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Eshmund spent the better part of the afternoon wandering through the new cabbage fields. The changes were undeniable. Neatly segmented plots stretched out where wild undergrowth once grew. Workers moved in rhythm, their straw hats bobbing as they tilled, planted, or watered rows of vibrant green cabbages. Stone-paved paths had been laid between the fields, making access easier, and small sheds had popped up – likely future storage units or drying stations. There were even a few unfinished buildings near the edge, probably part of the new processing facility the government had planned.

“It’s going well,” he murmured, crossing his arms as he watched a cart filled with young cabbage seedlings roll by. “Once it’s done, it’ll be a solid foundation for the village.” Still, the construction left the landscape looking scarred in places. Wooden scaffolding framed the buildings, and mounds of dirt and bricks marred the view. But he wasn’t one to nitpick aesthetics – function came first. As the sun dipped low, casting golden hues across the fields, he headed home. When he reached the compound, he paused at the doorway. “Luban?” he murmured. Through the open window, he saw Luban sitting opposite his grandfather at the tea table. Thin wisps of steam drifted from the teapot between them. Leila’s favorite porcelain set was out, and both men were calmly sipping. That alone made him suspicious. As far as he knew, Luban wasn’t the chatty type – especially not for casual conversation. He usually only appeared when something important needed to be addressed, and even then, he spoke with the precision of someone who weighed every word. Curious and slightly concerned, Eshmund tapped a command on his bracelet. A few barely visible motes – his nanobots – whirred silently into the room, their sensory feeds linking directly to his neural implant. “The Kasan Tuber cultivation research has been a huge success. Also, the herb garden’s weekly yield has tripled since he joined, so the sect is giving your grandson high priority,” Luban was saying. “He studies diligently in the classes he enjoys, and our elders intend to give him as much freedom as they can. He’s not like other students – he’s responsible, intelligent. So, Mr. Tasan, you don’t need to worry.” His voice was calm, maybe a little flat – just like always. Tasan took a slow sip from his cup. “I’m glad. After losing my son, I just hope something like that never happens again.” “He is very important to the sect – especially now. We wouldn’t skimp on anything to protect him. We’ve even assigned a Foundation Establishment personnel to guard him. You know how our kind handle things. If even with all that, we still can’t keep him safe then there’s no safe place at all.” Luban said “This is just him reassuring Grandpa Could I have missed the important part?” Eshmund thought, frowning. He also noticed how unusually long Luban’s sentences were – more like a subordinate giving a formal report than casual conversation. But Tasan’s relaxed posture and calm tone gave him no reason for alarm. If anything, they looked like old acquaintances catching up over tea. With a shrug, he turned and headed toward the kitchen. Inside, the comforting aroma of garlic and spices hit him like a soft punch to the nose. Leila was at the chopping board, expertly slicing through a head of red cabbage, the thin purple ribbons piling up beside her. “Grandma,” he greeted, setting his coat aside. “Need help?” She looked up, gave him a smile, and motioned to the empty space beside her. “Perfect timing. Help me peel the garlic and wash those bell peppers. Ran really likes this stir-fry, so I thought I’d make extra.” Eshmund rolled up his sleeves. “Putting in extra effort for Senior Ran, huh? Should I be jealous?” Leila chuckled. “I put in effort for anyone who eats with a full heart. Besides, you and him eat like there’s a bunch of dogs in your stomach.” Working side by side, they fell into a comfortable rhythm. Leila hummed softly while she prepped, and Eshmund cleaned and chopped. In no time, the kitchen transformed into a fragrant whirlwind of activity.

They didn’t stop at stir-fry. Soon, the table held a colorful spread: vegetable soup simmered gently on the stove, beef kebabs grilled to a smoky finish, sweet and sour fish layered with red, yellow, and green bell peppers. There were side dishes galore – salty pickled vegetables, fermented fish wrapped in banana leaves, and spicy anchovies fried with chili peppers and shallots. It was a feast, plain and simple. “Grandma this is way too much. You cooking for the whole village?” Eshmund asked, raising a brow at the sheer volume of food. Leila winked. “Just making sure no one leaves hungry.” When Tasan finally came in to see what all the noise and smells were about, he just shook his head. “You’ve outdone yourself again,” he muttered. Then, without hesitation, he turned toward the doorway and called out, “Luban! You might as well join us for dinner. We’ll definitely need your help finishing all this.” Luban appeared in the doorway, stiff as always, his mouth pressed into a thin line. “I wouldn’t want to impose,” he said, though his feet betrayed him by stepping forward. Leila was already laying out more plates. “You’re already here, Mr. Luban. You impose by not joining. Come, sit.” She chuckled. Eshmund smirked. “Don’t bother resisting, Senior Luban. She once fed a traveling merchant until he cried.” “I did not!” Leila laughed, giving Eshmund a light slap with her towel. “He just had a weak stomach, that’s all.” Luban sighed but took a seat, the faintest twitch of a smile crossing his normally unreadable face. As the food was laid out and the tea poured again, the evening settled into that warm, glowing kind of peace – one only family dinners could bring. But underneath the calm surface, Eshmund couldn’t quite shake the feeling that something was quietly brewing. Whether it was instinct or training, he didn’t know.
