Chapter 87: Resolution

'I feel so much better now.'

The silence wasn't instant. It moved like a wave. At first, only those closest to us went quiet, whispering their questions in hushed tones. Then the murmurs spread outward, followed by stifled answers, until, one by one, they all fell silent. The entire plaza soon became strangely still.

'We're never doing this again.' I decided, mentally banning Luna from ever hijacking my speech again.

'What? He was being rude. And it wouldn't have been so easy to take control if you didn't agree… I think.'

The Core Disciple in front of me didn't seem angry at first. That fake smile was still plastered on his face, frozen in place from when he first approached.

But all things must come to an end. And it started with Synthia's poorly timed and inappropriate laughter, dooming me to the inevitable.

His expression darkened, and when he finally spoke, his voice was cold, laced with barely restrained anger. "I challenge you to a duel."

"Uhhhh. No."

*Pfft.*

Synthia was absolutely not helping. Her barely contained laughter was on the verge of breaking free.

"Listen," I tried again. "I didn't mea—well, what I said came out by accident. There's no reason for me t—"

"You will accept." His voice was lower now, filled with a threatening hue. Even his own group took a step back, as if wary of his next move. At least he didn't growl... I wonder what Thea is up to.

I shook my head. "Nope. Definitely won't."

'You should accept. All I need is one touch.' Luna's tone was disturbingly mischievous. I could already feel her presence in my mind fading, either from my own resistance or because of how much energy she had expended. Soon, she would be back in her own body again.

'You might be the most evil grass I've ever been attached to.'

The Core Disciple's composure finally cracked. "Yo–you're a Core Disciple! You can't refuse!" he practically shouted as I turned away.

"Is that a rule?" I hadn't exactly been given a handbook, but mandatory duels at a challenge sounded ridiculous and overly dangerous.

"Well!" He lifted a finger, clearly ready to argue, but quickly lost steam. "…You insulted me first." His voice had dropped, still thick with anger, but now there was something else, confusion.

"And you came looking for trouble," I added.

"I just wanted to find out how you paid your way in here." He attempted to justify.

"Uhhhh. Is that normal? Do people actually pay their way into the sect?" I raised an eyebrow. "And how'd you even hear about me so fast?"

The only person who might have spread word about me so quickly was someone who already didn't like me. Maybe this guy was one of their lackeys. Or lackey to a lackey.

He grumbled something under his breath. "No." But he didn't answer my second question.

'So far, people here are not the brightest,' I mused to Luna. I could maybe give a pass for Synthia's situation. The Elders couldn't see what I could, despite the statue probably informing them of her unique abilities, but this guy?

'Challenge?' Luna offered.

I sighed, ignoring her, and extended a hand instead. "I'm Peter."

Daniel glanced between my hand and the watching crowd, then smirked before clasping my palm. "Daniel."

'Movement of energy.' Luna's voice sharpened in my mind.

I didn't see anything myself, but I trusted her instincts. Without hesitation, I summoned my gauntlets, and at the same time, Daniel's hand flickered. A thin glove forming with sharp, claw-like tips.

We held the handshake, neither of us moving. My eyes narrowed. "You know where the town is?"

"I'll acc—" His smirk faltered. "Wait, what?"

I shrugged. "The town. Do you know where it is?"

For a moment, he just stared. His mind was clearly catching up to the fact that I had derailed the entire situation.

I'd much rather make friends than start unnecessary fights. He had definitely given one of the worst first impressions I've ever experienced, but maybe he wasn't as bad as he seemed... Maybe.

'I doubt it,' Luna muttered, her original body vibrating lightly, signaling her return.

"Do you. Know. Where. The."

"I heard you!" He cut in, irritated.

"So?"

Behind me, I could still hear muffled laughter. I turned slightly. "Is this really that funny?"

Synthia froze, or at least her expression did, but I could see her shoulders shaking with barely contained laughter.

*Ahem. Hmhmhm.* "Who tries to be friends with someone like that?" She managed to get out before covering her mouth and turning away.

I supposed Synthia had grown up in a more brutal world than mine, but honestly? I was getting tired of finishing or starting fights. There was a time for brutality, but this guy hadn't actually tried to kill me, at least, not yet. Maybe injure me, sure, but not kill.

