“Are you sure talking to them is a good idea?” Sir Bright asked Wolverine, nervousness seeping through his voice. “When that coyote attacked, they were the only ones not ready to back you up.”
Cheetara snorted. “Sir Bright had to show a little of his true power just to keep Lady Feathers from interfering in the fight.”
Lady Feathers huffed. “A missed opportunity, I say! Hmph!”
Wolverine sighed. The things he did to protect Best Buddy’s great land. After hopping over the fence, they reached the moos.
A moo turned to look at him, utter disregard in its eyes. The horned moo, Wolverine knew was the pack leader, grazed on the far side of the field. They continued forward until finding who Wolverine searched for. A calf ran around cheerily, chasing a colored fly-fly.
“Little Moo,” Wolverine greeted, tipping his head in a nod. The calf turned to him, returning the nod.
“’Ello Woofy, ‘ello Cheetara, Great Bird of Magic, Beakwing,” Little Moo said. “And uhh… And uhhh, who are you two?”
“I am Sir Bright and this is my wife, Lady Feathers.”
“Sir Bright, Lady Feathers. Welcome to our home, I guess.”
“Greetings, Little Moo,” Beakwing said.
“Hi Little Moo,” Cheetara said cheerily. “Have you decided to join us?”
Little Moo stared at them for a bit, tilting his head. “Hmm, you see, Father doesn’t care, but Mother’s a bit… what’s that human word? Skeptical! That’s the one, oh yeah! I still can’t believe you can teach the human language. What are you, Wanda’s secret messenger or something?”
“No, Best Buddy gave me the power somehow,” Wolverine said, his voice filled with the absolute truth and not a drop of uncertainty.
“Father’s amazing, you know,” Cheetara said. “If he sees you training with us, maybe he’ll grant you special powers too.”
Little Moo looked at his pasture, his home. “Well… I have nothing better to do. Let’s go ask Mother if it’s okay that I become a disciple or whatever.”
“Master Nate should consider getting an animal evolution array,” Lady Feathers said offhandedly.
“A what now?” Sir Bright asked.
“Never mind,” Lady Feathers said. “It’s something I heard him mutter to himself. It sounds like something that could power us, perhaps turn some of these mortal beasts into spirit or magical beasts.”
Wolverine spared the elicrone a small glance, then noticed Mazu from a distance, staring at the tasties.
“I’ll be back,” Wolverine said. He summoned the winds of fate and sped off, appearing in front of the golden fox in a matter of seconds. “The tasties are off limits.”
“I know, I know,” Mazu said. “There’s an annoying saying about a fox in a hen house. I stare at the coop in defiance.”
“Defiance?” Wolverine asked, curious.
He stared at the wolf cub for a bit, before nodding. “Many sunlight wolves really do end up as wise wolves, legends of them guiding humanity to freedom, providing them with the power to push back the darkness. When the sunlight clan vanished, repositioned by the heavens, it is said that humanity wept until they were forced to move on, their memories wiped. Yet Sir Nate is defying the heavens by taking you in as his own. That human… he’s strange. I have never come across anyone with his mannerisms. He’s never experienced war, the terrible wreckage of a bandit raid, darkness swallowing all that he loves, beast rampages, or even the true dark side of humanoid beings when it comes to pillaging. Someone like that would be ripe for recruitment and abuse.” Mazu sighed. “Even you’ve seen more destruction than he has, haven’t you, little wolf?”
“I do not know,” Wolverine said. “Best Buddy’s origins matter not to me. I’m just happy that he’s around.”
Mazu started walking toward the forest. “Fair enough. Give my regards to the others, especially Cheetara. You and she are going to be incredible one day. I’m just happy to witness it, my terrifying predicament aside.”
“Terrifying predicament? What’s wrong?” Wolverine asked.
“I can feel the wrath of my master,” Mazu said.
“The boy? He seems nice to me?” Wolverine said, his voice confused. “He played fetch too.”
“No, not Alexander,” the fox assured. “Alexander’s another massive headache I’m too tired to think about. My master is one of the most powerful witches in the Kingdom of Cremlin. She’s still furious about Alexander running away. I think she somehow convinced the War King to lead a search party. I just hope they don’t pour in too many resources. Alexander’s a very bright kid for his age, but my master’s want for him is more for the ritual than as his mother. For that reason, I cannot condemn the kid for leaving.”
