Chapter 288 What am I Stealing?!
"Considering we've now got two options for Neutral God recruitment, shouldn't we get back to what you want my son to do for you, Choron?" Sterfen brought them back to the point of their conversation. "I came because you wanted my opinion, but we shouldn't keep Jack away from his own goals."
"Right." Choron nodded. "Jack… You now understand that what I'm after and some of the major steps to making my offer possible, but you still need to actually complete the task. Now, I'll explain the condition for my leaving of the Chaotic Gods."
Being brought back out of the surreal conversation they just had, Jack paid close attention to Choron's plan while running his fingers through Bowzer's fur.
"I had two conditions given to mean, but I refuse to act on the first so allow me to explain the second option. You'll need to steal something for me."
"Steal something? Since you can't do it yourself, I'm guessing its from another god. Wouldn't Sterfen or Rikko be better choices than me?" reasoned Jack.
"If I request the aid of other gods, then the condition will be rendered null and void, forcing me to do something I would despise," stated Choron. "But requesting aid from a hero is something we gods have all accepted since Ancient Kartonia. And there's no hero with a better track record than you.
"If you can steal this item and bring it back to me, then you'll have fulfilled the terms of my agreement and I'll be free to go public and relocate to Trodar. Sound like something you can do?"
"After everything we just talked about, do I have any say in the matter?"
Jack sighed, realizing just how large-scale his plans are becoming. Not even a day ago, his biggest plan was to join the weakened Trodan Council and find a means to end the war peacefully. Now, he's sitting amongst the gods as the plot the revival and growth of the neutral faction, weakening both the holy and chaotic factions by default.
The eye-opening realization was proof to the young hero that he was on his way to becoming a worthy champion. It was also proof that all of Jack's past hardships, both distant and recent, were nothing compared to what was to come.
"So, who is it I'm stealing from?" Jack asked.
"You've got to steal Naparn's sword."
"Naparn's sword?! The legendary blade known as Molten Mist?!" Jack almost fell over from the terrifying truth behind his assignment.
"Yes, that's the blade that must be stolen. Like I said earlier, I'm not expecting you to accomplish this quest immediately, but I do want you to start preparing yourselves for it," answered Choron. "And Sterfen, I wanted to ask you to consult Jack on the matter. Right now he'll only need to know how to prepare, but when the time comes, can you assist him within guidelines?"
"Since it's Jack, I think I'll be able to find a way to make it possible. Since he's my son, I'm sure he's more than capable of simply stealing something," Sterfen joked, slapping Jack on the back. "You'll be fine Jack, you are my son after all."
"Yeah… I'm sure I'll figure something out…"
"For now, Jack, just focus on getting your party pledged to the various gods we've already discussed. Then, we'll need to consult Eedaj about this. He'll probably be key in creating an opportunity to steal that sword," explained Sterfen. "Sound easy enough for now?"
"I wouldn't call any of this easy, but I don't think it's impossible…" Jack scratched his head as he rethought accepting the request.
"Also, Jack, I would be eternally grateful to you if you could somehow convince Lorwynn to help Luna gain freedom. Please, Jack, can you try and make that work?" Sterfen bowed and begged. "If that happens, we'll happily relocate to Trodar and help our children in any way we can. That should also help you gain complete control of Trodar and end the war without much fighting."
"I'll try my best, Father," Jack answered while swallowing saliva. He still had no clue how such a weak hero like himself could convince one of his greatest and most powerful rivals to help Jack out.
"I'm so glad I accepted you as my son, Jack. You deserve every bit of praise and fame you've earned over the years. And I'm excited to see you gain even more." Stefen smiled. "So, Choron, is there anything that Jack should do now?"
"For now, I want you to get something for my pupil," answered Choron. "Since he's in your party, I'm sure you'll be happy for him to gain this."
A sheathed katana appeared in Choron's hands. "This is indeed the katana you once stole from me, but if you remember correctly, it was part of a set."
Catching on, Jack replied, "Yeah… Does that mean you never found the wakizashi after all this time?"
"I have not." Choron shook his head. "Finding my high-level katana was much simpler. But finding the wakizashi proved almost impossible for my followers. Its unique ability allows anyone of any level to wield it, hence why I would occasionally lend it to my greatest of followers. But that also meant it was virtually impossible to narrow our field of search to find it.
"But, since you've got connections with Daruun, that means you're more apt to find it than I am. Like Sterfen just did, can't you also occasionally call upon him to answer a few questions?"
"Well… You're not wrong, but it's not that simple either. I don't gain the ability to meet with Daruun whenever I please until I've found his temple," explained Jack.
"Oh… Good luck with that…" Sterfen mumbled, startled to learn such a thing.
"But I can find a way to contact him, so don't worry about that," added Jack.
Choron sighed in relief. "Good… Then, please, find the wakizashi and give it to my pupil. This should greatly help you and your party."
"I'll happily accept a weapon fit for a god." Jack bowed.
"Then that's all I have to say." Choron bowed as well. "Let's connect our contact crystals before you leave. Once you find the wakizashi, inform me straight away."
They quickly touched their contact crystals and stored them away.
"Since it's been ages, I'll stay here and chat for some time, so don't mind me, Jack," Sterfen added.
"Oh, by the way, would you two want to speak with my friend Tralon?"
"Of course!" Sterfen smiled and answered outright. "I'm sure we'll both have plenty of things to share with such an experienced man."
"Then give me a second."
'Hey, Tralon. Are you busy right now?'
'No, not really. What's the matter?' Tralon replied almost immediately.
Jack chuckled, 'I'm here with Choron and Sterfen, both of which would love to speak with you. Also, Sterfen mentioned something about being able to pledge to Moronti, so--"
Before Jack could finish his convincing argument, a bright flash of light filled the vast space for a second time. However, it Tralon who appeared this time in place of Daruun.
"Choron, Sterfen, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Tralon bowed before the two deities, proud to be among such powerful company.
"Sit, join us, Tralon. Jack was just leaving so you can have his seat. Any friend of my son is a friend of mine!" Sterfen cheerfully picked up the bottle of wine that Jack and left on the table. "See, my son was nice enough to bring us such a fine drink. It would go to waste without sharing it over a great conversation."
Jack laughed while getting up, and switching places with Tralon. "We'll see ourselves out. It was great chatting with you all. And I look forward to the future of Trodar with your needed support!"
Leaving the others to chat and share secrets, Jack climbed onto Bowzer's back and the duo rushed back into the tunnel.