Chapter 123: Riloose

Chapter 123: Riloose

Huh, Chance said, rubbing his chin with a frown. That sucks.

Lucy and Rilu stared at Chance in undisguised shock, but an amused grin flickered across Bellas lips before she got her expression back under control.

Thats not the reaction I expected, Rilu said, tilting his head to the side in befuddlement. Have I missed something? Or do you simply just not care about your life?

Probably neither of the two, although I really dont know how much your Essence let you know. Its just that weve been at risk, of dying for so long, Im surprised its been this long before someone told us that we were definitely going to die. Chance rubbed the back of his head. And, to be honest, I dont imagine you called me here just to say I was about to get killed and kick me out the door. That wouldnt serve any purpose. That means that you probably either have a solution, a warning, or some mixture of the two.

Rilu was silent for several seconds. Then he let out a delicate laugh and gave Chance a respectful nod. Its rare that I meet someone your age this insightful. If I didnt know any better, I would have thought youve a Karma cultivator for a hundred years.

Thanks, I think. So what are we supposed to do about Vex? That is why you showed up, right? Because and I mean no disrespect by this but if Im actually about to get killed, Id rather spend my time in a different way.

Rilus laughter intensified and he sent a pointed glance at Lucy. You said he was so mild mannered that he wouldnt even think about insulting a cockroach. Looks like you got your read wrong, Lucy.

Evidently hes grown a bit. Lucy gave Chance an approving nod. Good for him. And the rest of us arent immortal, you little shit. We actually value our time. Why dont you spit it out already?

Immortal? Shit. Hes even stronger than I was thinking. How powerful do you have to be so that you cant die? Or is immortal different from invulnerable? Either way, hes got to be really high up there in the ranks. Maybe he could just kill Vex for us?

I know what youre thinking, Rilu said, his smile fading as he grew more serious. He leaned forward, bracing his forearms on the table and interlacing his fingers. I cant kill Vex for you.

Why not? Bella asked. Youre at least a Rank Seven if youre immortal. Vex is a Rank 6. Killing him should be childs play to you, right?

Nothing is simple for a Karma cultivator. I am bound by a set of rules that a cultivator of any other Essence would never understand. Even Chance is still too young to properly feel the intricacies of the Weave of Fate. Karma is a vast Essence, and it is one that is not forgiving of our choices. Killing someone who has no karmic connection to me would be akin to you carving one of your own eyes out.

Bella opened her mouth but stopped herself from saying anything. She sent a look at Chance that said so why not just build Karmic ties with us?

Evidently, Bella decided that actually voicing her words would be a little too rude for people that they didnt really know. Chance was pretty sure that Lucy was kind and wouldnt have taken offense, but it was probably wiser to play things a little closer to the safe side.

Can you even help at all, then? Chance asked. Doing anything would create Karmic ties between you and Vex, wouldnt it? If were going to die with the way things are currently going and you suddenly step in and help, that means you directly influenced the change. That should establish Karmic ties.

Rilu smiled. You are correct to a degree. However, the more control one gains over Karma, the more the rules can be bent. A direct interference is indeed too much for me, but slight shifts whos to say what they amount to? Certainly not I.

So youre playing chicken with the universe, Bella finished, her eyes twinkling in mild amusement. Karma cultivators are a little insane.

We most certainly are, Rilu agreed. He spread his arms out and the food on the table vanished as it cleared itself. I have been thinking about what I can offer you, Chance. Originally, I had thought about taking you on as an apprentice. That is no longer an option.

Bella blinked. Her hands twitched as she visibly stopped herself from speaking. Rilu glanced at her and waved his hand in an encouraging motion. You dont need to restrain yourself, Bella. I know your nature from observing you and Chance and if I were a man to take offense to anything a Rank Two told me, I would be a very poor man.

Im pretty sure that was basically an insult, but I dont think he meant it as one. Were just so far below Rilu that he genuinely cant ever see himself getting pissed off at something we tell him.

