Hunter exited the tower, his brow rising in surprise. Hours had surely passed since he entered the tower, but the sun had yet to fully emerge on the horizon. Its pale honey glow, peeking over the restless seas, ignited his spirits like a herald of endless possibilities.
With both arms reaching skyward, Hunter stretched, rolling his limbs to loosen up. This marked his first sunrise as a true cultivator, and he was eager to see what the day would bring.
His mother's immortal words echoed in his ears.
Be prepared.
Short and simple, but as a child, he'd grasped its importance. Small habits she instilled in him had prepared him for the danger and uncertainty he faced on Death Island.
Big Nic had done his best to keep young Hunter out of trouble, but he still had a knack for finding it. One habit, however insignificant, had saved his bacon more than once. Smiling at the distant memory of when he first held his storage ring, he checked his inventory, his grin widening into a triumphant one.
The first new item was a shiny breakthrough coin, its pleasing gold shimmer catching his eye. He'd worked hard his whole life, and that wasn't going to stop now that he'd entered the tower. He'd be working and training harder than ever before, and it felt good to know he'd earned his first coin through his own actions.
In a world where coin was a necessity to grow stronger, his first earned coin symbolized freedom, and for the first time, he felt equipped to become the master of his own fate.
Hunter checked the other changes to his inventory.
The Jestmaster’s Quill was gone, as expected, but in its place was a black totem of a winged horse, posturing with plenty of attitude.
"Huh, interesting." He tapped his ring. It appeared that Night Mare automatically returned to his inventory once her summoning cycle was complete. Useful, especially since he had yet to win her over. But he knew exactly what he needed to do to fix that.
In a light jog, he made his way through the wild grass blanketing the coastal hillside, leading back to the boundary wall. About halfway there, a proper path opened up, leading him to a fork in the road. One path led back to the city beyond the wall, and the other led to a fenced-off area bordering the cliffs.
Hunter still had time before the bathhouse opened, just enough time to prove he'd earned the title "Phantom Pilferer."
He ran the length of the fence until he reached the cliffside. He knew better than to climb the fence. No matter how unassuming its wooden slats looked, it belonged to one of the city's richest nobles and would undoubtedly have a powerful protective array on it.
Anyone who dared pass the array would be afflicted by an elemental attack, fire and wind being the most common, or be subject to a binding spell. The more powerful and complex the protection array, the more energy it took to keep it active. Using the cliff face as a natural defense cut down the orchard owner's use of expensive spirit stones and formation flags he used to set up and amplify the energy within the array.
He looked down at the sheer drop, then over his shoulder to ensure he was alone.
Being able to fly over, high above the reach of the array, like Night Mare had done would be handy, but he couldn't summon her during the day. Taking a deep breath, he summoned courage instead, climbed over the ledge until his feet found purchase on the craggy rock face.
Holding on tight he moved sideways with greater ease thanks to his new First Star Refiner strength and endurance. When he was confident he had cleared the boundary of the protective array, he scaled back up the cliff.
Hunter looked around the orchard, all was quiet. He snuck under the dappled shade of the nearest golden blush tree.
His jaw dropped as he stared up at the big juicy round apples the size of honeydew melons dangling from the thick branches that could rival a titan’s arm. His gaze shifted to the trunk, surprised to find a thin-beaked Flicker staring down at him from a round hole.
"Good morning!" Hunter waved to the bird. "Sorry to disturb you so early." He pointed to the higher branches to declare his intention. "I hope you don't mind sharing?"
The bird flew out of the hole and spun in a playful loop before landing lightly on a higher branch.
Hunter rubbed his hands together. "Item of appeasement for one Night Mare with the attitude of an eldritch horror. Check." He grinned.
The Flicker hopped along the thinning branch and stretched its neck down, pecking at an apple stalk. It was a blur of motion Hunter could hardly keep up with. Suddenly, the apple fell, and Hunter reached out, catching it with one swift motion.
"Thank you, friend.” Hunter bowed. “I hope one day I can return the favor. Do you mind if I help myself to a few dozen more?"
The bird cocked its head sideways as if considering his request, then bobbed its tail twice and flew back to the hole in the tree, promptly disappearing inside.
"I'll take that as a yes," Hunter called after the bird.
Scanning his surroundings, he saw no further signs of movement in the orchard. Wasting no time, he scaled the tree. Plucking two dozen apples, he wrapped them in the spare silver cloth Claude had given him before stowing them in his ring. It wouldn't stop them from eventually spoiling, but it would protect them from the ring's harsh effects on anything capable of growth.
