of Fire. He didn¡¯t speak often, but he was exceptionally opinionated. Of the four spirits Lara could speak to, Fire was the most passionate and the only one who never took shape outside of his normal confines. ¡°The children fight for scraps of food and steal anything they can get their grubby little paws on.¡± ¡°Reminds me of someone else,¡± said Wind. ¡°You want to run that by me again? I think I misheard you.¡± Lara sighed. ¡°Something wrong?¡± asked Destiny. ¡°They¡¯re angry again,¡± Lara mumbled. Ravyn rolled her eyes. She¡¯d been speaking for a while, but Lara had failed to catch much of what she was saying. Since the Elements were often much louder than anyone else, Lara sometimes struggled to keep up with conversations. On better days, the Elements would speak scarcely, and she could concentrate for a time. On the worst of days, she felt as if she were walking through a fog, trying to make sense of the sights and sounds she experienced. Entire conversations would begin and end in the blink of an eye, leaving her in the dark. The wagon hit a rock, and the coachee briefly looked over her shoulder to apologize. ¡°Watch it. You tread on a god,¡± came a deep voice that resonated within Lara¡¯s mind. ¡°Are you feeling better today, Earth?¡± whispered Lara. Destiny seemed to have heard her, but Lara¡¯s twin never minded her musings with the Elements. Whether or not Destiny actually believed she could speak with the Elements was up for debate. ¡°What kind of stupid question is that? The woman just ran over me. What do you think?¡± ¡°I just meant compared to yesterday,¡± mumbled Lara. A pause followed. ¡°Are you going to answer her or continue to feel sorry for yourself?¡± asked Wind. Here we go, Lara thought. Wind and Earth were the two most often at one another¡¯s throats. While the influence of Fire and Water varied from land to land, Earth and Wind were near constant. Few areas could be explored without the soil beneath one¡¯s feet or the wind in your hair. This meant the two were often arguing over who had more influence. ¡°Big words for someone whose redeeming trait is rustling leaves,¡± laughed Earth. ¡°I am not the one who bakes people alive whenever Fire is having an off day,¡± Wind spat back. Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare rope me into this,¡± Fire growled. ¡°Make sure you¡¯re in [Combat Mode] while in Shulan,¡± Ravyn suggested, interrupting the voices in Lara¡¯s head. ¡°The little brats will take you for all you¡¯re worth.¡± ¡°She¡¯s right,¡± said Fire. ¡°Stupid thieves, stupid thieves! Squawwwwk!¡± cried the parrot. Lara struggled to remember its name. She wanted to ask but didn¡¯t want to look like a fool. Ravyn was making enough effort to avoid her to begin with. I really do wish I could get her and Fire to make up. ¡°Very good, Bally!¡± Ravyn awarded the bird with a small cookie, getting crumbs all over the floorboards. The wagon hit another rock, and Earth sighed. ¡°Can I pet him?¡± asked Destiny. The parrot didn¡¯t wait for Ravyn¡¯s reply. He fluttered over to Destiny, perching on her thigh. She gasped and scratched behind his neck. ¡°Oh, what a good boy! You¡¯re so cute!¡± ¡°Whose team are you on?¡± asked Ravyn. ¡°Get over it,¡± Wind said, at last taking shape in front of Lara. Wind was playful, often childlike at times. Each of the Elements could take numerous forms, though Wind seemed the most experienced. At the moment, she¡¯d taken the shape of a small fairy-like creature that reminded Lara of the tales Tristan had told her and Destiny. Wind bore long ears like Cailu, and her hair was a vibrant green. An invisible breeze played with her hair and dress. ¡°So what if she didn¡¯t like you. Not everyone will. Just don¡¯t answer her pleas next time.¡± I must have missed something again. Earth appeared on the opposite side of the cart. He was a collection of rocks and dirt floating and rotating in haphazard fashions. A single carved eye frowned at the center of the mass, and his voice sounded much how Lara imagined rubbing two rocks together would sound. ¡°Leave your petty insults for Lightning,¡± said Earth. ¡°I do not ignore the pleas of others so readily like you and him.¡± The tiny fairy furrowed her brow, perching on some invisible force. She crossed one leg atop the other. ¡°Except when you do.¡± ¡°You speak lies.¡± ¡°Earth, if I may?¡± Lara asked, her hand held up. She drew the raised brows of Ravyn and Tristan, but Destiny was quick to distract them. ¡°I understand you were upset with me, but when I asked for help¡ª¡± ¡°You are not the only [Conjurer],¡± Earth interrupted. ¡°Ichi Island is an incredible mass of land. I cannot be everywhere at once.¡± ¡°You¡¯re lying again,¡± Wind said, shaking her head. ¡°You are, quite literally, everywhere.¡± ¡°Life does not work without me. Of course I am everywhere,¡± the rocky eyeball turned around, glancing back at Wind and Lara occasionally. ¡°I cannot follow your thought process at all,¡± said Wind. ¡°If you were any other Element, you would be an absolute insult to the forces of existence.¡± ¡°How dare you!¡± ¡°Please, just stop?¡± Lara pleaded. ¡°Hang on,¡± Earth continued. ¡°I have someone else asking for my help. Unlike you, Wind, I actually help people.¡± ¡°Yeah, yeah, whatever. Go on,¡± Wind said, shooing him away with her hand. The bundle of rocks and dirt disappeared. Lara¡¯s understanding of the Elements changed each day. She¡¯d quickly learned that they were an emotional bunch, often fighting for power and influence. At least, this is how she understood Wind, Earth, Water, and Fire. To this day, the other four had never spoken to her. ¡°I see,¡± said Tristan. With Earth gone, Lara could pay better attention now. ¡°Where would you suggest we go first, then?¡± Ravyn sighed. ¡°We¡¯ll continue to Shulan as planned. Assuming we don¡¯t run into any issues, I¡¯ll show you around, and we¡¯ll break for Zhuli. Add me to your Party, Tristan.¡± ¡°Oh, right! Appear, iPaw.¡± ¡°Why Zhuli?¡± asked Destiny. ¡°If we¡¯re going to solve the cunt¡¯s economic issues, then my¡­¡± Ravyn paused to click her tongue. ¡°My mother would be the first person to talk to.¡± Lara felt a tinge of envy for Ravyn. It¡¯d been over a decade since she and Destiny lost their mother, and although she struggled to remember her face, she could still smell the freshly baked bread and hear Destiny¡¯s voice trailing behind her while they ran through the wheat fields. ¡°I would very much like to meet her,¡± Destiny said as she offered a warm smile. ¡°She must be a powerful woman if you are her daughter.¡± Ravyn looked away and crossed her arms beneath her chest, tapping one elbow with her thumb. ¡°Yeah, I guess. She¡¯s always had her claws in everything. Especially if it made her Bells.¡± ¡°Okay, you¡¯re in the Party now, Ravyn. I take it your mom is experienced in these areas?¡± Tristan said as he leaned forward, dismissing his iPaw. ¡°Ah, they do look a lot alike,¡± said Wind. ¡°You know her?¡± asked Lara. ¡°I think so. I believe she¡¯s Emberlynn¡¯s offspring.¡± ¡°Emberlynn?¡± Ravyn furrowed her brow. ¡°How the fuck did you know that?¡± Lara blinked. Earth had returned, and already he was upset. Lara tilted her head to one side¡ªa habit that helped her concentrate¡ªand fought hard to ignore Earth¡¯s ramblings. ¡°Wind told me,¡± Lara said, eager to be a part of the conversation again. ¡°She says you look a lot alike.¡± ¡°She¡¯s a powerful [Arbiter],¡± Wind continued. ¡°And she says that Emberlynn is a powerful [Arbiter],¡± Lara said, swelling with pride. Tristan filled the silence that followed. ¡°Emberlynn the Enchanted.¡± As soon as the words left his mouth, Ravyn pointed a finger at her open mouth, gagging. ¡°I¡¯ve read about her! She¡¯s one of the most powerful women in all of San Island! One of the few [Arbiter]s left, if I remember correctly.¡± ¡°Oh wow,¡± Destiny gasped with a hand over her mouth. ¡°The Emberlynn? Goodness, why did you never say anything? Her work is a luxury on Shi Island.¡± Ravyn groaned, leaning on her elbow. Maybe it was just Lara¡¯s imagination, but she swore she heard Bally snicker. ¡°I like the parrot,¡± said Wind. ¡°I like him too,¡± said Lara. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to get to know him better.¡± Chapter 225: Diekplous Zahra clutched the Callisto¡¯s railing and emptied the remnants of her stomach into the sea for the second time that morning. This illness had held her in its clutches since shortly after they¡¯d departed San Island. It had prevented her from being of service to Cailu in his fight against the Defiled the day prior and obstructed her ability to sleep. Every time she tried to rest in the cabins below, claustrophobia and nausea struck her, forcing her back on deck. She¡¯d never felt like this before, and nothing seemed to help. Cailu had called it ¡®seasickness.¡¯ Zahra didn¡¯t know she could catch a malady from the sea. Was it terminal? She¡¯d been too afraid to ask. Walking in Naeemah¡¯s footsteps was an honor; a task the queen had personally bestowed upon her. To fail at her first test of will would be an embarrassment. ¡°Still not feeling well?¡± Kirti¡¯s husky voice emerged from her right. Zahra started, her ears standing straight on end. She hadn¡¯t heard the [Witch Doctor]¡¯s approach. Though the pounding in her ears wasn¡¯t doing her any favors. ¡°No,¡± Zahra admitted, slowly sipping the ocean-tinted air through her nostrils. Breathing too fast made the vertigo worse. ¡°This part can take some getting used to.¡± Kirti rested her elbows against the railing and stared across the expansive ocean. ¡°I was like you the first time I rode on a ship. Ichi Island¡¯s women are made for seas of sand, not water.¡± Zahra tilted her head and chanced a look at her newest companion. ¡°So, then, this ¡®seasickness,¡¯¡± she hesitated, then sighed. It would be better to know. ¡°It is not fatal?¡± Kirti raised her brow, and she grinned. ¡°No, child. Not unless it throws you over this rail.¡± ¡°Why didn¡¯t I feel like this on Portia¡¯s boat?¡± ¡°For me, it was the inability to see land.¡± Kirti gestured wide with her arms. ¡°Not on this side, not on that side. No shadows on the horizon or outlines in the distance. The water consumes us whole.¡± Now that she mentioned it, the moment Zahra had lost track of Ichi Island, Ni¡¯s dark outline had come into view, and she¡¯d focused on it for the duration of their journey. She nodded. ¡°The¡­ the waves were much gentler, too.¡± Kirti laughed; a sound that struck between nails raking metal and a hollow cackle. It made Zahra flinch. ¡°Precious girl. You truly haven¡¯t traveled far from home, have you?¡± ¡°I couldn¡¯t leave my mother alone,¡± Zahra admitted, looking away from Kirti¡¯s taunting expression. ¡°Ah. But now you have.¡± ¡°Mm.¡± Her reasoning was no one¡¯s burden but her own. Kirti reached for Zahra¡¯s chin and clasped it between her thumb and forefinger. She gently turned Zahra¡¯s head until their eyes locked. As Kirti¡¯s orange gaze searched hers, a chill ran the length of Zahra¡¯s spine and curled her toes. ¡°You feared your sister,¡± Kirti murmured. Zahra felt far more vulnerable beneath the woman¡¯s gaze than she was comfortable with. Lady Naeemah had warned her about Kirti¡¯s uncanny ability to read others, but this was not what she expected. ¡°Many people feared my sister.¡± ¡°Yours wasn¡¯t a fear for yourself.¡± Kirti released her chin and touched her shoulder. Zahra shifted uncomfortably. For so many years leaving Ishani alone made her anxious. Even if it was a brief trip to the market, Zahra prepared herself to find Sanrai¡¯s spear through their mother¡¯s chest on her return. Because of this, she didn¡¯t have friends or dreams of her own outside of keeping Ishani safe. ¡°You are a blank slate,¡± Kirti noted, the mirth in her expression sobering as she dropped her arm. ¡°What do you¡ªhgnh!¡± Zahra clapped a hand over her mouth and turned back to the railing. ¡°Here. Drink this.¡± Kirti pulled a bottle free from her [Cat Pack]. A clear liquid swirled inside, specked with shimmering blue flakes. ¡°Y¨³ x¨© keeps a few on board for her new crew.¡± She lowered her voice. ¡°She doesn¡¯t like to share, so this is our little secret. The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Zahra narrowed her eyes and swallowed against the threat in her throat. Stealing, from the captain especially, could only harm her fragile reputation. Kirti shrugged. ¡°I¡¯ll return it if your virtue keeps you from feeling well.¡± No matter how much Zahra wanted to protest, staying sick would not help her Party should they face another Defiled. She couldn¡¯t speak, plan, think, or sleep like this. She was of no use to anyone in this state. Zahra swiped the bottle from Kirti¡¯s hand and uncorked it, sipping its contents in measured gulps. It tasted curiously spicy, warming her tongue, throat, and chest as it made its way down. The gurgling in her midsection settled for the first time in two days. She took a cautious breath of salty air, letting it hover in her lungs before exhaling. The vertigo began to fade. ¡°Better?¡± Kirti asked. ¡°Yes. Thank you.¡± Zahra passed her the empty bottle. ¡°You really are like Nae,¡± Kirti said, accepting the glass and flicking her tail. ¡°Always thinking of others before yourself.¡± ¡°My life is best utilized in the service of others.¡± Zahra straightened her back, finally feeling more herself. ¡°That¡¯s not how your sister saw it.¡± ¡°Sanrai and I shared very few ideologies.¡± ¡°You both believed that Ichi Island needed to change,¡± Kirti said. ¡°A view I also shared.¡± ¡°Is that why you left Ichi Island in the first place? Lady Naeemah said you three had been together for quite some time.¡± ¡°I found them in Nyarlothep.¡± Kirti¡¯s ears flickered forward in thought, though her face was carefully neutral. ¡°You didn¡¯t answer my question.¡± ¡°If Nae told you so much about me, did she not mention my dissatisfaction with Magni?¡± A smile twitched at Kirti¡¯s mouth. ¡°She did. However, you don¡¯t seem the type to run away from a challenge.¡± ¡°Oh? You don¡¯t believe her, then?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t believe that you¡¯re telling the whole story.¡± Kirti let her smile grow. ¡°Perceptive of you. However, why does my story concern you?¡± ¡°Because we are a Party now, and I wish to understand your motives.¡± Zahra clasped her hands together over the railing, watching the rise and fall of the waves as they struck the sides of the ship. ¡°I wish to understand you.¡± Kirti withdrew a glowing stone from her [Cat Pack]. Its light was intense even in the sunlight, the sparkle shimmering from within was as bright as a star. ¡°There is much I wish to learn of our world and the pieces that hold it together. Many dark texts in tomes deemed ¡®blasphemous¡¯ have aided my search.¡± She turned the rock this way and that, studying its smooth surface as she spoke. ¡°For instance, what exactly is this Essence?¡± ¡°You¡¯ve also called it a soul, haven¡¯t you?¡± Zahra had witnessed Cannoli¡¯s outbreaks and frustrations with the [Witch Doctor]. But she¡¯d personally found Saoirse¡¯s Decrees vague and difficult to interpret, no matter how many times Ishani recited them. ¡°I have. As have the few scrawlings and notes I¡¯ve found in Nyarlothep¡¯s vast libraries.¡± She balanced the stone precariously over her knuckles, rolling it from one finger to the next. ¡°Tell me, if I drop this into the sea, would it prevent Ichi Island from receiving a new man?¡± Zahra gaped. ¡°Kirti, to interrupt such a cycle¡ª¡± ¡°Would do what, exactly? And who would find out?¡± Kirti snickered. ¡°Have I truly trapped Magni¡¯s soul in this plane?¡± Nausea that had nothing to do with seasickness twisted Zahra¡¯s stomach into knots. This woman was playing at powers only a goddess should wield. Kirti clamped her hand into a fist and positioned the stone over her thumb. She flicked it straight up into the air, and it spun in place. Zahra reached out and snatched it without thinking. Her breaths came in rasps as she stared at Kirti, clutching the shimmering rock against her chest. ¡°Are you certain you wish to understand me, child?¡± Kirti asked, her voice drifting just above the sound of the ocean against the boat. Zahra didn¡¯t know what to say. Her hand shook around what was very possibly Magni¡¯s soul. Kirti held her arm out, palm open and raised. ¡°Give him here.¡± When Zahra didn¡¯t move, she laughed. ¡°Don¡¯t take the burden of this choice onto yourself. It is mine to make.¡± Zahra stood frozen in place. She couldn¡¯t just let Kirti throw Magni into the ocean. Not if what she said was true. It didn¡¯t matter his tyrannical reign¡ªno one deserved to spend eternity trapped at the bottom of the sea. ¡°No.¡± Kirti rolled her eyes and snapped her fingers. The stone vanished from Zahra¡¯s hand and reappeared in Kirti¡¯s. She replaced it in her [Cat Pack] and then glared at Zahra. ¡°Think carefully before asking questions you do not wish to hear the answers to.¡± ¡°Please don¡¯t throw¡ª¡± Zahra began. ¡°It¡¯s out of your control, Zahra. Familiarize yourself with that feeling.¡± Kirti turned and sauntered away. ¡°Get sleep. You will need it,¡± she called without looking back. This was Zahra¡¯s new companion. Her new Party member. Naeemah had been right to fear Kirti. Chapter 226: Witchs Mirror As the wagon pulled up to the gate of Shulan, Ravyn tensed. Bittersweet emotions filled her chest as painful memories rose to the surface. Shulan was where she shared her greatest triumphs and her biggest blunders. She¡¯d lost count of all the incredible moments spent here. Yet, somehow, it took less than a dozen bad ones to have her running for the hills. Literally. A loud voice in her head said it would be an excellent time for a drink. She agreed. Nothing sounded better than unwinding after their journey. Too many memories in this place. Just one drink. Then she could think properly. Take the tension off. Relax. One drink. Just one. No. We have things to do, Ravyn thought, combating her inner demons. As tempting as the inn appeared, she knew full well that it wouldn¡¯t stop at just one drink. The past grew more powerful, more visceral with every serving, and she would tumble down the hole in her mind where all of her fuck ups resided. After her night with the remaining bottle of wine back in Magni¡¯s castle, Ravyn knew something would need to change. Her experiences with Matt were changing her, whether she liked it or not. Drinking bottle after bottle was how she ran away from her problems, and she knew it. Her devotion to Finn and the guilt she carried were holding her back. Something had to change. The running had to stop. She just hadn¡¯t expected it would require her to part with Matt. ¡°We¡¯re here!¡± said the coach. The horse neighed, and the wagon stopped a stone¡¯s throw away from the gate. Ravyn and the others exited through the back, and the coach quickly snapped her fingers. ¡°Ahem. My fee.¡± Does no one have any fucking patience nowadays? Ravyn turned away, rolling her eyes. ¡°Sure, just a second.¡± She jumped out and rounded the wagon, plucking thirty Bells from her [Cat Pack] and putting them into the coach¡¯s hand. ¡°Much obliged,¡± the coach said, pocketing the coins. ¡°Whoa,¡± Tristan said, coming to Ravyn¡¯s side. ¡°This is Shulan?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± She crossed her arms. ¡°It looks even grander than I imagined. The pictures don¡¯t do it justice.¡± ¡°It¡¯s all a guise. Pull people in, shove them back out Bell-less.¡± ¡°Were you serious when you said we should stay in [Combat Mode]?¡± asked Destiny as she stood beside Tristan. Lara followed, poking her head between their brushing shoulders. ¡°Mou ii.¡± Ravyn shook her head. ¡°Yes, I was serious. If you want to get robbed by kittens in broad daylight, then be my guest.¡± ¡°That¡¯s troubling,¡± Tristan murmured, cupping his chin in thought. ¡°Where to, Ravyn?¡± ¡°We should visit the Guild Hall first. See where the cunt¡¯s treasurer is.¡± ¡°Cunt¡¯s treasurer, cunt¡¯s treasurer, squawwwk!¡± Ball cried as he fluttered down to Ravyn¡¯s shoulder. He¡¯d spent the majority of their ride making circles above the cart, keeping a lookout for anything suspicious. For that alone, the coach should¡¯ve given them a discount. Ravyn started up the hill toward the gate while the remnants of her new Party jogged to catch up. A guard with short violet hair blocked Ravyn¡¯s way inside. ¡°State your business.¡± Cleaning up a jackass¡¯s mess. ¡°Cailu sent us. We¡¯re heading to the Guild Hall.¡± The guard peered over Ravyn¡¯s shoulder, spying Tristan, Lara, and Destiny close behind. ¡°That¡¯s not the new, er, man, then?¡± ¡°No. Tristan¡¯s from Shi Island.¡± Ravyn jerked a thumb toward Tristan. ¡°Now, can we please go through?¡± ¡°Very well, then.¡± The guard frowned and stepped aside. ¡°Enjoy your time in Shulan.¡± ¡°Thank you very much,¡± Tristan said with a warm smile and a bow. Catgirls dressed in form-fitting silks stood on the sides of the cobblestone streets, peddling their cheap jewelry. A pair of kittens were running down a side street, and a shopkeep was screaming at the top of her lungs for them to stop. Ravyn breathed a sigh. Welcome home. ¡°Is something the matter, Ravyn?¡± Destiny asked, resting her hand on Ravyn¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Nothing.¡± Ravyn brushed Destiny¡¯s hand away and proceeded through. ¡°Come on.¡± The journey to the Guild Hall was more irritating than Ravyn had predicted. If Tristan wasn¡¯t being stopped every five feet, then saleswomen were picking at her new combat dress and suggesting ways to improve it. Offers of a good time at the inn and enthusiastic jewelers filled the air. Some were bashful about it, others stouthearted. Ravyn hissed at the latter. ¡°There,¡± Ravyn breathed, pointing to a wide building with pointed arches and scarlet pillars littered with Quest fliers. No doubt they were offering pittances for the work involved. ¡°Let¡¯s get the fuck inside before another crowd gathers around us.¡± ¡°Please,¡± the sisters whined. ¡°Sorry for the trouble, Rayvn,¡± said Tristan. ¡°You owe me a drink,¡± Ravyn grumbled, ascending the stairs. After nearly losing her footing, Ravyn cursed under her breath and pushed on the right-side door. Her jewelry jingled with every step, and she rocked her lower jaw side to side while visions of Cailu burning in a brilliant blaze filled her thoughts. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Rise above it. Rise. Above. It. The Guild Hall was quiet despite the wild number of Quests available outside. Ravyn noted two pairs of catgirls in opposing corners. Their voices barely rose above a whisper. She breathed deep, then beckoned the others inside. ¡°Is that a man?¡± In seconds, a girl in black robes with gold trimmings was next to Tristan. She snaked her arms around his bicep while another girl took to his other side, mirroring her. ¡°It is!¡± said the other girl. ¡°He¡¯s so cute!¡± ¡°Can I join your Party?¡± asked the first girl. She bore short gray hair and ruby-colored eyes. She was nearly a head smaller than Tristan with modest features. ¡°My name¡¯s Airy!¡± ¡°I¡¯m Yuna!¡± said the brunette. Her hair was tied in a braid that draped over her shoulder. She wore leathers similar to the ones Keke wore on their first visit to San Island. Her emerald eyes sparkled as if she¡¯d just found gold. ¡°We can join you!¡± ¡°S-Sorry,¡± Tristan stammered. ¡°I¡ª¡± ¡°There¡¯s no room.¡± Ravyn delivered the three-word sentence with the best ¡®fuck off¡¯ tone she could muster. ¡°Leave us alone.¡± ¡°Get out of here, squawwwk!¡± Ball screeched. ¡°I see four of you,¡± said Yuna, her brow raised. Oh! We got a brave one! So insistent, so full of herself. Adorable. ¡°But, Yuna. That¡¯d mean I¡¯d be by myself,¡± mumbled Airy. ¡°You¡¯d be okay! There¡¯s plenty of catgirls looking for Parties!¡± said Yuna. ¡°You know how desperate I¡¯ve been to get into a man¡¯s Party. Tristan opened his mouth to speak, but Ravyn was quicker. ¡°Our fifth is at the tavern. Not that it¡¯s any of your business.¡± Yuna ignored her. ¡°You want me to be happy, right?¡± ¡°Well, y-yes. But I asked him first,¡± Airy murmured. ¡°Airy, we¡ª¡± ¡°Mou ii!¡± bellowed Ravyn. A ball of flame came to life in her hand. ¡°Get! Get! Get the fuck out of here! We don¡¯t want either of you!¡± Airy and Yuna released Tristan from their grasp and barreled out the front door, tripping down the steps. ¡°Don¡¯t you come back!¡± ¡°Get lost, get lost! Squawwwk!¡± The door shut behind them. ¡°I admire the strict tone you set with them, Ravyn.¡± Destiny narrowed her eyes and flexed one arm. ¡°They were extremely rude and inconsiderate.¡± ¡°The way Yuna talked about Airy concerned me,¡± said Lara, her gaze on the doors. ¡°Wind cared little for them.¡± Tristan sighed. ¡°Did you really have to be so aggressive?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Ravyn, Destiny, and Lara said in unison. ¡°They deserve each other,¡± muttered Ravyn. ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s see if the receptionist knows where the cunt¡¯s treasurer is.¡± While Tristan trailed behind, Ravyn led the pack with Destiny and Lara at her sides. The remaining girls in the hall glanced in Tristan¡¯s direction, but after the last display, Ravyn figured they wouldn¡¯t be a problem. ¡°Does trouble follow you everywhere you go?¡± the receptionist asked as Ravyn approached. Long golden-blonde hair fell around her shoulders in waves. She stared at Ravyn with eyes of scarlet; sharp and focused. As she always was. ¡°The Guild Hall is struggling enough without you, Ravyn.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t be like that, Cecilia. I¡¯m here on Cailu business,¡± Ravyn replied easily. The blonde catgirl tilted her head to one side, her expression still aggravated. ¡°Have I caught your attention?¡± Ravyn prodded. Cecilia frowned. ¡°I thought you hated him. ¡®Cailu the cunt,¡¯ was it? What are you doing his job for?¡± ¡°Long story.¡± Ravyn glanced from side to side. ¡°Do you know who his treasurer is?¡± ¡°Melody. She works in the Shulan Arch Tower.¡± ¡°Wonderful. That¡¯s all we needed.¡± ¡°Hold on,¡± said Tristan, catching Ravyn by the arm as she turned to leave. ¡°Can I ask her a few questions?¡± Ravyn frowned. ¡°What for? We got what we needed.¡± She shook his grip away. ¡°It¡¯s important. I promise.¡± Tristan stepped forward and put his hands on the counter. ¡°You said the Guild Hall is struggling. Why?¡± Cecilia studied him from top to bottom. ¡°And you are¡­ ?¡± ¡°Tristan. Nice to meet you.¡± Tristan flashed that disarming smile he was so damn good at. Cecilia¡¯s expression softened. ¡°Well, Tristan, when catgirls register Quests with us, we take a cut of the Bells offered as a reward,¡± she explained. ¡°The issue right now is that no one wants to take the Quests.¡± ¡°Why not?¡± Cecilia¡¯s eyes wandered. ¡°I¡¯m not sure what I¡¯m allowed to say.¡± ¡°Because the Bell rewards are garbage. They barely pay for a single meal in most cases,¡± Ravyn snapped. She pinched the bridge of her nose and closed her eyes. She hated to admit what she was about to say. ¡°I worked here for a short time when I left home. No one wants to offer good money for Quests.¡± ¡°Well, there must be a reason for that,¡± Tristan insisted. ¡°Can we please stay here and ask Cecilia a few more questions?¡± Ravyn blinked. It wasn¡¯t like she could say no. But damn, if she wasn¡¯t starting to feel claustrophobic. ¡°Well, it¡¯s why we¡¯re here, so go right ahead. I¡¯ll be outside.¡± She was at her limit. The scents, sights, and smells of the Guild Hall awoke a myriad of memories that she wasn¡¯t prepared to deal with. When she¡¯d first offered to help, she thought she was ready to return. But a hundred thoughts of what-ifs and could-haves bombarded her. Yomi¡¯s bright smile swept over her. Finn¡¯s soft touch pricked her skin. Matt¡¯s kind words¡ª Fuck! Get out of my head! Ravyn practically shoved her way between the twins and stormed outside, seeking shelter behind the pillar on her left. Ball leaped from her shoulder, landing a few feet in front of her. She leaned her back against the structure, slowly sliding down until she sat on the stones. Cocking her head back, she breathed through her nostrils and out through her mouth while the damp rocks stained her dress. ¡°Ravyn,¡± said Ball. ¡°I know, Bally. I know. I¡¯m trying.¡± The bird turned its head to its left, then to its right. They were alone. ¡°I¡¯m proud of you,¡± said Ball. ¡°You¡¯re facing your fears.¡± ¡°It¡¯s just that¡­ I can still picture the day Yomi and I first met.¡± Ravyn scoffed, pulling her knees close and burying her face. ¡°Like it was yesterday.¡± She smiled. ¡°She was so timid. I pushed her into joining my Party. Mom said I needed a healer.¡± ¡°I know.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Bally. Seeing the Guild Hall just brought back a lot of memories. Good ones, mostly. I think that¡¯s the problem.¡± ¡°We should be happy we had them, Ravyn. You deserve to be happy.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know about that,¡± Ravyn laughed. ¡°If I hadn¡¯t¡­ then Finn¡­¡± Ball shook his head. ¡°They¡¯re coming.¡± Ravyn wiped a stray tear from her eye and shot to her feet just as the Guild Hall doors opened. Destiny and Lara wore bright expressions while Tristan talked about how he struggled in a place called San Francisco. Lara¡¯s frown deepened with every word while Destiny continued to assault him with questions. Ball flew up to Ravyn¡¯s shoulder while she plucked a cookie from her [Cat Pack]. He devoured the cookie, leaving crumbs all over the stones. She needed to be at her best. This wasn¡¯t just about San Island or the men. Their efforts here could change Nyarlea. For now, she needed to set aside her personal feelings and focus. There were other people depending on her. I won¡¯t make the same mistake again, Finn. I promise. Chapter 227: Assassin’s Plight Naeemah clapped another ledger shut and pushed it to the side of her desk. Resting her elbows on the polished wood, she massaged her temples with a long, ragged sigh. The room of records told a long, horrific story. One that both infuriated and terrified her with each journal that she scoured. Ichi Island was in a state far worse than she feared. Naeemah fingered the corners of a stack of notes she¡¯d culminated since Magni¡¯s death. It was an arduous task that she hoped would bear a modicum of good news. A detail that she was missing to help restore the state of her homeland. So far, there had been nothing. Magni¡¯s frivolous spending had drained the coffers Naeemah had spent over a decade keeping in a careful balance within the first year of his rule. The Shells were planned from the start¡ªassumedly a remnant of his previous world¡ªand constructing the walls came at a great expense. The single positive side she could find to this disastrous pile of tomes was that Svarga and Eshe had maintained detailed records of his expenditures. Oh, there were a few notes here and there scrawled in Magni¡¯s overtly elaborate handwriting, but the majority were penned with haste by his scribes. You never stopped issuing orders, then sitting back and waiting for them to be fulfilled, did you? Most of Magni¡¯s income came from repeatedly completing the repopulation Quest¡ªthere was a full journal dedicated to the deposits from each Quest. However, the Bells were spent even before they arrived. Promised notes to merchants and traders for luxury items on other islands, overdue payments to his Ejderha, and the pittance he divided amongst the women building the walls. For years, he lived far beyond his means, sending payments to the cities outside of R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨© in lieu of bothering to visit them. He was in over his head for years, which meant cuts had to be made. It meant that the Third Shell had to suffer for his egregious mistakes. Nyannies were reserved for the First and Second Shells only. Food and water were rationed to their bare minimum and their sources were blocked off from public consumption. Both had to be delivered to each citizen by an Ejderha. Copious bribes and shows of allegiance would earn them an extra week¡¯s rations¡ªa practice Magni himself encouraged for the additional coin. They once had burial grounds for every girl who passed in R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨©¡ªa cemetery established long ago by the Temple of Saoirse and maintained by the women in the city. A selection of volumes held the names of those who had passed through during the many years the city had thrived. Several of those names Naeemah had written herself. This was a practice that had ended. In the final edition, a plethora of names were scrawled side by side with haphazard dates and approximate burial locations. Then, on the last page, was a single sentence from Magni, underlined four times. Just put them in the walls. His chilling notes written in the margins of a select few journals made Naeemah wish she could resurrect him only to kill him a second time. Slower. Naeemah¡¯s progress in R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨© was slow and steady. Many of the First and Second Shell women were willing to share their homes with those of the Third Shell. The explosion was entirely cleared and work to dismantle the rest of the wall had begun, though it would take years to remove them both. Between the oasis and the water features installed in the inner shell, there was enough water to supply everyone many times over. The greatest threat on the horizon was food. She¡¯d had to make the difficult decision to ration food for everyone for the time being. It was an ordinance that turned many angry eyes her way; especially from those who¡¯d enjoyed gratuitous privileges in the higher shells. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. The limit was enough for three meals a day for each woman and child in R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨©, but the castle stores were draining quickly, and Magni¡¯s paltry attempts at farming had yielded little more than his greenhouse. Restoring farmlands would take years, and while Naeemah had messengers out to the cities and towns that had once prospered in their harvests, she held little hope of positive replies. A knock on the door snapped Naeemah from her thoughts. She pushed her notes aside and looked up. ¡°Come in.¡± Svarga stepped to the side, stopping so that her body was half-covered by the door. ¡°Am I intruding, Lady Naeemah?¡± ¡°Not at all. I could use a distraction,¡± Naeemah admitted. With a quick nod, Svarga slid inside and closed the door behind her. In her short time returning to R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨©, Naeemah found that Svarga was one of the few she believed she could come to eventually trust. The golden-eyed woman was perceptive and diligent. She often kept to herself in her library but had funneled Magni¡¯s records to Naeemah in a sensible order. As much sense as they could make, anyway. Svarga passed the packed bookshelves, her midnight blue skirts swirling around her ankles. ¡°Have you discovered anything helpful in your research?¡± ¡°No. If anything, it only paints a more frustrating picture.¡± Naeemah needed someone to talk to about her findings. Someone immediate. A blank page with Cailu¡¯s name written across the top was hidden beneath one of the stacks of books. As much as she missed him, Ichi was once again hers¡ªshe had to prove once more that she was capable of ruling. Taking a seat across from Naeemah, Svarga smoothed her dress over her thighs and turned her ears to attention. ¡°Would you mind enlightening me?¡± ¡°You, Eshe, and I know that our coffers are empty. It would be a simpler puzzle if I could use Magni¡¯s purchases to trade or sell.¡± Naeemah tapped a book bound in red leather. ¡°No one in their right mind would buy them. A golden throne, dozens of dragon statues, the hundred iron cages he used as punishment.¡± She narrowed her gaze. ¡°Unless the Queen of Nyarlea herself is willing to redecorate her castle, what do we do with them?¡± ¡°Melt them down and sell the materials?¡± Svarga suggested. ¡°That thought had crossed my mind, and the process is something we can start now. But it will take an immense amount of time and resources to execute, and then we have to secure a buyer.¡± Naeemah leaned back in her chair and rested her hands in her lap. ¡°Much of R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨©¡¯s trade was once empowered by the other cities of Ichi Island. Magni¡¯s King¡¯s Tax has essentially left them all penniless. In addition, as we aren¡¯t close to a port, trade with other islands is difficult to establish.¡± ¡°Difficult, but not impossible.¡± Svarga stood and marched to a nearby shelf, tugging a large, teal-colored tome free. ¡°Magni set up a string of Ejderha to deliver goods and offers to Dehri.¡± She flipped through the pages, then stopped. ¡°Ah. Here we are.¡± She set the book on the table, brushing her hands over the pages. Naeemah stood, peering over the careful outlines and markings denoting the topography of Ichi Island. ¡°A map?¡± ¡°Mhm.¡± Svarga tapped a small depiction of the castle, then traced her fingertip along a dashed line. ¡°Time runs short for us all, Svarga,¡± Naeemah cautioned. ¡°I understand. But look, there are three Ejderha along this trail that await orders, then deliver them to Dehri in two days. There, a seasoned sailor brings these offers or goods to the nearby islands. The whole process takes less than ten days.¡± She grinned. ¡°I happen to have it on good authority that high-quality equipment materials are selling very quickly.¡± ¡°The increasing Defiled threat,¡± Naeemah murmured. She¡¯d been so focused on restoring the old trade routes with the outlying Ichi cities that the blacksmiths and armorers of the other islands hadn¡¯t crossed her mind. She knew these women by name. And if she didn¡¯t, Cailu would. But this plan hinges on a dangerous unknown¡­ She frowned. ¡°I thought the remaining Ejderha ran after Magni¡¯s fall.¡± ¡°You bring me to the reason for my visit, my lady.¡± Svarga¡¯s smile widened. ¡°You have visitors.¡± Chapter 228: Alchemist’s Adoration Destiny sighed as the cool water wet her hoarse throat. She¡¯d hissed more in one day than she had in her entire life. Every other catgirl stopped them to hawk Ravyn expensive jewelry, offer Tristan a great night, or comment on her and Lara¡¯s maid attire. What should¡¯ve been a twenty-minute walk turned into an hour-long trek to the Snapping Goolick Inn. ¡°What is a goolick?¡± Tristan asked. He¡¯d taken a seat to Destiny¡¯s left, Lara sitting on his opposite side to shoo away any brave souls who approached. My, how I admire your curiosity, Destiny thought, the firelight in his eyes so alive and wonderful. ¡°Weird fucking balls of leather with spikes,¡± Ravyn said, leaning on her elbow. ¡°They pick fights with other Encroachers, super territorial and all that. I watched one take a catgirl¡¯s hand off.¡± ¡°Goodness!¡± Destiny exclaimed with a hand to her mouth. ¡°That¡¯s awful.¡± ¡°Stupid catgirl, stupid catgirl, squawwwk!¡± Ball jumped off the top of Ravyn¡¯s head, landing on the table. He plucked a peanut from the bowl at the center, freeing the nut inside with impressive dexterity. Ravyn snorted. Is the bird talking about me or the girl who got her hand taken off? Was that a joke? Destiny struggled to understand Ravyn. She was practically a stranger still, and the memory of Matt and Ravyn lacing her and Lara¡¯s tea tended to resurface whenever she drank in the [Sorcerer]¡¯s presence. Good intentions aside, Ravyn seemed to be a woman who had no issue doing what was necessary to get what she wanted. People like her could be dangerous. Destiny was still unsure if she trusted her. The end justifies the means. A phrase she¡¯d heard Tristan use to explain bad actions accomplishing good outcomes. ¡°A joke?¡± Destiny asked in a more serious tone than she¡¯d intended. She hated to sound like the stupid one, but she had to know. ¡°I never actually saw that happen,¡± Ravyn admitted. ¡°But their bites still hurt like a bitch.¡± Oh, so the stupid catgirl was¡ªwait, me? Rude bird! ¡°Since we¡¯re sitting here,¡± Tristan started, reaching into his [Cat Pack]. He procured a pair of keys and a rolled-up parchment, then placed them neatly on the table. ¡°Cailu gave me the keys to his estate and a note.¡± He intertwined his hands, glancing between them and Ravyn. ¡°Do you think they¡¯ll be sufficient?¡± ¡°Mou ii, the cunt sure is thorough,¡± Ravyn said, rolling her eyes. ¡°Yes, it should be fine. The higher-ups of Shulan are sticklers for documentation. Without the man himself standing here, this is as good as it gets.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve been meaning to ask. Was Shulan always like this?¡± ¡°Like what?¡± Tristan worked his jaw. Destiny could practically hear the thoughts turning in his mind. ¡°So criminally inclined.¡± Ravyn paused. ¡°Yes. It¡¯s always been a roach pit. I got robbed the first time I visited.¡± ¡°When was that?¡± Ravyn sat up and straightened her back before crossing her arms under her bust. Was it Destiny¡¯s imagination, or was she trying to show off her assets? She does have better curves than I do. Is that what men truly like? ¡°Are you asking a girl her age?¡± Ravyn asked with one raised brow. I¡¯m beautiful, too, right? Tristan blinked, then his cheeks pinked, and he scratched the side of his head. ¡°Ahh, no, I. No, I¡¯m not. I was just wondering how long this has been a problem.¡± ¡°Since before I was born,¡± Ravyn said after another short pause. ¡°So, for at least several decades.¡± Pay attention. Get out of your head. ¡°Whaa?¡± Lara¡¯s smile faltered. ¡°Decades? How do we fix that, then?¡± Tristan sighed. ¡°Honestly? I have no idea. I don¡¯t know enough about Shulan, let alone San Island.¡± He tapped his foot against the floorboards. ¡°But knowledge is power. If I can figure out the root causes and compare them to when San Island was in a better state, then¡­¡± Destiny knew Tristan was struggling to make promises. He was a man of his word and hated to set false expectations. The burden Cailu had placed upon him was heavy, and she wanted desperately to do whatever she could to ease it. ¡°All we can do is our best,¡± Destiny smiled as she touched his shoulder. A quiet voice in the back of her head said that she would never be good enough, but as of late, that voice had been easier to silence. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. ¡°Thanks,¡± Tristan said, putting his palm over her hand. ¡°Okay, okay, enough with the icky mushy shit,¡± Ravyn sighed, batting her hand through the air. ¡°We¡¯ll have to talk with Melody and her associates first. Make sure you have that key and writ available at a moment¡¯s notice. I¡¯ve only ever been to the Arch Tower once, but they are not a group of girls you want to fuck around with.¡± ¡°Noted.¡± ¡°Why didn''t you get a hard drink? Fire says you love to drink,¡± Lara said, tilting her head to one side. ¡°Ugh.¡± Ravyn rolled her eyes. ¡°First of all, it¡¯s none of Fire¡¯s business. Secondly, I¡¯m not in the mood for one. I¡¯ll need a clear head for what¡¯s about to come.¡± Destiny frowned. ¡°For what¡¯s to come?¡±
Oh. The Arch Tower was more imposing and overwhelming than Destiny had imagined. She counted as many as a dozen floors, each separated by pointed eaves. Gold and black decorated the tower in waves and spirals. The longer she stared at it, the more she felt it could come down at any moment and crush them. Like those tall buildings Tristan showed me in his mirror. Three catgirls clad in pristine armor were positioned at the foot of the stairs to the Arch Tower. They stood in an arrow-shaped formation, with the biggest of them taking the lead. Dragons of red and black garnished the silver plates. ¡°Urk. More dragons,¡± Ravyn groaned. ¡°Documentation. Now,¡± the front catgirl demanded, her hand extended. Tousled brown hair sat upon a head of dark-tanned skin. Destiny noted that although the woman had two eyes, one was a piercing green while the other was completely white. A bead of sweat fell into the groove of the scar that cut across her face from one temple to the other. What¡¯s with that tone? We just got here! Loosen up! ¡°Yes, of course,¡± Destiny said. Tristan stepped forward with the scroll. He¡¯d barely extended his arm when the woman snatched the parchment from his hands and snapped it open. As she read, she pulled the scroll apart further and further, raising a brow when she finished. ¡°Shi Island¡¯s man?¡± The tone in her voice suggested she wasn¡¯t happy to read that. ¡°Can¡¯t help yourselves from chasing our tails, can you?¡± She tossed the scroll at Tristan¡¯s feet. ¡°Come to bring more of your Service, Grace, and Urgency crap?¡± The nerve of this woman! How dare she speak to Tristan like that! I¡¯ll melt that armor off your body in a heartbeat! ¡°I come with good intentions,¡± Tristan said, calmly picking up the scroll and stuffing it back into his [Cat Pack]. ¡°I¡¯m sorry if we¡¯ve offended you.¡± ¡°You look a little young to be doing the work of adults,¡± the leader snapped. ¡°I understand your upset,¡± Destiny said, curtsying, ¡°but it was Cailu¡¯s wish for us to intervene.¡± ¡°Yeah, I read that part. Thanks,¡± said the woman. Destiny growled under her breath. ¡°You better be something amazing if Cailu put you up to this.¡± The commanding catgirl rested a hand on the hilt of her sheathed sword. ¡°All that and more,¡± Ravyn added, flashing what even Destiny knew was a sardonic smile. ¡°There won¡¯t be any need to stab us.¡± ¡°A pity. My sword hand is itching.¡± ¡°Be grateful that Commander Kaede is in a good mood today,¡± barked one of the girls behind the commander. Kaede raised a hand to silence her underling. ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± She crossed her arms and returned Ravyn¡¯s patronizing smile. ¡°Let them think they can do something about it.¡± She gestured behind her with a flick of her head. ¡°Go on.¡± The doors were surprisingly light despite being twice as high as any one of them. Gold adorned the handles, and a pair of dragons locked in combat decorated the polished wood. One dragon was red, the other black. As soon as they were inside, the doors closed behind them, echoing across the vast expanse of the room. The ceiling was at least dozens of feet high; the room was illuminated by paper lanterns humming with a red glow, blanketing the space in crimson light. ¡°That was remarkable, Tristan,¡± Destiny commented. ¡°Thanks, but I really didn¡¯t do much there,¡± Tristan said, forcing a smile. ¡°You would think they would be happy to receive help,¡± Lara added as she shut her eyes. She nodded a few times, humming. Destiny figured she was listening to the Elements again. ¡°Yes, there¡¯s much they struggle with. Their rivalry with Shi Island has them feeling tense.¡± ¡°No surprise there,¡± Ravyn spat as she began to cross the room. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s get a move on and see where Melody is.¡± Ravyn began her march up to one of the many counters against the walls, Lara close behind her. Destiny hung back and tugged on Tristan¡¯s sleeve to stop him. ¡°Are you feeling alright?¡± Destiny asked. When she imagined the stress she felt as a maid under Celestia, she wondered if Tristan was suffering from something similar. They weren¡¯t operating on a one-man-per-island basis anymore. San Island wasn¡¯t his only problem, after all. She couldn¡¯t imagine his concern for Shi Island had just disappeared with Cailu. ¡°Sort of,¡± Tristan said, avoiding her gaze. ¡°I¡¯m trying to approach this optimistically, but it¡¯s difficult. I think I would rather fight the Defiled on Shi Island.¡± ¡°What makes you say that?¡± Destiny knew the answer, but she wanted to encourage Tristan to be honest with her. Like he always was. He and Lara were the only ones she truly trusted, and she hoped he felt something similar for her. There¡¯d never been an easier person to talk to, and she would¡¯ve landed in a much darker place if not for him. She hoped she could be the same avenue of light for him as he was for her. ¡°The world I came from suffered from¡­ similar issues.¡± Tristan shook his head. ¡°Cailu is essentially asking me to solve the same issues that placed me in poverty years ago.¡± Destiny had heard this story before. He showed her cities littered with miraculous towers made of metal that stretched hundreds of feet into the sky. Skyscrapers, he named them. A rough life had forced him into the streets. After falling asleep, he woke up in the forests of Shi Island. Things are different now. ¡°You have more power than you know,¡± Destiny said, cupping his chin. ¡°You have a wonderful group of people who love and adore you.¡± She pulled him close and embraced him. ¡°And you have me. I will stand beside you until the bitter end. Whenever you need a shoulder to lean on or an ear to listen, I will be there.¡± She rested her chin on his shoulder. ¡°I promise.¡± ¡°Thanks, Destiny,¡± Tristan said, reciprocating the hug. ¡°Really. Thanks for always being there for me.¡± I will never let anyone ruin your beautiful heart. You and I are in this together. I promise. Chapter 229: Ninja’s Advance Aliye had never felt like more of an outcast in her own city. At least half of the other Ejderha had perished in the Second Shell¡¯s wall collapse and the few who remained vanished into the sands, likely seeking asylum from other islands. Sheila and Pari had fled from their northern stations seeking the queen¡¯s kindness once news of Magni¡¯s death had reached them. Aliye had caught sight of them pleading with the city guard while she assisted in the restoration of the Third Shell. Despite not knowing either of them well, Aliye gave her word that they would conduct themselves with honor. A concerning number of citizens all across Ichi Island had turned to hunting any Ejderha that still lived, trapping them in Magni¡¯s cages until death. Part of the game, of course, was identifying their number through friends or family who had been wronged. Unfortunately, the King¡¯s Tax and the subsequent punishments had wronged a lot of people. For Aliye, Pari, and Sheila, their only chance to exist peacefully was a pardon from the queen. ¡°You lot had my family in cages,¡± the guard at the citadel gate spat. Aliye didn¡¯t recognize her or the second in command. ¡°You think the queen wants to see you? Ha! You¡¯d be lucky to leave with your heads still attached.¡± ¡°Queen Naeemah is the reason I¡¯m not in a cage anymore, soldier,¡± Aliye replied, trying to maintain her calm. ¡°We¡¯re here to make amends for our actions.¡± ¡°Amends?¡± the guard spat, her face incredulous. Her maroon ears flattened to her head, and her hand rested on the hilt of her sword. ¡°Do you know how many lives you ruined?¡± ¡°Steady, Ezhil,¡± the second guard warned. Sheila stepped forward and placed a hand on Ezhil¡¯s shoulder. Her yellow eyes glowed against her ebony skin and hair, and the golden bracelets around her wrist jingled as she moved. She wasn¡¯t like the battle-scarred soldiers beneath Sanrai¡¯s immediate command. Her inquisitive nature and careful words displayed a strength of mind uncharacteristic of her comrades. ¡°Lady Ezhil, we understand the pain the late king and Sanrai wrought upon R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨©¡ª¡± Sheila began. ¡°How could you possibly¡ª¡± Ezhil sputtered. ¡°My own city, Vehara, was laid low beneath their rule,¡± Sheila continued. ¡°This is our opportunity to make things right.¡± Ezhil knocked Sheila¡¯s hand away and drew her sword. ¡°You don¡¯t deserve such an opportunity.¡± ¡°Ezhil¡ª¡± the second guard stepped forward. Pari was faster. She was a master of her Class, a necessity in the port city of Dehri. A well-aimed kunai caught Ezhil¡¯s sleeve and pinned it against the citadel¡¯s door. Ezhil dropped her sword and shrieked. ¡°You could have chopped my arm off!¡± Ezhil snatched the kunai¡¯s handle and yanked it free. ¡°I could have,¡± Pari agreed, her voice dangerously soft. She looked out of place among the group, having been born and raised on San Island. Her deep tan was won by years of living on Ichi Island and contrasted well with her white hair. A constant storm awaited any who dared meet her violet eyes. ¡°But I didn¡¯t.¡± ¡°Ezhil, we should let the queen decide what to do with them.¡± Taking the kunai from Ezhil, the other guard handed it back to Pari. ¡°Yes. Let the queen kill us,¡± Pari added, tucking the weapon away in her pack. ¡°I don¡¯t believe I could stand dying on a staircase at the hands of a common guard.¡± Aliye sighed. While Sheila was an intuitive, easy-going woman who had taken steps behind Magni¡¯s back to improve life in Vehara, Pari was here to get paid. The hand that distributed her coin meant little to her; her loyalty rested on the highest bidder. Ezhil¡¯s eyes narrowed to slits, and the hairs on her tail raised. Behind her, the doors to the citadel opened. ¡°Let them through.¡± A new voice cut through the commotion, silencing Ezhil before she could speak. ¡°Lady Svarga,¡± Aliye bowed to Magni¡¯s head scribe. At last, a face she recognized. ¡°It is an honor.¡± ¡°We shall see,¡± Svarga replied, her mouth pulling into a thin line. She looked pointedly at Pari. ¡°Try not to throw anything sharp at the palace attendants, hm?¡± ¡°As you wish.¡± Pari bowed deeply, her long white braid falling over one shoulder. Ezhil gawked as they followed her inside, and Aliye kept her eyes on the ground. The hums and whispers of the servants inside quieted as they passed, then turned to sharper, pointed comments. Aliye had once been revered in these halls, fourth in command to Sanrai herself. If not for that day at the oasis, for those men, she would still¡ª Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. No. Those in the past are dead. Like Callie and Zutto. Svarga snapped her fingers above her shoulder as they walked. ¡°Names.¡± ¡°Aliye, Sheila, and Pari,¡± Aliye replied, gesturing to each one. Svarga stopped, turning to face them. ¡°You were a First Shell guard, and you,¡± she looked pensive as she looked at Sheila and Pari, ¡°you two were part of Magni¡¯s trading ring.¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Sheila said. Pari nodded. ¡°There were three of you. Hibo is not here?¡± Svarga looked between them. Sheila shivered. ¡°Hibo was captured and caged on her return home to Sibongile, my lady. Her soul rests with the sands.¡± Svarga¡¯s eyebrows raised. ¡°By whom?¡± ¡°By its civilians,¡± Pari said in a flat reply. ¡°You haven¡¯t heard?¡± Sheila explained the bounties laid upon Ejderha in other cities. Aliye herself hadn¡¯t heard of them until their arrival, as the women of the Third Shell had grown to at least acknowledge her existence and stop envisioning her as a threat. She¡¯d dedicated herself to helping feed, clothe, and rebuild the very people it had been her job to break. ¡°I see.¡± Svarga¡¯s gaze drifted between them. ¡°And your sailor?¡± ¡°Alive and well. She was never designated as an Ejderha,¡± Pari replied, crossing her arms. ¡°Her name is unnecessary.¡± ¡°Hm.¡± The scribe turned and continued walking, leading them into the main hall. ¡°You are here for pardons, then?¡± ¡°Yes, my lady,¡± Aliye replied, shooting a pointed look at Pari. ¡°Whatever that may require.¡± Two long tables flanked by padded seats were placed in the main hall immediately before the throne. Aliye tried to recall if those were a newer addition to the citadel. The sun¡¯s unrelenting heat had twisted her memory during her time in that cage. Svarga gestured to the tables. ¡°Sit. I will speak with Queen Naeemah. You may be here a while, but have patience.¡± Without saying another word, Svarga disappeared into one of the extravagant hallways. Aliye, Sheila, and Pari took the closest seats to the throne with uneasy postures and glances shared between them. ¡°I would suggest you watch your¡­ reflexes around the queen,¡± Sheila murmured to Pari. ¡°My ¡®reflexes¡¯ are what have kept me alive and out of a cage, Sheila,¡± Pari growled. ¡°We can¡¯t say the same for Hibo, can we?¡± ¡°Violence is not always the answer.¡± Pari studied Sheila, her lips curving into a sardonic smile. ¡°How are you an Ejderha?¡± The tension between them was thick, and Aliye didn¡¯t like the look on either of their faces. She cleared her throat. ¡°You told me a little about your trade, but what was Hibo¡¯s job in all of this?¡± ¡°I thought we explained that already,¡± Pari countered, still staring at Sheila. ¡°Explain it again,¡± Aliye said. Sheila pulled her eyes away from Pari¡¯s and looked at Aliye. The anger in her features vanished in an instant as if it had never been there at all. It was unnerving. ¡°Hibo¡¯s home was in Sibongile, but she waited here in R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨©¡¯s citadel for orders. Then, she would transport goods or requests to me in Vehara, and I would bring them to Pari in Dehri.¡± ¡°Then, I¡ª¡± Pari paused and licked her lips. ¡°My contact brings them to other islands. There are a lot of merchants looking to buy and trade in a variety of goods.¡± Aliye¡¯s brow furrowed, and she lowered her voice. ¡°Why do you want them to believe there¡¯s another sailor?¡± Pari chuckled. ¡°I use many names on other islands. It¡¯s difficult to capture someone who doesn¡¯t exist.¡± ¡°Capture?¡± Aliye asked. ¡°Magni isn¡¯t my only client.¡± Pari stretched her arms over her head and flashed a sharp grin. ¡°Just the best-paying one.¡± ¡°Why don¡¯t I take Hibo¡¯s place?¡± Aliye suggested. ¡°If this trade would benefit the queen, then let me join you.¡± ¡°Have you experience in traveling through the sands at great speeds?¡± Sheila asked. ¡°Particularly when carrying heavy goods?¡± ¡°No. But I¡¯m sure I could learn¡ª¡± ¡°What about combat experience? The Encroachers are dangerous, and the Defiled may soon return in greater numbers,¡± Pari added. ¡°I can fight. Wait, returning¡ª?¡± ¡°Ladies, I present to you, Queen Naeemah,¡± Svarga announced. Aliye stood and dropped to one knee, and Sheila was quick to follow. Pari sighed but finally fell into the same reverent pose. Naeemah strode onto the dais and ignored the throne. Instead, she stepped down onto the main hall¡¯s elegant carpets, her resplendent dress swaying around her ankles. ¡°Rise.¡± They did as commanded, but Aliye couldn¡¯t bring herself to look into her queen¡¯s eyes. ¡°I understand you wish to be pardoned?¡± Naeemah asked, her confident voice steady. ¡°Yes, your highness,¡± Aliye murmured. ¡°As I understand it, the Ejderha were unkind to both this island and its inhabitants.¡± The queen¡¯s serpentine eyes rested on each of them in turn. ¡°A pardon will require you to convince me that your truths have changed.¡± ¡°Our truths?¡± Pari asked, sounding bemused. ¡°To better Ichi Island and its people. The days of the King¡¯s Tax and locked cages are over, and your stations of power removed. Are these truths you can accept?¡± Naeemah demanded. ¡°Yes,¡± they replied in unison. ¡°Prove it.¡± Sheila raised one hand and met Naeemah¡¯s gaze. ¡°Without the tax or the Ejderha, I believe you find yourself in a monetary predicament,¡± she said carefully. Naeemah¡¯s lips pulled into a thin line. ¡°Go on.¡± ¡°We have a proposition for you.¡± Sheila looked at Aliye and smiled. ¡°The three of us can help you restore a quicker route of trade.¡± Aliye returned the smile and sent a silent prayer to Saoirse. Please let Naeemah forgive us. Chapter 230: Acolytes Determination Keke gawked as the Callisto approached the shores of Nyarlothep. The sun shone brightly while dozens of catgirls marched across the docks, barking orders and delivering cargo to and from accompanying ships that had made port nearby. The air was salty, and a flock of birds flew overhead before descending upon a lighthouse surrounded by walls of gray brick in the distance. She put her hands on the railing and leaned forward, squinting. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen such a large lighthouse,¡± Keke said with her mouth agape. ¡°Nay, neither have I,¡± Ceres said with equal admiration in her voice. ¡°I await the moment that I fall on one knee before the queen.¡± ¡°That will be some time,¡± Cailu said, joining them at the railing. ¡°I guess I¡¯m realizing I never asked before,¡± Matt said, appearing behind Cailu, ¡°but just how big is Nyarlothep, anyway?¡± Cailu paused. ¡°Larger than the sum of the four islands.¡± ¡°Spectacular,¡± Ceres marveled, her hands clapping together. As the ship came closer to the port, Keke frowned at the structures. Many were simple designs made of brick or stone and molded into box-like shapes. They bore arched roofs laden with thatching. The work was immaculate. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen such thorough thatching,¡± Keke said. ¡°We could use that back on Ni.¡± ¡°It is to be expected,¡± Cailu said with indifference. ¡°Nyarlothep is made up of the greatest minds Nyarlea has to offer. Any two islands will be wanting in comparison.¡± ¡°Rivaled only by its dangers, I would imagine,¡± Ceres said. ¡°Yes.¡± When the ship docked, Keke and Matt were the first ones off, Ceres close behind them. Cannoli and Cailu were the last to disembark. Cannoli maintained a distance, averting her gaze whenever she and Keke locked eyes. Keke struggled for something to say but came up short each time. Now wasn¡¯t the time, and she wasn¡¯t about to make their trip any more awkward if she could avoid it. She could try again when she and Cannoli had a moment to themselves. Keke and Matt turned to see Cailu speaking with Portia at the base of the boarding plank. After a time, the two nodded, and Portia stepped back onto the ship. ¡°See you soon!¡± Portia waved from the ship. ¡°Keke! Cannoli! I¡¯ll miss you!¡± Keke waved back and made no effort to mask the sadness she felt. ¡°She¡¯s staying here, huh?¡± Matt asked with a hint of irritation in his voice. ¡°Yes,¡± said Cailu. ¡°We will not be long. Besides, her work aboard the Callisto was remarkable. She should continue her training on larger vessels, should she have the opportunity in the future.¡± That would mean she leaves Ni¡­ Keke looked from Cailu to Matt. Matt¡¯s hand tightened around hers. She used her thumb to rub the skin between his pointer and thumb fingers. He turned his head toward her, and she did her best to offer him a look that said things would be okay. He opened his mouth, shut it, then nodded. ¡°Thanks,¡± Matt said with an obviously reluctant tone. Cailu cocked a brow but nodded. ¡°Exceptional work should be rewarded.¡± He brushed by Matt, his cape billowing in the wind behind him. Kirti and Zahra joined him, flanking his sides, and he gestured for Keke and the others to follow. ¡°So, where are we?¡± Matt asked after a few minutes of walking the port. ¡°This is the Port of Elliot,¡± Cailu stated, waving to a passing catgirl who¡¯d flashed him a disarming smile. Cailu offered a casual smile of his own. ¡°The Port of Elliot,¡± Ceres said behind them in awe. ¡°Why does the port have a man¡¯s name?¡± ¡°The man who helped construct it bore the same name,¡± Cailu continued. ¡°The catgirls of the time insisted it be named after him.¡± Keke considered his words. Nyarlothep had been considered the mainland since long before her time. How many generations had passed since this ¡®Elliot¡¯ constructed the port? It was said that back when catgirls were still crafting tools from sticks and stones, Saoirse had appeared to them in the heart of Nyarlea. Old fables and stories regaled Saoirse as a goddess of kindness and infinite knowledge. She taught them how tools and structures were made. In the same breath, she spoke of a prophecy. Mystical creatures known as men would appear and bestow their wisdom upon them. Creatures she herself would deem worthy of their lands. Together, they would learn to become more civilized with newfound knowledge, and their numbers would grow. At first, it was the men who brought a wealth of technology and developments the likes of which they¡¯d never seen. Over time, however, catgirls become more sophisticated and intricate. After a while, they no longer needed the men to guide them, and soon they were at the helm of power. They built a government, then conquered the surrounding islands. Keke wondered how much Elliot had contributed to that endeavor. ¡°This way,¡± Cailu beckoned. The Port of Elliot was larger than any Keke had seen thus far. Dozens of gray stone docks stretched out into the water like enormous fingers searching for purchase. Many homes they passed by were two or more stories high, and each catgirl moved with purpose. The roads were structured like a series of nets, crossing and zigzagging into a myriad of pointed shapes. Wagons and carriages passed on occasion, the women inside wearing enough jewelry to sink Portia¡¯s sloop. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. Nyarlothep may as well have been its own world. ¡°How long will it take to get to, uh, the capital?¡± Matt asked as another carriage caught his attention, passing by in haste. Come to think of it, Cailu hadn¡¯t mentioned the capital¡¯s name. ¡°Ronona,¡± Cailu stated as he came to a larger house on the side of the main road. Above the door was a plaque that said, ¡®Windrunner¡¯s Carriages.¡¯ ¡°Wait here.¡± Cailu pushed the door open, and a handbell rang before he shut it behind him. ¡°What an incredible place,¡± Zahra said after a bout of uncomfortable silence, her arms crossed. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen anything like this.¡± ¡°It¡¯s¡­ it¡¯s a little intimidating,¡± Cannoli said barely above a whisper. Catgirls carrying large wooden crates walked by, large red X¡¯s painted on each side. Keke marveled at how effortlessly they moved them. Not a bead of sweat could be seen on their bodies. ¡°I wonder what the ocean is filled with around here,¡± Keke said, looking at Cannoli with a smile. Cannoli looked away, her expression vacant. Cannoli, I¡¯m not the one hiding away, Keke thought, recollecting their prior conversation. ¡°Terrors,¡± Kirti said, flashing a wicked smile. ¡°Many, many terrors.¡± Cannoli whispered something, but Keke didn¡¯t catch it. Judging from Kirti''s giggle afterward, she clearly found something amusing in it. I need to make sure she¡¯s okay before I leave. The conversation died afterward, relief flooding Keke¡¯s veins when Cailu reappeared. ¡°The carriages have been arranged,¡± said Cailu. ¡°We have two hours until they arrive.¡± ¡°Thanks, Cailu,¡± said Matt. Cailu nodded. ¡°With that said, the journey will be a long one. It will be two weeks before we arrive in Ronona.¡± Keke couldn¡¯t hide the surprise in her voice. She gasped. ¡°Two weeks?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Cailu continued, ¡°and our first major stop will be at Irisil. We will make necessary preparations there, then continue our journey.¡± Matt rubbed the bridge of his nose. ¡°I don¡¯t suppose we have time for a drink or some sort of pick-me-up.¡± Matt must¡¯ve seen how Cailu¡¯s expression changed because he jumped right into an explanation. ¡°I mean, it¡¯s just¡­ we¡¯ve been riding on a boat¡ª¡± ¡°Ship,¡± Ceres corrected. A brief silence passed. ¡°Sir Matt.¡± ¡°Ship,¡± Matt continued. ¡°So I was hoping we might get a short break before we have to take another ride somewhere.¡± ¡°Very well,¡± said Cailu. ¡°To ensure we do not leave the carriage attendants waiting, however, I will accompany you.¡± Keke snickered. ¡°Oh¡­ okay,¡± Matt said, rocking his lower jaw. ¡°My, my,¡± Kirti mused with a finger to her lip, ¡°you two are entertaining.¡± ¡°Where should we go?¡± Zahra asked, an eagerness in her voice Keke hadn¡¯t heard before. ¡°I would love to try some of the local food and drink. This looks nothing like Ichi or San.¡± ¡°I will offer a suggestion when we arrive,¡± said Cailu. He took the helm once more, waving them along to follow. ¡°Come.¡± Cailu brought them to a section of the city separated by a long set of stairs. At the cliff¡¯s edge was its lighthouse, a tall wall of brick surrounding the land mass. Three buildings stood before them, each atop a small hill. The houses were distinct enough from one another that Keke felt she could put each one inside of the other, like putting small boxes into larger ones. Muffled music played from within the building directly ahead of her. Winona¡¯s Secret, Keke read. ¡°Winona is the finest tavern owner I know,¡± Cailu said as he approached the front door. ¡°I¡¯m sure you say that about all the innkeepers,¡± Matt commented, taking to his side. Cailu¡¯s lips formed into a thin line as he regarded Matt. ¡°This will give us time to discuss what happens from here.¡± The tavern was absolutely breathtaking. At least compared to anything Keke had ever seen. She counted no fewer than twenty tables, which didn¡¯t even account for any booths. Grinning catgirls littered every table, and mugs filled with frothy liquid adorned each patron¡¯s hand. At the far end of the room was a woman with pastel-violet hair and furry ears. She sang with her eyes closed, her hands dancing delicately between the strings of a harp. ¡°That¡¯s beautiful,¡± Cannoli commented with a gasp. Keke was glad to hear something out of Cannoli¡¯s mouth. ¡°I must agree,¡± Ceres said softly as she observed the crowd. ¡°It gives me immense joy to see the patrons do their part to avoid making noise while she sings.¡± ¡°Makes me afraid to talk,¡± Keke mumbled. ¡°Yeah, me too,¡± Matt said, chuckling. ¡°There,¡± Cailu said quietly, pointing to a corner booth to their right. He took his seat first, taking great care not to sit on the cape, and pulled the chair closer to the table. Keke took a spot next to Matt, and to her surprise, Cannoli took to his opposite, her hand on his knee. Kirti and Zahra took flanking chairs next to Cailu, and Ceres sat beside Keke, her hands in her lap. ¡°So, what¡ª¡± The words were barely out of Matt¡¯s mouth before a waitress appeared beside their table. ¡°Good afternoon! My name¡¯s Lucielle, and I¡¯ll be your waitress today,¡± she said, playing with a quill between her fingers. Her accent was different from anything Keke had heard before. It rose and fell in pitch without consistency, sounding like she was chewing on something the entire time. She bore long scarlet hair tied into a braid that rested over her shoulder and striking blue eyes. She had a slight overbite and wore a frilly white shirt that reminded Keke a bit of how the maids on Shi Island dressed. Around her waist was a long, black skirt. ¡°It is their first time here,¡± Cailu said, flashing his signature smile, ¡°and I expressed that there was no finer tavern than Winona¡¯s.¡± ¡°Right, ya are!¡± the waitress said. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then I¡¯ll start ya off with somethin¡¯ light! Will we be needin¡¯ any snacks or food?¡± ¡°Three orders of stuffed grimgam,¡± said Cailu. ¡°I guess I¡¯ll see how I feel after that,¡± Matt said. The others nodded their approval, and Lucielle skipped away. ¡°Now,¡± Cailu began, setting his chin upon entwined fingers, ¡°it is important you understand how you conduct yourselves in Ronona. [Combat Mode] is deemed ill fit for nobility, and every word you speak can be recounted.¡± ¡°I¡¯m a bit nervous,¡± Keke admitted. ¡°As am I,¡± Cannoli said, barely loud enough for Keke to hear. ¡°¡®Tis expected,¡± said Cailu. ¡°So long as you listen to what I say, there will be no trouble. I suspect Ceres is already aware of proper court etiquette.¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Ceres nodded. ¡°I would be happy to refresh Sir Matt and his Party en route.¡± ¡°Excellent. That saves us time and leads me to another matter.¡± His gaze settled on Cannoli. ¡°I have arranged to have Cannoli escorted to Saoirse¡¯s Sanctuary once we arrive in Irisil. At that time, she shall depart.¡± ¡°Wait, she¡¯s not even going to meet the queen?¡± Matt snapped. ¡°You can¡¯t be serious.¡± Cailu didn¡¯t answer immediately. ¡°Saoirse has many temples devoted to the faith. The main body is located in Falselle, Irisil¡¯s neighboring city.¡± He rested his hands on the table, his gaze now focused on Matt. ¡°A [Bishop] will escort her the rest of the way.¡± ¡°I see,¡± said Cannoli. ¡°Thank you.¡± Keke balled her hands into fists on her lap. In less than a week, Cannoli would no longer be in their Party. Chapter 231: A Little Zest Saphira straightened and stretched, resting her hands on her lower back as she peered over the horizon. The late afternoon sun glimmered on the ocean waves, and a cool breeze brushed the thin tendrils of hair from her face. The crops were coming in well this year. She was looking forward to harvesting the rubenesco and pak choy for tonight¡¯s dinner. Her sea beets and spiny potatoes were larger than usual, and the onyans had remained blessedly free of locusts. There was a bit of trouble that had cropped up the month before when one of the irrigation pipes connected to the nearby pond cracked a leak. Espada, Saoirse bless her, had come to the rescue in just a few days¡¯ time. All of her livestock were still producing well, and her own health was a blessing in itself. There was so much to be happy for. But there was still something missing. Well, alright, someone. Matt, please come home. A joyous giggle sounded over her shoulder, interrupting her thoughts. ¡°What is it, Marie?¡± Saphira smiled and slowly slid the leather satchel from her back, turning the baby kitten to face her. ¡°What¡¯s got you giggling?¡± She murmured her question with a playful, bouncing timbre. ¡°Aaaah!¡± Marie shrieked with another giggle. A pink butterfly fluttered from the nearby meozuna stalks, then danced in circles around the red tufts of Marie¡¯s ears. ¡°Oh? Is that a butterfly you¡¯ve found? What a clever kitten!¡± Saphira shifted Marie in her grasp, resting the tiny kitten in one forearm. Saphira held her fist closed with her index finger pointed straight and stalwart. ¡°Shhh. Let¡¯s see if we can win her over.¡± ¡°Oooh,¡± Marie crooned quietly, covering her mouth with both little hands. She stared wide-eyed at the butterfly; her hazel gaze sparkled gold in the afternoon sunlight. The butterfly hesitated at the edges of Marie¡¯s ears, then decided to fly south, ignoring Saphira¡¯s finger and choosing to instead rest on the kitten¡¯s nose. Marie breathed a tiny gasp behind her hands, her eyes as big as saucers. ¡°Look at that. You¡¯ve made a new friend,¡± Saphira whispered. ¡°A butterfly kiss is lucky, you know.¡± Marie held her breath, her gaze locked on the butterfly¡¯s wings as they steadily opened and closed. She looks so much like you. Marie had Saphira¡¯s light brown hair that fell in waves around her face. A dark red tipped the edges and her ears, like the streak in Matt¡¯s bangs. Her eyes had Saphira¡¯s shape and Matt¡¯s color. Freckles sprinkled her nose and cheeks like a hundred butterfly kisses. She was perfect. ¡°Saphira!¡± came a faraway shout. The butterfly flew away, and Marie shrieked with joy as she pawed at the air. Saphira turned to see an orange head bobbing up and down over the meozunas. She stepped away from the rows of stalks in the field onto the dirt path leading back to her house. ¡°Hello, Goose!¡± Saphira waved. Marie looked at her mother, then mimicked the wave. Goose¡¯s cropped orange hair had shocks of white, much like her ears and tail. Her brilliant green eyes reminded Saphira of fresh pak choy leaves, and she loved to wear canvas coveralls whenever she visited the farm. They¡¯d been neighbors since they were kittens, and Goose made for a wonderful impromptu nyanny after Marie was born. ¡°How¡¯s my favorite kitten?¡± Goose hopped forward and tickled Marie¡¯s sides. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re just so cute I could die!¡± Marie laughed and waved her hands wildly in the air while squinting up at Goose. ¡°She¡¯s just as excited to see you!¡± Saphira handed the small bundle to Goose. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. ¡°Hello, sweetness. Yes, hello!¡± Goose nuzzled her face to Marie¡¯s, then kissed her forehead. ¡°Have you been a good kitten today?¡± ¡°She¡¯s a dream.¡± Saphira stretched her arms out in front of her, sighing with bliss as her back cracked. ¡°She loves to be outside with me, I think.¡± ¡°Who wouldn¡¯t love it out here? It¡¯s paradise,¡± Goose said. She turned her nose up and inhaled deeply, her tail flipping excitedly back and forth behind her. ¡°I can smell the whiskerberries!¡± ¡°Good nose.¡± Saphira nodded. ¡°They¡¯re coming back in season, and I¡¯ll have them in my shop again soon.¡± ¡°Wonderful. My Bells are burning holes in my pockets.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you dare pay for anything in my stall, Goose,¡± Saphira chided gently. ¡°You¡¯ve never accepted payment for watching Marie.¡± ¡°That¡¯s because she¡¯s really watching me to make sure I stay out of trouble. Isn¡¯t that right, sweetness?¡± Goose held Marie closer to her chest, and the kitten crooned her agreement. ¡°See? You should actually be paying Marie!¡± Saphira frowned, but there¡¯d be no winning this argument. Not with Goose. ¡°At least come over for dinner tonight?¡± ¡°Now that¡¯s an offer I¡¯m happy to take you up on.¡± ¡°Wonderful. I¡¯m glad.¡± Saphira touched a nearby pepper bush, where red and green sprouts had just begun to bloom. How long ago was it when Matt left? Months, it seemed. She¡¯d just started to prune these bushes the day before he¡ª Goose glanced up from Marie and studied Saphira¡¯s face. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Saphira?¡± Saphira started. She blushed and raised her hands to her shoulders. ¡°N-nothing! Everything¡¯s fine!¡± Goose pursed her lips. ¡°It is not fine. Your stall was closed yesterday and this morning. You never do that.¡± ¡°I¡­ I was just feeling a little under the weather, that¡¯s all.¡± Saphira touched the braided bun on the back of her head, tracing the woven threads that composed it. Was she allowed to miss a man? ¡°That¡¯s why you¡¯re out here working, hm?¡± Goose asked with a knowing grin. ¡°Come on, you can tell me! We¡¯re practically sisters.¡± Saphira poked her tongue into the side of her cheek, watching Marie tug at one of Goose¡¯s many necklaces that she liked to wear. Hundreds of brightly colored beads on leather cords or chains. She had a habit of buying a new one every time the merchant ship came to Ni¡ªever since she gained the ability to change her Class. Dozens more hung on hooks in her house. If she couldn¡¯t trust Goose with this, then who could she tell? ¡°I wish I knew if Matt and his Party were safe,¡± Saphira admitted quietly. ¡°It¡¯s just been so long since they were here.¡± Goose blinked and tilted her head. ¡°Isn¡¯t that what men kinda do, though? Protect us and give us kittens?¡± She scratched Marie between the ears. ¡°We got the second part, so now he¡¯s protecting us, yeah?¡± ¡°I think so.¡± In their last meeting, he¡¯d mentioned his travels to Shi and San. Something about bringing the men together. It sounded very important, but it also troubled her. Matt had only just arrived on Ni Island before he left. As far as Saphira knew of the men her mother and grandmother had talked about, they typically stayed around for at least a little while before traveling to Nyarlothep or otherwise. ¡°I know. It¡¯s silly. They¡¯re probably fine.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not silly.¡± Goose stepped forward and touched Saphira¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You really miss him, don¡¯t you?¡± Saphira blushed and hid her face behind her hands. ¡°He just¡­ he¡¯s like family. I want him to meet Marie and feel the same joy she gives us. I want to talk to him again and hug him again.¡± ¡°I think that¡¯s normal, Saphira,¡± Goose murmured. ¡°But Saoirse¡ª¡± ¡°Saoirse says a lot of things, sweetness.¡± Goose loosely grabbed Saphira¡¯s wrist and tugged her hand away from her face. ¡°We can follow her guidance and still feel things. I mean, I¡¯d miss you if you were gone for a long time, too.¡± ¡°I know. I just don¡¯t want anyone to think that I want to keep him to myself,¡± Saphira admitted. The words sounded strange out loud. She kept expecting one of Saoirse¡¯s divine tails to appear from the sky and wring her neck. ¡°I would never be so selfish.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think anyone would believe that.¡± Goose shook her head. ¡°You are the most selfless catgirl in Nyarlea, honey.¡± Saphira blinked against the burning in her eyes. She¡¯d been holding her feelings in for so long that she hadn¡¯t realized how desperately she needed to talk about them. ¡°Thank you, Goose.¡± ¡°Of course. Any time.¡± She turned back to Marie. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, sweetness, you¡¯ll meet your daddy soon.¡± ¡°Da¡­ddy?¡± Marie mouthed the word carefully. ¡°Daddy!¡± Saphira swallowed her tears and took Marie back into her arms. ¡°Yes, love. We¡¯ll keep waiting together for Daddy.¡± Please come home safe, Matt. Chapter 232: Voices Through a Sieve Wind danced near the high ceilings of the Arch Tower, taking the form of autumn leaves before tumbling to the ground. ¡°Would you stop that?¡± Fire snapped. The nearest lanterns flickered at her. Wind giggled. ¡°I¡¯d be jealous too if I were stuck in a box.¡± Lara marveled at the grand stairways and golden filigree decorating the inside of the enormous building. She¡¯d never seen anything like it. It made the Venicia School of Etiquette seem like a tiny residential inn. This place was a castle. ¡°Hmph. These girls have fine taste. Fine taste indeed,¡± Earth said. The paintings on the tiles shifted beneath Lara¡¯s feet, swirling like ripples of water as Earth stretched out among them. ¡°Oh? Back already from your heroic deeds?¡± Wind chided. ¡°That didn¡¯t take long.¡± ¡°Of course. I am efficient,¡± Earth replied. Wind took her fairy-like form and perched on Lara¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Just not efficient enough to save Lara.¡± ¡°Lara?¡± a voice called from up ahead. ¡°How many times must I tell you?¡± Earth demanded, sounding exasperated. ¡°No single mortal should rely on us all of the time. She needs to think harder about calling on us¡ª¡± ¡°Lara!¡± Ravyn snapped. Lara shook her head and blinked. Master Tristan, Destiny, and Ravyn stood on an obsidian platform flecked with red and gold patterns at its base. Four shimmering chains hooked into each corner of the solid square. ¡°Are you coming, Sister?¡± Destiny called, waving her onto the platform. ¡°What is this?¡± Lara asked as she skipped forward and toed the polished square. ¡°An elevator, I believe,¡± Master Tristan replied. He gestured to a lever jutting from the tiles on his left. ¡°It makes it so we don¡¯t have to use the stairs.¡± Lara gasped. ¡°Is it safe?¡± ¡°Mou ii. Yes! It¡¯s safe! Get on!¡± Ravyn snapped. ¡°Nothing made by mortal hands can be called ¡®safe,¡¯¡± Earth grumbled. ¡°Weren¡¯t you just saying how this building is in fine taste?¡± asked Wind. ¡°Fine taste, yes. Safe? Absolutely not,¡± Earth countered. ¡°If Tristan and Ravyn both say it¡¯s safe, then it¡¯s safe.¡± Destiny gently took Lara¡¯s wrist and tugged. ¡°It¡¯ll be fun!¡± Lara tiptoed onto the ¡®elevator,¡¯ and Ravyn pulled the lever. The chains creaked as they cycled, and the ground beneath them began to vibrate. Lara squeaked and snatched Destiny¡¯s hand. Wind cheered as she took the shape of one of the chains and mirrored its movements during their ascent. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but why are we here again?¡± Lara asked once she was a little more sure that they wouldn¡¯t fall to their deaths. Ravyn¡¯s jaw dropped, and she wore an incredulous glare. Master Tristan held up a hand before she could speak. ¡°We must meet with Melody.¡± ¡°Ah, yes. Of course.¡± Lara nodded. ¡°And Melody is¡­?¡± ¡°The person in charge of Cailu¡¯s money,¡± he continued patiently. Master Tristan was always so patient with her. ¡°We need to find out how his funds are dispersed.¡± ¡°Not to the brats of Shulan, that¡¯s for sure,¡± Fire cackled. ¡°Hm.¡± Lara hummed in thought. She touched her index finger to her chin. ¡°You don¡¯t think Melody is like Celestia, do you?¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± Destiny asked. ¡°She put all of Tristan¡¯s money into Venicia, right? So¡­ could Melody be doing the same sort of thing?¡± Lara wondered. Ravyn¡¯s eyes widened, and she flashed a sharp smile. ¡°And here I was, just wondering how you tie your little apron in the morning.¡± ¡°I love that girl.¡± Fire crooned. ¡°Why won¡¯t she speak with me?¡± Because she doesn¡¯t believe you exist. Tristan nodded. ¡°It¡¯s a good thought, Lara, and something I¡¯ve considered. But from what Ravyn¡¯s told us, almost every city on San Island is having the same issues.¡± ¡°So it isn¡¯t like Ichi Island, either, then,¡± Destiny mused. ¡°The differences between the First Shell and the Third Shell were enormous.¡± ¡°Correct. There¡¯s something we¡¯re missing, and I intend to find out,¡± Tristan replied. Wind twirled around Tristan¡¯s head, resuming her fairy form. ¡°He is lovely, isn¡¯t he, Lara?¡± Lara blushed as the elevator clicked to a stop. She¡¯d honestly forgotten that they were moving. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. ¡°Should be this way,¡± Ravyn said, stepping off the platform and choosing a direction. Lara briefly wondered if it was difficult carrying around such a large tail. Ravyn had the thickest tail of any catgirl she¡¯d ever met. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Destiny took Lara¡¯s hand, and they followed Master Tristan and Ravyn. The top floor split into multiple corridors with guards posted at the corners. Each hallway had doors on either side every ten steps or so. Bronze plaques with names and titles carefully engraved across their centers adorned the entrances. More lanterns lit their path, shining red and gold lights on the thick carpets. Wind sat cross-legged on Lara¡¯s head just between her ears, and for a few blessed moments, the Elements were silent. ¡°What do all of these people do here, exactly?¡± Destiny asked, sweeping a hand over a set of doorways. ¡°San Island is the largest and oldest island in Nyarlea. Second only to Nyarlothep,¡± Ravyn explained. ¡°The Arch Tower is used for a lot of things. Trade, [Alchemy], training [Mage]s and their later Classes, storage, whatever the higher-ups are feeling that day, really.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve read that this is where important trade agreements and working contracts for all of the islands are struck,¡± Tristan added. ¡°It¡¯s one of the longest-standing buildings in the world.¡± ¡°It is. It¡¯s also drenched in Enchantments, like everything else on this damn island. Protective, inhibitive, or otherwise. It¡¯s impossible to get a clear read on them.¡± Ravyn sniffed. ¡°At last, something these ridiculous mortals can protect from the Defiled,¡± Earth rumbled. Well, it was nice while it lasted. ¡°Maybe they¡¯d be able to protect things better if you helped them!¡± Wind screeched. It was right in Lara¡¯s ear and very loud. ¡°A-ah, could you not be up there while you fight, please?¡± Lara asked quietly. Ravyn shot her a look of disbelief over her shoulder. ¡°They need to train harder! Become stronger!¡± Fire announced, his voice echoing against the slim corridor. ¡°Earth¡¯s right!¡± ¡°Wrong. Again. As usual,¡± said Wind. ¡°Here we are,¡± Ravyn announced, stopping in front of a door at the very end of the hallway. It had the same shape and construction, except multiple decorative ropes framed its edges, tied off with golden bells. Tristan stepped forward and took a deep breath, staring at the plaque. Melody. Arch Tower Treasurer. Lara read on the plaque. ¡°Goodness me, boy, just knock!¡± Wind danced in Tristan¡¯s hair, though it was imperceptible to all except Lara. At last, he knocked, and they waited. The door opened, and they were greeted by a young woman in a red silk dress with two slits that stopped high on her thighs. Light floral embroidery was stitched from the edges of her high collar all the way to the bottom hem. Her yellow hair was pulled back into a loose, messy braid that curled around one shoulder. Golden eyes peered over the group, then rested on Tristan. ¡°Yes? May I help you?¡± ¡°Oh! Right to the point! I like her!¡± Wind announced. ¡°You like everyone,¡± Fire snapped from a nearby lantern. ¡°Melody, I presume?¡± Tristan asked, retrieving the scroll from his [Cat Pack]. ¡°Just as it says on my door. That¡¯s correct,¡± Melody teased with a smile. Her voice was much softer and kinder than the guards at the base of the Arch Tower. She didn¡¯t carry the same straight-backed aggression, either. ¡°I¡¯m Tristan, Shi Island¡¯s man. Cailu sent me.¡± Tristan returned her smile and presented her with the parchment. ¡°This is my Party; Destiny, Lara, and Ravyn.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Melody accepted the scroll and took a step back. ¡°Please, come in.¡± Still holding Destiny¡¯s hand, Lara stepped into Melody¡¯s office. Bookshelves lined the lower walls, filled from shelf to shelf with leather tomes. A stack of four more books sat on the large desk at the room¡¯s center alongside a freshly laid out parchment and quill. An incense burner rested on a small table nearby, smoke rising from the half-burned stick. Nyapple and ginger. Healing scents. Melody unrolled the scroll and skimmed it. ¡°He¡¯s left you with quite a task.¡± ¡°He has,¡± Tristan replied. ¡°I was hoping you could assist me.¡± ¡°That will be difficult.¡± Melody handed the parchment back to Tristan before walking closer to the bookshelves. ¡°I have detailed the distribution of every Bell in Cailu¡¯s possession for over a decade. San is the most prosperous island in Nyarlea, and what you seek to cure is simply a side effect of our success.¡± Lara puzzled over her words. Melody¡¯s tone and smile seemed so nice. But something about her scratched Lara the wrong way. Ravyn¡¯s low growl confirmed her feeling. ¡°Can¡¯t you be successful without people suffering?¡± Destiny asked. ¡°Possibly. But what of the cost?¡± Melody asked. ¡°A new law from an unknown face may incite riots.¡± ¡°I won¡¯t make any orders or changes without Cailu¡¯s consent, Melody,¡± Tristan said. ¡°All I ask right now is to look through your books.¡± ¡°Of course. No trouble at all, sir,¡± Melody said with a bow. ¡°I hope you¡¯ll forgive my tone. I care very much about San Island. It would be a shame to see my homeland plummet into financial ruin after all of our hard work.¡± Lara wrinkled her nose. Something was off. More than Melody¡¯s strange words. She blinked, looking up to the ceiling, then to her left and right. There were curtained windows that revealed a perfect view of the sprawling Shulan¡ªcurtains that a certain Element should have relished in dancing inside. ¡°Wind?¡± whispered Lara. There was no response. ¡°Your suggestions would be very welcome. While Destiny, Lara, and I are from Shi Island, Ravyn lived here for quite a long time,¡± Tristan said. Melody favored Ravyn with a long look. ¡°I thought I recalled your name. You¡¯re Emberlynn¡¯s daughter, are you not?¡± ¡°Kuso. Yeah. That¡¯s me,¡± Ravyn mumbled. Ball stirred at her shoulder. ¡°Is there anyone on this goddess-damned island that my mother doesn¡¯t know?¡± ¡°Mm. I believe it¡¯s more important for many of us to know her.¡± Melody laughed. ¡°She speaks of you highly.¡± ¡°That makes one of us.¡± Ravyn rolled her eyes. Lara turned toward the flickering end of the incense stick. She leaned forward and hissed, ¡°Fire?¡± Still nothing. Lara swallowed the first wave of panic. She¡¯d never not heard the Elements before. Not since she could remember. There were times when one or two wouldn¡¯t respond, but never all of them. Destiny squeezed her hand. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°I¡­ I can¡¯t¡­¡± The words were trapped in Lara¡¯s throat. It was as if the very air she breathed was suddenly cut off. They were just speaking with her. How could this possibly¡­ ¡°Lara?¡± Tristan called. ¡°Excuse me,¡± Lara squeaked, then ran for the door. Wind? Earth?! Fire! Where are you?! Chapter 233: Whisk On ¡°Lara?¡± Destiny called as her twin ran for the door. Lara threw it wide and ran into the hallway, stopping some distance away from the room. Destiny gasped as worry washed over her. She bowed with a hastened apology, then chased after her sister. Once she caught up with Lara, Destiny grabbed her by the elbow, turning her around. ¡°Sister, are you okay?¡± Lara didn¡¯t reply immediately. Instead, she yelped, looking to her sides. The Elements must have been speaking to her again. ¡°Sorry, Destiny,¡± Lara said, her expression downcast. ¡°I couldn¡¯t hear the Elements. I panicked.¡± Destiny frowned. ¡°Couldn¡¯t hear them? They don¡¯t always speak to you, though, do they?¡± Lara frowned at something to her side. Destiny followed her gaze, but it was just the door to another room. ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry, Wind. Honestly, I couldn¡¯t hear you in there.¡± Lara nodded, then blinked. ¡°Ah. Weird.¡± ¡°Is something the matter?¡± Destiny grabbed Lara¡¯s hand, squeezing it lightly. She smiled and waited patiently for the answer, as always. ¡°Not anymore,¡± Lara sighed. ¡°The Elements are angry with me now.¡± ¡°What happened?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Lara shook her head. ¡°They stopped talking to me when we entered Melody¡¯s room.¡± She squeaked and lurched to one side as if someone were scolding her. ¡°Okay, yes, I couldn¡¯t hear you. Yes. Yes, I know there¡¯s a difference.¡± She sighed. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Sister.¡± Destiny shook her head, smiling wider. She looked over her shoulder to see Tristan and Ravyn casting bewildered looks in their direction. She shook her head and gestured for them to continue without them. ¡°Something about the room?¡± Destiny asked. ¡°Is that why you couldn¡¯t hear them?¡± Lara blinked, then mumbled something Destiny couldn¡¯t hear. ¡°Um. Maybe.¡± She sighed, then put a hand to her chest to calm herself down. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we have felt something, though?¡± ¡°It¡¯s possible,¡± Destiny said, reflecting on the hundreds of Enchantments Celestia had placed around Venicia. At first, it was strange being surrounded by so many Spells. But over time, Destiny could pinpoint the effects and sensations of certain Enchantments. Something about the air changed. As if the wind blew in a direction it wasn¡¯t meant to. Destiny felt no such thing here. ¡°Could it have been something else?¡± Destiny had to be careful how she phrased her questions around Lara. She believed Lara¡¯s claims of her ability to speak with the Elements and took the opportunity to voice it when she felt it was appropriate. But Lara had become accustomed to being degraded whenever she mentioned them. While joining an official Party had helped her be more open about the topic, Ravyn¡¯s chiding wasn¡¯t doing her any favors. ¡°No,¡± Lara said, shaking her head, ¡°the Elements say they feel bonded to me.¡± Her gaze veered to some imperfection on the wall, and her shoulders slumped. ¡°The bond has never weakened. I¡¯m not like other [Conjurer]s. Something was bad about that room. I don¡¯t know what, but I don¡¯t like it.¡± ¡°What would you like to do?¡± Destiny asked quietly. For as long as she could remember, Lara was the type of catgirl to trust her instincts in most situations. She had difficulty finding the words to express how she felt about things, at least in complex ways. As Lara had explained it, speaking was often akin to walking through a fog, following the faint silhouettes of distant objects, only to be met with something that didn¡¯t resemble what she¡¯d been looking at. Lara followed her gut¡ªa term she¡¯d learned from Tristan¡ªand it often paid off for her. ¡°I don¡¯t want to go back in there,¡± Lara said, drawing a deep breath. ¡°Okay,¡± Destiny nodded. She looked back to see the door had been shut. It could be some time before they left, but Tristan would surely divulge details when they were done. She turned back to her sister. ¡°Let¡¯s wait for them in the reception room.¡± ¡ª Destiny found a comfortable spot in the corner of the hall where a pair of decorated chairs stood beside a polished marble table. She sat down in one of the chairs, her sister taking the one beside it. ¡°I don¡¯t like that we left them alone in there,¡± Lara admitted. She adjusted her skirt, then sat down, looking over her shoulder at the elevator. ¡°They¡¯ll be okay,¡± Destiny said with a smile. ¡°Tristan¡¯s reliable and intelligent. And as¡­rambunctious as Ravyn can be, her heart seems to be in the right place.¡± The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Destiny wasn¡¯t sure if she believed that, but she knew it would set Lara at ease. Ravyn could afford to be nicer. The bird, too. Destiny and Lara didn¡¯t have to wait long. Ten minutes later, Tristan and Ravyn came off the elevator, Destiny and Lara rushing over to meet them at the center of the room. Tristan was smiling, but Ravyn had her arms crossed as she mumbled something. ¡°So, what did you find out?¡± Destiny asked, her hands clasped in front of her lap. Lara came to stand by her side moments later. Tristan raised a book made from lacquered leather. There was a dark brown tint to it, and studs of silver lined the spine. The bindings alone looked like they could fetch a year of tuition at the Venicia School of Etiquette. ¡°Melody allowed me to check out a ledger from last month.¡± The tome was massive. Tristan held it with both hands, extending it so everyone could see. ¡°This is how large a month¡¯s worth of Bell trading is, from what Melody told me.¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­concerning,¡± Lara said, frowning. ¡°So you didn¡¯t investigate any of the records yet?¡± Destiny asked. ¡°Of course we didn¡¯t,¡± Ravyn said incredulously. ¡°If Melody is accounting for all of the cu¡ª¡± She sucked in her lips, then made a popping sound as she released them. ¡°If Melody is accounting for every Bell Cailu has, as well as the trades coming in and going out, we¡¯re going to need time for that. Time we don¡¯t have right now.¡± Change your tone! Doesn¡¯t hurt to ask! Goddess above! ¡°Ah. She just let you stride out with a ledger?¡± Ravyn snickered and crossed her arms. ¡°She doesn¡¯t have much of a choice. Tristan could sink this island if he felt like it.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not in the plans.¡± Tristan blushed, then continued, ¡°This book is a good start for a few reasons. I can spend the night researching how last month¡¯s Bells were distributed. Chances are, not enough has changed to make this book irrelevant. In fact, it will likely remain relevant for years to come if my¡­very brief course in economics is anything to go off of.¡± He wore a complicated expression. Destiny knew it well. He was buckling under the pressure, and she desperately wished to take some of the load off his shoulders. ¡°But there¡¯s another reason I wanted it.¡± Lara blinked. ¡°Why?¡± Ravyn rolled her eyes. Don¡¯t roll your eyes at her! Be nice! ¡°After Lara practically ran for the door, I insisted we take one of her books,¡± Ravyn explained. ¡°I didn¡¯t feel any Enchantments, but Ball was uncomfortable the entire time.¡± ¡°Something¡¯s wrong, something¡¯s wrong, squawwwk!¡± The parrot¡¯s voice screeched against the walls, and its sharp cry echoed loudly enough that even Ravyn covered her ears. ¡°Bally?¡± Ravyn started, tapping his beak with a finger. The bird cocked its head at her. ¡°Shush.¡± Ball waddled to Ravyn¡¯s other shoulder and began to preen his feathers. He¡¯s cute when he doesn¡¯t talk, at least. ¡°We probably won¡¯t find anything in the ledger,¡± Ravyn continued, ¡°but it was a sign of trust to let us borrow it. If she refused, she¡¯d look like she was hiding something.¡± She shrugged. ¡°Could be nothing, but I don¡¯t trust any bitch in Shulan.¡± Language! Again! You¡¯re Emberlynn¡¯s daughter? Conduct yourself with grace! ¡°Yeah,¡± Tristan said with a hint of discomfort. ¡°So, let¡¯s find an inn nearby and call it for a day. I want to spend some time with the book, and I could use everyone¡¯s help in making notes.¡± ¡°Yes, Tristan,¡± Destiny said, smiling. ¡°I saw a wonderful place on our way here. The¡ª¡± ¡°Shaven Civet?¡± Ravyn asked. ¡°The place is a dump, but it¡¯ll have to do for now.¡± Must you take the light from everything? ¡°I¡¯m sure it¡¯s fine,¡± Lara said, taking Destiny¡¯s hand. ¡°I remember where it is. Let me lead.¡± Destiny had her reservations about letting Lara take the helm. Memories of getting lost as kittens resurfaced, and with them, the fond feelings she had as they made the best of their circumstances returned. Ravyn groaned as Lara led them through the streets, following the advice of her Elemental friends. Lara turned to make the occasional comment about Fire, but Ravyn paid her little mind. Once they¡¯d arrived and booked a room for themselves, Tristan snapped open the tome and sat on the floor. It was a simple room, humble to be certain, but far removed from the ¡®dump¡¯ Ravyn claimed it to be. There were four beds, two against each wall, with a bedside table in the middle of each pair. A single garnet lit the lamp above, casting its scarlet light against the room. The boards were squeaky but charming, reminding Destiny of the older homes in Leche. It felt like home. Tristan¡¯s face fell when he opened the book. Destiny came to his side, gasping when she saw how small the print was. There were brackets upon brackets of numbers and notes; all scribbled in text that she had to squint to read properly. She put a consoling hand on Tristan¡¯s shoulder. Ravyn moaned, leaning forward on her knees to see better. She¡¯d already switched out of [Combat Mode]. Ball hopped to her side, tilting his head side to side. ¡°Saoirse¡¯s tits, this is going to take all night.¡± Goddess above, you need a bar of soap for that mouth! ¡°Yeah,¡± Tristan said simply. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Lara asked, pointing to a strange symbol at the top-left corner of the page. It was an eyeball drawn with two overlapping hills that mirrored each other, forming the sclera. Inside, a small black bead represented the pupil. Beside it was an X. ¡°Let me see,¡± Ravyn said, her tone more serious than usual. She turned the book around, glaring at the picture for some time before turning the page. She mumbled with each page turned, then grabbed a clump of pages, thumbing through them with impressive speed. After a time, she stopped, then turned the book back around to Tristan. ¡°Something wrong?¡± Tristan asked, glancing from the book to Ravyn repeatedly. ¡°No.¡± Ravyn shook her head. ¡°It just looked familiar. Really familiar.¡± Destiny stared at it for some time but couldn¡¯t make claw or tail of it. ¡°Where have you seen it before?¡± Ravyn frowned. ¡°My mother¡¯s house.¡± Side Quest: Prasaad aur Balidaan The brilliant morning sun warmed Krethik¡¯s back as he knelt on the dampened ground. He¡¯d washed the previous day¡¯s piece clean and hovered over the cool stone expanse with a wooden bowl in one hand and a paintbrush in the other. ¡°Kanninan maa mathilpudaisoozh,¡± he softly sang as he dipped the bristle into the soaked rice flour once more. A careful swoop of his paintbrush here, a mirrored curve there. The floral kolam had near-perfect symmetry, but he still had trouble capturing the same beauty within the lines that his mother had flawlessly executed day after day. ¡°Kanapuraththen karamaniye¡ª ah, good morning,¡± he murmured to a bird with striking pink feathers as it hopped to the edge of the kolam. ¡°Here to break your fast?¡± The bird trilled two sweet notes, then pecked at a bit of the dried rice flour. Krethik smiled and resumed humming the nostalgic lullaby as he added another swirling corner to the design. Familiar padded footsteps caught his ear, but he continued to work. ¡°You¡¯re awake early,¡± he said once Naeemah was in earshot. ¡°Another nightmare?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Krethik¡¯s heart broke for Naeemah¡ªshe¡¯d never known her parents. When Krethik had arrived in R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨©, Naeemah had sought him out and demanded he take her into his Party. She had no traditions of her own, and her only role model was an overworked woman with a short temper. The young woman sat far enough away that she wouldn¡¯t disturb the bird. ¡°You really do this every day?¡± ¡°I do. As my mother did and her mother before her,¡± Krethik replied with a nod. ¡°But¡­ your mother wasn¡¯t a catgirl, right?¡± Naeemah tilted her head to the side, keeping her voice low. ¡°I¡­ my nyanny never did that.¡± ¡°Correct. This is not a custom of Nyarlea, so far as I¡¯ve learned.¡± Naeemah blinked, then pulled her knees to her chest. ¡°It¡¯s pretty.¡± After his limited time on the island, he¡¯d gathered that joining his Party was a dangerous proposition. The life of men in these lands was often short and perilous. But he couldn¡¯t say no to the determination in her eyes. Naeemah began their companionship in silence, sticking to the shadows when they traveled and closed to idle conversation. He did not wish to push her and hoped she would come to trust him. Poruthar boomi alvar, as his father often said. The one with patience shall rule the world. And his patience was rewarded just after the last full moon. She¡¯d approached him in confidence about her nightmares. Dark dreams that rendered the teen feeling helpless. Ones that blessedly seemed to dissipate the longer they shared company. Naeemah inched closer to the kolam. She rocked to the balls of her feet, her dark tail flickering behind her. Her eyes followed a trail of tiny beetles making their way to dine beside the bird. ¡°Why feed the Encroachers?¡± This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. ¡°Do they not feed us? Both in Experience and physically?¡± Krethik asked. ¡°Yes, but that¡¯s¡­¡± She worked her jaw and furrowed her brow, thinking on her response. He wondered what had made it so difficult for her to speak freely. ¡°Isn¡¯t that what they¡¯re supposed to do?¡± ¡°And who decided that?¡± Krethik asked patiently. He enjoyed each opportunity gifted to him to learn more about Nyarlea through Naeemah¡¯s eyes. Naeemah laid one finger on the ground, letting the insects walk over her dark skin. ¡°Hm. Saoirse, I guess.¡± Krethik nodded. The goddess of the world. While a feline goddess wasn¡¯t far removed from the deities of his own upbringing, he¡¯d often wondered if his gods had forsaken him in his rebirth. Laxmi, will you bless this dwelling? He pushed the thought away and continued. ¡°Even if it¡¯s what they¡¯re meant to do, I believe we should thank them for their sacrifice.¡± ¡°Why?¡± She raised her hand close to her face. The beetle wandered to her wrist, and her ears leaned forward with interest. ¡°Because we share this world together. Our home, together,¡± Krethik explained. He added the final dots around the outward circles and set the bowl aside to stretch. ¡°Each plant, creature, and person deserves our respect.¡± Naeemah lowered her arm, allowing the insect to return to the rice flour. In a high, strained voice, she asked, ¡°What about the Defiled?¡± ¡°Mm.¡± The nyanny Naeemah had stayed with mentioned the possibility of a Defiled claiming the lives of Naeemah¡¯s parents. ¡°The Defiled are also deserving of our respect. However, it does not mean that they will show reverence in return.¡± He leaned back on his hands and locked her gaze. ¡°People are the same way. Always hold your head high, Naeemah. No matter how you find yourself treated.¡± Naeemah slowly nodded and let her knees fall to the side to sit cross-legged. She chewed her lower lip as she reached into her [Cat Pack], withdrawing a small brown pouch. ¡°I¡­ I had an idea. For your design, if I may.¡± Krethik grinned. ¡°Of course.¡± ¡°I found a lot of extra sumac in the kitchens. I¡ª er, I liked the color.¡± She blushed and reached into the pouch. ¡°And, I think¡­¡± Her thoughts trailed as she withdrew a pinch of the deep red spice. She leaned forward, careful not to disturb the lines of the kolam, and sprinkled the sumac in thumb-sized circles at the centers of each flower. ¡°That¡¯s beautiful, Naeemah,¡± Krethik marveled. ¡°You have an eye for art.¡± Her blush deepened. ¡°I-It¡¯s nothing, really. You did the hard part.¡± She pressed the tip of her forefinger into the center of the red hills, adding small divots to each circle. ¡°Nonsense. You¡¯re very good at this.¡± Naeemah finished and replaced the pouch inside of her pack. ¡°Would it be okay¡­¡± She hesitated, tugging her black braid over her shoulder and peppering it red with her spice-covered fingers. ¡°I mean, would you mind if I helped you with these? In the morning?¡± ¡°I would be honored to have you with me, Naeemah.¡± ¡°Thank you, Krethik.¡± Naeemah beamed¡ªone of the first true smiles he¡¯d ever seen from the young woman. It was lovely; a reward he held close to his heart. Like standing witness to a blooming glory lily vine. He returned her smile and stood, circling the kolam and extending his hand. ¡°Shall we begin our day?¡± Naeemah took his hand in hers and stood. ¡°Yes, please.¡±
