before we go through the usual events i wanted to apologize about the late update. there were issues with the pred ch suddenly vanishing on its way to the 2nd pr aswell as me handeling issues. so please know this ch is pred by Skyler whom i think did an incredibly good job so please give him some rep :)
im not sure how you will all take this chapter all i can say is if you assume something is used as a plot device for the mc when you read my stories you are going to be disapointed i have a habbit for turning things differently when people expect an outcome this is to keep things fresh and a suprise.
by the way enjoy the gift :) its finally done i placed it at the end of the ch to stimulate comments about it. Es will be out in maybe 3-4 days since im busy with rl things the ch is allready done btw.
uhh i think im forgetting something but il edit later so for now
Please Rate/Follow/Favourite/Share/Enjoy the story.
--------------------
As Avrin and Kael made their way towards the lord's manor on foot, Kael couldn't help but blurt out words on an excitement fueled impulse. “Lord Avrin, are we actually going to a dungeon with mercenaries!?“
Replying casually, Avrin spoke as he and Kael traversed a well made granite path towards the large residence’s gates “Indeed. It will benefit you greatly to see how real combat turns out, and we can begin your training there”
Kael gave a soft frown “Lord Avrin, why can't I start now? Surely there is something I can do. Every moment counts!” His voice indeed contained frustration. During the past few days, Avrin hadn't told him to do anything related to training, and only now was the subject perfect for bringing up.
“Very well “ Avrin spoke before he and Kael were stopped at the gates. Avrin immediately showed the badge to them. The 2 guards, who were looking casually at him, jumped in fright, and wasted no more time letting them in.
Avrin gazed around curiously before he spotted some trees. He turned to Kael for a moment. “Hit the tree on the right with your sword until it tumbles over” His words carried not a hint of a joking tone.
Kael stopped dead in his tracks as Avrin moved on “L..Lord Avrin, this…” Avrin, who didn't look back, spoke “You wanted training, and I want to see your persistence. If you can't knock a tree down on your own using a sword, than your willpower will never get you anywhere”
His words his a weak spot. Kael clenched his hands before rushing over to a large oak looking tree, its girth spanning just under a meter. “I presume my hands will be sore after this….” The young boy unsheathed his sword before he slashed horizontally at the large trunk.
As the cold steel landed, a faint thump was heard, before a chip of bark stripped off, leaving a small laceration across the poor tree’s trunk. Kael stopped for a moment, trying to estimate how long and how much energy he would need to use to bring this tree down.
If it was his brother, most likely 2 or 1 lean hits would cause it to tumble. This angered Kael, but also motivated him, as he began to slash horizontally over and over again. The nearby guards who saw this, some being of Kael’s unit, some being the guards of the manor, gazed confused.
Avrin made his way to a small group of knights talking to each other before he passed them as he spoke “Kael is training. Make sure no one helps or interferes” The small group jumped up before looking at Avrin then at Kael before rushing over after spotting some guards heading his way in an attempt to stop them from interrupting him.
As Avrin entered the manor, a yell could be heard as a man dressed in noble attire made his way down in anger as he roared out words “What is that knight doing!! How dare he destroy my precious Mana Oak. It's nearly 100 years old!!”
The man had a sleazy look that screamed scumbag aristocrat, and Henreth, who was beside him, tried to stop him “M..Mayor, please calm down…. Surely there's a reason.”
Avrin couldn't help but give a soft laugh before he spoke “Is everything ok?” Henreth, after seeing Avrin, gave a sigh of relief. Avrin’s words hold more weight than his. “Lord Avrin, this is the mayor of this fine city, Lord Helbin”
Helbin glared at Avrin as he tidied up his clothing “So you're lord Avrin?... Hmph.. Of course something is wrong.. I was speaking to captain Henreth before I heard a strange sound coming from outside, and when I look, I see a young boy chopping my Mana Oak!! Out of my way so I can have his head!!”
Henreth blinked and glared “L..Lord Helbin, that bo-” Before he could finish, he was cut off by the mayor. “Be quiet! It's your fault! How can you bring such ill-mannered folk into my city!”
As Helbin made his way closer, Avrin sighed and placed a hand on his shoulder. “That boy is Kael. I'm sure you know that” Helbin froze in place. Which of the nobles hadn't heard of the black sheep of a family rivaling for control of humanity.
