The hour or so that Ezekiel and Riley had spent being interrogated regarding what had happened to them was frustrating. Though, for Ezekiel, he mainly found the worries and concerns regarding his health to be annoying. Especially when his mother basically stripped him bare in front of the guards and his sisters. Who should’ve been away, but it seemed like they were insisting that they be involved.
If it wasn’t for the fact that he knew how ugly the world really was, he would be happy at the fact that the twins were opening their eyes to the world.
It wasn’t as if he couldn’t understand his mother’s concerns, of course. He had been hit by several attacks from a Legendary Mage, after all. Any Adept would’ve been punched through in an instant. The only way another Legendary Mage would’ve survived would be if they were a Hunter wearing Spirit Armor. That was simply how powerful Legendary Spells were.
It was the most qualitative difference to occur upon Tiering up. Only exceeded by the Tier five break through. So, the fact that Ezekiel got away with a few third degree burns and bruises showed just how powerful his body actually was. Much to the incredulity of the guards and Riley.
Ellen and Wendy were just confused. Having not witnessed the differences in Tiers as extensively as the rest of the household had.
As it was, Ezekiel only required some light healing from the Alkena’s on staff Life Mage, and he was, physically, right as rain. Riley was also checked over, but beyond some pills to treat nausea there wasn’t anything that needed to be done.
Although Ezekiel knew that there was something bugging Riley as she parted from the rest and returned to her quarters. Ezekiel couldn’t help but feel like this event had sparked something in her. Something that he hoped wouldn’t burn her out more than she already was.
Luckily, as the night and next day passed without issue, it seemed like this attack was a spontaneous occurrence. Likely due to the fact that Ezekiel had killed the Spirits of two Hounds. Now, usually such things were an unspoken breaking of the rules of combat. But, given the current state of conflict between Ezekiel and his family, versus the Kindled Hounds, there was little to no fallout between him and his loved ones regarding the situation.
In fact, it wasn’t until nearly a week later, while Ezekiel was accompanying his family on an excursion to the Wilderness, that things became tense once again.
An ambush, composed of two Legendaries and several Adepts, had come across the family. Luckily, while he didn’t have any Spirit Armor, Ezekiel’s toughness was surprising enough that he was able to support his parents. All while taking out the Adepts with startling ease.
It wasn’t long before the Hounds had called for a retreat. Leaving Ezekiel and his mother to do clean up. To ensure that nothing remained that could be traced back to them later on. Much to Ezekiel’s eternal frustration.
“Dammit all!” Ezekiel cursed as he pulled Shine from the body of an Adept Cavern Mage. The same one he suspected of being behind the hole that had been formed to kidnap Ellen weeks ago.
“Language!” Evelyn called out from her own spot, hovering over a pair of dead Adepts whose bodies were being eaten by shadow. Reya licked her lips off to the side. As if she could taste the bodies that were slowly being consumed by the darkness.
Warren was nowhere to be found. He had flown off in the direction of the Legendary Hunters that had attacked. One had been severely injured by him and Evelyn. This left the others to carry them away from the battlefield. Slowing them down a bit, but not enough.
Given that they were of the Light and Lightning element, they managed to get quite some distance before Warren managed to go after them. Given how relatively fresh, he was from the battle, Ezekiel and Evelyn didn’t have too many worries. Though, they’d be concerned if Warren didn’t return within a few more minutes.
“Really? After what we just did, you’re concerned about my language now?” Ezekiel looked at his mother with an eyebrow raised. His sisters stood off to the side, looking between the two with wide eyes filled with fear and worry. But their faces were set in stone, with only the smallest of trembles on their lips.
Ezekiel felt a rage inside of him. The fact that his sisters were witnessing such a thing at such a young age was hard for him. Yes, he had been through much worse at an even younger age. But that was only physically. He was, mentally, nearly forty years old. Though he admitted that his maturity hadn’t grown as much. Given he was now coming up on nineteen years old, he was only just starting to feel his age again. Something he tried to ignore to the best of his ability.
“Are you two alright?” Ezekiel approached his sisters slowly. A pang of guilt traveled through him as he saw them flinch at the sight of him. “Take however long you need. If you need to be sick, be sick. If you need to do... anything, just do it. This isn’t something that you should be used to on your first, or even second, time experiencing it.”
