The Apostle

Chapter 3: The Apostle

Chapter 3: The Apostle

Upon entering their shelter, Ling Yue'er settled herself comfortably, dismissing any lingering concerns.

"Let's fill our bellies first," she chirped, unveiling a steaming pot with a grin directed at Chen Yue.

Her stomach had been growling impatiently, and Chen Yue didn’t hesitate to join in, cutlery in hand, soon finding himself with a greasy smile mirroring the contented Ling Yue'er beside him. Recalling Chen Yue's gentle demeanor earlier, the young girl blushed slightly, her gaze softening as she watched his face blur in the rising steam, her thoughts wandering.

Ling Yue'er had joined the caravan over ten days ago, and though they hadn't crossed paths before, she found herself swiftly drawn to Chen Yue. To her, he was an anomaly, standing out from the others in subtle yet significant ways. A sensitivity unique to her gender perhaps, but she discerned peculiarities in Chen Yue that set him apart from those surrounding him. Unbeknownst to her, this allure stemmed from the imprints of diverse civilizations he'd experienced across different worlds – traits he could conceal but never truly erase.

His speech patterns, odd phrases, and even his first encounter where his eyes held undisguised admiration for the "delicious wicker" (a phrase she found amusingly perplexing), all piqued the young girl's curiosity. Terms like "leg knives" and "sheep city" intrigued her endlessly, making her all the more eager to stay by his side.

This unfamiliar feeling, Ling Yue'er, still naive, couldn't define nor did she wish to analyze it deeply.

---

Observing Ling Yue'er lost in her thoughts, Chen Yue chuckled softly and shook his head.

"Yue'er, what’s the story with Gamor? Why did you say I was in trouble?" His gentle query drew Ling Yue'er's wandering thoughts back.

A pout formed on her petite face as she shot Chen Yue a fierce glare. "Brother Chen Yue, are you unaware of Gamor's standing in the chamber?" she huffed.

Chen Yue nodded, unafraid to probe further. "I recall Gamor isn't a chamber official, he's a new recruit like myself."

Ling Yue'er sighed, adding bitterly, "He's not exactly a saint, but if only we could keep someone of his caliber permanently."

Chen Yue frowned, perplexed. "Why would you want to retain someone like that?"

"Of course, Gamor is free to come and go as he pleases. By traveling with us, he’s exempt from payment and even receives a handsome reward. He's cunning, demanding thirty percent more than other mages, yet without him, our losses would outweigh the cost," Ling Yue'er explained, her tone surprisingly mature.

Chen Yue was taken aback, his brows furrowing in confusion. It didn't add up; their route was deemed safe with minimal conflict, and Gamor had made no contributions. Why the reward?

Noticing his bewilderment, Ling Yue'er affected a patronizing shake of her head. "Brother Chen Yue, I sometimes doubt if you're really from the Tian Ye Empire... Ah, there you go knocking me again."

Rubbing her forehead in mock annoyance, Ling Yue'er pouted charmingly. This was her usual escape when Chen Yue's queries went unanswered, and she was used to it by now.

After shooting Ling Yue'er a playful glare, she continued, "You must know the societal hierarchy of the Tian Ye Empire, correct? It's a common structure across the continent."

"Yes, slaves are at the bottom, followed by commoners, and the most esteemed are warriors and mages," Chen Yue confirmed.

"Precisely, as mages are the elite class, we invite them," Ling Yue'er affirmed, nodding vigorously. "The greatest loss for the chamber isn’t from battles, but taxes. Each city enforces them, including our destination, the Free Capital. Four cities lie along our route, necessitating entry for trade. Taxes are exorbitant—eighty percent of profits!"

"Eighty percent..." Chen Yue was stunned, unfamiliar with such harsh taxation. He marveled at the merchants' tolerance for such extreme levies.

Understanding dawned. "That's why he brings mages along."

"Exactly! Their presence reduces taxes by half if there's a warrior, and to thirty percent if a mage accompanies us," Ling Yue'er grumbled. Despite Gamor's unpopularity, everyone tolerated him for financial gain.

"Indeed, privileges extend beyond tax reductions. They’re exempt from certain taxes and receive a monthly stipend of ten gold coins, among others."

"No wonder, no wonder." Things clicked into place for Chen Yue. It explained Gamor's elevated status, everyone practically pleading for his services. Realizing he'd offended Gamor, he anticipated rough days ahead.

Ling Yue'er shared his worries. Gamor's personal power aside, a word to the chamber president could spell endless trouble for Chen Yue.

"If only someone else existed," she murmured, snapping back to reality and shaking her head vigorously. "Impossible, impossible."

"It would be great, but it can't be... unless..."

Her dark eyes sparkled with hopeful anticipation.

"Little girl, what nonsense are you thinking?" Despite his unease, Chen Yue couldn't help but tease Ling Yue'er, lightly tapping her forehead again.

"Spoilsport," Ling Yue'er grumbled, borrowing a phrase Chen Yue had used, identifying him as her 'enemy'.

"Brother Chen Yue, don't worry. Gamor's arrogance will catch up to him. There are more esteemed individuals than mages. They're above mages, elite among elites, transcending earthly systems. With them, taxes are negligible," Ling Yue'er consoled, her voice fading towards the end, betraying her own skepticism about such good fortune.

"Such people exist?" Chen Yue was skeptical, having grasped the mage's prestige.

"Absolutely! They're called Apostles. One mage emerges from ten thousand, but only one Apostle from a million. Compared to them, mages are insignificant," Ling Yue'er boasted.

Further shocking Chen Yue, she dropped another revelation. "Do you know the name of this continent?"

"What?" he asked.

"Apostle Continent," Ling Yue'er enunciated each word.

The continent's namesake revealed the Apostles' stature and influence, validating Ling Yue'er's claims and surprising Chen Yue even more regarding the stark professional ratio. "What sets Apostles apart? Why are they so rare?"

"Well, they can summon powerful enchanters and possess near-eternal life," Ling Yue'er recounted, her eyes widening as the words struck a chord within Chen Yue.

Interrupting her, Chen Yue retrieved a palm-sized, blue-embossed card from the tent. On its surface, a design depicted a serene snow rabbit amidst a windswept, snowy field.

Amid Ling Yue'er's bafflement, Chen Yue cradled the card and whispered five words.

"Frosted Hare, Summon."

Instantly, a brilliant white light burst forth, materializing before Chen Yue as the glow faded, revealing a snow-white rabbit with glistening fur and crystalline ice formations, exuding ethereal beauty.

"W-What magic is this?" Ling Yue'er gasped, eyes widening as she beheld the sudden appearance, her delicate hand muffling a potential scream.