-The Arena-
Training had run late.
Due to every member of the Squad being cultivators well into the Third Order or beyond, there was a large threshold for how long they could go swinging their fists and their weapons, and Zayda, standing at the edge of the Arena kept her eyes on them with a frown of dissatisfaction calling for a resumption after the end of almost every spar.
Since they were five and there was an obvious shortage of pairs, there was always someone standing beside Zayda for an adequate stretch of time before the changing of sparring partners.
Occasionally, Zayda would step in and give pointers as the most experienced Knight on the scene who had especially learned from the pinnacle of Martial Excellence in the Verlice Kingdom; The Martial Temple. She had a lot of knowledge to share and while a particular duo felt their time was better spent on leisure and debauchery, they appreciated getting a chance to tap into that knowledge.
It was essential to their goals of making names for themselves within the Temple after all.
Even Evian enjoyed learning. He just did not particularly like how much Zayda was glaring at him every time he sparred whether he used a weapon or not. It was like she was hoping for one of the Squad members he was sparring to push him into revealing-- something.
Anyway, apart from the eyes on him, Evian actually had fun.
His favorite opponent was Gryon.
"I won't go easy on you," the Larger man said with a grin.
"I see no reason why you would," Evian replied as he set his double-ended Spear aside and took on a fighting stance intending to make use of his fists.
As they were both 'at the same Order', Gryon was allowed to make use of the very height of his abilities which meant the glowing of his tattoos that enhanced his strength... And that was what interested Evian the most about the Gryon as a Sparring partner.
'I've seen him in action and feeling it directed at me, I can confidently say he enjoys about a 20-25% strength increase.
At the middle of his Order, he can bridge the gap in steps but at the peak of his Order, he would be unrivaled in terms of strength and could also contest at the very start of the next Order.
Could I implement those tattoos? My spells are already very useful and my strength, thanks to Eldritch energy, is certainly impressive but this could send me to an all-new level of Martial Excellence. I wonder if the tattoos have something to do with Genetics... Hmm, they probably do.
A shame my Assistant can't help with this.'
[Your Concerns are not regarding Eldritch Energy or a matter of Decadence so I have no information that could be of service.]
'I know, I know. Also, I didn't ask.'
[It seemed posed as an inquiry.]
'*Sigh* Anyway, I should ask Gryon about it. Heh, if it were possible, it'd be the first time I ever got inked. See me being rebellious. Hah."
*BAM!*
A particularly hard clash of fists sent both Evian and Gryon apart and also caused Evian to pause his analysis and mental conversations.
"Even without your weapon, You're not giving an inch," Gryon said with a battle-hungry grin, "I expected as much."
The Crew had seen Evian in action- felt the energy he gave off and were aware he had abilities that frankly boggled the mind but it was the first time he would spar against that seen strength so Gryon could not help but be excited.
•••
-That Night-
To conserve the effects of the Hot springs which were not unlimited, there was minimal use of the springs and there were also stationed Guards around it to deter unsanctioned use. The Guards stood far enough from the Springs themselves to not be distracted by the splashing sounds and possible giggling from beyond.
Evian evaded the Guards with Wraithic Phasing and waded into the water to await his appointment who he was sure would not disappoint.
And of course, her seductive scent, stronger than those wafting from the Hot Spring announced Karenssa's arrival. Her barefooted soundless steps got closer and closer until she laid her eyes on Evian's care chest.
She had only gotten a tease of it the night she entered his room but now it was exposed in all its delicious glory, gleaming with the moonbeam that shone off his skin. His Grey hair glowed a faint mysterious silver hue and his eyes, were grey and cold, yet inviting and increasing the ravishing desires already coursing through her.
"You're here," the Baroness said.
"You sound surprised."
Karenssa shook her head,
"I'm not," she said, "I knew you'd be here."
"Join me," Evian said in a genuine invite, "You said we had things to talk about."
"Indeed we do," Karenssa said and took off her robe to reveal a sexy body underneath before she waded slowly into the water.
Evian took it all in and then with a nod he said,
"Not bad."
"You can play hard to get all you want but please don't lie," Karenssa said while shaking her head, "'Not bad?' *Scoff* I can see interest in your eyes."
"True," Evian said, "By value of beauty, you meet my standards."
"But I'm still not worthy?"
"Beauty isn't everything."
Karenssa burst into laughter,
"Hahahaha! To you? It has to be."
"Alas, it's not," Evian said, shaking his head, "I need to know so much more before I can consider you worthy of my touch."
Karenssa looked confused,
"Know More like what?"
Evian grinned and held up a finger,
"For one," he said slowly, "I'm curious as to just how hard is it to control such a large Army of never-ending Eldritch Beasts and a particularly large, strong, and irritating one."