!!!!! 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 ^^!!!
3 day early release for this week! this chapter i had to rewrite twice before sending it to get pred i think i got the balance right, but il let you guys judge it
just adding a small personal author list for short term improvement on what i feel i have improved and want to improve il add it in a spoiler tag here.
Spoiler :
1- i think i fixed the bieng-being issue :3
2-i want to improve not using repetitive words from ch 93 onwards rota brought this up to my attention.
3-i want to keep a constant pace of excitement sometimes i feel as if i forget to.
4-id like to improve the plot/story a bit more maybe not a full out heavy one just yet but a plot that lasts a bit that isnt redundant or boring with fun/excitement in between.
5-adding a female charecter that readers can relate to and like.
Please Rate/Follow/Share/Favourite/Enjoy ch 92 :)
P.S i have a suprise for you guys in the comming weeks or sooner >.>
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Sient blinked and gazed at Avrin. Gregson and Kael’s mother, who were quiet, also listened in. “Oh, a wager? Well, a small bit of a gamble can do no harm.”
Sient responded, to which Avrin continued. “Firstly, if Kael wins, you are not to force any tasks upon him that he may dislike. He is to choose his own path. Secondly, I’ve heard you have a letter of admittance to Laymist Academy. If I win, I want said letter. There is someone I know who I’ve promised I would send to a branch academy.”
Of course, Avrin was referring to himself. The reason he would have this done is because he didn't want Kael’s father to take advantage of his son’s new talent and strength, and the second was because if Avrin obtained this letter of admittance, it would be easier to cover trails that may be followed if anything suspicious occurred.
Sient gave a soft laugh. “Hah! Lord Avrin, I honestly do not understand these requests. This is some sort of joke, correct?” Avrin wasn't in the mood to joke around. He didn't really like Kael’s father. He had the air of someone who wanted more power than he could handle.
Even further reason to not let him use Kael. Avrin reached into the enchanted sack and pulled out 100 gold coins. He wouldn't dare show such a man a Unique ore, as it may lead to trouble or rumors, and even be worse off for Kael.
Of course, 100 gold coins could be considered a subtle bet, and Sient simply shrugged. “Very well, you seem serious about this. If my son defeats his opponent, I will not force anything on to him and you will have the Laymist admittance letter. Let’s arrange the match for next week then?”
Hearing Sient, Avrin shook his head. “No. Arrange it right now and get it over with.” Hearing Avrin’s words, Sient suddenly had an ominous feeling. But it only lasted for a moment before he cleared his throat.
“Well, hmm. Lord Avrin, you seem to know what you're talking about. But I can guarantee you that the man my son will be facing is a personal bodyguard of mine. The role of this battle is to solidify how no improvement within a year matters.
My son has already lost plenty of time. While I'm sure you know, his sister and brother are experts capable of defeating my bodyguard. If Kael cannot, then, he still holds no role in this family's future, due to this lost time.”
The more Avrin listened, the more he felt as if this man could never be Kael’s father. He was too vile in his eyes. Avrin may have done some terrible things in the past, but he believed in cause and effect. All his actions had a purpose. Including revenge.
Although he had done something on this planet, he wasn't so proud of such things, such as stealing the tome that led to the Skymetal. This was him with his dark matter heart that sealed useless emotions and needs away. If even Avrin who had locked emotions can still feel hints regret, this man, who claimed to be Kael’s father, was truly the lowest of the low.
At the very least, Avrin would need to help Kael one more time before letting him decide on his own future. Avrin couldn't babysit him forever. But at the very least, he would not let this vile, power-hungry man take advantage of Kael.
“This twit has no idea what’s in store for him. He should consider himself lucky the bet was subtle and still allows Kael to be in this family-” Avrin quietly thought to himself.
Gregson, who was sitting nearby, gave a soft chuckle. “Ho! Well, things have gotten interesting quite quickly. Well then, Lord Sient, where will this match be held?” Sient happily placed his hands over each other with a smug expression only someone who felt pride in himself and those that benefited him greatly could have.
“The training hall of course. Let’s take 15 minutes to prepare. I'm sure Lord Avrin would like to give a few words of advice to Kael?”
Avrin quietly replied “Indeed. Shall we conclude this to prepare?” Sient and Gregson both nodded. After which, they all stood up and departed. Gregson left with Sient to discuss other matters while Avrin made his way to find Kael, who was currently in the kitchen talking to an elderly maid and servant.
