Chapter Forty Two: I’m Gonna Send You Back to Schooling

Fourth Tower Year 4776, 3.2.5

The Republic of Mevitra,

Clearwater

The Witch’s Den

“Well, first of all, you are pronouncing his name incorrectly. He is known as Li’Arr, or The Great Li’Arr if you want to be ostentatious.”

“Who is he… No, more importantly, where is he? Is he still alive?”

“Well, I can certainly help with the first question. As for where he is, that is a bit more complicated. And whether he is alive…”

“Rynan, this is important. Beth’s survival is at stake.”

Marc had returned to the Witch’s Den with Ledze in order to discuss the situation with Rynan.

“I understand, Marc, but it has been many years since I have seen or heard from my teacher, the Founder. I do hear stories, but they are unreliable. I do not know if he still lives, or exactly where he is now.”

“If not exactly, what do you know?”

“Marc, I don’t know what Ledhze told you, but I don’t want you to get your hopes up. Li’Arr, is… Well, he is a complicated being. Even if you find him, he may not have the answers you seek.”

“I have to do something!”

“That… that may be the biggest hurdle to overcome.”

“What do you mean? Do you want Beth to die? Die a painful death? Or maybe she is lucky and just lives her life as a cripple, like her father?”

Marc regretted the words the moment he spoke them.

“No, I don’t think of Enpii as crippled. It’s just he has had a hard life. More challenging than he deserved. I just can’t stand the thought of his daughter having to go through the same thing. I can understand the guilt he would force himself to carry.”

Rynan put her hand gently on his shoulder to comfort him.

“I understand. Of course, I will help, and I know you will do what you can. But just remember, that is all you can do. We can not change the world because we think it needs to be better. We should never act without purpose trying to understanding what the effects of our action will be.”

“Then I need to know what I am attempting. I need to know what the consequences of this path might be.”

“Yes, that is a wise plan.”

“Then please, tell me what you know of Li’Arr, and what he might know that could help Beth.”

“I will, but this may take a while.”

As she spoke, Rynan pulled a pot of tea and two cups from her storage, then placed the pot back into her storage space.

The move shocked Marc, so much that he stared at her with wide eyes.

Rynan had always avoided using magic. When it was needed to accomplish a difficult or challenging task, she would not hesitate. She also used it to teach him, giving him examples to help him visualize the technique. What she never did, however, was use magic for mundane tasks. Cleaning, cooking, making tea. She always avoided using magic if there was a normal method.

Rynan smirked, catching his reaction.

“You know, as we get older, it’s okay to indulge a bit. I’m not as energetic as I once was.”

At first, he didn’t register what she was saying. Then he looked closer at his teacher.

A few white hairs that he was sure were not there before. A few more pronounced wrinkles. There were the signs, he just hadn’t noticed.

“Teacher, you…”

《Be careful what your next words are; they could be your last.》

Instead of speaking, he sipped from the teacup.

《Good, you are learning.》

“It’s strange, getting used to the changes as my body begins to break down. But that is the way of the world, and I am trying to take it all in good nature.”

“Why not keep using magic to… you know.”

“There is a limit. Well, for most beings, we do not have finite lifespans without reason. Look at the trees. They can grow from a single seed, then live for thousands, tens of thousands of years. Humans, we live about a hundred to a hundred and fifty years. Don’t worry, Even without magic, I could live many decades more. Longer than nearly every human in the world, and that, is where the problem lies.”

“What do you mean? I’ve heard this before. That something happens when people live too long. What happens?”

Marc was concerned about his own immortality. What if something happened decades, or centuries from now?

“There is a limit to how long a mind can maintain sentience. It’s never been studied, so we don’t know exactly what that limit is, but we do know some things. For example, both the longevity, and the mental viability of a species are somehow tied to the disposition of the race.”

She explained while pulling some berries out of her personal space. After picking out one, she offered the bowl to Marc.

“Humans are on the shorter side. While the body can be rejuvenated endlessly, the mind begins to break down as early as three centuries. There have been Kings and Sorcerers in the past who have tried many things in order to overcome this, but none has made it to five hundred before they are taken by madness.”

“But you…”

“Lived for thousands of years. Yes, I believe so, but I did that in another environment. Something about that space kept my mental development frozen. To be clear, being locked in a blank and empty world for even days would be enough to drive anyone to madness, but for some reason, I kept my wits, while still being able to sense the passage of time. For that, I have no explanation.”

Marc took a berry and chewed thoughtfully.

“Elves and Dwarves have both longer lifespans and can keep their minds clear much, much longer than humans. Do you know why?”

Marc thought about it. He really had not pondered that question before.

“Biology? Is there something different that allows them to live longer?”

