Lukey gazed inward, and his mind traced his internal channels until he located the space between his shoulder blades. There, wrapped around his spine, was a thread of aether, storing another one of his arts. Lukey then reached the top and touched that area, then concentrated as he attempted to draw the thread out. With enough willpower, it was eventually drawn out of his body, and Lukey looked inside to see what it contained.

  Oh dear…

  Delving into the art revealed a diagram of Lukey’s entire body, including outlines of his arms, legs, head, and body. Inside the outline, Lukey could see his internal channels, along with various pathways indicating the flow of aether, like arteries and veins. These pathways were all written in the Neptunian Script, which manifested as swirling lines that extended out from his channels before reconnecting one more along a different segment.

  What was the art he was looking at? Why, it was [Fisherman’s Stance], of course.

  “You were right, internal arts are a lot different from external ones.” Lukey said.

  “See? That’s why I told you not to get cocky. Don’t even try to modify your stance until you’re sure of what you’re doing.” Roman chided.

  Whereas arts that utilized the external field manifested as lines of script, internal arts were vastly different, manifesting as a diagram of the body with pathways indicating where aether should flow. It was far more complex, but that was a given considering he had looked at his stance, which was, quite possibly, the most powerful art he currently had.

  Lukey released the thread, and his mind slowly returned to reality as his eyesight became focused once more.

  Currently, he was in the Searing Seas, sitting at a small side table across from Roman. It was the middle of the day, and Roman had decided that the best place to catch Lukey up on current events was over a nice lunch.

  The meal, which was currently wrapped up in a large piece of parchment, was something called fish and chips. Roman was intimately familiar with this dish; meanwhile, Lukey just stared at the bland-looking food with curiosity. It consisted of tubers, which were diced and fried in oil, alongside a piece of white fish, also battered and fried.

  “It looks sort of… bland? Who eats this?” Lukey questioned.

  “Those dogs down near the Whistling Alps, along with anyone who eats at a pub in Grand Dynamo,” Roman explained. “Try it with some salt and vinegar; it’s better than it looks.”

  Lukey shrugged and followed Roman’s advice, sprinkling a bit of salt and vinegar before taking a bit of fried tuber. To his surprise, the two seasonings went a long way toward adding some flavor to the otherwise bland meal. Whereas the tuber was mellow, the salt and vinegar worked together to create a sharp kick of flavor, which left Lukey wanting more. He tried the white fish and felt a much greater burst of flavor as the fish added its own umami to the mix.

  “Told you it’s good,” Roman bragged. “But don’t forget that this is a business meal.”

  Lukey was busy enjoying his food, but after Roman spoke up, he quickly reeled back to reality. Lukey then sat himself in his chair, and he stared dead ahead as he gave his full attention.

  “Okay, so what’s going on?” Lukey asked.

  “Well,” Roman began, pulling out a piece of paper, “you should know that Triton hasn’t returned from his mission, and neither have any of the luxe or Zaurians that went with him. I contacted him with [Whisper]; it would seem he’s being held up dealing with an evolved variant of those terraclaws. They’ve been to three locations with nests already, and they seem to meet resistance wherever they go.”

  Lukey’s eyes widened at what Roman had just confirmed. Evolved variants? The island was protected from the outside, but if a monster leveled up beyond level eighty while they were already here, that was a different story. If evolved variants existed, that would imply that these terraclaws had been here for some time and perhaps even hunted other monsters to get stronger.

  “It’s that bad?” Lukey grimaced. “I hope they’re doing alright.”

  “They’re fine,” Roman dismissed. “There are some injured, but luckily no deaths thus far. Unfortunately, the luxe aren’t too happy about having to burn down sections of the forest. Which brings us to our next topic…”

  Roman took another glance at his list and then continued.

  “Thousand Acre. I’ve visited the outpost they have on the island, introduced myself, and talked a bit. Incidentally, I managed to hear a rumor that some officials from the main guild are coming soon. Apparently, they’re checking to see if this outpost is providing any useful discoveries.”

  “They should have some already,” Lukey interrupted, “especially considering that my mom is working for them.”

  “Ahem, yes, well… That remains to be seen. If they’re really impressed by what they see, then the main branch might consider lending some extra financial support. I shouldn’t have to explain this, but if their outpost grows…”

  “Then they’ll be able to support the island even more!” Lukey deduced excitedly.

  “Precisely Roman confirmed, “And, while we’re on the subject, your mother asked me to investigate a few things. Specifically, concerning the disappearance of your father…”

  Lukey’s excitement immediately halted at the mention of his father. It was only recently that his mother had opened up to him about how he was born and how his father had mysteriously disappeared while traveling the world. He knew next to nothing about the man known as Favian Wright; theoretically, he shouldn’t have cared about the man at all.

