Sebet's risque transformation had garnered a significant amount of attention and made a noticeable impact on the flow of nearby traffic, with a rather large number of men suspiciously lingering in the slim hope that the performance would be repeated. Her reptilian-accented features seemed to attract and encourage rather than deter their carnal interests.
After a short wait, a large open-topped carriage came rolling down the road and was headed in our direction. Drawn by a pair of horses that were the size of Clydesdales with hooves the size of saucepans, the carriage made a quick headway through the crowd.
Quite understandably, no one was willing to risk being trampled by the horses' massive hooves, and they all gave them as much room to pass by as they were able.
The driver and complement of eight guards were dressed in a rich green and gold livery that matched the paint on the carriage. They all had sun-weathered skin and a dark, calculating gaze.
As the carriage grew closer, the driver's face shifted into a broad smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
After a tense but brief negotiation between Gozu and the driver, an agreement was reached, and we boarded the carriage.
A handful of golden tokens changed hands, and two of the guards temporarily left the carriage to return the payment to their employer. As Cultivators, they were able to move quickly enough to make the trip and return before the carriage reached the minimum mandated distance from the teleportation plaza to take flight.
I was somewhat disappointed by how mundane the experience of flying on the carriage was. Paling compared to riding on dragon-back or propelling myself through the air by controlling my armour.
There was a small measure of danger thanks to the cruising altitude, and the clouds rushing by held an initial novel appeal. However, the novelty and sense of danger faded all too quickly.
Protective Formations shielded the carriage from the wind and the moisture of the clouds. Forming an invisible canopy over the carriage.
Still recovering from his desperate fight for survival, I silently encouraged Yi Gim to get what rest he could and relieve his mental fatigue while Sebet and I kept watch.
After a short discussion, Yi Gim agreed.
Intent on gathering additional information, Sebet left the passenger seating area and introduced herself to the guards at the back of the carriage.
Gozu made a few clumsy attempts at fishing for information in our backgrounds and home realm. Hiding his intentions behind flattery that was intended to inflate my ego. However, with nothing to prove and only the need to maintain our cover, I deflected most questions by implying or outright stating that sharing such information was blocked by a loyalty Oath. That I had sworn an Oath of secrecy to my Monarch before leaving their Realm.
Gozu appeared disappointed, but not surprised. Apparently, such things were commonplace amongst the more capable mercenary companies that plied their trade between Realms.
The topic of discussion inevitably shifted toward Sebet, and Gozu made several discreet inquiries regarding the nature of our personal relationship. When it became clear that we had no romantic relationship to speak of and Sebet was allowed near complete autonomy, he shifted his attention toward her instead.
With a front row seat, I watched in morbid fascination as Gozu and the carriage guards began vying for Sebet's attention in earnest. Competing against one another through combinations of intimidation, flattery, and even outright bribery. Completely unaware that Sebet was playing them off one another for her amusement and strategic advantage.
It was like watching a trashy reality TV show. As crass and objectively terrible as the content was, there was still an undeniable morbid fascination that prevented me from tuning it all out.
Ultimately, Sebet showed a marginally higher favour toward Gozu. Affecting more positive reactions to his bragging and gift-giving, all while avoiding outright commitment. All while subtly prodding and positioning the guards to unexpectedly seize her favour, requiring Gozu to start over again.
Perhaps growing frustrated, Gozu made a discreet offer to me directly to circumvent the drama and secure Sebet's affections. However, he was reluctant to name an actual price. Referencing favours or gifts, up to and including an expenses-paid visit to the brothel of my choosing.
An offer which Sebet unsurprisingly found intensely amusing.
Asserting my marital status and dubious view of promiscuity, I used the ensuing awkward silence as an opportunity to terminate the conversation and signal the subject as off-limits in the future.
After rousing from his sleep, Yi Gim's reaction to the ongoing drama couldn't have been more different from my own. Thoroughly entranced by the soap opera playing out on the back of the carriage. His interest spiked with every shift change that shifted the established alliances and introduced new betrayals.
Watching it from his perspective made listening to his commentary much more tolerable. However, I still directed most of my time to reading instead.
