If other people said these words, Zephyr would definitely snort at their audacity. However, it was said by someone who had the same aura as the Dragon Lord and also possessed the power of nothingness.
His words carried a lot of truth.
On one side, Anette and Silas could not help but look at Kyran in concern. From the conversation between the two, although they spoke some things that were hard to follow, Anette and Silas understood Kyran’s intent. But given his current situation, could Kyran afford to take on another responsibility? Not to mention, the Quilin’s matter seemed really important as well. If he helped the Quilin, he would only draw more problems unto himself.
“You…” Zephyr finally spoke after a moment’s pause. However, he could not put into words what he was feeling and could only look at Kyran hesitantly.
Seeing Zephyr’s hesitation, Kyran knew he only needed a slight push to get him to agree.
However, he did not say nor do anything and only let Zephyr sort his thoughts. After all, if Kyran tried to persuade him with more words, it might have the opposite effect.
“What do you even know about the Shaiha?” Zephyr asked.
Kyran raised his brows. He did not expect this question.
With a shrug, he replied, “Nothing.”
Zephyr scowled at once.
Even Anette and Silas could not help but sweat at Kyran’s answer. He sounded so confident earlier that they believed he knew what he was talking about.
Anette opened her mouth to speak. However, she stopped at once after seeing Kyran’s resolute expression. With a short sigh in her heart, she decided to trust her godson and only watch over him for now.
“You—!” Zephyr started with a gritted his teeth. But he suppressed the curse he wanted to say and instead scoffed, “You don’t even know anything and yet you dare say you’ll protect it?”
“I can learn about it now that you’re my Sigil,” Kyran replied unperturbed.
Zephyr did not reply and only stared at Kyran. After a few seconds, the two silhouettes of dragons that bound him retracted. It was proof that he had calmed down and no longer had evil intent against Kyran.
While changing into a sitting position, Zephyr’s expression turned thoughtful as he asked, “How can you help me protect the Shaiha?”
Kyran finally sighed in relief. Of course, he did it discreetly, and everyone inside only saw him take a deep breath.
“Since the Shaiha is inside the shrine, I’ll first improve the array around it.” Kyran replied.
He did not come up with this answer on the spot. He thought of it when he decided to perform the Sigil on Zephyr. It was to assure him that even if he left the ruins, the Templar Code would not be able to enter it easily.
Zephyr snorted, “Improve the shrine’s array? You think it is that simple?”
“I never said it is. But I am confident that I can. Besides, the reason why you can’t leave that place is because without you, the array protecting the shrine will weaken, right?” Kyran replied.
Zephyr raised his brows in astonishment. If earlier he only thought this human’s insight was above average, now he was really curious how his brain works. How did he connect Zephyr’s reluctance to leave with the shrine’s array? No matter how worried Zephyr appeared, Kyran should not have noticed it. At least not the first time.
Seeing Zephyr’s astonishment, Kyran smiled faintly as he said, “Did you think I won’t notice how those mages tried to stop you from going to the shrine?”
“You have been following us from then?” Zephyr replied with a question. But he was not expecting Kyran to answer as he continued, “Impossible! I did not sense you at all.”
Kyran lifted his left hand and showed his palm to Zephyr. Slowly, a small golden array appeared on his palm.
“Its because of this,” he replied. “With this array, I can hide my presence.”
Zephyr’s eyes widened upon seeing the small array on Kyran’s palm. He was surprised not because he recognized the array but because integrating an array on a human’s body was unheard of! An array was made up of different materials containing various effects and magic energy. For this reason, it could only be placed on a unique terrain, a special parchment, or a magic item, where it could adapt the array’s calculation.
Anette and Silas were equally surprised. But unlike Zephyr, they knew some parchments could be fused on human skin nowadays. But, Kyran’s array was clearly imprinted directly on his skin. How could his hand be able to take the array’s energy?
“How can you integrate an array on your body?” Zephyr asked in surprise.
“What?” Kyran frowned slightly. It was not the reaction he was expecting.
The reason why he showed the array was to let Zephyr know he knew how to create one. He was also hoping Zephyr would recognize that he used advanced formulas on the array. This way, he could at least assure him that his Array attainment was not mediocre.
