The serious nature of the information Captain Marek divulged pertaining to Livia's associations with the Valtari Syndicate remained a heavy concern for Rhyse long after he had departed.
The study, despite its newly bolstered defenses activated via the Synkar Core System, felt less like a sanctuary and more like the eye of a gathering storm. His uncle and cousin weren't just opportunistic vultures; they were actively maneuvering and potentially collaborating with the Synkar's enemies.
Master Valerius returned within the hour, holding three slim Arcane Tablets – polished obsidian surfaces that glowed faintly with inscribed runes.
"My lord," Valerius said, his voice low, placing the tablets on the polished desk. "The dossiers for the three candidates I believe are most suitable for your personal detail. They all have confirmed their willingness to serve House Synkar directly under your command."
Rhyse nodded, picking up the first tablet. "Let's review them." His gaze flickered to the azure System interface, still hovering faintly before him. He focused on the [QUESTS] tab.
[QUEST: Secure Loyal Protection]
Objective: Hire or assign demonstrably loyal and competent personnel (Rank 1-3) for immediate personal protection detail.
Requirements: Personnel must pass loyalty verification (System-Assisted). Vetting process required.
Reward: [Personnel Contract Rank 3], [System Advancement +10].
Status: Initiated. Sub-objective: Review Candidates.
Loyalty verification (System-Assisted). He hadn't explored that aspect yet. Before Valerius spoke, Rhyse mentally probed the System. Could it scan for loyalty directly? A new option appeared under the [ACQUISITION - TIER 0] menu, almost as if the System anticipated his need.
[ACQUISITION - TIER 0 (Basic Access) - Utility Functions]
[Basic Integrity Scan (Personnel - Rank 0)] - Target within 5m. Provides general assessment of immediate intent & surface-level loyalty. Cost: 200 Gold Sovereigns per scan.
A basic scan, but potentially invaluable. "Master Valerius," Rhyse began, tapping the first arcane tablet, "tell me about Sergeant Kaelen Vance."
Valerius consulted his own notes. "Sergeant Vance, my lord. 26 years old. Served five years directly under your father in the 17th Knightly Order Retinue. Rank 2 Vanguard, a close-combat specialist, proficient with a Charged War-Glaive and Deflection Wards. Known for his steadfastness and physical resilience. Took an honorable discharge after your father transitioned fully to managing Synkar Industries. Currently employed as head of security for a minor merchant guild – a position significantly beneath his capabilities."
Rhyse absorbed the information, his eyes scanning the dossier image magically projected from the tablet – a grim-faced man with a heavily scarred jaw. He pictured Vance in the room, then focused on the System. Activate Basic Integrity Scan targeting the concept of 'Sergeant Kaelen Vance' based on this dossier and Valerius's testimony.
[System Error: Target Not Within Physical Scan Range (5m). Scan requires direct proximity to subject's bio-signature or active magical trace.]
Disappointing, but logical.
"He sounds capable," Rhyse commented, moving to the next tablet. "And this one? 'Lyra Meadowlight'." The name was softer, the image that of a woman with sharp, intelligent eyes and unassuming features.
"Lyra Meadowlight, 23 years old" Valerius confirmed. "Operated under your mother's direct patronage, my lord. Rank 2 Shadow Agent, an infiltration and information gathering specialist. Highly adept at discreet observation, intelligence analysis, and bypassing non-arcane security measures. Lady Evelyn often utilized her skills for sensitive due diligence on potential partners or rivals. She has been unattached since your mother's passing, maintaining a very low profile."
An operative who worked for his mother. Interesting.
The final tablet. "Technician Aris Thorne, 21 years old." The man in the photo was younger, with intent eyes and fingers that looked nimble, stained with what might be conductive inks or alchemical reagents.
"Technician Thorne, Rank 1 Aegis Technician," Valerius supplied. "Served with distinction at the Krellian Deeps Synkar outpost – a high-threat environment. Specialized in Runic Ward Maintenance, counter-intrusion spells, and emergency Barrier Matrix deployment. He requested a transfer back to the region after a particularly brutal Valtari orchestrated raid on his outpost six months ago. Currently on administrative leave."
A combat specialist, an intel operative, and a defensive technician. Valerius had chosen a well-rounded trio. "Their backgrounds seem impeccable, Master Valerius. Their past loyalty to my parents is a strong recommendation. When will they be here?"