He made a mental note to ask Jo about a protective script so he could store freshly foraged items for longer in his ring. The thoughts of seeing his sister so soon raised his spirits.
But before he paid her a visit, he needed a good soaking and clean clothes.
He left the orchard the same way he arrived, jogging back to the fork in the road. Moving along the path, he slowed down only when the boundary walls came into view. Remaining cautious, he slipped past the city gates.
Much to his relief, he found no guards on duty.
Everywhere was quiet. Rich nobles were sleeping off the Harvest Festival celebrations. No doubt, some were nursing hangovers leaving them worse off than a bag of smashed crabs. While others stayed indoors due to the curfew, afraid to venture too far from their homes with the tower looming in the distance.
Not everyone feared the tower.
Uncle Eratos’ priority involved discovering the true nature of the tower to better defend any threats it presented. As general he had plenty of experience devising plans to enhance the city’s defenses. However, he relied on Helios’ knowledge of past ascension towers.
Once Hunter was cleaned up, and before he visited Jo, he needed to pay a visit to Priest Helios.
***
Hunter took in the grand sight of Lady Seraphina's Bathhouse. Its splendor matched his uncle's boasts about it being the finest in the province. Although he could have gone to the public bathhouse, it would be much busier there, and he wanted to keep a low profile.
Though he'd never been to a private bathhouse, it had a reputation for discretion among its paying clientele. Now all Hunter had to do was saunter in as if he were a regular.
"Come on, bring some of that House Filo charisma and charm," he told himself before pushing the door open and confidently walking inside.
Hunter's breath stalled on a sharp inhale.
The scene before him could only be described as pure opulence. The air was thick with the scents of exotic oils and perfumes, and there were more patrons lounging in chairs or engaged in hushed conversations than he expected.
A group of young women in short silk gowns, appraised him as he walked past and exchanged amused glances. One playfully pouted, "Is he lost? He looks like he spent the night in a ditch."
Her friend shook her head and teased him with a sultry smile. "I'd say he had a roll in the hay. I like them adventurous." She winked at Hunter and raised her voice. "Hey there, early riser. If you need a hand cleaning off that sweaty grime, I am worth the price, and I promise you won't regret it."
Another laughed. "Don't let the grime fool you; he's got a great body. I'd do it for free."
“Ladies,” came a sweet, lilting voice that commanded everyone's attention. "Please stop loitering and get to work."
A beautiful woman, draped in silk robes, appeared through a marble arch on the far side of the entrance lobby.
The group of young women bowed their heads and scattered, heading past the reception area and disappearing through double doors that Hunter assumed led to the changing and bathing areas.
Hunter fought to keep his eyes from lingering on the stunning woman who remained. Effortlessly gliding across the open space, her silk robes clung to her curves, accentuating her alluring figure as she warmly greeted him with an inviting smile.
"Hail, rustic adventurer," she purred, her voice a melody of politeness despite his ripe odor. “Welcome to my bathhouse.”
Hunter smiled, content to let her believe he was an adventurer, a class known for their wealth. After all, appearances could be deceiving.
Producing his golden breakthrough coin, it gleamed in his dark, grubby palm. Her eyes widened at the sight.
"Sorry, I don’t have anything smaller." Hunter poured on the Filo charm like honey.
"Oh, that won’t be a problem," she said, her eyes never leaving the coin. "I take it this is your first time here? If you're interested in opening a running tab, I can personally arrange that for you."
Forgetting himself in the heat of the moment, Hunter nodded eagerly and offered his coin. Noticing it was now stained with his grime, he tried to scuff it clean before handing it over.
She didn’t take it, instead gesturing toward a marble archway. "My private chambers are much more comfortable and secure for these types of business arrangements. Please, follow me."
She sashayed toward the arch, and Hunter fell into step beside her. With a snap of her fingers, a young girl, not much older than Jo, appeared at the entrance to her chambers and was promptly dismissed with a wave.
"Leave us!" Her voice carried the command like silk wrapped around steel.
“Yes, Lady Seraphina.” The girl hurried away, bowing low before disappearing.
"Go to the welcome desk and greet our morning guests," Lady Seraphina called after her, her tone firm but not unkind.
