Rising Kite - A story from the world of HWFWM

“Adventurer Kite, ladies Geller. Welcome!” branch director Carmella Dobrazza exclaimed as the trio entered her office, a functionary closing the doors behind them. “It is good to finally meet our two famous visitors and the young man who has come so highly recommended from Jarvan up in Gilded.”

Even though Kite had heard of the director’s mannerisms from Braid and Wander, it was still a bit intimidating to meet her glowing eyes and rather intense aura; like a fire that was inviting you in to partake of its warmth but with the hint of getting burnt should you misstep. As his two companions stiffened slightly as well, he was relieved to see that it was not only him who was affected by it.

Otherwise, the director had the muscular and rather stocky build of her people, with the onyx skin and flaming features. Her silver rank made her look quite striking, her body exuding power.

“Branch director Dobrazza, it is an honor to meet you.” he said, bowing formally, the Gellers echoing his sentiment.

“Oh please, just director or director Dobrazza will do. And none of the bowing. I want to see the faces of my beautiful and competent little bronze-rankers. Do not think me unaware that you have all begun your stay here as hard workers. The outer regions have nothing but gratitude to offer you.”

“Thank you, director.” Phiona answered as they were led to sit in chairs arranged in front of Dobrazza’s desk. “I must admit that I was surprised to hear of the Sky Spark taking on administrative duties, and in a posting such as this.”

“I am flattered that you have heard of me, lady Geller. From what I have gathered, you hail from an entirely different continent than little old me.” the director said, looking both pleased and intrigued.

“We did what research we could before coming here, director. And you might be pleased to know that your name is known to some even as far away as Vitesse.”

“That does please me, if you’ll excuse the vanity of your elders.” Dobrazza said. “But to answer your question, some of us feel the need for some quiet time every once in a while. Managing a branch sounded like fun, at least as long as it wasn’t in the most metropolitan parts of the world. Hua Xi remains an unruly beast for the society to try and tame, and I must say that I find that ever more stimulating.”

“Is that why you called upon us, then? To help with some unruly elements? Because I agree that those are always the most fun.” Rachel asked.

“In a way, lady Geller, in a way. But this one’s unruliness is of a different kind, where both prestige, personal powers and a delicate touch might be needed in equal measure.”

“So it’s political.” Phiona said, her tone making it an obvious statement rather than a question.

“It is.” Dobrazza confirmed. “We have been offered a contract with rather strict requirements. A contract I would like to offer you three. Lady Phiona, you already have three stars and as such you would be in command, but both young Kite and lady Rachel are important pieces as well.”

“Then what is it about?” Rachel asked, leaning forward.

“I take it that I have caught your interest then? Good.” Dobrazza smiled. “There is a wide investigation ongoing in the city, initiated after the little strife up north uncovered a surprisingly wide spread of the less desirable power players in the region. And that investigation has turned up some interesting leads. Most are being pursued by others, such as Kite’s acquaintances from up north, but there is one where I will need you three.

Are you, by any chance, familiar with the name Relentless Storms Hiding Beautiful Vistas? The young master of the Relentless family?”

“The sculptor?” Kite asked, not being able to help himself.

Dobrazza laughed in response, her mirth like that of happily dancing flames. “He is indeed, but that is only a small part of his renown. Mostly he is regarded as the hope of Bastion in the upcoming Grand Proving, should he manage to reach silver rank before then. He has already earned himself a moniker, the Whirlwind warrior, although I do not know if it pertains the most to his fighting style or him rising through the ranks like a hurricane.”

“I’ve heard of this Grand Proving.” Phiona said. “He has to reach silver before then to be considered a candidate?”

“Yes, and preferably also ‘the wall’, thoroughly consolidating his skills. “ Dobrazza said, referring to the early middle stages of silver rank where progress drastically slowed to a crawl.

“And that is, what, eight years left? Should be little problem as long as he remains active.” Phiona said.

