True Aura was harder to use. It was a force field with multiple applications. Left on its own, it was passive and did not consume Mana. Upon activation, which was instinctive, it blocked bullets or delivered Charisma debuffs like Charm or Intimidate. Theoretically, it could also be shaped into various forms, but the practice didn’t match the theory yet.
That was why Peter had trained like mad, upgrading his new skills and everything else to the Apprentice tier. During the weekend, he hunted monsters in faraway places, encroaching on other Colleges' turfs—not that he cared.
He reached level forty-four before the scheduled Wednesday trip and was planning to go up to forty-five during it, somehow. After investing thirteen points in Concentration, Peter reached the Journeyman tier and put five points in Intelligence, aiming to raise it as fast as possible. Then, he knew he had to decide his build, choosing between physical combat or magic.
As he waited in the courtyard for the teleport to activate, he reviewed his Character Menu.
Peter Hillden, age: 25, Class: Impulse, Lvl. 44
Strength: 63 / Dexterity: 83 / Constitution: 47
Intelligence: 35 / Will: 43 / Concentration: 41
Charisma: 52 / Luck: 61 / Magic Power: 43
Skills:
Impulse related: Kinetic (Apprentice), Phase-Warp (Journeyman), Strong Lightning and Earth Affinities (Apprentice), Weak Fire and Air Affinities (Novice), Physical Augmentation (Apprentice), Physical Restraint (Apprentice)
Influence (Apprentice)
Inspect (Apprentice)
Insight (Apprentice)
Sneak (Apprentice)
Stealth (Apprentice)
Loot (Apprentice)
Peter was so engrossed with the stats that he didn't even register when the Teleport happened. The cultivators, with their weird staffs and the passage through the moon, had become a banality. After he and Regina put up their tent, he went to speak with Alchemy.
“Good morning, teacher,” he said. “Is it OK if Regina and I stay over Thursday?”
“Of course, Peter,” Melinda looked at them meaningfully. “I task you and Regina to gather plants. You already know the drill. Ten elven periwinkle per day,” the teacher winked. She was clearly offering them as much time together as possible, thinking they’d use it romantically.
“Thank you,” Peter said and returned to Regina.
He didn’t even have time to open his mouth to announce the news when she blurted enthusiastically: "I have a great idea! What if we ask Kostel to cover for us and sleep in a proper hotel? There's a town near a lake thirty miles away." She showed him a map on her phone. “It’s a resort hub. There are hot springs all over the place.”
"That's perfect," Peter said.
Stopping to speak with Kostel, Peter paid him three ounces for the previous week and another three in advance for the current trip. Then, he promised Ariana he’d owe her a favor if she took care of their periwinkle quota and let Marius know they would go out for the day before leaving the camp. After they walked a mile, Peter took Regina by the waist and Warped up. Gliding worked even when holding someone. They landed a mile out of town to keep inconspicuous.
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"Let's say hi to Will and ask about a good inn," Peter said.
The town was small but cute and had a beautiful riverfront, a big difference from Redroar's village. William's location was a large one-story house with a beachfront, a few chaise lounges and umbrellas in front of it, and a big sign: Massage Parlor. It also had a sizable garden behind it, with high stone walls. A good place to Warp to, Peter noticed.
"Hi, guys! Happy to see you!" William rushed to shake their hands. He was in his werewolf form and, as usual, was wearing only shorts. "It's normal massage," he whispered to Peter, noticing the youngster's head was twisted up, looking at the sign every two seconds. “I’m retired.”
"We were thinking of sleeping in town. Can you recommend a good hotel?" Regina asked. "With hot water?"
"Nonsense. I have two guest rooms," William said. "I can throw in a free massage if you want."
Touch Regina, and you're dead, Peter thought. "We're good. Just point us to the inn. We can have dinner together if you’re free.”
“I’ll make myself free,” William promised. “Go to the center; the largest inn is the best. It’s built around a giant hot spring; you’ll love it.”
“Can’t wait!” Regina pumped her fists up.
