Infinite Realm: Monsters & Legends

Chapter 416: Zach

Ideas

They met outside of Consequence, in the forest grove that had now become something of a monument for the sect. The place where Ender had grown his last forest and met his end. Zach couldnt help but feel like it was intentional. As if Ryun had brought him here on purpose to show him his failure. But he knew that it was only his personal feeling, he had gotten to know Ryun enoughhe thought at leastto know that he didnt think that way.

To him this was probably just a secluded and private spot for them to talk. Zach on the other hand couldnt help but be reminded of what happened. He had played with fate, turned back time in order to save people, and still the world had demanded a price. He had changed fate and changed the way things were supposed to go. All that he had accomplished was change who died, traded his and Nahas life for someone who was not involved.

He understood that it was not all his fault, that it was Raazels fault for coming for him, the yeti was the one who made the decision. And yet, Zach was the one that released him from his prison. A big part of the blame was on Zachs hands. He knew that he had to stop him, before Raazel grew even stronger.

Zach hadnt realized it before, just how much weight his power had. There were consequences for all actions.

Thank you for meeting with me, Zach said as they came to a stop.

Why would I not? Ryun asked in return.

Zach grimaced. He was here for me; I would understand you wanting me as far away from your Sect as possible.

Ryun tilted his head. There is blame on us all, but what happened, happened. We can only move forward. You didnt bring him here, and you stood and fought.

Zach turned his eyes on Ryun. I can only promise that I will make sure justice is served.

Ryun just nodded. He is your responsibility, but he has struck against my own, for that I will have my due.

Zach took a deep breath. He couldnt refuse him, nor did he feel like he should. But he had seen what kind of justice Ryun served, it was not a gentle thing. At least Raazel was guilty beyond argument.

That is not what you wanted to talk about, Ryun added. You want to leave?

Zach turned away. I wanted to, he answered. I know that your Sect and people will be in danger for as long as Naha and I are here. But I also know that I am not yet strong enough to defeat Raazel. And that if I have any hope of doing it, I will need people who are strong.

Ryun didnt speak, almost as if he felt like Zach had more to say.

Zach turned back to look at Ryun. I want to ask permission to stay here, in your Sect. Permission to bring my people, Wardens, here as well. I know that alone, I would have no chance of surviving another encounter with Raazel.

Ryun raised an eyebrow then spoke. You want to join my Sect?

I dont know, probably not, Zach said slowly. There are many things that I disagree with in the culture of the Sects. Many things that I agree with too. For now, I just need a place where my people can be safewell, as safe as they can be anywhere in the world with Raazel still waking around. And I need help getting stronger.

I dont know what I can do for a Classer like you, nor can I help you with Skills, Ryun said.

Youve made something for Kri, Zach said. A spiritual tool.

I can do that, yes, Ryun said. I agree that we all need to get stronger. I have some ideas about it that I wanted to talk with you about.

Zach tilted his head. What kind of ideas?

To gain power I need understanding, Ryun started. And I need conflict worthy and difficult enough to push me.

There are ways of gaining power in ways that dont require such things, Zach said.

Perhaps, but I have always been able to bring that knowledge together better in moments of struggle, in combat.

Zach didnt comment, he didnt agree with Ryun on many things.

Ryun turned and walked a few steps away, his eyes turned back toward Consequence. I guess that I understand now why so many Sect Heads remain in their Sects for so long. They cant afford to be absent and leave their people helpless. If I was here

I dont think that it wouldve made any difference, Zach told him.

Ryun glanced back. You think that he is that strong?

I know he is. The only reason we are not all dead is because he I dont know how to explain it properly. What I believe is that he is afraid.

Ryun blinked. Afraid?

Zach nodded. He was imprisoned when I found him originally. I think that he fears that same fate. He fears the unknown, and so he doesnt reveal all that he is capable off. But if he is pushed enough, then Zach just waved at the forest around them.

I understand, Ryun said. Regardless, I do have plans on how we should proceed.

Tell me.

I am told that youve done well in the fight, Zach said as he stood in the training yard. Its been a few days after his conversation with Ryun, and theyve been making plans.

