Chapter 51: The Ceremony

Chapter 51: The Ceremony

Chapter 51

Finally, the day had come. The seventh birthday ceremony was the whole reason he stayed in Greenside for so long. Kai couldnt say he cared too much for it, but it was an important milestone. Going from child to a kid looking to find his vocation in life or something like that. It didnt really apply to his case.

It seemed so long, but it had only been a little more than a year ago when Kea had her ceremony and refused to share any details. Today he would see for himself.L1tLagoon witnessed the first publication of this chapter on Ñøv€l--B1n.

He put on his nicest clothes, Alana had bought him a new shirt just for the occasion. It was nothing that luxurious, plain white like most of his clothes with the symbols that traditionally signified the favor of the spirits and health in a dark green on the sleeves. That was what his mother told him at least. With no official religious position or texts to study, it was quite hard to learn more about the beliefs of the archipelago.

And Im leaving tomorrow or the day after. Ill have to make a note to look into it next time.

His outfit was nothing extraordinary but he thought he looked good. Colorful dyes were expensive and not common in the archipelago. This was already more than he would have paid for a shirt. If his mom didnt smile every time she saw him, he would have argued against it.

Checking himself in a palm size mirror, he got ready for the big day. His clothes, if not extravagant, were pristine, his light hair cut short for practical reasons and to avoid attracting attention. Kai nervously played with the green pearl from the bracelet hanging on his left wrist.

He would do his best not to mess up whatever was going to happen. If not for him, for his mothers sake.

Kea had already gone out. A week had not been enough to fix their relationship and she was continuing to avoid him. Her apprenticeship with Moui seemed to be working, so he didnt worry too much.

From what the hunter told him, she was putting all her efforts into whatever training Moui gave her, never complaining but asking for more.

Kai sighed.

Shell be fine.

Alana and Ele were waiting for him in the living room. They accompanied him to the town square of old town. It was maybe an hour after dawn, the sky was spotless and the heat of the day had not yet time to build up. Even the ever-present humidity felt slightly less suffocating in the morning breeze.

Only three other families were already present with their respective seven-year-old children. One male and two females, all from new town judging from their modest clothes.

The other families were cheerfully chatting amongst themselves. To Kais great displeasure, Alana dragged them to join in. In the blink of an eye, the parents started talking about their children, all eager to share their kids' accomplishments.

Kai awkwardly stood to the side not knowing where to put his hands, switching the weight between his two legs. Thank the spirits, his mother remained vague about him. The last thing he wanted was to be the center of attention. Most likely no one would believe the truth even if Alana told them.

The other children appeared equally uncomfortable with their parents talking about them. Kai shared a knowing look with his fellow seven-year-olds.

He might have seen them before, the town was only so big. Judging from the words they whispered to each other and the looks they threw at him, they certainly knew about him. He must have accrued quite the reputation for being the weirdo who trained with a wooden sword on the beach. Amazing.

To his surprise, they appeared more curious than mean about it. The excitement of the day and having their parents within earshot might have something to do with it. Maybe he should have tried to make some friends, but he was going to leave in a couple of days anyway. What was the point?

Time moved slowly as Kai wished he could be literally anywhere else. Even Ele started speaking with a teenage boy who had accompanied his younger sibling here. The boy had a stupid smile plastered on his face as he talked to Ele, giving Kai a race for the most awkward person in the group.

Resigned to his fate, Kai joined his fellow children.

You can truly do that with your status? The boy was asking one of the girls, the tallest of the group. Taller than him.

Everyone knows girls grow up faster.

Of course, you just need to The thin girl looked to be enjoying being the center of attention, letting the other two hang on her lips. She explained simple tips on how to manipulate the Guide as if they were some big secret.

It was all pretty simple status customization, not delving into programming what-if scenarios. Kai reminded himself most of them had recently unlocked their First Seal and were still in the phase of exciting new exploration. Not all parents were equally good at explaining all the new possibilities and not all the kids understood them either.

The girl had a pretty good grasp of the basics. Kai was happy someone else took the burden to lead the conversation so he could stay there a bit less awkwardly and occasionally nod.

Actually the best part is changing the color of the paper... The girl was saying as the other two boys listened with big eyes. She waited for a couple of seconds to enjoy their praying gazes before revealing what she knew.

