I Hate Systems

Bang!

Kowla burst through the door, riding her eagle as she took off to the sky when immediately in response, faster than her, an eagle arrived above, perching on her shoulder before lifting her off.

"Kya!" Kowla screamed in fright, hurriedly using her eagle to combat the other party when she stared up, only now noticing that the once familiar metallic eagle was strangely…terrifying?

It was still a Common Invoked Spirit but was significantly better developed. Moreover, its abilities were more lethal, and its speed burst was more volatile in nature, making it tough for her to fight against it.

Kieee!

The metallic eagle let out a cry before spinning in the air as it released its hold on her, causing her to fly straight at the walls of a three-storey building. If someone didn't save her, she would die from the impact.

Kowla hurriedly retracted before invoking her eagle, causing it to flap its wings in a hurry while she used its back as a springboard to cushion her fall, regaining balance before leaping up. She retracted and summoned it once again, landing on its back while intending to fly.

But just as before, the metallic eagle swerved to her back, grabbing hold of her before sending her flying. Kowla used her Invoked Spirit to cushion the impacts every single time, saving herself time after again before feeling exhausted.

'When did dad before so strong?' She thought, wondering while looking around for ways to escape.

Kowla noticed the crowd beginning to gather at the place, drawn over by the commotion, 'No, I cannot be found in the open. The Lan Clan would immediately know the news.'

"Are you that horrified to see your dad?" Duketace's voice of anger resounded as he peeked out from the window of a nearby building, staring calmly at his daughter. He pointed at the crowd, "News of you would reach them you know."

He pointed at the room he was in with a show of hand, "Come here, and I can save you."

"Why should I trust someone I betrayed?" Kowla frowned in response.

"Call it a parent's foolishness." Duketace sighed.

"Don't lie," Kowla rolled her eyes, "I would rather believe that you've come here for revenge."

"Wait, isn't that an eagle? Then that means…" One of the people among the crowd muttered when Kowla flinched in response, hurriedly flying into the house through the open window.

"Quite the disappointment," Duketace muttered under his breath, sighing as he closed the window before looking at his daughter, "As you said, there's a reason I've come after you."

"Is it the Ascender Scroll?" Kowla remained tense, not relaxing for a moment. Her clothes were drenched with sweat as parts of her clothes were covered with faint traces of blood, drawn out from the scratches she sustained in the recent fight.

"I'm not interested in that." Duketace smirked smugly before saying, "Have you heard about the Forbidden Tale?"

"You know about it too?" Kowla's eyes widened in surprise, "I've never thought your capability to gather information would be this good. Wasn't I the one gifted with scouting capabilities?"

"You're right," Duketace took a seat, placing one leg over the other as he brought out his Invoked Spirit, patting its neck as he said, "I'm not good with gathering information. But, there's one reason why I know about the Forbidden Tale."

"It's because I've seen it."

"What?" Kowla was shocked as she looked around, hurriedly observing through her Invoked Spirit that there weren't any prying eyes on them at the moment. Only then did she calm down to ask her dad, "Is that true?"

"Yeah, not only did I see it, but I've also interacted with it for an entire day." Duketace pointed at his Invoked Spirit, "That's the reason my eagle has grown this much. At the current rate of my growth, I only need a month to become a Superior Invoker."

"H-How is that possible?" Kowla was shocked before asking, "Is this the power of the Forbidden Tale?"

News of treasures quickly circulated, especially of one that was capable of drastically shortening their development time. So, those with the means already came to know about the Forbidden Tale.

"Yep, and you too can obtain it." Duketace smiled, "That's why I approached you."

"Why are you…so generous? That isn't like you." Kowla frowned in response, "Selfish motives run in our family, dad. Don't try to make a fool out of me."

"The one that asks for you is the Lord that I serve." Duketace said solemnly, "And it is this Lord that created the Forbidden Tale."

"What? Someone that terrifying exists?" Kowla was unable to believe it.

"He's waiting beyond the city. You can see him." Duketace said, climbing on his eagle, "We've attracted too much attention here. We should leave now."

'Is he telling the truth?' Kowla frowned before staring at the sheer difference between the metallic eagle before her and the one she saw a few days ago. 'Fine, I'll see what's up myself.'

As she didn't have a choice, Kowla decided to follow Duketace. After all, she couldn't escape the metallic eagle, having failed at that attempt multiple times. Besides, continuing their conflict in the city would cause them to face the Clan controlling the city.

It would result in endless arguments between the two parties, during which they could be detained for questioning. All that would delay their attempt to escape, allowing the Lan Clan to arrive at the scene.

Before the Clan in the shore town were alerted of the ruckus they caused, the two rode their eagles and exited the city, heading straight towards the patch of trees where Compass Carburettor was seated at.

"Dad, what's this mysterious person like? Where's he from?" Kowla asked, hoping to at least gain a better understanding of the person she wished to see, also scouting for ways in which she could avoid her dad's pursuit should things go south.

"You'll be pretty shocked." Duketace smirked in response, "He's an Ascender."

'As I thought.' Kowla felt nervous upon seeing no sign of ambush from her dad, allowing her to understand that there truly was someone that Duketace wished to introduce her to. 'Shit!'

Having yet to see the Lan Clan Head, she was nervous, for this would be the first time she would meet an Ascender.

Duketace gave her a knowing smirk before landing before the patch of trees, bowing solemnly, "My lord, I've brought my daughter here."

"Who…" Kowla was stupefied to see Duketace bowing to a rather familiar figure, "Isn't that Pilkan?"