“That uncouth knight is Kael? Ha! I heard he was lacking his father's attention, but it seems his mind has a few screws loose to be whacking at a tree…”
Avrin didn't speak, but it was Henreth who interjected. “Lord Helbin, please calm yourself. I'm sure there's a reason. Right, Lord Avrin?”
Avrin looked out one of the windows of the manor’s large entrance, which seemed to have a fine crafted wooden frame, showing how much Helbin cared about decorative interiors. “Indeed. I'm training him. He has to keep hitting that tree until it tumbles or until I'm satisfied”
Several veins on Helbin’s forehead appeared as he clenched his fists “H...How dare you! It is you, than, who is the instigator… That Mana Oak is something that only grows in the elven city! Do you know how hard it was to purchase, as well as the price, and effort to plant it!!”
Avrin gave an uncaring look. Then again, with a mask on, one wouldn't be able to tell. “Than I will compensate you in full. And you will also have the pleasure of knowing it went to training a young boy striving to become something. How much did it cost you?”
Helbin rubbed his forehead, as he was frustrated, before grinning. He had originally spent a total of 400 gold coins, but considering what Henreth told him about, Avrin he felt he could make some profit from this out of city lord. “Uhh, well in that case, Lord Avrin, I'm sure it's fine… Reimbursing me with the total of 1500 gold coins will do for the replacement and damages…” Avrin raised a brow, and even Henreth turned pale. Even to a lord, 1500 gold coins was no small amount.
“Helbin, let’s speak inside. There, we can sit down, so we can talk better.” Helbin then gave a soft laugh, thinking he had struck it rich. Even if they negotiate, he felt he could receive a good profit. Keeping the tree maintained didn't cost much, as it only required the right soil, and he had already taken care of that for no more than 5 gold coins.
Helbin led Avrin and Henreth inside one of his own chambers, which had a fireplace and a small assortment of books. Avrin took a seat, making himself comfortable, before Helbin even told him. Henreth on the other hand, was lower in reputation than these 2, and dared not sit down.
“Well Lord Avrin, 1500 gold coins. I'm willing to negotiate though. That tree...is very precious. Even now, as every second passes, I know that boy is chipping away at it… It hurts me inside..”
Avrin raised his right hand, as he was carefully examining his gauntlet, as if to make improvements on it for later, not paying much attention to Helbin, which seemed to anger him.
“Lord Avrin, are you listening!?” Helbin seemed to be as ill tempered as Yin, which made Avrin wonder that nobles either like Gregson or Yin. “I'll give you 50 gold coins” These words caused Henreth and Helbin to freeze, before Helbin laughed suddenly.
“Lord Avrin, hahahahaha, truly a joker you are. Do you know Mana Oaks are grown to have their materials enchanted, even more so than used to construct war ships? I have this one as a sign of how much I love my city”
Avrin frowned and leaned against the right palm of his gauntlet engulfed hand. “Helbin, when I joke around, it's when I'm tormenting others in combat before I kill them, or with people I'm close to. Which one are you?”
Helbin didn't dare anger Avrin any more, despite Helbin being a lord of a city and Avrin being someone who sprung up with a badge carrying a lot of significance. He felt this man didn't like to be taken for a fool.
“U..Uhh, 50 gold coins is fine, Lord Avrin…. But the tree….can you please choose another?” Avrin spoke “Mana trees are quite durable. I'm sure that tree is 2x more durable than the usual oak. It’s good training for the boy, but since I feel bad for you, continue to listen”
Helbin, who had been sweating bullets, and Henreth, who felt the atmosphere was tense, knowing Avrin may have no issue turning this manor into a slaughter house, slowly calmed down.
“Tomorrow, me and Kael will be escorting a group of mercenaries on a dungeon raid. It will help him grow and strengthen. So I will be postponing the campaign to The Twisting Lands”
Henreth blinked as he spoke “Lord..Avrin, is this realyl necessary?.. And with mercenaries, they can't be trusted. Their kind...they aren't affiliated with the adventurers guild. Mainly because they enjoy betraying others..”
Helbin frowned “Hmph… Dungeon? I'm not aware of any dungeons near here or on the islands. They are rare occurrences. What are you truly up to, Lord Avrin?”
