Drewells976
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Chapter 146 - Departure
🕑 Added 2023-12-01 19:54:12 +0000 UTCAuthor's notes: I'm really happy so many enjoyed Flynn's pov, I always have a lot of fun writing from a different perspective. And yes, Kai's a bit self-absorbed. Try to be understanding he suffers from MC's syndrome, and there is no cure.
I also heard your petitions about the supposed truthteller. Right now I don't think a pov from her would add enough, but this might not be the last we see of Annyl—if she's truly the truthteller (which I'm in no way confirming).
PDF: https://www.patreon.com/file?h=93907981&i=16778099
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“So, that’s why I’m leaving for Higharbor,” Kai concluded, lifting his bag on the kitchen chair to emphasize his point. Half the dinner plates were still on the table, this was the first chance to talk to his whole family.
He had made clear he wouldn’t be alone. His merchant friend could help him settle down, and while they didn’t have many interactions with Flynn, his help during the raid hadn’t been forgotten.
Four pairs of eyes locked on him, silently deliberating his fate. Only one of them tried to crack a smile, and it still was a bit uncertain.
Cold sweat ran down his back. Kai maintained his stoic composure. He had managed to deliver his speech without stuttering, he couldn’t falter now. They had to know how serious he was. He had given Flynn his word and he had no idea what he would do if his mother forbade him to go.
Yatei help me.
“I’m sure you’ll do fine, remember to take care of yourself,” Ele stepped forth, pulling him in a hug and breaking the tension. “I’m going to miss you so much.”
“Thank you, sis. I promise I will.” Words could hardly express how grateful he felt. “I’ll miss you too, a lot.”
Ele would support him in anything he chose as long as it wouldn’t get him killed, but she was likely overstating her thrill for his sake.
“Have fun in the big city,” Kea managed to make the encouragement sound like an insult. She was never a fan of unexpected changes, and in her defense, to say he had dropped the news overnight was an understatement.
Kai gave her a grateful nod all the same. “I’m sure Higharbor has nothing on Sylspring.”
With a gloomy glower, Kea strode out of the kitchen with Ele after her. A quick encouraging smile before she also disappeared beyond the doorway.
Now the true test began. His sister's acceptance would matter little if he didn't pass.
There was only one authority who could declare life and death in their household, especially if it regarded her children. Alana watched him with measuring eyes, her face an impassive visage betraying no hints of her thoughts.
Moui stood beside her, mirroring her demeanor. The hunter had a higher threshold of risk and was usually more open to his unpredictable decisions. Yet, Kai knew he would get no support from him, not while his mother was within earshot.
His uncle would back up his mom’s ruling, whatever that was. He might have argued his case if Kai had gone to him first, but there had been no chance for that. This choice was as sudden for them as it was for him. By the time he secured a passage and discussed it with Flynn, the day was already over.
“Kai.” Alana paused to ease her tone. “Why don’t you sit down?”
It wasn’t a request, he took a seat beside his bag. His mother towered over him before taking her chair with a sigh.
“Do you remember when we spoke about making important decisions? Traveling to another city isn’t a small thing, you should have warned us so we could discuss it together.”
“I came to tell you as soon as I knew,” Kai tried not to sound defensive. “The chance came out of the blue and I’d have to wait a long time for another.”
He had explained his urgency to the best of his abilities, briefly mentioning the Republic investigation and how that could complicate his life. Though Flynn's links with the rebels weren’t his secret to tell, and it’d risk dragging them into the whole mess.
Alana took his hands, gentle but firm, and forced him to cross her gaze, “Do you promise on the spirits that you’ll be safe?”
It took him a few moments to grasp what that implied, afraid saying it out loud would break the dream. “Does this mean I can go…?”
His mother gave him an exasperated smile. “I knew you wouldn’t stay with us forever, you never hid that. Though this is sooner than I anticipated.” She punctuated the statement, her gaze falling on their hands.
“If you think it's important you go to Higharbor, then you can go. I can’t keep you here forever. Better you learn more of the world before you try to sail beyond the archipelago.”
“Some lessons can only be learned through experience,” Moui said, sharing a look with Alana.
Am I missing something here?
“Thank you, Mom.” Kai relaxed his tense muscles, letting out a relieved breath. This went better than he could ever imagine.
“Not so fast, sweetie. You haven’t answered my question, I expect you to keep out of trouble. You’ve never been to a big city before, they are chaotic and it’s easy to get lost.”
Alana launched into an endless list of dangers he might meet in Higharbor. From scammers and pickpockets to kidnappers and very dangerous people who came out at night.
