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That Time, My Clan Became The Strongest
The Past and Future Beckon, Part 1

The Past and Future Beckon, Part 1

My short moment of teleportation lasted long enough for my Aura to subside and allow the Esoteric Restrictions to settle in my mind.

Still, I was in the Guild Hall as expected and Antoris's Office but the only people waiting for me were the Redmanes, specifically Reg and the few with him earlier. I could tell he was eager to hear what I had to say about my meeting with The Monarch of Vectus by just the look he had on his face.

"... Tell Theitus, The Monarch of Vectus has chosen to support us. We now have a chance to expand our influence beyond Mythral." I said with my back to Reg who smirked a little at that statement. However, he hid his nausea well as he practically avoided my glance toward him. I assumed the blackened sclera with a sharp amber glare, that of my previous self had a little something to do with it. "What's wrong Reg? you look like you've seen a ghost." I asked with some humor before he shook his head.

"I Apologize Kazu, it’s hard to not feel uneasy. I will report anything you need to Keeper Theitus." Reg replied unable to look at me but that was something I couldn't blame him for.

"Don't worry about it. I get it," I remarked before turning my attention away. "The Trial will take place here in Vectus publicly so we can reveal the Progenitors Core," I began with everything I just went through with the Monarch of Vectus knowing Theitus would put that information in use immediately.

After mentioning every last detail, I only had one thing left to say before leaving reg to report this all to Theitus, "... Don't forget to return the Guilds resources and the Redmanes working as employees as soon as possible... The emptiness of this place is rather boring," I said while I walked past Reg and the others who bowed to me like some sort of reverence was given.

Reg did speak up, "We will have everything back to normal before you know it." he stated with his head still bowed.

I had to admit seeing them like that caused a bit of humor to scratch my throat only because they honestly felt the need to do it. "... Sounds good, I'm going to check up on my Clan... Let me know what Theitus has to say. I'll be around," I added before leaving Reg's office and toward the presence of Reiner and Lilith which was accompanied by Antoris in the main hall.

My steps were noticed by all arriving at the top of the stairs overlooking the main hall and their attention immediately fixed upon me. I was glad they were all healed already and when I began to step toward them, I could tell both Reiner and Lilith were relieved to see me.

"Kazu! where have you been, those mean people with white hair said Lilith couldn't go with you," Lilith exclaimed springing into action to reach my side with a embrace that I just let happen, after all it's not like I was going to stop her anyways. As for Reiner who chose to hide his feelings, I didn't miss the faint look of guilt he had like he was ashamed of himself or something.

Regardless of if he was about to say something Antoris spoke first, "I'm glad we both trusted each other, Kazu. My Monarch had told me everything I needed to know. Feel free to use the guild as you like and the room, he requested for you is still being prepared but you will find it rather easily," Antoris stated seemingly glad me, and the Monarch Lumiere had come to an agreement.

"Good to hear... but I can't say I came all the way here to worry about all that stuff right now." I remarked as he no doubt knew what I meant by that.

"Fair enough, I do suppose I should let you three have some time for yourselves and I need to prepare the return of our assets and the Clan Kanmori employees. If your curious about Astrid, she is currently resting in a private room of the guildhall’s infirmary. She is going to be monitored till we can be sure she is herself again. I'll be in my office should you need to find me," Antoris stated before he turned his attention to the last person here. "Let's go Xander, we will let them be alone," he added but the spiky haired guy who accompanied us all the way to the end of the Labyrinth had another thing in mind.

"Nah, I'll be sticking around with them. Kazu went through a lot just to get blamed for all this, the least I can do is make sure he's alright," Xander remarked with his hands in his pockets and a slight scowl across his face that caused a smirk to appear on Antoris's lips.

"Very well." Antoris replied before departing past me and to his office which left the few before me.

I couldn't say I expected Xander to stay but that didn't mean it was a bad thing, despite his current level Xander had potential and the more trust I got from him would make the specific requirements for him to cultivate with me that much easier. Still, Xander and Reiner made their way closer as did me and Lilith, who had her arms wrapped around my midsection and effortlessly dragging her with me. "... You don't need to worry, Xander. I'm fine and you look to be in better shape... you all did your best," I said, not only referring to him but the unusually quiet Reiner.

Reiner did glance at me before looking away like I hadn't just seen through him but at least he acknowledged it. "Tch... Yeah, I guess..." he growled lowly before looking back my way. "... you sure, your good? something about you feels so different. What gives," Reiner asked a reasonable question and it was quite obvious he too would noticed something was different about me.

"... I'm better than ever actually. You can say I've gotten stronger Reiner… and what you are feeling is my aura, a small fraction of what you witnessed in the Labyrinth. The growth I went through during our fight with the scholar did cause a drastic shift to the seal that once hid my Aura, but I've realized it was necessary for us and myself... We all need to become much stronger. I was serious about creating a Clan and I don't think I have to ask you Reiner but you still with me right," I said knowing full well he wouldn't turn his back on me at this point.

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Reiner remained silent for a moment before his palm met his face and a grin, only he could give formed through his attempt to cover it up. "Heh, you've gotten stronger... what the hell..." he remarked to himself looking every bit amused even thrilled. "Yeah, Kazu I'm still with you. Just so you know I'm going to reach you... This level your on, I want it too."

The fire burning within Reiner's crimson eyes showcased his drive to be even stronger for what seemed to be for my sake, but I didn't mind at all. If anything, Reiner currently met the conditions for me to cultivate with him and truthfully even I wanted to see what Reiner was capable of. I had to assume the results wouldn't be instant but the past year and a half he has shown just how much he had grown with the things I taught him, and now I can help him breakthrough any level he wished to reach. "... I thought so... I have no doubt in your ability to get where you need to be. I'll be there to help you all but right now our improvements will be limited due to this trial I found myself caught up in." I remarked with some humor at the trial itself, but I returned my attention to them afterwards. "... and its just like Antoris said earlier, I'll be squatting in the Guild Hall, to limit my appearance until the trial... You guys can use the room at the Inn to yourselves while I'm out," I said but someone hanging off of me didn't seem to find the idea appealing.

