Four days later...

  Lee ran.

  Through the bowls of the metallic monstrosity of a ship. The iron echoes closed behind. Corridors alight not with crystals but captured balls of lightning. Walls pressed with finely tuned arrays and reinforced alloys. Protecting the pipes and strings of metal running through.

  He knew this. The Scavengers were loose with their security. With Master's help it was quick, easy... almost, till they stumbled into that sensitive hammer.

  S0, why? Was a simple ship decked with more security than one of the continents top information brokers?!

  He was expecting some security, what fool thought there wasn't; defensive and motion arrays, maybe an artifact of Qi. The bastard who made this, had deep enough pockets. But it wasn't a concern-- it shouldn't have been. The "Metal Men" lacked the sense needed to know his current presence.

  But he ran, they knew, every corner. They somehow knew. Every space. Their steps trailed. He had barely a night where they stunted their search. With every morning came with a change, and the run of further confusing passageways.

  This morning, their ceaseless annoyance only increased.

  Lee turned the corner, and then another. No sight of him was seen, Qi passed over him without concern. But it did nothing. The steps didn't falter direction.

  He gripped the hilt of his inheritance and gritted his resolve. This case was near it's end, to get off this ship, he would need to fight his way out. Or let his future slip away.

  Boom!

  # # #

  "Tol'ya nothing would get done." Doris said. The burly old woman settling down a plate of chicken and mixed vegetables. Delphine blinked. Again-- this woman unsettled her. "Shame brings those vultures all across these lands. But the Metal Men run tight-- I warned ya, can't get a word of them in this town..."

  Delphine frowned. This was the third time listening to her ramble, too tired to stop the waitress.

  "Risk's high, and too little profit. You'd think their fingers and ears were made of solid gold with the way butt in, filching secrets and papers as if they were owed-- the rats." Doris scoffed, her tone had more confidence and pose than a sane peasant had the preservation to be. She stared, scooting the plate closer to Delphine. "Now eat. I got other customers to feed. Don't go groveling at my table all night-- ya hear?"

  Doris turned. Leaving to her meal but, cutting up her meat was just a distraction.

  The room was quiet, a few patrons chatted, but their were no boasts, no bards. Little was the decor; absent of paintings, status, or trinkets. The room was a mix of metal and wood, glass spread between the sections to illuminate the mid day sun, to little that was the green. Plants and flowers rose within their estranged pots, reaching for the light that filled the room. Their colors were deep, and pompous.

  She minded a red flower from across the room. Cutting up her meat into tinier pieces, until it would serve nothing to split it more-- turning it over to the vegetable forest that cornered her plate. Tossing the cuts into 'hiding' withing the edible greens and dull colors. Back and forth the battles went, before nothing came to mind.

  Nothing these days were becoming to be a more of problem.

  She was stuck.

  She forced a few bites, leaving a few gold coins for the woman. Crystals were far too much, and her trove far too little-- the last leg of the journey was upon her, and she dared waste any opportunity. Yet... things here were strange.

  The old woman was far too weak to know so much. More confused, than enlightened. She left to the streets to come up with a new plan.

  She left to the streets, her mind cleared for a new plan.

  Along the edge she went, unwanting attention, this place... there was something about it. Much like the metal men, it was unsettling in ways she couldn't pin down.

  Her heart was a jumbled messing, skipping, as she walked.

  The homes were aligned, more than they had any right to be. Some rose, four stories tall, yet yheir outer walls were smooth, shells nearly pristine of light colors, with a few adorned wooden protrusions that swirled or cut the outer frames of the homes.

  Peasants came out to the day, fading to the turns of the exceptionally leveled cobblestone. There was a pose about them; moods varied, not all could smile this day, but their steps were strange. She saw an absence of the weight that plagued many peasants. They moved with almost a distant mind, unaware of the presence enveloping every moment she went. Not of mana-- nor of intent, what it was, she did not know-- the people weren't Ascendants, many never will, yet where they were, so too did it seem the presence would brim.

