Dinner time arrived at the Purple Walnut, and the cozy dining room was filled with the warm aromas of a delicious meal. Hikaru, Loyd, and Lydia gathered around their usual seats, the table set with hearty dishes. Loyd's cooking was, as always, exceptional, and the evening was filled with the comforting sounds of clinking cutlery and casual conversation.
As they began their meal, Lydia took a sip of her soup and spoke up, her voice carrying a note of relief. “Hikaru, I have good news. Prince Clay and Colonel Slater have reached an agreement. The colonel won’t be pursuing you any further.”
Hikaru’s face lit up with a broad smile, his eyes reflecting his genuine relief. “That’s wonderful to hear! Please, thank Prince Clay on my behalf. I appreciate all the effort you both put into resolving this.”
Lydia nodded, her expression reflecting satisfaction at the successful outcome. “I’ll make sure to pass on your thanks to him.”
As the conversation flowed, Loyd leaned back and shifted to a more serious tone. “Speaking of interesting news, I heard a rumor from some of my noble customers today.” He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Apparently, a young girl from the Kaya clan was involved in the release of a rabbitman slave named Mina from a skill harvesting facility owned by Viscount Rowan at the end of last year. Hikaru, were you involved in that incident?”
Hikaru’s heart skipped a beat, but he maintained a calm demeanor, pretending to know nothing. “I haven’t heard about that. Are you sure it’s not just another wild rumor?”
Loyd studied Hikaru’s expression closely. “They said the one who released Mina was the Kaya clan girl from the tournament. It’s Masaki, isn’t it?”
Hikaru forced a casual shrug, trying to deflect the scrutiny. “Masaki has always had a strong sense of justice. If anyone were to do something like that, it wouldn’t surprise me if it was her.”
Lydia, taken aback by the revelation, stared at Hikaru. “If you helped them, you should tell us. There’s no reason to hide it. The Rowan household wields considerable military power. If you don’t tell us, we can’t anticipate if they suddenly make a move on us!”
Hikaru sighed and decided to tell them a distorted truth. “Okay, I’ll be honest. Masaki and a mysterious person from the clan helped Mina get released. It wasn’t me, you have to believe me. According to Masaki, the mysterious person blackmailed Viscount Rowan into releasing Mina and returning all her belongings, including her innate skill. The person had some kind of document that made the Viscount wary and choose not to pursue the matter further.”
Loyd and Lydia exchanged glances, trying to digest the information. Lydia finally spoke, her tone softer, “We trust you, Hikaru. Just be careful. We don’t want any trouble from the Rowan household.”
Hikaru nodded, visibly relieved that his explanation was accepted, even though it was a distorted truth.
“If you ever run into trouble, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!” Lydia said with a reassuring smile.
Loyd leaned in, looking curious. “So, how’s Mina doing these days?”
“Oh, she’s doing well,” Hikaru replied. “Masaki and Mina formed a party together after Mina was fired from her old job. They’ve been taking on E-rank missions and seem to be doing just fine.”
Loyd’s expression turned thoughtful. “If Mina hasn’t switched in her innate skill and needs an introduction to a budget-friendly spiritual guru, let me know. I can get her a discount!”
Hikaru’s eyes widened as a realization struck him. ‘Ah, I completely forgot about this!’ He mentally kicked himself, remembering that the original Hikaru had learned about this. ‘So, that’s why I can’t switch in the Wind Sovereign innate skill! All innate skills start with a four-star complexity, meaning you need a Spiritual Guru to switch them. Most people forget this because switching skills above three stars is quite rare due to their strict requirements.’
“Could you tell me more about this spiritual guru? Just in case I visit Masaki tomorrow and meet with Mina,” Hikaru said, his tone now focused and eager.
Loyd smiled and scribbled the details on a scrap of parchment. “Her name is Gretta. She performs soul rituals at her place near Bailey Brew.”
Hikaru took the parchment, reading over the name and location. The group continued their conversation and finished their meal, enjoying the soft, steady glow of the light crystals in the dining room.
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The next morning, after completing his usual routine, Hikaru made his way to the Kaya residence. The early sunlight cast a warm glow over the Kaya residence’s training ground as he approached.
