Okimoto unboarded the tram into an orchestra of chatter, groups and individuals of all ages passing like a current under the golden archway that read “Spindle Street” in the old imperial font.

  The buildings here were old, extravagant, with gold-lined windows crammed with all things designer, crowds funnelling into all the shops, leaving with bulbous bags, the fancy doors like mouths wide open as upper-, middle-, and upper-middle-class greed was chewed up by big business, and vanity was spat out.

  He remained posted off to the side of the entrance and waited, eventually retrieving a cigarette and smoking it, a habit he had picked up over the past five days. He stared down the busy hall of Union Station through its arching gateway across the road. Here, the intercities went to all the cities in Geaz and beyond, smoke from the locomotives pluming in the distance. They went up north to the country’s capital, to the southern land of Viriticily. There were even a few intercity trains a day that went to Corone, the capital of the empire this country was once part of, less than forty years ago. Okimoto had thought of travelling abroad many times. While Toaddor was broadly considered the capital of the mage world, there was still a wealth of ritualistic knowledge in the world beyond that he’d love to explore. He’d never been abroad before. The furthest he had gone from here was back to the place the mages had found him. That particular railway line ran through a village of around twenty thousand people, crossing a bridge over the Hililiaz River, which marked the border with the empire.

  Okimoto’s mood darkened, and he decided to stop thinking about that place; there was enough negativity on his mind as it was.

  A vast cloud passed overhead, going by like the world around him. Before he had realised it, the sixteenth hour came, and a fancy car came to stop before him, the metal frame blasting his eyes with the sun’s reflection, the hot pink colour making them blister.

  Kariggan, Dolly, Joyggan, and Iomy all got out and came to greet him. Crystella didn’t unboard but instead drove around the nearest corner, where a parking lot was.

  Once the greetings and salutations were out of the way, the pity party started, all of them consoling him with no regard for his pride.

  “Enough,” Okimoto said, shifting his shoulder free of Iomy’s coddling grasp. “I know you all came here to have a good time. I hate to say this, but I’m here with an agenda. I need to speak with Crystella, preferably in private. She’s parking her car, right? I’ll be right back.”

  “Wait,” Iomy said.

  Okimoto looked back.

  She was carrying a bag in one hand, one of those new plastic ones that was all in one piece. She retrieved from inside it a fur robe. She said, “I noticed the other day that you had torn your robe after Crystella nearly ran you over. I thought I’d buy you a new one. I got this in the biggest size because you’re very tall.”

  “Aww.” Kariggan teased. “Look at you being all sweet.”

  “Not sweet at all.” Joyggan snickered. “My clothes were in tatters after they peeled me off the dorm parking lot. She never bought me anything.”

  Iomy frowned. “What are you on about? I bought you food every day and ate breakfast with you while you recovered.”

  “You didn’t buy me a two-hundred-shingle robe, though.”

  Iomy rolled her eyes.

  Okimoto smiled. “You spent two hundred shingles on me? How the hell will I pay you back?”

  “With your body.” Kariggan just had to say.

  Dolly pinched him. “Don’t ruin such an innocent gesture with your filthy mind.”

  “What’s wrong with me adding some humour to this occasion? Gods know we all need it with how awful things have been lately.”

  Okimoto examined the robe, scrutinising the blue checkered pattern and fluffy brown collar. He quite liked it. The material felt posh.

  “You don’t have to pay me back, it’s because you got hit by the car, remember!”

  Smiling, Okimoto left them and went around the corner to where Crystella had just gotten out of her new car and had parked amidst many others.

  “Okimoto, is something the matter?” She asked.

  “How are you, Crystella?” He asked.

  “I’m fine, thank you.” She smiled.

  “I’d like to have a word with your father.”

  “Why? Don’t tell me you wish to take my hand in marriage. Considering your less than ideal means, I don't think he'd be too thrilled about it.”

  “I’m actually asking to see him for a more selfish reason.”

  “It’s because of the Orion’s, right?”

  “Indeed. What’s your family’s relationship like with them?”

