!!!!! Pr Credits To Draconis & Rota who not only both pred it but improved this ch's quality greatly please rep them. Also Full Credits to Askard who maintains the Information Doc where a majority of spectral regalia information is written please Rep him to ^^!!!
Consider this release 2 days early it counts as this weeks chapter to give me a bit of breathing space to handle the next aswell as to spoil you guys a bit after all my late releases. also i have seen some questions regarding some wierd parts of the story that dont make sense and i'v put some answers at the bottom of this chapter in a spoiler tab, if you dont like your immersion ruined i dont reccomend reading the answers :3
Please Share/Rate/Follow/Enjoy chapter 91 :D
-----------------
“Hmmm?...” Kael suddenly had a bad feeling due to the expression Henreth had made, and he nodded, to which he followed Henreth, who glanced at Avrin. “Lord Avrin, were you joining us, or...?” Avrin glanced at Henreth for a moment before he shook his head. He didn't think this matter had anything to do with him, so he simply replied. “I still have Helbin to deal with.”
Henreth nodded. “Lord Helbin should be on a routine patrol around the markets, and this is around the time he will return. It's best to wait inside his office.” Avrin thanked Henreth and they parted ways temporarily.
Avrin headed upstairs, where servants asked if he needed anything. He was allowed to wait in the same room he and Helbin had made the deal in. As if on cue, Helbin returned from his patrol of the city. While entering his home, he felt over the moon. “Where is Lord Avrin! Quickly take me to him.” A maid who jumped with surprise at his sudden happy mood quickly replied. “I-In your office, My Lord!”
Helbin didn't waste time. He rushed up, the thought of obtaining something valuable keeping him in a fairly good mood. In fact, he had barely been able to sleep, wondering if Avrin would ever keep his promise.
A maid opened the door to the office and he glanced around before focusing on the window to see Avrin’s cloaked figure peering out of it. “Lord Avrin, you have returned! And in one piece. Thank the gods for that.”
Avrin glanced over, his eyes narrowing somewhat. He knew this man’s words showed no care, but he was trying to get on his good side. “Indeed. Both Kael and I have returned. We won't be staying long either, and will depart tomorrow.”
Helbin laughed softly and nodded, his face whitening a little as Avrin didn't seem to bring up the subject of his promise. Helbin felt it would be rude to bring it up, and it might anger Avrin, who may not give it.
Helbin knew Avrin was much stronger than him. “O-Of course. Is there anything I can do to assist you? I can have supplies prepared for your return trip.”
Avrin casually walked over to a beautiful crystal set of assorted liquors on a shelf beside the fireplace and began to pour himself a cup. Of course, he wasn't really someone who drank, but the taste of alcohol was always nice to experience. Especially in such situations.
Helbin glanced at Avrin, his eyebrows twitching with annoyance as he thought. “-He’s drinking from my Layo’levaith!! That's nearly 200 years old and worth over 1000 gold!-” Helbin’s heart began to crumble a bit, but he didn't dare say anything.
Avrin casually brought the expensive crystal cup up to the lips of the mask that parted, as if it were organic, and took a sip from the liquor. “This is quite strong, but refreshing enough to ease on the pallet” Of course, Avrin knew what he was talking about. Being a general, he had attended many high profile banquets and tasted expensive wines and alcohols.
He had a fair knowledge of what to look for when tasting. “I'm glad you like it, Lord Avrin. Umm...well, there is something I’ve meant to ask. Please excuse my rudeness.”
Avrin laughed softly and reached under his cloak into the sack and pulled out one of the remaining 3 ores he had left. Of course, the chunk he had given was of the lowest quality among the Unique, and this was no different. It had an earth mana aspect. Despite this, he held the large chunk up in front of Helbin, who gazed at it as if it were a holy grail.
“This is…” Helbin knew it was expensive, but he very rarely sees a Unique ore. For someone like him, it was barely possible to ever obtain one, let alone see one. And that is if all his cards were played with luck behind them.
“What else could it be? This is a chunk of Unique grade ore!” Avrin spoke, wanting to build a bit of hype for the man before casually throwing it towards him. Helbin rushed over and caught it. He felt his legs shaking and he fell to his knees as he clutched onto it. He didn't doubt Avrin’s words, due to the mana the ore emitted and the glowing yellow color it had.
