Chapter 94: Three Years

Chapter 94: Three Years

Chapter 94 - Three Years

Peering out of the jungles reach, Kai smiled jovially at the town in the distance. The smell of freshly dug earth greeted him on the cultivated land that stretched before him. With winter over, a swarm of men and women reversed onto the fields like busy ants.

Howre you doing, Old Ven? Any news?

I aint dead yet! Been two years since that charlatan said Id be joining the ancestors. And Im still waiting, he scowled at him resting his hands on his hoe. Whats got ou in such a chipper mood?

That was Old Vens version of a heartfelt welcome. It wasnt a case he worked so far out close to the jungle edge. The path from the estate ended in his field, numerous visits had led them to become acquainted with each other.

Anything new in Sylspring?

Same ol. Streets are fillin with loitering fools, crooks and loafers.

Tourists, merchants and everyone else save Old Vens fourth and seventh nieces. Kai translated in his head.

Out heres the only place I can get some peace. They shun an honest day of work like the plague.

Nothing new from the Republic?

Nah. The only time they show their faces is to collect taxes. They never forget those. He spit on the ground.

Old Ven might not be the most charming geezer, but he was an honest man. And it was the best way to get a heads-up on anything new in town.

Thanks. Do you need any more potions for your health?

Just make sure to walk on my turnips over there. He pointed to a patch of ground. These mainlands crops are all weird. They could use some of your luck.

There were two reasons why Old Ven tolerated him: the briefness of his visits and his luck. Kai infused some of his Nature mana in the turnips as he passed by. He still wasnt sure if the geezer knew what he was doing. Old Ven never asked anything. The only thing that mattered to him was having a more bountiful harvest than the other farmers.

Kai waved at the few farmers he was familiar with and made his way to the gate. The enforcer on duty did a second take but didnt stop him. After the selection, he kept a low profile, never using the governors recommendation or showing off his skills. Even if some people made that particularly hard.

How's going, kid?

Kai endured in silence as Captain Zerith ruffled his hair.

How can he always know when I arrive!

Kai had hoped, with all the young talents flocking from the surrounding towns, the man would lose interest. No such luck thus far.

You grew a couple of fingers since the last time I saw you. He squared him out. I guess you're nearing that age

No, not him too.

He already had one embarrassing conversation with Dora. Then Virya gave him a book on the human body, and Elijah offered to answer questions on his own volition.

As usual, reality rudely refused his wishes. Youre growing up. If you notice some changes in your body, know thats perfectly normal.

Im doing fine. Thank you.

Of course, you are, Zerith patted him on the back. Going through a rebellious phase is perfectly normal.

Kai clenched his fists. Worse yet, they were right. The signs were all there, he was going through puberty, for a second time.

"If you have any questions, you can come ask me.

Id rather drown.

I will, Kai said, hoping to get rid of him.

Hows your training proceeding? You must be pretty close to the second stage of Orange. I wont ask how close, but lets say less than ten thousand XP?

His fingers unconsciously moved to the metal pendant that masked his grade. Virya told him the amulet wasnt infallible, so he better avoid people with powerful scanning skills. He was working on that part.

Name: Kai TylennRace: Human 153,845/175,000 XPProfession: None

Body stats

Strength: 12>15Dexterity: 15>18Constitution: 18>20Mind: 19>22Spirit: 21>25Perception: 16>17Favor: 22>24

Something like that. The amulet should give him a sign if Zerith tried to use a skill on him. He was safe for now, but antagonizing the captain of the local garrison would be a terrible idea.

Spirits grant me patience.

Youre approaching the next enhancement with a good pace.

When did you reach it? Kai asked. Since the man was determined to chatter on, he might as well satisfy his curiosity.

I was about your age, but I was born at the peak of Red. The captain eyed the bag on his back. Is another batch of potions in there? Heard youre making good money. Here to sell some more?

Im visiting family. Kai considered lying, but Zerith would know before the hour was over.

Oh, they came to Sylspring? Why didnt you tell me? I could have given them a tour. Trust me, I know all the best places in town.

I must have forgotten.

How are you doing, Kai? Still hanging on?

Eleni sat down on the sand beside him. Long hair tied in a braid and two pearls earrings. At seventeen, six years older than him, she was a grown woman by the archipelago standards.

How did you find me?

His sister laughed, Youre more predictable than you think. It wasnt all that hard.

Kai turned back to the waves gently crashing on shore. Theres going to be low tide.

Yep. I was about to go scour the seas when I heard you had arrived and run away from home. Mom and Moui are quite worried.

I needed some time to think. Kai rested his head on his knees. How long?

How long have they been together?

Yes.

Mhmm Mom told us about a year ago, but I suspected it for some time.

Thats

Why did nobody tell me when I last visited? Betrayal burned in his thoughts.

Mom didnt want to distract you from your training.

Kai gave her a long look. I could have handled it.

Well, look where we are, Ele replied with a similar glance, pointing out the obvious. I think she was afraid of how youd react.

Still, she told you and Kea.

Its not the same thing. She couldnt have kept the ruse up for much longer with us living together.

And I was not

Kai finally found what was bothering him so much. It wasnt their relationship, and it wasnt that sense of betrayal. Change was never easy, but he could deal with it. It was guilt. His mother and Moui had been together for long enough to move and buy a house together. Alana wasnt someone with last-moment whims. They must have planned and discussed it for months, all the while they hadnt told him.

He hadnt been there.

Sure, he visited once in a while and sent letters, but he couldnt lie. He had put his training and his goals before anything. Was it a surprise they didnt treat him the same, when he spent hardly a month with them in the last three years? His family was getting distant and the fault was his.

Lets go home before mom gets worried. Ele offered him a hand.

Do I have to? Tell them I went to live with the fishes.

Come on, little brother. Waiting its not going to make it any easier.

Kai reluctantly stood up. How was he going to show his face after he ran off like that?

How did you and Kea react when she told you?

Ele gave him a knowing smile, Kea ran off into the jungle for two days. Mom was about to ask the enforcers for help.

Yep, its already better.

And thats not all, Ele whispered. The month after that, Kea tried to accidentally shoot him with an arrow three times.

Really?

Ele nodded. He easily dodged them, and Kea probably knew. But yes, she really did.

I can feel the shame flowing away.

With a lighter heart, they headed home. What about you, old sis?

What about me?

Were you not upset even for a moment when mom told you?

No, someone like Mom couldnt stay alone forever and Moui makes her happy. Then she hurried to add. But I saw the signs early. So maybe thats because I had more time to prepare.

Spirits, shes a saint.

How are you able to do that? To be so good with everybody.

Im not perfect. I just got an easy win with you and Kea, she laughed. But if you really want to know, it starts with listening and watching what other people do. Then you add a lot of effort and patience.

Is this how Kea feels with me? Ill never be the best son. Its not even a contest.

They were two blocks away when Moui found them first. Ele gave him an encouraging glance. And then one to Moui.

Kai, I just want you to know that The hunter started what looked like a rehearsed speech.

Its fine, Uncle. I get it. Just dont expect me to call you dad. Kai said, walking past him.