Krahinn

Nothing could have prepared me for the signal being some sort of that launched a projectile with enough speed to make the ward around the castle crumple like paper. Luna, you conniving bezka, you wanted me to make sure whoever that’s aimed at doesn’t die. I traced the trajectory, seeing it was aimed with great accuracy at Helga. Oh? That was certainly an approach to her wager with Dha. Maybe Luna isn’t completely worthless after all. Nautilus quickly reacted, moving Helga to safety as she placed herself in the path of the projectile before she swatted it away; a massive explosion of dirt and grass erupted where it hit as the force shook the entire castle. I quickly grabbed the kids, dragging them in front of me with . Nil looked tired as he was replenishing his while Luna quickly turned to admire the aftermath. Guards were swarming like flies before the Imperial Family descended in a heartbeat to see the carnage of the attack. Impractical in a fight, but an interesting for when you have the luxury of letting the projectile get to speed. Something occurred to me as I was amused by that. It’s not in the compendium. It should be; it was definitely not a useless , just a niche one. I thought about it, scouring the compendium for that resembled what I just witnessed coming up blank, so it had to be some form of combination of what was in there. Whatever that was allowed kid Nil to pierce through the castle ward.

“Explain that Nil. Which ones did you combine to make it?” I probed. Nil clearly debated sassing me before the smarter part of his brain won.

“The spatial rotations and . Numerous small rotations with a straight line through them that pass through a few . As I cannot make them rotate fast enough, I used to loop the projectile a few times to build up the needed speed before simply removing the . The projectile is simply a made of .” Nil explained while Luna looked pleased at the results. Nil didn’t know how to make and he didn’t have the control to weave a around the he used to generate the speed, so he compensated by making a bunch of small ones. It was a solid method to allow the projectile to build speed with his limited abilities; I couldn’t argue with the effect.

“Come on Nil! Onto the next step of the operation! You can be a nerd later!” Luna barked at him.

“Hold on. You used my apathetic willingness to be adult supervision in name only and powerful ability as a fail-safe without so much as admitting that’s what you wanted; to add even more you asked me to bring you back in an instant on a signal I couldn’t possibly miss but that was not out of danger it was you wanted to be able to delay getting in trouble for as long as possible. I need to be compensated.” I snapped at Luna.

“We both know you are not actually offended nor care I borrowed your strength in this instance. Plus, you said, ‘you need all the help you can get’ and ‘reflect on your past’ when giving me advice. I simply followed your wisdom.” Luna retorted. Cheeky brat.

“Bold approach today, Luna. I’ll wait to see if you succeed or fail miserably before I press the issue then. Regardless, looks like I will be immensely entertained today.” I taunted her as I began floating along.

“It will be success. It has to be.” Luna shot back. I chuckled. She at least has gotten a better attitude about it.

“Other note, the is called simply called , Nil. Most you named has a fairly to the point or direct name.” I informed him as I brought us all to the ground. I rang the small bell I installed in the kitchen, so the chef knew to make popcorn for me.

“Thank you for appearing, King Krahinn. Did you see where that attack originated from?” Older Nil asked me. Hmmm.

So, Luna, what’s my silence worth now? I inquired mentally. Luna kept her face normal, but I could tell she was seething.

Are you really going to sabotage someone taking your advice? Luna checked. As funny as it would be to see her have to adapt to me informing them it was Nil, that would be too damaging in the long term.

“I did it. I was testing a new idea and used the castle ward to test with.” I lied. Nautilus marched right up to me, grabbing the shirt I was wearing.

“Ya forlin’ piece o’ shiza! Ya coulda hit Helga wit’ that!” Nautilus snarled at me.

“She has you to protect her, doesn’t she?” I asked back as the adults glared at me.

“King Krahinn, could you please elaborate as to what possessed you to test such a dangerous using the castle as target practice?” Older Nil inquired as his thinly veiled anger seeped into his voice.

“Boredom, it’s what motivates most of my actions.” I answered. His face was unconvinced as he looked at Luna and Nil.

Why are you covering for my grandson? Older Nil checked. Well, I tried my absolute minimum; I sighed as I needed to help the idiots out.

I have become a conspirator in a grand operation due to my sheer apathy and not asking clarifying questions. Let it slide, for there is more suffering in the future I imagine that believe it or not needs to succeed. I explained to him.

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Why is it important? Older Nil inquired, going from angry to confused.

Today’s success is needed if Nil wants to be able to fight the Void King. I have to be vague for now, but it is not just torturing poor Helga. I do fear, however, her suffering for the day has only just begun. I answered. Sly bezka, used my apathy to rope me in.

Why? Why does that help defeat the Void King? Older Nil asked in a tone of pure skepticism.

A butterfly flaps its wings and a hurricane occurs somewhere. I can’t explain in better detail because everyone not knowing is necessary. I give you my word that this is mostly above board and necessary. I promised him. Now I really am involved. Ah well. Fine.

Thank you, King Krahinn. Older Nil stated, seeming baffled by what chain of events this was starting.

“I’m sure King Krahinn had his reasons. We can disperse for now.” Older Nil ordered. There was a bit of grumbling and irritated glances, but none pressed the issue against us. Nautilus was giving me a nasty glare as everyone slowly went their separate ways.

