'I already know that the paths: Chronos, Cosmos and Fate are intertwined due to the eye in the rift. Darkness, Death and Mysteries can also be seen as a triad considering that their aether is so similar to that of the path of mysteries. Maybe Enhancement and Imagination go together. Could Radiance be the final piece?'
Kharon finished packing up as he stood up and took a quick glance of the room. He hadn't even spent a week here and he was already moving.
'It's like I am not welcome to stay anywhere for too long. Maybe that is the fate of all those who walk this path... But what can I do except keep moving?'
As he thought this, he sensed someone coming up the stairs as he opened the door to find Zack. His hand was outstretched and he was already carrying a bag on his shoulders. As their eyes met, they stared at each other awkwardly before Zack smiled.
"Are you ready to go, boss?"
Kharon gave him a curt nod as he switched off the lights and closed the door. They made their way down the stairs in silence as some people looked at them with reverence, while others looked at them with contempt and satisfaction. But no one dared make a single sound.
Kharon walked past the on-lookers with no visible reaction while Zack looked at them with a mixed expression. Upon reaching the bottom of the stairs, Kharon saw the bartender waiting for him with a bag in his hands.
The bartender walked up to him as he offered the bag with a low bow.
"Something for you to eat sir. A farewell gift of sorts."
Smiling brightly at the bartender, Kharon accepted the bag and thanked him. He put the bag into his bag and nodded at those who were having their meals in silence. Turning his back to them, he walked towards the large door and opened it.
Before him were the quiet, desolate streets of the Eclipsed Hollow. Kharon took slow, careful steps as he looked back to see Zack still speaking to a few people. He noticed Kharon's gaze and ended his conversation before catching up to him.
Kharon looked at him as he asked in a flat tone, "Who were those people?"
"Just a few guys I am friendly with. They were the ones who recommended the path of enhancement to me and even told me the ritual for free. I plan on one day repaying their kindness."
"You could have stayed a bit longer with them. I already told you that you don't always have to follow me."
Zack smiled as he said, "Exactly. I have the freedom to choose. That is why I am choosing to follow you. Unless you don't want me to."
Kharon sighed as he said, "You are free to do what you want. Do you know what my current plan is?"
"No. Could you fill me in?"
"I plan on infiltrating the Arcane Association. There is something that I have to learn. Once I do, I will be able to execute my plan and ascend to tier 3. While I do this, I want you to try and recruit people to join our organisation."
Zack nodded as he asked, "Where will we be living? Have you thought about that?"
Kharon slowly shook his head as Zack sighed and said, "I thought as much. I know several places where we can live. But the rent is fairly high."
"How much?"
"500 Aethermarks per month. But there are cheaper alternatives; however they aren't as secure and have lower quality. It depends on what you want."
"How much space is provided in the first option?"
Zack thought for a second as he replied, "It is an apartment in the Eclipsed Hollow with two to three rooms, a living room, a kitchen, etcetera. The quality is fairly high and if you pay an additional 100 Aethermarks, then food is provided for you."
Kharon channeled aether through his arms as he looked at his bracelet. A little, golden screen appeared suddenly appeared as he looked at his contacts. He looked at the five contacts with furrowed brows as he clicked on one of the names.
'Axel added his contact to my bracelet? But how did he activate it without my aether?'
He gestured at Zack to stay where he was as he walked away before speaking into the bracelet.
"Axel. I need to ask you about the current amount of money I have. And also I need an explanation on how you added your contact to my bracelet."
Kharon deactivated the bracelet but it suddenly shone faintly as Kharon looked at it with a blank expression.
A familiar could be heard as it said, "You currently have 30,000 Aethermarks in your account. I managed to sell that tier 5 core you got for 25,000 Aethermarks. The path of cosmos is highly sought after for its practicality and usage. As for how I accessed your bracelet; I did it when we arrived back at the Syndicate. You kept emitting aether so I took the opportunity to add my contact."
'I was emitting aether in my sleep?! That sounds quite troublesome. At least that is over now; I think. I should try and confirm that later. I have enough funds to stay in that apartment for five years if I want. Plus I also have roughly 20,000 Aethermarks on me. Dorn and Master Lodge were far too generous. But I am not going to complain.'
Kharon rummaged through his bag and pulled out a pouch; the same one Dorn had given him. He took out three platinum Marks and threw them towards Zack who caught them and looked at him with bewilderment.
"Just how long are we staying there?"
"You are the one who will be staying in the apartment. I already told you I am going to infiltrate the Arcane Association. Their headquarters to be exact. Once I find what I need, I will fake my death."
"So, I wouldn't be in contact with you when you are doing this? But how will I get your opinion on the people I want to recruit? And most importantly; what is the name of our organisation?!"
Kharon chuckled at Zack's apparent lack of priorities and said, "Firstly, we will be in contact. I will get you an Arcane Bracelet. Secondly, I will find a way to sort that problem out. Just focus on finding trustworthy people. It will be hard in a world such as this, but I am sure you will succeed. They have to be at least tier 4 wielders. And thirdly, our organisation is called The Null Order."
Zack looked at Kharon as if he had three heads before sighing.
"Whatever you say boss. It sounds a bit dark, but it also sounds cool so I guess it's fine. Is there anything else I need to know?"
Kharon walked closer to Zack as he used Fog Creation and Veiling on them.
"My name and title will be The Architect. The leader of this organisation. What title do you want to hold?"
"The Enforcer. I, Zack Starling will be the one who makes sure that the Architect's vision is realised."
'I really can't tell if he wants freedom or if he just wants to follow me. Maybe he believes I can help him get stronger. That would make sense... I should commemorate this moment with a gift or two."
Kharon quickly pulled out the Solar Ring from his bag and pulled off his glove from his left hand as he held the two items in front of himself.
"I am giving you these gifts as a symbol of my trust for you and as me officially making you my right hand. This is the Hand of Order; a tier 5 mystic construct which will allow you to create rules and issue commands. And this ring is the Solar Ring. A tier 3 construct which will allow you to create powerful flames and heal severe injuries."
Zack looked at both the constructs with awe as he stretched out his hands. But to his surprise Kharon instead retracted the two items.
"These will be given to you when you officially become the Enforcer. But first, I need to enhance these items and create our headquarters. It will take me a few weeks to do this. Once I am done, you will have two mystic constructs which will propel you to new heights."
"Is that so? Well, that means you will need a place to stay. Are you going to go to Starfall District?"
"Probably. We have a lot to do before we can begin the recruitment process. I will be leaving now. If you find some then get to know them and judge their character. If you deem them worthy then inform me."
Kharon's body began to vanish bit by bit as he walked away.
"I will meet you here in two weeks."
"Good luck boss. I believe in your vision."
The faint outline of a smile could be seen as Kharon completely vanished. Zack began walking to an unknown location as Kharon slowly appeared in front of a large, glass building. He could see several trees of varying sizes and colours.
"The Aetherbloom Conservatory..."