Chapter 126: Last night

Chapter 126: Last night

We have to get him to voluntarily open a scroll? Chance tried not to sound too doubtful of the entire plan, but he was pretty sure that he hadnt done a very good job at it.

Bella and Rilu had come out a minute ago, joining him and Lucy in a small, pretty garden outside the dining room. Bella gave him a brief rundown of what had transpired, but Chance could tell shed skipped over at least a few important bits. Either way, the situation wasnt looking good.

I know its not an ideal solution, Rilu said apologetically. I did try to think for quite some time to determine another way, but none came to mind. My hands are almost entirely tied.Ñøv€lRapture marked the initial hosting of this chapter on Ñôv€lß¡n.

Well, Im not going to complain about a gift. And it does sound like you helped Bella, so thank you, Chance said, inclining his head. We appreciate that.

Rilu chuckled. Im not so sure youll thank me when Bella tells you the exact method with which I helped her. Regardless, there is little more I can offer you. More interference will only cause you difficulties.

Thats a dismissal if Ive ever heard one. Hes already done more than he needed to, though. It doesnt seem like Rilu has plans to actually ask us for some form of repayment for his help. He genuinely just wants to help us get rid of Vex.

Well probably be on our way, then, Bella said. Unless there was something else?

Rilu shook his head. Lucy opened her mouth, a conflicted expression on her face, then closed it again when Rilu sent her a gentle glance. She just pressed her lips together and sighed.

I think thats it. Good luck, both of you. Especially you, Chance. No offense Bella, but Chance owes me a favor. Id really rather he lives long enough to pay it off.

Long enough to help us fight Vex? Bella asked, a small grin flicking across her lips.

Lucy let out a bark of laughter. The smile faded quickly from her features, replaced by a serious expression. Good try. Unfortunately, I work directly for Rilu. If I step in, then Rilu gets pulled in as well. Hes done everything he can to help you without getting your Karma tangled up with his. Thats an immense gift hes given the two of you. If you use it right, Im confident youll succeed. But, unless Vex is stupid enough to directly attack Rilu, theres absolutely nothing more that we can do.

Well be watching, though, Rilu said. And, for what its worth, I hope with every fiber of my being that you find a way to succeed.

If I survive this, I think Im going to need to take a good, long look at my own Karma cultivation. I never want to end up with my hands tied like this, unable to help someone because they dont have Karmic ties to me or whatever.

Yamish doesnt have any trouble like that, but I think his problem might actually be worse. Id rather have my hands bound than go around, murdering people heartlessly just to keep the balance.

Chance? Bella put a hand on Chances shoulder, pulling him from his worried thoughts. He gave her a weak smile.

Sorry. I got distracted thinking. Im ready. Rilu, I dont suppose you could tell us just how far Vex is?

Rilu and Lucy exchanged a glance.

It depends, Lucy said a few moments later. He is heading in this direction together with Shae. Theyre seeking the Red Hand, but

Hes somewhere near us? Chance finished, not even slightly surprised when Lucy nodded.

Lin took a liking to you, apparently, Lucy said. A vile man, wrapped in layers of bad Karma so tightly that they might as well be a cloak. And yet, despite that, the universe does not seem to hold a grudge against him. I do not know what he cultivates, but I know that it concerns me.

A flicker of hope passed through Bellas eyes. Do you think hell be enough to defeat Vex?

Rilu was shaking his head before the words even finished coming out of Bellas lips. No. The Red Hand is a powerful cultivator in his own right, but he is far from Vexs level. There is no contest between them.

Chance pursed his lips. Something about their whole conversation felt off. Rilu kept saying that he wasnt able to help them more, and then subsequently helped them more right afterward.

I dont get it. Hes basically said, sorry, cant do anything like a dozen times now. Theyre really spending a lot of time reminding us that theres nothing they can do. Why?

Is anyone else in the area that might be able to help? Bella tried.

