Book 5, chapter 30

The soft knock of knuckles on wood echoed around the porch. The doorknob rattled, and swung open, revealing a man of average height, with straw-brown hair and dazzling purple eyes. 

Alister's face lit up as he took them in.

"Zee, Bastion, good to see you!" Alister exclaimed, stepping aside to let them in.

"Hey, dad! I hope we are not late?" Zee asked. 

"That depends. Did you bring anything?" Alister asked, eying Bastion curiously. 

Bastion reached into his inner coat pocket, pulling out a small leather pouch with a double-knotted draw string, and tossing it over. Alister caught it and expertly pulled it open, peering inside. 

Her dad's face lit up into a bright smile.

"Do come in. The others are relaxing in the shade in the backyard," Alister said. 

"What is that?" Zee asked, eying the leather pouch her dad was holding curiously.

Alister tugged on the drawstring, and tucked the pouch into his shirt pocket, waving a hand dismissively.

"Don't worry about it, kiddo. Come on, there are plenty of drinks, and even some snacks your mother prepared," Alister said.

He led them through the house, with the scent of baking bread, sweet pastries and grilling meat in the air.

Halfway through the house, Bastion squeezed her hand. 

"If you two will excuse me. I am going to see what that delicious smell is," Bastion said, revealing the interior of the kitchen, and her mothers reaching into the oven as he entered.

Alister turned to her as Bastion disappeared into the kitchen.

"Where did you find that remarkable young man?" Alister asked.

She gave her dad a sidelong glance. "I freed him from slavers that were taking him to be worked to death in a quarry," Zee replied.

His brows shot up as he glanced back toward the partially open kitchen door. 

"He never mentioned that," Alister said. 

She cracked a half smile.

"It's how we met," Zee said.

"That sounds like an interesting story. You will have to tell me more," Alister said.

"Of course, though it will have to wait. Sounds like the others are already getting into the drinks," Zee said.

Malden's deep laugh echoed through the walls, from the backyard. 

Alister grinned, "Let's go see what they are up to now." 

The back door opened, and Zee stepped out into the shade of the backyard.

A towering, sheer cliff wall enclosed the backyard, with a dark cave like an open maw at its base.

To either side, her family home fanned out, built right up against the cliff wall to create an enclosed backyard. It was all manicured green grass, with a fire pit, several tables and chairs. 

One of the tables was stocked with drinks and snacks off to the right, with the fire pit close by. The entire team was already there. Taylor, Greg, Allison, Malden, and Yukna. 

They were standing in a loose circle playing some sort of game with their aura control.

Her brows furrowed." Where is Nate?" Zee asked. 

"Nathan should be here soon," Alister said.

She shook her head. 

"Figures. Of course, he would be late for our going away party," Zee said. 

Beside her, Alister's shoulders slumped, and his face scrunched up in concern. 

"You alright Dad?" Zee asked, giving her father a once over.. 

Worry lines tugged at the corners of his eyes. "Not really. You just got back, and now you headed off to war. You could gone for years," Alister said, helplessly. 

Seeing her dad so conflicted, she felt like a terrible daughter. She hadn't even considered how leaving on the expedition would impact her parents. There were bound to be many more sleepless nights in their future wondering if she were still alive. She didn't know what to say, aside from a few weak assurances.

Even then, that just felt empty. It felt like she would be lying. Any promise that she would come back home might very well not come true. 

Instead of spouting pointless words, she placed a hand on his shoulder and gestured to the others standing around the fire.

"I know I am headed off to war with the blood gorgers, but I'm not going alone. Just look at them, my teammates are quite capable," Zee said.

Just then, the flames of the small fire flashed white hot, swirling and growing as they formed a lifelike image of Malden holding a blazing hammer. 

Her friends cheered, as the flaming figure raised its hammer defiantly. Allison, who was the cause of the flaming image, performed a slight bow at the cheering.

Not one to be outdone, Malden stepped forward as the flames died down to a more manageable level. 

Sand swirled around him, forming a cyclone over the fire pit, roiling as it formed a looming figure bedecked in armor and holding a glaive.

Even crafted from sand, the detail was impressive, depicting Dern in surprising detail. 

The others cheered, toasting their drinks.