“Ritual?” Wolverine asked. He did his best to look like a proud wolf. “Well, he’s safe under Best Buddy’s protection.”
“I must agree,” Mazu said, nodding. “I’ve never felt saint aura this powerful. It still lingers in the forest, providing heavenly energy to its inhabitants. I’m on my way to watch a bit. I’d hunt if the humans hadn’t fed me earlier.”
“If you weren’t hungry, then why were you watching the tasties?” Wolverine asked.
“Training,” Mazu said. “In order to separate my mind and spirit from that of a lowly mortal fox, I must fight my instincts. Of course, I’ve done this for decades now.” He grinned or something resembling it for a fox. “I’m only honing the edges of my blade.” He started toward the forest. “If you’re interested, I could train you. You’re a genius, but you’re also sloppy due to youth.”
Wolverine thought for a second. “Perhaps.” He turned to the others. “But not right now. Maybe you should consider becoming a disciple of Best Buddy’s?”
“I’m an elder, remember?” Mazu asked.
Wolverine turned back to him. “An elder… Will you train the others too?”
“Perhaps with proper mana control,” Mazu said, “but as for fighting like us, only Cheetara could benefit from that. Even then, she’s a cat. She’ll come up with her own styles soon.”
Wolverine thought on the fox’s words as he retreated into the forest. The sunlight wolf knew there was only so much he could do on his own. Beakwing taught him a few tricks to controlling his mana, but the young sunlight wolf only grasped the surface of what the energy was about. Not to mention his own mysterious abilities and affinities to the winds of fate.
He didn’t know how he even learned of such a thing; however, something about Mazu’s earlier words resonated with him. Sunlight wolves were considered wise wolves to the ancient humans, even protectors of some sort? To think they were always intertwined in a mysterious destiny only made Wolverine more excited. What else could he uncover from their past? He didn’t remember much about his old pack nor parents, just waking up in the arms of someone that radiated love and incredible mana.
Deciding to put the matter aside for now, Wolverine hurried over to the others that awaited him, eager to recruit Little Moo. Disciple Little Moo sounded better, anyway. Sir Bright and Lady Feathers weren’t interested in discipleship, but they did offer helpful advice that even Beakwing approved, so that was good enough for the sunlight wolf.
“Are you okay, Big Brother Woofy?” Cheetara asked.
“I am,” Wolverine said. “Just had to make sure the fox wasn’t trying to eat the tasties. Mazu’s an elder and wants to train everyone. What do you think?”
[Apprentice Ranking System. Detecting apprentices… 4.]
[Harmony Rue, Mandi Wingston, Lucas Fireborn, Alexander Demonblade.]
[For every approved feat your apprentices accomplish, they will be awarded contribution points. They will see the prompts and know this is possible by the MMABS. You can only personally give them up to 2 points per week. The system will decline any attempt to just give them away for free; however, you will be responsible for most of the rewards. Every reward you give will generate spirit coins with a 1% chance of generating heavenly spirit coins if the situation is great enough.]
[Harmony Rue. Magician rank: 6th realm of the Novice. Apprentice rank: S. Points: 0.
Mandi Wingston. Mortal. Apprentice rank: S. Points: 0.
Lucas Fireborn. Magician rank: 8th realm of the Beginnings. Apprentice rank: A. Points: 0.
Alexander Demonblade. Magician rank: sealed. Untrained. Apprentice rank: S. Points: 0.]
There was a lot to digest here. First of all, passive income! Fuck yes, I’d take that. A chance to earn heavenly spirit coins. Double yes! A one percent chance wasn’t amazing, but it beat having no chance to obtain any like before.
What caught my attention next was the difference in power between Harmony and the others. It made sense with the impossible boost I miraculously gave her. To think she blasted into the next realm only confirmed the revelation of the girl being a genius. Realms were likely not everything to one’s abilities, but it did make me understand better why they stood no chance against the Crimson Sect breakaways. But… how the hell was Cheetara lightyears stronger than them?