Her gaze repeatedly moved on him, as if expecting him to say something. Kai had no intention of stealing her spotlight. He gave her a nod, hoping it was enough. She seemed about to ask him something, but the shorter girl pressed her with questions, saving him from talking to another human being.

That was a close one.

Time quickly passed as more families arrived at the gathering. A chubby seven-year-old with a bowl haircut joined their group. He was more knowledgeable about the Guide and started fighting the tall girl to be the focus of attention.

Ironically, the last people to arrive were all from old town. Confident gait and colorful clothes. With an unsaid agreement, the square got divided into two halves depending on the part of Greenside they lived in.

Kai couldn't care less about the small-town drama if he tried. Sweeping his gaze over them, he felt the face of one child was familiar. It took him a moment to remember. He was one of the kids who confronted him when he was learning to judge peoples race grades. Not the boss, but one of those who ran away almost immediately. From the way the boy paled and avoided his gaze, he was pretty confident he was the same person. Soon all the kids from old town were throwing him weird glances.

I. Dont. Care.

Kai narrowed his eyes. You seem to know a lot about me

The kid grinned. Im Telu. He said, offering to shake his hand.

Kai looked at him weirdly, making the confident smile falter. Isnt this how people present themselves in the Republic? Telu muttered confused.

I lived all my life in the archipelago, Kai said flatly.

Yeah, I know. I just never mind. Telu tried to get back his confidence. You are quite famous in town.

Really?

Telu nodded vigorously. Yes. People often see you wander around and train on the beach. There are also other rumors He hesitated, lowering his voice. That you started a fight and beat up a bunch of kids.

Kai stopped in his tracks. Who said that!? He didnt care about his reputation, but that someone had the gall to accuse him of the exact opposite of what happened grated on his nerves.

Telus eyes widened. I obviously dont believe them. Its the kids of old town that repeat that. I knew they were lying.

Suddenly the glances he received made more sense. Kai was about to ask for the names of exactly who started the rumor. But then what? Find them and beat them up? That would not work.

Just two days and Im out of here.

Kai hurried to catch up to the group before the hunter or the mayor saw them fall behind.

Telu kept walking beside him. I also know something else, Telu said with a conspiratorial air. Are you truly an alchemist?

Kai stared at the kid. Where did you hear that? It wasnt exactly a secret, but even most adults at the market thought he sold potions made by someone else.

I have my sources, Telu said with a half smile he probably thought looked mysterious. Waiting for a prompt from him to continue.

Kai rolled his eyes internally. And do pray tell, who is your source then?

Telu looked at him weirdly for his strange choice of words but finally answered. Its my grandma, I think you know her.

His grandma? And I know her

Dont tell me its old Selly? Kai said with disbelief.

Telu smiled cheekily. Yes, she told me to ask you if you had more potions to sell. She said she would offer you the best prices.

Kai couldnt believe the thick skin of that woman. She had tried to shortchange him at every turn, taking advantage of the fact most people would not buy from him, while she had a large clientele even with her reputation.

I dont think Ill sell any potions for a while, Kai said with some satisfaction. Im leaving town after the ceremony.

Telus head hung low. Thats too bad. Wait, you're leaving town!?

Damn, my mouth.

Why dont you answer a question of mine first, Kai responded with a question of his own. If old Selly is your grandmother, why do you live in new town?

One of the reasons why the old witch had so many contacts was because she lived here from the beginning.

Oh that. We lived in a village on the road to Sylspring before the governor took our houses and moved us here. Telu said, looking sad for exactly three seconds. Anyway, where are you going to go?

Kai sighed. He had answered his question, so he could indulge the small guys curiosity a little.

For the rest of the walk toward the jungle, the bowl-cut kid pestered him with questions. Kai remained vague on the exact details being careful to not let slip anything else.

It was a relief when they finally stopped. Kai noticed they stood in front of a tiny path going deeper into the Veeryd jungle. They were on the westernmost side, close to the coast, the exact opposite of where the path to the estate started.

From this point on we will continue without our shoes to be closer to Yatei. Elder Soluli announced. This is a sacred place. No more talking allowed unless you want to disrespect the spirits.

Kai wasnt thrilled at the idea of walking into the jungle barefooted, but at least there was some good news.

Thank the spirits. A bit of sacred silence.