Drewells976
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Chapter 232 - Epilogue
🕑 Added 2024-05-08 23:14:19 +0000 UTCA/N: This prologue is 3k. It took a while to get the different POVs right.
For the Orange Tier: I'll take the next week off, and be back on Thursday. Sorry for the awkward schedule, it's been a bit of a mess trying to organize my pause in a way that worked for everyone. In another week, it'll be back to normal.
https://www.patreon.com/file?h=103898138&i=18885566
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Seryne forced her palms to lay still on her legs. She had been sitting in the empty hallway for the better part of an hour. Being the one waiting to be summoned was a strange sensation, and not one she enjoyed.
Crimson Moon lend me your strength.
A clerk with a thin goatee opened the door. “Captain Seryne?” He read from his clipboard with a disdainful smile—as if he didn’t remember her name. “The general will receive you now.”
How dare he treat me this way.
Keeping a calm expression, she stood up as Sergeant Makyn walked out the office. The soldier disappeared down the corridor with a terse nod. After everything she had done for him, he didn’t even greet her properly.
I should have left him to rot pushing papers. He let that damn kid escape and made everything go downhill.
The sneering clerk went to sift through a pile of documents without giving her another glance. It was all a ruse. The lowlife must be reveling in her humiliation.
Captain Seryne wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing her squirm. She kept a dignified poise as she approached the oak door. To think she had been ordered to wait outside the secretary’s office, her mother must have been very displeased.
Mother will understand I’m not the one to blame.
She dried her sweaty palms on the pants of her uniform and took a slow breath to calm her racing heart. Everything was fine, the general would see reason. It wasn’t her fault that she was surrounded by incompetent morons.
With an appropriately repentant expression, Seryne stepped inside.
The office was starker than she remembered. The garish trophies the local commander displayed had been replaced with six standards—one more than she remembered. The bright heraldry stained with blood, each belonged to an army her mother had defeated.
Thump!
Her attention snapped to the stately woman behind the desk, deciding the fate of thousands with the stamp of her seal. The decorated blue uniform couldn’t hide the square shoulders and muscled arms. Though she was more than twice her age, not a wrinkle showed on her handsome face.
The general had never forgiven her for taking an administrative profession. Seryne never understood the appeal of risking her life on the frontline like the daughter of some farmers. Her talents were better suited to a command position, where her mind could shine.
“Mother, I—”
“Sit.” She didn’t raise her voice, halt her work or look up, but the word fell with the power of an avalanche. Aryanne hurried to do as instructed, mother never liked to repeat herself.
“How many times do I have to tell you, it’s General Seryne when I’m in uniform?”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. Just stop disappointing me.” She finished signing the documents with a sigh and turned her dark blue eyes on her. “The stunt you pulled will make me the punchline of the northern front.”
“M— ma’am, no one will laugh when we find the hidden realm.”
“I’ve brought two Space warpers in the fourth circle. Do you have any idea how much they cost? Neither could find conclusive evidence of a lesser dimension behind the spatial distortion.” The general poured herself a cup of amber liquor smelling of fiery spices. The drink burned with enough Fire mana to charr the insides of anyone below Yellow, though her mother downed it like water. “Not a single beast appeared since our arrival. Even your so-called ‘summoning chambers’ brought no result.”
Aryanne scratched at the cuticles of her fingers. “That’s impossible, I know what I saw. The extinct species, the ancient enchantments and the portal to another place. A realm is the only logical explanation.”
“Stop dreaming. There is no lesser dimension hidden on the Baquaire Archipelago.” Mother nailed her with a hard gaze. She took out an anti-spy construct from her ruby amulet. A dozen layers of protection sprung around them against eavesdropping, scrying and divination. That device alone could buy a small ship, not to mention the spatial artifact, awarded by the consul in person for her service. “That will be the only story you’ll speak of outside this room.”
“What do you mean, mother?”
“Blessed Moons, use your brain and stop embarrassing yourself. What are the possibilities if the mages didn’t find anything?”
Aryanne bit her lip, speaking slowly not to stutter. “Either there is nothing or… someone has hidden it from us. But that would require a colossal effort. There is no way—”
The general gave her a look full of scorn. “The evidence indeed points to a lesser dimension, enough to warrant preparations. The neighboring kingdoms can’t mobilize the necessary resources to seal a dimension without alerting our informants. A force from the heartlands might, but they could just demand we hand over the archipelago. Given the timing, we can also exclude a natural phenomenon. That means we are dealing with either some ancient safeguard or a powerful sentient entity.”
“How—” Aryanne stopped herself to digest the information. “The enchantments we found were already crumbling. To seal a dimension would require a powerful spirit or demon. The Moons would never allow an outer divinity to intrude, and none of the local divinities have any affinity for Space.”