By the look the three shared, Avrin could see these two cared greatly about Kael, and were most likely there in his struggles to assist.
“Kael.” Avrin softly called out, after which the servants and maids who were tending to their matters saw Avrin and immediately bowed. Word had spread of the new Lord visiting the estate. But of course, Kael’s response was different. “Master? Back so soon. Umm… how did your talk with father go?”
Avrin turned to the side and spoke. “Walk with me” He turned and left with Kael quickly following him. “Your father is quite the man” Avrin softly spoke.
Kael looked up at Avrin as he walked by his side. The two casually made their way around with no destination. “What do you mean, Master?” Avrin stopped and turned to look at Kael. “I will not lie to you. If you continue to let yourself be pushed and lead around by him, your progress will forever halt and inevitably bring trouble to this world.”
Kael frowned, his body twitching a bit from some anger. But he knew this was his master, who had never betrayed him and had brought him many benefits. “Master... I…” Without giving him time to speak, Avrin talked to him telepathically, just in case someone heard this particular part.
“--If and when your father finds out about your limitless growth potential, he will surely use you to reclaim the throne for this empire. Are you willing to deny it? I’ve seen his kind many times. Good on the outside, but on the inside there is only ambition, and those that aren't useful to them are only fodder--”
Kael frowned, feeling his heart tug. Of course, this was his father Avrin was speaking about, but Avrin himself had done more than anyone had ever done for him in his life. The two could be said to cancel each other out. “Master... I don't think my father is a bad man. He just wants our family to reclaim our position of royalty, even if… sacrifices… need to be made.” Kael spoke these words without replying via the telepathic link.
“Is that so? Well, in 10 minutes you're going to fight a personal guard of his in the training hall of this estate. The wager I made is that if you lose you're heading to Laymist Academy, but if you win he will have nothing to do with you and you can choose your own path.”
Avrin spoke while walking, not finished at all. “Whether you want to choose your own path is not up to me. I'm only watching to see if you will squander what was given to you and become one of these so-called ‘sacrifices’ of his, or if you are going to become a man and take control of your life.”
As Avrin walked off, Kael called out with his fists clenched. “Master!... Surely I... I can change this all with my strength. My father will accept me… he won't use me as a tool, he will show me the respect and care he shows my siblings!”
Of course, he got no reply as Avrin left. Almost as if telling Kael his thought was childish and it would never occur. But this wasn't good enough for Kael. He wanted to prove Avrin wrong. “Master is wrong... I'll definitely change my father.”
Soon, the time that had been given to prepare passed on, and people were gathered within the training hall. It was a large circular room with a high ceiling as well as a hard floor. The center of this room was an arena which consisted of only hard dirt that seemed to always be tidied up after every battle, as the hall was spotless.
Seated at the front of the arena sat Sient with his arms folded, as well as Gregson, Avrin and warriors who had a veteran look. Of course, these were guards for the estate as well as Sient.
Within the arena, a tall individual with short hair and a neat mustache was currently swinging a sword, as if practicing. With each swing, the air would tremble slightly and cause some dirt to part and move as if it had been hit by a small current of wind.
The man wore simple leather training attire. The weapon he swung was wooden but was a wood of high quality. Strong enough to be used for the training of an Expert. Sient glanced around and huffed quietly. “It seems my son isn't coming…” Sient uttered while Avrin glanced over at the entrance, just in time to see Kael enter with a conflicted expression.
Kael walked into the room and entered the arena. The large guard chuckled and spoke. “Little Lord, are you sure you don't want to cancel this match? Your father may be a bit merciful if you reconcile.”
Of course, Kael just ignored the man and walked passed him as if he didn't exist. The man’s eyes widened and twisted with anger. “-This little bastard… who does he think he is to ignore me, an Expert!! Even his father doesn't disrespect me like this!!-” This act alone made the other warriors gape and shake their heads.
Of course, this Expert that was set as Kael's opponent was their captain, so to speak. Disrespecting him was as if he were disrespecting them, and even more so his father, the one who appointed him.
Kael walked over and stopped in front of his father, who glanced at Kael as if he were blocking his view. “Hmm?” Sient spoke, not even uttering a single proper word. “Father! I would like to add a bit to this wager of yours and my Master.”
