Chapter 149: Gains

Chapter 149: Gains

Chapter 149 - GainsThis chapter made its debut appearance via N0v3lB1n.

The waves crashed against the white limestone cliffs, a slow but inexorable battle between sea and land. Clinging on top like mushrooms on an old log, the little houses of Wildcliff huddled together to resist the harsh winds.

It had been a much more pleasant stop than Old Port. Smaller in size and far quieter. Close to the rim, the howling gales that hit the steep rock were often louder than the people who inhabited the town. Tidy pebble streets rolled down the hills between houses with pale walls and burgundy shingled roofs.

The sharp gusts helped relieve the heat of summer, though Ventura hadnt been as appreciative. It was understandable, carrying her wares up the narrow path carved into the cliffs had been a hazardous experience. On the plus side, Kai had greatly expanded his repertoire of curses.

The town was one of the rare settlements that relied on agriculture and cattle over fishing. Not that the locals feared the sea. During his brief stay, he had seen plenty of teenagers jump from the highest cliffside at over forty meters. It was considered a rite of passage for each fourteen-year-old, in honor of the great spirits of the sea, Kahali.

From the sheer number of jumps and screaming laughter, Kai suspected the adrenaline rush had as much to do with it. He wouldnt have minded trying himself, but Ventura had forbidden him before they even touched shore. The wrinkly mayor of the town said the same, he wasnt old enough for it. The best they let him try was the twenty-meter kids drop.

Such nonsensical rules.

Kai scowled at the forbidden cliff, hed come back for it. A few dashes of red shingles peeked over the steep precipice as the Ventura sailed for deeper waters to avoid the low tide.

Still sour about that dive, little brother? Flynn flanked him with a teasing smile.

Im not sour.

Of course not. Youre just honing your glares on the cliff. Those rocks must already regret their life choices.

Kai turned his perfectly cool gaze on him, making Flynns laughter fill the quarterdeck. A few sailors noticing the commotion shared amused glances. Somehow everyone else on the ship knew too, though that was probably his fault since he had publicly argued with the mayor.

Yeah, I was probably trying to make up for Old Port.

Come on, youve not missed out on much. Its the same as jumping from the lower cliff, you just spend a second longer being slapped by the wind. Flynn pulled him away from the railing. We can find plenty of stupid ways to break your neck in Higharbor too.

Kai let himself be dragged away, giving a last loving look at his stony archenemy. Its just annoying that Im always held back by that.

Everyone takes the same time to grow up. I cant assure youll be as tall and handsome as me, but youll get there too.

You didnt have to do it twice.

The first time hed died at seventeen, just shy of reaching adulthood. Not that it would have made a difference. His fragile health had made him dependent on his family either way.

Then he had to do it all over again from the starting line. During his first years in Whiteshore, it had been fun to have a second childhood without a ticking clock hanging over his head. That illusion broke abruptly when they had been relocated to Greenside. He had been tired of waiting since the day his father was murdered.

Spending time at the estate had made it more bearable. That was now over. While he could ignore his age limitations in Sylspring, traveling to new locations and meeting new people made the weight of those shackles far heavier.

Just two years and a half.

Taking a lungful of the salty air to calm his irritation, Kai marched to their cabin. He was close to completing the eighteenth layer of Viryas cube. If he pushed through, he might work it out before they reached Higharbor.

Are you going to play with your puzzle again? Flynn asked, slumping.

Im close to solving it. With all the secrets they shared, there had been no point in hiding the cube, though his snooping friend thought it a mundane puzzle. The ship didnt offer much privacy, and Kai couldnt risk a sailor overhearing.

Not that I have any idea what Virya hid inside. Its priceless, beyond your wildest imagination. Just finish it within a year or its lost forever. Damn witch, she loves her mysterious veil too much.

You say youre about to solve it every time. I could teach you to play Brink.

Maybe later, Kai said. He had already figured out most of that card game by watching him play. Ill come as soon as Im done.

