Chapter 133: The Path Ahead

Chapter 133: The Path Ahead

Chapter 133 - The Path Ahead

Kai squeezed his eyes shut, covering them with an arm. Noise and light chipped away at his slumber. He wanted to cling on to the dream just a little longer. He was back at the estate, taking a refreshing swim under the shining sun, carefree and happy.

Just five more minutes.

No matter how hard he tried to grasp it, sleep slipped away like sand through his fingers. His thoughts grew too loud to ignore, pressing worries dragged him like chains toward wakefulness. Reality demanded his attention.

Fine!

Kai massaged his eyelids to stave off the throbbing headache like someone had played soccer with his head. Sitting upright, he winced when he pressed his weight on the bruises. Sore muscles also protested, but he was used to that.

A brief surge of Empower banished the remnants of sleep.

Yes, that actually happened, and Ive survived.

Hallowed Intuition was blessedly silent. No screams, only the bustles of people talking close and far.

His hair brushed against a dark green canvas. The fabric couldnt entirely shield him from the light outside. A rolled blanket for the pillow and two more to cushion the ground underneath. Moui had a similar tent, though this one looked new.

Untying the flaps of the tent, Kai stepped outside. Free to stand upright, his body protested every movement, but hunger made him forget the pain.

His stomach grumbled, seeming about to eat itself. He was famished, more than he had ever been in his entire life. His ring was empty, he had already eaten his emergency snacks the day before.

Dammit. I should have remembered that no number of snacks is ever enough.

The sun was close to noon, shining a pleasant heat on his skin. Tents and improvised shelters spread around him as far as he could see. The sea of people made him falter before he recognized the familiar farmland. The jungle behind them and the town walls on the other.

Youre awake, Moui's deep voice called.

The whole family hurried towards him, even Kea joined the group hug.

How are you feeling?

We were so worried, but we couldnt get hold of a healer.

Ele and Alana bombarded him with questions, without giving him the chance to answer. Ignoring his protests, they dragged him to a campsite where a bowl of cold vegetable stew was placed in his hands.

I can go heat it first.

Kai held on to the bowl with both hands when his mother tried to take it away. Its fine, Mom. I like it cold.

With a piece of hard bread, he began to fill his mouth as fast as he could swallow. His hunger only grew after the first bite.

Ill heat the next one, then. Remember to chew.

Alana came back with more bowls, bread and salty jerky. Not what he usually went for, but they all made his mouth water. His belly was like the insatiable depths.

I think youve had enough, Alana snatched a piece of cheese from his hands.

His look of betrayal didnt move her, nor did his pitiful expression with Improvisation. Mom, Im still hungry.

Youre going to vomit if you eat any more.

Maybe he needed time to digest everything. His belly was bulging, and the hunger had settled down to a muted yearning.

What happened? Kai finally asked.

Alana and Moui shared a glance.

Were safe, the pirates are gone, his uncle said, glancing behind his shoulder.

Kai noticed the numerous enforcers patrolling through the camp. Usually, people preferred to keep their distance, but now no one seemed to mind.

They announced an hour ago that the last stranded pirate had been found and executed.

Dont worry, they said we should be able to return to our houses soon. Alanas smile dimmed. Those of us who still have one anyway.

Kai thought he would be put through an interrogation. But after his third not-so-subtle hint at the subject was ignored, he stopped prodding.

His family had moved the conversation to mundane topics. They acted like they were in their house talking about the weather over breakfast, while the town had been raided and burned.

Alright, its too soon.

After ensuring he still had all his fingers and toes, they left him alonefor how much privacy someone could get in a camp packed with people. Moui left for the jungle to hunt with Kea, any morsel of food would be welcome. Ele and Alana went to help other families and check on people they knew.

The whole camp wanted to keep busy. Laughs and smiles were shared, people were happy to be alive. Each one had their way of coping with what happened.

Kai wanted to ask Ele how much she told them of last night. His sister's smile was particularly bright, but it didnt make her eyes shine. Getting the hint, he didnt bring up what happened.

There will be time later.

Do you know where Flynn is?

We offered him to stay with us, but he left soon after we came back. Probably went looking for his family.

Yeah, that must be it.

They were overdue for a long conversation, but he wasnt surprised the boy cut and ran. Squads of enforcers filled the camp, pulling people aside to ask questions. It was better Flynn made himself scarce for the time being.

Hell be fine. Unless the rebels kill him for letting me escape. Or the enforcers find out he associated with the rebels, or

Kai shook his head. Flynn knew how to take care of himself. Maybe he actually went to check on his family. Though they might also be part of The Voice of the Ancestors, he should be safe.

