Kael stood in the Master's Marketplace, his back pressed against the stone wall. Lira should be inside the small room, where the new Bronze Masters gathered around Mizzit for their briefings about the Market. He was there last week and now it was Lira’s turn.
He had been lost in his thoughts when a tall, skinny Master appeared at his side, his voice sharp and unexpected. “You Kael? Good job with the Gauntlet.”
Kael turned to face him. The Master was tall, much taller than him and was wearing a thick coat.
“Thanks,” Kael replied cautiously.
He wasn’t sure if this Master had any genuine respect or if he was just sizing him up like everyone else. The skin on his neck prickled with unease.
The Master smiled, a thin, predatory grin.
“You did well against Introductory,” he said. “But what about Bronze? Or even Silver?”
Before Kael could respond, the Master flashed a grin, moving to open his coat with an almost theatrical flourish. Tubes of red liquid hung from the inside of the coat, their contents sloshing slightly, like they were alive, twitching with the promise of something dangerous, something unnatural.
“Demon blood,” the skinny Master said. “Ten gold a piece. Boost your strength and speed. Or you can even use them for your summons.”
Kael stared at the liquid. The power it could offer. Stronger. Faster. What kind of price did one pay for power like this? Ten gold? He shuddered as the liquid seemed to pulse with a life of its own, like something waiting to break free.
Kael’s contemplation was disturbed when the door to the room creaked open, and Kael heard the murmurs of newly promoted Masters filtering out.
The skinny Master whispered, “You know where to find me.”
The Master straightened, turning toward the group of newly promoted Masters who had just emerged from the briefing room. He called out, his voice sharp and loud as he faced the crowd.
“Demon blood! Get them for ten gold!”
Kael adjusted his robes, his Slime Cape settling around his shoulders as he looked at the faces of the Masters rushing out. Their faces was a mix of excitement, wonder, and uncertainty stepping into the Marketplace.
His eyes found her.
Lira.
Her expression the same as it had been the first time he saw the Marketplace. Wide-eyed, full of amazement and wonder.
In her hand was an ornate dagger, her slender form outlined by her leather armor, the crafted sword he’d made for her at her side. She caught sight of him, her eyes lighting up as soon as she recognized him. Without hesitation, she lifted a hand to wave.
Kael smiled, lifting his own hand in return. Her movement was graceful, a quick, light step toward him, her excitement bubbling over as she hurried to meet him. There was something infectious about her joy, a genuine exuberance that had always drawn him in.
As she closed the distance, Kael could see the light in her eyes, and for a moment, everything around them seemed to disappear, like the rest of the world had fallen away. It was just the two of them in that moment, a shared connection that only grew deeper with time.
"Kael!" Lira called out. "This place is amazing!"
Kael chuckled softly, a playful gleam in his eyes as he nodded. “They have everything here, don’t they?” he said.
Lira’s eyes sparkled. She nodded, her gaze darting from one stall to the next as her fingers fidgeted with the dagger in her hand.
They stood there for a long moment, just taking it all in, both of them looking around at the crowd, the stalls, the Market. There was so much to see, so much to explore, and yet in that moment, Kael felt complete standing beside her. No words were needed between them.
Finally, Kael broke the silence. His voice was softer now, quieter, as he turned toward her, his gaze steady.
"Should we go have a look around together?" he asked.
Lira tilted her head to the side slightly, a small smile tugging at her lips as she did. It was a look of genuine curiosity, and Kael couldn’t help but think it was one of the most adorable things he had ever seen.
"Let’s go."
Lira and Kael wandered through the Marketplace, the atmosphere abuzz with possibility. The stalls stretched out before them, each selling something different—potions, trinkets, artifacts. The energy in the air was undeniable, full of sellers and buyers negotiating but also Masters competing against each other.
Kael’s eyes flickered over the various stalls, his attention briefly caught by one in particular. The stall was smaller, tucked off to the side, filled with colorful flowers.
As Kael approached, he saw the shopkeeper was unlike anyone he had encountered before. Its body resembled a living beehive, bright yellow filled with countless tiny holes. From within, the soft buzzing of its voice reached Kael’s ears.
