Shirebunkle, Dakota Dukedom

World: 88 days. Shirebunkle: 4 days.

"It's quite impressive that you were able to force that man to retreat. You must be quite the skilled Swordsman." Commented Reese.

"Oh? You know the guy?" asked Jason.

"Indeed. During the abduction of my sister, he blocked my path which allowed his comrades to escape with her. I was heavily injured in the exchange, and he managed to get away; outrunning all who pursued him."

"Yeah. He's fast. I didn't have a chance chasing him down when he took off. Anyway, you're more impressive: you fought a version of him using both arms. I struggled with a one arm version."

"And who disabled his arm?" Reese points out. "Additionally, by your description of events, he most likely consumed an Adrenalin pill which boosts one's strength, followed by a Ki Eruption Pill which boosts both strength and speed."

"Oh..."

"Oh indeed. He had no need for either of those when facing me, but against you, not only did he use both, but stacked them. That's extremely dangerous. He put his life on the line to defeat you and was still pushed into a retreat."

At this point Jason gave up on downplaying things. "Very well, I concede. You make a good point." His behaviour brought a ghost of a smile to Reese's face for the briefest of moments.

"I'm glad we're both in agreement, Mr Jason. Though your humility is admirable. If it's not too much of an ask, I'd like to spar with you for a bit. Would that be possible?"

"Hm, uhhh..." Jason looks to Chanty for a reaction, but receives a passive nod in response. This makes him shrug in response. "Sure, why not? Wouldn't hurt."

"Excellent. We can use the sparring arena in the basement. The Guild Master already granted us access. Do come along." As they walked, Reese continued their chat. "Quite an interesting sword you have there, Jason."

"Oh this? It's not really mine. Took it from the Bandit Boss we took care of a couple days ago. I intend to have my own forged soon, but I'll make due with this one for now."

"I see. I can't help but be curious as to who your teacher is. He or she must be one of great renown to have trained you to such a level."

"Uh... About that... He wants to remain low key and even made me promise to keep my mouth shut about him as part of our deal to get him to train me. So sorry, can't spill on that." Jason made something up on the fly.

"Oh? Not a problem, really. I was only curious." They eventually made their way to the sparring arena and they both took their respective wooden weapons and got into position.

"I shall begin." Declares Reese as he closes the distance and slashes at Jason who parries it casually. Compared to the fast paced fight against the masked man in black, this wasn't as intense. The spar continued with Reese attacking and getting nowhere past Jason's defense. He now had a clearer picture of how Jason was able to endure against the attacker. It was time to take things up a notch.

"Kuh!" Let out Jason as he eats a kick to his side. Reese managed to create the opening and attack with his leg since Jason didn't expect such an attack. 'Well, guess that explains the wider hips. That kick was heavy.' Thought Jason as he tries to recover, but before he can, his torso is caught in the vice grip of Reese's legs who uses his arms on the ground as leverage to throw Jason into the air.

Once again, Jason does not have enough time to regain his bearings before Reese attacks by catching Jason's head between his thighs, then proceeding to perform a midair hurricanrana that sends Jason flying out the stage.

Jason lays there for a few moments contemplating the last couple seconds. Reese casually struts over to the edge of the platform and peers down at him. "Are you good to continue?"

The question jolts Jason back to attention before he starts getting to his feet while sporting a smile. "Yup. I'm good. Let's keep going."

The spar continues and Jason does his best to stay clear of the legs. "By the way, thanks for not smashing my head into the ground."

"Think nothing of it. It would have been rude of me to do such a thing to my benefactor." The two shared a respectful smile as a final clash separates them. Jason decides to have some fun as he drops his guard with his sword on his side, and begins to walk slowly yet leisurely towards Reese.

The vladi finds this behavior odd, but doesn't let his guard down. He knows he wasn't dealing with an amateur. Jason soon enters striking range were Reese immediately sends a kick aimed at his head. However, as soon as the movements leading to the kick begins, Jason drops low as he performs a Spineroony on the ground; using the force from the Burst of ki fired from his palms and soles to quickly accelerate his spin. Midway through Reese's kick, Jason sweeps his other leg from the ground, before kicking his body some feet into the air. Then with a handstand, knocks Reese even higher into the air.

It was Reese's turn to be... The feeling was hard to describe. However he recovers faster than Jason did, and just in time to block a thrust coming from right underneath him on his way down using the side of his sword. He was stock in midair with no leverage.