  “They owe us quite a favor. It was my great-grandfather who gave Francisco Orion the loan he had used to kickstart his magical puppeteering business. We've been on excellent terms ever since; we even have many of their dolls working the halls of our manor.”

  “I see.”

  Okimoto frowned. “I’m guessing the chances of him taking my side are slim to none then.”

  “Not necessarily.” She said. “My father does have a charitable relationship with Oddon, but he’s a businessman first and foremost. Your situation isn’t completely hopeless. I think he’ll be willing to give you a chance if you can prove beyond a doubt that you're the sprite’s real creator.”

  Okimoto stroked his chin.

  “Do you actually believe I’m the real creator of the sprite? I know you said you hope I win against the Orion’s, but I’m curious. Unlike the others, you never watched the exam. Why is it exactly that you’ve taken my side?”

  “Well, the rest of them are on your side. I like to think they're good people, or at least better people than me. And I dislike Odiggan; something about him always seemed fake to me. It also helps that you’re taller and much more handsome than he is, though he can be cute from certain angles. I can take you to see my father, but you must wait until after we’re done here. I love to take my time when doing the things I like, especially shopping. Understand this, and please don’t spoil my fun by rushing me. Enjoy the time you’ll spend today with a curvy lass like me. If you behave well, I’ll try my best to plead with my dad for you, and I’ll even give you a gift afterwards.”

  She smilingly winked at him.

  Okimoto understood the implication immediately and nodded with a smile of his own.

  The group went shopping, and boy did Crystella and the other two girls take their fucking time, staying in the women's changing room at Dalimason’s so long they might as well pay rent.

  Okimoto was sitting on the ground with Kariggan in the corner, both with their backs to the wall, watching people move through the high-end clothing shop like ants through a hive. Joyggan had gone off to buy cigarettes.

  “A Medic Guild, you said?” Kariggan asked.

  “Yes, what do you think my chances are of being accepted into a Medic guild? Surely they, of all people, wouldn't be susceptible to corruption, with them being so responsible and all.”

  “Honestly, I don't know. But with your credentials, I wouldn't be looking to go into some underpaid field like that. I mean, you worked for your degrees, y’know. You shouldn't let your fear of my father stop you from at least trying to get your foot in the door of the career you studied for.”

  “I'm not afraid, I'm being practical.”

  “Okay, relax. I didn't mean to offend your pride. Besides, considering the number of times you kicked my ass, it'd be a shame to see you not fight for the opportunities you deserve. I'll even come with you. We can apply to the top combat guilds together. With me with you, they should understand quite quickly that you're credible.”

  “That's a great idea! The man who bullied Odiggan the prodigy and Odiggan’s estranged brother. I'm sure they'll jump at the chance to add us to their rosters and become instant enemies of a noble family.”

  “Estranged?”

  “Aren't you going to cut ties?”

  “I plan on doing that, yes, but you see, I'm not quite sure how to go about it. I'm not the best at confrontations.”

  Laughing, Okimoto punched him playfully. “And you have the audacity to call me scared.”

  “Hop off it. I'm taking on a massive burden by doing this and placing a burden on Dolly, too. Remember, she puts a lot of effort into her position as my fiancée. It's all going to be for nothing if I don't maneuver through this situation in a way that leaves me free of ties to my family and still valuable in the eyes of Kenny Helldraggon. I need to plan things, I can't just act on my feelings without thinking.”

  “I don't think I've ever seen you this serious before. It's honestly fascinating, like watching a fish try to swim through desert sand and breathe air.”

  “You really think I'm a clown, don't you? I guess that was what I was aiming for. Still, there are some serious decisions a person can't escape from, and there are times in life when you have no choice but to be serious. Thinking about that house, about that ghoul I call father, about that bitch I call mother. Thinking about the things they do, the things they've done to innocent people. The son might not be responsible for the sins of the father, but if they eat from the same table, the blood on the father’s hands spills onto the food they eat and drips into the water they drink. In that situation, the least the son can do is leave the table.”

