HARRISON SAUNDONT (POV)
“What's so hard for you to understand? I’m warning you again to take more caution. Reports of attacks from cultists are spreading throughout the continent like wildfire and I’m urging you to be more careful. The academy is located on a separate island out of our convenient reach, the Royal Guard can only do so much if something happens. Thanks to you, they don’t have the jurisdiction to use the teleportation gate.” Lord Kelting complained.
“Nor will they ever. I’m running a school, not someplace you councilors can use as an opportunity to make investments.” I snapped back, “If these cultists are such a problem, why has the council not done more about it? With the recent passing of King Omuri Trozis, you should have informed and been in more contact with his son, the new king, for more cooperation. This is a problem that shouldn't affect our world to the point where even Haulburn academy needs to be heavily secured.”
“You think I haven’t brought the problem up in council meetings? Whenever it comes to the topic of these . . . delinquents, his majesty puts it aside as a trivial matter. He says there are more important things to be dealt with. All the while they keep causing problems within places we would have secured if it wasn't for his naivety.” He ranted. The sleek-dressed nobleman spoke with worry, yet his elegant tone and posture never seemed to dwindle.
“Well, unfortunately, there isn't much I can do about that, my Lord,” I replied honestly. “You need to understand, If I allow soldiers to enter the academy, then I’m basically telling everyone that the school isn’t safe anymore. People will consider pulling their children out which would hurt our reputation and also have an effect on how much I’m able to donate to the council.”
“Better that than letting the children be put in actual danger. It isn’t all about money, Harrison. Some people just want the safety of their children confirmed.” he argued.
I laughed out loud, “You mean, you want the safety of your child confirmed." I said, "I always found it funny how you councilors - despite your power and comfort in life - still follow the trends of the common noblemen. The others saw that the king had sent his daughter to the academy, and they did the same for their own. And you followed them like sheep.”
“Careful, Harrison. Don't forget who put you in that chair. My daughter wanted to attend this school, and I allowed her to do just that. Now, it would be in your interest that I don’t pull her out, and the only reason I haven't done so yet is because I’m here today asking you to make the school more secure.”
“The school is secure enough,” I said shifting in my chair, “we have multiple teachers who are well-trained mages and are ready to protect the children at a moment's notice.”
Lord Kelting scoffed as he trotted back and forth anxiously, “It seems you don't understand the scale of the school I helped you take over. Explain to me how these trained teachers will secure all corners of this huge campus. By Arcinose, you have to use tram line carriages just to get around the bloody place!” He exclaimed.
“I’ve given you my reason as to why I won't let the royal guard come, I’ve given you the solution in case there is an attack, what else do you want me to do? You of all people know that reputation means more than many things, and with what you propose, you are certainly putting the school's reputation on the line.”
He sighed, “At least, for the love of Aricnose, hire an Ascended, at least one”
“If you want an Ascended to walk these grounds, you will use the money from your own pocket. If I use school funds, it will show on our record and that will raise questions.” I said, “This job pays well, but I don’t have the money to hire an Ascended.”
“It's done.” He said hastily, “I will have him sent as of next year when the school term resumes.”
“Deal. However, for your information, the first years - the year that your daughter is in - will be spending their next school year within the arcadian ruins. So, this bodyguard won't be with her.” I said. He looked a bit startled but regained his composure shortly after.
“Well then, . . . naturally, since I will be providing the guard with my own money, you will allow him to accompany them on their trip.”
I smiled, “My lord, they are going to lower-level dungeons. It’s just for the experience, every student who has come here does the expedition in their second year and we have never had a report of fatal casualties. Your daughter will be fine”
“He will go nonetheless, my word is final,” he said.
“And what will I tell the children? If they find out that an Ascended is being hired by the school, word will spread fast. The kids may not be allowed to leave the campus until holidays, but they are allowed to send letters and voice memos with communication devices to their families.”
“Simple,” he said, “to everyone else, he won't be a hired guard. To them, he will be joining the teaching staff as a new assistant teacher. That is a perfectly normal alibi for why he will be there. Don't you think so?”
