The First Cultivator

Azura hadn't cultivated since her ki had formed. She didn't need to as she passively absorbed the mana around her. Now, with so much mana, it would be worth trying. Perhaps she could expedite the process. She sat cross-legged near the leyline and focused on her ki, trying to draw in all the power around her.

The mana consumption sped up, but not much else. What did happen was that the dragon's blood reached out to her. Azura was so startled that her meditation was immediately broken as she opened her eyes. She half expected some bloody monster to be standing right before her. Nothing.

Hesitantly, she reached out again. There it was again, power. It was different than mana. It was something more. Something pure. It was the combination of the physical, the magical, and the… spiritual, all mixed into a single source. It was the essence of the blood. It called to her. She hadn't felt it until she started trying to gather power. Was this how she cultivated ki faster? The passive mana absorption was nice, but very slow. It could be decades before she filled up with liquid ki. But this. This felt strong.

Azura opened herself to the essence and let it flow into her ki. The clear ki she had been using all this time was tinged with crimson streaks like paint poured into a whirlpool where it filtered down to her core. Her core was a collection of blazing crimson stars. Had the blood essence done that? No. It was still working its way down. Wait. She recognized this color. It had changed when she awakened the kin's pool. Had her ki taken the aspect of the blood? The solid ki did change to this color after being immersed in the bodies of other kin multiple times. Can ki be… specialized? It might be too late for her, but when the others reached this state, she could have them test it. Place a piece of their solid ki in various environments to see if it changes.

It didn't matter at this moment. What did matter was the power! Oh, so much power! So much more than she could have ever dreamed of. Azura greedily pulled more in. She kept pulling until all the blood essence was gone. This wasn't a passive effect. She had to work at it. It resisted her. But she would not be denied this treat. This dragon's blood was a treasure. A naturally existing one for her blood-attuned ki. A... natural treasure.

The process wasn't instantaneous. To cultivate essence took both time and effort. However, the results were amazing! Her ki had increased and turned the dark crimson of blood. Her liquid ki had filled out substantially. It would have taken a month to achieve this by passively absorbing mana. She smiled. At last, she had a way forward. She had to tell the others… no. Not yet. She would wait till they reached the liquid stage. They weren't ready yet. It had nothing to do with her wanting them to think she knew everything. Yup, nothing to do with that at all.

***

Funny thing. Dragging the corpse of a dragon the size of a small house through the woods was not a pleasant endeavor. Azura had to knock down several smaller trees and take many detours. It was getting late by the time she got back. Thanks to the creature's hardened scales, it was undamaged by the journey.

"Honey! I'm home," Azura called out and jumped atop the dragon, hands on hips. There would be no flatulence this time. The dragon had already spilled its contents. Azura's Fun Facts: Dragon poo comes out like sausage links… and it's green.

"Gods below! Is that a dragon?" Gerald exclaimed.

"That's right. Please add Dragon Slayer to my official list of titles," Azura said, puffing out her chest.

"I can't believe this…" Hamal said, shaking his head.

"That's right, I killed a dragon."

"No, your chest isn't bigger than when you were twelve."

Azura moved in a flash and promptly hit him on the head.

"You deserve that one," Fatania said, nodding in approval.

"Mom!" Azura called out. "Can we have dragon steaks for dinner?"

Coralline made her way up front and gawked at the corpse. "If I can figure out how to cut it. I think it might break all our knives."

"No problem," Azura said and, with her ki, sliced a leg off. She left the already cut one behind.

"What are you doing?!" Gerald cried.

"Making dinner…" Azura said slowly.

"You're ruining the scales!" Gerald protested.

"Oh… Whoops," Azura said cheerily. "We can descale while we cook the first part, right?"

"We'll also have to drain the blood," Coralline said.

"Already taken care of," Azura said. Her blood cultivation had burned away all the blood. She suspected it was only possible in dead beings, as the living would have mana inside their bodies to protect them. She would have to test that. Also, could she use any blood? Or was it the mana-rich blood of the dragon that made it so effective for her cultivation?

With all the necessities done, the kin got back to work. Coralline and a few others began cooking, and Gerald was gleefully descaling the dragon. Azura helped with the digging the mole-kin had started. With her ki, the tunneling tripled in speed. An hour later, the food was ready.

Dragon was the most delicious thing she'd ever eaten. Even better than fish, a bar she never imagined would be surpassed. Completely stuffed, Azura took a group of kin to the center of the mana forest for three hours of cultivation and then rotated in another group. She was sure to stay far enough away so that her passive mana absorption wouldn't interfere.

After everything was done, Azura crashed into a bedroll and looked up into the night sky. It was beautiful. Tomorrow will be a busy day.

