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The first day of the Month of the Owl marked the beginning of Eshmund’s fourth month in the sect. Autumn had crept into the Red Velvet Kingdom, subtle but sure. If this were Earth, it would have been around September. Some trees had begun to shed their leaves in rustling cascades, while others stood bare, their skeletal branches silhouetted against the misty morning sky. The climate here – nestled between Packabee County and the Samang Sect – felt like a subtropical highland zone. Likely a result of elevation. The chill in the air, the drier soil, even the scent of fading greenery reminded him of northern Vietnam, where snow sometimes surprised villages that rarely expected it. The cobblestone path crunched beneath his boots as he walked with unhurried steps, hands clasped behind his back. Now and then, he paused to admire the shifting palette of nature. Crimson, ochre, and gold leaves littered the garden paths. There was a stillness to the morning, as if even the sect itself had slowed down to savor the season’s change.

In his hand was a slim folder – a detailed report on the Silver-Spotted Kasan Tuber that grows outside the Alchemist Hall. The tubers had matured five days ago, but Eshmund had left them in the soil longer to study late-stage variations. Texture, elemental density, visual patterns – everything had been documented meticulously. Now, the report was ready for Elder Qiyang’s review. He also had a few other tasks to handle. He wanted to ask for permission to visit home, and to make arrangements for someone to tend the herb garden during his absence. He murmured to himself as he walked, “Just five days. I’ll be back by the weekend. Nothing should go wrong.” A leaf drifted from a nearly naked branch and settled gently on his shoulder. He didn’t brush it off. Instead, he smiled faintly, and continued toward the tall silhouette of the Alchemist Hall, whose curved roof shimmered with runes that glowed softly like fireflies in morning fog. The warm scent of crushed herbs and old paper greeted him as he stepped through the wide, carved doors. The Alchemist Hall was its usual mix of quiet chaos – disciples at side tables grinding roots, stirring liquids, sorting jars of powder. Gentle murmurs and the occasional cough filled the space, blending with the ambient glow of rune arrays inscribed on the walls. Toward the back, Elder Qiyang’s office door sat slightly ajar. Eshmund heard the familiar voice before he even knocked. ” – this new paper, so clean and smooth! Wonderful for writing. Not like the old rice sheets we used to get. They used to tear if you sneezed near them.” A chuckle. “I heard this batch came from Packabee County. Maybe it’s true what they say – talent’s in the soil.” There was another voice in the room, a younger disciple perhaps, but it quieted as Eshmund stepped in. “Speak of the ink-stained devil,” Elder Qiyang said, peering over his spectacles with a smile. “I was just praising your hometown, and here you come, bringing another one of your tomes disguised as a field report.” Eshmund bowed politely with a smile, then handed him the folder. “Only thirty-two pages this time.” “Mm. A whole tree’s worth of thoughts, then,” the elder muttered, taking the folder with a fond shake of his head. “You do like to write, boy. You explain better on parchment than in person – but your words tend to multiply like rabbits.” “There’s just a lot to record,” Eshmund replied. Elder Qiyang laughed. “So I’ve noticed.” A young alchemist nearby stifled a grin and busied herself with some notes. The elder opened the report and flipped through the pages with a practiced eye. “Did you notice anything unusual, letting the tubers sit past maturity?” Eshmund nodded. “A slight increase in elemental density. Not enough to be dangerous, but potentially beneficial. I detailed the measurements on page fourteen. I think it also depends on soil quality and the moon cycle. But that might need more sample for observations ” “That’s the trick, isn’t it?” Qiyang mused. “The more you learn, the more variables you discover. Life’s like that too. People think they’ve figured something out, but they’re really just standing on one hill, not seeing the others beyond the fog. No worries, once we mass produce this, you’ll have all the sample you need” He fell silent for a moment, then turned his eyes toward Eshmund again. “Anything else, lad? I doubt you came here just to deliver a report.” Eshmund cleared his throat. “Yes, Elder. I’d like to request a few days to visit home. Five, if possible.” “Ahh.” The elder’s eyes twinkled. “Missing your old bed already? Or is it the food? Let me guess – grandmother’s stew?” Eshmund smiled sheepishly. “Close. I promised I’d visit this month. Didn’t want to disappoint her.” “Well, that’s good,” Qiyang said with a nod. “It’s a fine thing, keeping your word to family. Even finer to miss home and not be ashamed to admit it. You’ve done good work here. You’ve earned a bit of air.” “Thank you, Elder.” He waved the gratitude off. “Now, how’re you planning to get there? Don’t tell me you’re going to fly yourself on some unstable talisman or rickety formation plate.” “I was hoping.. maybe Luban could take me? He’s still assigned to watch me anyway.” Qiyang gave a loud hum. “Luban, yes. That shadow of yours. Doesn’t say much, but sees everything. Quiet as a whisper, deadly as a thunderbolt.” He leaned back, eyes narrowing fondly. “You know, he used to be an assassin before he joined the sect. Turned his back on that life. Now he protects people. Strange how life spins you around, isn’t it?” Eshmund blinked. “…That explains a lot.” The elder chuckled. “He gives off that dangerous stray cat’ vibe, doesn’t he?” “Exactly!” Eshmund said, glad someone else saw it. “I know he’s just doing his job, but can he give me more space? I keep feeling like he’s about to pounce.” Qiyang nodded, his voice softening. “You’re not used to being watched. That’s alright. I’ll have a word with him – he won’t take it personally. But don’t expect him to vanish completely. You’re important to us. And to a few others who wouldn’t mind seeing you gone.” “I understand,” Eshmund said. “I’ll behave.” “Good lad.” Qiyang tapped the desk. “Luban’s currently tending Muhsan’s beast while he’s in closed-door cultivation. I’ll tell him to fly you back tomorrow morning. It’s what – an hour’s journey on the bird?” “Yes, about that long,” Eshmund said. “Good. Now what about your herbs? Don’t tell me you’re just leaving them to the wind.” “I’ve made arrangements,” Eshmund said with a hint of pride. “I left detailed instructions, pre-mixed fertilizer, all labeled. Senior Hidan might oversee things. He’s familiar with the garden.” “Hidan… Hmm, didn’t he go out on a sect contribution task? Did he finish it already? ” Qiyang stroked his beard. “I’ll talk to him. Elder Harum might want to meddle too.” “Wait, even Elder Harum?” The elder gave a theatrical sigh. “He gets twitchy when harvest season starts. That old fart just want to avoid all those hassle and want to poke around someone else’s work instead.” Judging from how elder Qiyang addresses the other person, it seems they’re very close. “I see” Eshmund muttered. “Don’t worry,” Qiyang said, waving him off with a tired smile. “They’ll keep it alive. Go, breathe the air of home. Eat your grandmother’s stew. Find something curious and bring it back.” “I will,” Eshmund said, bowing deeply. “Thank you, Elder.” “Go on, now,” the old man said with a smirk, already flipping to page fourteen. “Let this poor old man read in peace. Thirty-two pages, honestly.”
The old brass bell above the door gave a lazy chime as Eshmund stepped into the familiar chaos of the pawn shop. Dust danced in the sunbeams slanting through the window, and the place still smelled like ink, oil, and faint traces of spirit herbs – a scent he’d come to associate with opportunity and weird conversations. Shelves teetered under the weight of cracked formation plates, splintered charms, and the discarded skeletons of failed inventions. Organized chaos, if you squinted hard enough. Behind the counter, Rina sat perched on her tall stool like a queen ruling over her cluttered domain. Her slightly curly perm bounced as she leaned over a chunk of glowing glass, copper stylus in hand. Her spectacles slipped down her nose, and she pushed them back up absently, still muttering to herself. She glanced up, then grinned as her eyes landed on him. “Well, well. My lucky star returns,” she said, beaming. “What did you fish out of that magic lake this time, Little Brother?” Eshmund returned the smile and stepped up to the counter, laying down five spirit pearls – one high-grade and four lower-grade – on the table with a casual gesture. “These are my gift for you,” he said simply. Rina blinked. “A gift? You feeling alright? You’re not supposed to grow a conscience until you’re at least fifteen.” She picked up the high-grade pearl, inspecting it with a raised brow. “All of them worth at least twenty thousand contribution points. Are you seriously giving these away?” He chuckled. “Call it guilt, maybe. I had a breakthrough with my Void Stone research. Got some help from a mysterious mentor. Figured I owed you for that sixty kilos of broken void stones you sold me last time. Don’t tell me you don’t want them now?” She squinted at him. “Well it is