Chapter 651

In the Pathfinders Guild, Kyle approached Everett, holding a letter. “Sage Everett, Rafael wrote, asking me to go to the capital. He needs my help.”

Everett, eyes closed in meditation, didn't respond. His anger lingered, showing no sign of abating. He refused to deal with anyone and wouldn't let anyone leave the mountain. Consequently, those who usually ventured out were stranded, while those absent hadn't dared return—Winona being a prime example.

Before leaving for the Southern Frontier, Everett had strictly forbidden construction in the northern part of the mountain; he had plans for that land. He intended to build a five-story Starcatcher Tower, enabling them to reach for the moon and practice martial arts, greatly improving their Lightfoot Skill. More importantly, he had other reasons.

Everett planned to begin construction next spring. Upon his return, however, he found residences already built in the forbidden area. The northern mountain, with its high elevation and waterfall, offered beautiful scenery—a fact the builders prioritized over practicality.

Their lack of ambition infuriated him. Did they think he wouldn't be angry? How could he not be?

And Adrian, his unreliable apprentice, had publicly announced self-imposed isolation training. Fine. Adrian could hide. Everett held grudges—long and lasting ones. This matter wasn't over. If the Starcatcher Tower wasn't built by next year, he wouldn't let it slide.

Everett remained silent, so Kyle carefully repeated, “Sage Everett, it's Rafael. His urgent letter must be important. I'll go, find out what's happening, and return as soon as possible.”

Everett’s barely audible hum, a faint acknowledgment of Rafael's name, was his greatest concession. Without Rafael's involvement, Kyle would have received a sharp rebuke.

Kyle quickly thanked Everett. “I'll leave immediately. I'll write if it's important; otherwise, I'll return quickly.”

After speaking, Kyle saluted and left. Outside, his fellow apprentices surrounded him. Even Adrian, despite his self-imposed isolation, watched from a distance.

“How did it go? Is Sage Everett still angry?”

+25 BONUS

Chapter 651

“Do you think he’ll really make us tear down Orchid Enclave?” “What are you talking about? Orchid Enclave? That’s a training room! We need to tell Sage Everett that!” “Yes, exactly! It's a training room!” Everyone nodded vigorously.

Kyle said, “Sage Everett is still angry, but he’s letting me leave. I'll lie low. Send me a letter when he’s calmed down, and I’ll return.”

With envy and resentment in their eyes, Kyle’s fellow apprentices watched him mount his horse and gallop away.

They turned to Adrian, who stood dramatically, hands on hips, his windblown, uncombed hair giving him a ghastly appearance. He said coolly, “Close the doors!”

The apprentices of the Pathfinders Guild.

As Kyle rode, exhilaration surged. He usually spent winters in Meadow Ridge, wandering the mountains and rivers. This time, he'd helped build Orchid Enclave while Everett was away. They hadn't expected his swift return.

Arriving in the capital, Kyle learned he was needed to paint for Jacob, who apologized profusely for not going to Meadow Ridge himself, citing pressing matters.

Kyle chuckled, amusement in his eyes. “Perfect timing. I’ve been meaning to see Carissa.” He felt gratitude for Jacob's request; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to leave Meadow Ridge. He felt obliged to fulfill it.

However, hearing the details, he frowned. “The accuracy won't be high,” he said, “especially without a childhood portrait. I'll rely solely on your description. I'll consider it a success if I capture even 75 percent accurately.”