Avrin drank the rest of the liquor in the cup before placing it down. He began to leave the office but spoke some words. “Enough supplies to get us back to the capital. I'm sure the I won't need to reimburse you, as that ore you're holding is worth quite a lot. Correct?”
Helbin, who looked like a madman clutching onto the ore, quickly nodded. “Of course! Whatever you like, Lord Avrin! Hahaha!” Avrin left, and just like that, night had come. Avrin was currently in his assigned room, sitting cross-legged.
In his hand, a circular pulse seemed drawn in and formed a small, disc-like shape that was hovering in mid air. Soon after, another pulse that was somewhat lighter condensed around and layered over the first disc, forming another.
Immediately, several pulses formed more layers, and the disc in his hand resembled the rings of Saturn. Avrin began to will the discs to condense to a point where he fed Nebula Mist. He wasn't sure what he was creating, but he had discovered a majority of his abilities through trial and error, and as long as he had control, it couldn't be deemed as wrong.
He had checked his inner workings prior to testing this ability and found that his body was now made up of 98% Type 3 particles. This meant his breakthrough could come at any time. On the way back, despite the pace having slowed down significantly, he was still happy with the progress he had made.
The disc in his hand, which had been layered over 50 times, and had a span of 18 inches in diameter, was now only 5 inches with a thin 5 cm core of dark matter that condensed into a ball. Avrin carefully examined this, wondering what this would do if he used it, but also knew now wasn't the time.
Soon, he had decided to call it a night. He re-absorbed the ability and went to rest, another sign of his human remnant forming the habit. Of course, he thought he was just a little bored since there wasn't much he could do until tomorrow. He had already planned out some things to prepare for when he arrived back at the city.
He laid down on the bed and shut his eyes, and as if his body had a sensor, he drifted off to sleep. The night came and left with no disturbances. Of course, when morning came, Avrin was in a good mood, as he awoke due to a certain event. The reason for this is because when the sun had risen, a pulse of dark matter expanded out across the whole city and retracted back to Avrin. Kael could sense this, but people would only feel a grim, cold touch for an instant.
This pulse signified Avrin’s breakthrough. He wanted to check his inner workings again but was interrupted by Kael, who knocked on his door. “Master, is everything ok? I felt your dark matter expand out.”
“Fine. Everything’s fine. Go tell everyone to get ready within 2 hours.” Kael left to do as he was told while Avrin had just enough time to issue a new order within his body. He entered his inner workings to see it glistening like a trillion stars intertwined with the Type 3 C.Particle shining like a small, dim sun.
“-Perfect. Let's begin-” He had first gone to work on the C.Particle as he started to feed it dark matter while forming another Type 3 C.Particle. When the latter was completed, he brought both particles together and carefully began to fuse them. The process could be said to be similar to two eggs. If you press to hard, they will crack and explode out, leaking the dark matter inside.
For Avrin though, this was the only issue he faced. He casually fused both particles together, which caused the newly formed particle to expand out then retract. Surprisingly, it had shrunk to be 10% smaller than the Type 3 particle, but the dark matter that made it was more pure and stronger, and was also condensed together.
This was a Type 4 C.Particle, which Avrin felt pride over. It had a shinier glow than the dim Type 3 C.Particle and seemed more efficient as it quickly connected to the Type 3 particles that currently made up Avrin’s body.
This process took an hour and 50 minutes, which meant Avrin didn't have time to work on Type 4 particles. So he merely gave this new C.Particle the command to try and tinker with 1 particle at a time to create a Type 4 particle that was perfect.
This order was given carefully as if he told it to create Type 4 particles he feared that it would attempt to convert them all and would in fact cause more trouble, as these particles would be made roughly.
Avrin soon left his room and headed outside. He had no need to eat or refresh himself, as his dark matter took care of all his needs. “Lord Avrin!” Henreth, who was already mounted and armored, happily spoke. “Henreth, is everything accounted for? I would like to arrive as soon as we can.”
Henreth nodded “Indeed” He then whispered, “Between you and me, we were all set an hour ago. No one wants to stay here a second longer than necessary.“ He softly laughed. Avrin turned to see Kael also mounted, but he had a straight, somewhat expressionless appearance.
Avrin thought nothing of it for the moment. Helbin had come out specifically to bid Avrin farewell. He knew that if he built some relation with someone like him, it might benefit him in the long run. Of course, Avrin had hoped he didn't need to see this man again unless it was to gain benefit somehow.
