THEOS

Chapter 57: The Giant Tide

Chapter 57: The Giant Tide

They appeared in the same office Cyzicus had first teleported Luke to when he brought them into the castle. This time though, he didnt look nearly as strained by the expenditure. If it werent for the slight rise and fall of his chest, Luke wouldnt have even been able to tell that he had exerted himself.

Where did the sheep go?

Wheres Aura? Nel asked.

Oh right. The griffin is missing too.

I sent her and the sheep to the garden. Im not much for formalities, but I do have enough sense not to discuss bad news in the company of livestock. Especially not in my own office. The Emperor said, walking over to his chair and fell down heavily atop it. Truly, home is home. He sighed. His eyes darting to a clock on the wall, he scratched his chin and sighed. Even so, there is much work to be done. A ring flashed on his finger, and a streak of light shot out and escaped through the walls.

He waved his hands, and the white marble floors twisted and congealed and the room rearranged itself. His desk expanded and stretched out through the room, and sculpted marble chairs rose from the floor around it.

Have a seat, theres much we need to talk about. Cyzicus said.

Talk about what? Rex asked, settling into the chair closest to him.

The tournament. Things havent gone quite to plan, and with the Tide so close, I wish to get you all on the same page. He said. Almost on cue, the double doors to his office were thrown open and Clite walked in. Nearly a dozen blue-robed and a couple red-robed cultivators trailing behind her.

I thought he left? Rose grumbled slinking into a seat, her eyes meeting Lukes and her eyebrows raised confrontationally. And wheres Jax? That moron left with you, didnt he?

He did? Cyzicus turned to Nel.

Luke shifted uncomfortably in his chair, the stone suddenly seeming a lot more uncomfortable than it was moments ago. A heaviness settled over the room and its occupants as each and every one of them focused on Nel.

I killed him. She said eventually.

What? Rose blurted, amidst the startled looks of the other tournament hopefuls. Why would you do that! She screamed, rapidly blinking the tears out of her eyes.

Rex looked away from her. Hey. It wasnt

Rex. Nel interrupted him, before looking Rose in the eyes. He wanted to come with us so he could escape with his family. Unfortunately, Clan Skyscar has betrayed the throne, and laid an ambush for us. They used a blood compass

Luke tuned out of the conversation, merely paying attention to everyone's expression as they listened to Nel recount what had happened at the start of their journey.

That is quite the unfortunate turn of events. He said, his tone unnaturally even. Clite, look into his family, and see if we can do anything to help them. At the very least, we can bring his mother and sister into the capital. Their clan will know where they are, but I cant imagine what use such information will have.

If you cant make it, you cant make it. I wont punish you. Cyzicus smiled warmly at her. This is outside all of our expectations. All I can ask is that you try your best. If even a couple of you can make it in time, I would be satisfied. And of course, while I wish for us to win, I do understand that you will be competing against opponents just as, if not more, talented than you. While I will be disappointed, Im not unreasonable. He said, getting up from his seat. Clite, Ill leave them in your care once again.

As you will, My Lord. She lowered her head.

He grinned. Always so formal. Weve known eachother centuries, I really thought we would be beyond such things decades ago. He patted Luke on the shoulder nodded to Rex and Nel, before walking out of the room.

Was he checking how much mana I have? Luke thought, having felt the faintest ripple in his own mana.

Ill be going as well. Nel said.

Sharing a glance, the two other warriors shrugged and followed after her.

So where have you two been all month? Rose turned them.

We were on a mission for Gramps.

I guessed that much. Where did you go? Was it worth Jaxs life? She whispered.

Theres another Hero fighting against the Rebel now. Rex said.

Yeah. Another Hero, who he was already planning on marrying. Luke frowned. The mission probably wasnt even about getting Sophia to help. Ive seen those talismans they use. And he can teleport wherever he wants. The only reason he wouldnt ask Sophia herself would be if delivering the letter wasnt the main concern.

Nel, Lukeus, and Rex. Those were supposed to be the three who went on the mission, and all three are his grandchildren.

Sophia just happened to imprison us in her super secure facility, with ten sheep, and all the training equipment and stuff we could ever want, and enough manamilk to make our time there worth it.

That son of a bitch He was just trying to keep his family safe by making them keep a low profile at his girlfriend's house. Hell, he even did it in a way they wouldnt oppose. All of them thought they were doing something important, and went along with it.

And Jax? He just died because no one knew the actual stakes.

He glanced between Rex and the crying Rose. Wondering if Rex had even realized what exactly had happened. At how meaningless his death had actually been.

Thats not true. If Cyzicus actually brings his family to the Capital and does keep them safe, then Even then, it's not worth it. A kid died. Miserably and without hope. Just because we were all acting on incomplete information.

Thats enough sitting around. If any of you are to become warriors within the next five months, then we cant afford to slack. Said Clite, her eyes meeting Lukes with a knowing glint.