Not caring for Helbin’s words, he replied swiftly “Doubt me as much as you want, but you will be housing the unit until me and Kael return” Avrin’s answer made Helbin widen his eyes. “You are not taking them?”
Even Henreth spoke “Lord Avrin… This can't be allowed. We follow where Kael goes…” Avrin softly laughed. “I am the one tasked with his growth. On such an expedition, I don't want to be responsible for your unit losing lives. If it is me and Kael, I can guarantee that he will be safe, and return stronger at the least”
Henreth rubbed his forehead a little as Helbin broke the silence. “Are you saying you require me to house these knights until you return? Do you take me as an inn, Lord Avrin?” With a calm reply, Avrin spoke “Surely you would help your fellow servants of the kingdom? Isn't it better if humanity sticks together to assist one another”
Helbin wasn't convinced. To him, he enjoyed a good profit, as well as gifts “Lord Avrin, if I remember right, in Gregson's letter to me, these knights are to follow young Kael through thick and thin. I will not keep them longer than a week at most”
Avrin frowned “You're tough to deal with Lord Helbin. Very well. Knowing how you tried to profit from me on our first meeting, allow them to stay until me and Kael return, and I will bring you a token of appreciation from the dungeon”
Helbin’s eyes lit up like candles as he chuckled heartedly “Lord Avrin, you make it hard to say no. Very well, if that is the case, than I agree. In fact, I will treat them like honored guests!” Avrin stood up “Glad to see you're convinced. I will take my leave now, and rest for tomorrow. Henreth, follow me out. I need your assistance”
Henreth, curious to see what Avrin’s request was, bowed to Helbin, who had began to pour himself a glass of wine without offering any to the two as they left, which irritated Henreth. But he dared not speak as he and Avrin exited the room.
They walked on for several meters before Henreth spoke “Lord Avrin, do you truly intend to bring that man something? It would be simple to order him using the badge Lord Gregson gave you, as he is of higher nobility.”
Avrin shook his head. “Helbin is a greedy noble. Let me worry about him. I need you to have someone prepare supplies of at least 2 weeks worth, and 2 horses for me and Kael. It may take at least a week, but I have a feeling that dungeon isn't simple”
Henreth gazed carefully at Avrin “What sort of dungeon is it, Lord Avrin? Surely one of great riches.” Avrin didn't speak of the draconians the mercenary told him about. He knew Henreth would cry complaints of how it was too dangerous.
Avrin smiled “Just a simple ruin. It will be more archeological, but it will help motivate Kael to train harder. For now, please see to those supplies. I'm going out for a while.” Henreth nodded as he stopped while Avrin made his way out of the manor.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Avrin didn't plan to stay in such a place. The atmosphere was too weird, as well as disgusting, considering Helbin was there. He decided to explore the port city a little and see what sort of sea delicacies may be served, as well as pay a visit to the general goods vendor.
But of course, on his mind, there was one place he wanted to visit but didn't prioritize. That shop was the alchemy store, where mana enriched potions combined with herbs could save one's life or increase efficiency and strength.
Of course, with Avrin being a Spectral with many benefits, one couldn't be too safe. Not to mention that since he hadn't planned to convert Kael, it may be wise to bring his own assortment and prepare for the worst.
Several hours went by, as Avrin had gone to explore many of the different shops. The port city was brimming with trade and exotic goods that would fetch a high price in the cities not blessed with an open trade route in the ocean.
Avrin had purchased many different sorts of fruits that he ate. Of course, having his mask on, it was annoying, so he had used his nebula mist to create a wide open hole in the mask, leaving the chin section linking to the cheek area intact, but the mouth part was open enough for his lips to move freely.
His favourite fruit was one called Electric Berry. The fruit was one grown on high altitudes in stormy weather and would attract lightning bolts to strike near it, where the apple looking fruits, that had an azure color, would grow underground.
The fruit itself had a strong sweet taste that was a little citrusy, but also one could feel the reason why it had got it's name. The aftertaste gave one the feeling of having mild electricity in their mouths. The merchant had told him that the berry itself was also sought after for alchemy, as it could be used to increase one's magic for lightning based spells. That being said, the price was 1 gold coin each. Just showing how popular they were.
