Chapter 5: Chapter 5: Change of Plans
[Why now of all time?!] Jack stood up from his sitting position and began pacing around the room.
[If the war resumes now, I'll be completely vulnerable! Couldn't those stupid mystic humans have waited another few years before invading the light elf tribe?!] Jack raged internally.
[It seems I have to speed up all my plans… I'll have to start gathering everything I can on my elemental property so I can upgrade my rune and rank up…] Jack decided and promptly took action, ditching his plan to rest and instead, headed to the library.
***
Four days later, Jack sat at the chair in the library, completely immersed in the book in his hands.
[According to this book… I can utilize my edict rune to connect with the real elements of nature and observe them to get information on my elemental properties. However, this method is dangerous as my mind can be consumed by these elements if I stare too long…
[It's worth a shot! If the library of the Qildor clan doesn't even contain the information I seek, then this might be the only way I can obtain it.] Jack set the book aside and got into a more comfortable position. He closed his eyes and began concentrating on his Edict Rune.
Nothing happened for thirty minutes, and just when Jack was about to give up…
His consciousness drifted into the depths of an ethereal purple-black sea. Jack was stunned for a moment, before realizing where he was, [I'm in the void!]
He immediately threw all his useless thoughts to the back of his mind and began observing the void. As he observed, Jack started to feel like he was in an illusion, everything felt real, but not at the same time…
Even his perception of time and his sense of self slowly started to fade, but just when he was about to lose himself, his strong willpower snapped him out of it.
[Oh no! I almost got sucked in!] Jack immediately cut off his connection to his Edict Rune, and his surroundings returned to normal.
[That was dangerous!] Jack wiped the sweat accumulating on his forehead. If he didn't snap out of it when he did, he would have died.
[However, my gains are undeniable!] Jack activated his edict rune using the surrounding void mana, and his hand slowly started to fade, becoming illusionary.
Jack walked up to the wall and placed his hand on it, only to have his hand go through it, [My understanding of the absence property has improved, but I still don't understand its essence.] Jack retrieved his hand and canceled his elemental weave.
[This is an improvement at least. I'll still have to constantly practice with my new understanding of my elemental property if I wish to reach true comprehension.]
Jack walked out of the library and headed to his designated training room.
He trained his elemental weaves for three hours before stopping, drenched in sweat but wearing a happy smile on his face, [I haven't shown any symptoms of mana overuse even after so much training, and creating elemental weaves has become easier… my training for the last four days has paid off.] He thought.
[Let's stop here for today, I'll have to be at my peak when meeting the investigator tomorrow.] Such were Jack's thoughts as he headed to the washroom and took a quick bath. He changed into a set of casual clothes he found in the hideout and went to the food storage.
He grabbed some sealed dried meat and a waterskin before returning to his room. He took a seat on his bed and began munching at his food, [damn, this thing tastes awful! I might have to go to the mercenary city every day just to have a meal.
[Then again, I might die tomorrow if I'm not careful...] Jack sighed deeply as he forced the food down his throat.
[Since there wasn't any notice about my banishment from the church, I can escape to Jangur if things go south. But the officials at the church probably hate me so that might not be a good idea.] Jack pondered while he ate.
[Seeking help from Zaos' friends is an option, but that also poses a risk of my identity being exposed. I'll probably be forced to hide… the unrest from the threat of war could be used to my advantage.]
[Whatever the case, after tomorrow, I'll be leaving the hideout… ] Jack decided right after he finished his rations.
He tidied up his surroundings before going to bed.
***
Jack awoke the next morning feeling refreshed. He stepped out of his room and was about to take a bath when a chilling voice reached his ears.
"You must be Zaos." Jack was immediately startled and quickly turned in the direction of the voice.
Standing to his left was an individual covered by a dark cloak with golden edges. His mere presence exuded an uncomfortable amount of pressure.
"I'm here to investigate the matters surrounding our clan members' deaths." The cloaked figure spoke once more in a cold tone.
Jack immediately got on one knee and greeted the individual, "It's an honor to have you here, your grace!"
"Mhm. I'll ask you some questions and you'll answer truthfully." The investigator responded.
"Please ask," Jack answered, he could feel his heart beating through his chest.
"Why did you forfeit the sacred academy's graduation ceremony, and where did you go after?" The investigator began questioning.
[There it is!] Jack's heart skipped a beat.
"I was informed of my parents' deaths and decided to verify the situation. After leaving the academy, I accidentally entered the forsaken woods and was knocked out by something. When I eventually woke up, I returned home, but all I found were ruins." Jack recounted while trying his best to appear angry and sad.
"Then you came here?" The investigator questioned, unfazed by Jack's acting.
"Yes, sir. I feared for my safety, and since the church's reaction to my behavior was unknown, I decided to avoid the city." Jack responded, but he still had his head bowed, not daring to look at the other party.
The investigator remained silent for a minute before speaking to Jack, "Alright. You will move to the mercenary city and work with Ronik while I investigate this matter." After they finished speaking, their figure vanished from sight.
"Yes, your grace!" Jack remained in his position and only after 5 minutes did he get up.
[*Phew* I survived…] He rejoiced silently, but on the surface, he had no reaction and instead went about his daily tasks.
[I guess I'll be living in the mercenary city, for now… ] A ruthless glint flashed in Jack's eyes.
[Once I have enough strength, I won't have to cower for fear of anyone!] Jack's determination surged.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Smiling_Serpent
Smiling_Serpent Feel free to point out any mistakes...
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone