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Chapter 361 & 362 - Choices (Part 1 & 2) (Patreon)
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ORANGE TIER: Greetings, this double chapter will count for Friday and Monday releases :)
A/N: Hey, hope you're all doing well! Thank y'all for the patience. The chapter finished at 5.2k, for the RR release, it'll be split off at the last *** scene, counting as ch361 and ch362.
I might still tweak some of the Trials rewards (not Kai's) and the top 10 ranked student names
A couple of editing notes:
(1) I decided to increase Kai's Trials feat from +3 to +5 Favor.
(2) Raelion's credits will be referred to as merits going forward.
-----------------
A thin folder appeared in the dean’s hand, columns of precise writing and numbers, sharp black on crisp white.
Kai caught his arms raising. Too high to hide the gesture, he laced his fingers on the rim of the desk as if that had been his intention from the start. The thick papers hovered on the polished desk, just out of his reach.
I can wait. Patiently.
Lilac eyes watched him —not betraying a flicker of the thoughts drifting beneath their idle calm. The dean appeared pleasant enough, pleased with his results in the Trials. Kai couldn’t deny enjoying the recognition. Probably what happened when you spent too long underselling himself.
Get a grip. You’re not a kid starved for praise. That same guy has no problem seeing students dying each year.
He couldn’t forget where he sat because the man waved shiny baubles and merits at him. Beyond the veneer of impartiality, politics swamped Raelion with roots far beyond the academy grounds. And the dean sat at the center of it all. If a snubbed student from Winter Intake could see that, what things could he not see? How many students truly died?
With the Trials' irregularities yet unexplained, he wanted nothing to do with the Houses’ games.
As Valela said, nothing good comes from meddling with the patricians. Keep a low profile and focus on your studies. Too bad she didn’t say what to do when you rank first in the Trials… A problem for Future-Kai.
His hands reached for the folder. Calm and unhurried. His composed persona crumbled once his eyes fell on the first page of the merits and treasures.
Joint Mid-Term Trials (First Year) with Mana, Martial, and Artisan Studies. Rewards List (ranks 1-100):
Rank 1: 1000 Credits of Merit – High Affinity Treasure (custom) & Wellspring Amulet (custom)
Rank 2: 900 Credits of Merit – Unattuned Arcanite Wand (Peak-Yellow, custom) & Blinking Amulet (ten charges)
Rank 3: 800 Credits of Merit – Spirit Tears (High-Yellow Elixir, one vial) & Safeguard Amulet (custom)
Rank 4: 700 Credits of Merit – Four-Leaved Elemental Clover (Fire, Water, Wind, Earth) & Unbound Request at the Hall of Artisans (Peak-Yellow, materials covered up to 500 mesars)
Rank 5: 600 Credits of Merit – Lucenti Kit (C-rank) & Armband of Silent Reflection (Peak-Yellow)
Rank 6: 500 Credits of Merit – Limited Access to the Raelion’s Vaults (One week, Arcane rank or below) & Alchemy Request at the Hall of Artisans (Peak-Yellow, materials covered up to 300 Gold mesars)
Rank 7: 500 Credits of Merit – Body Enhancement Ritual (Three sessions) & Martial Weapon Request at the Hall of Artisans (Peak-Yellow, materials covered up to 300 mersar)
Rank 8: 500 Credits of Merit – Medium Affinity Treasure (custom) & Crystal (Peak-Yellow)
Rank 9: 500 Credits of Merit – Ring of the Moonlight Mind (Peak-Yellow) & Ring of Sylvan Tears (Peak-Yellow)
Rank 10: 500 Credits of Merit – Thunderbird Egg (C-rank) & Astares Purse of Holding (1 Cubic Meter, 10% weight)
Rank 11: 400 Credits of Merit – …
Quite the shiny baubles.
Ten pages of them. Double the usual merits for these Trials, to say nothing of the additional rewards. Combining the courses of Study meant a stiffer competition, though that mattered little for the first ranking. These prizes rarely showed up even in the Moon Trials in previous years.
“I see the rewards are to your liking.” The shadow of a smile quirked the dean’s lips. “I must ask that these papers not leave my office. It would set a bad precedent if students saw them before the official results.”
“I— yes.” Kai wrenched his gaze from the papers, clearing his throat and schooling his expression. “I mean… Yes, Dean Astares.”
