Chapter 102: Priceless

Chapter 102: Priceless

Chapter 102 - Priceless

Kai took a seat across from Virya. A small table with a tray of crunchy biscuits between them. Knowing better than to try to guess what was on her mind, he waited for her to start the conversation.

The lady of the estate looked even more otherworldly under the moonlight. It was hard to relax with her gaze on him, but he was used to it. Acting casually, he helped himself to one of the biscuits.

Dora was welcoming from the start. She was easy to like, and they had only gotten closer after all the long afternoons spent in the garden or over a cauldron.

Elijah had been a harder challenge. The beginning had been rough to say the least. The man was harsh, cold and with ridiculously high demands. While Kai wouldnt say they were best buddies, they had warmed up to each other and reached a mutual understanding. He knew behind all the snark, the butler wanted him to succeed.

Only Virya remained a mystery. She was always there in the background, observing silentlyand more often than notignoring him.

Her lessons had grown more whimsical and unpredictable over the years. Random notions of politics, geography, philosophy and magic theory. Personal questions about his goals and beliefs. How to approach a dwarf in a tavern, and what to say if you meet a siren at sea so they dont sink your ship.

Kai was quite sure some of those had been an elaborate prank. It was hard to tell with Virya. He had grown used to her quirks through experience, but he didnt have the faintest clue of what was going on in her mind.

Her burning eyes continued to bury into his soul. Finally, she broke the stare with a chuckle.

Youve grown up, Kai. Her white teeth shone in the night. Its a wonder how many things people let slip when you just stare at them. I can sense barely a hint of nervousness from you. Do you remember how terrified you were when we first met?

Kai looked away, embarrassed, That was because I wasnt used to the mana density and to your presence.

You were so young and clueless, coming to my door with preposterous requests. There was a time when the line of nobles asking to tutor their children stretched three kingdoms.

Well, you never teach me much, he pointed out.

I taught you more than most could ever hope for, she bit on a biscuit with a crunch. Though youre right. I took you in, so youd be a distraction for Elijah. A cute lost puppy to keep him busy and away from pointless brooding.

Is she trying to provoke a reaction?

Youre not disappointed or annoyed? Virya observed him closely.

Why should I? We both got what we wanted, and I think I got the better end of the deal.

That you certainly did, Virya laughed. Contrary to common sense, Ive discovered how some people grow more foolish with age. Im glad we havent wasted our time with you.

Happy not to be a disappointment.

You know why Ive called you tonight?

Kai hesitated, before nodding. Dora and Elijah had behaved strangely since he came back. None of them clearly stated anything, but he could put together the hints. The truth hung unsaid in the air, a thought insistently tugging at his mind to be acknowledged.

Looking up at Virya proved his suspicion had been correct.

Youre leaving, he said, almost a whisper.

We are.

The words slowly sank with all their implications. He had known they werent going to stay here forever, but the news still took him by surprise. Somehow, he had never thought this day would arrive. The estate and his teachers had been a constant in his life for so long.

The news left only one question.

What about me?

It depends. What do you want to do?

Can I come with you?

You can. Though I must warn you, things will be very different from what youre used to here.

His brain stumbled along, confused. He hadnt expected to be given a choice. Where are you going?

Unless you choose to come, its better if you dont know. And if you choose to come, youll have to stay till things are resolved.

Kai didnt bother to ask what things she was referring to. If she hadnt told him, it meant she didnt wish him to know.

Does she expect me to make a choice with so little information? Or does she think Ill refuse?

Kai focused on what he did know. No doubt this was related to why they came to hide in the archipelago in the first place. And since they weren't from the Republic, they likely werent headed there.

Visualizing the continent, there were many kingdoms to consider. Moreover, the maps he saw didnt go far beyond the borders of the Merian Republic.

Was that why I couldnt find a complete map? Did Virya hide the books from her library?

It was very likely. If he had been given access to her full collection, it wouldnt have been hard to guess where they were from.

Do you think I should come? Kai asked bluntly. Even putting together all the bits and pieces, there wasnt much to go off. Virya had the full picture and she never skirted off direct questions.

I think people should make their own choices. Its your life.

But whats your advice?

Virya leaned back in her chair looking up at the moons, her eyes wandering the starry sky.

If you come with us, your life will undergo some drastic changes, not all of them to your liking. But there is no doubt that youll grow far faster than if you were to remain. There will also be a concrete possibility that youd get killed if things were to go wrong.

Her gaze moved back to him. If you remain I imagine you know the answer better than me. There is no right or wrong decision. It depends on what you want.

Kai furrowed his brows. Virya always stated things as they were. She wasnt one to exaggerate or minimize the danger, but the threat of death did little to dissuade him. There were few places safer than under his teachers watch, apart from the archipelago perhaps.

Leaving everything he knew behind for an uncertain future. The call of adventure.

It isnt really a choice, is it?

She certainly had fun making this.

Any tips? Kai tried his luck.

What would be the point of the challenge then? Elijah smirked. But if you really want my advice, after you hit a wall dont bash your head against it. And wait till you enhance your race. Ive solved enough of those to know you wont get lucky. She gave you a year for a reason, you wont stand a chance without those extra attributes.

Kai took the cube back, his enthusiasm dampened.

Here. This is from me. Elijah said, giving him a small blue velvet box that actually looked like it contained a present. It comes with no riddle.

Expectations rising, Kai didnt waste a moment to open it. Under the moonlight, a small metallic ring was revealed. He took it out and turned it to see better. It did not look great. A piece of silver roughly forged into a circle. Hed seen hundreds like it in Sylspring, but those were better polished. This one wasnt even particularly shiny.

Trying to activate mana skill to reveal its hidden secret bore no result. The metal was inert, not a sliver of essence flowed through it.

Am I still in time to get a refund?

Thank you, master. Its amazing.

Elijah lightly slapped him behind the head.

Ahi, what was that for? Kai protested, massaging himself.

For your thoughts, Elijah said curtly. If you dont want it, I can take it back.

Nooo, I love it. Your disciple mind is just too narrow to see its purpose?

Its a ring. You put it on your finger, Elijah explained helpfully.

Oh I see. Kai nodded, looking at the cheap piece of silver like it was his precious cube.

Elijah massaged his eyes and sighed. Stop Acting like an idiot and put it on. Youre making me regret my life choices.

Right, sorry. With renewed trepidation, Kai followed his instructions. And

Nothing again.

He admired his hand. It didnt look bad and it fit nicely, but he still couldnt see the purpose in it.

Is this a discreet jab at my fashion sense?

Now you push your mana into it, Elijah said.

How was I supposed to know that?

Yessir! When his mana touched the ring, it flowed in. Then something weird happened. His eyes widened in shock. Is this

Yes.

I read they were extremely rare and expensive.

They are. I reckon youll be the only person to possess one in the archipelago. Except for the governor, perhaps.

This time Kai didnt have to fake his enthusiasm. With the right material, every half-decent enchanter could create a spatial bag or storage. He was confident in his own chances if he was given enough tries.

True spatial artifacts were in a different category. They didnt enlarge an existing space, but gave you access to an entirely separate subspace with no extra weight.

As long as he directed a sliver of his mana to the ring, the impression of a small closet appeared in his mind. It was incredibly weird, like when he first was getting used to the three-sixty view on Mana Sense.

There is something inside, Kai almost squealed in excitement. The image was fuzzy as he was still trying to figure it out

A familiar steel sword materialized in his hands.

I put your sword inside and Theodora added a few potions.

Thank you, master. It didnt feel like words were enough.

Without thinking whether hed survive the consequences, Kai gave Elijah a hug. Thank you, for the ring and for everything else.

It felt like trying to embrace a trunk, if the tree was made of metal wires. A few seconds later the man relaxed his muscles, making the hug a bit less uncomfortable.

Youve been an acceptable disciple. One day you might even be good if you dont slack off.

I promise I wont.

Good. Now let me go.

Oh okay. Kai stepped back, suddenly feeling awkward. His gaze wandered to his ring again. Why does it look so Even now, the metal looked like common silver under Mana Sense. Oh, its a disguise!

Yes. It should avoid getting you killed, as long as you dont do anything stupid. Elijah said stiffly. You can take it off, but you wont be able to make a new one, so dont.

Kai nodded, putting the sword and the cube into the ring. He looked in wonder as the objects disappeared from his hands.

Try to avoid making that face too.

Yes, master, Kai stared at his feet. When do you leave?

Virya made clear that, even if all went for the best, it would be some time before their paths might cross again.

Soon.

I know you cant tell me where you are going. But will it be dangerous?

Elijah looked thoughtful. A few heads are going to roll. Hopefully not mine. Now go to sleep, you can play with your new toys in the morning.

Kai headed towards his house. When he turned to look back, Elijah was gone.