Chương 25: The jade-sky gate

Kite bowed to mistress Dew near the elevating platform of the Adventure Society campus up on the seventh pillar. While the sky was overcast, the warmth of spring had begun to saturate the air and there was no longer frost covering the golden leaves of the trees each morning. Near his mentor however, there was always the slight chill of winter just behind the corner, albeit that winter did not feel as threatening to Kite anymore.

"I sincerely thank you, mistress Dew, for all the time you have spent on me. I sincerely believe that it will be of great importance in my upcoming days of trial and tribulation." She gave her usual small, blue-lipped smile from where she stood near the platform.

"I must admit that you weren't an entirely disappointing student, young Kite. I shall seek you out when I return to the city in the future. If you can impress me enough then, we might continue these little lessons of ours. So make sure to be alive and well until then." Kite rose from his bow with a smile.

"May I ask where the mistress is going now?"

"Oh you may, but I shall not tell you much. Let's just say that certain things are beginning to be set into motion, and that it is important that the stage is set and cleared beforehand. Trust your path now, little Kite." she finished with a wave over her shoulder as she stepped over the edge, carried away by her flying sword which trailed chilling mists. Drawing in a determined breath, Kite smiled. That was one of the last things on his list before he was about to embark.

He had spent a day each with his closest companions and family. With Serene it had been a pleasant day of her teaching him to sing, philosophical debate and companionable silences. With Dragonfly, there had been good food and even better companionship, albeit in varying stages of undress. And with Uncle Walker he had spent the day roaming the paths around Gilded, watching the trees spring back to vibrancy after the winter frost and talking of old memories.

He had also left a letter with his uncle, for his aunties in case he did not return. While he knew that some would call him a defeatist in preparing for potentially not coming back, Kite thought that foolish. He did not want things unsaid or his path burdened by regrets. They knew that he would give his all, and he hoped to return with stories to tell and the fabled treasures of the jade-sky gate.

And hopefully also with the knowledge that his path carried not the brittleness of pride but the reliable, notched blade of confidence. It was with such thoughts he found himself at his final destination, entering the temple of Fortune. Contrary to what some might think, the temple was not lavishly decorated with riches won. It was a grand place, there was no denying that, but the wooden estate managed to channel the worthy austerity of those prospering since generations back.

The decor definitely included things with a connection to luck, such as symbols both old and new to ward off misfortune. But also to family and the satisfaction of a life well lived. Kite sat down in one of the empty alcoves in the temple, meditating. In his mind he once more went through the ever-lengthening mantra of things he felt fortunate to have in his life or have experienced. His mystical past which became such a stepping stone for his current life, the childhood where he was loved, taught and challenged.

His first friends and first love, and the experiences thereof. His training and the people who had given them his time to allow him to better himself. And of his friends and all the fortunate encounters they had lived through during the last year.

"While fortune sometimes does favor the bold, little one, it always favors those with the clarity to see it when most others do not." a pleasant voice spoke in his mind. It was female, and sounded both excited and content at the same time. While Kite, like most others, had witnessed divine manifestations in the temple square, feeling the touch of divinity directly in his mind was quite an experience. He suddenly felt himself exist, as if a gaze highlighting that very fact had been turned upon him.

It was a most profound and existential state which he knew he could never emulate on his own." Lady Fortune. I once again give you my thanks for all I have become. Before I leave today, I would ask you to watch over those whom I care about the most."

"Not yourself? It does seem like you are setting off on quite the endeavor."

"I hope it does not offend you, my lady, that I do not. I already feel fortunate enough to be where I am today. As for the future, I will have to strive to make what I can out of the opportunities presented before me." He could sense a slight amusement from the goddess, which rolled over him like a swarm of butterflies against his skin.

"I do see that you have taken that particular quote to heart, little one. I might have to send thanks to Roland Remore that he has begun to spread such wisdom. But as to you, I believe I shall grant you something to carry with you even as you venture into places where I cannot see your efforts. An earnest gift in response to earnest thanks. Walk with fortune, little one." Kite felt the goddess' attention leave and almost toppled over, his mind reeling from even that faint divine contact.

In his hand, he found something that had not been there before. It was a small token made of an unknown green metal, adorned only with the symbol of the goddess. While he did not feel anything special from the object, he still clutched it close to his heart as he stood. Simply feeling the cool metal in his palm helped him bear the burden of doubt a little bit easier. It was time to set off.

