The Path of the Strongest Mortal, page 18
The carnage began. As soon as the crimson snow touched the ground or the elves, it released its power, freezing everything around it. Each snowflake was powerful enough to kill with its touch alone. Exorcists struggled to fight against it, while the rest of the cultivators dropped like flies.
Only the Exorcists remained on the battlefield. But they faced a worse threat than the snow — Shacks, who soon brought their number down to zero.
The archer finally stopped the Spirit fusion and severed the connection with the airship that had been fueling him this entire time. Jumping to the frost-covered ground, he headed toward the bodies of the Exorcists, while his clones relieved the rest of the fallen of their belongings.
He took another step and then froze in place.
Turning his head to the right, he summoned his bow and created an arrow from fog. The fired projectile pierced through a thick tree trunk, splitting it in half. At the same moment, a frightened elf jumped out from his hiding spot.
“Please, I beg you, don’t!” he cried out. “I didn’t attack you. I tried to dissuade them, but they wouldn’t listen! I’m not your enemy! I’m begging you! I’m the grandson of the gang’s leader. He’s very influential in Darden! If you have mercy on me, he’ll do whatever you want!”
Silvyr wasn’t lying. He was indeed the grandson of the head of the Grays, but he had spent most of his life under his mother’s protection. So, although he was born quite talented, he grew up to be extremely cowardly. So much so that for almost half a century of his life, he couldn’t make himself even hurt a fly.
After his mother died, he came to Darden, where his grandfather learned about his existence. He appreciated his grandson’s talent, so he decided to help him and made him take part in robberies. If he had only known that his grandson’s first raid would end up like this, he would’ve told him to go learn a different trade.
Ignoring his pleas, Shacks teleported next to him, dagger raised and ready to strike. Silvyr yelped and covered his head. He bit his lip and closed his eyes, expecting steel to pierce him, but nothing happened.
Opening his eyes, he saw Kai standing by Shacks and holding his hand.
“Calm down,” he said. “The fight’s over. The guy is telling the truth, and I have plans for him.”
“This improved Will of yours sure can do a lot of things...” Rune’Tan commented.
Shacks narrowed his eyes but slowly lowered his arm.
“Fine, but if you’re wrong...”
“I’m not. Now, tell me, do you possess a lethal weapon, artifact, or technique? In case something goes really wrong?”
“Of course I do!” Shacks smiled, finally coming to his senses. “There’s one thing more terrifying than any Royal-rank technique. You don’t need knowledge of the Forces to use it. Only energy. A lot of energy.”
“That’s just what we need. Don’t worry about energy.” Kai smiled slightly, having just figured out how to quickly find out who in Darden had received the Cloud Abode mark.
Chapter 19
DEALS
In a slum near the port of Darden, four men entered one of the warehouses and were almost immediately surrounded by a group of people. Most noticeable of them were a dozen of peak Exorcists.
The elves looked menacingly at their guests but were in no hurry to do anything. Under their scrutinizing gazes, the four went up to the second floor and found themselves in an office where they were met by a gloomy Elementalist.
“Let go of Silvyr and get out. You’re free to go,” the leader of the Gray Gang hissed.
He had big plans for his grandson, despite his weak character. Satrox didn’t want to lose the boy as he possessed considerable talent by the standards of most Taelians. With it, he still had the opportunity to become an Elementalist.
“Sorry to break it to you, old man, but this isn’t an escort party,” Shacks replied with a cheeky smile. He stood behind Silvyr, arm flung over the boy’s shoulder, and a dagger pointed at his chest.
“You’re ignorant of your boundaries, uncivilized barbarian...” Satrox hissed.
“And you’re the picture-perfect example of a gentleman,” Shacks replied. “Now, these are our conditions. First, you and your people won’t attack us. Not now, not when we leave. Second, you won’t try to take revenge. Neither directly nor indirectly. Third, you’ll share some information with us. If you don’t have it, you’ll start looking for it. In turn, we’ll return the little one safe and sound. Deal?”
