The Extra's Rise
Chapter 595 - 595: Meilyn Potan (2)

The next morning arrived with Kali appearing at my hotel suite door at precisely seven o'clock, looking like she'd spent the entire night preparing for this meeting. Her usual professional attire had been upgraded to what could only be described as her absolute best formal wear, and I suspected she'd probably changed outfits at least three times before settling on the current ensemble.

"Good morning, Arthur," she said with carefully controlled composure, though I could see the nervous energy practically radiating from her. "I trust you slept well?"

"Better than you, apparently," I observed, noting the slight shadows under her eyes. "Did you actually get any sleep, or did you spend the night researching more of Meilyn's tactical innovations?"

A faint flush crept up her neck. "I may have reviewed some recent strategic analyses. For context."

'She's been up all night reading about Meilyn, hasn't she?' Luna asked with obvious amusement.

'Almost certainly,' I replied mentally. 'I'm half expecting her to pull out a notebook and start taking notes during the conversation.'

The journey to Meilyn's residence took us through some of the most exclusive districts of the Western Continental capital, where the architecture grew progressively more impressive with each passing block. By the time our car turned onto the final approach road, we were surrounded by estates that could have housed small armies.

Meilyn's residence, however, made even those impressive properties look modest by comparison.

The estate sprawled across what appeared to be several square kilometers of meticulously maintained grounds, with the main house rising like a fortress from the center of formal gardens that could have served as a public park. The architecture was distinctly military in inspiration—strong, functional lines that spoke of defensive capability rather than mere ostentation, but executed with such elegant precision that the result was undeniably beautiful.

"Oh gods," Kali breathed as we passed through gates that were clearly designed to withstand serious assault, though they were currently standing open in welcome. "It's even more impressive than the photos."

"Photos?" I asked with raised eyebrows.

"Architectural journals," she said quickly. "Professional interest in defensive design principles."

'Right,' Luna commented dryly. 'I'm sure that's exactly why she was looking at photos of Meilyn's house.'

The main building was a masterpiece of military architecture adapted for residential comfort. Five stories of reinforced stone and steel rose in carefully balanced proportions, with expansive windows that offered commanding views of the surrounding landscape while maintaining clear defensive advantages. Wings extended in both directions from the central structure, creating a facade that managed to be both welcoming and imposing.

"The defensive enchantments alone must have cost a fortune," Kali observed with professional appreciation as we approached the main entrance. "Look at the way the ward lines are integrated into the architectural elements. Those aren't just decorative patterns—they're functional magical structures."

I had to admit she was right. Even my enhanced perception could detect the layers of protective magic woven into the very structure of the building. This wasn't just a home; it was a fortress that happened to be comfortable to live in.

We were met at the entrance by a staff member whose bearing immediately marked him as former military, though his current role was clearly domestic. "Mr. Nightingale, Ms. Maelkith, Grand Marshal Potan is waiting for you in the main sitting room. Please follow me."

The interior of the estate was as impressive as the exterior had suggested. We walked through corridors lined with displays of weapons and armor that represented centuries of military history, past furniture that managed to be both comfortable and somehow martial in character. Everything spoke of someone who had achieved the highest levels of both military and political success.

The main sitting room could have comfortably hosted a small conference, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the estate grounds and seating arrangements that suggested someone accustomed to entertaining important guests. But despite its grandeur, the room felt lived-in rather than formal—a space designed for actual conversation rather than mere display.

Meilyn Potan was waiting for us near the windows, and I was struck again by her distinctive presence. Her cyan hair caught the morning light like liquid metal, while her golden eyes seemed to miss nothing as she turned to greet us. She was dressed casually by her standards—military-style clothing that was clearly high-quality but practical rather than ceremonial.

"Arthur," she said with a warm smile, stepping forward to clasp my hand in greeting. "It's wonderful to see you again. And you must be Kali Maelkith—Arthur mentioned you'd be joining us."

"Grand Marshal Potan," Kali replied with a formal bow that was perfectly executed but carried an undercurrent of barely contained excitement. "It's an honor to meet you."

"Please, just Meilyn when we're in private," she said graciously. "Arthur, I have to say, the reports of your advancement since our last meeting have been remarkable. Ascendant-rank at your age, with innovations in necromantic theory that are apparently revolutionizing the field."

"I've had excellent teachers and favorable circumstances," I replied diplomatically.

"Don't be modest," Meilyn said with a slight laugh. "What you've accomplished goes far beyond favorable circumstances. The theoretical framework you've developed for Ancient Undead creation without Gifts is genuinely groundbreaking. And from what I understand, you've recently created a second Ancient entity?"

"A symbiotic construct with Ancient consciousness," I confirmed. "Still in the testing phases, but the early results are promising."

Meilyn's golden eyes sharpened with professional interest. "Symbiotic? That's an entirely new category. I'd be very interested to hear more about that, if you're willing to share details."

