by Yuri Ajin
The bewildered guards froze in both fear and confusion. Lucas was already heading for the door, because he, unlike the two, was well acquainted with the lady’s fickle nature. She was just like the flames she wielded: able to turn from nurturing to destructive in a matter of seconds.
“Are you deaf?!” Jade shouted when she noticed them. “Out!”
Luckily for the guards, Lucas dragged them outside in time, leaving their lady and the stranger alone. Jade sat back in her chair and crossed her legs
“Well, will you start talking or what?”
The guy nodded. “But first, are you’re sure they definitely won’t hear us?”
Jade frowned and nodded. He had only a couple of seconds to convince her that he’s worth her time, and he wasn’t doing too well. “This room is surrounded by a soundproof ward, so you can speak without fear of anyone hearing... Except for me,” she added sweetly.
“Good.” The guy finally relaxed, and his expression softened. Literally. Like putty in the hands of a sculptor, it twisted until it took the form of someone else’s face.
In front of her now stood an adult with sharp, but attractive features. There was no trace of his former childish appearance. However, what surprised her more was seeing the burn begin to heal right before her eyes and soon disappeared altogether.
Taken aback, she didn’t immediately notice the man sit in a nearby chair and take out something from his Ring. He was in no hurry to put on the silver Amulet, twirling it in between his fingers instead.
The bronze Amulet around his neck wasn’t similar to the real one only in its appearance, but also in its internal structure. It even showed a fake name and status. And although Kai had been able to make a perfect copy, there was still one problem: he was no craftsmen, so he had no idea how to make the information stay within the Amulet. He had to constantly recreate the symbols, as they would fade away a few hours after their creation. The same thing happened with the fake blade he made in order to make North go with his plan.
“Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Kai Arnhard. And... How does the saying go? The enemy of my enemy is my friend? I came to tell you how you can increase your chances of winning against Greenrow.”
Jade forgot about her surprise and became angry the moment she heard that bastard’s name. Some two years ago she was the star of the Sect, and then that damned Greenrow appeared and snatched her crown! She wanted to strangle him, and then burn him... No, even better, to strangle him as he burned.
Taking a deep breath, she glanced at Kai. He seemed serious about this, so she was in no hurry to finish the conversation.
“Are you an idiot or are you just insane? You do know that you can end up expelled or even killed for forging an Amulet? And then you have the gall to come to me. What? You think that I didn’t hear about how you became Greenrow’s new mutt?”
Kai laughed and then smiled. “Insane? Perhaps. But one needs to have a couple of screws loose to survive in this world. We’re all stupid to some extent,” he replied rather calmly. “You just saw me use a fake Amulet, which means you now have something to hold over me. I’m at your mercy and thus have no reason to lie to you. I consider Greenrow an enemy just as much as you do.”
Jade grinned. “Well, you’ve certainly paid attention to everything, haven’ you? However, it seems that you’ve forgotten something. You’ve been at my mercy from the moment you set foot on the grounds of my estate. Seems to me that you don’t care much about your life...”
“Um... I think you’re the one who’s forgetting something... If you’ve heard of me then you know that I’m an inner circle student. But that’s not the point. Did you think that I just came here without a plan?”
Jade became interested once more. “Let’s say that I believe you... Why have you been stalking my home?”
Surprised by her question, Kai raised an eyebrow and leaned slightly forward.
“How else would I’ve gotten inside? I doubt that you would’ve let Greenrow’s ‘mutt’ or a random passerby come to see you. So I had to pretend and make you think that I was a very bad spy.”
“I see...” Jade nodded. The coldness in her voice was slowly fading away, and she even seemed a smidge more relaxed. “All right then, speak. I’m very interested in what you have to say about Greenrow.” With a charming smile, she again crossed her legs, revealing her half-naked thighs.
Making himself comfortable in his chair, Kai began to tell her how to rig Greenrow’s results in the upcoming competition, as well as about what he wanted from her...
***
During the next week, Kai carried out various assignments for Greenrow, diligently playing the role of a faithful ally. The only downside of this was that he didn’t have time to practice. However, it would all come to an end soon enough.
Greenrow decided to personally go the Pagoda to buy something. And since the item he needed was on third floor, he couldn’t send Eria or any other of his servants to run the errand for him.
He also had some other business to attend to, so Kai and Eria followed him around. Passing through the crowd of inner circle students hanging around, who reverently parted as soon as they saw the golden amulet and the infamous pair of colorful eyes, the trio reached the Pagoda.
However, they were forced to stop just before the entrance by none other than Lily and Ash.
“Greenrow Yoni.” Lily said as he turned his gaze toward him. “By the code of the Fallen Star Sect, as an apprentice, I challenge you to a duel of honor!”
Kai noticed a flicker of anger appear on Greenrow’s face, and the corner of his lips slightly twitch. The reason for this wasn’t Lily challenging him, but the mention of his last name.
“And what’s the reason for this daring challenge?” Greenrow asked, crossing his arms over his chest and looking down at Lily.
“He is,” she replied and pointed at Kai. “Don’t think I didn’t notice that you lured my follower over to your side!”