Just as Leila was setting down the final dish – a savory plate of stir-fried red cabbage and garlic chicken – a knock came at the gate, followed by the unmistakable sound of familiar laughter. Eshmund stepped out onto the porch and saw them descending from a horse-drawn carriage. Carlan was waving enthusiastically, his grin stretching from ear to ear. “Bro! We come bearing empty stomachs and full excitement!” Beside him stood Anise, her smile gentle and calm as always. But tonight, she wore a light lavender dress with tiny embroidered blooms along the hem – a far cry from her usual tough overalls and soot-stained apron. “Hey,” she said, voice light but her eyes sharp. “What? Never seen a dress before?” Eshmund grinned. “Not on you, no.” Trailing behind them was a tall, sleek-haired fifteen-year-old with a handsome face – Silas. For a moment, Eshmund noticed something was slightly off. The smile was there – warm, familiar – but behind it, a faint shadow of sadness and restlessness flickered. His eyes is puffy, like he had been crying. Silas quickly brushed it off, perhaps realizing his expression had slipped. “Big brother Silas, I hope it wasn’t too much trouble for you to come all the way out here,” Eshmund said. “Not at all, brother. I’ve got nothing, so I’m glad you included me in the group,” Silas replied, smiling. “Hm? What’s that supposed to mean?” Eshmund thought, but he simply smiled back. There would be time to ask later. At the back of the group was a figure Eshmund instantly recognized. The man had just finished tying the horses a short distance from the house and the apothecary. “Uncle Ginore?” Eshmund raised an eyebrow as the older man approached. Ginore, Carlan’s long-time attendant, bodyguard, shopkeeper, and emergency shift-filler, gave a polite nod and smiled. He wore a sharp gray suit, radiating his signature responsible-butler aura. “We stopped at Anise’s place and came together like we planned,” Carlan explained quickly. “Silas has been staying at my place the last two days for our grouping, and Uncle Ginore – well, he just goes wherever I go.” “He insisted I drive the carriage,” Ginore added with a wry smile. “Said it was an important business trip.” Leila appeared at the doorway, her expression warm and welcoming. “Everyone! Just in time – dinner’s ready. Come in, all of you. Don’t linger at the gate!” The group filed inside, shedding cloaks and shoes, welcomed by the comforting aroma of home-cooked food and the cozy glow of the hearth. The living room was softly lit by golden mana-lamps, and filled with the gentle murmur of conversation and the occasional clink of dishes. They gathered in the living room for a quick chat before dinner. “You’ve grown, bro. I bet you’ve gotten stronger too,” Carlan said, giving Eshmund an appraising look. “Some of the younger guys say you’ve become a Jubilator – whatever that was. Is this a beginning of another arc for the hero?” he grinned, referencing one of the novels they’d once read together. “Well, you could say that” Eshmund replied, giving him a playful jab on the shoulder. “You hiding muscles under all that baby fat now?” Carlan grinned and flexed dramatically. “That’s not fat – it’s battle padding. One got to be strong and healthy to make money.. and spend them of course” Everyone laughed. Silas, too. But Eshmund could feel something definitely was off. This Silas felt different from the last time they’d met at the sect. Anise seemed to notice as well – her brow furrowed slightly – but she said nothing. “You look different too,” Eshmund said to her, nodding at the dress. “It actually suits you.” “Oh? So all it takes is a clean outfit to get a compliment now?” she teased. “I’m still processing the shock.” Leila clapped her hands. “Enough teasing. You can gossip after dinner. Come, come – everyone find a seat.” They moved to the dining room, where the table now looked fit for a royal banquet. The smells alone – spiced beef, garlic chicken, pickled vegetables, fresh soup, and a baked yam dish with herb butter – drew impressed gasps from the newcomers. “By the gods,” Carlan whispered. “Did a royal feast get lost and end up here? This is even more than what Uncle Ginore makes when my father comes home from his business trip. I would gladly spend my silvers for this, these smell so good” “It’s not like you don’t know how Grandma is. She cooks like this every time guests come over. Remember last time, when your father was here?” Eshmund said proudly. “Only if they’re special,” Leila added with a wink. They all sat down – Carlan and Anise beside Eshmund, Silas across from him, and Ginore taking a quiet seat next to Tasan. Leila and Ran moved around the table, pouring drinks and passing dishes. Kalen served soup with his usual stoic precision. As dinner began, laughter soon filled the air again. Stories were shared, updates exchanged, and the clatter of cutlery blended with the warmth of friendly conversation.