As he reflected on his words, Ezekiel found it strange how he was the one that was trying to comfort others in this situation. Usually, it was the other way around. With him being encouraged by someone else who was close to him.
The sight of his sisters collapsing to the ground on their rears nearly made him run forward. But Ezekiel restrained himself and walked slowly toward them.
“W-was it bad for you? The first time you saw... and did this?” Ellen was quiet as she turned away from the spot where the bodies had previously been. Nothing remained besides the warped and elongated shadows of a tree.
Ezekiel gave his sisters a pitying look. Knowing that they had it far worse than he did. They had nothing on the number of years he’d experienced, after all.
“No. It wasn’t. But that’s only because my mind has been messed with. I was forced to see things like this, and far worse, in my dreams. Ever since as long as I can remember. Though, it was different to see it in real life.” As Ezekiel spoke, Evelyn silently moved onto another pair of bodies. Slowly consuming them with her darkness and removing their presence from the world.
“How did you deal with it?” Wendy poked her head from around her sister’s back. “From all the stories we’ve been told, it always seemed like you were never affected.”
“... What do you know about Elemental Emotional Instability?” The twins just looked confused. “It’s when one’s mana affects a person’s emotions. Flame Mages will become wrathful. Glacial Mages become cold and heartless. Cavern Mages becomes stubborn to a fault. Radiant Mages become obsessed with the truth, or ‘the right way’. While Obscure Mages seclude themselves, alone, and silent. Away from the world.”
The twins looked enraptured as Ezekiel gave them an impromptu lecture on the dangers of mana and emotions. None of the three noticed as Warren landed on the ground nearby. Evelyn shushed him with a finger as Ezekiel continued to speak.
“In my case, as a Void Mage, I didn’t feel anything, or maybe my emotions were simply muted. I felt some anger, but it was a candle compared to a bonfire. A drop of water next to an ocean. Instead, my mind followed what I believed to be the most logical solution. Limited by my immaturity and desires.” Ezekiel stared at nothing as his mind wandered back to his first Expedition. “It wasn’t until later, when I had escaped from my first Ruin Expedition, that I fully retracted my mana. Causing all the suppressed emotions to flood out all at once. I suffered a panic attack. I threw up. I cried, I screamed, and I passed out. All at once, in front of the Wandering Titans that had been watching over me.”
By this point Ellen and Wendy’s eyes had widened in shock. Their brother had always seemed so calm and controlled. Even when he was forcing them to spar with one another. It was something that utterly opposed the image of himself that he was describing.
“So, when I tell you that it’s okay to cry and feel afraid, I mean it. Okay?” Ezekiel bent down to his sisters’ level near the ground. Patting both of them on the head before helping pull them up.
Turning towards his parents, he saw the guilty looks on their faces.
“Dad, did you find them?” Ezekiel tried to change the topic. They could discuss him and his experiences later. Right now, there were more important things to worry about.
“Ah... yeah. I couldn’t catch up to them. They had too much of a head start. Especially with the Lightning Hunter taking shots at me as they flew away. But I did find something. It seems like they had a temporary base set up. Which usually means that they have reinforcements incoming.” Warren’s tone was grim, and as he flinched away at the thought of whatever he had found, Ezekiel realized that things were taking another step toward trouble. “They’ll probably be making a larger attempt soon. One that’s more prepared than these opportunistic ones.”
Quickly wrapping things up, Ezekiel ran along the ground at breakneck speeds as his parents carried his sisters back towards the city. He wasn’t sure what, exactly, was going to happen, but he knew that it was probably going to involve giving out favors.
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As Ezekiel was left at home to watch over his sisters, he couldn’t help but feel a bit put out. It seemed like things were happening all around him, but he wasn’t able to do anything about it. He had to admit that after eight years of, mostly, taking charge of his life it was a fairly large shift.
However, he knew full well that the matters of diplomacy and nobility were ones that he had little to no experience with. So, leaving it up to his parents was likely for the best.
Fortunately, given that the twins had decided to take their training more seriously, he wasn’t left to do nothing as he watched over his sisters.