Aware of the man waiting for him, he skimmed the ranking rewards. Merits and treasures decreased through the pages, though never unappealing.
Why did he show me all this?
The dean seemed to read his confusion with faint amusement. “Aside from merits, you may select any reward beneath your ranking. I reckoned you wouldn’t care to pick below the top one hundred. In the past, there have been disagreements when participants found lower prizes more appealing than their own. Resources hold different values to different students. Especially in the joint Trials among the courses.” His gaze turned far away, lost in thought. “Before my tenure, custom prizes were assigned after the final ranking was decided. As you can imagine, that led to greater… complications.”
Personally setting rewards for each student? How could that ever be abused?
“I understand.” Kai nodded primly, his attention on the pages. The sooner he decided, the sooner he could leave the office. A sigh escaped his lips. He hated few things more than having to pick a single prize from a list. “Is it possible to pick from two different rankings since the top ten has double rewards?”
“The prizes were weighed together.”
Figures… Worth a shot.
Only the top ten ranking had earned double prizes—nine other pages easily set aside. If only he had a detailed description of the items… No way he’d ask the dean to explain so many. Affable or not, Kai wasn’t oblivious enough to test a Blue mage’s patience(—Virya had taught him better).
Mnemonic Memory quickly saved the columns for later research. “Will the full rewards also be displayed for everyone?” he asked, buying time.
“They aren’t secret, but students can only view those at or below their ranking when they redeem their rewards.”
Hmm… Flynn and Lys will pay for the exclusive. His stomach grumbled at the thought of his friends stuffing their mouths at the restaurant. I’m so damn late. I should have sent a message… First, finish here.
He could largely guess what the prizes did. The Arcanite wand and Spirit Tears sounded quite useful, but ultimately, mesars and connections could buy most resources and equipment—all but one treasure that he’d never seen put on sale.
With one last look at the list, Kai closed the folder, every line clear in his mind. “How do you categorize a High Affinity Treasure, exactly? I assume ‘custom’ means I can choose the element that suits me?”
“Just so. Any element stored within the academy vaults, along with the ideal measures for you to consume or receive it. The stronger one’s kinship with an element, the harder it is to raise. A high enhancement is most effective for affinities between fifty and seventy. Below that, it’s considered wasteful to use. Above that, the gain is too small to be meaningful. Is that your decision?” The dean produced a thinner folder—a second list of elements.
“Yes,” Kai read the papers. Much shorter, much more detailed, and much harder to decide. No self-respecting elemental mage would refuse an affinity treasure. The question was what to pick?
Another choice. Do they ever end? If Water wasn't already at 71, it would have been easy…
Available High Elemental Enhancement:
Stone Crystal (Earth) Expected Improvement: +3-6
Aquamarine Tears (Water) Expected Improvement: +3-6
Distilled Fire Essence (Fire) Expected Improvement: +3-6
Whispergale Feather (Air) Expected Improvement: +3-6
Frostblood Ritual (Ice) Expected Improvement: +2-6
Umbral Pearl (Shadow) Expected Improvement: +2-6
…
Refined Pressure Core (Gravity) Expected Improvement: +1-4
Mirage Incense (Illusion) Expected Improvement: +1-4
Clearthought Glass (Mind) Expected Improvement: +1-4
Somnial Bloom (Dream) Expected Improvement: +1-3
The list was extensive. Dozens of entries covered nearly every natural element and a few conceptual affinities. If the Trial’s rewards had left him gaping, these redefined his sense of Raelion’s wealth.
No Poison affinity. Though I doubt Alden needs it. His family probably has a monopoly on them.
More importantly, the treasures promised different increases beyond natural variation. From common elements on the first page, the numbers steadily decreased toward the last entries.
Parallax Eye (Space) Expected Improvement: +1-4
As far as he knew, rare affinities weren’t inherently harder to grow, so…
They skim the quantity on the pricey ones. Damned cheapskates.
“Were you looking for any element not on the list?” The dean’s voice intruded on his thoughts—no more time for dallying.
“N—no, sorry. I was comparing the expected increase…”
“And you noticed them decrease,” the man said with a dry chuckle. “The academy can’t entirely ignore the rarity and value of each resource. Don’t think you’re being cheated. The Trial rewards are an exception. Normally, the cheapest Mind treasure would cost ten times more merits than the Aquamarine Tears. As well as many others.”
