Wild Era 3, Ch 15: Sandren

A bit over a day later, Kelin dropped Yao and Naomi off at the guild to resume their normal training.

They were over the moon with their new soul bonds and the quiet voices of their elementals, which they were able to hear now.

It made him smile.

“Remember that these soul bonds are a mark of our lineage as mages,” he said. “We might as well call it the Soulfire Lineage for now, but I’ll have to think about whether or not there’s a better name. That one at least matches the enchantment patterns I created and gave to you.”

He’d named the school of enchanting he’d designed Soulfire Enchanting, so using it again would keep things simple. Between that and the elementals, it was plenty to create the foundation for a school.

Maybe he should call it the Soulfire Sect, which was the term some worlds liked to use for their schools, but with only three people so far, it wasn’t exactly large enough to deserve the name.

The Irian Mage’s College had hosted a number of different lineages and schools inside of it, some of which had only had a few people, so at least his was in good company.

“Keep practicing,” he added. “Work on your abilities and soul bonds. The guild will probably let you choose a specialization in a couple of weeks now, once they finish covering the basics. Since I’ve approved your initial class choices, it will speed things up. They would have spent longer helping you to decide on one otherwise.”

The guild would have no issue with them becoming a Lightning Mage and Fire Mage. They were normal choices.

With these soul bonds and their upcoming class specializations, he expected that their affinities for Lightning and Fire would leap from High to Special shortly, and that the blessing the sovereign had given them would start to show itself as physiques.

At that point, the guild would devote more attention to them as prodigies and the bodyguards would become permanent due to their potential.

The advantage of their elementals would show itself quickly and the slow leveling wouldn’t be a problem, at least not for the first couple of hundred levels.

It was easy for Kelin or the guild to provide monster cores at Level 200 or even a bit higher. They were reasonably priced and could power the training rooms for a long time. Even if they needed hundreds of them, it wasn’t a problem.

All of that extra training would also help them to strengthen their abilities and give them a better chance to maximize their foundation before each Evolution, which meant the doubled experience requirements would end up as a blessing.

After a few other words of advice, he left them to their practice and headed toward the guild desk.

Jesra was at the desk this time, so he stopped by to discuss the academy plans for her. He also handed her a memory crystal that he’d recorded the night before.

“This is the foundational design for the wards,” he said. “It will require twelve Fourth Evolution ward cores from the guild shop. They’re about 10,000 gold each, but I’ll stop by the guild shop after this and get them. The builders only need to create the structures to hold them. I’ll handle the installation and key recognition patterns. ”

Fourth Evolution artifacts were expensive, but fortunately ward cores were a standard production, so they were easy to find through the guild channels. They were used for almost every guild building.

If he’d been hiring the guild to create custom ward cores, it would have been even more expensive, but he was able to modify them himself, even if it was difficult at his current level.

Three cores were enough for the most basic of protections and Third Evolution ones would have worked, but there was no way he would use something as weak as that to protect his academy.

He had over 70,000 gold on him, as well as quite a bit of loot from the last two dungeons, including the entire corpse of that mirror snake. 

It would be enough to cover the cost or at least close.

These cores were the primary requirements for the entire defensive plan he had for the academy and the bulk of the cost. 

They weren’t sentient ward cores with an artifact spirit of their own, but they had the capability to support one in the future, if he ever added it, and they were still very good, with broad recognition patterns and high durability. 

They only required some supporting structures and rune connections in order to form a series of layered protections throughout the academy that would rival the guild hall.

Four of them was enough for a single powerful ward layer, as well as internal monitoring and defenses, similar to what the guild hall had.

Twelve was enough for three interlocking layers.

The protection that offered was far better, since those layers could bear the brunt of an attack in rotation, improving the defensive ability by closer to nine times instead of three.

They could also carry out multiple angles of attack and defense, with one or more of the cores managing each aspect.

It would add flexibility and speed to the defenses.

Once they were up, nothing below the Fourth Evolution would scratch the academy. Even if someone at that Evolution tried to attack it, the defenses would endure indefinitely as long as they were able to draw on enough ambient mana and elemental energy.

Only a Fifth Evolution enemy with the full force of a Law and domain would be able to take them down quickly.

The academy would protect the students from almost everything local and it would double as his private home, so the expenditure was more than reasonable. 

He fully intended to set up a long-distance teleportation node so he could return from other worlds, as well as crafting and training halls for his personal use.

“I’ll take care of it,” Jesra promised as she stored the ward design away. “Speaking of the academy, those three mercenary captains of yours dropped by while you were gone. They want to know if they can become guard teams for it or at least send some of their people to help. They said they aren’t asking for everyone to go, but they would like an easier job for some of their members.”

