167. A war approaches

Using a different type of magic was always a special experience. Each element and school had its own essence, its own flavor that lingered with the caster. Kai could still recall the first time he cast a fire spell—the pleasant heat dancing on his palms, warm and harmless to him but devastating to his foes. The first gust spell he'd learned brought with it the exhilarating freshness of wind, as if he were suddenly a part of the sky itself. Over time, he had dabbled in many forms of magic. He didn’t specialize in all of them, but he took pride in mastering their basics. Out of everything he had tried, druidic magic stood out as the most unique. It was about bonding, becoming one with creatures and the environment and not just controlling nature. Casting druidic spells felt as if he’d gained a whole new set of eyes. Or rather, sets of senses. At present, he was bound to a kraken. A massive, powerful creature like that wasn’t easy to subdue, and the process of establishing the bond had been exhausting. It had taken hours of combat, wearing the beast down until it was forced to submit. Even then, the best bond Kai could manage with his limited druidic skill was a mere First Circle spell: [Basic Bond]. The bond allowed for rudimentary commands and a faint sense of camaraderie, but not much else. He could share limited senses with the kraken—enough to know what it saw and felt—but the connection was tenuous at best. Worse, the kraken had retained enough autonomy to resist commands it deemed too outlandish. If he ordered it to ram itself into rocks, for example, it could simply refuse. In time, that would change. Higher-level druidic spells could enforce more control and unlock greater synergy, but Kai wasn’t sure he’d ever reach that point. Druidic magic wasn’t his strength, and he instinctively knew his affinity for it was lacking. Still, the [Basic Bond] served its purpose for now. The wind whipped past his face as the kraken swam with speed, pulling the boat behind it. Kai sat at the back, gripping the boat’s rear for balance. Maintaining the bond wasn’t overly difficult, but it came with a mental strain he wasn’t used to. It was a strange, unpleasant sensation—being tethered to a slimy, tentacled creature and sharing its sensations. "Are you okay, Lord Arzan?" Gareth’s voice broke through his thoughts. Kai glanced at the knight, forcing a smirk. “Yeah. I just feel like I drank some ridiculously expensive alcohol.” Gareth chuckled. “You won’t be hungover for long. The kraken is fast—too fast. We should reach the territory soon enough.” Kai nodded, though his mind was elsewhere. Gareth continued, his tone almost amused. “It’s already scared a few fishermen along the banks. You should’ve seen their faces. But the good news is, we’ll pass through all the noble territories before anyone can send word about this... unconventional ride.” Kai let out a low chuckle at that, his grip on the boat relaxing slightly. The thought of causing a stir among the local lords with his bizarre method of travel was satisfying. For now, he could only hope the kraken would behave until they reached their destination. “That would be for the best,” Kai said. “I don’t want any problems with more nobles when we’re already heading straight into trouble with a Duke.” Gareth glanced at him, his expression taut, as if silently wishing Kai’s words were a joke. Kai exhaled, leaning back slightly against the boat’s edge. “Winter’s just weeks away. If Lucian is going to make a move this year, it’ll be soon. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s already stirred up something during my absence, and Francis is barely managing to keep things in check. But I don’t want to jump to conclusions. We’ll see for ourselves soon enough.” Gareth nodded, though the concerned look on his face remained. Kai could see the wheels turning in the knight’s mind, likely mulling over the weight of the days to come. “Are you afraid of war, Gareth?” Kai asked, breaking the silence. The knight hesitated, his gaze distant before answering. “Yes, honestly, I am. I’d be lying if I said otherwise. But I’d be far more terrified if you hadn’t helped me unlock my gift, Lord Arzan. Now, aside from the fear of death, there’s just... responsibility. A duty to play my part.” He glanced at Kai, a flicker of gratitude crossing his face. “You gave me a new lease on life when you chose me to fight at your side. I’ll never forget that. “I don’t know if you remember, my lord. But I first met you when you distributed the heat stones. A long time ago.” Kai smiled. “Actually, I do. I remember your face when you received them.” “Yes,” Gareth said with a chuckle. “I was just a miner back then, teetering on the edge of death with no food, no warmth, and barely any hope. Both my wife and I were suffering in that cold, but your help saved us. Not only did we survive, but I went on to become a knight. I never imagined I’d be where I am now, standing at your side.” He paused, his voice growing firmer. “These days, I feel ambition growing in my heart. And I know the only way to fulfill it is to gain achievements in the war to come... and to protect you.” Kai felt something bubbling up in his chest. He didn’t know