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Novel Catalog
Chapter 113
Nash withdrew the velvet pouch and opened it. Eighty-one copper coins rattled as he gave it a shake. In an instant, the coins wove themselves into a slender blade of burnished metal—a three-foot sword of pure copper.
He laid the sword beside the cassock and the golden amulet upon the coffee table. The juxtaposition of these three relics—sacred vestment, talisman, weapon—spoke of powers beyond mortal ken.
Cillian’s controlled composure shattered, and Lloyd trembled beside him. Nash met Cillian’s wide-eyed stare and asked, voice low and measured, “Can’t I be Master Calcraft?”
Cillian’s shock deepened. “Are you… Master Calcraft?”
Nash inclined his head. “My master bequeathed his every skill to me before I could even speak. At fifteen I awakened my Third Eye, and the Apocalyptic Star entered my Palace of Fate. I’ve spent years aiding northern villages against spirits and specters. The National Association of Priests honored me with this amulet for my deeds.” He touched the golden token at his waist. “Since my master has embarked on his final journey, I inherit not only his robes but his name. Call me Master Calcraft. Nash was but a name of my youth.”
He rested, lotus-fashion, and resumed sketching runes on the parchment.
After a long moment, Cillian bowed deeply. “Forgive my doubt,” he murmured, then withdrew with Lloyd in tow.
When the door closed, Nash spoke to the silence: “Purple Star Astrology predicts that although the General Star has fallen, its influence endures until the Apocalyptic Star’s cycle completes. Destiny remains in flux.”
Outside, Cillian hastened across the estate grounds. He activated his Third Eye and gazed westward, where beside the waning General Star a radiant, multihued Apocalyptic Star now gleamed. The prophecy had proven true.
Inside the mansion’s grand hall, Stellar’s eyes shone with excitement. “Nash, I never knew this was one of your identities.” He glanced at the copper sword and the golden amulet. “You must surpass even the high-ranking priests. The city’s leaders bow to you.”
“Quiet, please,” Nash replied softly.
Stellar could hardly contain himself. “The warden can be saved! Miracles happen!”
Walter swallowed hard, his throat parched. He marveled that Nash was not only a miracle doctor but also a grandmaster priest honored with a golden amulet. Already, he envisioned Nash as the ideal suitor for his beloved granddaughter.
Zakariah stroked his beard and leaned toward Skadi. “Has Nash formally registered his marriage with Hera?”
He knew of Nash’s three guises—the healer, the Smiling Grim Reaper, and now Master Calcraft. Each alone would astonish any witness.
Skadi, still reeling, tapped out a correction to Hera: “Ignore everything I just sent—total nonsense.” She slipped her phone into her pocket, eyes fixed on Nash as he sat in calm repose, a faint, enigmatic smile touching his lips.