With the issue of which academy to attend decided, Ian could now turn his focus to other matters, the nearly completed processing plant and, most importantly, the parasite.
One night, Ian retrieved the containment sphere holding the parasite, setting it down on his workbench. A quick scan confirmed that it was dying. The once-active strands of its form had dulled, its writhing slowed to an almost imperceptible pulse.
Furrowing his brow, Ian began a series of controlled experiments.
First, he exposed it to various energy sources, but none had any significant effect. The parasite remained inert, its decay unaffected.
Next, he attempted nutrient solutions, introducing organic compounds, controlled doses of biological material. A few reactions sparked, brief flickers of activity, but nothing sustainable.
It wasn't until he introduced a living sample that the parasite responded. Almost instantly, tendrils of it pulsed with renewed energy, latching onto the substance and absorbing it greedily.
So that was it.
The parasite required a host to survive. Most appropriately life energy of a living or a recently dead host. Without one, it would wither and die.
Ian took careful samples, isolating its active components, studying the traces of its reaction. He noted its rapid adaptation, the way it sought out viable living beings. There was potential here, perhaps a deeper mechanism to uncover, but now wasn't the time.
For now, he needed to preserve it.
He activated a small deep freeze unit, sealing it inside the containment sphere. The temperature dropped instantly, layers of frost forming along the edges of the sphere as the parasite was plunged into stasis.
Ian exhaled watching this.
The parasite would remain dormant. Until he decided otherwise.
Ian leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temple as he considered his next move.
So far, there had been no significant intel from Eryndor and Enira. That in itself wasn't necessarily alarming, but it was a problem. They couldn't remain passive for too long, if they failed to send anything back, their handlers would grow suspicious.
The easiest way to resolve this was to let them pass along some harmless information. The academy decision was one of them. By now, it was hardly a secret. Nearly everyone in the workshop knew. His gym circle had heard. Even casual acquaintances had picked up on it. If there was another mole somewhere in his vicinity, the information would reach The Quiet Testament regardless.
If Ian didn't allow Eryndor and Enira to report it, but the organization had already received the same intel from another source, it could raise suspicions.
Ian exhaled, staring at the containment sphere, frost still glistening on its surface.
He needed to be careful. A misstep here could unravel everything.
This wasn't just about sending or withholding information. It was about control. About setting the right expectations, maintaining the right image.
For now, he had to seriously consider his next move.
A month passed by in a blur of effort and anticipation, but finally, Kara and Lirian's processing plant was complete.
The final stretch hadn't been without challenges. The permit approval had hit a bureaucratic snag, forcing them to pull strings and call in favors to get it pushed through. Supply chain issues had nearly delayed the delivery of key components, and there had even been an incident where a malfunctioning circuit caused a temporary power outage during a critical test run. But despite all that, the plant was here, functional, operational, and ready to begin production.
And that was cause for celebration.
The entire group gathered at the newly completed facility, taking in the culmination of their work. The main processing hall had been cleared out for the evening, long tables set up with food and drinks. The air buzzed with conversation and laughter as Kara, Lirian, Ian, Myrra, Oryn, Velke, and Holone relaxed after weeks of relentless effort.
Kara raised her glass. "To all of us"
They clinked their glasses together, the warmth of camaraderie filling the space.
At some point, Kara and Lirian shared a knowing look before Kara spoke up. "Before we get too deep into drinks, we have something to say."
Lirian nodded. "This plant might have started as our idea, but we wouldn't have made it here without all of you." He gestured around the table. "So, we've decided, each of you is getting a small stake in the business. You helped build this, and it's only right you share in its success."
The announcement took a moment to sink in.
Velke was the first to break the silence. "Wait. You're giving us equity?"
Kara grinned. "A small portion, yeah. Don't go getting any ideas about bossing us around."
Oryn let out a low whistle. "That's… unexpected."
Myrra tilted her head. "Generous, too."
Ian studied them both. He knew they didn't make this decision lightly.
"Thank you," Ian finally said.
"Yeah, well," Kara smirked. "Now you're stuck with us."
The conversation drifted toward the future.
"So," Velke leaned back in his chair, stretching. "Got everything sorted for going to Rulmose?"
Ian exhaled. "Still deciding on a place to stay."
Kara grinned. "Why not just live with Myrra?"
Myrra shot her a look, cheeks tinged pink. "Very funny."
Oryn chuckled. "Jokes aside, it will be better to book early or you might not get the good ones."
Ian nodded. "Yeah, I will do it soon."
Then, the conversation turned toward the future.
Holone stretched his arms behind his head. "I'll be focusing on my sword practice from now on."
Kara raised an eyebrow. "You? Didn't Shanaera tell you not to waste time on it?"
"She did," Holone admitted with a smirk. "Back then, she thought I should just take over the workshop instead. And honestly, she wasn't wrong. I wasn't good enough for it to be anything more than a hobby." He exhaled, gaze sharpening. "But things have changed."