Avrin, having spent enough time at the various stalls, made his way to the alchemy shop that seemed to prosper greatly, with several adventurers making their way in. Upon closer inspection, one could smell the strength of the herbs used in concoctions, as well as see smoke emitting from various holes in the building, showing that something was always brewing.
Heading inside, Avrin was eager and somewhat excited. Alchemy could be said to be one of the closest links to his universe, considering the task, but as Avrin went inside, he was proven wrong.
Finishing off the rest of the electric berries, he looked a little shocked, with many shelves protected by powerful magical enchantments one could see many different vials with plates under them to describe the potion as well as the price.
Looking around more, Avrin counted 12 people happily buying stock. “Hey, if I buy 5 rank 1 healing potions, can't you give me a discount?” One adventurer spoke to the old lady at the counter. The old man beside her, who was examining a herb, gazed at him as the old lady gave a soft laugh.
It was the man who spoke “A discount? Healing potions are still annoying to make. They’re usually 40 silver each. If you buy 10, I'll sell them for 30 silver each” The man spoke swiftly, with no mercy. The young adventurer and his 2 companions grew pale before looking at each other.
They also knew the price was usually expensive, and also knew this old man was still ripping them off. “Urgh…. F..Fine, 10 for 30 silver…” With a gentle laugh, the old lady smiled “Thank you, I will have them prepared right away!”
Making her way to the back, her voice could be barely heard speaking to others. Most likely the one's who brew the potions. Avrin paid no more attention as he gazed at some of the stock on the shelves.
“Titan Skin potion… Allows the user’s skin to be as hard as iron. Rank 4, 400 gold…” Avrin’s eyebrow twitched a little. The vial itself was no larger than a grown man’s thumb, but one could say that, per rank, the potion would add another 100 gold coins.
“Such expensive prices… What’s this one” Gazing at a round vial with a purple liquid that seemed to sparkle a little, he read it's plate. “Mage Ward potion. Fearing mages and their cheap distance attacks? This potion grants resistance to all affinities to at least 5%. Rank 1, 800 gold“
Avrin’s face grew pale. He could see why the adventurers had come in excited, only to have sad looks on their faces. It was as if they were being robbed after coming inside. For the sake of one last try, he read another. He decided to look at the case that was protected with the most mana enhanced materials. The vial was made from a rocky substance that seemed to have crystals protruding from it's side, as well as an insignia on its front. “Enigma potion. A potion with the ability to let it's user enter a berserk state. New on the market with an ancient recipe discovered in a dungeon. This is the 3rd potion concocted and it's rank is presumed 1, but a lack of information has judged it’s quality Rank 1. 10,000 gold”
Avrin couldn't help but place his right hand on the glass cover as he raised a brow after reading it's contents. “So recipes can be found in ancient ruins. Is it even worth it for me to purchase something like this?…”
Avrin frowned. His curiosity had gotten the better of him. A faint trace of Nebula Mist left his body before slipping into the enchanted sack he carried at his waist. The sack itself gave a faint glow under his cloak, as something was being formed inside.
He spoke out “I’d like this Enigma potion please.” The entire store was silent, as a few mouths gaped open, as people gazed at Avrin, wondering who he was and if he was bluffing.
These adventurers would often go out and come back to restock on supplies, never venturing too far. So they were aware of the most expensive products in the alchemy shop. The old lady blinked in surprise, and the old man called out, not paying much attention.
“Lad, if I had a gold coin for every time I heard someone say they will buy it, I would be able to buy that potion again. I'm not negotiating any price, I'll have you know…”
After Avrin had felt the Nebula Mist accomplish it's task, he walked up to the counter and raised his hand. As the bag opened, he used his divine sense to cause all what he created to form a neat pile onto the counter.
There were shimmering gold coins coming out dozens at a time, forming neat stacks. The onlookers cried out quietly in shock, as they dropped what they were doing to look at the scene. No one had ever heard of someone being able to use telekinesis before, and this scene even shocked the old man, who dropped a small smoking pipe he had placed in his mouth earlier.