***

Her prediction came true. Breakfast was more dragon. Luckily, mana beast flesh was slow to spoil thanks to the mana contained therein. Regardless, they had to act. Fatania had made a list and was ready to send Hamal shopping when Azura interrupted.

"I should also go."

"No!" Her mother protested.

"That's a bad idea," Fatania agreed. "You stand out among the kin. There's no way the mages aren't aware of you. We can handle this."

"I, um, okay, so here's the deal. The mage Brianna Runedane owes me a favor, sworn on her mana pool. I think it's time we collect."

"How'd you manage that?" Hamal asked.

Briefly, Azura told them about the encounter and her plans for the mage. Reluctantly, both women agreed. The idea was sound. Fatania revealed her own plans. Azura was impressed. When had she come up with all that?

"Are you all going to be okay?" Azura asked. "I'm a bit worried you're stuck here without me."

"We'll be fine," Coralline said, hugging her daughter. "You taught us well. Just do your part safely. And stay out of sight as much as possible."

"Yes, Mom," Azura said, returning the hug.

With Hamal at her side, she waved goodbye to everyone and returned to Deepmere.

***

The smuggling tunnel was just as Hamal remembered it and appeared undiscovered. How long that lasted depended on what was going on in the city. Not much longer if he had to guess. This was probably the last time they could safely use it. Perhaps he should collapse it after they leave this final time.

Hamal shifted his pack as he led the way, Azura behind him. As he walked, he trailed his fingers across the rough surface.

"What do you think we'll see?" Azura asked.

"Nothing good."

The warehouse was trashed, but the hidden entrance hadn't been discovered. Hamal stopped briefly to grab a stash of hidden gold before they left the building, climbing up to the roof. The sight that met them stopped both of them in their tracks.

The city was gone. At least the kin part was. A swath of broken buildings littered the landscape like a grand wind had torn most of them down. The destruction hadn't reached their current location, but it wouldn't be much longer. Lines of kin were tearing down their homes as mages watched them. It was sickening. Hamal felt Azura tense beside him. He gently grabbed her shoulder and shook his head. She nodded as they re-entered the building. Hamal rummaged in what supplies remained in the warehouse, finding several of his family's old cloaks. They smelled but would conceal Azura's distinct coloring. It was time for the part of the plan that Azura hated.

"I don't like it," Azura said.

"So you've been saying. Repeatedly. All morning, in fact," Hamal sighed.

"I should go with you," Azura whined.

"You stick out too much. I don't," Hamal said. "Now go write your letter."

Azura harrumphed but did as she was told. It was the best plan they had. A few minutes later, she returned.

Stolen novel; please report.

"I couldn't find an envelope or a seal," Azura said, handing him the parchment.

"It'll be fine," Hamal assured her. He did a quick scan and nodded. "It'll do."

"If you don't come back in three hours, I'm going looking for you," Azura promised.

"Wait at least five," Hamal said. "It might take me a while to find them."

"… fine," Azura said.

"If I'm longer, I'll come back and let you know, alright?" Hamal asked.

"Okay…" Azura said and suddenly seized him in a hug. Hamal was surprised for a second, then returned the embrace.

"Be careful," Azura said, not letting go. "I can't lose you too."

"Don't worry, I'm a sneaky rat," Hamal assured her. "Just don't go causing a scene here. Even you would have trouble getting out unharmed."

Azura wiped at her eyes. "Sure. You better get going before I change my mind."

"I'll be back," Hamal said before scampering off. He traveled far faster than ever, his mana pool inverted, flushing his body with power.

***

Zultar wilted at his meager finances. One gold coin. He leaned back in his cart behind the inn and despaired. The mages had come before he'd left the city. They'd taken his family. He'd been having dinner with them when the mages had barged in. They took them. His Aunt, Uncle, and all four of their children. He could do nothing. Worthless. That is what mages had always called him. That was precisely how he felt at this moment. Worthless. Worse was that the Dageth mages had already claimed them to help build their new school. Beaver-kin were in high demand for their inherent building skills. He'd inquired about purchasing them, but the fucking mages wanted ten gold each! The last few days, he'd been desperately trying to find a way to raise the coin, but there was nothing. The only chance he had left was to go home and sell most of his possessions. Gods below, was his father and mother okay? Zoltar wished he had enough coin to get drunk.

"Rough times, huh?" A voice said behind him.

Zultar turned an angry retort on his lips when he saw the hooded figure. He could immediately tell it was a kin. He wasn't sure what type, but from the posture, it was probably rat. That was both good and bad. He had dealt with the local rat-kin for some of his unsavory goods. They worked the shadier side of the law, which meant coin. He didn't see any mages around. Was this kin a slave? If anyone could evade the mages, it would be the rat-kin. If they were seen together well… he wasn't sure what would happen.