Greenrow glanced questioningly at Kai, who only shrugged in confusion and returned his gaze to Lily.
“Aren’t you overreacting a bit?” he asked, tilting his head to the side. “He’s not even a Stenshet.”
“So you refuse? Scared?” Lily asked, ignoring the last bit.
Greenrow sighed tiredly. “No. If you so desire, I’ll gladly put you in your place. What are the rules?”
Lily smiled.
“It’ll be a public duel. Tomorrow, right after sunset in the central arena,” she said loudly, after which she turned and proudly walked away with Ash.
As soon as she was far enough, Eria, who had only been throwing angry glances at Kai all this time, turned to Greenrow.
“My Lord, what do you want to do?”
“Stay at my mansion tomorrow, Eria, if you’d be so kind,” he replied.
“Should I stay as well?” Kai inquired.
“No,” Greenrow said sharply, confusing him. “It’ll be better if you go with me.”
“Are you sure?” Kai asked, trying to hide his interest.
“Yes, Kai.” Greenrow patted him on the shoulder. “I’m sure.”
After that, they continued on their way. Kai pondered Greenrow’s words as they walked, certain that he definitely wouldn’t change his mind.
God damn it! Kai cursed. He must know that almost ninety percent of Sect’s members are going to come watch the duel and that his mansion won’t be as well guarded as usual. There’s no way that he could gather the entire fraction in such a short period of time. And even if he manages, everyone will suspect that he’s hiding something if the security gets suddenly increased. Best he can do to make sure someone doesn’t do anything stupid while he isn’t there is to leave his strongest followers in the mansion. And since he had already sent almost all of his men on the second and third levels of the Soul Stage to the Wild Lands, he doesn’t have a lot of choice. But why doesn’t he want me to stay with Eria?! Damn! He couldn’t have found out about my plan. Maybe he doesn’t trust me? Tha
t bastard! I’ve done everything he asked me to... Damn, if I only had more time. But I can’t wait any longer. A message could arrive from Caltea any day now... I’ll have to improvise. The plan can’t be canceled! There’ll be no second chance. I need to figure out how to get into the mansion and attack from the inside...Fucking hell!
Chapter 20
SALVATION
The central arena was completely packed with people excited to see two apprentices cross swords. News about the duel spread like wildfire, attracting everyone’s attention. From the elders to the students, everyone was curious to see today’s events unfold.
However, not everyone was there for the sake of seeing two people fight. Some of the students came with the goal of collecting as much information as possible about Greenrow and Lily in order to apply it in their practice in the future. The vast majority, which consisted mostly of outer circle students, however, had come here for the sake of entertainment so it wasn’t a surprise that a betting pool had been formed. Greenrow was in the lead.
While the audience was waiting for the duel to begin, Greenrow was pondering something else in his dressing room.
“Did something happen?” Kai asked, noticing the frown on his face.
Greenrow slowly turned his head and stared at the raven-haired young man. After a short pause, he raised his eyebrow.
“No, everything’s fine. I just have a... feeling.” He rose from his chair. “Never mind, it doesn’t matter. It seems it’s time.” With a nod, he headed for the exit. “You can go to the podium.”
“All right,” Kai answered and headed into a different hallway.
The sun had set behind the horizon, when the duelist stepped into the arena, illuminated by special crystals. The stands immediately exploded in applause.
Smiling, Greenrow glanced around the audience; he kept his gaze on Kai for a moment and then focused on his opponent.
Standing some three hundred feet away from him was Lily, dressed in her fully restored armor and clutching the hilt of her sword. She was ready to start the duel at any moment.
Unlike her, Greenrow was relaxed and unarmed, clad in a simple black robe. He looked arrogantly at Lily, waiting for a sign. The judge, one of the junior elders, was counting down the seconds until the beginning of the duel. He was the only elder who had applied for this job, everyone else considered it to be nothing more than a waste of time and a children’s quarrel.
Their eyes met. The judge gave the command. The duel began.
But neither of the duelists moved.
“Why don’t you attack?” Greenrow asked in surprise.
“Take out your weapon!” Lily cried out.
Why did I agree to this?! she thought. How long am I supposed to drag this out?! What am I to do? Play cat and mouse with this maniac? Ah, to hell with all this! I'm not that weak! We’ll see who’ll be the one running!
“I don’t want to.” Greenrow smirked. “I can handle you without it. Come on! Show me what you’ve got!”
“You might regret those words,” the blonde whispered and rushed forward.
***
Eria was walking around the dark office. Being completely loyal to Greenrow, he couldn’t help worrying about him, even though he knew that that Wayat idiot had no chance against his lord.
“I wonder how long she’ll last,” he muttered to himself. “Bah, why am I bothering thinking about such nonsense? She doesn’t stand a chance. I better go meditate.”
As soon as he headed for the exit, he heard a knock on the door.
“Master Eria, an important message has arrived,” informed a female voice from the hallway.
“Come in.”
The door opened, and a servant walked in, holding an envelope.
“Here,” she said, “this was delivered by Lord Greenrow’s servants from the Sect’s post office.”