“Hello young Master,” it buzzed. “Feel free to look at my flowers.”
He glanced at a flower, its petals twisting in an almost hypnotic pattern. Its spiral stalk curled in on itself, creating a mesmerizing illusion.
“Ah,” it hummed, its voice resonating with a strange harmony. “The Spiralweave Bloom. Are you looking to make a Cauldron of Confusion?”
Not something for Lira, Kael thought, his mind already casting aside the idea.
As he looked around for something more fitting, his fingers brushed over a fiery red flower sitting just beside it. This one was different—its petals had a smooth, almost waxy feel, and the air around it seemed to warm as he approached.
“Emberthorn,” it buzzed, the words coming from the shopkeeper despite the lack of a mouth. “Vital ingredient for any flame-based potion.”
Kael’s gaze flickered from the flower to the shopkeeper. He wasn’t sure if giving Lira some flame flowers would be the best idea.
The shopkeeper continued to hum, when it added a strange tidbit.
“Pathox has been gathering these,” the shopkeeper whispered, its voice dropping lower. “You can only find them here now.”
Kael was intrigued. Why would Pathox want these flowers? Kael shook that thought out of his mind. He was focusing on flowers for Lira.
He glanced sideways at Lira, who was carefully examining a display of vials on another stall, her face full of curiosity. She didn’t seem to notice his pause, lost in her own thoughts.
But he began to realize the limitations of the flowers before him. There were no roses, no sweet blooms that might signify affection or goodwill. The flowers on display were potent, each one tied to some form of magic or potion.
"I’ll pass for now," Kael said as he walked up to Lira to continue their stroll around the Marketplace.
Their footsteps were falling in sync and Lira turned her attention to Kael.
“So, Kael,” she asked. “Are you looking for anything specific?”
"Nothing really."
Lira glanced over at Kael and grinned. “I’m not really looking for anything either, but shopping is fun!” She giggled excitedly.
Her expression faltered for a second, her brow furrowing slightly. “I don’t have much gold to spend anyways."
Without thinking, Kael’s hand moved to his orb. He could help her, give her some gold. Before he could voice the idea, Lira’s voice cut through.
“Don’t even think about it,” she said, teasing in a way only Lira could manage. Her eyes locked onto his. “I’ll make my own gold. You need to keep yours for your conclave.”
Kael blinked, a bit surprised by her quick response, and yet, he felt a surge of pride spread through him at her independence.
This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.
“How did you---?” he asked.
Lira raised her clawed hand, holding it between them, and smirked as if she had already anticipated his next thought.
“Ring of Link, remember Kael?” she said. “We’re linked together. I can hear your thoughts.”
Kael’s eyes instinctively flickered to the Ring of Link on his finger. Why couldn’t he hear her thoughts in return.
Lira chuckled lightly, her voice coming out louder now. “Maybe I don’t think much, that’s why,” she teased as she nudged him with her elbow.
“I wasn’t thinking of giving you gold,” Kael said. He wasn’t sure why he was explaining himself, why it felt necessary to assure her. But then again, maybe he didn’t have to explain anything. They understood each other in a way no one else did.
The banter between them was light, but it felt deeper than that.
“Maybe I should get used to this," Kael thought, his gaze lingering on Lira. She turned to face him, no words needed.
They wandered the market in their own little bubble when it suddenly popped by Lira’s scream.
"Kael, look!" she exclaimed. Something caught Lira’s eye—a cloak, rich and vibrant. It was a deep red, almost the same shade as her skin, a perfect match for her.
Without missing a beat, she wrapped the cloak around her shoulders, the soft fabric flowing over her like it had always belonged.
She spun, her wings fluttering slightly with the motion, sending a small burst of wind through the air as she twirled.
Kael, caught in the moment, stood frozen for a heartbeat, watching her. The cloak fit her as though it had been designed just for her. She looked radiant, stunning.
"Kael? What do you think? How do I look?" Lira asked. She knew the answer.
Kael opened his mouth, but the words got stuck somewhere between his thoughts and his lips. He stared at her, trying to find something to say, but there was nothing as he was lost in her beauty.
Lira chuckled. "I heard your thoughts again," she said. "Thanks, Kael."
