Chapter 599 - Kieran
As they stepped out of the clothing store, the bustle of the city streets greeted them once again, the energy of Ardmont pulsing around them. The sky was clear, the sun hanging high above as they made their way through the elegant district.
Astron glanced at Maya, his violet eyes catching the way the sunlight seemed to dance in her hair. "Will your dress for the banquet also be made by Eliran?"
Maya's lips curved into a smile as she met his gaze. "Of course," she replied. "Eliran has been designing my dresses for years. He understands my style better than anyone." Her smile widened slightly, a touch of playfulness in her tone as she added, "Though I'm sure you'll be more impressed with the final result when you see it at the banquet."
Astron raised an eyebrow, not entirely surprised by her confidence but intrigued by the hint of mystery in her words. "If his work for you is anything like the suit he's crafting for me, I'm sure it will be impressive."
Maya chuckled softly. She couldn't help but feel a flicker of excitement at the thought of seeing his reaction when she revealed her dress at the event.
As they walked through the streets, the energy of Ardmont pulsing around them, Maya glanced at Astron, her curiosity piqued.
"Do you have any other things that you want to buy?" she asked, her voice casual but with a note of genuine interest.
Astron shook his head, a small, almost imperceptible smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "No, I have everything covered," he replied, his tone composed as usual. "Besides, I'm not familiar enough with the structure of this city to wander around effectively for what I need."
Maya couldn't help but chuckle softly at his response, a glint of amusement in her eyes. "Well, now that I'm here, that part is covered," she said with a warm smile. She gestured ahead. "Come on, I'll take you to the Awakened City Center. It's where the elite gather, and they have everything an Awakened could need. You might find something interesting."
Astron gave a slight nod, his expression remaining calm, though there was a subtle shift in his demeanor as if he appreciated her guidance. He allowed Maya to lead the way again, the soft rhythm of their footsteps blending with the vibrant sounds of the city.
As they approached the Awakened City Center, the atmosphere began to change. The bustling market squares and tree-lined avenues gave way to towering buildings, sleek and modern, designed with an elegance that spoke of wealth and power. The streets here were wider, the air filled with a quiet hum of activity as Awakened individuals and merchants moved about, each with an aura of importance.
Then they stepped into the Awakened City Center and the atmosphere shifted even further. Inside, the grand halls were filled with rows of shops, each more extravagant than the last. Glittering displays of weapons, armor, and accessories, all imbued with mana, lined the walls, while high-end merchants conversed with customers in low, respectful tones.
The air was cool, tinged with a faint energy that hummed through the place, making the mana in the atmosphere feel palpable.
Maya led the way, her steps confident as she navigated the bustling aisles. She glanced at Astron, her eyes catching the subtle glint of curiosity in his gaze as he took in the grandeur around them.
"This place brings back memories," Maya said, her tone light and nostalgic. "I bought my first piece of equipment here." She smiled, the memory clearly a fond one. "I even haggled a lot back then, hiding my identity the entire time."
Astron's eyebrow raised slightly at that, his expression calm but curious. "You did it for fun?" he asked, his voice carrying a note of subtle amusement.
Maya chuckled softly, her eyes gleaming. "Partly for fun, yes. But also to improve my skills at reading people. You'd be surprised how much you can learn about someone during a negotiation." She gave him a playful smile. "Besides, it was a way to keep myself sharp. When you're hiding who you are, you need to stay on your toes."
Astron nodded thoughtfully, his gaze scanning the surrounding shops. "I see. It sounds like you used the opportunity to train more than just your combat skills."
"Exactly," Maya agreed, her voice carrying a hint of pride. "Sometimes the most valuable lessons aren't about physical strength but learning to navigate situations and people. It's all part of surviving and thriving in a world like ours."
Astron gave a small nod, understanding her point. His eyes briefly lingered on a display of finely crafted swords, their edges gleaming with an ethereal light. The shopkeeper behind the counter glanced at them, clearly recognizing the prestige that surrounded the two Awakened, but Astron gave the swords only a passing glance before returning his attention to Maya.
They continued walking through the bustling Awakened City Center, the atmosphere alive with the hum of activity. The energy in the air was palpable, a mix of mana and ambition, as Awakened individuals from all walks of life moved between shops.
Astron's gaze flicked from one storefront to another, taking in the wide variety of items on display—blades, armor, enchanted trinkets, all meticulously crafted and pulsing with mana. But despite the impressive array of weapons, his interest remained passive. He already had his weapon, one that had served him well.
Still, he remained observant, his sharp mind assessing the undercurrents of the market. He wasn't here for a weapon. His true purpose was to get a feel for the economy of Ardmont's Awakened society, to understand how its gears turned and what opportunities might be available to someone who paid close enough attention.
