Chương 63: New opportunities

"Kite, how are you? You look rather spent." Serene remarked when the young man joined her at the table of their usual meeting place; a local restaurant which served mainly steaming hot bowls of noodles and various side dishes. The group had been glad to discover that the establishment was also able to cater to their bronze-ranked dietary needs, and Kite let the soup warm him. While his ascended body was more than able to handle the mild winter chill of the region, it was more his spirit that needed the refreshment.

"The Descending Star sect is becoming rather tedious. This is the third clash of paths I have fought in this week. It is probably only a matter of time until I lose." he said a bit morosely. The last one had been close; the closest one yet, as it had been a senior disciple who had progressed further into the rank than Kite. She had been skilled as well, and his current mild infamy had meant that she did not underestimate him. Had she walked a path more suited to handle Kite, he knew he would have lost.

"They don't even ask for anything, just stating that they want to 'trade pointers'." he finished, biting down on a piece of deep fried river fish, sighing as the myriad spices made the flavors positively burst inside his mouth.

"Do you think they mean to try and kill you? Blame it as an accident?" Serene asked, a bit worried.

"No, it is too public. I think it is only a matter of pride now. And from the pattern, their hands seem to be tied. But who could blame them for just trying to 'learn' from the experience. Although I must admit that I am being a bit prideful too. It would have been easier to just let one of them win and hopefully be done with it. But…" Serene shook her head.

"Then you would not be true to yourself, Kite. Having a bit of pride and being prideful can be very different things."

"Thank you, Serene." he said after a short pause, grateful for the support for his little self-indulging.

"But otherwise, things have progressed. It was a shame you couldn't join us on the last contract. Is the church keeping you busy?"

"Indeed, they are." she said, sighing with the sound of a forlorn wind whistling outside a closed window.

"While I am very honored for all the training they are providing me, it is a shame that it keeps me from being as active in seeking contracts."

"We knew it would probably be like this for a while. Just know that you are missed and that you are always welcome back with us whenever you wish." Kite said, giving her a supportive nudge of aura. Upon returning to the city, he had gotten a new appreciation for his new level of aura strength. It was both fascinating and a bit scary how much he could glean from a normal ranker and even many iron-rankers, and he understood why it had become custom not to pry too much. She smiled, nudging him back before continuing.

"Have you heard anything from Dragonfly, by the way?"

"Just a short message via the Adventure Society. She is apparently doing well sweeping the countryside down south, and also broke through to bronze rank a few weeks after you."

"That is wonderful! We shall have to celebrate properly once she returns."

"Indeed we shall, although we better stock up on food in time. It might not be until just before the surge when we see her again." From there on, the conversation remained light during the rest of the meal, and Kite found himself in a contemplative mood while he was gliding above the streets on the back of Glint. Even though it was quite uncommon in this rural region, the city still had regulations about not intruding over private property while in flight.

Kite spent the trip laying down on his familiar's back, watching the clear sky and thinking while practice and bronze-rank reflexes allowed him to keep his balance. In one way, much had been the same once he returned. While he took higher level contracts, it was otherwise much his previous everyday life.

"Where do I want to go from here?" he thought to himself. While part of him would be fine with spending the time until the surge in Gilded working contracts, another wanted something more. Fortunately for the latter, he had been invited to see Will at the city lord's palace tomorrow, as they had apparently found a teacher amenable to train Kite in the way of the staff.

He still felt a bit guilty about accepting some kind of compensation for Will joining them, but the young noble had remained adamant in that his family would not see their karma unbalanced. Glint could do little more than send him some mental concepts of support, and he patted her back with a smile.

"Thank you nonetheless. The luxury of freedom is that I do not need to decide at this very moment. Better to get some rest first. At least it will be nice to see Will tomorrow."

"Kite! My friend!" Will exclaimed happily when Kite was escorted into his courtyard, the snow and chill kept out of the small gardens by arrays built into the palace.

