Chapter 191 - Catching Up

The worst symptoms of the discard dulled to a mild hangover. Kai took a hot shower, forced down a meal and did some light stretching. He wouldn’t trust himself to do a summersault or fight a beast to the death, but that shouldn’t be necessary to deal with his friends.

Well, probably…

A brawl was always on the horizon with Uli and Oli around. Since they would meet in a tavern and not on the beach, he might survive the night unscathed if he played his cards right. Under no circumstance could he reveal his situation. If the twins found out about his weakened state, they would take advantage of it without mercy.

I can do this.

Kai gave a mournful look at the stylus on his desk. If only he could test Mana Engraving till dawn. He had tried the skill on a spare scrap of red leather, and the difference with Edgar’s echo was obvious.

It was like he passed from wearing worn-out sandals, three sizes too small, to a custom pair of boots made by a master artisan. He could focus on where he was going instead of limping every step of the way.

Mana Engraving was a full-fledged skill that would improve with experience and use. A whirlwind of ideas, experiments and designs fluttered in his mind.

I should look into selling enchanted weapons. Reishi will be delighted.

His main source of wealth had been Alchemy, with few meaningful ventures outside of it. He brewed the most profitable potions in large batches, and a selected list of higher-grade concoctions on commission. It added a little variety to his work and kept his skills sharp. What the work lacked in excitement, it made up in mesars in his pockets.

Higharbor was a market with stiff competition, but Reishi had a firm grasp on the rest of the archipelago. Kai wasn’t the only alchemist to supply him. He didn’t have the time to brew for thousands of people, though the cheeky fish said he would always be his favorite.

Like that means anything. Damn, I hate how well that works.

It was time to expand his business. Rune smithing was a hard market to get into. While everyone could afford a red potion, few could buy enchanted tools. A healing tonic would be consumed in a day, and people would be back for more, but an engraved sword or a cold box could last for years.

The price and margins were higher, which meant people were less likely to take a chance on a nobody. The wealthy buyers of the capital relied on renowned shops and professionals. Without a master to vouch for him to their clientele, Kai hadn’t managed more than the rare, odd job.

Truth was, he was a far better alchemist than an enchanter. He was decent, almost great in some specialized areas, but not enough to turn heads around, till now.

If I wasn’t already Reishi’s favorite human, I’ll be now.

Mana Engraving would push his abilities to another level and make him stand out from the competition. Dreaming of wealth and runes, Kai changed his clothes and went downstairs. The clock ticked above the door, Flynn was still not back.

Then he says I’m always late.

There was half an hour to spare, not counting the walk there. Kai slouched on the couch, scheming about his future business empire. He would focus on weapons since that was where the double engraving was most valuable.

With minutes on the clock, Flynn arrived home with messy hair and a missing button on his shirt. “Sorry, I lost track of time. I’ll be ready in a moment. Everything’s okay with you? Did your headache get better?”

“Yep, I’m good,” Kai woke from his musings of world domination with a smile. “Just hurry up, I don’t want to run and sweat. Where were you anyway?”

“Oh, you know…” Flynn halted on the stairs to give him a wink. “You aren’t the only person who’s eager to see me. In the last few weeks, I’ve been busy pushing the last stretch of the enhancement and I promised I would make it up to her.”

Of course…

“Weren’t you dating that fisherman guy, Sevli?” Kai raised his voice to be heard upstairs.

“Sev? He's old story. We broke up three weeks ago, he got annoyed that I didn't spend more time with him. I’m seeing Belia now.” The dreamy sigh was apparent in his tone. “I met her at the market. She’s sweet and smart and has the most beautiful smile. I should bring her here sometime, she was curious to meet you.”

“Sure, we can talk about it in a couple weeks.”

If it lasts that long.

Since Kai had started his mentorship project managing Flynn’s time, the teen had three girlfriends and two boyfriends. Perhaps it was a way to stay sane after the harsh training. His friend fell in love as quickly as out, and no relationship had lasted more than a month.

Angsty teenagers and their drama. No, thank you.

Flynn's love life wasn’t his business, and he couldn’t force him to stay cooped up training like a hermit. The teen always used the excuse ‘I’m leveling Charm’.

Yatei have mercy on me.