“Interesting,” Kelin said, considering the idea. “That could be helpful, since guards will be needed to maintain the local security and protect the students.”

There were always wandering monsters and sometimes bandits. There were also those nearby dungeons to consider, which ranged from Levels 40 to 160.

He tapped his fingers on the counter as he came to a decision. 

With the extra funding from the local nobles, there was enough income to handle the extra salaries. It would be a good way to use the manpower.

“Go ahead and divert some, however many you think are needed. It can be a second path for them besides dungeon delving. They can help with the construction and provide security for the workers. Have them clear the local dungeons and keep an eye on them too. 

“Set up a pay schedule and a list of their responsibilities. I’ll review it, but you can base it on standard guild expectations for private security contracts.

“Other than that,” he continued, “are they making any progress in adjusting to the guild as regular adventurers, rather than just repeating the same dungeons over and over?”

They were still running the Verasun dungeons and he’d told Jesra to give them most of the rewards, so hopefully some changes had started taking place.

“A few have chosen to retire,” she said, “but most of them are taking it slowly and watching to see what happens first. No significant changes yet besides that they’re doing the same thing and keeping more of the profit. This interest in the academy is the first significant change. I think they want to keep you as a patron, even if they decide to leave adventuring.”

“Give it a little time,” Kelin said, nodding. “They’ll find their path. And let me know when the ward cores are ready for installation, once the foundations are in place.”

It would take some effort to set them up himself, but he could tap into spatial crystals for the necessary energy. Between that and his high Spatial affinity, he would manage.

“Will do,” Jesra agreed. “The orphanage funding is in progress too. We’ve started to purchase the nearby buildings and have come up with an improvement plan to rebuild and expand the original. Arcolen hasn’t given us any issues so far. He seems glad to be rid of it. He’s been advertising his support for the changes and letting everyone know that he contributed, which is getting him some positive attention, but it’s also smoothing things out.”

“Good enough,” Kelin said. “Let him share in some of the recognition if it will keep him happy, but only as a backer, not with a controlling interest. Let me know if he tries anything and keep me posted on other news.”

With that, he thanked her and headed off to the guild shop to pick up the ward cores.

It cut his funds down to the bone, but he managed it by selling off the loot from the last two dungeons and some old things he’d been saving, like the Rare-tier Water and Wood elemental orbs he’d originally planned to give Yao and Naomi. 

After the sovereign’s gift of better versions, they no longer needed them.

He made a few other purchases as well, including some Second Evolution materials that he could use to upgrade his clothing.

It left him with just over a thousand gold on hand, but that was enough for the day to day. A month ago, it would have seemed like a lot, but his demand for resources was growing even faster than his level.

After that, he headed out into the city, where he browsed through the local restaurants and gathered some more food and supplies, mostly things to make travel more pleasant.

He was planning to leave the city for a while, so he might as well stock up.

Spending time with the kids had been fun and they were set on a good path. He would help them along the way, but he had given them the necessary inheritances. If they had to, they were capable of training on their own to Level 400 or higher. 

The only thing they hadn’t decided on was a subclass, but he was confident they would pick something useful. 

Hopefully, the guild bodyguards would be enough to keep them safe, but there were some undercurrents of politics on the council that he needed to keep an eye on. 

Hugo Whitestar and his allies had been terrified of Sleset, but that was no guarantee they would act as they should.

If Kelin disappeared and something happened to the kids, he was sure Sleset would come by eventually and kill everyone involved, but if they died it would be too late for regret.

That meant he needed to get back to work. Before he left, however, there was still one thing to do.

When he was finished shopping, he turned toward a cafe near the center of town, in one of the wealthier and more fashionable areas. 

Sandren was waiting there.

It didn’t take him long to arrive and when he did, he found her sitting outside at a neatly appointed table covered with a white linen cloth. Silver utensils and crystal goblets sat beside porcelain dishes.

“They timed it pretty well once I told them you were on the way,” she said with a laugh as she waved at the table. “A few spells and some administrative skills make sure everything is arranged just right. I wanted to try the tea and cakes here, so I ordered a few different things.”

“I appreciate your love of food,” Kelin said as he grinned at her. “It makes life more interesting.”

“As if you don’t do the same,” she said, smiling. “I saw how you stocked up before heading out of town the last time and I bet you just did it again.”

“If I denied that, I’d be lying,” Kelin agreed. “It’s the little things that fill the days with meaning. If they’re here to enjoy, why not?”

They had a pleasant meal together as they got caught up on recent events, but at the end of the meal, Sandren tilted her head.

“There’s something I wanted to mention,” she said hesitantly. “Especially since I know you’re heading out again.”