if it was the sentimental nature of saving lives when they were needed or the look on Gareth’s face. He let out a breath through his nose. “I can protect myself, Gareth. Your job is to protect Veralt. Do that well, and you’ll rise in authority.” Their conversation was cut short as Kai’s head snapped forward, his posture instantly alert. He rose from his seat, his gaze sharp as he scanned the river ahead. “What is it, my lord?” Gareth asked, his hand instinctively moving toward his weapon. “We’ve reached the Sylvan Enclave,” Kai replied, letting go of the conversation that happened. His eyes were on the path ahead. “If we keep going from here, we’ll pass dangerously close to Lucian’s territory. I don’t want that. We’ll stop here and travel the rest of the way by land. Veralt isn’t far.” With that, Kai turned his focus inward, his mind reaching out to the kraken through their tenuous bond. He willed the creature to slow, his thoughts commanding it to stop. The kraken let out a shriek, the sound resonating through the air as its massive body slowed in the river. The boat’s pace diminished until it finally glided to a stop along the riverbank. Without a single word, they all got down cautiously, their boots crunching against the rocky shore. The area was quiet, devoid of people—a fortunate turn, given their unconventional method of travel. Kai exhaled, releasing the strain of maintaining the bond. The kraken lingered in the water, its tentacles stirring faint ripples, as if waiting for further instructions. “Fortunately, no one’s around to see this,” Gareth murmured, glancing warily at the water. Kai nodded. “Let’s move. Veralt is close, and we’ve already taken enough risks for one day.” As the group moved a bit far from the water, Kai turned to the kraken, its tentacled form writhing in the water. He raised his hand, his voice calm but commanding. “Make a base around here. You’ll be needed soon.” The kraken let out a piercing screech, the sound vibrating through the air in protest. Kai narrowed his eyes, his tone firm. “Just do it. I’ll make sure to send you something nice to eat. You know what will happen if you don’t follow my command.” The creature emitted an ugly snort, one of its massive tentacles splashing against the river’s surface before it finally relented. With a powerful dive, the kraken vanished beneath the water, the ripples fading into stillness. Kai watched the water for a moment, his thoughts lingering on the tenuous bond they shared. He turned back to the group gathered behind him. “Guess we’re walking from here,” Finn muttered, complaining at the thought. “It doesn’t matter,” Gorak rumbled, his massive arms crossed. “Take it as exercise. We’re far stronger than we were before, anyway.” Kai raised a hand, silencing the conversation. “No, we won’t be walking.” The group looked at him, eyebrows raised in confusion. Kai stepped forward, moving a short distance away from the group. He flexed his fingers, feeling the familiar surge of mana coursing through him. He reached deep into his reserves, visualizing the spell structure in his mind. Slowly, he began to bring it into existence. Threads of mana spun outward from his hands, forming an array in the air before him. The spell structure gleamed, a complex design of concentric circles and intersecting lines, etched with runic symbols that pulsed with energy. The structure rotated slowly, growing brighter with each second as Kai fed more mana into it. “[Tempest Steed Conjuration]” With the spell’s name uttered, the structure pulsed one final time before dissolving into a swirl of wind. The air shifted immediately, coalescing into three massive forms. Three horses. They were translucent yet solid, their forms rippling with wind. Their manes flowed with a constant breeze, and their eyes glowed faintly with azure light. And the size—they were quite taller than real horses, but still managed to neigh and imitate real ones. The group stared in awe. Finnigan even covered his mouth. “I’ve never seen a spell like this,” Gorak admitted from behind. Kai exhaled, a bead of sweat forming on his brow. “It’s a fourth-circle spell. Keeping three of them active drains a significant chunk of my reserves. They’ll last for about two hours, give or take.” He mounted the nearest steed, its body giving way slightly under his weight before solidifying. Looking toward the horizon, Kai’s gaze hardened. “We need to hurry. I want to reach Veralt as soon as possible. Get on these horses, let’s move.” *** The walls of Veralt finally came into focus after two hours of riding. Kai felt the strain of maintaining the conjured horses, his mana reserves drained to a point where he could feel the faint pounding in his temples. The horses, burdened with both human passengers and supplies, weren’t able to maintain their full speed, but they had done decently enough that the walls of Veralt were extremely closeby. A small smile tugged at Kai’s lips as he gazed at the city. Sylvastra had its own charm, and the thrill of travel always brought new opportunities, but Veralt had become home. The rhythm of life here, the city’s quirks, and its people had made their way into his routine. On the walls, the flags of Veralt fluttered proudly in