"I've seen better," Zultar said non-committedly.

"Perhaps a business transaction would assist you in your needs."

Zultar regarded the kin. "Perhaps it would. What exactly do you propose?"

"A shopping trip and delivery," the cloaked figure said. "A man who could walk about unquestioned would be a valuable resource."

"If you need such a person, the risk is probably great. I'd need to know what I'm purchasing and how much… compensation I would receive."

"Nothing that would bring undesired attention," the kin assured him. He handed him a list and a hefty bag.

"Get everything on that list and in the quantities listed. Once you have it bring the goods outside the city near the mana forest. We will meet you there. The rest is yours."

Zultar regarded the list in surprise. Basic supplies. Cooking instruments and tools. After looking in the pouch, he figured two to three gold coins would be left. Maybe more if he haggled well.

"I suppose I could do it," Zultar said, placing the list and gold into his cloak. He turned away and considered just taking the money.

"Great. Oh, if you see any paints, my boss would be interested. Even if her mother gets mad at you again."

Zultar whirled, but the cloaked figure was gone.

"Azura…" Zultar whispered. He left to go get his things from the inn. He needed to get shopping done right away. The inn was the cheapest one he could find. All the kin establishments were now in limbo as the mages decided what to do with them. This place's clientele were low-rank mages who sat drinking ale that was watered down with piss. As he headed for the stairs, the flyer caught his attention. It had caught his eye every time he entered the inn.

'Wanted: Azure Magebane – Dead or alive. Reward 2000 gold. This kin is wanted for the death of over thirty mages and should be considered extremely dangerous.' Below that was a realistic picture of a blue-haired half-catkin. The picture was a mage creation. The image was likely taken from someone's memory.

Little Azura… he remembered her. A scrawny little stick of a girl who had an infectious laugh just like her mother. Could she have killed that many mages? He'd heard fantastical stories about her at the bar. Several mages claimed to have seen her fight. He'd doubted if even half the stories were true. Still, hope flared in his chest. This could be the chance he was hoping for. Zultar gathered his meager belongings and got to work.

***

Brianna gratefully drank the cup of water. The line of kin seemed endless. She had just sat down, nibbling on some bread and cheese, when a hooded figure approached.

"Brianna Runedane?" The figure said.

Grandor, who was next to her, stiffened. The mage had been quite persistent. She just wished he'd leave her alone, but that wouldn't happen. He was her security during this duty.

"Yes," Brianna said wearily.

"I have a letter from my master," the kin said, kneeling before her and holding out a letter. Brianna frowned. This was a kin. This one must have been branded already.

"At least one of your kind knows your place," Grandor stated.

"Who's it from?" Brianna asked, grabbing the letter. Probably a noble wanting her to take a special trip to them for the branding.

"My master is an acquaintance of yours. They said it was personal and expressed that you should read it privately. I will not take up any more of your valuable time," the kin said and left.

Brianna hesitated as Grandor was still next to her.

"Grandor, could you give me some privacy?"

"Oh. Um, sure," Grandor said, taking several steps away. As alone as she was going to be, Brianna read the letter. Her blood turned to ice. Bile rose in her throat as an overwhelming fear took hold of her. It was her…

She abruptly stood and walked to the brazier, igniting the parchment. She had to get rid of the evidence.

"Are you okay?" Grandor said, coming over.

"Fine," Brianna said shakily. "There is a private emergency that I need to take care of. I'll be back shortly."

"I can accompany you," Grandor said.

"NO!" Brianna shouted. Then coughed. "I mean, no, thank you. This is personnel. I won't be long." She left at a fast walk, not looking back. Grandor shook his head and got back to work.

Brianna's heart was pounding so hard she thought everyone must be able to hear it. When she was out of sight of her fellow mages, she ran. She had to be fast.

"Not that way," A voice said.

Brianna stumbled and nearly plowed into a building. The hooded figure was standing in an alley nearby. He must have been waiting for her.

"Follow me," the kin said before dashing away. Quick! He was so fast.

"LESSER HASTE," Brianna said as she drew even with the kin. The kin glanced back at her, and she thought he seemed annoyed that she could keep up. A few minutes later, they were deep in the kin's former part of the city, sticking to deserted alleyways.

The kin stopped before a warehouse and entered without saying a word. Brianna swallowed and entered. The building was nothing special. It appeared to have already been looted. It was aged but in decent repair. However, none of that mattered. What did matter was the blue-haired kin standing there, the Azure Magebane.

"I've come to collect my favor," the Azure Magebane said.

Brianna fought not to tremble or show her fear. The girl was even more intense than she remembered.

"I thought as much," Brianna said, her voice weak. "What do you want?"

"For my favor, you will become my agent for five years. After that time, you will be released from all bonds."