Upon arriving, Hikaru observed Masaki leading a series of training drills. Mina, the rabbitman, and Ullot, the lizardman, were practicing combat maneuvers that Hikaru recognized from his own military training days. Their passion was evident as they performed each maneuver with seriousness under Masaki’s watchful eye.
Masaki commanded the training ground with an air of authority, her sharp gaze catching every detail. Despite her youthful appearance, she demonstrated techniques with practiced ease, balancing stern discipline with encouraging words.
Hikaru watched for a moment, appreciating the skill and dedication evident in the training. As Masaki noticed Hikaru’s presence, she paused and waved him over.
“Morning, Loki,” Masaki called out, a smile breaking through her intense focus. “What brings you here today?”
Hikaru approached, returning the smile. “Just came to say hi, Ducky.”
He waited for a moment before continuing, “I was wondering if Mina has switched her innate skill yet, Ducky.”
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“Oooh, about that. Yes, she has!” Masaki replied with enthusiasm. “We found someone named Gretta to perform the ritual.”
‘She used the same Spiritual Guru as the one Loyd recommended,’ Hikaru noted to himself.
“I was worried for nothing,” Hikaru said with a sigh of relief. “I thought maybe because of her financial situation, she didn’t have the money to do it.”
“No need to worry,” Masaki replied reassuringly. “Mina traded one of the Blank orbs for the service and sold the other one for a profit!”
Hikaru nodded. “That’s great to hear. By the way, about our previous operation of freeing Mina—I told Lydia it was you and another mysterious Kaya clan member who did it. Can you keep my involvement a secret?”
“Don’t worry, Loki,” Masaki answered with a wink. “Even without you telling us, Mina and I already kept your involvement a secret!”
After finishing his conversation with Masaki, Hikaru watched as she continued her training session. With a final nod of appreciation, he bid them goodbye and made his way towards Gretta’s place.
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The sun was high in the sky as he walked through the bustling streets, enjoying the lively market atmosphere on his way to Gretta’s place. He navigated through one of the alleys near the Bailey Brew until he reached an unassuming house.
The entrance to Gretta’s place was modest, marked only by a simple wooden sign with her name painted on it. Hikaru took a deep breath, steeling himself for what lay ahead. He pushed open the door and stepped inside.
The interior was warm and inviting, filled with the soft glow of light crystals that cast a gentle radiance throughout the room. The walls were adorned with various pictures and symbols, adding to the room’s mystical atmosphere.
Gretta, a middle-aged bamborean woman with an air of quiet wisdom, looked up from a table cluttered with books and scrolls. She greeted Hikaru with a friendly smile. “Welcome! How can I assist you today?”
Hikaru smiled and introduced himself. “I’m Hikaru. I’m here to switch in a set of innate skill. Loyd mentioned that you offer this kind of service.”
Gretta’s eyes brightened with recognition. “Ah, you’re a friend of Loyd! My name is Gretta. Don’t worry, I handle these kinds of rituals regularly. Please, follow me.” She guided Hikaru through a narrow corridor and into a room that seemed to hum with quiet energy.
The ritual room was a sanctuary of calm. Soft, ambient light filtered through the crystals embedded in the walls, casting gentle reflections across the room. Shelves lined with books and ancient-looking scrolls adorned the walls, and the air was filled with the subtle scent of incense.
Gretta gestured to a comfortable chair. “Please, take a seat. Can I see the soulstones you wish to switch in?”
Hikaru reached into his hip pouch and carefully retrieved the Wind Sovereign soulstones, their surfaces glinting with a faint, otherworldly light. He handed them to Gretta with a nod. “Here you go, Gretta.”
Gretta closed her eyes, concentrating on the existential essence within the soulstones. After a moment, she opened her eyes wide with recognition. “These are Wind Sovereign skill anima!”
“Yes, they are,” Hikaru confirmed with a nod.
“I won’t ask why you want to switch this in,” Gretta said, her tone respectful and understanding.
“The price for this ritual is usually four gold coins, but since you’re a friend of Loyd, I’ll discount it to three gold coins,” she explained with a warm smile.
“Thank you,” Hikaru replied, appreciating the gesture. “But could you keep this transaction a secret?”
“Don’t worry,” Gretta assured him, her expression turning serious. “I keep all my clients’ information confidential. Unless, of course, you’re involved in something illegal. In that case, I’d have to report you to the guard.”