Although, hearing little Wendy let out a shriek as she flew through the air after Ezekiel tossed her at Ellen did make him feel a little guilty. Just a bit.
But the fact that the pair stood back up and charged at him once more made him feel proud. It showed that they were growing, as the twins switched roles, back and forth, changing who attacked and who baited him into moving.
Given that this wasn’t a limited spar, but full-on training, things were still much more difficult. Even if the twins were permitted full use of their magic.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
Tightening his core up a bit, Ezekiel caught his balance as his foot shifted beneath him. A shadow pushing it to the side, just a bit. This was something that most Tier one Obscure Mages would have difficulty with. But Evelyn had been teaching Wendy some tricks that had put her head and shoulders above most of her peers.
“Good! I actually felt that this time!” Ezekiel dropped beneath a flash of light that had been aimed at his eyes. It wouldn’t have been enough to hurt him, but he would’ve been blinking stars from his vision for at least a few seconds if he hadn’t dodged.
“Nice, nice. Perfectly timed! But you’ve gotten a better sense of what I can do by now. Next time, don’t rely solely on Wendy setting me up. Instead, prepare your own back up plans, just in case.” Ezekiel batted away Wendy’s arms as she came at him from the side.
He followed up with a kick that stopped Ellen’s spear from swinging down at him. Then he twisted his hips, turning to the side and hooking his foot around the spear shaft. The spear was then dragged down, the blunt edge slamming into Wendy’s shoulder as she whipped around from Ezekiel’s previous deflection. A gentle push into Ellen’s stomach followed, which sent her flying away.
“You see! I predicted that with my deflection, Wendy would use your attack to recover and strike while I was open. So, I specifically used a defense that would bait her into attacking in a specific way. A way that I could use your strike to counter.” Ezekiel explained as he walked over to the side of the room. A small ‘ding’ sounded off as the timer ran out. Signaling the end of this session.
“I must say. You both are improving at an astonishing rate. The fact that you both managed to clip me at all says a lot about your skills now.” Ezekiel looked at the small rips and holes that had appeared from when he had been hit by attacks from both his sisters. “Individually, you’d probably be able to defeat any two opponents in your class. But together, you might be able to defeat a dozen.”
Ezekiel wasn’t exaggerating as he said this. He truly felt like his sisters had improved quite a bit. They had already been near the top of their combat class. But now that they were dedicating time to it outside of school hours, their progress had sped up immensely.
Yes, they had used up the majority of their mana to be able to hit him once each. But the fact that they had managed to do so at all was impressive. Even if he was holding back significantly.
The soft padded toes of a feline Spirit were suddenly heard by Ezekiel, who was still highly aware of his surroundings at the moment. He quickly realized just how long they had been training for. But he was a little bit confused, as his parents had said they wouldn’t be home until very late that night.
Given that it was only a bit after their usual dinner time, he wasn’t going to believe that they were truly home just yet. So, Ezekiel cautiously had Ellen and Wendy move behind him as he focused his senses further. Holding out his hand, Shine flew towards it.
“Back left.” Shine’s whisper drifted into Ezekiel’s ear, unheard by the twins. Glancing in the direction they had specified, Ezekiel saw Reya walking out of the shadows. Only when Reya stopped to stare at him, and then licked her paw three times, did Ezekiel truly relax.
Fortunately, it seemed that the twins were more confused than wary at the moment. Ezekiel didn’t want to cause then any undue stress.
“Is it dinner time already?” Ezekiel called out to the Obscure Spirit, who nodded in response. “Alright. We’ll wash up before heading down. Be there in a few minutes. Thank you for the heads up.”
Reya nodded in understanding before sinking back into the shadows. Turning around to face his sisters, Ezekiel gestured for them to go clean up. The pair ran off, heading to the separate washroom connected to the sparring room. Meanwhile, Ezekiel left to do the same elsewhere.
But as he quietly passed by the small entrance room to the Luminance family’s quarters, he couldn’t help but notice a coat hanging on a hook. One with the Morse family sigil emblazoned on the back.
