Mythran's Master Of All

Ren had Nathalia recharge his Mana Pool while they spent the last few hours together, then had a great supper with her mother, and let Narhilda know what had been going on. He let her read the children's book, as it was short and didn't take long. He didn't get a popup for an increase for Fire Affinity, and figured he'd need more than one person to read it to increase it, now that it was at the Advanced level. Narhilda said she'd tell everyone she knows the story, and Ren did get a popup for a 1% increase.

As long as people will hear about it, I get the bonus. Ren thought. I guess it's the potential that matters, and not necessarily the actual passing of knowledge.

“The food was delicious, Narhilda.” Ren said. “Thank you.”

“It was no trouble.” She said. “I really enjoy cooking.”

“I'm sorry I didn't help today, Ma.” Nathalia said.

Her mother snorted. “I wasn't going to steal you away from your date day just to cook supper, dear.”

“I was only in the next room.”

“I know.” Narhilda grinned. “I can't remember ever hearing you giggle so much!”

“Blame him!” Nathalia said and chuckled. “He wouldn't stop tickling me.”

“I can't help it if I like the sound of you laughing.” Ren smiled.

“You don't have to force it, though.” She said. “I'll laugh as much as you want.”

“Where's the fun in that?” Ren grinned. “I'd rather make you laugh.”

“Okay, you two.” Narhilda said. “Go on. I'll clean up.”

“Are you sure?” Her daughter said. “It'll go faster if we all help.”

“No, no. You've got stuff you need to take care of.”

Ren stood up and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Goodnight.”

Nathalia stood and kissed her other cheek. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.” Narhilda said, then waved them away. “Shoo!”

Ren laughed and took Nathalia's hand and led her to the old bedroom. He spent half an hour playing with her, then an hour pleasing her. He told her what he was planning to do, and she nodded. Nathalia was exhausted and fell asleep right afterwards, and Ren slipped out of bed. He equipped his Travellers Clothes and Dire Wolf Hooded Cloak, and snuck out of the bedroom and then into the kitchen. He stored a pile of food, then crept out of the house. Once outside, he opened the message system and sent a message to someone he needed help from. Ren asked to meet, and he got a response right away. She would meet him in 3 hours at the Library in Aurora. He confirmed the appointment, closed the message system, and went into the stable.

“Princess.” Ren whispered. “I need another cart ride.” He held out a choice piece of cut meat and Princess sniffed it, appreciatively. She huffed and Ren put it in her bowl. When she finished eating, he stored the bowl and crate, then led her out of the stable. Once the cart was enchanted with a double glyph of Antidark, Princess was hooked up to it. Ren led her out of the courtyard and closed the gate behind him, making sure it was locked.

“The weight's going to be different this time.” Ren said. “Start slow and adjust to it, then you can pour on the speed.”

She nodded, and he climbed into the driver's seat.

“Okay.”

Princess trotted at first, and noticed that Ren was right. She huffed and moved side to side a little, then she ran. It was a little faster this time to the city, since the weight was nearly a third less than what it was. At the main part of the city, Ren saw that no one was around and he told Princess she could go a little faster. She went into a fast trot, and they got to the other road in no time and Princess poured on the speed. They stopped every 20 minutes, so Ren could give her food and water, but it only took an hour and a half to get back to the warehouse. Ren thanked her for working so hard, unhooked her from the cart, and brought her inside the warehouse. He took out her crate and bowl, and gave Princess more food. He opened her stat window while she ate, and smiled.

“Your Strength and Endurance are both gaining ground.” Ren said. “I'm proud of you.”

Princess blew a raspberry and Ren chuckled. “No, I'm not going to say 'I told you so'.”

She huffed and Ren rubbed her neck.

“I'll be back in a few hours.” He said, and went upstairs. Teepo, I'll summon you on the other side.

“See you then.” Teepo said and dissolved back into the ring.

Ren opened the cabinet, nailed it shut from inside, then stepped through the portal. He opened the other cabinet and nailed that shut, then summoned Teepo. He appeared at Ren's feet and flew up to land in Ren's hood.

“That is so cool.” Ren said.

“It sure is!” Teepo said. “I can still run and jump, but flying will surely help with my scouting!”

Ren nodded and went downstairs. The place was empty and Ren opened the door and locked it behind him. He walked down the street and around the corner. He didn't notice the man standing 3 buildings away, watching him.

*

When Ren was out of sight, the man slipped around the corner and walked as fast as he could, without actually running, up to the north gate. Being this late, no one was there watching things, so he just walked out of the gate. A hundred feet away near the treeline, a hooded figure stood.

“You have the money?” The man said.

“You have information?” The hooded figure held up a silver coin.

“I've been watching the place all afternoon and evening.”

The hooded figure held up another silver and the man grinned.

“He just left the building and is walking towards the center of the city. He wasn't running, so he had no clue I saw him.”

“Do you know where he's going?”

The man smiled. “There's only 2 places open at this time of night.” He said. “The Jiggly Puff, and the Library.”

The hooded figure pretended to toss the money, and the man jerked in place to catch it. The hooded figure chuckled, then actually tossed the coins. The man grabbed one, then scrambled to get the second one as it rolled away across the ground. The hooded figure opened the message system and sent off a quick group message.