The next morning, Kai woke with a clearer mind. The torment of the previous day had dulled to a silent ache, giving way to something colder, sharper focus. He sat on the edge of the bed, eyes half closed, thoughts running deep.
Who was behind the destruction of the Drakkor clan?
His mind sifted through memories, stopping on a name. Claymore. His father's old friend, a man from another silver-rank clan. But Claymore clan had became his prime suspect.
But they were trustworthy , at least on the surface, yet... something didn't sit right. He can't put finger on it.
He needed to act. First, he needed strength and fast. Death Qi flowing through his veins now, whispering many possibilities.
Warlocks. That's what people like him were called magus who also enhanced their physical bodies.
Normally, warlocks only appeared after a magus reached Rank 5. Only then they can train their body in path of cultivation. But Kai was already on both paths, simultaneously growing stronger in body and magic.
He suspected the Death Qi for this.
Sitting still on the bed he focused on his body. The Death Qi slithered through his newly-formed circuits which was made by Nyx's ability.
His familiar had integrated herself so deeply into his essence that even his foundational growth had changed. He was something new, something different. A true Warlock from the start.
Nyx does not need to eat meat or anything she was eating his Death Qi which made her very happy for some reason. She needed very little ammount also, which was relief to Kai.
But strength wasn't enough. He needed knowledge.
Kai cleaned himself and left his room. He descended into the inn's common hall. The owner, a middle aged man with a scar down his chin, stood behind the counter, Jack. He was a Rank 2 cultivator.
Last night he was surprised to see Kai full of wounds. Big wound in his forehead was very noticeable. But did he not say anything because many people came wounded in his inn.
Jack saw Kai's forehead, it has recovered. He was stunned to see this but did not say anything.
Kai approached him and asked "Jack. I need some food and information."
Jack nodded. "Depends on what kind. If you're looking for news, go to the Red Ember Brothel and ask for Gustov. He knows things."
Kai thanked him, finished a quick breakfast, and left the inn.
He wore a white tunic with matching pants. His long black hair swayed with the breeze, and his red eyes scanned the streets. His face has some fat but he looked like a youngmaster of a clan. Which he was but....
He walked slowly with a purpose, drawing some curious glances as he passed.
The Red Ember Brothel stood at the edge of the market, its crimson curtains fluttering and perfume hanging in the air. The music and laughter were distant, muffled behind closed doors.
He entered, and conversations halted for a breath. Customers, ladies and servers stared at him. A few whispered somethig to their partner. But they soon turned back to their pleasures. Kai ignored them and approached the bald man at the counter.
He placed a gold coin down. "Information."
The bald man glanced at the coin, then at Kai. Without a word, he nodded and pointer at the bench in the corner.
Kai sat down, his arms folded.
Minutes later, an old man approached him. Grey haired, a short beard, and black eyes very sharp despite his worn frame.
"Every question has a price," the man said. "What do you need?"
"Two things," Kai replied. "Everything you know about recent activities related to the Drakkor Clan and any reputable private academy that teaches necromantic magic."
Kai had decided he wanted to go necromancer academy although he does not want to become a necromancer or lich. He was going there for one reason. Death essence near these necromancer institution were very high because they deal with bodie of dead.
Even plants stops growing near these academies.
The old man raised an eyebrow. "Odd combination. Twenty gold coins."
Kai's eyes narrowed. "Ten."
He suddenly paused. The old man scratched the back of his neck, as if sensing the storm behind those crimson eyes.
"Fine. Ten."
He sat beside Kai and began..
"Word on the street is that the Drakkor Clan was involved in devil's summoning. That's the official story. The Orthodox Clan swept in and purged them with righteous fury and all."
Kai's breath hitched.
"What!!!" he asked. Kai was shoked. What is happening.
"That's not all. Many silver and bronze clans have been getting wiped out recently. All under the same accusations. Devil worshiping. Forbidden rituals. And always, it's the Orthodox Clan behind the purging."
Kai's head buzzed. Why would a Diamond level clan the most elite among them frame a silver clan like Drakkor?
First there was bronze clan who has at least one Rank 4 cultivator or magus. Then silver at least one Rank 6. Then gold at least one Rank 8. Then platinum clan at least one or two Rank 9. Then comes diamond they have large force at least five Rank 9.
There were only three clans which has reached Diamond Rank. Orthodox, Unorthodox and Daoist caln.
And one of those clan which are at top of this world has destroyed an silver rank clan.
No. Something deeper was at play.
"The Orthodox Clan," Kai said slowly. "They're supposed to be the righteous ones."
"Which is why no one questions them," the old man replied. "But people are whispering. There is something's wrong. Even the Daoist and Unorthodox factions are silent."
Kai clenched his fists. If the Orthodox Clan had truly orchestrated the massacre, he'd burn their citadel to the ground. But if someone was using their name...
"What about the Claymore Clan?" he asked.
The man nodded. "Celebrations has just ended. Every member of their clan is filled with joy."
"What celebrations." Kai asked.
"They have recently been promoted to Gold rank clan." old man said with interlocking his fingers in front of him.
Ice filled Kai's veins. The same clan his father had once called brother... celebrating while Drakkor's ashes still cooled. Now he was certain Claymore clan has something to do with the massacare.
His eyes became raged. He clenched his fists so hardthat blood started flowing from them.
The old man shifted uncomfortably. Despite being a peak Rank 1 cultivator, a cold sweat formed on his brow.
"You-You are from drakkor clan."
Kai didn't respond.
"The academy?" he asked.
The man relaxed slightly. "Graveyard of Dead. That's what it's called. A reputable necromantic academy. It is unaffiliated with any other academies. Very expensive. It is situated besides a big graveyard."
"A name? Someone important there?" Kai said.
"Dela Wragton. Rank 7 Necromancer. Runs the place. A very powerful woman. Not a lich though many mistake her for one."
Kai stood up and Dropped the ten coins into the man's lap. The old man blinked, nodded in thanks, and scurried off.
Kai turned toward the exit. He had a direction now.
As he left many people on a near table also left following him.
Kai sensed something he turned around and saw a group of five male was following him there was even a novice apprentice in their group and other four were simple human. He was again surprised by abilities of Death Qi in his body. He can sense killing intent and level of the person who was equal and had lower rank than him.
He stopped in front of a shop nearby and bought a longsword and entered a narrow pathway at the end of the market.
He walked for some time.
"Hey kid give us your money." He heared a sound from behind he turned around and saw a bulky man who also was novice apprentice, who also seemed to be group leader of five of them.