Brianna went wide-eyed. She'd been expecting some information or other risky activity, nothing like this.

"That's too much…"

"Too much," the kin said, her voice growing harsh. "I saved your life. It belongs to me. Be grateful, I only ask for five years."

Brianna gulped. She was trapped. "What do I have to do?"

"You will be my eyes and ears in Deepmere. I don't care about mage politics or any of that crap. You will let me know when they are moving kin, and where to," Azura said.

Brianna looked at her stern face.

Brianna knew she was consigning mages to death if she agreed to help, but what choice did she have?

"Are you going to kill them? They said you killed a lot of mages a few days ago."

Azura looked her in the eye, and Brianna looked away, unable to meet her gaze.

"I've killed many mages. If they resist, I will kill more. If they free the kin and haven't abused them, then no."

"Oh," Brianna said. She didn't know why she bothered asking. It wasn't like she could do anything about it.

"Don't betray me," Azura continued. "You will do your best to get me the information when I ask. You will, to the best of your ability, keep your activities secret. If you intentionally let anyone know we've been in contact, I'll consider your oath broken. Don't mess with me." The Magebane slammed her fist into a beam to emphasize her point, shattering it.

At one time, the building had been structurally sound. It still was… mostly. The building shuddered at the unexpected force and a large poof of powder, perhaps expired flour, expelled forward, covering the Magebane, leaving only her eyes clear. Brianna trembled. Maybe the killer of mages would stomp her out for witnessing such an embarrassing moment. The rat-kin had no such compunctions. He doubled over laughing as he pointed at the Magebane.

"Damn it Hamal it's not funny! My badass moment is ruined!" That only seemed to increase the kin's mirth, and he appeared in danger of running out of air as he continued to guffaw. Somehow, a compressed ball of flour struck the rat-kin square in the face, covering his dark fur. This time, it was the Magebane's turn to laugh. A brief exchange followed as both kin hurled flour at each other. Brianna was utterly forgotten. This was the terror of mages… Brianna was very confused.

***

Overall, the trip was successful, ignoring that last part. That didn't count. Several whacks were delivered to Hamal's head to ensure he agreed. Ha! And her mother said she couldn't get along with people. Azura nodded in satisfaction as they exited the smuggling tunnel, Hamal unsteady on his feet.

At least Brianna had been a font of information. She knew all about the slave runes and suggested how to break them. She had already proved useful.

They returned to the mana forest, where they met Coralline and several rat-kin. As soon as Coralline saw her, she embraced her daughter.

"Mom! It's fine. There wasn't any fighting."

"I can still worry. Why are you covered in dust?" Her mother asked nuzzling her daughter.

"No reason. Besides, I'm the one who should be worried," Azura protested. "Did you have any trouble getting here?"

"Nope," Coralline said. "I think the smell of dragon scared everything off." She gestured to the pair of butchered dragon legs.

"Great," Azura said. "Everyone, go ahead and cultivate. I'll keep watch."

Two hours later, Zultar arrived in a wagon loaded with goods. He looked around like he expected mages to jump out at any second. Azura just waved him over.

"Is that really your little troublemaker? She got so big." Zultar asked Coralline.

"Yup," Coralline said proudly, pulling Azura into a side hug.

Zultar regarded her for a minute as the rat-kin began unloading the wagon. "Is what they say true?"

"What do they say? How awesome I am?" Azura asked.

"I see you're as modest as ever," Zultar said. "That you killed mages."

"Oh, that. Yup, got a whole bunch of the bastards," Azura said. She didn't say it with anger or excitement. Her tone was that of duty. Of a responsibility that no one would want. Something that needed to be done.

Zultar grinned and then embraced her. "Thank you. Can you help my family? Those Dageth mages have already bought them."

"Sure can. That's part of the plan," Azura said as they broke away.

"How can I help?"

"You can sell those," Coralline said, gesturing at the dragon legs. "Then buy another batch of supplies for us. With the leftovers, buy up to a hundred kin. Prioritize families. Including yours naturally. After that, we'll need your help to supply us regularly and get news."

Zultar gaped as the rat-kin hoisted the severed limbs into his cart, which sank dangerously, its wheels creaking.

"What are those?!"

"Dragon legs," Coralline said simply.

"Dragon…" Zultar replied numbly.

"I think that should cover our expenses," Coralline added as she gave him another list.

Zultar gulped. "I should be okay in the city, but if I leave with a wagon's worth of supplies and no mages for protection, I'll get robbed."

"You're not coming back here," Azura clarified.

"What Azura meant was that we would meet you on the north side of the river so that we could boat the goods and kin into the mana forest," Coralline explained.

"But, but..." Zultar stuttered.

Coralline grinned. "There are a lot of changes going on. Sit down and let us chat while we unload the goods."