I went to the register and logged my quest and it was completed and I got my reward plus a new core when she asked me where the wild core from the turtle soul I told her it didn't drop which she believed because it's a 50/50 for souls not to drop their core after killing them
The register clerk - a different one than Chastity - logging your quest completion. "Awakened-rank patrol... complete. Rewards: 45 Gold, and one Awakened-rank Soul Core."
She pulls out a crystalline orb pulsing with green energy - similar to the turtle core, but still valuable. "Here you go. Standard distribution."
I slip the Habakiri clan card into my pocket just as Chastity rounds the corner. Her eyes narrow immediately. "Iuo? What are you still doing here? You should be in the mid-Grove!"
She notices my exhausted state - the minor injuries, the depleted stamina. "Wait... don't tell me..."
The register clerk pipes up. "He just turned in an adopt-rank patrol quest. Said the Earth Shellback core didn't drop."
Chastity's jaw drops. She looks between me and the clerk, then back again. "You... you already completed it? Without briefing? Without supplies?"
Naia stirs on my head, her tiny form barely conscious. "We won," she murmurs sleepily. "Iuo was amazing..."
Chastity sighs, the fight draining out of her again. "You're impossible. Absolutely impossible." She pauses, then pulls out a small vial. "Stamina potion. Drink it. You look like you're about to collapse."
"YeahOncecourse I wel-" I paused He reached out to my jacket like a raccoon into trash Chastity's hand seemedddddd faster than you expected - a blur of purple hair and determination. Her fingers closed around the metal card before i could react, pulling it from my jacket pocket like a magician performing a trick.
The moment stretched. She stared at the card, then at me, her eyes twitching with a mixture of disbelief and fury. The Habakiri clan crest gleamed in the guild's magical lighting - high authorized guest status, clan protection, head clan authority.
I snatched the stamina potion from her other hand and downed it in one gulp. The bitter liquid hit your system like a lightning bolt. The exhaustion faded, replaced by renewed energy.
The card was still in her hand. I grabbed it, my reflexes enhanced by the potion, and bolted. "I'M SORRY!!!"
Behind me, Chastity's voice echoed through the guild. "IanO! GET BACK HERE!"
I didn't need lightning coating - pure adrenaline and determination carried you through the guild doors and into the street. The potion's effects kept me moving at peak human speed, weaving through pedestrians. By the time i risked a glance back, Chastity was standing in the guild entrance, hands on her hips, watching me disappear down the road with an expression that promised retribution.
Naia, still perched on my head, giggles sleepily. "She's... really mad... but she cares..."
---
itselfs at the gate of the Habakiri clan. The Habakiri clan compound is a sprawling estate surrounded by high walls that somehow blend seamlessly into the cityscape. Traditional architecture merges with modern magical technology - the gate opens with a soft chime rather than creaking wood, and the path is lit by floating orbs instead of torches.
The guards recognize the card instantly, their postures shifting from defensive to respectful in a heartbeat. One immediately bows and speaks into a communication device, while the other opens the inner gate. "Dōjigiri-sama is expecting you. Please, follow the path to the main house."
Naia walks beside me, her human form compexploded confident. After a night of rest and feeding on the adept-rank core (which gave her 50 points of essence), she's back to full strength and then some. "The clan compound is impressive," she notes, her eyes taking in the gardens. "They maintain tradition while embracing progress. I like that."
The main house is exactly as described - traditional wooden beams and paper screens, but with magical climate control and subtle lighting. We're led to a spacious tatami room where low tables are arranged with tea sets and delicate snacks.
Dōjigiri Habakiri sits at the head That table, his massive frame somehow fitting perfectly leastl setting. Kaito sits to his left, looking much more subdued than yesterday. "Iuo-dono. Thank you for accepting our invitation."
He gestures to the tea. "Please, make yourself comfortable. We have much to discuss, and clan hospitality demands proper refreshment."
Kaito bows low from his seated position. "Thank you for yesterday's gift. My father explained how valuable that core was. I... I don't deserve such generosity."