Why cant you take him on as an apprentice? Bella asked.

Because Yamish has already done that, Rilu replied. And Yamish is too powerful for me to interfere with.

Stronger than you?

Rilu grimaced. Considerably. He follows a different path one that is far more willing to let him kill when he needs to. I am restrained in ways that he will never be. No, I cant actually do anything to Chance beyond speak with him. Yamish would know if I did more.

Then whats the point? Bella asked, her brow furrowed. Just to provide us with a nice meal? I appreciate that, of course. Its just

Not enough, Rilu said with an understanding smile. Yes, I know. I have spent some time considering that very question. I have no desire to bring myself into true conflict with Yamish. It would be a fight that would go poorly for both of us. However, Vex is a plague on Centurion. He is a vile man, and the Weave would rejoice with his death. Much debt would be released as he passed on.

Lucy rolled her eyes. Rilu is a long-winded little shit. Ignore how he looks. Hes a hundred times older than the two of you, and he likes to prattle for far too long. Just get to the point, old man.

The person I can help is you, Bella, Rilu said, completely unperturbed by Lucys outburst. Something told Chance that he was probably used to it by this point. They clearly knew each other fairly well.

A small one, Rilu allowed. It may be some time before Vex finds you, though. You have the option of living your life as it is. Time is precious.

With all due respect, if I can choose between months or forever, then Im going to take forever.

Spoken like a true cultivator. Very well, Bella. Then we will begin.

Rilu drew in a deep breath. Bella tensed she wasnt sure what she was expecting, but she was expecting something. Instead, Rilu just let the breath out and leaned back in his chair.

What is your purpose?

I what?

Your reason to live. The drive that motivates you.

Uh I guess it would be protecting people?

The look that Rilu sent Bella was so dry that she nearly withered beneath it.

What?

That is not your real answer, Rilu said, shaking his head. You must answer honestly. If we begin the process and you cannot be true to yourself, then you perish.

Bella threw her hands up. I dont know, then. I barely just got out of being a pawn. I havent really figured out what I want to do.

That is more accurate. It does not feel complete to me, though. There is more. Rip deep into your soul for the core of who you are, Bella. Not the answer you wish to find, but the one that is true.

Clenching her fists, Bella forced her eyes shut and dug through her mind. The exercise seemed completely pointless.

Those were the answers, damn it. Thats actually what I want.

I wasnt lying. Bella opened her eyes and stared Rilu down. Thats what I believe.

Rilu raised an eyebrow, then shrugged. If you are certain. Conviction will take you far. If this is the way you wish to do things, then we will proceed.

Proceed with what, exactly? How are you going to fix my Path?

Me? I wont fix it, Rilu said with a soft, almost sad look on his expression. You will. I will simply enable you to have the chance.

How, exactly?

Rilu rose from his seat. Golden bands wound around Bellas limbs and pulled her back into her chair, tightening as she instinctively struggled against them.

Calm yourself, Rilu said. The table vanished as he walked straight through it, stopping directly before her and pressing his hand to her forehead. Breathe. We do not change your Path but instead reveal what it has been all along. You have been chipping away, revealing it piece by piece. However, your method is flawed and your tools unsuited.

What are you going to do? Bella demanded.

Bare your Path to you, Rilu replied. Golden light enveloped his hand, tingling against Bellas skin. A small portion of it, in its truest form. It will not be easy. Maintain your grip on this world, and remember that speed is of the essence. If you peer into your soul for too long, it will leave your mortal body behind.

You mean Ill die if Im too slow?

Oh, that will happen regardless. A mortal cannot see their true soul without dying. The question is not if you will die it is if you will come back.

With that, the golden energy flashed. Bella slumped forward against her restraints, her limbs falling slack.

And there, bound in a chair in a well-lit dining room with only a strange, childlike Karma cultivator for company, Bella died.