Chapter 284: You’re a troublemaker.

After stating his purpose to the annoyed clerk, dressed in a green robe, Lee was ordered to sit at the side of the hall and wait. No one explained how long would it take or whether he had to do anything else, thus he closed his eyes and focused on the spark in the middle of his chest.For a while he observed the elemental particles steadily revolving around it, and then tried to separate the dark-purple ones, slowly, forming a new thin stream. He wasn’t sure whether this exercise could bring anything, but he persuaded himself it was a logical step to master the flow of elements within.

The next part was more interesting, and the true reason behind him playing around with spatial particles. He tried to locate Droskar Dominion. Once again, he had no clue how it was supposed to work, but if elemental lords could do it, he could learn as well.

More than anything he wanted to take a look how Marie was doing and whether Joel was doing everything in his power to supply her with everything she needed. Technically Lee already did all he could – provided the villagers with cultivation techniques and resources enough to make it the richest place in the region.

Unfortunately, he had hard time forgetting Lisa’s terrified expression as she was kneeling in the small space behind the Trexian’s seal. He knew that taking a peek at the village wouldn’t change anything, but he really, really wanted it and didn’t care if he was labeled as a stalker.

"You shouldn’t do that in public places!"

A stern voice returned Lee to reality. The speaker was a tall, thin man, with graying hair and sharp eyes. Like most in Myrios, he was wearing a robe, except his was black with embroidered golden emblem that resembled an opened book on his chest.

"The spatial fluctuations can hurt someone."

"Sorry!" Lee mechanically apologized.

He was trying to process how his pseudo-meditation could’ve caused any kind of spatial fluctuations, but the man said, "I’m Overseer Augustus. I’ve been informed you have a message for me?"

"Yea!" Lee said, and took out the sealed letter.

Augustus curiously inspected it, but when he tried to open, a loud sound that resembled someone farting echoed through the hall.

Seeing the curious looks of the surrounding people, Augustus said, "What? Never been pranked before?"

Then he turned to Lee and asked, "How is she?"

"Bored, I think." Lee said, "But I kind of destroyed her house, so shell be busy for a while."

"Why would she take a spatial element cultivator as her personal disciple?" Augustus asked.

"Personal?" Lee furrowed his brows in confusion.

This part was clearly wrong. They might’ve interacted, but he surely wasn’t her disciple.

"It’s the only way an overlord can send a person to study here." Augustus said, "Otherwise you would need to pass the yearly exams like everyone else."

"I guess, my situation is slightly peculiar." Lee said, scratching the back of his head.

"I can see that. You’re a troublemaker." Augustus said, confusing him even more, "This is not the right place to cause trouble, but you’ll learn it quickly. Besides, as her first representative, you’ll have to lead her faction. It’ll be a one-man institution at first, but it’s your job to protect her honor."

"What the hell did I sign up for?" Lee involuntarily blurted out.

Augustus ignored him, red the message a couple of times, ordered to stay put, and left. Lee wouldn’t have blamed the man for his reaction if he actually knew the contents of the letter.

I found you a gem in the making, but he’s a troublemaker, so watch out. I suggest starting him at the very bottom – he’ll thrive under pressure.

Signed: S

***

Augustus returned after some time. Lee refrained from meditating again, not wanting to cause a conflict on his first, or rather – his second, day. The sun had been up for a while. Also, Augustus didn’t come alone – a floating disc accompanied him, same model to the one that led Lee here.

"This is your token of identity." Augustus said, passing a package with a round, thick coin on top, "There are also robes, so you can look more presentable. I had the Seris’s symbol embroidered on them – similar to how I have the Luminarch’s here."

Lee glanced at the golden open book on Augustus’s chest. It looked nice enough, but a thought of wearing a robe instantly spoiled his mood.

"Do I have to wear it?" He asked, holding back a juicy profanity.

"It’s your choice how you represent your overlord. Just remember that you’re the prefect of her faction from now on." Augustus said.

"Do I have any obligations?" Lee asked.

At his words, Augustus’s thin face stretched even longer from the helplessness he felt. Seris was right. This young man was a troublemaker.

"Learn." He said, "Since your faction has only one member, your residence is way to big. But there’s no way around it. I assigned you to an existing squad, and from now on your squad members will reside at your place. They’re unaffiliated, so it’s up to you to persuade them to join your faction."

"Squad?" Lee asked, processing the implications.

"Yes, your teammates. The ones you’ll complete missions with." Augustus said, "Obviously missions are hand-picked by overseers or their assistants to help you in your cultivation."

"How exactly does that work?" Lee asked, and finally Augustus lost his patience.

"Did she even tell you where you’re going?" He asked, forcefully keeping his tone low.

"She said that you’re an elder here and you’ll explain me everything!" Lee said.

"That old witch!" Augustus cursed, "I’m an overseer! Does she think I’ve nothing better to do than instruct newbies?"

Then he took a deep breath, awkwardly coughed, and said, pointing at the flying disc, "This is drone number 5.0.8.2. I was informed you requested it to be assigned to you. Normally advanced drones are rewarded for special achievements, but since you’re the prefect of a faction, we’ll make a small exception. Just don’t brag about it."

"Huh? It’s the same one I met?" Lee was surprised, "What can it do?"

"You’re speaking as if I’m not present!" The familiar low and dry voice carried a tinge of annoyance.

"Sorry, 5.0.8... something ... Can I give you a name? Calling you by number is awkward, right?" Lee asked.

"Do what you want." Augustus said, interrupting their conversation, "You’ll get your mission in two days, be ready!"

"Alright! Thank you!" Lee politely said, and when the overseer left, he turned to the drone, and said, "I’ll call you Seris ... no she’ll kill me if she hears about it. I’ll call you Sery! How about it? I wonder if you can change your voice to sound more pleasant ..."

Augustus paused in his steps, hearing Lee’s loud contemplation, and shook his head with a sigh. Overlord Seris was right – the guy was a troublemaker!