"Lilith is staying with Kazu, she can stay here too." Lilith stated while squeezing me tighter like there wasn't a thing I could do about it and that caused Reiner to make his displeasure clear with a sneer.

"Tch, I hate to agree with this shrimp but I'm staying too," he growled lowly, and it didn't seem like he too, was willing to budge on this one.

I had to expect they would want to stay with me, but it was their choice in the end, I felt a bit bad for them simply because I didn't think my temporary room would be comfortable at all for them, but that didn't seem to matter.

The only one that was left out in all this was Xander who remained a silent bystander despite all the talking going on. "Heh. You guys are pretty close... I'm not going to get in the way of that, but I wouldn't mind using your room, saves me from wasting my money at an Inn." he said awkwardly which I could understand he probably felt like he was intruding even if that wasn't the case.

Still, I pulled the key to the room from my pocket and tossed it to him, "Not at all, don't mind the mess... my roommates like to leave their stuff everywhere." I remarked referring to both Reiner and Lilith who looked away at the mention of their habits.

Regardless, Xander caught the key before he pocketed it. "Thanks. It's free I’m not going to complain. I'm actually pretty exhausted despite whatever those guild employees have done for me. I'll see ya when I've recovered a bit, you still owe me some more tips of that battle art you've mastered," Xander replied with a wolfish smirk and some humor before beginning to walk away with his hands stuffed in his pockets. "If you need anything just ask, but you look like you have everything covered."

"No problem... See you later," I said as Xander walked out of the guild hall with a wave of his hand and he wasn't wrong I had a lot of this covered, truthfully, they all should be recovering after our time in the Labyrinth. The fact that I could tell Reiner was exhausted as well only proved that point.

"Finally! Kazu isn't distracted! Why haven't you thanked Lilith yet for all of her hard work!" Lilith exclaimed loudly looking up at me which caused me to roll my eyes and Reiner to growl at her usual behavior.

Still, it was true Lilith deserved a thank you, I just didn't think I needed to tell her that considering I was talking to all of them at once when I mentioned it earlier. "... Seriously?" I remarked to myself before placing my hand on Lilith's head and ruffling her hair. "Thanks Lil... You did good." I said with a humor that gave me some type of joy perhaps that was because Lilith and her faint nostalgic Aura felt warm to the touch.

Lilith certainly did feel happy to hear my appreciation as she seemed to melt in my hand with a smile, Although I suppose it was the first and only time, she had ever had me do this sort of thing.

Reiner did seem to have a faint smile across his lips as he watched but it soon turned into a glare at the sight. "Oi. Are you about done yet. Don't we have more important things to do than give this brat praise," he remarked which did cause Lilith to stick her tongue at him.

"You are just jealous!" she shouted back at him with a huff.

"Tch, the hell I am! you just don't want Kazu to appreciate my hard work, you shrimp," Reiner barked back with a snarl.

Of course, this was just a reminder of why I had set rules for Reiner and Lilith, despite them getting along their arguments never ceased to persist and I could only sigh to myself while I watched.

"... That's enough," I remarked before I began to walk away from their argument. "Let's go find a shady spot in the Guild grounds, I'm assuming someone will tell me when the room, we'll be hold up in is ready." I said to them as I took the lead and they both followed regardless with a dirty look or two at each other.

It didn't take long to reach the grounds of trimmed greenery and marble tiles that composed this entire space behind the Guildhall. Despite all that occurred the sun was a nice sight after being within the Labyrinth and the soft breeze felt pleasant as well. Still, I made my way to the nearest shaded spot a row of perfectly trimmed trees provided.

Although it was out of sight enough to not worry about being interrupted and I didn't hesitate to plop myself down on the grass with my legs crossed while my hand provided a place for my head to rest.

Lilith had no issue making herself comfortable as she laid down next to me and placed her head in my lap, I didn't care to say anything to her simply because I knew she wasn't going to listen, but I was also to busy enjoying a moment's break.

However, Reiner stood over us with no intention on sitting down. “Tch, why are we out here? I thought we had other important things to do, not laying here in the grass.” He growled in irritation which caused me to open up my right eye in his direction.

“This is important… did you think I didn’t notice your exhaustion Reiner? you should rest as much as you can right now, there isn't anything that urgently needs to be done... I'm waiting for Theitus to get back to me... so sit down and relax," I said which caused him to let out a low growl of annoyance.

"Tch, Fine, I'm just trying to help you in anyway I can." Reiner said dropping to the ground in a spot with his legs folded clearly not satisfied but he didn't protest further.

I closed my eyes once again and let the soft breeze of the evening air fill my ears. "I know Reiner. Just take it easy... there is no need to outdo yourself," I said, well aware of his motivation to help me, he didn't need to prove himself anymore to me.

My words were acknowledged by Reiner and Lilith as both comfortably relaxed in their own manner. "Heh. You see through everything, don't you? Kazu." Reiner said with a faint laugh before I heard him lie down on his back.

I let the two of them be while a silence settled among us, it felt good to finally relax for a second and take in some fresh air after getting dragged into my current mess. Still, at the moment I wasn't exactly thinking about that.

My attention was on Reiner and Lilith who were already fast asleep, in a way I found myself glad I had someone like them around. My amber gaze watch them and perhaps a slight smile found my lips.

[Notice: Analysis Complete: Entering the State of the Esoteric Restrictions.]