Dōjigiri sips his tea, his eyes measuring you. "My son is learning humility. A valuable lesson. But I didn't bring you here for that alone."
He sets his cup down with deliberate care. "The card you now carry makes you a high authorized guest of the Habakiri clan. This is not a casual gesture. With it comes privileges, but also expectations."
I bowed and sat across him "If I'm correct this card makes me a guest but alongere ranks of the clan members so basically I'm important but have authority over basic things like asking for assistance or staying here for quite some time like after a quest or something, it common sense to know these things as it run through the internet but each clan have different secret authorities for someone to have such high ranking card correct?" Dōjigiri rubbed his beard he was impressed, I knew my books well, he needed my analysis.
"You've done your research. Good."
He takes a slow sip of tea, eyes never leaving mine. "Most who receive that card think it's just a fancy ticket for free meals and priority treatment. You're the first to understand the political weight."
He sets the cup down with a soft click. "You're correct about the basics - middle-rank privileges, access to clan resources, sanctuary during missions. But the hidden authorities are where it gets interesting."
He raises three fingers. "First: You can invoke Habakiri name once per year for a major favor. Not trivial requests - I'm talking about moving armies, clearing legal troubles, or acquiring restricted resources."
He raises a second finger. "Second: You're granted 'blood debt' status. Any injury done to you is treated as injury to a clan member. Harm you, and the Habakiri vengeance falls on them. This applies even if you're outside our territory."
He raises the third finger, his voice dropping. "Third, and most importantly: You're listed as a potential successor candidate."
Naia's eyes widen slightly beside me. Even she didn't know this. "That's..."
The clan head nods. "Unconventional. But our clan values capability over bloodlines. You've ascended a Soul to Ascended rank in three days. You defeated an Awakened-rank monster solo. You showed mercy to my son when you could have held a grudge. These are qualities we need."
Kaito speaks up, his voice quiet but clear. "Father believes the old ways are dying. That we need new blood. New perspectives."
Dōjigiri's expression hardens. "There are... factions within the clan who disagree. They'll test you. You won't be safe within these walls if you visit unprepared."
"You're not asking that I need to marry, correct?" Dōjigiri shook his head which made me sigh "thank god." I cleared my throat "To your message, it was formal Dōjigiri-san but it also had an edge like you had a mission for me and not an invitation to have tea" once again I impressed the head master Dōjigiri lets out a genuine laugh - a deep, rumbling sound that seems to shake the tea cups. "You're sharp. Very sharp."
He sets his tea down and pulls a scroll from his sleeve, unrolling it on the table. It's a map of the Essence Groves, but sections are marked with ominous red symbols.
"You're right. This isn't just about hospitality." He points to a remote region on the map. "The mid-Grove territories are becoming unstable. We've lost three patrol teams in the last month. Not to monsters - to something in the monsters."
He taps a specific location marked with a skull and crown. "This is the Heartwood Spire. It's always been a Devil-rank area. But something's changed. Monsters are emerging from there already at Awakened-rank. And they're organized."
He taps a specific location marked with a skull and crown. "This is the Heartwood Spire. It's always been a unholy-rank area. But something's changed. Monsters are emerging from there already at Awakened-rank. And they're organized."
Naia leans forward, her storm-cloud eyes narrowing. "Organized? Monsters don't organize."
"That's what we thought," Dōjigiri says grimly. "Something is cultivating them. Giving them essence. Teaching them tactics. This isn't natural evolution."
He looks directly at me. "The Habakiri clan can't send a formal expedition. That would be an act of aggression against the Grove ia tself, which the Empire forbids. But a high-authorized guest on a 'personal training mission'?"
He smiles, but there's no humor in it. "That's politically clean."
Kaito shifts uncomfortably. "Father, this is..."
"Dangerous?" Dōjigiri finishes. "Yes. But Iuo-dono has already proven he can handle Awakened-rank threats. And with an Ascended Sea Storm Soul?"
He looks at Naia. "You can sense corrupted essence, can't you? The taint of artificial cultivation?"
