Rassi

Mana coiled around the Scholar, a whirlpool forming in her eyes as Rassi felt her reach into the past and pluck a secret. The cost did not go unnoticed by him either, her aura dropped to Tier 13, marking what seemed like a semi-permanent loss of mana. Though it was likely that she would be able to re-earn her mana, it would be lost for now.

The mana calmed as the Scholar closed her eyes, making Rassi's heartbeat with anticipation. What was the answer? What did she think? The thoughts swirled through his head, making him revert to his younger self. The young man that had still wanted his mother's acknowledgement, but didn't get it.

The Scholar opened her eyes, making Rassi hold his breath in anticipation.

"I have to say, she was a remarkable woman. '' she said. "A remarkable woman who was very, very proud of her sons. The last thing she felt was pride. Yes, Rassi, she was proud of the fact that you were so good that a high ranked noble had to go as far as killing her to get her revenge.

Though, she was sad that Ronne had to live with regret. As for her last wish, she wished that the two would make up so that you could collectively prove the Empire wrong. I don't think she regretted a thing."

Rassi waited, waiting for some burst of feelings, some weight to lift off his chest, but nothing came. A sigh escaped his lips as his body shuddered from exhaustion. The struggle had been long, but he had his answer. And now, he could…go home? The answer was what he wanted to hear.

But it felt empty, insufficient somehow. Rassi sighed, even he didn't know what it was that he wanted. What would satisfy this unrest in his heart. But the Scholar had done as he asked, it was time to fulfill his end of the deal.

"I will wait here as you deal with the Duchess, I have a couple of things to do before I leave." the clever woman said, getting up and moving towards the stairs.

"Will you truly leave?" Rassi asked.

The Scholar turned towards him, a surprised expression on her face. "What do you mean?"

"Just leave when you're done. I will come back in an hour, if you are still here, I will kill you." Rassi said, teleporting out. The Scholar would be gone soon, and then this chapter in his life would be over.

Ray

Ray looked around for anyone that could know a way out, settling on a rebel nearby that looked like he was in charge. The rebel portal had begun spewing people out that were taking stock of the things there.

The rebel turned towards Ray, as if sensing his intent, and said, "I will debrief you in a bit, can you just compile the timeline of events?" he said. Ray knew that he shouldn't be irritated at a person just doing his job, but his lack of care annoyed him. Not to mention, he had other things to do.

"I need to leave, where does the portal go?" Ray asked, feeling exhaustion seeping into his body. Ma was still in danger, a lot was left to do, but that did not stop his body from telling him that it was tired. System, assign nine stat points to Endurance.

The effect was immediate, somewhat. But it was still not enough for him to feel complete yet. The physical effects were mitigated, but Ray was still feeling the mental effects of his actions.

The rebel on the other hand looked irritated. "I am sorry, but the debrief-"

"Warus, if you try to hold us now, I will kill you. The debrief can wait." the Shadow Princess said, even Ray couldn't tell if she was serious. The rebel, thankfully, had the same doubts.

"Ok, but I will need you to-" the rebel began, but Ray had already walked through the portal. The scene on the other side was not what Ray expected. What awaited him was a busy chamber, full of people passing by in a hurry.

A man nearly crashed into Ray as he walked by, looking up in irritation as he said, "How long is the portal going to be up for?" And then turning to Ray, he said, "I don't suppose you know?"

Ray looked at him observantly, trying to get a read on him. Did he not know what it was here for? "No, do you know why it is here?" he asked.

The man snorted. "As if they tell us anything. I know secrecy is important and all that, but making a portal in the middle of the administra-"

"Oh, shut yer trap Conthus. Just go about yer work, the portal ain't too much in the way and ye know it." a gruff voice said, but Ray didn't stick around to hear the rest of the conversation. Though he didn't know the way out, he did have the local princess.

The Shadow Princess nodded at him as she led him through a confusing series of corridors and out an entrance that Ray did recognize. The rebellion had apparently built a hidden base just a few buildings away from the bakery. A clothing shop, the entrance was in one of the many trial rooms. Ray exited the shop, giving a polite nod to the people in the shop as he rushed to the bakery.

The blinds were drawn when he arrived, the bakery looked positively deserted. Ray feared the worst as he stepped into the silent bakery, looking at the empty tables. An envelope was kept on one of the tables, radiating Ma's mana. Taking a deep breath, he picked it up with shaking hands, fearing what was within.

The envelope opened easily, the mana radiating through as words appeared on the blank page.

Ray,

I am sure by now you have guessed, what I feared has come to be. The Academy Dean visited me a few minutes ago, and we have reached an understanding. I will leave Afrieal and take the barony while he pins the blame on the Duchess. Ariana will take over as your primary guardian, the Human continent is too great a danger.

I doubt the effect of this plea even as I write it, but I shall still make it, please do not come after me. The Human continent is too dangerous. The continent is surrounded by a Spacio-spheric shield that can stop teleportation attempts with a strength less than Tier 30. The way in is guarded by Xnarthan, and each and every person is checked.

The fact that you are Fae will be detected easily. Not to mention the cities themselves have safeguards also, which will force you to travel through the beast filled wilderness. A deadly task before Tier 15. But if you still wish to come, then I beg you, wait till you are Tier 15.

The path to me is filled with blood and suffering that I do not wish for you to experience. I will be fine here, there is much for me to settle on this side of the Human sea, not to mention a largely inhabited barony to take care of. Did you know that the only two things in the entire barony are a fortress and an orphanage? The nearest settlement is kilometers away!

Ray deflated, just staring at the letter in shock. A lone tear tear rolled down his face, making him let out a little sniffle/ But it was as if it was happening to someone else. Ray felt hollow, an empty shell where there should be mirth, or even sadness.

After all, he had just killed hundreds of Xnarthan. A startling achievement. Why was he not happy then? The enemy had suffered. A victory had been achieved. But happiness was lacking. Perhaps it was guilt. But he just couldn't feel it. Ray felt little but pity.

Norman had been able to do that at least. But the hollow feeling persisted. Why? Why did he feel this way? Ray felt a hand touch his as the Shadow Princess sat beside him. Had she been here the entire time? The hand felt calm, telling him it wasn't alone. But the hollow feeling persisted. Ray opened the letter again, watching as the letters appeared.

I know I didn't recommend anything before, but now I will. I think you shouldn't take the deal. The offer is good, but the results are not immediate. The rebellion's upper ranks are filled with noble bastards that are far too well versed in bureaucracy.

A potion that will have an immediate effect however will multiply your effective leverage, and give you space to choose. But that is all I can say, goodbye for now, my son, we shall meet again.

Oh, I almost forgot to say, there are ten million mana coins for you upstairs, just in case you need them.

Ray laughed as the letter ended. A hollow laugh that did little to quell the hollow feeling in his chest. A hollow feeling that made him cry, but didn't tell him why.