As he was traveling along a forest road, Kite marveled at the speed of Glint as she got some open space to really stretch her fins. While the sky was overcast, there were still rays of sunlight gleaming down and painting the woodlands in a patchwork glow. Overall, it was a pleasant day for travel. Kite carried several dimensional bags on his person, as well as Glint's bottle. He wore his wooden plate armor and a simple enchanted cloak to ward against the elements and weariness.

And while most of his armaments were hidden away in nothingness, his most important weapon, determination, showed clearly on his face. What would have taken almost four hours on foot now was more than halved as he made good time. At one point along the road, he saw a traveler who sat sleeping against a tree, seemingly waking with a start as Kite passed him and gave the young man a small wave.

Kite did feel a surprising amount of startled panic from the man, but attributed it to the quite unusual sight of a huge, floating carp carrying a lone traveler along the forest road. What Kite did not see, as he passed beyond a bend in the road, was how the man quickly produced a small bird construct carved from blue jade and lightweight metal in which he whispered a frantic message before the bird took off at great speed through the forest.

Rise of Morning Glory, initiate of the Victorious Sunset sect, was currently quite upset as he shouted for his companions to get ready. Some were still asleep in the tents they had brought as they camped not far from the jade-sky gate, being brutally shoved awake as a messenger construct had arrived from their lookout along the main road to Gilded.

"Heavens curse his incompetence. We were supposed to get word at least an hour ahead. And what was that nonsense about a flying fish?" he seethed inwardly as he was closing the last clasps of his armor. It was only thanks to his own brilliance that he had made sure to be here a day in advance, with as many fellow initiates he could coerce to follow.

While many had been eager for the opportunity to teach an upstart outcast a lesson, few were eager enough to leave the comforts of their home before it was absolutely needed. As such there were only himself and four more initiates in the camp at the moment, while the rest were probably still lounging about back at the sect and taking their sweet time. Rise cursed their laziness again as he surveyed his group. Even after his misfortunes, some at least still had the sense to come when he ordered.

Initiate Providence was among them as well.

"Apparently, the trash is inbound any minute now. To your positions. It is time for a reckoning." initiate Rise stated, not even trying to keep the smile from his face. His luck was about to turn. Kite took a look at the map again, and nodded before patting the side of his mount.

"We're soon there, Glint. Then you can rest for a while and let me carry you around instead." He was closing in on the final stretch, having turned from the main road along a much smaller path. There were even some ornamental stakes which stood from the ground at certain intervals along the path, weathered markers leading any would-be seeker of challenge. As Glint crested a small rise, Kite could see his goal. At the end of a straight path down the slope, the thick forest broke off into a sizable clearing.

There, in the middle of the clearing, hovered the jade-sky gate. Even at a distance, it was clear for any observer that its craftsmanship was almost otherworldly. The gate was a huge ring about three meters across which hovered upright in the air just above the ground. It looked to be made of a white metal polished to the extent that it looked more vibrant and real than the actual reality around it. Other than the hovering, it did little else and it did not look especially active.

Kite hoped that the token would change that as he drew closer. The sudden appearance of five iron-rank auras exploding from the sides of the path threw all thoughts of admiring the craftsmanship straight out the window. While his aura control was quite good, it was not enough to stand against five opponents directly grinding down his aura. Kite swallowed the instinctual reaction of fear as he went into one of the combat meditations which master Stone had taught him.

Staying calm through the initial shock allowed Kite to actually notice the first of the incoming projectiles, an arrow glowing white. With a quick chant of " Ward" he snapped a barrier up in time to deflect the projectile, even if the following explosion rocked him where he sat on Glint's back as the disc of Heaven-and-Void Warding received several cracks. Realizing that he could not survive becoming a stationary target, he gave a mental command to his familiar which urged full speed ahead.

More projectiles were already flying toward him, and Kite needed to act. The burst of speed from Glint allowed them to rush ahead of the first salvo, Kite deflecting a particularly stubborn seeking bolt of fire with another barrier. His wide field of view allowed him to pinpoint the locations of the different attackers, and he made another bid to buy them a second or two.