“Very well.” I said, “Now, I don't mean to be rude, but I am very busy my lord, I -”
“Stop calling me that,” he interrupted. “I may be hard on you, but you can still call me by my first name. We have history Harrison, nothing will get in between that”
“Nonetheless, I should be getting back to my work, and I’m sure as a counselor you have much to do yourself,” I said with a smile.
“As a matter of fact I do, the queen and I are planning a project within the outer city and . . .” He could see the look on my face which said “I don't have all day”, he finally spoke and said, “I won't spare the details, but I will get out of your hair. Goodbye, Harrison.”
“Goodbye,” I replied, as he walked out the door.
“Hello young man,” he said to a boy as he left the doors of my office. And shortly after, Olivia's son walked into my office.
“Hello, sir,” Elex said.
“How are you, Elex?” I asked, “ take a seat, please,” I said, indicating to the chair opposite my desk.
“Sir, if you don't mind me asking, who was that man just now?” he said looking back as he sat down.
I sighed, “That, my boy, was Lord Kelting. One of the members of the Senary head council.”
He turned to look at me,
“He’s an old boss, of sorts. After the adventuring party with your father split up, I was lucky enough to be hired by him for guard work. During that time, we grew close and he was able to help me get the position of headmaster at this school when I decided to leave his service.”
“Ah” he replied.
“However, I called you in here today for a different matter. ” I moved everything on the table that was in between my view of Elex to gain his full attention. “But first, I need to ask. Elex, is there a reason you decided to stay on campus for the holiday instead of going home?”
“Hmm, no reason in particular. I guess one of my friends was staying behind so I decided to keep him company,” he said.
“Well, I just wanted to let you know that when this holiday ends, your year won't be on campus anymore. You’ll be spending your second year within the Arcadian ruins.”
“The Arcadian ruins!” he said with eyes stretching, “really?”
“Yes, so I’m afraid this is going to be our last one-on-one chat for a while. I just wanted to make sure you send a letter to inform your father before you go. You won’t be allowed the privilege of contact with the outside world during that year, so it's best you leave him with a positive mind.” I said smiling, “Although, a letter will be going out to all the parents and guardians about the trip tomorrow, but, it's best if he hears from you as well.”
“I will, sir, I will,” he said eagerly.
I wasn't sure how he would react to the news. Many people fear the Arcadian ruins. Only those brave enough . . . or, stupid enough to join guilds regulated by the Adventurers association would go down there. However, during the war, this school made it mandatory for students to spend a year within the ruins to learn survival skills. A tradition that makes this school stand out from the rest. Perhaps, also, a tradition we may no longer need. Despite that, he seemed ecstatic about the news. I suppose it’s still a young boy's fantasy to go into the unknown and put their life on the line.
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“Elex,” I said seriously, “You need to be careful. How you perform in the Arcadia will be graded, and on top of that the ruins are unpredictable. Your father and I ventured them years on end, and almost every experience differed from the last.”
“Sir, with all due respect,” he said with a smirk, “I think I’ll be more that fine in the ruins. I’ve read about them from many authors, and I know of their unpredictability. And besides, I think my physical strength on top of my knowledge will keep me safe.” He was confident in himself, a confidence I had once seen in myself.
I smiled at him. Raja and I once had that same enthusiasm. We all did, we all loved the thrill that the danger of the ruins brought. That fear it gave us which fueled our curiosity and pride. I still remember when we went on our first trip into the ruins together. Oh, how we were so young.
“I don't doubt your talent, but still, the best mages in the world know when to be careful and know when not to underestimate the challenges they face. I only warn you to do the same” I said honestly.
“Yes, sir. I will”
“Good. I won't hold you long today, you may go.” I said. And I watched him walk out of the room with unnatural haste. Probably to tell that friend of his the news he had learned.
