“Welcome and please be seated,” he said.

Kane nodded and sat across from him. Considering his kidnapping duration, it was a sensible choice to use a puppet as a body replacement. Reynar showing up was more unexpected than that, in his honest opinion.

The coach then began to move. Kane jutted his head outside, wondering whether the two were chasing him. No signs of any of them, fortunately. He then inspected the box and peeked at the content. It was intact.

“Ahem.” Reynar cleared his throat. “Good morning, Kane. It has been a while since we conversed. How was your… experience?”

“Better than I expected, but I don’t wanna go through it ever again.”

“In spite of the carnal activity you partook in last night?” asked Reynar with a playful tone.

“Except that—” Kane squinted his eyes. “Wait. How did you know? Were you watching?”

“Please do not misunderstand. One of the rooms upstairs was illuminated over the course of the night time. Therefore, I’ve concluded with that assumption.”

Kane uttered a sigh. “Haah, I should’ve not answered your question right away.”

“To accomplish both the objective and boys’ fantasy in the same instance… you never cease to impress me, Kane.”

“Thanks, but I was just really lucky.”

If not for Sharon’s overconfidence with her plan, he would’ve failed — and also a little stroke of luck aiding him. Despite having learned about succubuses and other kinds of demons from Bokar’s lessons, he didn’t expect her to be one; she hid her demonic aura well. Still, why did she fail to mind-control him? Was it due to his real age? In any case, his preparations and experience greatly paid off.

“Where are you taking me?” Kane brought up a new topic.

“To Niflenia Magic Academy. Is something the matter?”

“Can we visit Fort Harkensburg first?”

“The demon hunters’ headquarters?” The mannequin slightly tilted his head. “May I know your reasons?”

“To safeguard the Black Feather. The academy isn’t secure anymore and sooner or later, they’ll send a person to steal it again,” said Kane. Another alternative was to give the Black Feather to Maur; however, he seemed to won’t comply with that kind of request.

“Excellent point. Unfortunately, we cannot simply waltz into a noteworthy organization such as Devilsbane.”

“I know someone.”

“Hmm, I suppose we can take a detour.” A magic circle manifested from the mannequin’s hand and fiddled with it.

That was easy. Reynar should’ve tried to cling on to the Black Feather more, yet he didn’t. What was the reason? Perhaps he had no interest in the item, to begin with. If so, why did he want to retrieve it back?

“Notwithstanding fulfilling your request, our agreement regarding the tournament participation is still valid. Do we agree on this?”

“No problem.”

“However, I am interested in the logic behind your motive. Why is that?”

“My father’s friend in Devilsbane asked me to collect them. They wanted to find the demon behind all of it,” misled Kane. While telling his secret goal to an enigmatic man such as Reynar would be a bad idea, not answering or lying outright could be worse. Thus, he told an incomplete truth instead.

“Fascinating. Why did this friend of your father encourage you to obtain it in such lengths?” asked Reynar again.

“Because I owe him. He taught me many things before I became a mage student.”

“I understand.” He nodded.

“By the way, have you found anything about ‘them’?” During his visit to Reynar’s office, Kane asked him for all the locations of certain materials to craft a new ax.

“Indeed, I have. Regarding the Blazark Tree trunk, the stock had depleted since a month ago in this city. You might have more chances finding it in the volcanic town, Teryer.”

“How far is it?” Kane clicked his tongue. Of course, a great material for magic staves especially for casting fire spells would be heavily sought out. He had to think of other alternatives.

“Four months by a horse coach from our current location.”

“…What about the Mananite?”

“They are available in Valvaris Magic Emporium, here in Rabrond.”

“Finally, good news.”

“Do you perhaps wish to craft magic equipment?”

“Sort of. It seems like an interesting job to me.”

“It is undoubtedly a remunerative profession. A little advice: you should begin with affordable materials first.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Now then, please recount your experience during your abduction as we journey to the fortress.”

“Sure.” Kane then proceeded to tell him most things. He had no qualms telling his fights except the final since his method was too implausible for a 13-year-old. When he told him about Aravides and their true nature, Reynar was shocked, albeit hearing them wasn’t his first time.

