!!!!! Pr Credits To Draconis & Mytsy who not only both pred it but improved this ch's quality greatly please rep them ^^!!! Also Thank you to My Donors for supporting SR
hmm not much to say here really, i intended to release this in the morning as its 3 am here, but i know how much you guys like suprise releases.
A few people have been asking me about when im writing ES, i want to focus on spectral first and make sure i can achieve a bit of quality again. If i split my time when im in the stage of trying to help sr recover a bit, then the quality will be halved.
I have some interesting twists for ES, so hopefully after a few good SR chapters i can release a few for es and get the ball moving again.
other then that enjoy chapter 102.
P.S im conflicted with spacing dialogue paragraphs as i feel if i do mid sentence it will confuse some people, which is why i leave it as is for the most part.
--------------
Two people wearing robes similar to Erebus’ walked in with nervous expressions. They were a middle aged man and woman who seemed as if they had something on their minds.
“What's wrong?” Erebus spoke while maintaining his position. The two Spectrals glanced at each other before the middle aged man spoke, “Lord Erebus, we have been discussing things with the others, and we are wondering why our savior isn't here with us.”
Erebus sighed as he replied, “Have I not spoken about this before? He is tending to his own matters that may or may not benefit us. Regardless of the outcome, who are we to question his actions?”
The middle aged man crept back a little, as he felt Erebus’ tone was a bit hostile. The woman spoke in his stead, “My Lord, that may be the case, but surely with our savior here we can improve ourselves and learn much more from him.”
Erebus let out a soft sigh before speaking, “That may be true, but who are we to judge him? He gave us a seed and instructions to grow it. Are we supposed to still beg him to hold our hands? How can we improve ourselves if we cry out for him like a child wanting its parents? We need to take these matters into our own hands. Don't be impatient. When the time is right, he will send us a sign. One year or one-hundred years, what's it to us now?”
Erebus didn't necessarily agree or disagree with them. He wanted to take a more logical stance, which would hopefully put their minds at ease.
The middle aged woman nodded and bowed, “We understand, Lord Erebus. We will go tell the others. We apologize for interrupting.” With that said, the two Spectrals turned and left, closing the door to Erebus’ training room and leaving him in silence.
“Surely our savior hasn’t abandoned us. It would be foolish to think so this early on. Preposterous.” Erebus grunted to himself at the dumb idea.
Within the southern continent, a lone figure was sitting on a high cliff with the wind blowing across her skin and through her hair. It didn't stir a reaction, as she seemed lost in thought. This girl was Ayame.
She had a look of sadness and a tinge of regret. “Why would he try to kill me and Master? Were his motives truly evil like Master said?” Her thoughts seemed a bit conflicted and confused.
“Why would he try and kill me and Master Syrana? Is it revenge for the way we treated him? Maybe it really was my fault. I was aggressive from the beginning. I should have been more careful. He tried to kill me and Master, I'm sure he hates us both.” With that thought, her heart felt a bit pressured.
While she thought to herself, a voice called out, “Ayame, why are you still sulking? You have been avoiding your family and neglecting your training. Are you still sad about Avrin?” Shimaru approached casually as he stood beside her.
Ayame blinked and stood up before bowing to him. “Forgive me, grandfather. It was wrong of me to have lingering thoughts of this.” She showed proper respect and apologized to Shimaru, as she also knew this had affected her life.
“Ayame, you never had a good relationship with Avrin. Why are you feeling this depressed? Let it be a lesson to you. Although I don't think Avrin is bad, you should have been less aggressive towards him. Maybe he would have been more forgiving.”
Ayame felt her heart tug as she nodded. “G-Grandfather, I…” Before Ayame could speak, Shimaru sighed inwardly and spoke “I can't play to your feelings, Ayame. You are a shinobi and your heart must be strong. I have high hopes for you. Don't let this get you down. There will be more opportunities for you later on.”
Ayame chuckled softly and shook her head. “It's too late for this, grandfather. The time has passed. I can only hold this regret down for the rest of my life and think about what I did wrong.”
Shimaru grinned and spoke, “Is it really too late?” Ayame looked at Shimaru, confused, as she spoke, “Grandfather?” Shimaru continued, “Your master Syrana sent me a message saying she will be arriving the day after tomorrow to discuss tracking Avrin down. She is intent on finding him. I have no idea what is running through her mind.”
