A week had soon gone by and Me and my two companions continued with our break and lessons that deepened their knowledge and control over Magical energy.
Reiner despised the hour or so we used to cultivate most days, considering he was the only one actually doing it, after all Lilith absorb mine like it was second nature to her but still, she would bounce around and make him twitch in annoyance at every move she made.
Regardless, it had helped him further his growth, I had complete confidence in Reiner capabilities on the front lines and despite his attitude, he shined in that role that I had him take up.
“… That’s enough for today, Reiner,” I remarked from my position on the couch as Lilith made more noise than one person was capable of with her bird friends at the window.
He released a low grumble in response as he stood. "Tch, finally. I get the point of doing this crap, but why doesn’t this brat have to do it, what makes her so special,” he sneered.
I responded with a small hum as I glanced at her handling her bird friends and her usual nonsense "Trust Lilith! Kazu will see you both as useful too one day, he just forgot a bunch of stuff," she exclaimed while the birds chirped around her.
"… she has no need to, I haven’t concluded any answers for it, but she specifically absorbs mine. Considering I tried to make her Cultivate before with no success, but the second she’s near me I can feel my Magical Energy pull from me without even a second thought," I explained something I had attempted in the year that had passed. “I just can’t believe either of you don’t know anything about the guy, who told you both to assist me,” I scoffed with humor in my throat.
Reiner clicked his tongue in response, “Oi, I told you what I knew, that brat should have known way more than me,” he growled as if he wasn’t the one to be blamed in the situation.
"It doesn’t matter anymore… we have other things to do today,” I remarked and began to head for the door, of course they reacted instantly and joined me with a quick flap from Reiner’s over coat and Lilith waving off her pet birds.
Our relationship got to the point where I didn’t have to explain myself to them, they followed me wherever I went and listened when prompted. It made things easier for me, however that was due to them coming to their senses of me being the leader of our party, it was a habit after following the orders and lessons I had given to make us a force to be reckoned with.
Regardless we were headed for the guildhall, where Antoris requested us after waiting two weeks. I assumed it was news about the Labyrinth Expedition.
Our footsteps tapped against the marble path that led the way, all while we passed by the rabble of Sura. “You’ve been on Expeditions before, Reiner? Do you think Antoris got the names of the Clans, we'll be accompanying?” I asked as we walked.
Reiner only scoffed with a laugh, “Heh, if that’s where we’re going, I think that old geezer just likes talking to you. Benefactors don’t get any of those details till it actually happens,” He remarked with a smirk. “Pretty funny an Apostle befriended a Xiao,”
I mused momentarily seeing how that could be funny considering I was a monster to many, “I think it’s more of a mutual understanding, I told you we are both using each other for different reasons.”
“Heh, I know Antoris pretty damn good. I know when he likes something and when he doesn’t. He has every reason to, with you his ridiculous little plan for Vectus to gain more status is possible and you’re out doing his expectations… you are the first benefactor to practically become one of the top members in less than a year,” Reiner remarked before one of his dark smirks appeared on his face. “You even surpassed that goody two shoes, Astrid… I bet she’s pissed that she finally lost her spot,” he said clearly finding some personal satisfaction in that.
I had gathered, Astrid was another member of the big four, although I haven’t met her in all the time I been in Sura. “That’s what Antoris was pushing for,” I said before commenting on his moment of satisfaction. “It makes no difference if I angered anyone in the process,” I stated flatly as we walked.
“Heh, maybe but I still have fun imagining her expression when she heard the news… Miss perfect, tch,” Reiner remarked with his smirk, it was clear they had some sort of rivalry between each other.
Regardless, it wasn’t long after we arrived at the Guild Hall, which had the usual number of people in the lobby as it did any other day. As per usual we made our way up to the upper floor of the lobby, where Antoris’s office waited for us.
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The typical looks shot our way but were ignored like they usually were, and we stepped into his office.
“Kazu, I was wondering when you show up. I take it you’ve all been enjoying your break?” Antoris greeted us from his desk of quite a few documents that awaited his attention.
"I suppose, and I didn’t know you were waiting, I was going through some lessons with my party,” I said as we all took our seats, but Antoris did chuckle at my answer.
“If that’s how it sounded, I apologize. I am a bit on edge with countless guild matters and not to mention the labyrinth expedition, Graced Clans are certainly a headache to deal with. But I digress, the reason why I called you here is because, I have the names of the clans that your party will be accompanying in the expedition,” Antoris said which caused Reiner to growl in annoyance beside me.
“Heh, I told ya so Kazu… but don’t expect any of them to be different,” Reiner remarked for being right about earlier but also sneering at clans soon to be mentioned.
