After we had brunch in the middle of Silverport’s forest, I suggested to the enigmatic and somehow stupid Bianca Belgrave that we go to the capital and report everything.

“Nope,” she replied bluntly. In my mind, I knew that she knew that I knew the possible grandiose outcome of the incident that just transpired. It made me wonder if that was her ultimate plan after all. Although, she did mention framing Methelia for the murder of her sister, but that plan had failed. She was now technically a fugitive of her old country that illegally ran to another country. She didn’t belong to either places. No one was going to be hospitable to her, except me, and she knew that.

“Everyone’s got secrets, alright?” she got a little defensive. “Can’t just tell ‘em I tried to kill the bitch. Because, y’know, they’d end up askin’ ‘why’ and they’ll be upset when they don’t get an answer, and I’ll be in your damn jails.”

“Sweetie,” I coughed, clearing my throat a little, “you don’t use that noggin, do ya?”

“I’ll use yours to redden my sword if you don’t stop insultin’ me, magic boy.”

Yup, she’s a headstrong idiot. Well, it’s not like I need her to explain what happened out here to Farron. I turned my back to fly off, but stopped. There’s no way I can leave a dangerous person with a sword from a potential enemy country to freely wander, huh? I decided to stay there and be on guard duty whilst I relayed a message to the clone that was closest to the royal palace.

“Weren’t you going?” she asked when I faced her again.

Should I just knock her out and drag her with me? Her short violet hair swayed in the wind a bit. She was pretty, but not attractive, if that makes sense. Her athletic build wasn’t exactly my cup of tea either, but it didn’t bother me or anything. “Nah. See, it’s been a while since I had some, lately,” I grabbed my boy with the most serious face I could muster. Might as well entertain myself whilst I was here.

Her body seized up a bit, stunned with, laughter? She began laughing at me, getting louder and louder. “Never met a rapist but I’m damn sure you aren’t one.”

“Hmm,” I sighed, “not the reaction I wanted. You’re no fun, sword girl.”

Suddenly, she sprinted forth. It felt more like a teleport but I knew it was movement-based because of the wind that fought to keep up with her. Unsheathing her sword, she swung right behind me, saving my neck once again. I couldn’t exactly see what was going on, but I knew a fight between Bianca and her sister was going down with about the hundredth sword clash drawing close. Their alacrity was godlike. The only spell I could somewhat depend on was Arcane Missiles because of its high-level targeting mechanism, however, even that would’ve been too slow in the face of the two warrior siblings. To be fair, double-casting Timedial would work like a charm, but I’d come to respect the spell’s backlash after fighting Tarit with it.

I activated Life Perception and was able to at least differentiate between the two. Eden came soon after, healing the already dozens of shallow slices about Bianca’s body.

“Hey, Isana, sweetie? If you don’t stop, your entire crew will die.” I pointed at the direction of the ship. The lieutenant, in her curiosity stole a glance toward the ship and could see through the forest’s foliage that the ship itself was held in a maw of the colossal five-headed serpent, Hydra. I’d imagine letting my scaly friend use her full form in that port was a bad idea, but it’s not like she wouldn’t be able to control the water and ensure flooding didn’t happen.

I’ll get Kor’zha to fix the land after. “Now, you two, let’s get this shit straight. I don’t know what the hell’s going on, and I don’t want this situation to get any more complicated than it already is. So, my suggestion is th–”

Before I could even finish my sentence, the crazed lieutenant disappeared and I simply felt the blade go through Magnet’s void and come out on the other side. Had I not been careful, my head would be rolling. I saw then, that words no longer mattered.

Divergence smashed her body around a nearby tree, uprooting it and crushing many of her bones in the process. Arc Lightning kept her in place, just in-case a destroyed spine didn’t stop that beast of a woman from moving. Purist washed me with power and Wrath of God was about to disintegrate her into nothingness, until I remembered Bianca.

Behind me, was a quivering girl who’d just wet her pants. She did not look toward her sister in fear, but me. Absolute terror was smitten over her face and she whimpered a little. I wasn’t sure what to think about it. “Are you going to kill her, or will I?”