A muttered " Wall" caused panes of force to spring up around him, as Kite placed the walls as close to where the different abilities were fired from as possible. While one or two realized what had happened, the rest wasted at least one more salvo which crashed into the wall of force which had sprung up in front of them. The small delay allowed the racing Glint to pass the attackers point of ambush as she flew through the air like a pink, shimmering comet.

Unfortunately for Kite, his attackers were not fools enough to remain stationary and he soon found himself turned where he sat to desperately block even more abilities flung his way. He caught another arrow on his barrier and lashed out with a hand to dispel a spinning star of lightning, but then disaster struck as a ray of light struck Glint, too low for Kite to reach. She gave off a mental cry through their bond as she wobbled in the air.

Another attack struck her as Kite could not keep himself steady enough to intercept them. By now they had passed well into the clearing, and Kite felt he could no longer risk Glint's health. He gave the mental command for her to shrink as he sprang out from under her, catching her in cupped hands as he activated his slow-fall necklace. It slowed him from a neck-breaking speed to one where a landing might be painful but survivable.

Kite hit the ground in a roll, world spinning before he bounced back to his feet at its end. While sending a thought of thanks for all the mobility training he had done with Uncle Walker during their time together, he helped Glint into the relative safety of her bottle. Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

Kite stood in the clearing, not far from the inactive gate, as he faced the five people who had apparently decided that merely continuing their barrage was not enough fun. He could recognize the robes of them all, albeit that some were worn beneath armor, as those of the Victorious Sunset sect. He could also recognize two of the people. Rise of Morning Glory took point as he swaggered out of the woods, metal armor being combined with the golden suit he had tried to summon during their last meeting.

Brilliant Bloom of Providence was there as well, but visibly hung back and would not meet Kite's eyes. While he could not get a read of their auras, as his own was ground down by the collective assault, it was clear from the body language who led this particular enterprise.

"Well, trash, not so mighty now that you can't hide behind others of your ilk anymore? Thought you could just waltz in here and try to claim what belongs to us? You are not even worthy to die inside the trials of that gate." initiate Rise loudly announced before spitting to the side.

"But fear not, your token will at least be used by someone worthy." he continued.

"Not even killing you would restore the damage your existence has wrought upon me. But the gate. Now that will do nicely." Kite decided to take the opportunity to speak as he took stock and let his armor repair the minor bruising from the landing. He did not address initiate Rise however, but his followers.

"I would advise you to keep better company, but since I find some of you at his side yet again I suspect it will fall on deaf ears. Just remember that pride makes one as fragile as an overly tempered blade, always suffering the risk of hurting those around it when it shatters."

"Shut your filthy mouth!" initiate Rise screamed along with an aura pulse which caused Kite to wince.

"When did you ever think that you had the right to judge me?! If you had just rolled over like the vermin you are, we wouldn't be here. My path is too good for the likes of you, and now you've tried to drag it down into the mud with you." Kite tried retorting but was once again silenced by the collective push of their auras before he could get his words out. This seemed to please the former disciple immensely as he managed to collect himself once again.

"No more pathetic attempts at words to your betters I see?" he asked with glee.

"Then how about a final wish? If you are polite enough and grovel real good, I might even consider granting it." By this time, Kite had landed at the undeniable conclusion that he would not get away, at least not through the forest. Glint was hurt and his prepared acquisitions were not for extended retreats. He did have one chance, however, but he did not know for how for how long it would even help him. But it was a chance at least. An opportunity.

As Kite began to act, his assailants clearly felt his intention to act as their aura-assault left him open. Two of them, initiate Rise and another one, even had the reaction time to send attacks his way. But Kite had trained quite extensively along with master Stone, trimming his already short incantations down to the bare minimum. As such, his chant had left his lips long before the attacks had even crossed the distance.

"Void" As Gate of Nihility appeared, Kite immediately turned and sprinted away from his assailants while the first projectiles were absorbed into the darkness. One hand dove into a pouch at his side to retrieve the token as the gate got ever closer, step by step. As he activated the charging ability of his belt, two blurs of motion ran around the sides of the dark wall. Rise and one other had apparently activated potent but short-lived bursts of great speed.

Fortunately for Kite, the duration was spent in closing the distance and going around his most potent defense. One of the initiates reached out as chains of light materialized in the air around Kite, their conjurer's triumphant grin immediately souring as Kite shrugged off the attempt at binding him. Initiate Rise attempted no such thing, instead using a burst of wind to propel himself against Kite.