“What is it?” Kelin asked, feeling a moment of concern, but he had a guess what she was about to say. 

“I’m thinking of returning to the army,” she said, her words steady. “I’ve spent a while here on Lareth and your insane rise through the levels is showing me just how much time I’ve been wasting. I never wanted to stagnate, but it feels like that’s what I’ve been doing.”

She glanced at him, shaking her head.

“Look at you, you’re already Level 180. I’ve barely made any progress since we met. You were Level 12 or something and I was Level 224. That gap has almost closed in just a couple of months.”

Kelin was silent for a moment, but then he placed his hand on top of Sandren’s on the table.

“Don’t leave yet,” he said seriously. “If you want to rise in levels, wait a little for me. We can run dungeons together.”

“I don’t want to rely on you,” she said, shaking her head. “You’re a prodigy, even if you are...who you are. I only see one way that will go: you’ll end up pulling me along with you and then you’ll have to slow down for me. Just like your friends. We aren’t you and our abilities can’t keep up with you. You rise too quickly.”

She sighed.

“I don’t mean this badly, but trying to rise to your level is likely to get me and them all killed, or it will just mean that you have to babysit us the entire time, as insane as that sounds when you’re still forty or more levels lower than me. Wouldn’t it be better for us all to proceed at our own pace? 

“For me, that means going back to the army and to the battles I’m trained to fight. For you, it means pushing yourself until you outgrow Lareth and seek new horizons. But for now, there’s still a lot for you to do here, things that I can’t get involved in as part of the guild. 

“I see where your path is leading you, but I can’t interfere with Sarathia or even smaller areas. I can only stay here and do my duty or leave. This policing of small world politics and criminals has been interesting and it’s opened my eyes to a few things, but it hasn’t been that good for my level. 

“There are dozens of Chaos Gates out there. With the right assignments, I’ll level quickly enough, but in my own way and with the Army’s support. It will be dangerous, but no more than dungeon delving unless a battle goes wrong. You know how powerful the army is and who stands behind it. The sovereign doesn’t spend our lives easily.”

She pulled her hand out from his and placed it on top instead.

“That way I will have my own pride and not just feel like I’m following you. You are a legend who is worthy of being followed, but it is not what I want to do in my life. At least, not until we’re both at a higher level.”

Kelin looked down at her hand and then up into her eyes.

“You’re looking more into the future than I am,” he said ruefully. “I understand all of what you’ve said. I was hoping you would stay anyway. I didn’t think we’d be having a conversation like this so soon.”

He’d figured it would happen eventually, but not for another hundred levels. He held her gaze as he continued to speak.

“If leaving is what you think you need to do, I will only say that I wish things were different. You are one of the best parts of this world and you have a truly golden heart. I didn’t expect to meet you here, and once I did, I didn’t think I would be saying goodbye.”

Sandren let out a sigh of relief as she set her other hand on top of his on the table. It took both of them to cover his own. It was odd to see how delicate her hands looked resting there with perfect nails and clear skin, not at all like the warrior she was.

“I’ll still be here for a little while,” she said, “or however long the guild decides. I suppose it could be tomorrow just as much as a few months from now. It depends when they decide to transfer me. But I’ll make sure all the other captains know about you, as much as they need to, and that they watch over your apprentices. Commander Yaslen’s edict will do more for that than I can, but I’ll add my part.”

“It is not all duty, is it?” he asked, smiling despite the pang he felt. “They will miss you too. You’ve been their anchor at the guild.”

“They are good kids,” she agreed. “I won’t forget them. At least Jesra will still be there for them at the guild. They’ve seen her even more than me.”

Kelin was silent again as he considered what he could do to help her, but he had no great gifts to  give in this life. Most of what he’d earned, he’d already given to his apprentices.

Eventually, he took out a handful of talismans and set them on the table along with a small mistwood box. It was the same box that had held the elemental orbs. It was a Rare-grade dungeon item, finely made and elegant.

He also took out one of the old sandfire rubies he had in his storage and a spare silver necklace. With a few swift spells, he fused the ruby and the necklace together. 

He carved a few runes on it, only his name and hers, and then he set it into the box with the talismans.

“If you’re able to stay for a while, I will make you something better,” he promised, “but for now, take these as a memory. That way, if you leave tomorrow, at least you have something to remember me by. Something that will remind you to look for me again when you feel ready.”

A faint tear touched the edge of Sandren’s eyes as she looked down at the box. 

“I didn’t want this to be too drawn out,” she said softly. “I didn’t bring a gift.”

She paused for a moment and then she pulled a silver ring off her finger. It was engraved with a pattern of subtle ocean waves and the surface changed between silver and a deep blue like ocean, depending on how the light struck it.  

