《Shadow Emperor》Chapter 21
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Savani stops in place seeing Mary there. The four pseudo-sages of the tower were all goals that every other apprentice strives for, and for some reason one of them was currently in front of Savani. Quickly Savani crosses his arms across his chest while bowing, "Greetings Pseudo-Sage Mary. What can this apprentice do for you?"
Mary looks around for a while making sure that no one else was nearby. While Savani kept his bowed position she sent out several shadows that went out and scouted the area before returning letting her know that there were no forces of interests nearby. Only then does she turn and look at the still bowed Savani. "I am here on tower business. By order of Sage Lance all apprentices on missions outside the tower are to return. I have my own mission in town I must attend to so hurry up with whatever your task is because we will be leaving tomorrow before sunset."
Hearing that he had to leave a few days early Savani frowns as he keeps his position. He had never heard of a tower recalling all of their apprentices before. With this he had to put more pressure on the governor to gather the supplies for the tower. "Yes senior apprentice."
Hearing that Savani understood Mary nods her head as she walks into a shadow on the wall disappearing from sight. Savani holds his bowed position for a few more minutes before straightening his back. Seeing he was alone now Savani turns and heads back to the inn.
With Sage Lance recalling everyone Savani had a feeling that something was wrong but he couldn't put his finger on it. Still it was imperative that he get the governor to gather the resources the tower requested. Seeing as the sun was still setting Savani ran toward the City Hall determined to meet him. Savani managed to get to the building just as the governor was leaving, escorted by a large body guard in a full suit of armor. Seeing Savani run towards him Governor Hordif stops and bows. "Greetings Tower Apprentice. How can I help you today?"
Savani slows as he gets close, straightening his robes. "Something has come up at the Tower. I'm afraid you will need to hurry up gathering the resources. You have till tomorrow at noon. Once the auction at the local Sage Mart is complete I will be returning to check to make sure everything is in order before leaving with a senior apprentice."
Hearing that the deadline has been moved up a day the governors face cant help but flush. "Sir apprentice I'm not sure if that is even possible. Many of the resources will be gathered during the auction when outsiders sell their supplies for currency. We simply..."
Listening to the governor lecture him, Savani frowns and snaps his fingers silently casting Shadow Bind. Three tentacles appear one binding the Governors throat and the other two holding his guard in place. As Savani watches the guard unable to break free and the Governors face redden from the lack of oxygen he speaks in a firm voice. "I do not want to hear excuses. The time limit has been set. As Governor you are responsible for maintaining the town and gathering the supplies that the Tower needs. Failure to do so will lead to dismissal and a new Governor will be placed. One that will remember their duty and who they serve."
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With another snap of his fingers, Savani silently ends the spell. The guard collapses on the ground as the governor bends over and gasps for air, his face now pale from fright. Looking up at Savani he stutters "Yyyy....yes Tower Apprentice. I will have my men work through the night to meet the deadline don't you worry."
Seeing that the governor understood Savani nods and walks back to the inn, the sun finally setting in front of him casting the governor and the rest of the city in darkness. Seeing him disappear into the night, the governor rubs his throat and straightens up. Glaring at the guard he barks "you heard the Tower Apprentice. Even if you have to double the price gather everything the Tower has asked for. We don't have a moment to waste." Still rubbing his throat he looks back towards where Savani vanished, fear still hidden in the depths of his eyes.
Once Savani returned to the inn he immediately went up to his room before locking the door. Knowing that he has to leave tomorrow, Savani begins to pack up everything in his room leaving just a pair of clothes for tomorrow out. After running downstairs for a quick meal before returning to his room, Savani sits on his bed and enters into his Virtual Training space. Now that he had some Spacial Spell modules, Savani decided to spend the night practicing.
Looking over his new spells Savani decided to first practice Blink. He had enough attack spells in his arsenal, but if a situation ever went south Savani wanted to have a way to escape. After going through the Spell Module Savani began to practice Blink over and over. He quickly realized that spacial spells were going to be the most costly. Just to cast a Blink cost him nearly 5 Spirit, half of what he currently possessed. Savani also found that for Blink every 20 feet cost an additional Spirit with the minimum cost being 5, even if he only blinked 20 feet away. From the chips analysis it seems the majority of the Spirit went to folding the space he could blink across, and the nearest 100 feet was just the easiest and least costly to jump to.
Luckily in the Virtual Training space spells didn't really cost anything since it was just a simulation. This allowed Savani to get a good grasp of the spell as the night went on. By the time morning came Savani was proficient enough in the spell that he could pick any point in the surrounding area and actually blink to where he wanted to.
Leaving the Virtual Training space, Savani saw that the sun was just rising. The strain of casting spells all night made Savani fall asleep after having the chip set an alarm for an hour before the auction at noon.
Waking up to the chips alarm Savani groans. He can still feel a mild pounding in his head from the strain but it has lessened enough for him to be able to function. Savani quickly splashes some water onto his face before getting changed. After casting Control Undead on the zombie and putting cloaks on them both, Savani heads back into the Sage Market.
