Chapter 1844

Chapter 1844

His confidence swiftly ran out. From the jump, the meeting with Nrorce was awkward.

The goblin eyed Randidly with naked suspicion when he arrived at the entrance to Nrorce’s farming compound. The proof of Randidly’s betrayal was in the pudding; all around the goblin’s base, flowers were blooming. The whole of the countryside, now fueled with the abundant Aether of the Alpha Cosmos, came alive.

Despite Nrorce’s suicidal desires, Randidly had saved the world.

Otters played in streams. Strange, copper-winged pigeons clustered on tree branches and cooed playfully at each other. Wild strawberries grew rampant across the hillside, their bright red color hinting at their tart sweetness.

Randidly rubbed his cheek rather awkwardly. Directly against Nrorce’s wishes, he had consumed the goblin’s homeworld in his Alpha Cosmos, preventing the world from wasting away with Nrorce as he succumbed to his grief. Not that Randidly regretted that decision; he was very confident, from the imprint of Nrorce’s daughter, that she would have wanted it. And in his mind, his true debt was to her. Plus, it was the right thing to do.

But standing in the face of the goblin’s sour regard was a bit uncomfortable.

Nrorce grunted and turned away, finally ending the painful stare. “Alright, alright. Enough of the tearful reunion. Come on in and harvest something fresh for dinner. I’ll be in the kitchen.”Rêạd new chapters at novelhall.com

Randidly blinked in surprise and then followed the goblin through the cracked tunnel into the farm. Obviously, the invitation had been to dinner, but were they really just going to have a meal together?

With no tirade? No slew of verbal abuse? No acidic diatribe that cataloged Randidly’s failures?

Looking around, Randidly couldn’t help but grimace; it was clear that the transition into the Alpha Cosmos had not been easy for the farm. Perhaps part of that was probably how near to stuffed Randidly had been at the time, but it might also be related to the significance of this particular place. Either way, the heavy walls were cracked and the intricate Engravings were shattered. Vines grew through the jagged ravines in the high walls and the farm had obviously gone wild.

However, Randidly was surprised to find that small central corners of the four farming quadrants saw hints of some use. When they had last spoken, Nrorce had been completely defeated and prepared to lay on his daughter’s old bed until he wasted away. When Randidly had left, he had honestly believed he would never see him again. And now-

Could his continued vigor be because I went against his wishes and saved the world? Randidly wondered as he gathered some fresh-looking peppers and onions from the overgrown fields. His lips twitched as the old habits of ripping out the weeds by hand came back over him. Without the walls in place, ambient images seeped into the plants, but he still restrained himself. ..perhaps he wanted to stay alive and spite me?

Randidly straightened and crooked a finger, rather than dwell on Nrorce’s motivations. Natural energy, without any associated images, gathered around his hands. His Grim Intuition gave him a perfect picture of the entire field around him. His tail swished around and around, as though stirring a cauldron. And when he had gathered enough energy, he unleashed it in a massive wave, obliterating the weeds and leaving the vegetables untouched.

Congratulations! Your Skill Motif of the Hungry Deep (P) has grown to Level 381!

I missed a huge aspect of this ability when I tested it in the shaft. Who knew it would be so useful for gardening, Randidly thought about his new Skillset with bemusement as he returned to Nrorce’s dwelling with an armful of vegetables.

He thought about loneliness. Then Randidly slapped his cheeks.

Actually, would you like to join me for dinner? Randidly said. See if you can track down Naffur and Miss Collins. You guys do so much to support me. I really think we should get to know each other better.

For the first time since the conversation started, there was a lull in responses. When her answer finally came, he could practically see Tatiana’s eyebrows rising. Well, well, well. Would you believe me if I say that even my Skill is surprised you suggested that? It’s very out of character.

Randidly ignored the twinge of guilt in his chest and opened a portal to Kharon.

*****

“Mmmm, can you feel that sunlight, little sis?” Actus Suprem Devick leaned back in her chair by the window and stretched her arms until her shoulder popped. She practically beamed. “Seriously, I have been in such a good mood lately.”

“Yes, it is indeed auspicious that you have finally been recognized for your talents,” Wick said woodenly. He seemed already quite used to Devick’s surprising insistence that she be complimented. Lady Iellaya inwardly applauded how easily the Commandant adjusted his attitude when his boss was around.

Especially now that she sat in his office near constantly. Her new post involved much less work than the pomp to crown her suggested.

But to even Lady Iellaya’s surprise, Devick waved a hand and a flash of irritation crossed her face. “Not that. I don’t know, it’s hard for me to describe... the feeling is slightly akin to scheduling a duel to publicly humiliate a sniveling whelp, only to forget about the date. Then, the day of, when I’m reminded of what is to come, the pure joy of thinking about killing him surges in my chest all over again-”

For a brief moment, a pure smile crossed Devick’s face. Then she shrugged. “That’s the feeling, but I can’t remember any duels coming up. Hmmm... Perhaps... a man?!? Perhaps I’ve touched on the threads of fate and at Don Beigon’s party I’ll encounter the love of my life?”

“Surely there is no man worthy of you,” Lady Iellaya added when Commandant Wick remained silent and thoughtful.

“True,”

Lady Iellaya shivered; when Devick spoke, there was something horribly dangerous in her voice. Madness unfolded into a thousand-legged insect of violence, bent on devouring the entire world. But as the Actus Suprem continued, Lady Iellaya wondered if she had just imagined it. “But still, a girl can dream, right? Ah, Wick, I’m guessing from your expression that you didn’t manage to complete your mission?”

Wick paled but bowed his head in surrender. “Unfortunately, Don Beigon insists on meeting you personally before issuing an invitation, despite your status as Actus Suprem-”

“Fine then. Let’s go introduce ourselves,” Devick said lightly. “Oh, Wick? Fetch me my chain, would you?”