"They are all within the capital, my lord. They will be here within the hour."
"Great," Rhyse instructed. "I will meed one at a time. Sergeant Vance first. Inform Captain Marek that I will be meeting with potential personal staff, and ensure the discreet Core Guard detail he assigned remains discreet."
Valerius bowed. "It will be handled, my lord." He departed to make the arrangements.
Rhyse waited. It was a busy day, but all days were busy after his parents passed away. It was better this way; he would be tempted to hide and weep otherwise.
Rhyse waited, the System screen his only company. The prospect of meeting these individuals, of placing his safety directly in their hands, was daunting. He needed that loyalty scan to work.
Soon, Sergeant Kaelen Vance was announced. The man who entered was even more imposing than his dossier image suggested. His presence filled the study, all quiet strength and watchful eyes that missed nothing. He moved with the coiled readiness of a predator, yet his bow was precise and respectful, his scarred jaw set firmly.
"Lord Rhyse," his voice was a low rumble, like distant thunder.
"Sergeant Vance," Rhyse greeted him, consciously keeping his own voice steady despite the man's formidable presence. "Thank you for coming on such short notice. Please, have a seat." He gestured to the chair opposite his desk, though Vance remained standing, his posture that of a soldier at attention.
As Vance stood before the desk, Rhyse focused his intent. Activate Basic Integrity Scan on Sergeant Kaelen Vance.
[200 Gold Sovereigns Expended.][Performing Basic Integrity Scan (Personnel - Rank 0)... Target: Kaelen Vance.]
[Scan Complete.]
Immediate Intent: Neutral (Attentive, Awaiting Instruction)
Surface Loyalty (House Synkar): High (Rooted in Past Service/Respect for Corbin Synkar)
Surface Loyalty (Rhyse Synkar): Neutral (Untested, Willing to Serve Heir)
Potential Complications: None Detected at this Rank.
High loyalty to the House and his father, neutral but willing towards him. No immediate ill intent. It was a good start.
"Master Valerius has spoken highly of your service under my father, Sergeant," Rhyse began, meeting the man's direct gaze. "He described you as steadfast and resilient."
Vance inclined his head slightly. "Lord Corbin was a commander who inspired loyalty, young master. I did my duty as I saw fit." His words were blunt, without embellishment.
"And your duty now?" Rhyse asked. "You left active service with the Retinue some time ago. Master Valerius mentioned you were head of security for a merchant guild."
A flicker of something – perhaps distaste, or merely resignation – crossed Vance's stoic features. "A quiet post, Lord Rhyse. Different from serving a true warrior like your father. But a man must earn his keep."
"The situation at House Synkar is no longer quiet, Sergeant," Rhyse stated, letting the gravity of the situation settle. "My parents' passing has left a void, and not all who circle this House do so with good intentions. I require personal protection of the highest caliber, individuals whose loyalty is beyond question, and whose skills are proven. This will undoubtedly be a high-risk assignment."
Vance's gaze didn't waver. "Risk is a constant companion in service, my lord. I faced it daily under Lord Corbin."
"But this risk is to me, Sergeant," Rhyse clarified, "the son of the man you respected. Not all threats are on a battlefield. Some wear familiar faces and speak with honeyed words. Are you prepared for that kind of conflict? To stand against those who might claim kinship or long association with this House, if they threaten its rightful heir?"
For the first time, a deeper emotion resonated in Vance's rumbling voice. "Lord Corbin Synkar was more than just my commander. He was a man of honor, a true Synkar. He saved my life twice on the border skirmishes near the Grey Wastes. My loyalty to him, and to his line, is not a matter of coin or convenience." He paused, his eyes, hard as flint, seeming to bore into Rhyse. "If you are his son, and you require my glaive, you will have it. Against any foe, open or hidden."
The words were a vow, delivered with an unshakeable conviction that no System scan could fully capture, though it certainly corroborated the surface reading. This wasn't just a soldier looking for employment; this was a man offering a deeply personal pledge.
"And if the orders I give," Rhyse pressed, testing further, "seem unorthodox, or require you to operate outside the traditional chain of command, perhaps even against the wishes of other influential members of this household?"
Vance's scarred jaw tightened. "My oath would be to you, Lord Rhyse, as the Head of House Synkar. Your direct command would be my law in matters of your protection. Internal politics are a quagmire I've little taste for, but if they threaten my charge, I will cut through them."