His dismay was more abrupt as he collided with another barrier in the shape of a conjured wall of force, bouncing off bruised but not seriously hurt due to his conjured armor. Two more steps had Kite reaching the gate, hand clasping the token outstretched. Still, nothing had happened with it. Neither glowing portal nor disc of darkness had appeared in its midst, and Kite's mind shoved the dismay aside to focus on formulating at least some kind of escape plan.

It was then, as thoughts raced through his head, that he noticed that his hand and most of his arm seemed to have disappeared into thin air, as if passing through an invisible screen. Or gate. Kite did not know if Fortune heard his thanks before he passed through the jade-sky gate, but his mind was soon turned to other matters entirely.

The black wall of darkness which had sprang into existence so suddenly disappeared as abruptly as it had arrived, leaving young master Providence to witness Rise bouncing off what had earlier been a conjured wall. The outcast, Kite, was nowhere to be seen. The young man felt mixed emotions regarding the fact that their quarry had escaped; some relief as well as dread about what was to come next. As in most cities, Gilded had its share of local nobility.

Being a city in the most rural region of Hua-Xi, said nobility's power was quite limited in comparison to the great families of the inner regions. This was doubly reinforced due to the city lord and the two sects being the dominant political forces in the area, leaving the actual nobility in a less directly influential role. While the political landscape might be different than in the more metropolitan cities of the kingdom, there was definitely politicking enough going on.

Most of the noble families had long since sworn themselves to either of the three remaining big players, forming internal hierarchies based on economical power. The purging of the Unbreakable Chains sect had left the political landscape in a state of flux as some families fled that ship while others were exiled or greatly diminished by the allegiance to the fallen sect. While things had settled somewhat during the last decade, the ripples of that event were still felt.

The Providence family had long been sworn to the Victorious Sunset sect, as had the Glory family. While the first was quite influential with its big share in the local production of luxury goods, they were still dwarfed by the second as the Glory family owned a substantial percentage of the lumber industry in and around the city, which was one of the prime exports of the frontier city.

This had unfortunately placed the young master beneath Rise in the local hierarchy of the sect, his family imparting to him the importance of forming ties with future figures of prominence. It had been all well and good mostly, as being a follower of the once disciple had helped his own status within the sect. However young master Providence had carried a bad feeling about this venture from the start, ever since he had seen that particular outcast again.

While he held a certain grudge against Kite, he knew it to be the result of his own inadequacy. This had led to him training hard during the past year, not for revenge but to prove to himself and his master that he could rise above it. As he saw Rise venting his fury and frustration on the nearby landscape, those bad feelings were compounded. What they had tried to do here was not honorable in any meaning of the word, no matter what thin veneers of justification Rise had tried hanging before their eyes.

This failure merely drove home that very point. Although he held a vain hope that Rise would see this as well and leave this foolishness behind, he doubted that he would be so fortunate.

"Get the others! That trash is surely dead already, but if he or his corpse exits that gate, we shall be ready." former disciple Rise shouted. Young master Providence sighed inwardly, a core of resolve forming in his mind.

"Senior, I shall get our supplies from the camp." he stated, bowing slightly to the irate young man.

"What? Yes, you go do that. We will need to be ready. Oh the things we shall do to his remains if the gates even deem them worthy of being returned…" Rise answered, attention quickly returning to his thoughts of anticipated vengeance. Young master Providence bowed slightly once more before going back into the forest toward their camp. When he was sure that he was out of sight, he produced the very same messenger construct which had warned them of Kite's arrival.

He had been the only one awake when the message came, as he had taken to rising early for training during the last year. While he had relayed the message, no one had bothered claiming the bird-like construct from him. Steeling himself, he channeled mana into it and whispered a message. Not long after, it shot through the air, zigzagging between trees on a straight path toward Gilded. Bloom, as young master Providence was called by those close to him, sighed as he watched the construct disappear.

This would mean trouble, he was sure, but what was left of his honor could no longer stand idly by. As the bird was out of his view, he continued to break their camp to bring their supplies closer to the gate. The dice of fate had been cast, and now it only remained to see what they would bring about. Kite's feet touched solid ground, head spinning of sensations his brain was not equipped to even process, and even less actually interpret. His breakfast came up as he heaved on all fours.

