Chapter 122: Uh oh & Announcement!

Chapter 122: Uh oh & Announcement!

On the third week of travel, Chance and Bella reached a town. It was smaller than the Brackern sect and built atop a large, flat-topped hill. Crumbling stone walls surrounded it, bleached a dull gray by years of beating from the sun.

Rooftops poked out over the wall in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. It didnt look like there had been any form of planning that had gone into the citys construction. It had simply been constructed.

Some houses were several stories tall, towering over the rest of the city and made out of wood. They teetered precariously in the wind, but had been propped up by a concerning mixture of steel and stone beams to keep them standing.

Others were stout and made of pure stone, just barely sticking out enough to see. Even the gate looked like the builders had changed their minds midway through making it. The left half of it was polished stone, while the right was a wrought iron gate.

Three guards stood at the gate, wearing dirty white robes and sitting in a circle. By the time Chance and Bella were close enough to see better, it became apparent that they were playing with a deck of cards.

One of the men bald, with large ears and a big mouth looked up at them as they approached, then smiled and waved his hand in greeting. He set his hand of cards down, then pushed himself to his feet and brushed his backside off.

Ho there, travelers! the man called, raising a hand in greeting. What brings you to the town of Follen?

Hello, Chance called back with a smile. The complete lack of concern on the guards side meant they were either complete fools that werent doing their jobs or they were so powerful that they werent worried about anything that Chance or Bella could do. And nothing in particular. Were just passing through, heading in what we hope is the direction of a Scholar City. Are we on the right path?

Right enough, the guard said with a relaxed chuckle. Itll be a week or two before you make it, though. Planning to stop in Follen, or will you just be moving past?

We dont have a lot to spend, Bella whispered into Chances ear. We can probably afford one night of sleep at an actual inn if we want to, though.

Probably not worth it, unless you want to, Chance whispered back.

Agreed. No need, then. We can just keep going.

Chance started to nod, but paused. There was something in the guards expression that just felt off. Not in a negative way the man genuinely just felt happy to see them for no particular reason but there was still something that wasnt clicking.

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Ive seen you somewhere before. I feel like Id recognize that face. Its very memorable.

Is something the matter? the guard asked.

I do I know you? Chances brow furrowed. He squinted, and the air around the guard shimmered faintly.

The mans eyes widened for a moment before he let slip a deep laugh. His voice changed, turning rougher and more feminine, as hair sprouted from his head and his body shifted. Within seconds, the guards features had been replaced by the kindly expression and graying hair of Lucy, the karma cultivator that had taught him his combat style.

Ill be damned, Chance, Lucy said, shaking her head with a wry smile. Look at how far youve grown. Youre already tapping into the Karmic Weave at your rank? Thats genuinely impressive. Well done.

Lucy! Chance exclaimed. He sent an eager glance at Bella, who was looking between them in confusion.

I dont mind waiting a little, Bella said, even though it was clear that she very much did. Id like to meet whoever is feeding us.

Polite. Lucy gave her an approving nod.

Bella chewed her lower lip. Im not sure Id say polite. I dont want to eat food from somebody that might want something from me. Ill feel more obligated to say yes if they ask something, so Id rather figure out their goal first.

Lucy burst into laughter. Ah, spoken like a Karma cultivator. Very well. What of you, Chance?

Its not like we havent eaten anything recently. Im not about to starve to death, so I can wait.

Lucy scrunched her nose in annoyance. She leaned back in her chair, pushing the front two legs off the ground, as a faint glimmering light lit above the final chair. The light unfolded and a young man appeared within it and young man might have been stretching it.

He was fifteen at the oldest, with the most brilliant blue eyes that Chance had ever seen. His blonde hair was so pale that it was nearly white, and he wore plain cloth robes that Chance would have sworn werent much more than rags, but they somehow just felt right.

I hate you, Lucy said.

No, you dont, the boy replied with a gentle laugh. You do hate losing bets, though. Its unfortunate that youre so good at losing them.

Bella sent Chance a look to see if he knew who the newcomer was, but Chance just shook his head.

Thank you for coming. My name is Rilu, the boy said, inclining his head respectfully. I have been wanting to speak with you for quite some time.

The way Rilu spoke was nothing like what Chance had expected. His voice didnt fit his youthful body at all. Even though he physically sounded young, Rilus words held the soft confidence that only came with immense power or age.

Chance? Bella asked.

Both of you, Rilu replied. But that can wait until we have finished dinner. Please, eat. This food comes freely, and I will ask nothing of you today. As Lucy has already told you, you have already paid for it.

If thats the case, would you be willing to say what bet it was that Lucy lost?

She thought that you would both start eating before I arrived. I believed you would wait. Rilu took a loaf of bread and took a bite out of it. He let out a satisfied sigh, then sent them a pointed glance.

Chance didnt need to be told twice. He and Bella both piled food onto the plates before them, and all four of them dug in.

True to Rilus word, nobody spoke until the entirety of the small feast had been polished off. The four cultivators rocked back in their chairs, satisfied expressions on their faces. Chance had never tasted lobster before, and it tasted every bit as good as he had imagined it would.

Finally, once everyone had finished their meals, the relaxed air faded away as Rilu splayed his fingers out across the table. I hope you enjoyed your meal. Forgive me, but I will skip directly to the point. I have been watching both of you for some time, but I found myself unwilling to sit by the sidelines any longer.

Chance and Bella watched him expectantly. The tone of Rilus voice left no doubt that there was a reason for his decision, and their suspicions were proven right a moment later.

I have seen the Threads of Fate. Vex is fed up with the Shikaris inability to pin you down and has set out himself. In two weeks, he will find you. And, in two weeks, you will both die.