The literature I had on hand wasn't particularly mentally stimulating either. Mostly limited to historical records and Technique manuals. Of which, only a handful were in an appropriate scale for my assumed form. However, they were distracting enough that time passed faster than it would have done otherwise. Which was good enough.
Every few hours, the carriage was set down to allow the horses an opportunity to rest. Unfortunately, this only allowed more of the guards the opportunity to engage in Sebet's ongoing drama.
Curiously, the driver was the only one who appeared able to control himself sufficiently to remain uninvolved. His Cultivation was stronger than the guards, but not to a degree that I thought might explain his lack of interest.
Discreetly probing the driver's aura with a sliver of my internal energy, it didn't take me long to identify the cause for his relative stoicism.
Concealed beneath his robes, the driver wore a small jade pendant inscribed with a complex Formation to protect against mind-altering effects. No doubt its primary intended purpose was to prevent potential customers from stealing the carriage or receiving a significant discount. However, prolonged exposure to Sebet was causing the protective charm to bleed energy at a significant rate.
As the charm's energies were depleted, its effects began to diminish as well. So, by the third rest stop, even the driver was engaged in attempting to secure Sebet's favour. Albeit at a significant disadvantage, since he could not abandon the bench on the front of the carriage.
By the late evening, my Party Status indicated that the Summoned decoy had begun to take small amounts of damage. Losing HP at a rate of close to a single point per hour.
The steady and consistent deterioration strongly indicated that the Summon was being tortured or otherwise maliciously mistreated. Very likely with the intention of compelling the surrender of all of Yi Gim's remaining territories, but quite possibly serving as a sick power play to feed into the local Monarch's ego.
Lesser Summons were not truly sentient. However, it rankled my conscience all the same. Falling under the same arguments that justified the mass butchery involved in the trials. Prioritising the well-being of persistent beings over those whose suffering disappeared after their Summoning was terminated.
It left me in a sour mood all the same.
While setting the canvas canopy over the carriage, Gozu became distracted. His large fist clasped over a jade tablet hanging from his belt, its surface shimmering with remote communication Formations. Growing increasingly concerned and a little irritated.
"Apologies, friends," Gozu bowed his horned head and briefly clasped his hand in his fist as a sign of respect. "The Overlord has commanded that I investigate a potential encroachment on one of the Clan's spirit stone mines. It is not far from our chartered course. However, I was hoping I might request your assistance if the situation requires it?" There was no sign of guile in his tone or deception in his eyes. Only an earnest discomfort and marked embarrassment at the imposition.
Yi Gim shrugged and looked to me to make the final call.
Trusting in Sebet's assessment, I nodded decisively in a show of support. "We will accompany you and assist if the need arises."
Gozu released a heavy sigh in relief, and the tension bled from his neck and shoulders. "I will remember this favour, friend! You can be certain of this!"
With our cooperation secured, Gozu began earnest negotiations with the carriage driver and guards. More tokens made from precious metals changed hands. However, this time, the majority were made from silver, not gold. Only the driver received a golden token.
The canvas canopy was stowed away, and the carriage set off once more into the ever-darkening evening sky.
Sebet's transformation was subtle, but didn't go unnoticed.
Yi Gim grew increasingly concerned. "Is it wise to involve a-your subordinate? To unleash such a monster in a populated area?" He asked through the link formed by our communication tablet, catching and correcting himself just shy of voicing his true concern.
In Yi Gim's defence, he had very limited first-hand experience to draw upon as a gauge for Sebet's trustworthiness and, more importantly, her restraint.
Cultivators had a plethora of horrific accounts retelling the heinous actions of Demonic Cultivators and demon worshipers. The common theme throughout almost always included horrific instances of brutality and mass extermination against civilian population centres.
With those chilling accounts as the foundation for what he could expect, Yi Gim's concerns were not unwarranted, and I didn't hold his ignorance against him.
"She will abide by a strict code of conduct," I replied calmly, doing my best to project absolute confidence in my words. "Civilians and innocent third parties will have nothing to fear..."
Yi Gim narrowed his eyes slightly in recognition of the deliberate choice in words. He glanced briefly at Sebet and then back to me. "You have done this before." It wasn't a question, and he made no attempts to disguise it as such.