Kai made a show to listen to every monster that waited to drag him into a dark alley, more nostalgic than scared.
Can’t be worse than any metropolis on Earth. It’s been so long since I lived in a place like that.
“When did you visit Higharbor, Mom?”
“It was a long time ago with your father. From what I heard it hasn’t improved much with the years. Now repeat to me what you absolutely must not do.”
“Stranger danger, be skeptical of everything you hear and keep to the safe public areas,” Kai said, counting on his fingers.
“Are you not forgetting something?” Alana’s gaze bore down on him.
“Always bring a friend along if you go out at night and stay out of the shady areas, especially if someone you just met asks you to go, no matter what they promise.”
His mother nodded, satisfied. “Good. We’re going to write that down before you go. Now, let’s get your luggage fixed.”
“Mom, I’ve already prepared everything I need.” Kai pointed at the backpack beside him. The important books and equipment were safe in his ring, together with his eighty silver mesars.
“You’re not going to go to Higharbor carrying one measly bag. Have you taken enough change of clothes and folded them properly? What about food? It’s a long journey and sailors always overcharge you on board.” Alana took charge of his luggage, ignoring his protests.
The next morning, Kai dragged a heavy bag down the stairs on top of his backpack. It had been a hard-fought battle to not carry a third. Apparently, his mother had been buying him clothes he wasn’t aware. He had managed to leave ten silvers beneath her pillow with a quick swipe from his ring.
“Are you sure we haven’t forgotten something? You don’t have many winter clothes and the seasons move rapidly.”
“Mom, I’m sure Higharbor has decent shops if I need something.” Slowed by the bags, Kai didn’t manage to reach the doorway before being pulled into the fifth rib-crushing hug.
“I’m going to miss you so much, sweetie. Remember you promised to write to us every two weeks, at least.”
“I’m going to miss you too, all of you.” He locked eyes with Ele and Kea, receiving a bright smile and a disgruntled snort. “I’ll send you a letter as soon as I land.”
“Are you sure you don’t want us to accompany you to the docks?” Alana pulled back, kissing him on the forehead.
Please don’t, there have been enough teary goodbyes in private.
“I think we can manage, right Uncle?”
“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure he boards the right ship.” Moui took his extra luggage from him. Kai looked away as his uncle got uncomfortably close with his mom. Goodbyes made everyone touchy.
I’m not going to miss that.
The crisp air of the morning greeted them outside. The sky was streaked with reds, yellows and pinks as dawn poked the horizon. Three heads watched them go from the doorway until they turned the corner.
“I wanted to give you this,” Moui stopped to take out a small paper packet tied with a string.
Don’t mind if I do.
The knot quickly loosened, revealing a palm-long blade with a bone handle. Kai didn’t have to test it to know it was sharpened to perfection. He wouldn’t be slaying beasts with this knife, but it was discreet enough to hide in a pocket or a sleeve. “Thank you, Uncle. I love it.”
“I thought so, I carved the handle myself.” Moui ruffled his hair. “I hope you won’t have to use it, but in case trouble finds you, it’s better to be prepared.”
“I'll be extremely safe, the only danger will be dying of boredom.” He just needed a safe spot to grind his skills and profession. There had been enough mishaps for years to come.
Moui muttered something about miracles under his breath but gave him no time to reply. “She took less than I thought to get over the stubbornness, I’ll wait just ahead.”
“What do you m—”
The hunter slipped away with his bag, while Kea ran to the corner and came to an abrupt stop before him.
Oh… he does know her really well.
His sister took a moment to catch her breath, eyes throwing fire. “I want you to know I’m not going to stop training like we did together even if you leave.”
“I never thought you’d stop. I’m sure you’ll reach Orange ★★ before you choose a profession.”
“I will,” Kea stated like it was written in stone. “I’ll show you my progress when you come back.”
“I’m going to miss our training, sis.”
Kea scrunched her brows, “I’ll miss you too, little brother, a little bit. Don’t let the snooty brats of the city bully you. If I can’t beat you, no one else can.” Done with her piece, she sprinted back the way she came.
I guess that went well too.
Kai caught up with Moui. Reishi had managed to find them a spot on a merchant ship that would leave this morning, he couldn’t be late. Streams of workers already filled the streets to get an early start, sharing nods with those they knew.
Despite the few months he spent in Sylspring, there weren’t many people Kai would consider more than passing acquaintances. He had already dropped by Old Selly’s shop to say farewell to Telu the previous day. Sylphie’s Herbs had been miraculously unscathed by the raid, that witch’s luck might rival his own.
