Chapter 23: Foundlings

Chapter 23: Foundlings

Dont be so harsh, Drake, another proctor said, giving the young Shikari what was probably supposed to be a motivational grin. You should both feel proud of reaching this far in the finals. Youve got a lot to learn, but that doesnt mean you cant celebrate accomplishments.

Neither Yeo nor Jake responded. Jake spat a glob of blood onto the ground and spun his hammer, slinging it over his shoulder as his armor melted away. Drake walked over to Yeo and handed him a healing pill.

He swallowed it, not taking his eyes off Jake as the other boy walked back into the crowd. Chance approached Yeo.

That was a really good fight.

I lost.

Yeah, but it looked like you were at a big disadvantage because of your styles of fighting, Chance said, trying to choose his words as carefully as possible but still feeling like he was somehow ending up with all the worst possible options. You almost got him at the end. I dont want to imagine what a storm of metal fragments would do if it was inside of me.

Nothing good, Yeo said with a bark of bitter laughter. He rose to his feet and returned his kusarigama to its spot at his side. I just cant control my aura enough to actually make it work if its even possible. That wasnt a good fight. Jake destroyed me, and I barely managed to hurt him.

Then train and get him next time, Chance said. Come on. That doesnt sound like you.

Anger and disappointment marred Yeos face, but only for an instant. He shook his head, and his normal personality was back with a cocky grin. Yeah. Youre right. Next time, Ill get him.

Chance had never taken himself for a particularly perceptive person, but he had no doubt that Yeo was faking it, burying the shame of the defeat and trying to pretend as if it didnt bother him.

Just as long as you dont let the defeat bury itself in your subconscious, Bella said, walking to join them. That would only cripple your growth. Your powers are only going to be at their peak when youre convinced that youre on the right path. There are many aspects to every Essence. Just because yours is different than Jakes doesnt mean its wrong. Just figure out what youre weak at and get better.

Yeo snorted. Yeah. Sure. Thanks. I already know Im the best.This chapter was first shared on the Ñøv€lß1n platform.

Hes lying again.

Chance shook his head slightly, dismissing the thought. He had no way to know that for sure, but he couldnt shake the feeling, even though it felt like he was looking down on his friend.

If Yeo says hes fine, shouldnt I trust him?

Shes right, Drake observed idly. Not every metal cultivator I have ever known tanked themselves up like a big tin can. A lot of them do, mind you, but Ive seen some very powerful Shikari with unique takes on their abilities. Straying from the treaded path is difficult, and itll be harder for you to improve. But, if you can, youll likely find yourself more powerful or at least more versatile than those who just copy what others do.

Yeo paused, then inclined his head. I already knew that. Thanks, though.

Good, Drake said. If I have to watch a fight as boring as that one again, I might go find the nearest monster and feed myself to it. I have no idea why I got assigned to this godawful role, and I hope it never happens again.

He strode off. One of the other proctors gave them an apologetic grin as everyone started to disperse, leaving the training grounds.

Come on, Yeo said. I need to get a lot of training in. Ive been slacking off on my cultivation too much.

***

Pete greeted them with a wide grin as they returned to the Whiteheart house.

Gibson came by. You passed!

Yeah, Yeo said with a grin. He slapped Chance on the shoulder. We all did great, even though Chance started pestering our proctor with questions. He probably could have done pretty well in the individual rankings if he didnt get himself disqualified.

Chance grinned sheepishly and shame washed over Petes face. He inclined his head, his grip around the gnarled staff tightening.

I apologize, Chance. I was told why you were disqualified, and the blame lies entirely on me. I believed that you would have been instructed on the proper usage of Essence when you arrived, but I should not have made assumptions. I am a poor instructor.

Fair enough. Uh, where are we? I can tell this is somewhere in the Old City, but I dont recognize it. Theres a pretty stark lack of alleys.

We are deeper, Yamish replied. The maze of alleys is just at the very edge of the Old City.

Didnt you tell me it was dangerous to go deeper?

Yes.

Chance cleared his throat. So is there a reason were here now?

Yes.

Are you being slightly difficult on purpose?

A smile passed across Yamishs face. Yes. We are here to continue paying your debt to the Old City. It would take far too long if you only hunted young Soothounds.

just how much debt do I have?

That is for you and the Old City to determine, Yamish said. You will learn, one day. For now, we hunt.

Chance started to nod, then stopped. Actually, I had a question. Do you think you could help me out?

Ask. I cannot promise an answer.

Its about cultivating Karma. Or really, how to actually use my powers. All Ive been able to do is basically give people bad luck, but I know theres got to be more to it than that. Youre also a Karma cultivator, right? So I was hoping you could tell me what to do.

There are many ways to seek understanding, Yamish said slowly. Following the teachings of others is not necessarily the proper path. Every living being is different, and though we follow the same path, I have no doubt that we will not match each others footsteps.

Im not trying to copy you, I just want a starting point. I feel like Im looking at things wrong. Isnt there anything general or the like that I could start with? Just to get me in the right direction.

Yamish drummed his fingers against a leg. I see. I can answer this question, if you wish.

Id really appreciate that.

Very well, Yamish said, his words intoned as if Chance had just agreed to something more than just a simple question. The cultivator extended his hands outward, and a faint golden glow enveloped him. Streaks of dark energy stretched through it, swimming through the golden light like fish. Karma is balance. The natural cycle of all things. To take, one must give. To give, one must take.

The energy twisted, separating itself into a yin-yang in the air behind Yamish. Chance watched in rapt attention as the glowing light spiraled behind him.

To cultivate Karma, you must embody it, Yamish continued. As it stands, you do not. Ah, your target has arrived.

The shadows at the edges of the square lengthened and a paw the size of a dinner plate emerged from them, padding gently against the stone. A large Soothound prowled out of the darkness, its hackles pulled back in a growl and its burning eyes affixed on Chance.

To connect with the Karmic cycle, you should begin by seeing that which cannot be seen.

Chance took a step back, raising his weapon and keeping his eyes trained on the Soothound as it sniffed the air. Thats a little bigger than the ones I fought before.

Growth is natural, Yamish replied. It has arrived at a good time. Look at it and see.

That makes zero sense, Chance complained. How am I supposed to look at something that isnt there? I get youre trying to be cryptic, but Id love some actual advice.

Yamish grinned. Focus on seeing. The threat of the monster will give you sufficient motivation. I had to seek a more powerful target for you in order to properly pay off your debt to me for answering your questions. You cannot defeat this creature in your current state. Succeed or perish.