"I have," I replied bluntly. "Many times, and on a far larger scale. While I may find her personality distasteful at times, Sebet's obedience and competence in this matter are beyond question. If there are deaths or injuries amongst the civilians, it will not be her doing."
Yi Gim gave me a strange look and remained silent for several moments while organising his thoughts, or perhaps working up the nerve to address a new concern. "I apologise. I did not express myself clearly. This intervention...you have done this before. Interceding on behalf of strangers. Taking sides with only a passing understanding of the hidden hands moving the pieces upon the board."
"I have done so on your behalf," I replied evenly. Making it clear that this was not nearly as profound an observation as he believed it to be. Or at least, not one he could fault without accepting a certain degree of ingratitude.
Yi Gim continued to stare, his eyes gazing into my own with piercing intensity. "I am a Monarch," he stated candidly, all while carefully studying my face for a reaction. "It is not unheard of for a Monarch to come to the aid of another of their peers in a crisis. Especially when they stand to gain much from their continued alliance."
A piece of the puzzle clicked into place within my mind. The unspoken question was made clear. "You want to know why I am doing this. If there is some sort of greater plan at work. Why am I risking our lives for the sake of strangers?"
Yi Gim nodded guardedly and leaned slightly closer in anticipation of the answer.
"There is no plan, not here," I replied candidly. "I am intervening because I can, and because I want to be the man my family believes me to be...Not the monster in my reflection...Monarch or commoner, it doesn't mean anything to me. Even without your title, I would have come to your aid."
Yi Gim briefly averted his eyes in shame before bowing his head in apology. "I did not intend to question your honour. I can only offer my sincerest apologies." Raising his head once more, he seemed to be considering things differently than before.
On our new course, it didn't take long to spot the small town near the base of the mountain. The smoke and flames rising from behind the walls were a grim indication of what we would find.
Clearing my mind, I concentrated on the fighting that was to come. It wouldn't stop new nightmares from haunting my dreams. However, it would make it less likely that I would succumb to an emotional breakdown at a critical moment.
There was a part of me that wanted, needed, to believe that innocent men, women and children had managed to escape or find shelter. However, the scale of the destruction made that a near impossibility.
Unbidden, fragmented memories of small broken bodies began rising from the depths. Their cold, empty eyes filled with fear and despair.
I took a deep breath and pushed the memories back. There was nothing I could do for them, and the distraction might cost the life of someone who could still be saved.
Withdrawing a large steel club from my storage ring, I limbered up my shoulders and stretched as best as I could manage in the limited space available.
If possible, I wanted to restrict my use of mana as much as possible, relying solely on Techniques and raw physical prowess to better maintain our cover. However, I wasn't going to risk my own life, or anyone else's, if it came down to it.
Yi Gim was similarly preparing himself. Testing the balance of a borrowed sabre in his left hand. Unable to use the blood jade sword without drawing additional attention to ourselves. Iconic as it was, there was no way the local Monarch wouldn't make a point of hunting it down if it were to appear in his Realm so openly.
To my untrained eye, Yi Gim appeared just as proficient with his left hand as he had been with his right. However, Yi Gim clearly thought otherwise. Silently scowling as he made minor adjustments to his grip and stance.
With a broken sword hanging from his belt as an excuse for Yi Gim's irritation and frustration, Gozu didn't seem to need further explanation. Cultivators who specialised in using certain weapons were known to be especially attached to a single weapon in particular. Eventually reaching a point where the weapon was almost an extension of their own body.
Of course, this familiarity made using other weapons, even of the same style and design, that much more difficult. In a similar fashion to the alien and general sense of wrongness I might feel when trying to use my left hand instead of my right.
This made Yi Gim's demonstrated skills that much more impressive to me.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
A certain degree of ambidexterity amongst Cultivators was rather common. However, he appeared no less coordinated with his left than he had been at his peak when using his right.
"We will go no further!" The driver called out, bringing the carriage to a halt by the road leading toward the town.
Gozu grunted in irritation but didn't argue as he stepped off the carriage. "I must join my clan's forces in the lord's manor. If you could apply pressure to the bandits, I am sure the Overlord would be most grateful."
I nodded in agreement. Perfectly content with protecting the general population over a handful of pampered nobles.