Compared to Earth’s standards, rooms were so cheap that Peter paid for an apartment for the whole month. Then, they soaked in the spring, which was fantastic, and had a substantial lunch. After the hot bath, the large quantity of food made them sleepy, and they had a long siesta. Which led to more romantic endeavors in the early afternoon when they woke up.
Trouble hit ten minutes later.
They rushed out on the balcony, like superheroes, when they changed clothes and Warped away. The arrival point was a few hundred yards from the main gate in a thicket. From there, they ran.
“What’s happening?” Regina asked Marius, who was on guard duty.
“I dunno. Your headmistress had asked everybody to return.”
Regina and Peter were heading toward their tent when a qi-message boomed, "Grandmaster Li has arrived to see Journeyman Master Melinda Li."
Lightning struck barely twenty yards from them before Melinda’s tent.
"Freeze!" Kostel's voice could be heard.
Good one, System, you’re getting better.
"You again?" the Cultivator said with annoyance.
"Don't kill him, he's my fiance!" Melinda yelled.
"Gah…” the cultivator choked, moving his right hand over his heart. “F-fiance?" Li grabbed one of Kostel's multiple chins between his fingers, looking into the man's eyes. Kostel was trembling.
"You have my blessing," the Cultivator said curtly after ten extremely long seconds.
Peter slackjawed. So did Regina and Melinda.
"What?" Alchemy exclaimed.
"You can marry this… chubby thing. He looks like good husband material. Like a Teddy Bear. Or ten."
"Let me hear," Peter hissed. "Shoot, they entered the tent… I'll—"
"Stay here, he'll sense you," Regina ordered. "Send Shreddi and ask the System to tell you what they say."
The only problem was that Shredder was with Ariana, and she was in the opposite corner of the camp. Before Peter could call the pet, Melinda shouted his name. He rushed to Alchemy's tent, entering it with his head lowered, bent in two. The proper protocol.
"He's my best student. A Wild Magician, newly discovered powers. Survivor of the Tower's curse."
"And of your vaccine, I presume," Grandmaster Li said, slightly amused. Nevertheless, Peter's heart skipped a beat. The man's presence was crushing.
"He's the best in harvesting beast components." Melinda turned her eyes to the young man. "Peter, Grandmaster Li will mount an expedition to the depths of the fog. You are to select a logistic team of ten among the most competent students and guards, including you… " But not Kostel was the meaning of the hesitation and her eyes shifting focus toward the tent’s entrance. She distrusted her father and feared he would get rid of Kostel if given the chance.
"I will do so, Journeymaster Melinda," Peter bowed, remaining in place.
Final Quest of the Chain: Peter Hillden will form a party at his discretion and accompany Grandmaster Li to the Deep of the Depths, where you must Deal with Fafnir.
"You have nothing to fear. I’ll do the fighting," Melinda's father said, mistaking his attitude.
"May I be excused?" Peter asked. Again, the proper protocol. One didn’t leave a high-ranked Cultivator’s presence without permission.
"Yes," Alchemy said.
Peter exited, slightly wobbling. He sat on the grass next to the tent, massaging his forehead. His nausea was not faked, but it was a good pretense to listen to the conversation. His True Aura had activated, shielding him from some of the Cultivator’s influence, but it was still insufficient.
"What a polite young man," Li said. "And handsome… but I guess once your mind is set…"
"I knew you hated Kostel," Melinda hissed. "I love him dearly. We'll marry soon."
"But of course, my child. I won't stay in the way of your happiness."
"Why the rush?" Melinda changed the subject. "And why us?"
"Because I can trust you not to stab me in the back. There is a great prize to be claimed in the depths."
"You're… sure?" Melinda asked.
"Absolutely. A dragon appeared a few hours ago and was detected by happenstance by a rival of mine… may they rest in peace. He tried to slay it and failed but sent a message to the Council before that. I will be the next to challenge the beast."
"It's so strong?"
"Rest assured, my child, the dragon is as good as dead. I will meditate in my castle and return at sunset. Make the necessary arrangements."
"I will, grandmaster Li," Melinda bowed.
"Sometimes, I wish you'd call me just father," the man said. There was sadness in his voice.
"I… wish so too, f… grandmaster… but…"
"Maybe in time. Farewell.”