Gabe and Malner walked through a fancy looking door into a High town Tea shop. This place was run by the Two greatest herbalists in the city, and was only visited by the very wealthy and powerful. Inside of the perfect Beautiful exterior was a very calm Quaint café With round tables set in a very well lit and decorated room. Everything in this place was hand crafted to help relax patrons. From the soft and sturdy chairs to the expensive artful wood floors. Just to stand in this room made a Channeler’s energy slow down and become more steady. Looking around There were maybe three patrons sitting at various tables and sipping Different teas. Each of them were the highest standing in the city’s social food chain, and One of them was Old Ancestor Vernon. He waved them over and smiled his usual maniac grin as the Two men gently walked towards his table. "Well hello there sir, are you a friend of Gabriel's?" He looked at Malner with interest. Malner was dressed just as fancy as everyone else in the Café with a long flowing tunic and silk lose pants. He looked like a high member of a Powerful Family, and had the Power Realm to prove it. "Ahh... Yes sir." He answered seaming a little thrown off by Vernon’s unchecked and powerful aura. Gabe had given him the money pouch, for strategic reasons and also bought quite a few sets of extravagant clothing for both he and Malner. One of which Gabe was wearing right now. A golden silk tunic with thick shoulder pads and dragons sown on the sleeves that made his Green eyes stand out, and a pair of dark black pants that cost a lot more money then they were worth. Gabe felt stuffy in this get up, but wouldn’t be allowed anywhere near this tea shop if he wasn’t wearing something other than commoner clothes. Vernon stood from sipping his tea and held out his hand. Malner shook it with reverence. A level nine Avatar like Vernon was respected by everyone And made a lot of people nervous just being in the room. Especially with his Power level open and easy for everyone to sense Gabe was certain the City officials were very aware of his presence. Someone like Vernon could destroy the entire city and everyone in it if he chose to. There likely wasn’t another avatar Realm Channeler for at least thirty thousand miles in any direction, not to mention one only a few steps away from the Deity realm. "This is an old friend from my Hellvine family days." Gabe said happily, with a convincing smile. Vernon looked at him with wounder in his eyes, he was very aware of Malner’s realm and from the way he looked At the short spear strapped to Malner’s back he also seamed to have a hint that Malner was more then met the eye. "Mmmm..... You seam to have a knack for making powerful friends Mister Gabriel." He gestured to the seats around his table. "Please sit, and order one of these prestigious teas. It will be on me." Gabe thanked him with a bow and they sat down together. When Vernon waved over one of the Servers they came over immediately not slacking a second to serve the powerhouse who’s open aura was currently scaring away almost all of their other customers. Gabe ordered an Opal branch And Succubus vine Mix. While Malner just got a regular Fire element tea with lemon. The description of each Tea and what effects they had on one’s cultivation written on the small menu the servers handed out. None of these teas were normal or cheep.

"So, this is the reason you wanted to come here?" Vernon said pointing to Malner. Gabe shrugged, taking a sip of the Tea. He could feel the pure energy inside it open and flowing into him. Herbal teas were a way to open up Cultivation Channels in both The Channeler and his Soul-Beasts. Meaning his draw would be increased and his Soul-Beast's Ability to Purify Energy would also go up temporarily. There were also healing effects from certain herbs and focusing effects from others. Some could even strengthen you. It all depended on how good the herbalist was and what Materials they had access to. The tea Gabe drank tasted heavenly and relaxed his tense body even more than this tea shop’s natural ambience already did. He'd had a very adventurous week, with more stress then he had bargained for. "Part of the reason.” Gabe answered. “Malner enjoys the finer things in life so I thought it fitting since this is the best his small city has to offer. And since he owes me one I had hopped he would see it polite to buy me a cup of tea while we were here but you have already beat him to it, Thank you. And also I must thank you again for bringing me here it is a favor I will not forget. If there is anything I can ever do for you in return then just name it." Vernon waved him and his thanks off, but had a glint in his eye like he was Glad Gabe was