Rising Kite - A story from the world of HWFWM

“He should be arriving soon, shouldn’t he, Rupert?”

“That might be so, Jarvan. But do you not think that there are others here in the city which might warrant a higher spot in the visitation order?” Deputy director Rupert Versis asked his friend and superior, the blonde human man restlessly tapping his fingers at his desk.

“Who might be more important than his branch director? His most vaunted superior?” Jarvan retorted. “The report from the gate clearly stated that an adventurer riding a gigantic, floating fish had arrived and was standing in line..”

“For one, he is quite good friends with the son of the city lord. And the young priestess who is rumored to have quite the chance of becoming a high priestess of Song at a younger age than ever recorded before? Not to mention the student of both local unaligned silver ranke-”

“Fine! Fine! Your point has most eloquently come across, my friend, if also a bit hurtful,” Jarvan grumbled.

“It is not like you do not have other work to occupy your time. The Descending Star sect has once more requested a meeting with you. I am unsure if they know of Kite’s return, but from their more extensive presence in the city as of late, part of their rather aggressive recruitment, I would be surprised if they did not.”

“The surge should hit within a year, Rupert. The sects always go on recruiting sprees before that.”

“It might be so, but given the young adventurer’s history with them, I would still-”

“Ah, yes. His history. Rupert, we have just let him enter the city unescorted. For his safety, I should go out there personally and find him, to make sure-”

“Do not fret, Jarvan. I took the liberty to send word to Kite’s allies and confidantes when we got word. He should already be in good hands.”

Jarvan LanCaire stopped, and slowly turned to look at his friend. In a feat of magnificent acting, the leonid kept his straight face perfectly throughout the conversation, even under the intense scrutiny it was now being subjected to.

“Fine…” Jarvan once more grumbled. “But know this, my friend. I am onto you, and your schemes.” Having delivered the last as a theatrical hiss, eyes thinning, Gilded’s branch director once more plopped down in his chair to look over the request from the sect, but one of many, many documents already cluttering his desk. “And hopefully, one of our little wayward adventurers will soon grace us with his presence. What is taking so long?”

Standing in line to enter Gilded, Kite was currently suffering a weird sense of deja vu. Much like in his early comings and goings to the city, there was quite a line waiting to enter, but the fair summer weather and golden foliage rustling all around them at least made the waiting pleasant. The sect disciple, clad in dark blue robes with silver trimming currently and raising her voice at him, did mar the situation a bit.

“-got nothing to say for yourself, outcast? Lost all your words along with your honor? But, silly me, if you had possessed such in the beginning you would have known your place!”

“What is it with confrontations outside this particular gate?” Kite thought to himself, as he looked flatly at the bronze-ranker in front of him; a woman around his own age with golden hair and small, silver stars tattooed along her cheekbones. She was flanked by a small group of four iron-rankers with matching uniforms, all doing their best to look stoic and grim, but it was only the bronze-ranker who carried herself like someone to take note of.

“Disciple, I am yet unsure as to where your anger stems from,” Kite said, standing firm. He kept his tone neutral but polite, mostly eager to finally get on with entering the city. “As your initial contact and offer to try out for joining your sect was most polite, I see no reason for such aggression.”

“That was until you besmirched the honor of our sect, outcast trash!” she retorted.

“Stating that I find little point in joining a sect at all would hardly be an insult to your sect in particular. In fact, escalating things like this is more a stain on your representation of your sect than any words that we have exchanged thus far.”

At his words, she stiffened. Kite had hoped that a bit of shame might make her see reason, but soon saw the folly of his own reasoning. “My annoyance might have leaked through just a bit too much,” he thought with an inward sigh, as the woman’s face was reddening as her aura swelled outwards, causing the other people in the line to shy back.

“You dare?” she hissed, straightening and raising her voice. “Such a base accusation cannot be allowed to stand! I, Shrike of Vast Skies, shall-”

“Kite! My friend! You have finally returned!”

A familiar voice broke through the murmuring crowds, and Kite could not help but smile as he recognized it. Not long after, the crowds parted for a young elven man, his blonde hair gathered in a braid at his back. He was dressed in fine clothes of silk, decorated to clearly indicate his martial inclination as the clothes very much looked like something a martial artist might wear complementary to their armor. And for any local, seeing the insignia of city lord Indomitable was all one would need to identify his allegiance.