  The thoughts tormented her since the first day; an irritating itch. One she had no way to settle, but to make do.

  Delphine continued, entranced. Seeing the people meander about their day.

  The more she saw, the more she thought, the more she lingered on the present moments; the more the itch almost begrudgingly dissuaded.

  By the end, she neared the edge of town; at the beginnings of the Sicurac Forest. There was a check point near by, as well as the 'Southern Border Office'. Empty, save for a Metal Man awaiting some shipments and personal mail.

  The site was otherwise used to buy a ticket for entry, or, if you were a broke Ascendant, play the 'drawing' they held once a day for your chance. Forty-three entries were recorded yesterday, there was only one winner. As Delphine had come to know these past few days, five and two, were not her numbers.

  It was all she could do-- Halo, was just beyond her reach, if she could make it through the encircled thicket everything would be seen through... if not the danger that lurked within. A hidden force; a cold presence brushing up her spine. Daring almost. To take the step, if not for the outlined formation, the pulse of warning, she couldn't say if there would be a today...

  No matter where she searched, it was always the same. From the stories she gathered; to the four directions, encircled from the four towns, the roads the guiding line.

  Such a thing, it must have cost a dozen reinforced keeps, approaching the grandeur of Castle Hovein.

  But even her father's castle had chips enough, surely there were be something here... A single faint scream on the third night was enough to dissuade her thoughts.

  Forty-three Practitioners drew yesterday. Thirty-six tried their hand today. But it still wasn't enough.

  She was so close, yet so far. Luck was her only companion; her only chance of any immediate success. And she hated herself for it.

  Lost, she couldn't help the growing dismay. As she went onto think of another option to gain the toll for the final leg.

  # # #

  The day lingered longer than she hoped. At least a new thought she would think to make this day worth something.

  But, no. Nothing new came of it.

  She sunk on the bench, the curve the back rest keeping her head up enough to watch the people pass in the 'park.' A small outcrop of cut grass, sprinkled with trees was near the port; the poorer area of the Southern Rim.

  Children played nearby, running through an obstacle course, swinging on suspended seats tied to chain as their parents pushed them. The free children jeered; mocking each other to chase.

  One boy just about had it, and cut a corner, jumping over the bars to shove the girl teasing him. He missed-- tagging her shoulder, they both fell over on the 'mulch.'

  Delphine could imagine it. The girl would cry, her parents would come over, and fuss about her as if she was a fine vase about to break.

  She frown, but her brow rose.

  Reality begged to differ.

  The little girl kicked off the bits of wood, running towards the boy. Slapping him down, and left him in the dust. The boy roared getting up-- he fell, before he gave a futile chase again.

  A smile unknowingly creased her lips.

  She watched the duo play, the boy just about gave up and roped some other kids into their game. Some of the parents were concerned, the worried looks they had across the way couldn't hide their eyes. But strangely, they kept their distance, and let the children figure it out themselves.

  Her mind eased. Enjoying the show. Taking in the breeze. The rustle in the shade of a nearby tree. Her mana swayed along, feeling a tickle of a minder in the air. Something familiar, there, but still out of reach. She dissuaded the unknown feeling, the sun setting on the day, ending her own.

  A waste all told, but this moment, was not.

  She sigh a breath and her dismay. As the knot in her stomach began to unwind. Her heart remained uneasy, but tomorrow, she hoped to forget the feeling entirely.

  She stood with more balance and absently walked a path back to the inn.

  There was still much, but for now, the waves of anxiety settled. And left her to sleep as she remembered, in that old cabin. She snuggled the pillow much the same, and the night let her rest without the rush.

  # # #

  Boom!

  Delphine shot of from the bed-- the windows shook from the after shock. Screams were heard near port.

  Her heart beat with fury, batting headache away. She dawned her gear, her sword, awaited-- sheathed, her pack slung on her shoulders. Bolting out the door.