Luna, succeed or else as I am now apparently a part of this. I will be irrational about this if you fail. Failure is no longer an option. What is the plan? I snarled at her. Luna looked at me with a shiza eating grin.

Oh? How ever did that happen? Luna checked. What advice was she following?

Where did this willingness to use others come from? I probed. I might have misjudged her.

You said reflect on my past. The Burgomaster was a highly manipulative individual who personally lacked power, so she used information and the strength of others to do her dirty work. She also used to be Nautilus’s lover which is what sponsored the operation of today. Luna informed me. Ah. I guess she did listen.

Don’t push it. I warned her. Such methods were definitely doubled edged swords.

I have seen what happens when you do; a violent, wrathful annihilation of your city as the person you angered rips your bones out legs up with one at a time. I do not like borrowing that woman’s methodology, but I’d rather win my wager with Dha than fall behind and be a burden. Luna told me. And she was determined to get stronger. Sheesh; I guess helping wouldn’t be the worst thing.

So, what is the plan? I pressed. Luna shifted her head back and forth a bit.

Get Helga to realize that Nautilus is serious about her and will protect her. Once that happens, I think the rest should fall into place. Luna answered. I felt my eye twitch.

I’d like the detailed answer to my question Luna. I snapped at her. Luna shrugged at me.

We need to get moving. There’s a timeline to keep. Luna retorted. She was particularly brave today. Part of me wanted to ball her up for the insolence, but time was likely too precious at the moment.

You really are banking on succeeding today. I pointed out.

“Obviously.” Luna sassed me with a smirk. Beings of finite life spans sure could be cheeky.

“What is the next step in Operation Nest the Dragon? Nil probed as he finally recovered his .

“Even gave it a cheeky name.” I quipped while glaring at Luna.

“What’s with the glare?” Luna checked, feigning stupidity.

“We both know you are playing with fire today.” I pointed out.

“I kind of have to. Sometimes you got to be bold to get what you want.” Luna shot back. Luna might actually impress me if she kept this up. I summoned the popcorn I had the chef make me as Luna began escorting Nil and I to the next step.

“Now, I did originally plan on Nil doing the next part, but with Krahinn joining our operation a better version is available.” Luna chimed happily.

“Think of me as more of a helpful observer rather than an active participant for now. I’ll keep you two from getting in trouble, make sure nothing gets out of hand, and offer insight if I think what you’re about to do is a terrible idea.” I replied. This popcorn is so good.

“Why did you say you were a part of this then?” Luna grumbled, glaring at me a bit.

“While your attempt at roping me in was admirable, I do plan on letting you either sink or swim on your own merits. As I am a part of this we simply raised the stakes for failure as you wouldn’t want to make me look bad, would you? Plus, older Nil put together who actually did that attack earlier. If it wasn’t for me, you’d already have failed.” I lectured her.

“Thank you, Krahinn. But why only raise the stakes for failure? That hardly seems fair.” Luna tried. I chuckled at her shameless attempt.

“Because my presence and minor assistance have already made success easier. Why should I reward mediocrity and easing the difficulty for you?” I retorted before tossing more popcorn into my mouth.

“You’re no fun.” Luna pouted. Nil gave her an assuring shoulder pat.

“So where are we heading?” Nil asked as he clearly was struggling not to yawn.

“Helga and Nautilus tend to go to either the lake where some of the naval drills are held, or the two of them enjoy spending time in the orchard. If my information is correct, we should find them by the lake today.” Luna explained.

“Why are we walking that far?” Nil whined.

“Because we need the element of surprise. I don’t think even Krahinn could teleport us over there and not get detected by Nautilus.” Luna told him. It was definitely a level of effort I wasn’t going to exert currently.

“Correct for now.” I confirmed for the two of them.

“What are we going to do once we reach the lake?” Nil inquired as he consigned himself to the trek.

“I have a few ideas; we will need to see what they are doing for which is going to be the appropriate action.” Luna deflected.

“Fine. I do hope at some point why you are tormenting my poor, sweet, innocent caretaker is made clear.” Nil taunted Luna.

“Like you are suddenly a saint.” Luna shot right back, poking Nil in the cheek.

“I am. I was sleeping peacefully when someone woke me up and decided violence was on the menu for today.” Nil defended himself as he smirked at Luna.

“It took so much effort to convince you. Words barely left my mouth before you were on board.” Luna teased Nil while leaning against him a little. Ugh. This was ruining my popcorn.

“This is so touching. Now please focus you two.” I interjected, not wanting to have to hear or deal with this the entire walk.

“Someone is just bitter his platonic friend left for another Realm.” Nil mocked me. He was instantly made into a ball as we kept walking.

“You want to add anything?” I asked Luna as I made sure Nil floated along next to us.

“Nope. I’m good.” Luna stated immediately, keeping her eyes forward.

You are such a jerk! Nil yelled at me mentally.

She is currently trying to earn her keep today, so I am willing to let her sass slide for now. You on the other hand, implied that Ipnerslei and I are more than friends which I deeply dislike. I clarified for him.

Sorry. Nil apologized. I kept him in ball form as we kept walking. Luna kept her eyes forward, clearly not wanting to join Nil.