Just Lin, Rilu said. And that leads me to my next warning. Vex has been accelerating. I believe he has observed my presence in the matter and fears that I will interfere directly. He will be here far sooner than we originally thought.

How much sooner? Chances blood ran cold.

A day. Maybe two. But I can take you with us, Rilu said, gesturing to Lucy. Not far, but to one of the other Scholar-cities. It would not stop Vex, but it would delay him. Throw off Shaes trail.

But why? Bella asked. Dont take this the wrong way, but theres no reason for you to be here. You arent tied to me or Chance. Vex doesnt care about you.

Lin let out a bark of laughter. But Shae does, and I have eyes in the darkness. I know that Shae approaches together with Vex. The two of them hunt all of us. I would have been a weed before their scythe if they caught me alone, and Shae planned to claim my life before yours. Thus, I arrive.

Well, three of us is better than two. Chance rubbed the back of his head. It does make things considerably less romantic, though.

Lin snorted. My apologies. You have grown a considerable backbone since we last spoke, Chance. You were a cowardly pup. A kind, cowardly pup.

I dont think its cowardly to not want to get killed. Thats just called self-preservation, Chance countered. But its hard to worry about that kind of thing anymore when you know that tomorrow might be your last day.

The Will of the Damned, Lin said, an approving smile crossing over his features. You have found it. Few do.

Whats that? Bellas brow furrowed and she tilted her head slightly. Something to do with Karma cultivation?

It is not a power. It is a mindset. A way of life. To understand that there is no tomorrow there is only the present. It is the drive to drive forward without regard for what may happen in the future. A great gift. A rare one.

Not one thats going to help us much with Vex, though, Chance said.

No, Lin agreed. Not at all. I was hoping that your Karma Cultivator friend has given you a method with which we can succeed.

Bella looked at Chance out of the corner of her eye, the question clear in her expression. Chance knew what she wanted to ask because he was wondering the exact same thing.

Just how much do we trust Lin? Just because hes in the same boat with us doesnt mean were allies. We just arent enemies. Hes a loose cannon.

Not exactly a way to win, but if we share it with you, I think it might genuinely impact the likelihood of us succeeding, Chance said honestly. He wasnt sure why, but he felt like telling Lin about the scroll was a terrible idea. I hope you dont take offense. Its not that I dont trust actually, it is. Sorry. I know youve helped us, but I dont trust you.

To his surprise, Lin let out a booming laugh. Very good. You shouldnt. I have found you amusing, but never an equal. There was no trust to be had between us, Chance. Now, even though we find ourselves together in hopes of defeating an impossibly powerful opponent, there should still be no trust. Only understanding. You will do everything you can to stop Vex?

Of course, Chance said.

Then I will handle Shae. If you have any tricks from that powerful cultivator, then they are best used on our true foe.

Bella and Chance nodded.

Together, then, Bella said. Well do what we can.

As will I. At the very least, we will die a glorious death, Lin said, his lips splitting apart in a wide grin. I feel Shaes Essence approaching. He is wild. Furious. Perhaps I can use this to my advantage. We will see. Tomorrow, we will fight.

One last night, huh? Well, Im not wasting it. At least I know why Lucy gave me this.

Chance tugged on the package, and a tent sprung out from within it, expanding before his eyes and staking itself into the ground.

Whats that for? Lin asked. Cute little artifact, by the way. I hope thats not your plan to defeat Vex.

Nope. Its where were going to wait out the night. Chance nodded to Bella. Do you mind keeping watch?

Lin snorted. Go ahead. I would not fit, even if I wanted to.

Did Lucy really give you this for no other purpose? Bella asked, holding back a laugh.

Yeah. Im not complaining, though. Are you?

No, Bella admitted as she ducked into the tent. Im not.

Chance followed in after her, and the two of them sat down, leaning against each other, and taking what solace they could in each others company during what might have very well been their last night on Centurion.