“Well, that’s not entirely wrong, but it is a somewhat incomplete answer. You see, In most ways, the races are not too different from each other. We have the same emotions, virtues, and vices. There is, however, a difference in disposition. Think of it as a hidden drive or purpose that pushes us forward. Look at the Elves, well, excluding our dear friend, who is certainly an outlier, Elves tend to live apart from the physical world. Many call them aloof, as they seem to care less about consequences and more about personal growth and experience. They are the musicians and philosophers of this world. The Dwarves are the opposite. They crave order and structure. They obsess over every tiny aspect of whatever they do, and they look at any change with distrust.”

Indeed, after getting to know quite a few dwarves and several Elves other than Meservi, this explanation seemed to align with his observations.

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“Then what about humans?”

“Humans… well, they do have a reputation. You see, humans have their own built-in drive. They crave progress and innovation. While other cities like Threshis have remained unchanged for Millennia, the maps of the Human kingdoms are constantly being redrawn. The Empire of Sett was the greatest example of this. They rose to the highest level of technology and development in just a few thousand years, only to have the entire continent scrubbed from the world. The Elves have an old name for humans; ‘The ones who rush to death.’ Of course, they don’t use that anymore as it’s considered speciesist.”

“So humans live faster than other species?”

“It’s not quite so simple. It’s not so much the actions of an individual, but a trait that has existed since the creation of the world. As the different people interacted, the differences become harder to see, but the dispositions of the races are very noticeable when you see the larger picture. When you see a community of Elves form, a hundred years later they are still trying to decide where to build the city center. When Dwarves gather, they start laying the bedrock foundations before the group has even formed. There there are humans, there is… chaos. What connection there is between the lifespans, and how they affect each other is still the subject of great debate.”

“Lehdze said that this Li’Arr is the oldest being on the planet.”

“Yes. He most likely is. He is over five thousand years old, as far as I know. I doubt even he knows his exact age.”

“Is he… you know… alright?”

“Oh, he is most certainly mad. Still, the last time I saw him, he hadn’t completely lost himself. He is a Juujin of the Shan tribe. The Juujin are a strange existence. They are known as the ‘young’ race. The oldest records of their existence only date back to the Second Tower Age. Around ten thousand years ago.”

“What is strange about the Juujin.”

“Well, first, the different tribes are all subtly different biologically. While they are mostly the same as humans, elves, and dwarves, there are some important differences, even between the tribes. Some are very like humans, with shorter lifespans, while others, notably the Shan, have incredible longevity.”

Marc nodded. He had met a few Juujin in his travels. Apart from their odd appearance, they did not strike him as too different from the other people he had met.

“The biggest difference, and perhaps the most important, is that they do not develop Mana Cores.”

Marc blinked. He had never heard this fact before. It seemed like a big deal.

“What do you mean, they do not have cores? I thought that all sentient beings have them.”

“Well, to be precise, they do not have Mana Cores like the other races. They do grow mana crystals within their bodies, but they do not go through an awakening, and the crystal, while it does reach a level of stability, does not form a standard Mana core.”

“Then that means…”

“That they cannot actively use magic. They cannot direct Mana.”

“Kira, did you know this?” He sent to his companion.

《Of course, it’s in much of the literature I’ve absorbed. There is actually quite a lot. I can also analyze the Juujin you have met previously.》

“You never thought to mention that to me?”

《Honey, the stuff I don’t tell you can fill libraries. Literally, big, huge libraries. Besides, they are not like travelers at all, nor would this be useful to Beth’s situation.》

Rynan continued, though she had begun to notice the look in Marc’s eyes whenever he was locked into a silent conversation with his Interface.

“They still benefit from Mana. The crystal in their bodies processes the Mana in ways their bodies can use it. While they cannot learn skills or spells, they develop stronger bodies and manifest abilities through the control of the energy that flows with them. In fact, some learn to manipulate that energy to create effects that rival even stronger magic users. Still, you can understand that there remain some prejudices against the Juujin because of this difference.”

Marc nodded. He had, after all, come from a world where people were thrown in prison for nothing more than the color of their passports.

“The Juujin appear to have originated on the continent of Fe’ll. How that happened, no one seems to know. Even now, it is where you will find it is where the most tribes congregate, and it is home to the Kingdom of Trantiv, the only Kingdom led by a Juujin. The Lion Monarch of the Ars tribe. Much has changed in the Fourth Tower age, particularly in the understanding and treatment of Juujin. But that has not always been the case. During the third age, a great number of Juujin were taken from Fe’ll and brought to Sett as slaves. The founder, Li’Arr, was one of those slaves.”

“So he is really over five thousand years old?”

“Yes, if he still lives, which I have no easy way to verify. I’m afraid that we left on less than cordial terms.”

“Has he lost his wits? If he is truly mad, then what would I have to gain from seeking him out? Isn’t there someone else who knows what he knows?”

“He has changed from when I first met him. That is certain. As for his wits, and mental faculties, I can only say, that he has always been a difficult person. I honestly don’t know if he would be of help to you, especially noting what your purpose is for seeking him out.”

