Kharon suddenly blurted out, "Is there a reason why their numbers are increasing? Surely there must be a cause or a catalyst."
Master Lodge looked at him as he smiled, "I can't tell you why as even I don't know; I wouldn't tell you even if I did. If you want to find out I suggest you grow stronger than even me and become someone who can handle the truth. The Arcane Association has many secrets which are too heavy for even tier 3 wielders. But maybe you will be the one to pry them out; you are a wielder of mysteries after all."
Kharon turned to face Dorn who just shrugged before returning to his half empty plate.
Aidan who had remained quiet for the whole conversation suddenly spoke up as he asked, "If I become a tier 2, will I be able to learn why? Stronger, more dangerous essence beasts spells trouble for everyone. Why don't you warn hunters about this?"
"If we did then word would spread and the masses would probably start panicking for something which is currently under control. The Arcane Association is constantly monitoring arcane activity day in and day out. They monitor ever wielders aether signature. If they didn't then crazy bastards like the Hollow King would be free to destroy Lunaris Haven."
Kharon's face visibly darkened at the mention of the Hollow King as he asked, "If wielders are monitored then what about me? And what difference does it make if wielders are being watched or not? They can always use their powers within the city."
Master Lodge looked at Kharon with a smuggle expression as he shook his head.
"You fool. Firstly, you are being monitored constantly, but your aether signature is very similar to that of your neighbouring paths. Secondly, I am sure you have noticed the difference between tiers and how large the margin is haven't you?"
"I guess I have..."
"Do you really think that there aren't people stronger than you and me who could appear out of nowhere and kill us before we can even react? If the Arcane Association notice a powerful aether signature then a tier 2 would immediately make their way to it and deal with the perpetrator."
Kharon stayed silent for a while, contemplating over what he had just been told. He took a few bites of his embercorn muffins before asking.
"If the Arcane Association has so much power, then why don't they get rid of the Hollow King? From the sound of it, the Arcane Association is not lacking in power."
"It is more complicated than that", Master Lodge replied, his smirk fading slightly. "The Hollow King isn't just a rogue wielder that can be erased. His very existence is bound to a part of Lunaris Haven; the Eclipsed Hollow. If he dies then that portion of the city goes with him. The Association leaves him not because they can't kill him..." Vincent leaned in slightly. "...but because they fear what will happen if they do. Many live in the Eclipsed Hollow, if it was destroyed then Lunaris Haven would lose a portion of it's population."
As Master Lodge said this, Aidan suddenly retorted, "It's because the Association needs disposable workers, isn't it? They don't really care about the people of the Hollow, they just need people who are desperate enough to work dangerous jobs. If they really did care then they would improve the conditions in the Eclipsed Hollow... Many die there daily either because of starvation or illness, but the Association doesn't bat an eye."
Dorn who had finished his meal turned towards Aidan.
"I know that you feel strongly about those who are less fortunate than you, but you know why the Association can't help them. It is a necessary evi-"
"The Association should do better than. Innocent people shouldn't have to die because of where they were born. It's disgusting, can you really sit there and tell me that all those people deserve to live in darkness and fear all their lives?"
"I never said that. Do you know how hard it is to maintain the city's infrastructure? I don't agree with what the Association is doing, but how else can we maintain the barrier columns, the spatial gateways or the runic filtrations? They all require humans to power and maintain them. Lunaris Haven isn't perfect, but it's far better than other cities, Aidan."
Aidan's face slightly darkened as he said, "I will find a way..." His hands suddenly clenched into a tight fist as he continued, "...I wouldn't just become a powerful beast hunter. I will also create a self-sustaining runic array which wouldn't exploit people."
Master Lodge's smile widened as he said, "I hope you will Aidan. I really hope you will. But right now, you should focus on your meal. It may not turn cold but you shouldn't leave it out for too long. It wouldn't taste as good."
Slowly, Aidan began to eat his meal with a sombre expression. A long stretch of silence washed over the room as they continued to eat their meal. After they were done, their plates suddenly flew up before leaving the room.
Kharon who was unsure of what to do asked, "What do we do now?"
Aidan looked at him as he replied, "We go back home... Thank you Sir Orvus for inviting us out of dinner. The meal was delicious. Master Lodge, it was great meeting you here. I hope we can do this again once Kharon ascends... Also, I apologise for my outburst. Though I still believe what I said is right and I will achieve my goals. No matter what."
Dorn looked at Aidan with visible annoyance as he replied, "Just call me Dorn. And you are welcome. I would be delighted to host another gathering once Kharon becomes a tier 4 wielder." He then sighed as he said, "And I know you will achieve your goals. There isn't a shred of doubt in my mind."
"You are still as outgoing and passionate as before... I will be here when you are building that array, so don't hesitate to ask for help." Master Lodge then turned to Kharon as he said, "As for you Kharon. I hope you will consider my offer and come learn about arcana from me." Reaching into his coat he pulled out a golden bracelet as he offered it to Kharon. "If you want to reach me, then channel your aether through this and say what you want to convey. It already has my aether signature inprinted on it."
Kharon accepted the golden bracelet as he put it on his right wrist. It slowly shrank before it perfectly fit him. He then channeled his aether through it before saying, "I want to accept your offer, but I have something I must do first. Once I am ready I hope you will accept me as your apprentice."
A little buzz could be heard as a faint glow was emitted by a golden bracelet on Vincent's wrist. As he moved his hand, a voice could be heard coming from the bracelet. It was Kharon's voice repeating what he had just said. A smile crept onto Vincent's face as he said, "You'd better hurry up then."
Kharon quickly nodded as Aidan began to walk towards the door. However before he could reach for the door handle he heard Dorn's voice.
"Not so fast Aidan. I have a gift for you and Kharon. And so does Master Lodge."
"But he didn't give me anything."
Master Lodge chuckled as he said, "You really thought I had nothing for you? I know this celebration hasn't been the best but it's still a gathering to celebrate you." As he said this, he pulled a box from his coat. "This is something I have been working on for a while. It is a pseudo mystic construct made using arcana. I know you will like it."
Dorn then pulled a box of his own and handed it to Aidan who accepted it.
"I know you already have enough mystic constructs. So I got you this instead. Don't open it now though."
Aidan analysed the box for a while before placing it into his suit.
"Thank you, Dorn."
As Dorn nodded, he turned towards Kharon before pulling out a single glove. He then handed it to Kharon who looked puzzled but still accepted the gift.
"It's a tier 5 mystic construct of the path of order. It allows the user to create three minor rules which have to be followed. It is great for someone who fights tactically. I hope it is useful in your journey."
"Thank you um."
"Dorn, you can call me Dorn as well."
"Thank you Dorn. I really appreciate it."
"No problem. I am sure it will facilitate some of your future battles, but don't grow reliant of mystic constructs and external sources of power. A warrior relies his weapon, but a hunter relies on himself and his wit."
Kharon smiled as he thanked Dorn again and said his farewells to Master Lodge before he and Aidan left the room.
"I am excited to see what you got from Dorn."
"It's probably a runic hoverboard. I was planning on getting one as a little for myself, but I guess Dorn predicted that and got it for me."
"Are you two very close?"
Aidan remained quiet for a while before replying, "You could say that..."