According to him, Aravides was a reclusive and cunning group that dealt in shady business. Their true base was unknown. They had been doing many kinds of oddl jobs: from light crimes like thievery to heavy ones like organ trafficking and assassination. No wonder Teresa warned him about the danger; Kane might’ve just made a troublesome enemy. To Reynar’s surprise, he never thought they were demon kins and seemed satisfied with the information.

They stopped talking after a while. Kane rested his head on the perching hand on the window’s edge, musing over the breaching at the academy.

The incident was too strange due to Reynar placing the Black Feather in his office unsecured as if begging to be stolen. Come to think of it, Ardera, the church’s paladin, visited the academy at almost the right moment for unknown reasons. Was her purpose for coming there to obtain the Black Feather from Reynar? Very likely. Such an important figure wouldn’t be bothered to travel from the holy capital in Marrah to here for trivial matters.

Or it was just a pure coincidence, which was more doubtful. Either way, why did Reynar want to steal back the Black Feather, yet he easily let go of it? So many questions left unanswered in the back of Kane’s mind. He could ask him directly, but that would be a stupid move. If Reynar truly had good intentions, he would’ve told all of his plans beforehand — yet he didn’t.

Kane had to be more cautious of Reynar’s actions, even though he wasn’t a threat for now. But as long as their interests weren’t conflicting against each other, Kane should be able to relax without any risk of backstabbing. At the moment, he showed a resting face as he gazed at the outside view, seemingly unconcerned with anything and not letting Reynar read his mind.

Before leaving the city, they stopped at an inn to eat breakfast and paid with Reynar’s money. Amid the journey, a question popped up: how far was the location? So, he asked about it.

“Approximately two days, if my estimation is correct,” answered Reynar.

“That’s a little too long, isn’t it?”

“Fret not, Kane, for this coach is a special one. Witness its capability and fasten your grip!” He grinned while chanting a spell.

The coach sped up and ascended into the air. Kane got pulled by the force while Reynar remained unaffected. Looking down, the ground was leaving him — or rather, the opposite was happening. The gust of fresh air rolled inside, whistling.

“What is your impression? Are you amazed?”

“Yes!” exclaimed Kane. Although flying wasn’t his first time, he could never have enough of it.

Two hours later, they descended and landed. In the distance, an expansive structure was built on a lone cliff island near the fjords. The curtain bulwark teetered on the edge, protecting the inside including the keep. The main and only way to enter was through the bridge that connected to the grey gatehouse. Red, blue, and black banners hung off the walls and the towers.

A pair of spear guardsmen — clad in steel plate armor — were approaching. One of them knocked on and opened the door while the other circled, doing inspections.

“Welcome to Fort Harkensburg. State your purpose for visiting here,” he said, twitching his brows upon seeing the two.

“I wanna meet Bokar. He’s a demon hunter of Devilsbane, or so I’ve heard,” answered Kane with a childish tone.

“Ah, you must be Kane! Master Bokar had informed us to expect for your arrival.” His tone became more respectful. He then looked at Reynar’s mannequin. “And this is?”

“I am his guardian. Please pay no heed to this body substitute of mine.”

“I-I see!” He bowed profusely. “You may go ahead.”

Guided by the guards, the coach crossed through the narrow bridge without any issue. Two men in the same uniform raised the gate from the watchtower. They were greeted by an open field, filled with people sparring against each other and walking. Various buildings were constructed on the edge of the fort.

Some nearby onlookers halted their activities to watch their coach since not every day to see two rare horse breeds pulling a coach. After parking beside other carriages at the corner, Kane and Reynar stepped outside.

“You’re following?” asked Kane to Reynar.

“Absolutely. I must ensure your safety.”

“We will guide you to Master Bokar’s residence,” said the guards, leading the way.

Strolling down the dirt path, they passed several public buildings including the pub, bunkhouse, and guard post. Later, they arrived at a workshop, pinched between the foundation of the main keep and the wall. It was a three-story building, made of stone bricks.

The masked blacksmith hammered a piece of metal continuously until the guards approached and told him something before leaving. He stood up and removed his mask, revealing his rugged but familiar face.

“Kane? Is that you!?” Bokar put away his tools and hugged Kane. “It’s you!”

“Long time no see, Bokar.” Kane hugged him back.

“Yeah. Didn’t think you’re going to visit me this quickly.” His eyes darted at Reynar. “And you must be an important person in Kane’s school, right?”