"Are you looking for anything specific?" Maya asked, her voice curious but light as they passed a blacksmith's shop. The rhythmic clang of metal being forged rang out, and the heat from the forge spilled into the streets. Inside, an Awakened blacksmith wielded his hammer with precise, practiced strikes, each blow imbued with mana that fused seamlessly into the steel.
Astron shook his head slightly, his violet eyes still scanning the shops with quiet interest. "No, I have my own weapon," he replied calmly. "I'm more interested in seeing how things work here—how the Awakened society in Ardmont operates. There's always something to learn when you observe the flow of a city's economy."
'He has his own weapon?'
Maya thought to herself. While she had seen him training with daggers and bows, she had never seen him use a 'special' weapon.
'But if it is him….'
If it was him, then he must have gotten a suitable weapon already since he was not someone who would overlook such things.
'Even then….'
Maya stole a glance at Astron. There was always something about him—an air of mystery that clung to him, not in a way that was meant to charm or intrigue others intentionally, but more because he was so skilled at keeping his abilities, his true self, hidden.
It wasn't just a trait of an Awakened or a Hunter; it felt more personal, like Astron had mastered the art of concealing his strengths, always holding something back, always optimizing every aspect of himself.
She'd seen it in the way he fought, how he analyzed every situation, using misdirection and subtlety to his advantage. He didn't rely on brute strength or overwhelming power—his approach was different, more refined. If there was one thing Maya had come to understand about Astron, it was that he didn't leave anything to chance. Everything he did was calculated and precise.
'If that's the case… he must have a lot of tricks up his sleeve,' she concluded, her mind drifting back to how he moved in combat. He fought with intelligence, always using the environment, exploiting weaknesses, and turning every small detail to his advantage. Tricks and strategies were his weapons, and that made him dangerous in ways few people understood.
Breaking the silence between them, she turned to him with a playful smile. "I have a place in mind," she said, her tone light but with a hint of excitement. She gestured for him to follow her. "Come on, you'll like this."
Astron raised an eyebrow slightly, intrigued by the sudden shift in her demeanor, but he gave a small nod and fell into step beside her as they made their way deeper into the City Center. He didn't ask questions, but Maya could tell he was curious.
The streets around them grew quieter as they moved away from the bustling main square, the shops here more specialized, catering to a more discerning clientele. Maya led him through a side street that opened into a courtyard, where a small, unassuming shop sat nestled between two grander buildings.
Its modest appearance stood in stark contrast to the elegant surroundings, but there was something about it—an air of authenticity—that drew the eye.
"This is the place," Maya said.
Astron's violet eyes carefully scanned the shop before him. Despite its central location in the heart of the Awakened City Center, the store appeared disorganized, almost haphazard in its presentation. Materials were scattered around without care, some half-buried under stacks of items, others leaning precariously against the walls.
It was a stark contrast to the polished, pristine shops they had just passed. There was no thought put into the arrangement, no effort to make the shop visually appealing. It was as if the owner had little interest in appearances.
That, in itself, was odd.
Astron narrowed his eyes, lowering his body to get a closer look at some of the materials. His fingers brushed lightly against the surface of a metal bar, its texture cool and smooth beneath his touch. He turned it over, noting the weight and the faint, shimmering mana trails that clung to its edges.
'This isn't just scrap,' he thought to himself. He tilted the bar slightly, watching the way the light caught its surface. "This is no ordinary metal," he murmured, speaking aloud for Maya's benefit. "It's [Kalisium]," he continued, recognizing the distinctive mana signature. A high-grade material, not something that would normally be left lying around in such a disorderly fashion.
Kalisium was used for crafting exceptional weapons and armor—its durability and ability to hold mana were unparalleled. Yet here it was, sitting among a pile of other items, as if it were no more valuable than common steel.
He stood, dusting off his hands, his sharp gaze returning to the rest of the shop. The more he looked, the more the disarray made sense. It wasn't that the owner didn't care about presentation—it was that they didn't need to.
The fact that they were able to command such materials alone made it evident that the owner of the store did not lack any money.
'Interesting.'
He thought. Considering the fact that the world was vast and there were many talented people he had yet to come to know about, meeting people and making acquaintances with them was always welcome.
Maya's gaze swept the shop as she casually stepped closer to Astron.
"Kieran!" she shouted as she called to the owner of the store.
But that name was a name that Astron knew about.
'Kieran?'
Since that name was a name of a character from the game.
Chapter 600 - Kieran (2)
"Kieran!"
As Maya called the name, the sound of breaking glass followed, then a faint curse. Moments later, the door to the backroom swung open, and a young man with a short stature stumbled out, dusting off his hands.