“Will! Good to see you!” Kite exclaimed, stepping up to greet his friend while the rest of those gathered either made polite bows or remained frozen in place, a bit dumbstruck. As he drew near, Kite gave a quick bow to his friend before the pair clasped each other’s forearms in a more familiar gesture.

“I heard that you were arriving today, and deputy director Versis personally notified me of your imminent arrival. I would imagine that the branch director eagerly awaits your return, but I couldn’t help but grasp the privilege of being the first to greet you!”

As Will spoke, he did so loudly while completely ignoring the sect disciple and her followers. The iron-rankers had lost their earlier confidence, looking more uncertain by the moment. The disciple, on the other hand, wore a more complicated expression, as she seemed to remember something.

“Kite? As in-”

“Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune, yes. My dear friend and boon companion.” Will confirmed

“Then, young master, I regret to inform you that this trash has been deceiving you all along, as he is nothing but a cheat and a murderer!” the disciple said, bolder than Kite would have expected. “He killed one of our initiates in the aftermath of the war, grievously wounding several more. The sect leadership may have wanted to hide what happened, probably due to dishonorable pressure from the outside, but we members know.” Kite had felt her aura press against his during this whole exchange, his solid defense easily warding her off, but her final diatribe came with an increased pressure as it almost felt as if she was about to lose control of her spiritual pressure. Her words caused even more murmurs to spread through the crowd, and from what Kite could pick out of the susurrus, it was not a new rumor for most present.

“But Kite? Tell me, is this true? Hearing her words… They fill my heart with regret,” Will said, looking aghast.

“It is, young master. And he-” the disciple began, apparently being the only one who had so far not picked up on the obvious theatrical exaggeration in Will’s tone.

“Was it truly only one that was killed? I have seen the recording; the sheer level of dishonorable conduct on display makes me stand in awe of your mercy, Kite,” Will began, eyes turning to bore into the disciple, his mask of high nobility on full display. “My only regret is that I was not there by your side, killing all those that dared ambush my friend out of petty wounded pride.”

The pressure on Kite’s aura lessened quite abruptly, the disciple suddenly needing her full attention to ward off Will’s spiritual projection crushing down upon her. Before she could retort, the son of Gilded’s city lord continued.

“You come here to spread lies, disciple, and I will not let it stand. I, Triumph of Indomitable Will, challenge you to a clash of paths. Is your path strong enough to back up your words, or will you continue to dishonor all that the Descending Star sect has stood for in the past?”

The disciple stood frozen, all eyes upon her, warring feelings of fear, shame and anger on full display in her aura. As the latter finally won out, Kite couldn’t help but frown from a certain familiar feeling in her projection, causing memories to stir. But further reflection was interrupted by the disciple’s answer.

“You- you think that your family holds the actual power here? We all know who the real power of the region is. Fine, I, Shrike of Vast Skies, accept your challenge on behalf of the Descending Star sect. When I win, you will publicly admit to the sect’s superiority and honor, as well as swear to not interfere with any of our member’s business again.”

Will only snorted derision in response. “Such a soft prize, disciple. Not confident in your victory? But fine, I will match you. When I stand victorious, you will admit to the falsehoods that you have been spreading, and never speak out against either Kite or my family again.

Now, to find an officiator…” Will said, looking out over the crowds. As there were no immediately available candidates, his gaze eventually stopped on one of the iron-rankers standing behind the disciple. “As I suspect my opponent would object too vehemently against one of my retainers, so you, initiate, will have to do.”

The young man looked a bit taken aback, but a glance at the disciple leading them eventually had him nodding.

“Excellent,” Will said, gesturing to a nearby open field. “Let us get this over with.”

“Grim, it feels like there is something that I should know.” Kite murmured to the elven manservant as they stood watching the dueling pair square off. Ever by his master’s side, Grim trailed behind Will, unnoticed by most as the young master had made quite the entrance.

Grim Snowfall politely cleared his throat, the young officiator in the distance reading the terms for the upcoming clash.

“One could say that the political situation has turned rather… precarious in your absence. The Descending Star sect has been pushing rather hard on many fronts, and has gathered a surprising amount of political support since the end of the war. The city lord is doing an admirable job in counteracting this, but tensions are still quite high.

