Though generous, Khaos' offer came with many indirect stipulations that could lead to several misconceptions. The most pressing one out of all of them was that others could misconstrue this as Kieran agreeing to an alliance with Advent.
With the display of power present inside his stream and the knowledge of two NPCs of unknown strength, people would undoubtedly think twice before attempting to engage in conflict with Kieran.
However, this also meant that those he allied with would fall under the same umbrella of supposed protection via the grounds of their alliance.
Of course, this was all incorrect.
What existed on the forum was all speculation and assumption as neither Kieran nor the NPCs in his presence hinted that they would make a move.
Some players with higher mental acuity realized that the NPCs had appeared after the battle concluded, which was a sign they would not get involved.
Sadly, the future was a fickle entity. Players couldn't bet on such uncertain odds.
What if Kieran stumbled across unfortunate circumstances that changed the nature of his situation and one of these NPCs, particularly the brutal-looking Scar, decided that it was in his best interest to resolve the conflict for Kieran?
Any player that targeted him would be powerless in that predicament.
Kieran considered all of this which led to him sighing softly and shaking his head. "I understand what you're hinting at here, but I can't save you. I recall what you said before our run."
Concerning Kieran's comment, he referred to Khaos' mention of an information leak. Kieran could tell that Khaos wanted to perhaps borrow his presence to get the source of the leak to cease and desist before the problem became irreparable.
Khaos would be lying if he said Kieran's words didn't hurt his heart quite a bit, but he shook his head. "It's not saving that I ask for. Perhaps…"
As he spoke, Khaos' gaze grew somewhat listless, his words becoming faint. Because of his change in expression, he didn't continue his words.
He inhaled deeply before changing them altogether.
"Consider it an investment into you. Like me investing in a start-up business. All I ask is that you remember me if you ever come across an opportunity like this with extra spots," Khaos said.
Before replying with a yes or no, Kieran analyzed Khaos' expression.
Aside from defeat, Kieran detected another emotion that he couldn't quite put into words. Nevertheless, he liked the presence of that emotion, so he extended his hand.
"Very well. An investment it is. For the inconvenience, I'll buy those particular X-hancers at a 10% markup," Kieran said.
Though he wasn't aware of the leaker's identity, Kieran hoped that they were present for reasons he didn't dare to disclose for the time being.
After ironing out the matters of their deal, Kieran waved for Bastion and the others to follow him. When he brought them to Scar, Kieran introduced them.
"Teacher Scar, my teammates. Teammates, Teacher Scar."
Following the brief introduction, Bastion looked up and blinked wordlessly. "This motherfucker is big…"
After realizing his verbal blunder, Bastion immediately covered his mouth in fright. However, contrary to his fear, Scar laughed in response.
"Not a bad fellow. Though he lacks armor, I can tell he's a resilient being," Scar nodded, faintly praising Bastion.
"ME! Me next! Do me!" Nemean immediately voiced, seeking praise.
Sadly, Scar didn't detect anything particularly special, which was understandable given the low ranking of his class. But surprisingly, Scar didn't demean the teammates of his successor.
"Ah-! An immense room for growth should you find your correct path. While your body may be somewhat lacking, you bear a familiar presence to an old man I know," Scar commented.
"Could you be referring to Lord Veradin?" Kieran interjected with a question.
Scar squinted, wondering if Kieran somehow read his mind. "Damned cheeky brat, what mind games are you playing? How did you know?"
"It was quite easy, I sensed some of Lord Veradin's traits in my teammate. However… as far as being virtuous goes, this guy behind me does not fit that description," Kieran remarked.
After the introductions of Sera and Alice, Kieran asked a question that many thought about.
"So… will you be opening a portal to transport us back?"
"I've cultivated a damned entitled brat. He has two operable and sturdy legs, yet he wants to exploit my presence to make his life convenient," Scar scoffed.
Though he complained, Scar reached out and ripped at the space before him, opening a rough portal. However, a second later, the portal's insides were blanketed by darkness as Zephyr sighed.
"Still the same as when we were young. Always so rough, with not a bit of tenderness in your actions. They're Intermediate Beings, yet you want to give them the bumpiest ride of their life."
After he spoke, the portal stabilized thanks to the darkness as a nearly imperceptible bridge formed inside. "You may walk at your leisure. No need to rush or become uncomfortable."
As he laid eyes upon the situation at hand, Kieran blinked and shook his head while mistakenly asking a question meant to be voiced in his mind.