“Your assumption is correct. I am Reynar Mistfarer, the vice-headmaster of Niflenia. It is my pleasure to meet a famed demon hunter. Ah, please excuse this body substitute of mine.” He offered his hand.

“So, you’ve heard of me already. I can spare my introduction, then.” Bokar grabbed it for a handshake. “Thanks for taking care of him.”

“No need to thank me. It is my responsibility as a teacher.” He bowed.

“What brings you two here? To fly all the way here with that fancy coach, it must be urgent, no?”

“Sharp as always.” Kane smiled for a moment, then turned solemn and showed the box. “We need to talk. Privately.”

Bokar was silent for a moment before turning his head slightly. “Follow me.”

Kane then turned around. Before he could say anything, Reynar spoke first. “Take your time. In the meantime, I shall perambulate around this fortress.”

The two entered the workshop. The inside was pretty much the same as the one in Deven except more spacious. After ascending the stairs, they sat at the diner table.

“What do you want to talk about?” asked Bokar.

Kane put the box on the table. “Here.”

Bokar then opened it. He jolted backward right away. “That’s… that’s the Black Feather!”

“It is.”

“How and where did you find it!?”

“Reynar found it in the middle of the forest not too far from my school. It got stuck in the leaves, apparently.”

“What a lucky guy! He could’ve sold that for lots of money, yet he didn’t. Do you know the reason?”

“Initially, he tried to use that as a reward if I won a certain tournament, but…” A sudden realization hit Kane. If he told Bokar about the Aravides — a demonic family, wouldn’t they discover his connection with the demon hunter eventually? Especially if Bokar decided to send his personnel to watch over Kane. That would be the same as declaring them as their enemy!

If he were to do the opposite, it could leave Kane vulnerable. However, there was a slight chance that the family would leave him alone since the rapport between him and Sharon including Ral was good, and most importantly, he never harmed either of them. Perhaps they would blame Reynar instead. Creating enemies this early would only hinder his growth, so he wished to avoid antagonizing any strong group or entity for now. Nonetheless, he would retaliate whenever anyone provoked him first.

“But?” said Bokar, interrupting Kane’s train of thought.

“He changed his mind; the academy is too unsafe to store it. I also don’t know why he didn’t sell it.” Kane chose the latter. While riskier, he should be able to defend himself from assassins. If that happened, then Kane would ask Bokar for help.

He nodded. “Why did he tell you about the Black Feather, then?”

“Ah, I forgot to tell you. I told him about a strange disturbance within the forest where I took the entrance exam. The monsters seemed to become stronger than usual. And he found out my interest in the Black Feather and used it as leverage.”

“Strengthening monsters, huh? That’s one more of its properties.”

“There are others?”

“We only discovered two: an efficient power source and greatly enhancing dark elemental spells.”

“So, yeah, I’ve come here all the way from Rabrond to entrust this to you. Tell them you got it from Reynar instead if anyone’s asking.”

“Got it! You can count on me — and us, the Devilsbane. We’ll find Xervatia sooner or later.”

“Speaking of her, how’s the progress?”

“It’s still in the prototype phase.” Bokar scratched his temple. “Unless we have enough funding, the project will be forever at the bottom priority. Figuring out its uses is more important based on what I’ve heard from our lead researcher.”

“Oh well, I guess that can’t be helped.” Kane heaved a sigh. He wasn’t prepared to meet her yet anyway.

Later, they talked about many things for a while longer. Kane mentioned nothing about demons to avoid Bokar’s suspicion. Of course, he didn’t forget to ask Bokar for new armor and a small shield just in case he went on an adventure.

On the outside, Reynar was surrounded by children, interacting with them. They laughed and some even climbed on top of him.

“Sir Reynar!” shouted Kane.

Reynar turned toward him. “Ah, you have completed your business. Now, please do me a favor and give me a hand to handle these children.”

Why were children even living here? The thought vanished when Kane dragged Reynar back toward the coach. Those little peeps complained and shouted things at him, but he ignored them.

Then, an intent gaze was directed at Kane from above the wall. Observing through his peripheral vision, it came from a young woman clothed in black. Despite her porcelain mask covering her face, she was staring at him, no doubt about it. Not sure why. Kane would simply pretend to not notice her.

The coach had now ascended into the sky once again, attracting many onlookers. Flying up in the air, a peculiar object appeared in the distance.

“Is that…?”