Ayame’s face lifted and her eyes widened. Surely she could have her questions answered if she met Avrin again. “Is… this the truth, grandfather?!” She spoke with an excited expression. Shimaru could see the hope in her had been reignited.
“This is the truth, but I'm not sure I can convince her into taking you along. You will have to catch up with your training in these two days and put yourself under pressure. Otherwise, I won't even let you see her.”
Shimaru seemed harsh, but he cared for Ayame. He knew, wherever Avrin was, it would be dangerous, so he wanted Ayame to be prepared. “I will, grandfather. I'll go now!” Ayame happily bowed again before vanishing to go start her training.
Since that meeting, two days had passed. A cloaked figure walked towards the White Dragon Clan’s main estate. Although it was guarded, the cloaked figure lowered her hood to reveal her beautiful, yet icy appearance. The guards quickly showed courtesy and bowed as they greeted the female, “Welcome, Lady Syrana!” The four spoke in unison before Syrana greeted them and entered the estate.
An attendant who had been waiting for her quickly went to greet her and then led her towards Shimaru’s home. With the door opening, Syrana saw Shimaru already seated and prepared as he greeted her. She walked over and sat down opposite of him before she spoke in a rushed yet annoyed tone. One could see that when it came to the matter of Avrin, she had no patience and was eager to find him.
“Shimaru, I will get to the point. Avrin. Do you have any idea where he could be? You have been around him the longest.” Hearing this, Shimaru laughed quietly, “Oh, indeed. Straight to the point, Lady Syrana.”
Syrana grunted quietly before Shimaru continued. “In truth, he is my disciple, and one with potential only the gods could judge. I am not obligated to tell you anything about him, if you intend to harm him in any way.”
Syrana’s eyes narrowed as she spoke in response. “Is this man really your disciple, even after attempting to kill your granddaughter as well as me?” Shimaru gave a soft smile as he began to pour some tea that had been prepared beforehand. “Lady Syrana, I'm sure if that were the case, Ayame would already be dead. I can only assume that something happened that aggravated the situation between you three.”
Syrana clenched her teeth as she remembered her threat to destroy the Skymetal. Clearly, whatever it was, Avrin valued it very, very much. “Ayame had told me about the object used and I can see it wasn’t intended to kill. Quite a marvelous device, I must say. Ah, if only Avrin was here. I would make him make me a few, hah.” Shimaru quietly laughed, which only seemed to make Syrana angrier.
A steady aura began to flow out of Syrana, which made Shimaru quiver a bit. Despite his appearance, Syrana was clearly older than him by many years, as well as stronger by leaps and bounds. “What is stopping me from forcing the information out of you?” She spoke harshly.
“Well, you could try, Lady Syrana… but I'm sure you know that I don't have any idea about Avrin’s whereabouts, and I also know you wouldn't harm me.” Syrana relaxed and her magic aura dispersed. Despite that, she looked frustrated.
“Although I don't have any idea of his whereabouts, I have a few scraps of information that may lead to a clue of it.” At these words, Syrana’s elvish ears twitched slightly as she looked back at Shimaru, clearly awaiting the information.
“Very well, Lady Syrana. As you know, my clan is quite cautious of humanity and the other races. Although it is hard to infiltrate most of the other races’ cities, humanity is quite easy, thus we have spies in a lot of the major cities as well as the capital city of humanity, in which we have a small base of operations set up.
Syrana spoke out in disatisfaction. “Shimaru, I hope you are telling me this is for a purpose that will lead me to Avrin?” Shimaru quietly laughed and nodded.
“Let us hope. During the time Avrin left, I was also worried for his safety, which is why I sent an order for all these people to keep an eye and ear open for anything that would have to do with Avrin. From this, I can tell you that the origin of this information comes from the Twisting Lands.”
Syrana tensed up at those words. Who wouldn't know of the Twisting Lands in this day and age, one of the most dangerous areas on the planet. Only experienced Experts and veterans of fighting would dare venture there.
“Are you referring to the mercenaries who discovered a large load of treasure by any chance?” Even Syrana had heard of these people. Such an event had travelled far and wide, sparking great interest.