Zee turned back to Alister, who didn't look all too convinced by the display.

"I will admit, they are skilled. But they are still only E-grade cultivators. You will be fighting against the blood gorgers. They have combatants who even Julian is wary of," Alister warned.

Zee nodded, taking a deep steadying breath.

"I know Dad. But we are not going alone. We are traveling with a battle group of the imperial navy under General Danma's command. If we run into an enemy too strong for us to deal with, we will retreat and call for reinforcements," Zee said. 

Alister still didn't look convinced, but thankfully he dropped the subject. 

"So, I heard you were summoned to the palace two days ago. What was that about?" Alister asked.

She leaned on the wall next to the back door as over by the fire, Taylor formed an intricate flower out of sanguine blood. The blood witch had surprisingly good aura control, a lot better than hers. She bit her lip thoughtfully, pondering her dad's question.

"The emperor was playing one of his games. There were three Ashary who blatantly entered his throne room and demanded access to the planar space under the palace. He called me to the palace to make them angry. I am not sure what he expected to get from antagonizing them, but I bet it will cause me trouble later," Zee said thoughtfully.

Alister's brows furrowed as he leaned on the wall beside her. It was still weird that they were now at eye level. She had grown a lot taller over the last six years. It was still hard to believe that she was now as tall as her old man.

"Have I ever told you how much I hate imperial politics?" Alister asked with a sour face. 

She laughed.

"I take it you have had the displeasure of running into the emperor?" Zee asked.

He nodded slowly.

"Yes, and it was unpleasant. I was relieved to hear when your mother didn't awaken the third piece of the imperial bloodline talent," Alister said.

"Mom has two awakened?" Zee asked curiously.

"Yup, the heart of fire, and the avatar of dominion, though hers is life attuned. It's one of the reasons she is feared by our competitors, even though she isn't a combat cultivator. And her temper," Alister muttered.

"Huh, well, I learn something new every day. That reminds me, should I be leery of your side of the family? Mom's side has been nothing but trouble," Zee said. 

"No surprises from my side of the family. We are just a line of above average herbalists," Alister said with a cheeky smile. 

"You say that, but there is no way you are just a bunch of common herbalists. What are you hiding?" Zee asked suspiciously.

Alister raised his hands in supplication. 

"I have no idea what you are talking about," 

She rolled her eyes.

"Fine, don't tell me. But if I start turning into a plant or something, it will be your fault," Zee said. 

"My family bloodline wouldn't turn you into a plant, more like a tree," Alister joked.

"There is a difference?" Zee asked.

"Bahh, now that is just insulting. That is like me calling your sword a rapier," Alister said.

She laughed. "Fair point. Speaking of trees, I have an interesting seed I want you to look at. It's inside my spatial storage," Zee said, taking off her necklace and proffering it to him.

Curious, he took her necklace, his brows furrowing as he peered inside.

Nothing happened for a few seconds until he tensed, his eyes widening.

"Zee…"Alister said in a concerned tone.

"Yes, Dad?" Zee replied innocently. 

"Why do you have a world-rot seed in your spatial storage?" Alister asked, holding the necklace away from himself like it was a poisonous snake.

She shrugged. "I wasn't sure how else to carry it. I figured walking around with a cloud of miasma circling me would draw too much attention, so I stuffed it in there," Zee explained.

"No kidding. Where did you get it? Your mom has been trying to get her hands on one for at least a hundred years with no luck," Alister said, seeming a bit rattled. 

"I got it after blackmailing a bone lord," Zee said casually.

"You did what?" Alister asked with widening eyes. 

"Don't worry about it, dad. I was wondering, is it possible to grow this thing inside a spatial ring? I was hoping to bring it around with me, to have a steady supply of miasma to nurture the death spirit in my sword," Zee said.

Her dad glared at her. "We will come back to the blackmail thing. As for growing this thing in a spatial storage. That is complicated. It may be possible with the right arrays, and a suitable spatial storage. Acquiring the components, and finding a skilled crafter to make something that would help nurture the tree instead of killing it will cost you a sizable sum," Alister said.

"How much are we talking about?" Zee asked.

Alister hummed, biting his lower lip.