the wind, the image of phoenix brought a sense of familiarity to his mind. The guards stationed there seemed to recognize Kai and his party instantly, their postures shifting as they shouted commands to open the gates. The heavy creak of the massive gates echoed through the air, a sound that Kai found oddly comforting. Some guards descended from their posts, clearly intent on greeting him or offering updates. Kai, however, simply waved them off, urging his wind steed forward. “Later,” he said briskly. “I need to get to the castle first.” As they moved deeper into the city, the streets came alive around them. The marketplace bustled with activity, vendors calling out their wares to passersby. Kai’s gaze swept over the improvements that had taken place in his absence. The roads that were ladened with potholes, were now almost entirely smoothed and paved. The work of the Earth Mages had left its mark, with neatly aligned stones forming clean, sturdy paths. There were more merchants than their usual count who’d set up stalls. And everywhere he looked, he was greeted with progress and energy. Yet, as he observed more closely, he noticed something amiss. Conversations at the market stalls were quieter than usual, the laughter of the children seemed slightly forced, and there was an unusual tension in the air. Groups of people stood clustered together, their heads bent as they spoke in hushed tones. A woman glanced nervously over her shoulder before disappearing into an alley, her steps quick and deliberate. Kai’s smile faded as his gaze froze, taking in the undercurrent of unease creeping its way through the city. As Kai rode through the streets, he noticed the change in the way people reacted to his presence. Normally, his appearances would bring cheers or words of encouragement from the city folk. They would yell his name and people would even start celebrating his arrival. Claps and smiles always brought some sort of soothing to him whenever he was out in the city. Today, however, there were only respectful bows, given as per custom, and furtive whispers behind hands. No voices rose in celebration, and no smiles greeted him. Instead, their gazes lingered on him. Some even looked angry. Kai’s unease deepened. He glanced back at his companions, their expressions mirroring his own concerns. Without needing to say a word, he urged the group to pick up their pace. “Let’s hurry,” he said. The others nodded, falling into step behind him as they approached the castle. By the time they reached the gates, Francis was already waiting for them, flanked by Kiliian and, to Kai’s surprise, Princess Amara. Clearly, word of his arrival had spread quickly. As soon as Kai dismounted, the wind horses dissipated into thin air, the mana structures unraveling into the breeze. His retainers bowed, but before anyone could offer a greeting or ask questions, Kai spoke, his voice sharp with urgency. “What’s happening? Why is the city so tense?” Francis and Kiliian exchanged uneasy glances before Francis finally stepped forward, his expression grave. “Lord Arzan,” he began, “a village was attacked. Dead of night. It was a massacre.” Kai’s eyes widened, his body tensing. “One of our villages? Near Veridis?” Francis shook his head. “No, my lord. It wasn’t one of ours. It belonged to Baron Idrin.” Kai’s mind flashed to Baron Idrin, trying to remember his face. He knew he was a neighbour and had been there at the count ceremony, but there hadn't been enough time to make more than acquaintances with him. “I guess people are tense because it was so close by, but who exactly was responsible for the massacre?” Francis’s breath picked up as he placed his hand on his chest. “That’s not the worst part, my lord. The entire village was slaughtered—men, women, children—all of them, save for the village chief.” Amara stepped forward. “And he was left alive for a reason, Lord Arzan. To send a message.” Francis looked at Amara and back at Kai. “What message?” Kai asked. “The village chief, the only one left alive, claims the attackers were… strange. Inhuman creatures. They left him with a message, saying it was you, Lord Arzan, who ordered the massacre. They’re tying it to the recent land disputes with Baron Idrin.” Kai froze. “I didn’t do it. I wasn’t even here.” He tried to keep his calm, although his mind churned in anger. Amara stepped forward. Searᴄh the Novёlƒire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. “Yes, but that’s exactly how the rumors are spreading. They're saying you’re in league with dark creatures, that your recent strength comes from some sinister source. It’s the kind of tale that spreads like wildfire.” Before Kai could reply, Amara inhaled sharply. “And it doesn’t end there. Duke Lucian has publicly declared his support for Baron Idrin. While no official word has come yet, Sylvan Enclave is abuzz with one rumor— Duke Lucian is preparing to avenge the innocent lives lost.” Killian, standing at Francis’s side, crossed his arms with a steeled gaze. “Which means,” he said, “we’re about to face war.” *** A/N - You can read 30 chapters (15 Magus Reborn and 15 Dao of money) on my patreon. Annual subscription is now on too. - Patreon for 15 chaps: /extra26 Discord: invite/nc3hVSCP2n