“Indeed, Lady Syrana. You're quite perceptive. I'll tell you now, that by coincidence, one of my spies had overheard a conversation within a tavern in Altea city. Two drunk mercenaries had supposedly claimed they were from the group that discovered this treasure, and that they had encountered some sort of draconian creatures.”
Syrana was quite interested but quickly frowned and spoke. “Shimaru, how does this have anything to do with Avrin?” Shimaru smiled.
“These draconians, Lady Syrana, were said to be, at the very least, Expert level. Ordinary mercenaries wouldn't be able to handle these, but this spy of mine had overheard them saying that someone hired by them had easily been able to kill the draconians. That man’s name was said to be Avrin!”
Syrana’s fists clenched as she gritted her teeth with anticipation. “Avrin, was it really you? Fighting draconians? I can't believe it. What purpose would you have?” Even Syrana wasn't sure about this, and she immediately spoke, “Can this be trusted?”
Hearing Syrana, Shimaru chuckled. “Of course. You know my clan does not raise anyone useless. This was verified by my spy, who managed to see it all. Apparently, there were people trying to buy the mercenary out with alcohol, hoping to get some information on treasure but were only able to uncover this. Truly, our luck is right.” Shimaru replied. Syrana thought for a moment before continuing. "These mercenary's are called?"
“Oh, the mercenary group. That wasn't hard to find out after following the man back. But I have a condition.” Syrana, already eager to find Avrin, gazed at Shimaru cautiously. Syrana remembered the time that her and Avrin shared, as well as his story and the event with him during that night at the lake. She was clearly attracted to him in a way she wasn't sure about, but she also wanted revenge and to release her anger. She bit her lips and spoke. “What is it…?”
“You are to give a chance to Ayame. Listen to her request to join you.” Of course, before Syrana could reply to Shimaru, there was a flash, and a healthier, eager looking Ayame appeared and knelt down beside Syrana, who gazed at her in confusion. “Please, Master, please let me accompany you in your search for Avrin.”
Hearing Ayame’s begging, Syrana was taken aback. Of course, she had a soft spot for this girl. She had watched her grow up and, in a sense, she was Syrana’s disciple. “Ayame, it's dangerous. I can't put you in danger again. Who knows what may happen and if we meet Avrin, he may pull another trick.”
“M-Master, please, allow me! I have trained my very best these past couple of days and have pushed myself as hard as I could. I know I can't make up for the missed training, but with this journey, I'm sure I can grow stronger!”
Syrana gazed more carefully at Ayame, seeing bruises around her legs, arms and some on her face. One could see she trained quite hard, and maybe a little too much these past couple of days, in hopes of joining her.
Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
“Ayame is just as entitled as you, Syrana, to an answer from Avrin. Don't deny her this.” Shimaru spoke in a casual tone. Syrana wanted to reply, but glanced at Ayame and saw a confused sadness that truly wanted answers. Syrana sighed and nodded. “Very well… You may accompany me, but at the first sign of danger I can't overcome, you must flee.”
Ayame nodded with a cheerful smile as her heart began to beat quicker. With that said and done, Shimaru gave Syrana the rest of the information he obtained on the mercenaries, including the location of their new headquarters that they had recently purchased, Altea city.
Looking at all this, Syrana gave a small, menacing grin. “Wait for me, Avrin, you bastard. I’m going to make sure to kick you until you’re bloody and get some answers.” Going over the information, Syrana had decided to spend the rest of the night at the estate.
When morning came, she and Ayame got up and were preparing supplies given by Shimaru. A few high ranking shinobi had awoken for this, including Ayame’s father and mother, who bid their daughter farewell. Shimaru also watched on with a happy expression. He had nothing much more to say. At the least, he felt this trip, even if they couldn't find Avrin, would make Ayame stronger.
As their figures disappeared, Ayame’s father spoke to Shimaru. “Father… why did you order me to keep out of this?” He was very annoyed. “Do not be so oblivious. If this doesn't reach a conclusion in one way or another, Ayame’s growth will stagnate, and this will affect her talent. At least this way, she can grow while seeking answers.”
With that said, Ayame’s father sighed. His wife gently touched his shoulder to comfort him. With these events transpiring, it was now 8:00 am in the morning. They had been walking for fifteen minutes, each carrying enchanted bags and wearing cloaks to conceal their appearances, more so from perverts who would cause trouble rather than people who would recognize them.
