Elydes

Chapter 198 - Best Scholar in Town

Aryanne went through the stacks of reports: geological surveys, mana readings, death counts, beasts’ autopsies, wild scholars’ theories. She had spread the documents on her desk, hoping to get some inspiration. How did they all connect?

I should have gotten more feats. Why does she always have to be right…

Every soldier made fun of Fate till they got stuck in an impossible job. Nothing made sense. The table aboard the zeppelin was too small for the papers. Now the clutter just irritated her.

She rearranged the papers into neat piles, her eyes skimmed through the information. If she excluded a mana oddity linked to the Ephemeral Realm, magical phenomena still followed their arcane rules.

How did high-grade beasts—relative to a Red-1 area—and the remains of an obscure civilization from the previous era fit together?

The command had been convinced the ruins attracted yellow beasts like a siren’s song. It was possible marine and avian beasts reached the archipelago, but what about land-bound animals? Did they swim from the continent?

That silly idea was put to rest by the last zoological report. Among the carcasses recovered there were draconic variants and deep-sea horrors that hadn't been sighted in millennia on this side of the continent. The amount of funds wasted on such an obvious dead-end was infuriating.

Any reasonable person would realize Space Magic was involved, though it presented some inconsistencies. The mage corps couldn’t find any signs of teleportation. Linking two locations created detectable ripples and left behind essence residue and spatial tears. Even a bunch of graduates out of an academy should have found something.

The beasts’ appearances pointed to the Vastaire sites with overwhelming evidence. She couldn’t be wrong. It was the so-called mana experts who failed to find the shadow of a clue.

Brain-dead morons.

Ninety percent of the personnel here were failures or greenhorns, but they couldn’t all be idiots, could they? Were the teleportations somehow concealed? Magic on that level was beyond yellow grade and exceedingly rare.

Aryanne realized her nails were leaving grooves on the table. Pushing aside her vexation, she covered the damage beneath a stack of papers. With all the sites quarantined, it was just a matter of time till she found something. A lead to follow. The issue was if someone else recognized the potential in the catastrophe.

This investigation would make or sink her career. If the attacks continued escalating, the archipelago might face a massacre in the next few years. Failure to solve the situation would make her the scapegoat of her superiors, while success would net her a promotion. She knew that when she accepted, and also something else, the real prize: finding what was causing the beasts’ appearance and how to control it.

Yellow beasts were uncommon outside dense mana areas. The discovery of rare species would attract the interest of the upper brass on the continent and make her rise through the ranks faster than her mother. She could leave these gods-forsaken rocks with a promising career and a senior office on the continent.

May the Seven Moons shine their light upon my path.

She had never been pious, but she wasn’t in the position to reject any help. ‘Only failures and idiots waste time on prayers to justify their own incompetence,’ her mother would mock her. The gods rarely cared for the affairs of mortals, thankfully. It never ended well when the divine and earthly mingled.

Aryanne wouldn't refuse a little divine guidance, time and chances were slipping through her fingers. She needed results yesterday. So far, her best leads were the trail of deaths and an impertinent child who should have been slapped harder by his mother.

A quick knock dragged her back to the cramped cabin. Aryanne made sure her desk and appearance were in order before answering. “Come in.”

Sergeant Makyn gave a formal salute over his heart, leaning slightly to fit inside the room. “Here to report as requested, ma’am.” Cold professionalism, efficiency and no excuses.

His file warned that his last assignment had ended in catastrophic failure and high casualties. Someone must have had it out for him to demote him to a desk job in this archipelago. The details of the case were classified, leading to all sorts of wild speculations among the bored officials.

The past was irrelevant, and his misfortune was her luck. It won her one reliable subordinate, loyal for the helping hand she had extended when no one else would have. It was also a reminder of the price of failure.

I can’t take the fall for this.

Captain Seryne waved him over. “At rest, sergeant. Take a seat, no need for formalities.”

The chair was too small for him, making the scene somewhat comical if one disregarded his glacial expression. His presence had made the paper pushers uneasy, giving no resistance when she poached him. Truly a bunch of morons.

“There has been no progress from the teams investigating the sites. The escaping avian beast has been shot down…” Makyn summarized the expected news in a monotone voice. “Valela Hightide was waiting in Kai’s cabin at his arrival. They talked for about eight minutes before she left, looking upset.”

How did she find out so quickly?

The little demonspawn always nosed around where she didn’t belong, getting her hands on all kinds of information and people. Another nuisance the command had saddled her with, as if she didn’t have anything better to do than play nanny. Seryne had considered getting rid of her, but the girl sat in a web of political connections. Anything that happened to her would give them an excuse for more interference.