Eria nodded and took the letter.
“You can go,” he said, turning the envelope over. Pressed into the wax was the Yoni family’s coat of arms. Written on the back was a note that the letter was from Caltea, and an instruction.
Deliver personally to Greenrow Yoni, the youngest son of Yavert Yoni.
Eria grinned. Greenrow had long ago given him the order to check all the letters and get rid of the insignificant ones. He wasn’t about to go against his lord’s order.
Walking into the meditation room, he opened the envelope and began to read the letter. After a few lines, he stopped dead in his tracks and almost lost his balance.
The message stated that both of Greenrow’s older brothers were brutally murdered, and that their murderer was no other than a young man with violet eyes named Kai Arnhard. As if that wasn’t bad enough, he had also murdered some of the servants and attacked the family’s quarter.
Eria’s face twisted with anger. His fingers clenched into a fist, crumpling the paper.
“I knew it,” he hissed. “I knew that there was something wrong with that bastard! I must report this to the master immediately!”
Shoving the letter into his robe, he hurried to find Greenrow. He had to deliver this information to him as soon as possible. He couldn’t wait to see Kai be punished.
“Master Eria, where are you going?” asked the surprised guard. He opened the gate the moment he saw the bloodthirsty look on the blond’s face.
“I need to go to the central arena. Stay here, guard the mansion!” Eria ordered and marched out.
Confused by Eria’s sharp tone, the guard came to his senses only when the blond had already disappeared from his sight.
“Phew...” He sighed. “What has gotten into him today? Does he really want to see the duel so badly?”
“Maybe,” his partner muttered.
With a shrug, the guards returned to their job.
They, like many others, liked to work here. Unlike the Untouchables, for whom they had worked until recently, apprentices paid significantly more. And when Greenrow declared himself the new star of the Sect at the last year’s competition, people reached out to him themselves. Large groups of people surrounded each of the apprentices, ready to satisfy their every whim if that meant that they’d be accepted into their faction. Because of this, it wasn’t strange that the apprentices, in turn, treated everyone around them as their servants.
Most of the followers, if not all, were interested in profit. Of course, there were those who, like Eria, blindly obeyed their masters, but most wanted material gain. This is why all members of a faction received payment in Sect Points in accordance with their role and strength. The harsh truth was that the apprentices were mainly interested in strong students, or just very promising inner circle students. They wanted these people close to themselves for two reasons: for gathering rare resources in the Wild Lands, and participating in annual competitions.
In addition, the closest and most useful members had a chance of getting any item (except techniques) from the last three floors of the Pagoda. This was the main reason why a lot of people tried to join apprentices.
All of this, of course, required a colossal amount of Points. And since not all apprentices had the same amount, this created a difference in the power of the factions. Greenrow, for example, was able to attract many alchemists and miners that he’d then send on expeditions. He’d then use the gathered resources to produce high-quality medicine, which he’d then deliver to the Pagoda and to personal stores. In order to make all of this possible, he had a six-digit starting capital, received in the form of awards.
Others, like Jade Alkis, mainly relied on resources and family members. However, this didn’t mean that they forgot about gaining influence within the Sect itself.
As for why they needed all of this, the answer was simple — to reach new levels and become martial art masters. To do that, they needed a huge amount of resources that they wouldn’t be able to obtain on their own even if they had several decades at their disposal. And so, a copious amount of Points to cover all of the expenses was a small price to pay for their goal.
Everyone in the Sect knew that if an outer circle student reached the Soul Stage, they were guaranteed to become an inner circle student. However, if a student by some miracle managed to close the chasm between their current level and that of the Exorcist Stage, then the post of a junior elder was theirs. As it could’ve been assumed, apprentices had the highest chances of reaching this goal.
But that wasn’t all.
By becoming an Exorcist, they’d lose their apprentice status and the patronage of their mentors. Their factions would be dismantled and shrink to a small circle of their closest allies. They’d also have to compete with other former apprentices of the elder who had previously trained them in order to earn the right to become the next senior elder, for which it was necessary to reach the last level of the Exorcist Stage.
The reason for dismantling their factions upon becoming elders was that they no longer needed them. The resources needed for further development could no longer be obtained by weak mortals or purchased at the Pagoda. The need for Points almost completely disappeared, so the craftsmen had to travel the empire on their own, wander through the wild territories and ancient ruins in search of peak-quality, Silver-rank materials. By becoming junior elders, former apprentices were given the opportunity to have other Exorcists join their circle.
Those Exorcists who used to be outer circle students had practically no chance of becoming senior elders. Out of almost three hundred masters in the Sect, at least half of them would be forever stuck at the beginning of the Exorcist Stage.
It all boiled down to senior elders recruiting one apprentice, who eventually either became an Exorcist or (if there wasn’t enough talent in them) returned to being a student of the inner circle again. Thus, thirteen elders trained up to a dozen apprentices during their six-hundred-year-old life. And only one would be deemed worthy to take their post when the time came for them to part from this world.
The thoughtful guard noticed a figure ahead. Having gotten up, he realized that it was Eria.
“Master, have you decided to stay after all?” the second guard asked.