"Of course. Though perhaps we should sit first—it's a complex topic."

As we settled into comfortable chairs arranged to take advantage of the view, I noticed Kali maintaining perfect professional composure, though I could see the effort it was taking. She was managing to act normally, but there was a quality to her attention that suggested she was memorizing every word Meilyn spoke.

"Before we discuss your recent innovations," Meilyn said, her expression growing more serious, "I want to thank you again for what you did two years ago. Your intervention during the Axe King incident quite literally saved my life."

"You would have found another way," I said, though I appreciated the acknowledgment.

"Perhaps, but I prefer not to speculate about alternative outcomes when the actual result was so favorable." She paused, studying me with an intensity that made me feel like I was being evaluated by someone with decades of experience in assessing capability. "What's remarkable is how much you've grown since then. Two years ago, you were talented but still developing your potential. Now..."

She trailed off, but the implication was clear.

"Now?" I prompted.

"Now I believe you'll actually be able to defeat him when the time comes," she said simply. "Six years hence, when your duel is scheduled, I think the Axe King may find himself facing an opponent who's developed far beyond what anyone anticipated."

The confidence in her voice was both encouraging and slightly unsettling. Meilyn Potan didn't make casual assessments about combat capability—if she thought I could win, it was based on serious analysis.

"That's quite a vote of confidence," I said.

"It's an informed assessment based on observable data," she replied with a slight smile. "Your advancement trajectory is unprecedented, Arthur. At the rate you're developing new capabilities, six years should be more than sufficient to reach the level necessary."

Kali had been listening to this exchange with obvious fascination, though she was managing to contain her reactions professionally. I could see her practically vibrating with questions she wanted to ask but was restraining herself from interrupting.

"Speaking of capabilities," Meilyn continued, "I'd love to hear about this symbiotic construct you've created. The concept alone represents a significant innovation in summoning theory."

What followed was a detailed discussion of Valeria's creation and capabilities, with Meilyn asking thoughtful questions that demonstrated both her theoretical knowledge and practical experience with advanced magical techniques. She was particularly interested in the consciousness integration aspects and the implications for future development.

"Fascinating," she said when I'd finished explaining the basic principles. "You've essentially created a summon that can enhance your personal capabilities rather than simply fighting alongside you. The tactical applications are extraordinary."

Throughout this conversation, I noticed Kali maintaining perfect professional behavior, though I could see the effort it was taking. She was asking intelligent questions and contributing meaningfully to the discussion, but there was an underlying quality to her attention that suggested she was experiencing something close to a religious experience.

During a natural pause in the conversation when Meilyn excused herself briefly to arrange for refreshments, I leaned over to Kali.

"You're doing better than I expected," I said quietly.

"I'm being completely professional," she replied, though her eyes were bright with barely contained excitement.

"I can see that. But I can also see that you're about to burst from holding back all the questions you really want to ask."

Kali's composed expression cracked slightly. "She's even more impressive in person than I imagined. The way she analyzes tactical situations, her understanding of advanced magical theory, the casual way she discusses combat at levels most practitioners never reach..."

"Would you like an autograph?" I asked with a slight grin.

Kali's eyes widened in horror. "Arthur, I am not asking Grand Marshal Meilyn Potan for an autograph like some kind of starstruck fan."

"Even though you clearly want one?"

"I... that would be completely inappropriate."

When Meilyn returned with tea and an assortment of what appeared to be military rations reimagined as elegant refreshments, I made a decision that would probably either embarrass Kali thoroughly or make her day.

"Meilyn," I said quietly as she poured tea, "I think Kali might appreciate a small memento of this meeting, if you wouldn't mind."

Meilyn's golden eyes flickered with amusement as she glanced at Kali, who had gone very still. "Of course. I'd be happy to provide something."

She disappeared briefly and returned with what appeared to be an official military document—a tactical analysis she'd written that had been published in professional journals.

"This is a copy of my analysis of tactical formations against undead hordes," she said, presenting it to Kali with a flourish. "With a personal inscription, naturally."

Kali accepted the document with hands that were only slightly trembling, reading the inscription that Meilyn had added in elegant script: "To Kali Maelkith—A fellow mage who understands that true strength comes from continuous learning. May your own innovations exceed even these humble contributions. - Meilyn Potan, Grand Marshal"

"Thank you," Kali managed, her voice carefully controlled but carrying an undercurrent of genuine emotion. "This is... I'll treasure it."

'Well,' Luna observed with obvious satisfaction, 'I think you've just made Kali's year. Possibly her decade.'

As the conversation continued, I reflected on how this winter break had consistently exceeded every expectation I'd developed. From creating revolutionary summons to gaining royal backing to watching my competent friend receive a personalized autograph from her idol, nothing had gone according to plan.

But then again, the best opportunities rarely did.