Stas would describe his current location as "the office of a big boss," of course, with the local specifics in mind.

Jishin's appointment as treasurer was like breaking a dam. The younger prince instantly acquired secretaries, subordinates eager to work under him, and countless people who wanted to discuss incredibly important matters with him.

In the latter case, these "important matters" usually concerned only their own wallets.

And these could be warmasters, numerous traders, or owners of the city's large establishments.

All of them, learning that the new treasurer was none other than the youngest son of the great clan's head, immediately wanted to pay him their respects.

The only thing that initially saved Jishin from being buried under an avalanche of flattery was his past position in the clan and a small number of these "good friends."

Warmasters are inherently arrogant, so it was hard for them to overcome themselves and try to please someone they had previously ignored.

Because of this, Jishin had to deal primarily with traders for the time being.

Such attention couldn't go without consequences, so Stas wasn't too surprised when, upon visiting Jishin, he found him clad in an expensive kimono and in an office that screamed wealth.

"So that's how it is," Jishin mused thoughtfully, listening to Stas's story about meeting Io. "Turns out he doesn't take us seriously?"

"Probably for the best," Ordyntsev concluded, noting how very comfortable the prince's cushions were. He even considered buying a couple for himself. "It would be very suspicious and inconvenient if he believed us on word and started taking some action. We can't control him, so everything could go far from what we planned."

"But his demands are also high," Jishin continued, expressing his irritation. "Only a few become supreme! And he throws around these conditions so carelessly."

"But you'll become one eventually," Stas chuckled.

"But he was talking about you too," Jishin noted astutely. "And maybe about Kensei and Shin."

"Speaking of which," Stas was glad the conversation had turned to this topic. "I want to step out of the 'game' for a while to dedicate myself to research and getting stronger."

"Hold on, hold on," Jishin frowned, losing all his complacency. "What are you talking about? We've just started to see some significant successes, and you want to drop everything?"

"You know how hard it is for me to find those I can rely on?" The prince continued. "More accurately, I can find loyal people. But those who used to follow me are usually younger sons or from side families. They're enthusiastic, but they lack the knowledge not to screw up."

Jishin shook his head irritably.

"I need strong, loyal, and sensible people, which I can count on one hand now. And here you are telling me you want to leave? I can't accept that."

"Jishin, listen..." Stas frowned.

Jishin shook his head disapprovingly, showing how much he disliked the idea.

"No, and don't ask."

"Jishin!" Stas barked, his patience finally snapping. "If I don't do anything, Leviathan will die!"

Outside the office, clanking sounds were heard, and the doors abruptly slid open, allowing the agitated guards to enter.

"Jishin-sama…"

"Get out!" the prince hissed, commanding the guards to immediately withdraw.

An uncomfortable silence hung between the two friends.

"Leviathan is between life and death," Stas broke the awkward silence first. "I hate to say it, but I must leave you to do something about it."

"But we all deal with something like that," Jishin countered immediately. "We work, and in our free time, we train and get stronger. Why can't you do the same?"

"My case is different. Leviathan has limited time, and the sooner I heal her, the better. I'll need all the free time I can get."

"But why should you be the one to do it?" Jishin wasn't ready to give up. "Now I have power and authority. I will make the clan healers cure your pet. And besides, do you think it doesn't pain me that she's injured?" a hint of resentment flashed in the prince's voice. "When that old man's ax hit her, my heart nearly stopped."

"Jishin," Stas's tone softened, too, and he took a deep breath to calm down. "I'm not blaming you. And believe me, if there was a way, I wouldn't try to solve everything alone. But there isn't. Sumada healers are focused on treating humans. Even Hideo Sumada could only slow the poisoning, not stop it. Not to mention completely eliminating the poison."

"But if it's so bad, then why are you sure you can do something? If even Hideo Sumada himself threw up his hands..."

"Hideo didn't have the knowledge and sources of it that I do," Stas hinted.

For a few seconds, Jishin looked at Stas uncomprehendingly, but then his expression changed, and he grimaced.

"And you think THAT knowledge can do more good than harm? Let's hope the cure isn't worse than the poison."

"In its pure form, yes," Ordyntsev agreed with this description of forbidden magic. "But I'm not going to follow the beaten path. Besides, Jishin, I need help."

"We're always busy when it's time to help, but when it comes to asking, it's always please and thank you," Jishin grumbled, but it was evident he had almost reconciled with Stas's departure. "So, why are you silent? Come on, spill your request."

"First, I'd like to ask you to pay for the seals to sustain Leviathan's life. Since I'll be doing fewer missions, there might not be enough money. And be sure, I'll pay you back."

"Who do you take me for?!" Jishin protested. "I'm now the damn treasurer! Do you think money is a problem for me?"

"Careful," Stas smirked. "Don't get fired for excessive use of your position."

"Buying a couple of seals won't cause any trouble," the prince waved off Ordyntsev's warning. "But you said 'first,' so there's a 'second'?"

"Secondly, I could really use some Kiatto techniques."

