Chương 249: A little multitasking

The world came back into focus around Kite and Walker as they appeared inside the office of the Heavenward branch director, Anasta Temren herself appearing already seated behind her huge desk of polished dark wood after teleporting them all from the streets leading away from the palace. Kite was about to speak but the elven woman raised one finger while the others started manipulating some previously unseen magical runes on the surface of her desk.

A few moments later, Deputy Director Brackenstar entered the office just as the slight pressure of more potent privacy arrays activated to shield the room from the outside world. The tall elven man still kept his long blue hair in a braid that almost reached the ground, his ocean blue eyes meeting the gaze of Kite and Walker in turn as he went over to take his place at Anasta's side.

The director made the same snipping motion with her index and middle finger, a gesture which Kite had seen her do many times before during their meetings, and as it caused a series of books and ledgers to disappear from a nearby shelf to appear at her desk, he couldn't keep his curiosity in check anymore.

"Director, pardon me for asking, but is scissor one of your essences?"

"Given how obvious it is, I won't fault you for asking," Anasta replied, one eyebrow raised as a corner of her mouth quirked into a half-smile.

"Scissor is indeed one of my essences, as is thread although I assure you that I am no seamstress. But where I started out so long ago, I wasn't really spoiled for choices. It has worked out though, quite well even. I was even fortunate enough to find an awakening stone of distance early in my career that gave me the power you've seen me use to teleport both people and objects."

"And given your guild and that you've done well in choosing simpler stones for good effects, let me give you a piece of advice," Director Temren continued, leaning forward across the table.

"The death essence is restricted, often with good reason. But its awakening stone? That can usually be quite effective when combined with something sharp." As if to prove her point, a long pair of scissors looking more like a sword than any simple everyday implement was conjured into her hand. Just looking at the grim weapon left Kite with a terrible sense of foreboding, as if his end could come at any time just by being in its presence.

This feeling was quite at odds with the ease with which the director twirled it once before letting it disperse.

"We… will keep that in mind," Kite replied, a little unsettled but also rather curious about what other kinds of powers the director possessed, as her aura and demeanor had always hinted at Anasta Temren being anything but a career administrator.

"Even couriers and wanderers need a way to fend for themselves and their charges," Walker agreed.

"Master Walker, we would hardly be here today if your guild had kept solely to such contracts," Director Temren remarked, one eyebrow raised once again.

"As you probably surmised, King of the Pure firmament wouldn't show an ounce of acknowledgment to anyone but a warrior, and he surely would not go so far as to give your guild a spot in the Grand Proving either. You won't find me complaining though, as I remain a steadfast supporter of the stability you are providing the north. One or more of your guild teams arriving in a city will usually have the local branch director sigh in relief, at least if their reports are to be believed.

But that won't hold true with the sects and other institutions of power, especially now that the King's decree puts you firmly in their field of vision. Combined with Kite's decision to announce some of our findings of the followers of Discord and their plans, things are bound to get complicated in the years to come."

"Given the rather lackluster response of the King and that he seemed to feel that each institution of power would have to overcome things on their own through even more suspicion and vigilance, I am beginning to regret it," Kite said, wincing inwardly at the fresh memory.

"It seems like increased paranoia would just play more into Discord's hands. I should have realized that sooner."

"Oh, that is indeed the case, but while this might complicate things on your end, I still find myself quite pleased with what it will mean for the bigger picture," Director Temren replied, seeming more pleased than Kite was expecting.

"Director?"

"The problem with tangling with a force like Discord is that you will almost always be leaning into their purview of strife, suspicion and conflict even while trying to root them out. Unless you can manage large-scale unification efforts, you will often find yourself playing into their games. But from what you've gathered, it would seem that their agenda in this kingdom is something long-term. Very long. And those kinds of plans never like complications, no matter their source.

So please, Kite, wade into this with your guild and start stirring things up. I'll gladly remain perched up high with a good overall view, ready to swoop in and strike when said distractions start creating openings in the plots of our foes." As the director spoke, her half-smile turned more and more predatory, and her aura further sharpened as she looked at Kite assessingly.