A minute had passed before a large pile of gold was left on the counter. The old man gazed cautiously at Avrin as he took a gold coin and bit it, then another, and another, until he had did so to 5 of them. “Lad… Are you serious about this? 10,000 gold coins..is a lot of money, and...I don't take refunds you know… And in 20 years, that potion has been on that shelf. No one has bought it. I'm not even sure if it's potent anymore”
Avrin shook his head. “That's fine. It's only to sate my curiosity.” The old man wondered who this man was. To buy an expensive potion with a price that made even lords tremble, and even then no one had risked drinking it.
“Then, before I give it to you.“ Ignoring all the dumbfounded stares of the envious adventurers, Avrin and the old man made their way to the case, as the old lady, who was trembling, had 2 assistants quickly pack the gold away.
“This potion has a shifty rumor about it. The alchemist guild gave me one because no other shop wanted it. They say the tasters of this potion all went berserk and went on a rampage, as if filled with new power.. Wanting to kill anyone near them. I'm no warrior, but I can tell you not to use this unless you're by yourself and as a last resort. The tasters were all put down, but only after several individuals lost their lives.”
Avrin didn't budge. He felt even more attached to the potion. Wanting to conquer something that may be his end proved to be an interesting task. “What else can you tell me about it? The ancient recipe it was made from?”
The old man undid the magic seal before opening the glass cabinet door, and delicately took the potion out. “There isn't much. It took 5 years for the best translators to figure it out. But from what we know, the owner was a hermit and also an enigmatic user whose ability focused mainly around alchemy. God knows if we'll ever see another genius like that again. I doubt even the gods themselves would be capable of such interesting concoctions.”
Avrin’s eyes lit up. At first, he was underwhelmed by it, because he figured that if an alchemist could create something like this, the gods themselves may be able to provide something better. But hearing about him being an enigmatic level user made all the more difference. He valued it even more.
“Ah, incredible. But shouldn't it be possible to make many of these? Why would the alchemy guild leave it here?” Avrin was handed the potion, and he gently looked at it before placing it in his enchanted sack.
“As I said. No one wanted to sell it, and the empire wasn't interested in a potion that could make it's user kill everyone around them. Not to mention the ingredients..” The old man frowned a bit.
The onlookers were either red faced or mumbling curses to themselves. Never had they seen the old man treat a customer so well. It irritated them, but in honesty, it was their jealousy and envy of Avrin and how he casually bought the potion.
They could only listen in on their conversation, but it didn't last long, as the old lady shot them an evil glare and they panicked before minding their own business. “Well, the ingredients were found in a small wooden box with the recipe. A vial of some black blood, a nugget of Sky Metal, a transparent herb”
As if the blood from his head had drained away, Avrin was silent for some time. “-Sky….Metal?.... Could that explain the berserk effect?... Are these people idiots to not value something like this? And they used several nuggets of it as well. What a bargain. And what luck I must have…-”
Avrin had rarely ever felt so excited. He was trying his best to not tremble with excitement. He was tempted to drink it in this shop, had it not been for the fear that may ensue. He was also not sure of how strong it would be, considering it had Sky Metal.
“Lad, are you ok?.. You're not having second thoughts, are you?” The old man also seemed a little nervous. He was overjoyed to finally be rid of the potion and make a large profit.
Softly laughing, Avrin shook his head. “Not at all. I'm thankful. Also, is it possible to have more of this brewed?” The man shook his head with a forced smile “God I hope not, boy. All I know is that all the ingredients are used up. If you ever stumble across them, the alchemy guild may be able to do so for a price. But I'm sure they will be over the moon once they hear I sold this”
Reaffirming his joy to be rid of it, Avrin nodded. “I'll take my leave then. Thank you” Avrin happily made his way out, and as he left, a man quickly ran out, gazing at him before running off towards the inn.
If Avrin bothered to memorize their faces, he would know this was one of the mercs hired under Felia. After having bought the potion, Avrin saw no reason to continue on. He made his way out of the city towards the nearby forest, as he had wanted to check in on his body’s progress.
http%3a%2f%2fi618.photobucket.com%2falbums%2ftt267...xfwj7b.jpg [http://i618.photobucket.com/albums/tt267/vilereaver41/Cover0010.2_zpsrtxfwj7b.jpg]
Spectral Regalia's New Cover Is Finally Completed aswell as a closer look at Avrins Pupil's i get a few pms a month asking me what sort of pattern. also an emblem of a soon to be empire. please know the mask in the story doesent have the emblem on it yet
----------------------