Antoris chuckled as he adjusted his glasses. "I’m not going to disagree with that, but you know it yourself Reiner, Graced Clans demand a certain amount of respect. Kazu has been a good influence on you and your troublemaking, I expect him to keep it up,” he said causing Reiner to grumble in his seat.
“Tch, whatever you say old geezer. Just get on with it,”
Antoris chuckled once again at Reiner’s attitude he enjoyed as he clasped his hands together and continued.
"For starters, I will mention for Kazu’s sake. These are not your everyday Clans. Graced Clans are the most powerful and prestigious clans in Aterius, headed by Apostle’s like myself. We are well aware, many their opinions on you aren’t positive. Your job as benefactors is to provide whatever they may need, that will ensure they can’t complain. All you need to do is clear the designated floor, upon success we can finalize your position as one of the guilds big five and then… My monarchs next step will be made known to all of Aterius," Antoris stated as he took in a breath before continuing. "The Graced Clans that secured their rights to this expedition are Graced Clan Naria ruler of Itus. Zealots, that worship their Monarch because that is what their goddess wishes. Next is Graced Clan Aerith rulers of Luceria, the Elven clan, they are well known for their extensive knowledge and their secrets, although in their domain that is their right. Lastly, we have Graced Clan Kemonozu rulers of Treviri, conquerors of the harsh sands of their lands, they are famed for the strength of their battle art. That concludes the clans that you will be accompanying. Their members are yet to be determined but I can confirm each clan will be sending five members varying from A-rank to S-rank for the expedition.” Antoris explained in a brief and professional manner.
“… I understand Antoris, we’ll do our job like always. When does this all happen?” I asked idly with my face resting on the palm of my hand.
“The date was determined to be in two weeks, at the end of the month. That also brings me to another matter, as you know, your party consists of three members which is why I have arranged two benefactors to be temporarily assigned to your party for the Expeditions. These two are none other than your fellow top four, Astrid and Xander. There will be formal introductions near the date of the expedition, seeing as both of them are finishing up their specific duties I assigned them to,” Antoris stated before leaning back into his chair, but Reiner was quick to comment on the matter.
"Tch, the weakling Xander and miss goody two shoes, this is another reason why I can’t stand these expeditions. You could have at least given us Cayto,” he growled bitterly as he crossed his arms, clearly not happy with the news.
“Well, Cayto more than likely would have been my first pick, but he is quite busy right now with guild matters. Although Astrid has been too, but Cayto’s current duties are much more important than hers,” Antoris said which made Reiner click his tongue in annoyance.
I understood enough to get both of their points, either way we needed them both for the required members but that also meant, we would need to adjust our teamwork accordingly.
“… As long as they don’t get in the way I suppose it won't be a bother. I take it that’s all you wanted to discuss, Antoris?” I remarked which he simply responded with a nod.
"Correct. That concludes our discussion on the expedition, I will inform you of any other details once I know them.” He stated which prompted us to stand up from our seats.
"Alright, we'll be here," I said with the usual flat gaze before turning to leave.
“Of course, it’s always a pleasure to speak to you, Kazu. See you soon,” Antoris said with a small smile as we left his office.
Once outside of his office, and the Guildhall in general, Reiner let out his anger as we made our way through Sura.
I glanced his way briefly, "If you’re going to be pissed off about it, then I’ll tell you right now, it’s pointless. We have no choice but to deal with it," I said as we continued walking.
Reiner simply scoffed and responded with, "Tch, I know. It’s not like I have a problem with Astrid or Xander. To be honest it’s the graced clans I don't want anything to do with, Clan Naria is going to be our biggest pain in the ass," He sneered bitterly with the last comment.
Lilith was quick to join the conversation with an excited bounce. "... Kazu is with us, so Lilith knows everything will work out!" She exclaimed as she swung her arms back and forth happily.
"Oi, be quiet brat,” Reiner grumbled with an annoyed glare, however his remark did little to hinder Lilith skipping beside me. “Heh, that might make things worse. Those religious idiots take hating on Cursed Clans to the extreme. I don’t doubt that’s the only reason they bid on this expedition was to just screw us over," he sneered bitterly with a dark growl and fists clenched.
Regardless, there wasn't much we could do, no one had any choice in the matter, all that could be done is prepare for every possible eventuality. “… You should listen to Lilith more often Reiner, she has her moments of usefulness," I remarked idly but caused her to light up happily.
"See! Kazu even agrees!" She chirped happily and bounced her way up the streets of Sura.
Reiner couldn't help but scoff at my words before we continued on with our day of nothing overly important to do.