  The host, was out. Terror on his face, watching as he saw her reach for the door. "Miss! It's not safe, the Metal-- gah!"

  His voice cut out with a flex of mana. Poor peasant. Shook, he took a step back. Delphine opening the door to the late night panic; windows open, people viewing the rising smoke-- there were no flames, but the sent of burnt flowers was in the air.

  Survival took priority, if this place was being besieged, or attacked by a formidable Ascendant, she stood no chance.

  Alone she could do nothing.

  She took a quick look; judging the distance. The risk; the eastern road was closer, but moved toward the origin of the explosion.

  The terror rose in the air; people hurried along their homes. Their voices shouting about a "bunker" to families and neighbors.

  A split second-- the smell on the wind turned to spring blooms.

  Delphine readied.

  [Quick Feet]

  Mana infused her footing, more than the Skill could handle. Overloading her legs, giving her a touch more speed. She pushed east.

  The peasants ran, but still gave her breath against the crowded tide. Their eyes cast a glance-- lingering, brimming with the beginnings of admiration...

  Did they think she was going to help?

  A single look to the pillar of smoke creased her brow.

  No. Her mana spasmed, pressing down the thought. And continued east-- not the port.

  The sounds of foot steps became faint, until Delphine was left alone; with no sense of life. No whisper in the wind, at the last turn of the bend-- the scent of flowers became clearer, and a sword gleamed the corner.

  Her mana changed flow.

  [Sever]

  Swords clashed. Her arm recoiled, her eyes wide as her body flew back.

  It took everything to keep herself upright. Taking in full her foe-- How..?!

  His hair and eyebrows were gone, robe scorched to the hells in sears and char, yet he was unmistakable. The foreigner who led the Spiritual Hound to her.

  The man sputtered in turn.

  "You," the coward. The liar. Her grip tightened.

  The foreigner had his moment; his eyes wiping back on the path.

  They shared a look; confounded. Delphine thought to run, no matter how her annoyance propped up her rage. A fight would be utterly moronic.

  And so it was.

  The man's curve sword gleamed with a deep green-- her eyes went wide. A gust shot forward.

  This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

  [Sever]

  Her mana flexed. Swords parried. The man groaned, his brow twitching with a furrow.

  They broke of the instant-- shooting back. Their swords just out of reach from one another.

  Her wrists rattled. The man had not even used a technique nor skill, yet they broke even. Anger flared to a distorted grimace, centering her focus. Watching for anything that might give.

  The silence lingered. The man's face affixed in a scowl. Then a twitch, the whites of his eyes flashed.

  "What?!" His voice cracked, an abject of horror. The sword hummed. The green shattered-- and the man was revealed to the world.

  A blip. She felt shocked at that sudden appearance in her mana sense.

  A trap-- it has to be! Her thoughts reigned. Until the man stowed his weapon, his mood receding to a frown.

  "Would you put that thing away! We don't have time for--" The man tried to step forward, but her blade kept him to the point. "Listen will you woman!" He tried to smack the sword out away without mana, but she wouldn't relent. The man was chocking on his rage. "In two minutes we'll have those iron statues on us, if we don't get out of here-- they'll have us!"

  But her sword did not waver. "Then you have thirty seconds to tell me why I shouldn't reel you kneeling and leave you here for the Metal Men?"

  "Because then you would be thrown in a mess that your meager power won't be able to put down," the man retorted. Sneering.

  She scoffed. "And yet here you are, begging."

  The man just about blew his top off. His teeth grating like a sword to stone, his mouth opened-- his sword rang-- he flinched, then shut.

  Precious seconds passing in silence.

  "Yes. I would like to not be here." The foreigner said, taking a cautious step. "Let's move," his blackened robes met a her point. "Woman?!"

  "Shut it!" Delphine didn't move from the glare. Her own barely tempered. "You could have left on your own, run away, without fear of me catching you. Yet you are staying, why?"

  His lips tightened.

  "Time's wasting." She pressed her sword.