His disheveled appearance contrasted sharply with the store's valuable contents. His messy brown hair and wide green eyes made him look a bit younger than he likely was, though there was something sharp and calculating about his gaze.
"Maya?" the young man, Kieran, exclaimed, his voice tinged with a combination of annoyance and disbelief. "Couldn't you have waited a second? I almost dropped an entire batch of... never mind."
Kieran straightened up, fixing his shirt and trying to appear more composed despite the evident chaos behind him. He was short—not much taller than Maya's shoulder—but there was a certain confidence in his posture, as if he was fully aware of his own importance, regardless of appearances.
His hands were still covered in what looked like glittering dust, likely the remnants of whatever experiment or work he had been conducting.
Maya grinned, ignoring his complaints. "It's been a while! And here I thought you were too busy to see me," she teased lightly before gesturing toward Astron. "This is Astron Natusalune."
At the mention of Astron's name, Kieran's eyes flicked toward him, narrowing slightly as if assessing him quickly. Then, something seemed to click, and his gaze sharpened with recognition. "Astron Natusalune..." he repeated slowly as if rolling the name around in his head. "What a fricking weird name."
Maya's grin faltered for a moment, her expression shifting to one of slight embarrassment as she quickly stepped forward and tried to cover Kieran's mouth with her hand. "How can you say it like that, Kieran?" she said, her voice laced with playful scolding, though there was an edge of seriousness in her tone.
Kieran simply shrugged, pulling her hand away from his face with a nonchalant grin. "What? I'm just saying what's on my mind," he replied, unbothered by her reaction. He shot a glance at Astron. "No offense, man, but you've got one of those names that sounds like it belongs in a mysterious prophecy or something. People must do double-takes when they hear it."
Astron, for his part, remained completely unfazed.
"None taken," Astron replied calmly, his violet eyes gleaming with a flicker of amusement. "I've heard stranger."
Maya gave an exasperated sigh, shaking her head, though she couldn't help but smile at the exchange. "You never change, Kieran," she said, glancing at him with a mixture of affection and frustration. She looked at Astron, who was clearly unbothered, and relaxed.
Kieran shrugged again, his confidence unshaken. "Why should I? Being straightforward keeps things simple."
Maya chuckled softly. "Simple isn't exactly your style, you know."
"Fair point," Kieran conceded with a smirk, his eyes gleaming mischievously as he ran a hand through his messy hair, still dusted with glittering particles from whatever he had been working on. "But that's why people like me. They know exactly what they're getting."
Astron observed the dynamic between the two with quiet interest. It was clear they had a long-standing familiarity, the kind that allowed for banter without taking offense.
Though Kieran's words were unfiltered, they lacked malice, and Astron could sense that Maya found his candid nature refreshing, even if it occasionally exasperated her.
'But…..'
However inwardly there were many questions that were popping on his head.
'Kieran Valis... Could it be him?'
Astron's thoughts shifted inwardly as he recalled a specific NPC from the later stages of the game, a dwarf who bore the same name. In the chaotic period when wars raged across the world and factions were locked in brutal conflict, this dwarf appeared at a critical juncture.
The plot at that point was intense, with the player tasked with capturing a demon stronghold that had been terrorizing nearby regions.
Once the stronghold fell, the player would discover a prison deep within its fortress. Among the captives was a bitter, angry dwarf. At first, the dwarf harbored intense hatred toward humans, cursing the player and treating them with open hostility.
The player would escort the dwarf to their own battlefront and then from there the dwarf would be sent to the dwarf camp.
And following that the player would come to learn to the fact that the dwarf that they have saved named Kieran was actually a talented blacksmith and a magic engineer.
From that point on, some things in the store would also become available with new formulas as the shop would expand.
Though the NPC named Kieran's backstory would never be revealed and the players would be left in the dark.
Astron remained outwardly composed, but internally, his thoughts raced as he studied Kieran. 'Kieran Valis… could it really be him?' Though there wasn't enough evidence to make a definitive conclusion, the pieces gnawed at his mind, lingering like a half-formed idea.
Without drawing attention to himself, Astron focused inward, drawing mana into his eyes. His vision sharpened, shifting from the mundane to something far more intricate as he tuned into the flow of mana around Kieran. To the untrained eye, Kieran was just a short, messy blacksmith covered in glittering dust. But Astron's enhanced perception saw deeper.
The mana that moved through Kieran was unusual. It wasn't chaotic like most Awakened individuals, nor did it have the smooth, controlled flow of a human. Instead, it was compact and concentrated, as if his very form was made not to be used in combat but more for longer and stable consumption.
