The trip back to Trimble was significantly faster than the trip into the mountains. However, given that Invera and Callrond were still considered Wild Spirits, Ezekiel and Riley were still forced to run several kilometers back to the city. This was so they didn’t set off any of the magical formations and enchantments woven into the city’s defenses.
Once back in the city, there was little need to keep things quiet. So, the duo ran back to the inn where the Morse and Alkena guards were staying. After a quick report to his father, Ezekiel and Riley went to grab some food while the rest got ready to head out.
“... I’m sorry...” Riley was quiet as she ate her meal. Across from her, Ezekiel worked through his own meal. Ezekiel raised an eyebrow in question.
“I made a fool of myself in front of two Legendary Spirits. Ones that you were making deals with. Things could’ve gone badly because I overestimated myself.” Riley’s voice was barely a whisper at this point. Ezekiel put his fork and knife down to focus on Riley in full.
“That’s only partly true. Yes, you overestimated yourself. But you didn’t completely make a fool of yourself.” Ezekiel reassured her. “The fact that you stood up under the pressure of two Legendary Spirits means that you are capable of reaching that Tier. Consider the actions of those Spirits as a gentle reproach. As opposed to a harsh critique.”
Riley looked hopeful as she looked up at Ezekiel. Especially when she heard him mention reaching Tier four.
“Do you really mean that? Will I really be able to reach Tier four?” Riley’s voice was lighter as longingly thought about becoming a Legendary like Ezekiel.
“Yes. While it’s true that most Adepts can stand whilst under the pressure of one Legendary, it’s a different thing when it’s two or more. At that point, one’s soul must be strong enough. It’s no longer just a matter of will.” Ezekiel knew this from experience.
Looking back, it was obvious now that it wasn’t just his willpower that allowed him to stand tall when facing Legendary Mages and Spirits. It was his Tier four soul, aged during the process of his reincarnation, that had truly supported his efforts.
“At this point in time, you, or Celia, just need to find that ‘something’ that will grant you enough of Understanding of Flames to break through. You’ve already reached the peak of Tier three, correct?” Ezekiel received a nod from Riley at his inquiry. A gleam of comprehension appeared in her eyes as they widened in shock.
“Is that what happened yesterday? Did you figure something out regarding the Void?” Riley’s voice grew excited at the thought of Ezekiel’s progress.
“I did. But this is something that might be more difficult than you expect it to be. My Understanding yesterday was simply the realization of something I figured out years ago but was too weak to really grab onto. Eat, while I explain things.” Ezekiel gestured to Riley’s food as he continued. “Understand that this is something that has yet to be confirmed, but it has been theorized that to reach Tier four, a being must sufficiently understand something about their element, in conjunction with finding their fourth Chakra. This Understanding acts something like a key, and also grants an increased level of control over one's element. At least, as far as we have learned, this seems to be the case. I haven’t been able to keep up with the studies occurring, since this is mostly being kept under wraps by the Church.”
Riley seemed enraptured by what Ezekiel was saying. Realizing that this likely wasn’t something that should be widely spread, Ezekiel shot a look around their table to see if there were any eavesdroppers. Noticing a solid wall of nothing between them and the rest of the room, Ezekiel patted Shine in thanks. A quiet ‘you’re welcome’ drifted through his ears. Unheard by Riley.
“To keep things relatively short, we believe that Spirits gain this Understanding when they’re souls reach sufficient maturity. Humans do not, but instead, must acquire it on their own. From what we also know, only a soul that has reached Tier four in development can solidify this Understanding. Which is why I was able to do this as an Adept.” Ezekiel pointed at Riley for the next part. “Given your soul is strong enough for Tier four, you should be capable of solidifying your Understanding, even without Celia. Though it will depend on you as to whether or not it actually happens.”
At the mention of her Spirit, Riley looked down at the little lizard on her shoulder.
“If it happens naturally, then why hasn’t Celia figured anything out yet?” Riley gently petted the little Spirit. She had finished eating the remainder of her food by now. “She’s been through as much as me, hasn’t she? Wouldn’t that mean that she would’ve already gained some Understanding?”