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Dinner was a silent affair. It was unexpected, but it was apparent that the Luminance family would be playing host to Shari Alkena and Noren Morse. Under the advice of Allon and Sherra Alkena.
Ezekiel could see that Ellen and Wendy were aware the things were tense. But it was also apparent that they didn’t understand what was going on.
Ezekiel was also uncertain, but from what little he could infer, it was likely that this was a matter of alliance, and assistance. Though, all he had to go on was a few words from Warren when he returned from trying to hunt down the group that had attacked them earlier.
As the dishes were cleared away, and Evelyn returned to her seat, the silence came to an end as Noren spoke up. His neck was covered in sweat, and his face somewhat pale.
“So... according to what my brother told me, Allon said that you were in need of assistance. Assistance that the Alkena family, alone, would not be able to provide.” Noren was soft spoken and hesitant as he spoke. It was obvious that he was nervous about the topic.
Ezekiel figured it was because he was used to such things being impolite to address when brought up amongst nobles. It was never a good thing to imply a noble family was weak after all. The fact that Evelyn and Warren were Legendary Hunters also meant that such implications were insulting.
“... In this case, yes. Specifically, we need more security, and additional supplies for training and advancement purposes. Neither of which are amongst the Alkena family’s specialties.” Warren’s voice sounded hard. His posture was upright, and he seemed to loom over everyone at the table.
Ezekiel wasn’t too badly affected by his father’s presence, but it was obvious that this was a man of status speaking. On top of a father looking out for his family.
Even Evelyn looked more regal, with her posture straight, and her head held high. Her eyes half closed as she seemed to look down on Noren. Not in disgust or dismissal. But merely as if examining him. It was clear that the fact that their backgrounds were coming to haunt them had been affecting Ezekiel’s parents more than he had expected.
“I see. Well, My brother has informed me only of what it is we currently need in exchange for whatever it is that we can provide.” Noren then pulled out a letter from his shirt pocket. It was sealed in an envelope with gold trimming with sparkling blue letters written on it.
Warren took the letter without a word. The rest of the room patiently waited with held breath. Though Ellen and Wendy shared a glance at each other. Utterly confused as to what was happening.
They both caught Ezekiel’s eye. But before they could do anything Warren sighed. Placing the letter on the table, he leaned back. Pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration, Ezekiel could tell that his father was dealing with a great deal more stress than usual.
“An excursion into the Fjorya would take months. Not only that, but there is no guarantee that any of your household guards that come would bond with any Spirits.” Warren declared as he glared at Noren. “Not only that, but to leave Tollren for such a thing would leave our daughters open to the very dangers we seek to protect her from.”
Glancing at the piece of paper lying on the table, Ezekiel was able to make out the contents.
It seemed that the Morse family wanted to improve their household guards by obtaining Hunters that were directly contracted to them. However, all of the guards had been trying for years to bond with a Spirit in the Wilderness.
Something that was much more difficult than bonding to a Spirit from the small Spirit Lands that were connected to Tollren, but no further spots would be open for the Morse family to take advantage of for the next five or so years. As such, they sought to go further away to a place with a far greater population of Wild Spirits than the Wilderness between Tollren and Trimble.
However, hiring a team from the Guild for this excursion would be ridiculously expensive. So, it was a much more profitable venture to have two unaffiliated Legendary Hunters accompany the Guards instead.
“During this excursion, all our guards would be contractually obliged to listen to your every order, and obey you, even before my brother.” When Noren said this, Ezekiel got a better idea of what was happening.
The small blue snake that was still wrapped around Noren’s neck clearly showed that he was a Hunter. But from what he had seen of Lance, the man who was the next head of the Morse family was not a Hunter himself. If Lance was supposed to be going along, then it was far more likely that this was a chance for the young master of the Morse family to become a Hunter.
Thus, his position would be far more stable, in the face of his younger brother, who was already nearing Tier three, and potentially about to surpass his brother.
This was strange, however, since from what he had seen of Noren and Lance’s relationship, it was clear that Noren had no intention of becoming the next family head. Something that would invalidate his marriage contract to Shari. So, if such a thing were indeed a concern, then that meant that politics in the capital were likely picking up. Something was happening that was potentially causing problems for the Morse family.