Sient glanced, a little surprised. Even Gregson showed a little bit of shock, trying not to laugh at Kael’s will. Of course, Avrin’s expression couldn't be seen due to the mask, but he gave a slight nod as if wanting to see what Kael had thought of.
“Adding to the wager? I don't see what you could give that I don't already have.” Kael glanced at Sient and spoke. “If I win, I would like to make one request within your power that you cannot deny!” Sient’s expression didn't change, because he knew the outcome would be no different.
“And if you lose?” Sient remarked. He wanted to know what Kael could offer. “…I will renounce my position as a son of the Levatine family and be considered disowned and an outsider, no longer to bring any shame to you or the others…”
Sient smirked and immediately spoke. “Very well, this deal sounds good! Hahaha.” Sient seemed cheery, as only he and some others would know, that if he disowned his son because he wasn't strong it would leave a sort of stain on his family name and his siblings would show distaste. But if it was part of this wager, then it saved him a lot of troubles later on.
Kael’s face immediately paled and twisted. Of course, Avrin seemed to notice this and narrowed his eyes a little. “Kael...reconsider this…” Gregson spoke out. Kael gave a soft laugh and shook his head. “It's fine, Lord Gregson…”
He then turned to Avrin and his expression lightened a little, as if he had come to a realization. “Thank you, Master. I know what I must do now…” Kael walked back over and took his position in the arena.
Glancing at the opponent, who was inwardly fuming at being ignored, Kael bowed respectfully. “Let’s have a good match.” The man snickered and spoke. “Young Lord... this is the last time you will be referred to as that. I guess it's ok if I smack you around a bit..”
Sient called out impatiently. “Begin!” The man rushed over towards Kael as he roared out. “IGNORE ME, WILL YOU!!” His fist thrust forward, piercing the air as it neared Kael.
Kael’s expression seemed unhinged as he sprung forward like a rocket, his own fist shooting upwards, directly crashing into the man’s jaw. The speed he had showed was like a loaded gun waiting to be fired.
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The man was staggered and knocked back. He bounced a little and gained his balance as he clutched his broken jaw. “Y-You…!” He managed to remark as he quickly pushed his jaw back into place.
Kael gracefully landed back on the ground and spoke. “My father hires weaklings like you to protect him?” One could say the only person not stunned would be Avrin. The guards who had watched this seemed as if their eyes were going to pop out of their heads. Gregson’s jaw dropped as he uttered out. “I-Impressive!”
Sient was sweating bullets as he tried to keep a calm face. He glanced over at the guard and spoke out. “You... hurry up and stop playing around.” The guard glanced back at Sient and frowned as he turned to look at Kael. “You made me look like an idiot... you're lucky I let my guard down, but this time you're dead!”
The guard rushed towards Kael once more, this time swinging the broad training sword towards him. Of course, on Kael’s side, there was his own training sword. But he had decided to not use it.
As the wooden blade crashed down towards Kael, his face turned to a look of disdain. “-I was holding back at first...but what's the point. I'll get it over with-” Kael thought before taking a fighting stance. His fist turned into a blur as he punched towards the blade. Both collided with each other, and it was evident which attack was stronger.
With Kael’s improvement in strength, even his human form had massively increased in durability, turning even his fists into weapons. The wooden blade snapped after cracking, unable to bear the pressure.
Throughout this fight, Avrin could see that Kael was using a bit of his dark matter that was visible to him, but not towards those who could only see mana. So unless the dark matter manifested, it would be unable to be viewed by the naked eye.
Kael, to begin with, on the Twisting Lands, had gained the power of an Expert and when he had returned, his base strength had already reached that of an early Master. Adding to his own ability and skills, it was clearly one-sided. It was as if this was only a demonstration and not a real fight.
When the blade snapped, Kael’s fist had plowed into the guard’s abdomen, blowing him away with raw strength and shooting him out of the ring, crashing into a wall. Kael then took a casual stance and then bowed. “Thank you for this match.”
“-Kael... when did he get so powerful?-” Sient was stunned. It was as if this fight was just rubbish for him. Kael didn't look as if he truly had to spare any effort at all. Gregson stood up and was about to congratulate Kael when suddenly Sient beat him. “Hahaha! Kael, my son... you have truly grown more powerful… I knew you wouldn't fail to impress me! Well done!”
Avrin was disgusted by this man's two-faced remarks. However, he didn’t say anything. This was because he knew Kael had a plan. Gregson also didn't say anything, even though he felt disdain for Sient building within. But this was still a lord who he couldn't tell how to run his life.