The rewards he had received from the ruins exploration, combined with their encounter with the Zephar Heralds, had transformed his talent drastically. Before, he had been an average swordsman at best. Now, his strikes carried a precision and understanding that hadn't been there before.
And it wasn't just him.
Oryn leaned forward. "I'm about to break through to the First Order."
Velke blinked. "Already?"
Oryn nodded. "Much sooner than I expected. But more importantly, I've made up my mind, I want to become a Master."
Silence followed for a beat.
"That's a big shift," Lirian said, studying him.
Oryn let out a breath. "I never thought I had enough talent to aim for it. But now… I know I can do it."
Ian listened, watching them all. Their encounter with the Zephar Heralds hadn't just changed Holone. It had altered all of them. Strengthened them. He could see it most clearly in Myrra. He had been with her every step of the way, witnessing the changes firsthand. Whatever had awakened, it wasn't fading, it was growing stronger.
And if it had changed Myrra, Oryn and Holone, then it had changed them all. Their destinies had been rewritten.
Ian looked around at the first people he had met in this world. The ones who had welcomed him when he was new, when he had nothing. Now, watching them take their next steps toward greatness, Ian felt something rare, pride.
And just like they had helped him before, he would be there for them, whenever they needed him.
"Whatever happens next," Ian said, raising his glass again, "we keep moving forward."
They clinked their glasses once more, a silent agreement passing between them.
Same night at Ian's home.
Ian and Myrra sat side by side, flipping through the holographic catalog of available places. The display projected various options in front of them, ranging from small shared rooms to sprawling mansions. The shimmering images projected fully furnished rooms, floor plans, and even location previews in crisp detail.
Ian leaned forward, resting his chin on his palm. He had been thinking about this for a while now, but he figured he'd just ask outright.
"Have you thought about us getting a place together?"
Myrra's hand stilled mid-motion, and the catalogue paused. She blinked at him, a faint pink dusting her cheeks. "You mean… actually living together?"
Ian nodded, watching her reaction carefully. He had been considering it for a while, but ultimately, it was her decision too.
Myrra quickly averted her gaze, staring at the floating display. She had wanted to ask the same thing but wasn't sure how to bring it up. Now that Ian had said it, there was no reason to hesitate.
"Okay then," she said simply.
Ian blinked. "Just like that?"
Myrra nodded, her expression calm. "I was thinking about it too… but I wasn't sure how to bring it up." A small smile formed on her lips. "But since you brought it up, there's no reason to say no."
Ian let out a small chuckle, feeling an odd sense of relief. "Alright. Now we just have to pick the place."
They scrolled through the options, evaluating each one. The list ranged from simple student accommodations to luxurious private residences. Ian wasn't interested in anything too extravagant; additionally, he wanted to save as much money as possible for his experiments and other pursuits.
Myrra also preferred something practical. While her family was well-off, they had always lived modestly, avoiding unnecessary extravagance. She had no desire for a sprawling mansion or an opulent estate, just a comfortable place where they could live without hassle.
"This one looks good," Myrra said, stopping on a particular apartment. The hologram expanded, displaying a detailed view of the space. "It has multiple bedrooms, space for everything we'd need… and Reina's place is nearby."
Ian glanced at the details. The location was convenient, the layout made sense, and it was neither too small nor too excessive. "Yeah, then let's go with this."
As they finalized their choice, Ian thought about the others. He had been in contact with Rhys and Reina; Rhys, as expected, had gone all out and bought himself a mansion. Reina, despite coming from a wealthier and more influential family, had chosen a more modest but spacious apartment where she would live alone. It was still far less ostentatious than Rhys's place, but it suited her personality.
As they finalized their decision, Myrra stretched her arms with a satisfied sigh. "Well, that's settled then."
Ian leaned back, watching her with a small smile. "Yeah. Feels good to finally sort it out."
For a moment, there was a comfortable silence between them. Myrra's gaze softened as she looked at Ian. Then, almost on instinct, she leaned in and rested her head against his shoulder. Ian felt his breath catch, but he didn't move away. The warmth of her presence, the quiet closeness, it was nice.
"Thanks for bringing it up," Myrra murmured.
Ian hesitated, then gently placed a hand over hers. "Yeah."
They stayed like that for a little while, neither of them speaking, just enjoying the moment. Eventually, Myrra pulled back, a faint pink dusting her cheeks.
"I should head back," she said, glancing at the time.
Ian nodded. "I'll walk you home."
Myrra smiled softly and fell into step beside him.
Ian had been staying close to Myrra for quite some time now. It wasn't just a habit, it was deliberate. A few weeks ago, he had ordered Enira to send out information about them going to Rulmose Institute. It was a small town, and word traveled fast, especially with Myrra's uncle, Darius, being well-known businessman. If anyone had eyes on them, they would have heard by now.
So far, nothing had happened.
Ian remained on guard, watching for any sign of trouble, but everything had been quiet.
"I guess they're just monitoring for now…" Ian murmured to himself as he returned back to his home.
But what he didn't know was that moves had already been made a few days ago, ones that had failed before they could even reach him.