“Not necessarily. Don’t forget that Spirits naturally grow much slower than humans on their own. Even with our help, it may take much longer than usual for their souls to grow. At this point, I would say that Celia is solidly at the top of Tier three. But her soul hasn’t crossed the boundary to Tier four just yet.” Ezekiel wasn’t certain, not without directly examining Celia’s soul, but was confident that he was correct.
“Oh... so... what does that mean for me?” Riley wasn’t certain what to do with this information. Ezekiel could tell that she was apprehensive of potentially leaving Celia behind. But he knew from experience that a bonded Spirit didn’t like it when they held back their partners.
As made evident when Celia reached up and nipped Riley’s ear. The sudden shriek of surprise and pain made Ezekiel chuckle. Even more so when Celia didn’t let go. Holding on until Riley apologized, and apparently agreed that she would work as hard as possible to reach Tier four before Celia.
“I’m still not sure I’ll be able to do it.” Riley was now sitting with a larger Celia in her lap. The red lizard received numerous pets as Riley tried to appease her. “It’s never been done before, right?”
“Not on purpose, with the knowledge we now have, and the theories currently in place. If it works, it will actually prove that Scholars could reach Tier four without a Spirit. So long as they had the time to gather up mana naturally, rather than share it with their Spirit.” Ezekiel’s words drew a wide-eyed gasp from Riley.
The implications of what it would mean to have more Grand Scholars that hadn’t lost their Spirits wasn’t lost on her. It had the potential to change the political landscape of the entire world. She still wasn’t sure that she would be able to succeed, however.
“I don’t think there’s a single thing that I know about Flames that involves more than ‘they burn things’.” Riley couldn’t help but let out a defeated sigh.
“Well, I guess it’s good for you that you have a fully accredited, if not official, Scholar here with you. One who has studied all aspects of magic to a fairly high degree.” Ezekiel couldn’t help but feel proud as Riley looked at him with confusion, then joy. “Although, with the amount of lectures and reading I’ll be giving you, you’ll probably grow to hate it quite fast.”
The look of disgusted horror that spread across Riley’s face was enough for Ezekiel to break into laughter once more. He couldn’t help but lament the fact that their progress would likely be quite slow for now. The reading materials he wanted her to go over weren’t available in Trimble. But he figured that he would be able to get her started on something relatively simple.
Perhaps explaining the flame triangle would be enough to get her started on the right path.
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Ultimately, Ezekiel wasn’t able to get Riley started on anything when it came to her Understanding. The group was ready to go by the time they had finished their meal, and by midday they were at the southern entrance to the city. Ready to head out in full.
It wasn’t for another couple of hours before anything interesting happened. The party had gotten well beyond the limits of Trimble’s territory. With the hills and mountains, they were also out of view of the city as well. By this point, Ezekiel turned his attention skyward, taking in the two circling figures high above.
“Ezekiel, are you sure that things will be alright? I would’ve thought that our support would’ve been here by now.” Warren asked. He was still disguised, and Ellen and Wendy were waiting inside the carriage Warren was driving.
“We’ll be fine. The area we’re going to is just a little bit further away than I realized. Our friends will be meeting us once we’re far enough from the city.” Ezekiel turned his gaze to the surrounding landscape. “It should be just over that hill there.”
Pointing into the distance, Ezekiel estimated that the mountain they were headed for was about another hour away. But to be honest, he knew that that wasn’t going to be an issue.
Looking at his father, Ezekiel palmed the handle of Shine’s blade. At the same time, he quickly looked upwards twice. Warren’s eyes widened, but he slowly nodded in understanding.
Ezekiel couldn’t be certain, but since they had passed the area that Invera and Callrond had dropped him and Riley off, he assumed there was a reason that they weren’t coming down. His assumed that there were two potential reasons. The first being that this was just a test.
The second was that there were enemies nearby, and Invera and Callrond were waiting for the trap to be sprung before taking action.
