Chapter 769 (1/2)

Despite Randidly’s misgivings about Darrune, the man kept up admirably well when Randidly started out. So he had upped the speed to the point where the Tellite was wheezing like a deflating balloon. From there, Randidly slowed down, but only a little.

Despite that, Darrune managed to make it all in four hours. Although he didn’t really mind, Randidly suspected that the ambient Aether that he threw off just by being an Aether Crossroad was a big reason that Darrune had been able to maintain the demanding level of exertion for so long. Randidly supposed that it was this man’s lucky blessing that gave him this opportunity.

After he arrived, however, Randidly wasn’t sure what to do with him. But it seemed like Darrune was content just to follow along after him and wheeze, so Randidly didn’t pay it any mind. Perhaps the journey had convinced Darrune to try and become Randidly’s Spear Attendant. Which would be convenient in some ways, but…

Darrune was not the type of person he wanted to be around.

So Randidly ignored him as he quickly set off through the crowded streets of Hastam to head toward the Hall of Stances. Although the streets were packed with people, most of the energy that had been here previously was gone. People were sitting on street corners and muttering to themselves. Despite the bright sky and sunny day, the mood was that of a funeral.

Randidly’s mood worsened, perhaps poisoned by his surroundings. But to his surprise, just as soon as he descended into a funk he was yanked out of it by a familiar voice.

“Randidly! Ah, good, you yet live.”

Randidly froze and turned. Standing there, hands on his hips, was Shal. Blue skin, closed third eye, glowering visage- Well, all but the last was present. Randidly was somewhat surprised that Shal appeared relatively happy to see him. Although he wasn’t smiling, his gaze was positively bright.

Slowly, wondering where his driven and haunted teacher had gone, Randidly walked over to him.

“Shal. It’s been… quite a while.”

“You’ve grown stronger,” Shal said, a hint of surprise in his voice. “I witnessed your match against the girl Helen. But now… The air speaks of the spear near you. Have you managed to control the abilities of a Pontiff?”

“Yes,” Randidly said with a nod. Still watching Shal carefully.

“Satisfactory,” Shal announced.

Then the two stood and looked at each other. It felt to them both that the situation that they had last seen each other in was a far cry from where they had once been. Randidly had been fleeing from an incarnation of a Master from the Northern Region, and Shal had been struggling with the truth about his lineage. In their knowing gazes toward each other, they seemed to acknowledge these things and then agree to let them go.

“This is certainly heartwarming,” A low woman’s voice full of amusement said. “Perhaps I should go? I’d hate to interrupt. Besides, I’m getting emotional just watching.”

Randidly blinked, turning to the woman standing beside Shal. She smiled warmly at him as he finally noticed her. Instantly. Randidly’s brow furrowed. “I… know you. You were out in front of Hastam when we arrived. You were waiting in line in front of us. You are… Silo’s sister?”

“The very same, Mr. Ghosthound. I’ve heard much about you. My name’s Rumera. It’s nice to finally meet you. But thank you for remember me.” Some of the good cheer fell away from Rumera’s face. She glanced sideways at Shal. “I want to get this out of the way; your Master had decided that I am to marry him and is not accepting my protests. Randidly, I don’t mean to put you on the spot, but when I make my escape attempt, can I count on you?”

Shal snorted. Randidly looked incredulously from one to the other. Was this girl, who was probably a few years younger than him, truly flirting with Shal?

“I would kill him without a thought if he attempted to steal you from me,” Shal announced.

Rumera rolled her eyes. “He isn’t stealing me. That’s the whole point; I am not a belonging. I’m just choosing to leave your side.”