However, we shall have to continue this discussion at a later time,” Grim finished, as Will had just conjured his spear and assumed a ready stance. His opponent, disciple Shrike, did the same. Her hands and bare feet all transfigured into something more similar to a bird of prey as shimmering feathers of brown and gold grew from her skin, leaving most of her face bare as they mostly appeared to accentuate her features and hair. A pair of wings sprouting from her back completed the transformation, as the officiator called out:

“Begin!”

Will had seemed utterly confident in his victory during the verbal exchange, and even before they began, Kite felt quite assured of his friend prevailing. His six months spent training under the Gellers and alongside Vista had paid their dividends not only in his own skills improving, but apparently also in his eye for assessing other fighters. Will's stance and aura seemed to unite into a solid, dangerous impression, his spirit perfectly portraying his readiness to pierce through his enemies like his weapon of choice. While the disciple put up a competent stance, proving adept with her powers and transfigured body as she took to the air, it was in the end only that; mediocre.

Will, on the other hand, proved himself to have worked hard in Kite’s absence. While the skills employed were the same, conjured spears, javelins and pikes all appearing to strike at his foe like before, Kite could see that Will’s intent and style had sharpened even further. That was why Kite was not surprised as his friend also took to the air, carried upwards on wings of spears which were then launched at his opponent as he reached the apex of his assisted leap. Sporting some kind of slow-fall ability, probably from an item, the elven scion then began to dance in the air along with his foe who tried to close the distance to him time and time again. With every step, another spear appeared beneath his foot, allowing him to push off once more before shooting off against the feathered disciple.

From what she was able to display, disciple Shrike seemed to want to employ mobility and aerial charging attacks to rend her opponent with her claws. But if there was something one was advised not to do, it was charging into a wall of spears. And with Will, specimens of that particular weapon just kept coming. Forced to use her prepared special attacks to strike and sunder the conjured weapons launched against her instead of her foe, the young woman tried changing up her tactics, instead warding off the projectiles with shockwaves of air caused by buffets of her wings while she started using her impressive mobility to find other angles of attack.

A minute of aerial acrobatics ticked by, then two as the bout continued. Disciple Shrike looked more and more harried as she was occasionally hit by a few projectiles without even getting close to Will, what few ranged attacks she had being either dodged or deflected. Kite did note that Will was not looking to push to melee either, which was usually his strongest suit, but from his friend’s steady aura, he looked to have a plan. A plan that eventually came to end the clash.

Finally having enough of the battle of attrition, disciple Shrike made a more decisive move. Dashing in towards Will, she weaved through the incoming projectiles, accepting a few glancing hits to come even closer to her foe. As a wall of pikes appeared to bar her path, she chose to deploy the burst of wind normally saved as a defensive measure to instead scatter it, leaving an open path to Will.

With a battle cry, she activated some kind of charging attack which almost instantly had her accelerate to blinding speeds. Apparently anticipating this, Will had already allowed himself to drop, falling a few meters downward. Not letting up, Kite could see another power activate to let the disciple instantly change direction, now charging straight down after the falling elf. Even from afar, Kite could see Will’s smirk as he chanted a spell.

“Face the defiant Phalanx.”

Pikes rose from the ground, spaced out just enough so that Will passed between them, a hair’s width from their edges caressing his fine attire. The disciple would not be as lucky. She quickly realized the trap, wings flaring wide as conjured winds caught her just before she impaled herself on the sharp bristle of spears pointed up towards her. This left her dead in the air for a precious moment, a prime target for the actual coup de grace Will had been setting up all this time.

“Lancer’s judgment delivered!”

Even during their first practice bout together after first meeting at iron rank, Kite had noted that Will’s spells and attacks constantly left spears lying about the battlefield. Their presence mainly served to increase his speed and spirit attributes, but it would also let him set up one of his finishers. And since ascending to bronze-rank, the spears left behind would both last longer and, most pertinent to the current fight, also remain floating in the air.

At their master’s words, the small debris cloud of spears floating in the air all turned inward at once, launching towards their lone target as the pikes from below shot upwards, all of their tips glowing with the holy light from Will’s pure essence. Kite could even see space itself being caught up by the special attack, attempting to hinder any attempt at teleporting out from the judgment of the one striving to be known as the Saint of Spears.

