Magi's Path (Aether's Revival Book 3) by Daniel Schinhofen (motivational books to read txt) 📕

“It’s also likely that his daughter will be joining our clan,” Gregory said softly, “so this will help the clan and us.”

Hintle drew himself up taller. “My very best to help the little miss.”

Hao chuckled lightly. “Thank you. We are returning to the back before we head out. If he accepts, have someone arrange for a second carriage during our stay so we can ferry everyone back and forth.”

“Yes, sir.”

As Gregory and Hao walked down the hall, Gregory exhaled. “Thank you, Father.”

“Ramon and Vana have been good to us, and returning that in this way makes me feel better. I was thinking his daughter would join your clan, and that just makes it even easier to help them. Now, we have places to go and things to accomplish, but first, we must collect our wives and guests.”

“Yes, Father.”

Chapter Fifty-four

When they arrived at Alvis Alchemy, Gregory was glad that Umbrose and Elsa had stayed behind or they would have needed two carriages. Entering the business, they were greeted by the smiling receptionist, Rhea.

“I’d like to speak with Alvis,” Hao said after greeting Rhea in return.

Rhea looked apprehensive, but just nodded and went through the door into the back.

“Making them worry?” Yukiko asked her father. “That means you have something in mind.”

“A worried man is more willing to make a deal,” Hao smiled slightly.

“As you’ve taught me,” Yukiko said.

“Well, considering that you’ve told me you don’t need any other enchantments, this is going to be our sole stop today. I might as well get the best I can while I’m here.”

A moment later, Rhea came back out, giving them a worried smile. “Alvis will be right out, sir. He is in the middle of making a batch of pills and can’t stop without losing the supplies.”

“Ah, of course,” Hao said, mildly perturbed.

“Is there anything I can do for you?” Rhea asked.

“No. I believe this will require me speaking to him directly,” Hao said.

“Is it likely to take him long?” Yoo-jin asked.

“Maybe a quarter of an hour,” Rhea admitted.

Hao’s eyebrow went up. “A quarter-hour?”

“He’s making the pills for your daughter and her group, sir,” Rhea said, clearly hoping that would mollify Hao.

“I see...” Hao exhaled. “Some tea would be good, then.”

“Of course. I’ll be right back,” Rhea said, hurrying into the back again.

“We need to tell them we’re seventh rank now, too,” Gregory said.

Hao turned to look at Gregory. “Did you say rank seven?”

“Yes. We reached it this morning,” Yukiko said. “We’ve been hoping to keep it secret until we fight in the tournament, but we do need to tell them, at least.”

“You’ve gained more than a full tier in a year?” Yoo-jin asked slowly. “Isn’t that... wrong?”

“It goes against what I know of magi,” Hao said. “It should take you longer to advance as you go, not less time.”

“Well, we aren’t training the way others do,” Yukiko reminded them.

“That is very true...” Hao nodded slowly. “Hmm... I do hope they are as secretive about their customers’ needs as they have said they are.”

“We’ll find out shortly,” Yoo-jin said. “What has your clan said about your growth?”

“They’re just as shocked,” Yukiko replied.

“They were,” Jenn nodded. “They aren’t sure if it’s a record for reaching this rank or not, though.”

“It will surely bring eyes to your clan,” Hao said.

“And there will be more by the end of the tournament,” Gregory said. “Nessa, Daciana, and Victoria are all seventh rank novices.”

Hao’s eyebrows rose again. “It’s as if your clan attracts magi who grow fast.”

Gregory, Jenn, and Yukiko exchanged glances, all of them feeling a little bad about keeping secrets from her parents.

“It does feel that way,” Gregory said after a small delay.

“Here we are. Tea,” Rhea said, coming back into the room with a tray. “I have two pots, with orange for you two, and lotus leaf tea for the apprentices. Lotus leaf tea is best for spirit path magi, but can still be useful to all magi.”

“Thank you,” Hao said, turning to Rhea. “We’ll be glad to wait a little longer to speak with the alchemist.”

Rhea visibly calmed as she poured tea for them. “Thank you, sir. I’m sure he will come as quickly as he can.”

~*~*~

It was a little longer than a quarter-hour before Alvis came out of the back. “I apologize for the delay, Master Warlin. I have the items for your order, so I can send them with you instead of having them shipped up to the academy, if you’d like.”

Hao stood with a neutral expression. “I came to talk business, and though the tea was nice, I was kept waiting for longer than I’d hoped. Your assistant assured me that you were tied up because you couldn’t pause while making the pills?”

“She is correct. If I had tried to stop, it would have ruined everything,” Alvis said. “The loss of supplies wouldn’t have been minor, considering their strength.”

“Yes. As a merchant, I can understand not wanting to lose profit in such a manner.”

Alvis relaxed a little. “I’m glad that you understand. What can I do for you?”

“The three of them will be leaving the academy to go train with their troops after this academy year ends. I need to know what you can do for them when it is uncertain where they will be.”

“Yes, I understand,” Alvis nodded. “We could make a large batch, clearly marked with what rank they should be before they take them, that could go with them. The additives will degrade slightly over time which is unavoidable. Even in a storage-enchanted item, the additives still lose potency. That would likely be the best way forward, but that would be a bit bulky if you wanted me to supply