“You’re thinking too limited. This entity might belong to the lesser realm or the Void, but the details don't concern you.” The general scowled. “Do you know the only thing worse than mobilizing the army for nothing?”
Aryanne lowered her gaze, knowing her mother expected no answer from her.
“It’s having the prize stolen right under your nose. The Merian Republic would become the laughingstock of the continent. And be certain that if you make us look weak to our neighbors, it will be your head on the chopping block. And I don’t mean metaphorically.”
This couldn’t be happening to her. She didn’t deserve this. She had done nothing wrong. “Mother, how could I predict—”
A pressure choked the words in her throat. Aryanne was too scared to even breathe. For a second, she thought she was about to get slapped like a child, then the general retracted her aura.
“I won’t tolerate any more excuses. Now, tell me how you allowed this whole situation to degenerate.”
“I— It was—”
“Speak clearly, you aren’t a child anymore.”
Aryanne gulped, her mind racing for someone else to take the blame. “It was Kai Tylenn who sabotaged the expedition. He has probably been working for a foreign power from the start.”
“You’re blaming a kid? One with only a red profession and no connection outside his masters. I’ve ordered a scryer to look into him, his fate led nowhere. At most, he was the pawn in someone else’s game and he’s now dead in some ditch.”
He had a profession?
“I— Sergeant Makyn. There is no way the kid would have escaped if he had done his job properly.” It was just a passing suspicion, but the man deserved to be punished anyway.
“The soldier has already been interrogated by a truthteller. While he admitted some sympathy for the boy, he followed your orders to the letter and checked the manacles to ensure the kid couldn’t escape.”
The general poured another cup of amber liquor, then pulled out a classified folder from a drawer. “Do you know what this is?”
Hoping the general wouldn’t notice her hands shaking, Aryanne quickly skimmed through the familiar pages. “It’s a report on the spatial readings inside the Veeryd’s site, the last one I compiled.”
“Then tell me why it was left in the ruins. Specifically, in the room belonging to Sergeant Vert. My team found evident signs of an Earth shaper and what must be the basilisk’s carcass.” Her presence hung heavier with each word. “It’s clear you had no idea what was going on under your watch. If you weren’t my blood, I’d have you executed for this level of incompetence.”
No, no, no.
Why couldn’t she see it wasn’t her fault? “Mother—”
The general slammed her fist on the table. “Another word and you’ll be sifting reports for the next fifty years. The commander of the local garrison will be executed for this embarrassment since he put you in charge. You’ll receive a note of demerit and be demoted to a petty officer.”
After destroying any prospects of a future career, the general dismissed her with a wave and went back to stamping orders. “Go tell my secretary you’ll be working under him. I need to find out who sabotaged us. For your sake, I hope they’re equally stumped by the dimension sealing.”
~ ~ ~
Dark clouds crowded the horizon, the subtle smell of a storm brewing was carried by the winds. Lou walked the paved roads of Higharbor to the outer city.
For all the vexing restrictions binding him, the oath also brought advantages. The knowledge and resources to obtain his rare profession were the most obvious, but there were more subtle gains too.
I vow to serve the office of the governor, the high council of Higharbor, and the Baquaire Archipelago as a territory of the Merian Republic…
The deal had been born from a compromise not sanctioned by official channels. There were five pages just to establish the hierarchy of command and exceptions he had to follow. Lou hadn’t entirely understood the implications when he signed it at twelve. It engraved loyalty onto his soul beyond question, the wording was unbreakable when he was following a direct order.
When multiple factions of the Republic bickered and he was left to his own devices, the waters got muddier. His involvement had been easily dismissed. He was free to go with the order not to mention the Vastaire’s investigation again.
While the exchange wasn’t equal, the governor had also bound himself with more than the words of the contract. Neither party would gain anything from exposing their deal. The only way the governor would allow the military to interrogate him was as a corpse.
Lou was under no illusion; he would be made to disappear if he became a liability. Lady Cressida wasn’t someone to be weighed down by past investments if they lost their usefulness.
Cursed spirits! Why didn’t I stay?
Guilt grappled him, a small part of him had hoped he would be discovered and punished. He should have never let Kai out of his sight. When he found no message at their agreed meeting point, he thought it was a temporary delay, an unforeseen holdup.
With each passing day, the logical solution festered in his mind. For all his reckless behavior, Kai wouldn’t disappear without a sign. Was he simply stuck somewhere, unable or too scared to send a message?
His feeble hopes crumbled when Valela brought him the news: the military had used some arcane way to establish that Kai was dead.
Why couldn't you stay out of trouble…
Had Kai known death was likely when he smiled and sent him away? Or had he merely bitten off more than he could chew? If he had truly gotten involved with the Spirits, a myriad of things could have gone wrong. Though it couldn’t be a coincidence that the beast attacks had stopped on the same day.
I’m sorry…
He had sworn to himself he would protect him, and still failed.