Sometime after dinner, they sat at the living room chatting. Eshmund approached the grandparents. “Grandpa, Grandma,” Eshmund said, glancing between them. “Is it alright if my friends stay over tonight? Anise already got permission from her parents, Carlan’s has always been his own boss, and Silas – well, he came a long way, and he’s on his own. We wanted to talk about something important.” Leila glanced at Tasan. “Isn’t it better that way, husband? It’s already dark, and it’s rare they get to spend time like this together.” Tasan raised an eyebrow. “What about your senior brothers? Did you ask them?” “Kalen and Ran are staying at the clinic as usual, so their room’s free – but honestly, we don’t even need it. Carlan and Silas can just stay in my room,” Eshmund said. “I’ll let Anise use my room,” Kalen said from the side, not even looking up. “It’s alright, Master. Let them enjoy their time.” “And Uncle Ginore can take the guest room,” Eshmund added quickly. Tasan gave a small sigh. “Alright then. But don’t stay up too late, and keep the noise down.” “Thank you, Grandpa!” Eshmund beamed. “Let’s go, guys,” he said, standing up as the others followed. Tasan just shook his head with a smile. Once inside the room, Eshmund placed a sound-jamming talisman on the wall. A dome-like shimmer of Elemental Energy spread subtly, forming a light barrier that distorted sound just enough so that anything said inside would come out as incomprehensible murmurs from the outside. “Now we can talk freely,” Eshmund said. “No need for introductions, right? I think we’re past that stage.” The others nodded silently, attention fixed on him. “Anise, I already briefed you. Carlan, you got the letter, and you’ve filled Silas in, right? This group will eventually involve four more people – you’ll meet them during the formal meeting. Anise’s the newest addition.” He took out two bracelets from his pouch – sleek, black, embedded with two void stones and five small colored gems. Unlike the ornate version he’d given to Anise and Leila, these had a simpler, more utilitarian design. “Anise, yours is similar to the regular ones, just a different look. Take it out – I’ll explain how they work.” Before he could go on, Silas spoke up. “Wait, Brother Eshmund before you continue, I need to say something.” Eshmund turned to him. “Of course, go ahead.” “I I don’t think I belong in this group anymore. At least not right now. I’m not qualified.” “What do you mean?” Eshmund asked gently. “Explain.” “I passed the inheritance race but.. ,” Silas said, his voice breaking. “I lost everything. I don’t even know how long I’ll survive at this rate” He paused, his face twisting as he fought to keep his composure. “My parents my little sister – she had just turned five months old. They’re all gone. Murdered. Poisoned. Every servant in the house. Even the pets.” There was a moment of stunned silence as the others processed what he said. “I only survived because I left to fetch a letter from Carlan’s servant,” Silas continued, his voice barely above a whisper. “I had put it off because of the ceremony. If I hadn’t gone out that night I’d be dead too.” “I’m sorry,” Eshmund said, his voice low. “I had a bad feeling something was bothering you. You, came alone without attendance, that’s already not normal come to think of it.. but I didn’t realize it was like this.” “I didn’t notice at all,” Carlan said, staring at him, wide-eyed. “I just thought you were tired. I’m so sorry, man.” Anise looked down, guilt washing over her. “I was annoyed at you earlier I thought you were being distant on purpose. I didn’t know. I’m sorry, truly.”
