The Last Founder

Chapter 78: Alaric & Hundao

’Oh...?’ Kalarkan looked closely at Hundao before saying, "It is good you are back. It would have been disappointing if something had happened to you."

Hundao let out a nervous laugh, scratching the back of his head in embarrassment. "Sorry for making you worry, Kalarkan. Please let the instructor know that I’m feeling better now."

"Of course, I’ll let him know how you’re doing. He probably doesn’t need to worry about you anymore. Anyway, I’m sure he has plenty of other things to deal with at the moment." freёwebnovel.com

"Oh, you’re talking about training the new recruits? Lately, Miss Eva has been bringing in new members much faster than usual, and she’s not being as strict as before. Honestly, that makes me a bit uneasy. I used to trust anyone she accepted without question, but now things feel different." Hundao paused, then asked, "Why do you think she’s changed her approach?"

Kalarkan looked at Hundao, puzzled. "Shouldn’t you know better than anyone else? You and Miss Eva are closer than the rest of us, aren’t you?"

Hundao gave a self-conscious laugh. "Honestly, I haven’t visited them in a while. After my last spar with Miss Eva, I’ve been a bit too embarrassed to face her."

"I doubt she’s the type to hold a grudge over something like that," Kalarkan said, trying to reassure him. Inwardly, though, he remembered what Instructor Bai had told them: Eva was actually worried about Hundao and had asked the others to keep an eye on him until her companion returned. Kalarkan couldn’t help but think it was a hassle and wondered where this companion had gone, leaving him with so much to handle alone.

"That’s exactly why I’m embarrassed. Even after what I did, she doesn’t seem to hold it against me." Hundao knew that, while sparring can be a friendly challenge, it’s different when you challenge a leader in front of a group. That kind of act questions their authority, and in some groups, it could even cause serious problems or disagreements among members.

This was a situation a lesser leader would feel, but they were aware that Eva was anything but a lesser leader. She was confident in her strength and in Alaric’s, knowing they could not be defeated by the participants in this selection.

"If you really feel guilty about what happened, just go talk to her and apologize. You two are basically friends, right? It shouldn’t be a big deal." By now, Kalarkan seemed much more relaxed, his earlier caution fading away.

"You’re right. Thanks, Kalarkan. People say a lot of things about you, but you’re actually easy to talk to. You look a bit intimidating, but you’re a good guy," Hundao joked, smiling.

"Who’s been spreading those rumors about me!?" Kalarkan shouted, pretending to be offended, while Hundao just laughed.

Hundao chuckled, "Maybe it’s your narrow eyes. Some people say your face could give kids nightmares."

"Screw you, Hundao..."

...

Hundao stepped out of the New Dawn Inn and paused on the threshold. He drew in a slow, deep breath, letting the cool, crisp air fill his lungs. The street outside was quiet in the early morning, and for a moment, he simply stood there, enjoying how the world seemed calm and untouched. He looked around, noticing how sunlight made the rooftops shine and how the gentle breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers. ’This is really beautiful...’ he thought, feeling a rare sense of peace wash over him.

He watched the residents and cultivators move in the city, and a flicker of malice traced his features before quickly turning into a calming smile. ’If only it weren’t filled with such filth. I want to leave here as soon as possible, but there is something I have to confirm first.’

He walked toward the merchant’s house where Alaric was located. ’It’s going to be risky, but I need to see him. Besides, if things go awry, I will still come out unscathed.’

...

By the time Hundao reached the merchant district, the area was already alive with activity. Workers were hauling heavy crates between warehouses, their shouts echoing down the alleys. Young apprentices darted past, arms full of herbs or ledgers, trying to keep up with their masters. Shoppers clustered near market stalls, bartering for fresh produce or rare goods, while shopkeepers called out their best deals, trying to catch every passing customer. The whole district buzzed with energy, making it clear that the day was in full swing.

Following his memories, Hundao found the merchant’s residence without trouble. A servant at the entrance spotted him right away and nodded in greeting. After a short conversation, the servant led Hundao through a series of cool, shadowed hallways, past polished wooden screens and the faint aroma of spices. They finally stopped in front of a thick wooden door. The servant knocked twice, then announced Hundao’s arrival in a polite, steady voice.

"Come in."

Alaric’s voice sounded from within.

"Hundao," Alaric greeted, a small but genuine smile lifting the corners of his mouth. "I’m glad to see you’re doing better."

"I could say the same," Hundao replied, smiling back as he looked around with interest. His eyes took in the details, the neat stacks of papers, the brewing equipment, and the faint smell of herbs lingering in the air. "Hope I’m not interrupting anything important."

"Nothing urgent," Alaric assured him. He walked over to a simmering cauldron and tapped a rune, making the soft blue glow underneath fade out. Then he turned toward a small table by the window, where a ceramic teapot and two cups waited, already set. "Come, have a seat with me."