Gozu smiled and nodded approvingly as he tossed me a simple wooden token bearing an imprint of his internal energy. "This will allow you entry to the manor in my absence. Good hunting!" He grinned savagely and then raced off toward the town with long bounding leaps.
Sebet sprang after him, her smooth gait consuming the distance with unnaturally fluid grace.
Sparing a moment to confirm Yi Gim's readiness, we followed after them.
It had been a long time since I had run anywhere with shoes on, let alone armoured boots, and it took some getting used to. Similarly, it had been a long time since I had used a form with proper human proportions. The unfamiliar distribution of my weight and altered centre of gravity, combined with the reduced effects of gravity on a smaller body, were a considerable hurdle to overcome while trying to achieve a dead sprint on even a paved road.
Thankfully, it didn't take long to reach the town, and moving at such speeds was not to be expected while navigating the streets within.
Leaping up onto the tall town walls, I became aware of the depleted Array set into the brick and mortar. Drained of energy, the Array had entered a state of dormancy. Incapable of activating until its reserves were replenished, it would provide no hindrance or assistance.
A haze of smoke hung over the town, making it all but impossible to see anything beneath the maze of tiled rooftops. In stark contrast, the palatial estate in the centre of the town was untouched. A small keep unto itself, the manor and its outer walls were protected beneath a golden semi-transparent barrier.
Every so often, a section of the barrier would flash with golden light and send a small blade of light arcing toward shadowy figures skulking about in the smoke.
From what I knew of Formations and Arrays, the actions of the enemy indicated that they had not brought a Formation specialist. They appeared to be trying to break through by depleting the barrier with brute force.
It was a time-consuming exercise that carried risks of personal injury or possibly even death. However, with enough time and effort, the barrier would eventually collapse.
Gozu's confidence and willingness to proceed alone was rather telling as well. I doubted he would have been nearly so willing to proceed alone if he had thought the bandits posed a significant risk to his person.
That didn't mean the danger was negligible, but it did provide a baseline for my expectations moving forward.
Casting out my senses, I detected a large cluster of weak auras gathered near the active barrier. Lacking condensed cores, they were difficult to tell apart. Barely registering apart from the background energy levels in the air and stone.
The wolves in their midst were another matter entirely. Nearly one hundred in all, the bandits were mostly first-tier Cultivators. Little better than low-level adventurers in strength. However, there were a handful at the fifth tier and a lone individual at the sixth tier. Which was a whole tier lower than the strength Yi Gim and I were maintaining for our cover.
There were more of the first-tier bandit Cultivators prowling the town. However, it was unclear if they were forming a crude perimeter or were engaged in looting.
If I had to guess, it was probably a combination of the two.
Following Sebet's progress, I watched from afar as a bandit's energy signature flickered, guttered and died. The life force was ripped from his mortal shell and drawn into Sebet's core.
Sebet was headed toward the concentrated mass of civilians at an absurdly fast pace. Her movements cut a trail through the smoke, a trailing wake marking her progress as she claimed one bandit after another.
"They have gathered the civilians near the barrier." I pointed toward the location where I had sensed the greatest concentration of internal energy.
Yi Gim cast out his senses in the direction I had indicated, only with far greater proficiency and grace. "The enemy appears to be holding the townsfolk hostage," he agreed. "How should we proceed? If we approach them directly, they will harm the hostages."
"Why did they take those hostages to begin with?" I asked, shifting the focus of our discussion slightly. "High-tier Cultivators, and nobility for that matter, don't have a high opinion of the common people."
Yi Gim shifted uncomfortably as he considered the question. "Slaves. They most likely intend to sell the townsfolk to slavers."
I had feared as much. Nearly all Cultivator Realms practised slavery in some form or another. The least cruel and predatory were simple indentured contracts for the repayment of debts. However, chattel slavery was far more commonplace and often practised alongside the other.
"Could we buy them off?" I asked, entertaining the possibility of bribing the bandits into letting the civilians go. "We are stronger than their strongest fighters, and they would know that. Do you think they would take a bribe if it meant avoiding a fight they would only stand to lose anyway?"