"Please come sit with me!" It had been a few weeks since they last saw each other, and Kite had to admit that bronze rank had treated his friend well. The elf had always been handsome, and ranking up had further defined his jaw and given his hair a literal golden luster, moving away from the metaphorical. Only a few pleasantries were exchanged between the friends as they caught up with the goings on, before Will charged straight into the matter at hand.

"As I said in my letter, we have had success in brokering a deal with a teacher for you. From a prestigious family, no less!" Kite's features must have sunk a little at the mention of said prestige, as Will hurriedly continued.

"But I assure you, it is not the way you think. Her name is Phiona. Phiona Geller." That name did give Kite pause.

"A Geller? Here?" The Geller family was renowned across the world, with myriad branches producing competent adventurers. Even out in the rural Autumn lands, Kite had heard plenty about their skill.

"Aha, I knew you would approve!" Will said with a grin as he saw Kite's slight worry change into the thoughtful smile he often displayed when he was curious.

"She is a bronze-ranker, but close to the peak. While I do not know all the details, she has apparently chosen to stay in Hua-Xi for a while along with one of her cousins, and was amenable to teach you for half a year. From what my family could gather, she is very well regarded in terms of skill with the staff."

"Will, this- this sounds amazing. Where is she staying? Anything else I should know?"

"Well-" his friend began, his expression telling Kite that there was some kind of caveat to this development.

"She is staying rather close. At least on a national scale. She resides in Bastion, and is apparently swept up in matters there, unable to travel."

"So… I have to leave Gilded for a while?" Kite asked"Why, yes. But- but you do not have to. We can look on for other alternatives should you-""No, no. It… It is actually quite fine. I have never traveled to the coast before, and have had a mind to widen my horizons. This is a marvelous opportunity you have given me. Thank you Will. And send my regards to your family as well. The only hesitant part of me is the one that has to leave you and Serene for a while. And uncle and mistress Dew too."

Kite said, sharing the reason for his slight inner turmoil.

"I was thinking a lot on what to do next, and this is an excellent way to let fate and fortune decide." Will seemed relieved to hear that the offer was well received as he quickly changed from worried assurance to optimistic cheerfulness in a heartbeat.

"Excellent! We shall send word to young mistress Geller and make the arrangements then. I must admit that I am a bit jealous."

"Is there no possibility of you coming with me?" Kite asked a bit hopefully"Alas no. Duties of the family." Will sighed.

"It seems that me spending so much time away during the war and our trip north apparently gave them even more reasons to increase my duties once I was back. But I do hope that we can leave for great adventures again in the future! My Heavenly Shaft will not rest idly while you are away." Even after their more frank 'conversation' about romance and sexuality back in Starberry Peak, Will had adamantly kept to his naming conventions, not letting something so low as base innuendo ruin the deeper, divine meaning.

Now being able to notice and interpret Kite's carefully schooled expression, Will gave him a withering look.

"Oh hush, you commoner with your base interpretations." he said, the jibe accompanied by obvious theatric sarcasm.

"And in that regard, you'd best step carefully here in the palace. My governess was apparently less than pleased with you 'corrupting' me. Even filed a formal complaint with my father about it. Fortunately, he has seen your worth so nothing came of it. But should you see a stern, older elven lady slowly approach you in these halls, I recommend a quick retreat!"

"I… shall keep that in mind." Kite said, looking around himself before feeling stupid. He still hadn't quite shaken the habit even though he could see all of their surroundings constantly now that his spirit attribute was up to the task.

"As well you should. I am still a bit unsure how much I believe you in this matter, but I have already entrusted my education in commoner social conventions to you, so I will have to continue to be in your care." Will said, then continued with some enthusiasm.

"But I do think that we have talked enough. How about a last proper spar before you leave?"

"Oh, I believe that I have the time to help the upcoming Saint of Spears sharpen himself just a bit more." Kite responded, rising from his seat. The pair had often sparred since they had begun their training under Instructor Concente, and had continued the practice ever since. As they were not at the training yard at the campus, nor in a city big enough for a mirage chamber to be available, they most often trained only in technique.