"You know, I'm even getting an idea," she said, eyes calculating.

"When the Proving takes place, I will need people to strike at the aforementioned openings. And best of all would be if we can manage to get our hands on more prisoners, as those acting here in the capital are bound to know more. How fortunate then that I have someone here who has an optimal power set for just that, no? While the tension and politics means that me acting personally will have unpleasant repercussions, that won't stop me from tapping into some of the local funds to support this investigation."

Anasta looked to her deputy, who was nodding along.

"The idea has merit. We should be able to use the internal security funds from this tenure's budget," Maximilian said, his mind seeming to be processing numbers at a rapid pace.

"While the continental council would come down on us if we acted too far outside of our jurisdiction, I am sure that they would grant us the means to truly incentivise some competent silvers."

"They tend to do so when the followers of the darker gods are involved," Director Temren replied, turning back to Kite.

"So, what would you say to a special contract, adventurer Kite? One where you can put together a team for a chance to really hit Discord's people where it hurts during the Proving? Mind you that I believe things will get pretty messy, and that this would mean that you won't be able to represent the guild yourself. Each participant will have eyes on them constantly, while the true battles we're talking about will be taking place behind the scenery."

Mind abuzz with the implications and possibilities, Kite sat back to ponder the offer. But in the end, the conclusion was a given.

"Of course I will take that opportunity, Director. While it would have been an interesting challenge to temper myself against the best that the kingdom has to offer, working to stop Discord's plans will always be my priority."

"Which is exactly what I like hearing from a good adventurer; pragmatism and priorities" Anasta replied with a smile.

"Glory and fame are all well and good, but we need people doing what needs to be done to keep society intact first and foremost. And speaking of which, we have a formality in that regard which needs to be addressed. Hand me your badge, Kite. Maximilian, I assume that we are unified in our assessment of Kite here qualifying for his third star in silver rank?"

"Of course, Anasta. His service in the pursuit of Discord so far while keeping within the bounds of local politics should have been enough, especially after handling the three sects some time ago," the taller elf replied, stating it more as a matter of fact than praise.

"Good. It would be odd if a contract like this went to anyone else, especially if some future inquiry comes demanding the paperwork," Director Temren said while they both touched a token each to Kite's Adventure Society badge which made the third star - previously lost when he reached silver rank - reappear.

"So, this contract…" Kite began, accepting his badge back with a bow of gratitude.

"I will be able to choose my own team?"

"Yes. Our own vetted groups will already be busy, so we won't be able to help you there. But given that you seem to have nine candidates already from your little adventure inside the gate, I don't think you'll be lacking options."

"And if one of them isn't actually a member of the Adventure Society?" Kite ventured hesitantly. He had pondered if he should include River in this contract somehow, and while he didn't have an obligation to do so per se, she had still become part of this investigation and their group. A prickly and sometimes unpleasant part, true, but he had also felt that the young priestess of Pain seemed to have done better than expected to find her place alongside - if not among - the rest of them.

Silence followed his statement, with Anasta raising a curious eyebrow.

"Care to explain?" So Kite did, telling the tale of how his and River's paths had collided in their search for the truth behind the unrest in the north and their uneasy but effective cooperation since. It was definitely a risk, but he believed that certain points should be enough to convince the pragmatic director, especially as River would no doubt try to head to the capital herself when the time came and her acting on her own risked more complications than benefits.

"- so I would like to include River too, as her incredible aura senses have been invaluable for detecting the masked agents of Discord. And given that Soaring Soul personally weighed her spirit and found it worthy and truthful in this matter, she should be an asset to this cause." Anasta and Maximillan had both listened to his telling in stoic silence, Uncle Walker occasionally nodding along in confirmation of the parts for which he had been present during the clashes with the three sects.

The two gold-rankers looked to one another before a privacy screen sprang up around them, blocking their continued conversation from view for around a minute before dropping.

"Is she a member of your guild?" Director Temren asked, voice unreadable.

"No," Kite and Walker replied in unison, the older man gesturing for Kite to continue.

