Chapter 242

Chapter 242

With the healing cooldown mostly dissipated, Matt, Liz, and Luna left the system in Matts ship. With three full-sized adults, things were a little more cramped than Matt was accustomed to, but it wasnt actually that bad, even with everyone in human form.

Instead of critiquing their Aperology attempts, Luna only touched on their methods of breaking into rifts and offered a few ways for them to improve. Nothing was groundbreaking or even all that immediately helpful, but Matt chalked it up to Luna not really caring about things they would never really get to use on The Path.

Mostly, she focused on their usage of wide-area magic, namely their manipulation skills. There, she was as helpful as she always was, and Matt was already thinking of the different ways he could implement her tips the next time he got to shove mountains of material around.

Granted, it was unlikely that hed need to do so anytime soon, but there was always the possibility hed need to level a mountain in one of their upcoming rifts. Or maybe he would get seriously injured again, and need to spend more downtime on some barren rock, trying to make it livable. Terraforming budgets typically got slashed during wartime, and there were few other ways he could discreetly utilize his mana regeneration.

The trip to Harpers capital didnt take that long, all told, and from there, Liz bade them farewell as she set off to meet the Bondsman. Neither of them liked how much they had to separate just after theyd gotten married, but Liz needed to learn how to utilize her final Minkalla reward safely.

Besides, Matt, or rather Quill, was in for an interesting few months, so he wouldnt feel too bad.

Harper had said way back during his Tier 10 tournament that they would find a way to give him some personalized training with telekinesis skills, but he hadnt expected their method to be so obvious.

Instead of setting up personalized lessons, which Quill was sure would break five Pather restrictions and quite possibly a dozen others, they had organized a mass lesson that anyone with an interest in force magic could attend, free of charge.

[Mage Hand] was the first spell in the [Telekinesis] skill family, the same way [Side Slide] compared to [Teleport], or [Fireball] to [Meteor Swarm]. While [Telekinesis] was a broad-scale, high-range continuum of applied force in just about any way that the caster could visualize, [Mage Hand] was limited to a single object within a fairly short area, with far lower power and fidelity.

It still had its uses, even outside of simply being an entry-level force skill. When upgraded a few times, it was more mana-efficient than [Telekinesis] was on single objects, and could be manipulated either fully autonomously according to basic directions, or act in perfect sync with the caster, effectively giving them a third arm with far more reach than usual.

Granted, not many people did upgrade it, not when [Telekinesis] existed, and [Mage Hand], while useful to those who did specialize in it, was typically cast aside in favor of [Watchmakers Fingers], [Hundred Hands], or [Telekinesis] as they became available.

This wasnt the first workshop that Harper had given, as they usually had them once every few centuries. But every time, the turnout was in the millions, ranging from Tier 3s strutting around in Academy uniforms to Tier 45s whose mere presence nearly took Quills breath away as he passed them in the overcrowded spaceport.

Silverheath was oddly normal for a capital planet, at least in Quills experience. While East Flower was teeming with plant life entwined with every aspect of life, and the Citadel practically revolved around martial discipline and physical perfection, Harpers world just looked like any other developed system in the Empire, albeit perhaps a bit more technological than most. Floating bridges and buildings abounded, with massive metal platforms that functioned as barges ferrying people between islands, or even between different levels of the same building.

As he waited in line for his platform to his hotel, Quill took the opportunity that being reconnected to the EmpireNet afforded him to check in on the progress of Justinians trial.

Linda had fallen on her sword, of course, but it was looking like Seymour, her head of security, might also be headed for the death penalty. While he and his defense were saying he was just an unwitting participant, there was evidence suggesting that he had been the one to personally abduct Justinian all those years ago. The evidence was an AI recording from a third party postcognitor which Quill assumed was the Emperor. It still needed additional corroboration, but things seemed promising.

Lindas son hadnt been able to be linked to any crimes related to Justinian beyond his frivolous spending of essence stones, but even for that, he and his mother simply stated she had given them to him without explaining where she got them.

Quill didnt believe that for a second, but there wasnt any evidence proving otherwise, not even from the third party postcognitor. Perhaps it wasnt the Emperor, then.