I suppose it didn’t matter. They would all find out later tomorrow, to be honest, most of them probably already knew, but it’s nice to see them excited. However, I now face a new problem. I took lord Keltings words of warning with a pinch of salt, but in truth, I knew he was right. The world was becoming more dangerous because of this terrorist group. The council had not made an official notice of them to the public, but the people knew. No one could deny the sudden disappearance of relatives and the isolation of entire towns. And now, it had finally been brought to my immediate attention. I just don't know why or how the king could overlook this. But there is no way they would come here, they would have nothing to gain if they did. If they truly were a cult, then It’s safe to assume they have their own political agenda they want to push on the world, and I think attacking a children's school would be near the bottom of their checklist.
I got up from my desk, “Perhaps I’ll walk around the campus” I said to myself. The rays of light shining through the window into my office were tempting, but as I looked down at the work I had on my desk, I knew I didn't have the time. Despite the fact that the school was on holiday, I - the headmaster - still had much to clear off from my plate. Legal matters, contracts, developmental projects, preparation for next year’s opening ceremony, the list just goes on. Even though I have been doing this for eleven years now, I still haven’t gotten used to the workload. There’s always something I forget or something that slows me down.
A knock on the door of my office vibrated throughout the room. ‘Who could that be?’ I thought. “Come in,” I called out. However, as soon as my voice could linger in the air, the middle-aged woman already began storming into the room.
“What have you done this time you reckless fool?” Alda shouted. “I know how your relationship is with that councilor I just saw waltzing around our grounds, and his appearance means trouble. So damn it Harrison you tell me what you’ve done before I assume and tell the other board members you’ve gotten us into turmoil again.
I raised my hands up in a calming manner, “I haven't done anything. He was here to discuss matters about the school’s safety.” I replied.
Her eyes widened, “You better not have allowed them to bring soldiers onto the campus. You know what that will mean for-”
“I didn't.” I cut her off, “Now will you calm down and talk with some decency.” I said sternly, “I will never allow those councilors to have power in this school.”
She paced up and down the room, thinking like she was considering her options in a life-or-death situation. Alda was one of the older board members of the school, and she was also in support of getting me removed as headmaster four years ago - a betrayal I will never forget. And, despite my anger with the board members, I couldn’t find the strength to let them go. The truth is, they were good at their job and there was no one else in the school who could challenge them for their position. As much as I didn't like to admit it, the school needed them.
“You know there is always an ulterior motive with the council, whatever he requested you to do, don’t do it. Just seeing him walk so earnestly around our campus makes my stomach churn.” She continued complaining as she walked up and down my room.
Like the other board members, she wore a black-based professor garment that draped almost down to her feet. The majority of people wore less revealing clothing as they didn't want others to see where their arc stones were located. After all, if you could see how many arc stones your enemy has, you can make bold assumptions about how a one-on-one battle would go down. However, the covering of one's arc stones was a trick only used by the richer folk. Back when I was an adventurer, showing off your arc stones was a part of the adventuring culture. There were mostly used for decoration and making your clothing look more stylish. In contrast, the more financially fortunate individuals whose lives were preordained from the moment they were born, never had to worry about getting stronger themselves, “We have personal guards for that,” they would say. Those kinds of people are far too busy caring about their family fortune or the family business to worry about becoming stronger. And so, they hide their arc stones because, to them, they're more of a weakness than a weapon.
“As you said, I have a relationship with him, which means I know him and I can confirm there isn’t an ulterior motive behind his requests,” I said.
She stopped moving, “So he did make a request?”
“Nothing for you to worry about, just a personal matter between him and me,” I lied. “Oh, and by the way, I’ve hired a new support teacher to guide Professor Gillot on her trip next year to the ruins,” I said, trying to change the topic.
“A new guide? But she already has five other teachers to assist her, why another?”
“Because I think she needs it, I was just letting you know now so that you don’t start asking questions when you see an extra signature on the report she makes when they return.”
“Very well, just make sure they are introduced to the rest of the board before they leave for the expedition,” she said, “and Harrison, if you pull any shit on us as you did four years ago . . . mark my words, you will be removed.” she threatened.