"No, Director. While River and the guild have struck up a distant kind of cooperation for specific matters, she is not the type of person who would fit among us even had she not walked her particular path."

"Good," the director said after a moment's pause where Kite could feel her aura probing them both rather forcefully.

"I would not have wanted to support your guild only to find that just anyone would be welcome among your ranks when you claim you want to bring stability and safety for the people of the kingdom. Whether useful or not, she still venerates a god mostly antithetical to both." The edge to her words had Kite initially start worrying, but a slight exasperated sigh afterwards heralded the alleviation of said worries.

"With that being said, we should be able to work out something temporary to make sure that this asset can be used as such for the investigation and potential action taken during the Grand Proving. We should be able to create a temporary false identity for her to assume for a limited time and act within the capital. I would suggest an auxiliary type of role as there is less of a paper trail around them." If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

"I- thank you, Director. This-" Kite began, but was interrupted by a gesture from the director.

"This isn't the first time in the Adventure Society's history that this kind of solution has been utilized, and it will definitely not be the last," Anasta continued.

"High-ranking adventurers are unique and powerful individuals who no doubt come into contact with even more unique circumstances. And while the hunts for restricted essence-users and the like are there for good reason, that does not mean that temporary exceptions cannot be made when circumstance calls for it. But do not mistake me, Kite; as team leader, you will be responsible for this River, and the society will not protect her should she overstep the bounds of our agreement.

The details will be arranged well before the Grand Proving itself so that it won't look suspicious should any of our foes come looking. And I assume that we will have your full discretion in this matter, Master Walker?"

"Oh- eh- of course, Director! Of course!" Uncle Walker answered, recovering from the scrutiny of a branch director whose gaze hinted at there only being one correct answer to that question.

"Good. Then we will arrange the specifics of the contract as well as the cover identity. That will take some time, but make sure to come by the capital within a few months so we can finalize things. For now, the two of you should return to your business. Given that people watching will have seen me teleport you away, there shouldn't be any reason for you not to exit through the front door.

I foresee some good opportunities in our future collaboration," Director Temren finished, rising from her chair in clear dismissal. Kite and Walker both did the same, saying their farewells when another question interrupted them.

"If I may ask, who will the guild send as their representative to the Proving if you will be busy with this contract, Kite?" Deputy Director Maximillian asked.

"Given that you were quite embroiled in the local dueling scene when we first met, I would have expected you to be more reluctant to part with the opportunity."

"Well, Deputy Director, that choice will probably be an easy one," Kite replied with a smile.

"We do have a blessed of Warrior who I believe will be quite pleased with the opportunity."

"So, my dear student, from the look of it, our visits to the Magic Society's library and the auctions seem to have given you a lot to think about," Dragonfly remarked with a smug smile as she looked to the elf girl at her side. Sprite did indeed look quite overwhelmed, with Dragonfly easily imagining the rows and rows of essences passing before the girl's eyes.

"I… Teacher… There are so many. How could I possibly choose…?" Sprite said, dazed before a slight surge of concern snapped her out of it.

"And they cost so much… How will I ever be able to repay you?"

"Sprite, must the heavens open and proclaim it for you to believe that I will stay true to what I promised you when I took you on as my student?" Dragonfly asked with a helpless shake of her head.

"While I won't be able to afford just any essence, there will definitely be enough options for you to find a path that resonates with you. What kind of teacher would I be if I prepared you to use power to help people but did not also help you gain said power?"

"But… It's-""It's something I want to do, Sprite," Dragonfly interrupted, even going so far as to put a firm hand on the girl's shoulder, and Sprite not avoiding the touch was a testament to her progress when it came to letting down her guard.

"Kite, my dear intended, even has this little speech about ambition and the right to use one's power to give power to others. And while I don't have the way with words that he does, I very much agree. So unless you don't want to gain these essences, which I clearly feel that you do, then this isn't something which you need to concern yourself about."

She could feel the emotions warring inside her student as she spoke, but once again Sprite did not distance herself in that moment of vulnerability, instead managing a small nod as words failed her.

