The rhythm of conversation settled into a comfortable groove afterward.
The "garbage-power" concept resurfaced. Sparking a lively brainstorming session. One that tackled both its practical applications and theoretical roadblocks.
Spark found himself engrossed in an intriguing discussion with the other three. About many topics. No longer just constrained within rune domain.
He paid a careful attention to Prof. Ashenowl's latest publications on Tier advancement. Gaining some insights he hadn't considered before.
He also listened to Mayor Ginheron's ambitious plans for Gutlark's port expansion. Particularly on how he planned to utilize runic technology to revolutionize cargo handling. It was another lesson to learn.
Despite holding himself back severely during the conversation, Spark genuinely enjoyed the intellectual discussion. It was a welcome departure from the profit-driven interactions he usually encountered.
"It's a shame, Spark. Truly!" Prof. Ashenowl said. Shaking his head slightly. "That you remain so resistant to joining Avianest University. You possess a rare talent."
Spark chuckled politely. "I appreciate the offer, Professor, but I've already set my sights on a different path. I plan to travel the world as a Free Merchant. Exploring the world was my dream after all."
He paused. A flicker of something genuine flashed in his eyes. "Perhaps I'll reconsider continuing my education at Avianest later, when I'm ready to settle down."
...
It was well after dinner that the meeting finally wound down. The plates were cleared and only a few drops of wine remaining.
Compliments were exchanged. Plans for future collaboration vaguely outlined. And promises made to follow up on the Wiztech Group cooperation proposals. Spark and Lilith rose to leave.
Stepping out of the relatively quiet, contained environment of the private dining room and into the lobby felt like entering a different world. The hustle of the hotel was always amplified.
But tonight, there was a distinct buzz near the entrance. A knot of people was there. Many clutching notebooks and enchanted writing implements. They stood waiting. Reporters.
As soon as Spark's towering, recognizable figure emerged, they descended. Runic microphones thrust forward. Lights from portable camera enchantments flared.
"Lord Nighthawk! A moment, please!"
"Lord Nighthawk, your reaction to the tragic deaths of Elfate and Elcrown Alecrane?"
"Have you been officially notified about their passing, Lord Nighthawk? And the subsequent inheritance?"
Spark stopped. His face showed bafflement. A perfect act. "What are you guys talking about? What inheritance? What death?"
Seeing his bewildered expression, one of the reporters informed him about the incident. The scandalous death of his uncle and cousin. Along with the fact that apparently, he had been the closest relative who could inherit their wealth.
Spark listened in serious expression. He seemed truly unaware of what had happened. Lilith, beside him, also showed no sign of guilt. Her face was expressionless. A perfect, beautiful mask.
Spark contemplated. Elfate and Elcrown. His greedy, plotting uncle and cousin. The ones who had recently tried to have him killed. And the two who, just yesterday, had mysteriously died in a violent scandalous argument with each other.
He hadn't personally killed them. Lilith had. On his specific, ruthless orders. She had been quite efficient. Staged it perfectly to look like a fatal quarrel over a woman.
Now, he had to play the grieving relative. Correctly.
"This truly happened?" Spark's deep voice seemed serious. He didn't show overt emotions. No overacting response. "Uncle Elfate, Cousin Elcrown... dead? Really? Over a quarrel?"
He managed to conjure a look of helplessness. Not knowing what to do. Mixed with just enough confusion, to sell the 'just hearing about it' angle. He didn't show much sorrow. Many people know he wasn't that familiar with them.
His usually friendly, easy-going façade was now layered with just enough sorrow. For public consumption. Inside, he felt nothing but cold satisfaction. Another problem solved. Another piece of the board moved into place.
"Well, to tell you the truth... I didn't get along too well with my uncle and cousin." Spark said in serious tone. "But, they were still... my family." He paused, letting the weight of the word hang there.
He didn't comment on the inheritance. That would seem crass. Too soon. Let the news settle. Let the official reports confirm the messy details. He would handle the paperwork later.
"Thank you for bringing this terrible news... to my attention." Spark said gravely, inclining his head slightly. "If you will excuse me, I need a moment to... process this."
He gently, but firmly, pushed past the cluster of reporters. Lilith moved like a silent, watchful shadow at his side. His friendly, yet serious mask remained.