“Such as Parallax Eye?” He mused, deliberately glancing at the last page, an idea forming in his mind. What was one more gamble?
“Such as that,” the dean said tersely. “Though affinity enhancements must be consumed by the student who earned them.”
“Then, I’ve decided.” Kai stared at the last entries and licked his lips. Boosting Nature, Earth and Shadow Magic would be nice, but he didn’t truly need them. “I have some affinity for Space. I’ve always wanted to learn, and it’s the most valuable treasure…”
He looked on with poorly concealed hope as the Fifth Circle Space mage regarded him with a deadpan stare.
“Twee.”
Who knew? Even demonic birds have their uses.
The office chilled with the dean’s disappointment. “Rewards can’t be redeemed until tomorrow. You needn’t commit yet. You’ve shown a promising measure of skill, but don’t take these opportunities for granted. Raelion’s Trials purposely place students in unpredictable circumstances. Luck and chance always play a part.”
Hmm… My status says I’m quite Lucky.
Ironically, his goal was not to squander the opportunity and get his hand on the prize he wanted without revealing himself.
“I am certain,” Kai said, chest puffed, eyes gleaming with naïve dreams and a touch of greed. Would the dean be swayed by his iron determination and take him under his wing? Hopefully not. The act came easily, hinging on a simple misunderstanding.
Just an impressionable teenager standing before Raelion’s greatest mage. A renowned Space Warper, no less! How could a poor commoner resist? Especially when he does have some affinity for Space.
***
Crystals from the chandelier cast a warm glow across the restaurant. Kai slowed his pace, steadying his slight panting. The scent of seared meat, buttered bread, and spices made his mouth water and eased his tension.
Got here in time.
A girl laughed at a corner table. Her smile lit her face, auburn hair cascading over one ear. The partitions muffling the patrons’ conversations also hid her companions from view.
Kai loosened the collar of his uniform. The shirt inside clung to sweat-damp skin for the run from the highest floor of the Aula Ordinis, the ache in his body a dull reminder of his recent wounds. Ignoring the waiter’s displeasure at his brusque entrance, he slipped toward the corner and crossed the sound wards.
“Hi… you’re all… still here…” He said, catching his breath.
Five faces spun on him—Valela smiled alone. “Mat! You’ve made it. We were starting to worry. Are you alright?”
“I—”
“You’re late,” Rain informed him with a weak wave. His head rested on his arm, leaning on the ivory tablecloth, forlorn gaze on his empty plate.
Kai scratched his neck under their combined scrutiny. “You waited for… me?” He blinked, noticing the polished glasses and cutlery.
“Who else could let us starve for nearly an hour?” Flynn shook his head, hand raised to his face and lips pursed like a disapproving parent. “I wrote you down the time. You promised to be punctual today.”
“You’re more than fashionably late.” Lys waved off the server moving to remove the interloping students importuning their patrons.
Rena nodded her silent agreement, putting a book away to greet him.
“I’m truly sorry,” Kai said. “You didn’t need to wait for me. I got—”
“Got lost wandering in your thoughts and preparing reckless schemes?” Flynn asked with a grin.
“Napping?” Rain provided.
“You should start noting your appointments.” Lys rang the golden bell beside a slender vase filled with baby blue lilies and trailing vines. “We did order already. Hope you don’t mind. We did get you a few appetizers."
“Really, he should offer us dinner,” Flynn said. His back straightened to gaze at the waiters already carrying steaming plates toward their table.
“I’m sorry, I’ll—”
“Enough tormenting him.” Valela threw them a dirty look. “It’s okay, Mat. Take a seat. It was no big deal. We knew you’d be running late.”
“You… knew?” Kai asked. Guilty smiles and laughs bloomed around the table at his dumbfounded look.
“We received word,” Lys said. “And look there. An empty chair right beside Val. What a coinciden—” Her words cut off as the plates clattered from a knee hitting the underside of the table.
Glances and chuckles crossed the table, too swift to read—likely an inside joke to mess with him for running so late. Kai ignored it and sank into his seat with all the grace of a hungry teen.
“You could have given me a few more seconds.” Flynn folded his arms with a disappointed sulk at Valela. “I almost had him.” His indignation vanished as the waiter served the food. He spoke between mouthfuls. “Sorry, I’m starving… You… imperious roommate. Alden… I met him coming here. He told me. I invited him to join, but he said he’d already eaten.”