On the other hand, Hardys public lackadaisical attitude played in his favor in this instance, he had pled guilty to smuggling charges, and would spend the next eight hundred years on a penal crew after paying most of his personal net worth in various fines.

Under the mask, Quill scowled. He felt the punishment was too lax, but he didnt blame Frederic for that. All the reports that had become public during the trial showed that, at least for the most part, Linda really had acted alone when interacting with Justinian.

What made him happiest was the news about Ilkor Hastings. He had been deposed as the Duke of House Hastings, stripped of his personal assets, and would be spending a century on a penal crew for dereliction of duty, attacking down, accepting bribes, and trying to cover up his involvement in an Imperial investigation.

Ilkor hadnt been tied to the actual kidnapping, which fit with Frederics prediction, but that was still quite the list of charges leveled at a sitting duke; far too many to allow him to remain a noble.

House Hastings didnt get off scot-free either. They had to pay astronomical fines out of the coffers of the house, and the new house head, Ilkors cousin Irene, had publicly spoken against her cousin's actions and promised to keep a much tighter watch on her vassals. But there was a coldness to her bearing that Quill didnt like, especially when paired with one of the few times he was personally mentioned outside of the trial itself.

I want to thank Quill and Torch specifically for their initiative in this investigation, and their crucial role in bringing the guilty to justice. My family and I wish them all the best in the trials and tribulations they have ahead of them, as theirs is a Path that few are able to see to the end.

It was innocuous enough but Quill suspected she was mad that their house had been implicated in Ilkors deeds, but he doubted she was mad at Ilkor. From the short time he had spent with Ilkor, Quill was sure the entire family believed everything was owed to them. Her behavior, and statements, indicated that she wasnt going to let this go so easily.

There was less media attention on the trial than Quill would have liked, but at least they were mostly in support of Justinian. Some seemed to think that the entire trial was a sham, and was just the result of some uppity kid trying to get out of a contract they regretted, but they had comparatively little traction.

It did lead him down the rabbit hole of seeing what the public opinion of himself and Torch was, and it was almost depressing just how much more media attention the AI recordings that had been submitted as evidence were getting than the trial itself.

Quill fighting a Tier 19 got most of the air time, but not all. Torch punching her way through the vault and saving an anonymous-looking Justinian was a featured clip, but his fight was scrutinized within an inch of its life. Quill had expected the step to blank out Justinian would be taken, but making the man look as bland as possible only helped to hide him from those who could do the exact same to him again.

Plenty of stations were calling them the Next Light and Shadow, just like they had done with Queen a few months prior, and Bob and Weave a decade before her. Of course, not all voices were positive, though it was almost laughable hearing them talk.

How a Tier 35 expert expected him to not get hit by a melee fighter four Tiers higher than himself was beyond his understanding, but it was almost as bad as the station who called his planned counters to Lindas few well-known abilities genius. By then, his platform had arrived, and Quill just washed his hands of the whole farce.

He still felt just a bit unnerved with all the extra attention, and practically pulled his hotel room apart looking for any spy gear. Sure, it was proper protocol for whenever he would be wearing his Mask, but he was just a bit more paranoid than was helpful. It didnt rule out anything particularly esoteric or high Tier, but there was almost nothing that he could realistically do about that type of surveillance.

Well, he could go to dinner. Harper had mentioned there was an up-and-coming restaurant called Circes Ectarin Feast in the Nikita region of Silverheath, and hed booked his hotel accordingly.

He did accumulate a few reporters on his way there, with varying degrees of professionalism, and by the time hed reached Circes, the tiny restaurant was practically overflowing with columnists following Quill like so many baby birds.

He ignored the chatter of the aspiring interviewers filling most of the building as he placed his order, following Harpers recommendations for what was particularly good, and finally deigned to acknowledge his flock of chattering ducklings.

We are in a restaurant, in case you hadnt managed to notice yet. Typically, when within one, people utilize their mouths to eat, instead of talk. I would advise you to do so, but mind that I will not be paying for you.

A few of them sheepishly ordered food, but most just ignored his hint and redoubled their questions.

Once the waiter had left, Quill answered the questions of those who had ordered food right up until his own meal came out, whereupon he promptly returned to ignoring them in favor of his dinner.