Disciple Shrike could only resort to more desperate measures, her wings glowing as they wrapped around her like a defensive cocoon the moment before the jaws of Will’s attacks closed around her.

A moment later, the young elf touched down lightly on the ground, his foe impacting a moment later with much less grace and much more blood splattering the ground around her. Kite could still detect an aura from her, but it was very unstable, only her bronze-rank allowing her a chance at survival.

For a few heartbeats, there was only the wind rustling as Will stood looking at his downed foe, hands clasped behind his back. He then turned to the officiator, an eyebrow raised.

“Eh- the- the victory goes to Triumph of Indomitable Will,” the iron-ranker said, voice a bit hollow.

“Excellent.” Will said, bowing to the downed disciple. “Thank you for helping me temper my path.” And with those words, he turned and walked off, Kite and Grim both joining him in his wake. In his expanded vision, Kite saw the initiates of the sect rushing in to assist their companion, the glares sent at the departing group a mix of hateful and fearful.

Will at the lead, the group passed through the city gates without further incident, the part of Kite’s mind not distracted by memories awoken from the situation appreciating the familiar smells and sights. At the surface, Gilded at least looked like it had when he left just over half a year ago, the golden trees gently rustling in the summer breeze.

“Would you mind telling me what all that was about?” Kite eventually said, walking up to match his companion’s pace.

“Only part of it was due to you and your actions, my friend. The rest, as usual, was politics. Even if said intrigue has started becoming quite a lot more direct in the last few months. And I must admit that it felt rather satisfying to get to fight in a clash once in a while. Saint of Spears can’t let you monopolize all the duels, now can I?” Will asked with a satisfied smirk.

“But please, let us continue this discussion somewhere more comfortable. And private.” And with those words, Will led them onwards, feelings of familiarity left warring inside Kite, their foes the realization that things had definitely changed during his absence.

“Kite!”

The exclamation came as soon as Kite, Will and Grim had entered the adventure society administration building, a green-haired elven functionary quickly depositing a stack of scrolls into the arms of a beleaguered colleague as she rushed to greet the new arrivals.

“Adelaide, you are looking well!” Kite said with a smile, giving her a friendly bow in greeting.

“As well as can be here lately,” Adelaide said, looking a bit frazzled as she fell into step along the trio. “What has Will told you?”

“That it is a conversation best held in a more private setting,” Will filled in. “But our walk through the city was otherwise an excellent time to catch up on more mundane matters. Did you know that Kite is now a partial business-owner?”

“Wha- what? Kite, you're not leaving the adventuring life, are you? Think of all the contracts -” Adelaide began, looking pleadingly at him.

“Rest easy, dear functionary. I have no such plans. In fact, quite the opposite as I will be in need of more funds in the years to come,” Kite said, trying to reassure her.

“Oh!” Adelaide said, visibly relaxing. “Good. Young master, please do not needlessly scare us poor commoners like that.” The final statement was directed at Will, surprising Kite a bit with its informal jesting. From Will’s good-natured laugh in response, it was not too hard to infer that the two had a bit more casual working relationship these days.

“Oh, don’t look so surprised, my friend!” Will said, clapping a hand on Kite’s shoulder. “Some of us had to step up in your absence while you were away meeting prestigious teachers and dueling silver-rankers.”

“You did what?!” Adelaide all but shouted, making Kite glad that the group was currently moving through the inner corridors of the building as opposed to somewhere more public.

“I must remind you that it was you and your family who even made such a meeting happen,” Kite retorted. “For which I must once again thank you. I learned more from Phiona than I ever dreamt of, and am honored that both her and her cousin consider me a friend.”

“A pair of Gellers as friends, eh? It would seem that you are moving up in the world, my dear commoner!” Will said teasingly. “Or at least by association.”

“Kite, did you fight a silver-ranker?” Adelaide once more asked, apparently not feeling that the two were focusing on the right topic of this particular conversation.

Taking mercy on her, Kite answered. “I… did-”

“But why-”

“Let me just clarify that it was not by any choice of mine. At least not under the given circumstances.”

“When would there ever be circumstances warranting that?!”

“It… is a bit of a long story. Which I assume that the branch director might want to hear as well. From what Will told me, he was quite insistent on making time for a meeting. Or is it just because he needs to buy some more essences?” Kite asked with a smirk.