That was nice of him.
“Alden’s not much for public places,” Kai said, picking up the menu bound in deep red leather. Cursive golden letters adorned the cover, and within, twenty-one pages of dishes with names he could scarcely pronounce.
More choices. Though I can choose as many as I want. Just don’t look at the prices.
“Where… were you…though?” Flynn punctuated with his fork. “Alden was vague on details… Said to ask you."
Food had taken the attention of the table. Rain sampled three plates arranged with a dozen different dishes, Rena cut into a steak with a crust and glaze of herbs, and Lys nibbled on a pastry stuffed with cheese and sweet peppers.
“Well…” Kai leaned back in his chair as a young waitress set a plate of dainty appetizers before him. “Thank you,” he said, receiving a coy smile in response before she flitted away. Spiced tarts, smoked fish slices, and artistically cut veggies shaped like squirrels ringed the porcelain plate—his friends’ touch couldn’t have been more apparent.
Guess it’s the thought that counts.
“You… saying?” Flynn watched him and took a glass to wash down the food. “What was worth letting your dear and wonderful friends nearly starve to death? Or are you looking to replace us?” He gave him a side eye.
“No, of course not everyone. Just you.” Kai popped one of the tarts into his mouth. Spices seared across his tongue like fire and honey. His mouth remained shut, throat clenched to suppress a cough and deny the satisfaction of a reaction. “That was… great.”
“Drink something. You didn’t need to eat that,” Valela said. “But really, where were you?”
Lys narrowed her golden eyes. “Were you with a someone?”
“Uhm… well, yes. The dean summoned me.”
The clatter of cutlery abruptly halted. Even Rain stopped poking his food to watch him closely.
“You mean, Dean Cassian Astares?” Lys dabbed her mouth with a napkin, voice lowered despite the wards. “The only Fifth Circle High Mage in the academy? He summoned you?”
“Is there another?” Kai gave a shrug, leafing through the menu to find a better fancy dish to order. “I got summoned on my way here. I was coming early, actually.”
“How was he?” Lys leaned across the table. “Does he truly look younger than most professors? Is he handsome? Is it true he keeps an ancient truth-telling artifact on his desk?”
Valela brushed his shoulder before pulling back. “Are you alright?”
“What did he want?” Flynn asked.
“I—yes. Everything was fine,” Kai said lightly, wearing a reassuring smile, looking at the list of overpriced drinks. “He just wanted to talk with me.” His vague answer only seemed to feed the hungry stares. He enjoyed a few seconds of squirming curiosity before continuing. “It was about the Mid-Term Trials. I told you mine were quite eventful. Apparently, the academy had issues with the scrying wards and the dean wanted to confirm the details in person.”
“Your Trials must have been more than eventful.” Flynn said, his eyes narrowed in obvious suspicion. “Did you get in trouble again? You were with Alden, right?”
“Is everything truly alright?” Valela asked.
Really, no faith at all.
“I’m really fine.” Kai raised his arm to ward off their stares and called a waiter to order his food. “My Trials were nothing too special. Solved some puzzles, crossed a couple of mazes and killed a few bloodthirsty beasts. Then some more. It turned out fine in the end,” he said, then added almost as an afterthought. “Guess the dean also wanted to congratulate me for ranking first.”
“Huh?” Flynn choked on a glass of water, coughing and beating his chest—the fact he’d been drinking when Kai spoke was purely coincidental.
“You’re lying!” Lys sounded scandalized and delighted, hand raised to cover her mouth. “Come on, Mat. Don’t skimp on details. You mean first among all courses of studies and intakes?"
“Yup.” Kai casually picked up a vegetable squirrel, feigning ignorance to his friends’ thrumming bewilderment, though he couldn’t entirely stop his smirk. “The official rankings should come out soon.”
“Congratulations! That’s amazing.” Valela beamed at him. “How did you do it? You must have gone through a lot.”
“Uhm, thank you. It wasn’t too bad,” Kai said, still feeling hot from the run. “We got very lucky, then very unlucky. Both earned us a lot of points.”
