Zultar felt like a mighty lord for the first time in his life. He was dressed in expensive clothes that could’ve fed his family for a decade. The exorbitant litter he rode in had a canopy top with silken coverings. What really sold the image was the kin. They carried him ever since they neared Fortunia. Not just any kin, but a hundred cultivators all pretending to be his slaves. He felt a bit guilty having them carry him but with their power it was an easy task. Together he perfectly projected the rich and powerful mage image they were aiming for.

“You ready for this?” Hamal asked from the front pole.

“I’ve been around pompous mages who thought their shit was the ambrosia of the gods. I can play my part.”

Hamal chuckled. “Well get ready we’re almost there.”

Zultar poured himself a small glass of wine. Not enough to inhibit him but enough to relax. It was a fine art he had learned to deal with high stress situations. And covertly entering Fortunia was certainly that. Soon enough it was time.

“Who goes there?” A voice called out. The litter was set down by the cultivators. That was his cue. He grabbed a garish staff with a rather massive crystal on its head.

Zultar step out the litter with an aggrieved expression as if dealing with such questions were below him. He puffed up his chest with self-assured importance. Zultar managed to look down at the person questioning him although the individual was high on a wall. He then thumped his staff twice.

“You are speaking to the great Runic Master Raphael!” Gerald pronounced in his booming tone. The guards on the wall looked confused at the proclamation. Probably because they made up that title.

“The what?” A guard shouted.

“Surely you jest?” Gerald continued. “The Master Raphael is known across the northern part of Asluin. His abilities are legendary!”

“Umm, why isn’t he speaking?” A guard asked.

“The master doesn’t ordain to speak to mere gatekeepers!” Gerald thundered.

“So, you’re some type of mercenaries?” The question wasn’t unanticipated. Indeed all the cultivators wore sturdy sleeveless white robes that ended below the hips and a matching set of trousers made from the fiber of some numerous plants found in exclusively in the mana forest. The fibers naturally absorb traces of mana strengthening themselves. On the front of each robe was a metal pendant with a symbol unfamiliar to the guards. Indeed it was unfamiliar to everyone, at least for now. It was a bright white metal with swirling blue inlay that worked its way toward the center where a clear stone was set. The swirling blue represented ki and the gem in the center the core. It was the symbol of the cultivator.

Gerald filled his lungs as if he was going to yell when Zultar raised his hand. Immediately all of the kin fell to both knees foreheads pressed to the ground. Internally he wondered if they were going overboard…Nah.

“We do some mercenary work which is why we’re here. My kin can also do the work of twenty workers each. I assure you the leader of your city will wish to speak with me.” Zultar put as much confidence behind each word he could.

“Alright come on it. Just keep those kin under control,” the mage guard said as the gates opened. The response was not unanticipated. Mages came in all the time, although none of them had such a huge entourage. Hence the need for some theatrics.

Zultar hadn’t been here since the kin’s enslavement. It was small risk that someone could recognize him but he had changed a lot since his last time here. Different hair color and style along with a goatee was enough to ensure no one would recognized him. No one even paid attention to him back then. They did now.

The kin stood up and Zultar returned to his litter before the kin picked it up once more. Together they marched proudly with Zultar’s litter in the center. All eyes were on them. Zultar knew the first step in making any sale was to get the buyers attention. That accomplished, he just needed to find the right mage. As they moved forward he looked at the changes wrought in the city.

The city of Fortunia was more like a fortress than a real city. It was dominated by a large keep on the western side of the city overlooking the mountain valley. Behind the keep were various establishments that you would find anywhere. Inns, taverns and of course brothels. Perhaps it was the last establishment that changed the most since he was last here. Kin women were chained up outside like pets while other human women rested in chairs beyond them. All the other kin here appeared to be cleaning or doing some other manual chore. The biggest change Zultar noticed were the mages. There were mages of Dageth and elves walking the streets. A lot of elves in fact. That didn’t bode well.

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“What’s all this?” A loud commanding voice asked. Zultar directed his gaze to the man walking toward them with three guards. He was a lean man with wiry muscle and bright violet hair. His clothes were richly decorated as one would expect from his station. Around his neck he had a pendant with the symbol of Deepmere, a flaming hammer.

“Behold Runic Master Raphael!” Gerald shouted. Several mages who were already interested stopped what they were doing, watching.