Hunter followed Lady Seraphina under the entrance arch into her chambers. The room beyond blended the solemnity of a library with the luxury of a noble’s bed chamber. With regal grace she led him to a plush seating bench buried under a sea of plump cushions. She sat down and patted the space beside her, near a nested table.
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
"Please, make yourself comfortable." She presented him with a blank scroll and stylus that appeared in her hand. Hunter sat on the edge, trying not to appear too ill at ease.
"Just add your name and whether you belong to a guild or not." Her manicured fingers pointed to the blank lines on the scroll. "There’s a ten percent discount for those who come under General Eratos' favor."
Hunter cleared his throat, regretting his decision to play adventurer and start a bathhouse tab. While he doubted his uncle visited this bathhouse because he had his own in House Filo’s private compound, Hunter wasn’t about to reveal he was related to him.
He needed an alias. The first name that came to mind was a well-liked bard who used to entertain guests in his family compound when he was young.
He hastily scrawled the name, Jakob Tanneros, and marked himself down as a solo adventurer, the handwriting purposefully messy. He placed the coin on top of the scroll as he handed it to her.
"Ah, a lone wolf." She raised an eyebrow. "We don’t get many of those this far from the capital. They certainly make the most interesting clients. Rest assured, we are very discreet here."
She spirited the coin and scroll away to some storage item hidden on her person. Standing, she gestured grandly. "Let me show you around so you can become better acquainted with the exclusive services we provide to our elite clientele."
Hunter followed as she led him out another door that opened into a long marble hallway. Doors framed by fancy pillars greeted them on both sides at intervals as they walked the corridor.
"Please tell me your preference for the service you would like to avail of once you've had your simple shower." Her voice remained low and sultry.
Hunter squirmed, trying to recall what his uncle had told him about his visits to the bathhouse as a child.
"Don’t be coy," she purred, her eyes glinting mischievously. "I assure you, my girls are well compensated and will not disclose anything that happens here."
She opened a door, revealing a communal pool area where guests lounged and chatted. Hunter tried his best not to stare at the naked bodies entering and leaving the communal bath. It was a sight he wasn't accustomed to seeing on Death Island.
Some guests frowned at Hunter making their displeasure at the sight of him clear.
“These guests like company while others prefer private bathing areas. Perhaps today that would suit you better?"
“I think so.”
"Thassia will show you to your private bathing area." Lady Seraphina said, beckoning over a young girl dressed in a gray tunic. “Who would you like to attend to your needs there? I would offer myself, but I have a prior booking from a client who doesn't like to be kept waiting.” Her voice oozed seduction. “Perhaps next time?”
Hunter smiled. “Thank you for your kind offer but I’ve arrived at short notice. I’m sure I can manage to bathe on my own this time.”
She looked at him like he had more heads than a hydra. “Nonsense, you must be weary after fighting off beast surges.” She almost sounded insulted by his refusal. “I recommend an intimate massage from Callisto. Her hot hand, healing technique will work wonders on every inch of your body.”
While that sounded far too tempting, Hunter knew he had to keep a low profile without insulting his host, which he seemed to be at risk of doing. “I’ve heard great reports about the herbal baths here.” Hunter recalled his Uncle telling him that they were very rejuvenating.
That was just what Hunter needed before he attempted entering the treacherous Refiner Gate in the tower.
“Excellent choice, Thassia, please escort our guest to Eunice’s bathing chamber.” She turned to Hunter. “I must take my leave, but you are in good hands. It has been a pleasure to meet you, Jakob of House Tanneros.”
Hunter smiled dumbfounded as he watched her leave.
“This way,” the young girl said without looking at him. She set a brisk pace leading him away from the communal pool and the disapproving stares of the guests, which he didn’t mind in the slightest. Besides, Eunice sounded like a nice, respectable young lady who wouldn’t get him into any trouble.
Entering through a veiled, curtained area, Hunter found himself in a bathing space. His grimy reflection stared back at him from a small pool, large enough for three or four people.
The entire area was adorned with a sea of blue mosaic tiles depicting gods clashing against mythic beasts. The young girl pointed to a cubby area and a shower section. “Take off your clothes, and when you're clean, you’ll find new ones in the cubby.”
Hunter thanked her, expecting her to leave, but she stood there expectantly.
Finally, Thassia crossed her arms. “What are you waiting for, old age?”
“I... I... you want my dirty clothes now?”
“No, next year. Yes, of course, now.” She held out her hand with a fierce gaze.