Flynn walked back down in record time wearing a wrinkle-free outfit. “Don’t be jealous, you can’t find a girlfriend if you never leave the house or talk to people.”

“I’m not jealous.”

“Okay.” He clearly didn’t believe him. “I can introduce you to Belia’s younger sister if you want. I’m sure she would be fascinated by your magic tricks.”

Wait… was that why he was suddenly eager to learn spellcraft?

“Pass.”

Flynn peered down at him. “Are you not interested in... other people?”

“Not right now.” Kai bit his cheek. Puberty had hit him like a sledgehammer, making each morning awkward. He was glad his body was growing up, he only wished it didn’t have to be so damn uncomfortable. “I’m too busy.”

“Hmm,” Flynn didn’t press the matter. “Lemme know if you change your mind or have any questions. I’ll be happy to answer them.”

Thanks…?

“I will.” Kai put on an indifferent look, ignoring the jumbled emotions brewing beneath the surface. It wasn’t envy, not really, but there was something.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Reincarnation had left him in a strange limbo, he wasn’t an adult, and he wasn’t a child. Kai knew he lacked some experiences to be truly mature, but he couldn’t imagine dating anyone in their early teens.

Nope, that’s not going to happen.

There was no solution. No girl in her twenties would want to date a twelve-year-old kid, and he would worry if they did. Probably sprint in the opposite direction and not look back.

It won’t matter in a decade. There are people who live for centuries…

That sounded like a solid plan: ignore the problem till it goes away. It was going to be a long wait, maybe he’d think of a better solution in the meantime.

The evening breeze outside brought him back to the present. The sky over the shingles roofs was painted orange and the crystal lamp lights illuminated the streets.

“Hmm… Kai.” Flynn adjusted his shirt without slowing. “I was wondering when I’ll change my profession. I don’t think there is a point in waiting anymore. I’ve already bought the potions to lessen the backlash like you suggested.”

Right…

To his perfectionist tendencies, there was plenty yet to be done, though it would have a minor impact on the result. One look at him and Kai knew his arguments would find no ground. Flynn wasn’t asking for permission. If they delayed any longer, he might decide to go ahead on his own.

This is as good as it’s gonna get unless he trains another year.

“I need to find a healer. I’ve looked into it, and it shouldn’t take long to find someone to supervise the process,” Kai conceded. While the risks were lower at the end of Orange, he wasn’t going to cut any corners. “You should think if you want to learn an elemental magic skill. It might influence the professions you get, though it won’t do much at level 1…”

“We’re not delaying it again,” Flynn stated flatly. “I’ll think about the skill.”

“Okay.” His role as mentor was to offer advice, but the decision was ultimately Flynn's.

It was worth a try.

With a central position in the Ring Road, the Green Clover was a slick establishment, half tavern, half restaurant, its emerald namesake hung from the sign. It was as fancy as they got without stepping into the extravagance of the upper city and making a hole through their wallets.

They got there with a minute to spare, and the lively bustle of patrons greeted him inside. Pale green walls, green glass coring the lights and the subtle smell of fresh grass. Three conjoined halls were filled with merchants, foreigners and the new middle class of Higharbor.

It looks clean enough, but it’s still early.

A waiter with a service smile showed them to a booth separated by wooden screens. It had not been overkill to make a reservation. Kai was crossing behind a table when a conversation between two patrons caught his interest.

“…attack on Yawei.” An aged man with silver hair spoke to his companion. “They said it was a slide, but I’ve never seen rocks and dirt leave bite marks like that. I’m telling you—”

“Kai! We’re here.” Ana’s head poked out of the booth, Flynn already exchanging greetings with the twins.

The duo had disappeared inside another booth that was enchanted with soundproofing runes. Under the expectant looks of his friends, Kai crossed the invisible boundary of the booth. The noise of the tavern fell into a muffled hush. Enough to tell other people were there, but not what they said. It looked like an inaccuracy in the runes design, though it probably worked better this way.

“Little shrimp, I missed you.” Uli took advantage of his distraction to crush him in a hug, joined by his brother.

“Look how much you’ve grown.” Oli feigned exaggerated shock and ruffled his hair in the most annoying way possible. “I almost didn’t recognize you.”

Ha. Ha. Ha. You’re so funny.