Flynn is coming with me and Reishi said we’d meet in Higharbor.
No suspicious individuals followed them till they reached the warehouse where the merman told him to meet.
“Thank you, Uncle. I can take it from here.”
“Stay safe, kid. I’ll make an offering to Yatei for you.” Moui watched him enter the building.
Jiro found him before Kai could take three steps inside. The guard led him to a room where Reishi was waiting and closed the door behind him.
“Please sit,” Reishi put down a fold of documents. “Did you already have breakfast? I can have someone fetch some food if you want.”
“Thank you, I’m fine. I’ve eaten plenty.” Kai sat on the chair across from him. “When does the ship set sail? I thought I didn’t have much time.”
“There's still an hour or so, and your friend is already aboard. I just wanted to make sure this was what you really wanted.” His deep blue eyes examined him. “Yesterday you were in such a hurry we didn’t have time to talk.”
Kai felt his ears heat up. “I’m sorry I showed up with a big request without warning. It must not have been easy to organize it while you’re already busy. I truly appreciate your help, I know I owe you.”
“It’s not about money or favors. Though the captain of the Ventura did owe me, so I didn’t have to pay anything.” Reishi chuckled. “But I was asking if you had considered this decision carefully.”
“You think I shouldn’t go?”
“I think you might have not considered all the possibilities. Higharbor is both the safest and most dangerous place in the archipelago. A talented child will attract less attention there, but you need to tread carefully. It might take a few months before I can visit.”
Why does everyone think I can't last a day if they’re not looking over my shoulder?
Kai was tempted to show him the five pages of warnings his mother had forced him to write. Embarrassment kept his hand. “I’ll be prudent. Is there something else you wanted to tell me or can we go?”
“There is.” The merman tapped on the desk. “I don’t want to tell you who you should be friends with, but I know trouble when I see it. Even if he doesn’t mean it, he could drag you with an unsavory crowd all the same.”
Does he know about the rebels? How?
He’d need to talk to Flynn later, though he wasn’t going to change his decision either way.
“And what do you see when you look at me?” Kai raised an eyebrow. “Is it more or less trouble than when you look at him?”
The merfolk’s lips quivered, struggling to stay straight before he covered them with a webbed hand. “Let’s say I see a different variety of trouble in you.”
After igniting his curiosity, Reishi refused to elaborate on that. “I understand your concerns, but I trust Flynn. He has distanced himself from any unsavory company. And if he can put up with me I’ll do the same for him.”
Thoughts ran beneath the unreadable scaly face. “Then let me accompany you on board. I’ll introduce you to the captain, Ventura is an eccentric lady, but you can trust her if she swears on her father’s grave.”
Kai frowned, “Wasn’t that the name of the ship?”
“It’s both.” The merman shrugged, leading the way. “I told you, eccentric. It can get a bit confusing, but most people on the ship just call her captain. She’ll stop in a few towns to trade along the way, but she assured me she’ll reach Higharbor in three or four days. I might find you a faster route if you want to wait.”
“No, it’s fine.” Kai followed him outside. The sooner they left Sylspring behind the better.
Proudly moored at the dock with two masts and light pink sails, the Ventura—the ship—was impossible to miss. Its name in bright red letters on the hull was what Kai imagined a giant could write with her lipstick.
Well, that’s certainly a statement, she must not lack courage.
Sailors busy loading supplies hardly spared them a glance even as they walked on board.
“You’ve come.” Flynn greeted him, a hint of surprise or relief disappeared behind a grin too quickly to be sure. His eyes shared a glance with Reishi.
Did they talk without me?
Kai didn’t get a chance to ponder the matter. Flynn’s grin stiffened, boots punctuated each step of a new arrival on the deck. A middle-aged lady with a pink feather hat and painted red lips came up to them.
Yatei’s mercy.
“This one is even cuter.” Ventura winked at him and pinched his cheek. “Don’t worry, I’ll deliver them both safely to Higharbor, you have my word.”
Reishi threw him an amused smile and bent to whisper in his ear. “Don’t take any deal she offers you.”
“Have a nice journey,” he added in a louder tone, already walking off the ship.
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Author's notes: Time to set sail to new shores, let the adventure begin!
Have a great weekend everybody :)
Comments
Shouldn't he leave with Kea since she has a rebel past ?
mehmed zepcan
Totally agree but I don't feel like him reading his father's notes is also just nostalgia you know?
wanderer117
I've been assuming we'll run into his side of the family once Kia reaches the mainland. IDK about the ruins though. Kia doesn't seem to have any advantages in archeological investigations / he isn't spending his time in that way. Maybe once his race is yellow and he picks up some additional skills?