“Why am I even surprised?” Flynn gave a rueful shake of his head, drying his face with a napkin to reclaim some dignity. “Congrats, man. I thought we did well, but not first-place well. I should have bet more on you. I can’t wait to see those smug fancypants’ faces when your name shows up at the top. I’ll get to brag I knew you first! Hey, think we can sell your autographs?”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Kai rolled his eyes. “It’s just the Mid-Term Trials. They’ll say I got lucky and forget about it in a week. I don’t need the attention anyway.”
“Well… bud. I love your optimism.” Flynn reached over to pat his shoulder, a pitying look on his face. “But that ship’s already sailed and sunk. I know you don’t care much for social gatherings and haven’t talked with many students. They won’t forget.”
“I’m afraid your tall friend is right,” Lys said, not looking particularly sad. “The high achievers from Fall Intake are quite competitive. It’s a matter of prestige for their Houses.”
“Come on, let’s make a toast first.” Flynn raised a glass. “To the first ranked!”
“Please don’t,” Kai said, praying the wards would muffle their voices. His protests fell on deaf ears as the whole table joined in, encouraged to shower him with compliments and congratulations by his visible embarrassment.
All he could do was endure it with a stoic face and order his food for a distraction, ignoring the prices. Eventually, he caved in to his friends’ enthusiasm and recounted parts of his Trials as they ate. “It wasn’t much different from yours. Just more of it.”
Plus a crawling horror.
“You truly missed the supplies,” Valela said. “How did you manage to clear so many chambers?”
“I wanted to get out.”
Rain echoed the cheer as he sampled a meat pie. “It was fun going underground. We met soon. Did you also find those hidden riddles?”
“A few.” Glancing at the plate of appetizers, Kai noticed the smoked fish was gone.
Whoever could that have been? If only anyone had an idea?
A whiff of innocent confusion brushed his mind before it slipped away.
You could have just asked, you know? And no, I don’t need proof. Or do you know someone else who leaves behind such lustrous silver hairs? Ah! Caught you! There were no hairs.
Kai chuckled as Hobbes snapped the connection with an indignant harrumph. Turning back to his friends, he fended off their questions with a touch of smugness and listened to their accounts of the Trials.
Most of them had traveled in larger groups. Having found stores of food, weapons, and miscellaneous supplies early on, their experience had been quite different.
Guess they had the intended experience.
The academy brought Rain and Flynn inside together. From the siren's description, one might mistake the Trials for an evening stroll, with the challenges providing games and entertainment. Probably not the most serious participant. Babysitting the tagalongs stalking after them sounded like their hardest challenge.
Valela had a rougher start with her initial group, too many squabbles over teams and command. Things went more smoothly once she joined with Lys and Rena, then bumped into Flynn and Rain with six hours to spare to reach the exit.
That sounds so much more relaxing, though I’m glad we avoided the large groups drama. Skipping the supplies did let us move much faster.
Without the means to camp underground—or stragglers to slow them—he and Alden had barreled through the challenges toward the surface.
Though we wouldn’t call it Luck if we hadn’t made it out.
***
[part 2]
Humming to himself, Kai stepped off the elevator platform several mesars poorer and with a stomach fit to burst.
His throat ached from all the talking and laughter. Dinner had run long, his friends relentlessly prodding him for details about the Trials and the dean. Once he let slip about the ranking prizes, they’d hounded him to list all hundred rewards—a good practice for Mnemonic Mastery. Rena‘d also helped him identify the unknown treasures, and truthfully, he’d enjoyed their awed gasps too much to stop.
The dean hadn’t technically forbidden him to share them, though he’d asked Lys and Flynn to keep quiet until the official rankings came out.
I’ve already earned back my tuition fees with the affinity treasure alone. Though I can do better. Still half a semester to go.
When Lys suggested browsing the Wing Aurea’s shops, he’d taken the opportunity to slip away and escape the mounting throng of celebrating students. The last thing he wanted was getting dragged into a fancy party where patricians monologued about their family lineages. Despite his healed wounds, his body still ached, protesting each movement. He just wanted to collapse into bed and sleep until next week.
How do they have all this energy to waste after the Trials?
Students milled in from the side galleries, filling the Wing Aurea’s atrium with frenetic chatter and packing on opposite sides. Curiosity tugged at him. Kai drifted toward the cluster near the far wall.
Unease knotted his gut, growing with each conversational fragment he caught.
“…Matthew. Who is he?”