Naeemah knelt in the castle¡¯s main hall, a brush in one hand, a bowl of golden paint in the other. More pots of paint lined the back wall with bowls stationed at their sides, ready to be used once she¡¯d completed the outline of her kolam. She¡¯d traded her satins and silks for a pair of white trousers and a green fitted top with long sleeves and a high collar. This was the largest design she¡¯d ever attempted, and she wanted it to stay a part of the citadel¡¯s history. A permanent remnant of the man who changed her life. ¡°Your Highness? You called for me?¡± Jeenie appeared at the door leading from the dining hall. ¡°Yes,¡± Naeemah replied without looking up. It was time to return all of Krethik¡¯s designs to R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨©. ¡°We must return the Encroachers in the training grounds to their homes.¡± Chapter 234: Setting the Table Ceres sat with her hands in her lap, upright and straight-backed. Like a proper Shi Island maid. As the wagon moved, she shuffled one thumb over the over, wondering with great interest what their visit to Irisil would be like. She sat beside Cailu, who sat across from Matt and Cannoli. The silence in the cart was palpable, so Ceres thought to add her voice. ¡°I am much anticipating the visit to Irisil,¡± Ceres said, a hand clapped to her breast. ¡°What is it like, Sir Cailu?¡± Matt clicked his tongue, his attention on something outside the window. ¡°It is a compact city,¡± Cailu said, ¡°and stands as an important beacon for the Saoirse faithful.¡± Cannoli glanced at Cailu, then turned back to the window. ¡°That¡¯s nice,¡± she said. There seemed to be a rift between Matt, Keke, and Cannoli as of late. Ceres wondered if she had been too forthright with her desire to sit in the same wagon as Matt. With so little time left, she wished to spend every second breathing in his masculine glory. ¡°I would like to hear more,¡± Ceres said, hoping to add Matt and Cannoli¡¯s thoughts to the conversation. ¡°How did it come to be?¡± Cailu raised a brow, regarding her with the hint of a smile. ¡°According to scripture, it served as one of the first bastions for the Saoirse faithful.¡± He rested his gauntleted hands on his knees. Goodness, the man was imposing. ¡°There is little more to tell than that without going into the entire history of the city.¡± ¡°I would not mind.¡± ¡°What are we doing there?¡± Matt asked suddenly. ¡°Our first three nights will be spent camping on the road,¡± Cailu said firmly. ¡°Irisil will serve as a site of respite before we continue our journey.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± ¡°With that said,¡± Cailu continued, ¡°we must discuss whether you intend to change to your next Class. I have a list of experienced [Myrmidon]s and [Battleguard]s that I could bequeath to you.¡± ¡°I think I already know who I want to be my trainer.¡± Ceres cocked her head to the side. ¡°Are you referring to Erina? The [Battleguard] from Shi Island?¡± At that, Matt looked away from the window at Ceres. The air around him felt sharp, potent, and somehow aggressive. Yet he had done nothing. ¡°Yeah. Why?¡± ¡°With all due respect, Sir Matt, she has one arm now. I am unsure as to whether she would serve as a proper instructor.¡± ¡°The men don¡¯t have to meet the same requirements, right?¡± Cailu narrowed his gaze on Matt. ¡°That does not mean you should take the paved road. Nyarlea is not a winding path of niceties. She will struggle to teach you proper technique without a second arm.¡± ¡°Yeah, I got that,¡± Matt said with irritation in his voice. Cailu had his full attention now, and he was leaning over with his elbows on his knees and his hands clasped. ¡°I just really respected her, and she survived the encounter with the Defiled. I¡¯d like to see if she¡¯s willing to take me on.¡± ¡°I must implore you to reconsider,¡± Cailu said with a deeper tone. ¡°We cannot afford to make mistakes, Matt. Not now. Not when we are this close.¡± ¡°Close to what?¡± Matt snapped. ¡°To uniting the islands.¡± Cailu punctuated each word with venom. ¡°The islands have spent countless generations bickering and competing with one another for a higher seat of power. No matter the cost, it must come to an end.¡± He drew a deep breath, then exhaled. ¡°The men hold the greatest sway of power, Matt. Do I need to explain what that means?¡± ¡°Uniting the men means to unite the islands,¡± Ceres said, stealing a side-glance at Cailu. ¡°It may not occur in a single generation¡¯s time. However, if the men were to set a precedent¡ªa new standard of unity amongst the islands, then, one day, the Defiled threat could potentially be eliminated.¡± ¡°Precisely.¡± ¡°What of the word of Saoirse?¡± Cannoli said barely louder than a whisper. The wagon hit something in the road, and she squeaked. Matt made to steady her, but she shook her head. ¡°Does she not say four islands under one queen?¡± She visibly swallowed, then bit her bottom lip. ¡°The queen acts as Saoirse¡¯s will, after all. The men aren¡¯t supposed to leave their island.¡± Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. ¡°The doctrine will be honored,¡± Cailu said, ¡°within reason. Our current methods are desultory at best, reprehensible at worst. The Defiled threat creeps upon us like a shadow. Kittens scrounge for whatever morsels and Bells they can find, and without the right men,¡± Cailu paused to look at Matt, ¡°future generations will be unprepared for what awaits them.¡± He looked back at Cannoli. ¡°To refuse change is malfeasance.¡± Ceres thought on the man¡¯s words. Her entire life had been devoted to the cause of Saoirse, and the devout obedience to the whims of men. To see two men coming to disagreements was unheard of, and yet she had seen more men in a few months than most catgirls did in an entire lifetime. Perhaps Cailu was right. Perhaps the status quo was imperfect. That would imply that Saoirse was wrong, she thought. That is imperceivable. ¡°Do you believe Saoirse exists?¡± Cannoli asked. Matt¡¯s head spun around to regard her, his brow raised. ¡°Cannoli, that¡¯s¡ª¡± ¡°The scriptures are exceptional,¡± Cailu said, his words unwavering. ¡°I respect the doctrine.¡± He does not believe, does he? ¡°What of you, Matt?¡± Cannoli asked, looking at him next. Ceres¡¯s heart skipped, her adoration for Matt, and her faith at an impasse. ¡°Do you believe Saoirse exists?¡± ¡°H-Hold on,¡± Matt said, his hands raised, ¡°I don¡¯t know anything about Saoirse. How could I believe in something I have no experience or knowledge of? I barely know myself sometimes.¡± His words were rushed, as if in a panic. ¡°I¡­ I can¡¯t say if I do or I don¡¯t. To put me on the spot like that¡ª¡± His voice cracked. ¡°Cannoli, that kinda hurts.¡± ¡°Hm.¡± Cannoli didn¡¯t appear affected one way or the other. She returned to gazing out the window, leaning her chin on her palm while she rested her elbow on the windowsill. ¡°Sir Matt,¡± Ceres began, although she had no idea where she was going with this, ¡°I implore you to explore to your heart¡¯s desire. I will be by your side every step of the way as you partake in this journey.¡± Matt seemed to relax at that. ¡°Thanks, Ceres.¡± Ceres nodded. ¡°Cannoli?¡± The white-haired catgirl¡¯s eyes flickered to the corners, but she continued to stare out the window. ¡°I share your love of Saoirse. However, Saoirse¡¯s teachings did also state that the men bring forth foreign knowledges and expertise we can scarce fathom.¡± Ceres felt she knew Cannoli¡¯s answer already but decided to prod to help mend the discomfort. ¡°Have you read the hymns?¡± Pink colored Cannoli¡¯s cheeks. Ceres couldn¡¯t remember when she¡¯d last seen that. ¡°No. What I know I learned from my mother.¡± ¡°I mean no disrespect when I say then that Saoirse encourages the very actions Matt and Cailu take.¡± There was room for interpretation in the words, but Ceres chose to believe Saoirse a benevolent goddess. ¡°Hymn forty-three. ¡®Judge not the whims of man, for he is an enigma. Judge not the thoughts of man, for he is courageous. Judge not the words of man, for his burden is heavy.¡¯ Have you ever heard this hymn?¡± Cannoli¡¯s cheeks continued to darken. ¡°N-No,¡± she said softly. Ceres smiled, confident she¡¯d found a crack¡ªalbeit a temporary one¡ªin her accusations. ¡°Several of Saoirse¡¯s teachings were passed down through song. Most were dutifully recorded, and the tomes no doubt cared for by the temples.¡± A hymn she and her fellow [Magic Knight]s rehearsed resurfaced, and she recalled standing in a line, praying and singing. The memory brought warmth to her chest. ¡°To be clear, I never performed the pilgrimage required of many [Acolyte]s and [Priest]s. However, I do know many of the hymns, and they bring with them a wealth of wisdom.¡± She grinned. ¡°I would love to sing alongside you when you learn a few.¡± Cannoli blinked, fidgeting as she glanced between the faces in the wagon. ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I made anyone uncomfortable. I have more to learn than I thought.¡± ¡°Ignorance,¡± Ceres said, resting her hand over Cannoli¡¯s, ¡°is a vice most potent when willingly embraced. You cannot fault yourself for wisdom you were never taught.¡± She hoped she had not come off arrogant or patronizing. As widespread as Saoirse¡¯s teachings were, most of the temples and places of worship resided in Nyarlothep. Without the guidance of a local [Bishop], Saoirse¡¯s word was often misspoken. When she took her hand away, Cannoli smiled. ¡°I¡¯m excited, but¡­a little scared,¡± Cannoli said, curling an errant strand of hair around her finger. She kept her gaze to the floor, and Ceres couldn¡¯t help but feel that Cannoli may be feeling ashamed. As far as she¡¯d seen, few had encouraged Cannoli¡¯s beliefs, and Ceres wished to be a wise voice which Cannoli could rely on. ¡°I¡¯m starting to realize just how little my mother taught me. She was a [Bishop], but I¡¯ve never heard of the hymns.¡± ¡°[Fighter]s often learn about the word of Saoirse,¡± Ceres said, glancing at Cailu. ¡°[Paladin]s and [Arbiter]s from history recited the songs, and some [Bishop]s even weaved them through their Magic.¡± Matt frowned. ¡°I thought bards didn¡¯t exist as a Class?¡± ¡°Yes, Sir Matt,¡± Ceres nodded. ¡°That is true. However, songs, hymns, and chants are all different. Though Ravyn is loath to admit it, the words she recites are chants¡ªforms of song.¡± ¡°How is that?¡± Cannoli asked. ¡°Do you mean I may sing?¡± ¡°¡®Singing¡¯ may not be the correct word,¡± Ceres said. ¡°¡®Tis true that bards do not exist as a Class, but the hymns of [Bishop]s, the chants of [Sorcerer]s; they are both forms of music. Admittedly¡ªand you did not hear these words spoken from my lips¡ªRavyn¡¯s chants could use some adjusting. They do not maintain the consistent tone associated with chants.¡± Cannoli giggled. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure to mention that to her when I see her next.¡± The tension in Matt¡¯s shoulders vanished. ¡°I¡¯m gonna miss you and Ravyn.¡± He reached for her hand, and to Ceres¡¯s relief, Cannoli blushed when he laid his hand atop hers. ¡°I¡¯ll be looking forward to seeing what you have to teach me about Saoirse.¡± There was a strange vacancy in Matt''s eyes as he said that. Cannoli didn¡¯t seem to catch it, though. Saoirse, please guide Cannoli, Ceres thought, to a path of goodliness and righteous behavior. Chapter 235: Slice and Dice Kirti inspected the tent¡¯s contents, noting with amusement the fine silks and cushions utilized in the cots¡¯ construction. Enchanted lanterns threw a soft yellow glow throughout the room, and a wicker bowl of fruits and bread was perched on a side table. Their lodgings while traveling were better than the homes contained within the Third Shell. There was never an expense in Nyarlothep that was spared; it was the one continent in Nyarlea with a constant influx of Bells from the queen¡¯s seat in Ronona. ¡®The queen has abandoned us,¡¯ the stone between her fingers whispered, the voice distorted as if it were drowning. Time was a merciless filter to memory. ¡®What do we do?¡¯ It was a favored memory she¡¯d captured from a dying companion many years before. When Naeemah disappeared and left Magni in her wake. ¡°Kirti? Are you alright?¡± Zahra asked, touching her shoulder. Zahra was kind. Simple. Na?ve. ¡°Yes. Simply thinking.¡± ¡°A dangerous notion,¡± Cailu remarked from the opposite side of the tent. The caravan had provided a compact square table with three polished wooden folding chairs, and he reclined in the one farthest from them, watching the exchange. Kirti smiled. ¡°You¡¯ve been unusually cheery since we left Ichi, Cailu. Were you able to properly thank Nae after all?¡± Zahra stiffened, her eyes widening as she looked between them. The barest touches of pink appeared on the tips of Cailu¡¯s ears and the bridge of his nose. But it was his eyes that betrayed him. There were a great many things one could learn from a person¡¯s gaze. He frowned. ¡°I do not see how that concerns you.¡± ¡°And here I thought we were bonding,¡± Kirti teased, adding a lilt to her voice. ¡°Nae is precious to us both, is she not?¡± ¡°Naeemah is rightfully restored as queen. She is well aware of my,¡± Cailu hesitated, resetting his jaw, ¡°...gratitude.¡± Spirits forbid you ever say ¡®feelings,¡¯ Cailu. Kirti giggled, rolling the stone across the backs of her knuckles. ¡®Did Lady Naeemah truly consort with another island¡¯s man? That can¡¯t be,¡¯ the voice grew pained and distant. ¡°Calm yourself. It is merely an observation,¡± Kirti replied. ¡°How is your arm?¡± Cailu rolled his shoulder, then opened and closed his fist. ¡°As good as new. Thank you for tending to it.¡± ¡°Mm.¡± Kirti hummed and returned the stone to her [Cat Pack], retrieving another smooth pebble and a deck of cards. ¡°Shall we play a game?¡± Zahra blinked. The proposition had taken her off guard. ¡°I¡­ I like games,¡± she said slowly. ¡°It would depend on the game.¡± Cailu crossed his arms. ¡°However, something to pass the time would be welcome.¡± ¡°Agreed. I¡¯m not tired yet, even though dinner was delicious,¡± Zahra remarked as she took one of the wooden chairs. ¡°I didn¡¯t realize you could cook such fine food while traveling.¡± ¡°That aspect depends on the company you keep,¡± Cailu replied, gaze lingering on Kirti. ¡°As well as the Bells you are willing to part with.¡± ¡°That certainly works well when you¡¯ve an unlimited income,¡± Kirti quipped. She slinked toward the last chair, enjoying both Zahra and Cailu¡¯s incredulous stares as she moved. ¡°Or remain in a Party with access to such.¡± ¡°That is not a feat that happened overnight, Kirti,¡± Cailu said carefully. ¡°And yet, the outcome is the same.¡± Kirti slid into the chair. ¡®Krethik¡¯s pacifist methods are what made us weak,¡¯ Sanrai hissed as Kirti rubbed her thumb against the brilliant red rock. Sanrai¡¯s words rang clearly, as hers was a recent capture. ¡®I am not weak, Mother. And those that are don¡¯t deserve to live on this island.¡¯ ¡°What¡¯s the game, Kirti?¡± Zahra asked, her sanguine tail flicking in excited ticks behind her. ¡°It is called Benzi.¡± Kirti parted the wooden box, revealing a deck of thick playing cards with hand-painted backings. ¡°It is a game that can teach you how your fellow players think.¡± Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Cailu grunted with a sound of disbelief. Zahra leaned forward, her features intrigued. ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡± ¡°Because there are no winners.¡± Kirti flipped the box over, dropping the cards into her hand. ¡°Only losers.¡± ¡°Pardon me, but is that possible?¡± Zahra drummed her fingers along the tabletop. ¡°What I mean is, if you don¡¯t lose, that would make you a winner, right?¡± ¡®You and Zahra worship the ground Naeemah walks on, and she tossed you to the side for her own gains. Where is the strength in that?¡¯ ¡°Not necessarily,¡± Cailu murmured, eyeing the shimmering rock on the table. ¡°Both in games and in life, I fear.¡± ¡°I have a feeling that you, in particular, will enjoy this game,¡± Kirti said, catching Cailu¡¯s gaze. Cailu furrowed his brow. ¡°Must you always speak in riddles, woman?¡± ¡°Better in riddles than in circles,¡± Kirti countered. She lifted the top card. The image depicted a screaming catgirl, half of whose face dissolved into a whirlwind of black brushstrokes. White streaks scraped rectangular strips away from the painting. Chaos. ¡°We will each have ten cards to begin. Each turn, we play one card face up. Whoever plays the weakest card must take all three. This continues until only one person has cards left in their hand. That person is the Benzi.¡± ¡°What does that mean? Benzi?¡± Zahra asked. Kirti snickered. ¡°The fool.¡± Cailu gestured to the cards with a sly smile. ¡°It seems you must always begin as the fool, then.¡± ¡°Ah. But I never end as one,¡± Kirti replied. ¡°Can you say the same?¡± Cailu rolled his eyes. Zahra covered her mouth with one hand, but not before a soft giggle escaped her. Kirti raised an eyebrow. ¡°Something you find amusing, child?¡± Zahra blushed, the bright red hue nearly matching her eyes. She deferred to a frowning Cailu. ¡°Only if I may speak freely.¡± Cailu shook his head and sighed. ¡°You do not require my permission to speak, Zahra. You are a member of my Party.¡± News to us both, I¡¯m sure, Kirti mused. She passed each of them ten cards, holding the final ten for herself. Zahra collected her cards into a neat pile, then traced the emblems on the back with her fingertip. ¡°When I first watched the two of you interact, I wondered how you managed to stand each other with your bickering.¡± Her blush deepened. ¡°But, when you fight side by side, so few words are exchanged. Like you know what the other is going to do.¡± ¡°I fail to see how these two situations are related,¡± Cailu said, examining the cards in his hand. Immediately assessing his position, Kirti noted. ¡°If we were not compatible in battle, Kirti would not have a place at my side.¡± ¡°You wound me.¡± Kirti feigned offense with a slight pout. ¡°I think it¡¯s more than that.¡± Zahra pressed on. ¡°You trust one another. You can talk to each other the way you do because you trust what the other would say.¡± ¡°An interesting conclusion indeed.¡± Kirti lifted her hand, betraying nothing on her face. Cailu served as an excellent stepping stone. He could open every door in Nyarlea with a single word. His trust was necessary, but she was not the person who held it. There was only so much one [Witch Doctor] could do to sway the whims of the world¡¯s most powerful man. Cailu laughed, but his expression remained cool. ¡°In this, Zahra, you are wrong. I would sooner trust a Defiled.¡± ¡°In this, we are the same,¡± Kirti said, parroting his tone. Zahra¡¯s smile faltered. ¡®Zahra is too soft. You raised her in the ways of a dead man. You¡¯ve ruined her,¡¯ Sanrai snapped, her anger palpable. Cailu shifted through the cards in his hands. ¡°These cards are not numbered. They are,¡± he drew them closer to his face. ¡°Concepts?¡± ¡°Correct.¡± ¡°The art is beautiful, but¡­ how do we know who has the strongest card?¡± Zahra asked. Kirti nodded, selecting Transformation from her hand. A pillar of butterflies spiraled upwards from a mangled corpse. ¡°We must argue their worth ourselves.¡± She placed her card in the center of the table. ¡°For example, the Transformation of dead Encroachers into Experience. Such a strong concept, yet few question its importance.¡± Cailu raised an eyebrow. ¡°It is a law of this land.¡± ¡°Yes. And why?¡± Zahra chewed her lip, pushing forward a card embellished with flowering vines. ¡°For Growth,¡± she began slowly. ¡°Which is more important to keep us all alive.¡± ¡°Excellent play, Zahra,¡± Kirti said. ¡°Cailu?¡± ¡°If we cannot stay alive, we cannot keep this world Balanced.¡± Cailu slid a painting of golden scales to meet the other two cards. ¡°An issue we face presently. One greater than growth or transformation.¡± ¡°Very good. I will yield this round.¡± Kirti pulled all three cards to her side of the table. ¡°Cailu, you play next.¡± Cailu¡¯s expression spoke volumes. This game made him uncomfortable. He was no fool¡ªthis would lead to conversations that were frowned upon¡ªblasphemous, even. Yet his pride would not allow him to back down. ¡®Neither of you know what it¡¯s really like out there, do you?¡¯ Sanrai murmured. If Cailu would not open the doors Kirti required, she would force them. Chapter 236: Derecho Yomi paced the room, chewing on her fourth piece of nailbark that hour. It tasted like thick parchment coated in vinegar, and it took an overwhelming amount of clawing to free it from the tree. Her bandaged throbbing fingertips were a testament to that. But it was one of the few options in Nyarlothep that gradually restored [Energy] and could be found without traveling far. Speckles of blood dotted the white linen, and she¡¯d had to be careful when feeding Ruyah. The kitten liked biting on anything that came within an inch of her mouth. This is better than the dreams, Yomi repeated to herself. Just stay awake. Saoirse had infected her sleep like a sickness. Every night, her golden mask burned into Yomi¡¯s vision; her voice etched into her ears. ¡°Confess.¡± Yomi had no one she could confide in. No one to tell her how to make the dreams stop. She¡¯d sold her house on San Island and moved to a small, unnamed outpost outside of Ronona in the hopes of escaping her memories. It was a population of catgirls that had made outcasts of themselves one way or another. Some of them talked about it¡ªlike Nimbus, the thief who¡¯d invited Yomi there in the first place. Others, like Yomi, kept quiet. As Nimbus said, they all shared the same quiet disposition and air of solitude. The two-bedroom cottage was more than enough room for Yomi and Ruyah, and Nimbus was a convincing salesman. But no matter how far she ran or how many Bells she spent, Saoirse followed her. Mornings began when she woke up screaming and sweating as if riddled with the same fevers as her pregnancy. She never slept for more than a few hours each night. It was to the point where her secretive neighbors asked about the dark circles beneath her eyes and her pallid face. Yomi snapped another piece of the bark between her teeth. In the other room, Ruyah slept soundly in her cradle, swathed in warm blankets, cuddling a stuffed rabbit. Yomi had seen them in shops around San Island, and Ruyah took to the toy immediately¡ªas if it were her familiar. Stay awake for Ruyah. Stay alive for Ruyah. ¡°Yomi,¡± a deep voice called behind her. Yomi leaped backward into a corner with a hiss, grabbing her staff from its resting place and thrusting it forward. She spent the majority of her time in [Combat Mode], refusing to bow down to Saoirse in the waking world without a fight. ¡°Yomi,¡± Belial repeated and stepped forward. Yomi lowered her staff and rubbed her eyes against the back of her arm. ¡°I didn¡¯t summon you.¡± ¡°No. But I have been watching,¡± Belial replied. He reached forward, then hesitated. ¡°I¡­¡± ¡°You what?¡± She carefully replaced her staff against the wall. The chimes hummed pleasantly as they collided. ¡°I fear for you, Yomi of Nyarlea,¡± Belial said. A gurgle of giggles sputtered from her lips before she could stop them. ¡°I¡ªhaha¡ªI must be dreaming again,¡± she managed. ¡°You¡¯re worried for me?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± The laughter continued. Yomi couldn¡¯t stop. Tears pooled in her eyes, and the nailbark cut the inside of her cheek. The goddess of Nyarlea demanded that she confess. A demon that never should have been hers to call worried for her health. ¡°I¡ªI can¡¯t¡ª¡± she couldn¡¯t breathe. The tears turned to sobs, wracking her chest as she battled for air. ¡°I can¡¯t.¡± The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. Belial closed the distance between them in three swift steps, catching Yomi before she hit her knees. He sunk to the floor, scooping her into his lap. She leaned her head against his chest and let the grief take her. The trouble was Yomi had begun to believe Saoirse. That she¡¯d be better off dead, and Ruyah could be properly raised by nyannies. What Yomi had done was unforgivable, but turning herself in would stain Ruyah¡¯s life. Ruyah would forever be known as the child of a blasphemous criminal. But each night that Saoirse appeared, a sliver of Yomi¡¯s conscience believed her. All would be forgiven should she simply confess to her misdeeds. I won¡¯t see Ruyah grow up. I won¡¯t be here to teach her how to survive in Nyarlea. She¡­ she wouldn¡¯t remember me. Yomi choked on her cries and buried her face in her hands. She didn¡¯t want to wake Ruyah. Her daughter couldn¡¯t see her like this. She couldn¡¯t see Belial like this. Belial rested his hand on Yomi¡¯s head, then slowly stroked her hair. It was strangely human and oddly comforting. The dark fur on his chest grew damp with her tears, but he never so much as flinched. He simply waited. When her cries quieted, he nuzzled his mouth between her ears. ¡°Who is this ¡®Saoirse¡¯ you call out to at night?¡± ¡°You¡¯ve watched me sleep?¡± Yomi murmured. Her voice was hoarse from crying. Belial huffed a noncommittal growl. ¡°S-she¡¯s the goddess of Nyarlea. All things are designed by her hand,¡± Yomi explained. ¡°At least, that¡¯s what we¡¯re told.¡± ¡°Mm.¡± Belial twined his hands and rested them around Yomi¡¯s side. He¡¯s so warm. ¡°You have only one goddess?¡± ¡°So far as I know. She¡¯s the only one haunting my dreams, anyway,¡± Yomi said. The words sounded as bitter as they tasted. ¡°I see.¡± He paused, and Yomi listened to his heartbeat until he continued. ¡°Dreams are a powerful medium. They are a canvas upon which demons and deities rest their brushes.¡± ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡± she wondered aloud. ¡°To coerce and manipulate. Teach and rebuke. We cannot force the dreamer to acknowledge the call. But as you seem to be experiencing, resistance can be chiseled down with enough power.¡± ¡°Why in dreams? Why not appear in person?¡± Yomi distantly recalled hearing tales of Saoirse appearing to catgirls in Nyarlothep and bestowing gifts. ¡°It is difficult to explain.¡± He coiled his tail around his body, resting the fluffed end in Yomi¡¯s lap. She picked it up and caressed the soft hair without a thought. It was still one of her favorite aspects about Belial. Does he enjoy me touching it? ¡°Try?¡± ¡°Hmm. All mortals exist on a single plane, separate from gods and demons. However, when you sleep, it opens a small gateway to other planes.¡± A low purring emitted from his chest as Yomi stroked his tail. ¡°It requires immense pools of magic to enter a mortal¡¯s dream¡ªlesser eternal beings are not fit for the task. But to torment the dreams of one mortal for so long? Your goddess¡ªthis Saoirse¡ªseems¡­¡± His words trailed. ¡°Seems what?¡± Yomi reached one hand up and stroked the side of Belial¡¯s face, memorizing the strong lines of his long muzzle. ¡°Cruel.¡± ¡°It¡¯s because of what I did to Matt,¡± Yomi whispered. ¡°The same act you said deserved eternal damnation.¡± Belial was silent for a time, the only sound his purring with Yomi¡¯s touch. At last, he replied. ¡°Our pact grants me a say on your soul¡¯s final resting place, Yomi of Nyarlea. I have borne witness to your sorrow and experienced your regret as if it were my own. I understand my forgiveness is not what you require, but I believe you feel true remorse for what you have done.¡± Silent tears dripped down Yomi¡¯s cheeks. ¡°I do,¡± she breathed. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry.¡± She didn¡¯t realize how badly she¡¯d needed to hear Belial¡¯s words. ¡°Why can¡¯t Saoirse believe that?¡± Belial shook his head. ¡°That is not something I can answer for you.¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Her hands shook as she wiped the streaks from her face. ¡°Belial.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Do you worry about everyone you¡¯ve made pacts with like this?¡± His nose touched the tip of her ear, and his breath was hot against her hair. ¡°No.¡± Warmth spread through Yomi¡¯s chest and into her limbs. Her lids felt heavy, and her breathing steadied. I need more nailbark. But it was too far away and outside of Belial¡¯s embrace. ¡°Sleep, Yomi of Nyarlea. I will guard your dreams tonight.¡± She wanted to protest. Ask how he could possibly stand against the goddess. But the last shreds of her [Energy] faded away. For the first time in weeks, Yomi fell into a dreamless slumber. Chapter 237: Supercell The sun was rising when Destiny woke. During the evening, someone had draped a sheet over her shoulders. She couldn¡¯t remember falling asleep, only that she¡¯d taken to a chair to one corner of the room, offering advice whenever Tristan appeared troubled. Tristan sat at the center of the room, hunched over the book Melody had given them. The gentle light offered by the sun seeping through the blinds cast a soft glow on his body, outlining the tiny hairs on his forearms. He continued to turn the pages, the crisp sound of shifting paper wading through the room. ¡°Tristan?¡± Destiny said, rubbing her eye. ¡°Why are you still awake?¡± The young man turned his head toward her, forcing a smile. ¡°Good morning, Destiny.¡± Deep, dark bags hung beneath his eyes. His blonde hair was tousled more than usual, sticking up in the back in thin sheets. Much of the color had drained from his skin. He yawned. ¡°Couldn¡¯t sleep.¡± He turned his attention back to the book, turning another page. ¡°Thought I might as well look into more of the expenditures.¡± Bless your heart, you poor thing. Destiny removed the sheet and stood, balling it and setting it down on the chair. This is really bothering you, isn¡¯t it? She sat, tucking her legs beneath her, then gently positioned his head on her shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t overwork yourself.¡± He sighed. ¡°This is a real mess.¡± ¡°Want to talk about it?¡± Despite Celestia¡¯s constant disappointment banging against the doors of her self-esteem, she liked to believe she was somewhat intelligent. At least, when Tristan or Lara were involved. ¡°I might be able to help.¡± I hope I can. I can, right? Saoirse, please give me the wisdom to help him. Tristan shut his eyes, and Destiny ran a hand through his hair while Lara and Ravyn snored and kicked in the beds behind them. Destiny giggled softly, listening to Tristan¡¯s breathing. ¡°Where do I even start?¡± Whenever Destiny struggled to find solutions, she liked to start with the biggest problem first. As she¡¯d learned during her time in Venicia, taking care of the most troublesome issues before anything else was the best way to alleviate stress and anxiety. ¡°How about where the most money is being spent?¡± That didn¡¯t sound stupid, right? I phrased that correctly? Surely that made sense. Destiny combated her rising anxiety and waited for Tristan¡¯s answer. ¡°Military. As I expected.¡± He lifted his head from her shoulder, and her skin immediately felt cold from his departure. He pulled the book closer, positioning it so the center aligned with where their knees touched. ¡°Sixty-seven thousand, three hundred and thirty-three Bells spent in one month. That¡¯s just for guard fees.¡± He rubbed his chin. ¡°I didn¡¯t even make that from a single, erm¡­copulating Quest.¡± Destiny blushed at his word choice and sucked in her lips. She loved how carefully he spoke. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen that many Bells in one place,¡± Destiny admitted. ¡°Nor have I.¡± Tristan flipped back a few pages, brushing his finger down a list of names. ¡°These are all the guards that were paid. I counted one hundred and fifty-three guards in total. That accounts for Shulan, alone.¡± He clicked his tongue, then sighed. ¡°The number I gave you before also only accounts for Shulan. If we look here,¡± he tapped his finger to a guard¡¯s name, ¡°Maribelle is paid eleven Bells a day. In the entire month, she earned one hundred and sixty-four Bells. I did some math,¡± he gestured to a sheet of paper set to the side littered with rows of numbers, ¡°and estimated she worked fifteen days out of the month.¡± ¡°So they¡¯re paid a wage for the day and not by the amount of time worked?¡± Destiny frowned at the concerning number of rows on his sheet. ¡°That¡¯s the fun part,¡± he said with a hint of sarcasm in his voice, ¡°I don¡¯t know. Admittedly, I¡¯m working under the assumption that they receive a set payment each day they work¡ªlike a salary. Every time I end up with an answer, I¡¯m confronted with another question. This is not something I can fix in a day, a week, or¡­¡± He paused. ¡°Hell, even a year might not be enough time.¡± His last sentence came out in a frustrated groan. ¡°This is like San Francisco all over again.¡± Destiny had lost count of how many times she¡¯d heard of San Francisco during their time together. Curiosity prodded at her mind as she wondered how such a strikingly beautiful city could suffer from so many issues. In Tristan¡¯s mirror, the place lit up as night fell, sparkling like thousands of stars. It was too bad Shulan, and the whole of San Island for that matter, seemed to have more in common with this San Francisco than Destiny imagined. ¡°Okay,¡± Destiny said. ¡°So the guards are where the most money is being spent. Where are we not spending the money?¡± I should have rephrased that better. That sounded stupid coming out like that. ¡°That¡¯s been taking longer to figure out than I¡¯d anticipated.¡± Tristan picked up the book and set it atop their touching knees, clumping a thick number of pages between his fingers and flipping through until he reached a section labeled ¡®Nyannies.¡¯ ¡°See here.¡± He pointed to a name halfway down the page. ¡°This Caroline person was working for a couple of months. But then, there¡¯s just a list of X¡¯s in the other brackets where her earnings should be listed.¡± This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. ¡°What does that mean?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Tristan shook his head. ¡°It could mean she was fired or that she¡¯s a no-show¡ª ah, sorry. That means she just didn¡¯t show up for work that day.¡± Destiny smiled. ¡°I thought as much.¡± Tristan half-laughed, keeping his voice low. ¡°What was I saying?¡± He rubbed his forehead, then worked his way down to his brow, and then his eyes. ¡°Right, X¡¯s. I found more X¡¯s in other places outside of labor. Like item inventory and livestock.¡± ¡°So, then, the X¡¯s could mean a lot of different things?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Tristan sighed. ¡°Judging from that, I¡¯m inclined to believe that it means they disappeared in some way. I mean, if they were fired, why continue to mark them down?¡± He bowed his head. ¡°Or¡­ it could mean they did work, they just didn¡¯t receive pay on that day, for¡­whatever reason. But why use the same mark in other places?¡± He groaned. ¡°I¡¯m probably overthinking this.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s return to the X¡¯s later,¡± Destiny said, hoping to distract him. From her experience, Tristan tended to focus on a single problem, seeking answers for said problem, then quietly buckling under pressure when he came to another issue that continued to exacerbate the problem. ¡°You said something about the nyannies?¡± ¡°Ah, right. Sorry, lost my train of thought there,¡± Tristan replied, flipping a few more pages to the left. ¡°Don¡¯t be. This is a lot of work for a group, let alone a single person.¡± She put her hand on top of his. ¡°Please remember that you are not alone in this.¡± Tristan turned his head toward her, his eyes blood shoot. Her heart skipped a beat, and she had to fight the dour expression she felt coming on. He needed her smile right now. ¡°I know Lara and I may not seem it at times, but we learned much from Venicia¡¯s School of Etiquette.¡± Are you sure about that, Destiny? Didn¡¯t you flunk almost every class you took? Destiny swallowed the thought. ¡°Rely on me,¡± Destiny continued. ¡°Please.¡± Tristan nodded, his stare vacant as if he were chewing on her words. ¡°Okay. Something strange I noticed about the nyanny situation,¡± he pointed to another list of names, ¡°is that there is never any consistent organization to it.¡± ¡°Meaning?¡± Are you not paying attention? How are you going to help him if you keep asking stupid questions like that? ¡°Well, everywhere I look, the funding for projects, jobs, roads, structures, you name it; they¡¯re all organized into neat rows with consistent page counts. See here.¡± He flipped a few more pages over, counting out loud. ¡°Three pages in, expenditures for guards.¡± He turned back. ¡°Three pages forward, expenditures for guards. That¡¯s not how it plays out for nyannies, however. They¡¯re always footnotes at best. That leads me to believe that they¡¯re an afterthought.¡± If she were being honest, Destiny struggled to keep up with what he meant. She was sure that whatever he was saying was the truth, but his mouth and hands moved with a speed she often struggled to comprehend. As if he were always thinking five steps ahead. Wondering what it¡¯s like to be smart and not stupid? Destiny shut her eyes, mouthing for her inner monologue to silence itself. When she opened them again, it was with the express intent to offer aid. ¡°Could that be part of the problem?¡± Destiny asked. She thought she recalled Ravyn complaining about the number of orphans in the street. Pickpocketing was a large issue in the city, so perhaps there weren¡¯t enough nyannies to keep the orphan population under control. ¡°Why are there so many orphans to begin with? Should the nyannies not be taking care of them?¡± ¡°This is a question for Ravyn,¡± Tristan admitted. ¡°I don¡¯t know enough about San Island, its culture, its people, or really much of anything.¡± He looked over his shoulder at the sleeping [Sorcerer]. She¡¯d taken the other bed after Lara had insisted they try speaking with Fire. ¡°We¡¯ll ask her some questions when she wakes up.¡± Suddenly, Ravyn shot up, startling Tristan and Destiny. On reflex, Destiny scooted away from the young master, half-ashamed that they¡¯d been so close with others in the room. You think anyone wants to see you naked, anyway? Ravyn is what the men desire. Not someone like you. A line of drool hung from one corner of Ravyn¡¯s mouth. ¡°You say my name?¡± ¡°Uh, yeah,¡± Tristan stammered. ¡°Mm.¡± She sat there for a few seconds before collapsing backward into a deep sleep. Her snores filled the room, and Destiny and Tristan chuckled. Destiny resumed her spot beside Tristan, flushing. ¡°Perhaps we¡¯ll give them a little longer.¡± ¡°Yes. I think they need the rest.¡± ¡°You should sleep too.¡± Tristan glanced at the book and sheets of paper he¡¯d been writing on, then nodded. ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±
¡°Shit,¡± Ravyn said after hearing what Tristan had told Destiny earlier. ¡°I could spend some time explaining things to you, but it wouldn¡¯t make a difference.¡± She took the book out of Tristan¡¯s hand, opened it, and shuffled through a few of the pages. ¡°Nyannies are paid like garbage.¡± She snapped the book shut, then proffered it back to Tristan. ¡°I¡¯m open to suggestions,¡± Tristan said, sighing. ¡°It¡¯s kept me up all night.¡± Ravyn blinked. ¡°You¡¯re that worried?¡± He nodded. ¡°Of course I am. I hate to see others suffer.¡± ¡°My favorite trait about you,¡± Lara said, grinning. Her apron was tucked so that it folded in awkwardly between her sash. Destiny motioned to it, and with slow and methodical motions, Lara went to work adjusting it. ¡°I¡¯m done watching people take on the world by themselves,¡± Ravyn said flatly. ¡°San Island can¡¯t be fixed in a day. You said it yourself. When you work on it, we work on it together. Do you understand?¡± ¡°I¡­ Yes. Yes, of course,¡± Tristan said with a half-frown. Wow, some kindness. She¡¯s capable of it after all. ¡°Good.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s take the book back and get outta here,¡± Ravyn said, flicking her head toward the door. ¡°We can¡¯t do this as we are. We¡¯re going to need help.¡± ¡°Useless fucks, useless fucks! Squawwwk!¡± Ball cried from atop Ravyn¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Wait, where are we going?¡± Destiny asked, grabbing Ravyn by the elbow. She turned her head toward the maid, a hint of anger twisting her lips. ¡°To Zhuli. We need a master¡¯s touch. My mother¡¯s touch.¡± Side Quest: Emilios Second Chance It was as good a morning as any for a fight. Emilio adjusted the enormous anchor on his shoulder and rolled his head from side to side. His neck cracked, and he grunted with satisfaction. ¡°Where did they all come from?¡± Pearl asked. Her long taupe hair flew free in the mountain breeze. She wrinkled her nose when a few flyaway strands tickled her face, and she brushed them back. ¡°This isn¡¯t the right season for harts to feed.¡± The damn things had surrounded the gates of Lyncina, picking off the chickens or sheep that strayed too far from their herds. Hart hooves were made for the mountains. They came and went like packs of bandits in the night, creeping up and down straight inclines to hunt, often leaving many farmers worried for their livestock. ¡°Who knows what woke them up.¡± Emilio shrugged. ¡°Claudia¡¯s been smoking all kinds of fish this week. Could¡¯ve made ¡®em hungry.¡± ¡°It¡¯s certainly made me hungry,¡± Yazmin remarked. She rocked from one bare foot to the other, her dark skin glowing in the sunlight. She didn¡¯t wear much for armor¡ªit just got in her way. ¡°You¡¯re always hungry,¡± Pearl laughed. Yazmin grinned and licked her lips. ¡°Who wouldn¡¯t be? Ni Island has the best food.¡± ¡°Seems the harts would agree.¡± Emilio scratched his chin. ¡°Let¡¯s hope this is all of ¡®em.¡± Two of the harts at the edge of the herd noticed the Party. Beady red eyes locked on Emilio, and their gruff bleating revealed sharp black teeth. ¡°Time to work, ladies.¡± He lifted his anchor from his shoulder and rested the shank in his palm, gripping it by the throat. The arms and bills were sharpened to razor edges¡ªa weapon unlike any other. ¡°Alright. Ready.¡± Pearl reached toward Emilio and rested her hand on his shoulder. She closed her wide, clear eyes, then quietly recited, ¡°[Sigil of Power].¡± A glowing white rune appeared on Emilio¡¯s bicep, and a flood of [Strength] rushed through his veins. No matter how many times she cast that Spell, it always felt just as intoxicating. He felt unstoppable. With a thrilled laugh, he took a step forward. The harts screamed and charged. ¡°[Sanguine Wrath]!¡± Emilio called. A dozen tiny cuts bit into his arms and legs, gradually sapping his [Health Points] as he launched himself at the herd. His first swing of the anchor cleaved the throats of the two harts that had initiated the fight. Blood soaked their dark fur and sprayed over Emilio¡¯s arms. Another hart jumped, kicking all four legs into his chest. Emilio swung again, slicing one anchor¡¯s arm straight through the roach¡¯s limbs. It screamed. The severed torso dropped to the ground, and the legs bounced around it. Three more harts flanked him on opposite sides, lowering their heads and readying their sharp horns. ¡°Shit,¡± he grumbled. Harts adapted to every battle like a seasoned battalion¡ªusing the losses of their units to adapt and conquer. It made them a pain in the neck to kill. ¡°Go left!¡± Yazmin called. ¡°[Extend Nails]! [Blood Bite]!¡± Emilio took the hart to his left, racing toward it before it charged. He did not want to be on the tips of those horns. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. Yazmin moved in a blur of leather and black hair, descending on the roach to Emilio¡¯s right. ¡°[Sigil of Confusion]!¡± Pearl shouted. The third hart veered to the side, spilling to the ground mid-stride with strained bleats. It kicked up rocks and dirt in a disorienting cloud as it spun in chaotic circles. The hart focused on Emilio managed to pierce his tunic with its horns before Emilio buried his anchor in its midsection, striking through its spine and deep into its bowels. At his side, Yazmin descended on her target, ripping through fur and flesh with her hands and teeth. Wet sounds of her feeding on the roach¡¯s blood mingled with the whimpering mewls that escaped inside its dying breaths. ¡°Yazmin! I thought you already ate breakfast!¡± Pearl said, wincing. The [Whisper] leaned back and sucked her teeth before giving Pearl a gruesome smile. ¡°I did.¡± ¡°Come on, girls. Keep at it!¡± Emilio called, not wanting to lose his focus. The [Sigil of Strength] was beginning to fade from his bicep, and the cuts from [Sanguine Wrath] were difficult to ignore. Yazmin cackled and pounced into the center of a group of four harts. ¡°[Flurry of Needles]!¡± Emilio turned just as hundreds of tiny spines emerged from Yazmin¡¯s skin, from the tips of her ears to her ankles, then shot and pierced the circle of harts. It was an off-putting sight¡ªone he was still getting used to. The Encroachers screamed, their eyes fogging from the resulting venom. It slowed their attacks and gave Yazmin time to kill them one by one. While Yazmin decimated her group, Emilio finished off the hart still struggling with Pearl¡¯s confusion sigil, then engaged the final group of three. It was a bloody affair as they silenced the last of them. A handful of stragglers rushed down the sides of the mountain in a hasty retreat. He hoped it wasn¡¯t enough for the roaches to reform and return. They piled the harts together, and Yazmin moved through them, searching for the tiny gems that grew on their horns and carving out the powdery chalk from their hooves. The gems were well-liked for jewelry and gear crafting, while the chalk was used in multiple [Alchemy] recipes. ¡°This is a nice group, Emilio. Out-of-season hart materials should fetch us a lot of Bells,¡± Yazmin mused while she worked. Emilio nodded, and the motion made him dizzy. [Berserker] Skills had that effect. ¡°Pearl, would you mind throwing me a heal?¡± ¡°Oh! Of course!¡± Pearl skipped to Emilio¡¯s side, then touched his arm and murmured, ¡°[Mend].¡± The cuts vanished, and Emilio¡¯s head cleared. ¡°Thanks.¡± ¡°Are we going to have to eat hart meat for a month?¡± Pearl asked. Emilio laughed. ¡°Aw, Pearl, but you love hart meat.¡± Pearl stuck the tip of her tongue between her lips and groaned. ¡°You know I hate it.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll have Claudia smoke it for me,¡± Yazmin said. She stood and slipped the rest of her findings inside of her [Cat Pack]. ¡°And Emilio. I guess.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sure the Tower could use it for stew,¡± Emilio suggested. That tavern would throw damn near anything in a stew. ¡°Why don¡¯t we head back in and ask around?¡± ¡°That sounds like a good idea,¡± Pearl agreed. ¡°Though, maybe the two of you should clean up first.¡± Her white and blue garbs were strikingly spotless compared to the blood-covered Emilio and Yazmin. Yazmin snickered, then dragged her tongue from the crook of her elbow to her wrist, licking up the drying hart gore with a gleam in her eye. Emilio had realized early on how much Yazmin enjoyed getting a rise out of other people. ¡°Is every girl from Ichi insane, or are you just special?¡± Pearl teased. She¡¯d adjusted well to Yazmin¡¯s antics. ¡°Maybe one day you¡¯ll find out,¡± Yazmin replied. ¡°Let¡¯s go. I¡¯m hungry.¡± Pearl sighed, and Emilio laughed. The two women turned and strode into Lyncina, but Emilio paused. Outside the walls of the city, he could get a perfect view of the expansive ocean lapping at Ni Island¡¯s shores. The sun glittered on the clear surface, and the breeze carried the salty air all the way up the mountains. Ever since he¡¯d arrived in Nyarlea, Emilio hadn¡¯t been able to bring himself to get back on a boat. But he could feel the itch to sail returning. His whole life had been spent at sea, and the idea of uncharted waters was too tempting¡­ ¡°Emilio? Are you coming?¡± Pearl called. ¡°Right. My apologies.¡± Emilio shook his head and jogged to catch up. He¡¯d figure out some way to get them a boat. Soon. Chapter 238: Storm Glass Clang! Clang! Clang! The walls of Espada¡¯s shop echoed with the stringent, rhythmic ring of hammer to metal. Smithing was solid and sure, like the passing of time. Any material, any shape; she could do it. Her father had taught her how in another life long ago. A woman could learn a lot with so many lives to her name. Clang! Clang! Clang! Espada lifted the glowing knife from the table and quenched it in oil. The satisfying sizzle turned her ears, and she flicked what was left of her tail to the side. It was a hell of an expensive way to finish her weapons, but Nauka had perfected the quenching recipe and kept it coming in exchange for [Alchemy] tools. A shadow appeared in her shop¡¯s doorway. Talk of the devil, and she¡¯s on your tail. ¡°I¡¯m surprised you¡¯re working today, girly,¡± Nauka called, shuffling over the threshold. ¡°Your knife¡¯s not done yet, Granny.¡± Espada had refrained from the title for years, but hearing the kittens say it so often had forced it to finally trickle into her vocabulary. ¡°Nah. I¡¯m not worried about that.¡± Nauka waddled closer, leaned far over the counter, and set a tall, dark bottle to the side. ¡°I¡¯m worried about you.¡± Every fucking year¡¯s going to be like this, isn¡¯t it? ¡°I¡¯m fine, Granny.¡± Nauka pushed the bottle closer to the edge. ¡°You¡¯ve always been a terrible liar, girly.¡± Espada pulled the blade from the oil, examining her craftsmanship. The edge glittered in the light of the coals, and the spine was a perfect, straight edge. Somehow, Nauka had snapped the tip of her last one, but the new knife should last far beyond the ancient woman¡¯s years. ¡°You know, most people get to celebrate their name days, Starbirth, Cherishing Day, the sentimental rubbish that all the little kittens get bright-eyed and bushy-tailed over.¡± Nauka sighed and pulled the cork from the bottle before taking a swig. ¡°Instead, each year while mourning the passing of our beloved late queen, I hafta wonder why a Queen¡¯s Guard appeared in Junonia. On my porch. In the middle of the damn night. Covered in so much blood she shoulda been dead.¡± Espada¡¯s fingers clenched harder around the knife¡¯s handle. Her knuckles turned white. ¡°Have you ever thought about not wondering?¡± Nauka cackled, then sucked her teeth. ¡°I¡¯ve been on this island for more years than you have hairs on your stubby little tail, girly. All I do is wonder.¡± ¡°Guess you¡¯ll have to be content to keep wondering then, hm?¡± Espada set the blade aside and marched to the counter. She snatched the bottle from Nauka¡¯s hand and took a drink. It burned on the way down¡ªstrong as hell. Probably brewed by the granny herself. She dug in her apron for a few Bells and slid them across the counter. ¡°Thanks for the bottle. Your knife¡¯ll be done tomorrow.¡± Nauka covered Espada¡¯s hand with hers. ¡°I know what pain looks like, Espada. And I know what I saw on your face that night. That¡¯s not something a young woman should hafta bear alone.¡± This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. Espada ripped her arm away from the [Alchemist]. ¡°You don¡¯t know a goddess-damned thing.¡± Nauka looked behind her, then lowered her voice. ¡°Did someone put ya up to it?¡± The coals hissed as Espada narrowed her eyes. Her chipped ears flattened to her head. ¡°You think I killed her?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know what to think unless you tell me,¡± Nauka pressed, her expression impossible to read. ¡°Alright. Shop¡¯s fucking closed.¡± Rage rippled through Espada¡¯s veins, and a red haze framed her gaze. ¡°Get out, Nauka.¡± ¡°Now you look here, girly¡ª¡± ¡°Get out!¡± Espada bellowed, slamming her fist onto the countertop. Nauka slowly straightened and shook her head. She murmured an unintelligible train of words as she shuffled out of the shop. Espada slammed the door behind her, setting the lock and breathing hard. Her hands shook, and she leaned her forehead against the door. Nauka would never understand. No one would ever understand. With one last kick against the door, she swiped the bottle from the counter and killed the flames of her furnace before culling the meager lamps that illuminated her workspace. Her home was attached to the back of her shop; a modest cottage with one bedroom set away from the kitchen. Very few decorations adorned the walls¡ªgifts, mostly, from some of the girls in Junonia or clients in Nyarlothep. Trinkets and baubles that kept the place from feeling abandoned. But there wasn¡¯t much she could do to keep it from feeling empty. Every fucking year. Espada took another drink and moved through the kitchen. In her bedroom was a small chest of drawers that held her limited wardrobe and linens. She lit a candle, then sat cross-legged before it, cradling the bottle in her hands. For a few minutes, she hesitated, staring at the copper handles she¡¯d forged to fit. Why take it out? What good would it do? ¡°Because it¡¯s all I have left of you,¡± she murmured. She set the bottle to the side, then pulled the bottom drawer entirely out of the chest before sliding a tiny key from a pocket in her belt. She reached into the shadowed rectangle and fingered for the nearly imperceptible lock on the bottom of the next drawer. Once she found it, she slid the key¡¯s pin inside, turned it to the left until it clicked, then carefully lowered the locked box into her hands and out into the open. It was a smooth wooden case of a simple design. The only way to unlock it was with a ring she¡¯d forged that held the matching signet; a complex pattern of lines and swirls that looked like decorative filigree. But if you held it up to the light at just the right angle, it cast a silhouette portrait of a woman. Of Melasia. ¡®We have the rare chance to start anew. If we cannot carve a new path, then who?¡¯ ¡°Eight years without you, Melasia. Not a damn thing¡¯s changed,¡± Espada replied to the queen¡¯s words in her head. ¡°I think I¡¯m the only one that remembers you anymore.¡± ¡®Why must we hide? Why musn¡¯t we love?¡¯ Espada slid the ring from her finger and then pushed it into the lock. The mechanism caught and released, and she carefully lifted the lid. Three items were positioned in place with expensive pieces of plush blue velvet¡ªthe last of Espada¡¯s unbloodied Queen¡¯s Guard cloak. A lock of Melasia¡¯s shining hair. A love letter Espada had carried with her in so many battles against Defiled that it was crinkled and worn. And the Queen of Nyarela¡¯s crown. Espada stroked the lock of hair. It was as soft and silken as the day Melasia had tied it with a white ribbon and promised Espada to keep it with her always. She had the words on Melasia¡¯s letter memorized. ¡®No matter where your journey takes you, you must always return to me, my savior.¡¯ She traced a finger over the delicate golden contours, remembering the perfect curve and frame it had around Melasia¡¯s ears. Hundreds of tiny sapphires glimmered from within their settings, and three large stones stood prominently at the front. It was meant to mirror Saoirse¡¯s mask, just as Melasia was meant to mirror Saoirse¡¯s teachings. And one man had shattered it all. Chapter 239: Tropical Storm It¡¯d been two days since Ravyn and the others left Shulan. They returned the record book to Melody, as requested, beckoning for a carriage only an hour later. For an extra fee, the coach agreed to take them the rest of the way to Zhuli. The nights spent camping out with the coach¡ªwhose name was Lily¡ªwere uncomfortable at first, but Ravyn quickly acclimated. To Ravyn¡¯s benefit, Lily had a similar sense of humor. That made things somewhat more tolerable. The carriage¡¯s interior was lined with intricate reds and browns and was incredibly comfortable. Ravyn¡¯s gaze lulled outside the curtained window when it came to a sudden stop. Moments later, the shuffling of feet approached the door. A knock followed, and Lily pulled it open. ¡°We¡¯ve arrived!¡± Lily said proudly, her arm extended in a large sweeping bow. She was dressed on the modest side for a woman who did most of her business in Shulan¡ªlong sleeves, a high neck, and traveling leathers. Considering Lily¡¯s Zhuli roots, however, Ravyn figured her reserved choice of clothing had something to do with that. Zhuli women were always prudish. ¡°Thank you kindly for taking a ride with me!¡± She held out her palm, and Ravyn set two one-hundred Bell coins in her hand. ¡°Ohhhh, fancy!¡± ¡°Thanks for not hitting any of the fucking rocks on the way,¡± Ravyn said with a hint of sarcasm in her voice. They¡¯d hit a rock nearly every fucking minute. Lily was quick on the uptake. She flashed a toothy grin, a natural fit for a face pocked with freckles. Her orange ears flattened against her head as she whipped her long braid over her shoulder. ¡°Only the best for you!¡± she said, reciprocating the tease. ¡°Thanks a bunch, Lily,¡± Tristan said as he exited next. He rubbed the back of his head. He¡¯d spent most of the ride having his head knocked against the back of the carriage no matter what position he tried to sit in. At least the walls were padded. Destiny and Lara followed shortly after, offering their own thanks to Lily. The sun had just set, casting an ominous glow over the city of Zhuli. A myriad of emotions swept over Ravyn. She wanted to cry, to scream, to smile. She hadn¡¯t been back to Zhuli since the day she left on her adventure. Without a single letter to her mother in the last five years, Emberlynn no doubt had many questions for her daughter. Most of which Ravyn wasn¡¯t sure she was ready to answer. ¡°My goodness, what a beautiful city!¡± Destiny marveled, a hand mere inches from her lips. Zhuli had grown much since Ravyn had last seen it. It still retained its rustic appearance¡ªat least as far as the marketplace and residential areas were concerned. What surprised her was the moat. There was a river that had always run through Zhuli, and it seemed to taper off directly into the new fortification. Five large towers surrounded the city on the inner side of the moat, each complete with a catgirl at the top. Built with its back against the mountain, this meant there was but one way in and one way out. ¡°It¡¯s bigger than it was last time I was here,¡± Ravyn said. ¡°When was that?¡± Lara asked, taking to her side. Ravyn raised a brow and stepped to the right, away from the airy blonde. ¡°Not long enough. Come on, let¡¯s go.¡± She beckoned them with a hand. ¡°Hurry up, hurry up! Squawwwk!¡± Bally cried. Ravyn and the others made their way into the city while Lily set up her horse and carriage at a stable outside the moat. Despite the improvements they¡¯d made to the city, it still smelled like home. Fresh green scents from the nailbark trees that flourished throughout Zhuli and the damp smell of algae baking in the sun from the river. A pang of longing vibrated in her chest, and she swallowed hard against it. As the sun continued to set, catgirls carried step ladders to the front of their homes to reach into the lanterns lining the streets outside. One by one, the lanterns began to glow, their sterile white light just dim enough to allow one to see without being blinded. ¡°Remarkable,¡± Tristan said as they passed a lit lantern. ¡°How does that work?¡± ¡°Gemstones,¡± Ravyn said flatly. ¡°Are they Enchanted?¡± he asked when Ravyn didn¡¯t elaborate. ¡°Yes,¡± Ravyn said, stopping to look at a home to their left. The buildings were made of sturdy brown wood so dark, they appeared black at night. Unlike the grand and ornate structures of Shulan, Zhuli bore browns, whites, and varying shades of black and gray. ¡°Courtesy of my mother, no doubt.¡± ¡°I¡¯m a little nervous meeting the famed Emberlynn,¡± Destiny said, a pink hue coloring her cheeks. Ravyn regarded her over her shoulder. Mother would like Destiny very much, she was sure. ¡°So long as you dance to her tune, you¡¯ll be fine. Come on.¡± Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Ravyn guided the group across a path of winding streets and pathways leading up to a large castle nestled against the mountain. Catgirls passed by on occasion, pulling large carriages of goods down the incline. Ravyn couldn¡¯t hide the smile that crept onto her face. She recounted the times Maya and Isabelle had soared down this incline with a cart of their own, shouting all manners of obscenities. And now they¡¯re gone. Ravyn stopped when they came up to a large pair of thick, wooden doors. The family insignia¡ªa pair of birds circling a star in flight¡ªbrought with it the memories of countless parties and business deals behind these walls. The Bells that were exchanged, the devious words shared, and the constant red glow. ¡°Halt!¡± one of the two guards at the gate said, the spear¡¯s point held toward Ravyn. She gripped it with both hands, her gaze veering from Ravyn to the others. ¡°State your business.¡± ¡°Catherine,¡± Ravyn said, forcing a smile. Catherine was stubborn, but she had a good heart and a strong sense of justice. ¡°Don¡¯t you recognize me?¡± The blue-haired catgirl frowned, then slowly her eyes widened, and a gasp escaped her lips. ¡°Cecily!¡± She shook the shoulder of the guard beside her¡ªwho seemed to be dozing off¡ªand pointed at Ravyn. ¡°It¡¯s Ravyn! It¡¯s really her!¡± ¡°Hah? What! We getting attacked?¡± Cecily cried, shaking her head. Catherine sighed, then smacked the back of Cecily¡¯s head. ¡°No, you roach! It¡¯s Ravyn! Look!¡± She pointed. ¡°Woah!¡± Cecily carefully set her spear down, then jumped over and threw her arms around Ravyn. Bally yelped, flapping away and landing on the ground beside his master. ¡°Is really you! Is really you!¡± She¡¯d had awkward speech patterns ever since she was a kitten, but her body language always spoke volumes. ¡°Y-Yeah, sure is,¡± Ravyn said, patting Cecily¡¯s back with reluctance. ¡°Just give it a rest, okay?¡± Cecily parted, her hands held firmly on Ravyn¡¯s biceps. ¡°Hmm. Where has been?¡± ¡°Long story. Is Mom home?¡± Ravyn asked. The two looked at each other briefly, then nodded in unison. ¡°Yes, she¡¯s home,¡± Catherine said. ¡°She misses you, you know. She¡¯s always talking about you.¡± Ravyn shrugged away Cecily¡¯s grip, then crossed her arms. ¡°I figured. I need to talk to her.¡± ¡°As if Mistress Ravyn needs permission to enter,¡± Catherine said, turning around and walking over to a small slit in the wall. She said something indiscernible, then nodded and walked back over to where Ravyn stood. Seconds later, the doors began to open, revealing a long snake-like walkway that led up the mountain to the Emberlynn Estate. ¡°It¡¯s good to see you again.¡± ¡°Yeah. Likewise,¡± Ravyn said, unsure how she felt. ¡°[Civilian Mode].¡± Ravyn¡¯s Ichi Island garbs disappeared, replaced by the intricately embroidered dress of San Island. As comfortable as the new gear was, it left little room for her skin to breathe. She turned toward Tristan and his Party. ¡°You should return to [Civilian Mode] as well.¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Tristan said, nodding. ¡°[Civilian Mode].¡± Destiny and Lara followed suit, though little changed about them. Ravyn did note, however, that Destiny made less sound as she walked. Perhaps due the bottles and tinctures that were no longer strapped to her waist and legs. Lara was still¡­ Lara. As the gate¡¯s doors shut behind them, Ravyn breathed a sigh and Bally fluttered down and landed on the crook of her arm. She let him rest, and the familiar waddled sideways up to her shoulder. She scratched under his beak, and he clicked his beak in a soft pur beneath her touch. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s get this shit over with.¡± ¡°Catherine and Cecily seemed happy to see you,¡± Lara said, quickening her pace so she stuck close to Ravyn. ¡°Are you friends?¡± ¡°Sorta,¡± Ravyn said. ¡°That¡¯s a striking castle,¡± Destiny said in awe. Ravyn looked up. Sure enough, the Emberlynn Estate was just as she remembered it. For all of Zhuli¡¯s reticent culture, the estate sure didn¡¯t look the part. Oh, sure, it still had the same colors and patterns many of the other homes and businesses in the streets, but the wood was finer quality, the paint crisp and perfect, and why in the fuck did she import so many plants? Was that some cheap trick to appear the sophisticated and immaculate catgirl of culture and commerce? It made her sick. ¡°Sure fucking is.¡± She couldn¡¯t wait to get this over with. Of all the times she had to meet her mother, why did it have to be now? No doubt Emberlynn would try to convince her to stay and mend after such a brutal and overwhelming series of events. This was not the way this was supposed to play out. She was supposed to introduce Matt to her mother. Not Tristan¡ª Matt? Ravyn frowned and felt a brief hint of heat in her cheeks. ¡°Fuck,¡± she murmured. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Tristan asked, jogging to keep up with her. ¡°You seem a little¡­preoccupied.¡± ¡°It¡¯s just been a long time,¡± Ravyn sighed. ¡°We have a lot of things we have to talk about.¡± Night had fallen by the time they reached the doors to the mansion. Ravyn put a hand to her chest, breathing in slowly through her nose, then exhaling through her mouth. She rapped her knuckle against the door and waited. ¡°I¡¯m so nervous,¡± Destiny whispered as she moved closer to Tristan. ¡°I¡¯m sure she¡¯s a wonderful lady,¡± Tristan said with a charming smile. The boy sure knew how to bewitch any catgirl within a hundred feet. He wrapped one arm around Destiny¡¯s shoulders, hugging her close. ¡°You¡¯ll see.¡± Destiny smiled, and Ravyn turned back to the doors, gagging just as someone answered the door. A young woman with blonde hair that curled at her shoulders and vibrant green eyes answered. She wore an outfit just like Ravyn¡¯s, though hers was more modest, covering every inch of skin from the neck down to her ankles. It was colored red and black, and three silver rings pierced her left ear. ¡°Welcome. What brings you to the Emberlynn Estate?¡± the woman asked, one brow cocked in suspicion as she eyed their group. ¡°You must be new here,¡± Ravyn said. ¡°My name is Ravyn. I¡¯m Emberlynn¡¯s daughter.¡± Chapter 240: Microburst The afternoon following their first night traveling, Ceres stretched off to the side of the caravan. Clean air swelled in her lungs as she moved through the motions of her [Magic Knight] training, and birdsong filled the air. Nyarlothep was beautiful. It seemed so impossibly untouched by the Defiled threat. The forests were dense and teeming with life. No billowing towers of smoke or the constant scent of flames on the air. Those who watched their camp at night were always at ease, explaining that the watch was more for the travelers¡¯ comfort than necessity. This is what I want for Shi. Listening to Sir Matt and Sir Cailu converse had reignited the spark of hope that she may one day restore her home. ¡°Ceres,¡± Keke called, jogging to Ceres¡¯s side. ¡°Can we talk?¡± Ceres paused her forms, shifting to stand at attention. ¡°What is it?¡± Keke bit her lip and glanced over her shoulder. Content with her findings, she turned back to Ceres and lowered her voice. ¡°You have to switch places with me. I¡¯m losing my mind.¡± Ceres tilted her head to the side. ¡°Forgive me, but what do you mean?¡± ¡°In the wagons. Please let me take your spot,¡± Keke continued. Her words were strung together in one quick breath. ¡°I don¡¯t know what happened. Zahra¡¯s barely speaking. Kirti¡¯s¡­being Kirti. I could cut through that tension with a knife.¡± ¡°Oh. I see.¡± But my time with the men! Ceres knew the tiny voice that echoed in her ears was illogical and unkind. It was the same voice that reveled in battle and insisted upon acting on instinct. Look at Keke. She is clearly distraught. Keke¡¯s dark hair was disheveled, and she wore a worrying frown. ¡°Keke, perhaps Sir Cailu¡ª¡± Keke shook her head and pitched her voice down. ¡°¡®I must speak with Matt on important matters.¡¯ And then he ignored me.¡± Ceres couldn¡¯t help but smile at the dramatization. ¡°Might I make a suggestion?¡± a new voice joined the fold. They turned to greet the newcomer. A young woman with deep blue hair that swirled around her shoulders in the afternoon breeze and sapphire eyes that glittered in the sun performed a polite bow. Ceres recognized her as one of the guards in their caravan. ¡°My apologies. I couldn¡¯t help but overhear your conversation.¡± Eavesdropping, are we? Keke had spoken lightly¡ªthe guard would have had to strain to listen. A flash of excitement tickled the end of Ceres¡¯s tail. What was it that you were listening for? ¡°It is no trouble at all.¡± ¡°Where are my manners? My name is Lucia.¡± Lucia straightened and smiled. ¡°I take point on the first carriage and have ample room for a companion.¡± Her warm gaze lingered on Ceres as she spoke. ¡°If Lady Ceres would honor me with her company, it seems that would solve your quandary.¡± Keke looked back at Ceres, her golden eyes brimming with her silent plea. Ceres glanced between them, then nodded. As much as removing herself from the conversations between Sir Matt and Sir Cailu pained her, Ceres¡¯s curiosity won the battle. ¡°It is likely that I would benefit from fresh air for a time.¡± Keke clamped her hands around Ceres¡¯s bracer. ¡°You¡¯re the best. Thank you.¡± She nodded at Lucia. ¡°And thank you.¡± ¡°The pleasure is mine,¡± Lucia said with another bow. ¡°I¡¯ll let Matt know what¡¯s going on,¡± Keke said. She left them alone, a new spring in her step as she departed. Ceres studied Lucia for a few quiet moments. The guard was stunning, fitted in expensive travel leathers that clung to her curves and moved as if they were part of her form. But beyond appearances, Ceres found Lucia¡¯s mannerisms and word choice achingly familiar. ¡°Forgive me for asking, but have we met?¡± ¡°No. However¡­¡± Lucia smiled, then murmured, ¡°[Civilian Mode].¡± Her leathers glowed a vivid blue and were soon replaced by a high-necked, long-sleeved dress with silver buttons that rested over ankle-high boots. A white apron with two thin straps and gathered edges hugged tightly to her waist and flowed free over midnight blue skirts. Silver embroidery decorated the edges of her apron and ribbon in intricate floral patterns. Her loose hair was tied back from her face with a white satin ribbon. Ceres feared that her chin would strike the ground. ¡°Anyona.¡± ¡°Correct, my lady.¡± Lucia bowed again. ¡°It may be foolish of me to ask, but I¡¯d hoped we could speak of home.¡± Nostalgia clutched Ceres¡¯s heart and held her breath. Shi Island¡­ Lucia¡¯s home¡­ Ceres¡¯s discomfort must have shown plainly on her face. Lucia¡¯s eyes widened, and she shook her head. ¡°My lady¡ª¡± ¡°Lucia, you may call me Ceres. Please.¡± Lucia smiled, though sadness crossed her features. ¡°Ceres, I know what¡¯s become of Anyona. What I meant was, well¡­ I hoped to reminisce a bit. If you¡¯ll humor me.¡± ¡°O-Of course!¡± Ceres stammered. It only stood to reason that she would meet others from her island on Nyarlothep. And yet, that knowledge did not quell her excitement nor diminish her desire to bombard Lucia with questions. There was so much she wished to know. ¡°I would¡ª¡± Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. ¡°Lucia! Let¡¯s go!¡± One of the other guards called. ¡°Everyone¡¯s ready!¡± ¡°One moment!¡± Lucia called back, then whispered, ¡°[Combat Mode].¡± Her wavy hair loosened from its bow and cascaded down her shapely neck. Her combat equipment returned, and she brushed her hands over her thighs. ¡°Shall we?¡± ¡°Yes, of course!¡± Ceres started, realizing her thoughts had drifted beyond the wagon. She only wishes to converse! Stop these ridiculous ideas. Keke gave Ceres a tiny salute as she followed Cannoli, Sir Matt, and Sir Cailu into the carriage. Ceres reciprocated, stealing a glance at Zahra and Kirti. Kirti wore her bewildering smile while Zahra seemed to be searching for a place to rest her gaze. Ceres sighed and caught up to Lucia. While another guard took her place on the rear edge of the carriage, Lucia stepped up on the front foothold of Sir Matt¡¯s carriage, shuffled across the metal dash, then took a seat. She smiled and patted the cushioned leather beside her. Ceres followed suit, hopping up to take her place before Lucia grabbed the reins. ¡°Let¡¯s move!¡± Lucia called, snapping the reins with a quick flick of her wrists. The grazing horses lifted their muzzles and laboriously began to trot along the dirt path. Once they¡¯d settled into a comfortable rhythm, Lucia relaxed her shoulders and smiled at Ceres. ¡°Is this your first time outside of Shi Island?¡± ¡°Hm. I believe it is better to say this is my first time to Nyarlothep,¡± Ceres replied. ¡°I left Shi Island months ago.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Lucia blinked. ¡°I recognize Cailu, but the man that¡¯s with you, Matt. Is Shi Island not his?¡± ¡°Matt is from Ni.¡± Ceres laughed when Lucia favored her with a look of bewilderment. The expression was adorable. ¡°It is a very long story. Shi Island¡¯s man is currently assessing the problems that plague San Island.¡± Lucia shook her head. ¡°Goodness. That does sound like a long story.¡± She reached forward and adjusted the hem of one of her tall black boots, and her shirt dipped low on her chest. Ceres blushed and looked away. ¡°S-So, Anyona,¡± she stammered. ¡°If that is from where you hail, you must be a bit older than I am.¡± ¡°It does look that way. Though, you seem a lot more experienced than I am.¡± Lucia settled the reins in her lap. ¡°You¡¯re a [Magic Knight], right?¡± ¡°I am. I studied beneath the Knights of Sorentina.¡± Lucia¡¯s ears perked. ¡°Under Lady Giselle?¡± Ceres¡¯s tail quickly ticked back and forth with excitement as she looked at Lucia. ¡°Oh my goodness! Yes!¡± Lucia squinted her eyes, masking her smile with a frown. ¡°¡®I¡¯m going to grind you into the dirt!¡¯ Saoirse help me, but that woman had claws,¡± she laughed. ¡°For me, it was much needed,¡± Ceres admitted. ¡°Does this mean you are a [Magic Knight] as well?¡± ¡°No. I attempted the test four times. The Sword of Virtues never accepted me.¡± Lucia lulled her head back and stared up at the sky. Ceres¡¯s ears and tail drooped. She recalled the fear of rejection before her own test. If she was never chosen¡­ ¡°Oh, no. Lucia, my sincerest apologies.¡± Lucia shrugged and looked at Ceres. ¡°I accepted that it wasn¡¯t my place, and so I followed a new path.¡± ¡°Have you resided in Nyarlothep since then?¡± Ceres asked. ¡°Sort of. I frequented the Guild Hall in Sorentina for many years, working as I do now. As a hired hand to protect travelers on their journeys. Then a merchant ship hired me to help escort them to Nyarlothep when a particularly horrid Defiled reared its fangs between Shi and the mainland. I fell in love with life here, so I chose to stay.¡± ¡°Did you not have an established life back on Shi?¡± Ceres wondered. A mischievous smile twitched at the corner of Lucia¡¯s lips. ¡°Didn¡¯t you?¡± Ceres hoped the heat that rushed to her face was not apparent. She had left her own life behind when Sir Matt had appeared without a second thought. The draw to something greater was too powerful. Saoirse had gifted her with a chance to make a true difference in Nyarlea, and she had leaped in ears-first. ¡°Right. That was a silly question.¡± ¡°I only jest, Ceres. I believe Saoirse blessed me with wandering feet. I¡¯ve never been able to stay in one place for long.¡± Lucia reached out and touched Ceres¡¯s hand. ¡°Service, grace, and urgency shouldn¡¯t condemn us to haunt a single doorway all our lives. We¡ª ah!¡± Ceres felt a tiny jolt beneath her skin where Lucia¡¯s hand rested. As if a thousand wing beats from a firefly had triggered beneath Lucia¡¯s fingertips. She twitched with surprise and cocked her head. ¡°Was that you?¡± Lucia¡¯s cheeks turned a deep red, and she drew her hand away. ¡°My affinity has a mind of its own.¡± ¡°Your affinity is lightning?¡± Ceres studied the back of her hand. There were no marks or signs that Lucia had activated her Magic. ¡°That is quite rare.¡± ¡°So I¡¯ve been told. Most of the time, I can control it. But sometimes¡­¡± Lucia gestured to Ceres. ¡°Sometimes that happens.¡± ¡°It did not hurt at all,¡± Ceres murmured. It felt¡­exciting. She wondered how it would feel along her spine. Goodness! Contain yourself! ¡°My affinity lies in ice.¡± ¡°An apt affinity for a [Magic Knight].¡± Lucia nodded, and her expression warmed as she considered Ceres. ¡°I find ice Spells quite beautiful.¡± Why is my heart beating so quickly? Ceres self-consciously touched her golden braid, unable to hold Lucia¡¯s intense gaze. ¡°So tell me, how many times were you assigned to kitchen duty while you trained?¡± Lucia¡¯s face lit up. ¡°More than I can count! But we were always playing tricks on one another, so really, it was my own fault.¡± ¡°Oh? You must tell me more.¡± Ceres had believed herself alone with her love of antics¡ªher father had certainly driven her to think so. ¡°Well, once, a catfish wandered into the dorms, and I took him in as a pet¡­¡± The hours passed like minutes as they exchanged stories and laughter. Ceres found herself with tears in her eyes and an aching belly when Lucia relayed a joke she had played that had caught Lady Giselle by mistake. Ceres wished the afternoon would never end. To meet someone so very like herself was as lovely and fresh as the afternoon breeze. When they stopped for the evening, Ceres hopped down from the carriage and stretched. Before the others had exited the wagon, Lucia clamored down to Ceres¡¯s side. Her eyes were wide, and she fretted her lower lip. ¡°Lucia?¡± Ceres¡¯s heart skipped. Lucia lifted herself on her toes and kissed Ceres¡¯s cheek. She lowered her voice to a whisper. ¡°You would be welcome in my tent after dinner. If you want.¡± A shiver slid down Ceres¡¯s spine. ¡°I¡­ I would like that very much.¡± Lucia sighed, relief blooming on her face, and she smiled. ¡°See you soon, then.¡± Ceres¡¯s heartbeat hammered against her ears as she watched Lucia join the others in setting up for the evening¡¯s meal and resting quarters. See you soon. Part 2 of Microburst is NSFW and exclusive to Patrons. Click here. Side Quest: You Are a Pirate! Fall on San Island was beautiful. The tree leaves changed their colors from bright greens to yellows, reds, oranges, and browns. The weather cooled and more people traveled outside of Shulan than usual. That was Finn¡¯s favorite part¡ªthe city was a lot quieter this time of year. Finn, Ravyn, and Yomi perused the Shulan shop stalls in search of ingredients for that night¡¯s meal. Yomi had recently taken up [Cooking], and while she wasn¡¯t the best at it, Finn was grateful to be able to stay home and eat. Taverns were nice and all, but a night in a tavern almost always led to a catgirl propositioning him. Another stranger¡¯s bed. Another night away from Ravyn. He was more than happy to eat some subpar stews in exchange for a few nights of peace a week. ¡°Oh! Gourdkins are back in season!¡± Yomi proclaimed at a vegetable stand. ¡°Nani? What-kins?¡± Finn asked. Ravyn wrinkled her nose. ¡°We¡¯ve bought them before, Finn. Gourdkins. These.¡± She tapped three large vegetables in various shapes and colors on the stand. All had thick skins and a stem at their base, but those were about the only traits they sold. Oh. Right. Like gourds. ¡°Fucking vegetables, Finn! Squaawk! Stupid Finn!¡± Ball Gag screamed from Ravyn¡¯s shoulder. Finn rolled his eyes. Miserable hellkite. ¡°Hey. Bally. Not nice.¡± Ravyn tapped him on the beak. ¡°Just because you weren¡¯t allowed to eat Finn¡¯s cookies yesterday doesn¡¯t mean you can be rude.¡± Ball tucked his head under his wing. ¡°Orange gourdkins make delicious pies,¡± Yomi continued, ignoring Ball¡¯s comment. She picked one up and held it out to Finn. ¡°I can try to make one if you¡¯d like.¡± Finn accepted the ribbed gourdkin and blinked. ¡°This looks just like a pumpkin.¡± Ravyn snickered. ¡°Now who¡¯s making up words?¡± ¡°No, seriously. Where I¡¯m from, we¡¯d make these into pies or carve out their insides and then carve patterns on the front.¡± Yomi crossed her arms over her chest and tilted her head in curiosity. ¡°Patterns? Like what?¡± ¡°Like designs. You could carve out a face on your own or actually buy patterns for really intricate stuff. Haunted houses, witches, spiders, whatever you like.¡± Finn marveled at the orange gourdkin as he recalled the jack-o-lanterns that lit his neighborhood around Halloween. Ravyn raised her pointer finger and opened her mouth. She closed it, then opened it again. ¡°...Why?¡± Finn grinned. ¡°For Halloween. I can¡¯t believe I haven¡¯t talked about this before.¡± ¡°Here. Let me buy that one and a couple other things for dinner. You can talk about it while we walk.¡± Yomi fished her coin purse from her [Cat Pack] and quickly finished her shopping. Ravyn accepted a small bag of spices from Yomi, and Finn took a satchel of fruits and vegetables to carry alongside his pumpk¡ª gourdkin. ¡°So, Halloween?¡± Yomi picked back up. ¡°Yeah. It was a holiday where I¡¯m from. Like Cherishing Day or the Starbirth Celebration. There was a lot to it, honestly. Mostly around spooky themes.¡± Finn shifted the satchel in his arms. ¡°You could take your carved pumpkin and put a candle in it, then put it on your porch. People would dress up¡ªthough every day was Halloween if you were a cosplayer.¡± ¡°A what?¡± Ravyn and Yomi asked in unison. ¡°...Kuso. Forget that part.¡± Finn shook his head. There wasn¡¯t any way to explain cosplay in Nyarlea. Especially to catgirls¡ªone of the most cosplayed races in history. ¡°Hmm. I thought you only dressed up for Christmas?¡± Ravyn asked. Finn tried to hide his blush with a cough. Oh, yeah. Forgot about the dress-up Santa story. ¡°Halloween, too.¡± ¡°What does Halloween celebrate, exactly?¡± Yomi wondered. ¡°Erm¡­ I think it started off as a night to ward away evil spirits, or something?¡± Finn guessed. He briefly remembered a lesson about it in elementary school, but everything blurred together. ¡°Then it kind of became a day where kids go get as much candy and chocolate as they can.¡± ¡°Shit. That must be expensive,¡± Ravyn replied. Finn shrugged. ¡°Not for the kids. They go door to door, say ¡®Trick-or-Treat!¡¯and get free candy.¡± Yomi furrowed her brow and studied something invisible off in the distance. ¡°Forgive me, but I¡¯m still struggling to see the point of Halloween.¡± ¡°Yeah, honestly, I couldn¡¯t really tell you either. But it¡¯s a lot of fun,¡± Finn replied. They arrived at Ravyn¡¯s house and unlocked the door. Yomi lived just down the road, but Ravyn¡¯s place¡ªand, by proxy, her kitchen¡ªwere bigger, so that¡¯s where they spent most of their time. Finn loved it; it was the perfect excuse to stay there in the evenings. And it always smelled like Ravyn when they walked in. The heady scents of smoke and ginger. This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. ¡°What did you dress up as?¡± Yomi asked as she disappeared into the kitchen. ¡°What?¡± Finn blinked. He¡¯d already begun to imagine spending that night next to Ravyn. ¡°For Halloween? Did you dress up as something?¡± Yomi repeated. ¡°Oh. Uh, a zombie once. A couple of characters from books I liked. And I was a pirate for a couple of years.¡± Finn sank into the sofa and rested his head on the back cushions. ¡°A zombie? And you didn¡¯t get set on fire?¡± Ravyn asked, taking a seat next to him. Finn laughed. ¡°Why would someone set me on fire?¡± She snuggled closer to him and leaned her head on his shoulder. ¡°Because they thought you were a roach. Or a Defiled. Baka.¡± Finn snaked his hand behind her back and held her close. Having her next to him always felt like home. ¡°Zombies aren¡¯t real where I come from.¡± ¡°Are pirates not real, either?¡± Yomi called. ¡°Oh. No. Those were real.¡± Finn touched his chin. ¡°Actually, are pirates a thing in Nyarlea?¡± ¡°They were a ¡®thing,¡¯¡± Ravyn teased. She always got on him about his language. But he wasn¡¯t raised as an aristocrat like her. ¡°They¡¯re now an outlawed ¡®thing.¡¯¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t [Swashbuckler] a Class?¡± He thought he¡¯d remembered seeing that in the iPaw or a book somewhere. Ravyn poked her tongue between her lips. ¡°That¡¯s different.¡± ¡°What do pirates dress like where you¡¯re from?¡± Yomi asked, carrying a tray of drinks into the common room. She passed them each a mug before sitting on Finn¡¯s opposite side and enjoying her wine. ¡°Well, I think Halloween costumes are pretty hyperbolic extensions of what they¡¯re supposed to represent¡ª¡± ¡°You¡¯re avoiding the question, Finn,¡± Ravyn interrupted and poked his side. ¡°Right. Fluffy shirts, tight pants, big hats, an eyepatch sometimes. A lot of pirates have parrots, actually.¡± He nodded toward Ball Gag. ¡°With way more limited vocabularies.¡± ¡°Aww, Bally¡¯s just so smart. Aren¡¯t you Bally?¡± Ravyn nuzzled the parrot with her cheek. He chirped happily in response. She licked her lips. ¡°Tight pants, huh?¡± His blush crept to his ears. ¡°Uh, yeah. And sometimes swords.¡± ¡°So, if you dressed up as a pirate, could I dress up as your parrot?¡± Ravyn asked. Finn imagined Ravyn in a parrot kigurumi and stifled a laugh in his mug. It was equal parts hilarious and adorable. ¡°How would you dress up as a parrot?¡± ¡°Like Bally! I¡¯d get a blue dress and plenty of feathers. Obviously,¡± Ravyn snapped. ¡°I mean, I don¡¯t have to look like an actual parrot, right?¡± ¡°No, that would work.¡± Finn looked at Yomi. ¡°What would you dress up as?¡± ¡°The Defiled from the depths of the ocean,¡± Ravyn said and giggled. ¡°Ravyn!¡± Yomi leaned forward and shot Ravyn a sharp glare. ¡°Actually,¡± Finn stepped in. I mean, Ursula was kind of like that. ¡°On Earth, there was a pretty cool dress with tentacles attached. I think you¡¯d look really good in one.¡± Better than a sea witch, anyway. ¡°R-really?¡± Yomi flushed and her smile returned. ¡°Who would have thought of making a dress like that?¡± ¡°Dunno. There were a lot of crazy costumes that I saw.¡± Finn took a drink. ¡°People dressed up and went to Halloween parties that whole month.¡± ¡°And put candle-lit gourdkins on their front porches?¡± Ravyn asked. There was a hint of doubt in her voice. Finn sighed. ¡°Look. I can¡¯t sew to save my life, but I can at least carve a gourdkin for you. That way you can see what I mean.¡± ¡°That¡¯s why I bought two. I want to see it,¡± Yomi supplied. Her ears flicked forward and her tail straightened out behind her. She was really excited about this. ¡°Will you carve one?¡± ¡°Yeah. I just need a spoon and a knife.¡± Finn finished his drink and slipped off the couch. Yomi hopped up behind him and rushed to the kitchen. ¡°Pirate Finn.¡± Ravyn laughed. ¡°You¡¯re hilarious.¡± She stood and kissed his cheek before following Yomi. ¡°Maybe one day you¡¯ll believe me,¡± he grumbled and ran a hand through his hair. I¡¯d still pay to see you in a parrot kigu. Cleaning out the orange gourdkin was just as slimy and stringy as the pumpkins he remembered. Yomi separated the seeds from the strings and promised to dry them out at Finn¡¯s suggestion. Ravyn watched and sipped her wine, feeding Ball Gag a few seeds here and there. It took a long time to scoop all the gourdkin guts away before he could draw a quick face on its surface. ¡°Ano sa! The triangles are uneven!¡± Ravyn exclaimed, pointing to the sketched face. Finn leaned back, admiring his work. ¡°The eyes look even to me.¡± ¡°Why are they triangle eyes? Aren¡¯t eyes supposed to be circular?¡± Ravyn asked, forming a circle with her fingers and resting it over her right eye. ¡°I¡¯m not sure. I¡¯ve always done triangles on pumpkins. And, well, now a gourdkin, I guess.¡± ¡°Here, let me try.¡± Yomi gently took the carving knife from Finn and corrected the smaller eye until it matched. ¡°Oh. Yeah. That does look better,¡± he admitted. ¡°Damn. You can¡¯t draw for shit.¡± Ravyn cackled. Finn took the knife and plunged it inside the gourdkin. ¡°Be nice to the guy with a knife.¡± ¡°Oh-ho-ho. Yes, sir, Mr. Pirate.¡± Ravyn performed a sharp salute. ¡°I bet you were a very handsome pirate,¡± Yomi added. ¡°The best around.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know about that.¡± Finn concentrated on his gourdkin, but Yomi had leaned in very close to him to watch. It was hard not to let himself be distracted by the dip in her dress or the swan-like curve of her neck. He did his best to distract himself with a ridiculous song while he worked. Yar-har, fiddle-dee¡­ Carving the blasted thing went a lot faster than cleaning it. He had a decent looking face in a little under half an hour. Ravyn snapped her fingers and a flame appeared at their tips. ¡°Great. Now we set it on fire?¡± ¡°No, no, wait!¡± Finn grabbed her wrist. ¡°We put a candle inside! Not set it ablaze!¡± Yomi laughed and went to fetch a candle. She snuffed out the oil lamps on her return, then slid the candle inside the gourdkin. ¡°Ravyn, think you can light it without destroying the gourdkin?¡± ¡°Of course I can. Baka.¡± Ravyn carefully lit the candle with one finger and withdrew her hand. The smiling face lit up the room and the small flame flickered across their faces. ¡°That¡¯s really cute,¡± Yomi said. ¡°I like it a lot.¡± Finn was proud of his first gourdkin-o-lantern. Yomi¡¯s correction had helped to make it nice and even. He looked at Ravyn expectantly. ¡°So?¡± Ravyn grinned. ¡°Yeah. Okay. I get it, kinda.¡± She finished her glass and cupped Finn¡¯s hand in hers. ¡°Next time we should dress up, too.¡± ¡°Ooh, that would be fun,¡± Yomi agreed. ¡°Our own little Halloween.¡± ¡°And get candy.¡± ¡°And get candy.¡± Finn nodded. ¡°Our own little Halloween.¡± They stayed in the kitchen together for a long time, enjoying the low light of the candle and the fresh smell of the gourdkin. Side Quest: Ravyns Garnet Ravyn stood on the balcony, peering down at the catgirls below. They looked like tiny bugs moving across a pond. The thought of them getting lapped up by the long tongues of aplitods¡ªa slimy, green roach that lived in lakes¡ªelicited a giggle. Using her pointer finger and thumb, she shut one eye, overlapped her fingers over the specks of catgirls, and pretended to gobble them up. ¡°Nom! Nom! Nom!¡± Ravyn said, mimicking the feeding behavior of the aplitod as she held onto one of the many balusters. The air was cold this time of the year. Ravyn wore a thick wool dress that came down to her ankles. Red and gold embroideries in the likeness of dragons decorated the black fabric in intricate patterns. A long cord of silken rope kept the ensemble together. It was one of Ravyn¡¯s favorite outfits. ¡°Ravyn, dear,¡± Ravyn¡¯s mother called from behind her. Ravyn snapped up and spun on her heels, straightening her back and throwing her arms behind her. Her mother smiled. ¡°Come inside where it is warm. The hearth shall give you comfort.¡± Ravyn hesitated, glancing over her shoulder. ¡°But, Mother. I am watching the people from here. They look so small. Can I not visit sometime?¡± Ravyn¡¯s mother¡ªEmberlynn, as most people knew her¡ªwas a woman of incredible beauty and wit. Long red hair tied into complex braids framed her alabaster skin, and a pair of knowing violet eyes bore daggers into all she looked upon. ¡°Perhaps one day, when you are older,¡± said Emberlynn. With her palm held downward, she extended her hand, gesturing for Ravyn to take it. ¡°Come now, child.¡± One day Ravyn would see Nyarlothep. No, all of Nyarlea. She would walk the same streets, eat the same food, and wear the same clothing as all the catgirls of legend. Of that, she had no doubt. But, for now, she would need to appease any and all who walked Mother¡¯s halls. The banquet would soon start, and neither Ravyn nor Emberlynn could afford to be seen at anything less than their best. Ravyn followed her mother into a large dining hall beset with ornate decorations. San Island lanterns hung from the ceiling, bathing the room in a soft, orange light. Mother had spent a small fortune on the garnets required for such exquisite lumination. They could keep a room lit for a lifetime and were a fine conversation piece. So long as they graced her home, they would be captivated by all they saw. To Ravyn, it seemed no price was high enough for Mother when it came to impressing her peers. Ravyn brushed one finger against the ruby of her golden necklace, entranced by the gentle glow above. She struggled to explain the pull she felt when looking at the garnets. A voice inside her said it was not the same dazzled stare she saw in so many others¡¯ eyes. To Ravyn, those garnets were like a flame. There was life in that stone somehow¡ªa soul. ¡°Oh my goodness, Emberlynn! Your daughter is so cute!¡± One woman kneeled to level her gaze with Ravyn. Ravyn offered her hand, just as her mother taught her. The young woman took it, kissing the top. ¡°What¡¯s your name, beautiful?¡± ¡°Ravyn.¡± She tugged at the hems of her dress, bowing at the waist, face parallel to the floor. ¡°Madam Linda, I presume?¡± Linda clapped a hand to her mouth. ¡°Yes. I am Madam Linda. You are so well-spoken! How old are you?¡± ¡°Five, Madam Linda.¡± Ravyn rose, clasping her hands in front of her. Madam Linda looked up at Emberlynn, then back at Ravyn. ¡°My goodness, you are incredible.¡± Madam Linda stood, beckoning another woman over¡ªand then another, and then another. All banquets played out like this. It was a dance. A pointless, petty dance with Bells on the line and Ravyn as the shining star of the show. Catgirls would line up one after the other, discussing business and other complicated matters Ravyn didn¡¯t yet know about, and Mother would be a heap of Bells richer. Somehow, it was always about Bells. Nothing mattered more to Mother than Bells. As for Ravyn, her attention remained firmly attached to the garnets in the lanterns.
Ten Years Later Ravyn slammed the door to her room and dove into her plush bed. Reaching for one of her frilly pink pillows, she punched it a few times and then buried her face into the soft fabric, screaming, ¡°Fuuuuuuuck!¡± She did this a few times before a knock came at her door. ¡°What?¡± Ravyn shrieked. ¡°M-Mistress Ravyn, are you quite all right?¡± It was Isabella, one of Mother¡¯s servants. ¡°I thought I heard screaming.¡± Ravyn never had it in her to take out her frustrations on Isabella. She was a kind woman, kinder than any in the household. As the future Mistress of the mansion, Ravyn had a duty to see that all servants were treated as equals. Ravyn leaped from her bed and strode across the soft carpet. She wore a long, form-fitting dress befit of a Zhulian woman. It was uncomfortable and challenging to walk around in but bore the elegance in which her mother had prided herself. Ravyn had requested a version of the dress that cut high on the legs so she could move around better, but her mother wouldn¡¯t have it. The city of Zhuli emphasized modesty, and her mother would be damned if her daughter were seen showing off so much skin. Swinging open the door to the hallway, Ravyn offered a curt greeting. ¡°Isabella.¡± ¡°M-Mistress Ravyn. My apologies if I¡¯m intruding on your privacy.¡± Isabella bowed at the waist, then leveled her gaze. ¡°Is something wrong?¡± ¡°Think nothing of it, Isabella. I¡¯m fine. Just frustration with my¡­peers,¡± Ravyn replied. ¡°I see. Well, Mistress Ravyn,¡± said Isabella, ¡°please feel free to call upon me if you require anything.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll remember that. Thank you, Isabella.¡± Ravyn shut the door and leaned against the wood, her hands behind her back. Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. Tapping one toe against the carpet, she looked up at the lantern. The garnet that lit her room was nearly as old as she was now. It was the only thing in the room that had been with her through thick and thin, heard her screams, heard her cries. Ravyn felt something of a weird kinship with the gemstone, reminiscing on the days she¡¯d talked to it as a kittengirl. ¡°What do I do, Garney? I can¡¯t keep living like this. I don¡¯t want to become my mother.¡± At dinner time, Ravyn sat beside her mother at a long banquet table. Ever since she had begun attending school, the table felt out of place and far too large for two people. The servants weren¡¯t allowed to eat there with them, so what was the point? It was a statement to anyone who dared to enter Mother¡¯s mansion. It promised that no matter how large a problem you presented, Mother would have a hefty hand of Bells ready and waiting to placate. ¡°How is school?¡± Mother suddenly asked. Ravyn finished chewing before replying, as was proper. ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± ¡°Are those girls leaving you alone? The Headmistress thinks it was a misunderstanding.¡± So Mother had gone to the Headmistress after all. No wonder she was being picked on so fiercely. How embarrassing. ¡°I suppose so.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Mother hummed. ¡°If they continue to pester you, please let me know, Ravyn. I shall see to it that I speak with their mothers.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Ravyn stabbed the fish on her plate with a bit more force than she intended, sending a screech through the air. Mother flinched, and Ravyn¡¯s eye twitched. She brought the food to her mouth and chewed it rigorously. ¡°How are your friends? Is Maya still taking her dance lessons?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°Ravyn.¡± Mother raised a brow and tipped her wine glass toward her. ¡°Yes, Mother.¡± ¡°Very good. We do not use such slang in this household.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t, maybe,¡± Ravyn said as her mother sipped her wine. She silently cursed herself for the comment. ¡°And what,¡± her mother asked, her wine glass clinking as she set it on the table, ¡°is that supposed to mean?¡± ¡°Nothing.¡± ¡°Talk to me, my daughter. Explain your thought process clearly. Please. I cannot help you if you do not speak to me.¡± Ravyn gritted her teeth. ¡°I¡¯m not you.¡± ¡°Yes, I gathered that.¡± Ravyn¡¯s mother took another sip of her wine. She rolled the liquid around in the container as she spoke. ¡°You must learn to bury that hatred of yours. I understand your disdain for me, as I carried similar disdain for my mother at your age. One day though, I hope you will understand that my actions are for your benefit.¡± ¡°Your actions are a weight upon my shoulders,¡± Ravyn muttered. ¡°What was that?¡± ¡°Nothing.¡± Ravyn¡¯s mother sighed and furrowed her brow. ¡°Child, look at me.¡± ¡°I am not a child!¡± Ravyn exclaimed, standing up and knocking over the chair behind her. ¡°I am a grown woman now! I can go adventure and learn all there is to learn out there! That beats sitting in some castle waiting for the next man to show up just so I can continue this tired tradition!¡± Ravyn put a hand on her chest. ¡°I want to be my own person and not have Mommy come to help me every time I run into trouble! Do you know how humiliating it is not to know how to handle my own problems? You went to the Headmistress? Why? Why not let me try and handle it? Damn it, I want to figure things out on my own!¡± She punctuated the remark by pounding her fist on the table. A pair of servants standing at the opposite end of the room were obviously growing increasingly uncomfortable with the situation. They fidgeted in place until Emberlynn dismissed them with a wave. ¡°Ravyn,¡± Emberlynn said, rising to her feet and walking over to her daughter. ¡°Everything I do, I do for you. You have a duty to this house¡ªto the people of Zhuli.¡± She reached for Ravyn¡¯s hand, but Ravyn pulled her arm back. ¡°You owe it to your grandmother, great-grandmother, and generations of women before you. We¡¯ve worked tirelessly to provide for the generation that followed. Please do not throw away our efforts.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t owe anyone anything!¡± Ravyn growled. An errant strand of gray hair fell from Emberlynn¡¯s braids, her eyes wide. ¡°I¡¯m tired of living the lie you built for me.¡± ¡°Ravyn, it¡­ it was never a lie. I just wanted you to have the life I never had. It¡¯s a rough world out there, and¡ª¡± ¡°Spare me.¡± Ravyn brushed past her mother and opened the door to the living room. ¡°I¡¯ll figure things out my way.¡± With that, she shut the door behind her and marched back up to her room.