The only person who knew Flynn had helped him escape was Tridel, and the hunter was fertilizer for the jungle. No corpse, no proof.

Flynn laughed with no mirth. Youve met my mom.

When would I

His eyes widened. Your mother is the crazy lady?

Flynn winced, his gaze wandering over the waves. She wasnt always like that, but yes, the crazy lady. Ive heard worse names.

How would it be growing up with a mother who can fuck with peoples minds?

Wed better go back. They might start to wonder what were talking about if we dont. The enforcers are already suspicious of every shadow after the raid. Flynn walked ahead toward the camp.

***

In the early afternoon, small groups began to be allowed back into the town. Though some people looked reluctant to go.

Walking back into Sylspring was a surreal experience. The fires had long been quelled, but the faint smell of smoke and ashes grew stronger as they moved toward the center. He almost expected to see a pirate jump out of an alley at any time.

Apart from the rebels distraction, the outskirts had been left untouched. The deeper they went, the more apparent the destruction became.

Abandoned everyday objects and debris lay strayed in the streets. Broken windows, doors barely hanging on the hinges and the occasional dark red patch that had yet to be scrubbed clean.

The pirates had been repelled just before pushing into their neighborhood. They were among the lucky ones. Apart from a crimson spot on the white door, their house had been left untouched.

The arrow-shaped hole on the painted wood left little to the imagination.

Moui did say he would come back here.

Alana hurried to open the door. Everything was as they left them, even the smell of herbs and cooking was the same. Walking up the stairs to his room felt like a dream. Kai sat on his bed, sinking slightly into the mattress.

Even though it hadnt been long since he was here, so much had happened. Right as he thought he was figuring out his life, everything had been thrown upside down.

Would Reishi want to double down on their business, or cut his losses? Maybe he would leave the archipelago.

Why? Why did this happen?

Kai lay down hugging his pillow, hanging on a piece of familiarity when everything else seemed to have changed.

Two days ago, he thought he had all the answers. Now he was back at the starting point.

The streets came to life as more people looked for their homes, though the buzz of activity held a mournful note. Families crying over their losses.

After a quiet dinner, his stomach stopped demanding more food. Kai took a low orange potion with a slow-acting effect. He was lost, and the ceiling had no answers, as usual.

It will look better in the morning. It always does.

Kai lay on the covers, the night was warm enough that he didnt need them, but sleep eluded him.

Might as well get it over.

Kai pulled up his notifications.

*Ding*

New skill added to the Archive! Perseverance (lv1) When your mind is set, no amount of persuasion will make you waver in your convictions.

*Ding*

New skill added to the Archive! Poison Protection (lv1) Slows down the absorption of toxins to give your body better odds of survival. Increase effectiveness against substances youve already come into contact with

*Ding*

New skill added to the Archive! Strategist (lv1) No task or battle is insurmountable with a proper strategy. Every mighty foe has a weakness waiting to be exploited.

Kai had long lost count of all the red skills in his Archive, though one more option never hurt. They would increase the chances of learning higher-grade skills related to them.

No doubt, meeting the crazy ladyFlynns mom apparentlyhad played a part. Gaining a skill after a single encounter was rare. He must have been rewarded for the danger he had been in, same for Tridel.

Both Perseverance and Poison Protection could be useful, but then again, each skill was. Kai grumbled to himself.

Whats the point of dangling shiny gifts in front of me if I can never take them? Thats just cruel!

Strategist could complement his strengths and shore up his weaknesses. The number of orange skills was much smaller, each one was a welcome addition.

Now, if only I didnt have a list of skills I want that will soon reach the moons, I might even take it. Fuck me, maybe after I reach Yellow.

With the frustrating notifications over, he moved on to what really mattered.

New Feat: Crossing the Chasm For your contribution to the defeat of multiple opponents far above your grade. You are awarded: +2 Favor!

People had died but he was alive. Kai swallowed his guilt, none of his opponents gave him any choice. They had been the ones who tried to kill him and his sister.

Elijah would be mad if I felt guilty for defending myself.

He was about to try to sleep again when he realized the notifications werent over. With a frown, he gave the go-ahead.

*Ding*

For being confronted with multiple mortal dangers in a short period of time, the Guide has judged you eligible to break your Second Seal early.

If you were to choose this option, youll gain the possibility to select one profession at any time, but youll forever lose access to Life Experience.

Any further XP will be gained by pursuing the domain of your selected profession.

Be warned this change is irreversible and will take effect immediately. Do you still wish to proceed?