so grateful, for some reason he seamed to want favor with him. Gabe thought the man Was just like an older version of Mathew. "I am only Glad to Help a family friend young Gabriel, and I don't get out enough as it is. I trust you are finished with your personal business after this short week." Gabe nodded, he had called Vernon on his communication ring just an hour ago and They had chosen to meat at this café. "And did you get to see enough of the world to satisfy your Needs for another hundred or so years Vernon?" Gabe grinned at the man while taking another sip of his tea. Vernon nodded vigorously. "certainly. more then I wanted to even." the old timer answered acting like he’d gotten into trouble somewhere, which Gabe Had no doubt he did. Vernon gestured to Malner. "And who is this friend of yours, I don't think you even gave me his name." Gabe smiled, siping the tea the server had brought before answering. He seamed to be the only one in this shop that wasn’t afraid and overly respectful, to those watching Gabe looked just like an old friend of this powerful Channeler, they all made note not to bother Gabe ether. Vernon also seamed to notice Gabe’s attitude towards him but seamed unperturbed, like it was expected and natural. Only he also noticed the Change in Gabe’s eyes, he Could tell Gabe was not the same person he had left here only a week ago, something had made fundamental tweaks in the Way Gabe carried himself. It was as though years had gone by instead of days. "This is Malner, an Acolyte of the Fourth-sun family." Malner nodded not speaking. “A dear friend and a very wealthy man.” Most acolytes had many ways to make their own money, they weren’t complete slaves to their patron families as long As the Family policies were lose enough. Some frugal standouts were even known as the Golden Servants because they had so much of their own wealth they out shown even the highest members of the families they worked for. Vernon looked at Gabe. "And is this fine Chap coming with us?" Gabe swallowed the last of his small cup of tea, he suddenly felt very good, the herbs in it making his body and soul feel as though they were unbound and suddenly laid down a very heavy burden. "Yes sir, if that's okay. He doesn't have to stay at the house we can work something out in the city, but he plans to stay with me for quite a while." Vernon restrained himself from asking more questions this entire trip seamed very personal to Gabe, but he Vernon was still very interested in what Gabe had been doing in this city. Coming back with such a powerful friend. And acting different then his usual young self. His eyes had a sad tinge to them even that wasn't there before. He had left the Boy for only a week, and hadn't observed him. Choosing to honor his request for privacy. It was a bit unusual but Vernon didn't take it as an insult to be left out. It was only natural that young Channelers have their secrets. Still it seamed like Gabe had about twice the secrets any ordinary person should have. "Nonsense!” Vernon insisted. “He can stay with us. An honorable Acolyte of the Fourth-sun family is always welcome in my house. We have no troubles with them, and they make no trouble with us, exactly how it should be. I’ve personally always admired the Fourth-Sun family for their uncanny knack of staying out of trouble." Gabe smiled he had hoped for that, In his mind Malner had been left alone much too long, The man needed to be around some people, good or bad. Even as stiff as the Greenwood family was they would be a much needed respite from the solitude Malner was used to.

The three Channelers rode back to the Greenwood family house on Three large white Pegasi. And returned in just a little over an hour. This form of Travel was really the only way to get around, Gabe thought. The only better way would be to use Gate scrolls and arrive instantly. Vernon had one of the house servants prepare a Room for Malner the moment they returned and then went up to his own chamber to continue his cultivation. Gabe showed Malner the basics of living with the Greenwoods before taking him to the room they'd given him and Colin. He opened the door to find Colin in the Meditation closet. Usually he would have just interrupted him, but didn't feel like doing so today. He would wait to introduce the two. He sent Malner to the room the Greenwoods had gotten ready and then went down to the training area. Matthew had been there when he was Showing Malner around and was still there when Gabe picked up one of the training swords and started training also. The Greenwoods had not come out in mass to greet them, instead taking Gabe’s return in stride since they had not been gone very long. It was almost as tho he had never left.