  However…

  Lukey would be lying if he said he wasn’t curious. All he knew was that the man was a scholar and that he frequently traveled around Eterna. If Roman had unearthed something about him, then Lukey longed to know.

  “Go on…” Lukey stated cautiously.

  “Well,” Roman began, “I put in a request to obtain some information, and the people at the Codex sent me everything they could gather. According to his files, Favian Wright was an explorer, searching for new labyrinths and undocumented tribes around the world and documenting them. He was also a third-stage class holder, with dual classes as a scholar and a swordsman.”

  An explorer? That would explain why Favian left the island so much. In fact, that also explains why he stayed at all. Leviathan’s Rest is situated right between Novus and Vetus, so he would have easy access to either continent if he used the island as a base of operations.

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  “Concerning his disappearance, I’ve turned up nothing.” Roman interrupted, yanking Lukey from his thoughts. “All the report says is that he and some other powerful class holders left on an expedition to the south and never returned. After a few years, they were presumed dead, and a funeral was held in Grand Dynamo in their honor.”

  Silence.

  “What? That’s it!?” Lukey roared. “You said you had information! That’s all you could get? Where did they even go? South? South of what?”

  “Calm down, please!” Roman hushed, trying to settle Lukey. “There are other people here. Don’t make a scene!”

  Lukey looked around, not even realizing that he was standing up in his chair. Patrons of the Searing Seas were all looking in their general direction, some with looks of irritation and others with looks of fright. Seeing this, Lukey stowed his temper and set himself back in his chair.

  “Sorry,” Lukey apologized. “I guess my hopes were a bit high after all that buildup. I was kind of hoping to hear more.”

  “Well…” Roman started. “If you’re really interested, then head to Grand Dynamo. His parents still live there, so they could probably tell you more than I could. They might even give you something since you’re his last living descendant, assuming you can prove your identity.”

  Lukey visibly relaxed, then gave a calming gaze toward Roman that relayed gratitude.

  “Thank you,” Lukey said. “I appreciate this. Let me know if you ever need me to return the favor.”

  “Well, now that you mention it…” Roman grinned.

  Oh, crap. Why did I have to open my mouth!

  “I’m working on something, but I can manage on my own for now. I’ll let you know if I need any help.” Roman said. “In the meantime, let’s talk about what you’re working on. Caldoon tells me you've been arranging for new equipment to be made for the new recruits. Is there anything that I can help you with?”

  Praise the sovereigns! Someone who wants to help me instead of the other way around!

  “Yeah, as a matter of fact, I’m looking into getting a new weapon. Turns out, spears don’t mesh well with my script, so I’m looking for something with a lot of movement and slashing attacks. Do you think you can help me?” Lukey asked.

  Roman then sat back in his chair and fell deep in thought as he began chewing through the rest of his fish and chips. Lukey did the same, eating through his own parchment as he began to enjoy the sharp taste of the salted vinegar.

  “These really are delicious,” said Lukey with a mouthful, “greasy as the abyss, though.”

  Roman chimed in when Lukey was halfway between mouthfuls.

  “You know, I’ve been thinking this ever since you got that armor, but have you given consideration to using other chitin equipment?” he said.

  Lukey shook his head, and Roman continued.

  “I say this because the Insectii have a class called Skystrider, which specializes in airborne combat. Since being in the air has a similar sense of movement to being underwater, I figure that maybe you could use one of their weapons. Perhaps Ki’ida could make you something?”

  Lukey nodded in comprehension, slowly realizing that this was probably a pretty good idea. He liked his chitin armor; it was light and easy to move around. If he had a chitin weapon, it would probably be similarly lightweight. The only issue Lukey could see was that the blade likely had to come from some sort of monster, and there really weren’t many insectoid monsters on the island.

  Oh well, you won’t know if you don’t try.

  “Alright, I’ll try that. In the meantime, I’m also working on a way to improve my fishing rod. I’ll let you know what I come up with.” Lukey replied, then got up and pushed his chair into the table.

  “Really? Great! Honestly, I can’t really use a spear to save my life, so if you could find a better way of hunting, that would be great!” Roman said excitedly.

  After that, they each said their goodbyes and paid for the meal.

  It was time to visit Ki’ida.

  …

  Lukey knocked on the door three times.

  After a visit to the jewelry store, the lady there confirmed that Ki’ida lived here and was still supplying them. Lukey had followed the directions to this two-story house at the edge of Tranquil Waters. He had already been here for a good while, and now, he was starting to get the feeling that either the chitin shaper wasn’t here, or he was just ignoring him.