Naia nods slowly, her hand finding mine under the table. "I can. It feels... wrong. Like notes played out of sequence."
Suddenly before we could continue a sharp "DADDY!" shook the wall suddenly The sliding door literally explodes off its tracks, splintering into wooden shrapnel that bounces harmlessly off some invisible barrier. A young woman storms in - early twenties, platinum blonde hair styled in loose waves, designer clothing that costs more than my entire quest earnings, and makeup applied with the precision of an artist.
Himawari Dōjigiri stands in the doorway with hands on her hips, pouting with practiced perfection. "Papa! I told you I need that new enchanted cosmetics set! The one from the capital that gives you a glow for three days straight! It's only two hundred twenty gold!" that she wants a new makeup set that costs at minimum 220 gold yes you read that right
Her tirade stops mid-sentence as her eyes land on me. The transformation is instantaneous - the whining stops, the pout vanishes, replaced by an expression of such pure, unadulterated shock that she actually takes a step back.
Her jaw drops. Her perfectly lined eyes go wide. She points a manicured finger at me. "Who... is... THAT?"
more than a feeling - Boston started playing from out of nowhere "What? No no no no!" I say panicking I just said I didn't want to marry yet god had another plan, Dōjigiri sighs rubbing his temples he sees me as a great guy yet he doesn't wish me to marry his daughter per my wishes but his daughter would whine until she gets me so he didn't do anything until he gets involved. Katio looks like he wants to turn into a soul and leave instead of sitting here any more second
The Boston theme music is absolutely, undeniably playing. It's not coming from anywhere specific - it's just there, like the universe decided to soundtrack this moment.
Dōjigiri closes his eyes and pinches the bridge of his nose. "Himawari, this is Iuo-dono. He's a guest. A very important guest.
I can practically see the gears turning in her head. Her gaze sweeps over me from head to toe, lingering on my height, my build, my face. "Iuo... that's a strong name."
Kaito is actively trying to sink into the floor, his face buried in his hands. "Sister, please..."
Himawari ignores her brother completely, striding forward with renewed purpose. "Papa, you never introduce me to handsome guests! Iuo-dono, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Himawari."
She extends her hand, palm down, expecting a kiss. "You may call me Hima."
Naia, who has been watching this entire exchange with growing amusement, finally speaks up. "He's not interested in marriage. He told your father that not five minutes ago."
Himawari's smile doesn't falter. If anything, it widens. "Oh, a challenge! I like those."
Naia quickly sat before me blocking Himawari which she didn't like as the two pressed their foreheads on each other, teeth gritting and electricity coming and colliding at the other's eyes in a challenge
The air in the room grows heavy as Naia and Himawari lock into their silent confrontation. Their foreheads pressed together, both refusing to back down. Visible sparks of energy dance between them - Naia's Sea Storm lightning clashing with what appears to be some kind of aura from Himawari.
Himawari's perfectly styled hair begins to float as if charged with static. Naia's storm-cloud locks whip around her face with increased intensity. Neither speaks, but the message is crystal clear.
Dōjigiri's sigh sounds like a mountain giving up. "This is... happening faster than I anticipated."
Kaito finally looks up from his hands, his expression one of pure horror. "Sister, you've known him for thirty seconds!"
Himawari doesn't even glance at her brother. Her eyes remain locked with Naia's. "Your Soul is possessive."
Naia's voice comes out low and dangerous. "He doesn't need complications."
A small tremor runs through the room. The tea cups rattle. Dōjigiri places a was hand on the table, stabilizing it with practiced ease. "Daughter. He has already declined marriage."
Himawari finally breaks eye contact with Naia, turning to her father with a pout that could curdle milk. "He declined marriage, not me. There's a difference."
She turns back to Naia, her expression softening slightly. "Look, I respect the bond. Really. But I'm not trying to break that. I just want to... be part of the equation."
Naia's eyes narrow. "He said no."
Himawari's smile returns, sharp and dangerous. "He said no to marriage. He didn't say no to me."