“Yes, but there is also the prestige of talent to consider. There are a few in the city who would very much like to be chosen as said contender, all from prestigious families. Young master Relentless has a comfortable lead at the moment, and is working hard to continually push himself. And from what we have uncovered during our investigations, there are signs that some truly want our young master to stumble on his path, even infiltrating the family’s retainers.”

“Director, I would be very surprised if it was an investigation contract that you are about to offer us.” Phiona said. “While I would not call either of us unperceptive, we simply lack the more advanced skill sets and powers for that.”

“Correct again, lady Geller.” Dobrazza said, with a smile. “What I’m offering you, is to make up the entourage of the young master for a while during his outings from the city, accompanying him on his hunts and guarding him from any surprises while he continues with his rise. As the household retainers are now under scrutiny, the Relentless family wished for competent bronze rankers to fill in during this most sensitive time.”

“But, why not just have a silver ranker go with him? Surely, such a prestigious family has some?” Rachel asked, confused.

“And here is where the politics and cultural idiosynchrasies come into play. For one thing, it is a matter of prestige. Should one of the few silver-rankers in the family suddenly be absent from the political stage only to be found guarding the young master, the Relentless family would lose face as they would show themselves threatened and that their young master cannot fend for himself.”

“Which is just stupid.” Phiona pointed out.

“Pride does not make the best ground for judgment.” Kite agreed. “Unfortunately it is quite prevalent in many of the hierarchies here. But from what you have told me of your home, there are not just a few who might rival us.” he finished, a bit pointedly

“Well, cousin, I think he got us there.” Rachel replied, patting Phiona’s shoulder.

“I can see why Jarvan liked you, young man. A competent local but aware of the culture in which he operates.” the director praised, her more intense attention having Kite’s hairs stand on end. “And whatever we may think about it, it is the game the family must play, and therefore we shall adapt the best we can.

This is where you come in. Normally, forming an entourage for such a locally famous young prodigy would instigate a lot of political maneuvering, as many would clamor for such a position. But the Geller name carries a heavy weight even in these lands, and none should be able to properly complain about the family choosing to employ you during a part of your stay in the city. It is even possible that they may win prestige in the process, being able to gain even more concessions from the parties that might form the young master’s actual entourage in the future.”

This explanation had Phiona nodding thoughtfully, while Rachel still looked dissatisfied.

“I still don’t understand why you locals refuse forming actual, proper teams. These ‘entourages’ just sound like teams with extra steps and uneven internal structure.” she complained, the director giving her an empathetic smile.

“It is indeed one of the most troublesome local tendencies, and I personally believe that their individualistic zeal is one of the reasons that Hua Xi remains a rather small kingdom on the international scene. No offense meant to you, young Kite.”

“None taken.” Kite said with a sigh. “After our training under Mirabel Concente, I had a group of companions I worked closely with during the war, and our experience working together was one of the reasons that we all came out with our lives.”

“While I do believe that many of those affluent enough to form an entourage just do it as a way to preserve face while training them as an actual team, the sad reality is that most remains what they proclaim to be; a group following some prodigy around and only stepping in or intervening should the situation need it while letting the ‘leader’ work themselves properly. A waste of what could be good adventurers.” Dobrazza lamented.

“And you want us to assume such a passive role?” Phiona asked.

“Not necessarily, although I do not know the young master's predilections. Even if that is the case, I assure you that the reward offered should be enough to cover the sting of a few lost opportunities for growth.” the director said, unfurling a scroll detailing the offered compensation for them to peruse.

Reading the contents left even the two Gellers with raised eyebrows.

“Heavens.” Kite breathed.

“You said it.” Rachel agreed. “That amount of coins and a commissioned item for silver rank? If that is what’s being offered, I have no trouble following some noble around for a while.”

“The reward would both be for the work and for your professional discretion on the matter.” Dobrazza pointed out. “But yes, it does indicate the importance of this young master to the Relentless family. And I believe that a pair of Gellers along with one of their personal students will please the nobles in turn.”

“And what if we fail?” Phiona asked, looking at the director.

“I would much prefer if you did not, but as long as no foul play from your part is involved, the adventure society ensures that we will attempt to shield you from any repercussions, although it might require you to transfer to another city.”