I needed this situation resolved, so I hurried outside and analyzed the kitten from afar.
[Ally analysis.]
[Cheetara. S-ranked special spirit beast.]
Special spirit beast? Yes!
This stood as a stark reminder of how terrifyingly strong S-ranked creatures were. It was easy for me to take them for granted, as the system dumped me into the frying pan before I was truly ready.
I already knew Wolverine held an S-rank, as well as Beakwing due to actually fighting the big griffin.
Taking a moment to observe the apprentices’ surprised faces over the prompts, I returned to the lab. They’d come to me after sorting everything themselves and discussing amongst each other. Lucas was likely about to get the training session of his life. Harmony wouldn’t allow him to fall behind.
Seeing their ranks did revise my plans to let them face the C-rank dungeon boss. They simply weren’t ready. Since they did work well together at taking down C-rank monsters, I’d at least let them attempt the boss of a D-ranked dungeon. The kid, Alexander, needed to undergo basic training, which I’d do myself instead of bugging Milia with it. Maybe school too? Nah, I think messing with Yomi like that was going too far.
Speaking of my fiancée, she emerged from upstairs right in time for me to tell her that much. The words didn’t make it out of my mouth, due to her being overly excited and pulling me upstairs.
“Come! You have to try it on,” she said.
If not for her words, that would’ve given the smug-smiling teenagers the wrong impressions.
Alexander was at least on my side, shaking his head and saying, “You youngsters and minds that always think about rocking the boat.”
I wasn’t sure if that went over their heads, but I strained to keep from laughing.
“It doesn’t bode well hearing those words coming from a little kid,” Harmony said, though she still glanced our way once more.
“I hope my apprentices aren’t slacking,” I said. “Customers will be here soon.”
Thankfully they gained the ability to make higher quality potions, which would no doubt please the budget crowd. I’d still raise the prices of any of their ‘premium’ quality potions accordingly, but for now, better quality from the apprentices at the same price would make the shop look better.
Speaking of which, the upgrade did more than increase the building’s size. The bricks and materials gave off a sturdier vibe. Not anything too impressive, given the F-ranked nature, but every step felt more reassuring somehow. Like switching from basic wood to super wood.
Milia’s office looked like a sewing shop, only with aura in the air, like the power of the forest and of… divinity?
I looked at her.
“You’re the one that did it,” she said. “Whatever you bought from the cube drastically enhanced the aura of the room. Before, I only had a small amount circulating the room order to assist with enhancing anything I made.”
I glanced at the outfit on the table and then at her.
“Holy moly, did you make that? Why hadn’t you told me you were this skilled?”
“You like it?” she asked, eyes glowing with hope.
“Absolutely love it,” I said truthfully. If it were someone else, I would’ve doubted they made the outfit and cheated with a commercial grade machine or something. No wonder it took her so long. The outfit radiated enough invisible aura to power a city, or at least it felt like that.
Black pants, a tie, a gray button up shirt that looked as if it belonged to a noble. It even came with noble’s gloves and black shoes.
[*Loved Potion Maker’s Suit. Crafter: Milia Ofrey Emerald Starbreather. Item rank: S. Item quality: Extraordinary. In addition to high defenses, you may activate a special shield for one-time use capable of blocking the strike of even a King-realm magician, even higher if you overcharge it. However, overcharging it will require the crafter to repair the suit.]
I recalled the magician rankings to refamiliarize myself.
[Mana core realms consist of: Mortal, Beginnings, Novice, Initiates, Adjusting, Midcore, Highcore, Lesser Dragon, Saint, Higher Dragon, King, Emperor, Master Magician.]
[Dense gold core realms are: Crystal Saint, Divine Dragon, Crystal Divine Master Magician, Warlock, Arch Magician, Divine Arch Magician, Universe Roamer.]
“Go ahead, try it on!” she said, covering her eyes, though obviously peeking through the cracks between her fingers.
I stared blankly at the amused dryad, but knowing the teenagers were downstairs, decided to put one component on at a time, starting with the shirt. This was my fiancée, so I took off my shirt at a normal pace, unbothered at being stared at. Or so I started to, but she blushed heavily.