Regret filled every fiber of Ravyn¡¯s body as she lay on her bed, her eyes glued to the garnet above her. As the glow washed over her, the fight between her and her mother replayed itself over and over in her head. ¡°Damn it,¡± Ravyn muttered, her hand over her face. ¡°How am I supposed to face her now? What do I do, Garney?¡± Someone knocked at her door. ¡°Who is it?¡± Ravyn asked. ¡°It is I, Ravyn.¡± It was Mother. ¡°Can I come in, please?¡± Ravyn rolled to her side, her body pillow clenched between her arms and legs. ¡°Fine. Come in.¡± The door clicked, and Ravyn listened as the door shut, the shuffling of feet following. A weight pressed on the bed, slightly bobbing Ravyn up and down. ¡°When I was your age, I was clawing at the walls,¡± Mother said with a half chuckle. ¡°I hated all of it. The schoolwork, the magic, practicing my Class, all of it.¡± Ravyn felt the soft touch of Mother¡¯s hand and shook it away. ¡°I understand. If you still hate me after this, then so be it. But please just listen. May I?¡± ¡°Fine,¡± Ravyn said after a while. ¡°My mother worked day and night to provide for me. She sent me to school, demanded I learn an instrument, practice my magic, everything.¡± Mother paused. ¡°It was never enough. When I turned sixteen, I demanded to participate in the process. I wanted to learn the important things, like how to make Bells, be a good mother, and start a business. That way, I could care for you in ways my mother never could. It¡¯s why I never leave home, dear. I can¡¯t bear to be away from you.¡± ¡°But, Mother¡ª¡± ¡°I am nearly finished. I understand you want to leave and make your mark on the world. Or, perhaps you do not. Perhaps you wish to discover who you are. That¡ª that is fine too.¡± Mother hiccupped, and soon a quiet sob followed. ¡°I never want to see you hurt. It is a cruel world out there for men and catgirls alike, Ravyn. I do not want you to be a part of that suffering. I-I do not want to see my daughter in such pain.¡± Ravyn felt the warm hand of her Mother on her foot, and this time she didn¡¯t refuse her. ¡°I may have coddled you too much. The fault lies with me. If you are still intent on leaving Zhuli, then I shall let you go on one condition.¡± Ravyn shot up in her bed and turned to her mother. She almost wished she hadn¡¯t. Emberlynn¡¯s eyes were red, her cheeks wet from crying. ¡°Mother,¡± Ravyn breathed. Mother forced a smile. ¡°My single condition is that you finish school. Finish your time at the academy, and decide on a Class. If you can do that, then you have my blessing.¡± ¡°Mother¡­ do you mean that? Truly mean that?¡± asked Ravyn. ¡°Yes,¡± Mother said, nodding. ¡°Yes, I do.¡± An enormous weight lifted from Ravyn¡¯s heart. ¡°That reminds me of another thing,¡± her mother continued. ¡°We need to talk about your language. Promise me you will work on it even after you leave. I do not wish to hear such foul words out of your mouth. Where did you even learn such profanity?¡± ¡°Isabella,¡± Ravyn hissed under her breath, averting her gaze momentarily. She turned back to her mother and sat on her legs with the utmost dignity she could muster. ¡°I will do my best, Mother. With Saoirse as my witness, I shall purify this mouth of its taint.¡± Mother clapped a hand to her mouth and gasped. ¡°What? Did I say something wrong?¡± Chapter 241: Fire, Walk With Me The servant gaped, and the whites of her eyes glazed over. Ravyn found that amusing. It was too easy to get exaggerated reactions from newer servants. ¡°M-my apologies! Allow me a moment to check with the mistress,¡± the servant said in a barely audible tone. She shut the door while Ravyn and the others waited. ¡°Why did she close the door?¡± Destiny asked, frowning. ¡°Because I haven¡¯t seen my mother in over ten years,¡± Ravyn explained. ¡°Ten years?¡± Destiny was aghast. ¡°How could you go so long without seeing your mother?¡± This again. Rayvn turned her head toward her. Don¡¯t lash out. She doesn¡¯t know any better. ¡°It¡¯s none of your business,¡± she spat. Destiny opened her mouth, but the servant had returned, opening the door wide and moving to the side. She beckoned Ravyn and the others in with a wave of her arm. ¡°The mistress is waiting in the dining hall. I¡­trust you know the way.¡± ¡°Yeah, I do,¡± Ravyn said, walking past her. ¡°Thanks.¡± The servant shut the door once everyone was inside, then followed them at a distance while Ravyn marched through the hall. The mansion was just as exquisite as she remembered and had undergone few changes. While the exterior of the mansion was beautiful and ornate in its own way, the inside was a marvel to behold to the average viewer¡¯s eye. Black walls with intricately carved windows lined the hall. Doors leading to the quarters of several servants flanked Ravyn in pairs as she strode through, the walls lit by scarlet light from the lanterns above. Mother never did have enough servants to do the bare necessities for her. Always another order, another meal, another record. It was overdone and shameful to have so many catgirls under a single person¡¯s employ. There was no single job or task that Ravyn could think of that warranted so much coddling. The damned queen has fewer servants, I¡¯m sure. Ravyn¡¯s blood threatened to boil, and she made an active effort to quell that anger. It drove her to combative word choices, impulsive behavior, and an intoxicating desire to drown it in liquor. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± Ravyn called behind her without looking back. She needed something, anything to distract her. ¡°D-Dana,¡± the servant stammered. ¡°How long have you worked here?¡± ¡°I started just last month.¡± She gasped. ¡°Oh my, I am so sorry. I should be addressing you by Mistress.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± ¡°But I¡ª¡± ¡°¡®Ravyn¡¯ is fine.¡± After traveling down the hallway that never ends¡ªa nickname she¡¯d given it as a kitten¡ªshe came to a pair of large doors. The knobs were gold in color, embedded with tiny diamonds that caught the light in a way that drew the person in. It had no glare¡ªas if the gems captured the light above for their selfish desire. Captivating and gaudy, and a gentle reminder that Emberlynn had the means to sweep you under the rug with a snap of her fingers. Ravyn drew a deep breath, then pushed open the doors to the ballroom, where Mother had spent countless evenings dancing and conversing over the next big business deal. Barking those terribly fake laughs, dropping handfuls of Bells into the palms of noteworthy associates. Bells that could be better used to house and feed the orphans crawling through the streets. Paying the nyannies what they were worth. Doing something that made a fucking difference. I hate this fucking dance we must do, Mother, Ravyn thought, disgusted that her own parent couldn¡¯t be bothered to see her daughter at the door. What game are you playing? Ravyn walked through the ballroom, surprised to see how old the carpet was. Holes pocked the fabric, the color was fading, and it was peeling up in spots. Of all the things Mother was so proud of, presentation sat amongst the top of her concerns. There could be no better way to bury your adversaries than under the weight of your own wealth and prestige. So, why did the carpet look so worn? Tristan put a hand on Ravyn¡¯s shoulder to stop her. ¡°We¡¯ll stay here. I think you should talk to her alone.¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Ravyn said. ¡°You¡¯re probably right.¡± As Tristan¡¯s hand parted from her shoulder, she turned to him briefly, smiling. ¡°You¡¯re a good man, Tristan.¡± He blushed, then chuckled. ¡°The best,¡± Destiny said, smiling wide. ¡°Are you going to be okay?¡± Lara asked, blinking slowly. As irritating as she was, she at least seemed to understand the gravity of the situation. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine,¡± Ravyn said without knowing if it was the truth. She swept her hand under Bally¡¯s talons, extending him toward Tristan. ¡°Here, take care of Bally while I talk to my mother.¡± Tristan received the bird easily, and Bally sidled up to his shoulder. ¡°I will. Promise.¡± Bally nibbled his ear. ¡°Hey, that tickles!¡± ¡°Keh. He likes you already. You little shit,¡± Ravyn said, eyeing the bird. Bally returned the stare with squinted eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t burn the place down while I¡¯m gone.¡± If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°Allow me to prepare some refreshments,¡± Dana said. ¡°Allow my sister and I to help you,¡± Destiny offered. ¡°I couldn¡¯t allow that! My pride as a Shi Island maid would be wounded.¡± Lara gasped. A smile steadily tugged at the corners of her mouth. ¡°We have much in common.¡± Dana put a hand to her mouth. ¡°You two aren¡¯t¡ª¡± ¡°And that¡¯s my cue to leave,¡± Ravyn said, walking toward the dining hall anew. ¡°Have fun.¡± The four of them continued to converse as their voices grew distant, and soon Ravyn found herself at the doors to the hall. Ravyn gripped the knob to the dining room, pausing to compose her thoughts. Despite saying that it had been ten years, she wasn¡¯t entirely sure if that was true. It could have been longer than that. She¡¯d visited once during her early years as an adventurer, and never again. That would¡¯ve been when Finn was still alive. It¡¯s been easier to accept your death lately, Finn, Ravyn thought, somewhat ashamed. She felt that, somehow, she was betraying his memory. Her devotion to him. Her eye twitched as the thought crossed her mind, and she actively worked to recollect a memory of him. His warm smile, his disarming voice, his carefree attitude. Stop that. What are you doing? She sighed, turned the knob, and pushed open the door all the way. Before her was the long dining table she was so familiar with. It stretched horizontally from where she stood, still as striking as the day she first set eyes upon it. Deep dark brown wood. Foreign symbols engraved into its make. Long white candles set in equally exquisite black candlesticks. Silver cutlery crafted to perfection, each plate with an accompanying fork and knife. And at the end of the table to her left sat Emberlynn. ¡°Mother,¡± Ravyn said, surprised to hear it come out of her mouth as a mumble. She shut the doors behind her. The woman looked weathered beyond recognition. Her skin was as fair as it had ever been, though now splotches of brown and pink spattered her face and neck. Two violet eyes were set in a face with large bags underneath. One of her eyes had lost its color, and the woman¡¯s hair had grayed so much that it looked pink. She had lost the vibrancy, the aristocracy she once bore. Ravyn felt her bravado deflate. Emberlynn had not aged well. ¡°My daughter,¡± Emberlynn said with a wispy lilt. She took a deep breath, her teeth and the air entering her nostrils trembling. As tears threatened to fall from her glossy eyes, she quickly rubbed them¡ªonce each¡ªand swallowed hard. ¡°I missed you dearly.¡± Ravyn couldn¡¯t say the same, but neither did she have the willpower to be antagonistic. She strode over to her mother, her hands balled, and stood at her side. ¡°I¡­ how are you?¡± Emberlynn forced a smile. Always forcing. ¡°I could be better,¡± she nodded. ¡°But my day has improved with your presence.¡± She reached out with one hand. Ravyn gripped it, alarmed at how osseous it felt. No, it looked the part too. Her face was gaunt, her skin pale. Something was wrong with her. ¡°I thought you were dead.¡± Fuck. Ravyn averted her gaze, but kept her head level with Emberlynn. ¡°I have been busy.¡± A terrible excuse. What could make a person so busy that they¡¯d gone five years without writing? ¡°I see.¡± Emberlynn rubbed the top of Ravyn¡¯s hand. It almost hurt, with how jagged her fingers felt. As if there was nothing more than a flimsy film of skin between them. ¡°Pardon me, Mother.¡± Goddess above, she was still stuck in her mother¡¯s speaking habits. ¡°But you do not look well.¡± Emberlynn giggled, eliciting Ravyn¡¯s attention. She let go, then leaned forward to reposition her chair¡ªan act that seemed too difficult for her now. ¡°Here, let me,¡± Ravyn said, walking behind the chair. ¡°Stand up.¡± She craned her head around, watching as Emberlynn shambled away from her seat. Ravyn grabbed the armrests and shifted it to the side. ¡°Go ahead, Mother.¡± Once Emberlynn was seated again, Ravyn stood before her. ¡°What happened?¡± Emberlynn shook her head. ¡°Saoirse¡¯s penalty for my poor decisions, I suppose.¡± Ravyn frowned at that. ¡°Saoirse did not blight you, Mother.¡± ¡°Still as faithless as ever, I see.¡± Ravyn sucked in her lips and bowed her head. This wasn¡¯t how this was supposed to go. Sick or not, they would need Emberlynn¡¯s help. She could request her help, she would just need to be¡­ gentler. ¡°We should refrain from talking about me, Mother. Please. I have come with a request.¡± That tipped her over the edge. Emberlynn¡¯s tears fell freely. She leaned her head against her palm as she sobbed, and Ravyn¡¯s heart sank. ¡°All these years without you, and you come to me with demands.¡± ¡°Mother, I¡ª¡± ¡°I thought you were dead!¡± Emberlynn screamed. ¡°Could you not have written me a letter? Just one letter? You grew so distant, so cold after¡­after¡­¡± Don¡¯t say it. Don¡¯t fucking say it, Ravyn thought, gritting her teeth. ¡°After Finn died,¡± Emberlynn said, coughing between sobbing fits. She raised her head and wiped her sodden face. ¡°We had something wonderful before you left. I thought I had a daughter I could love and cherish. We made amends; we had an understanding. You became an adventurer. I was proud. So, so proud. You found a stable Party with Finn. And then¡­¡± She shook her head. Her stare grew cold, distant, as if she were experiencing the memory all over again. ¡°Then you¡­hated me again.¡± She locked eyes with her daughter. I can¡¯t do this. I can¡¯t. I thought I could, but I can¡¯t. Run. She needed to run. There would be no amending of relations here. Not right now. There was no shortage of alcohol in Mother¡¯s kitchens. A bottle of that, a good night¡¯s rest. Then she could think. Yes, she could¡ª ¡°I love you,¡± Emberlynn said, grabbing Ravyn by the wrist. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry about what happened to him.¡± Her grip tightened. ¡°I had hoped you would come home for a time. Mend from your wounds. I would not have halted you from returning to your adventuring duties. You have an adventurer¡¯s heart. You always have.¡± She brought Ravyn¡¯s hand to her forehead. ¡°I am so very sorry, child.¡± ¡°You¡­¡± Ravyn felt the heat of tears and fought to control them. ¡°You did not do anything wrong, Mother. The fault lies with me. I am responsible for his passing.¡± She clenched her jaw, and a visceral image returned to the surface. Burned skin. Screaming. Charred blood. Exposed bone. Then silence. ¡°I should have continued to write.¡± She would never come home. Reliance on her mother would¡¯ve been an admittance to her methods. But she could¡¯ve at least written. Depended on her mother¡¯s words for guidance. Yet somehow, she¡¯d fallen right back into the hatred she¡¯d developed for her so long ago. Why? Fuck. This isn¡¯t how this was supposed to go. A knock came at the door behind them. Emberlynn took a moment to compose herself, letting go of Ravyn¡¯s hand. ¡°Come.¡± The door opened, and a kitten with braided red hair poked through the crack. Her ears wriggled, and her violet eyes sparkled with curiosity. ¡°Sophia, come to Mama,¡± Emberlynn said. Ravyn turned to Emberlynn with wide eyes. Mama? Fucking what? Sophia jogged alongside the table, her arms stretched out to her sides like a bird. She wore a long, black robe with red embroidery. It covered her from head to toe, leaving only her head and hands exposed. She came to a halt in front of Ravyn. Now that she was closer, she saw that hints of blonde speckled her hair, tail, and the insides of her ears. Her tail stood straight up, vibrating the way many kittens¡¯ did when they were excited. ¡°Sophia, this is Ravyn,¡± Emberlynn said. ¡°Ravyn, this is Sophia. Your sister.¡± Side Quest: Smiley, Smiley Matt sat in a secluded corner of the coffee shop, scrolling through his social media feeds while he waited for his date. From what he¡¯d been told, it was best to look approachable and confident. Square shoulders, straight back, curved brow, side smile. The works. After spending an hour fighting down his anxiety, he left the game store he¡¯d been visiting across the street and headed over to the coffee shop, making sure not to arrive too early. Another tip he¡¯d heard¡ªdon¡¯t look desperate. Women appreciate a man who doesn''t need them. It sounded like terrible advice in his head, but after ¡®being himself¡¯ had failed him countless times, he was willing to try anything. He looked up from his phone, watching as people entered and left. The shop was a local place, not one of those franchises or chains looking to pull the rug out from any who opposed them. Mornin¡¯ Cowboy. A woman came over wearing a black tank top and a pair of blue jeans with holes. ¡°Can I get ya anythin¡¯, hon?¡± She was gorgeous, perhaps a few years older than him. Her hair was shoulder length, dyed a vibrant green-blue, and her face was a mess of freckles framing a face of fair skin and strikingly blue eyes. She¡¯s not your date. Relax, dude. Chill. Matt¡¯s heart pounded against his chest. ¡°Ah, n-no. Thanks, though.¡± He smiled. He hoped the smile seemed natural. Too often, it felt like every time he smiled, it sent girls running. This one didn¡¯t seem affected one way or the other. ¡°You¡¯ve been sitting there for fifteen minutes,¡± she said with a half-smile and a cocked brow. ¡°Why don¡¯t I getcha somethin¡¯ to drink, eh?¡± She flicked her head toward his phone. ¡°Whatcha lookin¡¯ at?¡± ¡°Oh!¡± Matt set his phone down on the table, screen forward. He rested his hands over it, one on top of the other. ¡°N-Nothing. It¡¯s just stupid social media crap, you know how that goes.¡± How was it that every time he tried to sound casual, he sounded like a squealing mouse? ¡°Riiiight,¡± the woman nodded, not sounding convinced. ¡°I¡¯m gonna getcha somethin¡¯, and if you don¡¯t tell me what it is, I¡¯m gonna bring you the pinkest, bitchiest lookin¡¯ drink we have.¡± She pulled out her notepad and pen. ¡°So, have at it, boy.¡± ¡°Ahh, fine. Okay, uhm¡­ I¡¯ll take a cappuccino?¡± ¡°On the rocks?¡± ¡°What?¡± Matt started. He figured she was asking if he wanted ice in the drink, but a cappuccino was a type of hot drink, wasn¡¯t it? He didn¡¯t think there was alcohol in it, either. Besides, wasn¡¯t that more of a bar term? ¡°I, uh¡ª¡± ¡°Dude!¡± the woman laughed, patting him on the shoulder. ¡°I¡¯m just messin¡¯ with ya! Are ya feelin¡¯ alright?¡± ¡°Oh, yeah! Right, of course!¡± Matt forced a laugh and scratched the back of his neck. Kill me. ¡°Sorry, just a weird day for me, I guess,¡± he lied. ¡°Uhh, just a hot coffee and do some sort of fancy thing with the swirl, I guess?¡± ¡°Hm?¡± She frowned, then pointed her pen at him. ¡°Oh, you mean the foam art we do.¡± Matt nodded. ¡°Yeah, is that extra?¡± She snorted. ¡°No, it¡¯s not extra. It¡¯s standard, actually. What shape would you like?¡± ¡°How about a smiley face?¡± The girl he¡¯d set the date up with was almost twenty minutes late, anyways. The way he figured it, he could use a smile. ¡°One cappuccino, on the rocks, with a smiley face. You got it!¡± She flipped her notepad shut and waved as she strode away from the table with a grin. She¡¯s kinda nice, Matt thought. Where the heck is Brandy? Brandy was, what Matt thought, a nice woman who had showed all the signs of wanting him to ask her on a date. They worked together at Dynamite Pizza¡ªa local pizza parlor he joined for some part-time cash. Being a college student meant he didn¡¯t have much time or money for himself, so at the risk of burning both ends of the candlestick, he picked up the part-time work so he could take some girls out. Brandy and him seemed to have good chemistry. They¡¯d laugh about memes, quietly voice their griefs with people who didn¡¯t come in for their shift, and send friendly texts on occasion. He¡¯d heard through the grapevine that she wasn¡¯t seeing anyone, and being the desperate, hormonally-challenged man he was, he bided his time until the moment was right, then asked her out. Matt remembered the event with painful crystal clarity. Brandy had paused for a second or two, blinking and gaping. When at last she spoke, she seemed somewhat open to the idea, but didn¡¯t remark much on it. He carried most of the conversation, and Brandy nodded and smiled as he arranged the place and time. Figuring that her apathetic response was a figment of his imagination, Matt kept a positive outlook, and the date was set. If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. It¡¯d been almost twenty minutes by the time the woman with dyed hair returned with his drink. ¡°Still sittin¡¯ here by yourself, huh?¡± the woman asked, setting his drink down in front of him. ¡°Yeah,¡± Matt said, trying to keep his voice neutral. Instead of looking like a petulant child, sulking against his palm, he grabbed the cup by the ring and brought it to his mouth. The foam smiled up at him, and he sighed. It had a faint aroma of cinnamon, and when he breathed in the hot air, he felt his sinuses clear. He hadn¡¯t even noticed they were backed up. ¡°This smells incredible.¡± ¡°Thanks. Made by yours truly,¡± the woman winked. Matt took a sip, feeling an ounce of his stress melt away. ¡°Thanks. I really needed this.¡± ¡°No prob. It¡¯s gonna be eight dollars.¡± ¡°Oh, right,¡± Matt said, setting the cup down. He arched his back, reaching into his front pocket for his wallet. ¡°Do I pay you here, or at the register?¡± The woman laughed again. ¡°Bro, c¡¯mon! I told ya it was free. Chill out, put your wallet away.¡± ¡°Right, yeah. You said that,¡± Matt said, cursing under his breath. ¡°You feelin¡¯ okay, dude? You¡¯ve been here a while. Waitin¡¯ for someone?¡± The woman cupped the tray beneath her arm and leaned on one leg. ¡°Uh, not really,¡± he said, not wanting to look like some desperate, stood-up dude. He glanced at the deformed smiley face in his drink, feeling a strange sort of kinship. ¡°Just¡­thinking, I guess.¡± The woman took the seat across from him, leaning on her elbow as she set the tray to her side. ¡°About what?¡± Well, this was unusual. He¡¯d never even met this person, but she was asking a lot of questions. ¡°Just struggling to make meaningful connections, I guess.¡± He regretted the words the moment they came out of his mouth. Good job, Kelmer. Way to look like a creep. ¡°Join the club, buddy,¡± she said. ¡°Name¡¯s Misty, by the way.¡± ¡°Uh. Um. I¡¯m Matt. Matt Kelmer.¡± ¡°Wow, super polite, too,¡± she said with wide eyes. Matt shook his head. ¡°Sorry, runs in the family. Military dad and all.¡± ¡°That¡¯s aight! Mine¡¯s Hayes,¡± and then her tone changed to how a person would sound if they were mocking an aristocrat, ¡°since you felt so inclined to offer yours.¡± ¡°Nice to meet you.¡± ¡°Same to you, buddy.¡± A brief silence passed before Matt got up the courage to speak again. ¡°So¡­you struggle to make connections, too?¡± Misty nodded. ¡°Mhm. All the time.¡± ¡°I see.¡± ¡°All we can do is keep tryin¡¯, though, ya know?¡± she shrugged. ¡°Parents don¡¯t approve of my tastes,¡± she said, tugging on a lock of her hair. ¡°That just made me wanna stick out more. It was a sorta way to say, ¡®Hey, I¡¯m here! Witness me!¡¯ But it just seems to make more folks turn away¡­ Maybe that sounds stupid.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think so. Besides, I think it looks great on you.¡± When she blinked and tipped her head, Matt shrank under her stare and averted his gaze. ¡°Sorry if that was forward.¡± ¡°Haha!¡± Misty rested both of her arms on the table, laughing. It was so infectious, the way it sounded. It was as if a squeak and a horn played at the same time. ¡°Thanks, sunshine. I appreciate it.¡± Sunshine? ¡°Yeah¡­yeah, of course,¡± Matt mumbled. ¡°What¡¯s really eatin¡¯ ya?¡± she probed. Matt¡¯s toes curled. ¡°I just don¡¯t feel like¡­anyone gets me. I¡¯m trying. I¡¯m trying all the time, but I don¡¯t feel like much more than just some bystander. Does that make sense?¡± Misty nodded, and Matt continued. ¡°My parents seem more interested in making me useful than actually loving me. The friends I have¡ªif you can call them that¡ªwould much rather go out with their girlfriends than play online games together.¡± You. Moron. If there was anything he¡¯d learned, it was that video games were a clear sign of someone who had no idea what they were doing in life. Well, it didn¡¯t matter. It wasn¡¯t like he was going to see Misty again anyway, so he could afford to gush a little. Still. It was kind of embarrassing. ¡°I get that,¡± Misty said. Her lips formed a flat line, and she gazed out the window to their side. ¡°Everyone¡¯s chasin¡¯ a high, stuck in their own little bubble where they can hear their own voice.¡± She clicked her tongue. ¡°Sorry. I might have projected a bit there.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Matt said. ¡°I don¡¯t mind.¡± Misty smiled, then looked at him. ¡°Thanks, Matt. Sorry your girl didn¡¯t show up.¡± I was that obvious, huh? ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Matt said with reluctance. ¡°You miss a hundred percent of the shots you don¡¯t take, right?¡± Misty nodded. ¡°Hey, now that¡¯s the spirit!¡± Matt¡¯s phone vibrated, and he was a little more quick to pick it up than he would¡¯ve liked. He unlocked the screen, then scrolled to the message he received from Brandy. ¡®Sorry. I¡¯m pregnant. - Brandy.¡¯ Matt frowned, then set his phone back down. ¡°Bad news?¡± Misty asked. ¡°You could say that.¡± He shook his head. ¡°She¡¯s not showing up. Oh well. Here¡¯s to next time, I guess.¡± Misty slipped out of her seat, snatching the tray from beside her. ¡°Sorry to talk and run, but my manager¡¯s gonna be on my ass if I don¡¯t get back to work.¡± ¡°It was nice talking to you,¡± Matt said, forcing a smile. Admittedly, Misty hadn¡¯t done much to improve his mood, but he appreciated her attempt. ¡°Likewise! I like the streak in your hair, by the way.¡± ¡°Thanks,¡± he said nervously. ¡°Guess it was my own way of making a statement.¡± ¡°I feel that. Hang in there, Matt. Maybe one day, girls¡¯ll be throwin¡¯ themselves ¡®atcha!¡± ¡°Maybe.¡± Matt laughed. ¡°Not much to throw themselves at, but a guy can dream.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t give up, sunshine.¡± Misty saluted and vanished behind the counter. Matt drained the smile from his cappuccino and let his thoughts wander out the cafe window. Chapter 242: Shes Filled With Secrets Emberlynn¡¯s servant, Dana, had been amicable with Destiny and Lara¡¯s desire to aid. Destiny poured a dark liquid from a teapot with sucked-in lips, anticipating the delicious taste that would no doubt accompany the incredible scent. ¡°I¡¯ve never had this kind of tea before,¡± Destiny said, pouring Tristan a cup. He seemed in better spirits today, and for that, Destiny couldn¡¯t be happier. Ball maintained his position on Tristan¡¯s shoulder, and she tapped his beak playfully. Destiny offered a curt bow before tending to her sister¡¯s cup next. ¡°What is it made from?¡± Dana poured herself a cup, then approached Misha¡¯s¡ªanother servant sitting at the table¡ªcup next. ¡°It¡¯s made from nailbark and poja leaves.¡± Lara blinked, looked down at her cup, and then back up at Dana. ¡°Doesn¡¯t nailbark keep you awake?¡± ¡°It does,¡± Dana nodded as she topped off Misha¡¯s cup. She set the pot at the table''s center, then took a seat across from Lara and Tristan. ¡°This is simply mere dust compared to directly ingesting the bark.¡± Destiny knew the effects of nailbark well. She and Lara had partaken in its effects during particularly rough evenings when Celestia had been unhappy with their performance. Couldn¡¯t take pride in your own work, so you had to rely on nailbark. Typical. Destiny swallowed the thought. ¡°It¡¯s a wonderful treat to have in the morning for a boost,¡± Dana said, sipping from the end of her cup. Unlike the cups they¡¯d used in Venicia, these were tall and cylindrical, bearing ridges on the outside to allow for a better grip. The cups were black but apparently came in a wide variety of colors. ¡°The poja leaves give it much-needed flavor!¡± ¡°Thank you, Dana,¡± Tristan smiled, bringing the cup to his lips with both hands. And what fine lips they were. From that mouth spilled the most wonderful words Destiny had ever heard. It didn¡¯t matter what words they were, so long as they came from that mouth. Soft, full, wonderfully¡ª ¡°Destiny?¡± ¡°Y-y-yes?¡± Destiny asked, turning toward her sister. Lara pointed at Misha. ¡°I was wondering if Madame Celestia was still head maid,¡± Misha said, resting her chin on her palm. She wore an identical outfit to that of Dana¡¯s. The estate¡¯s uniform, Destiny assumed. ¡°A-ah!¡± Pay attention! Get your head out of the clouds! Destiny sipped her tea, and her heart skipped a beat. It¡¯d been some time since she last felt the effects of nailbark. It was alarming, but she quickly acclimated due in no small part to the poja leaves. They left behind a sweet and woody flavor that tickled the nose. ¡°Goodness, this is wonderful.¡± ¡°Thank you for your kind words,¡± Dana said. She¡¯d already drained half her tea. ¡°Celestia is no longer head maid,¡± Lara supplied, drumming her fingers against her cup. ¡°Madame Ara is the head maid now.¡± ¡°Ho ho! Ara?¡± Misha said, her black ears perking up. ¡°Now that¡¯s a woman fit for head maid. Is her sister doing okay?¡± ¡°Y-yes,¡± Destiny said, trying to hide the incoming blush. You¡¯re just afraid. Admit it. It was nice to be away from Shi Island, where no one could record your failures. ¡°Lynn had a rough time for a while, but she¡¯s doing better now.¡± She swallowed, afraid of looking stupid. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, my memory seems to be failing me. I don¡¯t remember you from school.¡± ¡°Because I quit,¡± Misha said flatly. ¡°One year was enough for a lifetime.¡± She leaned back in her chair, then glanced at Tristan. ¡°This the Shi Island man?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Lara nodded. Destiny noted that she¡¯d finished her tea already. When had she done that? It¡¯s because your head is stuck in the clouds. Like always. ¡°We¡¯ve been tasked with, uhm¡­solving the economic problems you have,¡± Lara continued. Dana and Misha exchanged looks. ¡°Then, the reason Mistress Ravyn is here¡ª¡± Dana began. ¡°Is to assist me,¡± Tristan said with a hand to his chest, ¡°in solving the issues San Island is suffering from.¡± He set his cup down and laid his hands on the table. ¡°We¡¯re hoping that Emberlynn can shed some light on where San Island is struggling.¡± ¡°Got your work cut out for you,¡± Misha said. ¡°You basically get two options on San Island.¡± She held up one finger. ¡°You go to Shulan and try to peddle your wares.¡± She lifted her middle finger next. ¡°Or, you come to Zhuli for a job.¡± ¡°It can¡¯t be that simple,¡± Tristan replied. Misha laughed. ¡°Well, of course, it¡¯s not. Mind you, I¡¯ve only been working here for two years, but that¡¯s what I¡¯ve seen.¡± ¡°That sounds awful,¡± Destiny said. ¡°Beats slaving away in the only decent town on Shi Island.¡± She¡¯s right. You know she¡¯s right. You should admit you were wrong. ¡°I¡­suppose that¡¯s fair.¡± She bowed her head, shutting her eyes. ¡°Are you feeling alright?¡± Dana asked. ¡°Yes. Thank you.¡± You¡¯re in the presence of proper maids, so act like it. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ¡°Do you have any input?¡± Tristan asked. ¡°Any advice or experiences you¡¯d like to share? I must admit, I¡¯m at a bit of a loss.¡± Dana shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m afraid I don¡¯t have much to offer. I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°Came right to Emberlynn¡¯s estate after I left the Venicia School of Etiquette.¡± Misha shrugged. ¡°What I told you is just what I¡¯ve heard since living here.¡± Tristan wore a complex expression. He had worn the same expression when he read through Melody¡¯s book and when they parted from Matt and the others. How I wish I could take your pain away. ¡°We¡¯ll figure it out,¡± Destiny said, putting a hand on his forearm. The gesture was a bit more intimate than was proper, but for some reason she didn¡¯t mind. ¡°Lara and I will be with you every step of the way.¡± Tristan glanced at Destiny¡¯s hand, then at Lara before returning Destiny¡¯s gaze. Then he smiled. ¡°Thank you, Destiny. I hope Ravyn and Emberlynn have some answers for us.¡± ¡°Do you think Mistress Ravyn will wish to stay?¡± Dana asked, her eyes unabashedly curious. Lara laughed, then clapped a hand to her mouth. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± ¡°You haven¡¯t really met Ravyn, yet,¡± Tristan noted. ¡°She¡¯s rather¡­ independent,¡± Destiny said. ¡°And favors an unusual method of speaking¡­¡± Did I word that right? Please tell me I didn¡¯t just spit all over the daughter of Emberlynn. Dana and Misha looked at each other, then back at Destiny, Tristan, and Lara. ¡°That¡¯s not how Emberlynn described her,¡± Dana said. ¡°Oh. The conversation¡¯s over,¡± Lara said. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Do you mean with Ravyn and Emberlynn?¡± Destiny asked. Perhaps Wind had brought her a message. ¡°Yes,¡± Lara said. ¡°Oh. Ravyn is quite angry.¡± Suddenly, the door slammed open, and everyone turned to the source. There, wearing an expression so twisted and contorted with fury, stood Ravyn. Dana and Misha shot to their feet, hands behind their backs. ¡°Mistress Ravyn!¡± they cried in unison. ¡°Sister! Sister, where are we going?¡± a kitten said behind her. She wore a long black dress with red accents. Her hair was deep red like Ravyn¡¯s, flecked with blonde. The girl put a hand on each of Ravyn¡¯s legs, peeking between them with large violet eyes. ¡°Oh, the servant quarters!¡± Ravyn visibly swallowed, and her eye twitched. ¡°Who¡¯s the other one?¡± she growled. ¡°That¡¯s Dana,¡± the kitten said, pointing at the servant. She pointed at the other servant. ¡°And that¡¯s Misha!¡± ¡°Thanks, Sophia.¡± Ravyn drew a deep breath, looking at Misha. Misha flattened her ears against her head. ¡°Can I assist you with anything, Mistress Ravyn?¡± Ravyn sucked in her lips. ¡°Some tea would be nice.¡± Just as Misha turned, Ravyn stopped her. ¡°None of that nailbark sh¡ª stuff.¡± Her tone changed to one that even Destiny could tell was a forced attempt at kindness. ¡°If you would be so kind.¡± ¡°Yes, of course.¡± Misha returned to the workstation behind her. Tristan rose to his feet and approached Ravyn, glancing at the girl between her legs. Bally flapped over to his master¡¯s shoulder, and the two shared a quick look. ¡°Sister, huh?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Ravyn said. Oh no. This is not good. Ravyn¡¯s not going to¡ª ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± Tristan asked as he knelt down. ¡°Sophia!¡± the girl cried with enthusiasm. ¡°What a pretty name!¡± ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± ¡°You can call me Uncle Tristan.¡± Sophia tilted her head to one side. ¡°Ooncle? What¡¯s that?¡± Tristan opened his mouth, then paused. ¡°Like your sister¡¯s best friend.¡± ¡°Ohhhh! You¡¯re a man!¡± Sophia clapped. ¡°Mama says men are strong. Are you strong?¡± ¡°Very strong! Want to see?¡± Sophia nodded, and Tristan grabbed her under the arms and swooped her away from her sister, lifting her into the air. ¡°Rawwrr!¡± Sophia giggled. ¡°Wow!¡± Tristan held Sophia to his chest. The girl nestled herself against the crook of his arm, seated atop his spare forearm. ¡°You¡¯re pretty strong yourself, Sophia!¡± He spun around. ¡°Want to meet some new friends?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± ¡°My name is Lara,¡± Lara said, standing and bowing. ¡°I can talk to the Elements.¡± ¡°Ooooh!¡± Ravyn strode past Destiny and Lara, joining Misha at the other end of the room. The two shared a hushed conversation while Tristan continued to play and talk with Sophia. Can I somehow capture this event? The image of Tristan playing so happily with the kitten sparked ideas of what her own kittens would look like. What kind of women would they grow up to be? Would they follow after their father? Their mother? You would be a terrible mother. Destiny balled the fabric of her maid attire into her hands, averting her gaze. ¡°I can speak to them too!¡± Sophia said. ¡°Put me down, Uncle Tristan! I want to show her!¡± Tristan did as she asked, and Sophia ran to Lara¡¯s side. The two carried on their conversation as Tristan retook his seat beside Destiny. ¡°She¡¯s cute,¡± Tristan said, lifting the cup of tea to his lips. ¡°Yes,¡± Destiny said, her mind bombarded by a dozen self-deprecating scenarios. Her heart throbbed, each of them more painful than the last. I don¡¯t want to ruin what we have. Visiting Tristan in the evenings at the school for years had planted a slow-growing seed of affection. She was the one person who didn¡¯t come to his door in search of a kitten. She knew how much that meant to him. It¡¯s better if I say nothing. But now that they were in one another¡¯s company every hour of the day, her adoration had sprung thorned vines that wrapped around her heart. It¡¯s not like I¡¯d be a good mother, anyway. Tristan has enough going on without me adding to it. I need to support him. He didn¡¯t need another girl at his door. He needed a friend. A trusted companion. ¡°I¡¯m surprised Ravyn has a sister,¡± Tristan noted. Things are better this way. ¡°Water seems to like you quite a bit,¡± Lara said as she and Sophia giggled. ¡°Have you spoken to Fire before?¡± ¡°Fire¡¯s my favorite!¡± Sophia said. ¡°Fire says he likes Sister Ravyn a lot, too!¡± ¡°Maybe we could both convince her to speak to him.¡± ¡°Does she hate him?¡± Destiny rocked back and forth in her chair. ¡°Destiny, are you okay?¡± Tristan asked. Destiny gasped, broken from her reverie. ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry. I was distracted. Yes. I¡¯m fine.¡± She smiled. ¡°You barely touched your tea. Are you sure?¡± Only Lara knows as much about me as you do. ¡°Yes,¡± Destiny lied, taking a drink of her¡ªnow cold¡ªtea. ¡°Delightful. What a wonderful brew.¡± She would not be a burden on him. She would not destroy what they had. ¡°Lara seems to really like Sophia.¡± Tristan blinked, then smiled. ¡°I think we would all be better off if we could see smiles like that more often.¡± ¡°I couldn¡¯t agree more.¡± Bury those thoughts. Bury them, and never unearth them again. Bonus Quest: The Claw Day 0 There was nowhere to hide from the sun. Sweat poured down John¡¯s face and neck as he clamored through the sand dunes of¡­ Where the hell am I? He lived in Vermont. There wasn¡¯t any sand in Vermont. The last thing he remembered was the long drive home from the office. It¡¯d been another late night with his boss out of town. There were only two days left to meet their project deadline, and Mark had decided it was the best time to take a trip to Cancun with the wife. Typical. John ran a hand over his face, then brushed the sweat off on his thigh. He was still in his button-up shirt and tie. His loafers weren¡¯t fit for trekking through sand, and the grains trickled between the gaps of leather and his socks. Heat beat against his back and soaked through his dark hair. Am I dreaming? He had to be. He had to have stumbled from his car to his bed and just didn¡¯t remember. Stress from work was obviously getting to him. An engine revved in the distance. John turned to see a cloud of dust swell in the air around the silhouette of four dark figures on what appeared to be motorcycles. Dirt bikes? It was impossible to tell. But without water or shelter, he would die in the heat. Even if it was a dream, that sounded like an awful way to go. ¡°Hey!¡± John raised his arms over his head and waved a panicked signal. ¡°Over here!¡± The bikes turned toward him, the cloud of dust masking their riders¡¯ appearances. John covered his mouth with one arm and closed his eyes, feeling the torrent of sand-soaked wind slam into him as the engines roared their approach. When the sound died and the dust settled, John rubbed his face and opened his eyes. He blinked and opened his mouth. Then blinked again. ¡°They always this quiet?¡± A woman with fiery red hair that seemed to defy gravity popped the stand on her bike with one leather boot and dismounted. Feline ears protruded near her forehead, and a thin tail swayed behind her. ¡°Hell if I know. This is my first time finding one.¡± The second rider with similarly teased blonde hair stayed on her bike. She straightened her spiked gauntlets and adjusted the bandoleer over her enormous chest. Her cat ears flicked forward, then rotated to the sides. They looked¡­real. ¡°W-who¡­ W-what¡ª?¡± John stammered. Where did he even begin? ¡°Is this supposed to be Burning Man or something?¡± A tan, dark-eyed woman at the opposite end of the red-head smiled, her teeth sharp. ¡°Why would we burn you? You¡¯re too important for that.¡± The last woman, a dark-skinned beauty with a shock of white hair and yellow eyes smeared with black, snarled and clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth. ¡°Get on the damn bike, new guy. Before the others find us.¡± ¡°The others?¡± John managed. He shook his head. Pinched his arm. What the hell was going on? ¡°Alright. Seriously. Who are you?¡± ¡°We¡¯ll explain at the base. The rest of the Vixens¡¯ll want to see you,¡± the redhead said. John gaped. ¡°Wait, Vixen? Like the band?¡± ¡°Look. You can either get on the damn bike, or I can tie you to it,¡± the blonde snapped. ¡°Er, right.¡± John padded through the sand toward the white-haired woman and slid onto the seat behind her. ¡°Hey! Watch the tail!¡± John froze, then carefully maneuvered so that he didn¡¯t touch the fluffy white tail poking above her black leather g-string. Their engines revved, and John wrapped his arms around the woman¡¯s waist. A sinking feeling in his stomach warned that he wasn¡¯t in Vermont anymore.
Day 3 It wasn¡¯t a dream. This was all very, very real. It had taken John a full day to absorb the shock of his death and apparent rebirth. A second day to restore his fluids and this new [Energy] thing. Today, two of the four riders that had found him were showing him around the Vixens¡¯ base. It was partially built into a cliff side; a land feature John was positive didn¡¯t exist until the mountain was almost on top of them. There was a small, natural spring that ran through the cliff, offering the clan of thirty or so catgirls¡ªtheir term for themselves¡ªenough clean water to live. ¡°There are six other clans like ours. Some bigger, some smaller,¡± Jewel, the blonde, explained as they walked. She raised one hand and ticked the names off on her fingers. ¡°Twisted Sisters, Queens, Gypsies, Poison, Scorpions, and Rush.¡± John laughed. ¡°Oh? Is something funny, Johnny?¡± Stevie, the sharp-tongued white-haired woman, poked a long finger into his chest. John hadn¡¯t told her to call him that, but it¡¯d stuck from day one. ¡°No. I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s nothing.¡± They were armed to the teeth. John did his best to control his reactions¡ªoffending them could mean dying. Again. ¡°And you said that this was an island?¡± If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. ¡°That¡¯s right. The Claw,¡± Jewel continued. ¡°Branches just off of Ichi. But no one comes here, and no one leaves.¡± ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡± ¡°Because we have our own ways here, and the rest of Nyarlea can eat shit.¡± Stevie narrowed her coal-drenched eyes. Black streaks decorated her cheeks and throat, curving down to her chest and across her bared abdomen. From what John had gathered, Stevie was the leader of these Vixens. ¡°They come on our turf, and we shoot them dead. They don¡¯t fuck with us.¡± Nyarlea. The Claw. Ichi. Clans. There was so much information to remember. But that wasn¡¯t the most pressing thing on his mind. ¡°Your friend said I was important here. Why?¡± Stevie grinned. ¡°So you can give us kittens, Johnny.¡± She dragged her sharpened nails down John¡¯s back, and a tiny moan escaped her lips. John flushed and shivered. He was an unmarried man, sure, but this still felt¡­sudden. Courting a woman was supposed to take time and respect. These women all stared at him like he was a piece of meat. ¡°Only the strongest clans get to breed,¡± Jewel added, her tone cautious. ¡°We¡¯re not allowed to touch him yet, Stevie.¡± ¡°Take all of the fun out of it, why don¡¯t you?¡± Stevie spat and dropped her arm. ¡°I already sent a rider to the Summit. We¡¯ll see in a few days.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll see what?¡± John asked, looking between them.
Day 7 Oh. All six clans had gathered at the Summit. Hundreds of catgirls surrounded an enormous metal cage that reminded John a lot of the Thunderdome. John stood beside Stevie and six other women who served as the respective leaders of each clan at the center of the cage. The only man. A dozen women swung from the bars in various states of undress. More raised their guns in the air and beat them against the metal. Some carried torches, some made provocative hand gestures and licked their lips. The whoops, hollers, screams, and engines revving deafened him. This makes Altamont look like a picnic. A single bullet fired behind him, and John nearly jumped out of his skin. The crowd immediately fell silent. ¡°Our new man has arrived, delivered to The Claw in the hands of Clan Vixen!¡± Stevie cried. ¡°It is time to determine who has earned the right to breed!¡± A wild cheer erupted as the girls slammed their weapons against the bars. Stevie raised her arms, and the cheers died down. ¡°As Clan Vixen found him, we will battle first in this contest! Who will challenge Roxy?¡± The redhead he¡¯d met on the first day swung down from high on the dome, landing deftly on her feet and slowly straightening her back. The thick leather armor that wrapped around her chest, arms, and waist was marred with deep scratches and marks that suggested the woman had been in a lot of fights. But she kept her legs bare, save for the calf-high boots. She held a long blade in each hand and clanged them together over her head, her expression starved. They¡¯re seriously fighting over me? It should have been any man¡¯s wet dream. But the knots in his throat and stomach weighed him down. ¡°Clan Scorpion calls for Lenita!¡± a woman in blue leathers near Stevie called. ¡°Come forward!¡± Lenita slithered through the bars. Her purple and black-streaked mullet was tied back with an animal-print headband. The armor fitted to her chest looked more like the carapace of an insect than the tightly sewn leathers of the other girls. She carried a sickle-shaped sword and a menacing smile. ¡°To safety!¡± someone called. Stevie grabbed John¡¯s arm and dragged him away from the center of the arena to a space that was sectioned off from the jeering crowd. She put a hand on his shoulder and pushed him down into a chair shaped like a large throne. ¡°Enjoy the show,¡± Stevie whispered into his ear. ¡°They¡¯re not going to kill each other over this, are they?¡± John shouted over the crowd. ¡°Of course not.¡± Stevie looked surprised. ¡°That¡¯d be barbaric.¡± ¡°...I see.¡± Another woman appeared at John¡¯s side with a canteen of water and a plate of food. ¡°Hey there, babe. Name¡¯s Jackie. If you want anything else, you just let me know.¡± John nervously accepted both with a nod. ¡°Thank you, Jackie.¡± Jackie giggled. ¡°What a sweetie.¡± She took a seat on the arm of the throne. ¡°I hope Clan Gypsy gets to take you home.¡± What do I say to that? ¡°I-I guess we¡¯ll find out soon enough.¡± ¡°To first blood!¡± A woman acting as a referee raised a flag in the center of the dome. ¡°Fight!¡± Roxy and Lenita crashed together like lightning. They moved so quickly that John had a hard time telling them apart. Red blurred into purple. Blades glittered in the firelight from the surrounding torches. The atmosphere was electric with excitement. A blinding light coated Roxy¡¯s blades as she took another swing, breaking straight through Lenita¡¯s weapon and slicing two bright red streaks into the Scorpion girl¡¯s arms. It was over almost as quickly as it had begun. ¡°One win to Roxy!¡± Another purple-haired girl rushed from the edge of the dome to Lenita¡¯s side. She laid her hands over the wounds and closed her eyes. John watched as a warm glow washed over the girl¡¯s body and into Lenita¡¯s arms. When she dropped her hands, Lenita¡¯s wounds were healed without a trace of blood. ¡°Magic¡­?¡± John whispered in disbelief. The fighting continued. One by one, Roxy felled her opponents with terrifying speed. Besides the short breaks she took for water, Roxy¡¯s stamina¡ªher [Energy], apparently¡ªseemed endless. She didn¡¯t look the least bit winded. ¡°We¡¯ve been training her for years,¡± Stevie murmured in John¡¯s ear as if reading his thoughts. ¡°Clan Vixen will not fall this age.¡± As Roxy defeated the last girl from Clan Rush, Stevie wrapped her fingers in John¡¯s hair, scraping her nails along his scalp. ¡°It has been witnessed!¡± The referee raised Roxy¡¯s arm with a brilliant smile. ¡°The new man goes to Clan Vixen!¡± The onlookers cheered and screamed. Carnal howls sounded from Vixen¡¯s corner. Stevie leaned forward and nibbled John¡¯s ear. ¡°You¡¯re mine tonight, Johnny.¡±
Day 372 John stopped questioning most of the ways of life on The Claw. The clans made their own food and bullets. Their technology was a combination of magic and what they had available. They took care of him and each other. They¡¯d armed and armored him, and he found that he enjoyed learning how to repair and maintain their weapons and motorcycles¡ªhe preferred it over the spreadsheets and work emails. In time, he discovered that it wasn¡¯t the other clans or the catgirls he had to worry about. It was the Encroachers and the Defiled. Fearsome beasts the likes of which he¡¯d only ever seen in horror movies. John lay quietly beside Jackie, watching as she slept. Every three hundred days, they handed him to the clan that won the battle of the Summit. Gypsy had been the second clan to win the breeding privilege. But Jackie felt like a friend. He found himself in her bed almost every night. When he left Clan Vixen, Stevie¡¯s parting words to him were a warning. Even after two months, they still rang loud in John¡¯s ears. No man has ever survived more than eight hundred days on The Claw. Chapter 243: Garmonbozia Cannoli sat beside Matt the next afternoon when the caravan had stopped for lunch. Keke sat Matt¡¯s opposite¡ªbarely a tail¡¯s length away. But despite their close proximity, Cannoli felt alone. Again. Ceres took her meal with a blue-haired catgirl away from the main body of the group. The way they spoke and laughed with one another seemed warm. Intimate. Cannoli didn¡¯t know the girl¡¯s name. However, a pang of jealousy at their easy way with one another struck Cannoli¡¯s heart. What¡¯s happening to me? Very rarely had Cannoli ever experienced such negative emotions before joining Matt¡¯s Party. Perhaps once or twice when she¡¯d caught him and Keke sneaking away together. Or a few times when he preferred to sleep next to Keke instead of her. But now Cannoli felt the same sour disposition toward Ceres. Like none of them deserved their happiness. The throbbing she¡¯d experienced on the boat ride over had subsided to a dull ache, but in times like these, it grew loud and incessant. Like a needling reminder of her inadequacies. Ceres¡¯s mention of the hymns had shown just how little Cannoli knew about her ¡®unwavering¡¯ faith. She needed to know more. And at the same time, she couldn¡¯t seem to let go of her unrelenting bias. Kirti caught the corner of her eye and smiled. Cannoli suppressed a growl. Buttons appeared on Cannoli¡¯s shoulder and then rubbed his cheek against hers. ¡°¡ªexcited?¡± Matt asked. Cannoli blinked and turned to face Matt. He and Keke were looking at her expectantly. When had they started speaking to her? ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t hear you,¡± Cannoli admitted. She picked up Buttons and moved him to her lap. ¡°What did you say?¡± ¡°Oh. We¡¯re almost to Irisil. I was just asking if you¡¯re excited,¡± Matt repeated. ¡°I¡­I suppose so.¡± Really, she felt numb. To this whole ordeal. I wish I could turn time backward. ¡°Keke was saying that there¡¯s only one church on Ni Island and that it¡¯s hard to get to,¡± Matt continued. ¡°Have you ever been?¡± Cannoli shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s in Lyncina, which is quite a ways from Junonia.¡± ¡°Lyncina¡¯s up in the mountains. It¡¯s best to visit if you have a guide that can take you,¡± Keke added. ¡°Pretty steep hike then, I take it?¡± Matt asked. ¡°Yes. And there are many dangerous Encroachers that live in the forests surrounding the town. It isn¡¯t safe to go by yourself,¡± Cannoli replied. ¡°My¡­my mother made the journey a few times when I was a kitten. But I never went with her.¡± At this, Keke chewed her lower lip as if she was holding back something she wanted to say. Normally, Cannoli would have let it go. But for some reason, the expression on Keke¡¯s face rubbed her tail the wrong way. ¡°What is it, Keke?¡± Her words were sharper than she intended. Go ahead, Keke. Speak ill of my mother, as you always have. Keke flinched. ¡°I-I was just thinking about how Mom went with Aurora on those trips. They¡¯d bring back hart meat and cook it for us both.¡± Her mouth relaxed into a sad smile. Cannoli blinked. When had she begun to expect the worst of her dearest friend? ¡°A-ah. I see.¡± ¡°Wait. Hearts? From what?¡± Matt furrowed his brow. ¡°You just tear it from their chests and cook it?¡± ¡°No, Matt. Not hearts. Harts.¡± Cannoli giggled, and it eased the tension in her chest a little. ¡°H-A-R-T,¡± she spelled the word out loud for him. ¡°It¡¯s a type of Encroacher.¡± Keke grinned. ¡°It¡¯s like a goat. A really, really mean goat.¡± ¡°Why mean? Nasty horns? Something else?¡± Matt pressed. ¡°Very nasty horns and sharp teeth. They travel in packs, and they¡¯ll attack anything that gets in their way,¡± Keke explained. ¡°But, sometimes, you can find precious gems in their horns. And their meat is delicious.¡± This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. ¡°It¡¯s too stringy for me.¡± Cannoli poked her tongue through her lips, then laughed. A sudden memory washed over her like a warm summer rain. ¡°I remember once, Elona and Mom brought back a whole satchel filled with hart gems. They were so sparkly! Keke and I stole them from the kitchen and fashioned ourselves crowns and earrings and necklaces.¡± Keke gasped and covered her mouth with one hand. ¡°I forgot about that!¡± ¡°We scavenged for all kinds of things to use. Flowers, twine, wire from Espada¡¯s shop, adhesive from Granny Nauka¡ªwhile they weren¡¯t looking, of course,¡± Cannoli continued. The images felt perfectly encapsulated with her retelling. ¡°We even, erm, borrowed some of our mothers¡¯ clothing and used the gems to decorate them.¡± ¡°We thought we looked like queens!¡± Keke said. ¡°There had to have been over a hundred tiny gems in that pack, and we used every one of them.¡± Matt was grinning, chuckling as they recounted the tale. ¡°I¡¯m assuming you were caught.¡± ¡°Goodness, yes,¡± Cannoli replied. ¡°If the sun struck us the right way, I¡¯m sure you could see us from San Island.¡± ¡°It was blinding. We used all the blue ones for our crowns, like Saoirse¡¯s mask. The looks on our moms¡¯ faces when they found us¡ª¡± Keke sputtered into giggles. ¡°Did you get in trouble?¡± ¡°They were so mad. Elona had to bring what was left of the adhesive back to Granny Nauka and pay for what we¡¯d used. Then buy an oil that would let us take all of the gems off of what we¡¯d stuck them to,¡± Cannoli said. ¡°It was, erm, slow-going.¡± ¡°It took us a full week,¡± Keke supplied. ¡°We had to use little pads that soaked the gems in oil until we could start wriggling them off. Then, we had to use our nails and a file to pick away whatever remained of the adhesive on the gems. Otherwise, no one would buy them.¡± Matt barked a laugh. ¡°Well, there¡¯s only one important question that needs to be answered. Was it worth it?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Keke and Cannoli said in unison. They exchanged mischievous looks, then giggled. For just a moment, Cannoli felt like a kitten again. In the middle of another clever idea that one of them had contrived. Buttons ran circles in Cannoli¡¯s lap, excited by the sudden conversation. Cannoli fished him out a peanut from her [Cat Pack]. Keke squeezed Matt¡¯s hand and nodded. Cannoli watched as they shared a short, silent conversation, her ears tipping forward with curiosity. ¡°I¡¯ll be right back,¡± Matt announced. ¡°Oh. Okay,¡± Cannoli nodded. As he moved across the way to join Ceres and her new companion, Keke inched closer to Cannoli. Keke lowered her voice. ¡°I wanted to talk with you.¡± Her words were slow and measured. ¡°If that¡¯s alright with you.¡± Cannoli¡¯s first instinct was to run. But that would only prove Keke¡¯s previous accusations¡ªthat she was isolating herself¡ªto be correct. So instead, she nodded. ¡°I know that we haven¡¯t had a lot of chances to spend time together. Just the two of us, like before,¡± Keke began. ¡°But I wanted you to know that it doesn¡¯t mean I don¡¯t care about you anymore.¡± Cannoli blinked and searched for her reply. The pulsing in her head quieted, and something stirred in her chest. Keke laid a hand over her heart, and her tail rocked back and forth behind her. ¡°Honestly, I really admire you.¡± ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Absolutely.¡± Keke nodded. ¡°You¡¯ve constantly stood up for what you believe is the right thing to do. To Jazz, to Kirti, to Matt. Cannoli, you¡¯re incredibly brave, and I can only hope I¡¯ve shown even a fraction of your courage.¡± Cannoli didn¡¯t feel very brave. In every one of those instances, she¡¯d been terrified of what would happen next. That she¡¯d made the wrong decision and put everyone¡¯s lives at risk for it. ¡°Keke¡­¡± Keke reached forward and gently touched her hand. ¡°I¡¯ll miss you, Cannoli. I really hope you won¡¯t stay away forever.¡± Her golden eyes glossed over and she blinked hard. ¡°I can¡¯t stand the thought of never seeing my sister again.¡± The stirring in Cannoli¡¯s chest erupted into a hurricane of emotions. Keke never cried. Tears built in her eyes as she clasped Keke¡¯s hand. ¡°I couldn¡¯t stay away forever, Keke. I just¡­ I don¡¯t know what¡¯s wrong with me,¡± she admitted, a sob catching her words. ¡°I¡¯ve never felt like this. Like my entire life is one big question.¡± ¡°We¡¯ve never been through this, either,¡± Keke said softly. ¡°But that¡¯s why we¡¯re doing this, right? To find our answers?¡± Cannoli nodded. ¡°I suppose so, yes.¡± She sniffed back her tears. ¡°I can¡¯t help thinking that I should just have a kitten and go back to Ni. That I¡¯m no good to anyone like this.¡± Her ears flattened against her head, and she closed her eyes. Buttons scampered up her arm and retook his place on her shoulder, curling himself around her neck. ¡°Even if I disagree with you, in the end, that¡¯s your choice to make.¡± Keke squeezed her hand. ¡°One day at a time, though. You don¡¯t have to make any decisions like that right now.¡± Cannoli blinked, and Keke wiped away the tears that escaped down her cheeks. ¡°Neither of us have to face this alone,¡± Keke murmured. ¡°So let¡¯s not force ourselves to, okay?¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Cannoli wrapped her arms around Keke¡¯s arms and buried her face against her shoulder. ¡°I promise.¡± Keke returned the embrace and stroked her hair¡ªsomething their mothers did when they were still kittens. ¡°I promise, too.¡± As Cannoli cried into Keke¡¯s shoulder, the throbbing stopped. Chapter 244: The Last Evening By the time the caravan arrived in Irisil, the sun had fallen, and much of the company had grown tired of sitting in carriages¡ªKeke included. She fought hard to hide how she felt¡ªsomething she was good at¡ªbut Matt read her sour expression like a book. ¡°Yeah, I feel that,¡± Matt said, yawning. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to get out and stretch my legs. Feels like we¡¯ve been traveling for weeks.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sore, too,¡± Cannoli admitted. She¡¯d taken to Matt¡¯s left while Cailu and Keke sat across from him. The wagon came to a stop, and a gentle knock confirmed it was time to exit. The door opened, and the lithe coach beckoned them outside. ¡°Welcome to Irisil,¡± she said. Keke carefully stepped outside, marveling at the city before her. Unlike the Port of Elliot, this place was surrounded by walls of black stone. At the city''s center was a prominent spire taller than any building she had seen before. A smoky orange glow emanated from a cavity beneath the spire¡¯s point. ¡°Oh goodness,¡± Cannoli said, clapping her hands beside Keke. ¡°What a beautiful city.¡± Matt took Keke''s opposite, crossing his arms. ¡°Spooky. Kinda reminds me of Halloween.¡± Keke turned her head toward him. ¡°What¡¯s Halloween?¡± ¡°A holiday where I¡¯m from. People dress up as zombies, monsters, demons, that sorta thing. If you¡¯re a kid, you go to other houses and ask for candy.¡± ¡°You get candy for dressing up as a demon?¡± Cannoli asked as her face paled. She looked ashamed to be breathing the same air as Matt. ¡°I-it¡¯s better than it sounds, I swear.¡± Keke frowned as she tried to imagine kittens dressed like Defiled going from door to door, asking for sugary treats. ¡°That sounds kind of dangerous. How do they know you¡¯re not the real thing?¡± Matt blinked, then laughed. ¡°Monsters like the Defiled didn¡¯t exist for me before. They¡¯re just stories, myths. Well, until now, I mean.¡± He returned the frown. ¡°What? I¡¯m serious!¡± Half the time, she believed him. But sometimes, his customs sounded far too strange to be true. The very idea that he¡¯d lived in a place with as many men as there were women was difficult to comprehend. What would a society like that even look like? ¡°Well, I hope Irisil isn¡¯t as scary on the inside as Halloween,¡± Keke said. ¡°Irisil was once a bastion,¡± Cailu explained as he joined them next. His armor clinked and shuffled, and he appeared more stiff than usual. Keke supposed he had his limits to how long he could sit, as well. ¡°The city was constructed from black stone so as to conceal its prodigious size.¡± ¡°Yep! See those orange lights?¡± the coach asked, pointing at the tower. ¡°They were meant to guide the lost back to the city. Lots of people thought the lights doubled as a sort of repellent for Encroachers, so they still use them to this day.¡± ¡°Does it actually work?¡± Matt asked. The coach shrugged. ¡°No idea.¡± She shut the door and climbed back into her seat. ¡°If you got nothing else, I¡¯m going to take this beauty back to the Port of Elliot.¡± ¡°One moment,¡± Cailu said, approaching her with a hefty bag of Bells. The coach¡¯s eyes widened as he poured a heaping sum of coins into her palm. She squealed with delight, then whispered something into his ear. He shook his head, then waved his hand as if he were trying to hurry her along. She raised a brow, shrugged, and her wagon began to trot away. Cailu returned, and the remainder of his Party soon arrived from the other wagon. Ceres hung back for a time, speaking with the coach named Lucia. The two bowed to one another, and Ceres smiled wide while Lucia urged her horses away from Irisil. ¡°Say your goodbyes?¡± Keke asked with a knowing smile when Ceres came. ¡°Yes!¡± Ceres said. ¡°Lucia lives at the Port of Elliot, so we agreed to pen one another from time to time.¡± ¡°That¡¯s great, Ceres,¡± Matt said, smiling. Kirti stood beside Cailu while Zahra took to his other side. ¡°You waited. How kind,¡± Kirti said. Cailu frowned. ¡°Come. The [Bishop] will be waiting.¡± Keke drew a sharp breath as she, Matt, Ceres, and Cannoli followed Cailu and his Party into the city. If not for [Low-Light Vision], Keke was sure she¡¯d been unable to tell the difference between the wall and the sky during the late hours of the evening. Even with the light of the setting sun, it was difficult to see the walls and fences unless she was up close. There was a quick discussion with the guards before Keke and the Parties were allowed through. Though, with two men in their group, there were few places they couldn¡¯t go, especially with Cailu in tow. She just wished he wouldn¡¯t phrase everything like a demand. The man had a way of talking at people, not with them. When he wasn¡¯t hissing demands, he wore a smile that could charm any woman. It felt manipulative and demeaning, and it was clear that he valued himself quite highly. Cailu was right about one thing, though. The city was compact¡ªawfully so. The streets barely had enough room for three people to walk beside one another comfortably. Homes were separated by even tighter spaces, the alleyways barely allowing for one person to pass through at a time. Maybe two if you kept your back to the wall. ¡°A-are you sure we¡¯re in the right place?¡± Cannoli asked as she huddled closer to Keke. Keke wrapped an arm around her, keeping an alert eye on anything suspicious. ¡°I feel weird.¡± ¡°So do I,¡± Keke admitted. Many of the catgirls that passed by wore thick robes of black and gray with hoods over their heads. They hissed words under their breath as they passed by, and Keke felt a chill sweep over her skin. Keke heard Matt mutter something like, ¡°Halloween meets new pork,¡± but figured it was something else he¡¯d remembered. ¡°How fascinating,¡± Ceres said, craning her head. ¡°Tell me, Sir Cailu. For what reason do they dress in such dark clothing?¡± ¡°They hide,¡± Kirti answered, ¡°from the Defiled. As if such dark clothing could protect oneself from them.¡± Cannoli glanced at her. ¡°I feel a bit naked,¡± Zahra admitted, rubbing her bare bicep. ¡°Pay it no mind,¡± Cailu said, stopping before a larger building. Above the door was a plaque that read, ¡®Clumsy Orchid Inn.¡¯ ¡°The [Bishop] should be waiting inside.¡± He pushed the door open, and a bell alerted the barkeep to their arrival. ¡°Welcome in!¡± To Keke¡¯s relief, the voice sounded chipper. The interior was the same as any other inn. Round wooden tables, a bar at the counter, and entertainment to a stage on their left. Some of the catgirls turned to see who¡¯d entered, but they quickly returned to their drinks and company. They dressed just as the ones outside did, but they¡¯d undone their cloaks and lowered their hoods. Now they felt like people and not shadows. ¡°What whiplash,¡± Matt said. ¡°I was expecting all the tables to be black. Maybe a creepy catgirl at the door asking us for a secret password.¡± Cailu regarded him over his shoulder with a frown. Keke giggled. Cailu shook his head and gestured toward a pair of tables to the right of the door. ¡°Seat yourselves while I ascertain the [Bishop]¡¯s location.¡± He undid his cape and set it on the table before promptly leaving in search of the catgirl in question. Cannoli took a seat to Matt¡¯s right, so Keke took the spot next to her. Keke gripped Cannoli¡¯s hand tightly, hoping to be the net of assurance her best friend no doubt needed. ¡°I¡¯ll be okay,¡± Cannoli said as if she¡¯d sensed Keke¡¯s bittersweet feelings. She reciprocated the grip, smiling. ¡°I¡¯ll be a great [Priest]. One deserving of the name.¡± ¡°A devout follower, no doubt,¡± Kirti mused, observing her nails in the faint orange glow of the Enchanted stone above them. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. Zahra averted her stare, barely shaking her head. ¡°Just back off, alright?¡± Matt said. ¡°Things are hard enough without you trying to get a rise out of everyone.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Cannoli said. She bowed her head for a moment, then when she raised it, she looked Kirti in the eye. ¡°What you¡¯ve done is wrong.¡± Cannoli¡¯s voice trembled. ¡°I don¡¯t like you, and I have no intention of getting along with you. Spew your venom, if you must.¡± Buttons suddenly appeared from between her collar, glancing between his master and Kirti. ¡°But I will seek answers for the evils you¡¯ve committed.¡± The orange glow glittered in Kirti¡¯s matching eyes, and a slow smile spread across her face. Keke¡¯s toes curled, and her mind desperately searched for something to say. ¡°You will learn much,¡± Ceres said, putting a hand to her chest. She¡¯d taken the other seat next to Matt. ¡°I hope you and I can recite the hymns when you return.¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Cannoli said, looking at Ceres. ¡°I would love that!¡± A woman came to their table, a small pad in her hand. She had bright pink hair that curled at the tips, stopping just above her shoulders. Sea-green eyes set in a face full of freckles bore into them with perky curiosity. ¡°Heya! My name¡¯s Lily. What can I get you all tonight?¡± Keke couldn¡¯t help but think that Lily¡¯s orange and white checkered dress was extravagant amongst the crowd of darker-clothed figures. It cut just above the knee, and a white apron dressed the front. ¡°I could use a decent drink,¡± Matt admitted. ¡°How about you girls?¡± Keke nodded. ¡°Something lighter, please.¡± ¡°Do you have any teas?¡± Cannoli asked. ¡°Sure do!¡± Lily said. ¡°What are you in the mood for?¡± ¡°Something with a tiny kick to it.¡± ¡°Lily¡¯s got you covered!¡± She scribbled on her notepad. ¡°And, for you?¡± She pointed her pencil at Matt. ¡°Something in the middle for a kick. I don¡¯t want to get sloshed or anything like that.¡± He rubbed the back of his neck. ¡°Just enough to clear my head.¡± ¡°Ah-ha-ha, I gotcha. How¡¯s a Gut Buster?¡± ¡°That sounds¡­like not what I want.¡± ¡°Nah, nah, nah, it¡¯s not as bad as it sounds. Promise.¡± He shrugged. ¡°I¡¯ll take your word for it, then. A Gut Buster it is.¡± Zahra smacked her lips. ¡°Water, please.¡± ¡°That¡¯s all?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Zahra said, blushing faintly. Lily finished taking everyone else¡¯s orders and then offered a quick salute before departing. She brushed by Cailu, who brought a catgirl to the table. ¡°This is Sahzi,¡± Cailu said, gesturing to the woman beside him. The catgirl offered a curt bow of her head. Golden twine embroidered the edges of her white robes in intricate patterns, and she wore her long brown hair in two braids that rested over her shoulders. Emerald eyes regarded them with curiosity. ¡°Greetings, children. Who amongst you is named Cannoli?¡± Keke swallowed. It was happening. It was really happening. ¡°That¡¯s me,¡± Cannoli said, raising her hand. Keke briefly closed her eyes, reflecting on the day she¡¯d caught Mom and Aurora speaking. The depravity and desperation Aurora spoke with was terrifyingly reminiscent of how Cannoli had sounded the past couple of weeks. She curled the fingers of her free hand, then opened her eyes with a forced smile. ¡°Saoirse bless you for taking the burden of an [Acolyte] upon yourself.¡± Sahzi offered a warm smile and made a bridge with her intertwined fingers. ¡°Cailu has expressed to me your desire to undergo formal education in the ways of Saoirse. Is this correct?¡± Cannoli sheepishly nodded. ¡°Excuse me,¡± Matt said next, ¡°but what does formal education look like?¡± ¡°Forgive me, but what is your name?¡± Sahzi asked. ¡°Matt. I¡¯m from Ni Island.¡± ¡°Goodness, is this your first time in Nyarlothep?¡± ¡°It is, and I just want to make sure she¡¯s taken care of.¡± His cheeks turned red. Keke sympathized. It probably wasn¡¯t easy to talk about such a personal matter in front of everyone like this. ¡°I just need some reassurance. She¡¯s been in my Party since I first arrived.¡± Sahzi¡¯s eyes widened, and she gasped lightly. ¡°Saoirse be praised. To be in a man¡¯s Party since his birth is a true blessing indeed.¡± Kirti cracked open a peanut and plucked the nut from inside. She tossed the morsel into her mouth, chewing loudly. Keke shot her a glare, suppressing the urge to shove the whole bowl of peanuts down her throat. ¡°Birth?¡± Matt asked. ¡°Yes,¡± Sahzi nodded. ¡°Many of Saoirse¡¯s faithful refer to the man¡¯s arrival as his birth. It is more metaphorical, less of a literal term.¡± She smiled. ¡°You have my promise that I and the others will do our utmost to see that Cannoli is cared for. Falselle is the safest place in Nyarlothep.¡± Matt¡¯s shoulders relaxed. ¡°I¡¯m glad¡­ Thanks.¡± ¡°Of course. It¡¯s an important time, and I¡¯m sure all of you are going to miss her.¡± Keep it together, Keke. No more tears. Stay strong. ¡°Yeah,¡± Matt muttered. ¡°Very much,¡± Keke said, rubbing the top of Cannoli¡¯s hand. Cannoli sniffed. ¡°Thank you. W-when do we leave?¡± ¡°I must depart at sunrise tomorrow. Would you prefer to remain with your Party until then?¡± Sahzi asked. ¡°Yes.¡± Cannoli leaned against Keke, and Keke had to shut her eyes to avoid crying. ¡°I understand. Meet me outside at the south entrance. Cailu can show you the way.¡± Cailu nodded. ¡°If you require it, I shall accompany you to the gates.¡± ¡°No,¡± Cannoli said, ¡°I remember. I¡¯ll meet you tomorrow morning, Sahzi.¡± Sahzi nodded. ¡°I shall return to my room in the meantime. Saoirse be with you.¡± ¡°Saoirse be with you.¡± The rest of the evening played out in lazy conversation. Despite Lily¡¯s best attempts to lighten the mood, the air remained heavy until they retired to their rooms. Keke and Cannoli shared a room while Ceres and Matt took another. Keke and Cannoli sat across from one another in their San Island dresses, clasping one another¡¯s hands. ¡°Promise me you¡¯re okay?¡± Keke asked, terrified that Cannoli was still burying how she truly felt. ¡°Promise!¡± Cannoli said. Buttons skittered to one shoulder, licking his eyeball. He bobbed his head in rhythm with Cannoli. ¡°I¡¯m going to become a great [Priest], you¡¯ll see!¡± ¡°I¡¯m sure, but I just want to be sure you¡¯re okay before you go.¡± Cannoli bowed her head. ¡°I¡¯m still struggling a bit, but¡­I have Buttons with me, I have Ravyn¡¯s frying pan and bow, and a necklace from Ceres.¡± She smiled, then moved one hand to her throat and fingered the shimmering snowflake pendant. ¡°Hang on.¡± Keke reached into her [Cat Pack] and extracted her tackle box. She flipped it open, then carefully dug for a lure¡ªa green and red striped hook in the shape of a worm. A pair of feathers¡ªone pink, the other white¡ªwere fastened to the top. Keke¡¯s mother, Elona, had crafted it, and it was Cannoli¡¯s favorite, but Keke had hesitated to give it to her for fear of losing it. They both knew Cannoli¡¯s [Fishing] was¡­well, wanting. But that didn¡¯t matter anymore. Keke held the hook in front of Cannoli. ¡°Here. Take it.¡± Cannoli¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Really? Are you sure?¡± ¡°Positive.¡± Cannoli held both hands out and received the hook. She stared at it like it was made of gold and that the simplest movement could shatter it to pieces. Tears fell from her eyes, and she sniffed. ¡°I-I¡¯m so sorry I a-acted the way I did,¡± she stammered. I can¡¯t cry. I shouldn¡¯t. It was no good. Keke began to cry, too. ¡°I-it¡¯s okay,¡± she hiccupped. ¡°I-I know you¡¯re going through a¡­a lot.¡± She buried her face into her hand and allowed the hot tears to fall between the crevices of her fingers. It¡¯d been a long time since she''d really cried. Too long. Cannoli opened her [Cat Pack], tossed the lure inside, and pulled Keke into a tight hug. Keke made no attempt to escape, and the two stayed that way for what felt like hours. Until, at last, they fell asleep in one another¡¯s arms.
