Robin, Sein, and Shoun rummaged around for a while before gathering to tally their total earnings.
—Let's see… We've got two Seeker-rank materials, two Apprentice-rank ones, and the fully intact, functional body of a wretch. Yep, that's a lot of money, hehehe —Shoun began laughing malevolently, causing Sein and Robin to take a slight step back.
—Good. According to my communicator, all rifts within the city were closed a while ago, which means the government can help me move that thing. I think our best bet for now is to sell the materials, since Joy isn't here, we can't split who keeps what. —The other two agreed and handed over the materials—That settles that. Now, about the body… I'd also suggest selling it, but if you give me permission, I could turn part of it into a useful artifact for when we go to… you know where.
—Sounds good to me.
—Absolutely!
Before they could continue the conversation, a black van with the government's logo pulled up. Out stepped an unfamiliar face—a suited man in black, who also happened to be an Apprentice.
—Hey Greg, how are you?
—Good, thanks for asking Robin. Right now I'm busy cleaning up our agents... Is that yours? — he asked, pointing at the armored corpse.
—Yep. Take this too, I'll tell you what to do with it later.
—Sure... Sorry to ask but exactly how many people cleared this rift? — he questioned while loading all the loot into the van and logging it.
—It was those two adventurers, an elf mage, and me.
—Are they your friends? In any case, don't forget about your second job.
—Of course — Before he could leave, two vehicles arrived. The first was a van from a local news channel, the second was from the guild, though it hung back for the moment. From the first emerged several people with large cameras and equipment.
—From New Caven News, we're covering the sealing of the rift on Striped Cross Street! According to eyewitnesses, the entire vestige advance was stopped solely by four individuals! Tell us young man, is the witness account true!? — The reporter shoved the microphone in Shoun's face, who had stepped forward since Robin was busy and knowing full well that if he let Sein talk, the little guy would spout nonsense.
—Ah... that's correct. The four of us sealed the rift — he answered with slight nervousness in his voice, but was quickly supported by Sein and Robin who positioned themselves at his sides.
—Tell me young man, who are the individuals responsible for this remarkable feat?
—It was Sein Harrow, adventurer apprentice; Robin Carter, government agent apprentice; there was also an elf mage with us but she had to leave earlier; and finally myself, Shoun Foster, adventurer apprentice - I was the last participant in this rift closure — he spoke smoothly, recalling similar interviews he'd seen on television.
—Shoun, don't forget your title! — The moment the little one spoke, all microphones swung toward him briefly before returning to the reporter.
—Apprentice Shoun, you possess a title?! Please tell us what it is! — Shooting a momentary glare at Sein, Shoun had no choice but to reveal his title to the world.
—My title is...The Conduit.
—You heard it here folks! Apprentice "The Conduit" and his friends managed to seal a rift single-handedly, while preventing civilian casualties and protecting most of the street's infrastructure! — As the reporter turned to address the camera directly, the apprentices slipped away from the scene, only to be intercepted by a familiar face.
—Team Leader Lawrence? — asked the little one upon recognizing the man who had once monitored his first fight.
—It's a pleasure to see you again, Apprentice Sein. The same goes for you, Apprentice The Conduit — the team leader greeted, completely ignoring Robin, though they didn't seem to mind in the slightest.
—To what do we owe this unexpected reunion? — Once again, Shoun stepped forward to confront Lawrence.
—Well, it's obvious. I knew it from the moment I saw your abilities, Apprentice Sein, and when we investigated you, Apprentice The Conduit, it was the same. We'd love to welcome you to the guild - not as adventurers, but as true hunters. Why don't you come with me? You must be tired - we'll provide food and drinks for the journey.
—This is where I have to intervene, my dear hunter. Sorry, but you're too late - I've already claimed these catches — said the scientist, stepping between the youth and Lawrence. — Better luck next time.
—Tch... If you're interested in learning more about our offer, here's my card — Lawrence handed them the cards before leaving in the guild's car.
—Don't mention it. But don't get used to it - I won't always be around to save your asses. Let's go before someone else wants to interview us or something similar —They all ran through the streets until reaching Shoun's house— This is where I say goodbye. See you tomorrow at school.
—Thanks for coming with us, Robin.
—No problem!
Upon entering, they collapsed on the couch next to Kaze, exhausted from the battle. It was then that Shoun decided to open his status window to check how many points he'd earned.
[Name: Shoun Foster»
«Age: 17»
«Rank: Apprentice»
«Title: The Conduit»
«Ascension Points: 56/200»
«Abilities»
«Electric Flow: Your very essence has been touched by electricity since birth, to the point where you can control and wield it at will»
«Medium Electric Core: Part of your being yet not, existing in both your physical and spiritual body. It stores and generates all your electricity, while allowing you to absorb it from external sources»
«Visa: Congratulations! You can now enter and leave the other world at will»
«Endless Circuit, Grade S: All energy bows at your feet. You possess the ability to transmute any form of energy into electricity»]
—(I had about 26 points before facing the rift... The rewards are almost comparable to visiting the mirror world. Which one's more dangerous is another matter entirely) — After checking, he leaned back comfortably to watch the movie Kaze had put on before their arrival.
—Kaze, could you hand me my phone
—Sure, here you go —The masked one handed the phone back to the little guy, who had left it at Shoun's place for safekeeping.
—Thanks... oh, it's turned off.
—It wouldn't stop ringing earlier. I couldn't hear the movie properly, so I turned it off.
—You did WHAT?! — As the phone booted up, the little one panicked upon seeing over 50 missed calls from his grandmother. Another call came through immediately, and despite his hesitation, he answered — H-hello?