Surprised, Yi Gim gave me an odd look. "It would depend upon what their backers intend...However, I think your plan has merit. No one wants to fight for a reward they will not live to enjoy." He frowned as if considering something and stared into the distance. "What of our agreement with our companion? I doubt he or his Overlord would be pleased by such activities. After all, the majority of such a bribe would almost certainly go straight into the coffers of the bandits' patrons."
"I never said we would let the bandits live afterwards," I replied grimly.
The corner of Yi Gim's lips twitched with amusement. "I will follow your lead."
Together, we descended the wall and headed straight for the gathered townsfolk and bandits. On the way, I sent Sebet a short message informing her of our intentions.
My scouting efforts hadn't gone unnoticed, and the bandits were waiting for us when we stepped out of the smoke. However, the weaker bandits had shied away in advance, leaving only their strongest members.
The five fifth-tier Cultivators wore no armour, just layered clothing. With each bandit bearing a large wooden sigil engraved with a simple raven clasped to their chest. Their weapons were not particularly impressive either. They possessed only simple Formations to strengthen their materials and were in various states of deteriorating condition, affecting their overall efficiency.
The sixth-tier Cultivator, likely the representative of the bandits' patron, was hiding in one of the nearby buildings. A fact that was weighing heavily on the bandits' overall morale.
The concept of drowning higher-tiered Cultivators through the weight of numbers was a well-established tactic. However, in instances of more than a single tier of difference in Cultivation, the lower-tiered party would have to accept extreme losses for even a slim chance at wounding the higher-tiered Cultivator.
So, facing two Cultivators of a much higher tier, the bandits were being incredibly careful not to instigate a confrontation, while simultaneously not appearing weak in front of their subordinates.
The strongest of the fifth-tier bandits was a hawkish-faced middle-aged man with a thin grey beard, and an immaculately bald scalp with a raven tattooed on the side of his head. His clothes were dark shades of grey, black and blue, and were generally nicer and better kept than those of the other bandits.
The understanding in his dark eyes made it clear that he was aware of our difference in strength and that we wanted something from him. "Welcome, brothers. How might this humble one be of assistance to your esteemed selves?"
"The mortals-" I motioned toward the bound townsfolk behind them. "-how much? We require workers and decided this would save us a trip."
The bandit spokesperson pursed his lips and made an effort not to look toward the building where the sixth-tier Cultivator was hiding. "It is most regrettable, but these slaves have already been claimed. However, if the elder brother wishes, this one could arrange for-"
"No," I interjected flatly.
The bandit spokesperson winced as if he had been struck in the face, and his weaker companions unwisely moved to draw their weapons before quickly thinking better of it.
The bandit spokesperson appeared to do some quick calculations in his head. "Breaking our previous commitment is no small thing..." He hedged tentatively. "After all, a man's word is his bond..."
I said nothing but motioned for him to get on with it. Putting on an air of entitlement and waning patience.
"I could not let them go for less than five hundred lesser spirit stones!" The bandit spokesperson blurted out hurriedly.
Yi Gim and the other bandits had more or less the same reaction. Their eyes boggled at the spokesperson in complete surprise. Deservedly so, considering each spirit stone was comparable to a hundred or more gold pieces in terms of raw purchasing power, and considerably more valuable given that Cultivation materials couldn't be purchased with mortal currency.
The bandit spokesperson was asking for a truly absurd sum, but not without cause. There was, of course, whatever his word was worth as a consideration. However, Yi Gim has likely guessed the truth of the matter in our earlier discussion. The lion's share would serve as a bribe and a placating measure for the bandits' patron. Appeasement for failing to fulfil the full measure of their original agreement.
"Hrmph, so be it," I stated dismissively, mentally rearranging five hundred lesser spirit stones into a cloth sack within my Storage Ring and then tossing the small sack onto the ground.
The bandits collectively gaped at the sack in slack-jawed amazement, which quickly turned to greed, and then pained regret as they realised the treasure at their feet would go to another.
The bandit spokesperson retrieved the sack with trembling hands and nearly dropped it upon inspecting its contents. The knuckles of his fingers were going bone white as he was forced to confront the painful truth of its inevitable ownership.