Blunt. Honest. Unwavering. Underscored by that fierce devotion to his father's memory.
"I see," Rhyse said, a measure of genuine respect entering his tone. "Your conviction is reassuring, Sergeant. Master Valerius will discuss the terms of service with you. Be prepared to begin immediately."
Vance gave a sharp nod, a silent acknowledgment that needed no further words. "I will be ready, my lord." With another precise bow, he turned and exited, his presence lingering like the scent of ozone after a lightning strike.
Rhyse let out a slow breath. The System scan had been useful, but the man himself, his words and demeanor, provided a depth of assurance that was far more compelling. One down.
After Sergeant Vance departed, leaving an impression of unyielding strength, the next candidate felt like his antithesis. Lyra Meadowlight entered the study with a quietness that was almost unnerving. She was of average height and build, her features unassuming, dressed in practical, muted tones that seemed to absorb the light rather than reflect it. If Vance was a fortress gate, Lyra was a shadow that could slip through its cracks. Only her eyes, sharp and incredibly perceptive, betrayed the keen intellect Valerius had described. She offered a brief, almost imperceptible nod rather than a formal bow.
"Mistress Meadowlight," Rhyse began, intrigued by her understated presence.
"Lord Rhyse," her voice was soft, low-pitched, and devoid of inflection, making it difficult to read.
As she stood a respectful distance from the desk, Rhyse initiated the System scan.
[200 Gold Sovereigns Expended.]
[Performing Basic Integrity Scan (Personnel - Rank 0)... Target: Lyra Meadowlight.]
[Scan Complete.]
Immediate Intent: Neutral (Observational, Analytical)
Surface Loyalty (House Synkar): Moderate (Professional Allegiance, Indebted to Evelyn Synkar)
Surface Loyalty (Rhyse Synkar): Neutral (Cautious, Assessing)
Potential Complications: High Discretion Value (May withhold information if deemed 'unnecessary').
Moderate loyalty to the House, rooted in her connection to his mother. Cautious towards him. The "High Discretion Value" was a significant flag – she was an intel operative, used to judging what needed to be shared, and with whom.
"My mother, Lady Evelyn, held your skills in high regard, Mistress Meadowlight," Rhyse said, observing her carefully. "She utilized your unique talents for matters requiring utmost discretion and insight."
A flicker of something unreadable passed through Lyra's sharp eyes. "Lady Evelyn was a discerning patron, my lord. She valued information, accurately gathered and timely presented."
"And you provided that," Rhyse stated. "Master Valerius indicates you are adept at infiltration and intelligence analysis. Can you elaborate on the nature of your work for my mother, within the bounds of any standing confidentiality, of course?"
Lyra considered for a moment, her gaze steady. "My assignments often involved assessing the true intentions or hidden vulnerabilities of individuals or organizations House Synkar was considering partnerships with, or those perceived as potential threats. This could involve discreet observation, background verification through less… conventional channels, and analysis of patterns that might escape standard scrutiny."
Her language was precise, clinical almost. "And your methods for bypassing 'non-arcane security measures'?" Rhyse pressed gently.
"Understanding systems, my lord," Lyra replied, a hint of what might have been dry amusement in her soft voice. "Physical locks have mechanisms, guard patrols have routines, information networks have access points. Most security relies on predictable human behavior or flawed design. Arcane defenses are a different challenge, requiring different skill sets. But House Synkar has many tools to help with those."
"Indeed," Rhyse said. "The threats to House Synkar now are varied. Some are overt, some are insidious, originating from within or cloaked in familiarity. I require someone who can see beneath the surface, who can gather information others might miss, or be unwilling to pursue." He leaned forward slightly. "Mistress Meadowlight, your profile suggests you might withhold information from me."
Lyra didn't flinch. "Information has weight, Lord Rhyse. And context. Raw information without proper analysis or understanding can be more dangerous than ignorance. My duty to Lady Evelyn was to provide her with actionable intelligence, not unfiltered noise. I assess, I verify, and I present what is relevant and substantiated to achieve the objective. If my lord's objective is clear, my reporting will be equally clear."
It was a carefully worded, professional answer. She wasn't denying her tendency towards discretion but framing it as a professional necessity, a filter for relevance. It also subtly placed the onus on Rhyse to be clear about his objectives.