When the sun was up, Keke was up with it. As much as she detested being awake so early, she would¡¯ve cursed herself for missing Cannoli¡¯s departure. As soon as they were finished eating, the two Parties accompanied Cannoli outside, Cannoli¡¯s hand firmly gripped in Keke¡¯s. Just as Sahzi had promised, a beautiful carriage was waiting for her and Cannoli outside the walls of Irisil. A pair of stout white horses neighed and snorted as the coach¡ªwho was dressed similarly to Sahzi, just less decorated¡ªsorted through her [Cat Pack] for last-minute preparations. Cannoli let go of Keke¡¯s hand and approached the carriage. Sazhi turned and nodded. ¡°Are you ready, my child?¡± ¡°Y-yes,¡± Cannoli said. Ceres approached first, enveloping her in a warm embrace. ¡°May Saoirse protect you. Safe travels, Cannoli.¡± Ceres stepped back, and Matt walked up to her next. ¡°It¡¯s not going to feel the same without you.¡± He grimaced, and Keke knew it was taking great effort on his part not to cry. ¡°I¡­I really hope this gives you peace, Cannoli. You¡¯ll have to tell me all about it when you return.¡± Cannoli ran into his arms, and the two shared a tight embrace. ¡°I¡¯ll miss you.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll miss you too, Matt,¡± Cannoli said in choked sobs. Matt kissed the top of her head. The two parted, and Zahra stepped forward. ¡°I know we didn¡¯t fight together for long, but I consider you a friend and an ally. I hope you find the answers you¡¯re looking for. May the wind carry your desires and the sun warm your back.¡± ¡°Thank you, Zahra.¡± At last, it was Keke''s turn. She walked up to Cannoli, even though her fingers and toes were numb. She hadn¡¯t felt this scared in years. Somewhere down the line, she¡¯d taken it upon herself to keep Cannoli safe. Whether it was because of Aurora¡¯s actions, their mothers¡¯ nomadic way of life, or the horrors they¡¯d suffered beneath the Defiled, Keke was unsure. All she knew was she was about to say goodbye to her sister. ¡°I¡­I¡¯m sorry, I don¡¯t know what to say,¡± Keke admitted. She thought she¡¯d have some wise words or at least something consoling ready. Yet, she felt as if someone had taken a chunk out of her heart, squeezed the air out of her lungs, and ripped out her tongue. It was difficult just to keep an even breath. ¡°You¡¯ll always be my sister,¡± Cannoli said. She calmly walked up to Keke and wrapped her arms around her. Keke reciprocated, holding her in a tight embrace. When the two parted, Keke¡¯s face was soaked with tears. ¡°No matter what anyone says¡­ no matter what anyone does¡­ don¡¯t let them change who you are, Cannoli. Stay true to yourself. No matter what.¡± Cannoli smiled wide, and she sniffed as fresh tears raced down her cheeks. She nodded. ¡°I-I will. P-promise.¡± Cailu and Kirti offered their own curt farewells, and Cannoli stepped into the carriage. Sahzi followed shortly after, then shut the door. The horse began to trot away, and Keke watched as Cannoli waved from the back window. Keke waved back to her best friend. Her sister. Be safe¡­ Cannoli. Chapter 245: The Black Lodge Ravyn ground her teeth as she and Misha brewed evening cups of tea for Tristan and the others. Misha had been adamant about allowing her to perform their expected duties, but Ravyn was exhausted of the veiled politeness and exquisite service. She was Emberlynn¡¯s daughter, not some prized vase to be put on display whenever it suited her mother best. Calm yourself. Tristan, Destiny, and Lara had taken Sophia into the large common room, where guests typically lingered. Their conversation was lively, and their giggles filled the air. Lara and Sophia were suddenly both chatterboxes, and if Ravyn didn¡¯t know any better, she¡¯d assume Sophia was Lara¡¯s sister, not hers. Cailu. That fucking cunt. Making his way into my family¡¯s bloodline. What a pompous, insufferable, soulless fucking¡ª ¡°Mistress Ravyn?¡± Misha asked under her breath. ¡°What?¡± Ravyn growled. Misha¡¯s gaze flickered to the cup she held. Ravyn¡¯s knuckles were practically white as paper. ¡°I fear you may break the cup if you continue to grip it like that.¡± Ravyn hummed, then released her grasp and stretched her fingers. Bally perched on the back of a nearby chair to her left and offered her a squinted glance, snaking his head from side to side. With Lara and Sophia being as busy as they were, it was unlikely anyone would eavesdrop on their conversation. Bally knew it, too. ¡°I¡¯m going to step outside for a few minutes,¡± Ravyn said, marching to the door. She motioned to her familiar, and the bird flew to her shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t come looking for me.¡± ¡°Y-yes, Mistress Ravyn,¡± Misha said, offering a curt bow. A hand caught her by the shoulder just as she was turning the corner of the doorway. Ravyn turned and found Tristan. ¡°Hey, you doing alright?¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Ravyn muttered. Tristan retracted his arm. Unlike Matt, he seemed to understand when it was best to leave things alone. ¡°Sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to impede you or anything.¡± ¡°I know.¡± ¡°Let me know if you need anything? I¡¯m sure with everything that¡¯s been happening that meeting Sophia is¡­probably a lot to swallow.¡± ¡°Mhm.¡± She turned and left him at that. The muffled clicks of Ravyn¡¯s shoes followed her down the hall. She carried herself at a brisk pace, eager to get out of the house. In a single day, she¡¯d learned of her mother¡¯s illness, the existence of a sister, and how Cailu¡¯s involvement ran deeper than she¡¯d realized. Worst of all, she¡¯d breathed the same air, sat beside him, and spoke to him without ever knowing that he was the father of her sister. Her teeth squeaked from how hard she clenched. ¡°We¡¯ll figure this out,¡± Bally whispered to her. ¡°I know,¡± she mumbled. Ravyn pushed the door open slowly so as not to hit anyone who might be outside. To her relief, no one was there, so at least that was one less person she would need to explain herself to. She slipped through the crack, quietly shutting the door behind her. The evening was dark and cool, just as it was when she was a kitten. A pair of torches strode close to the front gate at the bottom of the hill. Ravyn squinted to see who was carrying them, noting that one of them was Cecily. She didn¡¯t recognize the other catgirl. She sighed and glanced up at the sky. Stars speckled the space by the thousands. Blue-green mist stretched from one side of the sky to the other, shaped like dozens of tiny ribbons¡ªa San Island spectacle best seen from Zhuli. Mountains loomed on the distant horizon, stretching high like spires desperate to touch the stars. She blinked, remembering a similar sight with Finn back in Shulan. The memory didn¡¯t upset her like it normally would. She wondered if that was okay. If she was finally coming around to forgiving herself for killing him. It was becoming easier to accept what had happened. To understand the accidental nature of it all. For years, she¡¯d hoped to receive a sign¡ªanything¡ªfrom Finn that he¡¯d forgiven her. But that never happened. And now she didn¡¯t feel like she needed it anymore. This hadn¡¯t been transpiring the way she anticipated at all. In the beginning, she¡¯d planned on sticking around with the new man and his naive set of collectible girls. Berate them, play around, get drunk, maybe even give Matt some head if she was feeling particularly generous. Anything to kill the boredom and numb the pain of losing Finn and Yomi. And yet, as she traveled with her new Party, she couldn¡¯t bear the thought of losing them. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. Are you okay, Matt? She shook her head and brought herself back to the present. Tristan would struggle without her help. Whether she liked it or not, she was here, and she¡¯d have to do something soon. ¡°Ravyn,¡± Bally said, flapping his wings. ¡°I know. Just¡­give me a minute.¡± Ravyn strode to one of the pillars farthest away from the door, sitting with her legs propped up. She wrapped her arms around them and pulled them close. ¡°This is just a lot.¡± ¡°I know.¡± ¡°Are you sure they won¡¯t find out about you?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sure. Sometimes, I detect a strange presence, one I can¡¯t explain. There¡¯s a fluctuation in the air. I sensed it when we spoke with Emberlynn.¡± ¡°The Elements might actually be fucking sentient?¡± Ravyn frowned. ¡°That¡¯s just great.¡± ¡°If they are, then there¡¯s a possibility that Lara will find out about me.¡± Ravyn blinked. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Does that bother you?¡± Absolutely. She and Ball Gag¡¯s partnership was meant to be their own. Familiars rarely learned to speak to their summoners, and instead were dismissed until they were required in combat. There were plenty of Spells that [Sorcerer] could learn in order to communicate with their familiar, but they all involved methods of telepathy. No, she much preferred to hear Bally say what he thought. ¡°Yes, it does.¡± She tightened her grip. Teaching Bally how to talk was a daily exercise. Yomi and Finn had helped teach him phrases, and she used several different tools and toys, including bells, whistles, and hand gestures. Yomi¡¯s eyes would light up whenever Bally would say something new, and Finn would offer him a ¡®bird biscuit,¡¯ as he called it. It wasn¡¯t until Finn passed away and she and Yomi drifted apart that Bally began to learn more complicated phrases. Ravyn¡¯s face grew hot at the thought of what she was about to say. ¡°We have a reputation to uphold. If everyone knew you could speak so eloquently, that would destroy our entire dynamic.¡± Bally cackled. It was high-pitched, like a squeaking whistle. ¡°Very well. Will you at least tell Matt of our¡­dynamic¡­next time you see him?¡± Ravyn blinked, and the heat in her cheeks intensified. What the hell is wrong with you? Stop acting like a fucking kitten. ¡°Fine.¡± ¡°As soon as he gets back?¡± ¡°You just had to add that part.¡± ¡°You will put it off otherwise.¡± Damn bird. ¡°As soon as he gets back.¡± Silence swept by them for a few minutes. A gentle breeze was making its round, biting the skin on her knees and elbows. Her anger was beginning to dissipate, and she drew long breaths to make sure it continued to do so. ¡°So, when are you going to speak to Emberlynn about Tristan?¡± Bally suddenly asked. ¡°You can¡¯t keep putting this off.¡± ¡°Soon. I¡¯m just trying to digest this whole having a sister thing.¡± The realization was beginning to settle in. If her mother¡¯s condition continued to worsen, that would make Sophia the head of the household. That was, assuming her mother still wished to make Sophia the new mistress. With Ravyn¡¯s sudden reappearance, Emberlynn would likely return to the status quo and name Ravyn head of the estate. ¡°Sophia won¡¯t have anyone after Mother dies. And it looks like that could be soon.¡± ¡°She will have you.¡± Ravyn cackled. ¡°I got too much of my own shit to deal with. No, that would have to be a job for the nyannies and servants. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll make a great sister.¡± Silence. Bally fluttered down to the ground in front of Ravyn. His talons clicked and scraped against the stone as he walked in circles. He liked to do that whenever he was thinking. Like master, like familiar. ¡°I think you will make a wonderful sister.¡± Ravyn sighed and leaned her head against her shoulder. ¡°Where do you get all of that optimism, Bally?¡± She reached over and scratched him under his beak. Bally puffed up and shut his eyes, and she smiled while he relished in the sensation. ¡°You¡¯ve seen what I¡¯ve had to go through. You saw how he perished, how I killed him¡ª¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t kill him. It was an accident.¡± She ignored him and continued, ¡°¡ªthe endless nights spent drinking. Yet you never judged me.¡± Bally gently shrugged away her finger and marched up to her leg, nuzzling against her calf. ¡°Because I want to see your smile.¡± He drew back so the two¡¯s eyes were locked. ¡°You have smiled a lot more since you met Matt. Did you realize that?¡± She hesitated. ¡°Yes. I started to realize that when Matt almost died on Shi Island. I was so afraid of losing the happiness I never thought I¡¯d see again. I was afraid of losing my friends and of losing¡­him. It hurt.¡± ¡°I was scared, too. He¡¯s good for you.¡± Ravyn gasped. ¡°Bally, don¡¯t¡­please.¡± He nodded once. ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll¡­go talk to Mother in the morning. Maybe this will give me a chance to, erm, bond with my sister.¡± The idea was equal parts embarrassing and sickening, though she fought hard to vacate the ¡®sickening¡¯ part. ¡°Promise me, Ravyn. You need to do this if you are going to move on.¡± Ravyn paused and looked back up at the sky. ¡°I promise.¡± Chapter 246: I Want to Believe The stay in Irisil was two days longer than Keke wanted. Cailu had searched high and low for a caravan that could leave immediately, but the carriages they needed had made an unexpected journey to Ronona. That left them at the mercy of the carriage¡¯s return. It was hard to wander through the obsidian alleys and corridors. Passing the robed catgirls was a constant reminder of Cannoli¡¯s departure. Meals seemed less vibrant without her around. Their typical Party of five had shrunk to three, and the knot in Keke¡¯s stomach urged her that she was next. Cailu confirmed as much on their next dinner together. ¡°Keke, you will proceed to [Hunter] as your Second Class; is that correct?¡± Keke could feel Matt and Ceres¡¯s gazes both fall on her. She did her best not to squirm in her chair. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Wonderful. Your prowess with a bow will lend well to [Hunter],¡± Cailu replied. ¡°Wow. A compliment,¡± Matt murmured Keke¡¯s thoughts aloud, his tone flat. Cailu ignored him. ¡°Our final destination before Ronona is Khasstead. Many of Nyarlea¡¯s finest [Sniper]s and [Whisper]s hail from their ranks. There, we will find you an adequate teacher.¡± Matt raised a hand. ¡°[Sniper] is pretty self-explanatory, but what¡¯s a [Whisper]?¡± Kirti answered before anyone else could. ¡°More Encroacher than catgirl.¡± She curled her fingers as if scratching the air. ¡°They¡¯ll dine on your fingers and toes if you let them.¡± Cailu sighed. ¡°Some of Nyarlea¡¯s finest warriors are [Whisper]s, Kirti,¡± Zahra countered. ¡°Er, sorry. Gonna need a little bit more than that.¡± Matt scratched the back of his head. Keke wrinkled her nose at Kirti¡¯s unkind comment. ¡°[Whisper]s adapt Skills and Spells from Encroachers and Defiled.¡± ¡°I have heard they can take on aspects of both! And commune with Encroachers!¡± Ceres said, clasping her hands to her chest. ¡°In all of my years on Shi Island, I never met one in the flesh.¡± ¡°As to be expected. Third Classes are a rarity on the outlying islands. However, should you wish,¡± Cailu turned back to Keke, neatly ushering the conversation back to its point, ¡°[Whisper] is a viable option once you master [Hunter].¡± Keke nodded. She¡¯d met a [Whisper] once when she was still a kitten. The [Whisper] had traveled to Ni Island to help kill a Defiled that wreaked more havoc in Junonia than Elona and Aurora could handle. It had been so long ago that Keke couldn¡¯t recall her name. What she did remember was the woman speaking with roaches to help her hunt and then walking on water to reach her prey. ¡°I want to be a [Sniper]. Like my mom,¡± Keke announced, a little embarrassed to admit it at the table. ¡°I¡­I still have some of her equipment back home. I didn¡¯t want to use it until I was ready.¡± ¡°Well, doesn¡¯t that just warm the heart?¡± Kirti laid a hand over her chest where her heart would be. If she had one. ¡°My mother was famous,¡± Keke snapped, feeling a little indignant. ¡°Queen Melasia called on her Party for help all of the time.¡± ¡°Ah, mine was, too. But everyone tends to know your name if you¡¯re a [Necromancer],¡± Kirti said as nonchalantly as if they were discussing the weather. Matt snorted. ¡°That would explain a lot.¡± Kirti¡¯s eyes flashed, and she opened her mouth. Cailu¡¯s hand shot into the air before any more words could escape the [Witch Doctor]. ¡°Enough.¡± An awkward silence fell over the table. For the first time in years, Keke wondered what her father had been like. Elona had stopped talking about him when Keke stopped asking questions as a kitten¡ªhe became more akin to a fable than a real person. She¡¯d never met him, and she and Elona were fine by themselves. And yet¡­was he like Cailu? Eloquently spoken and driven by a dozen different motives? Or maybe like Matt. Kind-hearted and funny, if sometimes a bit headstrong. This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. What kind of man had her mother cared for? Ceres shifted in place, brushing her skirts over her lap, then spoke. ¡°What is Khasstead like?¡± Cailu pushed his plate aside and rested his hands on the table. ¡°Truth be told, I would compare it most to Ni Island¡¯s villages. It is surrounded by forests, and the inhabitants use the landscape to their advantage. The city does not require walls for protection like Irisil.¡± ¡°Maybe it¡¯ll feel a little bit like home,¡± Keke said with a shrug. She was doing her best to take any small comforts she could; the distant look on Matt¡¯s face was heartbreaking. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s a plus,¡± Matt added, though his tone sounded detached. ¡°How far out are we from Khasstead?¡± Zahra asked. ¡°Another three days once we leave Irisil. Then four days more to Ronona,¡± Cailu replied. Keke absently picked at a stack of meozuna greens with her fork. Her appetite had evaporated. A slow idea formed at the back of her mind, and her ears flicked forward as if responding to an itch. ¡°Do I really have to leave the Party when we get there?¡± Cailu furrowed his brow. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°Well, could we not just go straight to Ronona and then to Khasstead on your way back to the docks?¡± Keke felt foolish asking. The idea had sounded much better before it reached her tongue. ¡°Why would you wish to do that?¡± Cailu asked. Kirti sputtered a laugh into her drink. Zahra favored her with a frustrated glower. ¡°She could meet the queen that way,¡± Matt suggested. A tiny gleam of hope had returned to his dark eyes. ¡°Seems unfair that just me and Ceres get to meet her.¡± Cailu crossed his arms over his chest. ¡°There will be ample time to meet Queen Nehalennia once you advance to your Second Classes. To keep you in our caravan would only delay your training, Keke.¡± ¡°The sooner you begin, the sooner we will reunite,¡± Ceres said slowly. ¡°I understand this is difficult. For all of us. But it is only temporary.¡± Temporary. There was that word again. When they were still on Ichi and discussing just how they¡¯d go about finding teachers for their Second Class, ¡®temporary¡¯ sounded short and sweet. She clung to the idea of their reunion existing not so far away. But as Keke watched Ravyn leave their number, then Cannoli, it was beginning to feel final. Like their parting was forever. ¡°Right. Of course. That was silly of me,¡± Keke murmured. Matt shook his head as his shoulders slumped just a hair. ¡°I don¡¯t think it was.¡± Keke lifted her napkin from her lap and dabbed her mouth. ¡°Well then, I guess it¡¯s decided. Excuse me.¡± She pushed herself away from the table as she set her napkin on the plate. Matt moved to follow when Ceres placed a hand on his shoulder and stood. ¡°A moment, Keke?¡± Keke blinked, looking between them. Matt shrugged. ¡°Oh. Sure.¡± The conversation resumed after Keke and Ceres walked away from the table. Cailu was asking Matt something about his Second Class choice. Keke couldn¡¯t help but tune Cailu out¡ªhis voice was beginning to grate on her nerves. The more she considered it, the more she hoped her father wasn¡¯t like him at all. They padded up the stairs to their room, and Ceres closed the door before speaking. ¡°I understand this is quite difficult on you, Cannoli, and Sir Matt,¡± she began. Keke took a seat on the edge of her bed and crossed her legs. She wanted to say that Ceres had it easiest of them all. She would be with Matt until he returned to Catania. But Elona had always reminded her that wearing jealousy with grace was an impossible task. Keke remained silent and waited. Ceres continued, ¡°I did not realize Cannoli would leave our Party so quickly, and I hope to grant you enough time.¡± ¡°Enough time for what?¡± Ceres reached into her [Cat Pack] and procured a glass vial filled with a clear liquid. It didn¡¯t look like any potion Keke had ever seen. ¡°I am certain my time with Lucia did not pass unnoticed.¡± ¡°Not really. But what does that have to do with this?¡± A light pink hue touched Ceres¡¯s cheeks. ¡°Well, you see, Lucia gave me this.¡± She stepped forward and handed Keke the vial. Keke uncorked the bottle and sniffed it. Light floral scents filled her nostrils and warmed her face. ¡°Perfume?¡± ¡°Ah, no,¡± Ceres chuckled nervously. ¡°Pour a drop on your fingers.¡± Very carefully, Keke tipped the vial to its side and watched the liquid slowly trickle down the glass. Much slower than she¡¯d expected. A small circle of it appeared on her hand, and she rubbed it between her pinched fingertips. It was silken and viscous, gliding against her skin with ease. Then, her fingers began to warm as if she¡¯d slipped them into a freshly prepared bathtub. ¡°What is this for?¡± Keke murmured, but provocative images were already starting to form as she slid her fingers back and forth. ¡°Anything you can imagine. It is,¡± Ceres cleared her throat, ¡°safe for any use.¡± Keke felt her breath quicken. It was a little strange to feel embarrassed around Ceres after their time in Abalone. But the pictures conjured by the scent and warming sensation of the liquid were vivid and personal. ¡°I¡­I can use this with Matt?¡± A knowing smile twitched at the corner of Ceres¡¯s lips. ¡°Precisely.¡± Keke touched her throat, and the warming sensation followed. Goddess above¡­ ¡°Could you send him up?¡± Ceres¡¯s smile widened. ¡°Of course, Keke.¡± Ceres vanished behind the door, and Keke¡¯s fingers trembled around the vial. Even if she wasn¡¯t ready for a kitten of her own, Ceres had gifted her something that felt as if it went against Saoirse herself. A way to unite with the man who had her heart. Chapter 247: Amor Fati (NSFW) Keke sat on the edge of the bed, watching the hypnotic dance of the tiny, flickering flame inside the oil lamp. Her heart hammered against her chest, and her stomach tightened with anticipation. She struggled with her nerves, chiding herself for their sudden flare-up. This isn¡¯t the first time we¡¯ve been intimate, she reminded herself for the dozenth time since Ceres had left. But as Keke rolled the glass vial between her fingers, it certainly felt like the first time. She wondered what all Lucia dabbled in if she so readily had a concoction like this one and whether the woman¡¯s interests would be considered blasphemous to Saoirse¡¯s followers. Sex with a man was meant to bring new kittens into the world¡ªto maintain the population and ensure Nyarela¡¯s continued existence. No one ever talked about how fun it could be and how good it would feel. The door opened, and Keke started at the sound. Calm yourself. She hissed in a breath and closed her eyes. ¡°Keke? You okay?¡± Matt asked as he closed the door behind him. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m sorry. I was caught up in my own thoughts.¡± He nodded and moved to sit next to her. ¡°I know what you mean.¡± Keke inhaled and her ears perked. Matt¡¯s familiar scent filled the room, setting her at ease and slowing her heart. She leaned her head against his shoulder and rested a hand on his thigh. ¡°I¡­ I realize we won¡¯t be separated for too long. But it¡¯s beginning to seem like forever.¡± ¡°Tell me about it.¡± Matt sighed and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. ¡°I feel like I¡¯m watching my family split one person at a time.¡± She nodded into his chest. ¡°Me, too.¡± She breathed him in, and her heart skipped. ¡°I asked for you because, well, Ceres gave me something.¡± ¡°Something bad?¡± Matt¡¯s eyebrows raised, and his stare flickered with concern. ¡°No. The opposite, I think.¡± Keke let the vial roll from her palm to her other hand, and then she popped off the cork. ¡°It just takes a little bit¡­¡± After urging a drop onto her fingers, she slid her hand beneath Matt¡¯s shirt and massaged the concoction over the length of his spine. A gasp of surprise caught in his throat. ¡°Ceres gave you lube?¡± Keke blinked down at the bottle. ¡°Is that what this is called?¡± Her fingers tingled and warmed, the pleasant sensation echoing on Matt¡¯s skin. ¡°I mean, I guess ¡®lubricant,¡¯ technically.¡± His chin lolled to his chest, and he moaned as Keke worked the liquid into his muscles. ¡°I didn¡¯t think it existed here.¡± There was some relief in not having to explain her intentions with the¡­lube. Though, admittedly, she felt embarrassed for never having heard of it before. Matt had recognized it so quickly¡­ Matt¡¯s cheeks flushed as he looked at Keke, then the door. ¡°Ceres isn¡¯t coming back tonight?¡± ¡°No.¡± He nodded and held out a hand, ¡°Can I try?¡± She passed him the vial, and her breathing sped. Matt accepted the bottle, then tugged at her sleeve. ¡°Take off your shirt.¡± Keke did as she was told, curious to find out what he had in mind. ¡°And your bra.¡± Another jolt of excitement shot from the tips of her ears to her tail as she carefully unhooked the back of her bra, then tossed it away to join her shirt. Matt tipped a few droplets of lube into one hand, then the other, before setting the bottle on the nightstand. He rested both hands on Keke¡¯s shoulders and pressed his thumbs just beneath her collarbone on either side. His fingers traced the length of her neck and her upper back, massaging against the tension she hadn¡¯t realized was there. ¡°How does that feel?¡± he asked. ¡°Really good,¡± Keke murmured, finding it difficult to keep track of where his hands were moving. ¡°I¡¯ve never done the erotic massage thing before¡ª¡± ¡°I¡¯ve never heard that term until today,¡± Keke interjected between sighs. Matt chuckled. ¡°Just tell me if it stops feeling good.¡± She grinned, hoping he couldn¡¯t feel how hard her heart was pounding. ¡°Okay.¡± His hands traveled south until he cupped her breasts in his palms. Divots around his fingertips formed as he kneaded into her skin, and the warm, tingling sensation she felt on her shoulders moved with him, coating her chest and nipples with the lubricant. The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. A tiny hiss of pleasure escaped between Keke¡¯s teeth, and her back arched, granting him easier access to her chest and stomach. It was unlike anything she¡¯d ever felt before¡ªsweat was sticky and didn¡¯t offer the same kind of slick surface that Lucia¡¯s concoction created. The warmth of Matt¡¯s hands compounded with the liquid¡¯s heat, and she shuddered beneath his touch. Yearning rushed between her legs as she gripped two handfuls of the blanket and curled her tail around Matt¡¯s waist. She closed her eyes, leaned her head back, and moaned. Her hair tickled the small of her back, and her hands tightened around the blanket. Matt lowered one of his arms, and Keke watched beneath heavy lids as his hand disappeared beneath her skirt. She felt him pull her underwear to the side, then the familiar pressure of his fingers against her heat. ¡°Damn. I must be doing something right,¡± Matt murmured as he teased her opening with his fingertips. Her hips rocked forward on their own, begging him to enter. She whimpered, then shuddered when he pinched her nipple. ¡°I-I feel like I¡¯m melting,¡± she stammered. ¡°Goddess above, it¡¯s hard to breathe.¡± ¡°Should I stop?¡± he teased. He slid his fingers past the first joint, and Keke squealed. ¡°No!¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t think so.¡± He stretched her wide as his hand explored deeper. Whether it was the lube or her own desperate desire that made her so readily yield, she couldn¡¯t say. But he plied and penetrated her without meeting any resistance whatsoever. ¡°Good girl.¡± Keke¡¯s heart skipped, and another breathy moan vibrated on her tongue. Hearing his praise was more addicting than any vice she¡¯d ever encountered. More rewarding than [Fishing]. She so badly wanted to please him just to keep hearing him say those words. Between his hand on her chest and his fingers kneading into the depths of her body, Keke wasn¡¯t sure how long she could hold back. Not yet¡­ She reached between her legs and grabbed his wrist. ¡°Matt?¡± ¡°Sorry, did I hurt you?¡± He froze and searched her face. Keke couldn¡¯t help but smile. He was always looking out for her best interests. ¡°No, not at all. I, um, was wondering if we could do something else?¡± ¡°Oh, yeah. Sure.¡± He carefully withdrew his fingers, much to Keke¡¯s immediate, throbbing regret. Ignoring the pulses between her legs, she stood and pulled down her skirt and panties. ¡°You strip, too.¡± Matt added his clothes to the growing pile, and Keke dragged him back down to the bed, positioning him on his back. She mounted him at the hips and leaned in to steal his kiss, thrusting her tongue through his lips. He groaned and gripped her thighs. Breathless, Keke leaned back and took the vial from the nightstand, pouring another circle of lube into her palm. Matt held out his hand for more, and she did the same for him before replacing the bottle. He rubbed his palms together, then groped her backside, letting his hands slide up and around to her chest. She leaned into his touch, rocking in the same direction he moved, goosebumps prickling her skin. She reached down and coated his shaft with the lube, carefully pumping him from base to tip. His brown eyes burned into her as she worked, and his hands moved more fervently. As she repositioned herself over him and lifted her tail, her nerves returned. Would it hurt? ¡°Keke, wait.¡± Matt paused and touched her shoulder. ¡°I thought we agreed no kittens?¡± ¡°We did.¡± She sat back and spread the cheeks of her flank with one hand while slowly positioning Matt with the other. ¡°That hasn¡¯t changed.¡± His eyes widened. ¡°You¡¯re sure about this?¡± ¡°More than anything.¡± Keke took a deep breath, lowered herself down by an inch, and then realized the fit was even tighter than she thought it¡¯d be. ¡°A-ah¡­¡± ¡°Go slow,¡± Matt said. ¡°As slow as you need.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± With another breath, she willed her body to relax around him. She¡¯d never fit anything bigger than Matt¡¯s fingers inside of her. Even with the lube, he felt enormous. ¡°Maybe this¡¯ll help.¡± Matt parted her folds and teased her clit with his thumb as he slid two fingers back into her heat. Keke gasped, and blood pounded against her ears. The tension between her legs eased, and she sank down further around him. ¡°I feel like I¡¯ll burst.¡± ¡°In a good way?¡± ¡°Mmhmm.¡± She chewed her lower lip and raked her nails down Matt¡¯s abdomen. They were both slicked up and slippery to the touch. ¡°You feel so good, Matt.¡± ¡°That¡¯s my line,¡± Matt murmured. He held the top of her thigh with his free hand and raised his hips. Keke hadn¡¯t realized how deep he was until her flank met his thighs. Her eyes rolled back, and a high-pitched moan tore from her throat. She could feel his fingers warring for space with his cock. Both of her entrances were soaking wet, pulsing around Matt in a demand for more. ¡°God, Keke. I¡¯ve wanted you for so long,¡± Matt said somewhere very far away. ¡°You¡¯re incredible.¡± He slowly rocked against her, drew away, and then returned. The lamp¡¯s flame illuminated Keke¡¯s hazy vision, painting yellows and oranges on Matt¡¯s face and chest. A starving need in his eyes sent a new wave of goosebumps down her spine. She¡¯d dreamed of sharing this with him for months. Being a part of him. She couldn¡¯t speak. Each time he thrust into her, it elicited a staccato moan that stole her breath away. Sweat mingled with lube as they set a new rhythm together. Matt added another finger to her already stretching body, and Keke cried out in blissful surprise. He kept her dancing on the edge of her climax, and she felt dizzy with pleasure. As they moved together, she remapped every scar, every muscle, every valley of his body. Memorized the sighs and groans that she pulled from him. Until, at last, her building tension poured over. ¡°Matt, I¡¯m coming!¡± she squealed as her toes curled. He held tight to her thigh and thrust upward. Pleasure raced through her veins and exploded in her vision. Keke didn¡¯t recognize the sounds that escaped her, nor could she control their volume. They echoed against the small room¡¯s walls and grew louder when she felt Matt orgasm inside of her. His moans soon joined hers in a desire-drenched harmony. It was carnal and base and perfect. He was hers. Matt slowed while Keke drank in the last pulses of her climax. Her fingers and lips felt wonderfully numb, and the tips of her ears felt strangely cold. She giggled. ¡°What?¡± A drunken smile spread across Matt¡¯s lips. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I just¡­ Everything feels so good.¡± She wriggled her hips and lifted herself free. ¡°I¡¯m really happy. That we could finally do that, I mean.¡± His smile widened. ¡°Yeah, me too.¡± Keke rolled to Matt¡¯s side and snuggled into his embrace. He cupped her cheek in one hand and kissed her. Keke swept her tail around his back and snaked her legs between his. It won¡¯t be long, Matt. I¡¯ll be back at your side before we both know it. I¡¯ll be yours before you know it. Even if Keke didn¡¯t completely believe her own silent promise, for now, as they lay in the lamplight and shared in each other¡¯s warmth, it was enough. Side Quest: Wiesza? Na Kim? Psy Janusz patrolled the borders of Sorentina with his bardiche resting on one shoulder. It¡¯d been quiet enough for the last fortnight, but he wasn¡¯t comfortable enough to stay in [Civilian Mode]. Not with the rumors of a dragon taking up residence near Anyona. ¡°Master Janusz, it has been some time since we have traveled to Venicia. Should we not reconvene there?¡± His brunette cohort adjusted her glasses. ¡°Pardon me for saying so, but I believe Anyona should be our next destination.¡± Would wars ever happen with manners like these? Janusz wondered for the thousandth time. At first, the polite demeanors and obsession with titles had crawled under his skin. If it wasn¡¯t ¡®Master¡¯ it was ¡®Lord.¡¯ ¡®Sir¡¯ was rarely used despite being the one he was most comfortable with. He quickly learned that there was no stopping it and did his best to ignore them. ¡°I think the sooner we take care of the dragon, the better.¡± Janusz readjusted the weapon on his arm. ¡°We should have the Levels for it, yes?¡± ¡°I do believe so, yes.¡± Celestia¡¯s axe vanished from her hand. She laced her fingers together and bowed, her long twin tails dangling free from her shoulders. ¡°However, I am concerned for the budding school and its recent intake of kittens.¡± ¡°We made an appearance at the Vencian School of Etiquette a mere two weeks ago, Celestia. What of the kittens in Anyona?¡± Hanna insisted. Celestia straightened and adjusted her bracers. ¡°I find it fascinating, Hanna, to hear you breach the topic of kittens. As your own runs wild in the streets.¡± Janusz shook his head. No. I¡¯ve been wrong. This is how wars are begun. ¡°Celestia,¡± he murmured her name in warning. Hanna¡¯s eyes flickered with anger. ¡°Ceres is allowed peaceful days as a kitten thanks to us. It is no sin to play pretend.¡± ¡°Hmph. Time in Venicia would see to that¡ª¡± ¡°Ladies. Zamknij si?!¡± Janusz barked. ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± he added. As much as it seemed his language had been altered to suit Nyarlea, phrases from home still slipped out from time to time. ¡°This began with the dragon. Let us speak of that, then.¡± He marched forward, continuing his patrol route. ¡°Yes, master.¡± They bowed in unison and followed close behind, falling into perfect step like soldiers. ¡°The Encroachers aren¡¯t a challenge anymore, and we¡¯ve done well enough with the Defiled.¡± He sketched a map of Shi Island in his mind while he spoke. ¡°We haven¡¯t seen to Leche or Catania in nearly a month, either. We can speak with both on our way to Anyona.¡± ¡°Their missives speak of thriving in comfort, Master Janusz,¡± Celestia said. ¡°I do not believe they need our assistance at this time.¡± Hanna shot Celestia an incredulous glare. ¡°It is more than the Defiled that must be tended to. Did you, perchance, forget?¡± Celestia¡¯s ears flattened against her head. ¡°I would never speak above my station¡ª¡± ¡°Goddess above. If the school means so much to you, why not run it? I am certain we can find ourselves another suitable [Shaman],¡± Hanna snapped. Her tail swayed so quickly between her heels that it was nearly a blur. ¡°I¡¯m also certain we can find another [Celestrope] if you keep hanging dogs on her, Hanna,¡± Janusz said. What was with them today? They¡¯d bickered before in the past¡ªas did all women¡ªbut today they seemed to have their weapons ready at each other¡¯s throats. ¡°If I¡­?¡± Hanna covered her mouth with one hand, hiding the dimples in her cheeks as she grinned. She cleared her throat. ¡°Yes. Of course, master.¡± The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. They patrolled in silence for a time. Overhead, the sun was covered by a thick, gray overcast that hid away the sky. A slow drizzle of rain pattered against their armor, and the ground beneath their steps was muddy with it. Cold droplets vanished inside of Janusz¡¯ dark mustache and beard, and he blinked them away from his lashes. Celestia broke their silence. ¡°May I ask a question?¡± Janusz grunted his assent. ¡°Do you think that we may spread ourselves too thin?¡± she asked. Spread ourselves? He chewed on the phrase for a moment, then gave up. ¡°What does that mean? ¡®Spread ourselves thin¡¯?¡± ¡°I believe what she is asking is if we try to do too much at once. But I would not want to assume.¡± A hint of ice tinted Hanna¡¯s words. ¡°Correct. I often wonder if we should use units of Sorentina¡¯s [Magic Knight]s to station them around the island. To protect these smaller cities and villages in our stead,¡± Celestia continued. ¡°Some do have guards. But that doesn¡¯t mean we abandon our work,¡± Janusz replied. ¡°I understand. It is simply that I have never known a man to maintain such arduous¡­patrols of the island. Especially during times of peace,¡± Celestia explained. Janusz knew that there wasn¡¯t an easy way to explain his fixation on keeping Shi Island safe. He¡¯d tried it once or twice, but the catgirls had never seemed to experience something like a world war. Back home, the outskirts of Olsztyn were made up of concrete factories and abandoned buildings. Janusz had seen photos of his father amongst the rubble from the invasions and the fear in people¡¯s eyes when a bomb was mentioned. He would never let Shi Island reach that point. Not from the roaches, not from the Defiled, and not from the other islands. ¡°The patrols bring me peace, then,¡± Janusz grumbled. She didn¡¯t have to understand. She couldn¡¯t. This was part of a man¡¯s job. ¡°Is Hanna right? Do you want to work in Venicia instead?¡± Celestia¡¯s face turned a bright red. ¡°Master Janusz, there is no greater honor than serving in a man¡¯s Party¡ª¡± Janusz held up a hand. ¡°Celestia, forget what your good book says. If you want to go, then go.¡± ¡°Our ¡®good book¡¯?¡± Hanna asked. ¡°Bible. Scrolls. Tablets. Whatever Saoirse has for all of you,¡± Janusz said. ¡°Ah. The decrees.¡± Hanna curled her blonde braid over her shoulder. She did that when she was thinking. ¡°To push their words aside is difficult, as I am sure you can understand.¡± ¡°She¡¯s not here right now to say otherwise,¡± Janusz said. An urging in the back of his mind insisted that his words were blasphemous¡ªhe never would have said such a thing about God. But he wasn¡¯t on Earth anymore. Celestia opened her mouth, then closed it again, rubbing her hands along her damp apron. ¡°Think on it for the night, then. It¡¯s time we find ourselves something to eat anyway.¡± Janusz shrugged and turned to head back into Sorentina. Hanna skipped alongside him, the ruffles on her black dress dancing around her knees in spite of the rain. ¡°I shall cook if you like! My [Cooking] went up recently, and I am certain I am much improved!¡± Hanna was good at a lot of things. Fighting, healing, history, and carpentry, to name a few. But every time that woman picked up a knife, she created a culinary disaster. Even so, Janusz¡¯s urging that she let Celestia cook had only spurred her on to keep trying. ¡°Let me buy dinner tonight. Seems we all could use a break,¡± he said, eyeing a conflicted Celestia. ¡°Yes. I believe that we could,¡± Celestia murmured. Another long silence blanketed the Party as they made their way back to Sorentina. Hanna idly picked through her Class cards, and Celestia¡¯s gaze remained miles away. Janusz shrugged away the rain and stepped through the gates of Sorentina. A yellow blur raced across the street, followed closely by a kitten wearing a fine dress and mud all over her face. ¡°Ceres! You¡ª You bitch!¡± Winter, the muddy kitten, screamed as she ran past. Celestia snapped out of her daydream and favored Hanna with a knowing stare. ¡°G¨®wniarz,¡± Janusz growled. ¡°Oh, Ceres,¡± Hanna murmured. She stepped forward, but Janusz barricaded her with one arm. ¡°I¡¯ll talk to her,¡± he said. ¡°M-Master, you do not have to¡ª¡± ¡°No. It is time Ceres goes where she belongs.¡± He looked at Celestia. ¡°Both of you.¡± Celestia lowered her eyes to the ground and bowed low. Without another word, she hurried home. Janusz nodded, then cracked his knuckles. ¡°I¡¯ll see you at home, Hanna.¡± If he couldn¡¯t get a single kitten to behave, what chance did he stand against a dragon? Chapter 248: The Red and the Black Lara had never slept in a more comfortable bed in all her life. The cushions were like puffy little clouds, the sheets softer than any cotton¡ªthey were made of silk, she was sure she heard Misha say¡ªand the gentle whiff of cinnamon wafted through the air. How was anyone supposed to leave their bed? Tristan was already up and about, Destiny helping him dress. The fabric and fit resembled the attire Ravyn usually wore in her [Civilian Mode]. Long black cloth covered him from a high-collared neck down to his ankles. Red complemented the hems and accessories, intricately decorated with waves of black. Tristan held one panel of the black top against his left side while Destiny wrapped the second one to his right, then she carefully worked the sash behind him, tying and tucking the thick fabric into itself. ¡°Wow,¡± Lara mumbled, blinking. ¡°Where are you going?¡± ¡°To speak with Emberlynn,¡± Tristan said, tucking his fingers under the collar. ¡°It¡¯s kind of tight.¡± ¡°I think that¡¯s by design,¡± Destiny said, frowning. ¡°Why not get Misha or Dana to help?¡± Lara asked. Destiny shook her head. ¡°They gave me explicit instructions, and I want to show them that Shi Island maids are not to be underestimated.¡± Service, Grace, Urgency. Lara wasn¡¯t sure if she¡¯d ever be able to remove those three simple words from her brain. ¡°But isn¡¯t it better if he looks his best?¡± Destiny paused and shut her eyes. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Girl¡¯s too scared of failure,¡± Fire said. ¡°She needs to set aside her pride.¡± ¡°You know from experience?¡± came Wind¡¯s chiding voice. Lara threw her head under the pillow. It was much too early to be speaking with the Elements, let alone Fire and Wind. For as long as she could remember, the two could never agree on anything. It didn¡¯t help that Wind seemed to enjoy provoking Fire. ¡°What are you implying?¡± Fire growled. ¡°I¡¯m just saying, the bigger someone talks, the more frail their ego seems to be.¡± Wind giggled. ¡°I¡¯m sure it¡¯s just an observation. Pay me no mind.¡± ¡°Done.¡± At last, the Elements were silent. On most days, Lara could deal with their incessant bickering. Sometimes, she even had fun with it. But her time on San Island had proven to be much more stressful than she¡¯d anticipated. Wind could never keep her attention on any one thing for very long. With the popularity of garnets in Emberlynn¡¯s estate and their ability to exhibit heat and light, Fire was present for much longer periods of time than normal, and that meant more arguments between the two. Earth loved the palace that was Emberlynn¡¯s home and could hardly go two minutes without making some sort of commentary on the luxurious designs. All of which he attributed to himself, of course. Lara retracted her head from underneath the pillow, wiggled to face Destiny and Tristan, then lay on her stomach, chin perched on a new pillow. ¡°What stupidity,¡± Lara heard Wind say. Yes, it was much too early for this. Destiny drew back when she was done with the sash, cupping her chin and tapping at her cheek with a finger. She tapped her foot in rhythm with her finger¡ªa subconscious habit of hers when she was thinking. Tristan stepped forward, then turned around slowly, his arms held wide at the sides. ¡°How do I look?¡± ¡°I think it¡¯s okay,¡± Destiny whispered just loudly enough for Lara to hear. ¡°What was that, Destiny?¡± Destiny shook her head. ¡°The fabric is coiling a bit over here,¡± she said, stepping forward to straighten the section where it overlapped, ¡°where it folds.¡± Lara smiled. Destiny waited on Tristan like a child at times. Such raw displays of affection would¡¯ve been frowned upon at the school, but here, Destiny could be herself. It was a rare sight, and one Lara knew her sister needed dearly. ¡°The girl is going to get herself in trouble,¡± Fire groaned. Wind suddenly appeared beside Lara, resting on her shoulder in the shape of a tiny woman. She bore large bug-like eyes, green skin, and an equally green dress that seemed like an extension of her small body. ¡°She wears her heart on her sleeve. That¡¯s the term, right? I heard Tristan say that before.¡± Lara nodded. ¡°What do you mean, Wind?¡± Tristan and Destiny glanced at her, and she shook her head. ¡°She loves him,¡± Wind said. Lara gasped, eliciting another glance from Destiny and Tristan. She shook her head again. ¡°You¡¯re certain?¡± ¡°She didn¡¯t say it outright, but have you looked at your sister lately?¡± Wind began to imitate exaggerated versions of human expressions. ¡°The large eyes, the sweet voice, following him around like a small, lost animal.¡± She gasped. ¡°And the touching! Look!¡± You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. Destiny had Tristan¡¯s hand clasped in both of hers. She smiled warmly at him and was saying something, but Wind and Fire were much too loud for Lara to hear. ¡°She touches him so much!¡± Wind continued. ¡°The men are a commodity,¡± Fire said. ¡°Did you forget that?¡± ¡°Oh, shut up, hothead. That¡¯s more than just simple friendship! The girl¡¯s enamored!¡± ¡°She can¡¯t be,¡± Lara said, blinking. The Elements didn¡¯t understand Destiny like she did. This was just how she was. Tristan was a beacon of hope for her sister during their time at the school. Destiny¡¯s whole face would light up whenever she spoke of him. Sure, it had intensified somewhat since they left Shi Island, but it was her duty as a maid to¡ª ¡°This is totally crazy,¡± Wind giggled. ¡°What a daring girl.¡± ¡°Lara, get dressed!¡± Tristan said excitedly. At some point, he and Destiny had finished. ¡°I¡¯d like to have you there.¡± ¡°Why? I don¡¯t know anything about business or money or¡­anything that San Island is suffering from,¡± Lara said, yawning. ¡°Besides, I¡¯m still so tired.¡± ¡°Please?¡± Lara blinked. She couldn¡¯t say no to him. Their roles as master and servant may have been dismantled, but the desire to be useful was still there. ¡°Okay. Give me a few minutes.¡± Once Lara was ready, she, Tristan, and Destiny met Ravyn in the ballroom. They stopped a few feet away from her, Lara on Tristan¡¯s left and Destiny to his right. Ravyn was observing tears in the rug, poking at the flaps of fabric with the tip of her shoe. They flopped over like wet leather, and the [Sorcerer] clicked her tongue. ¡°Good morning,¡± Tristan said in his chipper voice. How he could manage that persona under these circumstances, Lara had no idea. ¡°Morning,¡± Ravyn said bluntly, passing looks between Lara and Destiny. Bally swooped down and landed on top of Ravyn¡¯s head. He tucked his beak beneath his wing and plucked a feather from his body. A crunch followed, and the bird let the feather fall from his beak, floating harmlessly to the floor. ¡°Did the servants take care of you?¡± ¡°Yes. They were exquisite with the level of service provided!¡± Destiny said with admiration in her tone. ¡°Mm.¡± Ravyn stepped closer to Tristan and then adjusted the fabric beneath the sash. ¡°It was a little crooked.¡± ¡°Oh! Thanks, Ravyn,¡± Tristan said, smiling. ¡°Are you feeling alright, Ravyn?¡± Destiny asked. ¡°I¡¯m fine. I just want to get this over with.¡± ¡°Sister! Sister!¡± came a high-pitched squeal from the second floor. A sigh escaped Ravyn¡¯s lips before she turned around to welcome her little sister. ¡°I missed you!¡± Sophia threw her arms around Ravyn¡¯s legs and nuzzled her cheek against them. How lovely, Lara thought, her cheeks burning slightly. ¡°Missed you, too,¡± Ravyn said with a hint of reluctance. ¡°Ravyn and her friends have to talk to Mommy about stuff, so can you wait here?¡± Sophia nodded, her smile wide and infectious. ¡°Yes!¡± The two parted, and Ravyn motioned for Lara and the others to follow. Sophia waited as she was told, and the two climbed the stairs up to Emberlynn¡¯s dining room. Ravyn drew a deep breath, then rapped her knuckle against the door. ¡°I don¡¯t think this is going to go over well,¡± Wind whispered. ¡°Ravyn¡¯s too angry at everything.¡± ¡°How come?¡± Lara asked. ¡°It¡¯s complicated,¡± Fire said. ¡°The woman¡¯s fury is justified.¡± ¡°Says you!¡± Wind combated. ¡°She needs to get over it!¡± ¡°We can¡¯t all carry the whimsy of a child like you,¡± Fire growled. ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± ¡°Do you need everything explained to you?¡± ¡°Why, you petulant¡ª¡± ¡°Stop,¡± Lara whispered. ¡°Please. I need to pay attention. Or try, at least.¡± Ravyn frowned at her, and Lara shrunk under her powerful gaze. ¡°Come in,¡± a woman said from inside the room. Ravyn turned the knob and pushed the door open. She stood to one side, ushering Lara and the others inside, then shut the door behind them. The room was just as exquisite as the others, bearing red and gold with hints of black. Four plates of food had been placed on the table, two on each side. To their left was Emberlynn. She looked absolutely dreadful. Her skin was thin and pocked with abnormal spots and blemishes unbecoming of someone her age. Silky red and black garments clothed her in a modest fashion, and three decorated buttons clasped the collar together. Two long sticks kept her hair¡ªof which was mostly gray, with hints of red¡ªtied up into a bun, and her ears drooped to the sides. Exhaustion racked her features. Deep bags hung under her heavy-lidded eyes, and the woman still managed to carry an air of aristocracy; of command and control. Her hands crossed, she propped her elbows up on the table, then motioned with a slow nod of her head. ¡°Please. Take a seat. I think business is best discussed during meals,¡± Emberlynn said. Her voice was smooth, delicate, yet somehow unnerving. It was not the tone of a gentle older woman but of a catgirl who commanded obedience. You would sit, and you would listen. Wanting to stay out of the way, Lara rounded the table¡ªwhich was exceptionally long, nearly taking up the length of the room¡ªand took one of the seats on the opposite end. Ravyn took the seat directly across from her while Tristan whispered something into Destiny¡¯s ear before taking the chair beside Ravyn. Lara smiled as Destiny rounded the table next, and once all four of them were seated, Emberlynn spoke once more. ¡°I hope the meals are to your satisfaction.¡± She retrieved a simple teacup of steaming liquid, then sipped at its edge before setting it back down. Another catgirl, whom Lara had just now noticed, stood beside Emberlynn with her hands behind her back and her eyes shut. She hadn¡¯t said a word, but Lara imagined that she would be at Emberlynn¡¯s beck and call at a moment¡¯s notice. ¡°If they are not, then do not refrain from speaking out. I will have it corrected.¡± ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary, Mother,¡± Ravyn said, plucking a fork from the table. ¡°Can we discuss what we¡¯re here for?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Her stare veered to Tristan. ¡°I am told that the current economics of San Island are not to your liking.¡± Tristan shook his head. ¡°That¡¯s incorrect, Lady Emberlynn. I would never be so brash as to suggest such a thing. I simply see room for improvement, and so I have come at Cailu Raloquen¡¯s request.¡± ¡°Nice word choice,¡± Wind complimented. Lara blinked. ¡°Wow.¡± Emberlynn displayed the faintest hint of a smile. ¡°So you¡¯re a follower, not a leader.¡± She exhaled through her nose. Tristan flinched. ¡°Ouch,¡± Wind said. ¡°What an incredible woman,¡± Fire chuckled. ¡°Fine. Sakura?¡± Emberlynn said. The servant batted her eyes open and stepped closer to her master. ¡°Leave us.¡± ¡°Yes, Lady Emberlynn.¡± Sakura offered a curt nod, then strode across the room, disappearing into another room. When the door shut, Emberlynn continued. ¡°Very well. Let¡¯s take the gloves off and speak with honesty. If you would claim to do this better, then you¡¯d best know what task you¡¯re taking on.¡± Tristan¡¯s back straightened, and he rested both hands clasped on the table. ¡°Please. Enlighten me.¡± For the first time that day, Wind and Fire waited alongside Lara in perfect silence. Chapter 249: The Truth is Out There ¡°Cannoli, we are here,¡± Sahzi¡¯s gentle voice wove its way into Cannoli¡¯s dreams. ¡°Wake up, sweet child.¡± Cannoli blinked away her sleep to find Sahzi smiling across from her, holding the carriage curtain open. Remembering where she was, Cannoli shot to attention, straightening her back and squaring her shoulders. ¡°I-I¡¯m so sorry! I dozed off¡ª¡± ¡°No need to apologize. It was quite a long journey.¡± Sahzi shook her head, then gestured out the window. ¡°Welcome to Falselle, Cannoli.¡± Cannoli leaned forward to peer outside the carriage window and was met with a blinding combination of sapphire and gold. Tall buildings painted in perfect white were covered with stunning stained glass windows framed by intricate golden filigree. Glimmering sapphires bedecked towering spires that soared high into the pure blue sky. Women in white robes, very much like Sahzi¡¯s, were grouped together in prayer and travels. Three of their number wore masks alike to Saoirse¡¯s, while many others had sapphires braided into their hair. ¡°It¡¯s so beautiful,¡± Cannoli murmured. ¡°This is only the beginning, child,¡± Sahzi mused. ¡°Your true walk with Saoirse begins today.¡± A dozen worries plagued Cannoli¡¯s heart. Was she really fit to walk among the devout? Would she find the answers she sought? Could she really do this without her friends at her side? Sahzi placed a consoling hand on Cannoli¡¯s shoulder. ¡°It is normal to feel overwhelmed at first. We all did. You must trust in yourself and those that guide you along your path.¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Cannoli whispered. She clenched her trembling hands into fists. ¡°This is what I¡¯ve wanted since I was a kitten.¡± ¡°Then you will find yourself at home amongst your sisters here.¡± Sahzi squeezed her shoulders. Sisters¡­ Keke¡­ Cannoli shook her head and coiled her tail around her waist. ¡°Where will I be staying, Sahzi?¡± ¡°Your quarters will be within the main temple¡¯s abbey alongside your fellow initiates.¡± The white horses drew the carriage around a massive fountain, where a statue of Saoirse herself stood at its center, holding a golden bowl that produced its own stream of crystalline water. ¡°How many initiates are there?¡± Cannoli asked. ¡°At this time, there are three more who recently arrived to study. The others within your cloister have varying degrees of knowledge.¡± Sahzi took one of her brunette braids in hand, then pointed to a string of sapphires woven inside the tendrils. ¡°You, too, will earn your sapphires as you advance.¡± ¡°I see.¡± It was hard not to enjoy the tiny stir of excitement in her stomach as Cannoli imagined her own strings of gems in her white hair. ¡°What about the masks? Are those also earned?¡± ¡°Those who wear Saoirse¡¯s aspect are the masters among us, Cannoli. We are not to disturb them,¡± Sahzi cautioned. ¡°We see them as the direct will of Saoirse¡ªher prophets¡ªas they have dedicated their lives to her service. If you are deemed worthy, you will apprentice to a prophet.¡± ¡°They¡¯re different from [Bishop]s, then?¡± Cannoli tried to recall if her mother had ever kept a mask like that. No, I¡¯m sure I would remember. ¡°Some may have obtained a Third Class, but it is not a requirement. The prophets have learned all there is to know about our goddess and committed it to heart. Her decrees, her hymns, her wills; they are the true emissaries of Saoirse, child. Unless Saoirse should will it, their lives are served in dedication to Falselle.¡± Sahzi leaned back in her seat and clasped her hands in her lap. ¡°For many of them, the residents here have never seen their true faces. You must treat them as if you speak with Saoirse herself. Do you understand?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± As Cannoli watched the prophets amongst the groups of white-robed women, she began to understand what Sahzi meant. One led the prayers amongst those with hands clasped to their chest. Another traveled alone, and passersby respected them with a bow and the proper hand gesture. The third had vanished while they spoke. ¡°So, once I¡¯m settled in, where do I go?¡± Sahzi¡¯s warm smile returned. ¡°It is good to meet one so eager. We will take breakfast together in the dining hall, and I will give you a formal tour of the temple.¡± Cannoli flicked her ears and frowned. ¡°I thought you said my journey begins today?¡± ¡°It does, my dear. From this moment on, your actions will be witnessed and judged by Saoirse and her prophets. To become a [Priest], you will need their approval.¡± Someone is watching me? Cannoli glanced at Sahzi from the corner of her eye. Sahzi¡¯s eyes favored the initiate, never wavering to the grand city just outside their window. Oh. ¡°Thank you, Sahzi.¡± ¡°Whatever for?¡± ¡°Your patience in helping me learn and for your understanding.¡± Cannoli¡¯s gaze returned to the passing initiates and decadent buildings. ¡°This is my first time away from my friends, and, well, I¡¯m afraid to admit it, but I¡¯m nervous.¡± Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Of course, child. That is to be expected. We all must set aside our comforts to accept the goddess¡¯s light. That is not an easy thing.¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s not,¡± Cannoli murmured. The carriage clattered along a cobblestone pathway before stopping at a walkway flanked by tall white columns. ¡°But I¡¯m ready.¡± ¡°Excellent.¡± Sahzi nodded and opened the carriage door. ¡°Then let us begin.¡± Sahzi led them inside the temple beneath magnificent archways. Inside was a wide entrance hall with towering ceilings¡ªthe arcade, Sahzi called it. A square pool of water with a statue of a crowned kitten playing at its head was built in the center, surrounded by tall green trees and flowering bushes sporting blooms of all colors. But the ceiling held Cannoli¡¯s attention the longest. Detailed paintings of Saoirse¡¯s acts of kindness and generosity spanned the length of the arcade. Passing out gifts on Cherishing Day, blessing the Seven Swords, and serving as a shimmering beacon for the Starbirth Celebration. The images were so lifelike and perfect, stirring warmth and admiration in Cannoli¡¯s chest. ¡°That¡¯s amazing,¡± Cannoli marveled. ¡°It is, isn¡¯t it?¡± Sahzi joined her in peering up at the mural. ¡°It was painted by just two artists long before our time.¡± ¡°My goodness.¡± Tristan would love to see this. Cannoli pushed away the thought and refocused her attention on the rest of the arcade. It had two levels and two sets of spiral staircases at either end of the hall. More women in white robes moved on either side of the fountain, some carrying books, others carrying quiet conversations with one another. ¡°My apologies, I was distracted.¡± ¡°An easy thing when basking in Saoirse¡¯s beauty. Do not worry, child. Now, the arcade leads to anywhere you need to go within the temple,¡± Sahzi explained, keeping her voice low. Despite the arcade¡¯s size, the sound of the fountain overpowered the soft conversations happening within its walls. ¡°Each doorway is labeled, so you needn¡¯t worry about getting lost. You¡¯ll find the way to your quarters in the abbey, the dining hall, the temple of worship, the library, and your studies from this room.¡± Cannoli nodded. Even if they were labeled, she wondered if a map would be a good idea. ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°This way to the abbey. Come along, child.¡± Sahzi lightly stepped to one of the staircases and began her ascent. Cannoli followed along behind her, realizing just how loud her footsteps were on the tile. Feeling very suddenly self-conscious, she slowed and tried to keep her weight on the balls of her feet. It didn¡¯t seem to work. ¡°How do you walk so quietly?¡± she whispered once she¡¯d made it to the top of the stairs. ¡°You will learn,¡± Sahzi assured her. ¡°Very observant for you to notice. We must be gentle in all things.¡± ¡°Even our footsteps?¡± ¡°Yes. Each step is an appreciation to Saoirse, for she blessed the very ground we tread. We must show it reverence.¡± Cannoli nodded, determined to copy how Sahzi walked. She watched carefully and had just figured out how to lengthen her steps when they reached the door to the abbey. Sahzi watched her with mild amusement as they moved through the room of bunk beds and study corners. They stopped at a small alcove of two bunk beds, where three young women were just beginning to stir from slumber. ¡°Ladies, your newest sister has arrived.¡± Sahzi clasped her hands together and rested them against her legs. ¡°And might I add, you have slept past the sun, children.¡± All three shot from their bed sheets and rushed to the floor in their bare feet and matching nightgowns. They clasped their hands and bowed their heads in respect. ¡°Sister Sahzi, please excuse us. Sister Frejya bid us take this morning to ourselves,¡± the young woman on the left said. She appeared to be around Cannoli¡¯s age, with ivory skin and black and violet hair that was cropped up to her chin. The tail tucked between her legs matched the vivid streaks on her head. ¡°A learning opportunity, then. What could you have done better with this time, my children?¡± Sahzi asked. ¡°Studied Saoirse¡¯s Decrees or memorized her hymns,¡± the one on the right squeaked. She was young and had an even smaller stature than Cannoli¡ªside by side, the initiate would barely meet Cannoli¡¯s shoulder. Her pink pigtails were tightly braided down her back, ending at her waist. She blinked wide green eyes up at Sahzi, and her blanched face nearly blended in with her nightgown. ¡°Very good, Cora. What do you think, Muzhira?¡± Muzhira seemed to be the eldest¡ªand tallest¡ªof the three. She was positioned in the center, and she stared at Cannoli with piercing red eyes set inside a dark complexion. Her ebony hair was swung over one shoulder, and she stood at straight-backed attention like a soldier. ¡°I think I know you,¡± she muttered in a low voice. Cannoli twitched with surprise and hissed in a slow breath. Muzhira looked so very much like Zahra. But beyond Sanrai, she couldn¡¯t think of another person she¡¯d met with such a similar appearance. ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry, I don¡¯t believe we¡¯ve met.¡± ¡°Muzhira, your lack of attention is noted,¡± Sahzi said. Muzhira bowed at the waist. ¡°Forgive me, Sister Sahzi. My time this morning may have been better spent helping fellow initiates or praying for help on my path.¡± ¡°Excellent answer, Muzhira. Now, if you would all prepare yourselves for the day, Cannoli and I would be honored if you joined us for breakfast.¡± Sahzi motioned to the empty bunk. ¡°Cannoli, this will be your bed.¡± Cannoli nodded and offloaded the few items she¡¯d brought with her into the small nightstand beside the bed. It seemed she¡¯d be sleeping under Cora. ¡°I¡¯m Rozalyn, by the way,¡± the third girl introduced herself quietly as Cannoli waited for them to dress. ¡°I¡¯m Cannoli,¡± she replied brightly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry to wake you on your day of rest.¡± Rozalyn grinned. ¡°As you heard, we should have been awake anyway.¡± She ran her fingers through her hair. ¡°Gotta work harder for those sapphires.¡± Cannoli hummed her agreement as Rozalyn returned to dressing for the day. Sahzi waited until they were dressed, then called for them to follow. ¡°Wonderful. Come along, now.¡± When Sahzi, Rozalyn, and Cora were a few steps ahead, Muzhira touched Cannoli¡¯s wrist and leaned in to whisper in her ear. ¡°I could never forget your face. You destroyed R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨©.¡± Ice trickled through Cannoli¡¯s veins. She looked to Muzhira, wide-eyed. ¡°I-I¡ª¡± Muzhira flashed a sharp smile. ¡°Saoirse¡¯s blessings be upon you, Cannoli.¡± Without another word, she marched forward to join the other initiates. Cannoli steeled herself and caught up to the group. She was being watched and tested. Whatever Muzhira believed, Cannoli would need to take it in stride. Saoirse protect me. Chapter 250: Kitten Ravyn furrowed her brow as she sipped her cup of tea. Gone was the kind and empathetic mother who wished only for her daughter¡¯s safety and happiness. The businesswoman had arrived, and she was as cutthroat as they came. Bally hopped down onto the table to Ravyn¡¯s right, and the [Sorcerer] braced for what would no doubt be one of the coldest conversations of her life. Emberlynn coughed into a handkerchief before continuing. ¡°Let us proceed with introductions first. My name is Emberlynn of San Island, as my daughter has no doubt informed you. I am the owner of Emberlynn¡¯s Fine Arts and Jewelry,¡± she said with her fingertips pressed lightly against her chest, ¡°and mother to Ravyn of San Island and Sophia of San Island.¡± The mention of Sophia made Ravyn¡¯s eye twitch. Tristan nodded when Emberlynn met his gaze. ¡°My name is Tristan Erato. I am here on behalf of Cailu Raloquen, and I serve as Shi Island¡¯s man. It is a pleasure to meet you, Emberlynn.¡± Emberlynn¡¯s sharp gaze landed on the maids next, shifting between one and the other. Destiny fidgeted with her hands in her lap. ¡°M-My name is Destiny¡­ of Shi Island.¡± There seemed to be some hesitation in her tone. Ravyn tilted her gaze toward her, away from her mother, and raised her brows. The maid took a deep breath, then straightened her posture. ¡°I have journeyed with Tristan to assist him. I came from the Venicia School of Etiquette, and am an experienced [Alchemist].¡± Emberlynn nodded, looking at Lara next. Lara blinked. ¡°My name is Lara of Shi Island.¡± She shut her mouth, opened it, then shut it again. ¡°I also came from the Venicia School of Etiquette. My specialty lies in conjuration magic.¡± Emberlynn raised a brow. ¡°You are a [Conjurer], then?¡± ¡°Yes! I am!¡± ¡°Rare ones, you are. Do the Elements speak to you as they do with my daughter?¡± Ravyn nearly dropped her cup, tightening her grip just as it was slipping. Fucking what? Lara paused. ¡°I¡­ That is¡­¡± Emberlynn smiled, albeit barely. ¡°Do not be alarmed, child. I know many [Conjurer]s pursue such a Class when they are able to hear the voices of the Elements. I am an [Arbiter]. I am no stranger to the mystique of magic. You need not be afraid to express your ability.¡± Lara looked beyond relieved. ¡°Y-Yes! I can speak with the Elements! Wind and Fire are with me as we speak!¡± She clapped a hand to her mouth. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to raise my voice. I¡¯ve begun to realize that I get strange looks whenever I say such things.¡± Emberlynn hummed. ¡°Perhaps we could discuss whether you would be interested in tutoring my dear Sophia. We shall leave that until later, however.¡± Lara blinked. ¡°Of course!¡± You have got to be fucking kidding me. They exist? No, that¡¯s not right; it¡¯s all speculation. Mother is just delusional from her sickness. There is no evidence that the Elements have any sort of willpower or consciousness. Ravyn cleared her throat. ¡°Mother? Can we please continue?¡± Emberlynn¡¯s sharp gaze returned. ¡°Yes. Pardon my digression.¡± She adjusted her posture and placed her clasped hands on her lap. ¡°Let us continue. You state you are here on a missive from Cailu Raloquen.¡± His name alone sent chills down Ravyn¡¯s spine. ¡°Yes, that is correct,¡± Tristan nodded. ¡°He expressed concern with the conditions of San Island and wished to make better on his promise to take care of it. He fears that brute force alone will not suffice. Rather than simply protect, he wishes to provide future generations the means to not only survive, but to live.¡± Ravyn suppressed the urge to whistle. The boy¡¯s got a mind for diplomacy. I¡¯ll give him that. Emberlynn narrowed her gaze slightly. Ravyn was intimately familiar with that expression. Now that she better knew her partners, it was time to dance. ¡°An honorable notion, to be sure,¡± Emberlynn said. ¡°For which areas does he find his presence does not suffice?¡± Careful, Tristan. She will trap you and put words in your mouth. Don¡¯t play into her game. Ravyn had to be careful as well. Dancing with her mother when it came to business was dirty and calculating. If you couldn¡¯t think a few steps ahead, then you¡¯d already lost. She¡¯d been unaware of how her mother felt in regard to San Island¡¯s conditions, but the tone and word choice revealed that well enough. She¡¯d need to keep her interactions polite and wait her turn to speak. Attempting to clarify anything Tristan said would paint him in a bad light, giving him the appearance that he was unable to speak for himself. Ravyn would offer her input when the time was right. Tristan kept his expression serious. ¡°I would first ask you a question.¡± Emberlynn nodded her consent. ¡°I had the privilege of seeing one of Melody¡¯s record books. A woman from the Arch Tower. Do you know of her?¡± ¡°Of course I do,¡± Emberlynn said with a hint of irritation. Ravyn took a sip of her tea. Damn it, boy. Of course she does. She knows everyone. Assume she knows unless stated otherwise. Part of her blamed herself for not giving Tristan a crash course on how to speak to Emberlynn. She wished desperately to link her mind to his somehow. To speak to him in a way Mother couldn¡¯t detect. But she knew no magic that could perform such feats. Not that it mattered. Being a powerful [Arbiter], Emberlynn would know the instant she tried. ¡°I should have expected as much,¡± Tristan said with a curt nod. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. Good recovery. Keep going. It¡¯s your turn to talk, still. ¡°Mister Raloquen expressed concern with the wellbeing of San Island¡¯s children, primarily,¡± Tristan continued, clasping his hands and setting them on the table. ¡°The record book I borrowed detailed concerning reports regarding nyannies and residences. As I am sure you¡¯re familiar with Melody¡¯s methods, I was hoping you could explain the situation.¡± ¡°Why come to me? Why not ask Melody?¡± Emberlynn asked. ¡°Ravyn mentioned you by name, expressing that we needed a master¡¯s touch.¡± He glanced at Ravyn, and she offered him a subtle smile. ¡°I would be remiss to assume any one person is responsible for an island¡¯s shortcomings. I must simply stress that Cailu and I wish to see the island prosper even more than it already has.¡± She¡¯s going to bring up the children next. ¡°So, you and Cailu are in agreement that the kittens suffer under our management,¡± Emberlynn said. ¡°A bold claim.¡± Push her. Push her. Ravyn¡¯s grip tightened around her cup. Her heart pounded against her chest, and even Bally seemed a bit uncomfortable under the oppressive air of the conversation. ¡°A true claim,¡± Tristan said firmly. ¡°I apologize if I have overstepped. Zhuli seems like a beautiful place to live. Many of its residents have their own businesses, their own families, and want for little more. It is peaceful here, serene even. I may go so far as to say that it is a paradise.¡± Tristan smiled at Ravyn, then looked back at Emberlynn. ¡°However, I fear you are not completely aware of the situation in Shulan. The kittens pickpocket from anyone who comes near. They¡¯re dirty, and in dire need of food, clean water, and clothes.¡± He shook his head. ¡°If not for Ravyn, my [Cat Pack] would¡¯ve surely been stolen.¡± Emberlynn leaned into the palm of one hand, tapping her index finger against her cheek. ¡°You do overstep your boundaries. You do not understand.¡± ¡°Then help me understand. I see these kittens, and in them I see myself,¡± Tristan said with a pained expression. ¡°Something needs to be done about it.¡± ¡°If I may,¡± Destiny said with a hand held up. Emberlynn gestured for her to continue. ¡°What Tristan says is true. Before my sister and I came to the Venicia School of Etiquette, we lived in Leche.¡± Emberlynn sat up, a curious look on her face. Ravyn watched carefully¡ªanything that would reveal her mother¡¯s cards. Destiny continued, ¡°I am no stranger to the terrors of Nyarlea. The four of us have traveled to Ichi Island and seen the worst of it. Kittens and their mothers begging for coins, malnourished, desperate for water, and unable to leave due to the harsh desert beyond.¡± She shook her head. ¡°It was enough to break my heart, and I see a similar issue in Shulan.¡± Good. She needs to hear it from another person who doesn¡¯t live here, who doesn¡¯t have a bias against her own island. ¡°Please,¡± Lara said, ¡°what must be done to help the children?¡± ¡°Mother,¡± Ravyn at last said. ¡°What if it was me in the streets? Or Sophia?¡± ¡°To hypothesize such speculation is absurd,¡± Emberlynn growled. ¡°That is not the circumstance here.¡± ¡°Cailu has sired how many children at this point? He even sired my sister.¡± Ravyn¡¯s fingers curled at the words. ¡°I have traveled to each island, Mother. I have witnessed firsthand what they struggle with. How they get their food, how they survive, the dreams that are smashed against the stones. The kittens are our future. This situation you have is unsustainable. You know that.¡± ¡°Do not speak to me of things you do not understand,¡± Emberlynn hissed. Don¡¯t let your temper get the best of you, Ravyn reminded herself. ¡°Then help us understand. One day, those children will be adults. I am sure we can all agree that we can¡¯t have thieves still running the streets ten years from now.¡± An uncomfortable silence swept over them. Emberlynn leaned against the other arm, blinking. She drummed the fingers of her other hand against her decorated chair, her food barely touched. Seemed no one had the nerve to eat while¡ª ¡°Incredible food,¡± Lara said, carrying a piece of fish to her mouth. ¡°Try it, sister!¡± Do you have no fucking ability to read the room? Destiny picked up her fork with a shaky hand, then delivered a piece of the same cut of fish to her mouth. Her expression brightened, and a light gasp escaped her lips. ¡°Oh my goodness, you¡¯re right!¡± I can¡¯t believe this. To Ravyn¡¯s surprise, Emberlynn smiled, gesturing for Tristan to take a bite next. The poor boy¡ªor man, rather¡ªhad his hands clasped for so long that she had to imagine they¡¯d picked up a significant amount of sweat. Unsurprisingly, Tristan wiped his hands on his pants beneath the table and reached for a helping of soft, sticky rice using his spoon. ¡°Thank you,¡± Tristan said before taking a bite. ¡°Oh wow.¡± ¡°How is it?¡± Emberlynn asked. ¡°I¡¯ve never had such amazing rice. My compliments to the chef.¡± ¡°Yukari will be delighted to hear that.¡± Somehow, Lara had penetrated the thick air around them with ease. Once she, Destiny, and Tristan dug in, Ravyn suddenly felt the pangs of hunger and gave in. Emberlynn joined in moments later, and the conversation became more lively, more lighthearted. Emberlynn laughed at Ravyn¡¯s expense, and she fought hard to hide her burning cheeks. ¡°She¡¯s always been like that,¡± Emberlynn giggled. ¡°¡®Fuck this,¡¯ ¡®fuck that,¡¯ ¡®fuck you.¡¯ Goodness, the words that come out of her mouth. You can barely tell I ever raised her!¡± Tristan and his Party laughed as Ravyn hid her face. Talk about a tonal shift. ¡°She kind of scared me when I first met her,¡± Destiny said. ¡°She poisoned me and my sister.¡± Saoirse¡¯s tits, why did you have to say that? ¡°I-I didn¡¯t poison you!¡± Ravyn exclaimed. ¡°I, we¡­had shit to do.¡± She clapped a hand to her mouth, and she shrank beneath her mother¡¯s judgmental gaze. ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Emberlynn snickered. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. Just be you. That¡¯s all a mother could want.¡± Ravyn frowned. ¡°You mean it?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t I? I have missed you for so long, my daughter.¡± She raised her cup of tea, her smile growing wider. ¡°It feels wonderful to have you in the home again.¡± ¡°Y-Yeah,¡± she groaned. ¡°Which reminds me.¡± She set her cup down, glancing between her and Tristan. ¡°Now that I know you¡¯re alive, maybe I¡¯ll live long enough to be a grandmother.¡± ¡°No, no, no, no, no,¡± Ravyn said, shaking her head. She could barely look at Tristan. ¡°Not with him. Uh, no offense.¡± Tristan spurted. ¡°None taken.¡± ¡°I take it that means you have someone in mind?¡± Emberlynn asked. Ravyn started, and images of Matt came to mind. She missed his laugh, his snarky attitude about everything, his combative personality. Still, he had a heart of gold, and his actions spoke louder than his words. Of any man she¡¯d met, she had no doubt he could accomplish anything if he set his mind to it. The memory of their night together crept in at the seams¡­ No! ¡°None,¡± Ravyn said, smiling wide. ¡°Not¡­yet, that is.¡± Emberlynn scoffed. ¡°If you say so.¡± She set her cup down, looking at Tristan. ¡°As much as I am enjoying this lovely conversation, I think it would be best if we discussed why you came here. You came here for a master¡¯s touch. To solve the issues of San Island, you will need it.¡± ¡°Then¡­you are willing to review how kittens are treated? In Shulan especially?¡± Tristan asked. ¡°I am. But do not mistake our prior conversation for play. If the issues run as deeply as you say, then this is not something we can solve overnight.¡± ¡°I am open to any suggestions you have.¡± Emberlynn¡¯s business face returned. ¡°Good. Listen, and listen well. You are not going to like what you hear.¡± Ravyn set her cup down, her plate half-finished. The dance would continue. I hope you can pull it off, Tristan. Chapter 251: A Chill Goes Through Her Veins With Cannoli gone, Matt, Ceres, and Keke shared their own carriage, which left Zahra alone with Kirti and Cailu. Kirti favored Zahra with her haunting orange stare, a permanent smirk affixed to her face. She juggled three colored rocks between her fingers. Somehow, their clicking together was worse than the silence. For the hundredth time in their travels, Zahra wondered if she¡¯d made a mistake. How could she possibly fill Naeemah¡¯s shoes when Kirti so easily slid beneath her skin? She missed Tristan¡¯s Party and their warm conversations. Cailu and Kirti felt so beyond her reach, both in Level and in knowledge. Zahra had never ventured from Ichi Island, which limited her greatly. I wish I could return home. But that would mean failing Queen Naeemah. Zahra would rather die than fail her. ¡°Our last few days of traveling have felt so cold,¡± Kirti mused. ¡°What happened to building trust, Zahra?¡± Zahra looked out the carriage window, searching for something she could concentrate on that wasn¡¯t the [Witch Doctor]. Unfortunately, the road outside of Irisil was a sea of grass. Not a tree or a mountain or much of anything beyond the occasional rock or weed. Kirti sighed. ¡°And here I thought Benzi would bring us closer together.¡± Zahra had avoided Kirti since playing her conceptual card game. After just a few plays, Kirti made it clear that she was looking for more than just a way to pass the time. ¡°The questions you ask are¡­¡± She paused, searching for the right word. ¡°Dangerous?¡± Kirti supplied. Zahra stole a glance from the corner of her eye. Kirti¡¯s smile had widened. ¡°Did you find my questions dangerous, Cailu?¡± Kirti asked. ¡°That would depend on who you ask,¡± Cailu murmured into his hand. He had taken to staring out the window on his side, idly listening to the conversation. Zahra wondered why he was so quiet but her nerves wouldn¡¯t allow her to question him. ¡°I do not believe that Saoirse¡¯s [Acolyte]s would find your quandaries appropriate.¡± Finding herself unsettled by Cailu¡¯s reply, Zahra turned and appealed to Cailu. ¡°Asking where the Defiled come from? If Saoirse truly exists? If trapping souls into your stones would alter the fate of the world? That¡¯s blasphemous!¡± Her voice sounded more desperate than she¡¯d intended, like a kitten arguing with her mother. ¡°E-excuse me, I¡¯ve spoken out of turn.¡± ¡°No, Zahra. Please, continue.¡± Kirti collected the trio of stones in her palm and curled them into a fist. ¡°It seems you have forgotten our conversation about my research.¡± Zahra squirmed. On the boat. Kirti herself had said the books she read were marked as blasphemous. But to hear her force the questions out loud and attempt to tease the answers from Cailu¡ªKirti went against everything Zahra was taught. Cailu slightly shifted his position to watch them, and Kirti¡¯s eyes never left Zahra¡¯s face. It was an intense scrutiny from both parties that Zahra had never experienced before. She cleared her throat. ¡°My mother told me that many catgirls are punished and rehabilitated for less. My father believed that questioning the world¡¯s deepest secrets was to question the creator itself.¡± ¡°You knew your father?¡± Cailu asked. Zahra flushed. ¡°No. But Krethik¡¯s teachings were passed on in my family.¡± ¡°Not to your sister,¡± Kirti said. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. The mention of Sanrai twisted knots inside Zahra¡¯s stomach and chest. Despite all that had happened and the time separating her from Sanrai¡¯s death, it still felt surreal. Like at any moment, Sanrai would be there, telling Zahra how disappointed she was. ¡°You have mentioned Sanrai on multiple occasions now. How do you know so much about her?¡± ¡°I told you, child. Do not ask questions that you don¡¯t want the answers to,¡± Kirti said, narrowing her gaze. ¡°I want the answer!¡± Zahra snapped. Her hands trembled at her sides. When had they balled into fists? For days on end, she¡¯d forced herself to stay neutral. Carefully hide her emotions and expressions as Naeemah did. But she wasn¡¯t Naeemah. That much was clear. ¡°Answer her, Kirti,¡± Cailu said. ¡°I am neither your familiar nor your pet, Cailu. Do not order me like a beast come to heel.¡± An angry fire flickered in Kirti¡¯s eyes. ¡°You avoid the topic, then.¡± Cailu shook his head. ¡°I thought it was I who spoke in circles?¡± For the first time since joining their Party, Kirti looked uncomfortable. Zahra blinked; the slight squirm and droop of Kirti¡¯s shoulders looked out of place on her confident form. Zahra¡¯s tangled stomach loosened, and the first pricks of unease cooled her frustration. What if Kirti was trying to protect her? Kirti unfurled her fingers and studied the stones in her hand. With a long sigh, she tucked them into her [Cat Pack] and folded her hands into her lap. ¡°When you deal in the business of souls, you learn to read them.¡± Kirti measured her words, and her knowing posture returned. ¡°Everyone¡¯s soul has etchings from their journey of existence. These etchings may be written into us by others¡ª¡± she looked directly at Cailu, ¡°¡ªlike a wife or daughter, for example.¡± Cailu¡¯s features darkened. Zahra¡¯s heart skipped, and her breath caught. It was as if winter had swept into their carriage. She didn¡¯t know what a wife was and was too afraid to ask. ¡°You think to punish me, witch?¡± Cailu growled. Kirti held his glare without so much as flinching. ¡°I only do as you ask.¡± ¡°Mention either of them again, Kirti, and I assure you my blade will etch its memory into your flesh.¡± Cailu¡¯s voice was cold and furious. Zahra shivered. She knew she had to say something. Anything. ¡°Sanrai, then, she¡¯s etched into me?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Kirti didn¡¯t break her stare with Cailu. ¡°Do you have anyone that¡¯s etched onto you, Kirti?¡± Zahra continued. ¡°All those I¡¯ve interacted with. As we all do.¡± ¡°Well, some interactions are more meaningful than others, correct? Like a sister or a mother?¡± Zahra was reaching. As much as Kirti frustrated and terrified her, she didn¡¯t want Cailu to cut the woman down. It would feel as if she¡¯d failed Naeemah. ¡°Surely more important people leave bigger marks?¡± ¡°An interesting assumption.¡± Kirti relaxed back into her seat. Cailu didn¡¯t move. ¡°¡®Bigger¡¯ is not the term I would use. They are¡­different. But you have the right of it.¡± ¡°So, who was different for you?¡± Zahra repeated. A tiny smile returned to Kirti¡¯s lips. ¡°What a roundabout way to question my history.¡± Zahra waited to see if the tiniest sign of forgiveness would come from Cailu. When he still remained a statue, she continued, ¡°Listen, I wish to trust you. I wish to think your research is for the betterment of Nyarlea. But you know so much about us, and we know so little about you.¡± Kirti looked between her and Cailu, then crossed her arms and let her eyes slide to the window. It was a long time before she said anything. ¡°I share a similar mark to Cailu. An etching I recognized immediately.¡± ¡°Oh? Please, enlighten us,¡± Cailu said. Kirti stared far outside the window¡ªbeyond the rocks and weeds and miles of grass. ¡°I lost my daughter to the Defiled.¡± Her hollow tone reverberated in Zahra¡¯s bones. Cailu¡¯s fa?ade cracked, and his hands relaxed. ¡°My apologies, Kirti. It¡¯s an unfortunate reality for many in Nyarlea.¡± ¡°Perhaps,¡± Kirti murmured. ¡°Tell me, do pity and sympathy garner trust?¡± ¡°No. But I think understanding can,¡± Zahra replied softly. ¡°Loss is something we share. It could help us fight on a more united front.¡± ¡°Vengeance does not grant peace,¡± Cailu said as he leaned back. ¡°Not for vengeance. I meant for¡­ well¡­¡± Zahra stumbled, unable to find the right words to say. ¡°Never mind.¡± ¡°For Growth,¡± Kirti supplied. ¡°You¡¯re better at Benzi than you think.¡± Silence fell over them again, though warmth had blessedly returned to the carriage. Zahra pulled her long hair over her shoulder and joined Kirti in watching the land pass them by. Maybe this journey wasn¡¯t wasteful after all. Chapter 1: The Badass Day 0 The moment Matt Kelmer¡¯s boot hit the sand, he knew what had to be done. ¡°There¡¯s already room for improvement,¡± he murmured, surveying the tropical landscape with a hand shading his eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll fix it.¡± ¡°Hey!¡± a voice sounded to his left. A brown-haired maiden in a deep blue one-piece swimsuit waved an arm and jogged up to his side. Fluffy ears flicked forward atop her head, and a long tail trailed from behind. ¡°Are you¡ª¡± her golden pools widened, and she gasped. ¡°You¡¯re a man!¡± A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. A catgirl. Just like Leiana had promised. ¡°That I am. You have a name?¡± She tipped her head to the side. ¡°It¡¯s Keke.¡± ¡°I¡¯m Matt.¡± He nodded, then felt a sudden, heavy weight in his back pocket. Curious, he pulled it free. It was a slim, rectangular device with cat ears poking from the cover. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± ¡°An iPaw. All men get one.¡± Keke furrowed her brow and poked at it. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen one before.¡± That explained it. ¡°Will this keep track of my Levels?¡± ¡°I¡­ believe so, yes.¡± Matt pressed the square button on the bottom of the screen. ¡°What¡¯s the fastest way to Level up here in Nyarlea?¡± ¡°By killing Encroachers, I think. Some girls offer Bells for Quests, but there isn¡¯t a Guild Hall in Junonia, so that¡¯s a bit harder.¡± Keke crossed her arms over her chest. ¡°Where did you come from?¡± ¡°Not now.¡± Matt raised a hand and listened as a pixelated, monotone catgirl introduced herself as ¡®Ai.¡¯ She offered a tutorial, and he selected ¡®Yes,¡¯ skimming quickly and skipping through her dialogue as he would in any of the thousands of games he¡¯d played before. ¡°Is there a Class system?¡± ¡°System?¡± Keke¡¯s tail ticked back and forth behind her while she studied him. ¡°Yes. For fighting to gain Levels. Encroachers, you said. Those are the monsters here, right?¡± ¡°Ah. Yeah. Right. You can choose a Class. I just never looked at it as a ¡®system.¡¯¡± She touched her chin and narrowed her eyes. ¡°Aren¡¯t you hungry? Tired?¡± ¡°Of course not.¡± Matt had trained long and hard for this day. His body was in impeccable shape, his mind was razor sharp, and he was going to usher this world into a new era. Ai finished her tutorial, and Matt quickly thumbed through the menus to find [Class Selection]. He scanned his options in a matter of heartbeats, memorizing every Class¡¯s pros and cons with his photographic memory. At last, he chose Fighter. If his expansive experience with games was anything to go by, a powerhouse tank would be the easiest way to min-max in Nyarlea. New Notifications! Matt has successfully changed to [Fighter]! Matt swept the notification window away, then frowned when he couldn¡¯t find a way to access his inventory. Every world had an inventory. ¡°How do I access my equipment?¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± Matt sighed. Time was ticking. ¡°I just chose [Fighter]. Do I start with a weapon, or do I have to buy one?¡± ¡°Oh! You start with one. Just say [Combat Mode]. Like this.¡± Keke thrust her arm forward and repeated, ¡°[Combat Mode].¡± A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. A warm yellow light enveloped her, and her swimsuit melded into a green leather top and pants. A longbow extended from her outstretched hand, and a quiver of arrows appeared at her hip. ¡°Right. [Combat Mode].¡± A similar light wrapped around Matt, but he wasn¡¯t interested in his starter gear. That would change later. He shoved the blade of his sword into the sand and returned his attention to the iPaw. The [Skills] screen was next. If this world was at all fair, he¡¯d at least get one Skill to start with. [Sword Mastery]. That would work. He spent the point when a movement caught the corner of his eye. A small, crablike crustacean danced near his ankles. ¡°Encroacher?¡± he asked, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Yes, but¡ª¡± Matt raised his sword and swung down hard. The crab split in half, and green blood sputtered onto the sand. Another notification window appeared on the iPaw, and Keke blinked her surprise. Matt has gained a Level! He wiped the green blood on his pant leg and grinned up at Keke. ¡°So, want to be in my harem?¡± Keke gaped. ¡°Your what?¡± Day 1 As it turned out, Keke did want to be in his harem. By the time Matt slept with the seventh catgirl in Junonia, Keke caved and agreed to join his Party. Well, ¡®Party¡¯ was her word, it was definitely a harem. The best part was with Keke came Cannoli. A healer. Though, it wasn¡¯t like Matt needed a healer. The Quest from the iPaw to sleep with catgirls was worth so much Experience and Bells that Espada had already upgraded his armor and weapon. Just a few cleaved minotaurs, a few more bedded catgirls, and he was already Level 5. ¡°You said I could change Class at Level 10, right?¡± Matt asked at Keke¡¯s dining table. Cannoli hummed while she stirred a pot of something that smelled delicious. ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Keke said. ¡°But, Matt, maybe you should slow down. You¡¯ve only been here for a day.¡± ¡°Nah. My [Energy] is still full. Says so right here.¡± He pointed at the iPaw, then sniffed the air. ¡°Cannoli, your soup could use more pepper.¡± Cannoli¡¯s tail shot straight up into the air, and she froze. An angry squeak preluded her coughing into her hand, then nodded. ¡°Of course, Matt. More pepper.¡± Why were these girls so sensitive? It was soup meant to feed a champion. It had to be perfect, just like everything else. Day 10 ¡°Alright, I¡¯m ready to change to Third Class,¡± Matt announced proudly. Keke and Cannoli were sprawled across the couch. Keke had one arm thrown over her face, and Cannoli was curled on her side with her eyes closed. Neither of them responded. ¡°Mou ii. Great. You rushed us to Third Class.¡± Ravyn awarded him with a slow clap. She sat in one of Cannoli¡¯s dining chairs with her foot flat against the table leg, rocking her back to just two limbs of her chair. ¡°Now would you let us fucking rest?¡± Matt laughed. ¡°Your [Energy] is fine. C¡¯mon, I slept with ten girls today already. We can work on our [Fishing] or [Crafting].¡± Ravyn made a gagging noise and let her foot drop. The chair fell forward with a slam! ¡°Defiled!¡± Cannoli squealed, wildly waving her arms as she shot up from her nap. Keke remained asleep, seemingly unfazed. ¡°That¡¯s a great idea, Cannoli,¡± Matt replied. ¡°Baka!¡± ¡°Matt¡¯s a fucking idiot! Squaawk!¡± Ravyn¡¯s blue hellkite, Ball Gag, screamed from the window. ¡°Let¡¯s go. I want to test out [Paladin].¡± Matt rolled his sculpted arms and marched out of the house. Day 30 Matt was ashamed to admit that it had taken him a full month to reach the Level Cap. But in that time, he¡¯d single-handedly discovered and implemented a way to solve San Island¡¯s economic crises, defeated that bastard Cailu for the Queen of Nyarlea¡¯s hand, cleaned the Defiled from Shi Island, and forced Magni to change his ways on Ichi Island. That still didn¡¯t excuse his delay. However, as he stood inside the highest tower of the castle and looked over the city of Ronona, he couldn¡¯t help but wonder¡­ ¡­Just what exactly was left for him to do? Happy April Fools'' Day Chapter 252: The Mistress Always Spanks Twice Ravyn barely managed to eat a few bites of her breakfast before more knots tied her stomach, and her fingers turned cold. Emberlynn rubbed her pointer finger and thumb against a small garnet. A brief glow emanated from the stone, and the doors at the end of the room opened. ¡°You called, Mistress Emberlynn?¡± a woman asked. Emberlynn gestured to the plates. ¡°Yes. We are finished with breakfast.¡± The woman offered a curt bow, and as Tristan made to speak, Emberlynn silenced him with an extended finger. Mother never did fear the men or their power. Once the plates were cleared from the table and the servant was gone, the tense air returned. Emberlynn coughed into her handkerchief before continuing. ¡°How would you change things regarding the kitten situation?¡± Tristan visibly swallowed. ¡°It is my firm belief that if the nyannies were offered a higher wage, then the nyannies, and by extension the children, would become better educated and less inclined to steal.¡± ¡°What would that wage look like?¡¯ Damn it. I don¡¯t think he knows the value of a Bell. Ravyn worked her jaw in silence. ¡°A direct percentile of the guard¡¯s wages. As Melody¡¯s book suggested, the guards make a substantial profit protecting Shulan when compared to other jobs in the city.¡± Tristan gestured animatedly with his hand, keeping a steady tone. ¡°In my mind, the nyannies train the catgirls who will eventually come to power on the island. Thus, it would make sense that the wages of nyannies would match, if not surpass, the wages of guards in their entirety. Does this sound reasonable to you?¡± Ravyn fought back the frown that was coming on. Somehow the boy had managed to avoid displaying ignorance of the Bell¡¯s value while simultaneously presenting a plausible wage for the nyannies. ¡°The wages I saw,¡± Tristan continued, ¡°were¡ªand forgive me for my forwardness¡ªunacceptable. Nyannies are essential in caring for and teaching our children, arming them for the harsh realities of the world, understanding the role of the men, ensuring they live full lives when they leave.¡± ¡°There are schools of study that take some of that burden away from nyannies, Tristan,¡± Emberlynn countered. ¡°You¡¯re correct. However, from what I¡¯ve read, the schools on nearly every island only accept students once they¡¯ve attained the ability to change into their [Combat Mode]s. That¡¯s still a little over a decade of interactions and education with nyannies.¡± Emberlynn paused. She studied Tristan, then asked, ¡°Is the rising Defiled threat not on your agenda of concerns?¡± Shit. Tristan furrowed his brow. ¡°I was under the assumption that Cailu kept San Island clear of major Defiled threats.¡± ¡°He keeps Shulan maintained, yes. But the Bells that go to our guard also protect smaller towns and cities. Cities like Zhuli. I¡¯m certain you understand that Cailu¡¯s time is quite torn between here and Nyarlothep.¡± ¡°I¡¯m aware. Forgive me, Emberlynn, I fail to see how this concerns nyannies.¡± Shit. Shit. Shit. ¡°Our nyannies will lack for work if their kittens are dead.¡± Tristan flushed a brilliant red. ¡°But you¡¯re paying the guard a fortune! All Tristan¡¯s asking is to make it fair!¡± Destiny said suddenly. As soon as the words left her lips, she placed a hand over her mouth as if she¡¯d spoken out of turn. You¡¯ve given her the edge. Tristan needs to lead the conversation. ¡°Would you not request a high sum if you put your life on the line each day for your island, Destiny?¡± Emberlynn said sharply. ¡°Compared to the nyannies who live in comfort and pleasure with their kittens? Less funding to our protectors means far fewer kittens. And our island is always in need of protection.¡± ¡°Pardon me,¡± Tristan said, raising his hand. Emberlynn stopped and regarded him with a single raised brow. ¡°But could you please explain to me where all of this money is coming from?¡± ¡°Taxes, of course. Surely you noted such in Melody¡¯s book,¡± Emberlynn replied. Tristan nodded. ¡°Yes, but the amounts were consistently uneven from similar earnings. I couldn¡¯t deduce a steady percentage or stable fee.¡± ¡°Ah, yes. Businesses and their owners are welcome to make a suitable donation to San Island. All collected Bells are pooled into a conglomerate account that, in turn, funds our roads, wages, schools, defense, nyannies, and other necessary ventures.¡± ¡°Is there a benefit to these donations?¡± Tristan tapped a finger against the table in thought. ¡°Of course. They are recorded in Melody¡¯s books, and those who donate are offered a multitude of benefits for their businesses. Premier placement, city sponsorships, priority repairs, and greater loan opportunities.¡± So much roach shit. To Ravyn, the system had always seemed like a fancy ribbon on ¡®bribery.¡¯ But it was what her mother was best at. Tying filthy truths in pretty paper. ¡°Loans?¡± Tristan asked. ¡°Yes,¡± Emberlynn said. Ravyn noted the red that crept up Emberlynn¡¯s thin neck; she was losing her patience. ¡°A substantial amount of the Bells received in taxes and donations goes toward loans. Many of the catgirls in Shulan dream of opening their own shop.¡± Tristan rubbed his chin, his expression pensive. Is it starting to make more sense now, Tristan? ¡°I think I¡¯m beginning to see some of the more glaring issues at hand,¡± Tristan admitted. ¡°Could some of the donations, even just a few, go to the nyannies instead?¡± Lara suggested. ¡°The guard has grown accustomed to multiple bonuses throughout the years of their service. To take it away could be the death of us all.¡± Emberlynn sighed. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. ¡°What if you offered businesses benefits for larger donations to nyannies? Then put those aside just for them?¡± Tristan suggested. ¡°You don¡¯t truly believe that these businesses will add on to their donations, will you?¡± Emberlynn smirked. ¡°They will give the same amount of Bells and claim it is for a new cause.¡± ¡°Could you raise the taxes?¡± Tristan asked. Emberlynn¡¯s smirk grew wider, and the garnet poked deeper into her fingers. Stop, Tristan. You¡¯re passing her the win here. ¡°Oh. Forget I said that, then,¡± Tristan quickly added. He rubbed the bridge of his nose, exhaling. If it¡¯s not one thing, then it¡¯s the other. Ravyn knew of the issues that plagued San Island¡ªShulan most of all. Explaining all of its intricate politics and market schemes could be an entire lifetime¡¯s worth of study. Despite being a native, even she wasn¡¯t privy to some of its darkest underbellies. ¡°Even so, Mother,¡± Ravyn said, crossing her arms, ¡°the nyannies have to receive a higher wage. We need to resolve that issue somehow.¡± Emberlynn maintained her eerie smile. Ravyn loathed to say it, but she was still her mother¡¯s daughter. She was no stranger to this brand of table talk. ¡°I¡¯d like to clarify what we¡¯ve discussed so far,¡± Tristan said as if he¡¯d just come out of a reverie. ¡°The island¡¯s financial pool is made up of taxes and donations from the businesses in each city, do I understand that correctly?¡± Emberlynn nodded. ¡°Yes. That is correct.¡± ¡°Then that pool is used to pay for anything the city may need.¡± Tristan maintained a direct stare at the table. Ravyn noticed he did that whenever he repeated things for confirmation. He paused, then looked up at Emberlynn. ¡°So, that pool somehow needs to be adjusted to accommodate more nyannies to help the homeless kittens.¡± ¡°Tristan, even if we increased the wages for the current nyannies in Shulan, they have all taken on as many kittens as they can.¡± The red in Emberlynn¡¯s neck crested her chin. ¡°Do you expect that hiring one or two more nyannies, then wrangling the city¡¯s worth of kittens into an empty building will help the current state of pickpockets?¡± ¡°I¡¯m open to suggestions,¡± Tristan said. ¡°I came from a city that suffered from many similar problems, so I¡¯m no stranger to children wandering the streets. By the time I left¡­¡± He shook his head. ¡°My apologies. It¡¯s just that I understand what it¡¯s like to scavenge through trash cans and streets in search of food and shelter. Every day, I hoped someone would offer me their support. I needed someone to take my hand and tell me everything was going to be okay.¡± A brief silence swept over the room. Just what the hell happened to you, Tristan? ¡°The pool struggles to maintain order and cleanliness as it is,¡± Emberlynn said, crossing her hands on the table and perching her chin. ¡°Increasing the wages for nyannies means taking wages away from another group. Do you not understand that?¡± Tristan paused. ¡°I¡¯m aware. I¡¯m hoping to find another solution.¡± ¡°Oh? Like increasing the fees for business owners? Sell them the story that their funds are going toward a better future? Toward the children? Toward the ones who historically pocketed the very funds they so graciously gave?¡± ¡°Mother,¡± Ravyn said sharply, ¡°don¡¯t put words in his mouth.¡± ¡°He was the one to suggest raising taxes, Ravyn.¡± Emberlynn glared at Ravyn. ¡°He¡¯s willing to find a compromise. Are you?¡± Ravyn held her stare. Mother or not, she had no right to talk to Tristan like that. He was dealt an unfair hand from the cunt of all cunts. She wasn¡¯t about to let her mother soil his attempts at building a better San Island. ¡°A compromise? All I see is a boy stepping in to lay ruin to our island,¡± Emberlynn said, redirecting her gaze to Tristan. Tristan¡¯s fingers curled as he rocked his jaw side to side. The longer he went without an answer, the more true Emberlynn¡¯s declaration would become. ¡°If we were to invite nyannies with proper backgrounds from Shi¡ª¡± Destiny started. ¡°Then we take potential work away from the natives,¡± Emberlynn countered. ¡°As a Shi Island maid, I am sure I do not need to remind you of the tense rivalry between our islands.¡± When Lara opened her mouth, Emberlynn spoke louder. ¡°Ichi Island can barely take care of itself, and Ni Island is little more than a sabbatical retreat. No thanks to any of the men. So where would you suggest we find these nyannies with such impressive backgrounds?¡± Ravyn felt her blood boil. ¡°Ni Island¡¯s man is doing everything he can. You would do well to refrain from such statements, Mother. Such venom-laced words are unbecoming of you.¡± ¡°You are right, of course. At least not all of the men are useless.¡± Don¡¯t. Say. Anything. Refrain. ¡°Cailu¡¯s a cunt! Squaaawwwk!¡± Bally recited. Emberlynn looked absolutely horrified by the bird¡¯s statement. Ravyn did a little victory dance in her head. ¡°Silence that thing¡¯s repulsive mouth,¡± Emberlynn snapped. Ravyn felt her mouth curve into a smile against her will. ¡°Ball Gag?¡± She made sure to mention his entire name just to horrify her mother further. Emberlynn¡¯s expression said she¡¯d done a great job so far. ¡°Can you please be quiet for the remainder of our¡ª¡± and she paused to look at Emberlynn, ¡°¡ªdelicate discussion?¡± Bally nodded enthusiastically. ¡°Good Ball Gag,¡± Ravyn praised, tapping him on the beak. Tristan cleared his throat. ¡°I am of the belief that trust is the most difficult thing to obtain from a person, and I understand the rivalry and your feelings on the other islands. And I understand the events that you believe would follow.¡± ¡°Tristan¡ª¡± Destiny started. Tristan shook his head and raised a hand. ¡°However, San Island, more than any, is a city founded on trade and wealth. When does a catgirl become a native to San Island? If you will pardon my bluntness, San Island has the fewest natives of any land in Nyarlea.¡± ¡°Which is exactly why¡ª¡± Emberlynn said. ¡°Please,¡± Tristan continued, ¡°allow me to finish.¡± Ravyn covered the side of her face closest to Emberlynn and grinned. ¡°It would be wise to remind the citizens that as many catgirls come in as they come out. Shulan¡ªand San Island, to be quite truthful¡ªare bastions that promise a lifetime of wealth if one is savvy enough with their business decisions. Every catgirl I have ever spoken to knows this. I spent my first years in a room, and even I know that.¡± Emberlynn mulled over the boy¡¯s words. ¡°Say we do as you suggest and hire nyannies from other islands to assist us. There is still the issue of wages. Education and child-rearing are not cheap ventures. Pay will have to be cut from somewhere.¡± ¡°I agree with you. But after personally witnessing the hardships of many of Shi and Ichi Island¡¯s residents, I can assure you that you would be able to strike a deal that would work in both of your favor. If you offered those desiring to become nyannies a solid roof over their heads, food on their tables, and the means to care for the kittens, no additional wages would be required.¡± Catania¡­ Ravyn hadn¡¯t wanted to spend a single day more in that hole. Surely there were others who agreed with her. Emberlynn laughed. ¡°I find that difficult to believe.¡± ¡°It¡¯s an offer we readily accepted,¡± Destiny said quietly. ¡°There are many from Leche and Anyona who dream of such an opportunity.¡± ¡°You can offer the same setup to the people of San Island,¡± Tristan suggested. He continued before Emberlynn could counter. ¡°That way, they won¡¯t feel as if you¡¯d looked over them for jobs.¡± ¡°There will be those who try to take advantage,¡± Emberlynn said. Like you, Mother. ¡°Then have them supervised. Check in with their kittens to see how things are going. Surely a few of the guards can add their houses to their routes?¡± Tristan perched his elbows on the armrests of his chair. ¡°This could work,¡± Emberlynn said. ¡°However, there are an overwhelming number of kittens gallivanting about¡ªmany near adulthood. I do not believe we have enough residential buildings to offer the nyannies nor the guards for the routes.¡± ¡°What about offering new nyannies in some of the smaller cities?¡± Tristan exhaled through his nose and leaned on one arm. ¡°None of the children enjoy living the way they do. That, I can promise you.¡± ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be too sure about that,¡± Ravyn said. ¡°I¡¯ve seen how some of them look. Some of them definitely enjoy the life they live. They¡¯ve grown into it.¡± ¡°Uhm.¡± Lara raised her hand. ¡°I have an idea.¡± Chapter 253: The Lives of Others Muzhira¡¯s sanguine stare rested on Cannoli for the duration of their breakfast and then into the brief overview of day-to-day life in the temple. Cannoli squirmed beneath that gaze, fighting to keep her attention on Sahzi and the other initiates while hoping she was simply imagining the intense anger that lingered just beneath the surface of Muzhira¡¯s expression. ¡°Before your study period, your measurements will be taken for a set of white robes,¡± Sahzi explained as they walked back to the dorms. Her and the initiates walked with silent steps while Cannoli¡¯s feet fell to the ground like a hammer on a forge. ¡°These robes will follow you on your path, gaining ornamentation only when deserved.¡± ¡°M-may I ask a question?¡± Cannoli stammered. She shivered when Muzhira¡¯s lips curled into a sneer. Sahzi nodded. ¡°Of course, child.¡± ¡°What¡¯s the difference between earning sapphires and robe ornamentation?¡± ¡°A very observant question, Cannoli. Your robes will improve when your tutors deem you ready to advance to the next area of study. Sapphires may be given out at any time by anyone should you show a deep understanding of Saoirse¡¯s ways.¡± ¡°I believe it is important to note that sapphires can be taken away,¡± Muzhira chimed in. ¡°That is correct, Muzhira. While your robes will never lose their adornments, should you display behavior unbefitting of an [Acolyte], your tutors or the prophets themselves can reclaim your sapphires.¡± Cannoli¡¯s anxiety must have been plain to see because Rozalyn touched her shoulder and quickly whispered, ¡°That never happens.¡± A tiny bit of tension eased from her shoulders, and Cannoli took a deep breath. ¡°I would like to confirm what is expected of me from this day forward, Sister Sahzi, if I may.¡± ¡°By all means.¡± She paused outside the dormitories, and they fanned out around her. Cannoli squared her shoulders. There was so much to remember for just her first day! But she was determined to prove that she was right where she belonged. ¡°After my measurements this afternoon, my first instructor will be Sister Cecilia in the library. Then, there is an hour of prayer inside the sanctuary, and the four of us will go to the kitchens to help prepare dinner. Next, I will report to Sister Madeleine in the observatory for my evening lesson, followed by one more hour of prayer, and then it is curfew.¡± ¡°Yes, you have it exactly right.¡± Sahzi nodded her approval. ¡°Tomorrow will be the same; however, you will have your morning class with Sister Allegra, and an hour of prayer will follow. Higher initiates will prepare breakfast and lunch; you are only responsible for assisting with dinner.¡± Cora¡¯s hands twitched behind her back, and she shifted her weight between her tiny feet. In Cannoli¡¯s eyes, she was still a kitten. It was a miracle that the poor thing could stand still for so long. ¡°Thank you very much, Sister Sahzi. I think I¡¯m okay from here,¡± Cannoli said earnestly¡ªCora was going to burst if she had to stay there much longer. ¡°Excellent. Please do not hesitate to ask me, your peers, or your teachers should you need guidance.¡± Sahzi bowed. ¡°We walk our paths together, children. Never forget that.¡± ¡°Saoirse be with us,¡± Cora, Rozalyn, and Muzhira said in unison as they bowed. Cannoli joined them in haste, her hair tumbling over her shoulders as she bent forward. Sahzi glided away as if her feet never touched the ground and left Cannoli alone with her fellow initiates. Cora rushed into the dorms without another word, her tail flicking back and forth with pent-up energy. Muzhira took a step forward, but Rozalyn was faster, sidestepping toward Cannoli and cutting Muzhira off. ¡°Shall I show you to the dressing room, Cannoli?¡± Rozalyn grinned. ¡°That would be wonderful. Yes, please.¡± Cannoli¡¯s heart raced when Muzhira¡¯s face darkened behind Rozalyn¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Perfect!¡± Rozalyn grabbed Cannoli¡¯s hand and tugged. ¡°This way!¡± Muzhira watched them go before vanishing behind the dorm room¡¯s door. ¡°You okay?¡± Rozalyn whispered once they were out of earshot. ¡°I think so,¡± Cannoli replied. Her fingers trembled in Rozalyn¡¯s grasp. ¡°Is Muzhira always, well, like this?¡± ¡°Honestly, I¡¯ve never seen her in such a mood before,¡± Rozalyn murmured. ¡°Did she say anything to you?¡± Cannoli chewed the inside of her cheek. Was it safe to tell Rozalyn what had happened on Ichi Island? Was it safe to tell anyone? Ever since Matt decided to let Yomi go free and continue his quest to unite the men, the world felt off balance. This was not the same Nyarlea of Cannoli¡¯s or Rozalyn¡¯s mothers or grandmothers. Too much was changing too quickly. ¡°I think she said I look familiar.¡± ¡°I heard that. I meant anything else,¡± Rozalyn said. No. It wasn¡¯t safe. Cannoli knew nothing about Rozalyn, and spreading how Magni died could only make Muzhira¡¯s intentions worse. ¡°N-no. That was all.¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± Rozalyn released Cannoli¡¯s hand. ¡°Well, I¡¯ll keep my ears low and tell you if she says anything.¡± ¡°That¡¯s very kind of you, Rozalyn, thank you.¡± Desperately searching for a change of topic, Cannoli continued, ¡°Where are you from?¡± ¡°Born and raised in Dreake, all the way on the other side of Nyarlothep.¡± She made a wide swoop of her arm. ¡°My mother was a [Bishop], and this is always what she wanted for me. So, here I am. What about you?¡± This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°I¡¯m from Junonia on Ni Island. My mother was a [Bishop], too. But¡ª¡± Four tiny legs skittered from her pocket and scrambled to her shoulder. Rozalyn gasped. ¡°Goodness! Is that a blazard?¡± ¡°Buttons! Yes!¡± Cannoli giggled and swept him into her hands. ¡°Were you sleeping this whole time?¡± Buttons yawned, then sneezed a puff of smoke. ¡°He¡¯s so cute!¡± Rozalyn squealed, then lowered her voice and cupped her hands over Cannoli¡¯s. ¡°But we¡¯re not supposed to have Encroachers in the temple. Not even familiars. They¡¯re really strict about it.¡± Cannoli¡¯s heart sank. Buttons had been with her through everything. When no one else listened, she could always depend on her little blazard. She couldn¡¯t just leave him outside¡ªthe thought alone brought tears to her eyes. Buttons alone in the dark, searching for peanuts, wondering where Cannoli went. ¡°Aw, hey, no. Don¡¯t cry.¡± Rozalyn touched her shoulder. She bit her lower lip and huffed a long breath of air through her nose. ¡°Okay. Let me take him for now. Get your measurements, and I¡¯ll¡­well, I¡¯ll show you when you¡¯re done.¡± Cannoli looked from Buttons to Rozalyn. The only people she¡¯d ever trusted him with was her Party. Buttons looked up at her and tilted his head. But the alternative sounded too painful. ¡°Alright.¡± She raised her hands. ¡°Go with Rozalyn, Buttons. I¡¯ll see you soon.¡± Buttons crawled into Rozalyn¡¯s hands with timid steps. She opened the panel of her white robes and ushered him into an inside pocket. ¡°In you go, little guy. You¡¯ll be safe with me.¡± Buttons slid inside, and his outline settled into a comfortable blob. ¡°Please be careful with him,¡± Cannoli said. She¡¯d tried her best to hold back¡ªshe didn¡¯t want it to seem like she suspected Rozalyn of harming Buttons. But he meant so much to her¡­ ¡°My mother hated it, but I used to keep a lot of Encroacher pets growing up. He¡¯ll be safe and very happy. You¡¯ll see.¡± Rozalyn closed her robe. ¡°Now, let¡¯s get you to the dressing room before they send someone to find you.¡± They hurried to the dressing room, where a young woman with curled brunette hair and silver eyes ushered Cannoli onto a square platform. Rozalyn bowed and left them together, taking Buttons with her. Cannoli did her best to even her breathing and offer calm answers to the tailor, raising her arms and lifting her tail when asked. In just under an hour, Cannoli was fitted with her first robes of Saoirse. The belled sleeves hung loose on her wrists, and yards of smooth white satin flowed around her ankles. It was a beautiful garment¡ªone the tailor promised Cannoli would receive two copies of very soon. Apparently, tending to their robes was a careful practice done by all of Saoirse¡¯s initiates every three days. Cannoli thanked the tailor for her help, having already forgotten the sister¡¯s name as she rushed to find Rozalyn. Cannoli was relieved to find her without Cora and Muzhira in the dorm room. ¡°You look wonderful in your robe,¡± Rozalyn greeted her. ¡°And Buttons is happy and safe.¡± ¡°May I see him?¡± Cannoli asked, hoping she didn¡¯t sound too desperate. ¡°Yes. However, Cannoli, if you want to return to him in the future, we must go together. Understand?¡± Cannoli nodded and clasped her hands at her chest. ¡°Of course.¡± Rozalyn led the way through the grand halls, and Cannoli didn¡¯t bother to mask her footsteps. Not feeling Buttons¡¯s familiar wriggles and breathing in her robes was like having the wind knocked out of her. She had to know that he was okay. They passed through rooms filled with linens, then food supplies, and then areas with boxes upon boxes of unlabeled contents. At last, Rozalyn turned through a shadowed door in a dusty, neglected storage room. It opened into a narrow hallway with oil lamps every ten steps or so near the ceiling. ¡°What is this place?¡± Cannoli murmured. ¡°I¡¯ve heard a lot of rumors, but I¡¯m not entirely sure.¡± Rozalyn traced the wall¡¯s dark stone with her fingertips. ¡°The important part is that no one comes in here.¡± ¡°Who lights the lamps?¡± Cannoli wondered. ¡°They¡¯re Enchanted. I don¡¯t think even the temple¡¯s servants come here.¡± ¡°O-oh. I see.¡± The hairs on Cannoli¡¯s arms stood on end, and she suddenly felt very cold. It reminded her of the underground tunnels in Anyona. As they continued deeper, her uneasiness grew worse as she imagined Buttons in such a dreary hallway. ¡°In here.¡± Rozalyn came to another unmarked door. She fished a key from the pocket of her robe and slid it inside the lock. ¡°You have a key?¡± ¡°Yeah. I found it in the lock.¡± Rozalyn giggled. ¡°It makes you wonder, right?¡± ¡°Hm.¡± The door loosened with a soft click, and Rozalyn ushered them both inside. To Cannoli¡¯s immense surprise, the room she stepped into was nothing like the hallway. Shelves of dusty tomes, empty bottles, and [Alchemy] equipment lined the walls. A rectangular window welcomed the early afternoon sun inside, illuminating a handful of thriving potted plants with long branches and tiny leaves¡ªivy, Cannoli thought. There was a large blue rug with gold embellishments splayed across the floor, and a single leather chair stood stalwart at a writing desk. The room was warm and inviting, made merrier by a small, crackling fire inside a golden hearth. Rozalyn touched the chair and peered out the window. Without looking at Cannoli, she said, ¡°This is kind of my secret hideout. For when I just need some time to myself.¡± She ran a hand through her hair and licked her lips. ¡°I¡¯ve¡­never shown it to anyone before.¡± ¡°This is really amazing, Rozalyn,¡± Cannoli marveled. ¡°I haven¡¯t had a hideout since I was a kitten. But, well, why tell me?¡± ¡°Because¡­.here. Look. They¡¯re right down here.¡± Rozalyn knelt at one of the shelves and pulled away a sheet riddled with holes. ¡°¡®They?¡¯¡± Cannoli asked, kneeling beside her. ¡°Mhm.¡± Behind the blanket, Buttons lay curled, sleeping soundly beside a bright pink copy of himself. A soft blanket and little baskets of food surrounded them on either side. ¡°Buttons and Freckles.¡± Cannoli gaped. ¡°You have a blazard, too!¡± ¡°I¡¯ve never met anyone else who keeps a blazard as a pet.¡± Rozalyn stroked Freckles¡¯s speckled face with delicate fingers. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s the work of Saoirse, but I think we¡¯re meant to walk our paths together, Cannoli.¡± Cannoli¡¯s chest and heart warmed. She didn¡¯t have to do this alone. Rozalyn was a kind person, and it was clear that Freckles was well taken care of. If Cannoli didn¡¯t know anything else about Rozalyn, that was enough. ¡°Thank you, Rozalyn.¡± ¡°You¡¯re welcome. But like I said, I keep the key on me at all times. If you want to visit him, just ask. I¡¯ll make sure they¡¯re both fed and warm in the meantime.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a deal.¡± Cannoli grinned and stood, dusting off the knees of her new white robe. She glanced over the discarded books on a nearby shelf, and curiosity got the best of her. ¡°Let¡¯s see here.¡± She pulled one away and brushed her hand over the cover. The title perplexed her, and she replaced it in favor of another book. The subject was the same. ¡°Rozalyn?¡± ¡°Hm?¡± Rozalyn carefully repositioned the sheet over the blazards and stood to join Cannoli. ¡°What¡¯s a [Magistrate]?¡± ¡°Certainly not the concern of two fledgling initiates,¡± an authoritative voice snapped behind them. Cannoli¡¯s heart skipped. She and Rozalyn spun to find a golden-robed sister with sapphires glittering in her yellow hair. Beside her stood Muzhira with a knowing smile on her face. Chapter 254: Demons Lara felt the anxiety in her chest swell to a size she¡¯d never experienced before. Perhaps she shouldn¡¯t have said anything at all. The sheer curve of Emberlynn¡¯s brow was enough to send her running with her tail between her legs. ¡°And what would you suggest?¡± Emberlynn asked, her sharp eyes befitting of a diplomat. ¡°Answer her!¡± Wind exclaimed. Lara blinked, nearly losing the thought as quickly as it had come. ¡°W-what if we exported¡ªer, transported the older girls to the Venicia School of Etiquette?¡± She swallowed when Emberlynn said nothing. ¡°It would be a fine way to bridge the tense relationships between our islands and form unity in a way that, uh, makes things good for both sides.¡± Tristan tilted his head as he observed her and pinched his chin. ¡°That¡­could work. What say you, Madame Emberlynn?¡± Emberlynn drummed her fingers against the table, sticking her nose in the air as she regarded Lara. ¡°So, you would suggest that we take the ones who are beyond hope and ship them away to Shi Island against their will?¡± Lara had the distinct feeling that everything was a contest to Emberlynn. Answering questions with questions, poking holes through the logic of one¡¯s suggestion, offering snide snickers when the answers desired weren¡¯t the ones she was looking for. Lara¡¯s mind was much too slow for this pace of conversation, and so she clammed up, unable to provide a counterpoint. ¡°This is a game to her,¡± Fire said, chuckling. ¡°She is brimming with passion.¡± Lara gathered that much, but she struggled to understand the conversation. It seemed as if Emberlynn enjoyed watching them struggle to find solutions for a problem she implied may not even exist. How Tristan could do it, she had no idea. ¡°They¡¯re not considered adults yet, are they?¡± Tristan asked. Emberlynn offered the slightest hint of a smile. ¡°Strictly speaking, no. They are not.¡± ¡°I think Tristan has the edge,¡± Wind said. She turned into a fluorescent green ribbon, then wrapped herself around Tristan¡¯s neck. Tristan rubbed the section Wind had covered, and Wind giggled. ¡°He can tell something is different about his neck! What a smart boy! And cute!