Syrana suddenly stopped, which made Ayame blink and speak. “Master…?” Ayame asked in confusion. But Syrana raised her voice and called out. “How long are you going to keep following us?”
Ayame’s body tensed and she looked around, but was unable to find anything. Suddenly, she focused to the front of her and Syrana, where, ten meters ahead, a blurry figure appeared in front of them. At the sight, Ayame’s eyebrow twitched.
A familiar beauty with long blond hair running down to her lower back, wearing a purple top with some ninja netting across her chest, her hands crossed under her fair bust, causing them to lift slightly, a cheeky grin appearing on her face as if she wasn't impressed at all by her being spotted.
“Izanami!” Ayame called out to the girl, who was in fact Izanami. Ayame seemed quite shocked and quickly asked, “Why are you here?”
“Oh, dear sister, it's quite unfair for you two to go see Avrin without me. After all, I spent just as much time with him as the two of you. Let me tag along.” She placed her right hand’s index finger on her right cheek as she tilted her head a little, showing a cute appearance.
Syrana carefully looked at Izanami. She clearly knew of the girl’s lewd nature, and was quite cautious of her motives. She was deceptive and Syrana had never really seen her much, but such a confrontation now required words to be used.
“Not a chance.” Syrana spoke calmly before she began walking again, eventually passing Izanami, who gave a sad look. Of course, one could tell she was faking it. “Aww! Why not?“ She uttered as she walked behind Ayame, who had just passed her.
“There is no reason for you to go.” Syrana said to try and get rid of her. Izanami replied, “Oh, I guess you must be following Avrin because you feel obligated for something. Did he take your purity? If that’s so, I'm jealous. I spent a lot of time sparring with him and he never made advances towards me. I even know some secrets you may find valuable.”
Syrana stopped again. Under the hood, one could see that her face had gotten incredibly red, as the scene at the lake resurfaced in her mind. She shut her eyes and spoke again. “I… I said no...” She stuttered.
Ayame, who watched this, remained quiet as she continued to follow Syrana. Izanami sighed before grinning. “You surely can't hope to get any truthful information just by using force and limited gold. I know you elves like to keep to yourself in your land and don't really have a need for it. Wherever Avrin may be, he must have travelled a lot.
My grandfather may have given Ayame gold, but will you really take a chance and spend it all on information? What about shelter and food? And by the time it runs out, you will have to find a way to make more. But who's to say that Avrin won't move to more places and make the gap larger?”
Syrana’s eyes widened for a moment. She had to admit that Izanami had thought this through and was careful with her words. She knew that she had underestimated her based on her lewd actions.
Even Ayame had a reddened face because Izanami had given this situation more thought than she had. She knew she was right because the amount of gold given to her wasn't much, and even then, she couldn't borrow much from the spies within the capital because they just lived normal lives to blend in.
“Syrana, you should know, I specialize in information retrieval. If there is information on Avrin, I can help you track him down and save you a lot of time...” She spoke in a manner as if she knew she was the only option. Izanami didn't seem worried.
Syrana stopped again as she thought about these things. She seemed a little skeptical about it. Syrana once remembered a time where her and Myra visited Shimaru and they talked casually. He once called Izanami a dangerous prodigy when it came to obtaining information, although her methods are a bit unorthodox for their clan. Any kingdom that manages to catch her eye will no doubt find a back door to all their enemies.
“Fine. But you have to listen to me, and not cause any trouble at all.” Syrana looked at Izanami with a cautious glare, but this only made Izanami wiggle happily and wink at Syrana. “Of course! Look, I even got a cloak to blend in.”
With that said, she reached into her own enchanted bag to her side and pulled out a well packed cloak that she put on, covering herself entirely. But one could still see that her bust couldn't all be hidden, as it pushed from under the cloak a bit.”
Syrana could only sigh a bit as veins popped on her forehead. She huffed and walked off again. Ayame was a bit surprised and glanced at Izanami again before following Syrana. In truth, she never really talked to her sister, as she seemed to never be around much and they didn't really share many interests.
Izanami quickly caught up, walking from behind them, lost in thought. “Hmph. Both of you are after Avrin for a bit of revenge? How could you not admire him, a man that focuses on improving himself and doesn't pay attention to any emotional attachments. I couldn't even find out anything about him” She thought, showing that her words before were a lie. In fact, she didn't know any secrets at all regarding Avrin.