Lou stopped in front of a wooden house reminiscent of a time before the Republic. An old building for the standards of Higharbor, still kept in good condition. Privacy enchantments adorned the facade. Not something that people in this neighborhood could commonly afford.
It had taken a while to track Flynn down, the teen had disappeared after Kai had been recruited. He had visited half the pubs in the city before he found someone who recognized the name and was willing to sell him the address for a price.
Lou had never known what to make of Flynn. The boy was easygoing and had also frequented the scholarship program where he fared quite decently. It was unusual he hadn’t looked for employment in the Republic, though it was hardly a unique case.
Still, there was just something about him that told Lou to stay vigilant.
Whatever his personal impressions were, Flynn was the only friend Kai had outside their old group. Valela had insisted on personally meeting Kai’s family to deliver the news. He was ashamed of his relief at not having to face them. The least he could do was inform Flynn.
Steeling his resolve, Lou knocked. The door opened almost immediately as if Flynn had been waiting on the other side.
“Lou?” Flynn gave him a once over, pulling back his messy hair. A bright smile flashed on his face. “I should have known it was you when they told me a big menacing guy was looking for me.”
“I didn’t know how else to contact you.” Lou stared at his feet, not missing the glint of the knife that disappeared up his sleeve. “I needed to talk to you.”
“What’s up?” Flynn leaned with an arm on the doorway. “Sorry if I don’t invite you inside. I’ve just moved in, and this place is still a mess. I should have known. They looked too eager when I asked to rent it.”
He deserves to know.
Lou forced himself to meet the mischievous green eyes. “Kai’s dead.” It was the first time he said it out loud. His eyes stung, forcing him to blink and avert his gaze.
“What?” The smile froze on Flynn’s lips.
“Kai’s dead,” Lou repeated, the meaning sinking in with the weight of a boulder. He couldn’t deny the facts any longer. “I’m sorry, I wish I could explain more—”
“Were you there when he died?” Flynn stared at him unblinking.
“No.”
“Have you seen the body?”
“No, but—”
Flynn held up a hand to stop him. “Trust me. I don’t know how, but he’ll come back.” He regained his grin.
Lou slammed his hand on the door before it could shut. The contract was compelling him to silence, but he squeezed between the cracks. “You don’t know what happened. There is no way he could have survived.”
“And you don’t know Kai like I do.” Flynn snorted up with a furious glare. “He wouldn’t die without letting the world know. It was nice seeing you again. I need to go. Bye.”
The door closed under Lou’s slack-jawed stare.
~~~
A little part of her died when Valela saw the light dim in Alana’s eyes.
“How?” The woman grabbed her hand over the kitchen table with a Strength that defied her grade.
“There was an accident during the expedition. Kai was ambushed by a beast. I’m sorry, he died before the soldiers could get to him. Though I didn’t know him for long, he was an incredible person. I’m sure he will be welcomed among the ranks of the ancestors.” Valela delivered the official story, fighting to keep her voice steady.
That was the only way she had been allowed to communicate the news. The truth was much worse. She had no idea what happened, too busy dealing with the ramifications of the lesser realm he had revealed.
Why are the Spirits so unfair?
The worst part was that even if she could go back, she would have made the same decision. The hidden realm radically altered the future of the archipelago, from a forgotten rock to a strategic location. No matter how much she loathed herself, the fate of her people overshadowed her or any other individual.
They’d need to tread carefully if they ever wanted to see the rule of the islands in the hands of a native. There remained a smidgen of hope because no one had found a way to access the lesser dimension, and the beast attacks had ceased.
“Are you—” A beautiful young woman with pearl earrings tried to hold back her tears, dabbing her cheeks with a handkerchief. Her face puffy as she tried to find her voice, “Are you certain he’s dead?”
“I saw the body. He was beyond the skill of any mortal healer.” That was a break from the official story, but she couldn’t let them hang on to false hopes. Hopefully, this would help them find closure. “If it’s of any comfort, it looked like he had died on the spot. He didn’t suffer.”
“You’re lying!” A girl around her age screamed. She had a pixie cut and a fiery look that said she would have leaped at her if a burly man didn’t hold her back. “Let me go. Now!”
“It’s not her fault, Kea.”
“She’s a liar!” She elbowed her way free and stormed out of the room, slamming the door. A baby started crying in the background, prompting the older sister to get up with a lost look.
The man moved to console Alana, who was sobbing in the chair. Moui, if Valela remembered correctly. She had rushed here so quickly that she hadn’t had time to check their names.
“What grade was it?” He regarded her with a somber look.
Her brows furrowed. “Sorry?”
“What grade was the beast that ambushed Kai.”
Valela shouldn’t have been aware of the details, but she had already gone off script and told them she had been present. Breaking the rules one more time wouldn’t matter. “It was a peak Orange drake near the Heart.”