"Roughly one million Ether crystals for the components to build the required arrays, and that is a generous estimate. The expansive arrays to pull energy inside the spatial storage and contain it are not cheap," Alister said.

Zee's stomach clenched at the absurd price. Even if she took a loan from Bastion, she wouldn't have that much. All of a sudden, her ten thousand Ether crystals tucked away didn't feel like much. So much for having a portable source of miasma. Well, it wasn't a complete loss. Her parents might be able to stomach the cost and grow this thing.

"So, Dad, you said mom wants this thing?" Zee asked.

He nodded. "Ya, she has been looking for a while. I too am curious. Successfully nurturing a tree wrought of miasma could help me progress to the next stage of my cultivation," Alister said, some desire in his eyes.

Zee perked up. "I hear this thing can be quite potent once it matures?" Zee asked.

He nodded. "Supposedly, it can grow fruits that are amazing for certain corrosive concoctions. Not to mention its seeds can be ground up and used in body tempering paste. Its sap and bark are incredibly useful as well, used for making antidotes as well as some of the most potent poisons out there," Alister said.

"So, it's valuable?" Zee asked.

He snorted. "That's one way of putting it. If you manage to grow it to maturity, this thing will make you a fortune," Alister said. 

"It will make us a fortune," Zee corrected.

"What do you mean?" Alister asked.

"Well, I am a terrible herbalist. If I tried to grow it, the poor thing would die. Besides, I don't have the funds to afford the arrays, nor the components to make them myself. And since I won't be here for Mom's birthday in a month, I figure it could be her birthday present," Zee said.

Alister laughed. "Now that is just unfair. Giving such an expensive gift will make the rest of us look bad," her dad said.

She patted her dad consolingly on the shoulder. 

"I'm sure Mom will understand. More importantly, do you think you can handle growing that seed? I hear they can consume a planet and cover the world in miasma if you let them," Zee said.

Alister nodded hesitantly. "It will take some work, and a lot of money on arrays, but it should be possible to contain its growth. We may also need to get Julian to expand the planar space and help with the arrays to block the spread of miasma. But, that's all doable in time," Alister said thoughtfully. He seemed excited at the prospect.

Zee brightened. "That was quick. I didn't expect you to come up with a plan for it so soon," Zee said.

Alister shrugged. 

"As I said before, your mother has been trying to get her hands on a world rot seed for a while now. I have had plenty of time to plan what to do if we got one," Alister said.

"That's good to hear. I have to admit, I am curious to see what a world rot tree looks like," Zee said.

"I too am curious. I hear they can be quite ominous looking," Alister said, his expression excited.

Just then, the back door swung open, and Nate strode out, a drink already in hand. He was still in his academy gray, with his straw brown hair combed to one side.

He grinned as he spotted them. "What are you two doing over here all by ourselves?" Nathan asked.

"Just discussing how you broke up with Elena after only dating her for two weeks," Zee said with a glare.

Nathan coughed, taking a sip of his drink. "Uhh, look over there Malden is waving at me," Nate said, quickly retreating across the backyard.

Alister sighed. "Was that really necessary?" 

She folded her arms, "Yes, it was. He made it extremely awkward whenever I run into Elena. Nate really needs to keep it in his pants," Zee said.

Her dad shook his head. "Anyways, I am going to check on the food," Alister said, sauntering into the house. 

"Bastion wants to talk to you about his business, ask him about it," Zee called after him.

"Will do," Alister said, disappearing into the house.

With her dad gone inside, she pushed off from the wall. Across the lawn, she could see Greg forming a lizard from shadows. 

Might as well go join in on the festivities. She grabbed a fruity drink and joined the others at the fire. Allison noticed her and sauntered over, her every movement smooth and graceful.

She had a glass filled with amber liquid delicately held between her fingers and curiosity gleamed in her steely gray eyes. 

"What made your dad so excited?" Allison asked.

"Just a seed of some tree I gave him. You know how he is with his plants," Zee said offhandedly.

"I see. Did you get everything we wanted from the bone lord?" Allison asked, twirling the amber liquid in her glass.

"I got them. We have enough volatile components to blow up half the city of Lorocos. We also got the components we needed to set up the panic array. It should get us to relative safety even in the endless storm," Zee said.