“That Avrin.. He didn't flirt with me at all, or showed any interest. At one point, I thought he preferred men, but after carefully examining him, I saw that it seemed as if he felt no such emotion. As if he were an automation with his thoughts set on improving himself. He doesn't care about relationships or women. It's as if he is striving towards something. Unfortunately, I couldn't decipher it. He is truly different from any man I have ever met.”
As the three traveled together, Izanami, in her thoughts, recalled a scene with her mother when she was younger. A slight flashback. Izanami, at the age of eight, looking innocent while wearing a beautiful, well covered dress that blended a kimono with a European dress. It looked cute on her, even as her hair was short and tied up in a bun.
She was peeking in the door with confusion. She watched her mother cry after an argument with her father. “Mommy…?” Izanami slowly and carefully showed herself, a look of worry on her face.
Seeing the little girl in front of her, Izanami’s mother smiled and wiped her tears. “Izanami, come here.” Izanami approached, and her mother happily embraced her.
“Izanami, my sweet daughter. Let me tell you this. One day, you will understand that men who focus on their lust and are easily swayed by good looks and nothing else, are not worthy of any woman. But a man who sets goals, works hard and isn’t swayed at all by those outside features is truly a man who, once he finds love, will be dedicated to that woman.”
With another flash, the three were traversing through the dense forest. Izanami recalled the first time she met Avrin. With his looks, she had thought he was the sort of man who preyed on women and even tried to go after her sister. She felt she could practice her skills by seducing someone like him.
But as time went on and she tried over and over again, she realised Avrin not once gave her a perverted glance and surely not a dirty thought. It was as if he treated her like a nuisance. This had never happened to her before, although she was one who seduced many men and her family thought she wasn't pure, in fact it was the opposite.
She was someone who hadn't let any man have their way with her. She felt that she would continue until she found the right man to settle down with, as one who she fell for would truly deserve her first.
Izanami was even more attached to Avrin because, compared to the times she ventured out with other shinobi to the nearby cities in the Southern continent, apart from her father, grandfather and little brother, Avrin was the only one who treated her as if she wasn’t an object, but as a human would treat another, even if he found her annoying. It was the first time in years.
As she grew up, she realised her mother was right. Many shinobi from their clan tried to court her and often had duels because they thought she was their woman. This infuriated her on the inside. It was then that she decided to use these fools as tools for advancement.
For people who treated her like an object, she would return the favor, which is why, over time, when Avrin, who didn't care about relations or lewdness, didn't give her the attention she thought she would receive, she slowly became attracted towards him.
She also understood that no normal person would peak her grandfather's interest. She felt Avrin had great potential. He managed to trick a dragon and a Sigil wielder. She wanted to see what heights he would soar to.
And before she knew it, her heart had set on him. She wanted to see what sort of a man he was, if she could win his love. Despite this, she had still tried to seduce him, because she didn't know how to do anything else to keep his interest, which made her feel regret. She knew she should have been more subtle.
Despite this, as Izanami glanced at Syrana and Ayame, she knew both of them felt for Avrin, and it may be a spark or an inferno. Regardless of this, she would never let them get their hands on him and would keep him for herself. She felt she had a better chance, as she was more experienced.
“Just you wait, Avrin. Sooner or later, you will be mine.” She gave a grin and suddenly began to giggle, which made Ayame and Syrana quiver a little.
Within the Northern continent, a black blur was speeding through the rocky terrain. When the figure stopped beside a tree for a moment, one could see his large physique. Although cloaked, his stature was quite frightening. This was, of course, Asura. He began to sniff around, as if trying to pick up a scent. Although his eyes were not augmented, his nose had gotten more sensitive and much stronger.
“Hmm... the southwest… a heavy scent. There must be a lot.” He spoke to himself in a coarse voice. “But before that…” His mouth parted a bit, revealing his sharpened teeth as his left hand spread to the side and he tensed his body, his dagger-like claws extending out.
------------
A.N) i usually spend 15-20 minutes lately rereading and carefully going over things to make sure i don't miss anything, posting a chapter doesn't seem so easy now does it >.> on the bright side, i picked up on a sentence that didn't make sense and added a bit to it.