Inside the cramped cabin, his bag was slumped in a corner. Alanas food supplies had found a worthy challenger in Flynn. With a pitying look at the dwindling provision, Kai sat on the short bed and took out the cube. His fingers slid the lacquered pieces of dark wood with practiced ease, while his mind was already at work weaving three threads of mana.

Not knowing how many layers were left to the final prize was by far the worst part of the challenge. An uncertain task with an even more uncertain reward. The temptation to hold back and to cut his losses whispered in his ears.

Too much effort and time staked on a vague promise that he had no way of confirming. It would be crushing if he gave his all and ended up with a fistful of sand. The cube was one of the main reasons why he broke the Second Seal and picked Mana Child. What if that still wasnt enough?

I just need to succeed, problem solved.

Dont worry, kid. We dont mind. The bearded man said with a greedy smile.

Kai wasnt sure if it was their ploy, his Favor or just a lucky night. By the time the five sailors refused to continue playing, his one silver had multiplied four times.

Cant we play one more game? I think I almost figured out how this game works. Kai turned to Flynn, scrunching his brows. Were winning, right?

Yes, little brother. I think we are.

Gritting his teeth, the thin sailor was about to walk back when he was pulled away by the others. The night filled with curses to unfamiliar deities muttered under their breath.

Come on, little brother, we can find someone else to play with. Im proud of you, Im sure youll get it in a few more games.

They had not taken two steps when a looming shadow crossed their path. I think you two had enough fun for one night, Ventura said, her red lips pressed into a displeased line.

Why? We won fair and square, Flynn protested.

Cause Im the captain of this ship, and youll do as I say while you are on board. Ventura leaned over, talking in a whisper. And those same men would have beaten you up fair and square if I didnt stop them. The merfolk paid for your passage, not to upset my crew.

Standing back, she was all smiles again, fondly pinching their cheeks, Come on boys, its time to go to sleep.

Flynn didnt look convinced, so Kai grabbed his ear in one hand and stifled a yawn with the other. Come on, big brother. Im tired. It wasnt the time to be stubborn.

Let me go, Im coming.

Once back into their cabin, they pushed their bags to the door and Kai put their winnings in his ring. Rocking in his hammock in the dark, he could still feel a smile on his face. That was fun.

Before he could hear Flynns answer, he was already drifting off.

Since his race grade was one step higher, Kai was the first to wake up the next day. With the little light that filtered under the cabin door, their bags were exactly as they left them.

Moving as silently as possible, he made his way outside. The cool morning breeze wiped away the last traces of sleepiness.

*Ding*

Profession XP, General: 856 Skills: 1500

Damn. Not bad for my first week, everything considered.

He couldnt pass definitive judgment with a single data point, but that had to be at least great. Spirits mercy, he was almost halfway through his first level.

Kai sent all his gains towards his profession with little hesitation. He could siphon his General XP into his race, but he needed to get those stat boosts first.

Profession: Mana Child lv 0 0 > 2,356 / 5,000 XP

Boon:

- Mana Spring

Profession Skills:

Gifted Novice (lv1>8)Mana Echo (lv1>7)

The profession skills would slow down the higher they climbed, but the diminishing returns on General XP for professions werent as harsh as those for Life Experience. Working on the cube had netted him more than he imagined.

Viryas enchantment is the definition of arcane, and I do need to use both my mana skills for it. It must have also helped level Gifted Novice

Morning. Flynn walked up to the railing, covering a yawn. His gaze suddenly focused ahead. Look, I think were there.

Kai forgot about his gains, squinting his eyes. The first rays of dawn pierced through the morning fog lighting dozens of ships anchored at a dock of ivory stone. High lavish constructions peeked over them.

The whole coast was covered by majestic ashen buildings. Kai took a moment to realize the marble palaces inland must have been built on a hill, making them tower over the capital.

They had reached their destination, Higharbor.