"I will take possession of my goods now," I declared boldly, walking past the bandits without sparing them so much as a second glance. "Your men would be wise to keep their hands off other men's property," I warned coldly, staring down a gaggle of the weaker bandits that hadn't fled at my approach.
The bandits scattered like roaches. Avoiding the townspeople as if fearing the slightest contact would confer a deadly contagious disease. However, they did not abandon their posts along the barrier altogether, only moving so far as to avoid the townspeople and open a path back into the town proper.
"I am not a cruel man, and so long as you serve with diligence and obedience, I will visit no harm upon you." I raised my voice so all of the gathered townspeople could hear me clearly. I had no intention of keeping them, but I did need them to get out of the way. Which would be accomplished with far less fuss if they did as they were told without second-guessing or succumbing to panic. "As servants of my household, you will be afforded dignity as befitting of my station. After local events have run their course, you will be permitted the opportunity to retrieve a small number of personal belongings from your former homes. For now, you will exit the town by the main gate." I clapped my hands for emphasis and as a signal to spur the townspeople into movement.
Already cowed by a lifetime living beneath the boot of one Cultivator or another, the mortals didn't put up a fight. Silently rising to their feet, eyes downcast and backs bowed as they moved to do as they were commanded.
Injured men and women were supported by their neighbours, and children and the infirm were carried by their relatives. In the sea of downcast faces, not one dared to look up and risk drawing attention to themselves.
The infirm and elderly, in particular, appeared to take great pains to go unnoticed. In fear of being deemed unfit or unsightly, and exterminated on the spot.
A sight I had become all too familiar with but had become no less accustomed to experiencing. Their fear and hopelessness were like a knife twisting in my insides. The knowledge that the bandits would soon get there was a small comfort, but the only one I would likely find in the circumstances.
Clearing the smoke with my Air Affinity, I led the townspeople out of the town and through the gates while Yi Gim trailed behind.
The instant the last of the townspeople was clear, Sebet began her rampage. First, targeting the sixth-tier Cultivator that had claimed the spirit stones in our absence. Dominating his mind and compelling him to turn on the bandits.
Wearing the borrowed guise of a bandit herself, Sebet picked off stragglers circling the battle. Evicerating most, but draining the life force from every individual sufficiently isolated to avoid detection.
For the most part, the weakest of the bandits were caught in an impossible position. Too afraid of their superiors to risk running away, but not nearly suicidal enough to engage in the six-way battle of the fifth and sixth-tier Cultivators.
I used the Earth Affinity and the Shape Earth Spell to inscribe a basic protective Array around the townspeople while Yi Gim returned to the town. The barrier was as much to keep the townspeople in as it was intended to keep others out, so I made sure to impart enough energy that it could sustain a proper beating from a fifth or sixth-tier Cultivator. At the worst, it would do the same as the barrier protecting the lord's manor, buying time until help could arrive.
With the townspeople suitably protected and out of harm's way, I returned to the town as well.
The battle between the bandits and the representative of their patron wasn't going well for either side. The sixth-tier Cultivator's energy had become erratic, and according to a report from Sebet, it was the result of a strange pill he had consumed earlier in the battle. It had boosted his strength, but appeared to have deteriorated his mind.
A truly unfortunate side-effect, given his mind was already compromised by the effects of Sebet's mental Domination.
The bandits were not much better off, with each of the fifth-tier Cultivators bearing one or more injuries, and one of their number practically dead on his feet. Suffering from a vicious poison that had coated a hidden blade carried by the sixth-tier Cultivator.
The fighting was all but concluded by the time I returned. With only the sixth-tier Cultivator left standing amongst the bandits' forces.
He appeared to be no more than twenty years old, but the age-defying aspects of higher-tiered Cultivation made it impossible to tell for sure.
In stark contrast to the bandits, the sixth-tier Cultivator wore fine combat robes beneath expensive-looking leather lamellar-plated armour. Emphasising a focus upon manoeuvrability and flexibility rather than comprehensive protection.
Bleeding from several potentially fatal injuries, it wouldn't take long before he passed out from blood loss.
Shakily taking one step in front of the other, he extended an open hand toward Sebet. Reaching for her with unrestrained longing, burning in his eyes.