¡± Lara blushed. ¡°Wind, stop that,¡± she said in what could barely count as a whisper. Being an Element of information, Wind could hear things to much greater degrees than any of the Elements. She was also more playful and a bit of a trickster, which always left Lara a little uneasy. Girls at the school were quick to assume that Lara was up to no good whenever something strange happened around her. ¡°Then, would they not have any rights?¡± Tristan asked. ¡°From what I understand of the books I¡¯ve read, many catgirls do not acquire their first Class until they are fifteen years of age. Many of the girls will be younger than that, and as far as I understand it, acquiring a Class is how society deems one as an adult. I agree with Lara that enlisting them in the Venicia School of Etiquette would be a fine way to alleviate the pressure from the existing nyannies on San Island.¡± Emberlynn studied him in silence for some time. ¡°Allow me to summarize,¡± she said at last. ¡°We will strike a bargain with the other islands¡ªpreferably Shi Island, due to its extensive experience in child-rearing¡ªand offer food and a roof over one¡¯s head in exchange for their experience.¡± When Tristan nodded, Emberylnn continued. ¡°Those who are too old for a nanny or are nearing adulthood will be corralled and shipped off to the school. Do I understand this correctly?¡± ¡°I wouldn¡¯t use such a brash term,¡± Tristan said, ¡°but you have the right of it.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Emberlynn straightened her posture. ¡°You understand that I cannot make this decision on my own. I am but one woman amongst a plethora of cities on San Island.¡± She rotated the large ring on her pinky finger. ¡°I could offer you my vote, but it will hold little sway. Zhuli has no need for extra nyannies, income, or guards.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t undermine your power, Mother,¡± Ravyn hissed. Emberlynn studied her in silence. Lara wondered if speaking with those in the other cities would be necessary. She now had her answer. ¡°She¡¯s playing around with us!¡± Wind exclaimed angrily. Earth hummed beneath Lara¡¯s feet, and she nearly jumped out of her chair. ¡°Where there are Bells, there are enemies.¡± He chuckled a slow and hearty chuckle. ¡°How amusing.¡± ¡°Get lost, braggart,¡± Fire said. Lara shook her head, focusing on the distant sounds of Tristan and Emberlynn¡¯s voices. The Elements were loud, and their voices did not simply reach her ears but punctured her skull anytime they spoke. Sifting through the noise was difficult, but eventually, she managed after hissing a silent request for them to quiet. ¡°Then we must speak with Melody and the others,¡± Tristan said. ¡°Can outside cities overturn the policies of another?¡± Emberlynn shook her head. ¡°Not in most cases. There has to be clear sabotage or ill intent behind the leading body. Melody would have to be found convicted of a crime warranting said change. Alternatively, policies can be overturned in exceptional circumstances. However, this will require the outside cities to provide an explanation as to why their policies are damaging to San Island as a whole.¡± ¡°I understand what you¡¯re saying, but I know that an island¡¯s man can overturn a ruling with two natives present,¡± Tristan countered. ¡°I was forced to do so on Shi Island.¡± ¡°Shi Island¡¯s population is far smaller than San¡¯s, and you will be hard-pressed to find two high-ranking natives that will agree to this.¡± Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡°I wasn¡¯t aware ranking had anything to do with it.¡± Emberlynn smiled. ¡°Ranking has everything to do with it. Otherwise, you risk uprisings in the island¡¯s many cities. Something Cailu is well aware of.¡± This is impossible, Lara thought. Cailu had fitted Master Tristan with an impossible task. The island flourished on its promise of a better life, and to suggest that those in power had been doing it wrong was no doubt a quick way to get exiled. ¡°You must tread carefully, Tristan,¡± Emberlynn warned with an extended finger. ¡°You were wise to come here first. The women who lead these cities are amongst the best in Nyarlea. They know every loophole in Nyalean law, every trick, and as I am sure Ravyn has told you, only the best spellcasters emerge from San Island.¡± She shook her head. ¡°Never offer your trust. Only your cooperation.¡± ¡°Mother, that¡¯s¡ª¡± Ravyn started. ¡°The truth. And you know it.¡± Ravyn bowed her head, her expression dark. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I must excuse myself,¡± Destiny suddenly said, quickly standing up from her chair, the legs screeching against the floor. ¡°Destiny? Are you all right?¡± Tristan asked, his brow furrowed. Destiny didn¡¯t respond. She rounded the table, easily evading Lara¡¯s grasp when she reached for her sister¡¯s arm. Tristan called for her again, standing from his own seat. Destiny ignored him, then left through the door, shutting it behind her. ¡°Destiny?¡± Tristan said, his mouth agape. ¡°Tristan,¡± Ravyn said, grabbing his attention. She shook her head, and with obvious reluctance, he sat back down and adjusted his spot at the table. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Emberlynn eyed him. ¡°Do not apologize for the actions of another. You expressed concern in her sudden desire to leave. That is understandable.¡± ¡°She¡¯s not okay,¡± Wind said with a hint of concern in her voice. ¡°Her thoughts are muddled.¡± As far as Lara knew, Wind could not hear a person''s thoughts. There had been times when Lara could communicate with the Elements through telepathy, but as far as she understood, that was a rare symptom she had yet to find the cause for. ¡°How do you know?¡± Lara asked quietly. ¡°I just do. I have a sense for these things.¡± Wind would not go see to Destiny for Lara. Despite their closeness, Wind was a selfish Element and went wherever she pleased. Unless Lara demanded it in a Spell or Wind found something amusing, Wind would stay by her side. ¡°Can you watch her for a little bit?¡± Lara pleaded. Wind shook her head. ¡°No, I want to see what¡¯s happening here.¡± Lara sighed, then stood up from her chair next. ¡°My apologies,¡± she said, bowing at the waist. ¡°But she¡¯s my sister, and I want to make sure she¡¯s feeling all right. Please continue without me.¡± Emberlynn cocked a brow. Irritated with her disrespect, no doubt. Celestia had said hundreds of times how disrespectful Lara was, so this was a typical reaction. Lara pushed her chair against the table, taking great care not to scrape the floor like Destiny had earlier. The room went silent as Emberlynn, Tristan, Ravyn, and even Ravyn¡¯s parrot familiar eyed her as she left. Lara caught the tip of Destiny¡¯s tail disappearing around a corner downstairs. She kept her hand on the railing as she descended the steps, nearly falling over when the tip of her foot caught one of the holes in the rug. She yelped, catching her footing, and readjusted her attire before continuing after her sister. When she reached the hallway, Destiny was nowhere to be seen. One of the servants exited the room to her right, and she approached. ¡°Excuse me, but have you seen my sister, Destiny?¡± Lara asked. ¡°Short hair, wears a dress like mine?¡± The servant shook her head. ¡°No, I¡¯m sorry. I haven¡¯t seen anyone like that.¡± Lara nodded and took to the room on her immediate left. Maybe she¡¯d find her in one of the common rooms. As she entered the enormous room, a pair of women were talking gleefully over cups of tea. As soon as they saw Lara, they gasped and shot to their feet. ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry! Is there anything we can do to help you?¡± the one on the left asked. Lara shook her head, ran past them, then stopped to turn around. ¡°Yes! Actually!¡± ¡°Yes?¡± they exclaimed in unison. ¡°Have you seen a girl with short hair and a dress like mine come by here?¡± The girls pointed down the hallway to Lara¡¯s left. ¡°Thank you!¡± She waved her appreciation, then strode down the hall on the balls of her feet, bobbing side to side. Rooms flanked her sides, and as she drew close to a room on her right, she stopped when she heard a strange noise. ¡°What is that?¡± she whispered, leaning in with one fluffy ear. ¡°Sister?¡± Lara tried the handle but found that it was locked. She knocked on the door, and the noise halted. ¡°Destiny, is that you?¡± Lara asked. No response. She tried the knob again, but no matter how hard she pulled, the lock held firm. Earth appeared beside her in the shape of a man¡¯s torso. His body was covered in red and gold¡ªhe liked to match the decor of the environment most of the time¡ªand he wore a large grin. ¡°Need some help?¡± the proud Element asked. ¡°Please?¡± Lara said with her hands clasped. ¡°Can you help me get in?¡± Earth raised one chunky hand toward the handle. A series of clicks followed, and the Element lowered his hand. ¡°It is done.¡± ¡°Thank you, Earth!¡± ¡°Mm.¡± Lara drew a deep breath, put her hand on the knob, then turned. As she pushed the door open, she found the room dark. The curtains were drawn, offering minimal rays of light to guide her path. Even so, she could recognize Destiny¡¯s silhouette a mile away. She sat in a corner, her hands wrapped around her knees. Her quiet sobs filled the room, so Lara approached and sat in front of her sister, dress firmly beneath the knees, as was proper for a Shi Island maid. ¡°Destiny,¡± Lara whispered. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°I¡¯m u-useless,¡± Destiny stammered. ¡°So¡­so damn useless. I couldn¡¯t help him at all. I understood nothing.¡± Lara blinked. ¡°Sister, I¡ª¡± ¡°I want to be helpful. I want to do anything.¡± Lara touched Destiny¡¯s shoulder. Wind danced in a ribbon beneath Destiny¡¯s chin, collecting the tears that fell free. ¡°You staying at Tristan¡¯s side is what he needs most right now,¡± Lara assured her. ¡°I¡¯m sure this is just as hard for him.¡± ¡°He¡¯s not Ravyn, that¡¯s for sure,¡± Fire said, flickering in a nearby oil lamp. ¡°Not now,¡± Lara hissed. ¡°Celestia never should have let me out of that room. Everything would be better if I just wasn¡¯t here.¡± Destiny relaxed her legs and rested her head on Lara¡¯s shoulder. Lara stroked her sister¡¯s hair, fighting back her own tears. ¡°That¡¯s not true, Destiny. I don¡¯t want a world without you. And I know Tristan feels the same way.¡± She stole a long, deep breath, then said, ¡°If you want to go home, we¡¯ll go home.¡± Destiny¡¯s sobs against Lara¡¯s shoulder muffled her reply. Lara held her close and let her cry. No matter what Destiny decided, Lara would always be by her side. Chapter 255: Inventing the Girl Cannoli¡¯s heart hammered against her chest. She wanted so badly to look behind her and make sure that Buttons and Freckles went unseen. That the blanket hiding them hadn¡¯t moved. But even the tiniest glance could mean their capture¡ªif Muzhira hadn¡¯t spotted the blazards already. ¡°S-Sister Cecilia,¡± Rozalyn stammered, then bowed deeply. ¡°My apologies.¡± Sister Cecilia had blue hair the color of the sky that tumbled over the dazzling white and gold of her robes. Dozens of sapphires sparkled from their tendrils, wrapped and twined in mindful placements where none touched the others. Her soft features would suggest a kind face, but her silver eyes glimmered with disappointment. She stood just as tall as Muzhira, and her slender ears and thick tail ended in white tufts of fur. ¡°Cannoli, you were late to your lesson on your first day,¡± Sister Cecilia chided. ¡°This is unwise and a bleak look for your future.¡± ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Sister Cecilia! I think my nerves got the best of me.¡± Cannoli mirrored Rozalyn¡¯s bow. Tears burned in the backs of her eyes, and she forced them down. I will not be a disappointment! ¡°Rozalyn was very kind in showing me this room as a place to catch my breath.¡± ¡°There are correctly sanctioned areas of the temple for which you may regain composure, Cannoli. Rozalyn, in your three weeks of attendance, you should very well be accustomed to them by now.¡± Sister Cecilia¡¯s voice lost its edge. Cannoli caught her breath. They hadn¡¯t seen the blazards. ¡°I will familiarize myself with them immediately, Sister Cecilia. Outside of my lesson time, of course.¡± She rose, cautiously searching Cecilia¡¯s face. The pink on the sister¡¯s cheeks had vanished, and her eyes warmed. ¡°Pardon my interference, Sister Cecilia, but I¡¯m certain I overheard them speaking of hiding something,¡± Muzhira said, pitching her tone toward curious innocence. Cannoli¡¯s heart skipped. She forced her features to stay blank. Muzhira had been following them in the shadows. Rozalyn straightened. ¡°Ourselves,¡± she replied. ¡°It is as Cannoli says. Such a drastic change in our lives feels overwhelming at times. Not all of us have taken to our path as adeptly as you have, Muzhira.¡± For a split second, Muzhira furrowed her brows and frowned. It vanished when Sister Cecilia turned to look at her. ¡°We are wasting valuable time, ladies. I would ask you to refrain from visiting this wing of the temple and utilizing acceptable resources in the future,¡± Cecilia instructed. ¡°Now, Cannoli will come with me, and I trust you two will return to your studies?¡± ¡°Yes, Sister Cecilia,¡± Rozalyn and Muzhira replied in unison. ¡°Very good. Cannoli? If you will?¡± ¡°O-of course!¡± Cannoli skipped forward, forgetting her attempts to soften her steps. After the first two fell like boulders crashing into the ocean, she remembered herself and slowed. Now that Buttons was safe, she couldn¡¯t let her excitement get the better of her. Sister Cecilia smiled¡ªa warm, genuine reaction that reached her eyes. ¡°Let this be our first lesson.¡± She gestured to their feet as they entered the cool hallway. ¡°Silent steps require a sound mind and prepared body. We must first be aware of our surroundings and steady our breathing.¡± Raising her hands to the height of her chest, Cecilia took a deep breath in, then slowly exhaled, lowering her hands with it. ¡°We will walk as we breathe. Let us start there. Try to match your steps with mine.¡± It sounded simple in practice, but Cannoli realized it required her to pay close attention to the cadence of her breathing alongside the timing of her steps, and that was outside of keeping up with Cecilia. She was so focused on the task that she didn¡¯t see Rozalyn or Muzhira pass her. They reached the hallways and continued around the storage boxes. Cecilia was a patient teacher, offering tidbits of advice here and there, a much different approach to the streams of information Cannoli had seen in the Venicia School of Etiquette. Cecilia stopped at the double doors to the library and raised a hand. ¡°Very good, Cannoli. We will work on this first thing each afternoon.¡± She opened the doors and gestured for Cannoli to enter. When Cannoli stepped across the threshold, her eyes widened, and her breath caught. ¡°Oh my goodness,¡± she murmured. Multiple shelves flanked by golden columns protruded from the walls, each housing six rows of polished wood and filled from edge to edge with books. The design continued to the second story, where smooth railings protected curious initiates from stepping over the edge. Painted murals of Saoirse and her masked prophets appeared in detailed circles on the ceiling, surrounded by ivory sculptures and gold filigree flecked with sapphires. The tiled floor featured floral mosaics among the alternating gold and white squares. Inside the alcoves created by bookshelves were initiates poring over books and taking notes. Others with two thick tomes open seemed to be copying scripts and hymns. A few read for pleasure, curled up in a corner chair with their tails tucked around their ankles. Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. ¡°Marvelous, isn¡¯t it?¡± Cecilia asked. ¡°Yes. Oh my, yes. How many books are here?¡± ¡°Fifteen hundred. It is Nyarlea¡¯s largest collection to date.¡± Cannoli gaped. ¡°This feels like a dream.¡± It seemed impossible to have so many books in one building. As a kitten, Mother returning home with a book was a cause for celebration. Cannoli had treasured her small collection of reading material and read them so many times that the ink was beginning to fade. ¡°Let us hope you feel the same way while you study.¡± A knowing smile twitched at the corners of Cecilia¡¯s lips. ¡°You will spend much time with these tomes.¡± ¡°I look forward to it,¡± Cannoli replied honestly. ¡°Good. Today, however, we must attune you to a weapon.¡± Sister Cecilia marched forward before Cannoli could ask what she meant. Cannoli skipped to catch up, then focused again on her breathing and keeping time with Cecilia. Her steps had quieted just a little, but it was a start. They made their way to the back of the library, where Cecilia unlocked a white door with a key around her wrist. Cannoli moved inside, and Cecilia locked the door behind them. ¡°This is the armory,¡± Cecilia said. ¡°You are only to come here with an instructor, regardless of whether your peer has found an errant key.¡± A hint of humor touched her words, but Cannoli blushed all the same. ¡°Do I make myself clear?¡± ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am,¡± Cannoli said with a nod. ¡°Excellent. Over here, then.¡± Cannoli crossed the circular room, noting the different weapons on the walls, the complicated sigils and diagrams sketched on aging pieces of parchment, and the Enchanted lamps that flickered to life as they passed. ¡°Please shift to [Combat Mode], Cannoli,¡± Cecilia instructed. Cannoli recalled so long ago when she¡¯d found so much joy in changing into her [Combat Mode]. The idea of saving her friends and helping her Party had made her truly feel magical. Matt and Keke had teased her, but she still loved turning the routine into a spectacle. Now, changing into her offensive gear twisted her stomach. It meant something, or someone, was about to die. And there was nothing she could do about it. ¡°Cannoli?¡± Cecilia repeated. ¡°S-sorry. [Combat Mode].¡± Cannoli watched as the white robes vanished, replaced by the resplendent silks and satins Cailu had purchased for her. The gear was stunning, perfect, and beautiful. Cannoli still didn¡¯t feel like she deserved a single piece of it. A look of stunned surprise widened Cecilia¡¯s eyes and mouth. ¡°Where do you hail from, child?¡± ¡°Ni Island.¡± Cannoli¡¯s blush deepend. ¡°I¡¯ve been with Matt¡ª ¡­with my island¡¯s man since his birth. We were in a lot of fights, so San Island¡¯s man, Cailu, bought us all armor.¡± ¡°They work together? The men?¡± Cecilia remarked. ¡°Well, Cailu¡¯s trying to get them all to work together.¡± Cannoli¡¯s stomach twisted. The duel between Cailu and Magni flashed in her mind¡¯s eye. It felt blasphemous to say what they¡¯d done out loud, especially inside of Saoirse¡¯s temple. ¡°Does¡­uniting the men go against Saoirse¡¯s teachings, Sister Cecilia?¡± ¡°I see you carry difficult questions.¡± Cecilia observed Cannoli for a long time, eyes thoughtfully searching her face. ¡°While there is not a set precedent for the men uniting, we will make it a lesson for another day. Can you summon your weapon for me?¡± Cannoli did as Cecilia asked. Her armor may have been luxurious, but she wielded the same scepter she¡¯d held since she could first access [Combat Mode]. Cecilia held out her hand, and Cannoli passed the scepter over for inspection. ¡°Quite a dichotomy in quality.¡± Cecilia chuckled. ¡°I¡¯ve never tried anything else,¡± Cannoli admitted. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t know what weapon to ask for.¡± Cecilia nodded and turned toward the wall of weapons. ¡°This Level of equipment is what I¡¯m more accustomed to seeing from new initiates. It¡¯s nothing to be ashamed of. ¡°You will still gain benefits for using a scepter if you so choose, but it is best to test them all and find what fits you. Your weapon serves as an extension of yourself and thus an extension of Saoirse.¡± Cecilia selected a hammer and held it across both hands in a display. ¡°Hammers will grant you great Strength and fortitude. They are an excellent choice for those seeking the best protection for themselves or those who journey alone.¡± She passed it to Cannoli. Cannoli accepted the handle and was surprised by the weight when she lifted it. Her arm drooped as she choked up toward the carved metal block. ¡°So I would, um, attack things with this?¡± ¡°Yes. There are multiple Spells to imbue the end with the holy element. It would also require you to allocate a section of your Stats to Strength.¡± Matt cleaving Encroacher after Encroacher came to mind. Cannoli shook her head furiously and held out the hammer. ¡°I can¡¯t use this.¡± Cecilia nodded and accepted the weapon before returning it to the wall. She lifted a staff lying horizontally on its two prongs, then turned to Cannoli. ¡°Staves are for those who seek to attack from afar, granting the wielder a fiery offensive holy magic that is incredibly potent against the Defiled.¡± The staff was lighter in Cannoli¡¯s grasp, and she found it most comfortable if she held it in both hands. Fiery offensive¡­ But they already had Ravyn¡¯s unmatched fire Spells. Besides, Cannoli didn¡¯t want to hurt anyone anymore. She wanted to heal them. Help them. ¡°I don¡¯t think this one is for me, either.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Cecilia replaced the staff, then reached for the final weapon¡ªa golden scepter imbued with glittering sapphires. ¡°This scepter is of a higher quality, so it may feel different in your hands.¡± She passed it to Cannoli. ¡°Scepters will grant you additional healing abilities, as well as assistance to your Sigil Spells, which you will discuss with Sister Madeleine in your evening lessons.¡± The balance of the golden scepter was perfect, and the grip in Cannoli¡¯s hand felt right. ¡°This is it, Sister Cecilia. This is the weapon I want.¡± ¡°Very good, then. Once you¡¯ve passed my initial training, we will forge you one just like it.¡± Cecilia exchanged the golden scepter for Cannoli¡¯s with a nod. ¡°It seems you¡¯ve had much experience traveling in your Party, Cannoli. I look forward to your sessions.¡± ¡°Thank you, Sister Cecilia. I do, too.¡± For just a few heartbeats, Cannoli imagined her [Combat Mode] routine again, and she smiled. Chapter 256: Through the Evergreens The last few days of their journey were some of the hardest for Keke. With each passing sun, the inevitable parting between her and Matt grew closer. The time spent began to feel shorter, and she struggled to fill the space with interesting topics or activities. The task was made more difficult considering she was stuck in a carriage for most of her waking hours. When the day of her departure at last arrived, she struggled to stay calm. ¡°We are almost there,¡± Cailu said, peering out the window. He¡¯d insisted on riding with her and Matt that morning, and Keke was too nervous to object. She bobbed her leg up and down on the ball of her foot to relieve the anxiety she felt. Cailu shot her a perturbed glance but said nothing. At least the man knew when to leave a girl alone. Matt rested a hand on her bouncing knee. ¡°It¡¯s a lot greener out here.¡± Even from inside the cabin, Keke could smell the aroma of dew-laden leaves, fresh soil, and the excited chirps of birds in search of food for their young. As the carriage continued along the path, the scents grew stronger, and they granted her a calm she hadn¡¯t felt in weeks. The bouncing of her knee slowed, and for a moment, she felt at peace. ¡°It smells incredible,¡± Keke remarked. ¡°The locals prefer to live alongside nature,¡± Cailu said. ¡°Few places compare when training to become a [Hunter].¡± Keke peered through the window to her right. Spires of thick trees passed them by as crystal-clear droplets of water fell from the tips of leaves. The carriage shifted as it traveled up an incline, and Keke leaned against the seat as the forest enraptured her with its beauty. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen such a beautiful forest,¡± Keke said in a voice barely above a whisper. Her body itched to explore and see what the thicket was hiding under every rock, every mound of dirt, and what plants grew here that she had yet to see. ¡°This¡­this is Khasstead?¡± She glanced at the elf as he nodded. ¡°Excited?¡± Matt asked. A pang of guilt wracked her frame, drawing up the hairs on her skin. She bowed her head and leaned back, placing her hand over his. ¡°To leave you? Never.¡± The truth was that her body felt as if it were being pulled in opposite directions. To think that it could be days, weeks, or even months before she saw Matt again crushed her. But thoughts of exploring the vast growth and how to traverse it more effectively fought to bury those feelings. The carriage traveled upward for some time, and Keke wondered just how high they had gone. After a few minutes, she opened her mouth to ask when the carriage resumed a flat stride and turned to the right. A large fountain came into view, and the carriage rounded it, stopping at the opposite end from where they entered. The weight of the cabin shifted, and the door to Keke¡¯s right opened. ¡°We¡¯ve arrived in Khasstead,¡± the chipper coach said, gesturing for them to exit. Cailu motioned for Keke and Matt to leave first. Keke took the lead, nodding her thanks to the coach on her exit. She strode forward a few steps, gasping with eyes wide. Somehow, the trees were even taller than they had initially appeared. A pair of unfamiliar, strikingly red birds flew overhead into a tree behind her. She¡¯d only just arrived, and already she¡¯d seen a species of Encroacher she would¡¯ve never encountered on Ni Island. Matt came to her side, furrowing his brow. ¡°Do they just keep going?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Keke asked, broken from her reverie. ¡°The trees.¡± He frowned. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen trees this tall. Makes me feel like they could fall over at any moment.¡± She giggled. ¡°I guess they do feel that way, huh?¡± ¡°Extra for your service,¡± Cailu said behind them. Keke turned around to see the elf put a few Bells in the catgirl¡¯s palm. ¡°We will depart in a few hours.¡± ¡°Very well! I¡¯ll be at the tavern when you¡¯re ready!¡± the catgirl saluted before jumping back into her seat and whipping the reins. Ceres, Kirti, and Zahra approached from the carriage that had been following them. Ceres was practically running, waving her arm through the air like a kitten. What I wouldn¡¯t give to have that kind of energy, Keke thought as she smiled. ¡°Sir Matt! I beseech you to inhale deeply!¡± She shut her eyes, breathing in deep through her nostrils, then out through her mouth. ¡°Have you ever tasted better air?¡± ¡°How incredible,¡± Zahra said with awe. ¡°I had no idea such forests even existed.¡± ¡°You trained on San Island, didn¡¯t you? Don¡¯t they have some pretty dense forests?¡± Matt asked. ¡°I did,¡± Zahra said, shaking her head, ¡°but never anything like this. It feels like the land has a voice.¡± ¡°That¡¯s because it does,¡± an approaching woman said. Keke and the others turned to the source of the sound to see a catgirl with a build similar to her own. Long brown hair tied into innumerable braids framed a fair-skinned face with vibrant green eyes. Tight, form-fitting leather garbbed her generous curves from head to toe. A brown fur cloak draped over her shoulders, giving her the air of an experienced leader. ¡°The land is always talking. You just need to listen.¡± ¡°A-ah,¡± Zahra stammered. ¡°Mm, yes. I think I hear the trees now,¡± Kirti said, wearing a familiar smirk. Cailu stepped forward with a hand to his chest. ¡°Forgive my Party member¡¯s ignorance. My name is Cailu Raloquen.¡± Keke watched and fought down a laugh as Matt mouthed Cailu¡¯s next words in time with Cailu. ¡°First of his name. Are you Sylva?¡± ¡°I am.¡± Sylva crossed her arms. She flicked her head toward Keke. ¡°Are you Keke?¡± Keke blinked. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s me. How did you¡ª¡± Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. ¡°Cailu informed me of your coming weeks ago.¡± She came closer, sniffing the air mere inches from her face. Afterward, she drew back, and the slightest hint of a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. ¡°You smell of the forest. How long have you been a [Scout]?¡± ¡°About four years.¡± It felt weird to say it. Choosing an initial Class was a very personal thing. To share it openly with so many others listening and watching felt intrusive. ¡°It¡¯s always been a part of me.¡± Sylva seemed to think nothing of it, though. ¡°I can see that.¡± She looked up, and her gaze caught a large black bird deftly flying between the trees. ¡°Let¡¯s get inside. Looks like it¡¯s starting to rain.¡± As Sylva led them away from the fountain, Keke took in every sight she could. Unlike the villages and towns she¡¯d visited prior, the dwellings appeared to be crafted from several logs stacked on top of one another. The buildings had awnings on each side, protecting fires, crafts, and penned Encroachers from the oncoming drizzle. What Keke found most interesting, however, was that despite the amount of women laboring outside, the air was quiet. Each of them worked with steady hands, talking in smooth tones and treading lightly wherever they went. She liked to believe she had an ear for the subtle, but she found it difficult to hear much of anything. ¡°In here,¡± Sylva said, opening the door to one of the dwellings. Inside, a hearth was burning at the back of the room, blanketing the room in a vibrant orange glow. Sylva strode in first, Cailu and his Party close behind her. Keke entered with Matt and Ceres afterward, awestruck by the design. She¡¯d never seen finer carpentry in her life. The chairs were lined with furs to make them softer, and the heads of Encroachers were mounted on the walls. ¡°Take a seat, please.¡± Cailu offered Sylva a nod before she disappeared behind a pair of batwing doors. Keke frowned, then took a seat on one of the larger couches closer to the hearth where a long table stood. Matt and Ceres flanked her while Cailu and his Party took the couch on the other side of the table. ¡°This reminds me a lot of the camping trips I took as a kid,¡± Matt said. ¡°Camping trips?¡± Keke asked. She loved hearing about his previous world. ¡°Yeah. My parents loved the outdoors. They¡¯d fight a lot, but going out to the forest was kinda nice. We¡¯d dig for bugs, cook some of the fish we caught, and¡ª¡± He stopped, then bowed his head. ¡°It¡¯s not forever,¡± she whispered. She knew he hated to make a scene in front of others. ¡°I¡¯ll be right back by your side before you know it.¡± ¡°Yeah. Yeah, I know. Just thinking is all.¡± He cleared his throat and rubbed the back of his neck. ¡°Anyway, we¡¯d sleep in cabins like this one. It¡¯s kind of nostalgic.¡± ¡°It sounds like it. Believe it or not, Cannoli¡¯s the one that likes digging up bugs.¡± Keke giggled. ¡°We can try it together when we¡¯re back on Ni.¡± Matt nodded and gave her a weak smile. Sylva returned with her left hand closed into a fist. She walked up to Keke and then opened her hand to reveal a small trinket. Thin sinews wound together in a web pattern in the center of a wooden hoop, holding a pure white feather in their grasp. ¡°Wear this at all times, Keke. This marks you as a [Hunter] in training. Consider it your heart.¡± ¡°I will. Thank you,¡± Keke said, taking the medallion. She turned it around to find a small clasp on the back. She slid the clasp onto her collar, then shook it to make sure it was secure. A chill shot down her spine, and she fought down the urge to gasp. ¡°What was that?¡± ¡°The medallion has recognized you,¡± Sylva said. ¡°It acknowledges you as one of its own. I¡¯ll explain it more tomorrow.¡± Keke nodded, and Sylva took a seat opposite the hearth. ¡°We don¡¯t have a tavern, but we would be happy to feed you before you leave.¡± ¡°We would be most grateful,¡± Cailu said, nodding. ¡°Think nothing of it. Bring back a large Encroacher next time I see you, and we¡¯ll consider ourselves even.¡± ¡°We could at least pay you,¡± Keke offered. Sylva cocked a brow. ¡°Did Cailu not tell you?¡± ¡°Tell us what?¡± Matt asked. ¡°Your Bells have no value here,¡± Sylva said. ¡°We deal in trade, not in coin. Coin is the purveyor of greed.¡± ¡°I admire your traditional outlook,¡± Kirti said with a playful smile. ¡°Kirti,¡± Cailu warned. Kirti hummed. ¡°You deal in trade alone?¡± Zahra asked, genuine curiosity coloring her tone. ¡°I¡¯ve never been somewhere like this.¡± ¡°Coin deceives and corrupts. Only the land is honest and true,¡± Sylva explained. Ceres put both hands to her chest. ¡°My goodness. I am overwhelmed by such purity.¡± ¡°Give back, and you have nothing to fear. It is as simple as that.¡± Sylva glanced at Cailu, then at Matt. ¡°With that said, I would make a request of the men.¡± Matt and Cailu looked at her. ¡°Our clan leader¡¯s daughter seeks to have a child of her own to pass on her lessons. Would either of you be able to assist her?¡± Keke¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Cailu blinked, and Matt wrung his hands. ¡°Yeah, I can help you out,¡± Matt offered. ¡°What¡¯s her name?¡± ¡°Lily. After dinner, I can take you to her cabin.¡± Matt nodded. He seemed to be chewing on the thought. ¡°Okay. Yeah. I¡¯ll help her out after dinner.¡± ¡°You have our thanks,¡± Sylva said, offering the first warm smile Keke had seen since their arrival. ¡°She¡¯ll be elated.¡± She rose from her seat. ¡°I¡¯ll see to it that dinner doesn¡¯t take long. As grateful as I am for your help, we prefer to avoid as much foreign influence as possible.¡± ¡°We understand,¡± Cailu said. Sylva smiled briefly again, then disappeared behind the batwing doors. Keke wanted to ask him if he was sure, but not in front of everyone like this. ¡°I¡¯m going to step outside for a minute,¡± Matt said, getting up. ¡°The wagon and the cabin aren¡¯t doing much in the way of fresh air.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll join you,¡± Keke offered. Matt paused, glanced at her, then smiled. ¡°Okay.¡± He gestured for her to follow, and the two stepped outside, closing the door behind them. The rain had worsened since they arrived. It was a steady downpour, washing out the other scents Keke had smelled earlier. Now, all there was was water. As the droplets pelted the rooftops, catgirls shared meals with one another under the safety of the awnings. Amusingly enough, she could hear them better now. Probably because they have to speak louder. That wasn¡¯t important. The man standing beside her was. ¡°Are you okay with doing that, Matt?¡± Keke at last asked. Matt glanced at her. ¡°I have to be. Besides, it¡¯ll give me some good Experience and Bells.¡± I don¡¯t want you to look at it like that. ¡°I need to take it more seriously, so I will.¡± He crossed his arms and drew a deep breath. ¡°It¡¯s weird, isn¡¯t it? What would¡¯ve happened if you didn¡¯t pull me out of the water? Would I have ended up in some other catgirl¡¯s care? Would I have gotten eaten by a Defiled?¡± ¡°Why are you talking like that?¡± His tone worried her. It wasn¡¯t the tone of a person who was saying goodbye; it was the tone of a man who¡¯d given up. ¡°You know that the first thing I¡¯m going to do as soon as I change to [Hunter] is send for you, right?¡± ¡°I know,¡± he nodded. ¡°I¡¯ve just¡­been thinking a lot, I guess. Now that we¡¯re finally here, the day we met is just playing through my mind a lot. I keep repeating it in my head, and a part of me wishes I could stop it.¡± ¡°Matt¡­¡± She nudged closer to him and pulled his left arm free before wrapping her arms around his elbow. She leaned against his shoulder. He felt so strong and solid, and yet she could practically touch the turmoil in his heart. She sympathized. ¡°Things will work out, you¡¯ll see.¡± ¡°Yeah. I know. I guess I¡¯m just feeling nostalgic is all.¡± Matt sighed. ¡°Jeez, listen to me. I gotta stop that. I should be trying to look at this like another adventure.¡± ¡°Hey. We can both think about the next adventure later.¡± She nuzzled his bicep. ¡°For now, let¡¯s just enjoy the time we have.¡± ¡°Yeah. You¡¯re right.¡± They watched the rain fall together in silence. Maybe this will do us some good. Our relationship is becoming¡­dangerous. Chapter 257: Between Two Pines Lily sat near the crackling fire in her common room, holding her longbow in one hand while she used the other to coat the bowstring in beeswax. She¡¯d noticed a tiny fray in the string during her hunt that morning, and these things required tending to right away. A wound to her bow felt as severe as an injury to her arm, and letting it fester was inexcusable. She slid her fingers over the fraying bowstring, reversing her path when the fray¡¯s bump pricked her fingertips. The myriad trinkets from her hunts that hung from tight braids in her shoulder-length hair and her ears clinked together as she worked, adding merry chimes to the fire¡¯s dance. Her dark brown hunting leathers, boots, and pale cloak hung a little ways from the hearth, drying in the flame¡¯s heat after the afternoon rains. ¡°We both did well today,¡± she murmured to her longbow. ¡°Khasstead hasn¡¯t seen a haul like that in weeks.¡± The bowstring warmed in her hand, and she plucked it taut a few times, letting the beeswax work its way between the fibers. There were many lessons her mother had passed onto her, but caring for her bow and her bird like family members was queen among them all. Lily often spoke with her weapon as she worked, and the spirit within the wood always seemed to listen. A knock at the door came just as Lily was satisfied with her work. She dismissed her bow and stood, smoothing her green dress against her lap. After a silent march across the wooden floor, she swung the door wide to find a grinning Sylva on her doorstep. Lily smiled. ¡°I had a feeling you¡¯d enjoy today¡¯s trappings.¡± ¡°Yes, Lily. We all do. However, that isn¡¯t what brings me here.¡± Sylva shook her head. ¡°There are two men in Khasstead.¡± Lily¡¯s heart skipped. She¡¯d waited nearly a decade to hear those words. It had been some time since a man had journeyed over their hills. Oftentimes, they wondered if someday that would cease. But¡­two? ¡°I-is that so?¡± she managed. Her grin widened. ¡°It is. And one of them has agreed to bless you with a kitten.¡± ¡°Sylva! Spirits cradle you! You are a gift.¡± Lily was breathless with excitement; her ears trembled, and her tail straightened behind her. She knew that with the rapid onset of her aging mother¡¯s ailments, it wouldn¡¯t be long before she became the leader of Khasstead. Having a descendant would put both Lily¡¯s and Wren¡¯s minds at ease. Sylva echoed the thought as she took Lily¡¯s hand. ¡°It is my honor to aid in continuing Wren¡¯s long-held lineage. I can think of no one better deserving.¡± ¡°Thank you. Thank you so much.¡± Lily squeezed Sylva¡¯s hand. ¡°What must I do?¡± Sylva gestured over her shoulder. ¡°I thought it best if you join us for dinner first. The company in my cabin could use your light.¡± Lily let the door remain open as she moved to collect her boots and cape. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°The man who agreed to help you, and his companion that will remain behind when he leaves, they¡­ah. Well, it feels as if their hunts have not been kind.¡± ¡°Hm.¡± In her twenty-eight years in Khasstead, Lily had experienced many poor hunts. But she had triumphed over many more. There was a delicate balance to strike between success and failure, and she¡¯d met a number of travelers and traders who sought more weight on their successes. ¡°Which island are they from?¡± ¡°Ni. Though, as we know, every journey has its perils.¡± Lily fingered the golden clasp on her pale cloak¡ªan emblem in the shape of an arrow. She would have to guard her excitement close to her heart. Overwhelming a target was a surefire way to lose her opportunity. She straightened her shoulders and turned toward the door. ¡°I understand.¡± ¡°You are the wisest of us all, Lily. Now, come. Let us not keep our guests waiting.¡± The rain had dulled to a light mist, and Lily was happy to wear her warm cloak about her shoulders like an embrace. Pip, her speckled felleck, swooped down from the edge of her roof and landed on her arm. Lily gave the green and yellow bird a hunk of meat from her [Cat Pack] and stroked the back of his neck. Satiated, Pip chirped happily before returning to the skies, joining Sylva¡¯s jet-black hunting partner in trailing them. They walked briskly to Sylva¡¯s cabin, passing two young women returning late from their hunts¡ªOdelle and Noam. Their ears and hair were soaked by the rain, but they murmured excitedly about a warren of Encroachers they¡¯d discovered nearby. Lily smiled, glad to see her lessons with them had borne fruit. As soon as they stepped inside Sylva¡¯s home, Lily surveyed the room with wandering eyes and ears. A seasoned man in plate armor stood with his arms crossed, and his hard gaze took her measure immediately. Beside him sat two dark-haired catgirls, one wearing a smirk, the other attempting to sit still, but Lily caught her fingers writhing beneath the table. Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. On the sofa near the hearth sat a second man, younger than the first, flanked by a yellow-haired catgirl and another who carried the scent of the forest. ¡°Everyone, this is Lily,¡± Sylva said. Lily placed a hand on her chest and bowed. ¡°It is a blessing to cross paths with you.¡± The yellow-haired catgirl shot to her feet. ¡°It is indeed! I am Ceres of Shi Island. These are my companions, Matt and Keke of Ni Island.¡± Lily straightened and smiled. It was good to see at least one of their number in high spirits. Matt raised a hand in a weak wave, and Ceres nudged his shoulder with one fist. Lily was certain it was meant to escape her notice, but nothing moved without her knowing. Matt knit his brow, then rose to his feet. ¡°Nice to meet you, Lily.¡± Keke did the same and offered her a quick bow. ¡°I¡¯ll be staying with you from today on while I train to be a [Hunter].¡± ¡°So Sylva tells me. Khasstead welcomes you, Keke.¡± Lily turned to the second group. ¡°And who else do I have the pleasure of meeting?¡± The man opened his mouth, but the short-haired woman was faster. ¡°I¡¯m Kirti. Zahra. Cailu.¡± Kirti flicked her fingers toward the others as she introduced them. ¡°Tell me, Lily. Do you truly speak with trees?¡± Cailu laid a hand on Kirti¡¯s shoulder. Lily noted the deep indents on her skin from Cailu¡¯s fingertips. This wasn¡¯t his first frustration with her. ¡°Please, do not concern yourself with entertaining my companion. She often opens her mouth without forethought.¡± Lily exchanged a look with Sylva. It was an interesting group, to say the least. ¡°I pray you find the forest and its fruits hospitable during your time in Khasstead, friends.¡± She circled the common room, and Sylva followed close behind. ¡°My mother, Wren, is the leader of our clan. I apologize on her behalf that she could not be here to greet you personally; she is bedridden, I fear.¡± ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Lily,¡± Keke said. Lily nodded. ¡°That¡¯s kind of you to say. She¡¯ll be glad to meet you, Keke.¡± Keke nodded. There was a sadness in her golden eyes that Lily couldn¡¯t place. But she felt the earliest threads of a kinship with the young woman. Those who understood the forest always found it in others. Sylva stepped behind Lily toward the kitchen. ¡°Dinner¡¯s ready, everyone. Let¡¯s move to the table.¡± They huddled around Sylva¡¯s table, which was made to fit five people at most, and she spooned a hearty stew into their wooden bowls. ¡°Lily provided the meat for today¡¯s meal,¡± Sylva announced proudly. ¡°Her hunt this morning treated her well.¡± Lily swelled with pride. Providing for her clan and its guests was a great accomplishment. ¡°Sylva is too kind. Her [Cooking] is unmatched in Khasstead.¡± ¡°Let us hope I live up to that compliment.¡± Sylva laughed. ¡°I am certain you will. It smells delicious!¡± Ceres exclaimed. She¡¯d taken a seat next to Lily and turned to face her. Pointing to the ornaments in her hair and on her ears, she asked, ¡°Did you make this jewelry yourself?¡± ¡°I did. They¡¯re from my rarest Encroacher hunts. Everything from our prey is used, from the meat to the fur to the teeth. Many of us wear pieces of our proudest catches to honor their sacrifice,¡± Lily explained. ¡°My father shared similar principles, Lily. It¡¯s good to see them practiced outside of Ichi Island,¡± Zahra said. Some of her tension drained from her shoulders as she spoke. ¡°A wise man indeed.¡± Lily lifted her spoon and stole a glance at Matt. He took a bite of his stew, then filled his spoon and watched as the liquid dripped back into the bowl. ¡°Is this your first time in Nyarlothep, Matt?¡± Matt blinked, then swallowed. His raised brows betrayed that he hadn¡¯t expected her to call on him. ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°How do you find it?¡± ¡°Big.¡± He took another bite. Keke caught his eye and gave a near-imperceptible shake of her head. ¡°Sorry. It¡¯s been a long day. Nyarlothep¡¯s great, from what I¡¯ve seen so far. Nothing¡¯s ripped off my head yet, so I¡¯ve got that going for me.¡± Lily chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m certain we could find you an adequate foe for the task if you desire it. But I fear you won¡¯t see much more of this land afterward.¡± The first hints of a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. ¡°Yeah. It¡¯d be a little hard to hit Second Class that way.¡± Lily saw her opening and pressed. ¡°What Second Class will you train for?¡± Their back and forth continued, and Matt slowly opened up to conversation. Keke and Ceres chipped in, and Zahra¡¯s tension evaporated as she added her own thoughts. It wasn¡¯t long before the spirits in the cabin were elevated with laughter. Matt¡¯s initially guarded stare warmed toward Lily, and her heart sped. She¡¯d never met her father and didn¡¯t know what to expect when the time came. There was a tightness in her chest she couldn¡¯t explain and a nervous energy at her core. But Matt laughed easily and had such a handsome smile. The threads of her attraction gathered as they emptied their bowls. When dinner ended, Matt touched Keke¡¯s shoulder and whispered something in her ear before following Lily outside. A cold evening breeze danced along Lily¡¯s skin, and she paused to look at the stars. It was a cloudless night, and the thousands of twinkling lights always brought her comfort. ¡°Everything okay?¡± Matt asked, stopping at her side. ¡°Yes, forgive me. I¡­I¡¯m nervous,¡± Lily admitted. ¡°Well, you helped make that the most comfortable dinner I¡¯ve ever had with Cailu.¡± Matt shoved his hands into his pockets. ¡°Least I can do is try to make you more comfortable for this.¡± Lily smiled. ¡°Thank you, Matt. I can¡¯t tell you what this means to me.¡± Pip descended from the sky and landed on her shoulder. He nibbled at one of the trinkets in her hair. ¡°For all of us.¡± ¡°Right. More birds,¡± Matt sighed. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Nothing. It¡¯s no problem. Glad I can help.¡± Matt pulled one of hands free and slid his fingers between hers. ¡°Lead the way.¡± Read the NSFW scene here (Patreon exclusive) Chapter 258: Longing Willow A knock came at the door while Saphira was washing her hands in the basin. ¡°One moment!¡± she cried as she dried her hands on a nearby towel. She brushed her palms against her apron and made for the front door. Two familiar faces greeted her on the other side. ¡°Espada! Goose! Come on in!¡± Espada offered a curt nod and procured a bottle of dark wine from behind her back. ¡°I know you¡¯re avoiding the stuff, but Goose and I want to have a couple of glasses if you don¡¯t mind.¡± Saphira shook her head. ¡°Not at all!¡± ¡°Thank you, thank you,¡± Goose sang as she skipped into Saphira¡¯s home. Saphira shut the door once they were all inside, then briskly returned to the kitchen, where two pots of stew cooked over her stove. She grabbed a mitten and cupped it over the knob beneath the pot, and pulled open the door. The fire was still going strong, so she nodded and shut it before setting the mitten back to the side. ¡°It smells delicious,¡± Espada said, taking a seat on the sofa. ¡°Thank you. It¡¯s an old recipe of my grandmother¡¯s. I hope you like it.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sure it¡¯s amazing.¡± Saphira swung open a cabinet above her and plucked two glasses from within, holding them upside down with one hand. Years spent farming meant she had practiced hands, and she took great pride in her ability to accommodate friends and family. Grabbing a wine opener from a nearby drawer, thoughts of the last time she¡¯d shared a glass with Matt pricked her tail. She strolled over to where Espada and Goose were sitting, cheerily humming as she gestured for the bottle of wine in Espada¡¯s hand. ¡°It feels like it¡¯s been forever since I¡¯ve been here,¡± Espada commented, surrendering the bottle. ¡°Keepin¡¯ busy?¡± ¡°Every day is busy,¡± Saphira giggled as she set the glasses down. ¡°Not that I mind it. I have excellent company.¡± She gestured to the crib against the back wall that Espada and Goose had built. Marie was happily playing with a few blocks that Goose had as a kitten. It baffled Saphira that Marie could already walk. Not that Marie could walk well just yet, but the fact that she¡¯d picked it up so quickly and easily had Saphira wondering if she¡¯d learned anything that early. ¡°What about you?¡± ¡°Things are quiet lately, what with Matt and his Party gone. Demand for weapons and armor is low without ¡®em. So I¡¯ve been working the irrigation and home repairs lately.¡± Espada shrugged. ¡°Where¡¯s Tabitha?¡± Saphira asked. Tabitha was a rambunctious woman, obsessed with dirt and everything beneath it. She had her heart set on being the one responsible for Junonia¡¯s irrigation, and she worked as the village¡¯s carpenter in her off time. ¡°We¡¯re not sure, but she did mention checking out the other towns on Ni Island. Maybe she just got tired of this place.¡± Goose shrugged. ¡°It feels strange to take up her post,¡± Espada continued. ¡°Not exactly my field of expertise. But it¡¯s a living, and it¡¯s oddly satisfying work. Besides, Goose is makin¡¯ sure I don¡¯t lose my touch.¡± Saphira uncorked the bottle and set the opener to the side, blinking. ¡°What does that mean?¡± ¡°It means you¡¯re looking at a [Fighter],¡± Goose said with a toothy grin. ¡°Been hearing all about Matt and his Party from Espada and the other girls, so I thought I¡¯d make my own waves out there.¡± She emphasized the point by imitating an ocean¡¯s current with her hands. Saphira smiled. Ni Island wasn¡¯t known for its plethora of adventurers. Most of them ended up calling it quits before Second Class¡ªchoosing quieter lives in tending to children, farming, cooking, or living off the land. She couldn¡¯t think of the last time she heard of someone leaving Junonia. Well, except for Matt and his group. ¡°Are you thinking of exploring outside the island?¡± Goose shook her head. ¡°Not yet. I¡¯m thinking of hunting some small-time Encroachers for a few Bells. Espada¡¯s been helping me.¡± She nudged Espada playfully. Espada chuckled. ¡°She has a good sword arm, so I¡¯ve been teaching her in my off time.¡± ¡°Espada, you¡¯re the best I¡¯ve ever seen! You must¡¯ve trained on Nyarlothep,¡± Goose said. ¡°Something like that.¡± Espada had always been tight-lipped about where she came from before she settled on Ni Island. Whenever she was asked, she¡¯d shake her head and change the subject. If anyone pushed too hard, then she¡¯d suggest they go on their way. Saphira didn¡¯t mind it so much, but she¡¯d be lying if she said she wasn¡¯t curious. Still, it wasn¡¯t her place. She offered her own change of topic as she began to fill Espada and Goose¡¯s glasses. ¡°That¡¯s so exciting, Goose!¡± ¡°It feels so good to train and Level. Don¡¯t you think, Saphira?¡± Goose asked, leaning forward with eager eyes. She watched Saphira pour the wine, gripping the glass¡¯ neck using her first two fingers and her thumb. Saphira could hardly remember how long she¡¯d dabbled in her Class after her choosing. Every catgirl selected a Class when they came of age, but it was a distant memory to her now. ¡°A-ah¡­ I admittedly don¡¯t remember much.¡± She giggled and poured Espada¡¯s drink next. ¡°I know that I selected [Scout], though.¡± ¡°Huh. I would¡¯ve figured you for a [Chemist] or a [Mage],¡± Goose said. ¡°I¡¯d heard from Keke that [Scout]s were good at finding Encroacher parts, so I figured that I might become a leatherworker at some point,¡± Saphira said. She shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m not one for combat, though. I only ever reached Level 2.¡± Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Goose nodded as she swirled her glass. ¡°That¡¯s our Saphira. Pure to the core.¡± Saphira flushed and curled a lock of her hair around her finger. ¡°Hardly.¡± ¡°You could charm the evil out of the Defiled,¡± Espada laughed before draining nearly half her glass. Saphira wondered if Espada knew that wine was a bit different than ale. ¡°That¡¯s kind of you to say.¡± She could feel her cheeks growing hotter by the second. ¡°I¡¯m going to finish up dinner.¡± By the time the food was ready to be served, Espada and Goose were laughing up a storm. Saphira set three hearty plates on the table, then strolled over to her daughter¡¯s crib. Marie cooed and reached for Saphira¡¯s finger, gripping it tight so as not to fall over. ¡°You¡¯re so smart!¡± Saphira said in a high-pitched timbre. ¡°It¡¯s time for dinner!¡± She reached down and picked Marie up, cradling her in her arms as she approached the table in the living room. It was perfect for the occasion. She¡¯d tried to share dinner with her daughter at the dinner table, but it had proven difficult with its height. ¡°Thank you for the meal,¡± Espada said with a nod. She¡¯d finished her wine before dinner and didn¡¯t seem any worse for wear. The same amount would¡¯ve seen Saphira sleeping on the floor within minutes. ¡°Yeah, thanks!¡± Goose said. ¡°You¡¯re welcome,¡± Saphira smiled as she took a seat across from Espada and Goose. Bouncing Marie on her knee, she plucked a fork from the table, skewered the steamed meozuna greens, and hovered the vegetable over Marie¡¯s head. ¡°Oh, look what I got you!¡± The kitten batted the air for her mother¡¯s food, grabbing hold of Saphira¡¯s wrist after the third attempt. Marie guided the fork to her mouth, nibbling on the soft veggie, and her tiny ears perked straight up. ¡°Oh, what a good girl! Mommy¡¯s little kitten is so smart!¡± Goose and Espada watched with smiles on their faces as they picked at their food. Saphira continued to spoon and fork her food, sharing every other bite with Marie. To her relief, Marie was not a picky eater¡ªSaphira¡¯s mother had always liked to tease her about how fussy she was as a kitten. ¡°I can¡¯t believe how fast she¡¯s growing,¡± Goose commented while she wiped at her mouth with a handkerchief. ¡°I know, isn¡¯t she beautiful?¡± Saphira glowed. ¡°I love her with all of my heart and soul.¡± She and Marie touched foreheads, eliciting an excited coo from the kitten. ¡°It¡¯s still so weird to me that Matt left,¡± Goose continued. ¡°He¡¯s such a¡­unique man.¡± That was the perfect word for Matt. Saphira had never heard of a man traveling the other islands so quickly, nor had she ever heard of one working with the neighboring islands. It wasn¡¯t unheard of, but she pined for Matt¡¯s smile, his laugh, and his embrace. His presence brought so much hope and life to Junonia, and his absence was sorely felt. Every day spent without him was another day Saphira spent worrying for his safety. As strong as he was, she feared that his kindness and consideration could bring him harm. I hope you¡¯re okay, Matt. Espada snorted. ¡°I can think of a few other words for him.¡± Saphira guided another spoonful of potatoes into Marie¡¯s mouth. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°We got off to a rough start.¡± She pushed her empty plate forward and leaned back against the sofa. ¡°I was already pis¡ª¡± She hesitated, glanced at Marie, then coughed into her fist. ¡°I was in a bad mood that day. So I told him off when he tried to barter.¡± Saphira gasped. ¡°Espada!¡± In a rare moment, Espada looked uncomfortable. ¡°I work hard on my craft, and I wasn¡¯t about to let him take advantage of me just because he was a man.¡± ¡°But they¡¯re here to protect us.¡± ¡°I get that,¡± Espada said, her tone lowering, ¡°I¡¯ve just seen others who flaunt their influence, and I¡¯m not okay with that.¡± ¡°I hope you apologized later.¡± Espada blinked. ¡°Sure. Yeah, I did.¡± Saphira wasn¡¯t quite sure if Espada was telling the truth, but she decided not to pry. ¡°Well, it sounds like you¡¯re on good terms now, then.¡± Espada shrugged. ¡°I think so. I gave him a few pointers when I had time.¡± ¡°You mean when it was convenient,¡± Goose jabbed Espada between the ribs playfully. ¡°I know what those words really mean.¡± Espada shook her head and rolled her eyes. ¡°Sure you do.¡± Marie grabbed one of Saphira¡¯s bangs and pulled her closer. ¡°Aauuooo?¡± ¡°Sweetie, you¡¯re hurting Mommy,¡± Saphira said as she unhooked her daughter¡¯s hand from her hair. She giggled and used her free hand to fix her hair. ¡°You know, I¡¯ve always wondered, Espada.¡± ¡°Hm?¡± ¡°What brought you to Ni Island? You know so much about weapons and armor, and you learn things so much faster than I would.¡± She tilted her head inquisitively. ¡°Where did you learn?¡± Espada didn¡¯t answer immediately. ¡°I used to work in Nyarlothep as a smith.¡± ¡°I knew it!¡± Goose cried. A warning glance escaped the corner of Espada¡¯s eyes. Goose quieted, and she continued, ¡°I got tired of my work there and decided to come here instead.¡± ¡°A fresh start?¡± ¡°You could say that,¡± she said quickly. Her tone was flat and snappy. ¡°I guess I just got tired of the politics and making weapons and armor for those who didn¡¯t deserve them.¡± ¡°Well, I¡¯m glad you decided to come to Ni Island,¡± Saphira smiled. This was a sensitive topic for Espada, that much she could tell. It was time to let the matter drop. What did it matter, anyway? ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be the same without you.¡± Espada¡¯s easy smile returned. ¡°Thanks.¡± The room was warm and comforting. As the conversation continued, Saphira eventually let Marie walk around under the condition that Goose sat on the floor with her. It was much easier to keep an eye on a curious kitten with multiple people. The three of them played with Marie, and when it was her bedtime, Saphira placed her daughter back in her crib and kissed her forehead. ¡°Thank you again for dinner,¡± Espada said. ¡°It¡¯s been a while since I had such a nice home-cooked meal.¡± ¡°You¡¯re so welcome!¡± Saphira clapped her hands together. ¡°We should do this again sometime.¡± ¡°I agree! Maybe next time I¡¯ll bring the meat,¡± Goose said. ¡°Fresh kill and all that.¡± ¡°As long as I don¡¯t have to, well, prepare it.¡± Saphira swallowed hard. She couldn¡¯t imagine being the one responsible for skinning and bisecting an Encroacher for food. She always left that to the butchers. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I could never ask you to do that.¡± ¡°Then it¡¯s a plan!¡± Espada and Goose waved their farewells, and Saphira shut the door behind them, leaning against its surface when they were gone. The room was quiet now, with only the crackling of the hearth and her daughter¡¯s snores to keep her company. For a few moments, she couldn¡¯t wipe the smile off of her face. She had the family she always dreamed of. Marie was every bit the blessing from Saoirse she imagined. But the longer she stared, the longer she listened, the more empty the room started to feel. Her hands clenched into fists behind her, and her longing for Marie¡¯s father heightened. I wish you could see your daughter right now, Matt. Everyones a Catgirl! Bonus Quest: Matt the Villain Day 0 When I opened my eyes again, I was standing in a medieval-looking town, surrounded by men and women wearing loose linen garments who gave me little more than a nod as they passed. I quickly realized that my green jacket and jeans had been replaced with a similarly beige version of the people around me. It didn¡¯t feel very hero-like, if I¡¯m being honest. Well, Leiana did say Rhodes was pretty easy. I brushed a hand through my hair and took a deep breath. Smelled like horse. My grandparents owned a farm, and that strangely sweet scent of hay and giant barn animals permeated the air. I don¡¯t know what I¡¯d pictured. Maybe arriving at a town in basic armor with a sword at the ready like every other JRPG I¡¯d played tossed me into. Or maybe a user interface installed into my vision with a helpful guide whispering into my ear like you¡¯d see in light novels. But as far as I could tell, I had the thin clothes on my back and a worn pair of leather shoes on my feet, and that was it. ¡°Uh, excuse me.¡± I tapped a shoulder beneath a bobbing hat carrying a wooden crate down the road. They grunted and looked up. ¡°Yes, sir?¡± It was a guy around my age, and he struggled under the weight. Careful, buddy, that could kill you. ¡°Sorry to bother you. But where am I?¡± He squinted up at me like I¡¯d lost my mind. That was a fair assessment. ¡°Are you new around here?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± He nodded and set the crate down onto the dirt before rubbing his hands on the thighs of his trousers. ¡°Jeez, a lot of new faces lately.¡± He stretched his arms, then readjusted his hat. ¡°This is Allium. Though it¡¯s pretty hard to stumble into our city on accident.¡± He scratched his chin. ¡°Little early to worship a bottle, isn¡¯t it?¡± I sighed. It¡¯s easier for him to believe that, anyway. ¡°Working on stopping, really. Is there somewhere around here I can pick up quests? Help people out? Things like that?¡± He frowned and plucked at the few hairs on his face. ¡°Allium¡¯s a peaceful place. But you can try your luck in the town square. People post notices there when they need help. May help you get acquainted.¡± ¡°Great. Thanks.¡± I nodded and stepped forward, then felt embarrassment creeping into my face. ¡°Erm, where¡¯s the town square?¡± He chuckled, then pointed. ¡°It¡¯s that way. You¡¯re a funny sort. The name¡¯s Ben.¡± ¡°Matt,¡± I replied and avoided his stare. It¡¯s Matt the town drunk to you, Ben. ¡°See you around.¡± ¡°Safe travels, friend.¡± Ben bent down to retrieve his crate, then hobbled away into the crowd. I marched in the direction he¡¯d pointed until I came across what I could only assume was the town square. A giant wooden noticeboard stood at its center, and as I approached, one of the papers tacked in the upper right shimmered in the afternoon sunlight. It was practically glowing by the time I could read the cursive writing emblazoned across it. Welcome to Rhodes, New Hero! I read silently. To access your inventory, simply close your eyes and think, ¡®Inventory.¡¯ ¡°Okay,¡± I mumbled. I closed my eyes and pictured a grid of squares filled with items and thought, ¡®Inventory.¡¯ An image not far from my imagination populated my mind, but each item was rendered with perfect clarity instead of a small, pixelated representation as I¡¯d expected. Pristine leather armor, a shimmering sword, enough food to feed me for a month in the form of steaming meals, and ten thousand gold. Ten thousand gold?! My eyes snapped open, and I returned to hastily read the rest of the notice. To retrieve items from your inventory, simply picture it in your hands or on your person, and it will appear! You will find a key with an address to your assigned quarters, where a significant other has been assigned to you. ¡°What the hell?¡± You will want for nothing in your new life! Your levels will reflect your assistance and kindness toward your fellow citizens. There are¡ª I stopped reading and stepped to the side. There were three other pieces of parchment pasted to the board, each bearing a different style of handwriting. Could someone please rescue my cat? Headed one. Another began with, My twins need supervision on the next Lunar Eve. The third had Urgent! penned across the top, and my excitement returned. A rabbit is destroying my garden! Will a hero please step forward? My spices look terrible! My adrenaline deflated with my shoulders. All three notices offered ten gold each and a level. But what the hell was the point of the gold if I started with a fortune? And did the levels actually do anything? I closed my eyes and opened my inventory. I found the key tied to a scroll at the tail end of my items, just as the glowing notice had advised. When I pictured it appearing in my hand, the cool touch of the metal key and light paper surfaced in my palm. I pictured the armor on my body for good measure, then opened my eyes. I looked incredibly overgeared as I wandered the streets of Allium. Many eyes snapped to me, and mouths gaped in an uncomfortable reverence. I kept hearing the words ¡®new hero¡¯ whispered between a few groups that passed me¡ªsomething that should have had me excited, but I was beginning to worry. Even if Leiana had said this was on the ¡®gentler side,¡¯ even the easy video games had some kind of adventure to go on. There had to be something, right? A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. I found my house¡ªa picturesque cottage with a small stable attached¡ªand unlocked the door. A gorgeous girl with long dark hair and darker eyes turned from setting the table and clasped her hands at her waist before bowing deeply. ¡°Welcome home, husband!¡± she said. ¡°Dinner is nearly finished!¡± I blinked. Maybe things weren¡¯t all bad.
Day 17 A little over two weeks in Allium and the uncomfortable needling of boredom returned. Iris, my wife, was perfect. The sex was perfect. Our house was perfect. She cooked us a perfect dinner every night despite every steaming meal still occupying my infinite inventory. There was a kid whose whole job it was to take care of the perfect white horse in the stable who called me ¡®Master¡¯ and ¡®My Lord.¡¯ Which was weird, but Iris continued to encourage me that it made him happy. I was level 20. Which was apparently the cap. I¡¯d saved pets, set bunnies on their merry way back into the forest, retrieved frightened horses, and delivered mail. I had not fought a single enemy or resolved any major conflicts. People in town kept calling me a hero and Lord Matt, but it felt like a damn lie. I hadn¡¯t done anything heroic. I took my sword and wandered along the Allium walls in the nearby forest one night after Iris had gone to sleep. In our perfect bed. No sounds in the middle of the night to ever wake us up. We didn¡¯t have locks on the doors because no one would think of committing robbery. ¡°Someone fucking do something!¡± I bellowed and swung my sword. It was dark and the lantern on my hip gave me a small circle of light, but apparently it was not enough. My blade crashed through a wooden gate, splintering the wood into a thousand pieces. A donkey bayed its surprise a few yards away. Warning! You have committed a crime! ¡°I¡­what?¡± I whispered. This was the first time a foreign voice had spoken to me since I¡¯d arrived. It rang in my ears like a siren and sounded mad as hell. Apologize to the victim and pay adequate remunerations immediately! I shook my head. Was this why no one acted out? It was like an air horn had gone off inside my head, and at the same time, it was¡­ Comforting¡­ I struck down another section of fence. Warning! This is your second issuance! I laughed and rushed inside the fence. ¡°Fuck you!¡± I found the donkey and chased it outside the fence. By this point, the owner and a few neighbors had heard the commotion and wandered out into the streets. Their gasps and cries for me to stop only fueled me. If you continue, your inventory will be no longer accessible until your dues are paid! There was a chicken coop off to the right. The hens and roosters had roused to the noise and added their own cacophony of screams and squawks. I sliced open the chicken wire and herded them into the yard. Warning! Your inventory is now locked! My sword was still in my hands and the armor still on my body. Seemed like just the food and gold would remain stuck in there. Not like I¡¯d picked up anything else of use. I found one last goat pen and freed them. When I turned to face the crowd, Iris stood at the forefront with a hand over her mouth. ¡°Matt, how could you?¡± I heard her soft voice over the crowd. I laughed again. For the first time since I¡¯d arrived, I felt alive. Let them chase some chickens and fix the damn fence. How long had it been since any of them had experienced real agitation? Real fear? A real hero? If no one would rise to the occasion, I would force it.
Day 25 The horse I¡¯d stolen from the barn was fine on food out in the wilderness. Every blade of grass in Rhodes seemed packed with every nutrient an animal needed. But without access to the meals in my inventory or Iris¡¯s cooking, I had to learn how to hunt for my own sustenance. Very distant memories of being a Boy Scout helped with starting a fire, at least. But capturing food was another story entirely. I¡¯d wasted an entire day trying to build traps to catch one stupid rabbit and then another unsuccessfully crafting a fishing net. There were more than a few times that I considered eating the horse, but then my only mode of transportation and possible bargaining chip would be lost. The first time I pulled a fish bigger than my pinky from a stream, I actually whooped. I didn¡¯t know where I was going. All I knew was that I needed to stay close enough to a few cities to lure away enough prospects to kickstart my financial situation. I still hadn¡¯t figured out how to reopen my inventory. On the plus side, the warning voice had disappeared, so I had that going for me. But then I saw it. A tall tower built with black stone and sturdy iron doors. Thick, flowering vines permeated the windows and pierced through the spire¡¯s steepled roof, suggesting that this place had been abandoned for quite some time. I dismounted from Rudolph¡ªthe horse, not the reindeer¡ªand carefully approached the door. If there was ever a building with traps, this place was it. When my foot sank a few inches deeper into the ground than normal, I dove forward. Three sharp arrows launched from the front door and sailed over my head, just barely missing Rudolph¡¯s flank. He munched on the grass, none the wiser. My heart hammered as I rose, and I chuckled. Now this was the shit the world needed. I touched the iron gate, and a searing heat shot through my fingertips. Trespassers will be rent piecemeal and set aflame! A new voice screamed in my head. This one was low and feminine and just as pissed off as the warning. If you wish to live, then you¡ª ¡­Hm? This is interesting. Her icy tone vanished, replaced by a warm, seductive hum. I shivered. Why is your inventory locked? Was she talking to me? ¡°Too many crimes, apparently,¡± I replied out loud. ¡­A criminal? Has conflict at last returned to Rhodes? ¡°No. Just me.¡± I let my hand slide down the gate and rested it on one of the many bends in the iron. And what are you doing here, just you? I worked my jaw. Was this a trick question? Ah, hell, what did I have to lose? ¡°Wishing that there was a lot more conflict in Rhodes.¡± The voice sounded as if it were smiling. Is that so, hero? ¡°I¡¯m not a hero.¡± I shook my head. Would that make you a villain? I looked through the gates and squinted into the black void beyond. ¡°Yeah. I want to be the villain.¡± Three clicks fired in quick succession, and the gate swung back. Come in.
Day 42 The voice that watched the tower didn¡¯t have a body, but she did have a name¡ªAnais. She¡¯d been the last Big Bad Guy in Rhodes over a thousand years before. She¡¯d overridden my inventory to free the gold and deactivated the traps to show me around. Rudolph safely remained out back without arrows in his head. The moment Anais showed me her workshop, I knew what it would mean to be a villain. Chains, traps, magical devices that caused status effects and illnesses, potions and poisons, everything I¡¯d need to wreak havoc on this world. But it wouldn¡¯t be for nothing. No, there were three enormous rooms dedicated to ¡®loot.¡¯ Armor, weapons, piles of gold and gemstones, accessories and jewelry, powerful magical scrolls and spells that hadn¡¯t been used in eons. Rhodes has always been too soft. Too simple. My aim wasn¡¯t to wipe them out but spur them to rise, Anais explained. I nodded as I picked up a jewel-encrusted crossbow. Oh. Be careful with that. The arrows phase through walls. I set the crossbow back down. Then I set to work. Luring them to the tower was easy. Ride to one of the nearby cities, set fire to a couple of fields or a stall here and there. Release a monster or two that Anais kept in the tower for special occasions. Leave enough of a trail to follow me home. Sometimes, a guard would catch up to me, and we¡¯d have a swordfight right then and there. I¡¯d let him believe he had a chance, then blast him away with magic. Can¡¯t make it easy. That¡¯s not the point. I¡¯d set gold or items near the edges of traps around the tower. If anyone figured out how to make it past them, it was theirs. If they made it inside, more awaited. More fights, more challenges, and then me. So far, no one had defeated me. But I always left them in decent enough condition to crawl home and nurse their wounds to try again. Besides, I had to give them a few wins, or they¡¯d cower in fear, and my game was up. Fear wasn¡¯t fun. Vengeance was fun. Being a villain is fun. Chapter 259: Clogs of Oak Ravyn rubbed the bridge of her nose and stood when the dance was at last over. Emberlynn¡¯s thin fingers grazed the table as she rose from her seat, coughing into her fist. ¡°You have given me much to think about, and I would like to believe that Cailu made the right choice in delegating you as his mouthpiece.¡± Cailu. Mouthpiece. That fuck. ¡°I will offer you my vote in Zhuli¡¯s name to forward your plans,¡± Emberlynn continued. Ravyn balled her hands into fists and clenched her teeth. And yet you said your vote means nothing. ¡°Do not forget that Melody will require much more than just my agreement to press forward.¡± Yes. We heard you the first time. ¡°Thank you for the help, Mother.¡± Ravyn turned and rounded the table to leave. Bally flew over from the nearby window and landed on her shoulder when Emberlynn raised her hand. ¡°Hold,¡± she said. ¡°Considering everything that has transpired today, I believe it would be prudent if one who spoke in my name were to accompany you.¡± Tristan nodded. ¡°I understand. I think it would be best if your words came from someone you trust.¡± ¡°Excellent. I know just the person to send with you. She is a talented [Myrmidon] and has served me for nearly ten years.¡± She looked at Ravyn. ¡°Ravyn is familiar with her.¡± Who is she talking about? ¡°Rely on her.¡± Tristan blinked. ¡°Thank you. That is most kind of you.¡± ¡°Certainly,¡± Emberlynn nodded. ¡°If you require anything else, please let one of my handmaidens know.¡± Tristan smiled. ¡°I will.¡± Emberlynn nodded. ¡°I will speak with my [Myrmidon] immediately and have her introduce herself tomorrow morning. I¡¯m sure you would like to relax in the meantime.¡± Ravyn forced a smile. ¡°Thank you, Mother. We¡¯ll be downstairs.¡± Emberlynn formed her lips into a thin line and hummed before gliding across the hall and into the room beyond. After she shut the doors, Ravyn sighed and ushered Tristan outside. ¡°So, what do you think?¡± Tristan asked. ¡°I think this is all a load of roachshit, is what I think,¡± Ravyn grumbled, slamming the door to the dining hall shut. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s get a drink. I need it after this fucking dance.¡± Tristan¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Tea. Let¡¯s get tea.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a good idea. We could use a break,¡± Tristan said easily. Ravyn was reaching her boiling point. Her mother was just as manipulative as she remembered. It was never so simple as speaking straight to one another. No, everything had to be a duel, a conversation, an equation, and an in-depth fucking analysis. She rocked her lower jaw from side to side and grumbled as they descended the staircase. I never wanted to come back here. Ravyn listened to the sound of their footsteps squeaking on the wood beneath them. ¡°Thank you, by the way. For everything,¡± Tristan said after a time. Ravyn kept her hand on the banister as she walked, glancing at him over her shoulder. ¡°The cunt threw his baggage onto you. I¡¯m not about to let him get away with that.¡± ¡°Is that really all this is to you? A way to get back at him?¡± Ravyn stopped and turned around when they reached the bottom. ¡°If you want to say something, say it. I¡¯m tired of walking on eggshells.¡± Tristan didn¡¯t smile. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I don¡¯t mean to pry. It¡¯s none of my business, but,¡± he shrugged, ¡°your actions don¡¯t reflect revenge.¡± ¡°That asshole impregnated my mother and forced a sister onto me. What¡¯s not to hate about that?¡± She directed her attention back to the hall ahead and stomped her way forward. ¡°What is it you hate about Cailu so much, anyway?¡± Tristan asked, following closely behind her. ¡°Where do I start? The way he treats catgirls and throws them to the wind? The fake persona he puts up whenever he talks to us? His overbearing need to tell everyone how the fuck to live and work? How about the shitty way he treats Matt?¡± She pointed to a hall on their right. ¡°Tea. Now.¡± Ravyn threw open the doors. Three of the attendants within were sitting at a table but quickly rose to their feet at her approach. ¡°Our apologies!¡± one girl said, bowing at the waist and coming back up. She put her hands in her lap and fiddled with her thumbs. ¡°How can we assist?¡± Ravyn drummed her fingers at the edge of the doorframe, the thought of burning liquor lingering at the back of her mind and throat. ¡°Tea. I don¡¯t care which, just none of that fluttery, weak garbage.¡± ¡°U-understood,¡± the girl stammered. She turned around and gestured for the others to move. Their practiced hands and careful steps suggested years of experience as they quickly cleared the way for Ravyn and Tristan to sit. Ravyn chose a chair at one end of the round table and crossed her legs. Bally hopped onto the table, tilting his head up at his master. This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. ¡°And snacks for Bally, too,¡± Ravyn said. ¡°Yes!¡± Tristan took the seat across from Ravyn and perched his chin on his palm. ¡°I¡¯m worried about Destiny,¡± he admitted. Honestly, she was, too. Emberlynn had that kind of effect on people. But if Ravyn had swapped places with Destiny, she wouldn¡¯t want Matt to see her like that. ¡°Lara¡¯s with her. I¡¯d give them a minute.¡± ¡°Hm. Alright.¡± He drummed his fingers along the table¡¯s surface. ¡°So, where do we want to go from here?¡± Ravyn mirrored Tristan, drumming her fingers across her face. ¡°Just¡­let¡¯s not make any big decisions just yet. I need the silence right now. I can¡¯t think.¡± Tristan hummed in understanding, and the silence passed them by. Minutes later, a girl¡ªone with long black hair tied into an intricate braid in the back and eyes of green so dark they almost appeared black¡ªcame to the table with two saucers, each with a tall cup on top. She set one saucer each in front of Ravyn and Tristan, then riffled through her pockets for a stack of nuts for Bally and set them on a silver tray on the table. Ball set to crunching his hoard as the girl offered a curt nod before turning tail and exiting through a room to the side. Ravyn took her cup into both hands and brushed the lip with her middle finger. What are you doing right now, Matt? She furrowed her brow. Have you met the queen yet? I hope you¡¯re safe. Try not to be too hard on yourself. She drew a deep breath and rolled her head back, staring up at the ceiling. ¡°I know you said you value your silence,¡± Tristan said before taking a sip of his tea, ¡°but you seem to have more on your mind than just this meeting.¡± She directed her gaze toward him, her chin still held high. ¡°I get what you¡¯re trying to do, but I have enough shit going on without someone trying to crack me open.¡± ¡°Your call.¡± Tristan continued to sip his tea. ¡°Let¡¯s change the subject, then. I don¡¯t mean to be a pest, but how much do you know about [Wizard]?¡± Ravyn was relieved to change the subject. She relaxed her neck and blinked. ¡°Many [Wizard]s live on San Island. It¡¯s where most catgirls learn to become one.¡± She cursed the words that were moments away from leaving her mouth. ¡°Mou ii¡­ My mother may be able to hurry along your Class Change.¡± ¡°That¡¯d be great if she could. As much as I want to keep working on San Island, I do want to make sure that I¡¯m prepared for anything that comes our way.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll talk to Mother about it. She¡¯s employed several [Wizard]s over the years.¡± ¡°Thank you, Ravyn.¡± Tristan nursed his tea, brushing his thumbs against the cup¡¯s exterior. He made a number of quiet noises with his lips before motioning one of the handmaidens over. A catgirl with short white hair approached. ¡°Excuse me, is it okay if I take this to another room?¡± ¡°Of course! You may take the drink wherever you prefer. You are an honored guest here.¡± And here I thought we got the hell away from the whole Service, Grace, Urgency sham. ¡°Thank you. I won¡¯t spill it,¡± Tristan said with an easy smile. He rose from the table with his cup, flicking his head toward the door they came through. ¡°Alright. I¡¯m going to look for Destiny and Lara. Are you going to stay here?¡± Ravyn leveled her gaze and frowned. ¡°I¡¯m not a kitten.¡± Tristan blinked. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to treat you like a kid. It¡¯s just if you¡¯re going to¡ª¡± ¡°Just go find your maids. I¡¯ll be here,¡± she groaned. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll be right back.¡± Tristan nodded, then quickly left the room. Ravyn took a sip of her tea, then set the cup down, peering into the liquid. It was a pale green, and a small, dark fleck of tea leaf floated to the surface, hovering vertically. A San Island custom said that such an event was a sign of good luck. What a fucking joke. Having finished his nutty hill, Bally hopped over to his master and nuzzled his face against her forearm. She smiled and scratched him behind his head. As miserable as the experience was, now she had a sister. A real sister who could take on the family business when she was older. Is Mother going to live long enough to train her for that? The thought of managing the business made her sick to her stomach. She could play the game, but she hated it. The Bells, the constant feigning of partnerships, the manipulation. That was not the life for her. But Sophia needs me. If Mother passes away even a year from now, then¡­ No, it wasn¡¯t going to do any good thinking about it right now. Tristan had other more pressing matters, and she needed to be a part of it. Besides, this was a temporary measure until she was back in Matt¡¯s Party. Ravyn¡¯s mind continued to wander the possibilities, and soon, she desperately craved the easy company that Tristan had offered earlier. If she couldn¡¯t rely on a stiff drink to get out of her own head, then she could at least alleviate the issue with conversation. She slammed her hands on the table in frustration, frightening one of the handmaidens. ¡°Sorry,¡± Ravyn said. ¡°D-do you need anything?¡± the timid girl asked. ¡°No. I¡ª¡± As the words left her mouth, the door beside her opened and in walked Tristan, Destiny, and Lara. Destiny¡¯s face was puffy and red, Lara¡¯s expression one of concern. Lara and Tristan flanked Destiny, a gentle hand on each shoulder. What happened to her? The conversation had been tense, but not to that extent. ¡°Destiny?¡± ¡°I just need to sit down. I¡¯m fine, really,¡± Destiny insisted. Lara nodded. ¡°Okay. But please talk to me if you need anything?¡± Destiny¡¯s smile was so obviously forced. ¡°I will. I promise.¡± ¡°What happened?¡± Ravyn asked, her brow furrowed. ¡°I think Destiny needs a minute to relax,¡± Tristan said. ¡°She¡¯s just overwhelmed.¡± No surprise there. This place¡¯ll do that to you. Ravyn resumed her seat while Destiny and Lara took spots next to her. ¡°Since we don¡¯t see my mother¡¯s ambassador until tomorrow, why don¡¯t we take the night off?¡± Ravyn suggested. ¡°I¡¯m fucking exhausted.¡± Tristan nodded. ¡°I feel the same.¡± A heavy nod from Destiny, and then her sister, confirmed that they could all use some peace and quiet. Ravyn retired to her room alone, glancing once at the still-glowing Garney before curling up in her bed. What the hell are we going to do?
They met once again in the breakfast hall the next morning. Destiny seemed to be in much better spirits, and Lara¡¯s gaze still wandered to who knew where. As Tristan moved to sit, the door behind him opened, and he turned around. ¡°Excuse me,¡± the woman with black hair from earlier said, ¡°you are Tristan, is that right?¡± She was garbed differently from before. Instead of the attire that many of the other handmaidens wore, she was dressed in a white half-robe with bright pink trims. Her legs were bare from halfway up her thigh, displaying her smooth, alabaster skin. She wore a pair of split-toe white socks and wooden sandals. Her dark green gaze was like that of a snake¡¯s. Piercing, analyzing, and eerily patient. ¡°Y-yes, that¡¯s me. Can I help you?¡± The woman bowed slowly at the waist. ¡°It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Yanni. I am to be Emberlynn¡¯s ambassador in your Party.¡± Side Quest: Unniyarcha For the first time in sixteen months, it rained on Ichi Island. Krethik could not craft his morning kolam, which was perhaps for the best. It was a bittersweet day for his small Party, and he¡¯d spent his last evening and the early hours of the morning with Ishani to say his goodbyes. However, when Ishani was ready to depart for Madhyam, Naeemah was nowhere to be found. ¡°I understand if she¡¯s upset with me,¡± Ishani said, averting her sanguine gaze from Krethik¡¯s face. ¡°Even if that is so, she should still be here to wish you well.¡± While he was empathetic toward Naeemah¡¯s emotions, courtesy was a virtue he wished to instill in the youth. Naeemah is a woman now, he corrected himself. She had received her gift of choosing a Class shortly after they¡¯d met, and she carried herself with a grace of years beyond her age. But there was still so much he wanted to teach her. So many things to prepare her for. ¡°Please, Ishani, wait here. I¡¯ll find her.¡± Krethik placed a gentle hand on Ishani¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Of course.¡± She caressed her stomach with her fingertips, her long tail swaying behind her. ¡°You have given me such a wonderful gift, Krethik. The least I can do is wait.¡± He smiled. Ensuring the island¡¯s population was part of his position as a man, certainly, but he relished the joy that kittens brought to their mothers. He would do everything in his power to keep his people safe and protect their happiness. ¡°I¡¯ll be back shortly.¡± Having searched every corner of the citadel, Krethik moved outside. While rain was typically seen as bad luck for a new beginning where he¡¯d grown up, on Ichi it was a blessing. It would replenish their water stores and offer their crops a much-needed drink. He didn¡¯t bother covering his head, allowing the cool droplets to cling to his hair and neck to offset the warm desert air. Mariamman herself could not have summoned a more perfect rain in R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨©, but he sent his silent thanks. Just in case. There were two places that he sensed Naeemah could be hiding. The first was the stables, where she often spent time with the gigashanks and horses. Unfortunately, he only found the Encroachers and the young lady tending to them. With a quick greeting and apology, Krethik headed for the training grounds. Naeemah moved and spun in the center of the sparring ring, performing the fluid motions of the Kalaripayattu just as Krethik had taught her. Instead of the traditional katar, she wielded twin daggers crafted for her hands alone. He¡¯d never seen her move through the sets so quickly, and she struck the air like a serpent, bending and pivoting so the rain never seemed to strike her. Her long hair, tied back high on her head, whipped around her body like a single-bladed urumi, its point snapping at the droplets that dared approach. ¡°Naeemah,¡± Krethik called from the edge of the ring. Naeemah didn¡¯t respond. She kicked high into the air and howled into the sky. ¡°Naeemah!¡± Krethik snapped. Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. She dropped her heel to the dirt and marched forward. ¡°This is when we do Kalari together every day, Krethik,¡± she hissed. ¡°Or has that changed, too?¡± Krethik crossed his arms. ¡°Ishani is waiting for you to say goodbye.¡± ¡°I know!¡± Naeemah spun and threw one of her daggers at an archery target at the other end of the training yard. The point lodged itself just outside of the bullseye, and she growled. ¡°I know.¡± ¡°Naeemah¨C¡± ¡°Two years she¡¯s traveled with us. Two years in our Party. Does she hate us?¡± Her voice cracked on the question. ¡°Does she hate me?¡± He softened his tone. ¡°Of course not. Ishani has nothing but the highest respect for you. She¡¯s chosen a new life for herself. It wouldn¡¯t be fair to ask her to raise her children and fight.¡± Naeemah¡¯s grip tightened around her remaining dagger. ¡°I would never abandon my post for something so ridiculous.¡± ¡°Wanting a family is far from ridiculous,¡± Krethik countered. ¡°Is it? Why doesn¡¯t she just leave her kitten with a nyanny, then? They can pass her around when it suits them like they did to me, and then Ishani can stay with us.¡± Her voice had escalated to a yell, and she gestured wildly with both hands. ¡°You know that this is for the best,¡± he replied calmly. ¡°No. You know what isn¡¯t fair? Everyone leaves, Krethik. My mother, my nyannies, and now Ishani.¡± She focused her stare on the ground, and her shoulders slumped. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ I¡­¡± Her ears flattened against her head, and she squeezed her eyes shut. Krethik stepped forward and pulled her into a tight embrace. She¡¯d never let him get so close before. But now, as her dagger fell to the ground with a thud, she threw her hands around his waist and buried her face in his chest. The sound of rainfall muffled her quiet sobs while Krethik stroked her hair and murmured strings of a lullaby into her ear. A fond memory swirled into his mind¡¯s eye like the sweet breeze that caressed his cheek. ¡°You¡¯re just like Uuniyarcha, Naeemah.¡± She sniffled and mumbled against his shirt, ¡°Who?¡± Krethik smiled. ¡°Uuniyarcha. She was a legendary warrior with¡ª¡± he considered how to tie the urumi into Nyarlea ¡°¡ªfour sleek tails made of metal.¡± Naeemah pulled away and wiped her nose on the inside of her sleeve. ¡°How did she get dressed?¡± ¡°Very carefully,¡± he laughed. ¡°Uuniyarcha was a master of Kalari, you see. She used her tails as her weapon, and she fiercely protected what she believed in. There are many stories about Uuniyarcha taking on a dozen adversaries at once and coming out victorious.¡± He brushed the last of the tears away from Naeemah¡¯s face just as the rain began to ease. ¡°And her beauty captured every eye that was lucky enough to see her.¡± Naeemah stepped aside and knelt to retreat her dagger. ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound like me at all.¡± ¡°You may not see it now, but I trust that you will in time.¡± He watched as she straightened and returned the dagger to its sheathe. ¡°And in that time, people will change, the world will change, and we will change. Ishani¡¯s decision is one to be celebrated, not scorned.¡± She chewed on his words and looked up at the sky. ¡°Will you leave me, too, Krethik?¡± He hesitated, then chose to speak his heart. ¡°Not until the goddess calls me away from you, Naeemah. You have my word.¡± A tense silence passed between them, and then Naeemah nodded. ¡°I believe you.¡± She glanced over her shoulder at the target, and a light blush tinged her cheeks. ¡°I¡­ I want to wish Ishani well. I¡¯ll go get my dagger and meet you inside?¡± ¡°Of course. We can continue practicing Kalari after she¡¯s left if you¡¯d like.¡± Her face brightened, and her ears twitched contentedly. ¡°Okay!¡± As Krethik watched her jog toward the target, his heart felt lighter. He often wondered if he should tell her how difficult it was not to think of her as his daughter. Chapter 260: Black Ash Yanni¡¯s long black tail swayed behind her while she observed Emberlynn¡¯s daughter with a tilted head. Ravyn was just as fiery and combative as the mistress had claimed. If she wasn¡¯t muttering expletives under her breath, she was leaning on her palm, drumming her fingers, sighing, sipping her tea like a disobedient kitten. I see nothing of the mistress in this woman, Yanni thought. ¡°Take a seat, then,¡± Ravyn said, gesturing to one of the chairs. ¡°I will stand,¡± Yanni said, clasping her hands in front of her and resting them on her lap, as was customary for Emberlynn¡¯s servants. ¡°It is more comfortable for me.¡± Ravyn raised a brow. ¡°Mou ii.¡± Ravyn was a strange person. Never had Yanni heard such words. She pondered their significance, bookmarking the event in her mind in case a topic of conversation would be necessary later. ¡°I don¡¯t mean to be rude, but you caught me at a bad time,¡± Tristan admitted. Yanni shook her head. ¡°Please, tend to your companion. If you require me, I shall be right here.¡± ¡°Thanks.¡± ¡°Really, I¡¯m fine,¡± the one named Destiny said. Tristan kept a firm hand on her shoulder and offered her consoling words. The man of Shi Island was just as graceful as Yanni had imagined. As to be expected of an island which prided itself on service. ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I gave you a scare.¡± ¡°I just want to be sure you¡¯re alright,¡± Tristan said as he pulled her closer beside him. This young man so readily professes his concerns. Yanni struggled to remember the term she¡¯d heard a man use before. Was it¡­ to wear one¡¯s sleeve on their heart? She briefly imagined Tristan happily tearing the sleeve from his shirt to gift wrap his own heart and hand it to Destiny, who in turn cheered. Yanni nodded to herself, humming. Yes. That was it. ¡°Wind told me how to find you,¡± the blonde catgirl said. She took to the opposite side of the one named Destiny, leaning her head against the crook of Destiny¡¯s neck. ¡°I was worried.¡± ¡°Lara, I¡¯m okay,¡± Destiny insisted. ¡°Really. I promise.¡± Yanni watched Ravyn, and Ravyn watched the room. Her violet gaze met Yanni¡¯s, then returned to Tristan and his companions, then came back to her. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Ravyn asked. ¡°I am observing,¡± Yanni said. Ravyn frowned. ¡°That¡¯s kinda creepy. Can you come back later?¡± ¡°My sincerest apologies, but Mistress Emberlynn made it quite clear that I am to obey Tristan¡¯s commands and no other. I hope you understand.¡± Something between a groan and a gag escaped Ravyn¡¯s lips, and Tristan chuckled. ¡°Actually, I was hoping you might be able to help me with something,¡± Tristan said, standing up. He was short for a man and smiled much more in one day than she had ever witnessed with Cailu Raloquen. But Tristan carried a strange charm that Yanni struggled to put into words. Each word from his mouth was selected with care, and his face was incredibly expressive. He reminded Yanni of Emberlynn and her associates. Charismatic, intelligent, eloquent. Whether or not her assumptions of him were true, however, remained to be seen. ¡°I am at your service,¡± Yanni said, bowing at the waist. ¡°Would anyone in Zhuli be able to help me become a [Wizard]?¡± Yanni blinked. ¡°Yes, Tristan. Emberlynn has many [Wizard]s under her employ. If you would wish it, I will go to her immediately and relay your message.¡± ¡°That would be amazing.¡± Tristan reached forward. ¡°I hope we¡¯ll make great allies.¡± Yanni observed his hand, noting how clean it was. His nails were perfectly clipped and trimmed, his skin smooth and soft and devoid of scars or wrinkles. No calluses or rigid edges to be found. ¡°Uh, is something wrong?¡± Tristan asked. Yanni smiled and gently placed her fingers in his palm before shaking, using only the top half of her hand. ¡°Nothing at all. I will go to the mistress at once.¡± She freed her fingers from his grasp, offered another curt bow, then exited into the hallway. What fascinating people, she thought. At last, I have a chance to prove my worth to Mistress Emberlynn. I will see to it that she is properly represented. Yanni strolled through the hall, rose up the stairs, and entered Emberlynn¡¯s discussion chamber. She heard Emberlynn¡¯s ragged coughs as she entered, closing the door behind her and marching to the room on her left. Emberlynn had a rag to her mouth while one of the handmaidens tended to her with a cool towel. Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. ¡°Mistress Emberlynn,¡± Yanni said, bowing. Emberlynn took three short breaths. ¡°Yanni.¡± ¡°Pardon my intrusion, but Tristan has asked that he be trained to become a [Wizard].¡± She folded her hands and set them in her lap. Emberlynn nodded, taking her time to reply. It was always like this. The handmaidens had grown used to it by now, but it still pained Yanni and the others to see such a powerful woman brought low by illness. ¡°I will see to it that he is trained by Alia.¡± She coughed, then steadied her breathing while a second handmaiden rubbed her back. ¡°I will have her meet him later tonight. I would suggest you show them the rest of Zhuli in the meantime.¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Yanni said with a bow. While she had never undergone the test herself, Yanni had witnessed a [Wizard]¡¯s training enough to know that it could only be practiced during the evening, when the stars were out and the magic of the moon was at its strongest. ¡°I will return to him with haste.¡± ¡°Wait,¡± Emberlynn said just as Yanni¡¯s hand reached the doorknob. She regarded Emberlynn over her shoulder. ¡°Please protect my daughter. She may not show it often, but she has a kind heart. Knowing that she¡¯s still alive gives me warmth.¡± She smiled. ¡°I would hate for Sophia to grow up without a mother and a sister.¡± Yanni nodded, then exited the room. The door clicked behind her, and she returned to the main room, where Sophia was running circles around Ravyn. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s play!¡± Sophia giggled. ¡°I can run, and you can chase! You can chase!¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think¡ª¡± Ravyn started. ¡°Squaaawk, chase Sophia, chase Sophia, squawk!¡± the bird on Ravyn¡¯s shoulder¡ªher familiar as Yanni understood it¡ªencouraged. While Ravyn referred to the bird as Bally, she had also caught wind that it was short for Ball Gag. Is a ball gag supposed to be something? A gag and a ball. Yanni was familiar with gags. She knew of the gags which were jokes and playful jabs, and the gags used to silence those who tried to assassinate Mistress Emberlynn. The image of a catgirl choking on a ball and falling on her side dead played in front of her. I must be misunderstanding something. I will ask Ravyn at a later time. As she had earlier, she mentally bookmarked the event to use in conversation later. ¡°Ravyn¡¯s getting tired, Sophie,¡± Ravyn groaned as Sophia spun her sister around by her hand. ¡°I run! You catch!¡± Sophia said. ¡°Three, two, one, go!¡± She darted away in an instant, disappearing into the corridor behind her. Ravyn put a hand on her hip, sighed, and then chased after her sister, disappearing into the same hallway. How endearing. Yanni descended the stairs and returned to the room earlier to see that Tristan and his remaining companions were still there, enjoying cups of tea. ¡°I bring fortuitous news. Lady Alia will be your [Wizard] instructor.¡± ¡°That¡¯s great!¡± Tristan said, rising to his feet. ¡°Where should I meet her?¡± ¡°It will be here,¡± Yanni pointed at the floor. ¡°However, such training cannot begin until evening has set, so you must wait. Mistress Emberlynn insists that I accompany you through Zhuli until then.¡± ¡°That sounds like a great idea.¡± Tristan smiled at Destiny and helped her to her feet. ¡°Let¡¯s go walk around. Get some fresh air.¡± He looked over her shoulder at Lara next. ¡°You too, Lara.¡± Lara blinked, then smiled. ¡°Okay.¡± A hint of blush colored Destiny¡¯s cheeks. Her hand trembled in his, though it was so subtle that Yanni wondered if she had imagined it. ¡°I-I would like that very much,¡± Destiny said. What a fine young man. ¡°Yanni, will you lead?¡± Tristan asked. Yanni smiled. ¡°I would very much like that. I can show you some of the finer places in Zhuli, if you so desire.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sure you could. How about you take us to some of your favorite places instead?¡± Yanni found his request strange. Few men ever wished to know what catgirls thought. Burying personal needs was necessary to ensure a proper society. It was for the greater good. Yanni fully accepted, and agreed, with such things. It was best to leave such concerns behind to avoid burdening the man. The field of battle was where words truly mattered, when anyone¡¯s life could be lost in a moment. Tristan was so unlike Cailu Raloquen, who barked orders and commanded the obedience of those around him. However, Yanni was not upset by Tristan¡¯s words. ¡°I would be happy to show you.¡± ¡°Great! Thank you so much. I¡¯m very grateful for Emberlynn¡¯s time and hospitality. I¡¯m not sure how we would get through this without her and Ravyn.¡± ¡°Mistress Emberlynn is a wise woman,¡± Yanni said. ¡°I hope that your conversation bore fruit.¡± ¡°I think it did. We¡¯ll just have to see how things pan out from here.¡± Tristan looked at Destiny and Lara. ¡°In the meantime, though, I think we could all use a break.¡± ¡°Shall I fetch Lady Ravyn as well?¡± ¡°Noooooo,¡± Lara said with an airy voice, shaking her head. Of all of Tristan¡¯s companions, she was the strangest of them all. Her voice was soft and light and many of her words had an almost musical lilt, as if she were reciting them just as they popped into her head. ¡°Her mom needs her here. That¡¯s what Wind tells me.¡± Yanni blinked. ¡°Wind?¡± ¡°Wind talks to me. So do the other Elements. But Wind loves gossip, so she talks to me the most.¡± Did I hear that correctly? Does this fully grown lady believe she can speak to the Elements? Sophia had claimed as much, but she was just a kitten. It was a thought to ponder on later, but Yanni did not wish to insult Tristan. ¡°A wondrous gift,¡± Yanni said as she pictured a gust of wind spinning Lara around as it yelled gossip into her ear. Yanni¡¯s ears flicked back, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. ¡°You will need to tell me what Wind thinks of me sometime. I very much value the wind. Even as a little girl¡ª¡± ¡°Wind is here right now,¡± Lara continued, ¡°but she says she¡­ erm, doesn¡¯t really like you.¡± Is this Lara¡¯s way of telling me that she dislikes me? ¡°That is a shame. Perhaps we will grow to respect one another with time.¡± ¡°She doubts that.¡± Tristan scratched the back of his neck and averted his gaze. ¡°Why don¡¯t we get going? Daylight¡¯s burning.¡± ¡°Yes, let¡¯s!¡± Destiny said. Tristan smiled, leading Destiny and Lara out of the room. Lara followed behind him, humming an offbeat tune while Yanni brought up the rear. Lara occasionally glanced back at Yanni, her expressions becoming more difficult to read with each glance. Did I do something wrong to earn her ire? It didn¡¯t matter. Like most thoughts, Yanni tucked and filed the idea into a fold of her mind where it could be easily retrieved, then followed Tristan and his Party out of Emberlynn¡¯s estate and into the streets of Zhuli. My first real Party with a man. I will not falter. Side Quest: Secondhand Thread Cailu methodically cleaned the blood from his sword as he gazed at the fresh corpse of the Encroacher. Where he once found excitement in the hunt and the smallest shred of vengeance in spilling the blood of monsters, there was no emotion to be had. True neutrality. The thrill of the kill had left him. San Island¡¯s oppressive humidity sucked the sweat from his skin; beads gathered and trailed down his face and back as if he had run the island¡¯s perimeter a dozen times instead of slaying a few measly beasts. While the leather of his armor did little to keep him cool, it was a far cry from the full plate he was accustomed to¡ªthis hellscape¡¯s climate was simply another punishment for his egregious mistakes. Suzume stepped forward and knelt, poring over the beast¡¯s body with her hunting knife. He¡¯d met the [Hunter] in Kyrenia, the Port City he had¡­arrived in. If there was aught of value, she would find it. Her dark armor cinched her slender waist, and she rested her tail to her side. Her black hair fell over her toned ivory shoulders as she worked, reawakening an image of Fera¡¯s shapely back in the morning sunlight. The first time he had laid his eyes on the only woman that had ever mattered to him was still just as vivid and precious a memory to him as when it occurred. The tall trees of San¡¯s forests warped and twisted into the spires and columns of Castle Lifort. Prince Aluxio¡¯s fortieth birthday was a farce of a celebration for one so young. Cailu¡¯s expectations were tempered, but etiquette required he make a showing. Fera lingered by a trophy case in the main hall, nursing her wine glass for every drop as her glittering gaze measured each token. When Cailu gained the courage to ask her thoughts, a slow smile spread across her face. ¡°Is a man only measured by the lives that he¡¯s claimed?¡± The illusion shattered when Suzume glanced over her shoulder. Dark, almond eyes studied Cailu¡¯s face, and her lips pulled into a thin line. Her hands hovered just above the half-carved scales, hesitating. ¡°Shall I step aside?¡± she asked. ¡°No. Continue your work,¡± Cailu snapped. Suzume shrugged and returned her focus to the carve. Cailu swallowed the memory, drinking the rising emotions threatening to overtake him like poison. He sheathed his sword before he summoned the iPaw. A fortnight spent in this wretched nightmare, and he still did not understand the inner workings of such a device. The sapphire-haired siren that called herself ¡®Ai¡¯ appeared. ¡°How may I help you, [User Cailu]?¡± Ai asked. ¡°What is my current ranking?¡± Ai blinked. ¡°I do not understand your question.¡± Cailu frowned. It seemed this vixen enjoyed toying with him, though she pled constant na?vet¨¦. ¡°Why force me to use a terminology that makes little sense?¡± ¡°Nyarlean language and terminology have been in existence for thousands of years, [User Cailu]. Approximately fifteen times longer than you have existed, if my research is correct,¡± Ai said. Her expression was blank, but a stern undertone brushed her words. Ice trickled into Cailu¡¯s veins. Too many years had he suffered spies in politics, eyes where they did not belong. ¡°How would you know this?¡± ¡°That is not relevant, [User Cailu].¡± Ai pursed her lips. ¡°Is there anything else I can assist you with?¡± This was going nowhere. Anger melted the cold paranoia he had felt just seconds prior. ¡°What is my current Level?¡± he snarled. Suzume stood and turned to face him, pocketing her final treasure. The conversations between Cailu and the iPaw were somehow concealed from her, but his tone caught her feline ear. It twitched in his direction as she narrowed her eyes. ¡°Your current Base Level is 12. Your current Crusader Class Level is 2.¡± Cailu¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°Two? I have slaughtered hundreds of these¡­Encroachers since my transition.¡± Ai shook her head. ¡°If it is the three hundred and twenty-four zilthar you speak of, they are unfit for a Second Class.¡± ¡°Then how do I¡­¡± What was the correct term? ¡°¡­Advance faster?¡± ¡°If you wish to increase your Level at a greater pace, you must find more challenging enemies. Or,¡± Ai vanished from the screen, ¡°you will be generously rewarded for pursuing your second task in Nyarlea.¡± For the third time since his arrival, the nauseating pink square returned, carrying its loathsome message. Consummate with five of these feral creatures referred to as catgirls. He glanced over the top of the iPaw at Suzume. She watched in silent curiosity, knowing better than to speak while he was occupied. Her face was pleasant enough, but she was little more than a means to an end¡ªa second sword for him to wield. There was little else he could see her as, let alone¡­ Ai interrupted his thoughts. ¡°Five successful pairings with catgirls will net you 1 Base Level and 1 Class Level. Many men have accomplished this inside of three days,¡± she explained over the display. ¡°Incidentally, this is also the number of days you have spent hunting zilthar.¡± The square vanished, and Ai reappeared. ¡°It is your decision.¡± His gloved grip tightened around the iPaw. The strange material was thin, but it held firm. ¡°You say this is my ¡®second task¡¯ as if this world¡¯s next generation falls upon me.¡± Was she smiling? ¡°I thought I had made that abundantly clear. It does fall to you, [User Cailu].¡± ¡°And if I decline?¡± ¡°Such a decision would be in violation of Nyarlean Law. Should a man be reported missing or abstaining from his duties, the Queen¡¯s Guard would be summoned to recall and rehabilitate him.¡± A low growl vibrated in Cailu¡¯s throat. ¡°¡®Rehabilitate¡¯?¡± Ai nodded, but no further explanation was offered. ¡°Where can I find more powerful enemies?¡± Ai shook her head. ¡°Nyarlea is for you to explore, [User Cailu]. Encroachers move and graze depending on food and water availability. You may wish to ask your Party.¡± Dozens of furious retorts took their time on his tongue. What was this woman¡¯s use? Why was he cursed to this existence? But none of them would gain him ground. ¡°That will be all.¡± ¡°As you wish, [User Cailu].¡± Suzume crossed her arms over her chest and watched the iPaw vanish from Cailu¡¯s hands. ¡°You seem distraught.¡± Cailu forced back a laugh. What would this creature know of being ¡®distraught¡¯? Everything that mattered was lost. Fera, Heiki, his home, his companions. Betrayal¡¯s venomous blade had stolen it away without a second thought. ¡°Where can I find beasts that present a higher challenge?¡± Suzume studied the Encroacher¡¯s blood embedded into her fingernails. ¡°There are at least three Defiled on the outskirts of Shulan. They destroyed hundreds of acres of farmland and went into hiding.¡± ¡°Defiled?¡± Cailu tried to recall if Suzume or Ai had mentioned the term before. Possibly, but their information was thin and constantly veiled with self-conceit. It seemed he was just as much of a tool to them as they were to him. ¡°The Defiled are monstrous, far more powerful than any Encroacher,¡± Suzume explained with a sigh that belayed repetition. ¡°However, as I¡¯ve mentioned before, if you wish to take on a Defiled, you will need a competent healer.¡± ¡°A healer would insinuate that I take a blow from this creature.¡± Suzume¡¯s eyes widened by a fraction, and she locked his gaze. ¡°Or me, Cailu. If either one of us are wounded by a Defiled, it could mean a quick death without a healer.¡± Cailu recalled the two wars in which he¡¯d been a participant; one as a soldier, the second as first captain. Healers were the last to be deployed in areas where most of the fighting had died down. They trailed behind and offered little in the way of offensive expertise or assistance on the front lines. ¡°Can we not seek a healer when we are through?¡± Her frown deepened. ¡°You¡¯ve commanded my respect since you arrived, Cailu, but now I wish to speak freely.¡± Cailu bristled with her disregard for his family name and standard honorific. Perhaps it was time to find a more suitable member for his Party. ¡°Then speak.¡± ¡°The last man on San Island¡¯s inaction nearly brought us to ruin. The Queen¡¯s Guard spared a handful of soldiers and only managed to kill one of the many Defiled plaguing Shulan before they were recalled to Ronona.¡± ¡°The previous man was a coward, then. I fail to see how this relates to me.¡± Her hands balled into fists at her side. ¡°Inaction and practiced ignorance are one and the same.¡± Cailu¡¯s brow furrowed, and the heat of his anger returned. ¡°You tread too far¡ª¡± ¡°No. Not far enough.¡± Suzume sliced a hand through the air, cutting his words short. ¡°If you want to charge ahead and get yourself killed, that is your choice. Maybe the next man will be able to fulfill his duties to Nyarlea. But cut me free from your Party if my advice means nothing to you. I will not die at the hands of a fool.¡± He snatched her wrist and snapped her forward, forcing her into a proximity reserved for lovers and men he put to death. ¡°The only fool in this exchange is you, Suzume. You know nothing of what I¡¯m capable of.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve watched you kill hundreds of Encroachers and feel nothing,¡± she snarled. ¡°You wear the expression of one who¡¯s put thousands to death. Tell me, Cailu, how many lives have you saved?¡± The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. Fera¡¯s voice echoed in his ears. It was the same question she¡¯d asked him so long ago in Castle Lifort¡¯s great hall with that easy, knowing smile. He spat a curse and shoved Suzume away. She stumbled backward, her boot catching on the Encroacher¡¯s corpse and sending her to the ground with a yelp. He watched in silence as she gathered herself and rose to her feet. ¡°Saoirse¡¯s hymns proclaim that men are to be placed beside the goddess herself.¡± She sneered and wiped her palms across her thighs. ¡°But Finn was a coward, and you¡¯re more of a monster than the roaches, Cailu. Who will Saoirse bring us next, I wonder?¡± ¡°Leave, Suzume,¡± Cailu snarled. ¡°Crawl back to Kyrenia and shovel horse shit until the end of your days.¡± ¡°Gladly.¡± Suzume brushed her hair away from her face, turned on her heel, and vanished between the trees. How many lives have you saved? Cailu bellowed, drew his sword from its scabbard, and buried the blade between the remaining scales of the Encroacher¡¯s corpse.
Three more days it took to travel alone to Shulan, and Cailu dispatched everything in his path. Well. Almost everything. When he came face-to-face with his first Defiled, Cailu realized with a bitter rage that Suzume had been right. Fighting them on his own would earn him a quick death. The enormous monster had dozens of human arms attached to a long, insect-like body. It screamed in a language Cailu could somehow understand, chilling him to the bone. Its speed was otherworldly, and when it parted its razor-sharp mandibles, it blew fire. He¡¯d managed to wound it enough to escape, but not before it bit a sizeable chunk from his thigh. And so, he limped past the gates of Shulan, ignoring the guards offering to find him assistance. Inside were thousands of curious catgirls, stopping in their tracks to watch him. Three tried to approach, but one sharp glance in their direction was enough to hold them at bay. ¡°Did you kill it? The stonoga?¡± a voice asked from his left. He glanced over his shoulder at a silver-haired catgirl with golden eyes. Her dark skin was a stark contrast to the tendrils pulled away from her face into a tight bun at the base of her neck. Cailu grunted and continued walking. He did not have the time nor the energy for a conversation filled with unfamiliar colloquialisms. She wrinkled her nose and fell into step with his limped gait. ¡°The stonoga. The Defiled that sampled your leg. I¡¯d recognize that wound anywhere.¡± ¡°No. It still lives,¡± he replied, not bothering to meet her gaze. ¡°Damn it,¡± she cursed softly. She fell into a contemplative silence, watching Cailu walk while she matched his pace. Just before he could ask the cretin what she wanted, she spoke. ¡°I can heal your leg for free if you allow me to join you in hunting it.¡± ¡°I have the coin to pay for a healer,¡± he snapped. ¡°Most of the girls in Shulan don¡¯t know how to extract the stonoga¡¯s venom from a wound. Go somewhere else, and you¡¯re likely to lose your leg.¡± Was this a jest? How many of these simpletons would parade their knowledge over him like monarchs? She skipped ahead and stopped in front of him, barring his path. ¡°You don¡¯t have to keep me in your Party. Just this one task. That Defiled killed my daughter.¡± Cailu hesitated and the pain in his leg flickered with the tightening of his chest. Heiki¡¯s elated squeals echoed in his ears, and he hissed in a breath. No. What did it matter if this creature¡¯s offspring had suffered such a fate? ¡°I¡ª¡± ¡°Look. Let me fix your leg, and then you can decide.¡± She held up a hand. ¡°You¡¯re going to pass out in the street if I don¡¯t, and that won¡¯t help anyone.¡± Cailu frowned. Ignoring Suzume¡¯s advice had brought him here. As much as he was loathe to admit it, he needed this woman¡¯s assistance. ¡°Fine.¡± A tiny smile of relief twitched at the corners of her mouth and warmed her gaze. ¡°Good. I¡¯m Talia.¡± ¡°Cailu Raloquen, first of his name,¡± Cailu replied. ¡°Quite the title, Cailu. Come on.¡± She waved a hand and led him deeper into the crowd. Cailu could not find the motivation to retort against her informality. He sighed and followed her, giving no response to the stares and whispers that surrounded him. ¡°Is that the new man?¡± ¡°He¡¯s so handsome¡ª¡± ¡°Look at his ears!¡± ¡°And he looks so much older than Finn.¡± ¡°Good. We don¡¯t need another man hiding away.¡± He hated gossip. Whether it was within the royal courts or between his new recruits. But there was little he could do for it now beyond ignore it. ¡°In here.¡± Talia turned left and led him inside one of the modest dwellings lining the streets. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust as she lit the various lanterns inside the common room. As she moved to the sink on the back wall, Cailu swept his gaze over her home. It was small. Very small. The entire building would have easily fit inside two bedrooms of Cailu and Fera¡¯s west wing, and the main room contained very few pieces of furniture. A circular table with two wooden chairs was placed in the kitchen area, and cushions were strewn around the front room in place of a settee. On the walls hung varying sizes of parchment, covered in colored paints depicting childish versions of buildings, catgirls, and Encroachers. Daddy! I drew a pukwudgie! Heiki beamed over her newest painting. ¡°They¡¯re all I have left of Kasi,¡± Talia murmured. She moved to stand next to Cailu with a bowl in one hand and a rolled cloth in the other. She nodded to a piece on the far left. ¡°That one¡¯s my favorite.¡± Two figures stood side by side, clasping hands. ¡°It¡¯s supposed to be us.¡± Cailu nodded. Exhaustion was making him sentimental. He needed to rest. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m rambling. Please, have a seat.¡± She gestured toward the table, and Cailu complied, glad to take one of the wooden chairs. If he took a seat on the floor, it was likely he wouldn¡¯t stand back up. Talia knelt beside him, unrolling the cloth to reveal a selection of metal instruments. ¡°I¡¯ll need to cut more of your trousers away, but I have a friend who can make you a new pair.¡± Cailu frowned. ¡°At an exorbitant price, is it?¡± She pulled a sharp blade from her kit with a chuckle. ¡°You aren¡¯t very trusting, are you?¡± Cailu grunted, then hissed when she pulled the fabric from the wound. The burning was renewed, and sweat beaded along his forehead. ¡°You may have to worry about that on Ichi Island, but San has always given men a steep discount on their wares,¡± she explained as she worked. ¡°Why Ichi?¡± Cailu had learned of the other islands and the capital of Nyarlothep from Ai but knew very little beyond their names and locations. ¡°The new man there¡­¡± Talia looked up at Cailu¡¯s face, then pursed her lips and selected another tool. ¡°No, pardon me. I should not speak ill of him.¡± As she patted away the blood and used a second implement to draw a purple liquid from his skin, Cailu pushed the issue to stay awake. This cursed [Energy] pool threatened to empty the more he bit back the pain. ¡°Are your opinions of this man biased, then?¡± Talia smiled. ¡°Maybe. Ichi¡¯s thrived under the reign of one woman for over a decade. The changes this new man has made are¡­drastic. I moved here with Kasi just over a month ago.¡± Her silver, feline ears flattened against her head. ¡°But it may have been better if we stayed.¡± ¡°You could not have foreseen¡ª¡± Cailu stopped himself. Was he truly trying to comfort this stranger? He hissed as she dribbled a new tonic over his thigh. It added a sharp throb to the already burning wound. ¡°I know. But thank you,¡± Talia whispered, then took a deep breath. ¡°Alright, now I need to concentrate.¡± Were you not concentrating before? Cailu watched as she framed the wound with both hands and bowed her head. ¡°Saoirse, please grant me a modicum of your power and allow me to heal your chosen. I beseech you,¡± Talia prayed. A warm, white glow emanated from her fingers, surrounding the tattered skin on Cailu¡¯s leg. The rent flesh twitched and moved, growing over the open bite as if it had come alive. Cailu¡¯s breath caught. What witchcraft was this? A power like this was reserved for the gods alone, not insolent creatures. ¡°What are you doing?¡± he growled. ¡°Helping you.¡± Talia glanced up, knitting her brow in confusion. Her fingers dimmed. ¡°I¡¯m a [Priest], Cailu. A healer.¡± Her lips parted, and understanding dawned on her face. ¡°Saoirse just delivered you, didn¡¯t she?¡± ¡°I beg your pardon?¡± Was this goddess a tangible being? He did not recall an ushering from a catgirl into this world. Only a swift death at the hands of Prince Ma?l and opening his eyes on San Island. ¡°How long have you been on San Island?¡± ¡°Three days more than a fortnight,¡± Cailu replied. When she cocked her head and waited, he sighed. ¡°Seventeen days.¡± Talia nodded, then looked back at the wound and refocused as she spoke. The light returned to her hands. ¡°Many Classes use their [Myana Points] gifted by Saoirse for magic. Like healing, for example. But others use it for offensive Spells.¡± Why? Why was there so much to learn in this world? Why did Ai shirk her duties as an apparent guide? ¡°I see.¡± ¡°I¡¯m rambling again. Sorry.¡± She lifted her hands and reached for a fresh roll of bandages. ¡°We can discuss this later if you¡¯d like. Or,¡± she wrapped the bandages around his thigh and leaned back on the balls of her feet, ¡°you¡¯re free to leave when you¡¯re feeling better.¡± Cailu inspected her work. The pain had dulled significantly, and the bleeding had stopped at last. Whatever dark forces she had called upon, they had helped, and her knowledge of field medicine was impressive. ¡°Thank you, Talia.¡± A pink hue touched her cheeks, and she looked away. ¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡± She stood and cleaned her bowl and tools from the floor. ¡°I¡¯ll¡­go run you a bath and make us something to eat.¡± For the briefest of moments, touches of familiarity painted the scene¡ªa warm home, a loving family, a safe abode. However, when Talia turned and disappeared down the hallway, her slender tail flicked back and forth between her ankles, splintering any fancies of comfort. This was not home. He would never be home again.