Phiona looked thoughtful before turning to Kite. “This might impact our training schedule a bit at times. As you are the beneficiary of our contract, you should have first say.”

Kite leaned back in his chair before pondering the matter. But in the end, the decision came rather easy. “Teacher, you have already gone above and beyond the contract. And with what is being offered, I believe that we would all stand to benefit from this.”

Dobrazza looked very pleased at Kite’s words, turning to the Gellers expectantly.

“Then I believe we shall accept the contract.” Phiona said after finding confirmation in Rachel’s eager nod.

“Most excellent.” the director said, her satisfaction plain in both her expression and aura. “Then we will make the necessary arrangements and finalize this deal. The young master’s next outing is scheduled in one week. Make your own preparations until the time comes to meet your charge.”

“Esteemed father, please reconsider. I am in no more need of an entourage now than I have been before, even though you have always insisted on it.” Vista, young master of the Relentless family, said to his father.

He stood before the family elders, his father at their head, in a smaller and secure meeting hall only used for internal matters. Vista had few pleasant memories from this hall as he had so far only been there to receive rebuke or instruction.

“Son, do you presume to know better than the elders of this family?” his father asked sternly, aura weighing heavily on Vista’s shoulders.

“I only ask that you let me use this chance to prove myself further. Surely my growth-”

“Your growth might be faster, yes, but a flower which grows too tall too quickly risks being snapped by the winds, its foundation too weak and the resources spent cultivating it a waste.” master Relentless interrupted. “We will brook no argument in this, son. You will comport yourself worthy of your station in your dealings with these adventurers, as two of them are from the Geller family. I believe that you understand what even a faint tie to such a name could mean.”

The mentioning of the famous adventuring family known all over the world had Vista swallowing his next argument. While he still chafed at what would no doubt still be baggage on his climb towards the peak, he did understand the implication in his father’s words. There was more than one game being played here.

“Then I will conform to the wishes of the elders.”

“Good. Live by the family creed and show them the worth of the next chosen for the Grand Proving.” His father said, dismissing his son with a gesture before gathering with the other elders once more.

With that, Vista left the room where he was joined by his familiar who had been forced to wait outside. Whimmy was now back in the smaller form he had sported at iron rank, or he would cause too much trouble when traversing the lavish halls of the Relentless family compound. His current size of a very large dog let his bonded master rest his hand on the dark fur of the cerberus as they walked, Vista lost in thought even as he gave the customary nod of acknowledgement to the different family members he passed.

“So, we have a week until our next outing with our new… company…” Vista muttered when the pair was alone in a corridor. “What do you want to do to pass the time? Except when training, doing our social duties, seeing one of the teachers or having one of those lovely matchmaking meetings?” Two of Whimmy’s three heads got a thoughtful look while the other gave a low whine.

“Yes, my friends. I know. There isn’t really much time left to spend after all that. But now… now I feel like doing some sculpting-” This statement got the other two heads joining into the low whining, looking pleadingly up at Vista. “- and I will make sure that the household staff bring you all a snack.” the young noble finished, chuckling as the whining sadness from just before was suddenly forgotten, and he was now all but pulled towards his quarters.

“Glint, is it unreasonable of me to be nervous? While we haven’t met in a few years, I have still met Brooks' family countless times when growing up.” Kite mused where he sat on his familiar’s back as she was floating down the road from Bastion’s main gate and up one of the branching roads leading out towards the rather expansive farmlands beyond.

While the fields lay dormant, he could imagine how rice would grow on the terraced parts while wheat and other crops would spread out like gold at all this flat expanse of land. In the dense forests of his home, clearing space for large scale farmland like this had not been feasible, instead leading to smaller patches supporting less sizable and more numerous villages spread out along the northern part of the Autumn lands. The accompanying lumber industry had tended to make sure that supplies came regularly enough, and while most villages wouldn’t be seen as prosperous, they had at least become sustainable in the rural area.

Floating below him, Glint just gave him a slight wiggle of her body as a response, accompanied by a sense of comfort through their bond.