Kael could see the faintest hint of a blush rising to her cheeks. She looked away, her wings shifting awkwardly for a moment, but Kael could still see the smile that tugged at her lips.
"From your thoughts...” Lira said, “I should really get it huh?”
Before Kael could speak, a voice interjected, cutting through their moment.
"That won’t work with wings, red one," the voice said.
Kael turned to face the voice that had interrupted them. His eyes narrowed as he took in the newcomers. They were winged, large and bat-like. Each looked confident but the one stood at the front, blue skinned, caught his attention the most.
She must have been the leader. Her two horns curled from her head, identical to Lira’s except larger. The blue Master’s skin was deep like the sea and her eyes were locked onto Lira.
"What’s your name, red one?" she asked.
Lira didn’t flinch.
"Who is asking?" Lira shot back.
"I am Zhara," the blue Master said. "Conclave leader of the Winged Eclipse."
Kael had never heard of the Winged Eclipse before. But Kael knew not to antagonize them too soon.
"I can see your fledgling wings, red one," she continued. "Do not hide them."
Kael saw Lira’s eyes narrow at the words. She wasn’t one to cower, not even in the face of this obvious challenge. With a flick of her wrist, she removed the cloak, letting it fall to the ground in a fluid motion.
As the cloak dropped to the floor, Kael saw the low-cut back of her leather armor. Her small wings, the size of her hands, unfurled slightly from her back. They were barely there, not a sign of weakness but the size of her growth.
"A couple more points into Body," Zhara said. "And you'll have wings like us."
Her wings flexed and flapped as if to emphasize her point, a show of strength.
"Come join us," she continued, her wings casting an imposing shadow on Kael.
Lira's eyes flickered from Zhara to Kael, the brief moment of hesitation before she turned back to face the blue-winged Master.
"No."
Lira’s voice was steady. Any hesitation in her voice was absent, a sense of newfound confidence radiating instead.
"Thanks for the offer, but no thanks."
Zhara’s smirk faltered for a moment. She hadn’t expected rejection.
"Do you not feel the need to soar?" Zhara asked. "To fly in the skies? To touch the clouds? To reach the heavens? We can get you there.”
"I will get there myself," Lira said.
For a moment, there was silence. Zahra shifted silently, not expecting this conversation to play out this way.
But then, a shadow fell over the gathering.
All heads turned in an instant, the crowd of the Marketplace pausing. Vor stood behind them all, his massive form towering over the space.
"Move," Vor said.
The Winged Eclipse members froze and Zahra’s confidence faltered with the presence of Vor appearing behind them. She glanced at the others in her group, uncertainty flickering for just a moment before she recovered her composure.
With a sharp flick of her wings, Zhara turned toward her followers, her lips curling into a dismissive sneer.
“We’ll see you again, red one,” she called back.
As they retreated, Kael turned his attention to Vor, his gaze rising to the roof looking at the towering figure. Kael had stood before Vor in the past but his size was always alarming.
His body was wrapped in ornate armor, the heat around him seeming to pulse with raw energy. The demon general's helmet reflected the light in sharp, angular streaks, hiding his face, but his fiery gaze was undeniable.
"Kael! Strategist! Speak with me!" Vor’s voice was low. "Alone.”
Kael glanced briefly at Lira, who was standing beside him. Seeing Lira standing her ground emboldened him.
"Lira is a friend," Kael said. "She’ll be joining my conclave. She can come with us."
Vor’s eyes flicked back toward Lira, then to Kael, and Kael could see something shift behind the demon’s piercing gaze. It was a glint of something, not anger, not impatience, but something close to amusement.
“Follow,” he said simply, turning on his heel.
Kael and Lira exchanged a quick glance before following. They came to a smaller alcove, tucked away from the noise of the marketplace. Vor stopped in the middle of the room, his massive frame casting long shadows against the cold walls. He turned to face them, his eyes glowing like twin suns.
"You heard about the kill total with Golden City?" Vor asked.
Kael shook his head. “I haven’t,” he replied.
“Twenty-seven million kills,” he announced.
The numbers hit Kael like a punch in the gut.