“Never heard of him.”
“…Veernon.”
Continuous mentions of his name stuck out to his ear. Kai followed the crowd’s gaze. Pristine sheets of parchment covered the marble friezes, names and numbers inked in elegant script—the Trials’ rankings.
Shit...
Perception picked out the incriminating lines from a distance, right at the top, where the dean had said they’d be.
Matthew Reece Veernon – Mana Studies (n. 732)
Alden Blackwoods – Mana Studies (n. 712)
Sebastian Elcarin – Mana Studies (n. 684)
Elmen Dusk – Mana Studies (n. 668)
Rain Ryuu – Mana Studies (n. 652)
Evangeline Rondes – Martial Studies (n. 613)
Isadora Forlow – Mana Studies (n. 579)
Lydia Porter – Mana Studies (n. 552)
Arabella Graysmith – Artisan Studies (n. 544)
Ambrose Willow – Mana Studies (n. 518)
125. Flynn – Martial Studies (n. 389)
172. Valela Hightide – Mana Studies (n. 356)
248. Calyssa Fairmont – Mana Studies (n. 332)
276. Renaria Drakmoore – Mana Studies n. 325
Trust bureaucracy to move fast the one time he wished it wouldn’t.
The list spanned the wall between two veined columns. Over five thousand first-years had taken part in the Trials, though over a fourth of the names bore a Failed tag instead of scores. That explained why the academy felt less crowded despite the celebrations.
His gaze lingered on the top ten.
Rain got fifth…
Kai didn’t delude himself; the placing would look quite different if Rain had cared to take the Trials more seriously. Though what surprised him more was the scores trailing behind his and Alden’s. He’d expected a wider margin. To snatch their rank, they’d gotten trapped in a cave of giant spiders, fought on a Pale Stalker, and cleared dozens of challenges by themselves.
How did they manage that?
His name’s mystery seemed on everyone’s lips. Kai hunched his shoulders, gaze low, wishing he’d thought to wear a hood. He quickened his pace toward the exit before realizing he was being silly. No one knew his face—not yet.
Thankfully, there are no phones. Goodbye peaceful days. Is it too good to hope they’ll forget once the lectures restart?
The night chill sharpened his senses from the drowsy warmth. A soft glow bathed the gardens outside the Wing Aurea, shimmering over the damp leaves and polished marble steps. Far overhead, a violet moon drifted through a tangle of clouds.
Kai descended toward the paved clearing, calm and confident—with absolutely nothing to hide.
I got a feat for my troubles, at least.
From the dean’s hints, the academy had planned for that outcome, though his disadvantaged circumstances must have inflated the Favor gains. A commoner with no backing ranked first among five thousand students and survived several irregularities. He couldn’t expect the same windfall every Trial, but even one or two points would add up.
Name: Kai Tylenn (Matthew Reece Veernon)
Race: Human ★★ – 66,720 > 95,020 / 800,000 XP
Profession: Favored Mystic of the Isles (lv5) – 0 > 9759 / 26,000 XP
Body stats
Strength: 45
Dexterity: 48
Constitution: 58 (48+10)
Mind: 73 (53+20)
Spirit: 81 (61+20)
Perception: 55 (45+10)
Favor: 91 > 96
Profession Skills:
Spatial Shift (lv25>26)
Echoing Empath (lv21>24)
Astral Pathway (lv20>21)
Natural Prodigy (lv18)
Water Cannon (lv16>23)
Nature Healing (lv12>18)
General Skills:
Hallowed Intuition (lv90>92)
Mana Observer (lv58>60)
Body Augmentation (lv47>49)
Mana Weaving (lv46>48)
Mana Analyst (lv45)
Split Mind (lv42>44)
Hobbes (lv41>49)
Water Magic – Advanced (lv41>45)
Mana Engraving (lv25>27)
Elemental Swordsman (lv20)
Nature Magic – Advanced (lv18>19)
Runic Scholar (lv16>18)
Arcane Enchanting (lv15>16)
Space Magic – Advanced (lv15)
Herbalism (lv10)
Alchemy (lv96)
Blessed Swimmer (lv77)
Earth Magic (lv70>77)
Shadow Magic (lv67>72)
Mnemonic Mastery (lv32>34)
Swift Learner (lv25>26)
Months of gains in less than a week. The Guide sure loves to see me suffer.