Given that he couldn’t sense anything within his range, nor could Shine, Warren, or Evelyn, that meant that their enemies were still moving in. If that was the reason the Legendary birds were waiting.
Turning back to the front of the group, Ezekiel moved toward the head of the caravan. Seeing the Morse family guard captain, he gestured with his arm for the man to be silent. Letting out just enough pressure to inform the man that he was serious.
A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
“Prepare yourselves. But do so discreetly.” Ezekiel harshly whispered, once more grabbing Shine by the hilt. The guard captain nodded in understanding. His posture shifted to a more upright position as he moved to his master’s carriage.
Seeing the man comply so well, Ezekiel understood what Lance had said about the man being good at his job. He just felt it was a shame that he was so greedy for good amenities.
That, and Ezekiel hoped that guards all showed their worth when whatever Ezekiel expected to happen, happened.
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Not too far from the combined Alkena, Luminance, and Morse caravan, five Legendaries stood in front of a group of thirty Hounds. Each Legendary being in charge of a group of six. Each and every one of them was covered by an illusion cast by Radiant Mages. Utterly hidden from the outside world as they gathered at the edge of a cliff some distance away from the road.
Two of the figures were familiar, them being the ones that Ezekiel and his parents had fended off several months ago. A Lightning and Radiant Hunter, both of whom had taken a knee. The other three, a Life, Flame, and another Radiant Hunter, were glaring at the caravan in the distance.
Each and every one of them was cloaked. This time, with large candles with sunbeams emanating light embroidered onto their backs.
“I still can’t believe that we were brought in to take care of brats like these.” The Flame Hunter, a woman judging by her voice, disparaged their current situation. “Remind me to ensure that these failures receive additional training from the master’s when we return.”
The two kneeling Legendaries shivered in despair at the thought. The so-called training that their superior mentioned was nothing short of torturous. But neither one spoke up, knowing that their punishment would be worse if they did.
Seeing that she didn't get a reaction, the hooded Flame Hunter sniffed in disgust. Disappointed that she couldn’t further punish the failures behind her.
“Enough!” The standing Radiant Hunter declared. His voice silenced the Flame Hunter, who was about to speak up once more. “Given the circumstances, it was only obvious that the prior plans would fail. But now that we don’t need to worry about the Empire taking action against us for attacking the disgrace in one of the Imperial city territories, there will be no need to hold back.”
Beneath her cloak, a wide and manic grin practically split the Flame Hunter’s face in half. Beside her, the silent Life Hunter tensed up, but said nothing.
“Remember, we only need the disgrace and his daughter. The rest can all die if they get in the way. Especially the vile one and her spawn.” The leading Radiant Hunter nearly spat out the words he used to describe Evelyn and Wendy. His hatred for the two Obscure Mages. “If you find any other filthy deceivers, be sure to kill them as well. To ensure that the shadows are not allowed to spread.”
“Yes, Lord!” The Adepts and Apprentices that were kneeling behind the Legendaries replied in unison.
“Move out.” The lead Radiant Hunter ordered. As the other Legendaries moved to do as commanded, with the other Hounds following after them, the Hunter couldn’t help but muse about the past. “I wonder... just how far have you fallen, brother...”
With a flash of light, the Hunter disappeared. Ready to do battle alongside his fellow Hounds. To hunt down their prey and tear them apart.
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It was a sudden thing. Ezekiel had been keeping his eyes peeled for any sort of glimmering light that might be hiding something in the distance. He had gotten much better at seeking out the ripples and reflections that accompanied the illusionary effects of Radiant magic. Thanks in part to his father’s training. So, it came as no surprise when Ezekiel caught a glint of light from the side.
What was surprising was the speed at which he moved. Throwing himself into the path of a thin beam of light that he barely managed to deflect with Shine.
Of course, since this was a magical attack, it wasn’t as simple as reflecting the light of a laser. Ezekiel found himself flung into the distance as the physical force created by the mana pushed him away. Crashing through one of the wagons in the process.
“LEGENDS!!!” Ezekiel screamed as he regained his footing. The attack had come from too far away to sense the source. But the direction was obvious.