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  “Never took you for the type to be philosophical.”

  “This isn't a matter of philosophy. I'm just trying to spare my conscience.”

  Feeling a little curious, Okimoto said. “You know I don't like prying into people’s personal matters. But I must ask, what are they like to you?”

  “My family?”

  “Yes. You don't seem like someone whose been through abuse. I'm not much of a family person myself for obvious reasons, but from what I know about others, they usually stand by their family, even when their family’s in the wrong.”

  “I guess it's understandable for you to be puzzled. And to be honest, it’s true, they were never particularly awful to me. But I've seen them do things to others that make my skin crawl.”

  “Things you can't tell me because of the ritual they have on you.”

  Kariggan laughed. “It's true what you said just now. Most people will stick by their kin even if it goes against their values. I think it's because there's an unspoken contract that binds family through blood; an agreement to support one another before anyone outside the tribe. Before law, before business, before good and bad, there’s family. They'll stick by you against the world and you'll do the same for them. I used to think this and my brother still thinks this. I learned a long time ago that this is one of the ways that people manipulate each other, leveraging tribalism for the sake of self-interest. It gives people a space where they’ll be supported no matter what they do. Do you understand why I'm choosing this path?”

  Okimoto thought back to their conversation on the day of the exam. Back then he did not grasp what Kariggan was trying to say, but now he felt as if he could see the true nature of Kariggan’s jealousy.

  The girls had come out now. Finally

  Iomy and Dolly were chasing after Crystella as she strutted over to where Okimoto sat with Kariggan. She was wearing a meat bouquet, that looked worth half the nation’s national budget.

  “You can't just walk out of the changing rooms with it on!” Iomy yelled. “It’ll look like you're shoplifting.”

  Proudly, Crystella struck a pose, making sure Okimoto and Kariggan (and every other man in the store for that matter) got a good look at the parts of her the outfit accentuated. “So, how does it look?”

  “I'm about to be a felon, get a load of those mellons!” a staff boy sang, grinning crazily and frothing at the mouth.

  Many women began to giggle and gossip.

  “Out of respect for my fiancée, I refuse to comment,” Kariggan said.

  Okimoto thought, then said, smiling falsely, “Marvellous!”

  “Go back and get changed now Crystella everyone’s looking,” Dolly said, then growled in a hushed manner, “You shouldn't be wearing this at day.”

  After leaving the shop, the group came across Joyggan who was smoking beside the front doors.

  In one hand, he held a skewer with a small tree-top-troll on it, its eyes wide open and mouth agape, an expression of terror having likely been flash-frozen on its face when deep-fried.

  “Is there still a bit of the brain left?” Kariggan asked, licking his lips.

  Joyggan pointed out a stand further down the street. “Three shingles for one. You can get them barbecued too—Crystella what are you doing?!”

  Crystella ate one of its eyeballs that she had plucked free while he wasn't looking.

  The stand had been converted from an old horse carriage, and was like a gallery featuring many delicacies: deep-fried turkey, smoked chicken, sweet beef, roasted pork, roasted hound tail, fermented panthoid, and even pickled hound pups in jars lining the mock counter fashioned from the carriage’s windows!

  Okimoto’s stomach growled, his mouth watering.

  After eating, they visited a jewelry shop. Crystella browsed the displays and bought herself a diamond necklace, arranging a bank transaction for later in the day to pay the ridiculous price.

  Kariggan bought Dolly a pair of shimmering pearl earrings and she bought him a fancy golden watch.

  Okimoto, Joyggan, and Iomy just wandered around aimlessly, putting up a front to make it seem like they’d buy something so as not to make it obvious that they weren’t of the same means as the other three. Fortunately, his outfit was high-end enough to match the three nobles. The same couldn’t be said for the other two.

  Before going out, Okimoto had donned a brown linen shirt and black professional trousers beneath a beige long-tailed cotton robe, fancying that he’d best try to fit in amongst the sorts of people that frequented these parts.

  Looking down at some watches on display, he thought about the time acceleration ritual the thug had used back in the alley.