It took a solid minute for his mind to steady properly. While he had been warned that going through gates and portals would leave the inexperienced in such a state, there was little he could do at the moment. Mistress Dew had taught him a meditative technique that would have helped him be less impaired by the experience, but as circumstances had turned out there had been little room for such calming exercise.

Finally taking in his surroundings, Kite realized that he definitely was no longer in the forests of his home region. He found himself near a similar gate as the one he had passed through, which hovered just above a blank stone platform. The platform was but one of many as Kite gazed around the vast space around him. The space behind the jade-sky gate lived up to parts of its name as there was mostly empty air around him. Far beneath there was a sea of roiling clouds, stretching as far as Kite could see.

There was no visible sun, yet the whole area seemed to be bathed in an even light with a slightly green tint. All around in the vast empty space, there were more stone platforms, floating in the empty space. Their size varied, from those which were only a couple of meters across, such as the one Kite was on at the moment, to those wide enough to be able to house whole towns. Some seemed to be doing just that, as he could spot buildings of foreign design on most of the platforms, all in a varied state of disrepair.

The platforms were connected by bridges of similarly floating rocks. Most split apart to connect several of the platforms, forming a complex network all around him. One detail which was a bit unsettling was that there was no wind or breeze in the space, leaving it very silent. Taking in the awe-inspiring vista, it took Kite an embarrassingly long time to notice the orb floating next to him. It was only when it sent him a pulse of aura that his attention was snapped from his surroundings.

The sphere was about the size of Kite's head, and seemed to be made of the same realer-than-reality kind of metal which the gate consisted of, its surface entirely smooth. Kite had almost assumed a fighting stance as the orb spoke to him in a deep, echoing voice.

"Greetings, trial-taker. I am the officiator of your trial. Would you like an introduction to the rules of the jade-sky gates?"

"Ehmmm…" Kite began, slowly relaxing and collecting his still reeling thoughts.

"Yes. Yes please." Not knowing what else to do, he gave the orb a slight bow. Never hurts to be polite, after all.

"The jade-sky gates were gifted to these lands by Soaring Soul, the Queen of Jade and Sky. She wanted to create a true test of one's path, where those confident enough in the road they had chosen could face tribulation and emerge all the stronger. As such, these gates continue her legacy. Each gate is different, and will generate tribulations according to the rank of the token used to enter. As you, trial-taker, have used an iron-rank token the following trial will test your current rank to its limits and beyond."

Kite nodded at the orbs' explanation.

"How do I pass the trial then? If I am allowed to know, that is?"

"This space is home to many enemies, which your path will need to stand firm against in order to prove yourself. Scattered over the space are six creatures of greater power, the rulers of this realm. Defeat them, and you will have passed the trials. If you do, you will be rewarded based on your performance and be allowed to leave. While there are no limitations on time, be aware that the lesser foes of this space might manifest anew, should you take too long.

You may also keep any treasures in your possession as you leave the gate."

"There are treasures as well?" Kite asked, surprised. He had known there would be a reward if he passed, but had not expected actual treasure to be found in the space.

"There are, although claiming those is a trial in itself. It is up to you to choose your own path through this realm. But remember, the only way out from this realm is through triumph or death." Kite nodded somberly as he once more looked out over the breath-taking vista.

"It is always hard to reconcile the thought that such dangers are hidden in a place of true beauty such as this. It does leave one in awe…" Kite spoke softly to himself. To his surprise, the orb answered.

"So you like it? I did believe it was some of my finest work! While a bit cliché, the elemental sub-theme felt like a nice contrast to…" the sphere started to say in a higher pitched and quite enthusiastic voice before trailing off, apparently noticing Kite's surprised stare. Silence reigned for a short while before Kite broke it.

"Wait, you made this place?"

"I am not allowed to elaborate further about the nature of this trial." the sphere stated, once more with the deeper, neutral voice.

"But you just said-""I am not allowed to elaborate further about the nature of this trial." the sphere stated again, although Kite thought it sounded a bit more forced.

"Understood." Kite stated, hands raised in a placating gesture.

"Will you be staying here?"

"As the officiator, I will follow you through the trial and assess your performance."

"Then I am pleased to have you accompanying me. My name is Kite flown in on Winds of Fortune, but Kite will do nicely." Getting no response from the sphere, he shrugged and turned towards the alien landscape of floating platforms. Trepidation and excitement warring within him, he steadied himself with a few breaths before setting off.