"Any idea on how far the array will teleport us?" Allison asked. 

"Glendale said it will send us at least one light minute away, whatever that means," Zee said.

Allison whistled softly. "We will need to wear our collars at all times in case we have to activate the array and are thrown into deep space," Allison said.

At a wave from Allison, Yukna walked over. The short woman with mousy brown hair and large glasses wrapped an arm around Allison's waist giving Zee a soft smile. 

"Yuky, how are the spatial collars coming along?" Allison asked, peering down and the much shorter woman. 

Yukna hummed thoughtfully. "The collars may be a problem with the high spatial turbulence of the endless storm. The old crystals I used to power them had a habit of malfunctioning in high-energy environments. I still need to find a way to alter them and their energy stores to extend the time before we need to change them out," Yukna said. 

"You will figure it out. Zee got all the components for your explosives," Allison said.

Yukna perked up as Zee tossed her the spatial ring Glendale gave her.

She whistled. "Three barrels of Ignas powder? I can't believe the bone lord was able to procure so much. I was almost thrown in prison for just asking around about getting some," Yukna said.

Zee laughed. "Glendale said he had to threaten a lot of people to get it. I hope it is worth it? We could have asked for something else," Zee said.

Yukna smiled. "Trust me, it was worth it. A single spoonful of Ignas powder can level a house. More importantly, compared to other explosive components, it's quite stable, and should be a perfect material to use on my hunter-killer bombs," Yukna said.

Zee unconsciously took a half step away from the explosives maniac. "About that... Have you resolved the issue of premature detonation yet?" Zee asked nervously.

Yukna waved a hand dismissively. "It's only one in five that randomly blow up, not even that big of a deal," Yukna said.

Zee laughed nervously. "Perhaps you should fix that issue before adding the Ignas powder. On our last contract, you almost blew me up," Zee said, looking to Allison for help. 

"You came out of it fine. You didn't even lose much hair," Yukna pointed out.

Allison patted Yukna on the arm. "I think Zee is right on this one. The idea of those things blowing up prematurely is quite concerning," Allison reasoned.

"I'll work on it, but no promises," Yukna said, rolling her eyes. 

Noting the three of them chatting, Malden strode over with a confident swagger, forcing her to look up to meet his gaze.

"How did your combat class go? I hope you did better than in Master Jorgun's class?" Malden asked amusement in his tone.

"That test was unfair. My concepts are not cut out for that kind of delicate task," Zee said, giving him a rude gesture.

Malden snorted, gesturing at Allison. "Her concepts literally set things on fire, and yet, her control is exquisite," Malden said.

Zee scowled. "Well, everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. You got fine aura control, but were also born a rotten kitty," Zee said.

Maldens' ears twitched in bemusement. "I would rather be an Allevark than a filthy human," Malden retorted.

Allison sighed, shaking her head. "You two are like a bunch of arguing teenagers," Allison said.

Malden grunted. "Well, it is quite amusing to throw jabs at each other. Turns out that for a filthy human, Zee isn't so bad," Malden replied.

Zee grinned. "Awee, thanks Maldy. For an oversized house cat, you aren't so bad either," Zee said.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Taylor walking over. The man's aura was still stained by pills and beast fragments, but the stain was noticeably less than it had been five months ago. A lot of hard work and money through medicinal baths had gone a long way to cleanse the impurities from his body.

There was still a long way to go before he could naturally rank up. It was a similar problem that Allison and the others of her team had been through, only much worse.

Smoothing out an imaginary wrinkle in his formal gray academy uniform, Taylor paused beside Malden, his head reaching just above Malden's shoulder.

"Have you guys got your assignments for what ship you're going on?" Taylor asked.

Malden gave Taylor a dirty look. "Don't you know you are not supposed to talk about work at a party?" Malden asked.

"No need to get so uptight Maldy. I'm assigned to The Fist. How about you Taylor?" Zee asked.

"Same," Taylor said.

Allison and Yukna nodded in agreement.

He brightened.

"Seems like we are on the same ship," Taylor said.

"You're such a buzzkill," Malden grumbled.

The back door swung open, revealing Cylia and Bastion carrying trays piled high with food.