“I see.” Moui nodded, whispering soothing words to Alana. “Thank you for informing us personally. I know you didn’t have to.”
“It’s nothing.” Understanding she was being dismissed, Valela took out an envelope. Gold couldn’t bring their son back, but it could relieve the problems of the living. For now, that was all she could do. “Please, contact me if you need anything.”
~~~
About two years later.
Inside the chamber of a forgotten ruin, an iridescent portal bubbled into existence. A ragged young man leaped out, landing in a crouch. His gray eyes studied the room, a white crystal sword in his grip.
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End of Book 3
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A/N: See you next Thursday with Book 4, RR will take a break after book 3 is over.
I hope you like the ending. I'll show a little of what happened in the Hidden Sanctuary, but it will only be a few chapters if everything goes to plan. I don't think Kai surviving alone for two years would be very compelling, I think exploring the consequences will be much more interesting.
P.S. I still plan to tweak the second bargain between Kai and Zervathi in the last chapter, but I didn't have the brainpower to go through how every change would affect the future plot. I'll make a post this weekend when I've had time to better define book 4.
Comments
M_Lo
I don't think she was risking to reveal the basilisk. Peak of Orange Drake is probably the second most strongest beast in the jungle
M_Lo
Yeah I third this. Some chapters of Kais adventure inside the hidden realm would be super interesting. If only to see what the hidden realm even is and how it looks
Stephen Pearson
When he was younger, weaker, and pre-Hallowed Intuition he slew an orange drake handily in front of Moui and Kea once Kea annoyed him enough that he felt the need to correct her misunderstanding about his perceived weakness; pretty sure this is a callback to that, actually. Further, Moui is keenly aware of Kai's next-level mana sense, and knows that there is no peak orange beast that would be able to surprise him, much less ambush him - even before hallowed intuition.
Bob Dole
Ahhh it’s a good ending but I need to be less addicted, reading so little at a time is not satisfying
MaliMi
Nice, all loose ends tied up. A little tease, but no cliff. Great ending.
Sam A
Seems like we will shortly get to see Kai reach yellow or he’s already done it!! Looking forward to it!
Silver Beard
A little worried our MC will be hair triggered by now living within the dimensional space. Hopefully he'll be more mature with his mind comments. Still, it's going to be a rough adjustment. Before he was avoid death and escape... now he'll be kill now ask after or just keep killing until there's silence. Not an urban realistic mindset. If he's going to out his 'life'- that will be it.
ManguKing
1. I hope moui is smart enough to see through the lies. 2. Survival in the wilderness is not compelling? Have you not heard of the plethora of TV shows all about men vs nature? I would have paid to read that. Actually I did pay to read that, thus why i am here lol talk to your readers and see how they feel. Think of patreon as the best beta reading system. It is your story, but feedback is a good thing. I recommend you read "taming destiny." It is basicly a kid surviving for a year on an inhabited planet. He does have a means to tame beast, but it is a super appealing story
FrozenSharkey
“and not one she liked.” Replace “liked” with “enjoyed” “Keeping her expression cool” Change to “Keeping a calm expression” “she stood up as Sergeant Makyn walked out of the office” Change to “she stood up just as Sergeant Makyn exited the office” “documents without another glance at her.” Change to “documents without giving her another glance.” “To think she had been made to wait” Replace “made” with “ordered” or “forced” “It was fine, the general” Replace “It” with “Everything” “It wasn’t her fault if incompetent morons surrounded her.” Change to “It wasn’t her fault that she was surrounded by incompetent morons” “The office was starker than she remembered as if the general’s presence wasn’t enough to freeze the seven hells already.” The second half doesn’t mesh well with the first. First half talks about a barren office, which is expanded upon in the next sentence. The second half is about the general’s exuding an overbearing presence able to “freeze the seven hells”, not following up on the “as if” Change to “The office was starker than she remembered.”, deleting the second half, and continuing flow with talking about the office. Move the section describing her presence “as if the general’s presence wasn’t enough to freeze the seven hells already.” somewhere into next paragraph “Her attention snapped to the stately…” “The bright heraldry marked with blood and rips,” Sentence doesn’t flow well. Delete “and rips” OR Change to “The bright, [x] heraldry was [y] with blood,” Insert “fraying” or “tattered” or “ragged” for x (describes ripped state of standard) Insert “littered” or “drenched” or “covered” or “splattered” or “stained” for y (choose amount of blood on flag) “She didn’t raise her voice, halt her work or even look at her,” Using “her” too many times in the sentence. Change to “She didn’t raise her voice, stop working or even look up,” “How many times do I have to tell you I’m General Seryne when I’m in uniform?” Comma after “tell you” and replace first “I’m” with “it’s” “How many times do I have to tell you, it’s General Seryne when I’m in uniform?” “[x] Have you any idea how much” Insert “Do you” at x “Not a single beast appeared since we came here” Change