A wound that should have taken a week to heal mended over the next two days. Talia¡¯s magic was formidable, indeed, and made Cailu reconsider Suzume¡¯s demand for a healer. He took the time to explore more of Shulan, taking a mental inventory of shops and landmarks, and introducing himself to the Guild Hall. Within a few conversations, he¡¯d learned that Finn¡¯s disappearance had caused significant damage to San Island¡¯s farms, grown the Defiled threat, hurt their population, and spread the island¡¯s warriors thin amongst the cities. One incompetent man¡¯s choices brought ruin to so many. The thrill of the hunt may have evaporated, but the tiniest spark of something urged Cailu to press on. To rebuild. Reshape this world. The tailor Talia had suggested was able to craft him a new pair of trousers in a day¡¯s time and didn¡¯t empty his [Cat Pack]¡ªa ridiculous name for a satchel, enchanted or not¡ªof Bells. On the fourth day staying with Talia, he readied a hefty pouch of coin for her assistance and hospitality and joined her for breakfast. ¡°I want you to take this,¡± Cailu said, setting the pouch at the center of the table. ¡°I depart for Ichi tomorrow.¡± Talia studied the sizable bag and then crossed her arms. ¡°Ichi?¡± Cailu nodded. ¡°I believe if the men work together, then purging Defiled threats and rebuilding cities will be more manageable.¡± He¡¯d found himself more at ease with speaking to Talia over the last days. She was open with her thoughts and answered his questions without the dark undertones he recognized in Ai and Suzume. ¡°What about the stonoga?¡± ¡°I will find a second capable fighter to join us, and we will dispatch it upon my return.¡± Cailu raised a hand before she could speak. ¡°In my last encounter, I left it with significant wounds. Shulan will be safe.¡± Talia chewed her lower lip, then pushed the pouch toward Cailu. ¡°I offered to help you for free, remember? You don¡¯t owe me anything.¡± He left the pouch on the table and studied her. Silver rings adorned her ears, and a jade clip held her hair away from her soft face. For what she was, Talia was beautiful. And yet, he still could not find the familiar stir he¡¯d only felt once in his two hundred years. She blushed. ¡°Why are you staring at me like that?¡± How am I supposed to do this, Fera? Ai had called it his second duty. But everything about it broke every sacred vow he¡¯d made in his prior life. ¡°I wonder if you could do me one last favor?¡± He forced the words out before he could stop them. Talia tilted her head to the side, and her ears perked forward. ¡°Hm?¡± Cailu stood and took Talia¡¯s hand, pulling her to stand with him. He cupped her face in one hand and searched her curious gaze. Then he kissed her. Gods, forgive me.
Despite the night¡¯s exertions, Cailu couldn¡¯t sleep. Talia had her arms around his waist, her naked chest pressed against his. Her tail was wrapped around his calf, and her breathing was slow and steady. Cailu watched the moon¡¯s journey across the starry sky, allowing the whirlwind of emotions that plagued him to each take their time on his heart. Betrayal, disgust, frustration, hopelessness. Each inhale was a stab to his heart; his exhales a prayer for forgiveness. Would this ever grow easier? He pictured telling Heiki about her cat-eared siblings. She would squeal in disbelief and paint them all in her image. And Fera¡­ What would she say? Cailu looked at Talia sleeping soundly next to him. Another child. Just one of five he needed to help create to gain another Level. Four more¡­ This world was not his own. He would not have a gentle hand in raising his children¡ªkittens, they called them. The Guild Hall touted nyannies, and many women seemed to enjoy raising their own. A man must fight, protect, procreate. Fatherhood carried a very different meaning in Nyarlea. When the first hints of orange appeared on the horizon, Cailu carefully untangled himself from Talia and slid from her bed. He dressed in silence and gathered his things but left the Bells on the table. Be well, Talia. Cailu closed the door and marched down the empty streets of Shulan. He would slay the stonoga with a Party of his own, but Talia would not be a part of it. His daughter would not be part of it. And he would not be part of her. Chapter 261: The Empress’ Engagement There were many days when restoring R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨© seemed impossible, let alone healing Ichi Island of the many wounds inflicted by Magni. And there were only so many hands and eyes that Naeemah could employ to assist her. While volunteers were readily available in the capital city, repairing the smaller towns was a slow and grueling prcocess. The denizens of Ichi Island fell on two sides of the coin. One collective feared the guards Naeemah sent out to maintain the fragile peace among them. The other sought blood in return for the Ejderha¡¯s transgressions. Destroying the cages proved difficult, as the latter among them demanded they be used to imprison the remaining Ejderha. And the citadel¡­ The citadel was still draped in Magni¡¯s influence. Hundreds of golden dragon statues remained unmelted, expensive suits of armor and a plethora of weapons untouched. While all would eventually fetch a high price, moving them all through the reestablished trade line was a tedious process. Aliye, Sheila, and Pari had made good on their word, reporting back to Naeemah and requesting more to trade in a timely manner, but their merchandise was heavy, and they could only repurpose so much at a time. Which also left the matter of the Encroachers in the training grounds. Naeemah stood beneath the awning¡¯s shade at the opening to the fields. Jeenie tended to each cage with purpose but was kind and considerate in her movements. Even when she interacted with long-fanged beasts and Encroachers with poison-tipped spines, she had a caring word and a soft touch to spare. When Naeemah had first commanded they be returned to their homes, Jeenie hadn¡¯t taken it well. Perhaps it was short-sighted of me to wish. Krethik had always warned her about acting on impulse. The desire to see his will restored to the island was, at times, overwhelming. Or is it my will? ¡°Good morning, my lady,¡± Jeenie said, jogging up to meet Naeemah with a deep bow. ¡°My apologies, I didn¡¯t see you there.¡± Something in Jeenie¡¯s laggard gait and stilted bow caught Naeemah¡¯s eye. Her gaze traveled down the woman¡¯s white dress before settling on the gentle protrusion of her stomach. Naeemah¡¯s eyebrow raised in surprise before she could stop it. Jeenie caught Naeemah¡¯s stare, and a deep blush tinted her tan face. ¡°I-I¡­ Well, Matt¡ª¡± she stammered, embracing her midsection. Her tail flicked side to side in panic, and her ears flattened against her head. ¡°We, uh, we just¡ª¡± Naeemah raised a hand. It was none of her business, even if she disagreed with Jeenie¡¯s choice. ¡°Are you certain that it is wise for you to work?¡± At that, Jeenie snapped straight to attention. ¡°I feel perfectly fine, my lady. Better than ever.¡± A smile pulled at the corners of her mouth. ¡°Just one more little one to take care of. But she¡¯ll be able to help me with the Encroachers.¡± ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m here.¡± Naeemah rested her arm at her side. ¡°I¡¯ve had ample time to consider your advice. You were correct. Returning them home was not the answer.¡± Jeenie beamed and exhaled so deeply that her shoulders slumped. ¡°Thank you, your majesty. They¡¯re like family to me.¡± Naeemah nodded. ¡°I can see that. However, there must be a better way for us to keep them. These cages seem too small.¡± ¡°That¡¯s something I¡¯ve thought about for a long time.¡± Jeenie clapped her hands to her chest, and her ears perked. ¡°I have some suggestions if you¡¯d like to hear them.¡± ¡°Yes. Please.¡± ¡°Magni built so many extensions off of the castle. This one, the dueling grounds, a meeting plaza. I¡¯ve wandered a bit, and it doesn¡¯t seem like any of them are used anymore.¡± ¡°You would be correct. Most of the additions that he made are superfluous.¡± ¡°Then let¡¯s turn some of them into habitable areas for these guys.¡± Jeenie motioned behind her. ¡°We can dig water holes, plant more trees, and build gates from some of the metal I see you all melting down all the time.¡± ¡°Golden cages?¡± Naeemah wrinkled her nose. She was working day and night to remove them, not add more. Not even for Encroachers. ¡°No, none of that. Just iron, copper, or anything you have left over would be just fine. And we don¡¯t need full cages, just gates to separate off territories.¡± Jeenie¡¯s grin grew, and she glanced over her shoulder. ¡°I promise not to put the ones that¡¯ll eat each other side by side.¡± ¡°And you believe it will be enough? The Encroachers will not escape?¡± Visions of the pair of sitherslisks breaking through the door and sinking their dozen razor-sharp teeth into the castle¡¯s servants plagued Naeemah¡¯s mind. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. ¡°They don¡¯t want to.¡± Jeenie shrugged. ¡°In here, they have food, water, shelter. They could be much happier right now, but they still trust me.¡± ¡°Um, excuse me? Your Highness?¡± A kitten stepped into the sunlight and quickly bowed her head. Naeemah had only ever heard her referred to as ¡®Pebbles.¡¯ Whether that was her real name remained to be seen. ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°There¡¯s someone here to see you.¡± Pebbles scratched behind her ear, flicking a tiny bug from her unruly black and orange hair. ¡°Mama¡ª erm, I mean, Mother told me to come find you. I think it¡¯s important.¡± ¡°Thank you, Pebbles,¡± Naeemah said. Jeenie smirked, but the child grinned wide. ¡°Of course, my lady.¡± She turned heel and vanished back into the castle. ¡°Think about rehousing the Encroachers, my lady. If we¡¯re going to keep them here, they deserve better.¡± Jeenie touched Naeemah¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You¡¯ve done as much for the rest of us.¡± ¡°That is kind of you to say, thank you.¡± It was a relief that someone noticed her work. ¡°I will return soon.¡± ¡°Great. And, um, don¡¯t worry about me. I¡¯ll be okay.¡± Jeenie touched her stomach, then licked her lips. ¡°If, um, if you hear from him¡­ Tell Matt I said ¡®Hello.¡¯¡± She lowered her eyes and toyed with her hair. ¡°And he should come visit sometime.¡± Naeemah blinked and swallowed her initial response. ¡°Of course. Thank you, Jeenie.¡± A blend of not wanting to hear any more of Jeenie¡¯s exploits with Matt and the anxiety of an awaiting guest hastened her steps in returning to the citadel¡¯s main hall. But she was not expecting the person who awaited her. A straight-backed woman stood stalwart at the center of the room, wearing resplendent white robes embroidered with golden thread. More than a dozen tiny sapphires sparkled in the curled tendrils of her dark hair. Piercing blue eyes the color of a cloudless sky peered through the golden mask of Saoirse¡¯s aspect. ¡°Your grace,¡± Naeemah doubled her steps down the dais and fell to one knee. ¡°To what do I owe the honor?¡± ¡°Naeemah, please rise,¡± Saoirse¡¯s prophet said. She raised her arms and opened her hands so that her palms faced the ceiling. ¡°Saoirse blesses you this day. Truly, it is my pleasure to be here.¡± Naeemah stood, searching the filigreed mask in search of a piece to focus on that wasn¡¯t the prophet¡¯s gaze. It was disrespectful to raise your eyes above a Prophet of Saoirse¡¯s chin, but her eyes seemed to glow. It was uncanny. ¡°How may I be of assistance?¡± ¡°I mean not to interrupt your duties, Lady Naeemah. I was dispatched to your city when one of our order reported the results of Magni and Cailu¡¯s duel to Queen Nehalennia. It is my task to ensure that all was carried out accordingly.¡± There were rules, both written and unspoken, commanding a prophet¡¯s authority and the consequences of questioning Saoirse¡¯s chosen. But that did not stop Naeemah¡¯s curiosity from burning words into her tongue. ¡°May I ask how?¡± A slow smile spread across the prophet¡¯s lips, though it never seemed to reach her eyes. Her white teeth glittered in the lamplight, and she clasped her hands against her robe. ¡°While it is not in my interest to share that information, your understanding in this matter is appreciated. I have already collected a vast amount of information from the residents of R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨©, and my investigation will end with a simple sweep of the castle. I assure you, it will take very little time.¡± The smile on her face was more than amusement. It was a warning not to question her further. Will Cailu be tried? That wasn¡¯t for Naeemah to know, but the thought needled her heart. ¡°As you wish, your grace.¡± She moved aside and returned the small nod of understanding from the prophet. Naeemah would not stand in her way. For the next hour, Naeemah did her best to keep her mind and hands busy. But she found herself falling back into the hard-won habits of an [Assassin]. While changing into [Combat Mode] would likely see her arrested, she could still silently follow the prophet from a safe distance through the castle. No one knew its corridors and dark corners as well as she. The prophet asked a few questions of the servants of the citadel before calling on Svarga. Curious. Svarga led the prophet to Magni¡¯s bookkeeping room, where they seemed to spend the most amount of time. Their conversation was low and quiet¡ªtoo hushed for Naeemah to hear, which was unusual. Svarga left the prophet on her own, closing the door behind her before marching straight to where Naeemah stood in the shadows. Naeemah¡¯s eyes widened, but Svarga placed a finger to her lips and gestured for them to return to the main hall. ¡°Did she know that I¡ª¡± Naeemah began. Her face began to flush with panic. ¡°No, my lady. But you are not the only one who enjoys secretly having their ears to the walls.¡± Svarga smiled wryly. Naeemah closed her eyes and breathed deep. ¡°Why is she here?¡± ¡°A duel between men is unprecedented.¡± Svarga shrugged. ¡°In perfect honesty, I expected the queen herself to appear in our halls. There are a number of codes and laws to be followed in situations such as these.¡± ¡°Hm.¡± Naeemah considered her explanation. It made sense. A Prophet of Saoirse would be the second best person to investigate matters beyond the queen. Perhaps I am acting out of line. If Cailu needed a trial he would have written, or in dire circumstances he would have sent Matt or Tristan to tell her. Wouldn¡¯t he? ¡°Ah, you are both here. Very good.¡± The prophet appeared in the main hall once again, wearing the same sharp smile. ¡°I am finished with my research. Thank you for your time and understanding in this matter.¡± ¡°Your grace, you must have traveled very far. You are welcome to rest and regather your strength here if you so wish,¡± Naeemah offered. ¡°While your kindness is noted and appreciated, that will not be necessary.¡± The prophet raised both hands and muttered a quiet incantation. As the white portal split the air, Naeemah noticed a worn leather tome in the prophet¡¯s hand. ¡°I shall be in contact should I require anything else.¡± ¡°Your grace¡ª¡± Naeemah moved to stop her. The Prophet of Saoirse stepped through the portal and vanished. Chapter 262: The Devil in the Details Yanni¡¯s sandals clicked and clacked along one of the smooth roads of Zhuli, hands clasped in front of her. She¡¯d elected to stay in the back, where she could keep a close watch on Ravyn and Tristan, as well as the others in his Party. ¡°Thank you for showing us around,¡± Tristan said, glancing over his shoulder. His smile was so pure and unassuming. There was a sparkle in his expression, a joy in his tone; even his body language was warm and welcoming. Lots of gestures, all very expressive. ¡°You are most welcome. It is the least I could do for both Mistress Emberlynn and her daughter,¡± Yanni bowed at the neck. ¡°Living here must be like living in a dream,¡± Destiny remarked, her hand clasped in Tristan¡¯s. Yanni watched the exchange for some time, curious that neither one of them was eager or in any hurry to let go. Such exchanges were rare, generally only seen amongst family members or close friends. What was most interesting, however, was how bashful the one named Destiny acted the entire time. Pink cheeks, sweet tones, and stolen glances. ¡°The air is so crisp and clean and wonderful. Nothing at all like Shulan.¡± ¡°Maya and I used to soar down these ramps when we were kittens,¡± Ravyn snickered. Her familiar was perched on her shoulder, squinting his eyes and making noises that resembled whining rope when stretched too far. ¡°The wind feels great in your hair.¡± Despite Ravyn¡¯s protests to explore Zhuli and her apparent dislike for her mother¡¯s very existence, she smiled and carried an air of longing about her. Yanni had seen that expression countless times. It was usually carried by those returning from long journeys to the other islands or those who came from supply runs to Shulan. ¡°And you survived,¡± Lara said with amazement. ¡°We weren¡¯t fucking stupid,¡± Ravyn said with a roll of her eyes. ¡°We made sure the brakes worked.¡± ¡°You have bicycles?¡± Tristan asked. Ravyn sneered. ¡°No. And the carts don¡¯t have brakes, either.¡± Yanni heard Lara whisper to Destiny, ¡°What¡¯s a bicycle?¡± Yanni wondered how Ravyn and Maya survived in one piece if the intent was to break the cart at the end of the ramp. The only option otherwise would be for either of the young girls to stop the cart with their bodies. Perhaps ¡®breaking¡¯ referred to this practice. She noted Ravyn¡¯s curious story for later. ¡°The village looked a little different back then,¡± Ravyn continued, ¡°and the slopes weren¡¯t so damn steep.¡± She stopped and looked at Yanni over her shoulder. ¡°My mother says you¡¯ve been employed by her for ten years or so. She said I¡¯d recognize you, but I don¡¯t.¡± Yanni paused, and her heart skipped a beat. She needed to say something. In moments like these, hopping from one foot to the other alleviated her stress and anxiety, but such a mannerism would be unusual for a woman in her position. She had another solution. Drawing a slow, deep breath through her nose, she considered Ravyn¡¯s words and tried to pluck an old bookmark from her mind on her first day of employment. The memory came back to her, as fresh as it was the day it happened. ¡°Mistress Emberlynn wrote of my employment sometime after your departure from the estate. If the words of Mistress Emberlynn are to be believed¡ªand I see no reason to doubt them¡ªthen she would have mentioned me in her missives to you on several occasions.¡± She tapped her chin in thought before continuing. ¡°Yes. She has mentioned me many times.¡± Ravyn raised a brow and crossed her arms. Despite her brash words and¡­ revealing Shulan aesthetic, Yanni liked to believe that the daughter of Emberlynn was as powerful, intelligent, and wise as¡ª ¡°No, I don¡¯t remember you at all.¡± Yanni blinked and went wide-eyed. ¡°W-Wha? Eh?¡± Her shoulders slumped. ¡°N-N-Not at all?¡± Her heart sank and her dependable exterior began to fall. ¡°Not even a little bit.¡± No. No, no! Calm down. Breathe in and out. In and out. Yanni resumed her posture and formed her lips into a straight line. ¡°That¡­is most unfortunate. Perhaps you will remember at a later time.¡± Ravyn shrugged. ¡°Maybe. Hey, is Sachiko still running her tailoring business?¡± ¡°She is, but her daughter, Yukari, inherited it.¡± ¡°The creepy one,¡± Ravyn groaned. ¡°Take us to her.¡± The tips of Yanni¡¯s fingers tingled. The conversation was moving faster than she was comfortable with. She paused, and Ravyn gestured with a hand for her to continue. ¡°Y-yes,¡± Yanni managed. Tristan blinked and tilted his head at her. Destiny and Lara were looking at her now as well. She tightened her grip around her forearms, her knuckles turning white. Her nerves tacked her mind and mouth, and she swallowed. ¡°Very well.¡± Yanni thought to mention the fact that Ravyn had seemingly forgotten where Sachiko¡¯s shop was, but she couldn¡¯t think of a witty remark or comeback to help the conversation feel more natural. In instances like these, she found that simple affirmatory or negatory comments worked best. Laughter often landed her in social trouble, so she avoided giggling or snickering. Pointing down the alley to their right, Ravyn, Tristan, and the others waited and stared at her. Yanni quickly realized that they expected her to lead, and so she gracefully took the vanguard of the group, leading them down the alley past Sakura and Mimi¡¯s homes and onto the next stretch of street. She continued her march up the incline, then gestured for them to wait until a cart passed them by and walked across to the other row of homes and businesses. They came to a tall building, much taller than many of the other buildings in Zhuli, and Yanni motioned for them to wait on the sidewalk while she flicked her finger down a strip below a blue-white gemstone. The gem hummed with the motion of her finger, and a voice within beckoned them inside. ¡°Huh. A doorbell?¡± Tristan murmured. ¡°A ringing stone,¡± Ravyn corrected. ¡°Tristan¡¯s saying so many funny words today,¡± Lara noted listlessly. Yanni slid the santo door to the right¡ªa sliding door constructed of thin wooden beams latticed and fastened to a translucent sheet of santo paper¡ªand proffered a quick bow at the neck before entering. She stood to the side of the frame, gesturing for Ravyn and the others to enter ahead of her. Ravyn nodded before entering, and Tristan and his Party mirrored her. Ravyn stood to the opposite side, just as Yanni did, and shut the door behind her. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. ¡°This is not the face I was expecting.¡± A woman in traditional blue-and-white Zhuli robes approached, her footsteps as soft as ever. Her tail was long and thin, her ears sharp and pointy with a tuft of white within. They both carried the same dark hue of blue as the long hair on her head. She placed her hands on her hips and narrowed her gaze on Ravyn. ¡°To what do I owe the displeasure?¡± ¡°Cut the crap, Yukari,¡± Ravyn growled as she stepped forward. ¡°Is your mom in?¡± ¡°She is. But she is not well. What do you want?¡± Ravyn sighed. ¡°I need some adjustments made to my [Combat Mode] outfit.¡± Yukari raised a brow. ¡°I have not seen you in years, and the first time I see you again you ask me for a favor. I see you have not changed.¡± ¡°Squawwwk! Give her a fucking break! Squaawk!¡± the bird perched atop Ravyn¡¯s shoulder screamed. Yanni flinched, and her ears instinctively lurched forward. ¡°Look, we can play catch up later, but I got a big fucking list of things to do,¡± Ravyn growled before entering [Combat Mode]. Her Shulan attire vanished and was replaced by resplendent robes of red and gold. The jewelry alone would have fetched a fortune of Bells from the buyer, but the robes were just as exquisite. Such silks and stones could scarce be found anywhere else but San Island. ¡°Now can you fix it or not?¡± Yukari frowned and stepped forward. She brushed the fabric between her fingers and tugged at one of the seams. Then, she allowed it to fall from her hand, observing how it flowed. ¡°I do not understand. As far as I can see, there is nothing wrong with it. Ichi Island, am I right?¡± Ravyn drew a deep breath. Her brash attitude toward others was almost entertaining. Almost. ¡°Yes, I just want the damn thing trimmed.¡± Yukari rolled her eyes. ¡°Yes, you want to feel the breeze between your thighs.¡± She sighed. ¡°No modesty for Emberlynn¡¯s daughter.¡± ¡°Just fucking fix it.¡± Ravyn returned to [Civilian Mode] and set her [Cat Pack] on a nearby table where bolts of fabric lay. Carefully, she set each article of the set on the table, and her familiar flapped in a half-circle before landing on top of her head. ¡°There. When will it be done?¡± ¡°Bells first,¡± Yukari said. ¡°Then we talk.¡± Their relationship had even more friction to it than Yanni imagined. Yukari often spoke fondly of Ravyn, though expressed disdain for her lack of contact. There were many who believed just as Emberlynn had¡ªthat Ravyn had perished some time ago. Emberlynn kept such thoughts to herself, confiding in a rare few. Yanni considered herself lucky to be one of them, and she preferred to believe that Yukari, despite being short with Emberlynn¡¯s daughter, was at least somewhat happy to know that her friend was still alive. ¡°There. The usual, plus extra,¡± Ravyn said as if she had expected pushback from the moment she stepped inside. Yukari stepped over, examined each individual coin, then hummed to herself as she scooped the Bells into her hands. She walked over to a large wooden box and inserted a key. The top popped open, and she gently placed the coins inside before locking it again. ¡°Come back tomorrow,¡± Yukari said as she retrieved Ravyn¡¯s clothing. ¡°You and I can sit down for tea when you come back for them. You don¡¯t get them back until we do.¡± Ravyn sighed. ¡°Fine. Deal.¡± Yukari nodded, then disappeared behind a divider on the other side of the room. Ravyn turned around and marched past Yanni and the others, sliding open the door with oddly gentle motions, and then stepped outside. The others followed, and Yanni exited last and closed the door. ¡°That was tense,¡± Tristan said, rubbing the back of his head. The entire time they had walked, he had not let go of Destiny¡¯s hand even once. Yanni was certain of this. ¡°Are you okay?¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Ravyn said, ¡°I just forgot how much baggage I left behind.¡± ¡°What always cheers me up in these moments is a sweet piece of cake!¡± Destiny said with a raised finger. ¡°Maybe you would like a drink as well? You like alcohol, right?¡± ¡°I¡­ No thanks,¡± Ravyn said. Now that was interesting. If Ravyn was the type to consume alcoholic beverages, then she should have been more than ready to accept. Yet, she showed hesitance. Considering Destiny¡¯s comment, something had to have changed that the others were unaware of. Yanni bookmarked this event in her mind for future use. ¡°Weird,¡± Lara hummed as she stepped forward to stare at Ravyn. ¡°Your fire is missing.¡± Ravyn put her hand against Lara¡¯s face and pushed her away. ¡°Are we continuing the tour or what?¡± Yanni nodded, prepared with a bookmark for just such an occasion. ¡°Yes. I know of a quaint little restaurant that we can rest at.¡± ¡°Oh, I like quaint!¡± Destiny said. Tristan looked at Destiny, smiling wide. Destiny leaned her head against his shoulder. ¡°Then let¡¯s go there.¡± Yanni led the way once more, and their Party found themselves close to the bottom of the main incline. The shop was closed, and a sign expressing that the owner had made a trip to Shulan for spices was plastered to the front of the santo door. ¡°How peculiar,¡± Yanni said. ¡°Should we go somewhere else?¡± Destiny asked, a hint of disappointment in her voice. ¡°Yes, I suppose we should,¡± Yanni said, distracted by the sign. She stepped forward and brushed her finger across the parchment. A thick layer of dust coated her fingertip. As she lifted the corner and noted the stark contrast of the door¡¯s white paper beneath, everything became clear. It had been a month since that sign was put up¡ªYanni was certain that it was this very same one. ¡°Is something wrong?¡± Tristan asked. Such an inquisitive man. ¡°This is most unusual. Karaka is a prompt woman. She takes exceptional pride in her work and her business. She should have returned by now.¡± ¡°How long has she been gone for?¡± Destiny asked. ¡°One month.¡± A sinking sensation in the pit of Yanni¡¯s stomach formed as she silently noted her lack of visitation with Karaka for so long. ¡°No fucking way that it takes a month to get spices from Shulan and come back,¡± Ravyn said. Yanni glanced at her. There was still the brashness to her voice, the irritation in her tone. But somewhere in there she was sure she heard a hint of concern. Perhaps Ravyn was more like her mother than Yanni initially thought. ¡°That is correct. Karaka is not the type to leave and never return. There are many who depend on her.¡± ¡°Something stinks,¡± Lara said, sniffing the air. ¡°That¡¯s rotting fish,¡± Ravyn sighed. ¡°Oh!¡± Karaka was a fair friend of Yanni¡¯s. However, Emberlynn had made it quite clear that she was to act as her mouthpiece and guide Ravyn and Tristan as necessary. She stepped back. ¡°My apologies. We shall visit another restaurant.¡± Yanni began her walk up the road when Tristan stopped her. ¡°You don¡¯t want to look for her?¡± Tristan asked. Yanni looked at him over her shoulder, blinking. ¡°From the way you talked about her, it sounds like she¡¯s your friend.¡± How observant. Yanni had taken great care not to exhibit emotions or gestures which would suggest such things. Perhaps her word choice had been the problem. Regardless, Tristan was able to discern their friendship from very little. That was to be lauded. ¡°Yes. I do wish to look for her.¡± Yanni turned around, hands clasped. ¡°However, Mistress Emberlynn was clear on what she expected of me.¡± Ravyn mimicked her silently and mouthed the words. ¡°Who fucking cares what my mom thinks? Your friend¡¯s missing. Doesn¡¯t that bother you?¡± Yanni swallowed, and her nerves began to fight back. The conversation was moving too fast again. ¡°Y-yes.¡± Rayvn blinked. ¡°So, let¡¯s go look for her. See if someone saw her leave. If this restaurant perks up the ears like you¡¯re suggesting, then I¡¯m sure someone else has looked into it.¡± Yanni blinked. ¡°Yes.¡± Her mind was becoming a fog. Her fingers writhed. She had to say something. ¡°P-p-please. C-can we find her?¡± Tristan smiled and Ravyn smirked. Then they nodded. Chapter 263: A Test of Temperance Destiny held fast to Tristan¡¯s hand as Yanni and Ravyn led the march to¡­wherever they planned on going next. Ravyn spoke her ideas so rapidly and Yanni would nod her head as if in agreement, but she wore a perplexed expression all the while. Well, at least I¡¯m not the only one who feels that way around Ravyn. Tristan slowed his pace, and Destiny lagged behind with him. Lara glanced over her shoulder, shrugged, then skipped to catch up to Yanni. ¡°Are you really feeling better?¡± Tristan murmured. ¡°Yes, thank you,¡± Destiny replied quickly. When Lara had asked her if she wanted to return home, every nerve in her body had screamed, ¡®Yes!¡¯ But the thought of leaving Tristan behind¡­ She glanced at their entwined hands. No, this was where she should be. ¡°I¡¯ve been worried about you, Destiny. That I¡¯m asking too much of you.¡± A sad smile crept across her mouth. ¡°It¡¯s not that. I¡­¡± Heat gathered in her cheeks, and she flushed. Tristan lowered his voice. ¡°You can tell me. We¡¯ve always told each other everything, remember?¡± Her blush deepened and the sways of her tail matched her speeding heartbeat. ¡°I-I know.¡± Tristan had always been her best friend. Besides Lara, there was no one else in Nyarlea who knew her better. Trust him or go home. Are you really going to screw this up? Destiny chewed her lower lip. ¡°Well, it¡¯s just that I want to help you so badly.¡± She hissed in air, then let her confession out in one quick run of words. ¡°I don¡¯t want to hold you back.¡± Tristan considered her words for some time. ¡°What makes you think you hold me back?¡± ¡°Because. I¡¯m not smart like Ravyn, or as good in combat as Zahra, and I can¡¯t talk to the Elements like Lara,¡± Destiny admitted. The boulder-sized mound of anxiety she¡¯d carried with her since they¡¯d arrived on San Island began to fall apart pebble by pebble. ¡°I wasn¡¯t very helpful on Ichi Island, and I haven¡¯t helped here. A better Party member would have contributed something to your meeting with Emberlynn, not crumble like a sugar cube in tea.¡± He chuckled, and she averted her gaze. She hadn¡¯t meant to be funny. That was the best analogy you could come up with? But he pulled her closer so that their shoulders touched. ¡°I think you¡¯re intelligent, capable, and terrifying in a fight.¡± He scratched the back of his neck¡ªa new gesture Destiny believed he¡¯d picked up from Matt. ¡°The thing is, you¡¯re still the only person I feel like I can be myself around. We can just talk without expectations or judgments or hidden motivations. And that is worth more to me than Stats, or Skills, or all the Bells in the world.¡± Destiny¡¯s jaw dropped, and she scrambled for her reply. Was she really deserving of such kind words from Tristan? Surely, he¡¯d meant them for someone else. Before she could compose a coherent sentence, Ravyn¡¯s brash call pierced her thoughts. ¡°Hey! You two coming or not?¡± ¡°We¡¯ll talk more later, okay?¡± Tristan murmured. Destiny nodded, and he released her hand before jogging to catch up with the others. Destiny took a moment to compose her breathing and smooth her skirts. To be worth so much in his eyes¡­ She shook her head and hastened her steps. ¡°Hm. Earth likes this house,¡± Lara noted. ¡°He says the foundations sound like him.¡± They stood on the doorstep of another building that shared a very similar structure to the surrounding dwellings, with geometric shapes and hanging lattices. Cloth lanterns with bright streamers flanked the doorway, and a silver tiger statue stood poised to protect its home. Yanni blinked. ¡°Does Earth have an opinion of me?¡± ¡°Earth doesn¡¯t think much of anyone.¡± Lara shrugged. ¡°Actually, he liked Ichi quite a bit¡ª¡± ¡°Mou ii! We¡¯re burning daylight, ladies!¡± Ravyn pushed Yanni aside and triggered the ringing stone. ¡°Please f-forgive me,¡± Yanni muttered. Yanni was difficult to read. Her expressions and mannerisms took such drastic shifts that Destiny couldn¡¯t decide if the young woman was uncomfortable or unfeeling. As she tried to discern what Yanni was feeling in that moment, the curious paper door slid to the side. How do they expect paper doors to weather the rain? Destiny had tried to steal a whiff of the material at Yukari¡¯s house, but the familiar scents of Alchemy were absent. If they were coated in a chemical, it wasn¡¯t one Destiny recognized. ¡°Yanni? Goodness, it¡¯s been an age since I saw you last.¡± A woman with deep-set wrinkles and silver streaks in her jet-black mane greeted Yanni with a bow. Her ankle-length, intricately embroidered sleeves brushed the ground, then retracted as she straightened. ¡°And, Saoirse¡¯s Blessing, Ravyn? Is that you?¡± ¡°Yes. Hello, Miss Chinatsu.¡± Ravyn crossed her arms over her chest and heaved a sigh. ¡°Kuso, it¡¯s gonna be like this everywhere, isn¡¯t it¡ª¡± Ravyn¡¯s thought was interrupted by a strident smack! Chinatsu moved with a speed far beyond what her age would suggest and what Destiny would have imagined her sleeves to allow. ¡°How dare you leave your mother to fend for herself? Do you understand what you¡¯ve done?¡± Chinatsu¡¯s calm greeting turned turbulent, and spittle flared from her mouth. Ravyn¡¯s lips pulled into a long, thin line as Ball Gag screamed profanities from her shoulder. ¡°TOUCH HER AGAIN AND I¡¯LL RIP YOUR EYES OUT! SQUAWWWK!¡± ¡°Bally. Hush.¡± The bird quieted, though his chest puffed, and he raised his wings. Ravyn narrowed her gaze at Chinatsu. Her fiery tone turned to ice as she dropped her arms to her sides. ¡°We¡¯re not here to chit-chat about Zhuli politics, Chinatsu.¡± Tristan stepped forward. ¡°Please pardon the intrusion, Miss Chinatsu, but this is quite urgent.¡± The old woman gasped. ¡°It can¡¯t be. Is Cailu dead?¡± Chinatsu looked from Tristan to Ravyn. ¡°Did you bring him to ruin as well?¡± Destiny gaped. Ravyn could be¡­a lot to handle, but certainly she didn¡¯t deserve so much hatred. This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. Ball squawked words that Destiny had never heard before. Ravyn scooped his talons onto her hand and launched him into the air. He flapped away, singing more strings of angry profanities as Ravyn ran her fingers through her hair. ¡°Cailu¡¯s fine. My sister¡¯s fine,¡± Ravyn snapped. ¡°Now, would you shut up and listen to them?¡± Yanni tapped her fingertips together in a rhythmic fashion. ¡°Miss Chinatsu, please. Ravyn has been nothing but forthcoming since her return, and I would be honored to tell you what has transpired at a later date. But I am worried for Karaka,¡± she said, calling Chinatsu¡¯s attention back to herself. ¡°Have you seen her as of late?¡± Chinatsu¡¯s demeanor softened when she addressed Yanni. As if she was turning from a petulant child to a dear companion. The sudden shift was very much like Celestia¡¯s changes in her mood. Destiny shivered. ¡°Not for a few weeks, at least. I¡¯d assumed she moved away from Zhuli like the others.¡± ¡°The others?¡± Tristan asked. ¡°Yes.¡± Chinatsu shot a furious glance toward Ravyn. ¡°Not all of Zhuli¡¯s citizens are content in knowing the next in line to Emberlynn¡¯s empire is a kitten.¡± Ravyn clenched her fists, and her ears flattened. ¡°Where the hell else are they going to go on San Island? Shulan? That city¡¯s gone to shit. Binh Lai? I can¡¯t see Yukari living in a shack like that¡ª¡± ¡°Stop this. Both of you,¡± Tristan said sharply, startling Destiny. He so rarely demanded anything that hearing his voice take on such a stern tone was jarring. ¡°Do you know where Karaka would have gone? Did she have plans to open a new restaurant?¡± Chinatsu chewed her lip, then shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know where any of them went. I pray to the goddess somewhere better. Zhuli is my birthplace and will serve as my casket.¡± ¡°She would have told me,¡± Yanni muttered. ¡°I remember. It was raining. She needed a friend to talk to, and she served me my favorite dumplings and poja tea. Karaka promised she would tell me if she decided to leave Zhuli.¡± Tristan placed a hand on Yanni¡¯s shoulder. She looked at it with wide eyes and straightened her posture. ¡°Thank you, Chinatsu. We¡¯ll keep looking,¡± he said. ¡°Will you leave us again, Ravyn? Abandon the home that raised you?¡± Chinatsu¡¯s shrill voice returned. Lara nodded at, well, something, then snaked her arm through Ravyn¡¯s. ¡°Let¡¯s go, Ravyn. Fire says she isn¡¯t going to stop anytime soon.¡± Destiny watched as Ravyn let herself be led away by Lara. Snapping back to attention, Destiny curtsied to the uproarious old woman, and she and Yanni hurried to their group. ¡°Who the fuck does she think she is?¡± Ravyn snarled. ¡°How dare she?¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter what she thinks of you, Ravyn. And what you decide to do with your family¡¯s estate is your own battle. But right now, we need to help Yanni find her friend,¡± Tristan said, gesturing to a blanched Yanni. You¡¯ve changed, Tristan. Ravyn frowned and raised an arm. Ball swooped down from the sky and perched on her forearm with more choice grumbles before sidling up to her shoulder and caressing her face with his beak. They paused on the road once they were out of shouting distance of Chinatsu. Her striking Ravyn still rang in Destiny¡¯s ears, teasing memories of the school from carefully buried recesses. No. It¡¯s over. I have to focus. ¡°Yanni, is there anywhere you can think of that Karaka would have gone? Friends? Family?¡± Tristan asked. ¡°She had many customers but very few friends. She once told me that her mother passed seven years ago.¡± Yanni paused and touched her chin. After a moment, she nodded. ¡°I helped her build a small remembrance shrine five years and twenty three days ago. The trees were blossoming and we picked yellow flowers.¡± ¡°Wow. That¡¯s quite a memory,¡± Destiny remarked. Yanni blinked, and pink tinged her face. ¡°Thank you. Karaka¡¯s life was in Zhuli. I truly believe she would have told me if she were leaving.¡± ¡°Then let¡¯s start there. Maybe we can find something in the restaurant,¡± Tristan suggested. ¡°Hopefully, more than rotten fish,¡± Ravyn grumbled. ¡°Ah, Ravyn. Fire is proud of you. He¡¯s begging me to tell you,¡± Lara said. ¡°Hm? Why not? Well, yes, I¡­but you are begging!¡± Ravyn unhooked her arm from Lara¡¯s and stormed off in the direction of the restaurant. ¡°Okay. That¡¯s enough. Let¡¯s go.¡± The journey back to Karaka¡¯s restaurant was much faster than their trip to Chinatsu¡¯s house. And much less pleasant. Destiny hoped she could hold Tristan¡¯s hand again soon. Yanni slid the door to the side without resistance, and the acrid smell of rotting fish assaulted Destiny¡¯s nostrils. She wrinkled her nose¡ªshe¡¯d smelled far more potent alchemical ingredients¡ªbut Tristan¡¯s complexion took on a green tint. ¡°Tristan? Are you okay?¡± Destiny asked. He waved his hand with a weak smile and stepped inside. ¡°I¡¯ll be okay. Just, uh, reminds me of home. I¡¯ll get used to it.¡± Home? Destiny had seen Tristan¡¯s home in the mirror. It didn¡¯t seem like somewhere with the smell of rotting fish, but she didn¡¯t wish to pry. She hummed a reply and crossed the threshold. The welcome room was a dining hall with ten circular tables that were very low to the ground. Instead of traditional chairs, five plush green pillows framed each table. Three of the four walls were covered in bright paintings that spanned from one corner to the other. Flowering trees, running rivers, kites high in the sky, and colorful fish. ¡°Sumi-e,¡± Tristan murmured as he gazed at the artwork. ¡°I recognize that style. It¡¯s beautiful.¡± ¡°Karaka painted them herself. My friend is a woman of many talents,¡± Yanni explained. ¡°I¡¯ll check the kitchen,¡± Ravyn said, jerking a thumb over her shoulder. She didn¡¯t wait for confirmation before she vanished down a dark hallway. ¡°I will look in Karaka¡¯s quarters,¡± Yanni offered. ¡°Wind says to go with you.¡± Lara scrunched her brow, then added, ¡°Jeez, you should be a little more trusting.¡± ¡°Y-yes.¡± Yanni¡¯s eyes flickered between Lara and Tristan. ¡°Destiny and I will start here, then,¡± Tristan said. ¡°We¡¯ll come find you if anything turns up.¡± ¡°Understood. And Tristan¡­ Thank you.¡± Yanni bowed at the neck. ¡°This way, then, Lara.¡± Once they had disappeared, the tense air alleviated and Destiny exhaled. ¡°I hope we can help Yanni.¡± ¡°Me, too.¡± Tristan moved to the far corner of the dining room. ¡°Let¡¯s start on opposite ends?¡± ¡°Sure!¡± Destiny replied with more excitement than she intended. She turned away so Tristan couldn¡¯t see her blush and shuffled to the other corner of the room. ¡°What is it that I¡¯m looking for?¡± she called over her shoulder. ¡°Anything that seems out of place. A note, a [Cat Pack], signs of a fight. Something that would explain where Karaka went,¡± Tristan said. He knelt and his head vanished behind one of the tables. Destiny followed suit, crouching on all fours and peering underneath the tables. Beyond a layer of dust that had built up over time, the floors were clean. She wiped one finger over the tiles and found that they¡¯d been freshly waxed before the grime had a chance to build. A stray napkin had snuck its way into the connection between the base and the center brace, but otherwise, Karaka had kept a tidy restaurant. ¡°Hm. Tristan, I don¡¯t see¡ª¡± Destiny shuffled out from under the third table, but her words were cut short by the sight of a thin, black tendril that crawled along the bottom of the wall. ¡°Destiny?¡± ¡°Sorry, one moment.¡± She crawled to the wall and leaned forward. At first, she was certain that her eyes were playing tricks on her¡ªthe way it waved and moved nearly matched the mural behind it. However, tiny white flowers sprouted from the tendril every few handspans. She reached forward and pinched it. It was a vine. ¡°Tristan, this could be a San Island custom, but I¡¯ve never seen a plant like this before.¡± Tristan crossed the room and knelt next to her. He squinted his eyes and poked at one of the flowers. ¡°Even so, why grow it so out of the way? Wouldn¡¯t you want to put it on display?¡± ¡°Well, since Karaka studied [Cooking], it could be an ingredient that required certain conditions. A number of plants in Alchemy are like that, too. However, this looks less like a plant used for ingredients and more like a weed.¡± Destiny shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s probably nothing. But I¡¯d like to take a little bit of it and find out its use. I¡¯ve never seen a black vine before.¡± ¡°Oh. Sure. Do you have a knife?¡± Destiny nodded and extracted a paring knife from her [Cat Pack]. ¡°I always keep one on me.¡± She pinched the vine between two fingers and brought the sharpened edge below it. ¡°I never know when I can make a few more potions!¡± she added brightly, then cut upward. Hiss! The noise startled them both. A viscous red liquid poured from the incision onto Destiny¡¯s hand, and she shrieked with surprise. The vine was bleeding. Chapter 264: Moon’s Shadow Karaka had always been the type to let others know where she was going and when it would be so. She and Yanni shared much together, and Yanni came to appreciate Karaka not only as a chef but as one of her closest friends. Many nights and events were bookmarked in Yanni¡¯s mind, and she so badly wanted to reminisce. However, she couldn¡¯t afford a lapse in judgment, and so she abstained. Yanni narrowed her gaze on a small bracelet on Karaka¡¯s desk. It was a memento from her late mother, given away on her deathbed. From what Yanni was told, it was a gift from one of the San Island men long before Cailu Raloquen¡¯s time. Yanni picked up the bracelet, handling it as if the slightest breeze would snap it apart. Beads of black and white were held together by strong twine which time had managed to fray just slightly. Minor spots and specks of dirt matted the braiding, but it was otherwise in good condition, considering its age. Strange that she would leave without it. In fact, much of the room was strange, for that matter. A thin layer of dust covered much of the room¡¯s make, most notably the harder surfaces, such as the desk and table. The wall was still clean. Setting the bracelet down, she approached one side of the wall, brushing her pointer finger down a gap where two painted wall scrolls hung. She rubbed the finger against her thumb, frowning when not a single hint of dirt or dust came off. How odd. There should be something. She continued to comb the room with her gaze. She memorized the bracelet, the desk, how the light hit the floorboards, and every single object and piece of furniture. She stopped when her eyes met the flowerpot in the corner closest to the door. The white dolly¡ªa type of flower with white petals shaped like tiny arms and legs, pink tips, and beautiful golden anthers¡ªwas gone. Yanni plucked the last bookmark she held of this room¡ªone month ago¡ªand replayed the memory in her mind¡¯s eye. Yes. The flower was in full bloom. Healthy, watered, brimming with life. The flowerpot was there¡­ The flowerpot had been moved. Unlikely to be important, but the flowerpot had made a distinct groove in the floor where it had resided for so long. A groove that was easily seen. Karaka had made a point of replacing the floorboards in her room due to the building¡¯s age, and the flowerpot had served as an everlasting reminder of the condensation and rot that had built up over time from repeated watering. Yanni had suggested she relocate the pot into another room if she was concerned about more water damage, but Karaka had shaken her head and emphasized that the flower was a great distraction in case she had company over. And now that flower was gone. The soil in the flowerpot was a perfectly shaped mound of dirt¡ªwhich was unusual. Karaka, as dedicated as she was to maintaining a clean and enjoyable environment for her patrons, was a pragmatic woman. So long as the flower itself was presentable, the shape of the mound did not matter. But the pot appears to have not been tampered with. A gentle scratching sound suddenly caught her attention. Yanni frowned and murmured, ¡°[Combat Mode].¡± Red and black traditional San Island armor cupped the top half of her left arm. As she steadily moved closer, the plates of her armor shifted like the underbelly of a snake. A demonic visage shaped the metal over her shoulder and was tied snugly by a strap around her upper arm. Slowly, she placed her right hand on the longer of the two swords that had appeared around her sash, ready to draw the katana at a moment¡¯s notice. As Yanni neared the sound, the scratching warped into a slither, and as she came close, she saw it. A tendril black as the night was tucked away in the corner, hiding behind the flowerpot. White flowers barely half the size of a Bell coin curled and uncurled like fingers on a hand. They trembled and vibrated. The sight of the thing chilled her to her core. As part of her mandatory training, Yanni had learned much about gardening from both Mistress Emberlynn and those she employed. During that time, she had memorized all there was to know about San Island¡¯s flora. She could claim, with absolute certainty, that this plant was not native to San Island. A shriek echoed throughout the hall behind her. Yanni spun on her heel and dashed back into the main room to see Destiny reeling back from the wall. ¡°[Combat Mode]!¡± Tristan cried. A long brown overcoat with a red scarf dressed the young man in an instant as he moved forward to bar Destiny with his gloved arm. A hiss followed from the wall, and as Yanni turned to look, she saw another tendril of black descend against the wall until it disappeared. Yanni rushed to Tristan¡¯s side when Ravyn and Lara appeared behind her shortly after. Ravyn¡¯s feathery familiar had its wings spread wide and its beak held low. Yanni narrowed in on where she¡¯d seen the tendril move. She bookmarked the memory, steadied her breathing, and gripped the handle of her sword, confident that the vine would appear again. Her nerves relaxed, her senses honed, and any semblance of nervousness and anxiety vacated from her body at the thought of the thrill of combat. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Tristan asked. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m fine,¡± Destiny breathed. Ravyn, Destiny, and Lara said, ¡°[Combat Mode],¡± and they all waited in silence for more to happen. ¡°We will get nowhere like this,¡± Yanni said as she marched toward the wall. Tristan grabbed her by the bend of her elbow, and she did not look back. Even a moment¡¯s hesitation could spell disaster. ¡°Release me, Tristan.¡± ¡°Hang on, we don¡¯t know what¡¯s back there,¡± Tristan hissed. ¡°I don¡¯t want to see anyone get hurt.¡± Yanni shook her head. ¡°I will not place myself at unnecessary risk.¡± She shook his grasp away and neared, readying into [Iai Stance]¡ªa [Myrmidon] stance that significantly increased the power and speed of a draw cut. Leaning forward, she turned her ears to the wall. The hissing noise grew louder. She allowed her ears to guide her, and before she could visually acknowledge what was about to happen, she drew her sword and slashed downward in a single, swift motion. A ringing screech filled the air, and a small portion of [Energy] was restored to her¡ªthe confirmation she had performed the technique to perfection. The lithe tentacle fell on top of the table closest to the wall, wriggling and shriveling up. Unlike the one earlier, this one was larger, thicker. The remainder of the tentacle retreated behind the table, and as it did, Yanni kicked the table over so it fell to her left. What remained of the tendril slithered into the floor and Yanni hissed through her teeth. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°What the fuck was that? Squaaaawk!¡± Ravyn¡¯s bird cried. ¡°A sign to quit as a horticulturist,¡± Ravyn said. Yanni hesitated to sheathe her sword in the event that another dangerous foe was still close by, but the Enchantment on her sword was at its strongest just before it was unleashed from its scabbard. Apprehension in her movement, she held the sword perpendicular to her gaze and brushed her first two fingers against the flat, just as Mistress Emberlynn had instructed her. The sword glowed with a violet light, then the blood was no more. She carefully sheathed the katana, grateful that nothing else attacked them, then turned to face Ravyn. ¡°We must pursue it,¡± Yanni said, ¡°before it can be allowed to hurt anyone.¡± ¡°Anyone else, you mean,¡± Ravyn said. ¡°It¡¯s pretty damn evident this thing hurt Karaka.¡± ¡°Are you alright, Destiny?¡± Tristan asked as he helped her to her feet. Destiny offered a short nod. ¡°Yes, I think so. It didn¡¯t cut me or anything like that.¡± Her gaze traveled to the dismembered tendril on the floor. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen anything like it.¡± Lara shook her head. ¡°Neither have I.¡± Yanni stared at the tentacle for some time. There was an identical one in Karaka¡¯s room, and she began to wonder if more of these plants might be around the city. ¡°I worry for the other citizens of Zhuli.¡± ¡°So do I,¡± Ravyn said. ¡°We should ask around the city and see if anyone else has seen them,¡± Lara said. ¡°Wind thinks there¡¯s more going on here than¡ªhow did you put it? Ah. Yes. Than meets the eye.¡± ¡°I agree,¡± Tristan said. ¡°We should get out of here in the meantime.¡± ¡°Let us dismantle the one I saw in Karaka¡¯s room, first,¡± Yanni said as she started back to her friend¡¯s room. She heard the agreeing voices of Tristan and Ravyn behind her, but when she returned to the room, she was alarmed to find that the plant was gone. ¡°What?¡± She carefully extracted the shorter blade¡ªa wakizashi¡ªfrom its scabbard and used it to tip over the jar. It fell to its side, pouring the dirt onto the floor, but the tendrils that had been hiding behind it were nowhere to be seen. ¡°Did you find it?¡± Destiny asked from behind her. ¡°No. It is not here.¡± Yanni sheathed the short sword and looked over her shoulder to see Tristan and Destiny standing there. ¡°I am worried.¡± ¡°We don¡¯t know that anything¡¯s happened,¡± Destiny said, though her tone said she didn¡¯t believe it, ¡°so we¡¯ll keep looking. It shriveled and screeched when I cut it. Are the tendrils possibly connected?¡± ¡°Like a tree?¡± Lara asked. ¡°Yes, like a tree. Very good,¡± Ravyn said, rolling her eyes. Perhaps what Destiny said was true, and the tendrils were part of a greater mass. That did not account for why these tendrils were here to begin with, however. Yanni thought for a time but eventually shook her head, deciding that Tristan¡¯s course of action was the correct one. ¡°I hope we find your friend soon,¡± Lara said. She gaped and reeled her head back. ¡°Wind! Don¡¯t say things like that!¡± ¡°Let us leave,¡± Yanni said, glancing at the bracelet before leaving behind them. ¡°There is nothing more we can do here.¡± After Destiny was done taking a sample of the shriveled plant, Yanni followed her and the others out of the shop. ¡°Where should we start?¡± Lara asked, yawning. Does she not understand how dire this situation is? ¡°Anywhere. Everywhere,¡± Ravyn said, crossing her arms. ¡°We can¡¯t just assume this creepy thing works like any other flower. We found it attached to the walls and floorboards. Should assume it can go anywhere it wants.¡± ¡°I agree,¡± Destiny said, nodding. Yanni found her tone odd. Until now, Destiny appeared to be the sensitive type. Agreed easily, buckled under heavy loads of stress, apologized profusely. Now, however, she carried an oddly confident tone to her voice. Yanni bookmarked the event. ¡°Yanni, may I ask where a shop that sells flowers and other flora might be?¡± Yanni blinked, quickly plucking a memory from her mind. ¡°Yes.¡± She pointed up the incline three blocks down. ¡°Zestra owns a flower shop this way.¡± Destiny nodded and walked beside her, smiling. Yanni found this interesting. Once they arrived at the shop, Yanni slid the santo door to the side, and a cheerful, ¡°Welcome in!¡± rang against the walls. The entrance was made of wood, descending to a path of cobblestone and dirt. Plants were potted in varying patterns, positioned against the walls, hanging from the ceiling, and adorning the shelves and desks nearby. Moments later, a woman with large arms and red hair tied back into twin tails approached, patting her gloved hands free of dirt. Zestra stood a head taller than any one of them, and her dark green eyes bore into the members of Yanni¡¯s group. ¡°Oh, Yanni! Haven¡¯t seen you in a while!¡± Yanni bowed at the neck. ¡°It is good to see you, Zestra.¡± She narrowed her gaze, then looked at the others. ¡°Who¡¯re your friends?¡± ¡°You may remember Ravyn. Tristan is here on assistance from Shi Island with his Party of Destiny and Lara,¡± Yanni introduced them quickly. ¡°We come with a concern.¡± Tristan moved to step forward, but Destiny barred him gently and approached with a smile. ¡°We had contact with a strange plant. We were hoping you might be able to tell us about it.¡± ¡°Strange plant?¡± Zestra frowned. Destiny nodded. Something had fundamentally changed in her, and Yanni watched carefully. ¡°It has black, thin vines, produces white flowers with a yellow stigma.¡± She blinked, then she pointed at a collection of white dollies. They were in smaller flowerpots that the one Karaka had in her room and hadn¡¯t yet bloomed. ¡°Are those white dollies?¡± Zestra glanced at them. ¡°They sure are! Not even a week old! Should bloom in a couple of days.¡± She crossed her arms. ¡°But those aren¡¯t what you¡¯re looking for, are they?¡± ¡°No, but they looked similar,¡± Destiny said, pinching her chin. ¡°Have you heard or seen anything like that growing out of place as of late? Like a weed that creeps indoors?¡± ¡°Hm.¡± Zestra nodded. ¡°Heard of it, yeah. Seen it myself, no.¡± ¡°You haven¡¯t taken a look at them?¡± Tristan asked, frowning. ¡°Not for lack of trying,¡± Zestra shrugged. She scratched the top of her head and sniffed. ¡°Every time I go over to someone¡¯s place to have a look at it, they¡¯re not home.¡± Yanni¡¯s ears perked up. ¡°Hold. Have you reported this to the guard?¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t see a reason to. People aren¡¯t always home. Didn¡¯t hear any screaming.¡± ¡°Zestra. I ask that you think long and hard,¡± Yanni said, stepping forward. ¡°How many times have you heard of this plant?¡± Zestra blinked. ¡°Twice? Maybe three times?¡± ¡°Peculiar, but not enough that most people would be concerned,¡± Tristan said as if he were saying it to himself. ¡°Circumstantial.¡± ¡°You should¡¯ve reported it,¡± Ravyn snapped. ¡°Who knows where they might be now?¡± ¡°Whoa, whoa,¡± Zestra said, gesturing with her hands. ¡°Slow down. Where they ¡®might¡¯ be? What are you talking about?¡± ¡°Mou ii, what does it matter now? Give us the names, and we¡¯ll check it out ourselves.¡± ¡°What are you planning on doing? Breaking in?¡± Ravyn smirked. ¡°I would never.¡± ¡°Key to the castle, key to the castle, squaaawwwk!¡± the bird bellowed loudly enough that Yanni¡¯s ears bent forward. ¡°We will speak with the guard,¡± Yanni said, rubbing the side of her head. ¡°We must find these women immediately.¡± ¡°What are you expecting to find?¡± Zestra asked. Yanni drew a deep breath and averted her gaze. ¡°Corpses.¡± Chapter 265: Justice is Mine Yanni marched through the streets of Zhuli up to the front gate of the Emberlynn estate with the fate of her friend at the front of her mind. Tristan and his Party followed close behind, their vocal concerns rising alongside her silent worries. Zestra¡¯s words repeated over and over in her head, and she wondered just how long this seemingly innocuous plant had resided within Zhuli¡¯s borders. Emberlynn¡¯s usual guards weren¡¯t stationed today. Instead, the duty fell to Sakura and Bokoro¡ªcatgirls whose responsibilities typically fell under the category of servitude. However, anyone who was employed by Mistress Emberlynn was expected to learn how to hone their Class and commit to guard duties as their job required. These two were still in training. ¡°Y-Yanni,¡± Sakura blinked. ¡°What are you doing back so soon?¡± ¡°I come to you with a request.¡± Yanni rummaged through her [Cat Pack] for the list of names Zestra had supplied her with. There were four in total. While Tristan held a sizeable amount of power on the island, Zhuli¡¯s citizens would feel more at ease if Mistress Emberlynn¡¯s guards requested a search. She glanced at Karaka¡¯s name, then looked up as she handed the sheet of paper to the closer guard, Bokoro. ¡°There are citizens of Zhuli missing. We need to search their homes.¡± ¡°Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold on. Where¡¯s this coming from? Why?¡± Sakura asked, shouldering her spear. ¡°Are you sure they¡¯re missing? They could have traveled to another city or be out on errands.¡± Yanni plucked a few bookmarks from her mind. She came prepared with answers to every question, including some of the stranger ones that Sakura or Bokoro might ask. They¡¯d worked together every day for the last year, and Yanni had taken innumerable notes regarding their body language, tone, and favored conversation topics. ¡°We have already surmised that many of them are absent for less-than-likely reasons.¡± Yanni gestured with her head. ¡°Please commit the names to memory and pass them to the guards. We will continue our search while you investigate their homes. Keep an eye out for a black plant with white flowers. It is extremely dangerous. If you see it, engage with caution.¡± Sakura blinked. A typical response. The girl did not do well in circumstances that required expedited measures, especially in the realms of combat or security. ¡°I, uh¡ª¡± ¡°Do not think. Just contact the other guards and make it happen. Do you understand?¡± Bokoro folded the sheet of paper and tucked it into her [Cat Pack]. Unlike Sakura, Bokoro could handle the pressure. In fact, she seemed to revel in it. She was on the reserved side, but she was by no means shy or timid. No, indeed she was the type to think things through carefully, meticulously, and learn from her mistakes. Yanni knew she could count on Bokoro to distribute the names to the other guards. Sakura, she was not so sure. ¡°I understand,¡± Bokoro said. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it.¡± ¡°You have my thanks.¡± Yanni turned and motioned for the others to come along with her. They followed her in stride, and Ravyn whistled once they were out of earshot. ¡°You sure know how to handle yourself,¡± Ravyn remarked. ¡°How could I forget someone like you?¡± Yanni ignored the pang of insignificance she felt and quickened her pace. ¡°I do not know. Let us continue, please.¡± ¡°H-hang on,¡± Lara breathed as she lagged behind. Yanni stopped and observed her over her shoulder. Lara leaned with her hands on her knees, heaving deep breaths. This was odd, considering her history as a Shi Island maid. As she understood it, Madame Celestia was a ruthless and cunning leader who never settled for anything less than the best. Each maid should have had exquisite amounts of stamina and [Energy]. ¡°W-we should think this through a little before we go banging on more doors, right? Right? That¡¯s what Wind is telling me.¡± Yanni was still uncertain what kind of person Lara was. Except that Lara hated her for some reason. Well, according to Wind, that is. But such nonsense was surely the whimsy of a kitten. Perhaps Lara was¡­insufficient in some areas. Destiny put a finger to her lips in thought, then came to her sister¡¯s side. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°I-I mean, we¡¯re working with a plant. That¡¯s our specialty, Sister. Shouldn¡¯t we¡­come up with a plan to fight it, if it comes to that?¡± Destiny blinked, then gasped. ¡°You¡¯re right. Yanni!¡± ¡°Y-y-y-yes!¡± Yanni stammered. She had not been expecting her name. ¡°You said there was another one in Karaka¡¯s room, right?¡± Yanni slowed her breathing. It was a simple question, but she did not have the bookmark prepared for this conversation. She slowed her mind, replayed the memory of tipping over the flowerpot in her head, then slowly nodded. ¡°Yes. When I returned, it was gone. As if it were never there to begin with.¡± ¡°And we said there are many tendrils. Like roots,¡± Lara noted. Her breathing had finally slowed. ¡°What if¡ª¡± Tristan and Destiny murmured, then in unison, said, ¡°it¡¯s one big body!¡± ¡°Shit,¡± Ravyn sighed. ¡°So there¡¯s some mega plant nestled under the ground?¡± She glanced at the paved road, lifting one leg as if the tendrils could crack through the ground and wrap themselves around her at any moment. ¡°No place like home.¡± Tristan and Destiny¡¯s line of thought made sense if the plant in Karaka¡¯s room had disappeared shortly after Destiny¡¯s encounter with its extension. Perhaps what resided in Karaka¡¯s home had detected damage and fled. However, if these weeds had been snaring up catgirls, then where were they, and how did the plant do it? If the tendrils were harming people, then there should¡¯ve been evidence. How was it that there wasn¡¯t a hint of blood or combat in the restaurant? How would this have happened? Yanni wondered. How would these things have hurt anyone without a hint of conflict? Yanni looked up and escaped her thoughts for a moment, captivated by the smile Tristan and Destiny were sharing. There was a warmth, a tenderness that Yanni did not often see. Like that between siblings or mothers and their daughters. But such a tenderness was¡­rare, and Yanni felt a tinge of discomfort watching it. Yet somehow, she felt drawn to it in a way she could not explain. Like a crackling fire¡ªwarm and comforting. But dangerous. She bookmarked it. ¡°I may be able to create an herbicide,¡± Destiny said. ¡°If it¡¯s part of a bigger body, we may be able to kill the plant in its entirety by attacking its tendrils.¡± Her shoulders suddenly slumped. ¡°At least, I think we can.¡± Tristan¡¯s smile widened. ¡°I have no doubt that you¡¯ll create a potent poison. You¡¯re a great [Alchemist], Destiny. Do you need anything from us?¡± Destiny¡¯s cheeks grew bright red. ¡°U-um, well¡­¡± Ravyn frowned. ¡°Gross.¡± ¡°Just tell us what you need, sqawwwwk!¡± the familiar cried from Ravyn¡¯s shoulder. ¡°U-um, not much, actually,¡± Destiny stammered, ¡°just a couple of ingredients that any magic shop could supply. I¡¯ll need Lara¡¯s help, too.¡± Lara nuzzled her cheek against her sister¡¯s. ¡°Of course, Sister.¡± ¡°Follow me,¡± Ravyn said, turning heel and heading down the incline. ¡°I know a friend of a friend.¡± ¡°Is she also going to yell at you?¡± Lara asked, and Ravyn shot her a glare over her shoulder. Are Ravyn and Lara good friends, then? From Yanni¡¯s understanding, there was a science, a method behind the art of jabs and teases. Her experience with the other attendants under Emberlynn¡¯s employ had been that sometimes speaking poorly to friends and comrades was acceptable. Of course, this practice was accompanied by a smile or a giggle. Their exchange was slightly off the mark from what Yanni would expect, and so she restrained from making a comment but bookmarked the event. I will use this later. Ravyn continued down the incline, through two alleyways, and into a tucked corner of Zhuli where a set of stairs descended into an underground shop. Yanni frowned, as she knew who the owner of the shop was. They were not on good terms due to the excessive prices of the items. Yanni paused, falling to the back of the group, then followed them inside. ¡°I¡¯m back,¡± Ravyn said, waving her arm. A woman bearing curls of orange hair and sparkling ruby eyes strutted down the stairs at the back of the room. She wore threads of black and red, resembling the same attire that Ravyn wore, each piece showing off her generous curves. A short skirt, a revealing top, and long sleeves were all embroidered with gold and topped off with a large hat. She paused when she saw Ravyn, and her gaze narrowed. ¡°Oh. It¡¯s you.¡± ¡°It¡¯s me,¡± Ravyn said, strutting forward in a similar manner. They carried themselves in a near-identical way that made Yanni wonder if they were sisters. ¡°My rival finally returns,¡± the other woman said, leaning forward on the store counter just as Ravyn did. ¡°Was hoping you were dead.¡± Ravyn snickered. ¡°Missed you too, Feera.¡± She looked over Feera¡¯s shoulder, and Feera leaned over to block her view. ¡°Just need your lab for a bit.¡± ¡°Uh-huh. And then what? You¡¯re going to blow it up like you did last time?¡± Ravyn groaned and rolled her eyes. ¡°Saoirse¡¯s tits, you just don¡¯t forget anything, do you? We were still in school.¡± ¡°You were still in school. I was a full-fledged [Alchemist].¡± ¡°The past, the past,¡± Ravyn waved her hand like she was shooing away a stray animal. ¡°How much will it cost?¡± Feera narrowed her gaze and straightened her posture. ¡°If you¡¯re using it?¡± This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. ¡°Not me.¡± Ravyn grabbed Destiny by the shoulder and tugged her forward. ¡°This golden boy¡¯s maid wants to use it. And her sister.¡± ¡°H-hi,¡± Destiny said, her head sinking into her shoulders. ¡°I-I promise not to break anything. I¡¯m an [Alchemist], too.¡± Feera frowned. ¡°And you brought a man, too. Then, did¡ª¡± ¡°No,¡± Ravyn said sharply. ¡°Cailu¡¯s alive, this is Shi Island¡¯s man, no you can¡¯t fuck him, and we¡¯re in a hurry.¡± Tristan flinched as Yanni narrowed her gaze. She found every word from Ravyn¡¯s mouth difficult to digest. However, Tristan seemed content to remain silent, so Yanni did as well. Feera sighed. ¡°Fine. It¡¯ll cost you two hundred Bells an hour.¡± ¡°T-two hundred?¡± Destiny gasped. ¡°We won¡¯t need even half of that,¡± Ravyn said before slapping down two large one-hundred Bell coins. ¡°Off you go, Destiny.¡± Head bowed, the Shi Island maid quickly made her way past the counter and into the room beyond, Feera¡¯s gaze following her all the while. Tristan gave Feera an awkward nod, then made a brisk walk into the room alongside Lara. Yanni remained where she stood, unsure if she would be needed. [Alchemy] was not a Skill she had dabbled in outside of basic potions and field medicine. While Yanni waited, Ravyn and Feera traded tales of their adventures. As expected, Ravyn¡¯s were a bit more expressive, loud, and difficult to believe. She spoke of a man named Matt, how Cailu was a, ah, cunt, and the immense amount of progress they had made. Feera¡¯s tales were less bombastic and more local in flavor. As Rayvn had promised, not even twenty minutes later, Destiny and Lara had completed the herbicide. She procured several long, thin tubes from somewhere around her thigh. Curious, Yanni paid close attention. She needed to know where these things were being stored. Destiny poured the liquid into several of the empty containers, then reached down again. In one smooth motion, the maid retrieved another tube from a leather band around her thigh. Cylinders made from the leather held each tube in place, allowing the [Alchemist] a quick and easy way to retrieve the potions she needed. Very efficient. Takes away the need to constantly rummage through one¡¯s [Cat Pack]. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Destiny said. ¡°I¡¯m eager to help those girls.¡± ¡°As am I,¡± Tristan said, his expression dire. ¡°Thank you,¡± Lara said with a weighty lilt to her voice. ¡°Yes, thank you for letting us use your lab, Feera. I¡¯m sorry for the inconvenience,¡± Tristan said as he brushed past the shopkeep. Feera raised a brow. ¡°Uhh, sure?¡± The slightest hint of pink colored her cheeks, and Yanni frowned. How was it that so many of these girls seemed touched by this small man? ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go,¡± Ravyn snapped, waving to Feera on her way out. ¡°Bye, maybe we¡¯ll catch up later.¡± ¡°Hope not,¡± Feera groaned. When Yanni and the others were outside, Yanni crossed her arms and gestured to a home down the street. ¡°To the fourth home, then.¡± ¡°Why the fourth?¡± Destiny wondered. ¡°The guards would have started at the top,¡± Tristan provided before Yanni could respond. ¡°You remember where all of them live?¡± Lara asked. ¡°Yes.¡± Yanni¡¯s impatience was beginning to take over. Even if the worst had happened to her friend, she needed closure. They had already spent too much time teasing and joking. This was not the place for it. ¡°Please. Let us go.¡± Ravyn clicked her tongue, then followed suit along with everyone else. Yanni led the group onwards, then stopped at a two-story building. Retrieving a scroll from her [Cat Pack], she unfurled it and recited the words, ¡°[Invoke Blaze].¡± Her katana hummed, and she extracted the sword from its scabbard, leveling it with the santo door. ¡°Keh. You truly are my mother¡¯s servant,¡± Ravyn said. Yanni swallowed, wondering what Ravyn meant by that. Was that a compliment? Ravyn¡¯s sneer; did that mean that she was just like Mistress Emberlynn? Perhaps it was¡ª ¡°Yanni?¡± Tristan said, breaking her free of her thoughts. ¡°Are you okay?¡± ¡°Y-y-y-yes.¡± She swallowed hard, then wrestled the katana underhanded where the lock would be. She slid it carefully, moving it back and forth like a saw. Bits of molten iron fell to the ground alongside black splinters of wood. When the lock was melted, she extracted the blade, then slid the door to the right. Black. Pure black and darkness. A lithe tendril. Quick and sinister. Mortal danger. The world slowed as the tendril neared. It was mere inches from Yanni¡¯s face. She hissed through her teeth, quickly analyzing the situation. She remembered the positions of Emberlynn¡¯s daughter, Tristan, and his Party. Move to the left and Destiny would be struck. The attack would likely kill her or seriously injure her. No good. Move to the right, and the tendril would likely veer, striking Ravyn. A similar outcome. Bother. There was but a single option. Stand your ground. The world¡¯s flow of time resumed. Yanni flourished her blade. The tendril struck the flat of her katana, and a loud pang echoed against the darkness of the home¡¯s walls. The fire around her weapon lurched out and enveloped the branch. As two more tentacles charged out of the darkness, she cried, ¡°[Third Eye]!¡± With the announcement of the Skill, the world slowed to a crawl once more. Within the pocket of slowed time, she bellowed, ¡°[Army¡¯s Unity]!¡± Control was no longer hers alone. Now, Tristan and the remainder of their Party would be able to act under the effects of Perception. As time resumed, a flurry of attacks were bellowed all at once. ¡°[Fire Pillar]!¡± ¡°[Fire Ball]!¡± ¡°[Convert Force]!¡± ¡°[Chemical Bond]!¡± A series of explosions and gusts followed, wrapping and enveloping the tendrils of the creature in wreathes of flame. Hisses and screeches followed, and as Destiny stepped forward beside Yanni, she asked, ¡°Can you protect me?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Yanni said without hesitation. The tendrils lashed out again. ¡°[Four Paths]!¡± The blaze that had wrapped around her katana grew in intensity. She swiped her sword horizontally, falling into the [Balance Stance]¡ªan ability suited for more defensive maneuvers. A sense of assuredness fell over her, confirming that she had performed the technique correctly. The blaze grew even hotter and more intense, whipping through the air like a series of snakes and ropes, eager to burn whatever they could touch. Destiny stepped forward, took out one of the slim bottles she¡¯d filled with the herbicide, then tossed it into the blaze. Green mist exploded into the air, and Destiny retreated behind Yanni, crying, ¡°Close the door! Now!¡± Yanni did as she was told and whipped the door shut. She and the others reeled back, and Yanni remained focused on the santo door. Screeches exploded from inside the building, and after a time, Yanni could sense the strength of her flames dying. Carefully, she moved forward and slid the door open. She revoked the blaze around her katana, breathing a sigh of relief when she saw nothing remained of the creature save soot and ash. A terrifying shriek permeated the air beyond the walls of Zhuli, where many of the farmers tended to their crops. A sudden realization hit her, and Yanni tightened the grip around her katana. ¡°It is out there. The main body.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s burn it to the ground,¡± Ravyn growled. ¡°Fire and brimstone! Fire and brimstone! Squawk!¡± ¡°Come on!¡± Tristan gestured, taking the lead. Yanni soared down the incline like an Encroacher driven mad. Her only purpose now was to destroy whatever creature it was that had tried to kill them. That had killed her closest friend. Droves of catgirls fled from the scene and into Zhuli. Guards motioned and cried out for the villagers to follow them, waving them behind the walls and loosing arrows toward some large figure in the distance. When Yanni reached the gates, she gasped when she saw the terrible creature before her. It was no plant or catgirl or Encroacher. This was a monster, pure and simple¡ªa Defiled. Dozens of large, black tendrils squirmed and wriggled from the top of a bulb. Facial parts decorated the sac in a sporadic fashion, peppering it with eyes, noses, cat ears, and mouths. Large petals sprouted from the top of the bulb, serrated and colored in shades of white and pink. They glowed and shifted, turning darker and darker by the second. Yanni briefly wondered if this was the creature changing its color, its shape, or itself entirely. But the petals were flaking, shriveling, and falling to the ground. Destiny¡¯s herbicide was taking effect. Now is the time to extricate this monstrosity. Yanni marched at a brisk pace toward the Defiled, the guards making way for her. Tristan and Destiny followed close behind while Ravyn and Lara maintained a distance at the back. Yanni glanced over her shoulder to take inventory of where her Party stood, then redirected her attention to the terrible creature ahead. She closed the distance, then stopped when she heard a groan from within the bulb. ¡°Don¡¯t hurt me,¡± a little girl¡¯s voice pleaded from one mouth. ¡°I have nothing left. Please.¡± ¡°Yanni, you wouldn¡¯t hurt your friend, would you?¡± the familiar voice of Karaka spoke from another pair of lips. ¡°After all we¡¯ve been through? You would kill me?¡± ¡°This is not who you are,¡± another voice Yanni recognized¡ªa friend by the name of Sarasa¡ªsaid through bright white teeth. ¡°This is not who you¡¯re meant to be.¡± Yanni heard these voices. Her ears registered the sounds. She acknowledged them and took them in, but she could not actually hear them. This beast should not exist, she thought. I will remove this weed from the world. She sheathed her katana. The Enchantment on her scabbard took effect, and a cold chill filled her veins, confirming it. She readied into [Iai Stance], and once again, the familiar sensation took hold, assuring that she had settled into the stance properly. ¡°Prepare yourselves,¡± Yanni said. ¡°We¡¯re ready,¡± Tristan said. ¡°Just give the word,¡± Ravyn said. Yanni steadied her breathing and waited. The eyes on the bulb directed their gaze toward her, bloodshot and crazed. The mouths repeated sweet musings of nostalgia and what the future could bring. Giggles, promises, moments of frustration, this creature knew them all. It played with her emotions, retrieving the voices and words of those who were lost. This was the creature¡¯s last resort. Of that, Yanni was certain. The tendrils crept out of the bulb, slick with an iridescent fluid. Bands of white and pink colored them, and they moved toward her slowly, as if searching for mercy. When a briar of tendrils had formed on the ground in front of her, Yanni narrowed her gaze and settled her grip on the handle of her katana. Dozens of tentacles suddenly lashed out. [Army¡¯s Unity] was still in effect. With the activation of [Third Eye], the effects of Perception would trigger and pass on to those around her. Ready to bring down the Defiled, she cried, ¡°[Third Eye]!¡± and the world slowed to a crawl. With the Enchantment at its strongest, she drew her katana and shouted, ¡°[Beheading Swipe]!¡± With the Skill¡¯s activation, her Enchantment was multiplied by several times, cutting through the very air as if it were made of paper. The wind howled and rang with the draw of her sword, and the tendrils were cut in one fell slice. Time resumed its normal pace. The tentacles fell to the ground in a wriggling mess of blood and hisses and screams¡ªscreams Yanni recognized. Screams belonging to those who were missing. What followed next was a series of explosions and fire. Destiny lobbed bottle after bottle of fire and poison at the creature while Ravyn and Tristan fueled it with their magic. Lara expedited the fury of the flames with her control over the wind. The beast never stood a chance. Yanni allowed her sword arm to rest at her side and waited until the Defiled could no longer defend itself. Little more than a twitching bulb remained by the time it was over, and as Yanni approached it, she listened closely to the squeals and pleas from those within. ¡°Y-Yanni, please don¡¯t do this. We¡¯re friends, aren¡¯t we? You wouldn¡¯t¡ª¡± The monster¡¯s voice was cut short by a single swipe from her sword. She cut it at an angle, detaching the bulb from the rest of its make. Unfurling like a flower, the bulb fell apart, and a torrent of skeletons fell out in a puddle of violet and red. You have been avenged, Karaka, Yanni thought, her hand trembling. Rest now. Now accessing system memory¡­ Did you know that Sarasa¡¯s stolen from Emberlynn¡¯s estate? Or that Karaka¡¯s rice stores were infected, but she¡¯s still serving them to guests? I heard that Sophia is Zhuli¡¯s successor. Your Bells will go to a toddler. Thank goodness I have so many eyes and ears everywhere. Memory storage successful. Yanni Pro Tip: Karaka, I¡¯m so sorry I could not be there to protect you. I pray you did not suffer. Chapter 266: I Knew You Were Trouble Yanni was a capable fighter but weird as hell. Her shifting emotions and slow uptake on conversations gave Ravyn whiplash. But she couldn¡¯t deny that the woman knew her way around a sword, and Perception was a dangerous tool in the right hands. It still doesn¡¯t beat [Fire Pillar]. The Party had agreed to settle in for the rest of the night. Their research and poison-making had consumed most of the day, and Ravyn wasn¡¯t ready for another one-on-one with Emberlynn or confrontation with any more of Zhuli¡¯s disgruntled populace. Not that she ever would be ready, but she needed a fucking break. This was too much, too fast. The onslaught of Zhuli¡¯s citizens on top of her mother¡¯s mind games was tough to stomach, whether it was Yukari¡¯s bitchy tone or Chinatsu¡¯s slap in the face. They didn¡¯t understand why Ravyn had left. They never would understand why she¡¯d left. Ravyn closed the door of her room behind her and took a seat on the round, plush carpet. Glancing up at Garney, she considered spilling her feelings to the unfeeling gemstone, but Bally hopped on her knee first. ¡°You held your tongue,¡± he crooned. Ravyn nodded. ¡°Chinatsu¡¯s an old roach. Screaming at her wouldn¡¯t help Yanni.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not something I would have heard you say a mere year ago.¡± She rolled her fingers into a fist, concentrating on the sharp sensation of her nails piercing her palm. Why did such a statement make her so angry? Did she really miss the drunk, unreachable woman she¡¯d become? ¡°Ravyn¡­¡± ¡°I heard you, okay?¡± Ravyn snapped, then sighed. ¡°This is¡­ Goddess above, this is so much harder without Matt,¡± she confessed quickly before the words planted themselves into her tongue. ¡°Sometimes it feels like I have no one to fall back on if shit gets bad.¡± ¡°I believe Tristan will continue to support you.¡± Bally extended one blue wing and preened near the connection to his flank. ¡°It¡¯s not the same.¡± ¡°I know.¡± He pulled a slender blue feather away from his elbow and let it fall into Ravyn¡¯s lap. He blinked, then hopped forward to her thigh and nuzzled her cheek. ¡°You will always have me, too.¡± Ravyn smiled at that, enjoying the warm sensation of his soft face on her cheek. ¡°Even if I threaten to cook you?¡± ¡°Especially when you threaten to cook me.¡± She laughed and scratched the back of his head. A knock on the door made them both start, and she cleared her throat. ¡°Come in,¡± she said as Ball flew to the windowsill. The door opened, and a pair of tiny ears on a red head poked through the crack. ¡°Sister? May I come in?¡± Sophia. Ravyn chewed her lip and glanced at Ball. It was difficult to say if he responded with a nod or a shrug¡ªthe afternoon light cloaked his feathers and blurred the soft lines of his form. ¡°Yes,¡± she relented. Sophia tiptoed inside and carefully shut the door behind her. The bright pink dress she wore had sleeves down to her wrists, a high collar typical of San Island style, and a skirt that flowered down to her ankles. Her hair was still tied in twin braids that fell over her shoulders, and the golden flecks shimmered like tiny affronts to Ravyn¡¯s lineage. She didn¡¯t choose her father, Ravyn silently reminded herself. Just like we didn¡¯t choose our mother. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. Sophia turned to face Ravyn and clasped her hands together at her waist. ¡°I¡­um¡­¡± she blushed, straightened her skirts, then returned her hands to their former position. ¡°Sophie, I¡¯m sorry, I don¡¯t have the [Energy] to play right now.¡± Why was Sophia acting so reticently? They¡¯d played chase just a day before. ¡°No, no. No play. Um, can we talk?¡± Ravyn blinked. Why was a three-year-old approaching her older sister like a business meeting? Emberlynn¡­ ¡°Oh. Sure. What¡¯s on your mind?¡± Sophia¡¯s face turned a deeper shade of red, and she waffled back and forth between favoring her feet. Ravyn sighed and held her arms open. ¡°Come here.¡± A glowing smile surfaced on Sophia¡¯s face and she skipped the few paces between them. She stopped just before Ravyn¡¯s crossed legs, then smoothed her skirt behind her and took a seat in Ravyn¡¯s lap, tucking her tail around Ravyn¡¯s back. ¡°Thank you,¡± Sophia hummed, snuggling her head beneath Ravyn¡¯s chin. The fur on her ears tickled and Ravyn laughed. ¡°You¡¯re so warm.¡± ¡°So are you.¡± Ravyn kissed the top of Sophia¡¯s head without thinking. It was a strange feeling, holding her kin so close. The warmth spread through her chest and lifted her spirits. What is this? She tried to push it back down and failed. Instead, she changed her focus. ¡°What did you want to talk about?¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± Sophia picked at the silver embroidery threads on her dress. ¡°Mama says you¡¯re gonna leave again.¡± Cold, creeping tendrils much like the roots of the Defiled snaked through the warmth inside Ravyn¡¯s chest. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± ¡°Why? Why are you leaving?¡± The cold clenched down on Ravyn¡¯s heart with Sophia¡¯s defeated tone. A tiny part of her fumed at Emberlynn for shifting this burden to a kitten, but it wasn¡¯t Sophia¡¯s fault. ¡°I have to help Tristan.¡± ¡°Help him how?¡± Ravyn puzzled over how to explain an economic crisis to a toddler. Sophia had likely just learned the value of a Bell coin and its role in society, but Saoirse only knew how much she¡¯d actually retained. ¡°Well, there are a lot of lost Bells on San Island, and I have to help him find them.¡± ¡°Like a treasure hunt?¡± Sophia¡¯s excitement was palpable. Yeah, sure, why not. ¡°Yes. Like a treasure hunt.¡± ¡°But doesn¡¯t he have other catgirls to help him?¡± Kittens and their questions. ¡°He does, but they¡¯re from Shi Island. They don¡¯t know many people here,¡± Ravyn replied. ¡°Hm? Miss Yanni is from Zhuli!¡± Sophia retorted. ¡°I saw her with you!¡± Ravyn opened her mouth, then closed it again. What was there to say? In their limited interactions with the citizens of Zhuli and the residents of Shulan, Ravyn¡¯s appearance had solicited more ire than companionship. Yanni¡¯s razor-sharp memory and calculating mind had the potential to assist Tristan far more than Ravyn could. But then, what exactly would I do if I stayed here? ¡°Hey, I¡¯ll come back, Sophie. I promise it¡¯s not forever.¡± ¡°No!¡± Sophia frowned, and her ears flattened against her head. ¡°I want you to stay.¡± Ten years ago, there¡¯d been nothing easier than leaving Emberlynn and Zhuli behind. Going on an adventure with her best friend and meeting the man that would change her life forever. When she returned with Tristan just two days before, Ravyn thought her departure would be just as easy. Just one more time leaving her arrogant, game-loving mother to her riches and overseeing her empire. The thought of leaving her little sister behind with an ailing woman who appeared as if she¡¯d crumble to pieces at any moment was terrifying. Maybe she had her work cut out for her after all. ¡°Ravyn! The nyannies tell me I have to do Mama¡¯s job. But I can¡¯t do Mama¡¯s job! It¡¯s so conflicated!¡± Sophia squirmed in Ravyn¡¯s lap. ¡°You mean ¡®complicated,¡¯¡± Ravyn corrected softly. ¡°Yeah! I just want to go outside and play. I want friends! I want my sister!¡± Sophia continued, punctuating each word with a sharp nod of her head. ¡°Sophia¡­¡± The pangs in Ravyn¡¯s chest made it difficult to breathe. She¡¯d grown up with Emberlynn in the prime of her life and still found solace in talking to a garnet. What would Sophia¡¯s life be like? Growing up with a husk of their mother¡¯s former self? ¡°Some of the nyannies say mean things about you,¡± Sophia said. ¡°But you¡¯re not mean at all. You play chase, and give snuggles, and,¡± she sniffled, ¡°and you listen to me.¡± Ravyn felt her shoulders tense, ¡°Of course I listen to you. What you think is important to me,¡± she replied honestly. ¡°Then stay.¡± Sophia wrapped her tiny hands around Ravyn¡¯s arm and held her close. ¡°If I¡¯m important. Stay.¡± Giant tears rolled down her cheeks, and she wiped them on the back of her sleeve. ¡°Please.¡± Keeping a contact in Zhuli could help Tristan in his search. Besides, it would give Ravyn a chance to go through Emberlynn¡¯s finances with her accountants and get the estate in order. Sophia needed a guiding hand, and a family member that did more than scold her to use the correct spoon in her soup. ¡°Okay, Sophie.¡± Ravyn brushed the tears away from her sister¡¯s cheeks. ¡°I¡¯ll stay.¡± Sophia¡¯s face lit up, and her ears shot straight into the air. She clung to Ravyn¡¯s waist in a tight embrace and laughed. ¡°I¡¯m so happy!¡± Just for a little while. Ravyn¡¯s time here would be temporary. Just until Matt was ready to come home. Side Quest: Sweet Peas and Saffron (NSFW) Note: This NSFW Side Quest was added to Volume 4. Enjoy!