“Thank you, it is good to know that you’ll be with me. I’d ask Sage, but I feel that sympathy isn’t its strong suite. And I don’t think that there is enough time either, as I think we have arrived.”

Kite had followed a simple map drawn by Brook and recognized her family’s symbol upon the low wooden gate which blocked the road ahead, Glint simply floating over it as she continued up the road towards the small compound of buildings up ahead. From afar, Kite thought that he could pick out at least two decently sized houses for living along with several sheds, barns and what he assumed was a simple dormitory for additional farmhands called in during harvest.

As he drew closer, he started picking out the auras of the inhabitants, Brook carrying the magic of her essence making her easy to pick out while the rest were normal-ranked. Just before he retracted his aura senses in order to not pry too closely on the emotions of his hosts, he did sense one normal-ranked aura tense up in shock and a bit of stunned fear.

Following the sense, Kite realized that one of the auras had come from outside on the yard where a young man of about eighteen years stood next to a chopping block and a pile of wood. He had the muscular frame of someone who was working the more intense physical labor, and Kite realized that he recognized the brown hair and freckled face, even though said face was gaping in open shock as Glint came floating into the yard between the houses.

“Leaf?” he asked, nimbly jumping off his familiar’s back and landing on the ground before his childhood friend. While Kite had mostly played with Brook who had been the same age, the younger Leaf had been an almost constant company during their childhood years before he and Brook outgrew the games favored by the children of the village.

“K-k-Kite?” the teenager asked, sounding exactly as dumbfounded as he looked. “You- you have a fish. A giant, flying fish.”

“Well, she isn’t technically flying, but rather floating on conjured water. But I guess there is little practical difference.” Kite said as the giant carp shrank down to her original size. “Leaf, this is Glint. My familiar.”

“And now it is a small fish.” Leaf said, voice forlorn as if he hadn’t heard Kite.

Kite was about to say something more when Brook opened the door to the house she shared with her family, all of the group standing in the yard turning to her.

“Kite, welcome!” She called, seeming even more relaxed in her home environment. “And welcome to you too, Glint.” she continued as the little carp happily floated up to her, making a couple of spinning laps around her.

“The fish knows sis.” Leaf stated, voice still sounding a bit lost.

“Please come in, Kite. You came just in time for food.” Brook called, before turning and going back inside.

Giving an empathetic look to Leaf, Kite waved to him again and went to follow Brook, the poor teenager still frozen in incomprehension. Entering the house was like partially returning home to Starberry Peak. While the furniture was different, somehow the smells were the same as in the memories which now welled up from the depths of his subconscious. How many times had he and Brook played in an environment like this, whether they had been making toys from spare pieces of wood or just sat near the windows to watch the rain.

The wooden house was centered around a large common area and kitchen, with several doors leading away to the rooms belonging to the family. It was rustic, but homey, with little obvious luxuries beyond the well treated and lacquered woods used in the construction. Brook’s father, Solid Pine, had been a woodworker, and it was obvious that he still plied his trade to this day. Kite saw him standing next to his daughter with his usual calm demeanor as he seemed delighted to meet Glint, then turning to the newcomer.

“Ah, little Kite. The years seem to have treated you quite well.” he said, coming over to clasp Kite’s hand. While a few years older and a little more worn, Solid Pine still looked hale and healthy, his hands as calloused as Kite remembered them.

“Master Pine, it is good to see you again.” Kite responded, head swimming with a mix of nostalgia and a bit of confusion as to how to address the man.

“Master, is it? What happened to the ‘uncle Pine’ I heard so many times over the years?” Pine said with a chuckle. “Please, Kite, let there be no formality between us on this most fortunate of reunions. And just a piece of advice; if you start calling my wife mistress Willow, she might yet give you a whooping with the ladle.” he finished with a wink.

“Then thank you for the hospitality, uncle Pine. And the sage advice.” Kite said with a laugh before he turned to the door. The other two looked questioningly at him before they heard the sounds of footsteps on the porch outside. A moment later, Wistful Willow entered, her gaze honing in on Kite right away.

