The two career thieves waited well into the night before putting their plan into motion. Polk waited at the back door of the inn for Theola and then let her in.
"Did you succeed?" she asks with a stern look.
"Our target and all of her friends ate the powder" Polk confirms.
"Let's do this, then."
They advance slowly through the hallway and up the stairs to the second floor where Nashira's room is. Both are dressed in light garb with dark colors. Both are wearing thin shoes with soft soles, allowing them to walk with minimal noise. They will change back to normal shoes once they exit the inn since the open road is too rough for their current ones.
Arriving at their target's door, Polk sticks his ear against the wood. Hearing nothing, he takes out the inn's master key which he stole earlier, unlocks the door and then slowly opens it. Everything is dark but the bed next to the window is visible from the small amount of moonlight that comes through. The prominent curves of Nashira's silhouette can be seen on the bed. She is sleeping peacefully, unconscious from the drug which was put in her food by Polk. The small mana field she emits to mimic a normal human aura is still in effect.
Theola decided in advance not to use magic in this room. This is to avoid triggering any defensive spells that Nashira may have in place. Instead, she approaches the bed and uses her mana sense to check the woman resting on it.
Her aura is strong even while unconscious. This person is no ordinary mage, that's for sure.
She looks at Polk and makes a hand sign which tells him 'continue'. He grabs the object they came for and lifts it. The lockbox is heavy, confirming that the gems are still inside. Although they want to open and verify the contents with their own eyes, both know it's too risky to try unlocking it here.
Having reached their goal, they quietly exit the room and retrace their steps with Theola at the front so she can check for human or animal presences. Fortunately for them, there are no witnesses this late at night and Coppereye Inn doesn't have guard dogs. Once outside, they quickly change their clothes, wrap the lockbox in a blanket and then prepare to leave the city.
Less than 10 minutes later, the two reach the city gates with their horses and everything they need to travel. Someone they know opens the gateway.
"Honestly, Theo, I think it'd be safer to stay in Tyrin" the guard says.
"You may be right, but that's just not who we are."
"We'll return eventually to see how you're doing. Hope Tyrin is still standing then" Polk adds.
The guard chuckles with a smile. "With the Blaze of the Battlefield guarding us, I'm not worried. Even if I die in battle, I know my family will be safe here. You two be careful and avoid traveling north if you can. It's really bad out there."
"We will. Good luck to you as well."
The trio say their farewells and part ways.
<><><><><><><><><>
Nashira's eyes snap open suddenly. The fading shadows in her room suggest that morning is nearly here. That is of no concern at the moment however.
"What happened? I fell unconscious?"
She is confused. Her body has no need for sleep. More precisely, she couldn't sleep even if she wanted to. Instead, she would lie in bed and meditate during the night. Pretending to sleep is a simple way for Nashira to avoid suspicion over her true nature.
"My daemonium essentia was activated?"
Touching the top of her head, she realizes her appearance has returned to the one Rigel witnessed under mount Olympus, with small horns protruding from the sides of her head and cat-like irises. Her aura also changed substantially from the activation of her demonic power. This happens automatically in emergency situations such as being badly hurt.
"I sense no injury but... this sensation, was I poisoned? Perhaps it was an anesthetic drug of some kind. But why..."
Although she hasn't mentioned this to anyone yet, more than half of Nashira's body is essentially human. The cells are nearly identical to ordinary human cells. For this reason, the sleeping drug that would otherwise not work on demons was able to affect her. However, this doesn't explain why her demonic power came out. She grasps the true reason only after scanning the room with her eyes.
"Master's lockbox is missing! I cannot feel its presence!"
For the first time in centuries, Nashira Malik feels fear tightening her chest. Of course, this is not the only time someone attempted to steal from her. Bandits, thieves, cutthroats, slavers and greedy nobles are always eager to assault or rob someone who looks defenseless. With her magic power, Nashira was able to deter or even fight them off if necessary. None ever managed to escape with something belonging to her. This time is different. The thieves succeeded due to her neglect. To put it simply, it's neglect caused by a false sense of security. Since she started traveling with Rigel, Nashira progressively lowered her guard and allowed too many eyes to fall upon the items in her possession. She also did not feel the need to use her magic safeguards while the lockbox was in the same room. After all, it cannot be stolen from under the nose of someone who never sleeps. There were plenty of measures which could have been taken but weren't.
"I was careless... Master Lufus did say this is my greatest weakness..."
A strong sense of disappointment fills her heart, but she will not despair yet.
"I must retrieve the lockbox immediately. There is still a chance to prevent disaster while the Cursed Heart lies dormant."