“Why would he not want to help? Would he just let Beth suffer? Let her die?”

“Yes. I believe that is exactly what his position would be.”

Marc was stunned. How could such a person be a teacher that his own teacher respected?

“You said it yourself. If you do nothing, she will suffer, perhaps even die. That is his belief. When you are confronted with a choice, a need, an imperative, pushing you to do something, you must do nothing. Never act without the knowledge and understanding of the consequences of your action.”

“But why? When you can stop the suffering in front of you? Shouldn’t you do what you can?”

“Yes, but where does that end? How far should you go? What if you had the power to stop all suffering? What would be the conseqences of such a massive thing? That is the subtle distinction that defines the path. You can make things better by introducing new technology. It may improve the lives of everyone, but that can push the society to expand. Growth can cause unexpected consequences, including even greater harm to many. Removing a predator can save an elk, but could doom a herd to starvation.”

Marc had heard this before. He understood that the reckless push towards progress had led to disaster in this world. He often wondered if the same didn’t also apply to his old world as well. They had wonderful technology, but did people lead happier, fuller lives as a result?

“I know, but I just want to save a child from suffering. What is wrong with that?”

“Nothing. Nothing is wrong with doing what you can. But how far are you willing to go? Would you travel to Sett? Wander the desert in search of this person, on the small chance that there could be an unknown cure to her condition? That is, by any definition, doing something. While I have made his teaching the center of my own philosophy, even I still struggle with his stubbornness when it comes to acting when needed. That’s probably why that ancient fossil has lived to long. His mindless adherence to his rule of non-action. Even dying would take some conviction.”

Marc was frustrated. He desperately wanted to set off immediately to find someone, anyone who could help his friend and his daughter. He realized that this feeling was precisely what Rynan was warning him of. He wanted to act, regardless of the consequences, not because it was the right response, but because not doing anything was repellant to him.

Feeling as though he had lost, he slumped into his chair and stared into the table.

“If there was one thing that might push him into helping you…”

Marc stirred. He lifted his head as her words fanned the small ember of hope.

“Apart from his philosophy, there is something else that Li’Arr is well known for.”

Marc wanted to scream. Why did his teacher insist on explaining things this way? If there was an answer, just say it! Quickly and plainly. He took a deep breath, a technique he had learned long ago and practiced countless times since then. After calming himself, he looked expectantly at his teacher, who continued speaking.

“His honor. The Shan are well known for their strong sense of honor and obligation. In some ways, it was always a point of conflict with his beliefs of freedom to and from action, but in other ways, it complimented his beliefs and turned the Path from a rigid theoretical philosophy to a practical belief system that could be understood and adopted by so many around the world.”

“How does that help me, though?”

“Well, there is not much known about Li’Arr’s past. Only a few stories about his origin in F’ell and his time as a slave in Sett. Following the Cataclysm, He wandered the desert for many years, gathering survivors and building up a structure for those who had watched the world burn to understand what had happened. But I know some of the stories that were not so well known. Li’Arr was always careful to make sure little of his own life was spread with his beliefs. He did not want to turn his philosophy into a religion.”

Taking the last of the berries and popping it into her mouth, she returned the bowl to her storage space.

“There was one of these stories; it’s not one I heard from him directly, but from one of those who had traveled with him the longest. The story of how he survived the Cataclysm. As you know, the center of the entire continent was razed. Every spec of life was reduced to sand in an instant. It was impossible to flee from the effect. Nearly all the Juujin slaves were in the capital, where all the rich and powerful lived. The slaves were their labor and their entertainment. That is where Li’Arr had lived for many years. But there was a resistance, even in that nation of great wealth and power. A small faction that tried to undo the damage that was caused by the great greed and excess of the Empire. Li’Arr, and a few other slaves were smuggled out of the capital, shortly before the disaster. Sent to a sanctuary, a small island off the coast of the continent that survived the destruction, though not without cost. Even outside the calamity, there was still great turmoil. The few survivors there gathered what they could and set off to find other survivors. That was the beginning of Li’Arr’s caravan.”

Again, Marc was losing patience. Before he could ask how this would help him, Rynan finished her story.

“The resistance that saved Li’Arr, was started by the woman who personally saved him and brought him to the sanctuary. Though she also perished in the Cataclysm, he owes his life to her.”

Rynan stood up, and walked over to the portal that stood open at the side of the room. Ledhze was inside, along with Kira, to keep an eye on him.

“That woman was Remira Perkana, the last heir of the House Perkana. The family that built the Altairan Empire, and was discarded by the Emperor when it became nothing but a reminder of the values it had discarded.

As far as history knows, the Perkana line ended with the Fall of Sett. In the thousands of years since then, I have heard of no discoveries of the family name, though I suppose if anything could convince that old statue to move, it might be that debt of honor he has carried for all these years.

“So,” Rynan gave him a sideways grin as she stepped into the portal into Marc’s pocket dimension.

“When do we leave?”