Using a new Technique Malner had shown him Gabe swung his practice blade with speed and power as he channeled the energy inside him along the blade in a very unique pattern, almost like a run drawn from energy. He was horrible at this technique so far Making over ten different obvious missteps in this one swing as the blade lit with spirit energy and sped up by ten folds only to be brutally stopped by the wooden dummy he swung at not leaving even a mark on the enforced oak. It was a mid level technique, and incredibly hard for his Champion realm Cultivation to grasp. He needed better control of his inner spirit energy, and he needed to focus more on his body than the sword, his basic posture and foot work flimsy compared to where he wanted it to be. Matthew grinned at him as he struggled. "Welcome back." He said across one of the training mats. Knowing better than to come too close to someone while they were training unknown moves. "Thank you." Gabe said. Continuing his sword move no matter how many mistakes he made. Later he would have Malner show him again, and then again if it was needed, until he got everything perfect. He would soon Catch up to Seygo or even surpass her in the sword if it was possible. "You look well rested enough." Matthew intoned, the smirk on his face cold and ready, like a tiger hovering close to it’s prey. Gabe nodded his own gaze hardening like ice. "I assume you are about to challenge me?" Gabe asked with a steady voice. Matthew had a certain glint in his eye that only a battle crazed youth could have. "Yes you are correct. I challenge you to a ring match Here and now. Do you accept?" the man was almost overflowing with battle lust. Gabe stopped mid step in his practice swing. He looked at Matthew, turned his full body towards the man and bowed deeply. "I accept, but with a warning. I have grown much stronger since our last match. It will be unfair for you." Matthew's eyes widened. "Since when have you become so confident? I also have grown. You are not saying you have trained harder then I." Gabe frowned his gaze unchanged. "I did not mean to sound arrogant brother. But with the Access to such strong treasure lands your family has so graciously Allowed me, I have grown more in the past year then possibly in my entire life." It was true, at only age Eighteen he was a champion Realm channeler. That was the just about the youngest he'd ever heard of. But he couldn't reveal his new power realm to the Greenwood family. It would show them too much of his hand. And cause distrust that he couldn’t afford yet, not when he was so close to leaving on good terms with them and winning Seygo’s heart. How long had he been hiding his Level? Far too long now. His growth was just way too fast to openly show it. He would have to hold back over half of his strength in this match. Matthew had no chance at all. But looking at the man’s face he was clearly unaware just how outmatched he was. "That may be so." Matthew said, with a serious look. "But your growth will not be enough. This time the win is mine." He turned and a started for the ring In the training room. Gabe followed him pensive on the inside and fierce on the outside.

Once they both stepped in to the thirty foot ring, Matthew Channeled a small amount of energy into the runes drwan around them and the shield went up with a “SNAP!”. Unlike the ones at the Stadium this one could be Activated and turned off by even an embryo channeler. From ether inside or outside, But it was considered a forfeit if you turned it off during a match that wasn’t finished. "I wish you a good fight." Matthew said bowing to Gabe to show his respect. Gabe bowed back. "I wish you a good fight also." he truly admired Matthew’s ethics. He Felt like he was fighting a much better man than himself. To Start the fight Gabe quickly channeled a new move he had just barely begun to learn. It was Called Dark fire furnace. It was a rare move he'd found in one of Sisfar's stolen books. It required some form of Dark fire and he had that, So he preformed the very basic version of the move. large Bursts of black flame shot out from his chest in all directions. But barely burned above room temperature and had very small range. He laughed as it all faded only a few feet away from him doing nothing at all. This move was far too complex to learn in such a short time. Matthew watched the fire carefully, impressed with the new move Gabe was learning since he’d never seen it before but expecting this to be some kind of distraction, He was right. Gabe's hand went behind his back and when it came back it was holding the real move he wanted to use. A Spirit energy grenade. This was a death element move he had found that required very little Channeling skill, but a High level of runic skill. It was called the Undead awakening. And needed the Channeler to Push large amounts of Death spirit energy into a ball, then seal it with a Spirit energy rune that Gabe was able to learn just from looking at the picture. He'd mastered the move in two days, the Book very simple compared to the Runes he already knew. Gabe tossed the grenade and Matthew immediately saw it. He channeled his energy into a shield around it quickly as it flew through the air. To try and stop whatever it was, Then it exploded, popping through the shield like a bubble. As the spirit bomb expanded through the Ring all Gabe could think was oops. He hadn't meant to put so much power in it. He'd only put a fraction of what he could with his spirit control. He was thrown back slightly by his own move and Matthew was tossed against the shield like a rag doll. The man fell to the ground with gritted teeth and got up slowly almost in a daze. "What the hell was that!!" He shouted. The power he had felt was at least a level higher Then his own. Gabe smiled at him. "I'm good with runes." He answered smugly to hide his mistake. "That was a Rune move." Matthew's jaw fell. "But...." He didn't finish. Immediately he summoned Both a Death energy sword in his right hand and His Soul-Beast. The Female Flying Hell Demon was a Red skinned Three horned demon, with tattoos all around her bald head. And four wings on her back like a fairy. She hovered above the ground just a few feet. And was about as tall as Matthew. Immediately they both charged forward and Gabe made sure to lessen his speed to about the right level, as he summoned Both his hell wasp and his Death boar. Something truly unique about his Soul room hiding ability was that it also hid the Realm of his soul beasts, not just any hiding treasure could accomplish this, so it made his hidden Realm even more believable.