“Father… Is what you're saying really true?” Kael spoke as he stepped closer. Sient nodded. “Indeed! I knew you would become stronger under a powerful teacher, and now you can be sent to Gaia Academy to join your brother and sister! When did you become so capable? It’s very impressive to defeat an Expert in two hits! What level are you at? Let us go test your Spirit Stone!”
Sient gave a look as if he was genuine caring father. But before anything could happen, Kael spoke. “Father, you won't forget the wager with my master. Correct?” Sient blinked and gave a soft chuckle. “Ha...ahah! Indeed. Well, you can decide if you would like to enter Gaia Academy. I was just doing what was best for you. Kael, lets-”
Kael looked over with a calm expression, but one could see he was holding back emotions. “What about our wager, father?” Sient froze for a moment and nodded, feeling no impatience. The only thing in his mind was that his son had become powerful and he could use this to brag and show off. “Of… of course, my son! Well then, what is it you want? You can request anything within my power.”
Kael let out a sigh of relief and smiled as he turned to his side. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small medallion with his family’s insignia on it, a golden shield with several swords and what seemed to be Seleria and the heavens.
He then threw that insignia onto the ground and spoke in a harsh tone. “From here on out, I am no longer of the Levatine family. I renounce myself and am now an outsider with no ties or links.” Speaking with a hint of disgust.
Avrin’s eyes widened slightly. He didn't expect Kael to suddenly do such a move, but this brought a smile to his face. “-Well done. You're growing up to become a better man!-” He thought to himself. With the shocked looks of the guards, who had gone off to help their wounded captain, as well as the others, who remained seated. Even Gregson was surprised at this turn of events.
“Kael?... What's… the meaning of this?... You're using this request... to leave your family?...You even made this wager that if you lose the outcome would be the same?... Why?... Why would you even bother?”
Sient couldn't understand this, but Kael responded in a calm tone towards his stunned father. “If you showed any care... any ounce of feelings towards me... you would have not accepted this wager… where I would be disowned. Yet you didn't hesitate. You were going to send me to Laymist and made me fight a battle you thought I would surely lose… You are no father of mine.”
Kael showed a look of sadness, disgust and anger as he turned around to walk off. “Only a few people would not stand to watch me crash and burn... but the one I wanted to be supported by the most was you... yet you let me down. I was a fool... an idiot… to have waited this long.”
Kael turned into a quick gray blur and vanished from his position with great speed, and no one but Avrin could spot him leave. Sient’s expression was one of shock and of loss. Of course, within moments, a laugh spread. “Hahahahaha!” Avrin, who wanted to add fuel to the fire, laughed out as he stood up.
“Well..well..well. Lord Sient, I will be taking my leave. It seems my disciple has grown up quite a bit. You wanted to use a Spirit Stone, correct? Believe me or not...but I can guarantee that Kael’s power was that of the Master level at the very least…”
Sient didn't dare not believe Avrin’s words after all he had witnessed. Kael single handedly defeated an Expert nearing the peak level. “Y-You…” Sient turned to Avrin with a look of anger and disdain. “You knew... yet you didn't tell me?... You have weakened my future goals!” Avrin showed no care as he began to walk off. “Weakened your goals? Are you a halfwit?”
Sient clenched his teeth and roared out. “DO NOT LET HIM GO!!” Not thinking of the consequences. At this moment, he had lost his senses. “Sient, wait!” Gregson obviously knew the outcome of this and wanted to at least save Sient some face, which was impossible to obtain in this situation.
“Worms.” Avrin quietly spoke as the guards, without hesitation, rushed towards Avrin. The strongest was at the Knight level. Avrin emitted a Phantom Pulse with his Divine Sense that covered all the guards that had charged towards him. They were smashed towards the floor as the gravity seemed to intensify, and it had taken only a few moments for them all to lose consciousness.
Avrin turned to look at Sient, who had a look of horror on his face. “-T… To defeat them without even moving… I acted rashly to make him angry…dammit all.-” Avrin really wanted to kill this man, but like the chieftain, it would bring too much attention to him. This was also a sort of respect towards Kael by not killing his father.
“You're not even worth the effort. You ruined yourself by treating your own flesh and blood in such a manner.“ Avrin’s body seemingly turned to ash, as he had used his Dark Step to leave this place without even bidding Gregson farewell. He’d feel dirty just by being in that man’s presence for a moment longer.
