Chapter 84: Take the burnt bridge less traveled
"How much do you remember from last night?"
"Bits and pieces really, that's all."
After hearing the explanation of last nights events I still wasn't convinced. It was simply too wild to believe. The church of Helios attacked us with a dozen men. Everyone is saying that I insisted on challenging them to a round of fistfights.
According to eyewitness accounts, I pummeled the unsuspecting attackers, catching the mages unaware and off-guard with my family fighting technique. Apparently only a very small minority of niche mages trained their physical bodies.
With the drunk and frenzied crowd egging me on, I captured the attackers, their pegasi, and the leaders Golden Sun Tiger. Well that certainly explained the tiger's sudden appearance and loyalty. I didn't feel too bad either, as this was the second unprovoked attack they'd launched at me.
Continuing on throughout the night was even more drinking, as I was taught how do something called a 'cask stand', which I found was an alternate world version of a keg stand. A few drinking games later I spotted heading off with two female Rangers.
While I was preoccupied a man from the Necromantic alliance stopped by the party. He was ordered to make contact and extend an invitation, letting us know that their 'door was always open'. They had noticed the church's attacks against me, decrying their narrow mindset that only saw the evil in necromancy.
Several hours later I returned the party to continue drinking. Nothing else happened for the remainder of the party. A few of us went outside to witness the sunrise. That must have been where I passed out.
Everything fit together with the bits of audio and visual I'd gotten from the system. With the accounts settled, both for the party and business, we all enjoyed a nice breakfast together in the dining hall.
Having waited patiently, the black hooded necromancer was able to hand deliver the items he brought. Several basic necromantic textbooks and reference books were retrieved from a spatial ring, along with a small silver hand-mirror.
"These should answer any questions you have about basic theory, and if you should ever need anything more.. advanced.. please don't hesitate to reach out with the mirror."
"So you're just giving these to me? Free of charge?"
"Not everyone is after coin, merchant Zanir... and not everything is as it always seems. Our organization places great value on talented youths.. especially those with talent of your caliber. Remember to contact us if you ever need anything!"
With that the mysteriously hooded necromancer left the dining hall. Absorbing them into the system, there were minimal prompts for the books, followed by information for the mirror.
[Additional magic information has been added to magic subroutine.]
[Material analyzed:
Name: Communication Mirror
Type: Construct, Magical
Rating: Level 2
Description: The Communication Mirror is mass produced by alchemists throughout the Ishtar Kingdom. Built through assembly line production, the communication trinket is affordable, portable, while providing crystal clear communication to linked devices. Only usable by those with magical talent.]
Wow, according to the system they were just regular items. After double checking for curses and traps, I wondered if maybe I misjudged the necromancers. I was sure they'd have put some kind of tracking device on them to keep tabs on my position, but they were clean.
With breakfast coming to an end, everyone said their goodbyes. The Rangers had a lot of new equipment to prepare and ship out to their various sectors, regions and teams. Much needed food and medicine would be sent to the brave Rangers who needed it.
All of the transactions had been completed for now. The tents and everything else had finally been cleaned up. My staff, family, and friends all headed into the spatial world leaving only myself, Reed, and Xander outside.
"Alright, you're sure that you've got everything?"
"Yeah I think so, besides, I can come back anytime after you teach me about these portals right?"
"Sure, you'll be able to visit anywhere you've been before! Now, are you both ready?"
Nodding to confirm, Xander began to activate a portal that would return us and the Kingsguard to the royal capital, Ishtar, also known as the great golden jewel. Known for it's high quality magical grain, it was said that the wheat in the fields resembled a golden sea when the breeze blew through them.
Twenty minutes later, we were all just outside the royal capital city itself. Looking over at the city, the first thing that impressed me was the sheer size of it. No wonder they called our area the 'back country'.
Massive, intimidating outer walls marked the entrance to the city itself, well at least into the outer district. Looking further inland, I could see a slightly higher set of walls blocking off what must be the inner city district where the nobles lived. Beyond that were the highest walls in the kingdom, which deterred any uninvited guests from entering the royal palace grounds.
Outside the entryway, several miles of tents and shacks had been erected by the poorest citizens. Sprawling out into the nearby forests, they'd spawned into several sub-cities of their own, living under the shade and protection of the nearby kingdom walls.
Now this was a proper town! Due to the size and location there were several industries located here. Everything from a busy port to an open air market could be found in the commercial district of the city. They even had an auction house, which was called the Golden Treasure pavilion.
"C'mon kid, let's go introduce you to the King. I'll give you the full tour tomorrow, alright?"
"Alright Xander, I'll be counting on you to show me the best spots around town"
Xander and I continued to chat as we followed behind captain Marshall and the Kingsguard. Hopefully King Reginald the second wouldn't be too mad that I kidnapped the baron, he did attack my family after all, and either way I needed to clear this up with him.
Meanwhile, inside the royal palace.
"My lord, they've arrived."
"Excellent, prepare the feast at once!"
"On your orders, my excellency!"
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Zicon
Zicon The first volume will be concluding in the next half-dozen chapters or so. Thank you everyone for your support, it's been a fun experience/experiment.
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