Gabe had his boar attack the demon with about half it's power and the wasp help him keep the sword at bay. The boar struggled not to use it's full brute force and made the fight look somewhat fake, but no’one else was watching the match so Gabe thought it would be okay. Matthew’s attention was fully immersed in Gabe and Two split Nexus wasps coming at him from three different angles He held them off valiantly with his Purple Death sword keeping the defence But Gabe managed to kick him in the stomach and launch him back a few feet. Durring this he commanded his death boar to Win the fight with just a little piece of it’s death cloud. The Flying hell Demon was strong and fast and a very Good Soul-Beast, being the descendant of a High grade Diety beast and a rare find. But Gabe had just become too powerful now and Gabe’s soul beasts were growing much faster than normal soul beasts would. Matthew looked at him with confusion. "You realy have grown stronger." He said sounding befuddled. "I'm very impressed. I had heard that you were training hard but this is at least a Ten times better growth rate then I ever would have assumed. You truly are an unreachable Talent." In his own mind Matthew was kicking himself for waiting so long, his grandfather had told him to make the challenge soon. But he'd wanted to perfect his new move, he had not thought of Gabe as such an impending threat, it was his own hubris and it would never happen again. He charged at Gabe with his sword held high his eyes sharp and ready for anything. Gabe took a defensive stance locking eyes with him but before Matthew reached him Matthew Jumped into the air, twisting his sword around in a Blurred intricate series of swings and slashes and then he stopped it suddenly. As he landed just a little bit away from Gabe he swung his sword down it’s point hitting the ground and braking it with just a small touch. Immediately a hoard of Serpents began to slither out of the ground and attack Gabe at a speed faster then Matthew could even move. They pored out in the hundreds with Fangs open and poised to strike. Two jumped up and bit into Gabe's Wasps. The beasts began to fly around erratically swinging the snakes off but only being attacked by more.

Gabe quickly jumped back ten feet and Made a Spirit Grenade as fast as he Could, making sure to Draw the rune wrong and only pore a tiny amount of Spirit energy into it compared to last time. He threw the blob of Spirit energy at the snakes but before it could hit them Matthew Channeled another Shield around it this one much thicker and with an aura of absolute strength and when it the grenade exploded it didn’t even scratch the inside of it. Gabe cursed his inability to Get the power level right on these things he turned around and ran to the shield wall as the creatures chased him kicking off the barrier and jumping with Two more ready made Grenades in his hands hoping these were better. As he jumped over the snakes he tossed one at them and the other at Matthew, also Channeling His death energy into half a dozen shrunken heads that launched towards Matthew. Matthew marveled at his speed and his ability to Channel so many different ways all at the same time, he Shielded both the Grenades But not enough as the one headed for the Snakes was much more powerful and it broke through almost completely, the explosion killed Half of the snakes on the ground. Mathew realized just how Good Gabe was at thinking ahead when he saw that, from the first Grenade to the last each one’s power level had varied so drastically that Mathew cold not Gage his shielding right, first he made too weak of a shield and nearly lost the battle in the first blow, than he made too strong of one and wasted far to much energy, his heart was both bitter at being on the ropes and excited to face such a capable opponent at the same time. Gabe aimed to land somewhere behind Matthew but as he soared over head he was hit with a powerful Death bolt The Black lightning struck him and Caused him to jerk throwing his landing off, he hit the ground face first and rolled with some of his training Clothes smoking from the blow. He groaned, and got up dazed as if he'd been hurt more then he was, that Death bolt would have finished him the first time they met but now was little more than a sting. Gabe Channeled one of his fists with spirit energy and charged at Matthew who was busy fending off the shrunken heads,. Mathew turned around in time, his face clenched up to see that his Death bolt hadn’t ended the fight already… just how strong was Gabe? It was so hard to figure him out. Gabe was too fast to doge or block his fist crackled with energy as he followed through with a strong, but not too strong Slug to the chest. Matthew cursed about Gabe’s unbelievable speed as he was sent flying backwards right towards Gabe's Death hog who was waiting and gave a him kick with it's front leg. That Death hog was also far too strong, Matthew had avoided it since it flat out killed his powerful Soul beast while he wasn’t looking, and now with one blow…