“You are definitely becoming more like your aunties.” Pine chuckled as his wife made her way towards them. “They always knew when people were arriving too.”

“Little Kite!” Willow exclaimed as she reached them. “How you have grown! Let me take a look at you. Oh my, he has certainly turned into a fine young man, hasn’t he, Brook?”

“Mother.” Brook sighed in exasperation, but her protests fell on deaf ears.

“Auntie Willow, it is lovely to meet you again.” Kite greeted. Willow also looked about the same as he remembered, although there was a hint of more gray in her brown hair and crow’s feet had started showing around her eyes.

“Come, sit.” she urged him. “The food is soon ready, and I just fetched some preserves from the storage. You simply must tell us of the time since we last saw you. Brook has been notoriously tight-lipped about it.”

What followed was over an hour of warm and hearty soup eaten while Kite recounted the last few years for his hosts, Willow bombarding him with questions along the way to Brook’s chagrin. Leaf had eventually joined them as well, and had gradually shaken off his stupor as he listened attentively to Kite’s shortened and a bit selective retelling. He did not feel that they needed to hear the details around the jade-sky gate or in-depth descriptions of the war, instead sprinkling in a bit more updates about their former home village and the people there.

“- and speaking of auntie Dove, I have in fact brought a gift for you as thanks for having me.” Kite said, producing a small wooden chest from one of his dimensional bags. He opened it to show numerous small paper envelopes, each containing an iron rank pill and neatly labeled.

“Since reaching bronze-rank, these are now of little use to me, but might instead assist you with the perils of everyday life. I am sure that she would be glad for you to have them.”

Willow immediately started making happy exclamations of gratitude as she started going over the contents while Pine just looked at Kite and gave him a single, silent nod of solemn gratitude. Kite smiled and nodded back, enjoying the familiar atmosphere and throwback to simpler times. All the while, Brook had seemed to enjoy herself but he still couldn’t shake the feeling that something was bothering her. Kite resolved to ask if the opportunity presented itself later, and was pleasantly surprised when Leaf asked a question of his own.

“Then, Kite, you know magic now. Anything you can show us? Sis only has the one trick with paper, and it’s pretty lame.” he said, looking hopeful.

Kite looked at Brook, whose eyes had thinned as she bristled at her brother’s words. But when she noticed him looking, she sighed and nodded, her gaze seeming to convey the message: “Better humor him.”

“I think I have one spell which should be reasonable to demonstrate.” Kite said, smiling. “As long as uncle and auntie approves, of course.”

“Oh, please do!” Willow exclaimed, looking as eager as her son.

“Very well.” Kite said, before giving a quick chant. “Wall.”

Around them, walls of force appeared in different configurations. He made some regular walls, some more artistic arrangements of squares and a short stairway leading up to one of the beams which held up the ceiling. As Brook’s family started tentatively exploring and interacting with the magical phenomena, Kite realized how different their lives had been, especially during the last few years. While he was sure that they had seen plenty of everyday magic or other magic from afar, the family probably did not keep the company to get many opportunities of viewing it up close.

While they prodded the magical constructs, Kite also gave a brief explanation of how he might employ it during contracts. “- and what might be one of the most important uses, I can shield others with them to allow them to escape danger or keep them safe while I dispatch or divert the threats.” he finished, letting the spell dissipate.

“My, how chivalrous. We always knew you had a protective streak in you, little Kite, even before you saved Leaf from the frenzied ferret.” Willow praised. “It calms a mother’s heart to know that you have reappeared in Brook’s life. The big city can be dangerous, but with someone like you beside her, she can walk with her head held high.”

“Mother, you are once more being presumptuous.” Brook hissed.

“But love, I only wish for you to be safe, as I am sure that Kite does too.” Willow protested. “Isn’t that right, dear Kite?”

Looking surprisingly similar to the aforementioned frenzied ferret, Brook seemed about to retort when her father stepped in, seeming to be an old hand at diffusing such situations.