“I find it amusing,” the Elementalist chuckled with contempt, “that you come into my house thinking that I won’t take by force what belongs to me… All right, boy, let’s keep playing your little game. What kind of information do you need?”
“We want to know who got the Cloud Abode marks,” Shacks replied.
“That’s valuable information. If they find out that someone’s been pokin’ their noses where they don’t belong, the aristocrats will make sure that you never poke them anywhere again. They won’t have trouble finding out, believe me.”
“Don’t you worry about us. Nobody will know that we’ve been looking. We don’t have plans on letting anyone know about it either.”
“And what do you need it for?”
“None of your business. So, do you agree?”
“Meddling in aristocratic affairs is devil’s work. But fine. I’m in. So... You want a contract?”
“Yes, a contract.” Shacks nodded, and then tossed a rolled sheet of gold-colored paper on the table.
It was the Spiritual Shackle Paper. By writing the conditions and signing it with Will and ki, a cultivator entered a spiritual contract, one of the most dangerous ways of getting assurance from another cultivator. In case one of the clauses was violated or not fulfilled, the guilty party would suffer an attack on their soul.
It was a type of a System oath, created by those developing on the Soul Path. However, it had one big advantage — an entire group could sign it. But there was also a disadvantage — with the right technique and artifacts, a powerful Soul Master could get rid of the Spiritual Shackles and violate the contract. Only Holy Lords could do something like this, but it was too risky even for them. One wrong move and they could die or even lose the ability to cultivate, which, in the opinion of many, was a fate worse than death.
Furthermore, failure to fulfill the oath wasn’t punished by death alone, but also by complete destruction of the Soul Spark, which made rebirth impossible.
Having read all the terms, Satrox nodded.
“Very well,” he muttered. He then poured his Will and ki into the paper and signed, binding himself to the document for the next century. The paper lit up, after which it disintegrated into a shower of sparks that then rushed to Kai, Shacks, Malvur, and Satrox.
“Here’s all the information I have about the chosen ones,” the elf said and threw a scroll to the archer who caught it and handed it to Kai.
Unraveling it, he began to read.
This isn’t enough... he thought, looking at the only two names written on the scroll. There’s no way we can get to them in time...
“There’s one more person,” Satrox added belatedly. “A member of the Shattering Strike Sect. This is the first time they’ve been selected. I don’t know exactly which of the members received it, but I guarantee that it’s one of the students of the first circle. There are only seventy of them.”
“I see.” Kai nodded and put his hands on his friends’ shoulders. “That’ll do just fine.”
With those words, the trio disappeared in a whirlwind of snow and ice.
They reappeared some three miles away from the Gray’s base. Before leaving, Kai had made it snow there using the Cold Void so that he could teleport once they were done. Unfortunately, he couldn’t have placed his teleport point any further since he had two people with him.
“I didn’t know you could do that,” Shacks said, slightly surprised.
“There’s a lot you don’t know,” Kai replied indifferently and shrugged. “Let’s go. Although they won’t attack us, I don’t want to stay here.”
“Agreed.” The archer nodded. “By the way, what would you’ve done if Satrox didn’t have the info? I’m just curious.”
“We would’ve made him help us.”
“You think we would’ve had enough time? There are only ten days left before the marks are activated. Also, is it just me, or did he seem a bit too willing to cooperate?”
“He’s been in this business for quite some time. He probably knows when to fight and when to take a step back,” Kai replied. “As for not having time... No plan’s perfect. Mine included. We got lucky, that’s all. Bear in mind that things can still go south. We only have this person’s location, so it’s too early to talk about success.”
“True.” Shacks grinned. “I was really hoping that you’d surprise me again.”
“There’s still time,” Kai replied and motioned him and Malvur to follow him. “We need a place to stay for the night... Let’s find an inn.”
***
“Silvyr, go to your chambers,” Satrox ordered. “We’ll talk later.”
