Soulbound: Dual Cultivation

The words of Sage Raph echoed like a mantra within Lucas's thoughts as he made his way slowly back toward the inn. Each step he took was steeped in reflection, his mind still tethered to the profound conversation they had just shared. It wasn't only the artifact or the ancient alchemic knowledge that stirred him so deeply, it was the gravity of the Sage's warning. For someone of such lofty stature to speak so earnestly, so personally, meant that the path ahead would not only be paved with opportunity, but also danger cloaked in fine silk and hidden behind warm smiles.

Lucas knew he had to tread with great caution now. His actions in recent days, especially the events surrounding his alchemic improvisation. He was no longer a quiet face blending into the crowd, he was becoming a figure of speculation, of admiration and envy. Power, no matter how well-intentioned, was a flame that drew eyes from every corner, and not all eyes watched with goodwill.

As he walked under the afternoon sun, the streets of the city bustling with their usual clamor, Lucas found his thoughts shifting to gratitude. Being granted an audience with a Sage, let alone being entrusted with a project as delicate and complex as the artifact, was not something he could take lightly. Even more so, the sheer generosity of knowledge and the time the Sage had shared with him was a gesture rarely afforded to someone of his station, or age. He had entered the conclave hall earlier with a mind full of questions and uncertainty, and left it with a seed of profound understanding quietly germinating within him.

The insights Sage Raph had offered him weren't mere technical explanations or alchemic shortcuts. They were layered thoughts, principles shaped by years of practice and tempered by a perspective only age and experience could grant. No matter how frightening his alchemic instincts were, no matter how swiftly he learned or how deeply he understood, he was still worlds away from the kind of creation Sage Raph had manifested with that artifact.

Lucas found himself clutching the small sheaf of papers the Sage had given him, holding them like a sacred promise. The artifact would remain dormant for now, but when he returned to the palace, he would study it as a student intent on learning its language, its secrets, its soul. He would not rush it. He would treat it with the respect it demanded.

And above all, he would remember the warning.

When Lucas finally arrived at the inn, he was taken aback by the unexpected sight that greeted him. Standing by the entrance, with poise and grace that still commanded attention despite the hour, were Lady Isabelle and Lady Cecilia, their expressions warm with anticipation, though marked faintly by the shadow of farewell. Both women were dressed modestly, yet the elegance in their bearing and the noble sheen in their eyes revealed their identities even before they spoke. It was not just them either, just outside the inn and spilling into the small courtyard was a gathered crowd of alchemists, a mix of eager young scholars and older practitioners, their robes marked with guild crests and sect symbols, eyes brimming with excitement and respect. Word of his interaction with Sage Raph had spread faster than Lucas had anticipated.

He took a deep breath and straightened his posture. Whatever peace he had hoped to have before his departure was clearly not meant to be. With a composed smile, he moved through the crowd, offering respectful nods, accepting their greetings, and exchanging brief words with those who had gathered simply to be acknowledged. Some brought minor gifts, jars of rare ingredients, scrolls, and even handwritten notes seeking his opinion or requesting to study under him. Though flattered, Lucas understood he could not possibly give each one his time. Still, he did what he could. He thanked them sincerely, addressed a few specific questions from the older alchemists, and gave polite refusals to the more persistent ones who sought to follow him back to the capital.

After some time, Lucas turned to the royal guards who had quietly stood watch during the impromptu gathering. Clad in their polished armor, they bowed upon receiving his attention. With a calm voice that betrayed none of his inner fatigue, he instructed them to make ready the carriages for their return to the capital. The captain of the guard nodded briskly and disappeared to see the arrangements carried out without delay.

When at last the crowd began to thin, Lucas found a moment of solitude with Lady Isabelle and Lady Cecilia beneath the veranda's shade. The mood was quieter now, heavy with the understanding that their time together was drawing to a close. Lady Isabelle composed yet openly affectionate in her way, offered him a small box wrapped in violet silk, inside was a rare alchemic mineral she had been saving for years. She placed it in his hands with a soft smile and told him it was to aid in his future creations. Lady Cecilia, more reserved but no less genuine, presented him with a sealed letter, meant to be read in privacy, and said only that it contained her thoughts she could not express aloud.

Lucas bowed deeply to them both, his expression solemn and grateful. "It has been an honor," he said quietly. "I will not forget our time together."

Lady Isabelle's smile faltered slightly, betraying the ache of parting. "Nor will we," she replied. "You'll be seeing us again… often."

Lady Cecilia nodded in agreement, her eyes softer than usual. "Make sure you don't bury yourself in scrolls and cauldrons too much. We expect to be received properly next time."

Lucas chuckled lightly, then clasped a fist over his heart in respectful salute. With a few more exchanged words, he climbed into the royal carriage, the silk-draped interior a quiet contrast to the noise and warmth he was leaving behind.

From the steps of the inn, Lady Isabelle stood watching for a long moment, her figure still and contemplative, until the last of the guards disappeared from view. She then turned to Lady Cecilia with a sigh, her mind already shifting to her own preparations.

She had a journey of her own to begin.