Even more telling were the faint biological markers Astron noticed—dense bone structure, slightly stouter limbs, and a resilience in his aura that hinted at the race.
'Indeed, a dwarf,' Astron concluded, the certainty is settling in his mind.
While Kieran's appearance might not fully match what most would expect of a dwarf, the clues were there. His mana structure and subtle physical traits were unmistakable to someone with Astron's level of perception.
But if Kieran was indeed a dwarf, what was he doing here, in the heart of Ardmont's Awakened City Center, running a shop that catered to Awakened? And why was there no indication of his heritage, no outward display of the pride dwarves typically took in their craft?
'Interesting…..First an elf and a dwarf….'
After the reveal of Maya's past, making the connection was not that hard.
'Maybe related to Aelion?'
While dwarfs and Elves hated each other, there was still a certain kinship that they felt being from the same planet and traveling somewhere else.
There could be many points where an elf met with a dwarf. Heck, Aelion might even have ties with a dwarf family of hard circumstances and could be hiding them there.
Or this matter could be completely unrelated to Maya, though seeing her like that, it did not seem to be the case.
As Astron pieced together the fragments of Kieran's past, his mind circled around the possibilities. The Kieran from the game had been bitter, almost consumed by his hatred for humans, and it made sense. If he had indeed been betrayed by those he once trusted, or even by humans who were supposed to protect him, that could explain why he ended up in the hands of the demons.
'But how did it all begin?' Astron wondered, his thoughts racing. Kieran wasn't the type to simply fall into a trap. For a dwarf of his skill—both in magic engineering and blacksmithing—he must have had enemies, people who saw his talents and wanted to exploit them.
Perhaps someone had discovered his talents and made a move, or maybe his connection to Maya's family, or even to Aelion, had placed him in a precarious position.
The possibility that the Evergreen family had failed to protect him loomed large in Astron's mind. Maya's lineage, her connection to Aelion, and the tensions between different factions could have easily played a role. The fact that elves and dwarves, despite their historical enmity, were from the same planet and had ties that could surface at critical moments, only deepened Astron's suspicions.
If Aelion had a connection to Kieran's family, that might explain why Kieran was here, hidden away in Ardmont's bustling market, quietly working under the radar.
But it didn't stop there. If Kieran had been betrayed by humans—perhaps even sold out by those who coveted his talents—his capture by demons could have been the result of such treachery. It would explain the deep, almost irrational hatred he harbored against humans in the game.
And, if Maya's family had any involvement in trying to protect or hide him, it would also explain the complex dynamics Astron was witnessing now.
Still, these were just speculations—possibilities that lined up but lacked hard evidence. 'I need more proof,' Astron thought, keeping his demeanor calm despite the whirlwind of thoughts swirling in his head. He couldn't jump to conclusions, not yet. While everything seemed to connect on some level, he knew better than to rely solely on assumptions.
Astron kept these thoughts to himself, his expression remaining calm and unreadable.
If it was really him, Kieran could be a crucial figure in the future—someone whose talents would be needed when the chaos erupted.
'For now, let's see.'
Just as Astron's mind processed all these thoughts in a matter of seconds, his violet eyes flicking briefly toward Kieran, Maya turned toward him with a curious look. She could always sense when Astron was deep in thought, even when he masked it perfectly on the surface.
"We're here to check out some of your products, Kieran," Maya explained, her voice returning to its usual casual warmth. "Astron is looking for something that might complement his abilities, and I thought your shop would be a good place to start."
Kieran's mischievous grin faded, his demeanor shifting into something far more serious as he entered "business mode." His eyes, still gleaming with curiosity, locked onto Astron's. "I see," Kieran said, his voice steady. "Looking for something in particular? A weapon, armor, or maybe a custom item? I don't stock the usual run-of-the-mill stuff here. Everything's got a little...
extra."
Astron gave a small nod, still maintaining his composed exterior. "I have something in mind."
He said that he had grabbed something from his spatial storage.
CLANK!
And then spilled it to the ground.
'Let's test your capabilities first.'
Chapter 601 - Kieran (3)
CLANK!
The sound of metal hitting the floor echoed through the room as Astron pulled a set of daggers from his spatial storage and casually spilled them onto the ground before Kieran. The gleaming blades lay in a neat array, catching the light with a faint, ethereal glow.
Kieran's brow furrowed slightly as he looked down at the daggers. His initial surprise quickly shifted to a professional curiosity, and his sharp gaze immediately began assessing the weapons before him. "What do you want me to do with these?" he asked, his tone carrying a hint of intrigue.
Astron met his gaze calmly, his expression as composed as ever. "Take a look at them," he said simply, giving no further instructions.