  "Because-- urgh-- I still owe a favor," the man relented.

  "Perhaps," she scoffed. "But what makes you think I would trust your favor? You might as well tell me to back stab myself."

  The definition of his jawline flexed, he looked down. "No..." A whisper, "I will not, it's-- of course, but this is-- that's-- it's not fair--" His shoulder spasmed, almost if it was will to take his sword and sheath.

  Delphine tensed, but the man held it out. Affixed.

  "I swear on my inheritance." He spoke, relenting. A hint of pride buried under a mountain of discomfort.

  She wasn't so convinced, but her curiosity lowered her blade to a shallow guard. Reaching to grasped the wooden sheath.

  Something was there. It reached out to the corners of her mind. The outlines of the agreement; a deal to be struck, two favors outlined by morals both would abide by. The repercussions of her side was simply the loss of favor, but for 'Lee', should he fail such morals, or deny her favor, the consequences would be dire.

  A Major Realm... A punishment she would have never thought to ask.

  The presence caressed her thoughts, asking for acceptance. She hesitated... out of her depth, but... what did she have to lose?

  She agreed. And a pulse resonated a bond deep, solidifying the agreement. Lee pulling back his weapon, an abject frown of conflicting emotions shouldered the blade.

  "Let's go, we don't have a moment to waste." She said.

  Lee looked up, "Where?"

  She huffed the neglected shame, "I forgot to return a key."

  # # #

  Their silence picked a hurried pace, the streets largely empty. The few peasants still out didn't so much as glance at Lee or Delphine.

  The inn keeper though, he wearily stared at the torched man.

  "Nothing to be concern about, everything has resolved itself." Delphine said. His shoulder slow to uncoil, but he let himself drop to a chair.

  She didn't harbor his moment of reprieve. Only to return to her room, with the promises she was stead fast on keeping.

  Locking the door.

  Lee hummed, take a seat on the bed. Grinning. "This might be the fastest I ever had woman take me to the bedroom."

  Delphine pushed down a glare. Taking her own rest on a chair nearby.

  "So, your sword? Some kind of treasure? What rarity?" She asked, instantly, the man's face fell. His leer returned. She let herself smile. "Are we in an agreement that your joke fell short?"

  Lee's draw hand spasmed, an eyebrow twitched.

  "Fine," he croaked. A sneer on the cusp of scoffing. "Then, what are your favors. I would like to get this over with as soon as possible."

  "After your display? I think not-- we need to lay low for a while, till this all settles," she replied.

  "Fool!" Lee stood. "The more time I waste here, the more risk I will have in reaching the city."

  "The city?" Surprised shot her brow. "Halo?"

  Lee frowned. "What of it?"

  Delphine stood, her eyes meeting conviction. "Your taking me with you."

  "And why would I--"

  "I'm using a favor."

  "Wait? What--" His sword hummed, a pulse of mana revealed the ethereal roots connecting their chests. Fading with a quiet promise, and stupefied room.

  "You-- You, whore!" Lee yelled. His neck strained, foot spasmed; weighed, forced to stay.

  Delphine remained, unmoved. Her heart spasmed, but still had enough sense to grip with the subtle tug in her mind. Lee, was bound. Now until the duty is complete, he couldn't run away.

  She huffed. "Get out, and clean yourself up. See that you have the same resolve to pass through the formation once you feel it."

  Lee continued to fume. Bellowing out, heavy breaths until his face returned to a placid color. A vein was still present as he looked to the door. Crooked steps took him through, but not before one last glare left her with a slammed door.

  Delphine sighed. Slumping down in the seat, calming her unsteady heart. Brimming with wariness, but it could not hide it-- the light that sparked the journey on.

  Hope.

  # # #

  Lee was furious-- no, that wasn't right. He was right-shit pissed. That blasted woman-- Delphine, had called in her favor before he could escape.

  Accommodating a room he once had no intention of paying, he glared the bedside, at his inheritance. His truth and power. A blessing from the Heavens; to be more than a common street rat. More than a servant of the gangs and brothels; cleaning tables, moving cargo, stealing the occasional pocket.