Kai vainly tried to free himself. He was no match since the twins had gotten their physical attributes buffed by their profession. He made a token effort against his protesting body, he couldn’t show weakness before two opportunistic jerks. “I’ll let you know I’m perfectly average for my age. You’re just older.”

“Of course, of course.” The twins agreed, sharing a meaningful look between them.

“I bet you’ll grow any day now.”

“Yes, I heard if you’re pious enough, the Moons will bestow a blessing on you. You could ask them to make you taller.”

Kai glared a hole through their empty heads. No matter how much he grew, all his friends remained a head taller than him. It was fucking unfair, that’s what it was.

When is age supposed to make them mature? To think they’re considered adults, spirits protect us!

“You two, stop bullying him.” Ana came to the rescue. “Don’t listen to them. You do look taller, you’ve almost reached me. They’re just jealous you're more handsome than them. How’ve you been? You’re a little pale, are you not feeling well?”

“Ehm, I’m great.” Kai smiled, puffing his chest. He was relieved to notice her petite figure was the same height he remembered, while she looked more mature and relaxed. She was the last person still in the training at Hawkfield, a few months away from getting her profession.

Lou remained seated while they chatted. He stared at the wooden table in deep thought as if he hadn’t noticed their arrival.

“Ignore him,” Oli whispered loudly enough for people outside the enchanted booth to hear. “He likes to look brooding and mysterious.”

“Yeah, since he got a promotion, he loves to remind us how great he is.

Lou raised his gaze with a flash of surprise. “Uh, I—” His brain caught up to the situation, and he threw an exasperated look at the twins. “Can you please stop telling that to everyone we meet? I didn’t get any promotion.”

“Sure. We believe you.”

“Must be why you suddenly disappeared for months without a word. Nothing suspicious going on.”

“It’s not a promotion.” Lou ignored them with a tired look. “Sorry, Kai, Flynn. I was distracted. Work has been particularly demanding lately.”

How did he get even bigger?

Standing up to greet them, Lou was both taller and larger. Kai would fit neatly in his shadow. “What’s got you so worried?”

“It’s—” The teen caught himself with a wry smile. “It’s nothing. We should order food now that you’re here. Why don’t you tell us what you’ve been up to?”

“Nothing much really. My mother’s having another baby, and Flynn wants to change his profession. What about you?”

They took a second to connect the words. “Youhewhat?” Uli helpfully summarized their thoughts.

“A baby?” Ana squealed. “When are they due? Do you know if it’s a boy or a girl? We need to visit Sylspring!”

“You know discarding a profession is dangerous,” Lou said with a serious frown.

This will be fun.

Voices talked over each other before they found their stride. Ideas for a possible visit to Sylspring were thrown around while Flynn managed to convince them he wasn’t suicidal. Better to start over and waste a couple years now than be stuck with a profession he didn’t like for life.

Food and drinks came and went while they caught up with each other. Uli and Oli ordered ale, using peer pressure to convince Flynn and Lou to join.

I’ll never understand why people love to drink something that nine times out of ten tastes terrible. He shared a conversation of looks with Ana who agreed completely.

The twins were apprenticing to become guards of all things, revealing some juicy insider information. The governor and local council wanted to transition the garrisons from enforcers to local guards, like in the Republic proper.

“We’re not supposed to talk about it till it gets officially announced,” Lou grumbled.

“Chill, it’s already an open secret. We’re not all stingy like you.” Uli and Oli gleefully ignored his warning.

“Don’t worry. If the waiter is a spy, we’ll say it was your idea to reveal it.”

The explanation grew more jumbled and confused as the twins got tipsy, though Kai pieced together the main points. It was about money and power—though they didn’t explicitly say it. The enforcers stationed from the mainland cost more than locals, and their jurisdiction fell under some branch of the military.

The transition would probably take a decade, but some military garrisons would remain stationed till the archipelago was considered integrated into the Republic. Which usually took about a century or two.

The news was interesting but not as surprising as Ana choosing to become an enchanter. She had gotten over not getting into the secretive elite class and seemed happy with her choice. She already had an apprenticeship lined up for her.

As for Lou, he remained tight-lipped. Kai couldn’t blame the twins for pestering him and joined in halfway through the night.

I’ll find out what you are hiding.