"Cyrus Darkhaven… there's no mistaking it. The destruction of the Sword Tribunal Sect by vimodials was not random. It was planned, and Cyrus had something to do with it."
Glints of realization associated with murderous intent flashed through Kailen's eyes as he spoke.
"But no matter how influential he is, even if he were to be a vimodial contractor, he's not powerful enough to rally vimodial contractors strong enough to raze a powerful sect — leagues above even the Arcane Empowerment Sect in power — to the ground."
"This means he has a powerful backer behind him. And this person assisted him to take over the clan by orchestrating an attack against grandfather and my parents. As for the attempt to murder my parents, it failed because Mum and Dad used a teleportation rune to escape, according to what I read in their diary."
Kailen's gaze hardened.
"The attack on the Sword Tribunal Sect, especially on Father's memorial day, was an attack by Cyrus and his mysterious backer to spit on Father's name — even in death — and to get back at the Sword Tribunal Sect for getting involved. This shows an extreme level of hatred for Father. If the person backing Cyrus went this far because of Father, then it means the hatred runs deep. Could it be due to a personal vendetta the person had with Father?"
Kailen's voice dropped cold.
"Does it even matter? At the end of the day, the person crossed a line — they harmed my family, and their reason for doing so does not matter to me. They die. But how do I find this person?"
Kailen exhaled slowly with barely restrained killing intent.
"For now, let's just focus on getting stronger. Nothing changes. Cyrus is still responsible for stealing my parents' happiness. He's also, at this point — I'm fairly certain — connected to the destruction of the sect. All I need to do after killing him in the near future is turn him into a shadow creature. From the memories of the shadow creature, I can figure out who this co-conspirator and backer is, and figure out how to eliminate them."
The time dilation artifact, observing Kailen and listening to his reasoning, couldn't help but admit that Kailen has terrifying deduction abilities.
"This terrifying deductive abilities have nothing to do with my power. This kid would have grown into a genius of some moderate calibre, had he awakened before I even bound my consciousness to him. Fortunately for him, inasmuch as he didn't awaken, I came into the picture. It's good that he has a good head on his shoulders. After all, strength alone is not enough to survive in the universe."
Kailen, oblivious to the silent praise of the time dilation artifact, mused to himself:
"Time to head back. It's time to deal with Vesper Locke."
Kailen took off the virtual universe lens.
The moment he woke up, he went to his front door, only to see a package delivered at the doorstep.
The package shimmered with runes that would reject the universe energy signature of apart from himself.
Kailen took the package and headed inside.
**
A few moments later, a faint tattoo — the runesmith one — could be seen overlapping the alchemy badge tattoo.
Kailen willed the two tattoos to disappear and they did. He could will them to appear again and they would appear.
After that, he headed towards the washroom to freshen up.
Awakeners could utilize universe energy to get rid of any dirt on their bodies. However, Kailen couldn't help but sometimes miss the feeling of taking a cold shower.
He walked out of the shower clothed in his bathrobes.
Before he actually managed to put on his clothes, a pair of sneakers, jeans and t-shirt appeared on his body.
"What came over you today?"
He asked the time dilation artifact, puzzled at her decision to help him with some clothes. The last time he probably remembered her doing that was when he was on earth.
"Let's just say I'm in a good mood. The drama I watched today ended well." She added, her spittle flying all over the shadow expanse.
"The male lead disowned his family when they approached him to apologize to him for abandoning him. Serves those pieces of shit right!"
"I totally agree with the Master's master on this one."
Phantom was the one to speak now. The shadow creature was currently munching on some popcorn at some beach with the time dilation artifact — who had a satisfied grin on her face at being referred to as 'Master's master' — as she had ordered the shadow creatures to call her.
Kailen stared at the duo and several other shadow creatures, some sparring, some having picnics and others going about different businesses in the shadow expanse.
"These guys are having a good time huh."
He shook his head, ignored them and headed out.
The morning breeze softly flowed through the surroundings, giving the region a refreshing feel.
The suns, sprawled as a canvas blanketing the skies, spawned their warmth on all beneath.
"That's the life." Kailen muttered to himself as he enjoyed the refreshing atmosphere after stepping out of his apartment building.
He noticed Everlong Atrexia and Esimo stepping out of Everlong's apartment.
"Hello guys." Kailen took the initiative to wave at them with a light smile.
They were not surprised at his friendly demeanor, as over the recent time they had gotten to know him, they had realized he was quite easy going to those he deemed trustable.
The duo hurriedly approached him in quick strides with excited expressions on their faces.
Everlong was clad in some jeans and white long sleeves, alongside some sneakers.
The towering titan yawned lightly as he waved back at Kailen.
He was clad in some sort of sleeveless shirt which exposed his packed arms brimming with strength.
He wore some tight fitting pants and some sort of leather boots that had this casual feel to them.
He appeared casual, yet domineering and confident.
Kailen asked, curious:
"What's up with this guy? His eyes are literally screaming 'kill me.'"
Esimo sighed.
"You guys had to make me the chief blacksmith of the Society huh. Now you want to laugh at me for taking prolonged blacksmith classes to make up for all the years I slacked off ignoring the family profession?"
Everlong merely chuckled, clearly enjoying his demise.
"Ah, my good sir, how selfless."
A couple of shadow hands conjured by Kailen reached Esimo's towering build and tapped his shoulders, as if Kailen wanted to comfort him.
But the sarcastic expression on his face betrayed his words.
"You…" Esimo shook his head incredulously.
Although they had grown pretty used to Kailen's casual side, they didn't expect him to tease someone — and to do it so effortlessly.
It just didn't fit the image of the domineering, cold and merciless Kailen people knew him to be.
"Looks like there are many layers to you, Mr President." Everlong commented.
Kailen merely shrugged.
"Give me a break."
She chuckled lightly. As for Esimo, he showed an amused expression on his face.
"Anyway," Ashton broke the silence, "you a runesmith now too?"