Kieran raised an eyebrow but didn't question it further. He crouched down and picked up one of the daggers, his fingers expertly running along the edge of the blade. His eyes narrowed as he turned the weapon over in his hand, examining every detail with the precision of a seasoned craftsman.
"These are... interesting," Kieran muttered, more to himself than anyone else, as he continued his inspection. He pressed his thumb lightly along the engraved runes, his eyes flickering with recognition. "Mana-infused, obviously. The enchantment on these is quite advanced. I can feel the energy flow through the metal...
and these runes..."
He paused, his mind clearly racing as he pieced together the magic within the daggers. He tested the balance, flipping the dagger expertly in his hand before finally tossing it lightly into the air. The dagger seemed to almost hum with energy as if responding to his touch.
"A type of a blade that can be pulled back?" Kieran asked, his gaze now fully focused on Astron.
Astron nodded, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "That's right. They can be retracted and returned to me after a command."
Kieran smirked, impressed. "You don't see enchantments like this every day. Whoever made these knew what they were doing, and the mana flow is impeccable—no disruption, no delays in the return mechanism. The enchantment is seamless."
He picked up another dagger, testing its weight and balance just as he had with the first. After a few moments of silent observation, he glanced back at Astron. "And I can tell you've used these a lot."
Kieran stood up, holding both daggers now, and continued his analysis aloud. "The way these work... they're built for efficiency. Fast strikes, easy recall, and perfect for someone who needs versatility in combat. It's not just the retractable feature; they were designed with precision in mind."
He tossed one of the daggers lightly toward Astron, who caught it effortlessly. Kieran's expression shifted slightly, his curiosity deepening as he added, "So, what exactly are you looking for, Astron? Do you need these enhanced, or are you planning on integrating something new into them?"
Without a word, Astron reached into his spatial storage once again, this time withdrawing a pair of sleek daggers and a finely crafted bow. He placed them on the table in front of Kieran with the same quiet composure as before.
"These as well," Astron said calmly, gesturing toward the weapons.
Kieran's eyes lit up with a spark of curiosity as he carefully picked up the daggers first. The moment his fingers touched the cold metal, his brows furrowed slightly in recognition. He ran a thumb along the blade, feeling the faint energy coursing through it. His sharp eyes caught the faint green glow that shimmered along the edges, hinting at the weapon's venomous properties.
"These are... interesting," Kieran mused aloud. "The enchantment is good. Venomous Edge, right? This will stack venom over time. Not bad." He gave a nod of approval, though his expression remained focused.
"The paralysis effect after the third hit is a nice touch—perfect for taking down enemies quickly."
He tested the balance of the blades, flipping one in his hand before continuing his assessment. "And Serpent's Reflex... I can see how it would enhance agility, especially in close-quarters combat. It's a solid weapon, but..."
Kieran paused, turning the blades over in his hands before looking back at Astron with a measured gaze. "These are at most [Unique] Grade artifacts," he said matter-of-factly. "Not bad, but there's room for improvement. Whoever made these didn't push the enchantments to their full potential."
Satisfied with his analysis, he placed the daggers back down and moved on to the bow. The moment he lifted the Starpiercer Arc, Kieran's eyes gleamed with appreciation for its craftsmanship. He ran a hand along the smooth wood, tracing the runes etched into the frame, feeling the latent power within the weapon.
"Now this... this is a beauty," Kieran remarked, his tone carrying a hint of admiration. "Piercing Shot, I'm guessing? Allows the arrow to travel through multiple targets while increasing in force as it goes."
He strung the bow lightly, testing the tension with a practiced hand. "It's well-balanced and strong, and the magic is woven seamlessly into the bow. But again, like the daggers, it's only at [Unique] Grade." Kieran's voice was calm but firm, giving an honest critique. "There's definitely potential to bring these weapons up a notch if you're willing to invest the time and resources."
Astron gave a small nod, his expression unchanged. "I expected as much."
The reason why Astron revealed those weapons was just to test if this guy before him was the one from the game or not.
'And it is indeed the one from the game.'
Kieran from the game had the ability to see through the effects of the weapons thanks to his trait, and that way, he could identify what the weapons did.
His talent stemmed from the fact that, thanks to the effects of the weapons, he could fasten his experiments regarding weapons, and this played a huge role in his career as a magic engineer.
Astron's eyes flicked between the weapons laid out on the table before him, his mind already calculating the possibilities. The fact that Kieran had identified the abilities of each weapon without hesitation confirmed Astron's suspicions.
This Kieran was, without a doubt, the same one from the game, possessing the unique trait that allowed him to see through the effects of artifacts and weapons alike.
'He's exactly as I expected.'