"But you are right in that having a choice sometimes complicates things," Dragonfly continued as they made their way out from the crowded Adventure Society campus and the trade halls they had just visited.

"I found my first essence as a child in the wake of the monster surge, and my Master at the time picked out two more which she thought fit me. As a bronze-ranker, her funds were a lot more limited too, so I am ever grateful. And speaking of which, I'm sure Kite will be quite pleased with the trades we managed to make on his - and therefore the guild's - behalf. Vehicle essences aren't too common around these parts, and someone with the vessel confluence should be a nice addition to the guild."

"I'm sure Senior Brother will approve," Sprite agreed, even if the comment was somewhat distracted as her mind once again seemed to be drawn back to pondering other kinds of essences. As she walked next to her student, seeing her think so earnestly about this important question, Dragonfly couldn't help but be amazed by the difference a year had made for the girl she found covered in ash and soot inside the fireplace of a destroyed house.

It wasn't just Sprite's martial prowess, which she did practice most diligently, but rather something else; a sense of purpose Dragonfly could both feel in the girl's spirit as well as note in her posture. So she couldn't resist the urge that sprang up from within as she reached out and patted Sprite fondly on the head.

"T-teacher?" the girl asked, confused but once again not retreating from the fond gesture.

"Just wanted to tell you that you're doing good, Sprite. Really good."

"-so it turned out that this little trip to the capital would leave us with an invitation to the Grand Proving as well as a contract to truly be part of working against Discord's influence here in the capital," Kite summarized to a gaping Dragonfly where they sat in their guest house at the Tengu clan's compound along with Uncle Walker and Little Crow.

It was late evening and Sprite had already turned in for the night when Kite and Walker had returned, doing some more errands at the trade halls before making their way back to their lodgings. Little Crow had joined them as soon as they returned, and Kite assumed that the gold-ranked Obsidian Crow was also listening in as well as assuring that their conversation remained private for other prying senses.

"That does explain the messages the clan received today forewarning us of some extensions of our contracts," Little Crow mused.

"And before I forget, Kite, I really appreciated the way you let that sect leader have a piece of your mind during the audience before the King. Heavens, you sure didn't pull that last punch. Polite, of course, but still!"

"Really?" Kite asked, perplexed.

"I thought I kept things quite civil."

"Oh, you did, you did. It was more the directness of your statement. You don't see that very often in these kinds of meetings, which are usually filled with veiled implications and the like. The King seemed to find it a breath of fresh air, though Sect Leader Might of Inner Calamity would probably describe it using quite different words. But such is the truth when standing up for your principles; some will love you for it, others really won't.

And most won't care beyond how they can use that for their own interests," the assassin finished, leaning back and taking a sip of tea.

"But heavens, we'll really be a part of it here, won't we?" Dragonfly asked, looking to the others.

"Not that we haven't pulled our weight in the north or inside the gate. But it feels like this will be different from raiding a few remote cells of corrupt essence-users or the like."

"Indeed, my ardent Dragonfly," Kite agreed.

"We have just under two years left to prepare, as well as sort out other important matters."

"Still, I'm a bit disappointed at you not being able to represent the guild in the Proving. It's always fun to see people's reactions when they find out just how annoying your path is," Dragonfly added with a giggle.

"Honestly, if we send Soul out there they'll probably pray to the heavens for me in her stead," Kite replied with a smile.

"You've seen how intense she's been since exiting the gate. She's onto something in regards to her path. Perhaps its future too. This will probably be just what she needs."

"Well, given the clan's contract, my participation behind the scenes at the Proving is already a given," Little Crow said.

"And you seem to have managed to convince the director to get a pass for River too, which is a good choice by the way. She's one scary woman who I'd rather have pointed at our common foes if I can help it. Who else will you be inviting for this contract?"

"If I'm allowed, I would ask each of you who joined me inside the Gate as this feels like a fitting continuation of our cooperation, and proximity will only serve to further empower us," Kite said, glancing at Dragonfly.

"But I believe we can discount Soul's participation given the Proving, and I'm unsure if Fantina will want to be part of these kinds of operations. I will ask though. Jarvan would probably want to, but his role as a branch director might complicate things…"

"Any thoughts of a replacement to take Soul's place?"