  “I have an idea,” Kariggan said, the six of them now walking deeper into Spindle Street. “I’ll establish a career first and then quietly cut ties with my family once I’m in a comfortable position.”

  “Wow,” Joyggan said. “That’s soulless. “Okimoto, are you hearing this?”

  “It’s not soulless,” Okimoto said. “I understand him completely. It’s best to play it safe with these matters.”

  “You can’t be serious man.” Joyggan sighed. “You’ve got to take life by the balls, be daring. You’ll never challenge the system with that mindset. Nobody’s ever achieved anything great by playing it safe. Besides, the Orions ought to be publicly denounced for what they’ve done to Okimoto. They can’t be held accountable if we all think of ourselves first.”

  “Oh shut up, Joyggan!” Iomy snapped. “Always running your mouth and trying to look tough. Why don’t you lead by example and denounce them first since you’re so brave and manly?”

  “I’d appreciate it if you did,” Okimoto added cheekily.

  They passed by a gadget shop with a wall of televisions broadcasting behind the display window. The midday news was replaying one of them, showing once more the sorrowful expression of Archbishop Tyranaggan.

  “A dead god,” Dolly mumbled.

  “How does that even work?” Crystella asked, as if anyone had the answer. “I know a lot of deities fought and killed each other in ancient wars back when such existences walked among us, but I never could have imagined this happening in the modern day.”

  “They’re similar to ritual-bound entities, right?” Joyggan said.

  Kariggan answered. “If I’m not wrong, in the case of gods they each have a unique ritual that kills them. Typically it’s a secret heavily guarded by their apostles.”

  “But why’d they do that, though?” Crystella asked. “The followers of Gillian are always so sweet whenever I meet them.”

  “Their apostles only fight to protect too,” Okimoto said. “During the war with the empire they only ever intervened to secure the safety of civilians.”

  “It’s sad,” Kariggan said. “No matter mortal or immortal, good souls always suffer the most in the end.”

  Another Television, this one colored, was on the Geazish magic channel, which was now live with the Tunsihaba show.

  “Not this old man.” Joyggan laughed. “Why’s he still wearing that toupee on his head? Doesn’t he know that everyone can tell it’s fake? Who’s this fool interviewing now, probably another girl he’s gonna feel up.”

  “Surprised he still has the nerve to show his face after that last scandal.” Crystella spat.

  “Today we’ve got a special guest,” Tunsihaba said. Sitting in one of three single-person sofas up on stage, wearing his signature pink suit with green spots. The crowd produced an obnoxious noise before he went on to say, “I’d like to introduce you all to Odiggan Orion.”

  The crowd began to clap as Odiggan appeared from off stage and went up to Tunsihaba and shook his hand before sitting down, an ether sprite hovering around him before landing on his extended index finger.

  “I can’t believe it,” Kariggan said. “This is why he seemed so nervous this morning.”

  Okimoto kept on watching as did the others.

  “It’s my honour to be your guest today, Mr. Tunsihaba.” Odiggan kowtowed. “Ever since I was a wee boy I’ve dreamt of meeting you, of course you were on the radio back then.”

  A laugh ran through the crowd.

  “Well, today your dream has come true young man. And I’m the one who’s honoured to see you’ve brought something that may outshine anything I’ve ever done in my life. Something you’ve cooked up in the labs of none other than the famous Toaddor University. A place I attended myself back when I was but a lad like yourself. Truly a magnificent institution that place.”

  The crowd made another obnoxious noise.

  “Don’t be shy.” Tunsihaba encouraged. “Let’s see what you’ve got there.”

  “Give it a good look,” Odiggan said proudly. “This here is a leap in magecraft the world isn’t prepared for.”

  The sprite flew forward from his hand, ether surging around it as all kinds of fancy tricks were shown: Water forming then turning into fire, then into lightning, and complicated machinery continuously rearranging itself into different things: miniaturised cars, clocks, and so on.

  It was better than his previous effort at the exam at least. Okimoto didn’t really care, having already known this would happen eventually.