She unclenched her fists below the desk, voice cool. “What do you think of the kid? Is he worth the effort of bringing him on board?”

“It’s too soon to say, ma’am.”

“What’s your personal impression?” If time wasn’t short, she would already have him arrested and confiscated his research. That backpack had been heavier than she predicted.

Makyn pondered before answering. “He’s smart for his age, and more accomplished in Alchemy and Enchanting than was reported in his file. I believe he didn’t oversell his knowledge of the ruins and can contribute positively to the investigation.”

That was good, though Seryne had learned to interpret his silences. There was a but coming. “Speak freely, sergeant. Anything I should be made aware of? I want your honest assessment.”

“He gave a few hints about his recruitment to the adult looking after him, but nothing that could be considered a breach of contract. It was too vague without prior knowledge of the situation. He gathered all the Vastaire material in his possession and I found no hidden compartments.” Makyn paused again, pensive.

“It’s his character and attitude that might be a problem. He resents the Republic beyond being forcibly recruited, and—speaking frankly ma’am—he’s one of the most irritating punks that I’ve met in a while.” There was no anger in his tone, maybe a sliver of mirth, hard to tell with him. “He was indifferent to my aura, and repeatedly tried to provoke me. Not stopping even after he verified my grade.”

Seryne couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, she had seen senior officers being afraid to raise their voice at Makyn. That kid was either extremely clever or a complete moron. “Hmm… Considering by whom he was taught, it was to be expected he wouldn’t be intimidated by a presence alone.”

Given the average grade in the archipelago, the kid must consider himself blessed by the Moons themselves. He would be in for a rude awakening. His masters were gone, and the talented child was still a child.

“His dislike for the Republic might have to do with his father,” she mused. “The report didn’t specify the circumstances of his death, but it was in the aftermath of one of the local governor’s plans to increase prosperity. It’s likely he considers the Republic responsible.”

The truth didn’t matter, politicians always complicated her job. That brute and his harpy wife had been a thorn in her side from day one, pushing the boundaries of their authority into military jurisdiction. Good thing the commander was attached to his measly power and kept them busy.

Seryne clicked her tongue. “We can’t afford to compromise the territory’s security over a child’s petty grievances. Use whatever means necessary to handle him if compliance becomes an issue.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

~ ~ ~

A loud knock made Kai jolt awake. His bags lay untouched beside him. Checking that there was no drool on his chin, he rolled off his bed and put on a shirt. “Coming.”

A woman in a blue and silver uniform waited for him with a tray of sausages, eggs and a glass of pink tropical juice. The window behind her stole his attention. A stripe of grassy land and the crystal sea beyond, unmoving.

Is this Kawei? Damn, I wanted to see what it was like flying during the day.

“The vessel will disembark in twenty minutes, sir. Please, let me know if there is anything else I may assist you with.”

Sir? Do I look like an old fossil?

He’d never understand the obsession with formality, but it was easier to go along with it. Maybe that was how it happened: people who couldn’t be bothered to argue let the stuck-up individuals win. “Is there a bathroom on board?”

“This way, sir.”

Kai prepared for what would undoubtedly be another exhausting day. With a full stomach, he might just survive. The berth tower was a compact construction standing on a cliff and surrounded by plain military buildings.

He was relieved when his faithful porter came to carry his backpack. “Good morning! I missed your smiling mug, it works better than a cold shower. I hope your bed was larger than mine.”

The prankster of a chap answered with a grunt and strode away with his bag.

“Rest is important! How are you gonna carry my bags if you get sick?” Kai was forced to hurry after him. “Not in a chatty mood? Fine, I’ll take the burden of talking upon myself.”

They joined the line out of the zeppelin. Officers with dour faces carried crates and luggage. Valela walked ahead with her maid, she granted him a ruffled glance before ignoring his existence.

She’s good at this. If I didn’t know better, I’d think she’s mad at me.

Packed inside a crowded room, he toned down his friendly banter. His skin wasn’t thick enough for the collective attention, but Makyn must have caught on and stuck close to other people once outside.

The wind buffeted them with sharp gusts. The cliff with the airdock plummeted twenty meters into the sea below. Kai had heard you could glimpse the shore of Kanlun, the twin island, on a clear day, and people walked between them with the low tide.

There were no clouds and no land in sight—maybe his Perception wasn’t high enough. A town spread in a bay a few miles south. If his memory served him right, it was Eastwin, the largest settlement on Kawei.