Even before he had screamed out a warning, a dome of shadows rose around the caravan. The wagons and carriages moved together to make a tighter defense. As one, they were a bigger target, but their combined might would allow them to fight together. Instead of being picked off one by one.
For his part, Ezekiel made his way out of the dome. The shadows parting around him.
“Be ready! We’ll do our best to soften them up, but you may be forced to fight.” Ezekiel called back before crossing the boundary of the shadow.
“Wait! Let me-” Riley’s words were cut off as Ezekiel fully exited the dome. He could now sense the presence of the five Legendary Hunters that were coming for them. As well as more than a score of mixed Adepts and Apprentices.
“Shit!” Ezekiel couldn’t help but curse as he realized just how outnumbered they were. Given the difference, this wouldn’t even be a fight. Even with Invera and Callrond, there was a low chance that they would get out of this alive.
“Ezekiel!” Evelyn called out as she materialized from the shadows, fully clad in her Spirit Armor. “You should grab the girls and retreat. We’ll do our best to hold them off.”
“That would break the contract with the Morse and Alkena families. Besides, two of our enemies are Radiants. I won’t be outrunning anybody.” Ezekiel noticed both his parents looked grim. Neither wanted to accept the fact that this appeared to be a no-win situation. “I’m not going to die on my back.”
Thanks to his bizarrely enhanced physique, he knew that he could at least survive a few strikes from a proper Legendary Hunter. So long as he was careful and his enemy didn’t get a lucky shot at his vitals. But his current lack of sufficiently powerful ranged options meant that he might not even get to strike back.
“Focus!” Warren’s voice cut through Ezekiel’s thoughts. While Ezekiel wasn’t looking, Warren had also donned his Spirit Armor. There was no time for anything else. The enemies had reached them. The Legendaries focused mostly on Warren and Evelyn, who was forced to drop her protective dome.
A wave of fire nearly swept away the guards of the Alkena and Morse families. But a series of light screens blocked them. Turning some of the flames back towards the attackers. Screams and moans of pain followed as some of the Apprentice Hounds failed to block in time.
“WARREN!!!” The Flame Hunter threw off her cloak, revealing a svelte and feminine figure. She was garbed in scarlet armor with canine motifs. Her helmet was a snarling dog's head, and fire seemed to exit the mouth guard with every breath the Hunter took. “DIE TRAITOR!!!”
Warren found himself on the back foot as he was forced to defend himself against the raging Flame Hunter. Only to find himself boxed in as the larger Radiant Hunter threw off his own cloak and began swinging around door sized swords of light.
He was garbed in golden armor that had scales and serpentine designs. A spread cobra hood extended from his neck and covered the back of his head. His helmet was shaped like a gaping snake maw with massive fangs.
“Norton!” Warren exclaimed, seeing the armor that was so familiar to him. “They sent you for this!”
The man in question nodded. “Indeed. It shames me that this is what you have become. For one whose blood allowed him to reach Tier four to have fallen so low. How disgraceful.”
Ezekiel nearly paused to look at what was happening but leapt out of the way of a bolt of Lightning instead. He did recognize the name his father had said, however. While they hadn’t gone into the deep dark depths of the Kindled family, Ezekiel knew that Norton was the name of one of Warren’s older brothers.
Specifically, he was one of the main branch family members. Meaning that he was one of the Order Commanders of the Hounds. Not simply a squadron leader, who was any Hound that had managed to rise to Tier four. Worse yet, this was the man who taught Warren how to fight, until he had switched from using swords to using spears.
Behind him, Ezekiel noticed his mother being thrown from the group and chased after by a sea of crawling roots and vines. A green clad figure with mouse motifs chased after her. Their figure denoted them as being female. The female Radiant Hunter from before was also taking every chance she could to strike at Evelyn when an opening was available. Her own, snake-like armor gleamed with golden light.
“Where are you looking, brat!?” Ezekiel dodged another flash of lightning that scorched part of his armor. “I’m not done playing with you! You still need to suffer for the embarrassment from last time!”