Sebet met him partway, seizing him by the shoulders. As her lips pressed against his, there was a flicker of panic in the Cultivator's eyes. Recognition of the intense danger and the desperate need to escape. However, with his arms pinned in Sebet's iron grip, and her claws anchored in his flesh, there was no escape.
Already dangerously unstable, the Cultivator's core collapsed the instant Sebet began drawing upon his vitality. Offering no resistance or protection as the Devil literally drained the remaining life from his body.
To an outside observer, Sebet's actions appeared a little disturbed, but otherwise gave no clues to her true nature. The Cultivator seemingly succumbed to his wounds as she gave him a final loving kiss to see him past the threshold of this life and whatever came next.
It was a far more aesthetically neutral effect than the Drain Life Spell I possessed, and Sebet held no personal compunctions about making use of it at every possible opportunity I allowed. So far as I could tell, the use of the Ability was accompanied by an intense rush of endorphins Sebet claimed were on a similar scale to those released during orgasm. The vitality of the individual directly proportional to the intensity of the reaction.
It was no surprise at all that Sebet had made a point of using her Ability on the strongest target available. Treating all the bandits as nothing more than a distraction while waiting for the main course.
Looting the bandits and the representative of their patron was a rather straightforward affair. None of them possessed Storage Rings or similar storage items, so their wealth was limited to the items observable on their persons.
Stripping anything related to Cultivation was a matter of course. However, I also made a point of keeping the higher-tiered Cultivators' personal effects as well. Leaving their corpses with only their bloodstained clothing.
The bandits had also collected a sizable pile of food, bolts of cloth, and other mundane valuables from the town. However, I saw no point in claiming those, as it was uncomfortably close to theft. I preferred to leave the contents of the pile for the townsfolk to reclaim after things had settled down.
The barrier surrounding the manor remained active all throughout, although it wasn't clear why. With the bandits all dead, I had expected Gozu and at least a token force to come out and investigate.
I considered using the token Gozu had provided to enter the barrier, but decided against it. Instead, I used the opportunity to inspect the defensive Array with greater detail.
It didn't take long to identify the problem.
The Array actively disrupted efforts to sense what lay beyond the boundary of the barrier, and it was not limited to a single direction. So it was reasonable to expect that the defenders were limited to what they could make out with their own eyes. Which was not particularly reliable either, given the possibility of illusions and the general distortion created by the shifting energy in the barrier.
Altering an active Array was possible, but it was considered an advanced skill, and I didn't want to advertise that capability. Not while I was still in enemy territory.
Instead of risking an ambush by passing through the barrier myself. I wedged the token into the dead sixth-tier Cultivator's belt alongside the markers from the fifth-tier bandits and then tossed the corpse through the barrier.
Assuming Gozu, or someone else within the manor, would recognise the Cultivator and the significance of the identifying markers.
A short while later, Gozu and a handful of armoured Cultivators passed through the barrier with their weapons raised and at the ready.
"They are all dead?" Gozu asked, directing the question at no one in particular.
"They are," I replied calmly. "How do you wish to proceed?"
Gozu furrowed his brow and scowled slightly as he assessed the corpses. "It is very likely that the bandits will strike again, with greater numbers and stronger backing...I must converse with my superiors, apologies," he bowed respectfully and walked a short distance before taking out his communication tablet.
The armed guards held a short, terse conversation amongst themselves and then retreated through the barrier.
Sebet didn't answer right away, preoccupied with masking her mental presence from Gozu and whomever he was speaking with.
With enough time and privacy, I could breach the Array blocking teleportation. If Sebet's information was good, and I had no reason to doubt it was, it might be our ticket back home.
Running the numbers through my mind, I was reasonably confident I could breach or subvert the Grand Array in under a month. Assuming I was free to spend that time constructing and refining a Grand Array of my own.
I doubted things would be so simple, but I relayed what we had learned and our potential plans to Yi Gim to keep him in the loop.
"You could use the passage as a foothold for an invasion, to force a Challenge for control over the Realm," Yi Gim observed contemplatively. "Or to slay the Monarch and fracture the Realm, should you choose."
"I could," I agreed with a small degree of reluctance. "However, I don't think the price would be worth the potential gains. I have other means of acquiring additional territory and resources without a significant loss of life."
