Chapter 38: Cyzicus of Cyzicus

Chapter 38: Cyzicus of Cyzicus

The ward-stone will need to be recharged after the beating the giant gave it. The Emperor explained, as he led Luke and Nel into the town. Leaving Luke wondering why he had been chosen to come with the pair, when no other disciple had.

Is my identity already exposed? Luke thought worriedly. He did see me fly, and I doubt enchanted boots are common, but I didnt think they would link me to Carim. And I dont think he saw me pull anything out of the inventory.

But he hasnt said anything yet either. If he wanted to turn me into Arke, she was right there, so that cant be it, can it?

As the ruler of the Sylcra droned on and on, Luke started to suspect that an answer would come, but only when the Emperor willed it, which at the rate things were going, made Luke suspect that it wouldnt be anytime soon.

Now normally I dont do this kind of thing, but its good to guide the younger generation from time to time. Thats what my own father told me all those centuries ago at any rate! He nodded to the townspeople as they parted ways for the trio. Their curious eyes locked on the three cultivators as they walked purposefully through the town.

Cyzicus suddenly stopped, squinting his eyes as scanned each building. It has been a while, but, ah ha! There it is! He rubbed his hand together, and marched forward. Leading them to an empty plot of land at the center of the town. Luke glanced between an equally confused Nel and the smiling Hero, wondering what he was supposed to be looking at.

Without wardstones shielding my towns and cities, the giants would have overrun Sylcra a millennia ago. With them, every time one attacks, I get alerted at the Capital. Depending on the size of the town, most of them can hold off Mortal-tier Gegenees for about a week, Warrior-tiers for thirty minutes, and Hero-tiers for about one or two minutes. Once I have everything sorted out, I can usually teleport people where they need to go well within that time frame. He explained casually. Or go by myself if I have nothing else to do.

Pretty cool. Luke thought to himself. Moderately impressed with how seriously the Emperor took the safety of his people.

A ring flashed on his finger, and a large golden key appeared in his hand. He jabbed it forward into the air, and to Lukes surprise a giant altar, shimmered into existence.

Its just like the Heros Tomb. Huh.

Clever bit of rune-work these things. Nothing compared to what the gods can do of course, but quite amazing nonetheless. He strode forward, and rested his hand on the altar. Especially since it was only a Warrior that built these ones.Read latest chapters at novelhall.com Only

Immediately it lit up a brilliant gold, and an illusory bar floated atop it, roughly half full, and rapidly filling, as he channeled his mana into the wardstone.

They keep their charge by drawing on ambient mana, but it takes weeks for it to replenish itself that way, depending of course, on the density of mana present. This particular part of the island isnt exactly mana rich, and with the Giant Tide so close, its better to keep it topped up. His ring flashed again, and he produced another key which then floated through the air into Nels hands. This is for you, since you're a Warrior now, after every battle, I want you ro recharge the wards. Although, it will take you longer than it does me.

Yes grandfather! Nel bowed to him. Dutifully staring at the key, before her own ring flashed and it disappeared.

Theres no need for formalities, child. I moved beyond such trivialities ages ago. He shook his head in exasperation and turned to Luke. Her mother is prickly about this sort of thing, he explained with an apologetic shrug, and none of my grandchildren are keen on listening to me above their mothers. No loyalty, I tell you. He complained, not looking particularly upset about that particular fact.

I see. Luke said after a moment of hesitation, not quite sure how to respond to the Emperor, and still trying to puzzle together what the purpose behind it all was. Worry gnawing at him, as one awful scenario ran through his head after another, and desperately not wanting to have landed in another situation where someone lorded his secret over his head.

I sense something special about you. He said suddenly.

You do? Luke asked, wincing internally as he donned a carefully neutral expression.

I really wish you didnt. He grumbled internally.

Of course. He stated matter of factly. Through the millenia, Ive developed a keen sense of potential and Ive learned to recognize those who possess it. I think you have what it takes to go far in this world. He said earnestly.

I see. Thank-you?

I speak only the truth, there's no need to thank me child. He scratched his neck. Whats your name?

Luke.

His eyes widened in surprise. Lukeus?

Gods? A bead of sweat rolled down the side of Lukes face.

Yeah, fuck this. Im not getting involved.

Their children tend to participate, and the prizes have to come from somewhere. I believe this year it is Lord Hephaestus hosting, and hes known for his inventions.

Hephaestus, isnt he the god of building stuff? He thought to himself, keeping his face carefully blank.

Thank-you for your confidence, but I

You dont have to worry about offending the Deities, if thats what you're worried about. Or their children for that matter. Most of them dont even know who their parents are, immortals tend to have a lot, but thats besides the point. Look, he took the crown off his head, dusted it, and put it back on, think about it. Thats all Im asking. If you say no, then Ill understand. I really do think though, that you have a lot to gain. We both do. He said meaningfully.

I, okay. Ill think about it. Luke said eventually.

The Emperor smiled at him. Good. I have to head back and figure out where that winged-bitch went. I dont know what she thinks she's achieving by staying here, but the novelty is wearing thin. You know shes staying in my Castle? He floated in the air as he shook his head, and muttered, Some people, under his breath before vanishing.

Bye! Nel shouted after him.

Soo, Luke said, turning to her, Is that how stuff normally goes with him?

She shrugged her shoulders. Grandfather has ruled Sylcra for thousands of years, and he cares a lot about it. You should compete.

Luke frowned. I thought you were against it?

I dont know what he saw in you, but if he thinks you have a chance at winning, then I trust him. And, he doesn't ask for favors lightly.

Do you know why he wants me to compete?

That Im not sure. He must have a reason though. Even then, the benefit for you isn't small. Just the prizes alone are enough, not to mention how much you would advance under his tutelage. He hasn't taken a disciple in decades, but everyone he has, advanced to the Warrior-tier.

That sounds great, but I'm not exactly worried about not becoming a Warrior. With the Seed to guide my path, that's basically assured. Not getting killed along the way is a much bigger concern.

"Are you going to participate?" Luke asked her.

A determined look came over her face. "I will. A Champion brings great prestige to their home, and I intend to win in my bracket."

Is that all it is? A pride thing, and some prizes?

If its really just a friendly competition, then it might be worth it. Fame would suck, but I can change my face whenever I want. Im sure there's more to the Mask than just three different forms in a variety of colors.

Elder Agnella! Elder Agnella! A black robed cultivator came running up to them. Weve found it!

Her eyes widened in surprise.

I have to go, we can talk about the Olympics later! She said, before taking off into the air, leaving Luke alone with the Outer Disciple.

The Olympics?