"Why would you need that?" Jishin was genuinely surprised. "And why Kiatto, not Sansa?"

"It's all about their bond with their animals. Let's just say, all those animal ears, claws, and eyes they have come from an excessive liaison between the owners and their pets..." Seeing Jishin's almost round eyes, Ordyntsev almost choked on his next words.

"Not that kind of liaison! What are you even thinking, may yokai take you?!" Stas protested incredulously.

"Well, there have been some nasty rumors about Kiatto," Jishin mumbled embarrassedly. "So I thought... And the way you said it..."

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

"Oh, Kami, whom I have to work with," Stas massaged the bridge of his nose, reminding himself that the guy sitting in front of him was only twenty-one years old.

"By 'liaison,' I meant not the dumb idea you jumped to, but rather, a kind of spiritual link. Thanks to the latter, a certain amount of structured natural energy flows from the animal into the owner. Otherwise, natural energy, affecting a person, alters them randomly."

"But what do Kiatto have to do with Leviathan?" Jishin frowned. "Am I right guessing that this is related to her healing?"

"It's actually simple," Ordyntsev began to explain. "Forbidden magic is indeed too dangerous, and traditional healing is useless, but Levi is a magical snake altered by natural energy. I'm sure Kiatto had some developments in this direction."

"Alright, I'll try to get you those techniques," Jishin nodded, thinking about something. "Anyway, their value is very low, as we don't use magical animals, and these pieces of knowledge are useless to us. But..."

The prince looked at Stas seriously.

"Don't think I'm an idiot. I've heard about the dangers of natural energy and how badly those who dealt with it ended up. I don't want the same fate to befall you."

"Don't worry, I'll be careful."

"Good, if so," Jishin nodded, seeing that the healer was indeed not going to extremes. "By the way," a smirk appeared on the prince's face. "What do you think of Toshiyuki Eiko? After all, you're now Eiko too. And Sumada... Brother."

Ordyntsev winced at Jishin's grin.

"Curse that sneaky Toshiyuki," Stas's voice had very little warmth. "I swear he's the one who suggested this to your father. The only question is how he persuaded Goro to do it."

"Maybe a new contract for the supply of prana regeneration pills. After all, every family member and clan member must obey their head," Jishin literally relished the grinding of Ordyntsev's teeth.

"Instead of gloating, you could have suggested how to solve this problem. I'm not going to give him the secret anyway."

"As if I doubted," the prince snorted but still got more serious. "For some time, I'll indeed protect you, fending them off with tales of your very long and secretive missions, and then we'll see. After all, you serve me, not Eiko."

Stas nodded understandingly. For once, the local mentality played into his hands.

As in Japan, work in this world was considered paramount. Thus, if an employee had to choose between listening to his employer or the head of the family, no one would blame Stas if he chose Jishin.

"And before I leave, I have to tell you something, Jishin," Stas dropped the joking tone. "All this," he gestured around the opulent office. "It soothes, makes you feel like someone else. Great and successful. And when you really start feeling this way, then..."

Ordyntsev leaned forward to the darkened Jishin.

"Remember who you were before this. Remember how the clansmen that now carry you on their hands wiped their feet on you at your little brother's behest. How they ignored you. How they wished for your death after you escaped the captivity. Remember all this and understand that you are still the same and can return there at any moment."

Stas leaned back.

"You do know how to spoil the mood."

"All this," Ordyntsev disdainfully glanced at the luxury. "Is superficial. And it can dissipate at the snap of fingers. But what's truly real and won't disappear is power. So, when I finish training, I'll be very upset if I become stronger than you while you're enjoying the benefits of high status."

"You? Become stronger than me?!" Jishin sneered viciously. "That will never happen, not in a thousand years! And I'll remember your words. But you, oh Kami, you never change. Years fly by, and you're still the same... Even though I'm your friend, don't forget, I'm a prince! And so far, you're the first to dare say something like that to me."

"That's why I'm one of your best friends," Stas noted meaningfully. "Good acquaintances will praise you as you head for a cliff, friends will try to warn you, and best friends will do everything they can to stop you, including what you may not forgive them for later."

"I can't stand to see you anymore. Get out of my office, damn sensei." But despite such harsh words, Stas saw an involuntary smile on the prince's lips.

*****

While waiting for the Kiatto techniques, Stas had time to sort through what Goro had given him. As the clan head said, the scrolls were divided into healing and battle techniques. The latter were almost entirely dedicated to earth. Only two of them pertained to water.

Obviously, Goro, or rather his assistants, knew well about Stas's affinity with elements.

The healing techniques proved to be highly specialized, allowing for much more effective treatment of various injuries and even a couple of diseases.

For example, the list included a method for treating actual arthritis! As Stas understood, it restored the destroyed cartilage tissue.

Some might say the technique was useless, but Ordyntsev even feared imagining its prospects in working with the same wealthy clients he had met before.

Constant excruciating back and joint pains can drive even the most patient person to the brink.

And the gratitude of a cured person would be hard to measure.

There was also a technique for restoring damaged muscle mass or targeted bone growth.