"Oh yes. That was honestly a simple matter. I've actually already sent the message through the Adventure Society," Kite said.

"Remember Amica Steiner, the telekineticist?"

"Ah, yes. You've told me about her," Little Crow replied before he continued, an eyebrow raised in mischievous amusement.

"Wasn't it her that tried to woo you, and rather forcefully at that? Sure you want to leave her within arm's reach of Dragonfly here?"

"Sorry, Little Crow, that won't get a rise out of me," Dragonfly countered while sticking out her tongue at the assassin.

"While we weren't technically exclusive back then, Kite still made it quite clear he wasn't interested. And from what he's told me of their more recent encounters, she seems to have really worked through her issues. But don't worry, dear. I'll make sure to be nearby to protect your virtue," she finished, winking towards Kite who could only smile and shake his head in amusement.

"I'll be in your care then, my love," he replied before steering the conversation back to the matter at hand.

"In truth though, I am not sure if she will want to participate. While making the trip is certainly possible, it is more the matter of River's presence. Other followers of Pain haven't exactly been kind to her, so I made sure to include a proper explanation of the matter as well as to pay for the proper security for the message. It is up to Amica now, but she would certainly be an asset."

"We have some exciting times ahead of us then," Little Crow said with his usual grin.

"And all of our commissions from the honored Gleam should be finished by then too. But that aside, how will you two lovers be spending your time until then?"

"Beyond contracts, helping train the people of the guild and planning a wedding you mean?" Kite asked with a meaningful smile.

"Of course. You're well into silver rank now. A little multitasking shouldn't be beyond you. Perhaps just lure a few monsters to the wedding to clear out a few contracts while you're at it?"

"Well, we do have the matter of trying to find prospects for the potential portal-essences, some developments inside the astral space of my compound and making sure that the expansion of the house Dragonfly and I will be sharing is progressing smoothly. But first and foremost, before we entered the gate we promised each other that we would take some time to visit a pair of old friends," Kite said, giving Dragonfly's hand a squeeze before reaching out to tap his crystallized arm.

"I need some more time for this to recover anyway, and now that the immediate matters here in the capital have been dealt with we will make a short stop at home before setting out along with Will, Laevyeth and Sprite. It will be good to see how Serene and Gold are doing these days."

"You seem to be in quite a good mood today, my King. I take it that the earlier proceedings were to your liking?" Ametrine noted as she skimmed the aura of the man laying behind her in the bed, arm wrapped around her curvaceous waist.

"Oh it was. It was indeed," King of the Pure Firmament said with quite some satisfaction, even though it was mixed with the lingering bliss after Ametrine's ministrations.

"You should have heard some of the conversations and petitions I've had today, Ametrine. Some are urging me to retract the decree, even going so far as to dare chide me for breaking with tradition. Others are congratulating me for the bold move while trying to glean any other connections between me and the Pathbreaker, seeming to suspect him to be a hidden disciple of mine or the like.

Your advice in shaking things up before the Proving worked perfectly, as this is bound to make some of the prominent sects and families actually start taking things seriously or risk being shown up by some nobody from the north. They would never be able to live that down. This should only make Hua-Xi all the stronger."

"And the Pathbreaker's other accusations and warnings? Are you not concerned if the church of Discord have a presence here?" Ametrine asked, voice and spirit kept in check with the utmost care as she always did when her deity and fellow clergy were the topic of discussion.

"Hmm? Should I be? Like most others, this kingdom has weathered plots from many organizations who would subvert our proud people. While it might seem like an important matter to a younger silver-ranker, this is merely just another trial. Leave it to the mighty to take care of this. Should the followers of Discord come before me, I would be all too happy to whet my blade upon their life's blood, but I suspect that none of them would be a challenge worth my time.

But do make sure that your little whispering wisps stays vigilant, and tell me of any developments at once."

"Of course, my King," Ametrine replied, her face a blank mask as she snuggled closer into his embrace. Inwardly though, she was smiling. This day had gone quite well indeed.