His Spirit armor was styled with the features of a bird. He also appeared to have several injuries covering him. His armor was somewhat dented. Though not by anything Ezekiel had done.
That reminded Ezekiel. The last time they had fought, Ezekiel had ‘Jumped’ behind the Lightning Hunter. Using the distraction his mother had provided at the time, Ezekiel managed to get a clean strike on the Hound. But was knocked away before Shine could cut through anything vitally important.
A series of lightning bolts passed Ezekiel’s head but seemed to curl around him. Trapping him in a net of electricity.
A sudden ‘pop’ sounded out as Ezekiel was forcefully “Jumped out of his predicament. Shine had taken the initiative to get them both away.
“Ezekiel! The balls!” Shine shouted in Ezekiel’s ear, not focusing their waive in any particular way.
Reacting by instinct, Ezekiel reached into the pouch at his side. Pulling out four incredibly heavy ball bearings that were grasped between his fingers. Roughly five times heavier than titanium due to the magic woven into their creation. Pulling back, he hurled them all forwards as the Lightning Hunter turned around. He was knocked back several feet and flipped over as one of the balls hit him in the head.
But pure physical might wouldn’t be enough in this battle. Proven when the Lightning Hound got up and charged at Ezekiel in a flash of Lightning. He barely managed to get Shine brought up in time to block. A soft ‘crack’ ringing out alongside Shine’s scream of pain.
Ezekiel quickly used the momentum of the strike to fly backwards, making a bit more space between him and the Lightning Hound. But a flash of lightning saw that the gap was closed once more.
This time he got a violet clad gauntlet to the face.
Partially disorientated, Ezekiel couldn’t help but notice that the group of guards was being besieged by the other Hounds. Outnumbered and outgunned. They just weren’t a match for the attacking Kindled family forces.
He could just barely make out Riley and Lance taking charge. Fending off against a couple of Adept Hounds and their Spirits. Both were outmatched, but were putting up a good fight, nonetheless.
Fortunately, it seemed like the Kindled family hadn't fully broken the hastily formed defenses just yet. So, although some were injured, it seemed like no one had died just yet.
Ezekiel’s body suddenly seized in pain as lightning caused through his body. He could vaguely hear Shine screaming alongside him. The Adept level Spirit was not powerful enough to withstand the force as easily as Ezekiel. But as quickly as it happened, it came to an end.
“I’m going to make you suffer!” The Lightning Hound grabbed Ezekiel by the hair, pulling him up and shocking him with electricity again. Not enough to kill him, but enough to hurt a lot.
This time the Kindled family Hunter held it for longer. The seizing in his body caused him to drop Shine to the ground. The Void Spirit was too out of it to do anything.
Ezekiel was dropped onto the ground, where he forced himself onto his hands and knees. Looking up, he glared at the man who was once more raising his arm to electrocute Ezekiel. But he wasn’t about to let this happen without a fight.
Using the miniscule amount of mana he had access to, Ezekiel increased his perception of time. The world slowed down around him as his body and mind were forced to their limits.
Taking in his surroundings, Ezekiel could see his father being pushed into a corner. Fire and light swords surrounded him. Cuts and bruises making their way through his damaged Spirit armor. It would take quite some time to recover from, even with Life magic healing him.
In the distance, Ezekiel’s enhanced vision granted him the sight of his mother with a hole in her side. Burned through like one of Warren’s light spears often did. Roots and vines were cut apart by her shadows. But they regrew just as quickly, binding her in place where she was forced to try and defend herself from beams of light that rained down on her.
However, even as these horrible sights assaulted his mind, Ezekiel found himself smiling as he turned his gaze upwards. Towards the man that so dearly wished to kill him.
Even as a crackling hand, covered in lightning, reached ever closer toward his face. A hand that promised pain and suffering, alongside a slow and drawn-out death.
Slowly, as the world around him returned to its proper speed, Ezekiel saw them. Above them all, Ezekiel saw the silhouettes of five massive birds. Descending from the gathering clouds. Talons bared, and beaks open. Ready to tear apart anything they declared their enemy.