I couldve done better, Kri responded, looking from Zach to Ryun.

You have performed admirably, Zach told her. Do not be so critical of yourself. You cannot expect to carve a mountain with a wooden stick.

Ryun tilted his head. Yes, next time you should be able to do it with your bare hands.

Zach frowned at Ryun. A part of him was certain that what he said was spoken in jest, but He saw Kri look at Ryun and nod, as if she thought that what he said was spoken in truth. Was that what Ryun expected of those under him? To struggle against a mountain with their bare hands? Perhaps giving him Hiro to train was not as good idea as he thought. Though it had borne fruit. Zach preferred the slower and more knowledge based instructions compared to what Ryun did to his students.

You will be better next time, Ryun told her. What matters is that you prevailed. That you struggled and learned from it.

Zach wondered how he could expect her to push so hard.

She nodded, but Zach could tell that she was subdued. Most people in the Sect were. They had come face to face with a threat that was probably the greatest they had ever faced, and they had lost one of their most powerful members. Zach understood the feeling, he felt it himself.

He saw the expression on her face, he didnt quite understand what it meant. He was getting better with detecting facial expressions, but he wasnt yet as proficient as most people were. Still, he could assume what she felt. You are strong, and brave. Both of you are, Zach said, looking at Hiro standing next to her. But you wouldnt have made a difference, the best thing you can do now is focus on your training.

Kri sighed and both of them nodded, agreeing with him.

I have a gift for you, Zach said to Kri, and she tilted her head.

Zach reached to his hip and removed the clasp that held his sword secured there. Then, he offered the sword to Kri. What Ryun had said was right, they needed power, but they also needed to make sure that those that came after them were raised properly.

Kri blinked, then looked between him and the sword. Tentatively, she reached out and took it. Just before she touched it, he sent one last thought to the soul in the sword, a goodbye. They had already talked before, and Zach was grateful to Ravallim for all that he had taught him. He had given him glimpses into what change meant, how it could be beneficial both in life and in combat. But ultimately, they both understood that there was a limit to what he could teach Zach.

His knowledge was far more suited for Kri, after all Ravallim was the Lord of Winter and Spring.

I know that you prefer to use a spear, Zach said, and she raised her eyes from the sword in her hands, his Sealing Blade of Learning, up to look at him. I hope that it will serve you well anyway.

She opened her mouth to speak, but then closed it and her head snapped to the sword. Zach smiled at her expression, her first conversation with Ravallim. He knew that they had a lot to talk about, so he left her to it.

Ryun stepped closer to Hiro and pulled out a weapon out of his own storage, offering it to Hiro without saying a word.

For me? Hiro asked and Ryun just nodded.

He had showed the weapon to Zach already, they had discussed what their students needed in order to help them grow. Ryun had crafted a sword for Hiro that suited him perfectly.

Hiro took the weapon in hand and pulled it out of its sheath. It was a straight sword, a bit on the shorter side than what Zach preferred, but perfect for Hiros style. It was double edged and very dark yellow in color, almost black, the size of his forearm. Zach knew that Ryun had made it out of the materials harvested from Dome Leaders. It was an incredible blade.

He saw Hiro looking at it with amazement in his eyes. Zach glanced at Ryun and then gestured with his head. They left the two with to familiarize themselves with their gifts. There were more things that they had to do before they left.

I dont want to leave him alone, Naha said.

Zach squeezed her shoulder reassuringly, or at least what he hoped was reassuring. Remember what Raazel said? He tracked us both somehow, he was there for us. He will be safer here with the Sect.

Naha grimaced. Perhaps, but will this really be worth it? She asked.

Weve all hit a wall, Zach said. And there is only one being that I know that has enough power to oppose Raazel. We are both Skill main users, and the Dragon is as well, I think at least. He can help us get stronger. Ive talked with Ryun, and he agrees to come with us.

And if Raazel comes here while we are away? Naha asked. For revenge?

I dont think that he will, Zach said. I dont think that he will show his face again until he is certain that he has the upper hand. Besides, we were who he was after in the first place.

Finally, Naha nodded her head in agreement. All that was left was for them to prepare for the trip.

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