The curtain swished, drawing Hunter's attention to a young woman with a silver braid settled amongst raven hair. She held a mischievous glint in her eye. “Thassia, there’s a fine line between being helpful and being intimidating... let’s work on that, shall we?”
Thassia scowled. “Pay me more Eunice, and you’ve got yourself a deal. And as for this grimy lump, I don’t care what swamp he crawled out of. One of the other girls can wash his clothes. Breakthrough gunk is a pain in the arse to clean.”
She stormed off.
Eunice let the curtain fall behind her as she moved toward Hunter. “Thassia is still a little rough around the edges, but she means well. I, on the other hand, have plenty of experience.” Her dark eyes lit with recognition as she joined him. “You look familiar. Didn’t I see you in the Trial of Worth yesterday?”
Hunter tensed.
“No, not me. Ha, I’m just an adventurer passing through.” He laughed nervously. As she circled him, her eyes were two hungry moons orbiting their prey.
Pausing in front of him, she licked her lips like a cat savoring the taste of a freshly caught canary. Her hand traced an intimate path over the hard ridges of his torso, sending a shiver down his spine that had absolutely nothing to do with the cold.
She tilted her head to one side, revealing a ruby stone clasped around the end of her braid. “The resemblance is striking.” Straightening, she leaned closer and raised his chin with one finger. “Excellent bone structure. You remind me of that handsome rogue General Eratos.” Her eyes danced suggestively. “You must pay as generously as he does; otherwise, you would not have ended up in this privileged position.”
“I’ve not met him.”
“Is that so?”
She chewed her lower lip, moving in so close he could count the individual lashes framing her feral gaze. Her voice dropped to a silky whisper that tickled his earlobe. “Well, then I think it is time we get better acquainted.” Her warm breath caressed his skin, smelling faintly of mint and pure, unadulterated danger as she undid the strap on his leather kilt.
Hunter froze as she undressed him and he began rambling to compensate. “I hunt Emberix throughout the Pyronian Province the regent’s bounty is plentiful. If you’re worried about me losing control of my aura. I can assure you I won’t harm you and am so well practiced at hiding my true cultivation base you would mistake me for a low level cultivator.”
His lies turned her amusement sour, disappointment flickering across her face. She gestured towards the shower, indicating he should wash off before entering the bath.
Once in the bath, he reclined, arms draped over the rim, soaking in the medicinal chi-infused waters like a cat in a sunbeam.
“How does that feel?” Eunice’s hips swayed as she moved from one end of the pool to the other.
“Amazing!” He couldn’t help but admire her sensual form as she paced, occasionally checking the water temperature with her elbow. Adding a packet of dried herbs, she playfully swirled the water with her finger.
Hunter's eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets as she disrobed and slipped into the water to join him. “Now that you’re revitalized, it’s time for your intimate massage.” She pressed up against him, her soft lips grazing his ear, sending chills down his spine once again.
He shivered.
“Relax darling. And don't worry about losing control. I can tell you need some extra care after such a grueling time slaying Emberix monsters. Your body has been through hell and back. I think you deserve a more hands-on approach.”
***
Hunter left the bathhouse still wearing a surprised grin. Eunice had certainly lived up to her reputation as a hands-on masseuse, with high expectations of her clients.
Hunter had happily risen to the occasion. Multiple times.
He suspected there was something in that herbal bathwater that acted as a rather potent performance enhancer.
The grin never left his face as he strolled through the bustling streets, the vendors' banter and the aroma of street food creating a vibrant atmosphere around him.
As he approached the city's main plaza dominated by the impressive Trinity Temple, his mood shifted. The grin slowly faded as he stepped onto the wide-open expanse encircled by a labyrinthine network of narrow alleyways.
With the sun climbing higher in the sky, he felt increasingly exposed. A prickling sensation on the back of his neck made his hair stand on end. Hunter couldn't help but glance around, his instincts on high alert. He half-expected to find someone following him.
Yet, as he scanned the surroundings, all he could see was citizens of all ages, chatting, bartering, and tending to their businesses.
Hunter quickened his pace, eager to reach the temple at the far end of the plaza. He had a growing list of questions for Helios, and he needed answers before he returned to the tower. Stepping under the shade of the grand structure, he couldn't shake the lingering feeling that watchful eyes were still upon him.