It looked similar to Sylspring, just lacking the polished district and colorful houses. Kai had no time to explore or talk to people. The procession marched straight to the port and into two barges waiting for them. Before the sun closed on its zenith, they were sailing on rolling waves.

Kawei was the third smallest island, so they should reach the ruins on the northern coast before dark. Valela and Seryne were on the other boat, battling for who could stand more stately on the deck.

It’s a tough call. This might become a test of endurance.

Kai was ready to spend another day of fun with his best buddy, but Makyn walked up to him with another guy.

Looking to replace me already?

The newcomer didn’t look like a threat to their friendship. He wasn’t too old, but his blonde hairline was fighting a messy retreat. The yellow robe he wore was tight on his belly and the silver rings on his fingers had lousy enchantments to make them shinier.

“Kai, this is Aldred Marlene,” Makyn introduced. “He’s one of the scholars working on the Vastaire ruins. You’ll show him your research until we reach our destination. And he’ll update you on our progress.”

They did mention something about work… What a bummer.

“Hi, I’m looking forward to comparing notes,” he extended his hand. Maybe this was what he needed for a breakthrough.

The intruder looked down his nose with undisguised disdain and ignored his greeting. A promising start then. A room on the barge had been reserved for them, the floorboards creaking under their steps. Makyn put down the backpack and stood guard by the entrance.

“Show me what your father left you, boy.” Aldred tapped his foot. He hadn’t carried any books or papers with him. “I don’t have all day.”

Yatei grant me patience.

He didn’t need to like someone to work with them. He had been hired to do a job and had his professional pride to uphold—even if the pay was a scam.

“We can start with my research, and then discuss what the Republic found.”

There were two round tables and a few crates arranged together. Kai began unloading the books and folders from his bag. In the hurry to pack, the various sections got mixed together. He had to take out quite a few before he found what he needed.

“These are my father’s journals on the language. He never got the chance to organize all his notes, so they are a bit messy. We should start—”

“I can read on my own, boy.” Aldred tried to shove him away, looking surprised when Kai didn’t budge. They were both late Orange, but only one of them was keeping up exercise.

Well, I tried.

He went to sit beside Makyn. “What? I’m available if he needs anything.”

The proclaimed scholar sneered. “I won’t.” He browsed through the journals with the glow of a skill around him, squinting to make out Rellan's writings.

“See. He’s got this." Kai settled in for a long wait, using Mana Echo to copy his skills. The man had an orange profession, and it wasn’t like he had anything better to do.

Aldred had two skills that enhanced his reading speed and memory of what he had read. There were probably more abilities at play, but Kai could only copy those that used mana. A couple hours later, he tested the new echoes on one of his journals.

These might actually be useful.

“What’s that book you’re reading?” Aldred demanded with nervous sweat on his forehead. “Your father must have written a paper with his findings.”

Kai gave up his read with a sigh. “I told you he didn’t get the time to do that. Everything I have is where you can see it.” Most of the organized summaries he made were in his ring to conveniently check them when he needed them.

“Why don’t you let Kai explain to you what he knows?” Makyn proposed, though his usual cold tone didn’t lend itself well to diplomacy.

“Are you a scholar too now?” Aldred pointed his finger, a shade of purple growing from his neck. “I've got everything under control and don’t need to get anything explained by a country boy! It’s a lot of material to parse and I can’t focus if the boy keeps distracting me.”

Kai gave Makyn an ‘I told you so’ look and patted his shoulder. “I’m sure he’s got this handled.”

* * *

Several hours later, Kai walked on the deck with two new skill echoes in mind. He stretched his limbs in the dying sun. It had been an enjoyable time after he removed himself from the situation. Just the occasional innocent remark to stoke the flames. He didn’t have to do much really.

The more Makyn insisted he helped, the more worked up and irascible Aldred got. It had quickly degenerated into a one-way shouting match, with the scholar questioning the grunt’s intelligence and demanding to talk with his superior.

It has been a while since I saw a good soap opera. I really thought he would punch him in the end, but he only marched out. Maybe next time.

Beyond the near shore, trees had been cut down to make space for the Republic’s camp of operations. He had been told the ruins were just beyond a ridge in the nearby jungle.

The first barge was unloading while theirs closed in on shore. He had underestimated the scale of the operation. There were dozens of box-like buildings and tents in a military grid. Squads patrolled the area or helped carry crates off the boat.

Kai did a double take and squinted at the figure on shore that looked strangely familiar.