“I should rephrase it,” Kiev said. “I’m not trying to take or buy your spells. I’m asking you to use them on my Gramps.”
“That was a sleeping spell I used; your grandfather needs that? How did you notice it was a mystic spell anyway?”
“Not that per se,” he said. “But more like your ability to cast mystic spell. And it was Gramps who noticed your spell, he keeps an eye on the war whenever he’s free.”
“What do you need exactly?” Ewan asked, wondering who the disguised Governor was back then. Or did he use his Ryvia to check on him? Just how far did his spirit interference extend that he could do so? And did he recognize his
On the side, he also made a mental note to get an additional protective spell circuit for his villa that would work especially against Ryvia—the hub would have that. He was safe for now; they came for his mystic-element affinity, not
Kiev took a deep breath. “Gramps is getting old, and that boosts our enemies’ confidence. So, he wanted you to use illusion-type spells and solve that problem.”
“You do know I’m only a Step-0 Severynth, right?” Ewan said. “Even if I could cast those spells, I doubt it will stand against the enemies that can oppose your grandfather. They’ll see right through it.”
“Not now maybe, but it will be effective once you break through to Step-1.”
“That’s also not guaranteed,” Ewan said.
“We’re willing to take the chance.”
“What if I say no?”
“I’m not trying to threaten you,” Kiev said, spreading his hands. “Gramps wants to establish a friendly two-way relationship with you. He taught us this lesson since we were kids—you can never start a good relationship on a negative note.”
“So, we would forget this ever happened?”
“If you wish to. We’ll just assume this talk never took place. You can still live in Drarith as you were.”
But he could never get a seat at the table—Ewan heard the unsaid words. He evaluated the risk and the reward with the proposal. The reward was a deeper connection to the Governor and the resources that came with it. And the risk was the same.
He was still a no one and could bow out of the war unnoticed, but that would also destroy his plans for the mystic rune. Instead, if he joined the Governor, it would print a huge target on his back yet would also fund his plan. In the end, it came down to choosing sides—a diplomatic out wasn’t an option if he wanted his mystic rune.
“Give me the details,” Ewan said.
Kiev smiled. “It’s simple. Use an illusion-type spell and make Gramps look healthy again, even younger perhaps.”
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“Making him look younger might be possible, but I won't be able to make him seem stronger. How will you explain his increased life span?”
“There are ways to extend the lifespan beside breaking through a major step,” Kiev said. “Starons at our level don’t come in contact with those things often though.”
“Just like that, it’s that easy, huh?”
Kiev shrugged. “I’m just telling you what I was told, the simplified version.”
“Fine. If you can deal with the narrative, I’ll help with the getup,” Ewan said. “Now, let’s talk what I’ll get in return.”
“Gramps gave me full authority on this. We’ll sponsor you, any resources you need that’s within our limits, and will also pay you what you ask for in return for your help. Also, if you agree, you’ll be one of us,” Kiev said.
“What’ll be my status if I do?” Ewan asked.
“Same as mine.”
“Okay,” Ewan said. “I need books on runes, especially the mystic rune. That’ll be my payment.”
“Those are quite rare, especially any book on mystic. I’ll have to ask Gramps for them,” Kiev said.
“Sorry, but that’s a must, I can't change the terms there,” Ewan said.
“Don’t worry, grandpa most likely has those books. I’ll get them to you when we get back. So, do we have an agreement?”
“I get the books, and we do.”
“And will you join us?”
“Sure, I’ll join you.”
Kiev grinned and slung his hand over Ewan’s shoulder. “We’re brothers from now on then.”
“Sure, sure.”
The mystery behind the war and any other details could come later; if he was eligible to know them. For now, he rejoiced at fulfilling a part of his plan—he was at the table, and he could get the books he needed. Dealing with a Step-2 Severynth was risky, but it would pay off too.
“Let’s get this trade route settled quickly and go back. I’m not really assured leaving things to Avis and Valarie,” Kiev said.
“Valarie? Your sister?”
“Yeah, she’s the youngest in our generation.”
Was she the ‘daughter’ that Kidd talked about?
“This trade route, how much danger are we expecting?” Ewan asked.
“The report mentioned a new group of pirates that appeared in the area recently. Since the message made it back, they shouldn’t be that strong.”
“Shouldn’t?”
Kiev laughed. “The sailors and the captain of the ship will be more than enough to clear them, we’re just backup.”
Ewan stared at him. “You do not inspire confidence, brother.”
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Status: Healthy
Step-0 [9th Awakening]
Name: Ewan Ayres
Species: Human
Vitality: 2.0
Spirit: 18.4
Anima: [Fire – 18.4 | Ice – 18.4 | Blood – 18.4]
Astylinds: 4 [Potential: 0]
Rolling Cat [Toast]: Step-0 [9th Awakening]
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Fire Monkey [Orange]: Step-0 [Level-9] [Grade-B]
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Imp [Frost]: Step-0 [Level-9] [Grade-B]
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Blood Lotus [Iris]: Step-0 [Level-9] [Grade-A]
Equipment: Common Clothes; Yurn [Neck Gaiter].
Storage: Journal; Elementalist—The Path of Anima [Subtype-Book]; Spellbook; Bloodlust [Spell]; Transmute [Spell]; Anima-Crystals [Novas Coins]; Obsidian Dagger; Hub-Connector; Ingredients.
Novas: 32,412
Crelith: 4,049