I turned back to Daniel, giving him an expectant look while we still gripped each other's Spiritual Weapons. "Wanna show me where it is?"

He hesitated, then let go as I tightened my grip slightly, flashing my best smile.

"Why would I show you around?" He sounded almost offended while forcefully removing his hand from my grip, dissipating his Spiritual Weapon.

I shrugged. "Shouldn't my seniors be responsible for guiding me?"

Before he could respond, a sharp whistle cut through the air. A sudden gust of wind kicked up, making the robes of all nearby disciples billow.

So that's why we all wear pants.

A sleek boat descended into the plaza, coming to a smooth stop. Janus stepped out alone thankfully, Asmund was nowhere in sight.

"Peter." He smiled as he approached, giving Synthia a brief nod.

Daniel immediately took a step back.

"I'm planning to leave for a bit," Janus said, placing a hand on my shoulder, his voice dropping lower as he leaned in. "*I didn't tell my master about my suspicion of your… domain. I suggest you be much more vague about that particular detail.*"

That threw me off. Hadn't he told me earlier, the more I shared, the more rewards I'd get? And then there was the other thing.

He was aware of my Precursor Energy, while Elder Ramus hadn't seemed to recognize it. Or at least, he was aware it was something special.

"Why?" I wasn't arguing, just… curious.

Janus sighed, his grip tightening slightly. "*He's changed. It's been so many years.*"

He straightened, his eyes locking onto mine, and this time, his voice was no longer a whisper.

"Peter, remember, age changes people. The closer to death…" He trailed off, expression unreadable. "Well. Just be mindful. I brought you here because you're talented. Very. Learn what you can, but don't be foolish."

I nodded. "I will. Thanks for the help."

Janus stepped back onto his ship. And just as quickly as he'd landed, the vessel lifted off, blinking out of sight after a final nod in my direction.

"You know Master Janus?" Daniel asked, his voice laced with something close to worship.

That surprised me. Given Elder Craine's reception of Janus, I would've assumed he wasn't well-liked. But maybe that disdain didn't extend to the disciples.

I nodded. "He brought me here to get tested."

"You got tested?" Daniel muttered, his brows furrowing. "He didn't mention that…"

I caught the quiet words, and the obvious was now revealed. Someone, probably Craine, was targeting me here.

I exhaled and gestured toward him. "Alright. Seriously. We don't know each other, there's no bad blood. If you're free, how about you show me around?"

Hesitation flickered in his eyes, his stance shifting slightly. "I don't know…"

I decided to spell it out for him. "Listen, whoever told you to stir things up, well—" I gestured around at the lingering onlookers. "Mission accomplished. You caused a scene, but I doubt this is what they wanted. So, either you show me around, or I go hire some other disciple, which I'd rather not do, since I'd rather save my points and make a connection."

The tension in the air had already dissipated, and the background murmur of casual conversation had started to resume. Daniel exhaled sharply, then clasped his hands together, considering.

"…Do you know him well?"

I hesitated. Should I play this up? "Uh, I mean… I was part of his mercenary group. For a bit. Before he brought me here."

That got a reaction. He shifted nervously. "Do you think… you could introduce me to him when he returns?"

I shrugged. "Don't see why not. If I see him again, I'll let you know."

Daniel's expression eased slightly, and after a moment, he turned to his brown-robed followers. "All of you, return to your duties. I'll be back soon."

They gave a synchronized bow and eerily in sync, they responded in perfect unison, "Yes, sir." A shiver crawled down my spine. Did he train them to do that? Or did they just decide to do that on their own?

Daniel turned back to me with a sheepish smile. "Alright. I'll show you around town. What do you want to see?"

Without answering immediately, I started toward the stairs leading down the hill. Daniel fell in step beside me, picking up his pace to match mine. Synthia, after waiting for us to pass, took her place behind us.

"I want to check out the market," I said. "But maybe we can stop by the Treasure Hall first?"

Daniel let out a small huff. "How many contribution points do you have?"

"Just a hundred."

He shook his head, already turning toward the path. "Town it is."