“Brook, dear, why don’t you show Kite around the farm a bit while I help your mother clean up here?” he said, turning to his wife. “Here, dearest, allow me.” Solid Pine said, before he started grabbing plates and stacking them in Willow’s hands, sometimes rattling them a bit to drown out any protest from her.

Seeing his opportunity, Kite pounced on the opening. “Yes, Brook, I would love to see the rest of your new home. As long as the great sage might acquiesce to such a simple request?”

Brook looked at him and then back to her parents before taking a deep breath. “Yes, Kite, I will indeed. Let me show you our grand estate.”

“Well, your family seems to be doing well. Both of your parents are like I remember them.” Kite eventually said, breaking the silence which had reigned so far during their walk. The afternoon sky was overcast, but streams of sunlight broke through the cloud cover to leave the sky covered in stripes of light.

“Especially my mother.” Brook muttered sourly.

“From what I remember, you were as annoyed by it back then as you are now.” Kite said with a chuckle. Willow had always been rather vocal in her approval of their past relationship, often giving clear indications that she foresaw a bright future for the two of them together. While Kite had often taken it in stride, it had left Brook feeling pressured, and the pattern still held true to this day.

“I…” she began, tentatively. “I don’t want her to be the one to decide what I- we want. But as you could obviously see, she is still pushing for it. I know she just wants me being provided for, but I am doing that myself already. I have even considered renting a room in the city, but then I think about saving up for other things and end up discarding the thought.”

Kite nodded at her words. “Then, want to make a promise?”

“A promise?”

“Let’s promise one another that we try and decide for ourselves. To give things the time they deserve and get to know each other’s lives a bit more. From what I have seen so far, I like the way you have grown, Brook. You have come far in facing the world and even doing it on your own at times. I would like to see more of the passion you show, and would like to join you in the library too if you don’t mind. Because living out a bit more of what I know is inside that mind of yours seems to be doing you a lot of good.” he said, gently poking her head.

“That… that is a promise I would feel good about giving. And you may show me more of your world of adventure. At least, more than just your wonderful familiar.” she finished with a giggle as she peeked down into Glint’s bottle where the carp was dazedly resting after feasting on as many treats as she could get her fins on during dinner.

“It’s a promise then.” he said, Brook nodding in turn as they once more lapsed into silence where they stood looking out over an empty field and rays of sunlight playing over the horizon. Then, tentatively, Brook took a step closer to Kite’s side and carefully leaned into him. He stood still before shifting ever so slightly to lean a little into her as well, silently communicating his approval.

And for the rest of their time together at the edge of that empty field, the silence remained a comfortable one.

“-and that concludes the week’s developments.” one of Stoic Boar’s more senior retainers, a normal-ranked older man, reported. Having served his father before him, the man had been an excellent advisor who had been tasked with supporting the young master once he started to assume more responsibilities in the family affairs.

The report had Stoic Boar lean his chin on one hand, a slight concerned frown creasing his brow as he looked thoughtfully out the window. “It would seem as the push is continuing and now spilling over unto our interests even more. Earlier it was mostly the Relentless family being targeted, but if this trend continues…” he trailed off, looking to his retainer for confirmation.

“It should indeed impact us a bit, although our patrons are already taking precautions which should extend to us as well.” the old man confirmed.

“With the pace they are ramping up the pressure, it should at least soon become more evident what the end goal is. Such a united front from the unaffiliated merchants is unprecedented as far as I know.

At least this gives more credibility to our efforts in bringing as many free contractors as possible into our fold, lest they become part of the opposition.” the young master reflected with a nod.

“Then does the young master want to change the approach in regard to the two outlanders and their venture?”

Boar thought for a while, before shaking his head. “No. We keep playing the long game with our esteemed ladies Geller. As usual, business is a world of dichotomies; working both faster than you think possible and slower than you’d like. But I believe that we should continue our current approach for now. Or do you have any objections?”

“No, young master. It shall remain according to your wishes.” his retainer answered, leaving soon after when Boar dismissed him.