“Watch your tone Alda,” I said seriously, “you may be a member of the board, but I am still the headmaster, with powerful friends. The decision I make, are mine to know alone, and you know very well what happened four years ago was not my decision.” I looked at her sternly. She seemed shaken a little bit, as her face flustered. “Now I suggest you leave my office, I’m very busy.”
She nodded and made her way out of the room, closing the door a bit harder than I would have liked. Perhaps that was the only way she could express her frustration. I needed the minds of the school board, they were an invaluable asset that has helped me in more ways than they would ever know. However, I wouldn’t admit that in front of them. To them, they think that the only reason they still have their jobs after the stunt they pulled four years ago is because of the kindness of my heart. When in reality, it's because they do fine work.
I sighed, ‘This is all too much.’ I thought, ‘Why now? Why is all of this happening now? Was our time of peace too long for the Gods’ liking?’ I slouched in my chair.
With my eyes closed, I listened to the sounds coming from outside that made its ways through the windows of my office up high in this building. Birds chirped, the clatter of students’ voices persisted and the strong winds rushed along my window. It was moments like this that I didn't get enough off - not like I used to, anyway. I told myself that I better take it in as much as possible because my moments of rest and peace would only become more scarce as the new year arrived.
FIFTH DEACON OF REVELATION (POV)
“What is so important that you request my time?” The Horse said through the communication device.
I kept myself out of sight, a place where no one would suspect me to be. After all, if they found out who I was and who we were working with, everything would fall apart. And I didn't want to be the reason for the consequences that would come after.
“Forgive me, my lord. However, I have news from our contact.” I whispered into the device. “He said, he will take into consideration giving us what we requested, but in return, he wants us to do something for him.”
I heard him sigh thorugh the glowing device, “What is it that he wants? Someone taken care of?” The Horse asked.
The sound of his voice simply made me shiver. A person like me: impure, sinful, weak, and kept in the darkness doesn't even have the right to breathe the same air as him. It was a blessing itself just to have him reply to something I had said.
“Multiple people, my lord. However, he wants us to cause commotion somwhere aswell, kill a few people, destroy some buildings, but the chosen individulas he has in mind, he only wants us to test them. Put them in danger and see how they react.” I replied, “But he said we shouldn’t hurry, there are things he needs set in order, plans he must make before he will give us the go.”
“We haven't heard anthing from our contact and now he gives us these demands, such impudence," he said with an angered tone. "When did you two last speak? I will not waste our time on things that seem important to him. Our lord’s will is at hand and he has told me that my time is almost up. I must set the path for my successor.”
“Of course, my lord, I understand. I received the message about a week ago. I’ve had trouble finding the time to relay it to you though. I have eyes watching me, whether they know it or not.”
“I care not for your situation, If he wants some people gone, find out everything you can about them, where they live, what they do, their schedule, and everything else of the sort.” He said irritatedly.
I smiled, hoping that my next words would make him happy. The thought of him being pleased with my actions lifted my spirits, It made me feel like I was acknowledged. Not just by him, but also by our lord.
“I already have, sir.” No response, “ I know what exactly they are doing, and at what times. I will send you more information once I have collected it.” I finished.
“Very well,” he said. And the crystal within the device went dim, indicating that he stopped providing the device on his end with mana.
I came out of my hidden area as naturally as possible and made my way back into the open spaces where people could see me. The communication center building was the only place I could contact someone from another continent with my own personal communication device. If it weren't for these barriers blocking private signals, then I would have been able to use it somewhere with more privacy..
Nonetheless, things were beginning to gain momentum. If we would be able to receive what we needed, then that would put our plans into motion much faster than they already were. Not to mention the next successor was prophesied to be underway. I never even thought that I would live to see the day that the next Acolyte-head would come to power, and along with him, new Revelation members.
I cannot make a mess of the job bestowed upon me. I had much work to do, and many plans to set in order myself. There were people to speak to, alliances to make, people to watch, and people to get rid of. I had failed once before, but I promise, I will not fail again.