Doug Wills
I don’t keep track or dig. I just have a brain and pattern recognition my guy. I think it’s important not to have an inflated sense of self importance. And me adding “edit” after would do nothing if you loaded the comment up pre-edit. Don’t be a silly goose.
Thaabit Rivertree
So, in the future, it might be helpful if you add an edit notation cause the first version of your comment that i responded to was like the first third of what it is now. So my comment is in response to that. Or just add a new comment pls. I know sometimes edits need to happen for whatever reason (I've accidentally posted before I was finished typing before, for example) but I don't know if your new paragraphs are responding to my comment or something you just added without reading my comment (i think this is what happened?). Either way, I said 'nuff in the last one. If you really want to dig through and find all my comments, have at it dude. You'll see there are positive ones, and plenty that aren't negative.
Thaabit Rivertree
The fact that you keep track of my comments is a bit much dude. I don't have an exact percentage in mind, but I do post positive comments. I don't post "thank you for the chapter" style comments normally, because I find them mostly redundant. I'm supporting the author with my money, that says more than a tyftc comment imo, though i have posted some before. Most of my comments lately have been neutral, unfortunately you seem to intepret anything that's not glaring positive as negative. You also seem to take personal offense at my comments, which makes me scratch my head.
nicolas
Agreed :) As long as she doesn't become a yandere :p
Doug Wills
It's not about it mattering. Or about being critical. Criticism is fine. But no, you don't post when you like things. I can grab your last 30 comments and show you if you want. It's always you complaining, at BEST you say something like, "Well, at least ___," it's just bizarre to me. Every single comment is a paragraph+ long of you complaining. It's not a matter of offense. And you are talking to me. I don't talk to Drew about comments, (Unless there's a question asked that I might ping him for on Discord). Finding your comments worth correcting =/= being offended by your comments, by the way. Just because I talk to the guy sometimes doesn't mean I'm literally speaking for him. I "spoke for him" in the past because I saw a comment and asked him on Discord, and then he responded with an answer. The reason I asked if you ever say anything that isn't a complaint is because you legitimately just don't. Every single one of them is a complaint, and it stands out to anyone who likes to read the comments to see what people are talking about.
mehmed zepcan
Better that then a mini monster
Timothy Pressey
Sirens have been mentioned an awful lot, that's where my money's at
nicolas
Fair enough. I didn't thought it through and always assumed it would be "Indiana jones style" runes with power ups inside, but, as you said, his research might have absolutly no relevence in making Kai more powerfull and just be some random things xD
mehmed zepcan
Also, I thought the main reason why he didn't go with his teachers was cuz he was sure he would probably die because he couldn't protect himself
mehmed zepcan
Lmao for sure but I was thinking less on him as a person and more as how important the ruins were like. Indiana Jones had to fight off Nazis from getting artifacts when I say his story and I'm like was any of his job even worth the time to come out to the islands other than the importance of preserving history
nicolas
Kea has become a tsundere xD
nicolas
+ if he left with his teacher he wouldn't be able to see his family for many year (if ever), but now he will be able to return one's the danger has passed or they can come to him easly
nicolas
considering he died from a random bandit, I would assume he is more a scholar then an Indiana Jones
George R
Thanks for the chapter love sea voyages
Thaabit Rivertree
Well, it apparently matters to Doug and others and it matters to me. Also whining? Far from it. I just know some people really dont handle criticism well (even if what I commented wasnt necessarily negative, but could be intepreted that way), and dont want to mess up the authors creative process. My goal is to share my reaction but also to give the author some feedback so they hopefully can improve the story. If it ends up hurting the story, it misses the point. Anyone can chime in and tell me they disagree or agree. Guess you don't care about the subject of my comments then. Congrats. Edit: I just want to point out, (when responding to Doug, who consistently replies to any of my comments that could be construed as critical as if he's personally offended), it's a bit confusing cause I don't know if he's representing himself or the author. He has legitimately represented the author in the past so I never know who I'm really talking to. Also, if you're so upset by my comments, why not just ignore them and move on?
ThrowMeALime
It's definitely rushed, but I think I'm ok with that. For plot purposes, it works I think, since Kai is literally fleeing for his life\safety.
Ananiash
Before he didnt needed it and now they can be in danger... what is so hard to understando?
