Chapter 675 (2/2)

Or at least, Randidly meant for it to last for just a second.

Synchronicity with ambient Ashen energy in your body detected!

Your Skill “Crown of Yggdrasil: Upheaval and Silence” has absorbed a significant portion of the remaining energy and transformed into the Crown of Yggdrasil: Cataclysm and Gloom (L). Skill Level will be maintained. Area of effect increased. Effectiveness of previous Skill increased.

Warning! The Rarity of the Skill Level is nearing a new plateau. Please see a Village Spirit for more information.

Randidly could feel the crown above his head twisting just slightly as the change rippled through it. Instantly, he felt that its offensive capabilities grew with this change, although he wasn’t sure of the details. In addition, it was worth noting that the notification seemed to indicate that although a significant portion of the remaining energy was absorbed, there was still more. Could another one of his Skills change?

“Randidly.”

Azriel’s short world brought him back to himself. Immediately, he dismissed the Skills. Azriel and Skarch just seemed annoyed, but Orangey was staring. The girl that Orangey had brought with him, and not introduced, was trembling. The laborers were looking with wide eyes over at the table. Everyone seemed on edge.

Then Randidly turned and look at the server. He was frozen, stock still. His pants were wet, and the smell of urine filled the air. Inwardly, Randidly winced. That was a little more than he had been intending.

Coming back to himself, the server flushed and said. “I-I-I...m-my apologies-”

“Kid,” Randidly said, trying to speak as softly as possible. And still, the server jumped. Hiding his embarrassment, Randidly reached out and touched the server’s shoulders. “You didn’t step back. Ultimately, that is all you really need in this world.”

Ducking his head and muttering apologies, the server ran away. Randidly honestly felt pretty bad about embarrassing him and hoped his final line was enough of a positive that the boy wouldn’t be twisted by the experienced. Thinking of that sensation of sewing karma with the boy, Randidly’s expression turned bitter.

“...ahem.” Orangey said into the awkward silence. He spared Randidly a quick glance and then continued. “...as I was saying, the people around here aren’t as weak as you think. Err, I mean that kid probably hasn’t held a spear a day in his life, but there are some hidden masters around here, believe me.”

Trying to put that strange experience out of his mind, Randidly turned to Orangey. “What were you saying about a Style? The Black Feather Style?”

“Ah! Perfect.” Immediately, Orangey grinned. “That’s actually where I met Noota, here. It’s not really a Style, it's just a coalition of the independents and counter-culture spear users in the area of Hastam. It used to be a pretty small time thing, but with all of the worry over the Wights, our numbers are exploding! Actually, I had a favor to ask.”

Skarch looked at Orangey’s serious face with some amusement. “Orangey, what entitles you to a favor? A drink? Despite what the bartender insisted, I have money. That should buy things.”

Orangey winced and threw Randidly a hurt look. “As I said, my name is Saynard. I tire of your jokes, miss. Besides, between Randidly and I… we don’t count favors. Sometimes there are just bonds between men that defy explanation. It's like a hunter gazing into the eyes of a Killer Hawk Bear...”

Randidly would have sworn that he had never heard Orangey’s name, but he had learned insisting ignorance hadn’t had any effect. Also, was he supposed to be the hunter or the strangely named Killer Hawk Bear in this metaphor…?

“As I was saying, a simple favor. You three are competing in the under 25 tournament, correct? I would ask you to wear a visible black feather on your person. Nothing ostentatious, but I believe our movement would benefit from visibility. Especially with such talented individuals wearing the sign… It will prove to the Styles of Hastam that something has to be done about the Wight problem!”

Randidly looked at Orangey with sad eyes. He could empathize with the grassroots movement, but it was hard to believe it would make a difference to the Styles. From everything Captain Platton had said, they didn’t care at all that land was slowly being devoured by Wights right under their noses.

Which was why Azriel’s response took Randidly by surprise.

“I think we should do it.”