Aetherios System [Slow Build OP MC, Isekai LitRPG/Cultivation] Chapter 115: Book 2: Chapter 29.2: Tea With Enemies

Read chapter 115 of Aetherios System [Slow Build OP MC, Isekai LitRPG/Cultivation] by TTReynolds on NovelPedia.

Book 2: Chapter 29.2: Tea With Enemies Book 2: Chapter 29.2: Tea With Enemies The gardens bent inward near five o’clock part of the fountain, a flower section hugged the curve tightly, giving space for stone pillars grown with blueleaf and edged with runes that hummed low like tuning forks. The air smelled strongly of iron and citrus. Master Halraen stood at the far side of the table, arms crossed behind his back, posture sharp even while at rest. He looked like someone who had never once considered slouching, even while asleep. Henry and Lance approached together, one quiet and steady, the other carrying a faint smirk that was almost always sincere. “Master Halraen,” Henry said, dipping his head in greeting. The Azure Vault sect leader returned the nod, eyes narrowing with a subtle, curious tilt. “Striders,” he replied. “You carry yourselves better than most nobles here. That’s not meant as a compliment. Just a fact.” “We’ll take it anyway,” Lance said lightly. A thin smile ghosted across Halraen’s lips. Then it was gone. “It feel as though you had avoided me the last day, please don’t tell me I have offended you,” he said to Henry. “My invitation for sharing pointers between fighter still stands.” Henry inclined his head again. “That’s why I came. I wanted to propose something.” Halraen raised an eyebrow. “A duel then?” Henry didn’t hesitate. “Yes, of duel of skills, respectful, measured.” “A lesson in pain?” Halraen asked, eyebrow raising. “Or proof of ego?” “Opportunity,” Henry said flatly. “For both of us.” Lance stepped forward a half pace. “Actually, we had something public in mind.” The words hung between them like a challenge, causing Halraen’s mouth to tighten. “We’d prefer to make it a public demonstration,” Lance continued, tone easy. “Visibility works both ways. If your disciple wins, they’ve defeated one of the Worldstriders. That matters, it gives face.” “And if they lose?” Halraen asked, sharp now, clearly unsure of their intentions. Henry stepped in and answered. “Then you chose a junior disciple. One still learning. No dishonor in that, just growth, and teaching lessons in defeat.” Silence followed Henry’s explanation. Then Halraen tapped a finger against the stone table. A steady rhythm, once, twice, then still. “You maneuver with care,” the master said. “More than most warriors.” Lance didn’t flinch at that. “We choose our first blow carefully before we strike.” Halraen eyed him. “You know as well as anyone, the greatest fights happen long before the first blow.” Then his gaze slid to Henry. “And who fights?” “Kate,” Henry said. Halraen scoffed. “The iron girl? She’s a blade without a scabbard. Too independent. Unruly.” “No,” Lance said quietly. “She’s focused. She led us through the Dark Den when everything was falling apart. She didn’t panic, and she didn’t flinch. She gave orders that got all of us out alive, even when it meant walking through corpses, literally.” Halraen studied him, but didn’t say a word in response. “Letting her fight means your disciple stands against a figurehead,” Lance added. “A symbol. If they win, it’s real victory. And if they lose… well, she’s a politician, right?” Halraen made a sound somewhere between a grunt and a laugh. “You’re clever, for someone who smiles too much.” Lance grinned wider. “We all play roles.” The sect leader turned, reached into his coat, and produced a folded scroll wrapped in black-and-blue ribbon. He placed it on the table and unfurled its contents. “Dueling contract,” he said. “To test ones worth, display strength and courage. Not to kill.” Henry reached for it. “Agreed.” They both pressed their thumbprint to the surface. The runes glowed, seared, and vanished, the contract sealed. Many of the surrounding warriors of the Azue Vault sect gave a cheer once the contract was made. Halraen didn’t say anything else. Instead, he stepped around the table, clapped Henry once, hard, on the shoulder. A gesture of comradery, of respect. Lance exhaled. “That went