The two held the position for a few tense seconds before Reese smiles down at Jason who returns the smile with a nod of understand before angling his sword down for Reese to land safely in front of him.

"Well I must say I thoroughly enjoyed that spar. I do appreciate you humoring me." Reese says as he reaches out a hand which Jason takes and shakes.

"Yup. Same here. Your fighting style is awesome."

"As is yours. Now. Do forgive me for bringing this up so abruptly, but would you consider working for me?" Reese drops a bombshell out of nowhere.

"Uhhh..."

"Of course. Allow me to elaborate. You see, I am in need of individuals as skilled as yourself in my employ. You can join a raid or expedition under my Group, become a guard, trainer, so on and so forth. You shall enjoy a generous salary while continuing your adventuring under me." Reese paused to let his words sink in. Jason thought for a bit before answering.

Stolen novel; please report.

"I appreciate the offer, but I already have a party. Plus I have a very packed year with lots of things I wish to do. Sorry, but I don't think it'll work out."

"Don't be so quick to decline. Aren't you being a tad too hasty? Tell me, what are the goals that you believe my influence and resources can not help you accomplish in record time?"

"Hmmm... Dang. You seem pretty important, so I'm guessing alot. Well, let's just say they're quite private affairs, so I intent to handle them myself. Please understand." Jason's words made Reese quirk a brow.

"Oh? I find your wording odd. Do you by chance not know who I am?"

"You did introduce yourself earlier, but this is the first I've heard of you." His words flabbergasted Reese. He looked to the side of the room where the spectators were and got shrugs and confused looks before turning back to stare at Jason.

"OK, I know that look. Listen; just assume I've been living under a rock all my life, and just crawled out recently. OK?" Jason responded defeatedly as Reese let out a scoff followed by a chuckle.

"I must say, you are quite the character. Still, I am quite dismayed at your rejection of my offer. Is there truly no way to win you over?" Reese places a hand on his hip as they continue their talk.

"Trust me when I say I'm all kinds of tempted right now. But it just won't work out. Sorry." Reese does a heavy exhale before closing his eyes to think for a moment. After awhile, his eyes flash open as he looks to Chanty once again while asking Jason.

"Are you by chance affiliated with the Primordial Fist Sect?" The question came out of left field and threw Jason for a loop.

"Well, that was out of Left Field."

"Left Field?"

"I mean!.. That was sudden."

"... You mentioned a year to complete tasks. At the end of a year is the Primordial Tournament. Your party member over there is clearly affiliate by virtue of her attire, also, during our spar, you fired bursts of ki which was reminiscent of the Burst Style from the Sect."

"Uuuhh Dang. You're smart. Haaaa. Fine. I'm participating in the Primordial Tournament a year from now. I was nominated my teacher over there who you're staring at."

"Hm? I thought you're a Swordsman."

"I'm alot of things."

"How many things?"

"Forget I said that."

"I shall remember it well.~"

"Fine. Be that way. You were asking about my connection to the Primordial Fist Sect. Where were you going with that?"

"Are you joining the Sect?"

"No. After the tournament, I'm going my merry way." After saying this, Jason hears a gasp from the side. He turns to Chanty and spreads his arms indignantly. "What?" Jason asks and Chanty responds by placing her hands on her hips like a disappointed mother.

"..."

"..."

"Then... what are your plans after the tournament?"

"Ah... Nothing of yet. We'll think of something along the way."

"Excellent!"

"Huh?"

"Then you wouldn't mind me inserting myself into your plans, would you?"

"Hold on a moment..."

"I would like to make my case to completion before you object. May I?"

"Hmmm... Sure. Fine. Go Ahead."

"Thank you... A year from now, after you've finished your business with the Tournament, I'd like to ask for your answer once again. I will be in the city at the time, and you can use this badge to gain access to me if you are blocked. Therfore I would like you to accept this badge from me now, but only do so if you promise to reject or postpone any future offers you may receive from others at least until you give me an answer one year from now. Will you at least accept this condition, Jason?"

Jason scratches his head in exasperation, but doesn't see any downside to this. "Very well, I promise. One year from now you'll have my answer. Happy now?"

"Very much so. You have my thanks for indulging me as long as you have. I'm sure you have lots to do, and so do I. So I'll leave you to your business." And with that, Reese hands Jason the badge, then turns and walks away with his entourage, leaving Jason and Chanty in the basement.