Bianca’s quaking knees could no longer rally a second wind and remain adamant. She slumped. Did she not have the resolve to do what she said she wanted?

I heard the hissing roar – if such a thing existed – that Hydra gave off after she absolutely pulverised the ship. I guess a wooden ship was like eating puffs to the water avatar. Hmm, well, I did give her that order when I summoned her. I thought back of when we had that confrontation earlier and covertly summoned Hydra who swam beneath the ship in waiting. If she felt me use mana repeatedly in a certain amount of time, then she’d know I was attacking and therefore the ‘deal’ with the lieutenant would be off. The lieutenant caused her own crew to die, and now she was wrapped around a fallen tree like a vine.

“Guess I will,” I muttered.

“Wait! Don’t! P-please, if you can at least, take her, prisoner…” Bianca stopped to wipe her ceaseless tears. “I want her to die,” she curled her fist, “from my efforts alone!”

“That so?” I rubbed my chin and cast Clone. The clone used Eden to bring the madwoman back from the brink of death. Of course, I took her sword and transmuted it into bindings once her legs and arms reformed properly. After enough healing, she woke up, bottling her rage and ensuring she was wordless. She didn’t even look either of us in the eye.

After Kor’zha took care of the disfigured land and Hydra sank the evidence of the destroyed ship somewhere out in the deep ocean, the very naked Hydra returned to me to keep the lieutenant in a Water Prison. Once she was secured there, my clone was dismissed and I could stop channelling Arc Lightning.

“Let’s get you changed, shall we?” I put up four thin Earth Walls around the frightened flower.

~

Felix, the old negotiator spat his tea out. Donna palmed her face in expected disappointment, that whore. Farron rubbed his temples trying to figure out what was going on and what he should do. Anjali gave a weak and nervous chuckle, a little ashamed to know me I’d imagine. Aldis scolded me to the ends of the earth whilst the other old mages and the few advisors Farron had looked on in a curious mix of amazement and worry.

Of course, without a single shred of doubt, the king’s advisors suggested to have me thrown into the dungeons to reflect on my actions for Hydra’s ass knows how long. They began arguing to themselves, trying to speak above each other in hopes of deciding my punishment. Looks like I’m in it this time…

Farron suddenly shot his hand up and they hushed moments after. “He will not be punished,” Farron told them. I could see they were boiling to ask why, but they dared not question the king’s decision. “Do not blame the boy. I knew fully well that it was risky sending him, but he is without a doubt one of the most powerful magi in Methelia so I knew Felix would have been totally safe. He is a double-edged sword, and this time we cut ourselves, but no matter. We shall keep a peeled eye on our seas and hope that Ulanos does not know what transpired. Now,” he pressed his hands together, “as the denizens of Silverport have most likely witnessed a giant serpent in the pier, we cannot be sure that this incident will remain contained, but I don’t expect anyone in this room to breathe a word about it. This, never, happened. If someone asks you, you know nothing.”

Some of us shared a unified nod, others made a low grunting noise in understanding. It certainly would be chaotic talk of an Ulanos ship being attacked in Methelia’s waters. But I’d assume Silverport’s people would do it anyway.

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“What of the prisoners?” an advisor asked. “Our torturer should do a fine job.”

“Yes, indeed. Information is of importance,” Felix supported this notion.

I chuckled, and the advisors’ glare wanted to burn a hole through me. “What right do you have to even be here?!” one of them slammed their fist onto the table.

“You’re nothing more than a boy in over his head!” the other stated. This was a strange situation, the three advisors almost ganging up on me. Maybe they knew someone that I distressed and they were pissed off about it. Who knows?

“Gentlemen!” The king’s voice thundered, then went down as if to show his control over his emotions, “Might I remind who this ‘boy’ was trusted and revered enough to become the leader in the Order of Mages. This ‘boy’ stopped us from getting slaughtered by orcs. This ‘boy’ gave you your queen back!” his fist clenched and they settled a little. “Eric,” his eyes went to the old mages in the group, then to me, “you laughed at the mention of torture. As far as Donna explains, you usually have an explanation. Speak then. Enlighten us.”