to “Not a single beast has appeared since our arrival” “A realm is the only [x] explanation.” Insert “logical” at x “dealing with [x] some ancient safeguard” Insert “either” “how you allowed this whole situation to degenerate.” Replace “degenerate” with “deteriorate” “you aren’t a child [x].” Insert “anymore” at x “mind racing for someone [x] to take” Insert “else” “the kid could have escaped” Replace “could” with “would” “couldn’t escape and get into trouble” Delete “and get into trouble” “then pulled [x] a classified folder” Insert “out” at x “How couldn’t she see it wasn’t her fault?” Replace “How” with “Why” “you’ll sift reports for the” Replace “sift” with “be sifting” “my secretary you’ll work under him” Replace “work” with “be working” “the subtle smell of a storm [x] carried by the winds.” Insert “brewing was” “was as a body.” Replace “body” with “corpse” “he thought it was [x] a temporary delay” Insert “only” at x “[x] Each passing day, the logical solution” Insert “With” at x “Kai wouldn’t have disappeared” Replace “wouldn’t” with “never would” “Or had he just bitten more than he could chew?” Change to “Or had he merely bitten off more than he could chew?” “protect him, and [x] still failed.” Insert “yet” at x “Lou stopped before a wooden house” Replace “before” with “in front of” Insert Comma after “house” “visited half the pubs of the city” Replace “of” with “in” “address for quite a [x] price” Insert “steep” at x “finally sinking [x] with the” Insert “in” at x “dealing with the ramifications of the news” Change to “dealing with all of the ramifications caused by the news” “was that [x] if she could go back” Insert “even” at x “she would have made the same decision.” Change to “she still would’ve made the same decision.” “They still had any hope at all just because no one had found a way to access the lesser dimension yet, and the beast attacks had ceased.” Change to “The reason there still remained a smidgen of hope was in part due to no one currently being able to access the lesser dimension, as well as the cessation of beast attacks.” “hang on [x] false hopes.” Insert “to” at x “For now[x] , that was all she could do.” Insert “at least” at x
FrozenSharkey
next thursday 16th may, author posted it in Author Notes section
Invalid Entry
I mean he can always siphon the profession xp towards getting yellow. Also whatever it evolves into wouldn’t likely be better than his BASE class he would get at 14 if he removed it.
Claudio Mosconi
When Is next chapter?
George R
Great ending awesome chapter
Mohd Nor Amjad
He was a teenager; 17 years old in first life
David
Can't wait to see his skill upgrades!
AngusSteak
Im a little disappointed that there is only gonna be a few chapters about the realm I rly wanted to see how it worked and If his thoughts about exploring would change now that he has a little experience
The Fergun
Where has he ever been weaker that someone his age in the islands?
Asterio
I nope je doesnt go back to being weaker than everyone else his age. I feel like for someone who was adult once he still thinks like a kid.
Wolve
TFTC, and shit now my Elydes binge comes to an end. Damn cliffhanger-lights!
Wiggles1
Sounds like a skill issue. Should be retroactively available.
Eric M
If he does spend the next two years fighting, no way his profession doesn't evolve, unless he chooses not to do so (does he get a choice?). You have to thing since Mana Child was only allowed to be taken if he was under a certain age, it was designed to evolve into a multitude of excellent options. So it is possible he has a very interesting class, maybe even something accounting for his time in the Hidden Realm.
FrozenSharkey
The temporal reality alteration tier is currently unavailable at this moment
James Faulkner
I’m hoping his profession evolves too, but if it doesn’t then the new options are gonna be absolutely busted lol
Zachary Laydon
Loved the epilogue, keep up the great work!
Gabriel Medeiros
@gorane Nothing in chapter 212 indicates Kai gets XP from killing beasts. It's true that leveling skills seems easier in a dangerous situation, but that's as far as it goes. The XP increases still come from skill increases and learning about magic (domain XP from mana child).
Rick Angros
I would like to learn what happened in hidden realm, but I do not want filler. How and where did he live? What did he practice and what skills increased? Did he find any encampments that had things to help him? What big decisions did he make?
John
So glad you are not covering the full two years in hidden realm. So many authors do this and just drag out a story making it not as great. Thanks for the chapter!!!
Abithy
2 years is a good time skip number
Eric M
I think it’s more that he doesn’t think Kai could be ambushed by a Peak Orange Drake. Maybe something that specialized in stealth, but not a drake, and not with Hallowed Intuitions, which Moui is aware of.
Gabriel Medeiros
Its in the chapter where kai gets interrogated by the truth teller "What circle did they belong to?” Kai furrowed his brows. “What’s a circle?” “It’s one of those ancient traditions that mages like to throw around to complicate things.” Annyl shrugged like she thought it ridiculous. “It means the grade of their highest profession.” Interestingly this seems to indicate ppl can have multiple professions
Gorane
@gabriel i am not sure it is only about professions. Got a vague sorce for that? Regardless, profession grade and race grade will be the same for most people
Apep
He knows that the peak orange beast in the center is not a drake. So he might have a suspicion that the story is fishy. The beast attacks are a state secret after all.