Nashira closes her eyes and erases all negative thoughts which could distract and focuses on the sea of mana flowing inside her. Then, with her arms held out, a single pulse of mana is released. The pulse goes through the walls of the inn, crosses the city walls and spreads out through the countryside in all directions at a speed which defies common sense. A few moments later—
"Energy signature detected. Distance... 7.9 kilometers. Ah, thank goodness it is not too far. With teleportation I can reach it quickly."
—she senses the unique presence of the lockbox. Her feelings begin to calm down after understanding that the situation isn't hopeless. If the distance was greater than 15km, the energy signal returned by the lockbox would be too weak to find. Since it's only 7.9km and not moving, she can catch up using magic.
"Miss Selene and the others consumed the same food and drink. I should first check if they are alright."
<><><><><><><><><><>
Polk and Theola spent the rest of the night riding due west away from Tyrin. They breathed a sigh of relief after confirming that no one was following them.
"Theo, let's check the goods before going any further" Polk says, pointing to the lockbox tied behind him.
Confident that they escaped and are far enough from the city, they veer away from the main road and wander into an isolated area to set up camp. Neither of them got any sleep this night and the added stress has drained them. Their bodies demand rest, yet the two are eager to take a look at their loot first.
After dismounting, Polk unties the heavy lockbox from his horse's back and sets it down on the grass. Crafted out of high-quality wood, sculpted to perfection and coated in water-proof paint with vivid colors, the container itself is an impressive work of art. It stands at 55 cm tall, 20 cm wide and about as thick.
"I don't see a keyhole. Is it sealed with magic?"
"Of course. I can even sense a substantial aura emitting from it. Stand back a bit" Theola replies.
She takes out a small magic catalyst from her pocket and squeezes it firmly in her fist. Then, while feeding it mana, a special type of magic is cast.
"Mana Dispersion"
A magic field about 2 meters in diameter is created with the catalyst at its center. With her mage senses, she watches as the field obliterates the magic surrounding the lockbox. Nearly all spells lose their internal structure and collapse when exposed to 'Mana Dispersion'.
With nothing to keep it sealed, the box makes a clicking sound like a lock and several compartments open simultaneously. The gleam of precious gemstones greets them. Each compartment is filled to the brim with gems of all types, organized by mineral type. There are also small 'flaps' of wood sticking out, each with a magic catalyst attached to it using wires made of golden fiber. Theola can sense which gems are catalysts and which aren't because of the mana imbedded in them. She plunges her hand into an open slot and grabs a fistful of gems.
"Great gods, there are so many! Do you see this!?"
"Yeah. I had a glimpse before but seeing them up close is something else" Polk replies with delighted look in his eyes.
They excitedly pick up and examine the loot one gem at a time. As career thieves, they know how to appraise the value of gems based on their purity, size and craftsmanship. Theola checks an enchanted ruby which interests her more than the plain gems. Turning it every which way, the shiny object reflects the morning sunlight almost like a mirror. Eager to test its power, she aims at a nearby bush and activates a basic spell.
"Fireball"
Normally this would create a ball of fire the size of a human head, but after channeling it through the gemstone in her hand, what came out of the other side was a massive blaze which engulfed and completely incinerated the bush. Polk and Theola could feel the strong heat on their skin even from 10 meters away. Not a single twig, leaf or blade of grass was left standing in the area-of-effect.
"Amazing... A Class 2 spell became Class 4 simply by adding the catalyst."
Classes are a simple system which the Magic Guild uses to categorize spells based on the amount of energy they produce. Class 1 is the weakest type of magic and can be used by anyone with a bit of training. Theola can use magic up to Class 3, which is the advanced level and includes the spells Lightning Spire, Swirling Inferno and Earth Prison among many others. Class 4 is the strongest magic that a single mage can use. It includes spells such as Wrath of the Sky Dragon which have a large area-of-effect and can only be used by talented mages after years of practice. There is a level even higher than that, Class 5, which can change the outcome of a battle with a single spell. However, this power can only be achieved by a group of skilled mages pooling their mana and working in synchronization. Not even magic catalysts allow a single mage to cast Class 5 magic.
It should be noted that although the Magic Guild teaches the Class system, there are independent schools of magic who have their own systems for categorizing magic. One such example is the Amisos Magic Academy where Rigel Artemia and his peers were taught.
"This ruby must have 95% purity or more to be capable of such a huge increase in power. I didn't think Tyrin's mines could produce something so pure."
"It's not from Tyrin, remember? The owner was a Zamorian so the gems were probably made there too."
"You're right, it slipped my mind. Still, is Zamora kingdom really that rich? How can a single noble have this kind of wealth? That woman wasn't royalty or anything, was she?"
"That can't be. Royalty wouldn't wander through a foreign town without their royal escorts and armed guards. Or maybe she was just an eccentric type? Well, it doesn't matter who they belonged to anymore. They're ours now."