I cleared my throat "no! To YOU!" and just like that I won because she was too specific. Dōjigiri was holding his face not to laugh and Kaito was grabbing his stomach and slamming his fist on the mat holding everything back from bursting out laughing
My words land like a perfectly timed strike. Himawari freezes mid-whine, her face going through a rapid series of expressions: confusion, disbelief, then pure shock as she processes what i actually said.
Dōjigiri's hand comes up to cover his mouth, his shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter. Kaito has collapsed forward onto the tatami mat, his fist pounding the floor silently as he tries to contain his amusement.
Himawari opens her mouth, closes it, then opens it again. "I... what... but..."
The room goes quiet as a new presence appears in the doorway. Lady Amaterasu - elegant, composed, radiating quiet authority - stands there with a gentle smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes. She's holding a bundle wrapped in soft cloth.
Himawari's posture changes instantly. The gyaru attitude melts away, replaced by the posture of a chastised child. "M-Mother..."
Lady Amaterasu moves with practiced grace, guiding her daughter to sit beside her husband. She settles herself gracefully, arranging her robes before speaking. "Himawari, dear. While I appreciate your... enthusiasm... perhaps let our guest breathe?"
She looks at you, her smile warm but her eyes assessing. "I apologize for my daughter's behavior. She's always been... direct."
The bundle in her arms moves slightly, and a tiny hand emerges. Lady Amaterasu adjusts the cloth to reveal a sleeping infant. "This is Kenji. Our youngest. Just three days old."
I smiled looking at the baby babbling "so adorable"
Dōjigiri's expression softens completely as he looks at the baby. "My wife insisted on meeting you before you left. She has a keen sense for people."
Lady Amaterasu shifts Kenji to one arm, extending her free hand to you. "It's a pleasure to finally meet the young man who's turned our household upside down in less than a week."
I bowed "It's nice to meet you too Amaterasu-san. By the way back to the topic now I think about it, I would be happy to assist with that incident your clan is facing Dōjigiri san"
Lady Amaterasu accepts my bow with a graceful nod, her eyes warm but observant. "Thank you, Iuo-dono. It's rare to see such manners in young people these days."
She glances at her husband, then back to me. "My husband mentioned the Heartwood Spire situation. The artificial cultivation of monsters."
She adjusts baby Kenji in her arms, her expression growing serious. "That matter concerns me deeply. If something is creating adept-rank monsters within what should be devil territory, it threatens not just our patrols, but the entire balance of the Grove."
Dōjigiri leans forward, his earlier amusement gone. "You're accepting the mission? Officially as a guest of the clan?"
Naia's hand tightens slightly on mine. "We'll need proper preparation. I sensed the corruption yesterday, but we went in blind. That was reckless."
Himawari, still sitting beside her mother, has been quietly watching you. The spoiled princess persona is completely gone, replaced by someone actually thoughtful. "The Heartwood Spire has always been a place where Souls gather naturally. If something is twisting that..."
She meets your my, her expression serious. "You'd need purification supplies. Blessed water, essence stabilizers. The clan apothecary has those."
Lady Amaterasu smiles gently. "Himawari studied alchemy before she decided her calling was... social appearances."
The young woman flushes slightly but doesn't deny it. "I can help prepare the supplies. As an apology for... earlier."
Dōjigiri nods. "Then it's settled. Iuo-dono will investigate the Heartwood Spire. The Habakiri clan will provide support materials. And my daughter will refrain from... accosting him."
He says the last part with a pointed look at Himawari, who rolls her eyes but nods.