His heightened awareness at the Refiner stage was something he would have to get used to; he now had the ability to sense aura presence. Not wanting to waste more time on the city streets, Hunter sprinted up the stone steps, rushing inside.
The grandeur of the temple was just as eye-catching as the outside.
As he walked down the hall lined with the three gods' banners on both sides, the spiritual beliefs were made clear leaving out the fourth worshiped death cultists' god.
His gaze followed the golden banners, each one displaying one of the three gods, reminding him of the Trial of Worth. He grinned as he passed Raziel’s gauntlet, having defeated the Molossus Demon. As he glanced over Hadad’s all-seeing eye, he frowned.
The Jestmaster’s Quill had been more than helpful, but he’d have to appease the Night Mare if he wanted to ride it again. His heart sank as he saw the banner for Athena’s shield. A stark reminder that he’d allowed his emotions to consume him in the Trial of Heart.
He shook the feeling off as he approached Priest Helios' quarters. With a gentle wrapping knock on the frame, Priest Helios glanced up from a book, a look of confusion quick to form.
“Last I saw you were at the tower, and your uncle told you to leave. Why aren't you back on Death Island?... Wait a minute.”
Priest Helios stood, and Hunter felt a light wave vibration pass through his body.
“You're a Refiner now?” Helios fixed him with a scrutinizing gaze. “But it was only yesterday you were unable to refine your chi. Why I’ve never seen such a change without…”
“Long story...” Hunter glanced behind him to see if anybody was around before entering the room, “but my mother's medallion has been helpful to have. I can't quite get into how I broke through to the Refiner stage, though.”
Helios shook his head. “Don't worry, I'm not going to tell Dimus or Vassilus, neither magistrate are men of the gods.” He waved to the banners along the wall.
Hunter raised a brow. “I am surprised you would call the magistratus out like that since you work so closely with them.”
“I tolerate them because of city politics, and unfortunately, in such a city as Delphare, you can't separate spirituality and politics.” Helios placed a hand on Hunter’s shoulder. “It was different when your father was ruler of the city and your mother was a magistrate.”
At the mention of his parents, Hunter realized his instinct about Helios was right, and he'd remained loyal to his parents' ideals. He'd wondered how much the priest enjoyed working with his mother years ago, but he let the questions fade as more urgent ones needed answering. “Thank you.”
Priest Helios stepped back to his desk. “What brings you here? It's been a long time since you've been in this temple.”
“I'm concerned; there seems to be a lot of unrest about the tower. How are you handling it?”
Helios sat in his wooden chair. “General Eratos is in the process of restricting access to the tower, as you know, and there is no one that is supposed to go beyond the boundary wall toward the tower without special permissions.”
Hunter nodded. “Are you aware that people like Xuthos are looking to take matters into their own hands? They believe that some death cultists summoned the tower and that a demon now possesses it.”
Helios raised a brow. “Those are quite some accusations. What merit do you have with those?”
Nudging his lip, where he’d been punched, Hunter narrowed his eyes. “I had a run-in with Xuthos’ son. He'd rather have killed me than have me enter the tower.”
“You were going to enter the tower? Despite your orders to return to Death Island?”
“Not at all.” Hunter shook his head. “Pheres had got it in his mind that I'd be foolish enough to do something like that since I didn’t pass the Trial of Worth.”
“I do wish it would have turned out better for you in the trials.” His voice etched with a hint of sadness. “But I'm glad you wouldn't consider going near that tower. You say Xuthos has showed interest?” Helios paused, rubbing his chin.
Hunter nodded.
Helios tapped the desk. “The last thing we need is a vigilante trying to override the city. It's not just the tower they'll destroy. It will be whatever gets in their way, including innocent people. I'll have to inform Eratos.”
Hunter withheld his grin. Priest Helios and his uncle would be more than busy dealing with Xuthos and his Brotherhood of Millers. His uncle would place retrieving his mother’s medallion lower on his priority list.
Hunter had to ensure he kept his cultivation medallion out of his Uncle’s grasp so he couldn’t benefit from it. Once Hunter returned to the tower he would use it to strengthen himself and cultivate to the next stage.
The memory of the cracked and crumbling tower appeared in his mind. He winced at the image. He didn't think the tower could be toppled over by Xuthos, but he didn't want to take any chances without taking advantage of it while it still stood.
“You mentioned my uncle increasing the guards around the boundary walls?”
Helios nodded. “Indeed.”
“I have a favor to ask…”