Thanks to the latter, Ordyntsev would be able to change patients' skeletons at will!

Stas didn't know what goals the clan head pursued, but he was grateful for the scrolls.

The earth techniques were not so exciting but still bore certain usefulness.

Various stone spikes, underground explosions, and collapsing walls were supposed to diversify the earthling's arsenal to satisfactory levels.

In any case, Stas had a lot to keep him busy for a long time, which he set about doing so as not to waste time.

Kaede, to avoid attracting unnecessary attention, went to her teacher, which Stas also planned to do eventually.

In addition to trying to master new techniques, Stas met with several people.

Kizashi was pleasantly surprised to see Ordyntsev. He bombarded the earthling with a dozen questions about how he managed to kill a supreme warmaster.

In the young man's eyes, Stanislav's stature soared to such heights that he nearly transcended the realm of mere mortals.

Ordyntsev, in turn, warned the alchemist about the nasty moves of the Eiko head.

"He won't get anything," Kizashi frowned, clenching his fists. "These are our secrets, and it's not for him to meddle in our affairs!"

"Talk to Jishin about funding a personal laboratory. But do as I taught you," Stas advised. "Start with profitable projects. They may be primitive and blatantly boring, but they will give you money for interesting ones."

"Thank you, Shiro-sensei. I understand that sometimes a true genius has to stoop to the level of... um, not-so-smart people."

"Something like that," Stas agreed doubtfully, thinking that Kizashi's development had gone awry.

Besides meeting with Kizashi, Stas didn't forget about his former team.

Unfortunately, Mei was extremely busy, so she couldn't come to the meeting, and Eiji occasionally threw too envious glances at Stas.

Ordyntsev clearly saw that Eiji was outraged by how he ingratiated himself with the, albeit younger, but still prince. Then, like a bolt from the blue, came the news about them killing a supreme.

And the cherry on top was the acceptance into the main family.

For the young man, this was already too much. Why did he, a Sumada from the very birth, lose so much to some clanless vagabond?!

For Stas, it was no trouble to see these thoughts on Eiji's face, even though he tried to hide them or even suppress them.

Only now, Ordyntsev no longer saw any benefit from his former team member. Perhaps he had the potential and desire to become stronger, but Stas couldn't trust him, so he was useless.

However, the meeting with Jun was much more positive.

Their reckless sensei had gained more scars, including an especially noticeable one on the cheek, but overall, he was still as cheerful and energetic.

The news about Stas delighted Jun. As it turned out, the teacher truly loved it when his students were praised.

In such cases, he immediately began to boast that it was he who taught them.

Honestly, Stas saw nothing wrong with that. Maybe such behavior seemed excessively provocative... But who cares?

Jun Sumada taught and protected them for several years. He did everything possible for them to grow up strong and survive in this complex world.

So when they celebrated their meeting in a tavern, Stas tirelessly affirmed Jun's exclamations that, yes, it was Master Jun who taught him everything, and he was an excellent sensei.

The latter, whether due to alcohol or the importance of the moment, even got sentimental and "confessed" that he saw a great future in Stas from the very beginning.

Ordyntsev, as usual, kept politely nodding.

Somehow, all his acquaintances talk about this only after important events, but not before them.

Either way, Stas left the Citadel full of energy and determination to find a cure and become stronger.

In the bag, in addition to the healing and earth techniques, lay the Kiatto scrolls that Jishin had still managed to obtain.

*****

Tens of kilometers from the Sumada city. On the other side of the forest, notorious for the hordes of monsters living there.

Down the tunnel plunging into darkness walked a silent figure, illuminating his path with a brightly burning and sparking torch.

The path was winding and several times alternated between manmade and natural caves.

Finally, the stairs ended, and the man found himself deep below. The walls of the underground refuge, gradually spreading to the sides, led to where endless darkness billowed.

Suddenly, the torchlight flickered violently, casting erratic shadows around and causing the man to move his hand further away to avoid being burned.

Something in the darkness began to slowly manifest, shifting from one position to another.

"At last you have come here... Student," hissed this something.

"And I see you still haven't lost your love for ominous appearances. Just so you know, Kaede told me about your first meeting."

"Tsk," Minoru glided into the circle of light. "And I see you're still recklessly foolish. Are you sure it was worth coming here alone? After all, now nothing is holding me back." Her eyes ignited with eerie lights, and her tail completely cut off the way back.

"I believe so," Stas nodded calmly. "Because if I disappear, Kaede will be very upset. And I left a couple of surprises in case of my sudden death."

"Ah, what a pity she sees anything in you at all," the Nure-onna sighed heavily, beginning to crawl back into the darkness. Stas followed. "Are you here for a long time?"

Ordyntsev, surveying the underground shelter that had clearly changed during his absence, nodded affirmatively.

"Yes. I plan to learn and master as much knowledge and power as my mind and body can handle."

Minoru, feeling such a strong resolve behind the man's words, said nothing.

After all, Shiro the Serpent was determined to save Leviathan and survive the upcoming war.