And soon after, the entire mounted group left with no hesitation. Exiting the port city of Rael, a few glanced back with dull looks, hoping to never return. Their journey back to the capital had begun.
The journey itself seemed calm. Avrin felt a little surprised that there were no bandits. Of course, Henreth spoke to him about this. “When you were gone, to keep ourselves trained, we had ventured out to help remove any bandit threats. Of course, those soldiers in the port city didn't want to lose face and also ventured to exterminate some threats. All in all, the citizens benefit from this.”
Of course, as they began to travel, Avrin noticed Kael had barely talked and seemed lost in thought. As if he had a goal that he knew was there, but was unsure where the path that led to it was. It was during the first night that Avrin spoke to Henreth.
“What is the issue with Kael? Surely this has something to do with the news you told him.” Avrin singled out what could have happened, as the news from his father was the only possible culprit. Henreth glanced at Kael and cleared his throat as he began to eat a hearty mushroom and meat stew from an animal they killed earlier in the day.
“Lord Avrin, the young lord must be deep in thought over this news. I figured it would be best to just let him overcome it himself, but you're right, he is quite down, and the more I think about it, the more I cannot blame him. The first piece of news is that his marriage had been canceled. Apparently his ex-fiancee felt she was worth more than Kael due to her incredible talent.”
Avrin tilted his head but remained quiet. “-How arrogant. I suppose it's for the better. It saves me some trouble-” Avrin thought to himself while Henreth continued on. “The second piece of news… is... the young lord will be sent to attend the Gaia branch Academy of Laymist.”
As if expecting Avrin to react, he raised a brow to see Avrin hadn't done so. This was because Avrin didn't know anything about this academy. “Laymist?” Avrin spoke, which seemingly made Henreth a little surprised. “My Lord, you haven't heard of it? The worst branch?”
Avrin became curious and inquired a little further. “Not at all. I am not from the Central continent, after all. Can you tell me about it?” Henreth nodded. “Of course, my Lord. As you probably know, there is Gaia Academy, the principal academy, but there are also 4 sub-academies.
The Demon Continent has one that is managed carefully. The Elven Continent also has one that is directly at the bottom of it. The Beast Continent has one that has quite a reputation. And there is here, the Central Continent, where the main academy, as well as a sub-academy, reside. Under these sub-academies are the branches, which act as a sort of filter.
This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.
These so-called ‘filter academies’ are spread around. In fact, the beast and human continents have more than the elven and demon continents combined, mainly due to the accessibility and increased interest. All in all, there are dozens of these branch academies. Of course, there are among them the ones that stand out more. Some for their ability to find great talent, others for their ability to never find talent.
Laymist Academy, though, is a special case. Not only does it have the lowest record of finding talent among the branch academies, but it also has many negative rumors. Such as students dying often. But the more I think about it, the more it makes sense. After all, it’s located close to the most dangerous place on the Central Continent, the Dark Abyss Chasm.”
Hearing Henreth talk, Avrin had gotten quite a bit of useful information. More than he had hoped for. “-A main Academy, 4 sub-academies, and then the branch academies-” Thinking to himself, Avrin spoke. “Kael will get over it. I'm sure he won't be heading to Laymist, but what can you tell me about this Dark abyss Chasm? What is so dangerous about it?”
Avrin curiously spoke. Henreth responded with a bit of uncertainty. “Well, Lord Avrin, I do not know much, but it is completely enshrouded by a dark mist that no magic, whether it be angel or demon, has been able to remove, let alone human magic. You have some people saying great ancient treasure lurks about, and then others with ridiculous rumors of it being a dragon’s lair.”
Avrin’s pointed ears twitched a little, which only ever happened when something really caught his attention. “Dragon’s Lair, you say?... Interesting...” Avrin quietly remarked while Henreth chuckled. “Don't let those rumors get to you, Lord Avrin. If a dragon does lurk within, I'm sure a branch academy would have never been built nearby.”
Avrin had decided to call it a night. He didn't want to comfort Kael, as he felt it would be babying him too much. In fact, it was better for him to overcome this situation on his own to grow more mature. Thus, the journey towards the capital city continued on without a hitch.