“Yes, grandfather,” the young elf replied after a moment and bowed. “Thank you.”
Leaning his head on his hand, Satrox watched his grandson leave.
“Well done,” said a male voice as soon as the door closed behind Silvyr. “I thought you’d attack those guys, but you managed to overcome your anger.”
With a smile on his face, Notrix emerged from the old elf’s shadow.
“If not for you, I would’ve finished them off before they had time to enter the office.”
“You underestimate them. Those three aren’t to be messed with,” Notrix said and patted the old man on the shoulder.
“They could be Holy Lords for all I care, I’d still teach them not to mess with me,” Satrox growled. At this point, he was more annoyed by Notrix’s lack of manners than the trio.
Although they were both Elementalists, Notrix was in a position of power, as he was someone working for the government, so Satrox had to obey him. An hour before the trio arrived, the freckled brat appeared in his office with an order that he had to be civil. Satrox was about to tell him to shove that order up his ass when Notrix politely reminded him who he was and what the consequences would be. So, the old elf had no choice but to begrudgingly do as he was told.
“I’m sure you would’ve put up quite a fight... But all for naught, I’m afraid.”
“What?!” Satrox almost jumped out of his chair.
“Do you think they’re stupid enough to come to an Elementalist and demand help without knowing that they can get out with their heads still on their shoulders? I don’t know how or where, but they got hold of a Royal-rank combat artifact. You didn’t seem to feel it, but chills went down my spine when I felt that thing in one of their Rings. To be honest, I’m even a bit glad that the Ring couldn’t hide such power.”
The old man listened, with his mouth half-open, unable to believe what he was hearing.
“What do you mean?”
“Oh, nothing, nothing... I’m just thinking out loud.” Notrix chuckled. His carefree expression suddenly turned serious. “You heard nothing. And I was never here,” he said and put his hands on Satrox’s head. The old elf’s body suddenly grew weak, and his consciousness dimmed. “Sleep. It’s night already,” Notrix whispered, before disappearing into the shadows without a trace.
***
The next day
The noon sun was high in the sky. The trio sat quietly on a bench in the central square, enjoying the pleasant warmth and the salty air.
“Do you think he’ll show up?” Kai asked.
“He’s already here, he’s just taking his sweet time,” Shacks answered.
“Who’re you talking about?” Malvur looked at them.
“A fan of ours.” The archer smiled. “It looks like we’ll have to invite him over, otherwise, our meeting will never take place.”
He got up, walked a few steps, and then turned sharply to the right, looking at one of the buildings. He then raised his hand and waved as if beckoning someone over. This went on for several seconds, after which he finally returned to his place.
“I was wondering what you were doing here... And where I made a mistake?” Notrix asked. Nobody had noticed him appear behind their bench.
“One of the favorite activities of most archers is hunting. And experienced hunters can easily feel someone else’s gaze on themselves,” Shacks replied. “Especially if that someone is very curious and impatient.”
Well, turns out I’m not that good at controlling Shadows. On the other hand, I’m a trained investigator, not a spy... Notrix thought with an absentminded smile.
“You came here as if you knew I was in the city, although I hadn’t bugged you since you came to Darden.”
“He said that we ought to.” Shacks nodded at Kai. “What was it that you said yesterday?”
“Let’s just say that I, too, can dance with the shadows,” he answered.
“Constant vigilance, yeah? Your energy vision has gotten much better,” Rune’Tan commented. “Seeing traces of energy even when they’re so well hidden... It was wise of you to take a closer look...”
“I see...” Notrix said, thinking that Kai possessed some sort of a vision technique that allowed him to see the hidden. “And what do you want?”
“Are you kidding?” Shacks grinned. “That’s our line! Why are you here?”
“I was asked to follow him around.” Notrix pointed at Malvur. “I got bored so I took a stroll...”
“And you’re telling us all this... just like that?” the giant asked, surprised.