a lot. Didn’t you say you needed contribution points for your research?” “I did. But I’ve been rewarded pretty well lately. I think you deserve a cut,” he said. “Ever hear about the success with the Silver-Spotted Kasan Tuber in the herb gardens?” Her eyes widened. “That was you? That caused quite a stir! My parents wouldn’t shut up about it. Turns out I’ve been chatting with the protagonist the whole time.” “Surprise,” he said, grinning. “Just saying thanks. I got a decent windfall from that, using materials I scavenged from here. I know how much tinkering eats up resources.” Rina stared at the pearls for a second longer, then finally sighed and scooped them up. “In that case, I won’t be polite,” she said. “Thanks, Little Brother.” He really liked her attitude, she doesn’t reject people kindness and make them felt awkward. “You’ve helped more than you know,” Eshmund said with a grateful smile. “Also, that senior I mentioned – the one mentoring me – he might be interested in starting some business soon. Said your shop might be the perfect partner.” Rina perked up, curious. “Oh? What kind of business?” “We’ll go over the details later, I promise. But it’s serious – real money involved. Nothing shady or beyond your capacity, so don’t worry about that. The only catch is, there’ll be some things that need to stay under wraps. So I’m asking – would you be interested?” She gave him a long, thoughtful look, then shook her head with a soft smile. Without saying a word, she walked over to the enchanted fridge, pulled out a bottle of iced lemon tea, and grabbed two glass cups. She poured the drinks, slid one across the counter to him, and motioned for him to sit. “You really are something,” she said, chuckling. “Every time you walk in here, I end up making money. Honestly, I think you’re cursed – with good fortune – and I’m just lucky enough to stand close and catch some of it. I do trust you, but if this is serious, we’ll definitely need to talk more about it.” “That’s exactly how it should be,” Eshmund nodded. “I’ll set up a meeting with everyone once I’m back.” “Oh, there are others?” Her interest visibly piqued. “Yeah, a few of my friends – people I’ve come to trust. You might’ve seen some of them around the sect. If not, you’ll get to know them soon enough.” “Alright,” she murmured, taking a sip of her drink. “I’ll want to hear everything first, though.” She turned back toward her desk, eyes falling on a glowing, blue crystal shard, its light pulsing faintly in the dim room.

She held it up. “Check this out. Rainbow Umbra Glass. Super rare. It reacts to elemental energy – glows in different colors depending on intensity. I’m working on a device to measure energy inside items.” “Like an elemental energy meter?” Eshmund leaned in, interested. “Exactly. I’m tired of guessing whether some broken talisman is still charged or just fancy garbage. If I get this right, I’ll never get scammed again.” He examined the stylus marks on the glass. “You’re missing something.” Rina frowned. “What?” “A fixed energy unit. You need a constant baseline – something to calibrate the glow against.” “Like a standard measure?” she asked, thinking it through. “Exactly. Without it, it’ll just glow differently every time, and you won’t know what any of it means.” She blinked, then slowly grinned. “You already made one, didn’t you?” He shrugged. “Kind of. But I’m not spoiling it. You’ll figure it out. That’s half the fun, right?” “Absolutely,” she said, still eyeing him suspiciously. “So, how’s your rune etching coming along?” “Better than most. I don’t think I’d lose to anyone I know. I can help etch the runes or magic circles, seriously,” he offered. “Just keep it quiet. Don’t want people thinking I do freebies.” Rina laughed. “Who do you even know that etches runes? Probably just me and a bunch of other half-trained kids. And I suck at it, so obviously you’re better.” She tapped her chin thoughtfully. “Alright, it’s a deal. But only because I like you.” “Sure. Just let me know when. I’m heading home for a few days starting tomorrow,” Eshmund added. Finishing his drinks in a gulp. “Wanted to drop those pearls off before I left.” “Oho, missing your grandma, are we? Finally acting your age,” she teased. “It’s been three whole months,” he said with mock gravity as he walked to the door. “Never been away this long.” “Well, tell her Big Sister Rina says hi,” she called after him with a smirk. “And bring back more ‘junk’ next time. Preferably the good kind.” Eshmund gave a playful salute. “Only the finest trash for you Big Sis. Good luck with the energy meter.” She laughed as he stepped out, the brass bell giving one last jingle as the door swung shut behind him.