With that thought in mind, Astron decided to push the boundaries of what Kieran could do. He looked up from the weapons, his violet eyes meeting Kieran's sharp, expectant gaze.
"Can you combine their abilities?" Astron asked, his voice calm and measured.
Kieran's expression immediately shifted into a wide grin, the kind of smile that told Astron this was exactly the kind of challenge Kieran had been hoping for. "Now, that's the kind of question I like to hear," Kieran said, his tone filled with excitement. He stepped forward, picking up the daggers and the bow again, his eyes gleaming with possibility.
He spun one of the daggers in his hand before turning back to Astron, his grin widening. "Combining their abilities... it's not easy, but it's definitely possible."
Kieran's grin widened as he continued, clearly energized by the challenge. "Here's the thing," he said, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "I can craft the throwable daggers with all these properties. Imagine it—venomous strikes, enhanced reflexes for quick reaction times, and the precision you get from a bow, all compacted into a set of throwing blades.
I can even fine-tune the aerodynamics to make them faster and more efficient mid-flight."
He twirled one of the daggers in his hand again, eyes gleaming as he considered the possibilities. "The current material is decent, but if we're going all out, I'll use something stronger—higher-grade metals that can hold the enchantments better and increase durability.
That way, you won't have to worry about the blades losing their edge or breaking during combat, no matter how intense the fight gets."
Kieran set the daggers and the bow back down, his excitement palpable. "And the aerodynamics? I'll refine the design to make the flight smoother, reducing drag and increasing the speed at which they return to you. The key is balance—if we get it just right, they'll fly faster, hit harder, and retain all their enchantments. It's a lot of work, but I can do it."
Astron remained calm as ever, though he felt a flicker of satisfaction at Kieran's response. This was exactly what he had hoped for—an upgrade.
The reason?
'If he can combine and can show his talent more, maybe I can even show him [Celestalith].'
He had never shown his weapon to anyone before since he did not have any need to, as well as he liked hiding his trump cards.
Kieran leaned in slightly, his grin never fading. "By the time I'm done, these daggers will be something else entirely. They'll be your go-to for both close and ranged combat, with all the power you need wrapped up in a sleek, deadly package."
Astron nodded, his mind already envisioning the potential these refined weapons would bring to his combat strategy. "I'll leave it in your hands, then," he said, his voice calm but firm. "I expect nothing less than perfection."
Kieran's grin widened even more if that was possible. "Oh, don't worry," he said, already gathering the daggers and bowing back into his hands. "You're going to get more than you bargained for."
As Kieran walked toward his workshop, the challenge set before him, Maya glanced at Astron. "It will be on me."
Just as Astron was about to respond, Maya shook her head firmly, her expression unwavering. "No, I won't take no as an answer," she said with a knowing smile, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Astron, ever composed, raised an eyebrow slightly, though he knew there was little point in trying to persuade her otherwise. Maya had made up her mind, and when she did, there was no changing it.
As Kieran walked toward his workshop, his mind already racing with ideas for the modifications, Maya turned her attention fully to Astron. "It'll be on me," she said, her voice soft but resolute.
Astron gave her a steady look, the hint of a frown tugging at his lips. He wasn't used to relying on others, especially for something as personal as his weapons, but Maya's determination was evident. She wasn't offering; she was deciding.
Astron fell silent for a moment, considering her words. He knew she meant well, and while he wasn't one to accept help easily, he respected her insistence. Finally, with a subtle nod, he relented. "All right," he said, his voice measured. "But only this time."
Maya chuckled softly, clearly pleased with his response. "You say that now," she teased lightly, "but we both know you're not getting rid of me that easily."
"Fair enough," Astron conceded, knowing well that Maya wasn't someone who could be brushed off so easily.
With the matter settled, Maya glanced toward the backroom where Kieran had disappeared, her confidence unwavering. "He's going to do great work," she said, her tone filled with certainty. "You'll see."
Astron simply nodded, though his mind briefly drifted back to the thought of his own hidden weapon, Celestalith. If Kieran proved himself capable, perhaps—just perhaps—he would consider revealing that trump card for further enhancement. But for now, he would wait and see.
"Though I am curious. How did the two of you meet?"
Still, before everything happened, Astron needed to clarify some things.
Chapter 602 - Kieran (4)
"Though I am curious. How did the two of you meet?"
As Astron asked his question, Maya's expression softened, and she glanced in the direction Kieran had disappeared. "It was thanks to my brother that Kieran and I met," she explained, her voice tinged with a hint of nostalgia.
Astron raised an eyebrow slightly, his curiosity piqued. "Your brother?"
Maya nodded, her gaze returning to Astron. "Yes, Alden. He introduced Kieran to me a few years ago. Back then, my brother was already working on a few projects of his own. He would not be at home for a long time. But then suddenly, he took me out one day, and then he brought me here."