He had just unveiled his inventions to the one needed to know. The inventions that could be the foundation to reshape the kingdom's power structure. And wealth distribution.
And now, almost simultaneously, word had broken about his unfortunate relatives.
Everything was proceeding according to his plan. The only sentiment Spark Nighthawk felt was the quiet hum of successful calculation. Grief was a performance. Power was the reality. He had plenty of both now.
...
-- Greensea Grassland, Easpring 11, 1566 NC. --
It had been several days since the meeting with Professor Ashenowl and his colleagues.
Now, he sat astride his steady rhino-horse. His thick legs braced against the creature's hide. The single horned beast was sturdy. Not very fast. But reliable and tough.
The Greensea Grassland stretched before him. A vast, undulating carpet of green. Shimmering under the Anearth sun.
This was the central region of Regalheart Island. A good distance from the civilized clutter of towns. About two days' ride north of Gutlark Town.
Beside him, Lilith rode her own rhino-horse. She was a picture of calm competence. Her blonde hair was tied back neatly. Practical gear replacing the sharp dress she wore in his office. She looked professional. Efficient.
A third rhino-horse plodded along behind. Laden with packs. Supplies. Tools. Things needed for a few days out here. He wasn't here for a scenic ride.
This journey was for a specific purpose. Wilderness combat practice. His abilities had grown. Refined continuously over the past six years. And skyrocketing after he became a Jackmaster.
But practice in controlled environments was one thing. Real combat against the monsters of Anearth was another.
He needed to test them properly. Framepath Fusion. Soulcraft Crest. His custom Technomind Power Rifle. In real combat situation.
The rhino-horses carried them deeper. Into the endless green waves of grass. Tall enough in places to brush against their stirrups.
The air was warm. Carrying the scent of earth and wild things. The sound was mostly the steady rhythm of the rhino-horses' hooves. And the wind whispering through the grass.
Then, they spotted it.
A Dire Bison. Huge. Shaggy. Standing alone near a rocky outcrop. Its massive head was lowered to graze.
It seemed to have strayed from its herd. A common occurrence for old bulls. Or young, reckless males. Perfect.
"Stay here! Take care of the rhino-horses." Spark said. His voice was low. Yet, it carried easily in the open air.
Lilith nodded. Pulling her rhino-horse to a halt without a word.
Spark dismounted. Landing heavily but silently on the soft ground. He activated his Technomind Power. His large and calloused hands withdrew the Power Rifle from nowhere.
The gun wasn't sleek or elegant. It was rather bulky and heavy. It was built for extreme destruction after all.
He chambered a round. The sound was solid, mechanical. Satisfying.
The Dire Bison was still grazing. About 300 meters away. A decent range for a first test. Spark knelt and aimed.
Breathed in. Held it. Squeezed the trigger.
The world fractured for a second. The rifle roared. A sound like thunderclap right next to his ear. It wasn't all the drawback.
The recoil slammed back into his shoulder. A brutal shove that rocked him back a step. Even with his size and strength. He grunted from the force.
He saw the impact though. The high-caliber round struck the bison's head. It didn't just pierce. It demolished. A section of the beast's skull and brain simply ceased to exist. Replaced by a spray of gore and bone fragments.
The Dire Bison dropped like a stone. Dead before it even registered what happened.
Spark lowered the rifle. Letting out a slow breath. His shoulder ached. His ears rang.
"Well..." He muttered to himself. The sound felt distant with his still-ringing ears. "That works."
He stood. Un-summoning the rifle into the void. He walked towards the fallen beast.
Lilith followed. She had quickly controlled the three rhino-horses. And calmed them down. They were agitated by the explosive gunshot just now.
The air around the carcass already carried the coppery tang of fresh death.
Spark circled the huge body. The damage was excessive. Far too much for a clean kill shot.
It would be bad if he was hunting for materials. For hide, meat, horns, or other organs that could be used in crafting or alchemy. This shot had ruined a lot of the head material.
"Too powerful." He grunted. His voice was back to normal as the ringing in his ears subsided slightly.
"Range should be increase. Scope might be needed. Then, the recoil is too much. Needs more calibration. And the noise… Gods! it's loud. Needs suppression." He muttered some assessment for the gun. He could modify them once it was ready to advance.