Kael’s mood had slowly improved, and by the time they neared the city’s military gates, Kael had become like his usual self, as if he had found his own way to cope with things. Meanwhile, within the military fortress beside the city, a soldier came running inside one of the buildings and then knocked on a door.
“Hmm? Didn't I say I don’t want to be disturbed?” The calm, aged voice spoke, to which the soldier quickly replied. “Lord Gregson! Young Lord Kael has returned with his group!”
Gregson, who the aged voice belonged to, quickly shot up from his seat. Having put down the documents he was reading, he immediately rushed out with curiosity. He hadn't expected Avrin to return sooner than anticipated.
Rushing over into the open, there were quite a few soldiers gazing upon those that had returned. In front were Henreth, Kael, and Avrin. Both Kael and Henreth dismounted and rushed over to Gregson, who neared quite quickly.
“Oh!! Kael, it's already been a year, but you're back so soon? By the gods, you seem to have matured. Not just on the outside…” Gregson could feel Kael’s strength emanate, and could tell the difference between then and now was comparing the distance between the ground and the sky.
“Lord Gregson, I thank you for your words.“ Kael respectfully bowed, to which Gregson softly patted his shoulders and gazed at Henreth. “You did well to escort young Kael” Henreth also bowed but remained quiet after the words of thanks.
Avrin, who took his time dismounting, made his way over. It was then that Gregson became a bit more serious. “Lord Avrin, welcome back! Incredible. I do not need to see Kael in action to know how much more powerful he has become. He radiates it! How did you change him so quickly?”
Avrin glanced and gave a soft chuckle. “I have my methods. I wouldn't have accepted the task if I wasn't confident of completing it.” Gregson nodded. “Forgive my rudeness. Let's go inside. Henreth, you're dismissed for now. I'm sure you and the others have a family you want to see.”
Henreth gave a sigh of relief and nodded. He left to speak with the others of the group. Meanwhile, the three that remained went to Gregson's office and sat down to talk. “Lord Gregson, I received word from my father regarding... the matters. Although I didn't dare believe it at first, after thinking about my father’s temperament and my luck, I do not believe that it is a lie.”
Avrin was looking over some books on Gregson's shelves while Kael and Gregson were seated. “Indeed, young Kael. I personally had the letters from your father sent to Rael. That Furi, she truly is missing out on an opportunity. But I'm sure with a bit of show you can win her back?”
Kael remained quiet. He knew what Gregson was thinking. Now that he was like this with some power, if he made it known, he may have a chance of reinstating the marriage. But Kael’s face twisted a little. “I have no need for someone who thinks of herself higher than others… If she thinks she is better without me or wants to live her life her own way, then that is her choice to make. I have no need to force her.”
Gregson gave a hearty chuckle while Avrin proudly nodded. It seemed Kael did indeed deal with the issue in his heart. “Good, good! You have grown, Kael. Now that that is out of the way, the second piece of news. Your father seriously messed up this time.”
Kael frowned and sighed inwardly. “Indeed… I cannot go against my father’s wishes. If he wishes this, I will do it.” Gregson reached up, gently stroking his beard. “Do not count yourself out yet, Kael. You're old uncle Gregson still has a card to play.
I kept nagging your father to give you a last chance until you came back to prove your growth, and he finally caved, saying if you managed to show incredible growth, enough to impress him, he would have the letter of admittance destroyed.”
Kael’s eyes widened with a light of hope as he stood up. “Perfect!! What would my father have me do?” Gregson sat back and cleared his throat. “Combat with an Expert rank. Although it is quite harsh… this is the best circumstance I could retrieve for you. So I hope this training Lord Avrin gave you is enough to handle this.”
Kael snickered quietly and turned to Avrin, who seemed to show no worry as he was reading a book. “Master, it seems my path in life is revealing itself to me” Avrin glanced over and responded. “When you're treading down a path, Kael, make sure you do not walk too far with more than you need.”
Kael focused on Avrin’s words carefully and took them to heart. He understood the meaning a little. He figured Avrin was telling him to not show off too much and try to control himself. Gregson, who looked confused, suddenly laughed. “Well then! Kael, let’s go visit your father. Lord Avrin, will you be joining us?“
Avrin thought carefully before agreeing. It would be best to keep an eye on Kael to see how he handles things. “Yes, I think I would like that.” The 3 had soon left by a carriage that was on standby for important visits like these.