Portia reclined in a booth at the Desert Rose, holding a full hand of cards between her thumb and forefinger. There was a tall mug of cold ale ready at her other hand and a fine-looking catgirl sitting in her lap. Life was pretty good. She figured that Matt and his Party would be gone for a couple of weeks at the very least, and the girls in Kandota always gave her a price break on extended stays in exchange for a box of personally crafted fishing lures and a bag of sugar from Ni Island. It was get-ting easier to get her hands on sugar, but growing it out in the desert made for a hell of a time. That was just fine with Portia; that meant more nights on the house. ¡°I still don¡¯t understand how you play this game,¡± Naomi, the girl in her lap, said. There wasn¡¯t a lot to understand. Build the best hand you can from two draws. Portia chuckled. ¡°We¡¯ve gotta get the best collec-tion o¡¯ cards we can.¡± She put two cards facedown on the table and drew two more, keeping an eye on her opponent. Fayruz hadn¡¯t made a move to cheat, but too many [Rogue]s and [Assassin]s on Ichi pulled sleight-of-hand stunts, sneaking additional cards up their sleeves during a shuffle. ¡°Right. But who decides what kind of hand beats the other?¡± Naomi stole the tankard of ale and took a sip. ¡°They¡¯re universal rules, darlin¡¯. Everyone who plays has to get familiar with ¡®em.¡± Portia shrugged and mulled over her hand. ¡°Hm.¡± Naomi replaced the tankard on the table and picked up one of the shimmering Bell coins from the table. ¡°You both bet a lot of money on this one.¡± ¡°Tell me about it,¡± Fayruz grumbled. ¡°Alright, what do you have?¡± Portia laid out her cards. ¡°Three queens and four diamonds.¡± ¡°Fuck.¡± Fayruz sighed and threw her hand to the table. ¡°Saoirse¡¯s tits, Portia. You¡¯ve cleaned me out. I need a drink.¡± Looking up at Naomi, she gestured toward the bar. ¡°That¡¯s your cue, doll.¡± ¡°Oh! Right!¡± Naomi giggled and jumped to her feet. ¡°Be right back!¡± As Naomi rushed to the bar, a newcomer approached the table. She wore a yellow bodice and long skirt that contrasted well against her golden skin. Her black hair was pulled away from her face in a tight braid that reached her hips, and she held an enormous sunhat in her hand. No, this thing was beyond a ¡®sunhat.¡¯ It was like she was trying to shield the whole damn island with that brim. ¡°May I cut in?¡± ¡°You¡¯ll cut a lot of things with a hat like that,¡± Fayruz laughed. The stranger frowned. ¡°It keeps my skin protected.¡± Fayruz snorted. ¡°From what? Saoirse herself?¡± She pushed her cards and Bells toward Portia and stepped out of the booth, waving a hand at the empty seat. ¡°Here. Good luck, friend. Enjoy paying for Portia¡¯s room.¡± Portia collected the cards and started to shuffle them. The woman pressed her hat into the corner of the booth, propping the brim up on the backrest and spreading the rest neatly over her legs. ¡°Hello, Portia.¡± ¡°Nice to meet you,¡± Portia replied. She paused to take a drink and sighed with contentment. Fayruz¡¯s Bells would pay for a few more nights at least. ¡°You got a name?¡± ¡°Saffron.¡± She smoothed her dress beneath her bodice and collect-ed her hands on top of the table. ¡°Do the losers all sit in your lap?¡± Portia laughed. ¡°Only if they ask nicely.¡± ¡°Ah. I see.¡± Saffron grinned, and her green eyes glittered. ¡°I ad-mit. It¡¯s strange to see outsiders so welcome on Ichi Island.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± Portia finished shuffling the cards, then waved down Naomi. ¡°Can you get my friend here a drink, Naomi?¡± Naomi¡¯s mousy brown ears perked up, and she smiled. ¡°Sure! What would you like?¡± ¡°Whatever Portia¡¯s drinking is fine,¡± Saffron replied calmly be-fore returning her attention to Portia. ¡°I¡¯ve come from Vehahra. Between there, R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨©, and Madhyam, there are hardly any travelers from the other islands.¡± She pulled her braid over one shoulder and plied at it with slender fingers. ¡°There are whispers of putting the ¡®invaders in cages.¡¯¡± Portia rolled her eyes and groaned. ¡°Magni still doing that shit?¡± ¡°Oh, yes. That ¡®shit¡¯ and more.¡± Saffron accepted the mug from Naomi. ¡°Ah, thank you.¡± Just as Naomi moved to retake her seat on Portia¡¯s leg, three more patrons walked through the door. She looked at Portia apolo-getically. ¡°Mm. Can we spend more time together tomorrow?¡± ¡°Sure thing, Naomi.¡± Portia grinned and handed her a handful of Bells. ¡°I¡¯ll see ya then, darlin¡¯.¡± Naomi squeaked in happiness, kissed Portia¡¯s cheek, and then rushed to greet her new patrons. ¡°You pay for their company?¡± Saffron mused. Portia shrugged. ¡°I tip her for her hard work.¡± A sly smile spread across Saffron¡¯s face. ¡°Is it that hard to work you?¡± Portia leaned back in her seat and snickered. ¡°Are you lookin¡¯ to find out?¡± ¡°Mm. Maybe we can place a bet on it.¡± Saffron searched her [Cat Pack] and tugged a pouch of Bells free. She dumped them onto the table, building a pile of silver coins. ¡°That¡¯s quite a bet, there,¡± Portia noted. Saffron¡¯s purse was al-most three times the amount she¡¯d been using to gamble with. ¡°I¡¯ve been saving up.¡± Saffron took a sip of her ale and grace-fully replaced the mug on the table. ¡°I can stand to lose a few.¡± ¡°Savin¡¯ up for what?¡± Portia dealt seven cards to each of them. ¡°Getting off this hellscape of an island.¡± Saffron collected her cards and pushed three silver Bells to the middle of the table. ¡°Though, I¡¯m undecided on where to go.¡± ¡°That so?¡± Portia had to stack six of her Bells to match the bet. Who the hell gambled with silver Bells? Well, besides Cailu, any-way. ¡°Mhm. I¡¯ve heard Shi is infested with Defiled, San is infested with kittens, and Ni is, well, boring.¡± Saffron rearranged the cards in her hand. Portia bristled. Her pops had worked himself to the bone to keep Ni safe and free of Defiled. ¡°Better borin¡¯ than locked in a goddess damned cage.¡± ¡°So you¡¯re from Ni, then,¡± Saffron chuckled. ¡°I must agree with you. Anything would be better than this.¡± Portia took three of her cards and laid them facedown before drawing three new ones. ¡°Why not move to Nyarlothep, then?¡± Saffron shook her head. ¡°The cities there are too large. I enjoy knowing the names and faces of everyone.¡± She exchanged four of her cards and added another coin to the pile. ¡°I don¡¯t enjoy spend-ing each day in fear of the Ejderha.¡± ¡°The what now?¡± Portia matched her bet. ¡°It does not matter.¡± Saffron took two more cards from her hand and passed them in. ¡°What brings you to Ichi, Portia?¡± ¡°Brought some friends here. They¡¯re on their way to the capital.¡± Portia wasn¡¯t sure how much to divulge about Matt, Tristan, and their work from Cailu. Didn¡¯t seem like her story to tell, and the fewer problems they ran into, the sooner she could go home. ¡°May the sun warm their backs, and may they burn R¨¡jadh¨¡n¨© to the ground,¡± Saffron said lightly. ¡°Huh. Here I thought the second part of that sayin¡¯ had to do with the wind,¡± Portia teased. ¡°What¡¯ve ya got?¡± Saffron shook her head and tossed her cards to the table. ¡°Noth-ing. I wanted to see if you would fold.¡± Portia laid her cards flat on the table and scooped the Bells to her side with wide eyes. ¡°And lose a chance at silver? I don¡¯t think so.¡± ¡°So I see.¡± Saffron took a long drink from her mug, and a light pink tinge touched her cheeks. ¡°I¡¯ll play more seriously, then.¡± They played another four hands, and Portia won each one. Saffron took her losses with grace, handing over enough money to feed and room Portia for the next month. Naomi ensured their cups were always full, and the Desert Rose took on a mirthful haze that came with good ale and good company. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°About my earlier deal. Should I win this hand, will I win your company?¡± Saffron nursed her third mug. ¡°Perhaps make you sit in my lap?¡± Portia shrugged. A night with a beautiful woman warming her bed sounded like something she should try to win, not her oppo-nent. Besides, it seemed that Saffron was shit at cards. ¡°If that¡¯s what you¡¯d like.¡± ¡°I¡¯d like a lot of things.¡± Saffron reached for the deck to take her turn to deal. She shuffled them with practiced dexterity, then pitched a few of her Bells forward. ¡°There¡¯s my opening.¡± ¡°What if I win this hand?¡± Portia asked as she matched the bet and raised it a silver Bell. ¡°Then I will grant you a favor.¡± She added another Bell to the pool. ¡°Any favor you wish.¡± ¡°Hm. Alright then. I¡¯m sure I can think of somethin¡¯ good.¡± Portia kept one card and exchanged the other six. Not a great open-ing, but there was still time. Saffron looked over her cards and smiled. She folded them to-gether into one stack and set them aside. ¡°I don¡¯t need to exchange any.¡± Portia furrowed her brow. ¡°If ya say so.¡± She redrew more cards into¡­not a great hand. Well, shit. ¡°Don¡¯t go easy on me, now. A favor from me can go a long way.¡± ¡°Hm.¡± Portia tried one more redraw of five more cards and frowned. Just three of a kind. Unless Saffron had a pair, Portia was done. She sighed and laid out her hand. ¡°Three of a kind.¡± ¡°Pity. I have a straight.¡± Saffron flipped her cards over to reveal her hand. How she¡¯d managed to pull it in one hand without cheating, Portia had no idea. She¡¯d watched Saffron shuffle and deal with just as much discretion, and she¡¯d watched her other opponents. Luck was on her side with that one. ¡°Ah, very good.¡± Saffron laughed and motioned for Portia to join her side of the table. ¡°Come here, then.¡± Portia stood and shuffled across, then blinked. While she was sitting, she hadn¡¯t realized just how petite Saffron was. Her curves filled out the dress just fine, but the girl was at least a head shorter than her. ¡°How does that hat not swallow you whole?¡± ¡°It¡¯s tailor-made. Come now, no shirking on your bet.¡± She pat-ted her legs. ¡°Sit.¡± Portia sighed and carefully positioned herself in Saffron¡¯s lap. She had to use both of Saffron¡¯s legs and a good deal of her thighs still hung in the air. Saffron giggled and reached up to pat Portia¡¯s hair. ¡°I see the appeal.¡± For the first time in years, Portia blushed. She thought she¡¯d seen and heard it all in her travels, but this woman was something else. ¡°It¡¯s kinda embarrassin¡¯.¡± ¡°That¡¯s part of the appeal.¡± Saffron let her fingers dance along the back of Portia¡¯s neck, then traced the length of her spine until she stroked Portia¡¯s tail. Portia held back her gasp, but the shiver that ran through her was tangible. ¡°Hey, now.¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem so hard to work you after all,¡± Saffron mur-mured. ¡°Will you show me your room?¡± Portia nodded and fished the key to her quarters from her [Cat Pack]. She did her best to ignore the sensation of Saffron¡¯s fingers lingering on her tail, but the rising heat in her skin and blush on her face were a dead giveaway. ¡°You¡¯re a wild one.¡± ¡°Hold your judgments for later, please,¡± Saffron replied as she collected her winnings from the table. ¡°Lead on.¡± Portia waited for Saffron to grab her hat before taking her hand. Saffron twined her fingers in Portia¡¯s and had a constant look of amusement on her beautiful face. As they walked, a delicate jin-gling followed, and Portia glanced down behind her to find a pair of anklets around both of Saffron¡¯s feet. ¡°You like grabbin¡¯ everyone¡¯s attention with those?¡± Portia nod-ded toward the anklets. Saffron smirked. ¡°Something like that.¡± They headed upstairs, where the rooms for rent were kept, and passed a row of identical doors before stopping at the one on the end. ¡°Ah, far away from the tavern. That¡¯s fortunate,¡± Saffron said. ¡°Fewer ears to hear us.¡± ¡°That¡¯s quite a statement.¡± Portia laughed as she unlocked the door. ¡°Perhaps.¡± Saffron followed her inside and closed the door be-hind her. Portia had time to ignite a single oil lamp before Saffron was at her back. ¡°That¡¯s enough light,¡± she murmured, wrapping her arms around Portia¡¯s waist. She found the hem of Portia¡¯s shirt and tugged it upward, encouraging Portia to raise her arms above her head. ¡°Actin¡¯ like a woman starved.¡± Portia grinned. ¡°It¡¯s been some time since I enjoyed the company of another,¡± Saffron said against Portia¡¯s bare back. ¡°Then we¡¯d better make it worth it.¡± Portia turned to face Saffron, then grabbed her braid and pulled, tilting Saffron¡¯s head back and exposing her neck. ¡°I can¡¯t be the only one enjoying it.¡± She nibbled Saffron¡¯s lower lip, then gently kissed her. Saffron had more strength than her small form would suggest. She used her body to maneuver Portia backward onto the bed, then pushed her shoulders until Portia laid flat on her back and Saffron was on her hands and knees over her. Saffron deepened their kiss, plunging her tongue past Portia¡¯s lips before eagerly exploring the depths of her mouth. Portia welcomed the advance and reciprocated, her heart speed-ing with each stroke of her tongue. She circled her arms around Saffron¡¯s bodice, finding the ties against her back. As she worked at the knots, curious hands dropped to Portia¡¯s chest, kneading her breasts and soliciting moans from her throat. Quick fingers toyed with her nipples, and Portia gasped, her back arching in a quest for more. The knots should have been the easiest thing in the world to un-tie. But Saffron¡¯s distractions made them very difficult. Her hands quivered with the effort. ¡°I¡¯m not the only eager one,¡± Saffron whispered against Portia¡¯s mouth. She moved her mouth southward, tracing the curve of Portia¡¯s neck with the tip of her tongue. Goosebumps followed in her wake as she mapped Portia¡¯s collarbone, the curve of her breast, and then danced around its peak. ¡°I¡ªngh!¡± Portia¡¯s reply was cut short in her throat when Saffron enveloped her nipple with her mouth. Her tongue was searing and ravenous, and the occasional addition of her teeth made Portia¡¯s skin sing. By some miracle, she finished unlacing Saffron¡¯s bodice and tossed it to the side before burying her fingers in her hair. Saffron hummed a sound of pleasure and moved one hand to un-fasten Portia¡¯s trousers. Soon after, it vanished beneath the fabric, gliding along her lower abdomen until she caressed the tender skin between Portia¡¯s thighs. ¡°Very eager,¡± Saffron moaned. She parted Portia¡¯s folds and slid one cool finger along her clit. ¡°Ichi could only hope to be this drenched.¡± A noise somewhere between a laugh and a gasp tore from Portia¡¯s lips when Saffron¡¯s finger entered her. Then she returned her mouth to Portia¡¯s breast, caressing and exploring her in a deli-cious tandem. Portia parted her legs wider, hoping it gave Saffron better access to her work. A second finger slid inside of her, then a third. Portia fought to breathe. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t I¡ªmnh¡ªbe servicin¡¯ you? Hnh!¡± Portia¡¯s hips rocked against Saffron¡¯s hand, and her nipples hardened. ¡°Soon.¡± Saffron rolled her tongue against Portia¡¯s breast and teased it with her teeth. A fourth finger entered her, and Portia¡¯s eyes rolled back. ¡°God-dess, that¡¯s intense,¡± she whimpered. Saffron methodically drew her fingers away, then thrust them back inside Portia¡¯s body. Her two middle fingers curled and stroked the sensitive points that made Portia cry out with every pump of her hand. Portia anchored her fingers in Saffron¡¯s hair, and her body bucked its responses. She felt as if she¡¯d lost control of her desires; the reactions were carnal and provoked by Saffron¡¯s movements. Saffron pulled her mouth away and licked her lips. ¡°You are as fun as you look.¡± She withdrew her fingers, much to Portia¡¯s dis-may, then traced a heart around Portia¡¯s navel. ¡°Take off your pants.¡± Portia did as she asked, watching as Saffron stood and pulled her dress over her head. The oil lamp painted her lithe body in a warm, welcoming glow. She may be short, but the toned muscles in her body suggested a history of fighting, and the scars across her abdo-men added to the narrative. ¡°Now move back on the bed,¡± Saffron instructed, sauntering to the bedside. Portia lifted herself and scooted farther back, her brow crinkling in curiosity. ¡°That¡¯s a good kitten,¡± Saffron teased. Portia chuckled. ¡°Anything for you, darlin¡¯.¡± Saffron grinned and hopped back up on the bed, this time posi-tioning her thighs on either side of Portia¡¯s head. ¡°So about that servicin¡¯...¡± She punctuated the final word in Portia¡¯s accent. She didn¡¯t have to ask twice. Without a reply, Portia grasped the backs of Saffron¡¯s thighs, spread them wider, and then pulled her hips down. She tilted her chin up to meet Saffron¡¯s skin, then slid her tongue between the plush slit. Saffron sighed and relaxed, loosing the tension in her flank and allowing her stomach to rest against Portia¡¯s. Portia spread her wider and greedily lapped at the yielding skin beneath, drinking in Saffron¡¯s sweet taste and her gentle moans. ¡°Very good,¡± Saffron breathed. ¡°That¡¯s¡­hah¡­quite the tongue¡­mnh!¡± A shiver rocked her entire body as Portia tested her entrance with the tip of her tongue. She was soaked and vulnerable. Portia buried her tongue into Saffron¡¯s depths and reveled in her cries. Quivering fingers wrapped around Portia¡¯s thighs and pulled them apart. Portia was too focused on her work to think about what Saffron was trying to do. The delicious sensation of Saffron¡¯s tongue against her clit made white spots explode in her vision, and her moan vibrated inside Saffron¡¯s body. A circle of pleasure was locked in with Saffron¡¯s mouth¡ªthe better Portia performed, the more desperate and intense Saffron¡¯s response. It went both ways, as she had to split her focus between pleasuring and experiencing her own. Both their legs trembled, and when Portia¡¯s back arched up, Saffron¡¯s arched down, pinning her back to the bed. While maintaining the long, hungry strokes of her tongue against Portia¡¯s clit, Saffron penetrated her with her fingers once more. Portia¡¯s heart hammered against her chest, and every nerve in her skin was alight. She plunged her tongue back inside Saffron, rewarded with a complete surrender of Saffron¡¯s hips. She reached Saffron¡¯s tail and coiled it through her fingers, stroking it with her thumb while she worked. There was an unspoken contest of who would make the other climax first. Portia could feel it in Saffron¡¯s desperate movements and the quick jerk of her hips away from her mouth whenever she was on the edge. Portia had a harder time, unable to escape Saffron¡¯s fingers and mouth as she held her down to the bed. Sweat coated both of their bodies as they struggled and moaned. Saffron¡¯s voice heightened to punctuated hums the closer she was to orgasming, and Portia¡¯s turned into breathy groans. It was a bal-ance of mindblowing ecstasy and fucking madness. Portia couldn¡¯t stand it any longer. It was too much. She replaced her tongue with her fingers, thrusting three inside of Saffron¡¯s cunt as she cried out with her climax. Saffron pumped her relentlessly, pushing Portia¡¯s orgasm for as long as possible with flat strokes of her tongue. Saffron¡¯s tail writhed between her grip, and her hips shook, and she gasped as her body clenched around Portia¡¯s hand. Not so far behind after all. The pulses between Portia¡¯s thighs slowed as Saffron¡¯s began, throbbing fiercely against Portia¡¯s fast fingers. Saffron¡¯s back arched, and her blissful whimpers were music to Portia¡¯s ears. Portia carefully tongued and suckled Saffron¡¯s clit, giving her the same prolonged climax. Nails dug into skin and sweat mingled between them as they de-scended from the high. Saffron¡¯s breathing slowed as she pulled her hand away, and Portia kissed her inner thigh. ¡°You are an admirable opponent,¡± Saffron murmured. She rolled to the side and repositioned herself so her face was inches away from Portia¡¯s. ¡°You almost had me.¡± ¡°I did have you.¡± Portia kissed the tip of Saffron¡¯s nose and smiled. ¡°You certainly know what you¡¯re doin¡¯.¡± ¡°Yes, well. Practice makes perfect.¡± She took Portia¡¯s arm and pulled it beneath her neck, curling up inside of her embrace. Portia stroked the back of Saffron¡¯s head, lightly fingering her silken ears. ¡°You know, maybe Ni Island wouldn¡¯t be a terrible option after all,¡± Saffron said after a time. ¡°Hm? Wouldn¡¯ want you to be bored.¡± Saffron smiled and traced her fingers over the dip in Portia¡¯s waist. ¡°Something tells me I wouldn¡¯t be.¡± ¡°Well, I got time to bring you back now. But I won¡¯t be home for a while, yet.¡± Portia shivered beneath her touch and wrapped her tail around Saffron¡¯s thigh. ¡°We can decide that later. I¡¯ll stay here for now.¡± Saffron nuz-zled her head beneath Portia¡¯s chin. ¡°This is nice.¡± ¡°Yeah. It is.¡± Portia kissed Saffron¡¯s head between her ears. ¡°Best game o¡¯ cards I¡¯ve ever lost.¡± Chapter 267: Soon Youll Get Better Alia drew a deep breath as she observed the stars from the balcony. The night was cold and dry, and she clung to her dark robes for warmth and comfort. The hour was close at hand, and it took great effort to still her quaking heart. It¡¯s just a man. It¡¯s just a man. She repeated the thought over and over like a mantra, occasionally brushing back the bangs of her long, black hair. It hung over one shoulder in a complex braid, the end frayed like a sprout. Round cheeks, thin lips, and pointed eyebrows framed a set of blood-red eyes. Her smooth, alabaster skin had scarcely been touched by the sun, her time often spent in the light of the moon. A door clicked behind her, and she flinched. ¡°Are you Alia?¡± came a man¡¯s voice. Alia turned to the source of the sound, blinking rapidly. ¡°I-I am she. Yes.¡± The man¡ªwho looked much younger than she¡¯d anticipated¡ªoffered her an easy smile and combed a tuft of his pale yellow hair with his fingers. ¡°A bit cold out,¡± he said, rubbing his forearms. He approached, looking to his left and then to his right. ¡°Do you mind if I enter [Combat Mode]? I¡¯ll have a cloak that way.¡± Alia shook her head, cursing herself for acting like a kitten. ¡°N-no. Go ahead.¡± The man¡¯s smile widened, and he recited, ¡°[Combat Mode].¡± Robes of brown and tan dressed him, and a cloak of red hung over him. He wrapped the cloak around him, sighing contentedly. ¡°Much better. Oh! I¡¯m sorry, my name is Tristan.¡± He proffered his hand. Tristan. A wonderful name. Alia swallowed, looking at it as if it was foreign to her. Trembling, she took his hand, squeezed hard, then nodded. ¡°Thank you,¡± she managed before letting go. ¡°Mistress Emberlynn told me that you wish to become a [Wizard].¡± Tristan nodded, and his lips formed a thin line. ¡°Yes. Regarding that, I wanted to know if it would be alright if we set it aside for tomorrow. After the Defiled attack, I¡¯m very tired.¡± Emberlynn had advised Alia to be firm with her convictions; to lead the charge in the event that the man displayed hesitation. How she was supposed to manage this, she had no idea. Even though she lived within the estate, she rarely spoke to anyone¡ªespecially those within its walls. Unlike most catgirls, she came alive when the sun fell and the stars rose, so by the time others were turning in and taking their baths, Alia was waking up and having breakfast. ¡°I-I-I understand,¡± Alia said, steadying her breathing and clasping her hands in front of her lap, ¡°but magic is an art. A sentience.¡± She turned around and gestured to the stars with outstretched arms. ¡°It will not wait for us. We abide by its time, not by our own.¡± Half of that was true, but she had to concoct some sort of excuse for why they couldn¡¯t put it off until the night after. The last thing she wanted was Emberlynn¡¯s chagrin. ¡°And besides,¡± she said, lowering her arms, ¡°there is no promise that tomorrow will not also be an exhausting day.¡± Tristan crossed his arms and tilted his head. ¡°Yes, I suppose you¡¯re right.¡± He shut his eyes, drew a deep breath, then exhaled again as he opened his eyes. ¡°Okay. Teach me.¡± Alia¡¯s heart skipped a beat, and she sucked in her lips. She¡¯d have to practice exceptional restraint in not spilling all of the secret magic tricks she¡¯d learned in the last two years¡ªwhile teaching a man who stood a head taller than her nonetheless. Okay. Calm down. Just take it from the very beginning. ¡°T-to start,¡± she stammered. She cocked her head back and turned around. Her face was hot to the touch. Calm down, you dumb kitten! Gosh! ¡°W-we start with the proper application of myana.¡± Tristan came to her side and leaned over to see her face. She responded by pulling her hood over her head in hopes that it might hide the infuriating blush she displayed. ¡°How does that work?¡± Tristan asked. Alia frowned. ¡°You are a [Mage], are you not?¡± Tristan nodded and looked up at the sky. ¡°I am.¡± Oh my, we really will have to start from the beginning. How does he not know about myana application? Alia thought back, as far as she could, to the days when she was a kitten and displayed the first signs of fire aptitude. The blaze had been enormous, nearly burning down her nyanny¡¯s home. She recalled the sensation, wondering briefly if the men experienced something similar. ¡°Alright. It is a fine thing that you are in [Combat Mode],¡± Alia said. ¡°That will help me gauge where your current understanding lies.¡± ¡°I appreciate your patience with me,¡± he smiled. Alia writhed under her robes. His smile was so warm and gentle, his eyes like stars in the¡ª Stop that nonsensical poetry! Gosh! Just teach the man! Alia cleared her throat. ¡°What is your [Magic] Stat?¡± ¡°Appear, iPaw,¡± Tristan said. The magical device Alia had only ever heard of and never seen appeared in his hand. The artifact was thin and bore a pair of ears at the top. It was a charming object, to be sure. Afterward, a string of unintelligible words spilled out of his mouth, and she reeled back in surprise. Moments later, the device disappeared. ¡°My [Magic] Stat is at 22.¡± Alia frowned. ¡°And what is your Level?¡± ¡°Also 22.¡± ¡°You spent every Level on [Magic]?¡± Tristan scratched the side of his head. ¡°Yes. I was told it shouldn¡¯t hurt me if I want to be a [Wizard].¡± That was mostly true, but how Tristan had gotten this far without understanding the severity of his choices was¡­odd. He carried a sort of na?vet¨¦, and she found that charming. ¡°Perhaps¡­I¡¯m asking the wrong questions. When you cast a Spell, what do you feel?¡± Tristan furrowed his brow. ¡°Feel. Hmm. I¡¯m not sure. Honestly, each time I used my magic, it was in the heat of the moment.¡± ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s try it now.¡± Alia swallowed and carefully gripped him by his forearm. Goodness, it was strong. How his muscles moved and tensed with her touch, the intricacies of his skin, the subtle visibility of his veins. Goodness, was he nice to look at. ¡°Aim high.¡± She elevated his arm and straightened it in a particular angle toward the sky. Afterward, she took a few steps back, created a half-box¡ªone hand above, another below¡ªto better understand the angle, then said, ¡°A little higher.¡± Tristan raised his arm higher and Alia gestured for him to stop. ¡°Perfect.¡± ¡°What are you having me do?¡± he asked. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. ¡°I am sure you know an attack Spell of some sort?¡± Alia said as she returned to his side. Tristan nodded. ¡°I do. I know [Fire Ball].¡± ¡°Great. I want you to flatten your hand, then cast [Fire Ball] toward the sky at that angle.¡± Tristan¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°What if I hurt someone?¡± ¡°You won¡¯t,¡± Alia said with utmost certainty. ¡°At that angle and your current Level of [Magic], the Spell will fizzle out before it can do any damage.¡± ¡°You¡¯re sure?¡± ¡°Positive.¡± She raised her pointer finger as she continued to explain. ¡°What I want you to do is focus on what you feel when the Spell leaves your hand. Close your eyes if that makes it easier.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Tristan unfurled his fingers, drew a deep breath, and slowly exhaled. Then he cried, ¡°[Fire Ball]!¡± A raging blaze soared from Tristan¡¯s palm and high into the night sky. The majesty of its light was breathtaking, and as it grew smaller, Alia smiled. Magic was such a beautiful art form. ¡°What did you feel?¡± Alia asked. ¡°I¡¯m¡­not sure, if I¡¯m being honest.¡± Tristan retracted his hand and flexed his fingers. ¡°It felt cold for a moment. No, not even a moment.¡± ¡°A fraction of a fraction,¡± Alia said in understanding. ¡°What you felt was the myana within your body charging, then leaving. The Spell¡¯s strength, as well as how much myana it consumes, will determine how that sensation sweeps over you. [Fire Ball] is an inexpensive Spell, so with a pool of [Myana Points] as large as yours, you felt very little.¡± ¡°Is it always like this?¡± Alia shook her head. ¡°No. With practice, you can increase or decrease the intensity as needed. Managing your [Myana Points] is a careful and deliberate act. If you cannot control the flow of myana willingly, then you will make a poor [Wizard].¡± ¡°Is there a reason I would want to increase the intensity?¡± Alia nodded. ¡°Increasing the intensity will allow you to better gauge your [Myana Points] total. With time, you will come to understand what feels ¡®full¡¯ to you and what feels ¡®empty.¡¯¡± Tristan nodded. ¡°I think I understand. So, how can I adjust the intensity?¡± Alia giggled. ¡°Kitten steps! We do not learn how to run before we walk.¡± She brushed her fingers against the large violet jewel that hung around her neck. An idea occurred to her. She undid the fastening from the back, removed the amulet, and extended it toward Tristan. ¡°Put this around your neck.¡± Tristan took it and began to put it on. The black iron chains looked spectacular around his pale skin. ¡°What does it do?¡± ¡°This will amplify your Spells. Mistress Emberlynn Enchanted it herself.¡± ¡°Ah. Ravyn let me use something like this before.¡± Alia nodded. ¡°Excellent. Each Spell you cast will double in power, but also in myana. Because of this, however, we will need you to arch your arm a little higher.¡± She motioned for him to raise his arm, and as he did so, Alia adjusted the incline of his arm, standing back once more to make sure he was aiming properly. ¡°Perfect. Now, try again.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± He cleared his throat and cried, ¡°[Fire Ball]!¡± The blaze that soared from his hand was incredible. As the ball of flame flew through the air, Alia did the mental math, estimating that it had grown by, roughly, fifty percent. As before, the flame fizzled and reduced in size as it traveled, then vanished into the darkness of the night. ¡°What did you feel that time?¡± Alia asked. ¡°It was stronger,¡± Tristan said with wide eyes. ¡°When you¡¯re taken out of combat, it becomes easier to focus on what¡¯s going on around you. Magic is a form of mental acuity and situational awareness.¡± Proudly, she raised her finger again and said, ¡°Mindfulness is the key component to magic. A calm [Wizard] is a powerful [Wizard]. Remain composed, and few will be able to combat you.¡± ¡°That¡¯s going to take some getting used to. Truth be told, combat is still a scary concept to me.¡± Alia understood that better than anyone. To this day, she was still practicing mindfulness and composure during combat. She¡¯d learned and adapted much, thanks to Mistress Emberlynn and Alia¡¯s late mother, but when the flow of combat didn¡¯t proceed as planned, many [Wizard]s fell apart. She was no exception. ¡°I know how you feel,¡± Alia said, tucking her arms inside the sleeves of her robes. ¡°I still struggle in the heat of combat sometimes. Practicing a careful balance of mindfulness and composure in a fight can prove difficult. We become so focused on ourselves, the myana within us, the actions of our Party members, and the terrible actions of our opponents that it can be difficult to keep a level head.¡± Tristan blinked. ¡°I¡¯m open to any advice you have.¡± Alia thought. Tristan seemed not only an intelligent person¡ªand goodness was that attractive¡ªbut a thoughtful one. His kind demeanor and brief moments of silence suggested he chewed on each word she spoke, carefully considering what she¡¯d said, then asking questions as appropriate. If how she assumed him was true, then he would make a powerful [Wizard] one day. ¡°Do you like mental exercises?¡± Alia asked. Tristan nodded. ¡°I do. Keeps my mind fresh. I spend much of my time reading and painting.¡± He chuckled. ¡°Well, drawing more than painting lately.¡± He paints? He paints! Alia reminded herself to maintain composure. Yes, she wasn¡¯t in combat, but a teacher blushing and stuttering and struggling to keep up with the conversation was shameful. Though, the idea of him painting her wearing nothing but soft silks to cover her wasn¡¯t entirely¡ª ¡°That¡¯s wonderful!¡± Alia said before the intrusive thoughts could take hold. ¡°It sounds to me like you have a tactician¡¯s mind. Mistress Emberlynn expressed to me that you came seeking her counsel regarding San Island¡¯s economy. Is that right?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Tristan said with a light groan. ¡°But I would like to avoid that discussion for now.¡± Alia smiled. ¡°Not to worry. When we speak, we speak only of magic.¡± She¡¯d nearly lost her thought but quickly recovered. ¡°What I mean to say is that if you are not already doing it, then approaching combat like a game of Queen¡¯s Gambit would likely best suit you. Have you played?¡± A curious smile appeared on his face. ¡°Yes.¡± Alia¡¯s heart skipped. ¡°I-it may sound terrible, but observing your Party members like pieces on a board may help you keep them alive.¡± ¡°Hm. That does rub me wrong in some areas, but I think I know what you mean.¡± He rested his fingers on his chin, glancing between her and the floor. ¡°Predict the outcomes. Don¡¯t be scared of them, but anticipate them on the off chance that they occur.¡± He pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, this is becoming difficult. I¡¯m just tired.¡± Alia nodded. ¡°It is quite alright. As per Mistress Emberlynn¡¯s request, however, I must implore that we tackle one more part of the lesson before we conclude the night.¡± Tristan nodded and rubbed his eyes. ¡°Okay.¡± Reaching into one of the dozens of pockets in her robes, Alia plucked out a handful of jewels. She picked out one of each available color and then returned the duplicates to the pocket. Afterward, she took a seat on the soft wood, splaying them out in a half circle. ¡°Garnet. Topaz. Emerald.¡± She pointed to each one as she recited their names. ¡°Each stone is associated with an element, a property. The purity and grade of the gem will strengthen your magic. Such gems are essential to bringing out the full potential of each [Wizard] Spell.¡± Tristan sat down across from her and set his hands on his knees. ¡°That sounds expensive. How necessary are they, exactly?¡± ¡°You will not make a proper [Wizard] if you cannot keep your Spells supplied with gems.¡± Tristan drew a deep breath. ¡°Alright. Continue.¡± Alia hesitated. ¡°What I would like you to do is concentrate on pouring your myana into the gem. These vessels are empty, so it will be easier.¡± The look on Tristan¡¯s face was complicated. Torn and twisted into expressions she couldn¡¯t find words for. ¡°We¡¯ll start slow. Remember what happened when you cast [Fire Ball]? That cold sensation when the myana left you? Focus on that feeling, and let it spill out of you.¡± ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll try.¡± Tristan shut his eyes and extended his palm toward the topaz. Alia extended her hands to her sides, focusing on the myana in the air. When she felt nothing, she shut her eyes to help herself concentrate. Then she felt it. The slightest trickle of magic poured out of Tristan. It was gentle and steady, fragile. The myana flowed onto the planks of the balcony, sweeping over the jewels but never resting within them. ¡°Calm yourself,¡± Alia said. ¡°Calm, steady breaths. Mindfulness. Feel it flow through you.¡± The myana reverted its course, regaining some of its autonomy and sweeping over the jewels with deliberation. As it strengthened, she could feel some of it seeping into her own skin. It felt wonderful¡ªcool, kind, and caressing every inch of her skin like the brushing of fingertips. Goosebumps prickled on her arms. Seconds later, the myana halted entirely. ¡°Tristan?¡± Alia opened her eyes just as Tristan fell forward and into her lap. ¡°Eep!¡± she squealed, then quickly clapped a hand to her mouth. Tristan¡¯s breathing labored, and his eyes were shut. It seemed the exhaustion had taken him. ¡°O-o-oh my. Oh my, oh my. Gosh, what do I¡­uhhh.¡± Alia swallowed and gently combed his hair with her fingers¡ªit was soft, tousled, and curled, and his smooth face suggested an innocence behind the perceptive mind. ¡°Well¡­I suppose we¡¯ll postpone our lesson until tomorrow after all.¡± Chapter 268: This is Me Trying After Cecilia¡¯s lesson ended, Cannoli made her way to her first hour of prayer. She had just a few precious minutes to find her way from the library to the temple of worship. Thankfully, a handful of other white-robed catgirls with varying degrees of embroidery and sapphires filed out of the rooms in front of her and silently led her to the correct doorway. Cannoli tucked her hands inside of her robes and straightened her shoulders. She could still hear her steps above all the other initiates, and their posture seemed so perfect in comparison. How could she glide across the floor as they did? She hoped she could learn sooner rather than later. A soft hand touched Cannoli¡¯s shoulder, and a softer voice whispered, ¡°They¡¯re safe.¡± Cannoli nodded, catching Rozalyn¡¯s profile in the corner of her gaze. She glanced from side to side, nervous that Muzhira may be hiding in every shadow. Her reply was hidden inside an exhale, ¡°Inside?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Rozalyn murmured. The tension in Cannoli¡¯s shoulders eased. They could speak more of Freckles and Buttons later when she could confirm that they were alone. She moved to another topic. ¡°Rozalyn, what are the hours of prayer like?¡± ¡°A lot like going to temple worship outside of Falselle. Except now you go three times a day.¡± Rozalyn shrugged. Cannoli chewed her lower lip, letting her eyes wander the golden filigree on the arcade banisters. ¡°I¡¯ve never been to worship.¡± ¡°Oh.¡± Rozalyn raised her eyebrows, and her lips formed a small ¡®o¡¯ of surprise. ¡°Well, then. In the mornings, with breakfast, Sister Frejya gives us a hymn to focus on for the day. Each prayer session outside of that expands on the same hymn. By the end of the day, you¡¯ll have it memorized.¡± ¡°That is a certainty?¡± Cannoli couldn¡¯t recall ever learning Saoirse¡¯s hymns. If her mother had taught them to her, they weren¡¯t disclosed as such. Rozalyn grinned. ¡°It is very much a certainty. You¡¯ll see.¡± The white robes poured inside two enormous golden doors carved with an outreaching Saoirse, her twin tails swirling behind her. Inlaid sapphires sparkled from her eyes and hair. Cannoli couldn¡¯t help but feel very small standing beneath her. Do I truly belong here? Past the doors was an expansive room with crystalline glass columns that sparkled in the afternoon sun. Fourteen windows reached from the floor to the ceiling on either side; half of them included framed stained glass depictions of Saoirse¡¯s seven glories: virtue, love, ascension, order, lineage, faith, and knowledge. From the doorway to a dais were ten rows of blue velvet cushions nestled against small, ivory altars¡ªone for each adherent, it appeared. On the altar¡¯s left sat a golden, sapphire-studded goblet, and on the right, a hand sculpted from glass held a fresh stick of incense between the pointer finger and thumb. ¡°This way,¡± Rozalyn whispered, touching Cannoli¡¯s wrist. Cannoli followed in silence, careful not to step on any of the cushions, drinking in the peaceful atmosphere of the glittering temple. A masked prophet sat on the dais at the far end of the room, stroking a soothing melody from a golden harp. With how lightly everyone carried themselves, there wasn¡¯t a sound in the room outside the prophet¡¯s song. Cannoli tip-toed to her place, terrified her untrained footsteps would disturb the serenity like a boulder in a pond. Rozalyn knelt at an altar at the end of one row, and Cannoli did the same at the altar beside her. She did her best to position herself in a similar manner, though her kneeling was not as graceful. An embarrassed blush consumed her face as she straightened her robes and smoothed them over her knees. She snapped her eyes to the surface, studying what awaited her to hide her disgrace. The goblet was filled with a curious golden liquid that Cannoli had never seen before. It remained perfectly still, as if she could glide her fingers across its surface without causing a ripple. The incense holder to her right looked simple enough at first glance, but upon closer inspection, narrow claws emerged from each fingertip, much like Saoirse¡¯s own hands. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. ¡°Saoirse¡¯s blessings be upon you, faithful,¡± a gentle voice captured Cannoli¡¯s attention from the dais. A second masked prophet stood at the edge of the stairs, holding her hands out at her sides. ¡°We are gathered here this afternoon once more in love and thanks to our benevolent goddess. Let us take a moment to welcome her.¡± Every adherent clasped their hands on their altar and bowed their head. Cannoli quickly did the same, hoping she would receive a prompt on what to do next. Saoirse, is this like when I¡¯ve prayed to you so many times before? Are you here with me now? A comfortable warmth spread through Cannoli¡¯s shoulders and trickled down her back like the warm rains of Ni Island, and her breathing steadied. It was a sensation she enjoyed each time she prayed¡ªone that helped her clasp to an inner peace she often worried she¡¯d lost. ¡°Lady Saoirse, we join to spread your will upon your likeness throughout Nyarlea,¡± the prophet said after a time. ¡°Let us speak your words and share your benevolence as you have with us. We beseech you.¡± ¡°Guide us in your light,¡± the congregation responded, then moved to light the incense at their altars. Cannoli¡¯s ears twitched forward, and she made a note of their words. Remember this tonight! She quickly took the match at the edge of her burner, struck it on the altar¡¯s surface as the others had done, and lit the incense. A sweet, floral aroma filled the air and tickled her nose. ¡°¡®Saoirse is the lover of all. The one true aspect from which we must seek our identity; our light. Only through her may we learn to serve one another,¡¯¡± the prophet recited, her words moving to an enchanting cadence. ¡°Our hymn that we study on this blessed day speaks to Saoirse¡¯s love, one of her seven glories. ¡°However, it is not romantic love that we discuss, for as we all know, Saoirse and our great Queen of Nyarlea feel an unconditional bond with us and with one another. Through this shared bond, we learn to protect each other, our Parties, and, may we be so blessed, the men Saoirse births in our lands.¡± She strolled the length of the dais with silent footsteps, moving with the same incredible appearance of levitation as the older initiates. ¡°Though, many of us wonder, how do we find our identity within her love?¡± Cannoli listened with rapt attention while the prophet dissected the hymn in incredible detail. She was a compassionate speaker, and her words sank straight into Cannoli¡¯s heart. For a long while, she¡¯d feared the loss of her path, the loss of her faith. And yet, she still had an opportunity to rediscover herself in Saoirse¡¯s love. Her identity. Warmth tingled in her fingers and toes, and Cannoli couldn¡¯t help but smile. This was exactly where she belonged. ¡°Our passion and education in the ways of Saoirse¡¯s guidance will continue every day, long after we have walked her path in the presence of peers,¡± the prophet continued. She moved to the larger altar on the dais, lifting a goblet that matched those on the adherent¡¯s tables. ¡°Let us accept her words on our lips.¡± She dipped her thumb into the cup, allowing the excess to trickle from her long nail, before she swept the tip along her bottom lip, leaving a golden streak in its wake. The other adherents did the same, and Cannoli lifted her cup. She took a deep breath, pushing away the fear that she¡¯d spill it all over her robe, and dabbed her thumb into the elixir. It was warm to the touch and coated her nail like paint. As she touched it to her lower lip, she noticed that the golden trail on Rozalyn¡¯s mouth was gradually disappearing. Cannoli blinked as a pleasant sensation caressed her lower lip. A renewed blush rose to her cheeks as a memory surfaced that reminded her of the tender warmth she felt now. Kissing Matt¡­ She replaced the cup and clasped her hands, swallowing the vision as she fixed her eyes on the prophet. The prophet lifted her hands; the gold on her lip had vanished. With a gentle smile, she said, ¡°Let us sing Saoirse¡¯s hymn together.¡± ¡°¡®Saoirse is the lover of all. The one true aspect from which we must seek our identity; our light. Only through her may we learn to serve one another,¡¯¡± Cannoli murmured alongside the adherents. Their voices were beautiful, and she memorized the inflections and melody they used. If what Rozalyn said was true, she would sing with them again after her evening lesson. The prophet dismissed them, and Cannoli lingered behind to let Rozalyn catch up to her side. ¡°That wasn¡¯t so bad, huh?¡± Rozalyn whispered with a grin. Cannoli shook her head. ¡°No. It was beautiful.¡± Rozalyn chuckled and bumped Cannoli with her shoulder. ¡°We¡¯ll see how you feel about it next week.¡± ¡°I think I¡¯ll still feel the same way.¡± Cannoli marveled at the doors as they left, then the paintings on the arcade¡¯s ceiling. ¡°I feel like I¡¯m finally where I should be.¡± ¡°Hold onto that feeling for the next few hours, then,¡± Rozalyn said with a sigh. ¡°Why?¡± Cannoli canted her head to the side. Rozalyn tucked her hands deeper into the sleeves of her robe. ¡°Because now it¡¯s time to make dinner for everyone in the temple.¡± ¡°Oh! I love cooking! That¡¯s¡ª¡± ¡°With Cora and Muzhira.¡± Chapter 269: Bad Blood Cannoli swallowed her nerves as they made their way to the kitchens. Rozalyn opened the door and gestured for her to step inside. For a few moments, Cannoli¡¯s fear of confrontation with Muzhira evaporated. Glimmering steel countertops spanned from one end of the room to the other, flanking either side. Pots and pans that looked as if they¡¯d never seen use hung from the walls, all sporting the same copper core as the one in Cannoli¡¯s [Cat Pack]. Four knife blocks with ten sizes each, peppered the countertops, and two spice racks hung along both walls. Cannoli gaped in awe, drinking it all in as her fingers tingled at the thought of cooking in such a magnificent kitchen. ¡°You really do like cooking, huh?¡± Rozalyn crossed her arms over her chest and grinned. ¡°It¡¯s my favorite thing,¡± Cannoli murmured. ¡°And baking, but sugar¡ª¡± Rozalyn raised an arm and pointed to an enormous container at the far end of the kitchen. ¡°That¡¯s filled with sugar.¡± ¡°Whaaa?¡± Cannoli didn¡¯t think her chin could drop further. Her tail rapidly ticked back and forth behind her, and her ears perked up. ¡°Baking dessert is a part of dinner,¡± Rozalyn explained. ¡°Hello, Cora.¡± A squeaky greeting sounded from behind them, and Cora tiptoed around Rozalyn¡¯s left. She hurried to a rack of aprons and pulled one over her pink pigtails. Cannoli stepped forward and trailed her fingertips over the cool metal countertops. Her own kitchen in Junonia was a fraction of this size, and she¡¯d always been able to make do with whatever she had on hand. From camping on San to the caverns of Catania. But this¡­ ¡°This is amazing!¡± ¡°Why are you standing around?¡± Muzhira had slipped through the door unnoticed, and her hissed words startled both Cannoli and Rozalyn. ¡°Or are you useless here as well?¡± Cannoli¡¯s apprehension returned as a tight knot in her throat. She chewed her lip and rushed to Cora¡¯s side, selecting an apron from the rack. ¡°What¡¯s your problem?¡± Rozalyn snapped as she turned to face Muzhira. She was nearly a head shorter, but the anger on her face would suggest otherwise. ¡°Your new friend hasn¡¯t told you?¡± A sharp smile spread across Muzhira¡¯s lips. Cannoli busied herself with the cabinets and taking inventory of the ingredients on hand. Her skin crawled at Muzhira¡¯s tone, and she wished with every inch of her body that the girl would just disappear. ¡°Told me what?¡± Rozalyn asked. ¡°How she and her island¡¯s man destroyed Ichi Island?¡± Cannoli hissed beneath her breath. Rozalyn returned Muzhira¡¯s sneer. ¡°The way I heard it, Ichi Island¡¯s man deserved what was coming to him.¡± Muzhira¡¯s wicked grin melted into a snarl. ¡°You are the same, then. You understand nothing.¡± Venom dripped from her words. ¡°U-um, we should probably start cooking,¡± Cora murmured. She shifted her weight between her feet and toyed with one of her braids. ¡°Tonight is roasted pikpik, so we have a lot of feathers to pluck¡­¡± A sharp pain pinched Cannoli¡¯s tail. She squealed and whipped around to see Muzhira standing a hand¡¯s span away from her face, examining the tuft of white fur between her fingers. ¡°Indeed, we do.¡± Anger coated Cannoli¡¯s fear in a red-hot blaze. What did Muzhira know? She wasn¡¯t there to see souls shattered for the sake of others, or the duel that had likely changed Nyarlea forever. She hadn¡¯t been trapped beneath that awful wall, watched the Ejderha die at the oasis, or been subject to Kirti¡¯s taunts and jeers. How dare she? ¡°Do not touch me again.¡± The voice that escaped Cannoli sounded cold and unfamiliar. Muzhira held her fingers up, then blew a puff of air so that Cannoli¡¯s fur bloomed in her face. ¡°I will do as I please.¡± Cannoli sneezed, and her heart sped. The throbbing in her head she¡¯d hoped had subsided returned, and a dark haze framed her vision. ¡°[Combat Mode],¡± she murmured. The hem of her silks barely kissed the floor as she procured one of the knives from the block. She snatched Muzhira¡¯s wrist and held the blade to her throat. Cora squealed and ducked under one of the countertops. Rozalyn gasped. ¡°Cannoli!¡± The first flickers of doubt glittered in Muzhira¡¯s crimson gaze as she looked from the knife to Cannoli¡¯s armor. ¡°They train the finest [Assassin]s in Ichi, don¡¯t they?¡± Cannoli murmured, refusing to take her eyes away from Muzhira¡¯s face. Never in her life had she threatened another catgirl. The pulsing behind her eyes intensified. ¡°Let me show you what I learned.¡± The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t dare,¡± Muzhira whispered. But the venom was missing, replaced by hesitation. ¡°They would never allow you to return.¡± ¡°Then perhaps this is not my place after all,¡± Cannoli countered. She didn¡¯t care if Muzhira called her bluff. The seeds of uncertainty had taken root. Cannoli counted ten heartbeats until Muzhira raised her free hand in surrender. She lowered the knife, released Muzhira¡¯s wrist, then stepped away, muttering, ¡°[Civilian Mode]¡±. ¡°You will regret this.¡± Muzhira swept two fingers across her neck; whether checking for blood or posing another threat, Cannoli couldn¡¯t say. Cannoli replaced the knife in the block. She inhaled deeply and tightened the strings of her apron. The headache abated as she exhaled, and she searched for the smile she¡¯d worn with the initial excitement of the temple¡¯s kitchen. What was done was done. Muzhira would think twice before attacking her in the future. Besides, there were very few places to escape the watchful eyes of the sisters and prophets. Rozalyn watched her, frozen in place, as Cannoli moved to where Cora hid. ¡°Cora, can you please show me how to pluck a pikpik?¡± Cannoli asked gently as she knelt, extending a hand toward Cora. The poor thing had lost all color in her face, and her emerald eyes had bulged to the size of saucers. ¡°I¡¯m not going to hurt you,¡± Cannoli assured her. Cora looked at Cannoli, then over Cannoli¡¯s shoulder at Rozalyn. She sniffed, then reached for Cannoli¡¯s hand. ¡°O-okay.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Cannoli helped her to stand, then followed her to a stack of crates filled to the brim with feathered Encroachers. Cora picked one up, her fingers trembling, and held it for Cannoli to see. ¡°There are a-a lot of feathers on a pikpik, so we have to dunk them in h-hot water first.¡± She cleared her throat and rearranged the pikpik in her small hands, holding two of its scaly feet in each hand. Her tone grew more confident as her explanation continued. ¡°Once you¡¯ve dunked it five or six times, the feathers come off a lot easier. We hang them up over here,¡± Cora moved to a set of hooks behind the crates, ¡°and just start at the feet, then work your way down. If it¡¯s taking longer than a few minutes, you should dunk it again.¡± It wasn¡¯t much different than plucking a chicken¡ªthe pikpik just had four legs and two heads. ¡°That sounds simple enough.¡± Cannoli nodded, then looked at Rozalyn and Muzhira. Rozalyn blanched and clasped one hand around her other elbow. Muzhira refused to meet Cannoli¡¯s gaze. ¡°Now, are you two going to help us with pikpiks or work on something else?¡± Rozalyn looked at Muzhira, then shook her head. ¡°I-I¡¯ll start baking the pies.¡± Muzhira grunted a word that sounded like ¡®Soup,¡¯ then busied herself on the other side of the kitchen. A tinge of regret trickled through Cannoli¡¯s chest, extinguishing the last drops of her fury. She¡¯d made Rozalyn and Cora afraid of her. Would Rozalyn still protect Buttons? Worry stirred her heart, but there was nothing for it now. Cora rushed to a section of the kitchen where two enormous containers filled with water stood. On the wall beside them hung a thick stack of parchment with tiny letters and images penned on their surface. Cora tore one piece away and knelt by the pots, touching them both before whispering, ¡°[Ignite].¡± The scroll in her hand vanished. Tiny bubbles rose through the water, growing in size and intensity in just a few seconds. ¡°You use scrolls to cook?¡± Cannoli marveled. ¡°Yes. It¡¯s safer than an open flame,¡± Cora explained. ¡°If the scrolls run out, Sister Sahzi replaces them.¡± ¡°That¡¯s so smart!¡± Cannoli¡¯s prior enthusiasm returned, and she clapped her hands together. ¡°Please show me everything, Cora! You¡¯re my teacher today!¡± ¡°R-really?¡± ¡°Mhm! I will follow your orders!¡± Cora toed the floor, and her ears lowered against her head. ¡°Can I ask you something?¡± ¡°Of course. Anything.¡± Cora gestured for Cannoli to come closer, then dropped her voice so only Cannoli could hear. ¡°Are you really an [Assassin]?¡± Cannoli touched Cora¡¯s head between her ears and whispered her reply, ¡°No.¡± ¡°I thought so.¡± Cora glanced around Cannoli and huffed a sigh before looking back up to meet Cannoli¡¯s gaze. ¡°Can I tell you a secret?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Cannoli bent forward and offered an ear to the girl. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°Muzhira¡¯s really mean. To everyone,¡± Cora whispered barely above her breath. ¡°But the sisters say we have to be patient with her.¡± Cannoli¡¯s agitation with Muzhira threatened to return. She swallowed it behind another smile. ¡°Then let¡¯s do our best together, okay?¡± Cora blushed, then nodded. ¡°Okay!¡± They worked together to pluck and prepare the pikpiks; Cora walked Cannoli through each step with practiced hands. The ease of preparing a large meal in the temple¡¯s kitchens continued to amaze Cannoli as they took their time with each tool at their disposal. An hour passed, and the smell of roasted meats and simmering vegetables filled the air. While they waited for the pikpiks to roast, Cannoli moved to see what Rozalyn was working on. A dozen nyapple pies covered one of the countertops, and Rozalyn methodically moved down a line of twelve spheres of dough, rolling them flat before laying them over the nyapple slices and pinching the edges of the crust together. Her gaze was miles away as she worked, her tail unmoving between her feet. ¡°May I help?¡± Cannoli offered. Rozalyn jerked back in surprise and gripped the rolling pin to her chest. She sucked in a few breaths and blinked away the clouds from her vision. ¡°S-sorry, I didn¡¯t hear you.¡± ¡°Oh, that¡¯s okay. I should be the one apologizing.¡± Cannoli brushed her hands against her apron. ¡°Anyway, the pikpiks are almost finished, and I thought I could help you with these.¡± ¡°No. Um, I¡¯m alright. Thank you.¡± Rozalyn stepped away from Cannoli and set to work on the next crust without another word. Cannoli¡¯s shoulders fell, and her ears drooped with them. ¡°Cannoli! Can I show you how to put everything on the plates?¡± Cora called. ¡°Yes, of course!¡± She brightened and rejoined Cora. Together, they pulled a hundred glass plates from one of the cabinets. Each plate was hand-painted with elegant gold designs, touched with specks of brilliant blue. Cora instructed Cannoli on how to organize the food on each plate so each serving of food held its own position without touching the others. It was quite the process, and it took Cannoli a few tries to understand with Cora¡¯s careful guidance. The dinners were beautiful, albeit extravagant. As they served the finished meals to the other initiates and adherents, Cannoli noted that nothing in the temple was how she had pictured it. She glanced over her shoulder at a silent Muzhira. Nothing. Chapter 270: Wildest Dreams When Lara woke, Tristan and Destiny were still sleeping. What little she remembered of the prior evening came to her in the form of Tristan tripping over the minor imperfections of the carpet as he returned to the room. Destiny had always been a heavy sleeper¡ªwhich was a part of why she was often late to classes back in Venicia¡ªand so she slept through Tristan¡¯s bumbling. No sooner than she had sat up did Wind come to her with a wide grin. ¡°Have I got some juicy information for you!¡± Wind said. Lara blinked and yawned. ¡°Okay. Hold on,¡± she whispered, throwing the blankets over. Afterward, she dangled her legs over the edge and stepped out onto the carpet carefully to avoid waking Destiny or Tristan. The nightgown provided by the attendants was comfortable and downright luxurious. Dyed a faded pink, the dress of extravagant silk rested over her shoulders and stopped just above her knees. It was the cutest thing she¡¯d worn since who knew how long. Tiptoeing her way over to the door, it squeaked slightly as she opened it, clicking behind her as she closed it. ¡°Took you long enough!¡± Wind barked. Lara flinched. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± She yawned again, rubbing the bridge of her nose. ¡°Let¡¯s just say that Ravyn might be making a weird decision today.¡± Wind fluttered around Lara¡¯s head, sprinkling faint luminescent dust around her. Lara was never quite sure what the dust was. The last time she asked, Wind said that it was her ¡®beauty¡¯ or ¡®myana.¡¯ The latter sounded more likely. ¡°What kind of decision?¡± Lara¡¯s mind was still waking up, and she could hear Earth and Fire nearby, arguing as usual. ¡°She might not be tagging along anymore.¡± Lara frowned. ¡°But didn¡¯t Cailu¡ª¡± ¡°She doesn¡¯t care!¡± ¡°I know that, but Tristan¡ª¡± ¡°Oh! Here she comes now!¡± Lara turned her head toward the hallway to her right to see a pensive Ravyn strolling through the hall, bizarrely absent of her familiar. Dressed in her [Civilian Mode] outfit, the fiery redhead had her arms crossed and her head bowed slightly. She stopped a few paces away, looked up, then frowned and turned around to leave. ¡°Wait, where are you going?¡± Lara asked, walking over to her. Ravyn clicked her tongue. ¡°Geh. Does it matter? I have a lot to think about and don¡¯t have time for your antics.¡± Lara blinked, unsure of what she meant by that. ¡°Are you going to leave our group?¡± Ravyn glanced at her over her shoulder. ¡°Who told you that?¡± ¡°Wind did. She said you might be leaving.¡± ¡°Deny it! I dare you!¡± Wind said, cackling. Ravyn¡¯s posture relaxed, and then she sighed. ¡°I think it would be best if I stayed at the estate for a while.¡± ¡°But what about Tristan and Matt and¡ª¡± ¡°My sister needs me,¡± Ravyn interrupted. ¡°And I can do more to help here than parade around Shulan.¡± Averting her gaze, she lowered her voice. ¡°Besides, I need to help my mother get her affairs in order. She might only have a year or two left.¡± Lara bowed her head. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ravyn.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± Ravyn had deep bags under her eyes, now that Lara was looking closer. ¡°We still have to wait until Tristan¡¯s done with his training, anyhow, so you¡¯re stuck with me for a little longer.¡± Lara smiled and cupped one hand over the other in her lap. ¡°Anything else on your mind? I know what it¡¯s like to have a lot going on.¡± ¡°Are you saying that I¡¯m a burden?¡± Wind balked. ¡°N-no, Wind, I¡¯m just saying¡ª¡± The little sprite clicked her tongue and vanished in a puff of green smoke. Ravyn sighed. ¡°We can talk more once Tristan¡¯s awake. I don¡¯t want to talk to my mother more than I have to without him.¡± ¡°Why is that?¡± This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. ¡°Because, even if he isn¡¯t from this island, the cunt put him in charge. As much as I loathe to say it, we have to play the same fucking game with her as she does with us.¡± She shook her head. ¡°Having Tristan there might make her a bit more forthcoming with information.¡± ¡°Would she really lie to you, though?¡± The corner of Ravyn¡¯s mouth rose into a sneer. ¡°You don¡¯t know my mother.¡± ¡°W-well, no. I guess not. But I would think any mother would want to tell their daughter the truth. I know mine would.¡± Lara smiled as she reminisced on an old memory of her and Destiny chasing one another through a field of wheat. On the hot summer days, they were a welcome reprieve from the sun and made for great hiding spots. Her mother¡¯s face was becoming more difficult to picture. She hated that. ¡°That¡¯s why I¡ª¡± Ravyn was turning the corner down another corridor to her left by the time Lara came out of her reverie. ¡°Hey!¡± Lara cried as she started down the hallway. ¡°I was still talking!¡± When she caught up, Ravyn rolled her head with a sigh. ¡°I¡¯m hungry.¡± ¡°So am I!¡± Lara said excitedly. ¡°Why don¡¯t we get breakfast together?¡± Ravyn didn¡¯t say anything until she opened the doors to the guest room. A pair of attendants dressed in casual San Island attire were sitting at a table near the back, and they shot to their feet when Ravyn entered. ¡°We¡¯re hungry.¡± The two women bowed at the waist. ¡°Our apologies, miss,¡± the one on the left¡ªa girl with short black hair tied into quarter braids¡ªsaid. ¡°Is there anything you would like in particular?¡± ¡°No. Whatever¡¯s available,¡± Ravyn said. She gestured to a table on their left, and Lara took the seat closest to the wall. ¡°Of course!¡± the two women said before disappearing into the other room. Ravyn took the seat across from Lara, leaning on one elbow and perching her chin atop her palm. ¡°Go on. Say it.¡± Lara blinked. ¡°So, if we talked to Fire¡ª¡± ¡°Not that!¡± Ravyn pounded both of her forearms on the table, eliciting a yelp from Lara. ¡°Ugh. Forget it.¡± Lara tried to put herself in Ravyn¡¯s shoes. She wondered what made Ravyn such a snappy and angry person. Wind would pass her information from time to time, but Wind could only ever hear what anyone else could. Ravyn¡¯s mind was her own, and if she didn¡¯t wish to speak it, then Lara would never hear it. ¡°Umm. Sorry. I¡¯m not very good at this,¡± Lara said, tucking her hands between her legs. ¡°Would you lie to your daughter?¡± When Ravyn furrowed her brow, Lara clarified, ¡°I mean, if you ever had one.¡± Ravyn paused. ¡°Probably, if it suited my needs.¡± Lara returned her frown. ¡°Why? Do you not think you¡¯d make a good mom?¡± Ravyn visibly swallowed. ¡°Mou ii, why are we even talking about this?¡± Lara responded with a shaky laugh. ¡°Well, I thought we might pass the time. Especially since Earth and Wind are strangely quiet today.¡± Seeing Ravyn¡¯s expression made her think that she was being pitied. ¡°I really can talk to them, you know. The Elements.¡± Ravyn resumed her prior position and leaned into her palm. ¡°You¡¯re crazy. No one can talk to the Elements.¡± ¡°But I can! Really! So can Sophia!¡± ¡°Look, can we just change the subject?¡± Lara¡¯s bravado deflated, and her shoulders slumped. ¡°Okay. Umm. So¡­why wouldn¡¯t you make a good mom?¡± Ravyn¡¯s lips formed a thin line, and her gaze fell to the table. ¡°You¡¯re making an assumption. I never said that I wouldn¡¯t make a good mom.¡± Lara felt that Ravyn had more to say, so she waited as the seconds passed by. ¡°I ran away with San Island¡¯s prior man. He and I wanted to start a family the same way they did where he came from. He told me that where he¡¯s from, men were just as plentiful as women, and when you found someone you cared about, you made a family. I was captured and rehabilitated. We never got the chance to try.¡± Ravyn had Lara¡¯s rapt attention, and so she leaned closer to hear her better, ears perked up. ¡°I¡¯m back!¡± Wind said as she fluttered around Lara¡¯s head. ¡°Not now, Wind,¡± Lara snapped. ¡°Ravyn is talking to me.¡± ¡°Well, fine! See if I care!¡± The little sprite disappeared again, and Lara sighed. She hoped her snippy reaction wouldn¡¯t come back to bite her later. Ravyn raised a brow. ¡°Anyway. Finn told me you could marry someone.¡± ¡°What does that mean?¡± Ravyn¡¯s eye twitched. ¡°As it was explained to me, it¡¯s when a man and a woman vow to love one another, and only one another, until death¡­do you part.¡± Ravyn sucked in her lips. ¡°It sounded romantic to me. I wanted that. So, I broke Saoirse¡¯s decree and ran away with him. I abandoned my friend when she needed me most, my mother, the whole of Nyarlea.¡± She sniffed. ¡°I named four of my future daughters.¡± She quickly wiped a tear away from the corner of her eye. ¡°Mattaku. I¡¯ve said too much. Satisfied?¡± Lara bowed her head and allowed Ravyn¡¯s words to land on her. Visages of her mother returned, and with them, her mother¡¯s face. Stronger than ever before. ¡°I see,¡± Lara said, scared of offending her with anything more. She was never good with talks like these. Most of her day was spent concentrating on the voices in her head, after all. Now that Wind and the other Elements weren¡¯t around to bother her, she had a moment to reflect on the story she¡¯d been told. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ravyn.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± Ravyn massaged her temples. ¡°I don¡¯t know why I¡¯m telling you all this, anyway.¡± Tristan and Destiny came into the room shortly after the attendants returned with Lara and Ravyn¡¯s breakfast. Tristan seemed absolutely beside himself while Destiny gave him gentle words of encouragement. Ravyn returned to her usual self, barking orders when it suited her and detailing the day¡¯s tasks. Yanni joined them soon after, and the room was bustling with conversation. Lara listened, as she usually did, while the others carried much of the conversation in the room. Wind returned, and Earth with her. Voices bombarded her, but with a full belly, she managed to keep up with much of what was said. Color returned to Ravyn¡¯s eyes and skin, and Lara watched her for a time. Despite Ravyn¡¯s brashness, she went out of her way to assist Tristan where she could. She cared about her sister, traveled across the islands with a man, and wanted to ensure that her mother¡¯s business was taken care of. Lara smiled. I think you would make a wonderful mother. Chapter 271: There is Power in Symbols Cannoli enjoyed her meal with Cora, who animatedly told her about her life on Shi Island before coming to Nyarlothep. She and her mother had moved from Catania to Irisil when Cora was barely five. While many of her memories of Shi were fuzzy, she recalled the black dresses with white aprons she wore long before changing to Nyarlothep¡¯s style. Muzhira was nowhere to be found. A blessing, Cannoli thought. She hoped the woman¡¯s threat of revenge was empty. When they finished eating, initiates and adherents cleared their plates and carefully stacked them on a designated table near the entrance of the dining hall. ¡°Do we do the dishes?¡± Cannoli asked. Cora shook her head. ¡°No, there are custodians who help run the temple.¡± ¡°Custodians?¡± Cannoli blinked and tried to remember if she¡¯d ever heard the term before. ¡°Mhm. A lot of them are from Shi Island, so they have etiquette training. They light all the candles and lamps, set up the altars at the prayer sessions, clean the dishes, prepare the kitchens, and cook our breakfasts.¡± She spooned the last of her pie into her mouth, closed her eyes, and hummed. ¡°Rozalyn makes the best pie,¡± she murmured behind her chewing. Rozalyn shared their table but sat at the opposite end¡ªas far away from Cannoli as she could, it seemed. A renewed pang of guilt vibrated in Cannoli¡¯s chest with the loss of her new friend. How could she make Rozalyn understand? Girls like Muzhira didn¡¯t respond to simple words or meager threats. That left her very few options to show Muzhira that she wouldn¡¯t suffer her bullying while in the Temple of Saoirse. Cannoli was done suffering anyone. She took a deep breath. ¡°The custodians do a lot, then.¡± ¡°Yes! They¡¯re all different Classes, too. [Hunter]s bring in our food, [Wizard]s craft the scrolls for the kitchen, and we have [Alchemist]s who take care of us when we get sick.¡± Cora tugged at one of her pigtails and lowered her voice. ¡°Mama¡ª I mean, my mom is one of the [Alchemist]s. She wanted to keep an eye on me, I guess.¡± ¡°How old are you, Cora?¡± ¡°Mmm. Fourteen.¡± She blushed deeply. ¡°I, um, was gifted with my initial Class selection just last year.¡± ¡°That¡¯s so young!¡± Cannoli marveled. ¡°Keke¡­ Well, my friend and I, we received ours just before our sixteenth birthday.¡± ¡°I know. My mom said the same thing.¡± Cora studied her plate for a moment, then whipped her head from side to side. ¡°Oh no! Everyone¡¯s leaving! We shouldn¡¯t be late for our lessons!¡± Cannoli hadn¡¯t noticed the room clearing out so suddenly. Rozalyn was absent from her spot at the table, and Cannoli flushed; she¡¯d hoped to ask her how to reach Sister Madeline. ¡°Cora, how do I find the observatory?¡± ¡°That one¡¯s easy, thankfully.¡± She lifted her plate and motioned for Cannoli to follow her. ¡°You know where the temple is? The observatory is in the same area, but on the second floor. The door is all the way at the end. If you open it and there¡¯s stairs, you¡¯re going the right way.¡± ¡°Thank you so much.¡± Cannoli placed her plate on one of the lower stacks and touched Cora¡¯s shoulder. ¡°And thank you for trusting me.¡± Cora nodded. ¡°I was really scared. But then I¡­ I had this memory suddenly come back. My mom had to do the same thing before we left Catania.¡± She smoothed her robes and fingered the hem of her sleeve. ¡°She owed a mean lady a lot of Bells.¡± For a few heartbeats, Cannoli wondered if Cora spoke of Jazz. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Cora.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay. I just had to remind myself that my mom¡¯s not a bad person. And I don¡¯t think you¡¯re a bad person, either.¡± Cora¡¯s cheeks pinked as she led them out of the dining hall and then pointed down the corridor. ¡°A-anyway, the observatory is up there. Like I said, just look for stairs.¡± ¡°Stairs, understood!¡± Cannoli smiled and saluted as she¡¯d seen Ceres do so many times before. ¡°I¡¯ll see you afterward.¡± Cora nodded and skipped in the other direction, remembered herself, and then slowed to measured steps. Cannoli marched toward the stairs, ignoring her loud footsteps in the arcade. She reasoned that it was better to be loud than late. The sun had vanished from the sky, and the arcade took on a twilight sheen. The moonlight twinkled against the ivory podiums, and the stars glittered through the stained glass and reflected in the fountain¡¯s pool. Oil lamps guided Cannoli¡¯s way, but the amplified moonlight would have served well enough. She¡¯d wandered through far darker, after all. Cannoli found the door Cora had referenced, sliding inside the small room before lifting her robes and ascending the stairs on her tiptoes. She lost count of how many steps she¡¯d taken, and a thin sheen of sweat blanketed her upper back and forehead when she finally reached the door to the observatory. Unlike the polished doors in the arcade, this one was a lower-quality wood, with notches in the frame and a copper handle. She paused a moment, unsure if she should knock. Before she could make a decision, the door swung wide, revealing a lithe older woman who stood just a few inches taller than Cannoli with deep umber skin and wrinkles at the corners of her eyes and mouth. Tufts of silver hair poked out beneath the white silk scarf she wore on her head and over her ears. Golden embroidery and small sapphires covered the fabric in place of the hair decorations Cannoli had seen on the others. Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. ¡°You must be Cannoli.¡± She grinned and waved a hand toward the door. ¡°You can knock on my door, young lady. It won¡¯t bite.¡± Cannoli blushed and bowed. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Sister Madeline, I wasn¡¯t sure.¡± ¡°Well, now you are. Come in, dear.¡± She stepped back and waited for Cannoli to move inside before closing the door behind her. ¡°Next time, head up these stairs a little earlier. No need to wear yourself out so quickly.¡± ¡°Y-yes, of course. I¡¯m sorry.¡± Cannoli bowed again. ¡°Why are you apologizing so much? [Priest] isn¡¯t a profession for apologizing, dear; it¡¯s for learning and changing. Now, come here.¡± Sister Madeline shuffled across the room and sat at a circular table covered with a white cloth. Only one chair sat opposite her. Cannoli bit back a third apology and moved to join her. The observatory was modest in size, with just two shelves of books and a few charts hanging on the stone walls. One large window opened to the night sky, and a telescope like Portia had used in the past rested on the windowsill. A bed with freshly pressed sheets and a rich blue blanket was tucked in the back corner. ¡°You sleep here?¡± Cannoli asked before she could stop herself. ¡°Oh, goodness, I¡¯m¡ª¡± ¡°Ah, ah, ah! No apologizing, remember?¡± Sister Madeline raised a hand and shook her head. ¡°Curiosity is a virtue, dear. Yes, this is my room.¡± She gestured toward the window. ¡°I feel my best when I¡¯m nearer to my goddess.¡± Cannoli nodded. Sister Madeline was very different from Sister Sahzi and Sister Cecilia. Her open, easy-going personality reminded Cannoli of Granny Nauka on her good days, unlike the other instructors'' straight-backed mannerisms, which demanded reverence. ¡°I see.¡± ¡°Perhaps you will.¡± Sister Madeline clapped her hands and grinned. ¡°Now, I like to get to know the initiates on their first day. I¡¯m sure your head is spinning with information, and with time, it¡¯ll all sink in.¡± ¡°Alright,¡± Cannoli replied, uneasy. She wasn¡¯t sure where to start. How did she talk about herself? The sensation of the knife¡¯s handle tingled in her fingertips, and she studied a tiny tear in the tablecloth. Who was she? ¡°Goodness, dear, you¡¯re shaking like a kitten. Breathe. No one has an easy first day. Chin up, come now.¡± Cannoli lifted her head and inhaled slowly. ¡°Of course, Sister Madeline. What would you like to know?¡± ¡°Why don¡¯t we let the cards tell us, hm?¡± The cards? Cannoli folded her hands in her lap. ¡°What do you mean?¡± Sister Madeline lifted her hand and swept it across her chest, muttering, ¡°[Goddess¡¯s Fortune].¡± Seven rectangles of brilliant blue appeared in the trail of her hand, hovered over the white cloth, then fell and materialized as cards on the table. Golden swirls framed a brilliant blue stone in their center, and Cannoli stared in wonder. ¡°It¡¯s a simple reading, child. You pick the cards as I ask the questions, and we¡¯ll see what Saoirse and her stars have to say.¡± Sister Madeline leaned back and rested her clasped hands on the table. ¡°Now, choose the card that tells us where you¡¯re from.¡± Cannoli sucked her lower lip between her teeth and wrapped her tail around her ankle, a nervous habit she¡¯d had since she was a kitten. She took another breath and selected the third card in. As she turned it over, a shimmering white light filled the room as if the stars themselves had joined them for their reading. ¡°Ah, Purity. You¡¯re from Ni Island, then. Is that right?¡± ¡°Oh. Yes. That¡¯s right.¡± Cannoli blinked and moved to examine the card, but it had vanished. ¡°How did you know?¡± ¡°Ni Island has always been quite peaceful. Purity¡¯s sigil aligns with their history and current affairs,¡± Madeline explained. ¡°Now, choose the card that tells us why you¡¯re here.¡± Cannoli hesitated over the remaining six cards. At last, she chose the card on her far right¡ªthe seventh card. She turned it upright, and the blurred image of three books spreading their pages turned with it. For the briefest of moments, Cannoli was certain she smelled the fresh leather bindings and ink on their pages. ¡°Revealing Light. You seek answers, child,¡± Madeline nodded approvingly. ¡°This is a respectable outlook. However, I will warn you, following in Saoirse¡¯s footsteps will lead to more questions.¡± ¡°I had a feeling it would,¡± Cannoli admitted as she tucked her hands inside of her sleeves. ¡°But I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll be asking questions my whole life.¡± ¡°Wise of you to realize. Very good. Lastly, will you choose the card that tells us your relationship with our Lady Saoirse?¡± Her fingers quaked as she reached for another card. What did Saoirse think of her? What did she think of Saoirse? With a quivering breath, she chose the second card from the left and slowly turned it upright. A hundred whispering voices surrounded their table, filling the quiet room with an assault of mangled opinions. It died out as quickly as it began, and the card vanished. Madeline furrowed her brow and leaned forward. Her lips thinned, and her dark gaze was suddenly serious. ¡°Confusion.¡± Cannoli tensed, and her eyes widened. A cold chill rippled down her spine. ¡°W-what does that mean?¡± A few stressful seconds passed, and then Madeline burst into laughter. ¡°Cannoli, dear. You have to relax. Please.¡± Cannoli¡¯s breath sputtered through her lips, and she squinted her eyes closed. ¡°I-I¡¯m s¡­ Yes, Sister Madeline.¡± ¡°Good.¡± Her expression smoothed, and she continued. ¡°Most initiates turn the Confusion sigil for their standing with our gracious goddess. It¡¯s to be expected. Without knowledge, how can you understand her ways?¡± ¡°O-of course.¡± Cannoli tried to slow her racing heart. ¡°Sister Madeline, I really want to do well here. I want to understand Saoirse and be a [Priest] my island can be proud of.¡± ¡°I know, dear. It¡¯s written all over your face. The cards that remain suggest you¡¯ve walked many dark roads to get here.¡± Cannoli opened her mouth to agree, then closed it and nodded. Better to keep herself from disrupting her instructor. ¡°I have high expectations for you, Cannoli. As instructors, we can only teach you what we know. But it¡¯s up to you to carry yourself in the goddess¡¯s name and follow her light.¡± ¡°I will. I promise.¡± Madeline smirked. ¡°I¡¯m not the one you have to promise, dear.¡± She stood and fetched a teapot with two cups. ¡°Let¡¯s share a drink before the next prayer session. The real training starts tomorrow.¡± Cannoli¡¯s mood brightened as the scent of fresh tea reached her. ¡°Thank you, Sister Madeline.¡± Chapter 272: The Blood Quickens After breakfast, Ravyn marched up to her mother¡¯s meeting hall, her familiar perched on the crook of her arm. There was a discussion that needed to be had, and she didn¡¯t feel the need to make a public display of it. Lara insisted that she join her, adamant that the Elements would provide words of wisdom¡ªapparently Wind liked to stick around Lara more often than the others¡ªand offer a helping ear, but Ravyn didn¡¯t want to hear it. So she went at it alone. ¡°You¡¯ll be okay,¡± Bally murmured. Ravyn¡¯s heart pounded against her chest. ¡°I know. I just know what expression she¡¯ll wear. She¡¯ll think she¡¯s won.¡± She began her ascent up the stairs. ¡°Everything¡¯s a game to her. A test. I¡¯m not sure she¡¯s ever said an honest thing to me in her life.¡± She paused as she reached the top, her hand on the banister. ¡°No, I retract that. She has.¡± She recollected the day she and her mother discussed her plan to become an adventurer and how she¡¯d confided in Garney. ¡°One whole time.¡± Ravyn pushed one of the double doors open. The wood and joints squeaked with her touch, and she poked her head in. As she expected, Emberlynn was perched in the same spot as when Tristan was part of the conversation. Yanni stood beside her, wearing a concerned expression. Ravyn had expected Yanni to look up at her entrance. She must be getting worse, Ravyn reasoned when Yanni¡¯s stare remained on her mother. Quietly, Ravyn shut the door behind her and entered the room. A half-finished plate of food sat on the table before Emberlynn. Yanni gently caressed her back as she coughed and hacked into a handkerchief. Emberlynn sighed when she pulled it away and discovered blood on the fabric. She set it beside her plate, then turned her gaze to Ravyn. Her eyes went wide. ¡°Ravyn. What are you doing here?¡± Emberlynn asked. Ravyn paused. As heartless as it could appear to an outsider, this discussion needed to happen, especially with how ill Emberlynn was. Ravyn stepped forward, flicking her elbow upward. Bally fluttered onto the table, his talons clicking against the beautifully lacquered table. He marched toward Emberlynn, keeping pace with Ravyn. Ravyn took a measured breath as she came to stand in front of her mother. ¡°First of all, how are you feeling?¡± Emberlynn groaned. ¡°Like I have one foot in the grave.¡± She steadied her breathing, and it came out in a hoarse huff. ¡°Do not chase my tail. Why are you here?¡± Ravyn furrowed her brow. ¡°I wanted to ask you some questions. Away from Tristan and the others.¡± Emberlynn laughed, and the sound devolved into a ragged cough. ¡°You claim I play games, but are you really any different? Going behind their backs, are you?¡± Ravyn¡¯s eye twitched, and she crossed her arms. ¡°This is none of their business, Mother.¡± ¡°Can this not wait?¡± Yanni asked. She was dressed in her [Civilian Mode] outfit, and had her hair tied up into a messy bun. When Ravyn considered what a tight schedule Yanni ran, she assumed her company was needed immediately. ¡°No,¡± Emberlynn said, shaking her head. ¡°Let Ravyn speak.¡± ¡°Mistress, I don¡¯t¡ª¡± ¡°Let her speak!¡± Emberlynn bellowed, then fell right back into another coughing fit. It hurt to see such a powerful woman brought low by illness. ¡°I demand it.¡± ¡°Y-Yes, Mistress Emberlynn.¡± Ravyn chewed on their words before answering. ¡°First of all, I think you should know what I intend to do regarding Sophia and the estate.¡± The slightest hint of a smile tugged at Emberlynn¡¯s mouth. Or perhaps it was confusion. ¡°And what is that?¡± Ravyn swallowed. ¡°I think I can make more happen by staying here while Tristan and the others return to Shulan.¡± She hated the words that fell out of her mouth. They were too polite, too perfect, too orderly. A part of her felt she was being fake; untrue to herself. She¡¯d made a vow that she would never care what others believed. Turned out her mother still affected her. She restrained a sigh for fear of appearing weak. ¡°Once Tristan completes his [Wizard] training, I¡¯d like to spend some time looking through your business accounts.¡± Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Emberlynn narrowed her gaze. ¡°You mean this? You will stay with your sister and me?¡± ¡°Temporarily. Yes.¡± It was important that she stressed that part. Sure, Emberlynn would still do everything in her power to convince her that staying permanently and taking over the family business would be in her best interest, but Ravyn could tackle that problem when it arose. ¡°I plan to return to Ni Island¡¯s man, Matt, once matters on San Island are handled.¡± An idea occurred to her¡ªa method to combat Emberlynn¡¯s persistence. ¡°Matt will not take no for an answer. I must return to him once I am requested.¡± ¡°A letter to the queen, then,¡± Emberlynn replied. ¡°Excusing you from his Party.¡± Ravyn paled. ¡°You are a poor liar,¡± Emberlynn continued. And then she¡­smiled. ¡°You always have been.¡± She exhaled through her nose. ¡°I admire that. It means you¡¯re true to yourself.¡± Well, fuck. Ravyn wanted to avert her gaze but held firm. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you mean, Mother.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t take me for a fool. You would place the blame on another so that you can leave with a clear conscience. I invented that trick.¡± ¡°What do you care?¡± Ravyn snapped, her impatience getting the better of her. ¡°I¡¯ll be at the estate, just as you wanted.¡± She clicked her tongue. ¡°Forget it. I had something else I wanted to talk to you about, anyway.¡± ¡°And what is that?¡± Ravyn plucked the memory of the symbol in Melody¡¯s book, then gestured to Yanni. ¡°I need something to write with. And paper.¡± ¡°Yes, Mistress Ravyn,¡± Yanni bowed before exiting through a pair of doors to the next room. Silence surrounded Ravyn and Emberlynn while Bally plucked a peanut from the bowl at the center. Using his talon to hold it still, he quickly dismembered the shell and began to nibble at the nut within. ¡°Why do you not dismiss your familiar?¡± Emberlynn asked. Ravyn paused. ¡°Because I don¡¯t want to. Is he a problem?¡± Emberlynn raised a brow. ¡°No.¡± The silence continued, and to Ravyn¡¯s relief, Yanni returned with a quill and a few sheets of paper. Ravyn took the implement and dragged the paper closer as she attempted to recreate the symbol from memory. Two overlapping hills mirrored one another to form an eye with a black bead for the pupil. Ravyn tilted her head, nodded, then turned the paper around and pushed it toward her mother. ¡°Does this look familiar?¡± Ravyn asked. Emberlynn leaned forward, then scoffed. ¡°One of the symbols for alchemy.¡± I got you. ¡°That¡¯s interesting because Destiny and Lara are both Second Class [Chemist]s¡ª[Alchemist] and [Conjurer] respectively¡ªand neither of them recognized the symbol.¡± Go on. Deny it. Play the game, Mother. ¡°Then they had a poor teacher,¡± Emberlynn said, her voice monotone. ¡°From my understanding, they were failures at the School of Etiquette, were they not?¡± The hairs on Ravyn¡¯s skin stood on end, and her tone turned to a hiss. ¡°Don¡¯t talk about them like that, Mother. That is unbecoming of you.¡± ¡°I am merely stating the possibility of why their knowledge may be lacking.¡± Emberlynn rolled up the paper and handed it to Yanni, her gaze locked on Ravyn the entire time. ¡°Your mistrust is poorly placed.¡± ¡°No, I think I know exactly where it belongs. Will I find this same symbol in your books?¡± Emberlynn paused. ¡°Yes. You will. As you may recall, I have hired many [Alchemist]s during your lifetime. This is not a mystery, nor is it something I am trying to hide. When Tristan and his Party leave, you may peruse the books to your liking. You will find nothing.¡± Damn it. I¡¯m losing my edge. ¡°Fine.¡± She turned on her heel and started toward the door. ¡°This discussion is over.¡± ¡°Leaving already?¡± Emberlynn asked just as Ravyn¡¯s hand gripped the handle. ¡°The conversation starts and ends whenever you decide, doesn¡¯t it? Everything works according to your desire, your whim. I detest saying it, but I fear you are still a kitten in a woman¡¯s body.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t think that just because you¡¯re sick, you can use it to manipulate me,¡± Ravyn hissed. ¡°Shall I give up on my eldest daughter and let my estate fall to shambles?¡± Ravyn imagined the place burning up a great blaze and fought the urge to say yes. ¡°This conversation is over.¡± Ravyn¡¯s grip tightened around the handle, and as she turned around, Bally recited, ¡°Give her a break, give her a break, squaaaawwk!¡± Emberlynn and Yanni tucked fingers into their ears, flinching. A snide smile tugged at the corner of Ravyn¡¯s mouth as she opened the door. ¡°We¡¯ll have plenty of time to talk it over once Tristan leaves. Maybe you¡¯ll even listen and get to know your daughter better instead of looking at her like a means to an end.¡± She slipped through the opening, and as she shut the door behind her, she said, ¡°Enjoy your breakfast, Mother.¡± Chapter 273: She Searches Where Others Will Not Go Keke sat on the edge of Sylva¡¯s porch, watching the raindrops trickle from the roof. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, searching for the trees¡¯ scent beneath the water. A sliver of green wound through the moisture, tickling her desire to wander beneath the canopy and search for more Encroachers she¡¯d never seen. Like she¡¯d done with her mother when she was a kitten. ¡®Quiet now, Keke. We don¡¯t want to startle them,¡¯ Elona cautioned as they approached the grouping of brilliantly colored squirrels. ¡®There¡¯s so many!¡¯ Keke marveled. One flicked its tail as it chewed on a nut, and she resisted the urge to giggle. Elona nodded. ¡®Plenty of silver whiskers here for Nauka, I would think.¡¯ ¡°Hey.¡± Keke¡¯s eyes snapped open as Matt took a seat next to her. The rain had dampened the sound of his footsteps, and his voice startled her. ¡°Oh! Hey!¡± Keke smiled and rested her head against Matt¡¯s shoulder. His skin was warm and familiar, but he smelled different. He always smelled a little different when he spent time with another girl. She suppressed the urge to wrinkle her nose. ¡°How are you feeling?¡± ¡°I¡¯m okay.¡± Matt rested his hand on top of Keke¡¯s. ¡°Surprised Cailu didn¡¯t kick the door in with our ass-in-seat time.¡± Keke laughed. ¡°Our what?¡± ¡°The time that our asses need to be in their seats. Just shit my dad used to say.¡± Matt chuckled. ¡°You really going to be okay out here?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be fine. I¡¯m sure the girls here could shoot down a Defiled before it knows Khasstead exists.¡± Keke twined her fingers with his. ¡°And as soon as you¡¯re ready, we¡¯ll go home to Ni Island.¡± It felt strange calling it ¡®home¡¯ when Khasstead¡¯s forest felt more natural to her than Junonia ever had. ¡°I¡¯ll work hard at [Battleguard] camp,¡± Matt replied. ¡°And I¡¯ll¡ª¡± ¡°Ah, Matt. Are you finished, then?¡± Cailu interrupted from the doorway. ¡°Speak of the elf,¡± Matt grumbled. ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m ready.¡± Keke¡¯s heart hammered against her chest. It was the first time in months she¡¯d go to bed alone. Wouldn¡¯t wake up to Matt¡¯s tickling or gentle kisses on the forehead. But she couldn¡¯t think like that. That kind of yearning was a dangerous slope¡ªCannoli¡¯s mother had proved as much. She steeled herself, squeezed his hand, and smiled. ¡°I¡¯ll see you soon.¡± She kissed his cheek. ¡°Write to me.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll have to have Cailu teach me how to send a letter.¡± He tipped her chin so their eyes met, then brushed his lips to hers. ¡°Be safe, Keke.¡± ¡°You too, Matt.¡± He hopped away from the porch and joined Cailu, Ceres, Zahra, and Kirti. Keke watched as they made their way back to the carriage. Matt took one last look over his shoulder before they vanished into the darkness. ¡°Keke? May I show you to your cabin?¡± Lily¡¯s soft voice pierced Keke¡¯s attention. Keke shook her head and blinked, turning to face the white-haired catgirl. ¡°I get my own cabin?¡± ¡°Yes. We had ample time to prepare thanks to Cailu¡¯s missives.¡± Lily touched Keke¡¯s shoulder. She smelled like Matt. Keke¡¯s grip on the porch boards tightened. ¡°I will admit, I have never traveled outside Khasstead. So, I can only imagine the difficulty of this parting. But if there¡¯s anything I can do to ease your burden, simply say the word.¡± Keke took a deep breath, concentrating on the sound of the rain and the breeze through the tree branches. Her jealousy wasn¡¯t Lily¡¯s fault. The emotion should have never been there to begin with. She swallowed against the building lump in her throat. Watching him leave was one of the hardest things she¡¯d ever done, but admitting her weakness now, when she was here to train, was out of the question. ¡°Thank you, Lily.¡± ¡°Of course. We are sisters in the hunt now, and it is the least I can do.¡± She stepped back, giving Keke room to stand. ¡°Sylva tended to your fire today, but it will be yours to stoke and care for as you please.¡± This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to thank her again.¡± Keke rose to her feet and smoothed her hands over her leggings. She hadn¡¯t left [Combat Mode] in what felt like ages. Ever since they¡¯d begun traveling over Ichi Island, she didn¡¯t feel safe sleeping in anything else. ¡°If I may say, your equipment is quite striking.¡± Lily motioned to Keke¡¯s top and quiver. ¡°I have never seen such fine workmanship of leathers.¡± ¡°Cailu was generous in purchasing gear for our Party before we came to Nyarlothep.¡± It was a half-truth; he¡¯d forced it on them all. But she didn¡¯t want to speak ill of him after he¡¯d done so much for their Party. ¡°Oh. Not Matt?¡± Lily raised a brow. ¡°Matt hasn¡¯t been in Nyarlea very long. We¡¯re still working on his savings.¡± Keke bit her tongue and blushed. Including herself with him had come so easily. ¡°I-I mean¡ª¡± Lily lifted a hand. ¡°Please, you needn¡¯t guard yourself so carefully. You are safe here. Now, this way, please.¡± She dropped her arm and fished a lantern from her [Cat Pack] before setting off to the south. Keke followed close behind. She didn¡¯t know what to say. Lily filled the silence. ¡°Tomorrow morning, you will meet my mother, Wren. She is very excited to make your acquaintance, though her illness carries her to sleep in the early evenings.¡± ¡°If you don¡¯t mind me asking, what is she sick with?¡± ¡°I suppose you¡¯ll find out anyway. Some time has passed since she showed the first signs, and you are one of us now.¡± Lily¡¯s expression was difficult to read in the lantern¡¯s dim light. ¡°My mother has a wasting sickness that gradually saps her [Strength] and [Vitality] to render her as frail as a newborn kitten. Against her wishes, I called upon a [Priest] from Ronona and then a [Bishop] from Saoirse¡¯s temple in Falselle to help her. Both could only provide temporary comfort in their healing. The effects always return.¡± Keke gaped. From Aurora¡¯s stories, there was very little a [Bishop] couldn¡¯t heal. ¡°Where did it come from?¡± ¡°A Defiled, I believe,¡± Lily replied quietly. ¡°We have successfully downed many Defiled in both Khasstead and Ronona. However, five years ago, a terrifying presence swallowed our village whole. My mother and a full Party of [Sniper]s sortied to defeat it.¡± She fiddled with one of the trinkets dangling from her ear. ¡°Mother was the only one to return alive.¡± Keke¡¯s heart broke for Lily. To experience so much relief and then have it shattered¡­ It was a sensation Keke was intimately familiar with. ¡°It sounds like Wren saved Khasstead.¡± ¡°She did. She is a hero many times over.¡± Lily shook her head. ¡°It is difficult to remember that no cost is too great when it comes to the lives of others.¡± She looked down and touched her stomach. ¡°I only wish to be half as brave for my own daughter.¡± Lily¡¯s daughter. Matt¡¯s daughter. Keke pushed the thought away. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯re that and more.¡± ¡°You are very kind, Keke.¡± Lily stopped in front of a cabin with a single oil lamp on the porch, twinkling like a beacon in the darkness. ¡°This will be your home while you train.¡± Keke ascended the two stairs to the door and touched the handle. ¡°No lock?¡± Lily shook her head. ¡°We have nothing to fear from one another. You will soon learn that Khasstead shares her bounty amongst all of her devoted hunters. It is our way.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll remember that.¡± Keke pushed the door open and stepped inside. A modest fire crackled in the hearth, and a table with two chairs sat in the center of the main room. The walls and floor were bare, save for three empty baskets set to the side of the fireplace. ¡°Your cabin is yours to decorate with treasures and wonders from your hunts. I encourage you to make it your own.¡± Lily moved to the left wall and brushed her finger over the aging wood. ¡°The spirits and experiences of past hunters will guide your arrows true. We honor them and the Encroachers we pursue with our work.¡± ¡°Mind if I ask you for inspiration?¡± Keke asked. Cannoli would have loved this. ¡°I¡¯ve never been great at decorating.¡± Lily smiled. ¡°Of course. Myself and the other [Hunter]s and [Sniper]s would be honored to share the tales of our trophies. We have a few skilled hands in jewelry and accessory [Crafting] as well.¡± She touched the adornments on her ear. ¡°They assisted me in creating my own.¡± ¡°That would be wonderful. I have a few carvings from Ichi Island that I¡¯d like to do something with.¡± She was relieved that the scales would be useful after all. ¡°It is rare that we see materials from Ichi. I¡¯m sure the challenge will be well received.¡± Despite separating from Cannoli, Matt¡¯s absence, and her unfamiliar surroundings, excitement bubbled in Keke¡¯s chest. Discovery, tracking, crafting, nature¡­ Every fundamental piece of hunting called to her being, and she finally had the chance to hone it into something greater. This undertaking was hers and hers alone. She wandered into the single bedroom that extended from the living room. A cot with furs blanketing the thin mattress was propped against the far wall, and two more woven baskets flanked either side. Keke tilted her head, but before she could ask, Lily said, ¡°The baskets serve multiple uses; storage, carrying furs or hunting materials, bringing your clothing down to the river for washing¡ªwhatever you may need. They are easy to clean and the fibers do not stain.¡± ¡°Ah. Thank you.¡± Keke smiled. ¡°I don¡¯t have much to store, admittedly.¡± ¡°In time, you will. But I digress. The hour is late, and we rise with the sun.¡± Lily performed a quick bow. ¡°I will leave you to it.¡± ¡°Right. Thanks again, Lily.¡± Keke watched Lily leave before muttering, ¡°[Civilian Mode].¡± She snatched one of the furs from the bed, wrapped it around her shoulders, and then sat beside the fire. Keke was alone in Khasstead. Chapter 274: Gilded Icons and Dogmatic Rituals Alia grazed the edges of her gemstones while she waited at the balcony¡¯s edge for Tristan. The warmth of his body and the easy tone of his voice pricked the corners of her mind like an Encroacher thirsty for water. Her mind wandered, and soon she thought of being on a couch once more, laid bare so that Tristan could draw every curve and contour of her body. She swallowed hard, then began to caress the large amulet around her neck. She imagined the sensation of his skin on her fingertips when the sudden creak of the door caught her attention. Her gaze veered, and Tristan appeared, dressed in his [Combat Mode] attire. He offered a curt nod as he strode toward her. She gaped for a moment, then caught herself, shaking her head. ¡°Good evening, Tristan,¡± she said. ¡°Good evening,¡± he yawned. She giggled. ¡°Still getting used to meeting like this, I see.¡± He nodded and blinked his eyes rapidly. ¡°I guess so. I¡¯m sorry for falling asleep on top of you last night.¡± Alia paused. He had nothing to apologize for. If anything, she felt gratitude was in order. ¡°Think nothing of it,¡± she said as she tapped her fingertips together. ¡°S-shall we continue where we left off?¡± Tristan nodded. ¡°Please.¡± ¡°Excellent. Myana, then.¡± She sat on the floor and splayed a few gems out in front of her. She motioned for Tristan, and he took a seat across from her. ¡°Last time we talked, you were trying to get a hold on how to control your myana. I¡¯d like to see if we can improve your control.¡± ¡°I was thinking about that,¡± Tristan said, crossing his arms, ¡°and I wanted to confirm something with you.¡± Alia smiled. ¡°Go ahead.¡± ¡°From the way you described it prior, you made it sound like whenever myana leaves my body, I should feel this cold sensation through my veins. Is that right?¡± Alia nodded. ¡°So, when I call out the Spell, I feel just that,¡± Tristan continued. ¡°But I don¡¯t understand how I¡¯m supposed to control that feeling.¡± Alia thought for a time. Most kittens understood the basic sensation behind myana in just a few years into their lives. They may not know how to explain it, but like a spider building its web, it came naturally. Instinctually. The fact that Tristan knew nothing of myana despite his apparent prowess as a [Mage] was peculiar. To her, it was as simple as breathing. How do I teach him to breathe? ¡°I think I may know a way to help you understand,¡± Alia said. ¡°Alright.¡± ¡°Remember when I mentioned mindfulness the last time we spoke?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s practice that. Have you ever meditated?¡± she asked. When Tristan shook his head, it didn¡¯t come as a surprise. A man like him was likely thinking during all hours of the day. Perhaps this would be a good way to help him relax. ¡°I don¡¯t know if there¡¯s a best way to do it, but I¡¯ll teach you the way that I meditate.¡± Tristan adjusted his posture and exhaled. ¡°I¡¯m ready.¡± ¡°Cross your legs like this.¡± Alia relaxed her spine and set her hands on both of her knees. ¡°The important part is to make sure you¡¯re comfortable. So once you find a position you¡¯re happy with, we¡¯ll continue.¡± Tristan shifted a few times. ¡°Alright, I¡¯m comfortable.¡± ¡°Good. Don¡¯t fall asleep.¡± She giggled. ¡°Now, shut your eyes.¡± Tristan did as she said. ¡°Breathe slow and easy. Careful, steady breaths,¡± she said. Tristan nodded, and she watched as his chest rose and fell, listening to the sound of air entering and escaping his nose. The thought of tearing his shirt open popped into her mind, but she was quick to dismiss it. Professional! Stay professional! She cleared her throat. ¡°Is everything alright?¡± he frowned, his eyes still closed. ¡°F-fine,¡± she stammered and silently cursed herself. ¡°Let¡¯s make an adjustment. Try breathing in with your nose and out through your mouth.¡± He did as such, and she smiled. ¡°Good. Just like that,¡± she whispered. ¡°Now, I want you to focus on something for me.¡± The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°Focus on the sound of my voice.¡± She spoke slowly and carefully, as if cooing a newborn kitten. ¡°The beat of your heart. Air entering and leaving your lungs.¡± Seconds passed between each sentence, and she observed him with a watchful eye to ensure he was listening. She waited, and his shoulders visibly relaxed. ¡°Just like that. Do you hear the insects outside?¡± ¡°Uh-huh,¡± Tristan murmured. ¡°Good. Listen to them. Focus on the sound.¡± Tens of seconds passed. ¡°Now, brush your fingers together. Focus on the sensation of your skin brushing¡­against¡­another¡¯s skin.¡± Tristan frowned. Oh, come on! Keep it together! Alia took a deep breath before continuing. ¡°Sorry. I meant to say, focus on the sensation of your fingers touching one another.¡± Nice recovery! I think? ¡°Allow my voice to become distant. As if you were walking away from me. Focus on what you feel, hear, smell, taste. Find that thin, cold thread inside you. Absorb it and breathe.¡± Alia swallowed hard as she watched Tristan breathe and brush his fingers together. Her gaze narrowed in on his lips, and she licked her own in turn. She imagined his hair riddled with sweat, tangled and curled, her hands forcing his head back while she rocked¡ª ¡°I think I feel it,¡± Tristan said. ¡°Yes, I think so.¡± Alia buried her ashamed face into her palms, then quickly pulled away. ¡°Good. Track that feeling down. Tell me what it feels like.¡± ¡°Cool¡­but not cold, if that makes sense.¡± Alia nodded. ¡°It caresses you, makes up everything around you. Concentrate.¡± Tristan nodded and frowned. ¡°It¡¯s hard to pinpoint it¡­every time I think I¡¯m close, it escapes.¡± ¡°Keep trying. Myana has a fickle nature,¡± Alia said as she shifted to her hands and feet, edging closer to him. ¡°It¡¯ll come to you so long as you¡¯re patient.¡± ¡°I think it¡¯s right there,¡± Tristan mumbled. ¡°Uh-huh,¡± Alia said, nearing closer. Her heart hammered against her chest, the heat rising to her face. Her tongue eagerly writhed behind her lips. ¡°Warmth?¡± Alia stopped and blanched. Her breathing hitched and she pulled back just before Tristan opened his eyes. ¡°W-w-what did you feel?¡± ¡°Serenity,¡± Tristan said. ¡°It sweeps around me like a blanket. As if someone¡­poured cool water into my veins.¡± Get your act together! Now! ¡°You¡¯re doing it properly,¡± Alia said. She shut her eyes for a moment to compose herself. ¡°Are you alright?¡± ¡°Mhm!¡± Her eyes snapped open, and she gestured to the gemstones. ¡°Now that you have a feeling for it, I want you to try and imagine the hairs on your skin guiding your myana through the air toward the stones.¡± She raised a finger. ¡°Concentrate on that feeling. Remember how it felt when you let loose that [Fire Ball] Spell.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll try.¡± Tristan extended his palm toward the topaz and steadied his breathing. His brow twitched. ¡°Calm, Tristan,¡± Alia said. ¡°Calm. Take your time. We have nowhere to go. This room is ours¡­and ours alone.¡± Tristan¡¯s extended fingers bent forward slightly, and the muscles of his face softened. Alia looked down at the stones, restraining a gasp when she saw a gentle hue of blue escape from his fingertips. The wisp of light flowed forward in a wave, slithering toward the stone. ¡°Just like that, Tristan,¡± Alia murmured. ¡°Don¡¯t stop.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± he murmured. The myana continued to tickle and caress the topaz, wrapping around it like twine. Alia watched carefully, shifting her gaze between Tristan¡¯s face, the stone, and the surrounding myana to ensure he wasn¡¯t allowing his impatience to win. And then it happened. The point of the wisp entered the stone, vanishing with the contact. To avoid ruining his concentration, Alia kept her mouth shut tight and observed the myana¡¯s interaction. After a time, the wisp halted, flowing over the stone, then past the others beside it. ¡°Am I doing something wrong?¡± Tristan asked. ¡°Something changed.¡± ¡°No! That was perfect! Open your eyes!¡± Tristan blinked his eyes open, gaping when he saw the topaz glowing with a faint blue. ¡°Did I do that?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± She clapped her hands together, proud of her student. ¡°You¡¯re learning how to pour your myana into objects.¡± Tristan pinched his chin and tilted his head to the side. ¡°That was unlike anything I¡¯ve ever felt before. It¡¯s difficult to describe.¡± ¡°But it feels natural, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Tristan looked at her and smiled. ¡°Now that you mention it, yeah. It does.¡± ¡°Oh goodness, I¡¯m so proud of you,¡± Alia said as she plucked the stone from the floor. She caressed it between her pointer finger and thumb, feeling his myana within. The stone had not been completely empty, and she could feel the difference between her myana and his. The two energies intertwined, coalescing into a single pool. She fought back the urge to lick her lips as the thought of sharing a bed with Tristan made its welcomed return. ¡°I¡¯m going to give you some study work for tomorrow,¡± Alia said before her thoughts could devour her. ¡°So then, you¡¯re letting me out early?¡± Alia nodded. ¡°Yes. This was all I¡¯d planned, as I had not intended for you to learn how to pour your myana into a stone as quickly as you did. So, what I¡¯d like for you to do is practice on your own with these. Outside of my influence.¡± She reached into one of the many inside pockets of her cloak and withdrew a handful of stones of varying colors and cuts. She held them out, clenched in her hand, then released them into Tristan¡¯s open palm. ¡°What I want you to do,¡± Alia continued, using both of her hands to close his grip over the stones, ¡°is to try to pour myana into each stone until they¡¯re full. Some materials are less accepting of myana than others, so they¡¯ll make good practice.¡± She withdrew her hands with a jolt when she realized she¡¯d been touching his hands for some time now. ¡°I-in addition to that, I want you to keep note of which ones were the most difficult to penetrate.¡± Tristan smiled. ¡°That sounds like it¡¯ll be good practice for getting my myana under control.¡± Alia returned his expression. ¡°Exactly right! Once we¡¯re done with that, we¡¯ll move onto my favorite part about magic.¡± Tristan opened his [Cat Pack] and set the gemstones inside. ¡°And what part is that?¡± Alia turned around to look at the dark night sky. ¡°The stars.¡± Chapter 275: Our Creator and Our Destroyer Ceres was surprised that Cailu wished to travel to the next city in the dark hours of twilight. However, as she watched Sir Matt¡¯s expression in the moonlight, she decided that it was for the better. They shared the second carriage alone. Despite their dwindling numbers, five people were still too many to fit comfortably in a single coach. She¡¯d considered inviting Lucia to share in their company but feared that Sir Matt would feel ostracized by her presence. Sir Matt rested his elbow on the window and his chin in his palm, eyes fixed on the midnight landscape. Ceres sat across from him, certain it was his memories that held his attention. But they were not hers to touch. She smoothed her skirt over her thighs and searched for the right words to say. It was a¡­difficult situation she found herself in. Attempting to relate to his emotions was akin to reaching across the ocean¡¯s expanse to touch Shi Island with her tail. Ever since she was a kitten, she¡¯d grown used to the constant relocation that [Magic Knight] demanded. From her first studies at the Venicia School of Etiquette, then moving to train beneath the Knights of Sorentina, and then finally traveling from town to town on Shi Island to offer her assistance. Each step of her journey required her to leave behind companions and find friendship anew. The sting of missing those closest to her gradually became an excitement for fresh adventures and unfamiliar faces. Perhaps she could gently encourage Matt to feel the same. Ceres cleared her throat. ¡°I eagerly await seeing Ronona with you, Sir Matt,¡± she began. ¡°It has been my dream to walk the streets of the capital for some time.¡± ¡°Yeah. Wish we could all see it together,¡± Matt murmured. His gaze remained outside. ¡°That day will come, I assure you. However,¡± she paused and carefully rolled her response on her tongue before she continued, ¡°the days in our past nor our future should not tarnish our present experiences.¡± Matt chuckled and dropped his arm from the window. ¡°That¡¯s a really fancy way to say ¡®YOLO.¡¯¡± He leaned his head back against the seat and let his forearms rest against his thighs. ¡°Forgive me for my unfamiliarity with the term.¡± Ceres tipped her head in curiosity. It was good to hear him speak more candidly. ¡°It stands for ¡®You only live once.¡¯ Something people said in my last world. Usually when they were about to do something stupid,¡± he explained. Ceres giggled. ¡°Was it a term you used often, Sir Matt?¡± she quipped. ¡°More than I should have, probably.¡± His smile caught the moonlight, and Ceres¡¯s tension eased. Her words were reaching him. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ceres. I know I haven¡¯t been the greatest person to be around lately.¡± ¡°There is no need to apologize. Truly.¡± She leaned forward and lay her hand on his knee. ¡°Life is filled with meetings and partings. Saying goodbye, if even for a short time, can be a difficult thing.¡± ¡°I know, it¡¯s just¡­¡± He stared at her hand for a few heartbeats, then took it in his. It was warm and sure. ¡°Everything in my life has felt so damn temporary. If I blink, it¡¯s gone. And I know that sounds stupid. But like you said, this is harder than I expected, I guess.¡± Ceres squeezed his hand. ¡°Keke, Cannoli, and Ravyn will be safe. We can send missives to them after we¡¯ve reached Ronona.¡± He rubbed the back of his neck and glanced to the side. ¡°Mind showing me how to do that?¡± There was so much he still did not know about Nyarlea. Ceres had to remind herself that it had not even been a year since he was born among them. ¡°Of course, Sir Matt.¡± He breathed a sigh of relief and rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb. ¡°Thanks. One less thing for Cailu to scold me for.¡± ¡°Sir Cailu uses the same tone with you as my father did with me when I was a kitten.¡± Ceres laughed, though it was drier than she intended. ¡°Oh yeah? What was your dad like?¡± ¡°Hm.¡± Ceres ducked her head and moved across the carriage to sit beside him. She found comfort in the heat of his shoulder against hers. Speaking openly of her father had always proven challenging. ¡°He was strong like Sir Cailu. But his teachings were far more brash, and I found myself often scolded.¡± She touched her braid. ¡°As I have mentioned before, I was not a well-behaved kitten.¡± ¡°Yeah, I would have loved to see an unhinged Ceres kitten. It¡¯s hard for me to imagine.¡± Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. Ceres blushed. ¡°To be true, I find that side of myself is still well and alive. I silence her often.¡± She leaned her head against Matt¡¯s arm. ¡°I¡¯m sure you could let her out just a little bit. I don¡¯t think anyone would mind.¡± ¡°You have caught glimpses of her, to be sure.¡± Ceres hummed. Perhaps due to more drink than she could handle, but she chose to omit that part. ¡°What made you decide to¡­well, behave?¡± Matt asked. ¡°Learning from Madame Celestia that I was harming my father¡¯s reputation with my misconduct brought me great shame. I wished so desperately, to embody him. To become a daughter he could be proud of, and to serve as a beacon of safety to those who could not help themselves. ¡°Once I learned that I could be a [Magic Knight] and assist my island as he had, I worked tirelessly to earn his praise. I wanted to show him that I could be just and true.¡± She paused and fingered the lace at the edge of her skirt. ¡°However, he¡­ He perished before he could see my acceptance into the Knights of Sorentina.¡± Matt¡¯s shoulders slumped. ¡°I¡¯m sorry to hear that, Ceres.¡± ¡°¡®Tis alright. This was many years ago.¡± Ceres blinked and swallowed the lump in her throat. How silly it was that she still feared she¡¯d fallen short of his expectations for her. Matt let go of her hand and put an arm around her shoulders. The gesture was one Ceres had witnessed often between him and Keke, and she was surprised at the ease of his embrace. It felt lovely. ¡°I have no doubt he¡¯d be proud of you. If you ever wanna express how you¡¯re feeling, you can always talk to me, you know.¡± ¡°Nonsense. I am the one consoling you, remember?