“Teacher- it feels - like- you are- going at this- a little- bit- ooof-” Kite said, his sentence clipped due to constantly fending off staff strikes from Phiona. True to form, her staff seemed to have a life of its own, remaining both her offense, defense and even parts of her mobility as she did not relent in her assault. Kite knew that she could have overwhelmed him through skill, should she have chosen to do so, but instead she kept him balancing on a knife’s edge.

“Well, student, as you seem to have been working so diligently it felt only right to escalate things a bit. If we are to protect this young master to the best of our abilities, we will all have to be at our best.” Phiona said, voice steady and without strain. She kept Kite on the edge until he was just about ready to flag before suddenly disengaging. “And you have made progress with your footwork. Did you notice how your adjustments helped you keep your balance even as I pressured you? But still, your counter offensives will need work as you still rely a lot on your dispelling counterattack. While that is good, you need more tools in your arsenal and the skill to actually intercept those attacks you deem important enough.” she finished, voice full of her usual lecturing.

“Thank you, teacher, both for the praise and your advice.” Kite said as they left the practice yard and went over to look at where Rachel had begun to run Sun through some basic combat drills.

“Good, again! Use your bracers more, they’re not just there to be pretty!” she was shouting at him as she attacked entirely unarmed and obviously holding back. Her beleaguered pupil did his best, and had made some marked improvement over just the few days he had been participating, but Kite could see that he had a long way to go. That in itself was understandable. Kite had started practicing at a young age with uncle Walker and some of the guests visiting his aunties for business, and he knew that to be nowhere near the level of training that the two Gellers must have endured.

Once Sun was all but an exhausted puddle on the ground did Rachel stop and helped the poor iron-ranker stagger to his feet. “You’re improving, Sun. Just a few more weeks of this and we can move on to weapons training.” the red-haired Geller cheered.

“Tha- thank you.” was all that the man managed between wheezing breaths.

“Have you given any more thought as to which kind of weaponry you want to train with?” Kite asked Sun as the group started making their way back across the campus grounds.

“No, but you are not the only one wondering. Peony has barely left her workshop since we came back, and once she does she does little else but ask me about it.”

“Oh no, you have a partner who wants to make you awesome gear by magically fusing enchanted artifacts together. You sure live a hard life, Patient Sun.” Rachel said with obvious sarcasm, earning her a flat stare.

“Well, you at least have a few weeks to decide. And it’s good that you focus on one thing, as I am unsure of how many ‘dabblers’ like me teacher would tolerate.” Kite said with a grin.

“At least our first thought of giving you a shield proved to be unnecessary. It would be better to focus on leveraging those bracers as a main way of defense.” Phiona pointed out, the other two adventurers nodding in turn.

Sun’s only power from his iron essence was a pair of conjured iron bracers which covered his whole forearms. They were surprisingly sturdy, even able to negate almost all physical attacks of the same rank should he manage to interpose them in time.

“If you don’t have any special preferences when the day is drawing near, we can always go to the auctions and see if there is a fitting weapon-related awakening stone there for a decent price. Letting Fortune decide might not be the worst idea.” Kite consoled the exhausted iron ranker.

“Well, I will go back home and check on Peony’s progress. She seemed to be really getting into something yesterday, so we can hopefully see some results soon.” Sun said. “Do you know how long your next outing will be? The one with the secretive circumstances?”

“A week, from what we have been told.” Phiona said. “While we would love to bring you and Peony with us, it is best that you not get involved in this one.”

“Oh, I think we will manage. With all the materials we have gathered, Peony can be hard at work for at least a few weeks. But return soon, you hear, so that I can find a reason to drag her out of her workshop.” Sun said, waving goodbye shortly thereafter as the trio of bronze-rankers turned off towards their inn.

“So, what do you think that the young master will be like?” Rachel asked as they walked.

“Proud, and probably tough to manage.” was Phiona’s immediate response, eliciting a grin from Rachel.

“Nona, you know what happened the last time you assumed stuff like that.”

“From what I have heard, he is very popular and loved by many in the city.” Kite added.

“The face people show outward is but one of many they may wear.” Phiona replied. “But I suppose that tomorrow will dispel at least some of the mysteries of this young master Relentless. May this contract prove to be possible to complete.”