Chapter 367: When the Stars Alight the Sky (V)

Chapter 367: When the Stars Alight the Sky (V)

Chapter 367

When the Stars Alight the Sky (V)

Cain was enjoying a casual read that hed picked up, lucratively titled Adventures of Conqueror Blaze--How My Pyromancer Became Unmatched!. Though it read like a dull fantasy of someone who really wanted to burn the world down, it was fun and brainless enough to be considered a time killer.

Just then, he heard the footsteps walking into his little cabin, causing him to look down from his fancy hammock, seeing Quinn and the twins walk in. Their eyes found him quickly and they all rolled them collectively, as though practiced, before ascending to the upper floor where he was, joining him--though on normal chairs.

The three appeared dulled and bored, and he couldnt blame them; he was bored too. And he had a stake in training everyone, while they were mostly doing it as a favor for him.

How was it? he asked.

As depressing as you said it would be, Quinn replied. Want my honesty?

No, Cain shook his head as he jumped out of the hammock and joined them. Honesty will do me little. I know I should just leave most, if not all of em behind and walk onward. But that aint happening.

... why? either Harmony or Nature asked.

Because theyre more important to me than anything else in the world, Cain replied. Including the world. If they cant be with me to share in the heavenly throne, then Id rather never become crowned.

Its not all hopeless, either Nature or Harmony said. There are some decent seeds. However, theyll never bloom to much if we dont push them even harder.

I did tell you to break them, Cain said.

Breaking them wont be enough, Quinn said. Theyre perfectly serviceable for the new-world Conquerors, especially this early in the Towers lifespan. Some even fairly talented. But there are literal hundreds of thousands like them--and they always flame out, one way or another. Those who actually end up climbing high cant be taught or trained, Cain. We can give them some basic foundations and eliminate the flaws that theyve started building up. But actually shaping them... would destroy their future entirely. Rather than just broken, Quinn added. They need to be decimated to their cores... and then left alone. If they have what it takes, theyll come out of it stronger. If not, youd be doing them a huge disservice by trying to pull them along.

... if thats all, then the bar is too low, Cain chuckled.

Hm?

Theyre quite zealous, you see, he added. Ive unintentionally created a bit of a cult, Ive come to realize. A zerg of fanatics spewing monolithic sophistry. Your presence most-likely just fanned the fires within them. Some, though, will likely just do it out of pride or spite or a basic want.

...

Decimate them, he said, taking a sip of beer. It will be fine. Not everyone, though. As you already said, most are here just for the glory and the wealth of it. Those... leave alone. If anything, fan the fires further by placating them versus the others.

... the risk is great, either Harmony or Nature said. It could backfire majorly.

You are thinking too much~~ a playful voice caused her to look to the side where she saw a black-furred kitten lying leisurely, looking at her with gleaming eyes.

Tegha? What are you doing here? Senna asked, reaching over and pulling the purring ball of wonder on her lap. Does dad know?

Humph! How would that stupid human know if Tegha sneaks out?!

Ah, so he knows.

Shut up, stupid human!

Alright, alright, she chuckled lightly, petting him. What am I overthinking?

Isnt the answer to your question simple, stupid human?

It is?

Mana isnt sentient, Tegha said. You dont ask it favors, stupid human. You tell it, and it does. The reason you couldnt do anything was because your rule over it is pathetic.

... can it really be that simple? Senna mused, having already wondered a similar thing. But... she questioned whether it was just too simple.

Most things are, stupid human, Tegha said. Dont try to act cleverer than you truly are and just accept what you have already understood, stupid human.

Haah, fine, fine, she sighed. Can you stop calling me stupid, though? It hurts, you know?

It should. Because you are stupid.

... youre one mean pussy. He he.

Whats funny?

Nothing. Pfft, ha ha ha...

S-stupid human! Are you laughing at great Tegha?! Great Tegha will scratch your eyes out!!

No, ha ha ha, no, Im not--pfft, ha ha ha...

You are! Stupid human, stop running! Great Tegha will claw you!