Chapter 150 (2/2)

Aside from that very exemplary individual, who died just like that, the rest ceased fighting with just wounds. Randidly felt slightly sad for that young woman, who died just like that, for some strange reason that he couldn’t understand.

“There seem to be some rules?” Randidly asked. Shal snorted.

“The playacting of the weak. Worry not, when you make your move, you will not bother with it.”

Randidly’s eyes rose. “My move?”

Shal leaned back and closed his eyes again. “Of course; we wish to be imprisoned in a place that cannot contain us; if I reveal my strength, they will place me in the highest tower without a hope of escape. So I am just a companion of yours. Keep yourself ready. They may arrive at anytime.”

Mulling this information over, Randidly settled back down around the fire they had made. The bandits returned, guffawing and happy, having been paid off by the caravan to let the rest of them pass.

With nothing else to do, Randidly returned to Engraving. But he was swiftly interrupted by a familiar voice.

“Mr. Ghosthound… are you engraving?”

Randidly looked up sharply. The figure was basically indistinguishable from all of the other members of that strange Style, due to their golden robes, but the voice made him confident it was Jade. He also felt slightly guilty for so blatantly practicing Engraving, after Claptrap had implied that it was extremely dangerous, but he didn’t really think he would be here long enough for it to matter.

So to her question, he hesitated, but nodded. That seemed to put her very deep in thought. All of a sudden, Randidly recognized from Shal’s stillness that he was paying very, very close attention to what was being said.

Jade bowed to Randidly then, and then to Shal twice. “We had recognized you, Artisan Shal, but hadn’t known how to ask for your help. But for the son of the Spear Phantom, we would pay a high price for your-”

“Not interested, and I don’t have time.” Shal rolled away, ending the discussion.

Jade turned back to Randidly. “Please Mr. Ghosthound. At least come see my mistress. We can offer significant help with your… studies.” She glanced meaningfully at the bracer in his hand.

Randidly thought it weird that she would ask about engraving so directly, and now was playing coy, but he also knew something strange was going on. He glanced at Shal. When Randidly had asked Claptrap about the Phantom Spear Style, he hadn’t known anything, but promised to investigate. It really seemed that Shal’s father was quite the notable figure.

“We require nothing right now,” Jade quickly said, as she saw his glance. “But… in the future… if you acquire the strength… to assist my Willow Tree Spear Style. Simply a promise.”

Randidly kept his gaze on Shal, who hadn’t moved, but was breathing normally again. Honestly, he was quite tempted by the offer, especially if it would help his Engraving. Not really because he desired the money from selling them, but because Engraving was undoubtedly a powerful skill. As he developed it, the effects grew increasingly powerful. Someday he would need to work on his own equipment, and it would be extremely useful then.

Also, if he returned to Donnyton with this knowledge… It would become a powerful weapon and source of trade. If he really would embark on this path of blood, in order to obtain power… it would be good to help build something with that power.

“Well… I suppose hearing her out wouldn’t hurt.” Randidly said slowly. Shal didn’t move. So he turned and followed Jade back towards the main tent of the Willow Style.

****

Dehark’s glee for a good haul was wiped away as he watched the newcomer approach the tent of the Willow Tree Spear Style. An insidious and acidic jealousy filled his heart. He had ignored it when the newcomers demonstrated their power, but… perhaps he had been too merciful.

But then again… if this gave him a lever to use to get into that tent.

Gritting his teeth, Dehark forced himself to do nothing as that young man proceeded into the tent that he had fantasized so often about over the last few weeks. He forced himself to remain cool and calm.

His mind began to tick as he turned to look at the horizon. This…

This would not go unpunished. Dehark smiled, showing all of his crooked and yellow teeth.