Chapter 39

“It’s good to see you too, Baba.” Diya gave him a light squeeze. He wanted to see Baba, but the thought of getting bad news about Alexander had discouraged him. “I had a meeting scheduled for later. I was waiting to get that out of the way before coming by.” Diya couldn’t be sure whether it was a lie. “How’re things in the house?”

“Tense.” Baba sighed. “Edgar’s friendship with the De Lawneys is evolving into a business partnership. You know how Lord Graham hates them, but he can’t afford to turn any revenue streams away right now. The climbers out to find a fix for Alexander cost the house an arm and a leg.”

“How’s Victoria?”

“Unhappy, of course,” Baba answered. “She’s trying to convince Lord Graham to let her lead a party of her own. The house can’t afford to spare any resources right now, though. So, she’s not her best self at the moment. I’ll be honest, Udit. I’m in half a mind to leave. Perhaps it’s what I should’ve done when Lord Graham turned his back on you to keep Edgar happy.” He limped over to the little armchair by the window and sat. “I don’t think I can ever forgive him for that, Udit. I understand that Alexander’s state had made him desperate, but you’ve done nothing but care for—”

“You shouldn’t leave the Boleyns, Baba,” Diya interrupted him. “I need you to keep an eye out for Alexander and Victoria. I don’t want Edgar resorting to murder to cement his position. Besides, you would’ve left already if not for all your students.”

“That’s the only thing holding me back. I’ve trained all of those men and women serving the Boleyns. I’m scared that without my advice, Edgar and Lord Graham will get them all killed.”

“They will. I’m unsure about Lord Graham since I’ve never worked closely with him, but Edgar will willingly send people to their deaths. You can’t turn your backs on them until I fix Alexander.”

“Are you sure you can do it?” Baba asked. Diya smiled, summoning Slimeskin Coat. “You upgraded your soul?”

“My new Climbing companion and I killed a slime lord as big as a three-story house. It made my ink constructs stronger and gave me two free-form inanimate summons. I haven’t figured them out yet, but it’s a start.”

A wide smile spread across Baba’s face. Within a couple of seconds, tears were welling up in his eyes. “I’m proud of you,” he said, his voice cracking. “I’ll be honest, Diya. I worried that you would get yourself killed. Some part of me was hoping you’d come to your senses after struggling to find a party and settle into civilian life. I’m sorry for doubting you, son. Gaia dealt you a hard hand with that soul, but you went off on your own and came out on top.”

“It’s thanks to everything you and Neer taught me,” Diya recalled the tentacle and summoned his staff. Then he dismissed it, too. “I’ve climbed, trapped and duelled.” He waved at the axe standing at the foot of the bed. “It’s not just a weapon you gifted me, Baba, but instincts, skills, and so much more. These past few days, I’ve been through a lot to get a monster card, and I’ve decided. We’re going to make something of ourselves without the nobility. Let me climb a bit more, get stronger, and establish myself. Once I find the Omrito and fix Alexander, you and I are breaking ties with the Boleyns. I’d like to remain friends with them, but I’m done with the nobility, their politics and two-faced actions.”

Baba groaned, struggling back onto his feet. He limped over to Diya and placed a hand on his shoulder. “I’m with you, son,” Baba said. “I know you’re working with the Free Trade Federation. Considering where you’re staying, I imagine you’re doing well for yourself. Perhaps it’s time I copy those Japanese martial artists and establish a Dojo. The Ansons might have blacklisted me, but plenty of well-off buggers still want my tutelage. We’ll be fine.”

“I’ll support you too!” Diya exclaimed. “I got lucky on my first solo outing, and I’ve got a significant amount in the bank. We could buy a nice property where the ground floor can be your training school and the upper level and apartment for us.”

“I’d like that very much, Udit. Would you mind if we called it Sen and Son?”

“Sen and Sons,” Diya corrected him. “Neer deserves a place there, too.”

“You know something?” Baba asked, laughing. “I didn’t raise Neer alone. Your mother had a hand in his upbringing. I was terrified when she passed and left me to do everything for you. I spent several sleepless nights worried that I was going to screw up. You turned out so much better than him.” When Diya opened his mouth to protest, Baba raised a hand, stopping him. “I know it’s wrong of me to compare sons, but it’s true. You’re honest, and you care so much. It doesn’t matter whether or not the subject is blood. Even though you don’t carry the sword, Udit, you’re a swordsman at heart.”