The Fiery Squirrel popped out from the Beast Pouch just as they approached the general store. “Huh? We are heading to your favorite place. Did you smell the nuts already? Want more walnuts?” Eshmund grinned, glancing down. “Aunt Mina probably has new stock.” “Squeak!” the squirrel let out an excited sound and scrambled up to his shoulder, her tail flicking. She had been more energetic lately – probably because her baby’s condition had stabilised more, though the little one remained unconscious inside the Beast Pouch. The bald spots on her body caused by the injuries before has recovered and not visible anymore. “I’m sorry about your baby,” Eshmund said softly. “But don’t worry, we’re not giving up. His vitals are steady he just hasn’t woken up yet. Sage is taking care of him. We’ll find a way – I promise.” He gave the squirrel a gentle scratch under the chin. “I do wonder what happened to your other kids, though,” he continued. “Did they get caught? But hey, don’t worry too much. Most cultivators won’t hurt spirit beasts that don’t attack people. They’d rather keep you around – like pets or helpers. Like you and me.” He glanced sideways at her. “I’d never hurt you, not for no reason. And I don’t need you to do anything for me either. If your other little ones are okay, you’ll see them again. Just don’t go looking for them alone. Without an owner imprint, I can’t call you back if something goes wrong.” “Squeak,” the squirrel replied with a solemn nod, as if to say, ‘I understand’ .

They reached the general store. It was a cozy, lived-in place filled with everything from daily mortal goods to common cultivator tools. Outside the entrance were baskets of dried food – fruits, roots, and nuts stacked high in neat bundles. The squirel’s favorite. Ever since she joined him, Eshmund had been buying bags of dried fruits and those peculiar nuts that resembled walnuts. They had a rich, nutty taste – like natural peanut butter – even without roasting, though the bitter outer shell took some effort to peel. The squirrel rarely ate them right away. Instead, she tucked them into a small storage pouch Eshmund had crafted for her – a soft, rune-stitched container tied around her neck like a padded collar. She also stashed some inside the Beast Pouch, where her baby rested. That pouch was a lucky find – only five square meters inside, likely something a cultivator dropped long ago. Eshmund had reinforced and refined it. Now, only he and the squirrel could activate its entry. He’d even embedded the activation stone into a bangle that Anise had made for him, so he could carry it anywhere. The extra security made the squirrel visibly more at ease. It still amazed him that the little creature had figured out how to use the pouch as a home. Maybe her babies getting caught was fate. Or maybe the kind of thing that only happens when an author’s pulling the strings. “Eshmund, my fine young boy! What can I do for you today?” Aunt Mina greeted warmly from behind the counter. “Morning, Aunt. I’m looking for some silk cloth – something nice for my grandma. Maybe light yellow or teal if you have it. Oh, and maybe a gift for a girl my age too? I’m heading home tomorrow,” he said. “Oho! I do have a few lovely pieces. Not the fancy spirit-thread types, mind you – those you’ll have to get from the sect’s crafting division. But for your grandma and your girlfriend? I think I can help.” She raised an eyebrow teasingly. Eshmund laughed. “It’s not like that. She’s just a friend. Works at the forge.” “A blacksmith, huh? You’ve got unusual taste in girls,” Mina said with a smirk, ignoring his protest. “Oh, come on,” he groaned. “Anyway, my friend here probably wants more nuts. I’ll look around.” “Help yourself, dear,” she said, chuckling as she walked off. Eshmund wandered through the shop, picking up a few items that caught his eye before heading back to the counter. “These are the silk cloths,” Aunt Mina said, setting them out. “Each piece should be enough for a couple of outfits. I’ve also got a yellow scarf, a nice pair of leather gloves, and an apron for your blacksmith friend. Which one do you like?” He examined the items carefully. “These are nice. Anise will definitely like them. Hmm just pack them all. Thank you.” He handed over his contribution token, and she began wrapping the items neatly in yellow paper. “Say hi to your family – and your girlfriend – for me,” she added with a wink. Eshmund sighed with a smile. “I’ll tell them I’m being well looked after so they wouldn’t worry too much.” Aunt Mina grinned. “Good boy.”