"Here?"
"Yes. Even when I was a young child, Kieran was in this place working over some things on his own. And then brother brought me here and that's how we met. Kieran's been a trusted ally ever since."
Astron's thoughts churned as he processed the information. It made sense that Alden, with his sharp and methodical nature, would have seen Kieran's potential early on. In all likelihood, Alden had discovered Kieran, recognized his talents, and provided the necessary resources for him to flourish.
Perhaps it was even through their family's influence or financial backing that Kieran had managed to establish himself here.
'Alden likely funded him,' Astron speculated, his mind piecing together the potential dynamic. 'It's possible that Kieran's success was in part due to the resources provided by the Evergreen family. But Maya… she doesn't seem to know the full extent of it.'
It was evident from her earlier words, the way she spoke fondly of her brother but with a sense of detachment from the deeper machinations that might have been at play. While she understood the connection, Maya didn't seem to be aware of the full scope of what Alden's involvement might have been.
Astron glanced at her, his calm expression betraying none of his internal thoughts. He knew that the real answers wouldn't lie with Maya but with Alden himself. Whatever arrangements or agreements had been made between Alden and Kieran, Maya was likely kept in the dark or at least unaware of the finer details.
"You didn't ask about the specifics?" Astron inquired, his voice measured.
Maya shook her head lightly, her smile soft but carrying a hint of mystery. "No, Alden never really told me much about it. He's always been like that—keeping certain things to himself. I was young then, and I didn't question it." She paused for a moment, then added, "But I trust him. Whatever arrangement they had, it worked."
Astron nodded slowly, his suspicions confirmed. The true depth of Kieran's connection to the Evergreen family—and the role Alden played in it—was something only Alden could clarify. For now, though, Astron kept his thoughts to himself, knowing that digging further would have to wait.
"I see," Astron said, his voice calm.
With the lingering questions now tucked away in the back of his mind, Astron glanced toward the door and made a silent decision. They had spent enough time here, and the longer they stayed, the more unnecessary details might emerge. He had other priorities to focus on, especially with the upcoming banquet tomorrow—a time that would demand his full attention and meticulous preparation.
"I think that's enough for now," Astron said, his voice calm but resolute. He turned to Maya, his violet eyes meeting hers with a silent understanding. "We've already spent quite a bit of time here, and I need to make some final preparations before the banquet tomorrow."
Maya's expression shifted, a small smile tugging at her lips as she nodded in agreement. "You're right. We should get going." She gave a brief glance toward the backroom, where Kieran was already hard at work, before turning back to Astron. "He'll be busy for a while anyway."
Without further words, the two made their way toward the exit of the shop, the soft chime of the bell marking their departure. The energy of the city streets greeted them once again, bustling with life as they stepped outside.
Just like that, they returned to the mansion.
*******
Sitting in the quiet of my room, I opened the thick file folder from [Horde] and spread its contents across the air using the projection of the smartwatch.
Now that today is the final day before the banquet, the people attending there will be finalized. And it is better to be prepared about who would be attending so that I would not let any slip ups. Too many eyes would be watching, and any misstep could lead to suspicion.
I leaned back slightly, flipping through the profiles of those who would be attending the event. High-ranking officials, influential nobles, a few guild masters… all names that carried weight. I couldn't allow myself to be caught off guard by anyone.
'These people aren't just here for pleasantries. Each one of them has an agenda, and I need to know exactly what I'm walking into.'
I scanned the first profile. Argen Delvora, a name that was prominent in political circles, known for his ruthless ambition and close ties to the Valerian Federation. His wealth was built on mining operations, but his true strength lay in his connections with various influential figures in the capital.
I moved to the next file. Vivienne Althea, a renowned socialite with a reputation for her wit and charm. She was the center of gossip, a woman who could control the flow of rumors with a single word.
'Not to be underestimated. She'll notice any small slip in behavior or etiquette.'
Now, why were these people important?
It was because they also had businesses that were showing contacts with demons and shady deals, and it was highly likely that they were here to make a deal tonight.
I turned the page to the next profile, my gaze narrowing as the host's name came into view: Cox Family—more specifically, Gerald Cox, the head of the family. The name had been cropping up a lot recently, and it was a small family that had gained sudden influence in the southern territories. Their recent rise was swift, almost unnaturally so.
They had formed alliances with several local merchant groups, and their business ventures had seen unexpected success.
Too much success.
'The Cox family… their business rivals didn't just lose. They were taken down, one by one. Silently, without public scandal, without a trace. This kind of precision suggests something is at work.'