"My objective, Mistress Meadowlight," Rhyse said, his voice firm, "is the survival and security of House Synkar and its rightful head – myself. Any information, any whisper, any pattern that pertains to threats against either, from any quarter, is relevant. There will be no 'unnecessary' information in that regard. I expect full transparency with me."
Lyra held his gaze for a long moment, her sharp eyes seeming to assess him just as keenly as he was assessing her. "Understood, Lord Rhyse. If my loyalty is pledged to you, my findings will be yours." Her tone remained soft, but there was an undercurrent of professional commitment.
"Your loyalty to my mother was noted," Rhyse acknowledged. "Can I expect a similar commitment to her son, who now faces dangers she perhaps never anticipated for him?"
"Lady Evelyn cared deeply for your future, my lord," Lyra said, a rare hint of warmth touching her voice. "Serving you, and ensuring the stability she worked to maintain, would be consistent with the debt I owe her."
It wasn't the fervent, personal pledge of Vance, but it was a commitment nonetheless, rooted in professional integrity and a past loyalty. For a shadow agent, perhaps this was as much as one could expect upfront. Her skills were undeniable, and her discretion, if directed by his clear objectives, could be an asset.
"Very well, Mistress Meadowlight," Rhyse said. "Master Valerius will finalize the details. Your ability to observe and analyze will be invaluable."
Lyra gave another slight nod. "I will meet your expectations, my lord." She then seemed to melt back from the center of the room, exiting as silently as she had entered.
Rhyse watched Lyra Meadowlight depart, her silent exit leaving barely a ripple in the room's atmosphere. Vance was a shield, unyielding and direct. Lyra, his new eyes and ears, capable of perceiving the subtle shifts in the currents around him. The combination was promising. Now for the third.
Technician Aris Thorne was announced, and the contrast with the previous two candidates was immediately apparent. He was younger, perhaps barely out of his apprenticeship years, with nimble fingers stained with what looked like conductive inks and faintly glowing alchemical residues. He entered with a nervous energy, his gaze darting around the grand study before fixing on Rhyse with a mixture of awe and anxiety. He offered a slightly awkward, jerky bow.
"Lord Rhyse," Thorne managed, his voice a little breathless.
"Technician Thorne," Rhyse said, offering a reassuring nod. "Please, there's no need to be so formal." He initiated the System scan as Thorne approached the desk, shifting his weight from one foot to the other.
[200 Gold Sovereigns Expended.]
[Performing Basic Integrity Scan (Personnel - Rank 0)... Target: Aris Thorne.]
[Scan Complete.]
Immediate Intent: Neutral (Slightly Anxious, Eager to Demonstrate Skill)
Surface Loyalty (House Synkar): Moderate (Professional Duty, Respect for Synkar Technology)
Surface Loyalty (Rhyse Synkar): Neutral (Untested, Willing to Serve Position)
Potential Complications: Trauma Signature (Minor - Related to Krellian Deeps Raid). May exhibit heightened caution.
Moderate loyalty, an eagerness to prove himself, but also that "Trauma Signature." It was a concern.
"Master Valerius informs me you served at the Krellian Deeps outpost, Technician," Rhyse began gently. "Specializing in defensive magitech, Runic Ward Maintenance, and Barrier Matrix deployment."
At the mention of his specialization, Thorne's nervousness seemed to recede slightly, replaced by a spark of genuine enthusiasm in his eyes. "Yes, my lord! The Krellian Deeps was challenging, but the defensive systems there were cutting-edge Synkar designs. The multi-layered resonant warding schema, the emergency flux barriers… truly remarkable applications of thaumaturgic engineering!"
His passion was evident, a stark contrast to his initial timidity. Rhyse noted the System scan's "Eager to Demonstrate Skill."
"Challenging indeed," Rhyse acknowledged, his tone carefully neutral. "I understand there was a significant Valtari raid on your outpost some months ago."
The light in Thorne's eyes dimmed instantly. His shoulders hunched almost imperceptibly, and his gaze dropped to the floor for a moment. The System's "Trauma Signature" flag felt suddenly very real. "Yes, my lord," he said, his voice much quieter. "It was… brutal. They overwhelmed our outer perimeter with sheer numbers and some kind of corrosive artillery we hadn't encountered before. The primary barrier matrix held for a time, but..." He trailed off, the memory clearly painful.