Here, it was obvious from the start that Will was far ahead of Kite as he had been training from a young age. While Uncle Walker's tutelage had meant that Kite had a decent foundation when he started out as an adventurer, it could not hold up to the privilege of professional trainers. And even though Will still won out in terms of pure skill, Kite prided himself that the gap was not as pronounced these days, and that it was barely noticeable when their powers came into play to complicate the matchup.

"Well, bronze rank once more shows its benefits." Will said when they eventually stopped, having carried on longer than ever before as their stamina was greater and bruises healed quickly.

"It does indeed." Kite said, smiling as they crossed the training spears with each other to formally end the spar.

"I will miss you, my friend. Promise to keep working on your path until we next meet."

"Likewise. And be careful in Bastion. As a bigger city, it has wonders but probably even more politics. I wouldn't want to have to come rescue you from some young heiress that had sized you up."

"You make me sound like some kind of flirt." Kite said with a roll of his eyes.

"Well, you are a base commoner. And from what you told me, I will expect nothing but more scandalous behavior." his friend responded with a cheeky grin. After leaving the city lord's palace up at the first peak, Kite made a stop at home to leave a message for his uncle before going up to the seventh peak and the Adventure Society campus. His mind was abuzz with excitement for the upcoming trip, which he would undertake in just three days if he was to travel all the way to Bastion.

Will had given him a document with some of the arrangements, and the Indomitable family was kind enough to make sure that Kite's reply reached young mistress Geller. This left him with some loose ends to temporarily clear up; speak with Uncle Walker, Serene and mistress Dew, as well as inform the local branch about his departure. A lot of Kite's trepidation had left him, especially as the trip should hopefully allow the sect students of the Descending Star sect to calm down and move on to other matters.

As he knew that his uncle and friend were unlikely to be available at this moment, he chose to go up to the Adventure Society campus where he found Adelaide after a few minutes of asking around. The green-haired elf was not manning any counter, but she was still happy to meet Kite in one of the private conference rooms.

"If it isn't my favorite local! What can I help you with today?" she said with a pleasant smile as she sat down, only for the smile to gradually turn into a frown as Kite explained his plans.

"Let me see if I understood this; you have just returned, and now you are leaving? Again? Fair Justice, what ill deeds did I do to deserve this?" The last question was posed towards the sky, an almost accusatory glance directed at the unfeeling heavens.

"Well, I suppose I can't keep you here, you being a free man and all. You haven't considered doing any crimes or shady activities which we can use to keep you in the region?" she finished, mock hope in her voice.

"Alas, no. But do not fret, Adelaide. I assure you that you will ever remain my favorite functionary." Kite said with a placating gesture. Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

"But what if you go to Bastion and there is suddenly another functionary? Who's more efficient and panders to your every need?" she pouted.

"Then I will remain strong and keep my heart where it belongs. I do possess the resolute essence, you know." he assured her with theatric sincerity. They both stared at each other for a short moment before Kite finally cracked, Adelaide following soon after as they laughed. After having a lot of professional interactions over his time as an adventurer, Kite liked that they had developed a more casual rapport.

"I am serious in that it will be weird to not see you when turning in contracts for a while." he said when the mirth calmed a little.

"It will be an adventure, to be sure, but Gilded is where it all started for me. So in the end, you will always be my first." he finished with a wink.

"Look at you, learning to mix some wit in with the earnestness. I am not sure that the world is ready." she laughed.

"But onto business. Would you like us to inform the Bastion branch that you will arrive?"

"If you think it will help in any way, please. But I do not expect to stand out. In fact, it would be rather nice to avoid too much attention for just a little while."

"While it is a bigger city with slightly higher magical density, the branch director there is a friend of Jarvan. Like him, she is always on the lookout for trustworthy locals." When hearing her words, Kite remembered something.

"Speaking of the branch director, I have actually changed my mind about selling him another trio of essences, as long as he is still amenable to our arrangement. Would you mind delivering them to him?" Adelaide stared flatly at him for a while before sighing.

"You just had to say that, didn't you. In case you wondered, he has put you giving that very offer as a prioritized reason for arranging a meeting. He is currently in a meeting with the deputy director from the Magic Society, and I suspect that he would throw the man out in an instance if you came knocking with an errand like that. So we might as well go to his office." she finished, rising and waving for Kite to follow.