  Now, Lukey was irritated.

  “Open up, dammit, I need a weapon!” he called out.

  Finally, a series of footsteps could be heard as someone began rushing through the house. After a few moments, the footsteps stopped, and the click of various locks could be heard before the doorway opened slightly to reveal the chitinshaper's face.

  “You need a weapon? Well, why didn’t you say so! Come in, come in.” Ki’ida said, gesturing Lukey inside.

  Lukey accepted the offer and entered the building. As Ki’ida closed the door and redid a few of the locks, Lukey looked around the place. Surprisingly, it was normal, with the place fully furnished with wooden furniture and very clean. A few strange knickknacks were strewn about, like a bowl of poultice and a stinger-like blade in the corner, but besides that, there was nothing special. It was only when Ki’ida showed Lukey up to his upstairs workshop that he was taken aback.

  All along the wall were heads and limbs from dozens of oversized bugs, hung up for show like some morbid art piece. Wings, stingers, claws, and mandibles—they were all there for show, and Lukey couldn’t help but be slightly fearful. In the middle of the room was a workbench with tools, and on top was a shell, one of the same Ogoronia shells that were sent to Ki’ida several days ago. Looking around, Lukey could see even more in the corner.

  “So, you say you need a weapon?” Ki’ida huffed, interrupting Lukey’s gawking.

  “Uh… Yeah, Roman said you could help me.” Lukey said. “I need a slashing weapon. Something I can use with a lot of movement. Preferably something that uses wide slashes. I heard you can make weapons for a Skystrider, so I figure you could make something similar for me.”

  Ki’ida slowly nodded as he listened to the conversation. Eventually, a hint of an idea grew on his face, and Ki'ida opened his mouth to speak.

  "Well… I have good news and bad news.” Ki’ida said. “Good news is I know exactly what you’re looking for, and I’ve made it before. The bad news is I don’t have the materials to make it.”

  “Really?” Lukey asked. “Mind showing me what you’re referring to?”

  In response, Ki’ida turned and walked down the steps. Lukey waited in the meantime, and after a while the chitinshaper came back with a piece of parchment in his hands. He then removed the shell from the workbench and set it down, replacing it with the parchment that was quickly unfolded and spread out for Lukey to see.

  The parchment revealed the drawings of some sort of dual blade; however, these were something altogether different than the swords he usually saw. For one, the handles weren’t at the bottom, instead sticking out of the back of the blade. The bottom, meanwhile, was just another sharp blade; fortunately, the backside of the blades looked blunt where the handles were and along the long side.

  “Woah,” Lukey gawked. “What is that?”

  “These, my friend, are a glorious pair of jawblades.” Said Ki’ida. “They are a staple defensive weapon in airborne combat, made especially for dismembering your opponent before going in for the kill. In fact, the reason they are called "jawblades" is because of the teeth at the edge, which can cut into your opponent to do serious damage.”

  “Terrifying,” Lukey said in awe. “But why a defensive weapon? I’m not very strong, so I doubt I could use these to shield myself if an enemy came directly at me.”

  “You fool!” Ki’ida chided. “These aren’t for shielding! They’re for parrying! If you learn to parry your opponent's attacks, it will eventually lead to opportunities for serious damage. In the hands of a master, nothing can touch you!”

  Lukey's excitement grew by the second, but he quickly tempered his anticipation after reminding himself that everything had a downside.

  “What’s the catch?” Lukey asked suspiciously. “Nothing is unbeatable. So what’s this weapon’s weakness?”

  Lukey watched Ki’ida let out a low growl before finally answering.

  “Range,” he said simply. “They’re amazing for dealing damage and blocking, but terrible at reaching your opponent. Basically, every weapon outclasses it in terms of reach. Every battle becomes a game with the objective of reaching your opponent.”

  Lukey grimaced, and he quickly turned away; he fell deeply into thought.

  High damage and parrying ability, but I need to rush down my opponent in every fight? That feels like a dance with death. Should I really take a weapon that forces me to risk myself with every fight?

  Normally, Lukey would’ve ended his train of thought and declined right then and there, but after what he had been through—with the stalker, the cannoneer, and his visit to the Mystic Reef—Lukey now had a different outlook on life.

  I’m risking my life regardless, aren’t I? Regardless of what weapon I pick, my opponents won't change. I don't have the luxury of picking my battles, and I doubt my opponent will take it easy and let me fight from a distance. If fighting Norman taught me anything, it’s that I need to start tearing into my opponents if I want them to die.

  That’s right. Lukey needed to be assertive if he ever wanted to make the most of his life, and now was the time to start acting like it.

  “Ki’ida, would you let me have a copy of this blueprint? I have an idea.”