"You requested a transfer after that incident," Rhyse prompted softly, not wanting to push too hard but needing to understand the man's resilience.
Thorne nodded, swallowing. "I did, my lord. I… I felt I could no longer effectively serve in such a direct combat zone. My focus faltered. But my dedication to Synkar defensive principles, to understanding and improving them, that has never wavered. I believe true security lies in pre-emptive design, in wards so perfectly attuned they deter conflict before it begins."
His words, though tinged with the shadow of his past, revealed a deep commitment to his craft. He wasn't a frontline fighter, but a dedicated technician who believed in the power of well-crafted defenses.
"The Ancestral Manor itself is a marvel of Synkar defensive architecture, Technician Thorne," Rhyse said, shifting the topic slightly. "But even the strongest fortress requires constant vigilance and adaptation. The threats faced by House Synkar now are not always direct assaults. They can be subtle infiltrations, internal weaknesses exploited." He looked directly at Thorne. "I need someone with your expertise to assess our immediate defenses here, in my personal wing and this study. To identify vulnerabilities, to ensure every ward is optimal, every counter-measure active. Can you do that, despite recent experiences?"
Thorne looked up, the anxiety in his eyes now mixed with a new determination. The prospect of working with the manor's legendary defenses seemed to energize him. "My lord, it would be an honor. To study the Nexus Architect's foundational warding, to contribute to your safety… yes. My skills are at your disposal. I can ensure your immediate environment is as secure as Synkar ingenuity can make it."
His technical explanations, when Rhyse asked a few follow-up questions about basic warding principles, were precise, insightful, and delivered with a quiet confidence that only surfaced when he spoke of his specialization. The enthusiasm for Synkar defensive magitech was palpable, almost infectious.
"Your passion for your craft is clear, Technician Thorne," Rhyse said after a few minutes. "Master Valerius will discuss the terms of your contract. I expect you to begin your assessment of this study's defenses immediately."
A genuine smile, the first Rhyse had seen from him, touched Thorne's lips. "Thank you, my lord! I will not disappoint you." He gave a more confident bow this time and practically vibrated with eagerness as he departed.
After Thorne left, Rhyse sat in silence for a long moment. Vance, the steadfast shield. Lyra, the unseen eyes and ears. And now Thorne, the dedicated architect of his immediate defenses. All three seemed viable, each bringing a vital skill set. The System scans had provided a crucial layer of insight, confirming surface loyalties and highlighting potential complications he would need to manage. He needed their skills. He needed this team.
"Master Valerius," he called. When the seneschal entered, Rhyse stated, "Offer formal contracts to all three, effective immediately. Sergeant Vance will be lead. Their primary duty is my personal security. Secondary duties will be assigned – Lyra for information gathering, Thorne for assessing and reinforcing our immediate defenses here. Ensure their compensation is generous."
"All three, my lord?" Valerius asked, surprised.
"All three," Rhyse confirmed.
As Valerius left, a new chime echoed in Rhyse's mind.
[QUEST COMPLETED: Secure Loyal Protection]
Objective Met: Loyal personnel (Vance, Meadowlight, Thorne - Rank 2, 2, 1) contracted.
Rewards Dispensed:
[Personnel Contracts x3 (System-Bound - Rank 3 Max Potential)]
[System Advancement +10]
System Advancement Threshold Reached! SYNKAR CORE SYSTEM - Tier 1 Unlocked!
New Functions Available: [INVENTORY], [BASIC MANA-TECH CRAFTING (Schematics Required)]
[ACQUISITION - TIER 1] Now Accessible.
A wave of satisfaction spread from the Synkar Core. Tier 1. Inventory. Mana-Tech Crafting. The possibilities expanded dramatically. The [ACQUISITION] tab now showed Tier 0 and a glowing Tier 1. [INVENTORY] was no longer greyed out.
Rhyse leaned back, a small, tired smile. He had spent 600 gold on scans, authorized much more for retainers, and gained not just three skilled protectors, but a significant upgrade to his survival tool. The gold felt trivial compared to the advancement.
The path was still dark, but now, he had a brighter lantern, and his first few steps felt more sure. He wondered what new tools Tier 1 would offer to deal with the whispers turning into shouts around him.