"So, he is still as eager?" Kite asked as they walked through the corridors, a path which Kite suspected that he had walked more than most iron-rankers in the region.

"Oh yes. Our esteemed branch director remains unchanged in your absence." Adelaide answered while guiding him, although it was mostly just for show to indicate that Kite was allowed in the deeper parts of the administration building. Their conversation lapsed into worldly subjects while they waited outside, and just about a quarter of an hour later, the double doors were opened rather abruptly as a robed man was almost pushed out.

"Branch director, I still ask you to take some more time to reconsider-" the bronze-ranker, which Kite assumed was the deputy director of the Magic Society, tried to plead, but was interrupted by a smiling Jarvan.

"Oh, I will, deputy director Gong. I just need to sleep on it. You know how us foreigners are. Please be welcomed back tomorrow!"

"But- I-" the man began, but seemingly resigned himself in an effort to save some dignity.

"Understood, branch director. I will inform my director of your choices so far. And of our… proceedings." he finished, emphasizing the last words as he turned on his heels and left without sparing Kite or Adelaide another glance. Which might have been fortunate, as Kite had heard that deputy director Gong was a member of the Descending Star sect. The man had barely rounded the corned when director Jarvan turned to Kite.

"Guardian's girth, Kite, don't just sit there! Come in, come in! I finished up as quickly as I could as soon as I felt your aura outside. And congratulations upon reaching bronze rank!" Before Kite knew it, he was sitting in one of the cushy seating areas, the branch director personally pouring him a drink of some kind of green, shimmering liquid. He was happy that he took the cautious approach with only a small sip, as it almost seemed to explode in his mouth.

"Ackamaran leaf brandy." Jarvan explained, almost draining half his glass.

"It does bring me back to bronze rank. Fantina loved it, so we drank many a bottle during our time on the road. But I suspect that you are not merely here about reminiscing. What brings you to my door, young Kite?" he finished, trying to act casual when he was subtly but steadily leaning forward in anticipation. As there was little point in trying to hide much from a silver-ranker, Kite just reached in and started producing essences, putting each cube up in a row along the table's edge.

Thanks to Sage, his time during the war and constant hunting up in the north had left him with a staggering amount of eleven essences. Most were of the more common varieties, such as the two tree essences, but he was a bit happy to have come across a few slightly more uncommon ones.

"As thanks for your rather generous arrangement to send us up north, I would like to sell you three of these, along with six awakening stones if you should wish for them." he cheerfully informed the branch director.

"Kite, you- I- only three? I assure you that-""Only three, branch director. I am sorry, but as I said I do have some plans for a lot of them. But you have been kind to me, and now that Fortune was kind to me as well I thought to balance out our karma a bit."

"Then- I accept. You, Kite, are a marvel. So many essences in these parts? There has been even fewer than usual on the market lately too, so I was almost worried! Three of these you say…" Jarvan said, trailing off as he inspected them each along with the collection of twenty one awakening stones Kite produced. After a lengthy process of haggling, Kite parted with the earth, growth and blight essences he had, along with six awakening stones. In return, he got a hefty sum of money from the branch director.

While Kite might have gotten slightly more by auctioning them, it always felt nice to help out the director, and he had to admit that the man's favor had treated him well. In the end, Kite could sympathize with the importance Jarvan placed on family. A bit into the proceedings, Adelaide cleared her throat.

"Branch director, you might also wish to know that Kite will travel to Bastion for just over half a year." This had Jarvan stop and look up at Kite from where he had previously been gleefully storing his new acquisitions.

"To Bastion, you say?" he asked, even if it sounded more like a statement. After a moment's thought, he seemed to come to a decision.

"Then, would you like to join in on a contract?"

"A contract, director?" Kite asked, curious.

"Let's just say that it is one of the more discrete kind of contracts. One not posted on the official boards. Would you still be interested? It is of course nothing untoward, but rather more delicate." he said, adding the last after Kite gave him a searching look.