"Did I pick the wrong path? Perhaps I would have been better off as the Shadow Dancer of this generation…"
Bang!
Kieran was sent flying into the portal as everyone stifled a laugh. Behind him, a disgruntled Scar grumbled, complained, and argued with himself like a madman.
…
After Kieran and Altair relayed the destination to Scar and Zephyr, it wasn't long before the other end of the portal opened up inside Aeredale City, specifically right in front of the building that publicly became known as the Godhand Bazaar in the coming days.
Because he had been preoccupied with his Mythic Class Change, while Altair heard Kieran had become an owner of a Union, he wasn't aware that he possessed a piece of top-notch property.
Once he opened the doors and granted Bastion and the others access, Kieran led them upstairs beyond the unoccupied bottom floors undergoing renovations.
Unlike many other game titles, the renovations weren't instant. They had to be conducted by actual people. Though, because of the Merchant Association's offer, he could request renovations up to a certain degree and it would be free of charge.
However, it had to occur before the building was opened to the public. Once it became a public business, renovations would become costly depending on what needed to be done.
After heading upstairs, Kieran was immediately surprised by the progress of the renovations. Because the workshop area took precedence, all of the workers were tasked with completing this floor first.
Even the smith area had received some remarkable reworks.
Overall, because Mayor Lowe had vouched for him, Kieran received stellar treatment.
But aside from the renovations, what truly caught his eye was Agatha, who was currently engrossed in her actions.
Surrounding her was an unknown number of enchantments, some seeming to be a lesser version of the imprint on Kieran's body.
After picking one up and analyzing it, Kieran found these enchantments were exactly as he assumed. Depending on the intent of the mystic energy inside, it could heighten different aspects of the user.
When she detected movements, Agatha slowed her hand movements and opened her eyes, focusing them on the two presences behind Kieran. "Scar… Zephyr…"
"Agatha," Scar and Zephyr remarked in unison.
As Agatha stood up, the mystical energy somehow continued to be woven, resuming the completion of the incomplete enchantment. "What brings you two here? Well… Scar, I can understand. But you, Zephyr?"
In response, Zephyr merely pointed at his admitted mini-me beside him.
"Ah… so you've chosen a successor as well."
"Speaking of our successors…" Scar muttered.
All of a sudden, an unbearable pressure bore down on Agatha, resulting in her eyes widening a bit. A demonic wolf-like creature bled from Scar's body as his appearance grew ferocious.
"What's the scheme here? Why has my successor been targeted by you and your master? I understand that Isadora sent him on a quest, but why has your master done something strange to him? Depending on your answer… despite our history, you may not walk out of here."
Due to Scar's unbridled anger, his aura leaked throughout the entire city, stifling everyone. The ambient nature of this pressure made it hard for anyone to detect the source.
"Calm down, Scar…" Agatha pleaded, reactively preparing a mystical barrier.
However, Scar pierced his hand forward, crushing the barrier before it could form properly. "I am not here to be reasonable. I'm here to get answers!"
Bastion and the others turned to Kieran, gulping in shock and horror. Regrettably for them, Kieran displayed a dismayed grimace as well.
How could he know that Scar would cause such a scene the moment he stepped foot inside this kingdom?!
Though he wished to help, Kieran couldn't see how he could calm down his teacher. After all, they were on two different echelons.
All of a sudden, Agatha's demeanor transformed, her eyes becoming cold and distant as her hair rose and swayed due to her absurd aura.
Within an instant, the Supreme Ciphers of Eni appeared, spanning from her shoulders down to her wrist.
Soon, a second aura powerful enough to encompass the entire city and beyond appeared.
"You know as well as I do—I am not a helpless little girl. Either be reasonable, or we can level this entire kingdom, I do not care."
After listening to Agatha's headstrong attitude, Kieran stared in awe.
Was this the outcome of two ridiculous powers clashing?!
As the two engaged in a staredown while releasing a crushing pressure, Zephyr walked between them, holding two clusters of incredibly sharp darkness at their throats.
"Surely we can come to an agreement without producing mayhem, right? It'd be ridiculous if we caused the appearance of an Adjudicator… because I would gladly divulge the truth," Zephyr voiced.
The grumble of a feral beast shook the entire building as Scar scoffed and slapped aside Zephyr's hand, reining in his aura.
Not long after, Agatha reciprocated this action, returning to her seemingly harmless appearance.
"Now speak… tell it all," Scar commanded, giving Agatha a cold gaze.
Before she did, however, she looked at Kieran, ultimately deciding to cooperate.