Ricardian
I actually felt that part was pretty unrealstic of Valela, she has seen what Kai can do and knows he has a yellow skill that warns him of danger. She has to assume that his family also knows he has the skill (or at least can't assume they don't know). It feels contrived in order to give the family some hope, I don't see why she couldn't say that the King of the Vyrd killed him.
Austin
Thursday
Random Information
Kai is not at yellow, he's Orange 3 with a red profession. A peak orange beast is a threat to him still.
Random Information
I think contacting Valera would be the right option. She could get him a new identity, and can be informed of problems that will soon arise (e.g. new god on the loose). However maybe she has already left for the continent?
ziv avraham
Next chapter will be next Thursday or Tuesday?
Random Information
Why would he? After all a peak orange beast is still a threat for Kai to take seriously.
Silver Beard
I think fighting above your tier brings exceptions to that rule. Especially 'how' he fights. I think chances are better his profession is so high he doesn't dare drop it. It's like the cube all over. He needed a profession to break the cube b/c of all the extra mind it provided. I doubt his exit from the realm required any less and likely a great more mind than he had when he entered which means his profession is likely in the mid 20's or higher. Best hoping for a grand evolution...
Gorane
@Kyfe the one year till he can speak with the god might get changed as Drew has mentioned he might change their second bargain. Even then, after that one year hr could speak to the god and learn a lot from it.
Silver Beard
He's going to be eventually get into a fight or 3 in the next book; curious to see how they compare to his time in the hidden realm.
Jonathan Timm
Cliff!!!. Wish there was an extra patreon level for chapters you've not written yet
Nurgle
True, I hope he realises that staying dead officially is better than immediately getting the republic on his tail lol.
Silver Beard
The powers think he's dead...better if it stays that way for now. Even Lou or Valera would be a risk. Flynn or the merman...tougher.
Gorane
@gabriel killing beasts will involve magic and danger, both of which will level his skills faster. In chapter 212 it was shown that he gained A LOT of xp for being in danger.
Gabriel Medeiros
circle is not the racial grade. It was explained earlier but i believe circle is something mages use to talk about professions, not race grade
Gabriel Medeiros
Life XP is for folks without a profession. Someone without a profession would get a bonus for kiling beasts. Someone wjth a profession gets XP based on the profession.
Gorane
Neither improvisation nor blessed swimmer are yellow.
Gorane
7 colours of the rainbow
Ole Halvorsen
but why would not Valela think Kai is dead? it would be to mean from her to give them hope if she thinks they that he really is dead.
Wiggles1
Yes. Red, orange, ... violet is how they say it in the islands, a lot of others say 1st circle, 2nd circle, ...7th circle.
Nurgle
I really hope Kai lays low or gets another identity after he exits the sanctuary. He needs to consolidate his strength more before he can be truly free of the slimy Republic.
DagNabItAll
The grades go Red, Orange, Yellow, right?
hello there
Thanks for info about book 4
Game Devil
Don't forget the fact that during the time he was in there the ambient mana in the Archipelago might have increased drastically as the locks on the sanctuary were the thing that was draining it. The rest of the archipelago might have developed more than you think during his absence.
Game Devil
Hah, what I'm looking forward to is all the loot! A hidden sanctuary from ancient times must have some good stuff since he's the first one exploring it. This chapter noted how much the Republic and other powers want it so it more than just some yellow beasts there. Even if it's just a chance to study the remains and all he can learn from it would be epic and probably worth way more than the 10 favor he got from just entering it after all the time it had been locked away.
Game Devil
He'll definitely be Yellow, just look at that +10 Favor he got for only entering the Hidden Sanctuary, that plus killing the basilisk and the workout his skills got in getting things done should give him at least as much as his last xp boost on the expedition did. Not to mention all he learned and experienced in the time skip, surviving in a place full of extinct yellow species and interacting with a tricky spirit skilled in space magic. Probably not ready to interact with the rest of the world outside the archipelago though, he's still too naive in human interaction.
Game Devil
As expected the world is a lot darker than Kai knows, he lucked out with his teachers (at least I hope so, time will tell). Good to know that both Flynn and his parents know he isn't dead. Thanks for the chapter! I'm looking forward to the next book.