I scanned through the history of the family's growth, noting the suspicious patterns. Rivals collapsed under strange circumstances, contracts mysteriously voided, and deals fell apart just when the Cox family needed them to. Everything pointed to something operating in the shadows. No one in the Federation would admit it, but I had seen this kind of pattern before.
'Demonic influence.'
The thought brought a deeper understanding of why this banquet was so important. The Cox family was clearly looking to cement their newfound status, but I couldn't shake the feeling that this event was also a way for them to showcase their connections.
Since they were involved with demons, then this would be the perfect time to bring those underworld figures into their fold.
'That is also why Silas is showing himself in this banquet.'
The other two names are on the top. Vivienne and Argen. Most likely, they were there to conduct a business deal that regarded the two when it was safest.
While hosting a banquet just for this reason would not be efficient, it was also a good cover for them to meet, most likely requested by Silas himself.
I leaned back in my chair, the faint glow from the projection casting shadows across the room as I continued to piece everything together. Now that I had a clear understanding of the players at the banquet, the next step was to decide how I would present myself. The right persona could either mask my true intentions or create an opening to gather more information.
'First, I need to consider the circumstances,' I thought. 'Maya is attending, and her presence changes everything.'
Silas would undoubtedly take note of her attendance. The young lady of the Evergreen family, known for staying out of political affairs, suddenly appearing at such a significant event would raise flags.
If I were Silas, the possibilities would be clear: either the Evergreens had suspicions about something, or they were trying to ease Maya into the political scene, using this banquet as an opportunity.
'But, there is no reason for them to think the first one since if Evergreens were suspicious, they would have sent someone else and not their own inexperienced daughter, who is still attending the academy. Therefore, most likely, they will think of it as the second reason.'
Considering that this would be the case, it meant one other thing.
'Which means my presence has already been noted as well,' I mused.
My connection with Maya wouldn't be ignored.
'Maybe an attendee or a person who is entrusted by the Evergreens to watch over Maya?'
This would most likely be what they would think. There was no way that Maya, who had been sent there to learn more about the political world and such gatherings, would be left alone.
From a logical viewpoint, this would be how it looked.
'And it is the perfect cover.'
I thought, a slight smile tugging at the corner of my lips. My connection with Maya, coupled with the assumption that I was entrusted to watch over her, provided a solid pretext. No one would suspect my true intentions as long as I maintained the facade.
Now that I had a clear plan, it was time to finalize the details and ensure that Maya understood her role as well. After all, her behavior tonight would be just as important as mine. If we weren't on the same page, it could raise suspicion.
I made my way toward the door, my footsteps steady as I left the room to find Maya.
It didn't take long to locate her. She was standing near the balcony of the guest wing, gazing out at the view beyond, her expression thoughtful. The soft breeze stirred her hair, and for a moment, I considered the weight she must be carrying tonight.
"Senior," I called out softly, approaching her. She turned at the sound of my voice, her eyes meeting mine with a flicker of curiosity.
"Junior," she responded, her tone calm but with a hint of expectation. "Is everything ready?"
I nodded. "Almost. But before we go, we need to discuss how you'll present yourself at the banquet."
She raised an eyebrow, though there was no surprise in her expression. "You mean how I should act in front of them? I've been thinking about that, too."
"Good," I replied, stepping closer. "Since you are from the Evergreen Family. They'll be watching your every move, and Silas will be particularly interested in your presence. We need to make sure that what he sees matches the image we want to project."
Maya's gaze shifted slightly, her composure unshaken, but her lips pressed into a thin line. "And what image should I project, exactly?"
"The one that makes the most sense," I said. "You're here to learn, to familiarize yourself with the political landscape. They need to see you as someone stepping into this world for the first time—curious, but cautious. You're observing, not engaging too deeply. Don't try to assert yourself too much tonight. Let them underestimate you."
Maya's expression softened, and she gave a small nod of understanding. "So, act like a student, eager to learn but still inexperienced?"
"Exactly," I confirmed. "That's the narrative they'll expect, and it's the one that will allow us to operate without drawing too much attention. If they think you're here purely to gain experience, they won't scrutinize you as much."
Maya's lips curved into a small, knowing smile. "And what about you? What role will you be playing tonight?"
"I'll be the one they expect—a guardian of sorts, sent by the Evergreens to watch over you. Someone who's close enough to ensure your safety but far enough removed to avoid drawing too much attention. I'll be there, but I won't overshadow you."
Maya's smile widened, a trace of amusement flickering in her eyes. "You've thought this through."
"It is necessary. That way, Silas will also think of you as a small fish and will most likely approach you with his guard lowered."
She nodded, her gaze steady and resolute. "I understand. I'll do my part."
Everything was ready now.