“No, nothing like that,” Hikaru said quickly. “I just prefer to keep this private.”
“Understood,” Gretta said with a nod. “Let’s begin the ritual.”
She led Hikaru to the center of the room where a stone bed inscribed with various sigils awaited. “Please, lie down here,” Gretta instructed.
Hikaru followed Gretta’s directions, lying down on the cool, stone surface inscribed with intricate sigils. The stone felt reassuringly solid beneath him as he settled into place.
Gretta began placing several components around her with practiced precision: a handful of astralium, glimmering mana crystals, and a silver bar that caught the ambient light. Each item was carefully positioned within the ritual diagram drawn on the floor, their placements guided by her extensive knowledge.
Taking a deep breath, Gretta held the first soulstone. She placed her free hand gently on Hikaru’s stomach, her touch warm and grounding. Closing her eyes, she shifted into a meditative stance, her breathing deep and steady.
As Gretta began the ritual, the sigils around Hikaru started to glow softly, their light pulsating in time with the rhythm of her breathing.
A moment later, Gretta’s eyes flew open, her face a mix of astonishment and awe. “You... you... you’re a Human-Lord? And you possess a Level 4 Fire Sovereign innate skill!!?”
She stopped the ritual, her mind racing. ‘If Ishihara Sadao can become the scariest person in the area just by using an L3 Fire Sovereign innate skill, then Hikaru, with an L4 Fire Sovereign innate skill, could be even more formidable.’
Gretta continued her train of thought. “No, no, no. Even if he possesses the skill anima, it doesn’t necessarily mean he can use it. But still, someone with a Vermillion bloodline and the potential to wield the Abyssal Eye, which even celestials fear, is something else entirely. Those beings aren’t afraid of death, but having their mentality shattered is another matter. They can’t recover from it, even after being resurrected.”
Seeing Gretta’s mind elsewhere, Hikaru spoke up. “Sorry I didn’t tell you before. Yes, I am a Human-Lord. Please keep this information a secret! Can you still perform the ritual?”
Gretta snapped back to the present, her expression serious. “No need to worry. I can still perform the ritual, but I need to modify the amount of some components here.”
She added more astralium and returned to her position. “I’ve assessed your soul space, Hikaru. The process will take about seven hours to complete. I hope you’re not in a rush.”
Hikaru nodded, his tone reassuring. “No problem at all. Take all the time you need.”
Gretta resumed the ritual, the room gradually filling with a soothing hum of energy. The sound of the essence transfer between Hikaru and the soulstone resonated deeply.
The first soulstone in Gretta’s hand pulsed with light, syncing with the glowing sigils. Hikaru felt a gentle tugging sensation deep within his soul.
After two and a half hours, Gretta set aside the first soulstone, now a blank orb. She picked up the second soulstone, and once again, the room filled with light. The sigils glowed as the second skill anima merged with Hikaru.
“It’s done,” Gretta said softly. “The Level 2 Wind Sovereign innate skill is now part of you.”
Hikaru sat up and briefly meditated to check his soul space. “Thank you, Gretta,” he said, his gratitude evident.
Gretta smiled. “No problem. About the price…”
“No worries, I’ll cover the extra cost for the additional materials,” Hikaru said with a reassuring smile.
“No,” Gretta said firmly. “I’ve decided not to take any payment from you, now or in the future. You can come to me anytime, and I’ll gladly help you free of charge.”
Hikaru looked at her, puzzled. “What do you mean?”
“In exchange, I want your promise that if someday I need a favor, you will help me.” Gretta explained.
Hikaru tried to refuse, but she was insistent. Finally, he agreed, “I agree, but the favor must not go against my principles, and it should be when I’m not busy.”
‘A favor from a Human-Lord with an Abyssal Eye? That’s worth a lot to me!’ Gretta thought with a smile.
Gretta nodded in agreement. As Hikaru stood to leave, he felt the thrill of his new skill tingling in his hand. The prospect of having physical-type abilities was exciting, but he knew it would be unusual for a human to wield elven innate skill without bloodline implantation. He’d need to be cautious about how, when, and where he used it.
Stepping out into the cool evening air, Hikaru felt a mix of excitement and caution. The path ahead was uncertain, but he was better equipped to face whatever challenges lay in wait.