Nikolai Beckel
I think all people gain “Life Exp” When they fight beasts, and he’ll also level his skills due to being in greater danger which will further increase exp gain
zeke hustwit
Glad to hear you are going over the second bargain, feels like it’d be fairly easy to get some concessions for saving the god a hundred years of time. It’s either accept my demand, including not holding a grudge/retaliating or good bye 100 years. I still think friendship is the best ask - besides saying something like “if you were in my position, but with your full knowledge and wisdom what would you ask for”
Nikolai Beckel
I have a feeling that she told them it specifically so they would know, because if she’d said that the beast was yellow grade like the basilisk was they would have been more likely to think that he was definitely dead.
zeke hustwit
I think it’s a good thing. Flynn is much more likely to test it and actually figure it out.
Adunn
Heck yeah. Moui definitely know’s he wouldn’t be killed by an orange beast.
Nonie
I don't mind the epilogue. But the first chapter back has to contain a stat summary
Austin
Yes
Malcolm Haynes
Bravo! Brilliant ending. Such a rarity these days that it’s worth celebrating. And so looking forward to see what Kai learned in the realm. I’m hoping he advanced his race and got space and shadow magic!
SkyGold
Thank you for the great arc!
saltyApple
lol my bad. Drewells coming through for me.
Mistfate
I think maybe some flashbacks or stories from his time in there might be interesting, but I am honestly glad that we don’t have to take a painfully long break from the rest kf the world, and hopefully, the other characters
Jedlák
Well if reached yellow rank he could probably level up a few more times without worry, especially with the timeskip, since he definitly gained a lot of stats just from growing up.
Gabriel Medeiros
The irony is that Seryne is correct that it was Kai who led to the changes and confusion. Its nice to see her brought low but Kais situation in the archipelago ia still untenable. If he shows up they certainly will want to interrogate him, if nothing else to ask about the prison break.
Draega
I assume this helps him reach yellow, but if he ends up needing to level his profession for survival it might mess up his plans to drop a class.
SAB
Did you read the closing A/N?
Gabriel Medeiros
i dont think he gains Xp from killing beasts. Hes not a hunter or a warrior.
Gabriel Medeiros
Killing beasts dont garner him any experience. He isnt a hunter or a warrior. He gains experience from grinding skills and doing mana child things.
Xsvimml
I also support the idea of a timeskip, and it’s normal if there are only a couple of chapters about Kai’s life in these two years. It is also very interesting how hidden worlds are worth so much, and what can be found in one that has been hidden for 8 thousand years. Thanks for your creativity!
Disclancer
I hope there where ruins actually, and I'm still semi convinced he's going to learn verbal Vastaire as a magical language.
Gwalmeich
Oh. That's going to be a wee bit chaotic, isn't it?
DaShoe
I love the epilogue. It really wraps up this arc nice and definitely hints for more to come. An idea for the next book, maybe there is a way to evolve it upgrade his profession. That would be a good bargain and prevent the awfulness of switching professions.
Fog Witch, Bringer of Rats
Thank you for the chapter! Can't wait for book 4!
Fog Witch, Bringer of Rats
It's been "about" two years so he might not be Yellow just yet, but close. Maybe the reason he'll finally leave the hidden realm is because he's almost Yellow and wants to do the ritual grade up swim in the sea. Also, he still needs potions to make sure he doesn't go braindead from dropping his profession.
Fog Witch, Bringer of Rats
It's a yellow skill, he'll probably die if he drops it before Yellow, and if he does reach Yellow, he wouldn't have to drop it. Probably Improvisation if he's actually dropping any of his current skills. Herbology is too valuable.
saltyApple
yes
saltyApple
Honestly, I wasn't sold on such a sudden time skip. I wanna know what that other realm was like during those 2 years! Was expecting a training arc. Hopefully we get some more detail.
James Townsend
Uh oh, 2 years of potential fate shenanigans with the heretical toy of Flynn's
Doug Wills
I think he knows. But will probably think the Republic lied to her. And that Kai is dead, but he wasn't killed by an orange beast.
A B
Yeah, good place for a time skip. Pages of him setting up a camp in hidden realm? Eh, could be cool, but I'm more interested in his return.
Rah
Na without social skills he’d be in so much trouble
Rah
But it’s also one of his few yellow skills isn’t it?
Rah
Not a clue :)
Jackson Ragland
Honestly love that you chose to not spend a ton of time in the dimension. Hitting the high notes while keeping the story moving is great 👍
Immutably Empty
I was thinking about this too. I think he'll drop improvisation for the reasons you outlined, but he could also potentially drop blessed swimmer. It's not truly necessary for his build and there may not be large amounts of water for him to swim in within the hidden sanctuary. If so, he wouldn't be able to level swimming up either.
Kyfe
Jumanji!
Kyfe
He has a year locked in the hidden realm before he speaks to the god again. If it were me, he would speed run to Yellow through fighting Yellow beasts and then have 7 new Skills available for switching out. In an ideal world (i.e. what I want to happen, lol) he won't have to get rid of any of his current Skills.
Eric M
Super pumped about Flynn's reaction! I hope more people realize he's all right (edit: except for the guy that posted right before me 😜). Was surprised, but loved Kea's reaction, and Moui definitely knew Valela's story was bs. I think you totally nailed the ending!