Outside of the city, standing on a small cliff surrounded by trees and a small creek, stood a young individual with a clear look in his eyes, as if this was the first time in his life breathing fresh air, now cleaning his lungs.This was Kael, who seemed to look somewhat happier.
“Kael.” Avrin had appeared seemingly out of thin air with only a few traces of dark matter dissipating to signify his Dark Step. “Master… I apologize for leaving suddenly.” Kael turned to glance at him, speaking in a rather coarse voice.
“Not at all. In fact, I'm quite satisfied with the outcome of this. Unfortunately, like you, I left. I even forgot to obtain that admittance letter. Seems like we will have to visit Gregson for that” Kael gave a soft laugh. “Yes, Master…”
Avrin glanced at Kael. “Are you ok?” Kael looked at the ground, his fists clenched and his body quivering a bit. “Yes, Master…” Avrin frowned. “Kael…” He wasn't sure what to do in this situation. Kael had not been raised with the attention of his father and had been neglected by the person he sought approval of the most.
Of course, Avrin had helped him and had given him the guidance he needed and desired to help him become a person. Avrin didn't know it, but to Kael, he had become the father figure he truly required. “Ha... I don't get it, Master…” Kael spoke as he gave a fake smile. “Kael?” Avrin spoke cautiously.
“Hahaha... I mean... I was born with no ability... but I was his flesh and blood... It's not my fault…” Tears slowly began to stream from his eyes. “If anyone is to blame, then it's the gods themselves!...They are the ones who control everything, right Master?”
Avrin stayed quiet. He knew a mental breakdown when he saw it, so he let Kael vent. “I tried! And I tried! And I still didn't get any attention!... It took risking my life and losing my humanity…” Kael’s chest rose and fell as he tried to hold himself from crying.
“But... when I finally saw the look of respect in his eyes... I saw it was nothing but his own deceit... wanting to use my hard work... for his own goals... as if everything in the past was ok... as if………..it……….was……….ok…” He quietly spoke those last words before he looked down, his hair covering his face.
Avrin gazed at the boy when suddenly his dark matter heart quivered slightly. It was then that it released something, an emotion. This emotion was guilt! Avrin had remembered the times he had thought of using Kael as a pawn to gain renown and responsibility, and now it had led to the boy losing his family and being left with no one.
Gazing at Kael, who remained quiet, Avrin frowned and walked over, placing his hands on Kael’s shoulders. “Your life has just begun. You will meet people that care and who will be your comrades and your family.”
Kael remained quiet when he began to quietly hold in some tears. “Kael… you can cry. It's ok.” Avrin spoke softly, to which the boy, feeling he would seem weak if he did, was relieved to hear it from Avrin. He began to whimper and suddenly tears flooded out as he clutched onto Avrin and began to cry like a lost child.
“Why am I cursed, Master?… I didn't do anything wrong…” Kael softly roared out as he continued to sulk. Avrin remained quiet, unsure how to answer. But he could feel the guilt engulfing him. As if it had been bottled up and was now released.
He knew it came from his heart. That feeling was unmistakable. He knew it controlled his emotions and knew that it locked them away because they were worthless until now. It was as if it had sympathized with Kael and allowed Avrin to feel these emotions to care for him.
Avrin glanced at Kael as this guilt welled up. “Kael. I have trained you and given you new hope. Your life has not ended and has just begun. I need you to be strong and persevere. Our race will look to you as a beacon to respect in the future when we flourish. That being said, you started out weak and have the initiative to grow. I can't think of anyone else that I have been this proud of in my life!”
Avrin’s mask turned into ash as his face began to reform to reveal his Spectral appearance, one of a feminine look yet contained that masculine gaze. Kael looked up as he felt the dark matter. “Master?...” He sniffed quietly, wondering what Avrin meant by all this. “That being said. Kael.
From today onwards to you who I hope, alongside the others of our race, to lead it to flourish. To the race that I had thought was an experiment, to the race I progressed out of pity, to the race I saw grow with hope, now a race I see with pride. I am the Progenitor of this Spectral race, they in a sense my children. And you in that sense also my son, and I your father” Avrin gave a strong look of his own perseverance. This was something he truly owed. Not just to Kael, but to those who wanted to start anew. Those who have been treated unfairly by this world and by its gods. He would lead them to flourish and obtain strength to persevere.