บท 14: Meeting
After relaxing for a couple of days, Kai knew it was time to continue with his plan. During those days, he had practiced the skill he received from the system: Bloodhound Step, a 3-star skill that allowed the user to become temporarily invisible while dodging at high speed. It moved faster and traveled farther than a regular quickstep. After some intense training, he had managed to master it by 20%.
Back to the present, Kai felt ready for the next step. He opened his inventory and took a look at the flower he had retrieved from the cave. Its petals shimmered with an ethereal glow, and its presence exuded a sense of power and tranquility. Nodding to himself, he carefully stored it back and set off for the day. It was a 30-minute travel by bus, followed by a 30-minute walk to reach his destination.
Kai arrived at a park, a serene place where he often found solace. The park was a lush expanse of green, with towering trees providing shade and a gentle breeze rustling through the leaves. The sound of birds chirping created a peaceful atmosphere. As he walked through the park, he noticed a crowd gathered around someone. Curiosity piqued, he approached and saw many disabled people getting healed by an extremely attractive woman. She had green hair that flowed like a waterfall and green eyes that sparkled with compassion. Her presence radiated warmth and kindness. She was diligently healing everyone who came to her, her hands glowing with a soft, healing light.
Kai decided to wait until she finished. For an hour, he observed her, noting her skill and the gentle way she interacted with each person. Despite her exhaustion, she continued to heal with a determined smile. She spoke soothing words to each patient, her voice like a balm for their souls. Her touch was gentle yet firm, and each person left her presence with a look of relief and gratitude.
When the last person was healed, the crowd dispersed, leaving the woman and her bodyguards. Kai noticed her complexion was pale, and she looked drained. This was his moment.
Kai approached her, holding the flower securely. The bodyguards immediately tensed, their hands inching toward their weapons, but the woman held up a hand to stop them. "It's alright," she said softly, her voice gentle yet firm.
"Hello," Kai greeted, bowing slightly in respect. "I have something that might help you."
The woman looked at him curiously. "And what might that be?" she asked, her eyes scanning him with a mix of curiosity and caution.
Kai reached into his bag and carefully pulled out the flower. "This is a rare flower that I believe can restore your energy and heal your ailments," he explained, offering it to her. The flower's glow seemed to intensify as he held it out, casting a warm light on her face.
Her eyes widened in surprise and recognition. "Where did you find this?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper, filled with awe.
Kai looked around, noticing the growing attention from the remaining onlookers. He leaned in slightly and replied, "Somewhere not easily accessible. We should discuss this in a more private setting."
Her expression shifted to one of guarded curiosity. "What is it that you want?" she asked, her tone more serious, her eyes narrowing slightly.
Kai returned the flower to his inventory with a fluid motion, then met her gaze. "A conversation, away from prying eyes."
The bodyguards immediately stepped forward, but the woman raised a hand, stopping them. "It's alright. We'll take this to my headquarters."
The guards exchanged wary glances but obeyed. They led Kai to a sleek, black car parked nearby. The drive to the headquarters was silent, the tension palpable. The woman with green hair, Elara, occasionally glanced at Kai, trying to gauge his intentions. Kai met her looks with calm confidence, offering a reassuring smile.
The car pulled up to a large, imposing building surrounded by a high fence. The headquarters exuded an air of authority and security. The guards led them through the entrance and into a spacious, well-decorated office. The office was elegantly furnished, with large windows offering a view of the city skyline. Elara gestured for Kai to sit down in one of the plush chairs. She took a seat across from him, her expression calm but inquisitive.
"Now, let's talk," she said, her voice calm but firm.
"Let's start with courtesy first," she said. "I'm Elara Walker, a guild leader."
Kai sat down and faced her. "My name is Kai Ember."
She gazed at him intently. "Why do you know I need that medicine?"
"It's a secret, but all I can say is I found that flower during an expedition."
"Why would I believe a kid?" she asked, trying to find lies in his words.
Kai replied, "From the look you gave earlier when you saw the medicine, I felt your aura shake. That means it was what you were looking for, and when you asked in a whisper earlier, it confirmed it."
Her tone rose slightly. "What do you want?"
"Nothing much. I just want you to get me into the academy. I know the entrance exam ended already, but with your capabilities, I think you can."
"Why do you think I can help you?" she asked.
"What can a number one healer in the human domain not do?" he said with a child-like smile.
"What if I agree and take the medicine but then fool you?"
"I guess my luck is bad, and I trusted the wrong person," Kai responded calmly, his eyes never leaving hers.
"You're a bold kid. How old are you?" she asked, curiosity replacing her earlier suspicion.
"I'm 13."
Elara considered him for a moment before nodding. "Okay, I agree."
Kai felt a surge of relief. He handed the flower to Elara, who took it with a grateful smile.
"Do you want me to reserve a hotel for you?" she asked.
"No, I have a little sister waiting for me," Kai replied.
"How about I send a driver to get her?" Elara offered.
"Why are you doing this?" he asked, puzzled.
"Nothing, it's just that the medicine will need to be brewed by an alchemist first," she explained.
Kai thought, She's a wise woman. She'll get me investigated first, and by the looks of it, she wants me in her guild.
"Okay," he smiled, agreeing to her offer.
Elara nodded, signaling one of her guards. "Take Kai to get his sister."
The guard led Kai to another car, and they drove back to Mrs. Kimura's house. As they pulled up, Hanabi was waiting outside, her face lighting up when she saw her brother.
"Brother!" she exclaimed, running to him.
Kai hugged her tightly. "Hanabi, we're going on a little trip. Pack your things."
Hanabi nodded excitedly and ran inside to gather her belongings. Kai turned to the guard. "Thank you for bringing me here."
The guard nodded curtly. "Just doing my job."
Once Hanabi was ready, they got into the car and drove back to Elara's headquarters. Kai couldn't help but feel relief. This was a significant step forward in his plan, and he needed to ensure everything went smoothly.
Back at the headquarters, Elara welcomed them warmly. "This must be your sister. Hello, Hanabi."
Hanabi smiled shyly. "Hello."
Elara looked at Kai. "I'll have an alchemist prepare the medicine. In the meantime, you and Hanabi can stay here."
Kai nodded, "Looks like you already investigated my life," he said with a sarcastic smile.
Elara smiled back.
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