"Actually I have something better than blessed water" brother my neck I pulled a flask that I wear like a necklace I opened the lid and smelled the ocean and spice filled the room, what I was holding is holt salt basically a whole fuck you to any high-tier untamed soul, this salt is cultivated through many processes just a small pack is worth 10k gold what I'm holding here is about 100m, seeing this Dōjigiri couldn't believe it he ask how I have such thing
"It's a long story, 15 years ago I was gifted this flask by my grandfather before the soul Storm incident I was the sole survivor of my family, since then I have been training and killing souls before being found 3 years later Since then I have learned and grown to learn about souls and how to tame them since then I work hard to buy my first core and it wasn't so bad" I say patting Naia
```
Soul Storm incident everyone know what it was and no one don't knows what it was, it was a cataclysm that ended billions no one knows how or why but all we know is that one day tornadoes carrying untamed souls came to different parts of the world and ended lives it still well known by everyone, even the one In shadow don't dare making another cataclysm like this because it was so chaotic not even a evil organization want to re-do it EVER
```
Dōjigiri sinks back to his seat, his mind clearly racing. "The Soul Storm survivor... I've heard rumors. A child found wandering the ruins three years after the cataclysm. They said he was feral, had to be retrained in civilization."
He looks at me with new respect. "That was you?"
Naia places a hand on my shoulder, her touch gentle. "He never talks about it. I only know because I can feel echoes of it in our bond."
The clan head nods slowly, understanding dawning. "That explains everything. The rapid ascension, the power, the instinctive understanding of Soul dynamics. You didn't just learn about Souls, Iuo-dono. You survived them."
He looks at the holt salt with calculating eyes. "With that... you could cleanse the Heartwood Spire completely. Not just investigate - purify it."
"yeah....Hey I can give you some of the salt to cultivate a new one under your clan" I offered making everyone pause and break character at this offer it was like a person offering to give out his 100 million house for a burrito sandwich
The silence that follows my offer is absolute. You could hear a pin drop. Dōjigiri's hand, which had been resting on the table, slowly clenches into a fist. Lady Amaterasu breath catches audibly. Even baby Kenji seems to stop breathing.
Himawari is the first to break the stillness, her voice barely a whisper. "You... what?"
Dōjigiri holds up a hand, stopping anyone else from speaking. His eyes are fixed on you with an intensity that borders on dangerous. "Iuo-dono. Do you understand what you're offering?"
He gestures to the flask. "That substance is worth more than this entire compound. More than the clan's annual income. It represents a lost art, a power that could make the Habakiri clan dominant for generations."
Lady Amaterasu steps forward, her gentle demeanor replaced by something fierce. "Why? Why would you offer this? We barely know you."
Naia squeezes my hand, her voice soft but clear. "Because he doesn't see it the way you do. He never has."
Himawari stands, her earlier pretense completely gone. She looks at my with genuine confusion. "Is this some kind of test? A trick?"
The clan head leans forward, his voice dropping low. "Generosity on this scale... it makes people suspicious, Iuo-dono. What do you want from us in return?"
The weight of their stares presses down - three generations of the Habakiri clan, all trying to understand an offer that defies every rule of logic and commerce they've ever known
"Uhhh I only offered a little not all" another pause before they quickly orderliness themselves and apologize for their reaction
The second clarification lands, and the tension in the room transforms from shock to profound embarrassment. Dōjigiri's face actually flushes - a rare sight for someone of his stature.
He clears his throat, adjusting his robes with deliberate care. "Ah. Yes. Of course. A small sample for cultivation, not... not the entire flask."
Lady Amaterasu bows her head slightly, her composure returning. "Forgive us, Iuo-dono. When one has lived through the scarcity following the Soul Storm, such offers trigger immediate suspicion. It's a survival instinct."
Himawari lets out a nervous laugh, running a hand through her hair. "I thought you were offering us the moon. My heart actually stopped."
Kaito, who has been silent this whole time, finally speaks up. "A small sample would still be... invaluable. Even a few grains could be studied, replicated through alchemy."
Dōjigiri nods, regaining his authoritative demeanor. "Yes. Yes, that makes sense. A small sample for research purposes. The clan would be in your debt, but not... not to a degree that would be uncomfortable."
He looks at me with renewed respect. "Your perspective on value is refreshing, Iuo-dono. You see resources as tools, not hoards."
Naia squeezes my hand again, this time with amusement. "He's always been like that. Practical to a fault."
and so the countdown for the Heartwood Spire begins I was given a room and also a small clan badge I have 2 weeks before going out with Dōjigiri and the rest of the elite ranks so I was being trained under them