Through his spiritual senses, he watched as those who ordered food first picked at it and then started digging in more seriously. Harper hadnt given him any instructions to ensure that Circes stayed hidden, so he was perfectly fine giving the Tier 13 restaurant some attention.

One woman even stood up from her seat and went to go interview the waiter and possibly chef, if her entering the back of the restaurant was any indication. He took note of her after that; she was a woman to watch out for if she could realize the bigger prize.

She must have realized that at best shed be one of a dozen people recounting his answers, or she could pivot entirely and get an exclusive on an up and coming restaurant.

After he answered most of the questions and enjoyed his food, he paid and left to go hit a few of the exclusive Tier 15 bars and lounges, where he mingled and dealt with wanna-be sycophants who tried to attach themselves to his service. He also had to fend off dozens of advances from some very attractive people, some of whom merely wanted the notoriety of sleeping with a celebrity and others who insinuated they were looking for something more permanent.

Quill was immediately put on the defensive as he dodged the first blow and tried to retreat, as the man was clearly empowering himself with something like [Mana Strength]. The assassin also had more experience with the dual dagger fighting style, as he quickly trapped Quill's off-hand blade and sent it flying with a long cut to his forearm.

Quill kept retreating and smiled as he let his second blade get ripped from his hands.

Jumping back and letting both attackers pass the blades, he activated his gauntlets while spreading his hands wide, letting the black hole gauntlets from Minkalla draw everything towards them.

Even the walls cracked under the power, but most importantly, the assassins were pulled off balance and weren't able to dodge the daggers that tried to return to Quill's hands.

The larger man had a hole punched through his chest as the blade ripped through his soft flesh and he fell to the ground, gasping even as his body was pulled towards Quill.

The second dagger-wielding assassin managed to dodge the projectile, but suffered a long cut to his arm that had pierced right through his armor.

Quill waggled the blades as he said, The quill is mightier than the sword, and all of that. However, I believe limiting myself to one or the other at a time is unduly constricting. Now, are we to genuinely settle this, or not?

The still-standing assassin seethed and attacked in a fury, forcing Quill to dodge a series of thrusts. As he flicked out his blades to block the follow up thrust, he chuckled as the blade had a notable chip in the edge. Honestly, I can do better than this. Tier 18 materials may be a pain to enchant, but surely you could get some help with that?

[Mages Retreat] flickered back into play, with Quill being careful to not utilize too much mana upon it. That he had the skill and had clearly upgraded it would be slightly odd, but it was used by enough mages who couldnt afford a teleport that it would still be considered mostly normal for an Ascender candidate.

Using the speed buff from the skill, he closed the gap with the dagger-wielding man. I prefer to finish a fight before it even starts, its true, but perhaps in your next life you wont make the mistake of thinking I cannot cast spells.

Using his speed advantage, Quill took a cut to his chest to plunge his dagger into the man's throat and, with a twist, decapitated the assassin. They only needed one alive to question, after all.

With the death of the first assailant and the second thoroughly incapacitated, the attack was over, and Luna appeared next to Harper, whose faceless mask was staring at the downed man. Guards appeared a moment later through a [Portal] and started securing the scene.

Quill looked to Luna and gestured with his chin to the decapitated man. Is he a local?

Harper answered instead of his manager. Yes, but they're freelancers. I doubt they even know who hired them, but we can always try to find that out. The royal looked at him and shook their head. You should have used [Mage Hand] in the fight. It could have done the same trick as the gauntlets but without giving away the item's existence.

Quill shrugged. Im not nearly good enough with the skill to use it in a mana disruption field.

Luna backed up the royal, eyes narrowed. You wont get better until you try. This would have been a good scenario to get some real world practice in.

Harper crouched down to inspect the corpse of the assassin. Ive heard youve been progressing well, it would have been worth an attempt. They made a show of looking up and inspecting the walls. It would have limited collateral damage as well. You gave a young woman a few rooms down a broken wrist.

Quill took a moment to digest that. Im sorry, you heard about my progress? Havent you been the one instructing us?

