Chapter 82: New Revelations (1/2)

Josephine closed the door behind her, trying to calm herself. With shaky hands, she pulled a chair out and sat heavily down, deep in thought.

”Well?” Came the merciless voice from behind the desk. She noticed that her father hadn't even bothered to glance up from the documents he was looking over, not that she expected much in the way of concern from him.

After taking a few moments to calm herself, she replied. ”His soul is strong. Very strong, but I don't believe I can give an accurate assessment with such a brief examination.”

The Count remained silent.

”I would have looked longer, but.....you know...” She spoke quickly before trailing off.

”Yes, I know. Tell me this at least. What was unique about the person that just left my office? What made his soul special?” He asked while putting down the papers. For the fist time since entering the room, she felt the full brunt of his gaze.

”It felt ancient, like the soul of Uncle Nur, but different.....” She frowned as if trying to the right words. ”It was....more diffuse...as if parts of his soul were just there, without really contributing. Then there was this hard, dense core that seemed to be drawing everything around it closer.”

Josephine shuddered again, trying to forget the memory. ”It wasn't an evil soul, that I can promise. No malice or hate filled his essence, yet it wasn't a benevolent one either. The best way I could describe it is a mass of unthinking, uncaring power, seemingly waiting for some direction.”

The Count paused to consider these revelations. While he had expected the youth to have a powerful soul considering his current strength, now he wasn't sure what to think of him.

From the sounds of it, the boy had a Reincarnator's soul, and a particularly potent one at that. Yet he lacked the will, experience, and air of superiority that the Count had come to expect from their kind. This meant he would have to alter a few of his plans.

Turning to face the city once more, he addressed his only daughter again. ”You may go Josephine. You have been most helpful.”

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Mike finally managed to work his way out of City Hall. After asking directions no less than four times, he made it to the front lobby, and exited onto the street. He was beginning to wonder if it might not be some kind of annoying defense mechanism designed to confuse invaders. There wasn't much he'd put past the Count at this point.

[I feel like I played right into his hands there, but for the life of me, I can't see his end goal. Does he really just want to befriend someone with potential? Why do I feel like there should be more to it?]

With a start he realized that he'd completely forgotten about Tal and Brenden, who were presumably still waiting for him at the Guild. He hurried back to pick them up, fighting through the line of adventurers waiting to get their rewards. After a quick explanation of what happened, they all agreed to retire to inn Mike was staying at to talk about the event.

Before going down to the common room of the inn, he went upstairs to visit Sera's room, since her previous accommodations had burnt to the ground during the night.

”We're going to have a conversation regard our future plans down in the common room, if you would like to join.” He explained after she had come to the door.

”Very well. There are a few things I would like to discuss.”

Before he forgot, he made sure to hand her the bag of gold that had been laid aside for her. ”Here, this is your share of the reward we received for last night.”

With lightning speed Sera had the bag out of his hands, and was examining the contents with a delighted expression on her face. She dumped it out on her bed, stared greedily at the resulting pile for a moment, before throwing herself into it, and rolling around and giggling hysterically.

In fact, she was so wrapped up in her enjoyment of her newfound wealth, she completely forgot he was still standing in the doorway, until he coughed. She froze mid-roll, and Mike was able to watch the realization dawn on her, as her face slowly turned beet red.

Sitting up, she cleared her throat. ”Heh-hem, I'll be down in a little bit. I just have to do a little.......cleaning to do.”

”Right...I'll meet you down there.” He said while closing the door. He waited for a few seconds, and soon heard the sounds of coins tinkling and a muted squeal of joy.

[Didn't take her for a greedy one, but I guess you can't judge a book by its cover.]

He joined the others, and after ordering a round of drinks for everyone, began the discussion.

”So, I've been given a recommendation for entry into the University of Wyrport. Although, it sounds like a great opportunity, it will come with some strings attached. I'm not sure if I am willing to put myself into the power of Count Graveston just for the chance to study.” He said while sipping his ale. He noticed that the alcohol barely had any effect on him anymore.

[I need to find myself some stronger stuff at some point.]

”Recommendation rare. Good opportunity. Should take.” The elf added, evidently dismissing his concerns.

”Tal's right.” Brenden added, leaning back in his chair with arms behind his head. ”Even if you are a noble, its hard to get into the University. Its got a reputation of being kinda exclusive. Even the King's kids had to pass a bunch of hard tests to get in.”

”So, does that mean I'll still have to do some kind of entry test?”

”Yes. Will be fine.” Tal answered quickly while waving Sera over. The Oracle had evidently finished her 'cleaning.'

”Where are we at?” She asked while taking her seat.

”We're trying to convince Mike to go to the University of Almirn, since the Count wrote him a letter of recommendation.” Brenden chimed in.

She whirled on Mike with stars in her eyes. ”The University! You'll definitely go, right? Graduating from there would give you all kind of opportunities!”

Mike leaned away from the overenthusiastic girl. ”I'm still thinking about it. I don't know much about how they operate, but I can only imagine that it would be a huge time commitment.”

”I think that depends a lot on you, and what you want to study. I know of some people that graduate in a year or even a few months. Some can take ten or twenty years. You can pretty much stay there so long as you can afford to do so.”

”Hmm....” Mike frowned while taking another sip. ”I suppose it does sound like a good opportunity. With my tuition and living expenses covered, combined with a decent stipend, I can't really ask for more.”

”What?! He's paying for all of that, too?! You have to take it, then. It would be insane not too.” Sera exclaimed while standing, causing the rest of the patrons of the common room to stare at her.

Flushing from the sudden attention, she sat down.

Mike continued, ”Leaving that aside, what are the rest of you planning on doing?”

All three of them looked at him like he was stupid. Brenden replied, ”What are you talking about? We're going with you. I thought that was clear.”

He was flabbergasted. ”What? All of you? Why?”

”Destined. Also want to.” Tal cut in with a subtle smile....probably.

”Yeah! Besides, you'll need me in the future. Its been foretold.” Sera said smugly.

”What do you mean destined?” He asked, ignoring the Oracle.

”Can Appraise?”

He nodded, a little confused.

”Do so.”

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