“I assure you that our honorable branch director would never have such base motivations for a meeting,” Adelaide said with a straight face, fooling no one.

The gaudy double doors leading into Jarvan’s office were closed when they arrived, but Kite did not feel overly hurried. Even though he had only been away for just over half a year, he reflected a bit over the satisfying feeling of returning to something familiar as the group sat down to wait outside, as he had already done quite a few times before during his career.

As they waited, Will and Adelaide started teasing more details from his time in Bastion out of Kite. While he didn’t go into too many details of the investigation and contract, leaving that for the meeting with director Jarvan. Fortunately, this did not leave him wanting for stories of his other encounters in the port city; from his time spent training with the Gellers to him helping Peony and Sun. Even his chance encounter with Brook came up, the story of them finding a new balance in relation to one another really affecting one of Kite’s listeners; Will.

“It’s- It’s so tragic, yet beautiful,” the young elf said, having sat engrossed in the story, almost sniveling a bit at the end. “To reunite with a lost love, only to have to find bittersweet acceptance in that life and the fates have truly forced your paths apart, to never again converge as intimately as they once were, yet still finding unified resolution in those cherished memories as you build your future on the back of friendship.”

Stunned silence followed, before Kite spoke.

“That, my friend, was quite beautifully summarized,” he said, genuinely impressed by his friend's spontaneous poetics, while both he and Will pretended not to take note of Adelaide desperately holding in a snort and Grim’s rather amused smile.

“You may be a commoner, Kite, but I will grant that you have a good taste in the eloquent part of existence,” Will said magnanimously, before turning to the other two. “Something that others of your ilk seem to lack the decorum to properly appreciate.”

“You will have to forgive me, young master,” Grim said, hints of amusement still playing over his features. “After all, it was your governess who was charged with your literary education.”

What debate that might have followed was interrupted as the pair of double doors to the director’s office swung open, a group wearing the colors of the Descending Star sect exiting in a silent, dignified procession. Two of them projected silver-ranked auras, prominently on display, while the rest were bronze rank. And Kite realized that he recognized one of those in the lead.

Apparently, grand elder Meridian recognized Kite as well, only briefly meeting his gaze with a decidedly indifferent expression as she walked past along the rest of her group.

“Young master Indomitable. Adventurer Kite. The director will see you now,” came the familiar voice of deputy director Rupert from where he stood holding the door.

Once more being led into the familiar office with the plethora of curios still on full display, the group was seated in the usual group of couches as branch director Jarvan joined them, the lack of joyous exclamations of greetings a good hint at his current mood.

“Kite. Young master. Grim. It is good to see you. You may stay too, Adelaide,” Jarvan said wearily, his last comment directed at the functionary that remained hovering near the doors. “While it is good to see you again, you will have to excuse my mood. Certain meetings are a lot more draining than others. And I’m a silver-ranker; I shouldn’t even be able to get tired from things like this,” he grumbled, pouring himself a drink.

“Thank you, director. It is good to be back, even though waiting in line at the gate gave a surprising feeling of deja vu,” Kite said, accepting an offered glass from Rupert.

“Oh? Was there trouble?”

“More a nuisance,” Will answered, taking a sip from his own glass. “Just as I arrived, a group from the Descending Star sect was accosting Kite. From the conversation I overheard, they were unaware of who he was, but seemed to take quite the offense at him turning down what I assume was an offer of recruitment.

I took the chance to step in and fought one of the disciples in a clash, figuring that it was better that me and my family were seen as responsible for the slight, already being in opposition to the sect.”

“So that was more politics?” Kite asked, Will’s words making some things fall into place. “I thought it was a bit odd for you to intervene with such decisiveness.”

“Oh, do not misunderstand, Kite. I always enjoy an opportunity for tempering myself,” Will said with a fierce smile. “Normally, I would have refrained from intervening unless you wished me to, seeing as you have been more than competent in the dueling ways. But as the political tensions are what they are, I did not want the sect to focus more on you as an individual. However justified you would have been in crushing that disciple’s path beneath the might of your own.”

“There seems to have been quite the development here,” Kite noted. “Would it be too bold to ask for some clarification?” he asked, turning to the two directors.