She set it in the palm of Kelin’s hand.  

“I’ve worn this ring for over a hundred years,” she said. “It’s nothing powerful, just something I always liked. It’s barely able to keep itself together, so the battlefield is no place for it. You keep it now.”

Kelin looked down at the ring. He could feel the weak repair enchantment on it, as well as the stress in the silver it was made from. She was right that it wouldn’t take much more.

Despite her words, she’d obviously worn it in many battles. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have been damaged.

“Don’t repair it,” she added softly. “I told myself that as long as it lasted, I’d stay on Lareth. This is good enough.”

Kelin closed his hand around the ring.

“Let’s take one last walk around town,” he said finally. “There must be a few places you haven’t been to yet. We can see what they have to offer.”

“Maybe a few,” Sandren agreed as a slight smile appeared. She was blinking back her tears and they’d nearly disappeared. “I suppose that’s as good a way to say farewell as any.”

“The day is yours,” Kelin said as he tucked the ring into his storage. 

He left unsaid the rest of that sentence, which was that if she wished it, many more days could be hers. 

Even if he could convince her to stay, he knew better. 

Everyone made decisions in their life about what they wanted to do and sometimes holding someone back from their idea was the worst thing you could do. 

Fondness would turn to resentment and as the days went on each would be more a struggle than the last. 

What had been good would turn to dust on the wind.

She’d made her choice and all he could do was let her go, but that didn’t mean he would forget. 

He would keep an eye on her through his connections in the guild and try to make sure that she was safe. If she needed him, he would try to be there.

He dismissed the thoughts as he held out his hand. 

“Shall we?” he asked, his smile returning. “Let’s see what Highmist has hidden from you, even after all this time.”

The rest of the day turned to pleasant wandering and bittersweet laughter as food mixed with memory. 

More than ever before, the fragrant spices of Highmist blazed in Kelin’s mind, leaving an indelible impression even on his soul, one that was old enough to have seen endless farewells but young enough to never be content with them.

When evening fell, they returned to the guild and to Sandren’s chambers, where hands and clothing fell where they would.

In the morning, he slipped away to the crafting hall, where he spent the entire day working on a gift for her, something that he hoped would be more useful than the ones he’d given her the night before.

The result was a small silver ring.

He’d designed it after the one she’d left with him, so it had a similar wave pattern engraved on the sides, but this one held a golden light inside from his soulfire, which left it warm and comfortable to the touch.

The enchantments on it were for survival in the Void, where the army often traveled. She was only in her Second Evolution and the Void was deadly to her, so he’d designed it to help.

It had limited mana reserves, barely enough for an hour in perfect conditions, but if she maintained it from her own mana, it would provide warmth and some small healing, as well as an Air Purification spell that would allow her to breathe if there was no air.

He enclosed the ring in a polished wooden box and returned to her room to give it to her, only to find her room empty and all of her things gone.

He stood there for a moment, his hand tightening around the box, and then he let out a breath as he headed down to the front desk, where he asked the clerk on staff what had happened.

Fortunately, it wasn’t Jesra, so his strange mood went unnoticed, as did the way he clenched the box in his hand.

It turned out that she had left two hours after dawn.

Her request to return to the army had been processed the night before, which meant she had received the news as soon as she woke up.

Instead of delaying any longer, she’d left silently.

He thanked the clerk and went back to her room again, searching for a note or anything she’d left behind. Then he did the same at her office, but it was also empty.

In fact, nothing of hers remained anywhere in the guild.

She’d swept it all clear before leaving.

The only thing left was her ring and memories.

He looked down at the ring on his palm and then at the box in his other hand.

“Two hundred years old and you still run off like the wind,” he sighed, shaking his head. “Not even a day to wait?”

He let his own emotions run hot and wild until they wore themselves out and then he shook his head again as he stored her ring away.

He returned to the desk where he gave the gift box to the clerk and paid to have it sent after her, wherever she ended up. 

With teleportation delays, it might take it a while to find her, but it would get there eventually.

Then he left a note for the kids, telling them that he might not be back for a while.

He headed out of the city as the sun set, walking through the gates and onto the wild plains near the river.

As soon as the last light faded from the sky, he turned his eyes to the north and faded into a shadow. He sped across the distance and blurred as he crossed the plains.

Even before Sandren left, he’d already selected a Second Evolution dungeon. It was near the Emerald Coast, which was the closest shore of the Ocean of Storms and the northern border of Celadon. 

He’d planned to invite her to vacation there, where the ocean was wild and the storms had an interesting effect on the culture. 

In between dungeon runs, they could have picked up some interesting local food and tried the wine and fruit. 

Now, he would have to do it alone.

At least it would be a good place to train his resistances.