Rupert's teacher looked terribly weak, but there seemed to be no wounds on him.
When he saw the look on Odys's face, he smiled. "I say that because, although we hoped you would rescue us, my spirituality sensed that danger would arise during the rescue.
"It's a contradiction that left me unsure what to do."
Odys nodded slightly. "I see."
That explanation was fair enough.
"Please, sit." Rupert's teacher spoke calmly. "We're safe until we make our move."
He then introduced himself. "I'm Rupert's teacher, Klaisite Ryan. Thank you for helping him."
"It wasn't free," Odys reminded him. "In return, Rupert becomes a member of my crew, and if there's a fight, all the spoils go to me and my companions."
Klaisite smiled. "Frankly, that's a fine bargain. Perhaps I should thank you for inviting Rupert aboard.
"I can sense that his fate has changed for the better. Many new opportunities lie ahead of him."
"That's quite an ability," Odys said.
They could spend each day walking the streets, looking for someone who might bring them luck or change their fate, and opportunities would come their way.
Whatever they did, they would achieve twice the result with half the effort.
"Unfortunately, it's still a passive ability." Klaisite seemed to trust Odys already and explained it plainly. "I only sensed the change in Rupert's fortunes after you invited him aboard."
Odys smiled. "At least you know you've chosen the right person to follow."
He left the subject there. "How badly are you injured? Can you still fight?"
Klaisite lifted his shirt. Odys and the others saw a fleshy mass quivering on his abdomen.
It covered half his belly, as though a huge tumor had grown inside him.
Klaisite explained, "Someone from the Rose School used a Magical Item to make this