…………
“Okay, let’s stop here for today. Since you only have a month, we’ll officially begin your training tomorrow,” the Chairman said.
“Don’t you wish to know why I need to leave in a month?” Zilan asked.
“I learnt a long time ago not to pry when it comes to matters of your people. Anyway, do not forget to exchange for the things needed to strengthen your soul. I’ll also place a manual there for you.” He then smiled. “Your two merit points should be enough to exchange for everything.”
Zilan was about to rant his grievances when the Chairman vanished. “Damn it!”
He had planned to use one merit point to exchange for his training resources while leaving the other for raising his disciples. He desired to give them a couple of things that would facilitate their advancements; however, now that the Chairman had blocked that road, he couldn’t help but sigh in disappointment.
‘Never mind, there are many ways to bring up Alchemists.’ He consoled himself.
“Kifo,” Zilan called out.
A few seconds later, he arrived. “Hmm?”
“In a month…” Zilan stopped himself as his eyes fell on the Chairman’s chair. “Umm.. take this thing out first, and then we can talk.”
Kifo was perplexed. He pointed at the chair in confusion. “You want me to take this away? Why, is it broken?”
Before Zilan could say anything, the chair shuddered and in a deep voice said, “No need, I’ll see myself out.” With widened eyes, Kifo witnessed a talking chair gallop out of Zilan’s room.
“That…”
“Ehem,” Zilan cleared his throat, “Now we can talk.”
Although he didn’t say anything, Kifo’s expression was telling enough. ‘So, you’re not going to explain what just happened?’
“Before I came to Brivata, I signed a contract with the Shadow faction.” Zilan started explaining. Kifo however, raised his eyebrows in disbelief. ‘You’re really not going to give me an explanation?’
“I’m not sure if you were told about it, so I’m going to assume you weren’t. The contract states that in exchange for meeting my demands, which were to get me into the Alchemy Association, I would assist them when they required me,” Zilan continued, completely ignoring Kifo’s ever-changing expressions.
‘Okay, fine, I don’t need an explanation.’ Thought Kifo, displeased.
“Mnyama recently contacted me; they require my assistance.”
“So that’s how it is. Why would they need you though?”
“They need Alchemists to conquer Inheritance sites. A month from now, they’ll be heading in. Do you want to take a look with me?”
Kifo hesitated. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to go along with Zilan, but it was just that he didn’t agree with the actions of the four factions. As the heir to a clan, he was privy to confidential information; thus, he understood that the current system of governance in the Beast World was deliberately built so that the four factions would gain the most benefit. They were essentially exploiting people through promises of protection in exchange for their undying trust and loyalty. And it wasn’t just Kifo who felt this way. In fact, many beasts bore similar sentiments; however, the harsh reality was that they were too weak to change anything.
“It’s alright if you don’t wish to go,” Zilan said.
“No, I’ll go.” Kifo smiled.
“Hmm?”
“Why are you surprised? If you’re going, I’ll definitely follow.” He burst into hearty laughter, confusing Zilan. “Haha, with you there, there’s no doubt in my mind that any and all treasure in that place will fall into your hands. How can I miss such a good opportunity? Besides, this is a great opportunity to test out my blade.”
Zilan simply shook his head. He could not help but wonder exactly how Kifo viewed him.
“You should prepare to leave in a month’s time then.”
“Understood.”
“How is the Tausi situation?”
“Same as before. Either Kring has completely forgotten about her, or my skills aren’t enough to determine if she’s being watched, but I doubt that it’s the latter,” Kifo replied.
“That’s strange. Why would he just abandon something so valuable?”
“You’re talking about the Skylock Seed?”
“Yes, the Skylock seed,” Zilan replied. He felt bad about not telling Kifo the whole truth but some things, especially those that had such catastrophic consequences, were best kept to oneself.
“Unless something equally important has come up? But…what exactly?”
“Who knows? We’ll just have to wait and see,” Kifo said.
“Maybe. For now, keep an eye on her. Should you notice anything peculiar about her behaviour, don’t hesitate to let me know.”
The request sounded somewhat strange, but nevertheless, Kifo would try his best to follow.
“Okay, I’m heading out now to exchange for some things from the Treasure Pavilion; would you like anything? Don’t ask for too much because I don’t have that many mystic grains.”
Contrary to what Zilan expected, Kifo was neither happy nor excited when he heard the offer. Instead, his face appeared strained. What Zilan didn’t know was that Kifo hadn’t even heard his offer; his change in expression was completely due to Zilan’s desire to head out.
“About that, I think you should stay indoors for now.”
“Why?”
“Ever since you revealed your bloodline, a lot of people have been looking for you: those who moved against you before are now sending gifts of apology, those who hated you now adore you, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There are some beasts, especially those whose lineage closely relates to the Dragon bloodline, that are almost worshipping you. For you to go out now would cause chaos. You’d be surrounded in seconds.”
“Ah?” Zilan was lost for words. He expected a big reaction, but nothing like what Kifo was currently describing.
“So, I can’t leave?”
“I’m afraid not. Pass the gates of the Purple Heart, Two Flames camp and there’ll be chaos. You can send me to purchase the things you want if you like.”
“No, it’s fine. Thanks for letting me know,” Zilan replied. He completely trusted Kifo, but considering the situation, an idea had popped up in his mind, and he was curious to see if it would work.
“No problem.”
———–