“All in due time, Kite, all in due time,” Jarvan replied. “First, I would like to hear a report of the investigations in Bastion from you. Director Dobrazza has been kind in sending me a summary, but hearing it from you might give additional insights. As long as the young master doesn't mind being his family’s representative here?”

“Of course not. My curiosity is both personal and professional,” Will answered, looking to Kite.

Taking it as his que to begin, Kite started telling the gathered group about his time in Bastion, focusing on the troubles in the city, his contract with Vista and the associated incident, eventually ending with his altercation with the mistress of the Wither family and what she had told him.

“So, our theories were proven true, at least partially,” Rupert mused, looking at Jarvan. “There were obviously elements using restricted essences and unsavory means of power, and the Red Table was obviously involved there too. But what is their connection to the group behind the more economical unrest? Were they only mercenaries?”

“It seems that Dobrazza will have her hands full. We will probably get more detail once Braid and Wander return, but that is no reason not to start sending the information to the continental council. Even if we have to be very subtle about it,” Jarvan said in reply. “There is a connection here. I can feel it.”

“Speaking of connections, director,” Kite ventured. “When squaring off against the disciple outside the gate, I felt something. It might just have been my imagination, but she felt a bit unstable. Much like the former disciple Rise did. The one who initiated the little incident outside the jade-sky gate.”

Kite had expected the news to elicit some kind of surprised response, but Jarvan and Rupert only gave each other a long look.

“As your local branch director, I will have to firmly ask you not to spread that sentiment around,” Jarvan eventually said, giving Kite a grave look.

“But-” Kite began, but was interrupted by a raised hand.

“We appreciate you telling us. But trust me when I say that the political state in that regard is a bit… volatile… at the moment. And that the church of the Healer is doing their best to investigate the issue.”

“He is right, Kite,” Will added. “From what little my father has told me, we would best heed his words.” As he spoke, his eyes conveyed a clear ‘we will talk about this later’, and Kite reluctantly nodded.

“You understand? Good,” Jarvan said, his good-natured smile returning. “Because, there is something else I would like to discuss with you. The both of you, in fact.”

“Your letter did say that you had an offer,” Kite said, producing the document. “But I must admit that part of me still half-believes that it is just a ruse to get me back here and sell you more essences and stones,” he finished with a smirk.

“Kite, you wound me! Is there truly no trust to be had from my subordinates these days?” Jarvan asked, mock hurt in his voice. “But seriously, what have you picked up? Half a year is plenty of time, right? I surely wouldn’t mind-”

“Jarvan.” Rupert said with a grumbling sigh.

“Fine…” The director muttered. “But yes, I have an offer for you and the young master. Rupert, do you mind sharing the details?”

At his words, the deputy director produced a map of the local area which he rolled onto the table, putting down several markers on the southern and western parts of the Autumn lands.

“We have indications that remnants of the forces of the fallen sect might have started acting up again, as bandit activity has been escalating lately. We are, as of yet, unsure if it is remnants that have gone to ground after the expedition or some who have returned more recently. But with the surge on its way, we want to minimize the risk as much as possible.

As such, we are creating a small task force to investigate potential threats, with the hopes of both stabilizing the region and, if Fortune favors us, get more leads on the activities of other sect cells and actors following the same dark paths.”

“And we want you, Kite, to lead one of the teams, with your main goal being capture. We want as many of these bastards alive as possible, to see what we can wring out of them. As team leader, you will have the operational authority while out in the field and may make decisions in regards to team composition as well,” Jarvan said.

“You want me to lead it?” Kite asked, surprised. “Who would be in the team?”

“As you might have guessed, we were going to extend the offer to the young master here,” the director said, nodding at will. “While less directly suited for nonlethal takedowns, we have no illusions that it will always be possible, and a striker such as you, young master, would be an excellent addition. We would also suggest priestess Serene, if she is willing, as her support and aura senses would be of great use to you.”

“Is it possible to include uncle Walker as well?” Kite asked.

“Unfortunately not,” Rupert answered with a shake of his mane. “Brave Walker of Paths is already hard at work delivering supplies to the fortress cities in preparation for the surge and culling wayward manifestations, the latter only having increased. The precursor signs are growing ever more frequent.”