Ananiash
It mostly about you whining about shet that does not metter, like Mothers are people too and people are different... she may be making strong face now and after can start crying behind closed doors...
wanderer117
Apparently, his mother had been buying him clothes while he wasn’t aware. could be Apparently, his mother had been buying him clothes he wasn’t aware of. could be Apparently, his mother had been buying him clothes while he was asleep. A talented child will attract less there, but you need to tread carefully. should be A talented child will attract less attention there, but you need to tread carefully. Embarrassment kept his hand. should be Embarrassment kept his hand still.
Morog T Tiny
umm.. he let his teachers go because he didn't want to leave his family behind... now with a lot less impetus he leaves his family behind.
mehmed zepcan
I def vote for the friendly talking whale lol
mehmed zepcan
Not saying that the revenge plot and all that was a footnote. That was really cool and I enjoyed it a bunch My thing that I was just wondering about is was his father more of a historian or something closer to Indiana Jones? Lol
Thaabit Rivertree
I'll put this here, if drewells would like me to stop posting any kind of critical comments, I'll stop, just reply or dm me. I get some people don't do well with criticism, and it's totally understandable if it becomes a bother. One thing I would like to see at some point would be another Alana pov chapter. I did enjoy the Flynn pov one.
Eric M
Great chapter! Any chance we can have an encounter at sea? Although that wouldn't be ideal as Kai might have to show a bit much again...
mehmed zepcan
Not to be nosy (ʘᴗʘ✿) are there future plans for the whole fathers stuff side of the story or is that going to just be a random footnote?
mehmed zepcan
Okay, now that I've read the chapter at first I really thought kaya was going to let him leave with a snort and because of that I hoped she fell in a horse's stall . Now tho I believe it was a good till next time moment. My only gripe is that he's running away to hide in a bigger haystack. Instead of or with extra something cool like he was reading his father's research/ archaeological notes about a site steeped in mana /rare herbs near the big city
Andrew
Thank you!
Nikolai Beckel
She knows that she's talking to an approximately 30 year old child, she knows he's precocious to the extreme, she knows that it's going to happen and she knows she could stop it but that it would only hurt their relationship, as much as she doesn't like it, she just has to accept it.
Thaabit Rivertree
People, mothers most of all, are not always logical when it comes to their children. Also, I do post when I like things, but I also like to point out things I think might need a bit of massaging so the author can make it a better story. Do you always run "defense" instead of letting normal readers chime in? From what i understand, youre a beta reader or editor? You act as if nothing the author writes could ever be improved. If thats your opinion (referring to your comment about the story), I'm glad to hear it, and I don't mind being wrong if that's the case, but I think its important to get feedback from normal readers.
mehmed zepcan
Thank you for the chapter. I haven't even read it yet, but you get a like simply because of the MC joke never change cx
Doug Wills
That's exactly what's going to happen. Reishi is basically sponsoring his move, and they discussed picking the deal back up (though changed) a few chapters ago.
Doug Wills
She's used to him not living at home. He's basically lived at home for a few months total in the last 4+ years. She also knows he lived a previous life. And genuine question, do you ever post anything that you like? Or do you strictly hold yourself to the standard of posting negative things?
Pierre-jean Samaran
Thanks for the chapter !
Doug Wills
He hasn't. They talked about changing up how it was going to work a couple chapters ago. The deal will simply function differently. Reishi is all but sponsoring him to make the move. There is a 0% chance Reishi is not going to be working with Kai on alchemy still.
David
I agree, I expected him to send all the equipment to high harbor and set up shop there.it would make them both money, give Kai an alibi, and a good base of operations. Maybe it will still happen in the coming chapters, scouting out city conditions and locations before sending expensive equipment also makes sense
0gain
Yeah, but it fits perfectly because Kai is rushing to get away. I also like it because I am hyped for Higharbor :)
Thaabit Rivertree
I expected more tears from Kai's mom... but she must have suffered quite a few shocks to be so accepting so soon. Almost bordering on unrealistic in my eyes, but I guess in other cultures and for a hyper competent kid, it miiight work. Well, hopefully he doesn't attract the wrong kind of attention in higharbor.
Thaabit Rivertree
I'm honestly surprised Reishi gave up so easily on his alchemy deal with Kai. It sounded like he'd invested a lot of money on equipment that he wouldn't make back for awhile, and potions seemed to be a lucrative business.
PlasmaticPi
I'm betting on a friendly magical whale encounter instead.
Paul R
I already like the captain
I feel this whole thing was a bit rushed, but it could be just me
Ottstop
Kraken fight when?
Crème Renversée
Of course Drewells like to play with its food (us). It was naive of me to think we would have some info concerning annyl xD
Captdeth
36s