Minutes later Chanty and Jason are exiting the guild and are met with the Wyvern Rider Trio.

"Hey! Jayjay! Chanchan! What took you guys so long?! We've been waiting forever." Hollers Skyler as she energetically bounds over to them with Adair and Sid walking behind her. The two groups reconnect over lunch at the nearby Diner. Turns out the Wyvern Riders got a quest to ferry Reese and 2 others as soon as they received word that Victoria was found. Jason took this opportunity to ask about the Hemorrh Family.

Sid explained that the Hemorrh Family are a 2nd Circle Vladi Noble Family. Jason didn't know what the 2nd Circle part meant, so Sid elaborated further.

"Every landmass is divided into concentric regions called 'Circles'. These represent what grade the majority of Hazard Beasts in the area are. It starts with the First Circle which we're in now, all the way to 8. The highest Circle in the Dakota Dukedom is the 3rd Cycle, meaning the strongest Hazard Beasts here are majority 3rd Stage of the Mortal Realm with few that have broken through to the 1st Stage of the King Realm. Other places have more or less, but the mainland is the only place with an 8th Circle: Majority 2nd Stage of Saint Realm with very few at the 3rd Stage.

Inorder to be a Second Circle Noble House, they have to fulfil a number of requirements such as clearing acres of territory, establishing settlements, etc all in the 2nd Circle before they are recognized as Second Circle. In terms of wealth and influence, they are second only to the Dakota Family."

Jason whistles at the revelation. "So I guess Reese is some huge hotshot then."

Sid would correct him on this. "It's not that straightforward, Jason. Yes, he has power and influence, but not as much as you think. Another thing about 2nd Circle families is that they're divided into 2: the Main and Lesser Family.

The Main family is located in the 2nd Circle of the land and headed by the Head of the Family. They have the greatest wealth and influence in the family.

The Lesser family on the other hand is located in the 1st Circle of the land and are headed by the descendents. They have less power and influence relative to the Higher Family."

Jason understands the context. "So he's basically on the lower end of his Nobility hierchy."

Sid agreed with his accesment. "Plus he's not even the first born, who is the head of the family, so his status is lower still, therefore he has to pave a way for himself independent of his family."

'That would explain why he's trying to rope me in. He's trying to build his own faction and grow his own influence and power.' Jason thought to himself.

After their meet and greet was over, the two returned to the guild to send a letter over to Sam, collect their pay for protecting Victoria, and accept an Escort Quest for a carriage heading to Lassie Town where Jason will be learning to Tame. After finishing their business, they return to their Inn to relax for the rest of the day.

Day 89: The Departure

Jason and Chanty leave town in a carriage. An attendant of Reese watches them depart before returning to make a report. In a more expensive Inn in town, Reese is lovingly stroking Victoria's head rested on his thigh. After the report, Reese turns to the other attendant and asks. "What are your thoughts surrounding Jason?"

The attendant thinks for a moment before responding. "He's quite the free spirit. Even his party member who is also his teacher can't rope him into her Sect. But he's also quite loyal, it seems. He stuck to his party despite your generous offer. If we manage to bring him into the fold, he'll most definitely remain out of a sense of duty. We just have to not give him a reason to leave, as he is shown to be quite decisive."

"Hm. I thought similarly. Additionally, I can't leave things to chance. All I have is a promise to answer, and not a yes. Someone else might woo him within that time and he would just reject me and leave with them. I must place my finger on the scale: make him feel more favorably towards me by the 1 Year deadline."

"Quite insightful, Sir. But how do we go about this?"

"We shall improvise as we go. For now, we observe their movements. Also have our people help them when possible. If it is true he knows nothing of me and my Family, then it would be best to give him the best impression possible. That will be a good start."

"Of course, Sir. We'll see to it."

"Good."

That evening Jason and Chanty arrive at the town of Lassie. According to Sam's notes, there is a woman here who specializes in the art and will train Jason if properly compensated. Sam emphasized the need for calm and respectful persistence lest they lose her cooperation. The two walk through town and soon reach a property in the outskirts which matches Sam's description. The place was shut tight and the lights were off. So too were most of the houses around, which made sense since it was late. So the two doubled back to a local Inn to spend the night. They'd pay the woman a visit in the morning.