Chapter 263 (1/2)

Divvet stopped Randidly as he was leaving the inn. “He’s still asleep… and he looks to be locked in some inner conflict. Two parts of his Battle Intent are fighting each other. It is… exceedingly strange.”

Randidly nodded, then moved to step past Divvet, but the older man put his hand on his shoulder.

“Where are you going?” His voice was stern, with a hint of fear hiding at the edges. But the emotion was strong enough for Randidly to detect it, even in his own emotional state. Randidly’s emotion was mostly panic and a low current of self hatred. If he had asked for more specific things, if he hadn’t been afraid of seeming dumb by requesting too much, or by pushing for more answers…

Randidly hadn’t wanted to give away how little he knew, but in retrospect, two things were clear: Lucretia had known exactly how little he had known, and ultimately, Randidly had held all of the power. Lucretia wanted access to more Aether, whatever the cost. She would have agreed to his terms if he had only pushed-

Then again, Randidly had no idea whether his little information on how Lucretia operated was true at all. Perhaps even if he had asked for more, she would have just said yes and then-

But ultimately, Randidly knew, what had held him back most was his own social weakness. She had taken him by surprise by appearing before he had worked out a plan, and taken advantage of it. With her sudden arrival, Randidly behaved exactly how he had learned to, by instinct: by advancing.

In this instance, however, it was not for the best. It had been several hours, but Shal remained asleep, locked in some… combat of Battle Intent in his mind. Divvet had suspected that someone could use Battle Intent to release him from it, but it would require someone of the Pontiff level, and those weren’t figures that were easy to bring to your side.

Especially when Randidly had upset so many of the plans of Deardun’s elite… Divvet promised to make inquiries, but…

All in all, Randidly was frustrated at his own inexperience and weakness in the important moment. It was a reminder though, that although his strength was growing, it was a one dimensional strength, only focused on the spear use, and offensive spells.

“You are worthless…” Randidly’s father whispered just to him.

Randidly’s mother smiled prettily. “Sorry hun, I’ll be out with ----- tonight. You can make yourself dinner, right?”

Randidly’s mouth twitched, but otherwise he ignored the phantoms. There was no proof this was healthy, or even helpful, but Randidly had activated Torment, letting the ghosts of his past haunt him. Because what he needed was mental toughness, whatever the cost.

“To train,” Randidly said softly, as he pulled himself out of Divvet’s grip. “I’m no good just waiting around here… I need the distraction. If anything changes…”

“Of course, I’ll send someone.” Divvet said, nodding, his eyes shifting to a knowing look. Perhaps he had some inkling of Randidly and Shal’s relationship, because he made no further effort to stop Randidly’s departure.

“Everyone will leave you, in the end.” His father mused. “If you have nothing of value to offer. And you…”

“Worthless,” Ace sighed, shaking his head, floating in the air around Randidly.

****

Aethon Thai looked at the figure in front of him, then over to the window to his study, where Ciel was still recovering, then back to the figure in front of him. His drinking partner, the Ghosthound’s male spear attendant, was battered and bruised, but still somehow managed to stagger back up to his feet, his usual affable smile in place.

“Hmm, some light exercise, eh?” The foolish drinking partner said, rubbing his hands together, his expression especially bright.

Aethon Thai was flummoxed. “You know… I hit you with almost 20% of my power right there. And you are still standing. Not only that, but…. You are almost an Artisan. Your image…”

Then Aethon shook his head. “It seems that in taking a beating, at least, you are a genius. But nothing else.”

Pounding his chest proudly, his drinking partner nodded.