“It’s obvious it has to do with the inheritance. I had suspects – I just didn’t think they’d go that far,” Silas said, his eyes still red, though calmer now. “What are your next plans, brother? We’re here for you,” Eshmund said. “I bet the perpetrator is looking for me, trying to finish the job. I have a piece of land I bought in secret, back when I was blinded by love. I planned to elope with the girl thought we’d start a life there. I’ll hide out under a different identity for a while. But someone might still recognize my face. I don’t even know what lies they’ve spun to explain what happened. They’ll probably blame it all on me. Knowing how ruthless they are…” Silas trailed off. “I don’t have any money on me. I left in a rush – I didn’t get the chance. And if I try to access the account, they’ll pounce on me immediately. I pawned everything I had just to get by – and to at least look decent when I came to see you, brother Carlan. I feel hopeless. ” He gave a tired, crooked smile. “That piece of land.. Can’t believe that immature episode of my life is actually saving me now. But I need to pay them back for what they did. I need justice and revenge. I just don’t have the means.” Silas’s voice faltered. “I really have no way to contribute to the group. You guys might even be in danger just by being around me. They’re not human. Whoever did it they’re something else. ” But Eshmund shook his head. “That’s exactly why you should stay with us. You’re not alone, Silas. We help each other – or this group means nothing.” Silas’s lips trembled, but this time, he didn’t argue. “Don’t worry about money,” Carlan said, stepping forward with a grin. “Eshmund and I have been saving – well, for this kind of adventure. I mean, for this kind of situation.” “I don’t know much,” Anise added softly, “but I’m willing to give all the help I can.”
“Right, so, our grand plan does not contradict with Silas’s goal. At least for getting more money, resources, and protection. This bangle is the key,” Eshmund said.

He took the bangles, handing one to Carlan and one to Silas. Anise already had hers. “I want to stress this again – always wear it. This has protective measures. I’ve tested them, and it should guard against attacks, even from cultivators up to the Nascent Soul level.” “It has different functions. Mine and Anise’s are slightly closer to the the regular since we can control Elemental Energy. Yours are a bit different, but they do the same job,” Eshmund said. “Brother… is this what I think it is?” Carlan asked, examining the black stone on the bangle enthusiastically. “Yes. The first black stone on the left side is a space pouch. The one on the far right has another use. The five gems in between are buttons to access the pouch. Each gem gives you a two cubic meter storage space. To use it, place your hand on the item like this and press a gem. It will store the item. Press the same gem again to retrieve it. Try it on this book,” Eshmund said. Carlan wore the bangle on his left wrist, placed his palm on the book, and pressed the green gem. A flicker of energy engulfed the book – and it disappeared. He pressed the gem again. The book reappeared and dropped to the floor. His eyes gleamed with excitement. Silas, who had been silently watching, tried it too and succeeded effortlessly. “This works like a regular space pouch, including preservation functions. The only limit is energy – it might run out, but it’ll recharge over time. You can only store one item per gem, and the size can’t exceed two cubic meters,” Eshmund explained. Carlan picked up the book and examined both it and the bangle. His brain thinking of possibilities. “Hmm. Two cubic meters, huh? This book is small.” He looked up at Eshmund. “Bro, if I put a bunch of books into a crate or something that’s still under two cubic meters, would it count as one item?” he asked, eyes sparkling. “Oh, I never tried that. But theoretically, it should work,” Eshmund said. “Let’s try it.” He dragged a wooden box near the edge of the room filled with random trinkets and used the bangle. One, two, three, four.. five – poof – the box vanished. “Yes!!” Carlan shouted. “Now take it out, bro.” Eshmund pressed the same gem. One, two, three – thud – the box dropped to the floor. “Awesome!” Carlan grinned. “It works!” “Hah, of course you’d be the first one to think of something like that. Always trying to exploit things,” Eshmund said with a smile. “Bro, anybody would think of that,” Carlan replied, grinning wider. “Not me” Anise said awkwardly “This guy’s creative. You’re becoming too rigid, bat guy,” Sage teased in Eshmund’s mind. “Well, it have a little bit of delay in response, but thanks to you, now we know it works that way too,” Eshmund said aloud, ignoring Sage’s comment. “I wish it could store bigger things, though,” Carlan muttered. “Anyway bro, you finally solve our.. One of my greatest regrets in this world of heroes. Thank you” Carlan said playfully. “That may be possible in the near future,” Sage said. Eshmund pulled out three more void stones. “These three – put them somewhere around your house or a safe place that other can’t easily find. Inside or outside doesn’t matter, somewhere safe. They’ll be useful later. But that part isn’t ready yet. I’ll explain more during the official meeting when I get back to the sect.”