“Runic Master?” The man asked coming to a stop the guards fanning out around him. “I haven’t heard that title before. I’m General Darkfall commander of Fortunia. Where do you hail from?”

The litter was set down and Zultar got to his feet. The brushed off imaginary dust as he addressed the General looking directly into his eyes. He'd never had dared to do such previously.

“Far to the north near the Mana Wildlands. I’m not surprised you haven’t heard of my title before. Runic Masters are rare beyond the place of my birth but I assure you my title was well earned.”

“I see. Well Raphael what do we owe the pleasure to your visitation?”

“I have heard of these mists you battle. This is truly a grave threat to all of Asluin. I’ve been sent unofficially by several concern parties from my home to evaluate the situation.”

“What nation do you represent?” Darkfall asked.

“Not a nation, but rather a collection of financial institutions that have a vested interest in the safety of Asluin. I would like your permission to scout out the mists and your protections against it,” Zultar said.

“That might not be…” Darkfall said.

“Of course I understand your reluctance. As a gesture of the friendship and support that my collaborators can offer, I offer you this gift,” Zultar said and a kin walked forward with a chest. The kin set the heavy burden down in front of Darkfall. The gleam of greed in his eyes was easy for Zultar to see. The man opened the lid and gasped. It was filled with gold and gems. Zultar had winced at the suggestion to give so much wealth away. However the past year had proven lucrative beyond all imagination with the resources from the mana forest. Naturally some mages from Deepmere did plunder the forest for riches however most never went far in. Those that did, never came back. The rat-kin made sure of that.

“I thank you for this generous donation to our cause. This will surely aid us in stopping the foul mists,” the general said as one of his guards struggled to pick up the chest. Zultar wondered how much would conveniently find its way into the General’s pockets. Most probably.

“You may of course inspect whatever area you need to. I’ll be sure to inform the guard captain and the other commanders of your presence. Do you have a place to stay? You can be lodged in the keep if you don’t have arrangements already.”

“Thank you General Darkfall however I don’t want to interrupt your daily operation. I’d like a brief tour of the area but otherwise I’ll stay out of your way. The local inns will be fine. After so long on the road I’m sure they will be a luxury,” Zultar said bowing. “Will there be any objections to me observing these mists and your actions against them?”

“No, of course not,” Darkfall said. “However they are extremely dangerous. I would insist on several of my mage guards to protect you.”

“Thank you but that is not required. I have my own protection,” Zultar said gesturing at the kin.

“Kin? I’m afraid that the dangers are far beyond what any null can handle.”

Zultar chuckled. “Normally you’d be right. Allow me to demonstrate.” Zultar held his staff up high as it began to shine brightly.

“MASS GREATER STRENGTH!”

“MASS GREATER HASTE!”

“MASS STEEL BODY!”

It was of course complete nonsense. The staff was a little more than an extremely large crystal with a light enchantment worked into it that even he could power with the ambient mana. The cultivators jolted as if they were suddenly empowered. They all began doing rather amazing feats. One jumped nearly fifteen feet straight up to a small ledge. Another lifted an uncut stone the size of a barrel over his head. The gathered mages gasped in amazement.

“Impressive!” Darkfall said. “Very, very, impressive. I’ve never seen a mass body enhancement spell used before.”

“It’s unlikely you ever will again. My slaves each have a series of runes worked into their flesh allowing me to efficiently boost their abilities. The augmentations draw on their own unawaken mana pools. I’m afraid the process does shorten their lives but the results are as you see here. They are stronger than most melee spell casters. Furthermore the runes ensure their obedience and utter lack of fear. They’d throw themselves down a dragon’s gullet in the hopes that it’d choke if I so ordered it,” Zultar said.

“Wondrous! What I wouldn’t do to get kin like that,” Darkfall said clapping him on the back. “Raphael I would insist on at least providing you with a feast to celebrate our new friendship.”

“I would be happy to attend. I do require that my slaves be treated well. Each one represents a significant financial investment for my magic to work on them properly.”

‘Of course,” Darkfall said leading him toward the keep. The man began barking orders as they walked. As the General droned on Zultar gave him his most attentive fake smile. He’d had lots of practice during his time. He’d keep playing this part until Azura arrived. There would be plenty of time to prepare for the next part. Even now he knew a few cultivators were slipping away setting their plans in motion.