Book 3: Chapter 69: Planning the Future

Book 3: Chapter 69: Planning the Future

What do you need, young lord? David asked through the open door.

Come in, I want to talk to you about something, Zeke said as he got up from his prone position on the couch.

As David entered, he glanced in wonder at the three floating pens that were simultaneously scribbling away on three separate sheets of paper. Your control is impressive. I hadnt thought it possible to perform such intricate movements with multiple objects at once.

I have my ways, Zeke said with a smirk as he motioned for David to sit. But thats not what I called you here for. I want to talk about something else Something important.

Does it have anything to do with yesterdays event? David ventured.

Zeke nodded. I know you are getting close to the limits of your Core. What are your plans?

I am going to attempt the breakthrough, the man stated right away.

Thats what Ive feared.

You arent going to stop me?

Zeke raised a brow. Do you want me to?

David shook his head. No, I am merely surprised. Chances are you are going to lose one of your most powerful subordinates. Most family heads wouldnt be happy about that.

First of all, Zeke stated with a serious expression. Even if you were to fail, you would still have a place here, remember that. Your value doesnt stem from your power alone, David. Id pick a competent and trustworthy man such as you over a powerful stranger any day.

David bowed fractionally in acknowledgment, and Zeke didnt miss the small smile on his lips.

Secondly, I am more worried about what might happen if you actually succeeded, Zeke admitted.

Is this about what the young Bloodsword said?

Zeke forced a smile. You noticed?

It was rather obvious you were brooding about something, at least to me. If it helps, I wouldnt put too much stock in the words of the boy.

Zeke shook his head. Thats not it. Mordreds words happened to touch upon a subject I had been considering for a while. I am at a loss on how to proceed, to be completely honest with you.

Proceed with what exactly, young lord?

The future of the house.

Davids brows furrowed. Arent we doing just fine? The family has been growing at a rapid pace and there are no apparent problems.

Zeke nodded. We have more gold than we know what to do with, employ more Mages than ever, and our fame grows by the day. But do you think it is enough? Do you think we will reach our goals like this?

What are you trying to say, young lord?

I dont think our current system is going to work out in the long term.

In what way? David asked. If this is because you think I might leave, then I can assure you

No, Zeke interrupted. It is good to hear that you want to stay with the family, it truly is. But the issue is bigger than that. Tell me, David, what do you think of the decision not to adopt anyone into the family?

It has served us well, David stated right away. For many years, the von Hohenheim household has managed to attract the strongest unaffiliated Mages exactly because of the freedom afforded by this arrangement.

Thats exactly it, Zeke confirmed with a nod. People were attracted to the freedom we offered.

I fail to see the problem with that, David said with a raised brow.

What is this freedom exactly?Ñøv€l--ß1n hosted the premiere release of this chapter.

However, despite the conversation clearly being over, David seemed reluctant to leave. Zeke curiously looked at him. Is there something else you wanted to talk about?

David grimaced. Could you perform the test?

Zeke tilted his head. What for? Your core is not yet fully matured anyway.

I want to know how far away I truly am.

Zeke nodded slowly. I can do it if you want. But the procedure requires a lot of trust, and you will be put into a vulnerable state. Are you sure you want to do it now?

Yes, David replied easily. What reason would I have to hesitate at this point? I have long since decided where my loyalties lay.

[Query.]

Shall I prepare the tea?

Do it, Zeke answered in his mind.

It didnt take long before a can of freshly brewed tea flew over to the lounge. One of the cups located on the low table flipped over as the teapot approached. David watched in wonder as the tea poured itself and then remained suspended in front of his face. He looked at the cup and then shot Zeke a questioning gaze.



Thats Supra root tea, Zeke explained. I need to suppress your mana for the test.

David nodded, downed the entire cup in a single gulp, and waited expectantly for what would come. Zeke, for his part, had already slipped into his Soul Sight. This was the moment of truth. He would learn how Davids chances were.

It took a few minutes, but the mana protection eventually dispersed completely. Being a Shadow Mage, Zeke had expected Davids Soul to be shaped like something dark and sinister. Instead, he found something completely different. His Soul was shaped like a lantern, the flickering flame of the candle dancing merrily to an inaudible tune.

[Notice.]

Scan complete. The Soul falls short of the recommended size 68% of the minimum threshold reached. Advancement will fail.

Zeke couldnt help a frown from spreading as he exited his Soul Sight. David only met 68% of the requirement, despite being almost 100 years old. To be fair, his Soul was larger than some of the participants they had seen yesterday. However, that was of little comfort considering the fact that he would be guaranteed to fail.

How bad is it, young lord? David asked, having no doubt noticed the expression on Zekes face.

You are falling short, and not by a small amount, Zeke said without holding back. If you tried to advance today, you would fail.

David accepted the assessment easily. What can I do to improve my chances?

What could he do indeed? Zeke had a couple of theories. However, none of them had been tested yet and he was still far away from finding the best way to grow the Soul. He would have to prioritize finding a solution for this.

[Notice.]

Your mother approaches. It seems to be something urgent.

Zeke turned toward the door, from where his mother burst into the room a moment later. Mia was out of breath, it was clear that she had run all the way here. Mom, whats wrong?

Take a look yourself, she said as she handed him the black envelope she had clutched in her hands. Zeke opened the letter and scanned the contents inside. As he read, his face grew serious.

Whats the matter, young lord?

Remember that emergency conference you told me about? The one between the empire and the alliance? Zeke asked after putting the letter down.

I do.

This is an official invitation to that very event, Zeke explained.

I dont see how that would merit such a serious expression.

Zeke shook his head. It is not the invitation that has me worried, but the reason we received it. You see, the party that demanded we attend was the empire.