As Savani goes deeper into the Sage Market towards the Auction House more and more apprentices can be seen. Various people are running into nearby shops to sell items for last minute crystals, and Savani can see no less than 5 different Market Guides wandering around trying to keep an eye on things. After dodging through the various crowds Savani finally manages to get in front of the Auction House.
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Looking it over Savani is mildly impressed. The Auction House is three stories high and feels like an old time theatre. Columns line the outside as a large Arch creates an opening for others to enter. Outside there are numerous staff members creating lines, each wearing a collar with the local towers symbol. Behind them Savani noticed several apprentices in green robes with the logo of the auction house on their sleeves, each watching the lines for trouble makers.
Standing in line Savani waits for his turn with his undead. Once he gets to the front of his line the staff member smiles at him. "Greetings apprentice. Today is the day of our respective Forest Grove's weekly auction. Does sir wish for a regular seat or a VIP seat? A normal seat costs 5 crystal shards and a VIP seat costs 100 shards."
Hearing that he had to pay to enter Savani flashes his towers badge. "Do apprentices of the local Sage Tower get any form of discount?"
Seeing the badge, the staff member bows, "of course sir Tower Apprentice. All apprentices of Sage Lances tower gets a seat for free and only needs to spend 20 crystal for a VIP seat."
Hearing that he got a hefty discount on a VIP seat Savani takes out 20 crystals and hands them to the staff member. With a grin the staff member hands Savani a golden ticket. "If you take this to the reception inside they will bring you to the VIP section. Thank you and enjoy the auction."
Taking the ticket Savani nods toward the staff member before heading inside. As soon as he passes through the arch Savani can feel the hot temperature of the sun be replaced with a cool feeling. Looking around the interior, Savani is impressed. Inside are more columns with artificial vines winding from the ceiling down to the base. The floor is covered with a red carpet that is soft to the touch. The entrance way is wide and open, with an area off to one side with a bar and several tables for apprentices to sit as they wait. On the wall closest to the entrance is a reception area with several beautiful women manning the counter.
Savani heads to a receptionist that currently has no one in front of them, his undead following a step behind. Looking around he noticed that all employees seemed to have a uniform. All the males were in black pants with leather boots and and an emerald shirt. Each wore a brown vest with a golden ivy running along the edges. As for the females, each wore an emerald top with a leather corset in the same style as the men, along with a long skirt that went to midway down their calves. Instead of boots they wore simple shoes with long stockings to cover their feet.
As he gets to the counter Savani hands the receptionist the golden ticket. "Hello my dear. I was told to give this to one of you so you may bring me to my seat."
Seeing that the ticket handed her is gold in color, the receptionist looks him over before noticing his tower badge and what she believes to be a guard standing behind him. Believing him to be an important figure the receptionist flashes him a smile. "Of course sir apprentice. If you do not mind I will have one of the staff show you to your room." Turning she calls out into the doorway behind the counter. "Alexis we have a VIP from the Sage Lances tower. Would you please take him to his VIP room."
After being called for a young red headed beauty comes walking out. Seeing Savani she smiles and bows. "My name is Alexis sir apprentice. I will be in charge of serving you for this auction." Straightening herself she walks to Savani's side and proceeds to lead him up a nearby staircase. "The auction will begin in about ten minutes. There will be a total of 48 items for sale. If sir apprentice has anything he wishes to sell to the auction house I can arrange for a line of credit that can be used."
Hearing the various services Savani shakes his head. All of his potions had already been sold the day before and he didn't particularly have anything worth selling on his person. Seeing him refuse Alexis continues to lead Savani up the stairs and through a hall before opening a door. Inside is a small lounge with a chair facing the stage. Covering the opening is a large sheet of glass whose borders are covered in runes.
Alexis steps inside the room before turning to Savani. "This room has been enchanted by an inscription master for privacy. The window is one way and the walls are inscribed to prevent any form of spying from an apprentices Spirit."
Looking it over Savani sits in the chair overlooking the stage, his undead taking a guard position at the door. "Thank you miss Alexis."
Alexis comes up and stands next to Savani. She leans over giving him an ample view of her full chest. Smiling at him she whispers. "is there any other services I could do for you sir apprentice?"
Seeing how she acts Savani raises an eyebrow. While he knew it was common for mortals to try and entice an apprentice this was the first time Savani had witnessed it. Looking her over he had to admit that Alexis was beautiful. Since she seemed ok with providing an extra "service", Savani figured he would take her up on her offer.
With a grin, Savani pats his lap as he looks into her eyes. "I would be a fool to pass up the opportunity to have such a vision as yourself serve me. However what service are you suggesting?"
Seeing Savani agree Alexis face turns slightly red as she kneels in front of him. After fiddling with his robe soon Savani groans as she begins her service, his hands reaching forward and gripping her hair. For the next several minutes he sits there as Alexis serves him before the lights dim in the auction house as a spotlight shines on the main stage. Gripping Alexis hair to keep her going Savani looks over at the stage as the auction begins.
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