"You already know both Wander and Braid, who have both been sent to Bastion just a few weeks ago to work the contract under the local branch director. Now that I think about it, I do believe that you will be a good fit." Kite had to admit that Jarvan had got him on the hook almost from the start, only making his decision more inevitable as he had continued his explanation. But there was one thing Kite had to know beforehand.

"I am going to Bastion mainly for weapons training. Would the contract allow for that?"

"Oh yes, do not worry." Jarvan waved off.

"In fact, it might not lead to anything in the end. But we have a duty to follow these leads. Shall I take it that you are interested?"

"Yes. Yes I am." Kite agreed almost immediately.

"Excellent! You may of course opt out should you wish, but I must press the issue of secrecy on this matter. But you have been trustworthy before, so I am not questioning your integrity. This new contract is part of an investigation. The war with the fallen sect gave us a lot of small leads, even if some of them seemed to clear out their main compound quite well.

And the leads indicate that the Unbreakable Chains corruption might not be an isolated incident, and that similar forces might be at work from the shadows in many other places. As some threads hinted at Bastion being one of them, we have initiated an investigation with the assistance of the local branch director.

More such investigations are subtly being initiated in other parts of the kingdom, but as Bastion isn't considered as a very vital location, a small team of bronze-rankers will handle the initial investigation there. Higher-ranked support will be provided if enough evidence of activity from the restricted elements can be gathered. Braid and Wander are some of our best covert operators, which I am sure you can understand. But I think you will complement them well, especially if there are… altercations."

"I- thank you for this opportunity, branch director. It would mean a lot to be a part of something like this." Kite said, genuinely meaning it. While he was all for the more common monster hunts, unrooting more of the forbidden forces felt meaningful on a different scale, should they prove to be present.

"Good lad. I will send word to branch director Dobrazza that you are joining as well. They will have the paperwork ready by the time you arrive. Unfortunately, I cannot offer to portal you there as we did with your colleagues."

"Thank you for the consideration, branch director, but it is fine. Glint and I have looked forward to a more lengthy trip together anyway." Kite said with a nod of thanks.

"Then I believe that it settles things. I know that this would be a productive meeting when I sensed you outside. Good luck, Kite. And try to enjoy yourself as well." As dawn was just beginning to color the winter landscape with hues of peach and lavender, Kite passed through Gilded's southernmost gate. The guards barely had the time to open them before he was through, his desire to get going filling him with boundless energy.

As he knew that the monotony of the road would probably get to him soon enough, he thought that he might as well enjoy the feeling while it lasted. The day before had been one of farewells and preparation. After seeing Serene at her temple after listening to one of the beautiful choral services and having tea with mistress Dew he had spent the rest of the day with Uncle Walker.

The older man had given Kite what advice he could in regards to the journey, but it had been a long time since Walker had made the trip himself.

"Besides, you are a bronze-ranker now." he had stated as he grew close to the end of his sage advice.

"While the occasional silver-ranked monster may appear around here, it is so rare that you shouldn't have to worry. And the bronze ones should either be something you can handle or something that Glint can outrun. I'm more worried about the city itself. The bigger they get, the more trouble one can find. So your old uncle is quite glad that you will have allies already in place."

"Thank you for your concern, uncle. I promise to try and send a message when I can." Kite had said while pouring them another cup of tea.

"Good, good. Here-" Walker said, raising his cup in a ceremonial toast.

"May you bring fortune to those worthy in Bastion. And stay safe both during the journey and during your stay. And speaking of journeys, your old uncle does have a gift for you for the roads ahead." Kite smiled fondly as he looked down at his uncle's gift which he had just retrieved from his dimensional pouch. It was a hat of the typical flat and slightly conical make that was widely spread across Hua-Xi and surrounding lands in all walks of life.

Where those worn by peasants were often made from woven straw, this once was a bit more exotic. At a glance, it was a rather simple creation of a dark gray color, but upon looking closer one could see that the dark material was made from rows upon rows of small scales over a light wooden latticework while the inside was lined with colorful silk depicting a twilight sky with a single blue kite kept aloft in the wind.