Kyfe
"yet" is the key word, lol. My money is on Yellow 2 Star.
Kris Piskorski
I hope it's magical school arc next after he gets his profession changed
Kris Piskorski
Tryly fantastic stuff, I like the idea of not spending the whole next book in isolated realm so that's great but im wondering what's coming next because he pretty much did everything on the archipelago that was worth doing
Dominic French
Have his eyes always been grey
Elle
Skipping yellow, straight to green!
Bombastus
I don't think a Moui PoV is needed... The fact that he asked after the grade of the beast that 'killed' him already shows what he's thinking.
ppbrro
Im imagining kai being like a feral teenager, only wearing rags and mud, but with a really fancy sword and ring lol
The Fergun
Definitely knows
Matthew D
Flynn had a little redemption there. But I still strongly dislike him.
Nick Pincus
I mean I bet he did but I did not see it so it did not happen yet.
James Faulkner
He definitely did lol. He most likely spent 2 years fighting against yellow beasts constantly, that’s an insane amount of exp
Anthony Goh
Fantastic ending to the chapter!
Fleisch
I also agree. While I do want to see snip-picks of the hidden realm, it doesn’t have to be a huge deal.
Fleisch
I think Moui knows Valela was lying. Thoughts?
SAB
This epilogue was very satisfying. The delusional Seryne surviving only due to nepotism is very believable. It's enjoyable to see that the people who know Kai best (Flynn, Moui, Kea) suspect the official story is wrong and that Kai lives. Time-skipping Kai's activities in the Hidden Sanctuary except for a few chapters that summarize or highlight it is an excellent idea. Looking forward to seeing dem gainz.
Gorane
Also since Kai will probably get space magic lessons from the god,the question is, what skill will he replace with space magic? Basically there are two contenders, improvisation and herbology. I think improvisation is the skill that has to go. He doesnt have anyone to talk to that he is capable of fooling do the skill is unlevelable. Meanwhile, if he is trying to survive in nature, herbology is quite useful. He could also specialize it in his lvl 50 to help him with nature magic, making it a semi-support skill for nature magic. Also herbology might be useful since he can do some basic lchemy if he builds himself a base. Also improvisation is much lower skill
Ananiash
Time skip! Finally! Tho I hate waiting... I don't think I have the patience to wait for the next chapter
Ananiash
Moui the best : )
Brandon Lydick
Fucking baller ending, and I thank you deeply for not spending too much time on Kai's isolation. While I'm excited to see all the after shocks when he innevitably bumbles back into civilization
Deinos
Damn nice epilogue, can't wait for him to say The news of my demise were greatly exagerrated, with a smirk on his face
Ananiash
Valela wanted to go...
Nick Pincus
Only problem I have over all is he is now 14 and I still don't know if he may yellow in time
Arnon Parenti
Orange beasts have one trait usually tough hide or claws and one mundane skill like stealth or at worst a ranged attack, an orange beast couldn't scratch yellow Kai in it's ideal setting enough to inconvenience a drunk inexperienced healer, let alone "beyond the efforts of the best healers", so they know she lying, just not about what if this is the republic's coverup why send Valela, and why bother covering the death of one red profession child... none of this makes sense.
Gorane
Orange beast part was clever writting. The main thing I am afraid of is skipping over Kai getting to yellow. All of his grade upgrades have been special moments and idk I hoped that he would be able to have another one in the sea like he did when he was Red 1 and it would br all special etc.
Derze
Get wrecked Seryne. The Orange beast was a good giveaway. At least he knows
Derek Walker
I very much second this opinion. It feels better to start off running right where the last bit leaves off than to backtrack.
Some Guy
TFTC
kiewitz
“What grade was it?” Motherfucker knew too, i just hope he told and convinced the rest. Words can't express how much i love this story
BaguaBrady
Nailed the ending man! Top stuff.
Andrew
Thank you!
Gwalmeich
"News of my death were... greatly exaggerated."
wanderer117
I would like even a paragraph from Moui's perspective after Valela leaves. I don't want to think about Kia's family thinking he's dead for years.
Joshua allen
Thank you for not making the realm a whole ark like some story's do
Alex
Maybe you can still tell some Kai’s life/adventures in the hidden realm as his “reminiscing chapters” which can be mixed in books 4 and 5? Something supercool
Derek Walker
The orange grade beast bit was good. Moui knows Kai has been fighting orange beasts for years and an orange beast wouldn’t kill him on the spot.
Jon
I think you wrapped up book 3 very nicely. Can't wait to see what happens next
Morog T Tiny
now a week until the next chapter....
Eli Loeb
A time skip was needed
James Faulkner
Damn I’m loving the pace and Seryne getting her comeuppance is great. Excited to see how Kai has improved, Tftc!