Twenty-seven million. The sheer magnitude of it was unfathomable.
Kael turned to glance at Lira, and she met his gaze, her expression as composed as ever, though Kael could see the shock in her eyes.
Twenty-seven million. It was beyond any number he had ever imagined, beyond anything he had expected.
Vor chuckled darkly. “The poison,” he continued, his voice rich with satisfaction. “Killed almost everyone. My highest kills ever.”
Kael wasn’t sure how to respond. The reality of the situation was starting to settle into his bones. Vor had claimed the kills like a prize. And now, Kael was a part of that victory.
“So now your reward,” Vor’s voice rumbled.
Kael couldn’t help the flicker of excitement that passed through him, like a spark igniting something inside. After all the battles, the struggles, the tests, the trials.
This was it. The reward. And his dream for a conclave.
Vor’s orb appeared beside him in a flash of brilliant light, its glow casting sharp, eerie shadows on the walls of the alcove.
And then, just as quickly, gold coins began to pour out of the orb. They rained down, a stream of shiny gold spilling into Kael’s orb, falling into it like liquid, as though they were magnetically drawn to its core.
His conclave was becoming more than just an idea, more than just a collection of ambition. It was becoming real, built on the foundation of this very moment.
Vor, seeing Kael’s reaction, knelt in front of him with a low grunt, his presence still as towering and oppressive as ever.
Kael didn’t flinch. He watched as Vor held out his hand, and in the palm of it were five small red crystals, their surface shimmering.
“Help with your conclave,” Vor said.
His orb flickered with energy, and the crystals were pulled to it, absorbed into its depths. Kael couldn’t tell its importance for now but knew it may help in the long run.
Kael looked up to find Vor, standing now.
“Thanks, Strategist,” Vor said. Then, without another word, he turned and walked away, his steps heavy as he made his way back down the hall, his armor creaking with each movement.
The weight of the moment settled over them as Kael stood there, his hand still hovering over his orb, but something else had his attention now. Lira dashed forward with an unexpected burst of energy. Before Kael could fully register what was happening, she threw her arms around him in a genuine embrace, her laugh light and carefree.
"Kael! You did it!" she said.
He was caught off guard at first, his arms stiff at his sides as if the sudden affection was something foreign, something unfamiliar. But then, in the next heartbeat, he relaxed into it, returning the hug. It wasn’t the kind of embrace one got after hard-fought battles or trials.
No, this was more.
She pulled away slightly, her smile wider now.
"Remember to invite me, conclave master."
Kael couldn't help but chuckle. The conclave, the idea of it, had grown slowly in his mind, taking root after everything they had been through. But now that it was here, now that the reality was setting in, Kael found himself unsure of the next step.
“You’re the first I’m going to invite. You better not turn me down.”
"I won’t… Are you going to form it now?"
Kael nodded, putting his hand on his orb. There were many things to be done, plans to be set into motion. He was about to call upon Skrindle, but when he placed his hand over the orb, he paused.
There was no response.
Kael frowned, calling out for the mischievous imp guide.
Nothing.
"Strange," Kael muttered under his breath. "My guide isn’t answering," Kael said to Lira.
"Should we walk around until he comes back?" she asked.
Kael hesitated for a moment. Skrindle had always been there when Kael needed him. Quick with advice or dripping with sarcasm. The fact that the imp wasn’t answering felt... off.
But before Kael could say anything further, Lira spoke again.
"Actually," she said, pausing for a moment, as if to consider her words carefully. "I need to do something. I’ll catch up with you."
Kael looked at her, a small disappointment curling in his chest. He had hoped to have her by his side when they finally took the next step. When they started building something new from the ashes of everything that had come before.
"Alright," he said, giving her a small smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. "I’ll be waiting."
Lira nodded and, without another word, turned to leave. Kael stood still for a moment longer, watching her go, his thoughts churning. This new conclave that would soon be his responsibility.
His dream was here and Kael was ready.
******
With Kael getting enough gold to form a conclave, I need your help. Kael (and by extension me) can't really name things so I got a poll on what you think Kael should name his conclave? Vote on it or let me know down in the comments. Thanks for reading!
-korgissss
What should Kael name the conclave?