  A single Dungeon changed it all. And now his Master threatened his word.

  "Do not think I don't feel your unease disciple." The sword hummed with subtle Qi. "It's unwarranted. Unbecoming. You've made your vow and you would do to honor it."

  "Only because you forced me into it!" He yelled back with his Qi speech. Lacking as he might be, Master soothed their connection. "A fools promise, a wise man would never make what you forced onto me!"

  His Master scoffed. "Then I am a fool for taking in such a disciple."

  "Master..." His glare faltered, struck to the heart.

  Silence loomed over them, before a deep sigh came from the sword. "You can't live like bandits are around every corner. You will need to come to terms with it Lee, the world is beautiful; the heart of nature, the soul of the forests and seas, the crystal sky, and the beings that fill it all between.

  "Lee... The path of Descending Spring is not one without it's cycles. Empty without harmony. The sooner you see the limit of your current hunger, the more you'll be... Even with your Talent, Lee... there is no hope on this road, but demons within the heart..."

  His master cut the connection. Leaving Lee to flop back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. Grumbling.

  Again with this, He thought. Couldn't his Master see, there was nothing barring him. Master's way was not his way, not his life. Time and time again, he had risen to the challenge of Cultivation; battling for resources, passing ancient tombs, rising to his Master's Techniques and Arts. Everything, and more, and yet still Master tested him on his worth as a successor.

  Their run ins with the Eternal Evergreen Sect only proved to strain their relationship. His Master was torn by the altercations. It was a miracle that they made it off the Xanadu Continent at all.

  They were Cultivators-- much as any sect, but Master still found them at fault. 'Engrossed. Lacking. Single-Empty minded.'

  Master's voice was heavy those days, unsure of what had his teachings have become. Or even if one of his original disciple had lived to be a Sect Master. The names and experiences eluded the old man, but one thing remained certain, was that it was his own doing.

  What ever forced his Master to lock away his memories was a troubling thought. It shook Lee more than he would let himself believe. That with all that power, there was something to fear.

  Even now, he stared at the ceiling. Wondering, when this step is over. What would he gain? The whispers echoed the tales within his slum heart. The battle to the Heavens, and the taste of Immorality.

  There was nothing to fear, one day, he would be free from his mortal shell and not feel the need. Of hunger. Of battled. Of endless days of survival. There would be nothing, and he would live as he wanted. To do as he pleased.

  His heart turbulent, but a small smile came to him and a pleasant dream awaited the night.

  # # #

  Early dawn came with a knock, and Lee with a pronounced agitation.

  He groaned but rose, opening the door to see the woman; the whore who had tied his hands.

  She raised a brow, looking him up and down. Frowning, "Clean yourself. We'll be leaving after breakfast."

  The woman shut his door.

  This, this is was the epitome of insult. Rage boiled. Rage stewed, he would give back a thousand fold. This favor, this... servitude, he will--

  "Disciple!" Master's voice screamed, pressing his Intent. Searing into concepts he knew but a glimpse. Decay. Death. Rebirth. His dantian trembled. "Silence such thoughts-- after this journey we will have words on your conduct."

  He emptied his mind, but his teeth grit all the same.

  Lee bowed, "Yes Master."

  Their time was short, a quick look in the mirror made Lee frown more.

  He cast away the brunt pieces of cloth, retrieving one of his worn disguises. Brown and bland, lacking any form of distinction. A beggars robe. He sneered, summoning a dagger from his [Inventory], shaving the burnt ends of his hair. Leaving his nothing on his head.

  A hard look to come to terms with, but it will grow back, soon... he hoped...

  Lee met Delphine for their meal, empty of the common rabble. The food was serviceable, though the 'porridge' reminded him too much of the muck he used to scrap by; frail rice, and hard bread. Tastier, but nauseating nonetheless.

  They for the streets soon after their bowls were emptied.