“And so far, we have no indication that silver-ranked support would be necessary,” Jarvan added. “This would be a chance for you to take charge of your own operation with little oversight once out in the field. It is something we trust that you are ready for, and Dobrazza’s report only strengthened that assessment.

But, we would like to offer a veteran to join the team as well. I believe that you all know, or at least know of, Whisper.”

“The instructor?” Kite asked, remembering his own examination to join the adventure society. Thinking for a while, he nodded. “His experience, stealth-capabilities and control would surely be an asset.”

“Indeed. Just the kind of thinking we were looking for,” Jarvan said with a grin. “So, you’ll take the contract?” From the director’s confidence, Kite assumed that his answer must already have been obvious on his features, aura, or both.

“Yes, assuming that you are fine with it, Will,” Kite said. “And as long as we can agree upon the details. I have a bit of a project in mind which will require some funds, after all.”

“What, going out to hunt evil-doers with my friend taking the lead? Taking charge of our own destiny and forging our path ahead? What is not to like?” Will asked with a casual smile.

“No problems in being led by a commoner then?” Kite asked, a bit teasing.

“At least not this particular commoner. You have your moments.” Will shot back, the two sharing a grin.

“I had a feeling that you’d be up for it, my young three-star,” Jarvan said, leaning back. “And I thought that it would be a shame not to put you to use immediately. Dobrazza did tell me about how you brought in quite a few people during your time in Bastion; even that assassin with some kind of power gifted by Destruction. Those usually never come quietly. Or intact.”

“Well, I happen to have it on good authority that my path seems well suited for it,” Kite said, a bit abashedly. “From multiple sources, one of them even being a most dejected blood cultist.”

“Then let us go into the details-” Jarvan began, producing the drafts for the contracts. With the exception that Kite actually found himself haggling up the reward a bit for successful captures, surprising both himself and the rest present, the process went quite smoothly.

The base structure for what was to come was that the adventure society would supply Kite and his team with leads, followed by them traveling to said location and investigating while clearing out what contracts and monsters they could on the way. Simple in the broader terms, but Kite had an inkling that the specifics would become a lot more complicated and challenging before all was said and done. With other essence users as their targets, things always got more complicated.

“Good thing that my path is well suited to alleviate said complications,” Kite thought as he signed the contract with his adventure society badge.

“Well, you do indeed seem to be a bit more motivated by funds these days,” Jarvan noted as he rolled up his copy of the scroll. “Then I don’t suppose that you would want some more? Maybe through selling certain manifestations of magic to your friendly, neighborhood branch director?”

Rupert looked as if he was about to interject again, but this time, Kite was faster. “Well, the director remains most perceptive. I might indeed be amenable to part with another trio of essences as per our agreed rates-”

“Splendid!” director Jarvan exclaimed, all but flying out of his chair, only to halt as Kite raised his hand.

“-but I will also want to make use of one of said favors that my most friendly and benevolent branch director happens to have extended to this humble bronze-ranker,” Kite said, turning to Will. “One where you and your family might be of help as well, Will, if you find yourself amenable to my suggestion.”

“While I can promise nothing from my family as a whole, you at least have my attention,” Will said, leaning forward with interest.

“Mine as well,” Jarvan said as he nodded a bit warily. “But even though I may stretch the rules a bit-”

“Jarvan.” Rupert said, warningly.

“But even though I may not stretch the rules, at least know that I will do what is in my power to help. Within reason,” the director said, course-correcting swiftly.

All present listened attentively as Kite presented the idea he had been pondering for a time. “-so, while I have some of the most crucial resources available myself, I will still need help with the logistics. And your two institutions might make the initial phase of such a venture flow infinitely more smoothly,” Kite finished, his explanation having left Will with a thoughtful look while Jarvan only grinned.

“Young man, if this is what you do with favors owed, remember me to extend some to you more often,” the branch director said, looking to his deputy, who nodded in turn. “I find it quite probably that you will have our full support in this endeavor.”

“As do I, although it would have to wait until after the monster surge,” Will ventured. “But leave it to me to bring it up with my father, Kite.”

“If nothing else, young master, I do believe that your lord father will be quite elated with you taking an interest in such a project,” Grim noted.

“Then I hope that the future brings us fruitful cooperation,” Kite replied with a smile. “Then it only remains to see if uncle Walker would find himself amenable to taking on a couple of new students.”