¡± She leaned into him and found her own gaze moving to the window, recalling the scarce few memories she had left of her father. His image had started to fade, but she could still remember the sensation of his beard on her skin, the rough tone of his voice. She missed him dearly. ¡°I know.¡± Matt joined her in looking at the moon passing between the thick canopy of trees. ¡°For what it¡¯s worth, my dad wasn¡¯t around much, either. Sounds pretty similar to yours, actually¡ªa lot of scolding when he did come home.¡± He sighed. ¡°He wanted to send me to military school, but my mom wouldn¡¯t let him.¡± ¡°Military school?¡± Ceres crinkled her brow. ¡°Yeah. Just from what you¡¯ve talked about with the [Magic Knight]s, it sounds like a lot of the same stuff. Strict schedules, constant training, things like that.¡± ¡°Oh! Yes, quite similar, then.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t want to go. It meant I¡¯d have to leave my friends behind. We moved around a lot when I was a kid already, so moving again would have sucked.¡± A wry smile twitched at the corners of his mouth. ¡°But maybe military school would have been good for me, after all. I didn¡¯t turn out nearly as well as you.¡± ¡°I disagree, Sir Matt. You bear all the qualities of a knight. Bravery, determination, selflessness. You are the kind of man that kittens hear of in fairytales and hope to accompany one day.¡± Ceres smiled. ¡°In short, you are this catgirl¡¯s dream come true.¡± Matt scoffed. ¡°I¡¯m¡­not sure I agree, but thanks, Ceres.¡± His words came in a murmur, and heat flowed into his fingers. ¡°Damn. Now I¡¯m blushing. That¡¯s a hell of a compliment from a beautiful girl.¡± Ceres¡¯s heart fluttered. The crisp evening air mingled with the spiced scent of Matt¡¯s skin. The excited kitten inside of her stirred, urging her to move closer to him. How often had they been alone together? She could count the occurrences on one hand. No, this was not the way to comfort him. He¡¯d just coupled with Lily and bid Keke a farewell. He needed a solid presence. Someone he could confide in. And yet¡­ She chewed her lower lip as she warred with her instincts. But when Matt turned to meet her gaze, the soft glow of the moon against his gentle expression silenced her chivalrous logic. Ceres stood just enough to slide herself into Matt¡¯s lap, wrapping her arms around his neck. She prayed to Saoirse that he was alright with this. ¡°Is this Ceres the catgirl or the kitten?¡± Matt asked. Ceres bit her tongue and considered her response. ¡°The kitten. She wishes to partake in your glow. Feel the contours of your skin. If you would allow it. After all, YOLO. Right, Matt?¡± Matt laughed beneath his breath and tipped his forehead against hers. ¡°I¡¯ll allow it. Now come here.¡± He cradled her cheek in his palm and captured her kiss. Goosebumps sprinkled her arms and legs when his tongue parted her lips. It had been so long since she¡¯d tasted him, and his reciprocation stoked the fire in her veins. His fingers wandered to the base of her tail and stroked with an experience she hadn¡¯t yet found in their time together. Ceres moaned against his mouth and squirmed in his lap. She moved one hand to his chest, tracing the chiseled lines beneath his top and letting her fingers trail south¡ª ¡°This will do for the evening. Thank you.¡± Cailu¡¯s voice caught her ear. Ceres broke their kiss and gasped. She hadn¡¯t realized they¡¯d stopped. Nor had Matt, if his widened eyes were taken into account. She scrambled back to her seat and shivered, tucking her tail against her thigh as etiquette deemed appropriate. Cailu appeared at their window with a lantern. Ceres prayed that she did not appear as flush as she felt. ¡°We will rest here for the evening. Tomorrow, we will continue on to Ronona,¡± Cailu announced. ¡°Come along.¡± ¡°Sure thing.¡± Matt shrugged, seemingly at ease. ¡°Be right there.¡± Cailu departed, the forms of Kirti and Zahra following close behind him. Once he¡¯d disappeared from view, Matt smiled, found Ceres¡¯s hand, and kissed her knuckles. ¡°Thank you, Ceres.¡± Still catching her breath, she nodded. ¡°Of course, Sir Matt.¡± Ceres followed him as he left the carriage, working hard to silence the salacious demands of the voice inside her. She would need to be patient. Just for now. Chapter 276: Guilt Ravyn pinched the bridge of her nose, periodically glancing up at Garney. To think that it had been years since she visited this room. She¡¯d left with the intent that she would return on occasion to slowly mend the rift between her and her mother. Now, it seemed the rift was growing wider. Or perhaps certain parts of the rift had just stretched further than she had intended. Fuck, I don¡¯t want to get up. ¡°This is hard, Garney,¡± she said to the tiny rock in the lamp above. Ravyn spun her finger, then pointed at the rock. She felt a cool sensation in her body as the myana left her, triggering the Spell inside the rock. Its faint red light blanketed the room, and she felt some of the weight of the situation leave her shoulders. ¡°I feel like I¡¯m regressing.¡± With the covers still over most of her body, she pulled her legs close, clasped her hands, and propped her head between her knees. ¡°Bally says I¡¯m doing great, but I¡¯m not sure if I agree. I feel like I¡¯m losing my fire.¡± Her eyes wandered up to the stone, then to the dresser against the wall. The room was just as clean as it had been on the day she left it. ¡°Mother¡¯s attendants don¡¯t seem to know what to make of me. I try to fight back whenever Mother insists I stay here. But every time I visit her, I think back to the relationship we used to have. ¡°What should I do, Garney?¡± She yelped when a knock came at her door. ¡°Mistress Ravyn, are you awake?¡± came a soft voice from the other side. One of the attendants, most likely. ¡°Y-yes! I¡¯m awake,¡± she said as heat rose to her cheeks. ¡°What do you want?¡± ¡°S-sorry to disturb you, but someone from Lady Yukari¡¯s shop is here to see you. She says it¡¯s urgent.¡± Fucking figures. ¡°Fine! I¡¯m coming! Go away!¡± Ravyn snapped. ¡°Yes! As you say, Mistress Ravyn!¡± Her footsteps echoed down the hall. Ravyn threw off the covers and hung her legs over the bed¡¯s edge. Turning her head to the left, she took one last look at Garney, then switched to her [Civilian Mode] outfit. She scurried to the bathroom and grabbed the comb resting on the pristine marble sink. She started to brush her hair, pausing for a moment to question who she was doing this for. Her thoughts wandered, and she stopped halfway. Goddess above, I feel like a kitten again. Each morning was spent the same way when she was younger. Brushing her hair, painting her lips, lining her eyes. Part of her didn¡¯t mind it, but there was a careful balance to play when you were the daughter of Emberlynn. It had to speak of grace and beauty, and modesty was an important part of that. Ravyn feared she was falling back into the habit of maintaining that appearance for her mother¡¯s sake. No. I¡¯m my own person. I¡¯ll do whatever I want. She combed her hair until it was ¡®good enough,¡¯ then marched downstairs to greet whoever awaited her. She offered a flick of her head to acknowledge Tristan and his girls on the way, called Bally over from their table, and then threw open the front door to see a girl dressed in a long silk dress with black clogs on her feet. ¡°H-hi!¡± the girl stammered. She was pale as a sheet and at least a head shorter than Ravyn. She bowed deeply at the waist, speaking only once she came back up. ¡°I have a message from Lady Yukari. She says that your outfit adjustments are complete. You can pick up your clothes whenever you like.¡± Ravyn frowned. ¡°She didn¡¯t think to have them delivered?¡± ¡°She said you might say that, and that you still have to go pick it up.¡± ¡°Lazy Yukari, squaaaawk!¡± Bally cried from the safety of Ravyn¡¯s shoulder. This bitch. She just wants to laugh in my face, doesn¡¯t she? ¡°Fine. Tell her I¡¯ll see her in an hour.¡± Before the timid employee could respond, she slammed the door in her face and marched to the dining room where Tristan and the others were eating, growling the whole way over. Bally leaped from her shoulder, landing at the center of Tristan¡¯s table. ¡°Total bitch! Squawwwk!¡± ¡°That kind of morning, huh?¡± Tristan asked as Ravyn fell into the seat beside him. ¡°Mou ii, this place will be the death of me.¡± Destiny blinked and motioned over one of the attendants. ¡°Can we get Ravyn¡¯s usual, please?¡± The attendant nodded and swiftly exited through the kitchen door. As Lara opened her mouth, Ravyn raised her hand to silence her. ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear a word. This is not a good morning for anything.¡± Lara gaped, then shut her mouth promptly, tapping a finger to her lips as she hummed. Ravyn leaned back in her chair, folding her arms and crossing one leg over the other. Yanni and Sophia were nowhere to be found. She assumed they were tending to Emberlynn¡¯s care, and that suited her just fine. As she waited, she noticed a collection of stones and jewels of varying colors decorated the space in front of Tristan. The boy was staring at them¡ªno, glaring, more like¡ªwith his palm extended toward them. She blinked and watched Tristan carefully. The myana in the air was growing more chaotic with each second that passed, much of it sweeping over the stones, occasionally seeping into them. Beads of sweat collected on his forehead, and Destiny sat on the other side, dabbing his skin with a towel when they threatened to fall. ¡°You¡¯re going to wear yourself out if you keep doing it like that,¡± Ravyn warned. Tristan let out a big exhale, leaning his elbows onto his knees. ¡°I¡¯m,¡± he breathed, ¡°open to ideas.¡±The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. Ravyn put both feet on the floor and grabbed one of the stones¡ªthe sapphire. ¡°A cut like this is going to be difficult for someone of your experience to pour myana into.¡± Tristan nodded. ¡°Alia told me as such, but I wanted to give it a try. I hold no naive expectations, I promise you.¡± Ravyn hummed and rubbed the stone between her pointer finger and thumb. ¡°Have you been able to pour your myana into any of them?¡± ¡°A couple, yeah.¡± He pointed to the topaz and the impure garnet. ¡°Those two weren¡¯t too difficult, but I can¡¯t get any of the other stones to take my, umm¡­¡± He blushed. ¡°My myana.¡± Ravyn furrowed her brow. ¡°Mattaku. What are you getting all shy about? There¡¯s nothing silly about this.¡± She tightened her grip around the stone. Barely a hint of myana within. ¡°It¡¯s okay if you can¡¯t do it in one day. Just don¡¯t focus on more than one at a time, boy.¡± Tristan sighed. ¡°I wasn¡¯t trying to, I just¡ª¡± ¡°Shhh, listen to me.¡± She set the stone down and collected the others that could prove difficult for someone with Tristan¡¯s experience. She set them to the side, then pushed the other stones¡ªthe topaz, garnet, a type of quartz, and an aquamarine¡ªtoward Tristan. ¡°Try those first. What¡¯s your teacher¡¯s name again?¡± ¡°Uhh, Alia.¡± He rubbed the back of his neck. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Did she tell you to do that?¡± Tristan frowned. ¡°Well, no. But she said I could try if I was feeling comfortable.¡± ¡°Mattaku.¡± A part of her felt guilty for not teaching Tristan this sooner. Manipulating myana was a fairly easy process for most catgirls, but the concept must have felt foreign for someone who had never had to deal with magic before. Finn had told her that such a thing didn¡¯t exist where he came from, and if Tristan was from the same world as Finn, then this was going to be a tough process. Scooping up a few of the stones she could feel myana from, she stood up, pushed the chair back, and then snatched Tristan¡¯s wrist. ¡°Come with me.¡± ¡°W-wait! Where are we going?¡± ¡°I¡¯m going to teach you a trick.¡± She dragged him to a courtyard situated at the back of the mansion. Statues carved in the likeness of Emberlynn and the women who came before her stood tall, flanking the yard¡¯s exquisitely cut grass and stone pathways. They created a cross at the center, where a striking water fountain featuring Saoirse¡¯s likeness poured water into a basin from a spout in her palms. Ravyn led him to the fountain, then let go of his wrist. Destiny and Lara appeared at the door soon after, blinking and shrugging. Bally flew between them, eliciting yelps from the maids, and landed on one of Saoirse¡¯s wrists to take a drink. ¡°What about your breakfast?¡± Tristan asked. ¡°Shush, let Ravyn teach you,¡± she said as she plucked a rough topaz out of her hand. She set the other stones on the fountain¡¯s lip, then clenched her hand over the topaz. Steadying her breath, she searched her mind for a memory where she felt passionate. Memories of Ichi returned, but she swept them away in favor of a memory regarding Shi Island instead. She recollected the moment before breaking Tristan out. She and Matt were hiding behind the bushes. A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth as the cool sensation of myana flowed through her. ¡°There,¡± she whispered, opening her eyes. The myana flowed out of her and into the stone effortlessly. Seconds passed, and the rock began to glow a faint blue between the cracks of her fingers. When she opened her palm, Tristan neared closer in awe. ¡°That¡¯s so pretty,¡± he said. ¡°Thanks. Take it.¡± She placed the stone in his hand as he opened his palm. Then she turned toward the mountain behind the mansion and pointed. ¡°Pinch it between the fingers of the hand you use when you cast your magic. When you focus on filling the stone with your own myana, you¡¯ll take what¡¯s inside first before refilling it with yours. It¡¯s going to feel weird, but don¡¯t let it alarm you. That¡¯s just the stone doing its job.¡± Tristan frowned as he studied the topaz, but then his face lit in a grin. ¡°Ahaaa, I get it. So, I drain your myana from the stone, which refills mine, then pour my myana into it. Rinse and repeat?¡± Ravyn¡¯s smile widened. He¡¯ll make a good [Wizard]. ¡°Good boy,¡± Ravyn said, tousling his hair as she passed him. Bally took flight once more, landing on his master¡¯s shoulder as Destiny and Lara strode through the courtyard, making comments on the numerous benches, statues, and flora. It must have reminded them of Shi Island, as Ravyn recalled many of the yards bore similar appearances when they last visited. ¡°Make me proud!¡± ¡°Thanks, Ravyn!¡± Tristan called back. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Bally whispered when the door shut behind them. ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± she lied. ¡°He just reminds me a lot of Finn.¡± Bally nodded sagely. Ravyn sighed. ¡°Let¡¯s go pick up my clothes.¡± After Ravyn finished her breakfast, she left the mansion before any of the attendants, Sophia, or her mother could say anything. An errand would help break up her thought process, and she desperately needed some time alone. Of course, that didn¡¯t mean she¡¯d be going anywhere without Bally. He went everywhere with her. He was her rock, the only one who saw her for who she truly was, good and bad. He whistled from her shoulder as she strode through the streets. Residents, some of whom she recognized, would wave and bow to her on occasion but left her alone for the most part. Seemed most of them were still trying to figure out how they should react to her, or if she could be approached. Ravyn was sure that by now, most of Zhuli¡¯s populace had heard that she was back, and that she assisted in destroying the Defiled that had been snatching up catgirls. Periodically, she would hear hissed whispers while she passed. ¡°Why did Emberlynn let this go on for so long?¡± ¡°Just how many girls were killed?¡± ¡°Did she leave it for her daughter to take care of?¡± ¡°Unbelievable.¡± She cursed under her breath, afraid that this may happen. The Defiled¡¯s existence and death had set many of Zhuli¡¯s people on edge. They would need some kind of explanation from Emberlynn or at least from Ravyn. Ravyn knew that the people of Zhuli would likely see their inaction or unwillingness to discuss what happened as an admission of guilt. Damn it, I hate this game. Ravyn put the thought away as she entered Yukari¡¯s shop. The blue-haired catgirl met her with a cocked brow and crossed arms. ¡°You at last arrive,¡± Yukari said. ¡°I suppose you will be wanting your clothes back.¡± ¡°Yes, just give them to me and I¡¯ll be on my way. I got shit to do.¡± ¡°Shit to do! Shit to do! Squawwwwk!¡± Yukari glared at the bird, and Bally tucked his head beneath his wing. Few things frightened Bally, and it seemed that Yukari was one of them. ¡°One moment.¡± Yukari left through a santo door to her left, then appeared minutes later with the clothes. She set them on a counter to Ravyn¡¯s left, then gestured to them. ¡°There you are.¡± ¡°Great.¡± Ravyn moved to collect them, when Yukari refused to move her hand away from the pile. ¡°Did you not hear me before?¡± ¡°You may have forgotten, so I¡¯ll remind you. You owe me tea time.¡± Damn it. ¡°You also took longer than a day,¡± Ravyn countered. ¡°I thought you were faster than that.¡± She tugged at the clothes, and Yukari¡¯s grip tightened. ¡°So let me have my clothes back.¡± ¡°Forgive me if I prioritized the orders of those who actually give a damn, and not the musings of a woman who hasn¡¯t been back in years.¡± She slapped away Ravyn¡¯s hand and snatched up the outfit, setting it behind her counter. ¡°Tea time. Then you can have it back.¡± Goodie. I can¡¯t fucking wait. Chapter 277: Wistful Alia glided her fingers through her hair while she waited for the man of the hour to appear. It¡¯d only been a day, but to her, it felt much longer. She found herself enamored with the shape of his jaw, the unassuming tone of his voice, that sparkle in his eye that she found in scarce others. Is it just because I don¡¯t talk to others? An unexplainable obsession had taken root in her mind, her body. She brushed one tender finger across her lips, wondering how their kiss would taste. She found herself trembling at the thought. Her face burned, and she buried her hands between her legs in shame. He¡¯ll be here any second. You have to calm¡ª A knock came at her door. ¡°Alia, are you in there?¡± Tristan¡¯s voice. ¡°Y-yes! Come in!¡± Alia stammered. The man smiled as he entered, shutting the door behind him. He was dressed in his [Combat Mode] attire. Alia fought hard to ignore the signs of vigor on his face. He didn¡¯t seem in the least bit tired or fatigued. There was a spring in his step, and she couldn¡¯t help but squint. Had he found rest at last? ¡°Is something wrong?¡± he asked. ¡°N-no!¡± Alia said, waving her hands in front of her. She rose to her feet, adjusting the cloak around her shoulders. Underneath, she wore a traditional San Island dress with a shorter skirt. It resembled the one she usually saw Yanni wear, though this one was¡­even shorter than hers and bore black and violet embroidery. It¡¯d been a gift from Emberlynn herself, though she had struggled to find an occasion to wear it. Until now. ¡°You just seem so¡­ energetic this evening.¡± ¡°Oh, haha.¡± He rubbed the back of his neck. Goodness, his laugh was infectious. ¡°I guess I feel like I¡¯m finally getting the hang of this myana control. Look!¡± He gently took her arm and gestured for her to sit down on the floor. She allowed him to guide her. Then, he reached for a small pouch around his belt. He spilled the stones onto the floor, and immediately Alia could sense the myana within each stone. ¡°I was going to ask Ravyn how I did, but she¡¯s not my teacher. You are. How did I do?¡± How did he¡­? Alia carefully picked up each stone and examined them. The topaz, the sapphire, the rocks made up of several impure and uncut gems; all of them were filled to the brim with myana. ¡°Hang on,¡± she said, leaning to her side to reach for a leather-bound book that rested on a podium. It held within it a record of all of her experiments and studies. Additionally, it contained notes regarding Tristan¡¯s progress and her thoughts on where he could improve. ¡°Come on,¡± she whispered as her fingers brushed the bottom of the journal. A cool breeze swept over her thighs, and as the book fell from the stand, she caught it. ¡°There we go.¡± Tristan had averted his gaze, and a light blush colored his cheeks. What has him flustered all of a sudden? Alia couldn¡¯t figure it out, so she brought her attention back to the book and turned the pages until she came upon the record she kept of each stone she¡¯d handed Tristan. While she could detect how much myana was within each stone¡ªand they were all full¡ªshe couldn¡¯t remember exactly how much she¡¯d filled each stone before she¡¯d given them to him. She guided her finger down the list, noting the rough percentage of myana kept within the stones. Not a single one of them had been full when she handed them to Tristan. What¡¯s more, the one brimming with the highest amount of myana¡ªthe sapphire¡ªhad been half full. She snapped the book shut and set it beside her. He¡¯d figured it out so quickly. ¡°Amazing work, Tristan.¡± Her words came out barely loud enough for them to hear. Her thoughts wandered momentarily to the idea of tearing off his clothes. What a brilliant mind. ¡°Thank you! It finally clicked after Ravyn gave me some advice.¡± Emberlynn¡¯s daughter? What is she to him? Alia¡¯s fingers curled with jealousy. ¡°I¡¯m glad to hear that, Tristan.¡± She pressed a finger against the topaz, then shut her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m going to take the myana from this stone. I¡¯d like to watch you pour your own myana into it next. Forgive me. I don¡¯t mean to imply that you¡¯re lying to me, but I¡¯d watch it personally.¡± Tristan chuckled. ¡°That¡¯s understandable. I take no offense.¡± The truth was, Alia could tell the difference. Myana carried a sign, a codex to it that could be deciphered by an experienced [Wizard]. In fact, most [Mage]s could at least tell when a source of myana that wasn¡¯t their own was permeating the air. Without prior knowledge of the caster¡¯s myana, however, it was typically impossible to tell whose it was. The myana came out of the stone in wisps of blue. Within the wisps were subtle differences. One of these energies felt cool and caressing; this was her own myana. The next one was somewhat erratic and tingled the hairs on her skin when it swept over her. Much like [Farsight]¡¯s strange side effects. Most unique of them, however, was the third. At one moment, it would knead the tension in her neck and back; the next, it would swirl around her, searching and probing for¡­something. As the stone emptied, she opened her eyes and panted for breath. ¡°Are you alright?¡± Tristan asked, frowning. ¡°Yes, quite,¡± Alia said, blushing. Absorbing his myana had proven to be the intimate experience she was expecting, albeit with some interruptions. The thought of his energies mingling with hers brought heat to her skin. Her ears flicked forward, and her tail writhed behind her. An eagerness to feel their bodies connect filled her. ¡°I-I cannot tell which of these energies are yours,¡± she lied, pushing the stone toward him. ¡°Fill the stone with your myana.¡± I want his myana, and his alone. Euphoric as it had been to mingle with Tristan¡¯s energies, Ravyn¡¯s myana seemed to carry some intent behind it, pricking her skin whenever she became comfortable with the sensation. She felt like a kitten being watched over by her nyanny. It was infuriating.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. Calm down, Alia. He''s here to be trained. Do your job, as Mistress Emberlynn told you. ¡°Okay. Can do,¡± Tristan said as he picked up the stone, closing his hand over it. He had so much more enthusiasm in his movements than usual. An air of excitement surrounded him, and she couldn¡¯t help but smile. As he concentrated, Alia adjusted her posture, sitting atop her calves with her hands on her thighs. The skirt rested halfway up her thigh, and part of her hoped Tristan might notice. Myana penetrated the air. Just as she¡¯d expected, his was the myana that swirled and prodded curiously. She swallowed the building lump in her throat, relieved to see Tristan¡¯s eyes open when her mind had begun to wander again. ¡°You tell me what you think,¡± Tristan said, extending his hand, palm up. Alia plucked the stone from his hand and observed it. Her breathing sped. It was filled with curious energies. The myana fought the confines of its prison, avid to enter another¡¯s body. Taking a hint of the myana into her, she could sense its curiosities continue within her, exploring the intricacies of their new vessel. She refrained from moving too much, suggesting too much. From what Mistress Emberlynn had told her, Tristan had much to think about. She wished desperately not to add to his turmoil. This isn¡¯t right. I need to stop. He has enough going on. Her breathing calmed, and she set the stone on the floor. ¡°Great job, Tristan. I¡¯m so proud of you. Transferring myana to stones and using them for your magic will be how you cast many of your Spells as a [Wizard].¡± She put a hand to her chest and brushed the dip of her neck. It was time to move on. ¡°This is good. We can discuss the stars now.¡± ¡°That¡¯s been on my mind for a while,¡± Tristan said, crossing his arms. He tilted his head to one side, observing her the same way he did whenever he appeared to be concentrating. ¡°I¡¯m hoping that¡¯s not a concern for my Spells later on. I don¡¯t want my Party to suffer because the stars aren¡¯t out or anything.¡± Alia smiled. Such a thoughtful man. ¡°There are methods for evading such issues.¡± She stood up and brushed her knees and shins, beckoning him toward the balcony. ¡°Come.¡± Tristan got up and followed her outside. As she came to the balcony¡¯s edge, Tristan stopped beside her. She pointed at the full moon. Dark clouds covered the bottom half. ¡°That is where we draw our power from. The moon, as well as the stars.¡± She allowed her arm to fall to her side. ¡°We are at our strongest when the moon and stars are within full view. As you can see, half of the moon is covered right now.¡± Tristan hummed in understanding. ¡°That¡¯s where our stones come in,¡± Alia said as she procured another stone from one of the pockets in her cloak. It was an empty garnet of moderate quality. She waited for the clouds to pass by. When they did, she held up the stone just as a ray of moonlight blanketed the town of Zhuli. Bathed in pearlescent light, she concentrated on the stone, then slowly poured her myana inside. When she felt it approaching the limits of its containment, she stopped and held the stone at eye level. ¡°Here,¡± she said as she extended it, ¡°feel that.¡± Tristan took the stone, flinching. ¡°It¡¯s so cold,¡± he hissed. He pulled some of his cloak over and used it to hold the stone. ¡°It almost burns.¡± Alia smiled. ¡°That¡¯s the full force of the moon.¡± Tristan marveled at the rock. ¡°Does it always feel like this?¡± Alia shook her head. ¡°No. I poured the coldest of my myana into the stone so that it resembles ice. You can do this with any element. As you grow more accustomed to the sensation of myana, the effects it has on your skin will dwindle. Eventually, you will feel only the most subtle hints of magic within.¡± ¡°So, I don¡¯t have to worry about the stones burning holes in my clothes?¡± Alia giggled. ¡°No, silly. That¡¯s just your sensitivity to the myana.¡± ¡°Ah, that¡¯s a relief.¡± ¡°I know it¡¯s uncomfortable, but try to hold that stone with your hands. I promise it won¡¯t hurt you.¡± Tristan removed the cloak and held the stone in his hand. ¡°It hurts a bit,¡± he murmured through clenched teeth. ¡°That¡¯s normal.¡± She turned around and leaned against the railing. ¡°Our next lesson will encompass two factors.¡± She held up her pointer finger. ¡°First involves the pouring of myana into a stone while under a fully visible moon. Depending on how the moon looks, the power of the myana will be stronger.¡± At that, she pointed up. ¡°The moon is full tonight, so it is at its strongest.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± Tristan breathed as little beads of sweat collected on his forehead. They reminded her much of when she was learning to become a [Wizard] and how much the stone hurt to hold. But he was a man, not a kitten. She had no doubt he would outperform her if he had already learned how to transfer myana to so many kinds of gems. ¡°Second will be increasing your tolerance to empowered myana. [Mage] Classes are innately sensitive to myana. We need to dull your sensitivity. Help you get accustomed to forces greater than your own.¡± She inhaled, then slowly exhaled. ¡°This part can¡­take some time. There are many scholars who believe that certain methods may expedite the process, but from my experience, holding empowered stones is the quickest and most sure way to dull myana sensitivity.¡± ¡°Do you think changing my thought process might work?¡± Alia nodded. ¡°Very much. Your mind is your greatest strength but also your greatest weakness.¡± ¡°Mind over matter.¡± Alia frowned. ¡°I¡¯m sorry?¡± He shook his head. ¡°A term from my last world. ¡®Mind over matter¡¯ is a phrase suggesting that our willpower, our mind, has more control over what we feel rather than our physical bodies.¡± He curled his fingers over the rock and steadied his breathing. He¡¯s so intelligent. What I wouldn¡¯t give to take him to a room and¡ª Nonsense. Utter nonsense. Tristan chuckled, then opened his eyes and his hand. ¡°That hurts more than I was expecting. But I think it¡¯s working.¡± ¡°G-great!¡± ¡°So, then are the stars important here?¡± ¡°Yes. The stars are far away, though, so their power isn¡¯t as great as the moon.¡± She turned back around and leaned her arms on the balcony¡¯s frame. ¡°I¡¯ve heard that [Warlock]s know how to draw out the full power of the stars, but I¡¯m not aware of any that are alive.¡± ¡°Not a single one?¡± Alia shook her head, then turned it toward him. ¡°Third Classes are very rare. Catgirls don¡¯t gain Experience at the same rate as men. Unless we¡¯re in their Party, of course. And even then, it¡¯s at a much slower rate. It¡¯s why many catgirls dream of traveling with men. We hope that we might unlock some secret or greater understanding of our world by becoming their companion.¡± She bowed her head and played with her fingertips. ¡°Maybe I¡¯m projecting.¡± A silence swept by them as she thought of her mother. She¡¯d been so close to becoming a [Warlock]. Until that day she¡­ ¡°I won¡¯t disappoint you,¡± Tristan said. ¡°I¡¯ll become a [Warlock]. And when I do, I¡¯ll come back and help you become one as well.¡± ¡°W-w-well, hold on there.¡± Alia laughed nervously. ¡°You can¡¯t say that so assuredly. I know how dangerous a man¡¯s line of work is, so please¡­don¡¯t make that kind of promise.¡± I don¡¯t want another situation like Mom. Tristan grew silent. Minutes passed before their conversation resumed to the matter of becoming a [Wizard]. Alia continued to guide him, and Tristan made impeccable progress. When he left, Alia drew her curtains and locked her doors. She clasped her hands on top of her chest while she lay on her bed. Her mind wandered, not to thoughts of Tristan, but of her mother. Are we all doomed to such fates? What will it take to break this wheel? Chapter 278: Nostalgic Keke was unsure what to say. Matron [Sniper] Wren was decrepit. Gray hair framed a face of pale skin, wrinkled and pocked with spots. One of her eyes had gone bad and had turned nearly completely white. A stark contrast to the one brilliant blue eye she still possessed. She was dressed in loose-fitting fabrics with long tassels and intricately woven threads. Her skin was thin and bore the appearance of a thin mucus. Bones protruded in sharp peaks and valleys, and Keke struggled to tuck away the thought that they could poke through her flesh at any moment. Sylva and Lily stood close by, Lily on the opposite side of her bed with her mother¡¯s hand in her own. ¡°So, you are to be our new sister,¡± Wren said with short breaths. ¡°Yes.¡± Keke nodded, unsure how to pay her proper respect. Should she bow? Show reverence in some way? Sylva had said nothing, so she waited for a clue. ¡°Yes, Mother,¡± Lily said, rubbing the top of the weathered woman¡¯s hand. ¡°Her name is Keke.¡± ¡°Keke?¡± Wren carefully adjusted her posture, and Lily assisted her. Several pillows and furs cushioned her against the headboard of her bed. The hearth behind Keke crackled. ¡°I have heard that name before.¡± She sniffed the air. ¡°Yes, that smell is¡­familiar. Nostalgic. Was your mother a [Hunter]?¡± ¡°A [Sniper],¡± Keke corrected. ¡°Elona¡¯s offspring, then.¡± Keke slowly nodded, impressed with Wren¡¯s memory. She knew her mother had come to Khasstead to become a [Hunter] long ago, but that was before she had been born. Hearing her mother¡¯s name on a stranger¡¯s lips made her chest and throat tighten. Wren cackled. ¡°Now there¡¯s a name I haven¡¯t heard in a long time.¡± She gestured for Keke¡¯s hand. Keke approached, and the matron intertwined her fingers with hers. It was like grabbing a skeleton. ¡°One of the finest creatures nature created. How is she?¡± She doesn¡¯t know¡­ ¡°She passed away years ago,¡± Keke said after a pause. After what had happened between her, Aurora, and Granny Nauka, she had to imagine it was the truth. There was little chance her mother would reappear as if she¡¯d never left. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m so sorry,¡± Wren said, tightening her grip. ¡°Spirits cradle you both.¡± Keke shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯ve come to terms with it.¡± ¡°I¡¯m glad to hear that. She was one of the finest [Sniper]s of our generation, you know.¡± Wren smiled, then looked at each face in the room. ¡°We will all return to the soil one day. We should not fear this. We should welcome it. It is nature¡¯s way.¡± ¡°Nature¡¯s way,¡± Sylva muttered. Lily parroted her, and Keke nodded. ¡°You have her eyes, child,¡± Wren remarked. Keke flushed. ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°I know that you will make a fine [Hunter],¡± Wren continued. Despite the woman¡¯s obvious signs of poor health, she was as warm as the hearth beside her. The genteel nature of her voice, the way she smiled, the very air around her, all of it brought about a sense of comfort Keke felt in few other places. ¡°I don¡¯t wish to take any more of your time. Sylva?¡± ¡°Yes, Matron,¡± Sylva said with a bow at the neck. ¡°See to it that Keke is brought before the first trial.¡± She smiled at Keke. ¡°I get the sense that our new sister is eager to learn.¡± Keke returned the smile. ¡°Yes. Very much.¡± ¡°Then may the spirits guide you.¡± Wren released Keke¡¯s hand. ¡°Thank you, Matron.¡± Keke settled on the title Sylva had addressed her by with a small bow. ¡°This way, Keke.¡± Sylva gestured as she pushed the cabin door open. Keke followed, noting that Lily hadn¡¯t moved from her mother¡¯s bedside. They continued their conversation in whispers, and Keke sympathized with Lily¡¯s position. She felt a brief pang of longing for her own mother. Before Sylva could call for her again, Keke followed her outside and quietly shut the door behind her. The sun had barely risen. A gentle rain pattered the trees and rooftops nearby, accompanying the chirps and clicks of unseen Encroachers. Keke¡¯s ears flicked up, eager to listen in, to see which sounds she could differentiate from one another. Many of them were so foreign, and the excitement she felt when she¡¯d become a [Scout] returned. ¡°Khasstead is so beautiful.¡± ¡°This is just the beginning. This way.¡± Sylva grinned as she descended the cabin¡¯s steps onto the paved dirt road. Sylva led them around the town¡¯s center and toward a collection of hills. Keke brushed the medallion pinned to the sleeve of her [Combat Mode] attire. She¡¯d thought to ask what each task would be, but a large part of her wished to know them as they came. As ridiculous as she felt to admit it, the kitten in her wanted to be surprised.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. At last, Sylva stopped at the mouth of a cave carved into one of the hills. ¡°Here we are.¡± She retrieved an unlit torch from the sconce beside the entrance, then procured a small red stone from a small pouch around her belt and held it close to the bottom. Moments later, the pitch on the torch caught fire, and she returned the stone to its pouch. She held the torch up, then carefully handed it to Keke. ¡°You must go alone.¡± Keke tilted her head curiously. ¡°What do I need to do?¡± ¡°Allow your instincts to guide you. Cast away your reason and enter the cave without judgment or assumption.¡± She shook her head. ¡°I can say no more.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Keke accepted the torch. She passed into the darkness and felt an unusual pull. Wait, where was the sun? She turned around and gasped, alarmed to see that the cave¡¯s entrance had disappeared. ¡°What the¡­?¡± I¡¯m trapped! What happened? Her heart pounded against her chest, and she nearly dropped the torch in a panic. Eyes wide, she brushed the fingers of her free hand across the rigid stones barring her, then pushed. It was no good. They didn¡¯t so much as budge. All that remained was for her to explore the cave¡¯s depths, and hope that she would be okay. They wouldn¡¯t do this if it put me in harm¡¯s way, right? she reasoned. She shook her head, angry that she couldn¡¯t follow simple instructions. Cast away your reason. Drawing a deep breath, she marched forward, torch extended. It proved to do little more than help her see a few footsteps in front of her. Periodically, a drop of water would hit the torch, and the thought of it being snuffed out was enough to awaken her anxiety and cause her breath to hitch. The walls of the cave were pointed and angular. Small spires of see-through rocks¡ªwhich she had no name for¡ªjutted out of pockets filled with similarly colored stones. They bore no light or myana within them, unlike most rare stones. For some reason, she felt drawn to them, and so she kneeled before one and held the torch closer. The stones caught the torchlight, casting a gentle array of prismatic luminescence across the walls. She marveled at the beauty. ¡°Incredible,¡± she whispered as she looked around her. The thought of taking one of the stones occurred to her. As she leaned forward to tear it from its socket, she paused. A sense of wrongness swept over her, causing the hairs on her skin to rise. It was a feeling that what she was about to do wasn¡¯t so simple as stealing. No, it went beyond that. Her action would be akin to ripping a kitten from its mother¡¯s arms. She had no explanation for why she felt that way. She had taken the lives of countless Encroachers without a single thought, mined precious ore, and commissioned clothes from the skins of tigers. Paying respect to them was something she liked to do when she was alone, oftentimes with a short prayer to Saoirse as a way of thanks. It was the way of nature, the way of the land, as her mother had taught her. So, why did this particular thing feel so wrong to do? She shook her head and stood up. If it felt wrong, then it was wrong. Sylva had said to trust her instincts, and instinct dictated that her desire for the stone was out of greed, not necessity. The itch to take the stone came and passed, and she continued her trek deeper. As her journey took her farther down, she came to a fork in the road. One path led to a more narrow passageway filled with jagged rocks and more of the prism stones. A glint caught her eye, and as she focused using her [Low-Light Vision], she saw Bells trailing the path. To her right, however, was a passageway devoid of complex rock formations. The walls were smoother, wet with the rain from above that had traveled down cracks and into the soil beneath her feet. She sniffed the air, then furrowed her brow. Guide me, she thought as she closed her eyes. The muscles in her shoulders relaxed, and the warmth of the torch heated her face. Her ears perked, and the sound of the rain outside grew louder. The storm wasn¡¯t worsening. No, it was her senses. Something had changed. Rather than question it, she continued to keep her eyes shut and listened intently. The path to her left was laden with coins and stones and treasure that would sustain her. Plenty to keep her alive for months. The stones would fetch a high price at any jeweler, and Bells were always a boon. But they were not hers to take. The ores held within, the treasure made, the stones grown, all were products of nature. Wild, just as the Encroachers who inhabited Nyarlea were. Just as she was. Keke opened her eyes, walking the path on her right. Her pace quickened, her footsteps guided by a force equal parts foreign and familiar. She smiled wide. The tunnel gave way to twists and turns. She approached a large hole, stepping over it without ever looking down, barely aware of its presence. She was attuned to something much greater than herself. Much greater than any catgirl. A voice was carrying her down the cave, carefully guiding her every movement. The voice of the forest. The voice of nature. A light at the end of the cave captured her attention. The happy buzzing of insects followed, its volume intensifying with each step she took closer. As she rounded the corner, she came upon a clearing. Thick blades of grass sprouted around an idol of stone shaped like a large egg. Stripes of white and green colored its make, the visage of a wolf painted in faded red. Water droplets fell atop the idol, its majesty caught by the sunlight through a hole in the ceiling. Keke¡¯s eyes wandered upward. How was it that the sunlight was so bright here? There wasn¡¯t a speck of sky to be seen before she entered. How did¡ª No. It wasn¡¯t important. She was trying to reason it out; explain it logically. Leveling her gaze with the idol, she felt apprehension from it. It was as unsure of her as she was of it. Despite it being clearly made of stone and inanimate, there was something alive about it. Inside was a soul, a consciousness. Keke doused the torch in a puddle beside her. She leaned the wood against the wall, then clasped her hands to her chest. ¡°I don¡¯t mean you any harm. I want to understand you. Be a part of you.¡± She paused, took a step forward, then stopped short of touching the grass. ¡°Please. Tell me what I must do.¡± She flinched when she felt something prod the inside of her skull. It came to her not like a voice, but a thought that put itself there. As if someone had placed a bookmark between the folds of her mind. ¡°The furlocke,¡± she whispered. She¡¯d never heard of such an Encroacher, but the beast¡¯s appearance and size came to her as naturally as breathing. The image of a ferocious creature covered in brown fur and a large snout with thick black claws painted her vision. They bore long, slender bodies and were a sworn enemy of the wolf. ¡°I will hunt one in your name and earn your aid.¡± Gratitude exuded from the idol. A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth as a faint light caught her attention. When she looked down at the medallion, she noticed one of the threads glowed with a dull green. Looking up, the transparent image of a wolf outlined in blue light bowed on its forelegs. My first task. Chapter 279: Desire (NSFW) Ceres played with her thumbs, her hands held in a semi-closed clasp. Matt was making the finishing touches to the tent, splaying the bedding so that two heaps of blankets and sheets were set beside one another. The tent was not made for two people, and so the heaps were close. Awfully close. Calm your wicked heart, Ceres thought. Matt wore a blank expression while he worked. Initially, she¡¯d helped, but mere minutes in, they realized that the restricted space offered more friction than actual assistance. Yes, this was best handled by a single person. Her Shi Island values left within her a sense of negligence, of shame. ¡®Twas improper for a man to assist catgirls in such matters, especially one who grew up with a sense of Service, Grace, and Urgency. ¡°Sir Matt, is there anything I may do for you?¡± Ceres asked again, her fingers writhing, itching to push him aside and take over the work. ¡°Nah, I got this,¡± Matt said with a tone of indifference. He crawled on his hands and knees to a corner of the tent and retrieved one of the blankets and unfolded it. ¡°You can wait outside if you want. I¡¯m almost done, anyway.¡± Ceres paused, her gaze glued to a portion of Matt¡¯s skin showing below his shirt. He¡¯d switched to his [Civilian Mode] for comfort while she stood guard at the entrance in her resplendent armor. She licked her top lip, then shook her head. ¡°I shall wait here, Sir Matt.¡± Matt glanced at her over his shoulder, then returned to his work with a shrug. ¡°Alright.¡± The sound of armored footsteps approached. Ceres turned around and exited the tent, looking to her right. Cailu approached with a casual wave. ¡°Are your preparations complete?¡± he asked. ¡°Almost, Sir Cailu,¡± Ceres said with a curt bow. ¡°Sir Matt is putting the finishing touches on the tent as we speak.¡± The [Paladin] crossed his arms, looking at the flap of the tent. ¡°Very well. Kirti is placing a protective ward over our camp, so the danger of Encroachers should be minimal. See to it that he gets rest. We will need it for the journey tomorrow.¡± Ceres nodded. ¡°Yes, Sir Cailu. Thank you.¡± Cailu grunted, then marched away back to his tent behind a cluster of trees. As Ceres made to re-enter her tent, Matt poked his head out between the flaps. His attention was on Cailu. He rolled his eyes and mimed his gestures. Ceres giggled. ¡°Does he bother you so much?¡± ¡°Oh, don¡¯t get me started,¡± he groaned, retreating to the safety of the tent. Ceres followed him in, then tied the flaps down so that they wouldn¡¯t billow in the breeze while they slept. She¡¯d caught some nasty colds that way. ¡°Feels like my dad is constantly breathing down my neck. ¡®Make sure your points are distributed,¡¯ ¡®the duty of men is perilous and fraught with danger,¡¯ ¡®you need a healer if you¡¯re going to be a [Battleguard],¡¯¡± he mimicked in a mocking tone. ¡°God, it¡¯ll be a cold day in hell when or if that guy smiles.¡± Ceres smoothed her skirt over her legs, enunciating, ¡°[Civilian Mode].¡± The armor disappeared in a flash, giving way to her traditional Shi Island uniform. ¡°Please know that I say this not out of disrespect, but as an observation. However¡­his mannerisms are not unlike those I witnessed from my superiors during my training as a [Magic Knight].¡± Matt sighed and rubbed the back of his neck as he sat up. The kitten in her cursed him for such a maneuver. She enjoyed the teasing of the skin at his nape. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m sure,¡± he said in a tone that suggested he was most certainly ¡®not sure¡¯. ¡°I mean it,¡± Ceres continued. ¡°His expressions resemble many of the catgirls I fought beside. His face is hardened by battle, exhaustion. I saw it every day.¡± As Matt opened his mouth to speak, she raised her hand to silence him. ¡°I dare not compare the struggles of catgirls to those of men.¡± She took the same hand she raised, clenched it into a fist, then pressed it against her chest, looking in the direction of his tent. She would need to choose her words carefully. Very carefully. ¡°I would not ask that you try to like him.¡± She looked at Matt, then smiled. ¡°Nay, I would neither ask that you attempt to understand his position. Only that you be patient with him.¡± Matt blinked, then looked at the ground. ¡°Yeah. I¡¯ll try.¡± ¡°Thank you, Sir Matt. You are a man amongst men.¡± Matt let out an incredulous chuckle. ¡°You give me way too much credit, Ceres.¡± He waved his hand, as if dismissing the comment. ¡°Seriously. You always have. I¡¯m bumbling through everything. If it wasn¡¯t for Tristan and you girls¡ª¡± ¡°And Cailu.¡± Ceres giggled. Matt sighed. ¡°And¡­Cailu,¡± he said with clear disdain, ¡°then I would be dead. Straight up.¡± ¡°You assume too much responsibility.¡± Matt frowned. ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± Ceres smiled wryly. Goddess above, he truly did not understand the magnitude of his words. ¡°You point to me a person who has made it through life without the assistance of others. No person, catgirl or man, survives Nyarlea without help. Cailu is no exception.¡± ¡°...I know that.¡± ¡°Then why dismiss your own strengths?¡± Silence surrounded them for a time. Such a thing didn¡¯t bother her. The sounds of battle, as exciting as they could be when the cause was just, were frightening and filled with peril. Silence was a welcome calm before the storm. As she waited for Matt¡¯s answer, she listened to the sounds of insects chirping and clicking. ¡°I feel like everyone¡¯s got something¡­great they can do,¡± Matt said at last, drawing Cere¡¯s stare back, ¡°and I¡¯m just¡­here. Tristan is brilliant, sees things I don¡¯t. Cailu, for as much of a¡±¡ªhe chuckled¡ª¡°a cunt as he is, is undeniably powerful. Hell, not just that, he¡¯s obviously a great tactician, too. Compared to them, I feel a little, well, powerless at times.¡± He shook his head. ¡°Forget it, I¡¯m being stupid and self-deprecating. It¡¯s unbecoming of a man.¡± Ceres frowned. How could such a wonderful man view himself so harshly? ¡°Sir Matt.¡± She crawled on her hands and knees toward him. He was still looking at the ground. When she was inches away from him, he looked up, and his cheeks pinked. ¡°I did not say that you were ¡®this catgirl¡¯s dream come true¡¯ thoughtlessly.¡± She placed a hand upon his chest, brushing her fingers across his shirt, admiring the exquisite physique underneath. ¡°I meant every word.¡± A knowing smile cracked the corner of his lips. Goddess above, she wanted to devour those lips. He gripped her wrist and gently pushed her away at the shoulder. I overstepped my boundaries, didn¡¯t I? I¡¯m so¡ª And then he removed his jacket. ¡°Ceres. We haven¡¯t had a chance to be alone, have we? Privately, I mean. If that makes sense.¡± ¡°N-no, Sir¡­Sir Matt, we have not,¡± she said, her hands balled so tightly she was sure she¡¯d draw blood. She calmed her quaking heart and steadied her breath. He removed his black shirt next, revealing his sculpted physique. Finely toned muscle captivated her gaze, and her eyes swept over his torso with pure desire. She wondered if this was what the term, ¡®eye candy¡¯ referred to. Could anything be more striking, more beautiful, more heroic? Matt leaned on his side, his arm draped over his knee. ¡°Well, come here.¡± Ceres blanked, though her body seemed to understand exactly what it wanted. Before she knew it, her hand was turning the light of the lantern down, offering little more than Sir Matt¡¯s silhouette. His body was spectacular to behold in the combined light of the flame and the moon. She crawled toward him on all fours, unwilling to turn the lantern down any lower, lest she be unable to admire the man who captivated her. I can let her out¡­just a little. Ceres captured his lips before he could change his mind. She suckled at his top lip, leaning closer and pushing her tongue into his mouth. Her hands craved the curves of his skin, and so she placed them against his chest, tracing the contours of his muscles and dips in his flesh. His hands reached around her back, undoing the apron¡¯s knot with expert precision. She pulled away, giggling. ¡°Goddess above, I have craved this.¡± His gaze was so intense. So unassuming and filled with curiosity. She hoped he was drinking her in as deeply as she did him. He wrestled her apron off, setting it beside them, then tucked his hands under her skirt. His hands massaged her legs as they traveled upward and around her rear. Her ears flicked forward. Her skin felt like it was on fire. As he grazed the gentle fur of her tail, however, she lurched forward and fell on top of him with a squeal that resembled a kitten. She sat up and clapped a hand to her mouth. ¡°Oh, Sir Matt, I¡ª¡± ¡°Well, that¡¯s a sound I¡¯ve never heard,¡± he chuckled. His hands caressed her thighs. ¡°What other sounds do you make, I wonder?¡± She blinked, unsure how to respond. Do I tease him? Play with him? Is that appropriate? How do I¡­deal with a man? ¡°What are you doing up there?¡± he purred as he carefully pinched the fabric of her uniform and pulled her closer. ¡°Down here is where the action is.¡±If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. Ceres¡¯s tongue returned to¡ªwhat she felt¡ªwas its rightful place. Claiming every drop, she explored the tunnels of his mouth according to her whim. He returned every motion, every maneuver, until at last they parted, breathless, and held one another¡¯s gaze for a time. ¡°Do you remember the first night we spent together?¡± she asked. ¡°Not well,¡± Matt admitted with a hint of distaste. ¡°I drank way too much. All I remember is that it was wild as hell.¡± Ceres giggled. ¡°It is the same for me.¡± She glided her fingers across his forehead, down his temple, descending to his chin. Cupping it with her pointer finger and thumb, she pressed her forehead against his. ¡°Can I confess something?¡± ¡°The knight has a secret?¡± he chuckled. ¡°Now this I gotta hear. Go on.¡± She drew a deep breath. ¡°I desire your seed. Desperately. I can think of no man who would better sire my kittens.¡± She blinked, then held her eyelids shut for a time. Knowing what his answer would be, she pulled away and placed a finger against his lips. ¡°I know that this is not the time. You require a companion, someone who can fight side by side with you on the frontlines. I would not take that away from you.¡± Then she smiled. ¡°But I wish to be forthright.¡± ¡°I appreciate it, Ceres,¡± Matt said, the tenseness of his muscles alleviating. ¡°However,¡± she said as she started to undo his pants, ¡°that does not mean I will be sated with mere kisses. I wish to partake in you in any way you would allow.¡± Tucking her fingers beneath his undergarments, palms held against his pants, she paused. ¡°There can be no greater honor.¡± ¡°Hang on,¡± Matt said, gripping her left wrist. The instinct to slap it away and pin his hands above his head came and went in a flash. ¡°You first.¡± Ceres blushed. She could not¡ªwould not¡ªrefuse an order from him. ¡°Yes, Sir Matt.¡± With trembling hands, she gripped the ends of her maid¡¯s uniform and lifted it over her head in a single motion. It was easy. She had done it countless times before. Setting the uniform to her side where her apron lay, she allowed herself to be devoured by his stare. ¡°I hadn¡¯t expected lacy panties and a garterbelt,¡± Matt said. That gaze insinuated infatuation¡­did it not? ¡°It is¡­comfortable,¡± Ceres admitted, grazing her braid with her fingertips. ¡°I-in [Civilian Mode], that is. Many Shi Island maids wear such garments.¡± Matt cocked a brow. ¡°Destiny and Lara?¡± Ceres nodded. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°I like it,¡± he said as he leaned forward and trailed his pointer finger down her neck and between her cleavage. I would much rather bare my entirety to you. Matt¡¯s finger tugged at the clasp at the front. With deft movements, he undid the fastening, and the bra sprung to the sides, revealing her breasts. Ceres gasped but made no effort to hide her form. Instead, she allowed one of her arms to rest at her side while she propped up her chest with her spare forearm. She tilted her head and murmured, ¡°I hope I am to your satisfaction.¡± Matt exhaled. ¡°You are incredible, Ceres. I mean it.¡± She knew her curves were much more¡­defined than the average woman. While she took pride in her attributes, she knew not the desires of men, and the intoxication involved with their prior sexual encounter had destroyed much of the memory. ¡°Good.¡± Her gaze returned to his waist. She could resist no longer. ¡°Because now I require you.¡± In the case that he would bar her once more, she refused to ask permission and resumed her fingers¡¯ place beneath his trousers. She tugged once, strongly, revealing his erect shaft. It throbbed before her, inviting her in ways she could think nothing else had. Raking her nails against the side of his waist, she wrapped her free hand around him, desperately trying to recall how she had behaved during their shared evening at the hot spring. ¡°Careful,¡± Matt said. ¡°It¡¯s sensitive.¡± Ceres nodded, worried that any word that spilled from her mouth would harm this opportunity. An idea occurred to her, and she raised a finger to indicate that she needed a moment. Reaching for her [Cat Pack], she retrieved a small vial of fluid, then poured two drops of it into her palm. ¡°What is that?¡± Matt asked. ¡°Something to¡­enhance the experience, Sir Matt,¡± Ceres said as she resumed her hand around his shaft. ¡°Oh, God. That¡¯s the stuff you gave Keke.¡± ¡°Mhm.¡± Slowly, she stroked it up and down, fascinated by how the head emerged and disappeared beneath her grip. It was a simple gesture, yet it captivated her with eerie ease. ¡°You are a most recherche man.¡± Matt moaned and clawed the sheets beneath him. ¡°I,¡± he breathed, ¡°don¡¯t know what that means.¡± ¡°Exquisite,¡± she said, quickening the pace. Like a practiced catgirl, she maintained her grip and watched him with a careful gaze, examining his reactions, his expressions like a duelist in the heat of combat. ¡°Beautiful. Lavish.¡± She purred. ¡°Perfect.¡± He laughed, his breath hitching. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t go that far.¡± ¡°I would,¡± she combated immediately. ¡°I would use that and more to describe you. Nay, there is no word I could use to appropriately describe this. The emotions I feel. The desire that racks my body.¡± The restraint I demonstrate by refusing to throw open my garments and welcome you in. ¡°Ceres¡­ It¡¯s only fair that I help you feel good, too,¡± Matt said as he leaned forward with evident effort, and cupped her breasts in his hands. Gently, he kneaded her chest, the hardened pinks of her nipples poking through the gaps in his fingers. After a time, he began to use his thumb to caress them, drawing a gasp from her throat. ¡°Careful. We don¡¯t want to wake Dad, now do we?¡± Ceres clapped a hand to her mouth as she continued to stroke Matt. She vehemently shook her head. ¡°That¡¯s a good girl,¡± he murmured. Yes! That¡¯s me! That¡¯s me he speaks of! Haha! She shook her head, struggling to steady to her breath. No, no. Calm down. Stop. Do not overstep your boundaries. Careful, now. ¡°That feel good?¡± Matt whispered. Ceres nodded. ¡°Mhm. Words¡­are¡­lost,¡± she breathed, ¡°on me.¡± Matt hummed and captured her left nipple with his mouth, suckling on the tender skin. It took every ounce of effort not to squeal in delight; not to scream and plead for more. He maneuvered his tongue in ways she could scarcely dream, her skin crying out for the warmth of his mouth each time he parted. Her panties were soaked. If she could not take him in with the purpose to bear a kitten, then she would swallow his very seed. ¡°Move,¡± she said, shoving him back. The sudden action seemed to catch him off guard. He opened his mouth to retort, but as she shifted her legs and repositioned her mouth over his erection, he grew silent. Taking a deep breath, she took him into her mouth, her tongue gliding across the underbelly of his shaft. She kept mental notes of how she used her hand, and pumped him with careful precision, guiding the head to the back of her throat¡ªwhich elicited a most delightful noise from him¡ªand sucking at the opening. She repeated this motion for some time, with each movement drawing new and more intricate words and noises from him than the last. After a while, she wished simply to gaze upon him. She circled the swollen head with her tongue, drawing him back in and gripping the sides of his waist. Her nails dug into his skin, and his shaft grew stronger, thicker, twitched more and more. ¡°I¡¯m gonna come,¡± Matt groaned. ¡°Please,¡± Ceres pleaded. A hot sensation filled her mouth, and she hummed with delight. As he twitched and throbbed, she drank in every drop he spent, swallowing him whole without hesitation. She continued to slowly massage him with her lips and tongue, taking great care that he was clean of his own fluids. He threaded his hand through her hair, sliding her ear through his thumb and forefinger while she worked. The hums that escaped her throat vibrated against him, and she relished his gasps. When she was finished, she released him from the confines of her mouth, then licked the base of his shaft up to the head. Matt propped himself onto his elbows, searching her face. ¡°That was incredible,¡± he panted. I want more. No. This was enough. It would have to be. ¡°I aim to serve, Sir Matt,¡± Ceres said, smiling. ¡°Hey, don¡¯t think we¡¯re done yet.¡± Her eyes widened. Yes! Yes, yes, yes! In an impressive display of speed and strength, Matt grappled her wrists, flipped her to her back, and pushed her to the ground. His body was riddled with sweat, his gaze saturated with desire. ¡°What kind of man would I be if I didn¡¯t make sure you got off, too?¡± Ceres squirmed against his hold as he pinned her wrists above her head in one hand. Relinquishing her control to him set her heart racing and her mind spinning. How could he possibly believe he was less of a man to the others? He stroked her tail between her legs with his free hand, and she stifled her squeals behind pinched lips. ¡°I¡¯m not the only sensitive one,¡± he mused. ¡°N¡­no¡­¡± Ceres rolled her hips, letting her body and instincts guide her in their dance. ¡°How do you seem to know¡±¡ªher breath caught when he nibbled her lower lip¡ª¡°just what to do?¡± ¡°I listen.¡± Matt grinned and released her tail. ¡°And watch.¡± He moved his mouth to her breast and his hand between her thighs. ¡°You¡¯re trembling.¡± Bring me to heel, my lord. ¡°Y-yes.¡± Tiny pressures stroked over her panties. His teasing was too much. Not enough. More. She felt him push aside the fabric, and a cool digit parted her folds. Just as his tongue met her nipple, his finger caressed her clit. Ceres whimpered and rocked her hips against his palm. ¡°You want it bad.¡± His voice caressed her ears, and she moaned her reply. ¡°Good girls get rewards, right?¡± Do they? Do I? Goddess, Matt, please. ¡°O-only if my lord allows.¡± ¡°Hm.¡± His half-smile was intoxicating. Ceres memorized how he looked at her in perfect clarity. Had he ever looked at her like this before? ¡°Maybe¡­¡± Matt slid two fingers inside her. ¡°Ngh!¡± Stars erupted in her vision. Her fingers curled until her nails dug into her palms. S-silence! Too loud, and he will stop¡­ ¡°I love these sounds.¡± Matt nipped the skin on top of her breast. ¡°I wish you could be louder.¡± Ceres couldn¡¯t speak. Her lips parted, and she fought to breathe as his thumb returned to her clit and his fingers explored her depths. ¡®Twas the finest reward she could ever dream of. His was a gift unlike any other. ¡°M-Matt¡ª¡± ¡°Another one?¡± He added a third finger, and her back arched. ¡°There we go.¡± His fingertips kneaded and caressed at her deepest points, sending jolts of pleasure up her spine and numbing her toes. She wished to remake herself to his satisfaction, to allow him to use her however he wished. Ceres would do anything for this man so long as he promised not to stop. The sensation of his leaving and entering on his own rhythm was as frustrating as it was gratifying. There was only so much she could do without her hands. She was certain many times that she was close to climax, only for him to slow his thrusts. If she opened her mouth to protest, he captured her kiss and silenced her with his tongue. Then he¡¯d resume his speed, collecting the beads of sweat from her throat and breasts between his lips. The brushes of his taut skin against hers gave her goosebumps. ¡°Do you want something?¡± he asked as she neared another orgasm. ¡°Yes. Please don¡¯t stop,¡± she begged in a rushed whisper. ¡°Please. I will be good.¡± Matt grinned. ¡°Well, when you put it like that¡­¡± He sank his fingers into her most vulnerable domains, commanding the climax from her in a sudden assault. The convulsions were sharp and immediate. Matt buried his tongue in her mouth, drinking her cries of release like a beloved tonic as he coaxed and coordinated every pulse between her legs. He released her wrists, and she wrapped her hands around his neck, pulling him down so his chest collided with hers. She needed him close. Skin-to-skin. His rhythm slowed, but his fingers expertly plied her walls until her throbs had almost vanished. She lived between their breaths; wrote her name into his mouth with her tongue. I am in utter bliss. Chapter 280: Hope Yomi had nearly forgotten what it felt like to be completely awake with full [Energy]. It¡¯d been two weeks of Saoirse-free sleep. Two weeks without nailbark, or waking up with a fever, or sleeping through Ruyah¡¯s cries. For the first time since she¡¯d arrived at the outpost, she took Ruyah outside for personal enjoyment. Her interactions with the others living there were typically limited to quick runs to their small market for food or supplies, or to scrape more nailbark from the nearby trees. But today, she held Ruyah in her arms, wandered around her house¡¯s outskirts, and let her daughter guide them. ¡°Oooh!¡± Ruyah waved her chubby arms at a tall green stalk. Tiny orange and red flowers dangled from the branches, swaying gently in the breeze. Yomi paused and bent the flower closer to Ruyah¡¯s hands. ¡°Do you like these? They¡¯re called sundrops.¡± She smiled as Ruyah stroked the splayed petals with just her fingertips. She was so careful for a kitten. Like anything she touched would shatter. ¡°In [Alchemy], they make a tincture that helps with sore tummies.¡± Ruyah hummed and fiddled with the plant, her eyes wide. She tugged a few to her nose and sniffed, then sneezed. ¡°Bless you.¡± Yomi laughed. ¡°Oh, right. That saying¡¯s from Finn. I¡¯ll have to explain it to you when you¡¯re older.¡± ¡°Oh, hey! You¡¯re outside!¡± a voice called from behind her. Yomi turned to see a catgirl she didn¡¯t recognize. Her brown, scruffy hair was tied back with a bandana, and large golden hoops dangled from her ears. Her white blouse cut above her abdomen, vanishing behind a brown belt that held it down and displaying a taut stomach. Dark, fitted pants hugged her waist, complete with a pair of tall brown boots. If Yomi had to guess, the woman was somewhere in her thirties. The scars on her sides and face were ragged, but long-healed. ¡°Sorry, have we met?¡± Yomi asked. ¡°I introduced myself once, but you looked as tired as a hibernatin¡¯ fishcat.¡± She laughed. ¡°You look much better now. The name¡¯s Trivia.¡± Yomi blushed. She¡¯d felt like a walking dead, and all of her memories from the last days were fuzzy. Some of them she wondered if she¡¯d dreamt. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Trivia. Well, um, I¡¯m Yomi.¡± ¡°That much I gathered. And your little darlin¡¯ is Ruyah, right?¡± Trivia maintained her smile as she reached for Ruyah¡¯s hand. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Ruyah clasped Trivia¡¯s finger with a giggle. ¡°Nice to meet ya again, little one.¡± ¡°Have you lived here long?¡± Yomi hoped that if she¡¯d asked these questions already, Trivia wouldn¡¯t mind answering one more time. ¡°About five years now, I reckon. Traded a life at sea for one on the land.¡± She gently pulled her finger away from Ruyah and crossed her arms. ¡°Oh? Were you a ferry for one of the islands?¡± ¡°Nah. Worked on Nyarlothep¡¯s merchant ship for a long time. Had a good crew up ¡®til I left. Things got a little outta hand.¡± She shrugged. ¡°But this isn¡¯t so bad.¡± What did you do? Yomi couldn¡¯t help but wonder. Nimbus had made it very clear that everyone in the outpost was guilty of something. But it was against their customs to press for details. This place was an escape, not a prison. ¡°Do you ever go back to the sea? I imagine you miss it,¡± Yomi said. They were a week away from the nearest shore, so to pack up one¡¯s livelihood up and relocate wasn¡¯t to be taken lightly. ¡°¡®Bout once a year, if I can. But enough about me. Are ya feeling better?¡± ¡°I am. Thank you.¡± Yomi kissed Ruyah¡¯s forehead. ¡°It¡¯s a beautiful day outside, and she deserves more time in the sun, I think.¡± ¡°You had us all worried for a spell.¡± Yomi blinked. ¡°Really?¡± ¡°O¡¯ course. There aren¡¯t many of us here, so word travels pretty fast. Nimbus and me were talkin¡¯ about calling in a [Bishop] for you.¡± ¡°N-no. You don¡¯t need to do that.¡± Hiring a [Bishop] on any island was expensive. Hiring one from Ronona would likely cost every Bell Yomi had. Besides, she had come dangerously close to confessing her crime. A [Bishop] would likely have tipped her decision. ¡°I¡¯m a [Dark Priest] and I still have a few elixirs from the [Hermetic] that helped me with Ruyah.¡± Trivia raised an eyebrow. ¡°Huh. Well, guess it¡¯s good we decided to wait, then.¡± She glanced over her shoulder. ¡°Can I get you both somethin¡¯ to eat? My treat.¡± At the mention of food, Yomi¡¯s stomach stirred. ¡°Oh! That would be great. Thank you.¡± She¡¯d been able to cook soups for herself and Ruyah, but she hadn¡¯t had a meal prepped for her since her stay at the nursery. ¡°This way, then!¡± The outpost didn¡¯t have a pub or inn as much as a single food stall. Yomi had grown up eating from such stalls on San Island, and the sight of it wracked her chest with a nostalgic pang. She remembered Finn sitting on the barstool next to her, saying how he¡¯d always wanted to eat at one after seeing them in ¡®anime.¡¯ Ravyn had called him a ¡®baka¡¯ while Yomi helped him try to recreate the perfect anime meal. ¡°Here we are!¡± Trivia¡¯s announcement tugged Yomi back to the present. She pulled one of the barstools back and motioned for Yomi to sit. The stall was outdoors, and the grass was always cut flat for the chairs¡¯ weighted feet. There were enough for four people¡ªfive if you really squeezed in¡ªand a white canvas awning protected the catgirl in the kitchen and shaded the diners. They sat at a wooden counter, and a catgirl with long white hair tied back into two braids waited beside a large cooking pot and a metal grill over a stoked fire. ¡°Heya, Augie. How¡¯s the huntin¡¯ been?¡± Trivia greeted as she scooted her chair up to the counter. ¡°The spirits were kind to me this week,¡± Augie replied with a grin. ¡°I caught plenty of blue phen and a rotusk with horns as wide as my bow.¡± Trivia licked her lips. ¡°Would I have to trade my tail for two plates of rotusk? It¡¯s been a mighty long time since I¡¯ve had me one of those.¡± ¡°You give me plenty of spices to make up for it, Trivia. These ones are on me.¡± ¡°Aaahaha. I love you Khasstead girls!¡± Trivia slapped the counter with one hand. ¡°Augie¡¯s the best [Hunter] we got, Yomi. Do right by her and you¡¯ll never go hungry.¡± Yomi made a mental note. Augie¡¯s name sounded familiar, but she was glad to have confirmation. ¡°Thank you both.¡±This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. ¡°Are you feeling better, Yomi?¡± Augie asked as she repositioned her leather apron to her center. ¡°Yes, thank you very much.¡± It seemed the whole outpost really had talked about her. She glanced down at Ruyah, hoping to hide her embarrassment. ¡°Do you have anything I can feed my kitten?¡± ¡°Of course. Little bits of blue phen are perfect for a growing catgirl.¡± Augie placed a wooden mug full of ale in front of Trivia, and a steaming cup in front of Yomi. ¡°You seem like a lady who enjoys tea.¡± Yomi smiled. ¡°You would be correct.¡± ¡°San Island always has the best tea,¡± Augie said, then gestured to Yomi¡¯s attire. ¡°That¡¯s where you¡¯re from, right?¡± ¡°It is. Actually, I have a few teas from San with me that I¡¯d be happy to share,¡± Yomi replied. She reached into her [Cat Pack] and pulled free a selection of teas for Augie to take. She didn¡¯t carry much outside of snacks for Ruyah and a few potions in her inventory anymore, so the tea took up very little room. ¡°Spirits cradle you, Yomi. I don¡¯t remember the last time I¡¯ve had San Island tea. Thank you.¡± Augie clapped her hands and accepted Yomi¡¯s offering. ¡°Alright. Two plates of rotusk and one kitten plate of blue phen, coming right up.¡± Trivia, Augie, and Yomi exchanged words easily, and Yomi discovered a need in the outpost for someone knowledgeable in [Alchemy]¡ªa role she could happily fill. There was one other [Acolyte] that Trivia mentioned could use training, and both Trivia and Augie fawned over Ruyah with familial adoration that warmed Yomi¡¯s heart. ¡°This is delicious!¡± Yomi exclaimed after her first bites of rotusk. She¡¯d had plenty of expensive dining on San Island and in Ronona, but this meal topped them all. ¡°Told ya! Best [Hunter] around!¡± Trivia laughed. ¡°You both flatter me.¡± Augie bowed. ¡°It is my pride to provide.¡± Ruyah contentedly gummed away at her bites of blue phen, reaching for more between bites. The warm camaraderie in the atmosphere was contagious. Despite being an outpost composed of outcasts, it was clear that many were open to helping one another. For the first time since Finn¡¯s Party, Yomi felt welcome and wanted. Here she could have a use and make a new life for herself. When they finished eating, Augie procured a small pouch from her [Cat Pack] and passed it forward to Yomi. ¡°Here. A trade for your tea.¡± Yomi tipped her head and accepted the pouch. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°Cookies from Ronona.¡± ¡°Aw, damn! Where are my cookies?¡± Trivia whined. Yomi fumbled the pouch and had to catch herself. ¡°Are you sure you want to give these to me?¡± Augie smiled. ¡°Yes. Consider them my welcome to you. Both to our village and to your good health.¡± ¡°Thank you, Augie. Truly.¡± Confectionaries were still worth a fortune the last time Yomi had seen them sold. Even on San, where sugar was best grown, it was still sold at a premium. Ruyah yawned in Yomi¡¯s arms and nuzzled her cheek against her mother¡¯s chest. ¡°I think it¡¯s nap time,¡± Yomi murmured. ¡°Don¡¯t be a stranger, Yomi. Please, let me know if there¡¯s anything I can help you with to settle in,¡± Augie said. She scooped the plates from the counter and slid them into a basin filled with water. ¡°What she said. Whatever we can do, name it,¡± Trivia echoed with a salute. ¡°You¡¯re both very kind. Thank you.¡± Yomi stood and nodded her head in the closest gesture to a bow that she could manage with Ruyah in her arms. ¡°I will do my best to help, too.¡± When Yomi returned home, she realized she was humming. It was a lullaby her mother had sung to her every night as a kitten. She¡¯d never thought to sing it to Ruyah¡ªshe didn¡¯t think she had a good voice for it. But as Yomi laid Ruyah in her cradle, she sang. ¡°Cares you not, therefore sleep, while over you a watch I¡¯ll keep¡­¡± Ruyah¡¯s eyes grew heavy and she yawned again. Yomi tucked the blanket around her form, and Ruyah pulled her stuffed bunny close. ¡°Sweetly dream of velvet skies, attuned to this, your lullaby¡­¡± She was asleep before Yomi could finish the song. But she sang the rest anyway, hoping it would help gentle her dreams. ¡°I did not know you sang, Yomi of Nyarlea,¡± Belial¡¯s soft voice said from the doorway. ¡°I didn¡¯t know demons watched over their summoners,¡± Yomi teased. ¡°You are an exception.¡± She slowly stood, careful not to disturb Ruyah, then went to the doorway and took Belial¡¯s hand. ¡°I¡¯m glad you came. I wanted to give you something.¡± ¡°Hm?¡± Yomi closed Ruyah¡¯s door and they moved to the common room. Belial took a seat on the floor as he usually did. Yomi hesitated, then positioned herself to sit in his lap. ¡°Is this alright?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± He stroked her hair. ¡°It is good to see you in high spirits. You have a lovely voice.¡± Yomi¡¯s face burned as she reached into her [Cat Pack]. ¡°My high spirits are thanks to you, Belial.¡± After withdrawing the pouch, she pulled one of the cookies free. ¡°Have you ever had a cookie?¡± There was a long pause, and then a sound like blending a growl and a throaty laugh. ¡°Demons do not need to eat.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not what I asked.¡± ¡°No. I have never had a¡­cookie.¡± ¡°Good.¡± She placed it in his fingers and pulled one out for herself. ¡°You¡¯re perfect to share these with, then.¡± ¡°What of Ruyah?¡± Yomi¡¯s jaw slacked. Belial¡­ Why did this demon care so much about her? About her daughter? She¡¯d read the [Demonologist] book front to back at least a hundred times, and there was no mention of a connection like theirs. ¡°Um, there was one more in here I saved for her.¡± ¡°That is well, then.¡± He held the cookie up to his long muzzle and sniffed. Then nibbled on the end. ¡°Oh! That is very¡­sweet?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Yomi took a small bite of hers and hummed with contentment. ¡°These are very rare in Nyarlea right now.¡± She rubbed her cheek against his fur and relaxed into his embrace. ¡°I am surprised you would share it with me.¡± He took another bite. ¡°I can see the appeal.¡± ¡°It¡¯s because I¡ª¡± Care? Love? Is it possible to love a demon? ¡°I wanted to thank you. For everything you did.¡± Belial moved his tail to rest in her lap as the silence enveloped them. It was a sign that he was thinking. And he liked it when she played with his tail while he thought things through. So play, she did. ¡°I admit, I do not understand our bond, Yomi of Nyarlea. There are no other masters I serve as such. There are no other masters that I feel as such.¡± He finished his cookie, and his hand returned to stroking her hair. ¡°I will do all that is in my power to protect you and Ruyah. You have my word.¡± Yomi chewed her lower lip and set her cookie aside. She wrapped her arms around Belial¡¯s back and buried her face in his chest. ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°Mm.¡± He let his hand fall past her hair, then traced her spine with his fingertips. ¡°And you¡­may continue to request of me whatever you wish.¡± His husky voice was low and heated. She giggled. ¡°Is that what you want, Belial?¡± Though she could feel his answer beneath her thighs. He stroked her tail, and she shivered. ¡°Yes.¡± Yomi had never heard a sweeter word.
A sharp knock on the door tugged at the edges of Yomi¡¯s consciousness. She moaned and turned to her side, pulling her blankets up to her bare shoulders. The second knock forced her to sit up. She blinked away her heavy sleep and looked around. Belial was gone, though she knew he could only stay by her side for so long. Too many masters to serve. ¡°What time is it?¡± she grumbled. She swung her legs over the bed and moved to the closet to retrieve her silk robe. The sky outside her window was pitch black, and the moon¡¯s glow barely reached the top. It was late. Very late. Fear set in, and she went to check on Ruyah when the third knock came. Ruyah was still sound asleep in her cradle, her stalwart bunny beside her. Yomi sighed in relief before padding barefoot to the door. She tied her robe tight, then opened it. Yomi¡¯s blood turned to ice. No¡­ A tall woman in white robes brought her hands to rest on her stomach. Her dark, curled hair glittered with dozens of tiny sapphires that caught the light of the moon. She wore the golden mask of Saoirse¡¯s prophets, and her blue eyes seemed to glow behind it, piercing into Yomi¡¯s soul. No! ¡°Good evening, Yomi. May I come in?¡± Yomi panicked. There was only one force that had stopped Saoirse from harming her. She screamed his name. ¡°Belial!¡± The demon appeared at her side without hesitation, looking from Yomi to the prophet. ¡°You¡ª¡± ¡°This is quite unnecessary.¡± She raised her hand, palm facing Belial, and a white light erupted from its center. Yomi blinked away the flash¡¯s remnants from her vision. Belial was gone. ¡°Now,¡± the prophet said as she lowered her hand, ¡°let us speak.¡± Chapter 281: Rolling Girl Cannoli struggled to fall asleep after her session with Sister Madeline. The accurate card reading of her previous trials made her fret with worry that Madeline¡¯s next read would betray her actions toward Muzhira. Then there was Rozalyn. As far as Cannoli knew, Buttons was still under her care. Not having seen her little blazard for so long made her heart ache and her chest swell with anxiety. What if Rozalyn had let him out in the wild? Buttons would never survive on his own. He¡¯d be cold and hungry¡­ Cannoli turned to her other side and clutched the pillow until her knuckles turned white. How many mistakes would she need to make before she learned what it meant to be a proper [Priest]? How many people would she have to hurt to get there? The sun still rose the next morning, as it had for all eternity, and Cannoli blinked away her exhaustion. Cora had believed that she wasn¡¯t an [Assassin]. Perhaps there was still a chance for Rozalyn to do the same. Muzhira was already gone by the time the others stirred, but Cannoli couldn¡¯t worry about her. There were more important matters at hand. She padded to Rozalyn¡¯s bedside and clasped her hands at her waist. If they were well within view, maybe Rozalyn wouldn¡¯t panic. ¡°Rozalyn? May we speak?¡± Rozalyn¡¯s ears twitched toward Cannoli. Her eyes widened, and her gaze darted between Cannoli and the door to the dorm rooms. ¡°You¡­ What do you want?¡± She¡¯s searching for an escape. Cannoli chewed her lower lip and took a step back. The last thing she wanted to be was threatening. ¡°About yesterday. I¡¯m sorry that I scared you.¡± Rozalyn slid away from her covers to stand on the opposite side of the bed. Her tail twitched nervously behind her, and her eyes never left the door. ¡°Why are you here, Cannoli?¡± Cannoli opened her mouth to reply, then closed it. It was a question she¡¯d asked herself at least a hundred times since leaving Ni Island. One of the cards had helped reveal what she pined for. Answers. ¡°To become a [Priest],¡± she murmured. ¡°[Priest]s are meant to heal and protect. What you did¡­¡± Rozalyn¡¯s words trailed, and she shook her head. ¡°Was wrong,¡± Cannoli finished for her. ¡°I let my emotions get the better of me.¡± ¡°And what if it happens again? Will you take the life of one of your peers?¡± ¡°N-no! I could never¡ª¡± ¡°You say that. But you pulled a knife on her.¡± Rozalyn¡¯s voice pitched up as she hissed her accusation. ¡°You threatened her!¡± ¡°Muzhira pulled fur off of Cannoli¡¯s tail.¡± Cora appeared beside Cannoli, playing with one of her pink braids. ¡°I saw her move, and I didn¡¯t know what she was doing at first, but she really hurt Cannoli.¡± Cannoli couldn¡¯t hide her surprise. ¡°Cora, you don¡¯t have to stand up for me.¡± ¡°Yes, I do. It¡¯s not fair.¡± Cora squared her shoulders and looked up at Rozalyn. ¡°Muzhira always says such mean things to us. And she did the same to Cannoli before hurting her. So why are you taking Muzhira¡¯s side, Rozalyn?¡± Rozalyn looked at the ground and fidgeted with her robes. A dark blush rose to her cheeks, and her ears flattened against her head. ¡°Because I saw the look on Cannoli¡¯s face. That wasn¡¯t someone who was just bluffing a bully.¡± A chill washed down Cannoli¡¯s spine. Hearing the truth was almost as awful as it had felt. ¡°I can¡¯t make excuses for what happened. But I promise that it won¡¯t happen again.¡± Cora favored Cannoli with a smile, then looked at Rozalyn. ¡°We¡¯re supposed to have patience with fellow initiates, remember?¡± Rozalyn picked at something on her robe and stayed silent for what felt like years. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s not that easy.¡± She knelt beside her bed and withdrew a wooden crate the size of a loaf of bread. Setting it on the mattress, she drummed her fingertips along the top, then exhaled. ¡°I believe you¡¯ll want this back, Cannoli.¡± Cora¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°Isn¡¯t that box for your personal belongings?¡± ¡°Yes. And do keep in mind that Sister Sahzi runs random inspections on our things each week.¡± Rozalyn moved to retrieve her robes, refusing to meet Cannoli¡¯s gaze as she passed. ¡°It¡¯ll take more than an apology to change my mind.¡± Ice trickled through Cannoli¡¯s veins, numbing her lips and toes. Despite the overwhelming sense of loss that weighed in her chest, she nodded. ¡°I understand.¡± Rozalyn hummed and left her and Cora alone in the dorm. ¡°Did she have something of yours, Cannoli?¡± Cora asked. ¡°Yes.¡± Cannoli stepped forward and carefully slid the lid backward. For a split-second, she feared that she would find Buttons unmoving inside, and her heart skipped. ¡°Oh goodness!¡± Cora gasped. Thank you, Rozalyn. To Cannoli¡¯s relief, Buttons looked up at her, then wagged his long, scaly tail with glee. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Buttons,¡± she whispered, extending her hand into the box. Buttons skittered up her arm until he reached her shoulder, then curled up against her neck. Cannoli turned to Cora and stroked Buttons¡¯s head. ¡°This is my blazard.¡±The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°He¡¯s so cute!¡± Cora covered her mouth with both hands and muffled a squeal. ¡°Was Rozalyn taking care of him for you?¡± ¡°Yes, she¡ª¡± Cannoli stopped herself before she could betray Rozalyn a second time. Wherever Freckles was, she was safe for now. ¡°She was.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll have to hide him, then.¡± Cora danced on the balls of her feet, looking around the dorm. ¡°Our robes have inside pockets. We¡¯re not really supposed to put anything in them yet, but do you think Buttons will stay inside one? Just until we find something else?¡± Cannoli smiled. ¡°Yes. I know he will.¡± ¡°Okay. Good.¡± Cora nodded, her expression one of furious determination. ¡°We will protect Buttons together! No matter what.¡± ¡°Thank you, Cora. That makes me feel a little better,¡± Cannoli admitted. ¡°Yeah! We can do this!¡± Cora glanced at the window and hissed in a breath. ¡°Oh no! We need to get ready fast, or we¡¯ll be late!¡± ¡°Late for breakfast?¡± Cannoli rushed to retrieve her robes and changed quickly beside her bed. ¡°And morning prayer! Sister Frejya hates tardiness!¡± Cora finished changing just as Cannoli tucked Buttons into one of her pockets with an instruction to hold as still as possible. Buttons almost always listened to her; sometimes it felt like he could read her mind. But the fear that today may be different lurked just outside of her purview, and the thought of losing her blazard was difficult to push away. They rushed into the dining hall together and slid into the first two seats they could find. Sister Frejya was an old catgirl, much like Granny Nauka. Her hair had turned completely silver, and the wrinkles around her dark eyes creased further as she spared a look of tired disappointment for Cannoli and Cora. But when she raised her hands, her voice echoed throughout the hall, clear and crisp as a bell. ¡°Good morning, initiates! Today, we shall sing of Saoirse¡¯s patience. This may sound simple enough. However, having patience for ourselves carries as much importance as the patience we hold for others. She has shown us, time and time again, that through patience, we may learn compassion. On this day, let us practice Her grace and understanding, and through them, find our own patience.¡± Cannoli let her stare drown in the bowl of porridge that waited before her. Would every lesson they learned about Saoirse feel so¡­targeted? Frejya continued. Her instructive tone shifted into a melodic chant. ¡°She works with us and through us. In Saoirse may we be blessed, and may we find the patience to hold one another on high.¡± Cannoli repeated the hymn with the other initiates, then lifted her spoon to her breakfast. Buttons repositioned himself inside of her pocket, and her stomach turned with him. She wasn¡¯t very hungry anymore.
Sister Allegra¡¯s classroom was in the music hall, and unlike the other lessons Cannoli had so far, this one she shared with Rozalyn, Cora, and Muzhira. The floor was split into three tiers, and a line of six chairs perched on each platform. Muzhira stood next to a chair on the tier farthest back, her arms crossed and eyes locked on Cannoli. Rozalyn had taken one of the middle row¡¯s chairs, and she couldn¡¯t seem to settle her attention on any one thing. The tension in the room hung heavy over the three of them, but Cora didn¡¯t seem to notice. ¡°I¡¯ve heard they bring all of the initiates in here to sing together sometimes,¡± Cora said quietly as they entered the room. ¡°I wonder if the prophets ever sing together?¡± ¡°Maybe.¡± Cannoli took a chair in the center of the lowest row, and Cora took the one beside her. She didn¡¯t like the idea of having her back turned toward Muzhira. She couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that the Ichi girl would pounce at her first sign of weakness. Sister Allegra entered the room shortly after; her footsteps were silent, but the way she carried herself was melodic. Her white robes and black hair flowed in perfect time with her movements, as if she commanded the rhythm of the air itself. Cannoli watched, enchanted, until Sister Allegra peered over them with silver eyes and frowned. ¡°You are out of balance,¡± Allegra said. She swept one arm across the room in a gesture befitting more than just four initiates. ¡°Why do you seat yourselves so?¡± Cannoli glanced behind her at Rozalyn and Muzhira. Neither looked back at her. Sister Allegra¡¯s frown deepened. Shimmering rays of golden sunlight from the high windows glittered against her smooth, dark skin. Cannoli was reminded of Naeemah¡¯s perfect posture and noble air. ¡°We are not enemies in this room. Rozalyn, Muzhira, move in closer to Cora, and¡­?¡± She looked pointedly at Cannoli. ¡°Cannoli, my lady,¡± Cannoli squeaked. ¡°Ah. Yes. My apologies.¡± Allegra nodded, then clapped her hands together three times. ¡°Come along. We must make use of the precious time Saoirse grants us. Do not waste it by ostracizing yourself from others.¡± Both Rozalyn and Muzhira reluctantly moved to the first row. Rozalyn sat to Cannoli¡¯s right, and Muzhira to Cora¡¯s left. ¡°There. Now we may sing as one.¡± Allegra moved behind a wooden podium and flipped through a leather-bound tome that awaited her. ¡°For Cannoli¡¯s benefit, we will take a moment to review.¡± ¡°T-thank you, Sister Allegra.¡± Cannoli twined her hands in her lap and did her best not to squirm. She could feel Rozalyn¡¯s discomfort as powerfully as her own. ¡°Muzhira. Please tell me the name of the Skill that is the subject of our current lesson,¡± Allegra said. Muzhira stiffened. ¡°[Beseeching Chant].¡± ¡°And what can we do with this Skill as [Priest]s?¡± ¡°Heal our Party,¡± Muzhira replied shortly. Allegra raised a brow, then sighed. ¡°A little more than that, if you would be so kind, Cora.¡± Cora brightened. ¡°It¡¯s a prayer that can save lives! It heals each member of our Party¡¯s [Health Points] over time. They¡¯ll need to keep us protected while we pray, but it can mean the difference between life or death!¡± Cannoli looked down at her hands. How could anyone speak so excitedly about life and death? ¡°There we are. Thank you, Cora. And how many Levels do [Priest]s have access to of [Beseeching Chant], Rozalyn?¡± ¡°Five, Sister Allegra,¡± Rozalyn said. ¡°Levels 3 and 5 will require us to contribute more of our [Myana Points].¡± ¡°Excellent. I am lucky to have such dedicated pupils.¡± Sister Allegra smoothed out the page of her book and smiled. ¡°And now, we will chant, recite, and sing today¡¯s prayer until each of you knows it perfectly by heart. Can you tell me why we would do such a thing, Cannoli?¡± Cannoli nodded. The image of Ceres lying in her arms, bleeding and helpless, resurfaced. She bundled the fabric of her robes between her fingers. ¡°Because if we say it wrong, the Spell won¡¯t work.¡± ¡°Correct.¡± Allegra raised her arms and smiled. ¡°Now, surely you¡¯ve memorized today¡¯s prayer after reciting it just once, right?¡± Cora and Cannoli exchanged sheepish glances. Rozalyn exhaled a sound that was close to a laugh, but it was difficult to tell. Muzhira stayed silent. ¡°Goodness. Surely I can see more than just Cora¡¯s smile this morning?¡± Allegra tapped the podium. ¡°It¡¯s a beautiful day that our goddess has blessed us with. Let us appreciate Her majesty.¡± Once Cannoli heard the morning¡¯s prayer a second time, she repeated it in her head until she committed it to memory. No matter how difficult her peers chose to be, or how terrified she was of Buttons¡¯s discovery, she was here to learn. She¡¯d decided that day when Matt showed her the fluffpuffs that she¡¯d come back a [Priest] and stay with her friends. She would never disappoint them again. Chapter 282: Rotten Heresy and Chocolate Alia watched in awe as Tristan effortlessly poured his myana into the sapphire on the ground before him. The tendrils of his magic were at their strongest thus far, escaping the palm of his hand as if skipping across a pond. He was able to keep his eyes open now as he worked. A good sign that he wasn¡¯t allowing external factors to distract him. Tristan exhaled, then shook his hand. ¡°I think that¡¯s it.¡± With a smile, Alia bent and picked up the stone with her pointer finger and thumb, straightening to observe it in the light of the moon on her balcony. She rotated the sapphire to the left, then to the right. The stone caught the light, the edges glowing and sparkling brightly. She let the stone fall into her palm, then closed her hand over it to form a fist. The stone is very cold. Much colder than I had anticipated. Tristan had learned so much in the last three days. Where there was unsureness to his voice prior, there was now confidence in its place. Alia admired the man¡¯s desire to learn, but more than that, she loved his modesty. Whenever he made a mistake, he would apologize and ask how he could improve. It was rare he made assumptions. Alia could think of very few catgirls, student or not, who bore such traits. Alia turned around and clasped her hands behind her back. ¡°Congratulations, Tristan. I think we can safely move past this portion of your training.¡± Tristan let out a relieved exhale tinged with laughter. ¡°Thank you.¡± He leaned back on his palms and stared at the ceiling of her room, particularly at the garnet which kept it lit. ¡°That means a lot coming from you.¡± Alia¡¯s cheeks burned, and she curled a thick lock of dark hair around her finger. ¡°Oh?¡± ¡°Yeah. I was beginning to wonder for a while if I could do this, but¡­¡± He cocked his head forward, and his expression changed. ¡°Is something wrong?¡± Alia quickly shook her head and released the hair from her finger. ¡°N-no, nothing at all.¡± You¡¯re such a liar. He¡¯s a man. Just ask him. It¡¯s their duty. He would never say no. Tristan hummed, then tilted his head to one side. A brief silence passed, and he returned his gaze to the garnet, his lips forming a straight line. ¡°So, where do we go from here?¡± Hoping that Tristan hadn¡¯t grown wise to her desires, Alia stepped away from him and slipped the charged sapphire into one of the inside pockets of her robes. ¡°You have learned how to transfer myana and detect its sources within stones. Next, you will need to learn how to amplify myana.¡± Tristan cricked his neck to one side, then the other. ¡°Alright. I¡¯m ready.¡± Alia gaped, then shook her head. Why was that so attractive? ¡°R-right.¡± She pointed to a garnet on the floor in the middle of the pile of stones. ¡°Pick up the garnet.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Tristan adjusted his posture, crossed his legs, and then put the stone in his palm. ¡°What do I do?¡± ¡°This part can be a bit tricky, as it¡¯s not something [Mage]s can normally do.¡± She glanced at the moon behind her. It would soon wax full. The time in which it would be easiest to amplify one¡¯s Spells. ¡°Focus on the sensation you experienced when you poured your myana into the stone. Once you¡¯ve found it, you¡¯ll want to force that same feeling into the stone and then send it outward using your own myana.¡± Tristan closed his hand over the stone. Silence. The tendrils that came so easily earlier were now nowhere to be seen. Intermittent flickers of blue seeped through the gaps of his fingers, but the average onlooker wouldn¡¯t have noticed. Come on, Tristan. You can do this. Alia crossed her arms and watched as Tristan strained. It was clear he knew how to control the flow of myana; well, his own myana, at least. She¡¯d made sure that the garnet was filled with his alone. Such stones were much easier to use. The energies would feel more familiar, seeking to bond with their original vessel more readily. This method worked well for her, as well as other catgirls she¡¯d met in her lifetime. The idea was to learn how to force the stone¡¯s myana out for a burst of power. Amplification would feel slightly different, but the means were the same. Usually, they can get something out of it, so why can¡¯t Tristan? Is he still too new to this? Alia wasn¡¯t expecting him to run before he could walk, but learning to control the flow of myana was the walking part. Now, they were running, and she began to wonder if she¡¯d made a mistake somewhere in her mentorship. ¡°Stop.¡± Alia knelt with her palm extended toward him. ¡°Give me the stone.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Tristan asked with a cocked brow. ¡°I wish to try something.¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Tristan carefully placed the stone in her palm. ¡°Pay attention.¡± Alia curled her fingers over the stone. Rising to her feet, she returned to the balcony and enunciated, ¡°[Robe of Heat].¡± Swirling wisps of red and orange emerged around her as if they had been invisible until now. A warmth overcame her, slowly waking her tired muscles and bones. Myana began to trickle from her skin. And now, for the amplification. Just as she had instructed Tristan, she concentrated on the stone and beckoned the myana outward, using her own myana as a propellant. Dusty blue light emanated from the stone, seeping out of the crevices of her fingers as if in search of something. The wisps coalesced in a space in front of her, then burst into a flash of white and yellow.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. The [Robe of Heat] changed. Yellows turned to orange, orange to red, red to white. The amplification would be weaker since she was using a garnet and not a ruby, but it would still serve its purpose well. Her myana began to escape at a more rapid rate. With one quick hand gesture, the Spell dissipated. Nothing wrong with the stone, then. Alia turned around to see a wide-eyed Tristan. ¡°That was amazing to watch,¡± he said. ¡°So, the amplification made the Spell hotter?¡± Alia nodded, and Tristan wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead. ¡°Then I¡¯m working to amplify the myana¡¯s power, not the amount¡­ Alright, I think I understand now.¡± He jumped to his feet and dusted off the back of his pants. The stone was half spent, but it would still serve the purpose of what amplification was supposed to feel like. ¡°Then give it another try,¡± Alia said as she extended the stone to him. Tristan took it, clasping it in his hand again. Seconds passed, and Alia fought back a gasp when she saw the first wisps of myana escape the garnet. Sweat covered Tristan¡¯s face as he took in slow and steady breaths. He stared blankly, his mind no doubt preoccupied with how the energies felt against his skin. If I could be that stone for an evening¡­ Tristan exhaled, then chuckled. ¡°I think I spent it.¡± He opened his hand, and Alia retrieved the garnet. Sure enough, there was nothing left within. ¡°Let¡¯s move you up a grade,¡± Alia giggled and knelt down, placing the garnet on the floor and picking up an amethyst. ¡°I think you¡¯re beginning to understand.¡± She stood and then put the purple stone in Tristan¡¯s hand. ¡°If not, then I¡¯ll find another garnet for you.¡± ¡°Thank you, Alia.¡± He gripped the stone, resuming his steady breathing. Like clockwork, myana rose into the air. Alia watched in silence, arms crossed. Whether Tristan knew it or not, he was commanding the myana into a centralized point just beneath the lantern in the ceiling, which held the garnet that illuminated the room. With a gasp, Tristan suddenly let go of the stone, chuckling and panting. ¡°That feels, uh, kind of fun,¡± he breathed. Alia fought back the perverted thoughts that invaded her mind¡ª Much how I¡¯d like him to invade me¡ª ¡°So, this is what it feels like to amplify a Spell?¡± Tristan asked, breaking Alia free of her reverie. Alia blanked. ¡°Y-yes.¡± She averted her gaze. ¡°Sorry.¡± ¡°Sorry? Why?¡± Saoirse, help me, why did I say that? ¡°N-nothing.¡± Tristan frowned and leaned in. ¡°Are you feeling alright?¡± Alia breathed deeply and gestured with her hands, taking a step back. ¡°I¡¯m feeling¡­great.¡± As Tristan opened his mouth to speak, he flinched. ¡°Oh, uh, hang on.¡± ¡°Hm?¡± What¡¯s he doing? ¡°I think it¡¯s my iPaw,¡± Tristan said as he procured a small handheld object from his back pocket. It was silver in color, bearing a familiar pair of cat ears at the top. That¡¯s the mystical iPaw? Is that really how the men distribute their points? Alia had never seen an iPaw before. Sure, she¡¯d heard of them, but she imagined them to look more like tomes with scrawling paragraphs and glowing golden words. From the way other catgirls described it, they made it sound as if nothing could be holier. So why does it look like a toy? ¡°Ik soma kha kala dan?¡± Tristan said as he looked at the magical device. Alia winced. ¡°W-what are you saying?¡± Tristan looked up. ¡°Oh, sorry.¡± He rubbed the back of his neck. ¡°From what my friend Matt told me, catgirls can¡¯t understand us when we speak to the iPaw.¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­interesting.¡± Tristan nodded and hummed his affirmation. ¡°Are you actively using that language?¡± ¡°No, actually. That¡¯s what¡¯s really weird.¡± He looked up and tapped a finger to his lips. ¡°Say, why don¡¯t we try something? Watch what I say, and see if my lips match up with my words. I¡¯ll try to phrase things in such a way that uses every part of my mouth.¡± Every part of your mouth, huh? ¡°Uh. O-okay,¡± Alia stammered. ¡°Alright, here goes.¡± Tristan returned his gaze to the iPaw. Unintelligible words spewed from his lips, and Alia watched them carefully. It took immense effort not to picture them being used for¡­other methods. Then he looked up. ¡°So?¡± Alia sighed. ¡°Your lips matched perfectly.¡± Tristan frowned. At least, it looked like a frown. Though, a part of him seemed more¡­scared than anything. ¡°Huh. Well, that¡¯s good to know.¡± ¡°What was the iPaw saying to you?¡± ¡°Oh, right. I completely missed why I pulled it out to begin with.¡± Tristan¡¯s finger scrolled across the screen, and a sentence of strange words spilled from his mouth again. Then he stopped. ¡°I can change to [Wizard] now.¡± Alia blinked. ¡°No, that can¡¯t be. You cannot change to [Wizard] without extensive practice. One can only change once the stars and moon have deemed you worthy.¡± Tristan shrugged. ¡°That¡¯s what Ai says.¡± ¡°Who?¡± ¡°Sorry,¡± Tristan said, sighing and shaking his head. ¡°That¡¯s the name of the catgirl that helps us assign our points to Stats and Skills. Her name is Ai.¡± Alia nodded and hummed. Something was wrong with her. She should¡¯ve been excited for him, elated that he had made it to [Wizard] so quickly. Instead, she felt envy. Animosity. For the first time since she¡¯d met him, she made an active effort to picture him in sexual ways. Perhaps it would dispel the disruptive feelings of pride and jealousy she was experiencing. It did nothing to ease her disdain. I spent weeks¡ªmonths¡ªto become a [Wizard]. I had no one to help me. And he did it in less than a week. Do all men have it so easy? ¡°Ravyn¡¯s going to love this,¡± Tristan said with a grin. ¡°The two of you have been immensely helpful. I can¡¯t thank you enough, Alia. Truly.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Alia nodded. ¡°Right. Think nothing of it. If you need anything else or any¡­advice, just let me know.¡± Would you even need it? She had no will to congratulate him, no will to smile. But even so, she forced the smile onto her face and proffered her hand. For his sake. ¡°You were a fine student.¡± Tristan¡¯s smile somehow grew wider, and he clasped her hand in a firm handshake. ¡°This means a lot to me. Thank you again.¡± When he let go, he brought his hand to the iPaw and pressed his finger against the surface. Moments later, a circle of blue-white light formed beneath him. The threads of his robes billowed on a phantom wind, and his hair was bathed in the circle¡¯s light. The effects subsided seconds later, and when the circle was gone, he let out a satisfied sigh. ¡°I feel it,¡± Tristan said with clear excitement in his tone. ¡°I¡¯ve become a [Wizard]!¡± Alia made an active effort to keep her smile on. ¡°Congratulations, Tristan.¡± ¡°Aw, this feels amazing! I can feel so much more myana in my body than before! Hang on! I¡¯ll be right back! I gotta tell Ravyn!¡± Tristan was gone before Alia could protest. Not that she had any intention of stopping him. She bit her bottom lip, then turned around and approached the balcony. Her arms hung limply at her sides. She gazed up to see the moon, and a breath of hot air blew forward as she exhaled. There was so much more she wanted to teach him. So much more he needed to learn. And yet¡­ The iPaw, huh? Bonus Quest: I Tried to Solve a Water Crisis and Ended Up With a Terrible Water Pokémon Magni wasn¡¯t sure what awaited him after his second death. The infinite dark his first world warned him about? Or perhaps Saoirse¡¯s version of heaven the catgirls were so fond of in Nyarlea. But this¡­ ¡°Hello there. My name is Rowan. However, everyone just calls me the Pok¨¦mon Professor. Before I go any further, is this your first adventure?¡± Magni stared at the old man for a long time. He didn¡¯t know where he was or who he was meant to be. A leader? A hero? And what in the horde of dragons was a ¡°Pok¨¦mon Professor¡±? ¡°Hm. I believe this would be my third adventure,¡± Magni replied carefully. He shifted uncomfortably where he stood, and the awkward orange fabric stirred beneath his arms. It was nothing like the soft fabrics of Ichi or the heavy armors of his homeland. It was a vest made of¡­ Had he ever seen such a textile before? It was thin and slick. ¡°Ah, excellent. So you¡¯re a veteran when it comes to Pok¨¦mon.¡± Rowan clapped his hands, and his tiny eyes lit up. ¡°Do you have a favorite type?¡± ¡°Hold. This is my third existence. I know nothing of this ¡®Pok¨¦mon¡¯ you speak of.¡± Magni crossed his arms across his chest. Why wasn¡¯t there a tunic beneath the scratchy orange vest? Rowan ran two fingers through his scraggly white mustache and stepped forward. He stood almost two heads shorter than Magni, but he didn¡¯t seem put off by this fact at all. ¡°It seems you might be a little confused. Do you have a name?¡± What were these questions? ¡°Magni.¡± ¡°Your name is ?¡± Magni narrowed his gaze. ¡°That is what I said, yes.¡± ¡°Great! Well then, welcome to Twinleaf Town, Magni!¡± Rowan looked him up and down. ¡°Though you seem a little old to begin your Pok¨¦mon adventure.¡± ¡°What are you insinuating?¡± Rowan continued as if Magni hadn¡¯t spoken. ¡°In this world, we humans live alongside Pok¨¦mon¡ª¡± ¡°I am not human¡ª¡± ¡°¡ªand conflicts are resolved through Pok¨¦mon battles. You¡¯ll need one to protect yourself in the wild and to challenge gym leaders to gain strength.¡± Magni¡¯s patience was growing thin. ¡°Why are you ignoring me, old man?¡± Rowan set his briefcase on a nearby table and triggered the latch. Inside lay three curious spheres¡ªhalf red, half white. ¡°With that in mind, do you have a type you like best? For example, water, fire, or grass?¡± Magni shook his head and swallowed his third craving to grab Rowan¡¯s shoulders and shake him until he listened to his inquiries. Water had been his greatest crisis in Nyarlea, and he loathed the thought of a second occurrence. ¡°Water.¡± ¡°Perfect! Here you are!¡± Rowan took the middle sphere from his case and held it forward. Magni accepted it with a grunt. It was smooth and cool and fit easily inside the palm of his hand. ¡°What do I do with this?¡± The door behind them burst open, and quick footsteps pattered until they halted beside Magni. A young boy with yellow hair and eyes glared up at him with a frown. ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing here without me?¡± ¡°I¡­believe you¡¯ve mistaken me for someone else,¡± Magni replied. Though, he wondered how many other horned men of his kind could exist in such a world. ¡°This is your rival, Magni. Don¡¯t you remember his name?¡± Rowan asked. ¡°Why would a child be my rival?¡± Magni looked between them. ¡°This is nonsense.¡± ¡°C¡¯mon, Magni! You know my name!¡± the boy pressed. ¡°What is your rival¡¯s name, Magni?¡± Rowan repeated. Magni never thought he¡¯d miss the dry, sarcastic woman in the iPaw¡­ ¡°Cailu?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right! I¡¯m Cailu! And you came here to get your first Pok¨¦mon without me!¡± Cailu whined. ¡°Friends don¡¯t do that to each other!¡± ¡°You just claimed to be my rival,¡± Magni countered. Cailu turned toward Rowan and pointed at the briefcase. ¡°Give me the ground type!¡±Stolen story; please report. ¡°Excellent choice. Here is your Pok¨¦ Ball, Cailu.¡± Rowan chose the sphere on the far right and handed it to the boy. ¡°Now, why not practice with a battle between friends?¡± Their conversation moved so quickly that Magni found it extremely difficult to keep pace. ¡°Why did you refer to him as my rival if this is a battle between friends?¡± ¡°Alright! Here we go!¡± Cailu drew his arm back, then threw the Pok¨¦ Ball at the ground. ¡°You¡¯re up, Quagsire!¡± Magni stepped back, expecting the Pok¨¦ Ball to burst into a hundred tiny fragments. Instead, the small circle at its center triggered like a button, and the top half flew backward. A burst of white light filled the room, then constricted into an oval outline, revealing a round blue beast with a flat head and purple markings on its back. He¡¯d kept a number of rare Encroachers in Nyarlea, and this one had skin that would make a sturdy pair of boots. ¡°So, then, I kill your Pok¨¦mon and defeat you thus?¡± Magni asked. Cailu laughed and shook his head. ¡°No, dummy. Send out your Pok¨¦mon, and then we have them fight!¡± ¡°Hm.¡± Magni glanced at the Pok¨¦ Ball in his hand. ¡°Must I call its name?¡± ¡°It is a Stunfisk,¡± Rowan supplied. It seemed a strong enough name. Surely good enough to defeat Cailu¡¯s wretched blue lizard. ¡°To battle, Stunfisk!¡± He threw the Pok¨¦ Ball to the ground as his rival had. The top snapped open, and another white burst filled the room. A flat creature the width of Magni¡¯s arm appeared, wildly flapping the two tiny fins on either side of its brown body and slapping its yellow tail on the ground. Two large eyes flanked a bird-like beak, scanning the room as the monster gasped for breath. Magni frowned. Despite Quagsire¡¯s unassuming appearance, it seemed far sturdier than his own Pok¨¦mon. ¡°What is this abomination?¡± Magni grumbled. Stunfisk¡¯s eyes locked onto Magni, and it gaped. ¡°It appears as if it should be thrown back into the ocean. How can it possibly fight like this?¡± Magni asked. ¡°Stunfisk can use ground and electric-type moves,¡± Rowan explained. Magni paused. ¡°I believe I asked you for a water Pok¨¦mon, did I not?¡± Stunfisk flopped and gurgled. ¡°Try using !¡± Rowan suggested. Magni looked from Stunfisk to Cailu. He imagined a Skill like would break the very ground beneath them. ¡°Alright. Stunfisk, cast !¡± Stunfisk growled, then beat its fins so deftly against the air that it began to levitate. The floor shook, and a branching fracture appeared beneath Quagsire. The blue monster watched, his tail swaying back and forth behind him. Magni grinned. Stunfisk may have looked like a disappointment, but now the ground would swallow the Quagsire and his owner whole. Perhaps this world was not so bad after all. A slight tremble ran through Quagsire. He sniffed but remained standing. ¡°What? That¡¯s it?¡± Magni demanded. ¡°As you can see, ground-type moves against Quagsire aren¡¯t very effective!¡± Rowan said. ¡°You¡¯ll need to try something else.¡± ¡°You¡¯re the one who suggested I use it, you old fool!¡± Magni balled his hands into fists, and his nails bit the skin of his palms. ¡°What Skill should I choose that is effective?¡± ¡°Ah-ah-ah! It¡¯s my turn, now!¡± Cailu announced. ¡°You have to wait for yours again.¡± ¡°This is not how true battle works! Stunfisk, perform a different Skill!¡± Magni commanded. Stunfisk twitched and gasped for air. Nothing happened. ¡°Quagsire! !¡± Cailu shouted. Quagsire grinned, then hopped from one foot to the other. Thunder rumbled above them, and dark clouds formed inside the building. Magni snarled as the first drops of rain struck his horns. ¡°What sorcery is this? You asked for a ground Pok¨¦mon!¡± he snapped. ¡°Why can your beast bring the rain?¡± ¡°He¡¯s just better than your Stunfisk,¡± Cailu said. ¡°I¡¯ll be the best trainer in the world, and you¡¯ll always just be dumb Fisherman Magni.¡± ¡°Fisherman?¡± Where had such a title come from?! ¡°Quagsire is well-rounded in his types and move sets. This will be one of many lessons you face in the world of Pok¨¦mon,¡± Rowan said. ¡°Types? They have more than one type?¡± Magni gestured toward Stunfisk. ¡°Does mine?¡± ¡°Yes. Stunfisk is both ground and electric.¡± ¡°You said he was water!¡± Magni was moments away from separating Rowan¡¯s head from his shoulders. He hissed in a breath. ¡°If he is electric, can he summon lightning in this sudden storm?¡± ¡°Yes! always hits in the rain. An excellent choice.¡± Rowan procured an umbrella from the air and pushed it open. ¡°It is your turn, Fisherman Magni.¡± ¡°That is not my name!¡± Magni snarled. ¡°Stunfisk, end this farce. Use !¡± Stunfisk rocketed upward into the rain and completely flattened his body. Searing bolts of electricity shot from the summoned clouds straight at Quagsire. From what Rowan had said, Magni inferred that the Skill could not be dodged. Quagsire looked up at the lightning bolts and watched as they harmlessly struck his face. He shook the rain from his cheeks, then looked at Magni with a wide grin. Magni¡¯s shoulders deflated. This world¡¯s rules were senseless, and its inhabitants were created to see his failure. Stunfisk, a monster meant to be Magni¡¯s protector, floated uselessly to the ground. ¡°Why¡­did that not strike Cailu¡¯s Pok¨¦mon?¡± Magni asked. ¡°I thought it could not miss.¡± ¡°Quagsire is immune to electric-type moves!¡± Rowan exclaimed. ¡°He¡¯s a very valuable Pok¨¦mon.¡± ¡°Then why deem my choice ¡®excellent¡¯?¡± Magni groaned. ¡°Quagsire! Use !¡± Cailu cried. At last, his rival had made a poor decision. Magni watched confidently as Quagsire spun in a circle, then formed its mouth into an O-shape. A stream of water shot from the opening at Stunfisk, and Magni laughed. A water Skill against a water type wouldn¡¯t¡ª Stunfisk screeched when the struck it. Its eyes rolled back, and it fell still. Magni massaged his temples and sighed as the rain clouds evaporated. The white light around Stunfisk returned, and the useless fish vanished inside the Pok¨¦ Ball. ¡°Well done, Cailu!¡± Rowan clapped, then turned to Magni. ¡°You¡¯ll need to bring your Pok¨¦mon to a Pok¨¦mon Center for healing.¡± ¡°It isn¡¯t dead?¡± ¡°Of course not. Only knocked out! Battles should never end in death,¡± Rowan explained. ¡°Unfortunate.¡± Magni caught a glimpse of Cailu cheering and dancing with his Quagsire. The urge to vomit twisted his stomach. ¡°Why did defeat my Stunfisk?¡± ¡°Stunfisk is weak to water-type moves.¡± I hate this world.