-The Arena-
Training had run late.
Due to every mber of the Squad being cultivators well into the Third Order or beyond, there was a large threshold for how long they could go swinging their fists and their weapons, and Zayda, standing at the edge of the Arena kept her eyes on them with a frown of dissatisfaction calling for a resumption after the end of almost every spar.
Since they were five and there was an obvious shortage of pairs, there was always soone standing beside Zayda for an adequate stretch of ti before the changing of sparring partners.
Occasionally, Zayda would step in and give pointers as the most experienced Knight on the scene who had especially learned from the pinnacle of Martial Excellence in the Verlice Kingdom; The Martial Temple. She had a lot of knowledge to share and while a particular duo felt their ti was better spent on leisure and debauchery, they appreciated getting a chance to tap into that knowledge.
It was essential to their goals of making nas for themselves within the Temple after all.
Even Evian enjoyed learning. He just did not particularly like how much Zayda was glaring at him every ti he sparred whether he used a weapon or not. It was like she was hoping for one of the Squad mbers he was sparring to push him into revealing-- sothing.
Anyway, apart from the eyes on him, Evian actually had fun.
His favorite opponent was Gryon.
"I won't go easy on you," the Larger man said with a grin.
"I see no reason why you would," Evian replied as he set his double-ended Spear aside and took on a fighting stance intending to make use of his fists.
As they were both 'at the sa Order', Gryon was allowed to make use of the very height of his abilities which ant the glowing of his tattoos that enhanced his strength... And that was what interested Evian the most about the Gryon as a Sparring partner.
'I've seen him in action and feeling it directed at , I can confidently say he enjoys about a 20-25% strength increase.
At the middle of his Order, he can bridge the gap in steps but at the peak of his Order, he would be unrivaled in terms of strength and could also contest at the very start of the next Order.
Could I implent those tattoos? My spells are already very useful and my strength, thanks to Eldritch energy, is certainly impressive but this could send to an all-new level of Martial Excellence. I wonder if the tattoos have sothing to do with Genetics... Hmm, they probably do.
A sha my Assistant can't help with this.'
[Your Concerns are not regarding Eldritch Energy or a matter of Decadence so I have no information that could be of service.]
'I know, I know. Also, I didn't ask.'
[It seed posed as an inquiry.]
'*Sigh* Anyway, I should ask Gryon about it. Heh, if it were possible, it'd be the first ti I ever got inked. See being rebellious. Hah."
*BAM!*
A particularly hard clash of fists sent both Evian and Gryon apart and also caused Evian to pause his analysis and ntal conversations.
"Even without your weapon, You're not giving an inch," Gryon said with a battle-hungry grin, "I expected as much."
The Crew had seen Evian in action- felt the energy he gave off and were aware he had abilities that frankly boggled the mind but it was the first ti he would spar against that seen strength so Gryon could not help but be excited.
"You praise ," Evian said and although his smile was kind, there was no humility in his tone or his eyes because the praise was accurate and there was a limit to how much he would pretend it was not.
At the peak of the Wraith Decadence level which was equivalent to the Ninth step of the Third Order -the threshold that sought advancent to the Fourth Order- and with the superiority of Eldritch energy as an imbuing force, there was no way Evian would lose the contest of strength against Gryon who was still a few steps away from the peak of the Third Order.
With a battle cry, Gryon charged at him again and the Spar resud.
Carleine and Ember were engaged in dueling, which ant Gillert was the one standing with Zayda at the mont and it did not take long for the Squad Commander to begin to inquire about Evian and just how much the Crew knew of his strength.
Gillert had no reason to suspect Zayda had any issues with Evian and so he hardly kept anything back.
He spoke of Evian's sudden ability to cultivate and how it had been a blessing to their cause and a very deciding factor in ending the Tyrant Herbert Larnak but he nonchalantly left out 'feelings' and 'suspicions' with the most important one being the realization that the energy Evian exuded was very much alike to what the Monsters they battled the night before exuded.
When Gillett went into battle and was replaced with Carleine, Zayda questioned her as naturally as she had done Gillert and the situation was the sa because the newly-minted benefactor of Evian's debauched skills had no reason to suspect her Commander and act in defense of her lover.
Late in the Evening, the Spars finally ca to an end and everyone was allowed to disperse. Although Evian had been focused on sparring any partner he faced, he was aware of the questioning mostly because Zayda so no reason to lower her voice to a suspicious level but he made no ntion of it.
"Evian, hold on," Zayda called, "Earlier, I couldn't help but notice your conversation with the Baroness."
"Yes?" Evian asked gently.
"What were you discussing?"
"Nothing important," Evian answered with a shrug.
Zayda smirked and let out a chuckle,
"Very well. Let just call back the rest of the Squad and usher them to the Hot Springs. I'm sure the Baron will give his permission."
The Squad Commander made to walk past Evian but he gently placed a hand on her shoulder to urge her to stop.
"Actually, I'd prefer you all stayed away from the Springs. I have serious-- business to conduct there."
Zayda shook her head,
"Of course you do. Rember we are guests here and are also on a mission. You could make things very complicated."
Evian's smile got wider as he let out a chuckle.
"You eavesdropper, you don't care about complications, you're just fishing for an invitation to co and watch."
"I hardly need an invitation... Besides, I believe you told her she wasn't worthy... What changed?"
"I'm giving her a chance to prove her worth so please stay away. I hear she might be skittish and sensitive to voyeurs."
Zayda waved him off,
"Alright, alright. But be careful. If you get caught, I will deny you."
"Don't worry Zayda," Evian said with a smile as he turned around and walked away, "I think it'll be fine."
•••
-That Night-
To conserve the effects of the Hot springs which were not unlimited, there was minimal use of the springs and there were also stationed Guards around it to deter unsanctioned use. The Guards stood far enough from the Springs themselves to not be distracted by the splashing sounds and possible giggling from beyond.
Evian evaded the Guards with Wraithic Phasing and waded into the water to await his appointnt who he was sure would not disappoint.
And of course, her seductive scent, stronger than those wafting from the Hot Spring announced Karenssa's arrival. Her barefooted soundless steps got closer and closer until she laid her eyes on Evian's care chest.
She had only gotten a tease of it the night she entered his room but now it was exposed in all its delicious glory, gleaming with the moonbeam that shone off his skin. His Grey hair glowed a faint mysterious silver hue and his eyes, were grey and cold, yet inviting and increasing the ravishing desires already coursing through her.
"You're here," the Baroness said.
"You sound surprised."
Karenssa shook her head,
"I'm not," she said, "I knew you'd be here."
"Join ," Evian said in a genuine invite, "You said we had things to talk about."
"Indeed we do," Karenssa said and took off her robe to reveal a sexy body underneath before she waded slowly into the water.
Evian took it all in and then with a nod he said,
"Not bad."
"You can play hard to get all you want but please don't lie," Karenssa said while shaking her head, "'Not bad?' *Scoff* I can see interest in your eyes."
"True," Evian said, "By value of beauty, you et my standards."
"But I'm still not worthy?"
"Beauty isn't everything."
Karenssa burst into laughter,
"Hahahaha! To you? It has to be."
"Alas, it's not," Evian said, shaking his head, "I need to know so much more before I can consider you worthy of my touch."
Karenssa looked confused,
"Know More like what?"
Evian grinned and held up a finger,
"For one," he said slowly, "I'm curious as to just how hard is it to control such a large Army of never-ending Eldritch Beasts and a particularly large, strong, and irritating one."
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