The thoughtful gift still almost made Kite become a bit misty eyed when he looked at it, and its enchantments were definitely true to his uncle. [Item] Sojourner's Companion Headwear Bronze rank - epic [Effect] Potent self-repair and self-maintenance [Effect] Protects the wearer from non-extreme elements, such as heat, rain, cold and dampness. Does not protect against attacks. [Effect] Slightly increases the wearer's health, stamina and mana recovery.

This effect increases when in motion, although the speed of the motion only impacts this effect to a limit. [Effect] Pay an ongoing very low mana cost to feel the cardinal directions. [Effect] Pay a high mana cost to transform this hat into a pavilion for ten hours, keeping all other enchantment effects as well as activating a basic concealing array. Cooldown: 12 hours From the enchantments, it was clear that his uncle had commissioned this piece to be a traveler's best friend.

Donning it, Kite felt the enchantment keep it on his head without the need for straps and the hat's restorative effects was like a faint, fresh breeze through his body.

"Thank you uncle. May Fortune treat you fairly during my absence." he murmured, before turning to his familiars. Both were floating along him, Sage busy with its usual worldly observations while Glint was looking at Kite expectantly.

"Are the two of you ready?"" Traveling Novelties Cataloging" Sage conveyed, Kite thinking that the lack of disappointment should mean that the astral gatherer was indeed ready for a trip. Glint was a bit more straightforward in her enthusiasm, taking several laps around him while conveying eagerness through their bond.

"Then let us be off. If you would, Glint." Kite said after stroking her fins in passing. One shimmering transformation later, he sat up on her back as she set off, quickly gaining a few meters of elevation before setting off to the southwest in a glittering arc of fine vapor as the winds of fate and fortune carried them towards their new destination.

"It's nice that Kite is joining us. There being three of us might mean that I don't need to go out and get wet as often~." Wander complained from where she was sprawled out in a chair wearing some spare robes while Braid was shaping up a quick ritual to quickly dry her soaked clothes.

"That is the beauty of not turning into a swarm of borderline vampiric rats." Braid answered cheerfully.

"I can at least use an umbrella."

"You are not helping, you meanie~." Wander said while giving her companion a dirty look.

"Can't you weave some protection from the elements into the clothes you're making me as well."

"Wander, I have already told you; the more effects you want, the weaker each effect will be. I am already stretching things as they are. You try sewing and enchanting clothes that should be able to split into several dozen miniscule copies while still retaining their effects." One could practically hear the eyeroll in his tone even though his cloth mask hid his face as always.

"Besides, we better get back to searching. The branch director was rather sure of the lead, so we should not waste time."

"Fiiiiiine~." the woman said with a groan, nabbing a sandwich from the table in the room they shared before striding towards the door.

"Let's just hope we find something soon. Preferably something we can really tear a new one~."

"I'd rather that we didn't." Braid muttered as she left, returning to his work of pouring over documents while simultaneously forming a weave in the air beside him. Working with myriad and dimension quintessences was always tricky, but he had to admit that the project had taught him much. As well as taking a sizable bite out of his crafting funds. However, the weaving stopped about an hour later as Braid notices yet another metaphorical thread in the ledgers.

"Another small loss for the Relentless family. Surprisingly many for such a prominent name. Are they being targeted? If so, it is very subtle. Something to look into…" he murmured, scribbling some more notes on a scroll. Outside his window, the rain had started up again, although it was mixed with the occasional snowfall to form a very wet slush on the city streets, something that made Wander very displeased.

Not far, the bustle of the harbor was everlasting even during a season with more capricious seas, making the city of Bastion even more a hive of activity than Gilded. Braid did agree with Wander that it would be nice to have Kite alongside them, and not just for the pleasant company. The leads were faint and traces subtle, but there was something going on here. And when one started pulling on such well-hidden threads, you rarely knew the full extent of what you would unravel.

"Slow and steady, Braid. Slow and steady." he said, resuming his tedious work while the mesh of floating threads started growing once more.