Of course, this was all just supposition. Ezekiel had no proof of any of this and was well aware that his political knowledge was spotty at best. Though he did feel confident that he wasn’t too far off the mark. Noren and Lance were not the closest of friends, but he had spent some time with them while Shari was helping him get accustomed to Tollren.
“While your assurances of our authority are good. My wife is still not in top form. The only reason we have been making the small excursions into the Wilderness of Tollren is because we had an area that we could easily retreat to. That will not exist if we are going into the Fjorya.” Warren was not swayed by Noren’s words.
“We are offering enough resources to get both Wendy and Ellen to Tier two, prior to leaving the city.” Noren’s rebuttal sent silence reeling through the room.
The twins were currently at Step seven, having broken through during the month between Ezekiel’s arrival at Tollren and his becoming a teacher. However, it was decided that they would train their combat prowess, rather than make any noticeable gains with their mana. At least until they bonded with a Spirit. Said bond would increase their mana gathering by leaps and bounds, after all.
“... That is very generous and is almost enough. But there is already bad blood between your guards and our family. If we do this, then I want assurances from the Alkena family as well.” The table turned to Shari, who had been given power to negotiate her own place in this. Even if she wouldn’t be going herself.
“The Alkena family is willing to place a total of a dozen guards under the Luminance family’s direct control for the duration of this venture. That being from the time you leave our estate, to the time you return. These guards will be chosen specifically by the Luminance family.” Shari was sweating a little bit under the intense gazes of the Legendaries in the room. But she held her composure well for a Hunter of her power.
“Then we will accept no more than a dozen guards from the Morse family to accompany us. This number will not include the presence of Lance Morse.” Warren declared.
In his seat, Noren slumped in apparent relief as he sighed.
“This arrangement is more than acceptable. May I take it to mean that you will accept the conditions of the contract?” Noren tried to smile, but it was shaky as Warren and Evelyn shared a look.
“We shall tentatively accept the terms of the contract and will officially accept once the details have been appropriately handled, and the contract is written by Allon and Sherra Alkena. Please note, that the earliest that this excursion will take place will be three months from now, when the quarterly break at the Church’s school occurs.” Warren said as he pushed the letter with the details back towards Noren.
“Why is that?” Noren asked as he put the letter back into his pocket.
“We won’t be leaving our son and daughters alone, obviously. This is also a great chance to extend the possibilities of the twins obtaining bonds of their own.” This time it was Evelyn who replied. “So, please be sure that your brother is aware that your guards will also be contractually obliged to prioritize their safety as well.”
Noren gulped nervously as he nodded his head in understanding. “Of course!”
Evelyn and Warren then smiled. Ezekiel felt like they were showing too many teeth for it to be a happy smile. They were far too threatening.
It wasn’t long after that Shari and Noren were gathering their things at the door. Ezekiel escorting them out.
“Sorry you both had to deal with that. Please understand that there are no hard feelings. It’s just that, with what happened to me, it’s obvious that my parents are taking my sisters’ safety to the extreme.” Ezekiel tried to placate his friends as best he could. Fortunately, it seemed he didn’t need to worry.
“I understand... To be honest, I am somewhat thankful for the experience. It’s not every day that an Apprentice experiences the ire of a Legendary and walks away. I don’t think I’ll be able to look at our family’s business partners the same way now. Not after seeing what power really is.” Noren seemed almost wistful as he sighed at the thought of Evelyn and Warren’s presence.
“Agreed. I almost feel like I could take on the Ruling family after seeing that.” Shari nodded in agreement. A smug smile crossed her face. “Do you feel like that?”
As the couple stepped outside Ezekiel didn’t say anything. He knew that she was just teasing him. So, instead he just gave the same half-lidded glare his mother had earlier.
Noren and Shari both shivered as they felt an invisible blade touch upon their necks. Their eyes opened wide as they stared at Ezekiel in slack jawed awe. But as soon as it appeared, it vanished just as quickly.
Smiling at the couple in front of them Ezekiel finally replied. “Thank you both, and goodnight.”
Closing the door, he let out a chuckle before heading back to his family. The excursion was still months away, but that didn’t mean that he couldn’t start making preparations.