After defeating the Pale Stalker, the frantic trekking through the trial chambers had earned him even more levels. The blood loss and exhaustion had left his memories of those hours hazy…
“Mat! Wait for me,” a voice stopped him in his tracks.
Kai spun back to see Valela hurrying down the marble steps. “I thought you went browsing the wand displays.”
“I was… window shopping. But the floor was getting too crowded for me. I’ll come back on a quieter day. You don’t mind if I join you, do you?”
“Never. Just don’t say my name out loud,” Kai said, leaning in with a conspiratorial air. “Apparently, I’m quite famous.”
“Ohh, my!” She pressed a hand to her chest, eyes dramatically widened. “Should I ask for your autograph on my textbooks?”
“Why would you need that when you have the original?” He winked and, before he could think better, offered his arm in old-fashioned style. “My lady, allow me to escort you back. The night is dark and full of danger.”
Valela watched him for a heartbeat, then rested her hand on his arm. “Lead the way, brave sir.” She cast a fearful glance at the illuminated path. “Will you protect me from those muddy puddles?” she laughed. “I hear they’re dreadful."
“On my honor as first rank.” Kai straightened up, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Did I already tell you of my illustrious fame?”
“I might have heard a mention or two.” Her lips twitched to maintain a poised facade as they left the thrum of the Wing Aurea to stroll into the chill night. The faint scent of rain and moon lilies tinged the air, peaceful and quiet. “But do tell me more. What’s the secret behind your undaunted deeds?”
“Well, if I had to choose just one…” Kai rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “It must be my careful planning. Never be caught unprepared.”
“I see…” A smile cracked her mock solemnity. “And is it true that a brave companion assisted in your exploits? I’d be curious to hear his account. No doubt he’d also praise your… keen judgment.”
“Undoubtedly, but Alden’s a busy man. Why bother him when I’m here?”
“No reason whatsoever.”
Laughing at their silly acting, the milky stone of the dorm buildings appeared far too soon.
“I’ll see you tomorrow then." Valela stopped on the threshold. Her warm touch lingered on his arm before she disappeared inside. “Good night.”
“Good night,” Kai echoed.
Alone on the path, he turned to head to his own dorm. His boots crunched over the cobbles as sculpted lampposts cast gentle halos along the trails winding through the sparse woods. Every step reminded him of his convalescent body. Despite the relatively early hour, the thought of sinking into his bed and puffy blankets felt like the most divine idea. And perhaps snuggling with Hobbes.
His familiar had been unusually silent.
Hey, bud? Still mad at getting caught?
The bond remained silent to his prodding. Kai stopped to peer at the shadows between the trees. His senses spread, his mind on Hallowed Intuition. Jerking to follow the corner of his eye, nothing stood out.
Something’s off…
He couldn’t say what, no more than a gut feeling—less than a whisper.
His bond with Hobbes remained muted, though it could just be the fluffball being grumpy or indulging in his habitual napping.
Kai jogged across the path. His dorm formed a crescent around a skeletal oak, dark ivy spidering up the façade and curling over the balconies. Crossing the entry hall, he took the stairs two at a time to the third floor.
Was he just paranoid after being kidnapped into the Trials?
Hallowed Intuition’s soft thrum offered no answers, yet he couldn’t get rid of his unease. The foreboding seemed to thicken with every step. His heartbeat rang loud in his ears, the pulse echoing in the quiet corridor.
I’m here.
The door to his room stood firm and solid. He swiped his token over the sigil, sweaty fingers already gripped the brass handle. At the soft click of the lock, he slipped inside and shut it behind him.
His back rested against the hardwood, and he let out the breath he’d been holding. The familiar smell of the living room brought him comfort. The lights were off, his roommates still outside.
The Trials had truly made me paranoid. Now I am imagining—
His breath caught with the stark realization that he wasn’t alone.
A figure sat in the shadowed corner by the window—a dark coat fastened high with silver buttons, one gloved hand resting lazily on the table. A hood pulled low concealed his face.
Kai’s gaze locked on the shape limply sprawled on the man’s lap. Hobbes.
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A/N: I did promise a fun ending ;)
edit. To avoid panic and besmirching of Hobbes' name, I'll make clear that his Royal Fluffiness is just knocked out, not dead. I he died Kai would immediately know through their bond.