—Sein Harrow! Can you explain why you're on television?! Why do they keep calling you an apprentice?! Get home right this instant! — Without even letting him respond, Sein's grandmother forced him to return home immediately.
—What was that? I could hear your grandma yelling from over here — Shoun asked from the other side of the couch. Under all this pressure, the little one finally cracked.
—Hmmm... m-maybe I kind of forgot to tell her I was a Codex bearer...— A tomb-like silence fell over the room. Kaze paused the movie and quietly moved aside to avoid the crossfire. The little guy seemed to shrink even smaller under Shoun's icy stare—Please, if you're going to kill me, make it quick!—Closing his eyes, he awaited his doom... which never came. Instead, Shoun silently grabbed Sein by the collar of his shirt and dragged him out of the house. The masked one followed just to make sure Shoun wasn't actually going to murder him — W-where are we going?
—To your house. You're going to apologize to your grandmother. And to me.
—B-but—
—But? BUT?! Do you have any idea what you've done?! We had a deal - you were supposed to tell your grandmother, and if she agreed, I'd make you a Codex bearer! So what did you actually do?
—...I lied to you.
—You lied to me. You lied to her. You lied to everyone!... Now you're going to fix this. — Without another word, the three apprentices arrived at Sein's house. Only then did Shoun release him to open the door. Upon entering, they were immediately greeted by a 60-year-old woman with long, curly white hair.
—Sein Harrow, how could you—! She cut herself off upon noticing Shoun and Kaze at the doorway — Oh, you brought Shoun... and this is?
—I'm Kaze.
—Oh... pleased to meet you, Kaze. — Despite the strange appearance of her grandson's friend, her expression immediately softened — Sein... bring tea and cookies for your friends.
Head hanging low, the little one silently retreated from the room. Sein's grandmother ushered them into the dining area where they all sat down.
—So what brings you boys here today?
—Forgive me, Mrs. Rosa — Shoun apologized firmly, looking the grandmother straight in the eyes — I was the one who introduced Sein to becoming a Codex bearer. I told him to ask for your permission, but I never confirmed whether he actually did. This is entirely my—
—Stop right there... I'm not angry with you, Shoun. It seems you never intended for Sein to hide this from me... I appreciate that, truly. — Rosa toyed with her teacup for a moment before continuing — My grandson has been stubborn about becoming a Codex bearer since he was little... Even if I'd said no, he would've become one anyway. I knew this day would come, but I didn't expect to find out like this—seeing my only grandson on television, having accomplished some great feat... That boy really is as stubborn as his father.
—His father? — asked the masked one, recalling that Sein's parents were deceased. Shoun tried to hush him, but Rosa answered immediately.
—Yes. Like his father. My son, much like Shoun—and apparently you two as well—was a Codex bearer. And from a young age, at that. Not being able to protect my husband might have affected him... I didn't want him to, but he enlisted anyway. Turns out he had high potential and became something of a local star for a while. That's where he met my daughter-in-law, and after some time, they had Sein. She was a wonderful woman too, but she died during an attack by a rift that had been left unguarded for too long. Thankfully, my grandson was with me at the time... Losing his wife changed him even more. He started disobeying orders and eventually left government service. With his limited power, he'd rush to defend any unguarded rift, with or without backup. I knew his luck would run out someday. I told him to focus on raising Sein... but he wouldn't listen. In the end, he died a hero. Saved many people. But he died. — Tears began welling at the corners of Rosa's eyes, and she quickly turned her gaze away — Forgive me for making you watch an old woman cry...
—So... Sein is like this because of his father? — Kaze asked again.
—Well, Sein was very young when his parents passed. He doesn't remember any of it, but everyone in the neighborhood who recognizes him as his father's son keeps telling him stories... about how his father was a hero, how he saved their lives... My son truly was a good man, and I think Sein wants to become someone just as great someday. — From the other hallway, Sein hid with a tray of tea and cookies, wiping his tears before announcing his arrival:
—Out of green tea! — The little one entered the room and placed the tray on the table, where Kaze immediately started eating the cookies. Meanwhile, both Shoun and Rosa stared at him — ...I'm sorry for lying. I never meant to hurt you like that... I just really wanted to become a Codex bearer to save people...
—Sein... — Shoun wanted to say many things—that he didn't need to protect others, that the adults would handle it—but he knew that would be a lie. He didn't want to undermine his dream or his resolve, so he took a different approach — The most important thing in a team is trust. We can only fight vestiges and win because we trust each other. Do you think I'll be able to trust you after you lied to me here?
—...No.
—You shouldn't. But you're still young—just a kid. We all make mistakes. It's better you learn not to fall into the same hole now while you have the chance... So, do you know what you need to do?
—Yes... I'm truly sorry, Grandma. Even if you want me to, I'll stop being a—
Sein turned and apologized earnestly to his grandmother, who took his hands and kissed his forehead.
—You can keep being a Codex bearer. Keep going out with Shoun—I trust he'll take good care of you. But please, no more lies. My heart isn't strong enough to bear that anymore.
Without another word, the little one hugged his grandmother tightly. With that settled, they could discuss their plans for the "outskirts" in more detail later. Though they'd agreed not to lie, they still couldn't reveal the Mirror World for obvious reasons.
—It was lovely having you boys over. Come by anytime.
—Thank you, ma'am. Sorry for the trouble.
—Thanks for everything.
The young man and the masked one left the house. Sein closed the door behind them and stood there, staring.
—Well, Sein, you should go take a bath. You must be all sweaty and—
—I won't fail, Grandma.
—What?
—I'll protect people. And I won't leave you alone either. I won't just be as great as Dad... I'll be even greater. You believe me, right?
—...Of course. If anyone can do it, it's my grandson.
With those words, the little one began crying again, comforted by his grandmother's warm embrace.