Tears gathered in Diya’s eyes as he hugged his father. Things were coming together at last. Everything would soon be okay.

“I forgot to tell you,” Baba said, pulling away. “The city guard and council have launched an investigation regarding what happened to Alexander and you. Even though most people from the street claim it was a burglary, they think there is more to it. I guess they take a member of the nobility getting assaulted seriously. They’ve questioned the surviving shop owners regarding the hooded folk. They’re suddenly less talkative, and it looks like they might be under threat, but I’m calling in a few favours to get them protection.”

Diya felt a pang of guilt. Alexander’s plight had him so occupied he forgot about Pari and Annabelle altogether. The pair hadn’t just lost their livelihood but a dear friend, too.

“I should’ve visited them,” Diya said. “Maybe I can get them to talk. I’m sure it was one of the houses. All the recruiters were watching when Alexander interacted with the upgrade station.” He sighed. “I didn’t think they’d go that far, you know. When we went to the Outer Market, I thought we’d get into a brawl at most. Or someone would come at us with a knife, and Alexander’s soul would scare them away. Agreeing to split up was my mistake—”

“I don’t want you were blaming yourself for what happened, Udit,” he said. “Whoever they were, I’m betting they waited until both of you had your guards down. I’m sure there are people like the group spread around the city. Alexander made himself a target, and they took advantage of his naivety.”

The pair talked in depth, discussing Diya’s previous experiences in the tower. Baba reprimanded him for his solo outings. Even though both instances ended in excellent payouts, he didn’t want to lose his only son. He had nothing to say about the Ito-clan, though. He’d heard of them before but not of Yukiho. Baba’s experiences with Japanese climbers and locals had been pleasant. He suggested it might just be the one clan or Yukiho that was the sour grape.

After ordering some tea, the two got talking about Diya’s soul. Baba went silent when he told him about Explorer and the form they’d taken. He quickly moved on from the subject and focused on the Slimeskin, accompanying spells and summons. Baba insisted he use Eirkh’s card as soon as possible. Considering the spells it had offered Diya, he believed it would provide more runes for his summons. Unfortunately, Baba couldn’t get to the bottom of why the coat wouldn’t function as Diya intended.

“Don’t let yourself get frustrated,” Baba said. “It’ll come to you. You can’t have a named soul without quirks and challenges.”

A knock at the door interrupted Diya’s train of thought. He rushed over to the door, still wearing his summoned coat. It was Gwyneth. She had turned up early. At first, she froze, looking Diya up and down. Then she burst out laughing.

“That thing looks so nefarious,” she stated, inviting herself into his room. When Gwyneth saw Baba, she stopped. She looked between him and Diya, eyebrow raised.

Baba nodded, looking at his son, confused. Diya had been ambiguous about his new climbing partner’s gender. He worried that as an old-fashioned man with still very orthodox Bengali views, he’d jump to conclusions.

“I’m Gwyneth Fry.” She took his hand and shook it. “Your son’s new climbing companion. It’s an honour to meet someone with your skill and reputation—he didn’t tell me you were the Sword Master Utpal Sen! The De Lawneys have been poaching your students from different houses for years. I’ve heard so much about you.”

“So that’s where they’ve been disappearing,” Baba replied with a polite smile. His more talented students ended up working for the Ansons. Only the rejects went to the De Lawneys. “I owe you thanks for helping my son with his first upgrade.”

“It’s the least I could do for his help.” Even though Gwyneth wasn’t of noble birth, she had the act down. All she needed to play the role was make-up and clothing. “Your son is a good man. He helped and trusted me when he had no reason to. It’s rare to run into people like him.”

“He’s one of a kind, isn’t he?” Baba laughed, looking between her and Diya. “I’m sure your spells and knowledge will greatly help during his climb.”

“Diya’s one of a kind, alright,” Gwyneth said, returning her attention to Diya. “I mean, what are you thinking, man, wearing a coat like that? Please tell me that’s not your first summon. The blue and gloss will make you stand out to every hostile in Gaia’s Ark.”

“It will,” he sighed. “I haven’t yet figured out how to change the ink’s colour. I’ll rub dirty on it for now once we’re in the tower.”

“I’m not sure that’ll help do much for the coat or your glum mug.”

“I like you,” Baba said, laughing. “Reckon, you can keep my son safe?”

“It’ll be a challenge, but I’ll make sure he doesn’t get himself killed,” she replied, helping herself to the remnants of breakfast.