“Ooh, now that’s some pressure there, king Maxwell,” I admitted. My chuckle was based only off of a whim, but there was still a reason behind it, somewhat. “You see, lieutenant Isana Belgrave’s body was warped around a tree. Her organs were mush, blood crept through all the crevices it could, bones were broken like twigs and she went unconscious shortly after. I brought her back here as a prisoner a totally healthy woman. Gentlemen, I can guarantee that there are no spells in this entire world that can rival what I used to heal her,” that’s Eden I spoke of.

I didn’t mention that there were no other mages who knew how to manipulate light magic or that I learned it from the witch. I didn’t give them enough chance to ponder about it the spell either. “People of this great wooden table, that general had no brain damage, therefore she could respond as normal, but didn’t even move a muscle in her face other than those needed to clench her teeth. In other words, she’s impervious to physical pain in some way. What I’d suggest,” I turned to those lovely advisors, “is to wait until I gain enough information from her sister. Pain of the flesh is not always hurtful, but pain of the heart can’t be stifled.”

There was a long period of silence. Anjali was unusually quiet. The king looked to the old mages and they gave him a nod of agreeance. Donna and Anjali did the same. Felix shrugged.

~

“Sometimes I forget you’re an important person,” Anjali sighed as we walked to the prison with an accompanying guardsman. He unlocked the gate to the cell for us.

“Him? Pfft,” Bianca overheard us and didn’t take it seriously at all.

“Child, you are in enemy territory and being released from prison. Who do you think vouched for you?” Anjali posed the question but the young ruffian couldn’t answer that. With a peck on the lips, she whispered, “Be careful,” and took her leave.

“C’mon, let’s go.” Right then, I placed a Light Link on Bianca, just in case she chose to run away. The guard removed her bindings and we made our way out the prisons. We went into the room they designated for her. It was a bit dusty, but still very usable and much better than an inn. This was the castle after all.

“You’re with that woman?” she inquired, sitting on the bed whilst I made some lunch out of Ice Wall.

I should really spend money and support the economy. “Yeah,” I replied, handing over a platter with her share.

“Why are you with someone twice your age?”

“She’s not twice my age,” I fixed myself a seat.

“But she’s way older.”

“Buddy, I’m with someone old enough to be my mom, so she’s nothing,” I took a bite of that perfect steak and my eyes watered in ecstasy.

“So, you have two women? Infidelity?”

“Three. And I’m not cheating. Do I look like that kind of person?”

“Well, it’s hard to tell. You’re strong so maybe you forced them,” she then mirrored me by grabbing the crotch of her pants.

I tittered, the food in my mouth nearly flying out. After eating, she went a bit silent from our usual chitchat. Her eyes just somewhat lingered on the floor, as if she peered into another dimension. “Question. Why did you vouch for me? You must want something from me, right?”

I cleared my throat, “Take your shirt off.”

Her face was riddled with a scornful look and her eyes alone gave me a big fat ‘no’. “Chill, sword girl. You’re not that attractive. Besides, you got something on underneath, right? Just take the damn shirt off.”

It looked like she only just realised she wore undergarments when I said so. Within a blink, she grabbed her fork and next thing you know it was pointed at my jugular. “Don’t think I won’t off you. Show some respect.”

I pushed the fork away calmly, “You would kill the only person on your side? That’s bad decision-making right there. Besides, I doubt you can kill me,” I held onto her wrist where the end of her sleeve hanged freely and transmuted her shirt into a bath towel.

She covered herself up in reflex. But I still got to see what I wanted to – her arms. She really was athletic. Hmm, with over ninety percent quint usage, Aug’s body hasn’t changed much. But hers did. Doubt she’s a quintessential user. How the hell are they able to move that fast? That could be a problem for us if they mount an offensive. How intrig–

“Stop starin’! What’d you want anyway?”

“To know how your speed works. But, another time for that. Go wash up,” I threw the towel over her shoulder, “you got the stench of prison on you.”

“Magic boy, you have a way with words, and it doesn’t impress me,” she stormed off into the bath.

Well, it doesn’t have to. I took a whiff of myself when she left the room. Guess I might as well do the same. But before that…

I flew to the dungeon where Isana was, squatted down and simply looked at her apathetic face. It almost felt like there was no presence of mind, like this person was just a body and nothing more. I left dealing with her to the professionals and returned to the room I was at before, hoping to catch a quick bath myself. The dining table became my bathtub. A water elemental kept the bathwater nice and warm for me whilst I soaked in heaven.

“–oy!” I heard something as I drudgingly got dragged from the charms of a somniferous dreamworld, “Magic boy! Wake up!” the voice repeated. My eyes opened to Bianca’s body veiled by that damnable towel. “I need clothes!” she exclaimed, not knowing what else to do.

I mumbled something unintelligible and lazily cast Levitate. The water elemental manipulated the water off my skin then returned to the spirit world, the remaining bathwater vanishing with it. Bianca covered her face at my manhood like a little girl. I yawned lazily, had a scratch, then made the bathtub back into the dining room table. Her old clothes were transmuted into new clothes. “Hey, you didn’t tell me why you’re helping me.”

“You saved my life from that crazy lieutenant. That’s all,” I gave yet another yawn and began dressing. There were more questions I knew she had, but that was for another time. I left a clone with her and made my way back to Silverport.

The afternoon sun was perfect for a little dive below the waters. Hydra kept me breathing and alive as we scoured what was left of the rubble that she scattered far away. Avatar of Earth’s defensive strength helped greatly with the underwater pressure. Unfortunately, Hydra dealt with that ship so ruthlessly that nothing could be salvaged from it. Every thing was an unrecognisable mess, so extracting information from anything there was next to impossible. Even the ship’s logs secured in the chest was nothing more than dissolved paper stuck in and around the splinters and broken wood.

An hour or so later, we surfaced the calm waters. A wonderful surprise was met when Hydra pointed behind me. There were about a dozen ships headed our way, and they were much grander than the one Bianca was on. “You don’t suppose they’re here for tea and biscuits, do you?”

She chuckled and raised me farther above the water’s surface and I employed Levitate. “You have the ebb and flow of the ocean on your side. Shall I?”

Eh, this is a touchy situation. But I definitely do have the advantage with Hydra here. Everything was set up for them to be eradicated, but who knew if they were even here for trouble? What if they were just passing by? Is this Methelia’s water or am I out of jurisdiction here? Stay and fight, or retreat and regroup? Quite a dilemma, but it didn’t have to be. I poured a sliver of mana into my thoughts.

Hey, your highness. I’m out in the ocean here looking at uh, ten, elev–twelve. Twelve big-ass ships. They got the same design as those from Ulanos.

“You’re kiddin’, right?”

No, I’m adulting. The problem is that I don’t know if they’re here to attack – which they probably are – or if I’m even in Methelia’s water still. Feel where I am and tell me.

“Hold on. Voidwalk and don’t interact. I’ll go find out.”

So, I did what she asked. I remained in Voidwalk and flew up to the ship surrounded by the others. A little eavesdropping wouldn’t hurt anyone, but the captain and whoever else was in that cabin were so silent you could hear a pin drop.

Some minutes later, Donna told me to return. Apparently, it really was Methelia’s waters, but Farron wanted them to be intercepted by our soldiers before anything got out of hand. Interesting, I thought. The man was playing it cautious, but could you blame him? His words could impact Methelia’s future deeply. And with the minister of defence, Anton Du Bois now imprisoned for trying to steal the royal seal and start a war with the Virai, Farron had it up to his neck in decisions.

Some hours later, ships set sail to intercept the Ulanos fleet. Farron would still try to limit the panic, but in reality, evacuation orders had to happen. Bells, horns, and alarms were all set off and soldiers guided those living close to the coast farther inland. Villages too close to the sea were cleared out and only towns with proper defences were somewhat left as is. But even those had all of its women and children moved. This all felt a bit too surreal.

I wondered how it was word got out. Bianca? Isana? But they were heavily guarded. I wiped those thoughts from my mind, as we reached rendezvous with the enemy ships. Distractions would not do me well.

Ulanos’ vanguard ship and our vanguard ship pulled alongside each other. One of their soldiers yelled over to Methelia’s ship. “Our commander wishes to speak with one of your sorcerers! One named Eric! He must come alone!”