Within the carriage, Avrin was quietly thinking to himself, not really bothered by this visit. “-Laymist Academy, huh. And that chasm. If a dragon truly does lurk there, it wouldn't hurt to pay a visit. But if I'm going to handle this, I can't do it as I am now. It would draw too much attention-”
With Kael and Gregson conversing to themselves, it hadn't taken much time before the carriage entered the high-rank noble district of Altea and made its way towards the gates of Kael’s home. Kael grew nervous and was shaking a little. Of course, Avrin didn't know if it was from excitement or sheer nervousness.
As the carriage pulled over, an attendant rushed inside while another came out and opened the carriage doors. “Lord Gregson and Young Lord Kael, and, um, I presume a guest! Welcome!” The servant gazed at Gregson with respect, and when he looked at Kael, his glance carried a little disdain. But it was only barely revealed as he feared that if he showed it, Lord Gregson, who was present, would punish him.
Soon, two figures could be seen walking out. One was a woman in an elegant blue dress with a flower pattern. This was Kael’s mother, Lady Liana. The other was a man who wore noble attire, carrying the air of a warrior that had honed himself over the years. His appearance was hawk-like and sharp, despite being handsome. This was Kael’s father, Lord Sient.
The trio walked over towards the waiting individuals, who had servants on both sides. “Lord Gregson, it's always a pleasure to see you.” Sient spoke as if prioritizing him over his own son. “Indeed, indeed. I’ve brought Kael as well as his master, Lord Avrin.”
“Mother, Father.“ Kael walked over, smiling at his mother, who gently placed her hands on his shoulder and head, patting it. Unlike his father, this woman seemed to be filled with love towards her son.
Sient glanced at Kael, his eyes flickering a little, as, just like Gregson, he could feel a bit of change, but passed it off as nothing other than a bit of outward growth. Instead, he glanced at Avrin, who he felt carried a more strange, hidden aura about him. It gave Sient the feeling that he was not a man to make an enemy.
“Lord Avrin, welcome. I do hope my son was not any trouble for you. Please, come inside.” They all entered and were led to a large table where sweets, fruits, and tea were being served. Kael had wandered off to go catch up with some others. He had felt it would be better to let them talk it over.
“Lord Sient, I will not beat around the bush regarding Kael’s matter. I hope you will keep to your part of the deal?” Sient glanced at Gregson, who had spoken those words, and replied. “I have no idea why you are going so far for my son. Of course the deal stands, but 1 year of training, no matter how hard he trained, such improvement will not be enough. I apologize for my words, Lord Avrin, but I am just stating the obvious, my youngest son is a black sheep.”
Sient glanced at the masked Avrin with a gaze trying to pierce into him to figure him out, but instead Avrin’s own gaze carried one of firmness and was unmoved. “Lord Sient, as his father, you know him better than me and Lord Gregson. But, if that is your position, how about a little wager?”
---------------------
ok all of you take a deep breath to relax from the cliffhanger because the next chapter im sure will ease your frustrations this cant be avoided progress and a fair paced story is the right way to go. below are the answers to some questions i'v been asked in the forum and in pm :)
Spoiler :
1 - why avrin no kill arrogant man chief person grandmaster? = as some have stated the chief was bassically keeping that village safe if he dies not only would it put innocent people in danger but it would attract unwanted attention to avrin these are the top reasons as the others are minors.
2 - what is the point of using a useless mask when he can change his form? = il admit i thought it was cool and this is my bad the mask plays a big role later on but right now it has no use which i intend to fix to make it more useful for the moment.
3 - does avrin like men? = lmao no. as i have said a lot of times girls/women currently are just a distraction for him his dark heart has sealed those sort of lustful emotions as it sees them as nothing but a hindrence, avrin will learn to fix it and control it better. but dont worry actually i think its about time to introduce a female side charecter that isnt as annoying and agrovating as the ones in arifureta or knights and magic. those are good stories but for me the constant clingy harem ruined it ~_~ sorry just my personal opinion.
4 - why is kael bieng portrayed as the mc with all this attention? = i believe building up some story for a side charecter makes them more likeable/bareable and a side charecter that the readers arent connected with is useless bassically, that and kael is someone im sure a lot of you will feel really connected to later on when SR goes into the further chapters.
5 - Where is ES? = currently bieng thought about the story im trying to figure out how to make it fresh and not cliche i apologize for the wait ;/