  "Do not make any sudden attempts at breaching the formation." Delphine whispered. "With all the commotion you've made yesterday, a mistake, even if one we walk away, will no doubt be met with an army of Metal Men."

  He scoffed.

  They traveled around, through the streets and subtle alleys. Leaving the town, and fine roads, to cobble and the distant path. The town becoming but a glimpse on the distant horizon.

  Lee looked to the forest, beyond there, his goal. He wanted nothing more than to rush through the woods.

  His sword shuddered. "Lee." A tingle trailed his spine. "Do not. For any reason run into the forest."

  Delphine broke the path, and came upon the edge of the tree line. Lee extended his senses, peering within with all his subtly and might-- it was a mistake.

  His Qi recoiled. Cold sweat shook his body, blood trickled down his nose. He looked on, and since his escape from an Elder of the Eternal Evergreen Sect, he knew the such a task was not within his might.

  "Well?" Delphine inquired, her voice annoying as ever. Failed to rouse him, too stunned.

  "A minute." He replied, taking his inheritance in hand. "Master... what is this array? It's colossal, I cannot even see the second rim, the lines of Qi they elude me..."

  He could feel it, the unspoken unease of his Master. "Lee were it not imperative to your objective, I would never risk such a road. This forest... there is a presence guarding the way."

  Lee, didn't understand... surely this thing was lesser than Master.

  Master sighed. "Were I not bound, I asure you, it would not even be a thought. But I am not alone, and degraded much of my power. This, will be trouble."

  Lee stood upright. "Then, Master what are we going to do? If this is as peerless as you say, how are we going to get through?"

  Master mentally flicked him. "I said, trouble. Disciple, not impossible."

  His face creased. And he felt Master's presence become known.

  "Extend the hilt of Springtide to the girl." His Master spoke with no recourse. Lee nodded absently, doing as he was told. Delphine looked at it wearily but took it. Their hands apart only be the ends of the sword. "No distractions, no breaking pace. If there is a Guardian within this forest we will retreat."

  Lee nodded.

  "Better. At least you're listening this time." His Master's Intent enveloped them. Shrouding their presence with a veil of green and the scent of flowers. "Now together. Move."

  Delphine flicked her head. Her step dragged, staring at the sword, but held.

  Before the forest line, their smiles formed. There was no doubt in mind, an almost palpable excitement took over. Anticipating-- needing, to see it through. A single step separated themselves from the end, as Master's Intent pressed upon them.

  The smiles flicked a grimace, and paused.

  Lee was outright blinded; his Spiritual Sense was cut off.

  He nearly yelped at his Master, were it not for the warnings of "quiet" urging in mind. But he had to move, he willed-- a half step late.

  Delphine broke stride with an almost mindless resolve.

  Lee leered.

  Together they went, minutes passed before an hour as Master's intent guiding the path before them. The light of the new day broke through the cracks in the trees. Absent of birds, free of the presence. And no Guardian?

  That was strange?

  "Indeed it is, Disciple." His Master spoke to only him. "Keep this in mind, when we break to the sky."

  He nodded, keeping up.

  The light becoming clearer, as the forest spread. Fields of gold, and stalks of green came before the distant break.

  His heart pounded, wanting nothing more than to race to freedom. But Master pressed. His step never finding a greater stride.

  But he thought nothing of it, it shouldn't have mattered. Only the Heavens were not so kind.

  Ding.

  His eyes shot up, the tightness within his dantian lessened; an oath fulfilled. But he noticed Master's attention, and the still, shocked, expression of that woman.

  Ding.

  He felt the touch of Heaven's intent acknowledge his being. The 'Optional Objective' complete. An extra space manifested within his [Inventory] and he knew of the Rose and ten Greys within. But he couldn't acknowledge it, he could only stared.

  "Ha. Ha Ha..." Master's voice broke the ringing. He could feel Master's grin. "My, the Heavens do work in mysterious ways."

  Lee cursed it all.