Chapter 68: Reward

Chapter 68: Reward

Four days later

Sakura

I flew above the city on the frost eagle my mother had picked me up on. Several buildings had collapsed during the earthquakes caused by the cataclysmic battle between the two Emperor stage cultivators high above the earth. Workers, known as Drudges in this strange land swarmed over the sites, clearing away bodies, rubble, and other debris.

But other than a handful of places the city looked largely untouched. Streets bustled with people out to market, merchants sold their goods to passerbys of all ranks, and guards patrolled the streets for thieves and miscreants trying to take advantage of the recent chaos. All in all, it was a decently run, densely populated city. A rarity in either world in my experience in either world.

I looked down towards the southern gate as we passed over it, and found half a dozen caravans being organized. Their wagons were filled to the brim with supplies, healers of various kinds swarmed them making up the majority of those about to leave the city for the outlying cities, villages, and towns in the countryside. Places that might not have had protection against the apocalyptic levels of energy and power that had been thrown around for the last several days.

They send help to their kin as soon as the danger passes. It speaks well of them, King said in my mind. I couldnt help but agree. It was a duty to protect those in need of shelter. And to heal those in need of healing. It was only proper.

I, Sky, like it here. It's cool and damp. Like the mountain during summer.

I cringed. I couldnt stand how cold and damp it was. Everything felt empty, devoid of life or warmth. The fact it was growing into winter did not help in the slightest. When my eyes fell on the distant moving and familiar shell however, my heart warmed and a smile crossed my face.

Home.

Where is Gamera going? I asked my mother. As the Kame looked like it was headed for a very specific direction.

The forest gap. She pointed towards the seemingly endless sea of trees that covered the rolling hills to the far west of the city. I followed her pointing to a large gap of trees in the forest to the far south of the city. I could barely see it from this height, but Gamera was nearly there. Gamera will hold watch there, and we will send patrols and scouts through the gap and into the forest to ensure the way is safe. The other side of that gap, to the south, is where the hot springs and our winter roosts will be.

Rex, carrying Rayce on his back as the massive hound tread lightning next to us let out a happy bark. Mothers eagle let out a screech of challenge and the two picked up speed, racing towards the giant Kame.

Racing towards home.The roots of this story extend from novell bìn origin.

***

Gamera city was alive, though the streets were filled with people in warm winter clothes rather than summer robes. Most were of the local fashion, with thick furs and long cloaks. But more then a few of the members of the crowded streets and those moving through the hanging gardens and markets that swayed gently off the sides of the Kames shell wore traditional Imperial designs with increased wool and better coverage against the growing cold.

So quickly people adapt, I thought as we came to a landing at the base of one of the twin peaks. The Familial Palace had been relocated by Gamera here. Close enough to visit the city proper, but far enough away from the bustle and hustle of the markets to provide a quiet place to live and train.

When we reached the main courtyard we found Uncle Raif sparing with half a dozen of his Knights. Raif hadnt broken a sweat, but every one of those warriors looked exhausted. Their auras flickered slightly, showing just how drained they were.

You all need to practice more. Raif said as he flourished his weapon, sheathed the sword, and bowed to his opponents. They all tried to follow his example, but two of them simply collapsed from exhaustion. All of them heaved desperate breaths, their bodies were coated in sweat, and their muscles glistened invitingly in the noon sun.

I admit, I looked. And I had to fight the smile that tried to cross my face.

The ones that really stood out were the last two entries. Battle of the Silver Star Sect, 91 points. I read aloud.

Yeah I got that one too, but I only got 67 points. Makes sense, I was only on clean up duty. You blunted their assault.

The last entry confused me. Battlefield injury, 3 points? I was careful to keep my voice respectful.

Raif winced, Yu sniffed, and Rayce looked at me equally confused. Yeah, mine just says Held the line, and I got 7 points. What is going on? We both did, so much more then that.

Raif sighed, You want to tell em or should I?

I shall. Your . . . battlefield debuts were considered by some of the family heads as, a poor showing. Not unsurprising considering neither of you have proper military training. But it was decided to keep the story simple, and to focus on what can be considered you . . . mild contributions.

Mild . . . contributions? I killed at least six Elves on my own. I went toe to toe with one of their shamans and got my head caved in for my troubles. If you add in King and Skys kills, we easily took out an entire brigade worth of slave warriors single handedly.

There was real heat in my voice for the first time in a while. It took me several moments to calm myself. I apologize. That was disrespectful.

No kid, Raif waved it off. I thought it was stupid too.

Yes, well. Well ensure your next foray onto the battlefield, you will be trained. So no one can doubt your exploits. Still, both of you have earned a goodly sum for your first time in the vault. Do not let judgy adults ruin your happy moment. Yu sniffed, and it was clear she was almost as annoyed as me.

Do you have recommendations for us, uncle? Mother? Rayce asked, looking at the pillars that ran into the distance in the long white room.

As a matter of fact son, I do. Follow me. Yu took Rayce off down the rows, it didnt take long for them to be out of sight.

How about you? Would you like a recommendation, or do you have something in mind? Raif asked as he leaned on a pillar that contained a helmet that hummed with dark and mist aspects.

I have been considering what you told me, about not getting too comfortable with any one weapon. My daggers. I have grown . . . comfortable with them. And I do not think there is much more the lessons inside them can teach me.

So youre ready for something else, huh? How about a spear. Solid weapon, and theres always one around a war camp somewhere.

Hmmm. Perhaps one day. But for now, I was thinking something that might grant me a little more . . . reach. King, and Sky are both excellent fighters, and they get in close with the enemy. I need something that will compliment their skills.

While not getting in their way. Right, good choice. A spear might serve that purpose. Though if yu think its too common of a weapon, we can always try the spear sword like your brother.

That is not the problem. I . . . was thinking more along the lines of a bow.

Raifs eyes lit up. Alright, we have a budding little archer on our hands. Alright, let's see what we can come up with. Something you can train with, while also packing a punch . . . hmmm. Follow me. I have just the thing.