  The crowd gave a fake round of applause.

  Beaming, Tunsihaba said. “I’ve heard some truly magnificent things about that animal on your finger. But I must ask, is it really true that this seemingly unsuspecting sprite has the power to transform ether into anything freely?”

  Smugly, Odiggan answered. “Well yes and no, it can manipulate ether but not turn it into just anything. It can’t for example turn ether into non-ether. It’s a work in progress, but you can already see the unlimited potential.”

  “Truly a talented young man you are. And if I heard correctly, you’ve already helped out the church of Gillian with this project of yours.”

  “What?” Okimoto muttered, looking around at his friends who looked back at him, equally as baffled.

  At the next moment, Archbishop Tyranaggan hobbled on stage, not wearing his priestly robes but a casual set of clothes, and looking a right mess. His pale old face was made older by the dead look in his eyes.

  He gave the other two a hollow greeting all the while holding an empty flask before sitting down on the remaining sofa.

  Tunsihaba’s expression suddenly went serious and sorrowful, Odiggan making the same face.

  “I’m sure you’re all aware of who this man is, none other than the head of the church of Gillian, Archbishop Tyranaggan.”

  “It’s my honour to be here today Mr. Tunsihaba.”

  “As it is mine to meet you, Archbishop, sir. And I’m truly sorry to hear of the great misfortune that befell your community in recent days. The world has lost a symbol of compassion that gave many hope in the darkest of times.”

  The crowd produced a collective “aww” as questions raced through Okimoto’s mind.

  The Archbishop cleared his throat. “Fortunately in the midst of this despair, this young man has offered us help. I must say I really am astonished by what he’s done so far.”

  Tunsihaba nodded. “I see, I must know what exactly he has accomplished. If possible, would you like to show us, Odiggan?”

  “It would be my pleasure.”

  With that said, Odiggan stood and took the transparent flask from the Archbishop before holding it up as the sprite flew in a circle around it.

  Gradually, dark crimson fluid filled the flask to the lid. Once this had been done, Odiggan retrieved a dagger from his suit and stabbed himself, prompting a shocked expression from Tunsihaba and the audience. The Archbishop remained silent.

  Odiggan collapsed to his knees as he tore the blade out, producing a thin jet of blood that snaked everywhere, spattering the stage.

  Several security mages ran up to him but stopped when he held out his free hand after throwing the dagger to the side.

  He said agonisingly, his face going blue from bloodloss. “Watch this…”

  He drank the fluid in the flask and instantly stood, exploding with energy.

  He then turned to face the camera while lifting his suit top as well as the shirt beneath, exposing the wound just moments before it closed up and was gone without a scar.

  “Truly breathtaking,” Tunsihaba said, astonished.

  The crowd exploded with cheers, some knickers sailing onto the stage.

  Odiggan gave the audience a bow, and some more knickers went sailing onto the stage and landed at his feet.

  “With the sprite,” He said after rising. “I’ve been able to replicate perfectly the god’s blood that has been a lifeline for many people across the globe. Now the church no longer has to worry about it running out. I might not be able to fix the other problems left behind after Gillian’s tragic passing, but I can do this at least.”

  “Amazing.” Tunsihaba apluaded, shooting a scornful eye at the security mages that were still standing about clueless and confused.

  A bra was thrown on the stage.

  After the security mages left, Odiggan went back to sit down and announced, “Starting today, the Orion family and the Church of Gillian have entered a business agreement to supply the followers of Gillian with god’s blood for the foreseeable future.”

  “That’s disgusting!” Iomy shouted. “I can’t believe my fucking eyes, they're exploiting the death of Gillian to make money! They're taking the piss with the desperate church.”

  “Whatever,” Okimoto said, drily. “Let’s continue on our way, I’ve seen enough.”

  They all looked at him in varying states of pity. Okimoto was expressionless, his mind only focused on taking the next step, his eyes locked only with Crystella’s.

  “Let’s stop here.” She said. “I’ve done enough shopping for today.”