“How come your hand is still fine after having an array planted on it?” Zephyr demanded.
“No. Stop, I don’t think that’s important right now,” Kyran replied.
“What are you talking about? Don’t you know that an array can’t be—.”
“Back up a little,” Kyran interrupted while lowering his hand. “We’re talking about how I can help you in protecting the Shaiha remember?”
He reminded Zephyr while feeling an incoming headache.
To be honest, he could barely think straight because he had not recovered from the strain he felt from performing the Sigil. He was also aware that he had a very high fever right now. But Kyan wanted to deal with Zephyr first because he knew once he succumbed to his body’s plea to rest, he would definitely fall asleep for days. He could not let Zephyr get sidetracked because of his curiosity.
Because of Kyran’s reminder, Zephyr’s expression turned serious at once. He pondered for a moment as he remembered the array on Kyran’s hand. He recognized some of its calculations.
Two of the formulas in the array were pretty advanced. It proved that this human had high Array attainments. If he wanted to learn the shrine’s array, he might be able to decipher 60-70% of it. But his level was not enough to improve it. And even if he could, how long would it take?
‘Still…’ Zephyr looked at Kyran straight in the eye.
From Kyran’s eyes, Zephyr saw confidence and determination. Seeing such eyes caused his resistance to waver. It made him feel that maybe this human could really help him protect the Shaiha. As the last guardian, he was aware that soon, he would not be able to do his duty alone. He needed someone to help protect the Shaiha if something happened to him.
“If I do follow you for three years,” Zephyr started after a short pause. “And something happens to me before that time is up, will you promise to carry on protecting the Shaiha?”
“I promise,” Kyran replied at once.
“Kyran,” Anette suddenly called but did not say anything afterward.
Kyran turned his head and looked at Anette with a slight smile. He somehow knew what she wanted to say. A promise was a big word that must be kept at all costs. Although it was not binding such as a Soul-binding Oath, its effect on both parties could affect their relationship and even the future. He knew his godmother might be worried that he was only making empty promises. After all, he still had to deal with his own situation.
But Kyran readily accepted Zephyr’s condition because he would never let anything happen to him. He was his Sigil. His own people. He would never let anything happen to him once he worked for him for three years. As a matter of fact, Kyran was more worried that when the time was up, Zephyr might not be willing to leave him.
“In that case, you have a deal.” Zephyr finally agreed.
Kyran smiled, “You won’t regret it.”
Zephyr took a deep breath and crossed his arms across his chest.
“Humph. If you don’t improve the shrine’s array in one year, I will have to go back no matter what you say.” He told him.
“I don’t need a year. I’ll have it done in a week.”
Anette and Silas, who finally sighed in relief, stopped short because of Kyran’s words.
What was he saying now? A week to learn an entire array and improve it? That was impossible!
Zephyr sneered. “Oh? Aren’t you confident.”
“I can do it in a few days to be honest,” Kyran replied with a shrug. “But I still have something to do. And, I probably will be unconscious for a couple of days, that’s why I said a week.”
All three gave Kyran a blank expression.
Now they were unsure if he was really confident or just being too full of himself.
Ignoring the blank expression on Zephyr’s face, Kyran turned to Anette and Silas and smiled apologetically.
“I will have to send the rare stone over to the Conclave. If I do, I’ll probably pass out right after, so I’ll apologize in advance,” Kyran told them.
Upon hearing his words, Anette and Silas immediately reacted.
“What are you planning to do?”
“Stop for a moment. Let’s think of another way.”
Anette and Silas said, respectively.
“My deadline is tomorrow, but if I rest now I will definitely be out for days.”
Before Anette could refute, Silas beat her at it.
He said while shaking his head, “No. Let us think of a way to deliver it. You don’t have to do it yourself. Don’t you know there are underlying dangers if a mage over exhaust themselves?”
Kyran frowned slightly.
“The creation of the Tower’s defensive array cannot be delayed,” he insisted. “If I don’t deliver it by tomorrow and the array’s completion is delayed, once the Royal Army does their routine inspection next month—.”
“I know. I’ll have it delivered by tomorrow.” Silas cut him midsentence.
With a smile, he added, “I have Lady Lumi with me. She may have a way to deliver it.”