Hundao blinked in surprise but quickly took the offered chair. Alaric poured tea for them both, and immediately the fresh, grassy scent of the leaves mixed with the deeper, earthy notes of medicinal herbs that hung in the air. The tea itself was a clear amber, smooth on top except for small curls of steam rising and swirling between them.

"I thought there’d be wine," Hundao joked, accepting his cup. "Most cultivators I’ve met can’t seem to talk for five minutes without pouring a drink."

Alaric took a slow sip from his cup before answering. "I’ve never liked alcohol much."

"Really?"

"It dulls the mind." His answer came without hesitation. "Even if the effect is slight, I dislike anything that interferes with my ability to think clearly. A moment of impaired judgment is enough to make an unnecessary mistake. I’d rather enjoy tea."

Hundao turned the cup between his hands, watching the steam drift up. "That’s exactly what I’d expect you to say." He grinned, feeling more comfortable with the familiar banter.

Alaric raised an eyebrow.

"That’s a compliment, by the way." Hundao let out a small laugh. "You’re always thinking ahead, planning everything. But..." He took a slow sip, then looked up. "Don’t you ever get tired of it all?"

"Tired?"

"Always calculating. Always analyzing." Hundao leaned back in his chair, letting himself relax a little. "Don’t you ever want to just let go? Do something for no reason? Hang out with friends, watch the sunset, or say something silly without caring if it’s smart or not?" freeweɓnovel.cѳm

A faint smile tugged at the corner of Alaric’s mouth.

"I’ve done the last one before."

"I find that difficult to believe."

"I assure you, it happens."

They both laughed quietly, and then a comfortable silence stretched between them. Outside the window, Archive City was alive as ever, merchants shouting to customers, carts rattling over the stones, and the distant clang of a bell marking the start of another class. The peaceful mood in the room made it easy for their conversation to flow from one thing to the next, with no rush to move on.

Alaric gently set his cup down, his eyes meeting Hundao’s with genuine interest. "Tell me, how have you been feeling lately?"

"Honestly, I feel better than I have in years," Hundao replied without hesitation. "For the first time in a long while, I woke up feeling truly refreshed, like I could take on anything. It’s strange, I didn’t even notice how much pressure I was carrying around until it suddenly lifted."

Alaric smiled, his face softening with relief. "That’s really good to hear."

"Me too," Hundao said, his smile warm and genuine as he lifted his cup for another sip. He hesitated for a moment, then added with a playful grin, "Still, I think you should try wine at least once. Not because you need to, but because sometimes the best ideas don’t come from thinking harder. Sometimes you find clarity by letting your mind relax and wander, even if just for an evening."

Alaric paused, considering Hundao’s words with a thoughtful expression. After a moment, he shook his head, a small, amused smile tugging at his lips.

"I’ll think about it."

Hundao grinned.

"That’s all I ask."

As their conversation shifted to lighter topics, both men relaxed, enjoying the simple comfort of good company. Neither of them noticed the faint shadow stretching beneath Hundao’s chair, almost as if it had a life of its own.

For the briefest instant, Alaric’s gaze drifted to the Cognitive resonance crystal at the center, thinking briefly before asking, "Say, Hundao, why don’t you try placing your hand on the crystal. I know it hasn’t been long since you last checked, but there should be a lot of improvement since last time. You have overcome such a monumental mental huddle, so I wouldn’t be surprised if you have greatly improved."

Hundao waved the suggestion away with a gentle laugh, shaking his head. "No, I’d rather just enjoy this peaceful moment. If I check now and see only a little progress, it might spoil my good mood," he admitted honestly.

"What a shame, then, it seems you still have a lot to improve on," Alaric said bluntly, his swirling purple eyes looking at Hundao indifferently.

"Haha, of course, I have to work hard to improve myself, not to fall behind," Hundao replied.

A trace of sadness flashed through his pupils. "Let’s head out to the forest where we had our spar before."

He tried to lighten the mood with a joking tone. "Why? Are you planning to remind me how badly I lost last time?"

"No, that’s not it," Alaric replied. "I noticed a few odd things when we were there before, and now I’ve heard some news that’s made me uneasy. I want to check it out."

Hundao leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "What’s got you so worried?"

Alaric explained the conversation he’d had with Eva, sharing the details and his suspicions. Hundao listened, his eyes widening in surprise. "You actually believe her?" he asked, sounding genuinely shocked.

Alaric shook his head, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Not exactly. But I can’t afford to ignore a warning, even if I’m not sure about it. That forest should have had plenty of beasts, but we didn’t see a single one while we were there. I want to go back and see what’s really going on."

"Do you think it might be connected to a beast outbreak?"

"That’s what I’m worried about," Alaric said, his voice low.

Hundao stood up, determination in his voice. "Then we shouldn’t waste any more time. Let’s go."