“There he is! This guy’s been impossible to find lately,” Taegan said, grinning as he spotted Eshmund. “Hey, Eshmund! You going to Formation Class today?” Halita chimed in, waving as the three of them crossed paths near the Sect’s diner. “I’m skipping it this time,” Eshmund replied. “I’ve got to pack up for my trip home tomorrow. Also need to do a final check on the herb garden before I leave.” They fell into step together. “I see. Already? I thought your trip wasn’t until next week,” Taegan said. “Yeah, but if I delay, more things will pile up. You know how it is – one thing leads to another, and suddenly it’s been six months.” “So how’s our grand plan coming along?” Halita asked, lowering her voice a bit. “Let’s not block the entrance. We’ll talk while we eat,” Taegan suggested, gesturing toward the diner. They ordered their usuals at the counter – spicy lotus soup for Taegan, rice cakes and stir-fried greens for Halita, and a big plate of smoked beast jerky for Eshmund – then settled into a quiet corner away from the crowd. As they ate, Eshmund leaned forward and lowered his voice. “Alright. This thing we’re building will involve four others – some of them you haven’t met yet. Once I’m back from my trip, we’ll have a proper meeting at my workshop. That senior I told you about? He’ll be there.” “Good. I’d like to meet him,” Taegan said. “This is big. I want to see who we’re trusting with this.” “You will,” Eshmund nodded. “And I promise – this isn’t anything illegal or something that’ll get us kicked out of the sect. It’s just… a safety net. A way to protect ourselves and those close to us. But even after the meeting, if any of you feel unsure, you can still back out. No hard feelings.” Halita raised an eyebrow. “And the four others?” Eshmund nodded. “First is Carlan Brightsun. He’s from my hometown. His dad runs the Tistan Trading Group.” “Oh, I know them!” Halita said. “Tistan Brightsun handles a lot of our cosmetic and health product distribution. They’re huge – specialty items, imports, rare goods. Their reach goes way beyond the empire.” “Exactly. Next is Silas Orwall Isayu from the Isayu family. They run the nationwide seafood distribution – maybe even export overseas. He’s one of the candidates to inherit the family business.” “I’ve met Silas,” Halita said. “At a merchant gathering. He’s a little awkward, but alright.” “Awkward?” Taegan chuckled. “He’s probably just shy around someone as loud and chatty as you.” “Maybe it’s cause I’m too cute,” Halita shot back with a wink. Taegan rolled his eyes. “You wish.” Eshmund laughed, then tilted his head. “I’ve been wondering – what’s your relationship anyway? You two don’t act like siblings.” Halita smirked. “You’re asking now? After all this time?” “This dolt is my fiance” she said, jerking her thumb at Taegan. “Our families have been business partners for more than two generations. Eventually, our family elders figured they’d just make it official.” “Yeah,” Taegan added, “and coming to the sect together was supposed to help us get closer. Not that we needed it – we’ve known each other since we were babies.” “Well, that makes a lot more sense now,” Eshmund said with a laugh. “At least we understand each other,” Halita shrugged. “Better than being married off to some spoiled noble kid. In families like ours, we don’t get much say in things like that.” “Yeah,” Eshmund nodded. “That’s just how it is with old, wealthy families.” “The third person is Rina. You’ve probably met her – she runs the pawn shop. Rina Windwood.” “Oh, her? Yeah, I’ve been to the shop a few times,” Halita said. “She’s sharp – cute too. And she does mental math faster than most elders I know.” “She is very cute,” Taegan agreed absentmindedly. Halita gave his arm a pinch. “Ow! What was that for?” “Nothing,” she said sweetly. Eshmund smirked. “You two are comedy gold.” “And the last one?” Halita asked, steering things back on track. “The senior I mentioned before. He’s not from this sect – comes from outside. He’s been teaching me all kinds of things, helped me improve in areas I didn’t think I’d ever touch. You’ll meet him at the workshop meeting.” In truth, Sage – the one piloting the android they built – would handle that. But that part didn’t need to be explained. Not yet. “If you say he’s cool, we believe you,” Taegan said. “But just so we’re clear,” Eshmund added, his tone turning serious, “some things might be kept secret. Not from distrust – but for your safety. Ours. And our families’.” “Meh,” Taegan said, shrugging. “As long as we’re not breaking any laws, it’s fine by me.” Halita nodded in agreement. “Alright then. It’s settled,” Eshmund said. “We’ll talk more after I return. For now, let’s just eat.” They dug into their food again, the weight of the conversation settling quietly between them, like the calm before something bigger.