“Wait! I’d better help the others downstairs,” she said, hurrying out the door. “There is no way I’d be able to sleep tonight if I ogle you like some teenaged girl.”
I couldn’t help but be amused myself at what was essentially a real life Uno reverse card. I guessed even divine beings had limits. You learned something new every day.
After dressing, I joined the others downstairs.
“Check it out,” I said. “Milia made the entire suit!”
Chenzu, who walked inside, nodded. “This is no doubt S-ranked levels of skill. I can see why it took you so bloody long to make this.”
“This is seriously amazing, Milia,” Harmony said in awe, getting a bit too close as she inspected my outfit.
“You three aren’t getting out of this. I’m working on your wardrobes, too,” Milia said. “Why do you think I took your measurements the other week? Alexander, you’re next.” She glared at Chenzu. “Normally I’d make you pay for yours, but as Nate’s friend, I’ll let you off this once.”
Chenzu glared at her briefly, before shaking his head, chuckling. “You still have my thanks. Your fiery terror will not make me decline a free amazing gift.”
“Are you going to customize every outfit for a customer?” Harmony asked.
“No, I’ll make a bunch of general sizes, ranging from small to robust,” Milia replied. “The prices will be manageable, though still high. I’m going to make as many S-ranked wardrobe items as possible. After we rank up the town, of course.”
I sighed. “That’s true. Any news from your father, Harmony?”
The blue-haired teenager solemnly shook her head, which probably meant we’d have to consider making the trip.
Later, after a good sales morning, which included potions and all the candy, I closed the shop. The afternoon was somewhat cool, a sign of the approaching fall, and now felt like a great time for some training. Hearing the voice of the twerp, I glanced at the walkway leading to our farm to see the hero’s party approaching. They were dressed in Kyushu clothing, walking at a relaxed pace, and were right on time to assist with training. Ronica totally didn’t convince them to come over here during lunch time.
To my surprise, they were carrying containers. Judging by the savory smell, spices, and Wolverine’s excitement, the blasted hero’s party were actually bringing food this time.
“I sure hope you don’t mind setting up the outdoor tables,” Ronica said. The petite woman of twenty years carried the smallest number of things, unsurprisingly, but the look in her eyes revealed pure hunger. Thank fuck I didn’t start preparing lunch yet. Training could wait. There was nothing better than free food and wine.
Ramon was the only one of the party not present, as usual. His unease around me ever since our battle still hadn’t subsided. I didn’t care for the guy, so leaving it like that was fine with me. Perhaps one day we’d set our differences aside, long after I forgot how rudely he banged on my door, threatening to destroy everything I built. No, I no longer held that against him. He was actually changing as a person, even if it did take a kick in the ass to get it done. His early manners did reveal the reason why parents should never spoil their children. At least on purpose.
“Well, well, it’s about time you’ve arranged something for once, twerp,” I said to Ronica.
Ronica placed her hands on her hips. “And how do you know it’s my idea? It could’ve been Maxus or Kelvin, dropping their boring, mannish personas to be softies.”
“Your eyes look as if they want to devour the food you brought,” I said simply, causing the short woman to glare at me. Then she relented with a sigh.
“The restaurant took forever to make everything,” Ronica said, “but treating everyone to lunch as an excuse to come over and play felt right.”
“Even she can stop being a child every now and then,” Kelvin quipped, dodging the small pink lightning bolt that hit the ground. He laughed. “Careful now, we don’t want to blow away our meal.”
“I, for one, do not believe in saying no to free food,” Chenzu said as if mirroring my thoughts.
Milia and I laughed. Even Alexander cracked a smile, petting his pet fox.
“Lucas, Nate, Maxus, be gentlemen and grab the tables,” Milia asked. “You were thoughtful enough to bring the really expensive vegetable dishes.”
Iris nodded. “They’re so delicious.”
Milia nodded in agreement. “They truly are.”
“Of course, after the meal, you guys get to help us train the apprentices,” I said.
“That sounds like fun!” Ronica said, then smashed a fist against her palm. “I won’t go easy on you, so work hard. If you impress me, I may even teach you a technique.”
She looked right at Harmony. The blue-haired girl smiled.