“No one said that I can’t. Besides, you figured me out, so there’s no point in hiding. So, I have a proposal for you. Want to make a deal?” He looked at Malvur.
“I’ve already been offered one,” he replied coldly.
“I see. But I offer you my help. In return, all you have to do is take this artifact and keep it with you for some time.”
The elf smiled and gave him a flat, oval item. It was made quite skillfully, and no one but its owner could see its name or properties.
“What does it do?” Malvur asked.
“Shows your location.”
“I refuse.”
“Wait, wait!” Notrix exclaimed, vigorously waving his hands. “Okay, no tracking artifacts but you’ll have to tell me your whereabouts if I ask. Let’s say... no more than five times a year... I heard that you’re looking for those with the mark. I can help you with this or something else. Do we have a deal?”
Malvur looked at Kai.
“It’s your decision. We have no right to interfere,” he answered the silent question. “But if you’re asking for my opinion... Some help wouldn’t hurt.”
“Why do you need such information?” Malvur turned to the elf.
“I’m sorry, but that’s classified. I can only say that we don’t wish you harm.”
“Swear. Swear that you’ll help me. That you’ll be on my side in case someone uses this information against me.”
Malvur was taking a great risk. He was aware that someone — probably Marx — was very interested in him, which was why they had sent a spy to keep an eye on them. Notrix had two options: to make a deal and make his job easier, or... to use his power and still find some leverage over Malvur.
“Maybe we should sign a spiritual contract?” the elf proposed.
“No,” Malvur snapped.
“Okay, okay... We’ll do it your way, big guy.” Notrix sighed and swore the oath.
“You won’t ask about my location five, but two times a year. This contract will be valid until the moment I become an Elementalist. You can’t harm me unless I become your enemy first. Understood?”
“Okay, okay, sheesh...” Notrix sighed even harder. “Is that all? If so, what should I help you with?”
Malvur and Shacks looked at Kai. Notrix did the same.
“We need to get our hands on an artifact within a week.” Kai handed a sheet of paper to Notrix.
Having taken a look at it, the elf looked up in bewilderment.
“You can’t buy this anywhere. It needs to be made from scratch, but it’ll require a master craftsman, someone who’s, at least, at the Holy Lord Stage. And a lot of materials. It sounds unrealistic, but I think I know someone... Though, it’ll cost a lot... And I mean a lot. Even I don’t have that kind of money.”
“That won’t be a problem.” Kai smiled slightly.
Notrix looked at him with a raised eyebrow. Remembering the combat artifact, he calmed down.
“Well, in that case, we can get to it. Oh yes, I almost forgot!” he exclaimed and handed Malvur an ordinary-looking amulet. “Here, take it. This is a communication artifact. That’s how I’ll contact you.”
“I don’t see a system description...” Malvur said. He was skeptical.
“Oh, for the love of...” The elf sighed. “I swear it’s just a communication artifact. Now, come on, let’s sign a contract and get all this boring paperwork over with.”
In the end, it was a win-win situation. Notrix was no longer in danger of losing sight of his target and failing to fulfill his task and Malvur got to dictate just how much of his life would be reported to Marx. Better that than nothing, he wagered.
“Alright, we got a lot of stuff done today,” Shacks said with a smile. “But the real trouble starts tomorrow... If we’re to get into the Shattering Strike Sect, we gotta pass the test. And then...”
“...find the chosen cultivator within the next ten days,” Kai added.
“Won’t be easy,” Malvur commented.
“Wouldn’t have it any other way, pal.” Shacks grinned and smacked his shoulder.
Chapter 20
THE SHATTERING STRIKE SECT
The Shattering Strike Sect was the largest within a radius of a thousand miles and ranked twelfth in the entire kingdom. Its main legacy was the technique after which it was named — the Shattering Strike, suitable for all types of weapons, including one’s own body. It was one of many skills that enhanced attacks, but what made it different from the rest was that it was of better quality and more effective.