The shield went down and all moves were Instantly gone. After laying there breathing heavy and sweating for a minute Matthew stood up shakily from the floor and looked at Gabe with wide eyes. Gabe looked back stoically and the two just stared at each other for some time while

Matthew recovered some. Then after a few intense minutes Matthew spoke. "You were holding back in our match in the Chaneler Tests." He stated with a blank expression. Gabe rose an eyebrow. "No, I wasn't." he said. Matthew squinted his nose twitching. "Tell me on your honor, were you truly not holding back? Like you were today." Gabe cursed inwardly he had hoped to Keep Matthew too busy to notice, he held his Emotions in check praying Matthew couldn’t tell just how much he was holding back. He was about to answer that he wasn't holding back at all in their first fight, but he didn't want to bold face lie to such an honest soul as Mathew. He could have summoned all his soul beasts that day. But then he wouldn't be here right now. Word would spread, Families would argue over him. And then he might be killed, to prevent a Family war of some sort. A Channeler with ten Soul-Beasts was a freak of nature no'one thought even remotely possible. "I Did all I could in our first match." He said honestly, if he hadn’t beaten Mathew with the two beasts he showed that day then he would have taken the loss and just left. Matthew took a deep breath and bowed his emotions complex at this moment. "Then I thank you for the match. And admit I was not a worthy opponent." Gabe bowed back. "You WERE worthy. And I am grateful for your Challenge." Gabe smiled at him and Matthew smiled dimly back. Gabe sighed he wished he could speak freely with the man, and really be open about his situation, but life was life and secrets had to be kept when they could endanger your life. Gabe felt the need to speak though so he dropped his smile. “Mathew, you and your family have done much more for me than I could ever repay, and the time for my stay here to end is soon coming. So when I leave I want you to remember this. I Gabriel Hellvine will Always consider you a friend. If there are two sides to take then I will always take yours. If there are two paths, then the one that I take will be the one with you in mind. If I can help you or your family in some way then I will do so. This I promise.” Matthew looked like he was going to say something back but Gabe turned around before he could and walked back towards where he was training. Matthew stood there for just a moment watching him with deep thoughts. Gabe was Uninjured, not out of breath, and different then he had been before he left a week ago. Was it possible? Had he really gotten that strong in such a short time since their last fight. He'd taken that Death bolt directly and wasn't even shaken up. Gabriel walked confidently and all Matthew could think was How had he been defeated. The first time he had believed it a fluke, a Surprise that had stunned him long enough that he couldn't recover. But this time he had lost dead on. And he felt like Gabe hadn't even tried. It wasn't possible, he was many levels ahead of him. But he felt completely outmatched in that fight. And what was that look in Gabe’s eyes… sadness?… coldness?… it wasn’t there before. Matthew Finally turned away and started for his Private Training room. He would double his training, he would work twice as hard. Even though he felt like he would never catch up to Gabe's unnatural ability He wouldn't let him off with just this one fight. They would Be in the ring again someday, and Matthew would have every Skill in his ability to learn under his sleeve by then. Gabe might Have more Talent then him, But Mathew had More dedication. He also Kept Gabe’s words in his mind, he was Heavyhearted to think of Gabe leaving Everyone had gotten used to him here Even Gelgar. But he was glad Gabe wouldn’t forget them, he wouldn’t forget Gabe ether.