Harper gave a small laugh at that. Ah, no. In the past Ive made more of a show of hiding it, but my Talent restricts me to [Telekinesis] alone. The lectures were done by my secretary, Lyre, who fills in for me when Im unavailable or not equipped for a particular task. She acts as my face to the wider world, and over the years weve become inseparable. I hear you are doing well in the training and we should get our one on one lesson if you continue as you have been.

As a healer came to inspect the cut on his chest, Quill ripped the shirt wider so they could access the wound. He kept an eye on them in case they were an assassin who had infiltrated the guards, but doubted it. Even if Luna and Harper were hiding their existence to everyone like he suspected, attempting a hit with all the guards around was asking to be caught.

The healer tested his blood, which he had stopped circulating in case the blade was poisoned, and then cast some skills on the dagger to find there were no toxins on the blade.

He would purge his blood anyways, as there was little reason for an assassin to not use a poison. It was a great way to ensure that even if you only cut someone, the job still had a reasonable chance to succeed. Most fresh immortals didnt have nearly the level of control to stop their circulatory system for long periods of time, and would eventually let the technique slip, giving a slow-acting poison a chance to get to the brain.

After the body was cleaned up, the still gurgling man was healed and taken away with a cultivation suppression collar. That settled, he and Luna went back to a new room where she went over what he could have done better in the attack.

Most of the critiques were minor, as he was well versed in what he could and could not show in his Quill mask. Rather, she focused on the three watchers that had been tracking his movements that he hadnt noticed.

That was a sobering thought, but in the end, the attempt had been doomed to fail the moment the assassins decided to treat him like a hyper-specialized mage.

He realized that was probably the reason so much of his fight against Linda had been made public. He had only shown the abilities of a mage, and that confirmed to everyone watching that that was all he was. And those who had that confirmed acted on that information when trying to murder him.

A mana disruption field was a challenge to a normal mage, but it was debilitating to a talisman fighter. The current conjecture was that his Talent was to make talismans stronger, and that fed into the proof. Even though this fight would show he was more capable, it didnt give away any significant information about his abilities.

A mage with an upgraded [Mages Retreat] wasnt that surprising, and while his gauntlets were fancy, they were still only Tier 14 items that werent even bonded to him, so he would outgrow them soon enough.

All in all, it was successful misdirection for anyone who got to watch the fight.

And, when the security camera footage was quietly released to a Path-focused news station, anyone turned into everyone who cared.

In the end, Quill decided to schedule an interview with the woman who had shifted her focus to Circes staff.

She was at least smart enough to know the real scoop, and their interview consisted mostly of them watching the fight while she asked questions. Quill just trash-talked the two assassins and their methods, saying things like, Any talisman fighter countered by not being able to use talismans is a failure, or, I fight Tier 18 monsters; Tier 15 humans, no matter how good, are little more than fodder.'

While he played down the attack, it really hadnt been a serious attempt in his opinion. Really, it was just a probing strike to see how many of his true capabilities they could bait out.

Part of that was why they released the recordings. If they had hidden them, those behind the attack would assume some part of the attack worked, and would keep trying. By showing him crushing the two attackers with ease, it would hopefully cut down on how many attacks hed have to deal with.

The question of who was behind it was the question of the hour, but even Quill had no firm ideas.

The contract had been anonymous, but he believed it was a noble house, either the Hastings themselves, or someone like them. He had infringed on their honor and had been in one public place for close to a month before the hit happened. That was enough time for them to secretly contact someone to kill him.

Still, he wasnt entirely sure if that was true. The Hastings were the number one suspect and everyone was looking at them. Though, it was such an obvious outcome that he doubted they were stupid enough to take a hit just months after the trial.

Of course, that didnt limit the nobility who would lash out at him for daring to be an accomplice to shaming a noble. Some of them were petty enough to level at least this much malice or more his way, just for having done so, and then let the Hastings take the fall as the obvious suspect.

Or at least, that was what his cynical side said. There was no actual proof it was them at all. Most Pathers who reached Tier 15, let alone those who made a splash like fighting a Tier 19 and living to tell the tale, got attacked by the other Great Powers, so even Luna couldnt give him a definitive answer as to who made a poor, probing attempt on his life.

Thankfully, the telekinesis lessons were almost over, and he was soon able to slip away and out of the Quill identity, which clearly had a target painted on its back. Best of all, he was on his way to meet back up with Liz.