Yi Gim shrugged. "You could use this foothold as a means to gather information on other Monarchs and their Realms. The high amount of merchant traffic through this Realm would serve as a valuable potential network for information and rare materials."
That was a good point. One of the biggest concerns I had when accepting Challenges against other Monarchs was entering the battle blind. If I knew their capabilities or even preferred means of engagement, it could make a significant difference.
I had wanted to use Yi Gim's Realm for such information gathering in the past. But events had made that untenable. If I could fortify this position, it wouldn't be unrealistic to establish an information-gathering network.
Assuming the Angels and their master didn't become a more pressing concern in the meantime.
The reminder that the Angels were out there, presumably searching for me at the behest of their 'creator', wasn't a comforting one. Especially given there was no telling what they would do if or when they discovered my Realm and attempted entry.
Not being there to defend it and protect the people I cared about was unsettling and made me incredibly uneasy.
Sebet warned earnestly.
"Brother!" Gozu bowed respectfully and wore a broad smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "I have discussed your exploits with the elders of my clan, and they would like to offer their gratitude for assisting the clan against the machinations of our rivals."
"Oh?" I made a show out of being surprised.
Gozu nodded enthusiastically. "For your assistance, and in exchange for assistance in another matter, the clan elders want to offer majority ownership of the spirit stone mine and control over the town as your fief!" His words had the same energy behind them as a sleazy used car salesman.
"What other matter?" I asked, fighting to keep my expression optimistic and free of cynicism.
"It is a small thing, really," Gozu replied placatingly. "The clan elders want you and your companions to take sole credit for wiping out the bandits and to declare open support for the prince. It is nothing more than the truth, so it is not really a problem, right?" There was a hint of nervousness in his eyes, perhaps afraid that we might refuse.
"Majority ownership?" I asked, feigning increasing interest. "I assume your clan would remain a minor stakeholder? Is that right?"
Relieved that I was taking the bait, Gozu nodded affably in agreement. "Just so. The mine represents a major investment. Besides, as a newcomer to the Realm, our reputation will provide additional weight to your status as you work to establish yourselves. I hope these terms are agreeable to you?"
I made a point of looking at Yi Gim, who nodded his approval with an overt show of interest.
"What would be our stake in the mine?" I asked, gradually matching Yi Gim's energy to show we were all but committed to taking the deal.
I could feel Gozu's elation even as he fought to keep his own emotions in check.
"The clan would maintain a one in five share and require a reputable administrator to be kept on staff to ensure the clan receives its due. Not that we distrust your character!" Gozu hastily added placatingly. "It is simply how these things are done. I hope you understand."
"I understand. My distant uncle worked for such an administrator," I lied, moving past the unintended insult with indifference. "But what of the current town lord?"
Gozu assumed a sombre expression and shook his head regretfully. "Unfortunately, the town lord was ambushed before retreating to the safety of the manor and succumbed to his wounds."
"What are the boundaries of the land that would become our fief?" I asked, this time with genuine curiosity.
"I am unsure. However, there is a detailed map in the manor that would show the answer," Gozu replied helpfully. "However, I am confident that there is sufficient space to build a small city."
I smiled broadly and inclined my head. "Then we accept. When can we formally take control over the town and begin operations in the mine?"
Grinning broadly, Gozu rubbed his hands together in excitement. "The elders will draft a document ceding the town and land to your control, in addition to outlining the cooperation in managing the mine. A messenger will be dispatched within the hour and should arrive within a couple of days. Given the circumstances, my clan has no problems with resuming operations in the meantime."
"Then we will need to postpone our visit to your clan," I apologised amiably. "At least until things are settled here. I hope that your overlord won't take offence."
"Not at all!" Gozu replied affably. "You have done our clan a great service! And besides, a delay will only give us more time to prepare a feast and celebration worthy of your accomplishments!"
It was a genuinely bizarre interaction, knowing that Gozu and his clan were trying to take advantage of us. Especially while we were trying not to show we were aware of their intentions and taking advantage of them in turn. If my Ability didn't provide an insight into Gozu's motivations and intentions, I would have suspected he was doing the same. Even so, I wasn't fully convinced he wasn't.