The two continue to rummage through the lockbox; picking up items one by one, examining them and then arranging them in rows on a blanket. After a while, Theola notices an extra compartment hidden near the bottom of the lockbox. The only clue for its existence is a small hole visible on the wooden surface. There is no bulge or handle.
"Polk, can you open this? It looks like a keyhole."
"I'll get working on it."
He retrieves his lock picking tools and starts working on the lock. After about 20 minutes of trying different methods and tools, the compartment finally opens with a faint clicking sound. It pops out like a spring, revealing a gemstone that is different from the rest. Instead of being polished or carved, it appears to be a clump of raw mineral about 7cm long and 4cm wide. Its shape is thicker at the base like a pine cone, but instead of scales it has sharp protrusions which resemble the rising flames of a campfire. It is made of two parts, each with a unique color. The top, smaller half is a purple so deep and mesmerizing that it seems like it'll suck in one's very soul. The bottom half is crimson like the setting sun. Both parts of the stone blend seamlessly at the halfway point, which could not be the result of craftsmanship. Clearly the stone must have come out of the ground in this form.
An eerie power envelops the stone in the form of an aura. The two thieves felt a tingling in their spines when the compartment opened and the stone was revealed, especially the mage, Theola, who is more sensitive to such things. The sensation is similar to mana but also different. It's like an intoxicating scent in the air, an enticing perfume which lights the sparks of desire and temptation in their hearts. At the same time, Theola's notices something is not quite right.
This is strange... My instincts are telling me to get away but... I can't take my eyes off it. What is this tingling sensation?
"That's a weird looking—"
"Wait!"
She blurts out a warning which stops Polk from picking up the object. Confused, he looks up and sees a perplexed frown on her face.
"Something wrong?"
She doesn't respond, seemingly not hearing the question. Her gaze is locked onto the unusual gemstone. Polk grabs Theola's arm and shakes her out of her stupor.
"What's wrong, Theo?"
"I— I'm not sure. The aura leaking from it is weird and... I'm not sure."
"I'll check" Polk says and he picks it up without further hesitation. He looks at it closely just like other previous gems and concludes "It is giving off a strange feeling. If even I can feel it then it must be strong magic. These pointy ends are really sharp too."
The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
"Maybe there's a Class 5 spell—"
"That item is very dangerous! I implore you to leave it where you found it!"
A third voice suddenly appears. As if their feet are on springs, they turn to see a familiar figure standing a few meters behind them. An ornate, bone-white robe, which covers her entirely from the neck down, flutters in the morning wind. The way it reflects the morning sunlight shows that it isn't made out of ordinary silk. With pure black hair long enough to reach the grass, sapphire-blue eyes and an almost inhuman beauty, it's an image that none can forget. Her demonic horns have been hidden away to avoid frightening people. She appears to be calm but her hands grip each other tightly, a sign that anxiety remains in her heart.
"It can't be. There was no one following us right?"
"Yes, I made sure of it! She must've teleported to us somehow!"
"But I thought teleporting doesn't work from so far away."
"In theory it can if you have a destination marker... That's it; one or more of these catalysts are the markers! That's how she found us, but why didn't..."
"Your powder didn't work then. Or she had an antidote?"
"That doesn't make sense. Unless you screwed up, the powder is undetectable! Only a specific alchemic potion taken in advance could stop its effects."
Bewildered at having been caught so simply, the two thieves rack their brains to come up with an explanation. Theola was not taught at the Amisos Magic Academy, so her knowledge of teleportation is slim. In truth, Nashira has been using Divine Step which only transports the user but is far more effective than ordinary teleportation magic. Now she is looking at the two in front of her with sorrowful eyes, wondering what to say next.
I must avoid violent means. However, they cannot be allowed to take Master's legacy. What should I do...?
"Ugh, forget it. Doesn't matter how it happened" a disgruntled Polk says. He unsheathes the shortsword at his hip and says to the troubled Nashira "Turn around and go back the way you came before things get ugly."
"I do not wish to start a conflict. We can resolve this peacefully. If you return the lockbox and its contents, I will not pursue you any further!" she replies.
"You think we'll give up just 'cause you know how to teleport? I'm a mage too! Get out of here before we ruin your pretty face!" Theola adds.
Polk assumes an aggressive posture and Theola increases her aura. She aims the ruby in her hand at Nashira, threatening to use magic. It's clear that neither one has any intention to compromise or surrender their loot.
"That lockbox was entrusted to me by my deceased master. It's all I have left to remember him by. Please, return it!"
Nashira tries to plead with them. Polk shows no reaction, but Theola becomes even angrier, a combination of frustration at their failed plan and subconscious jealousy toward the seemingly fearless woman in front of her. Finally, she can't endure it anymore.
"Effusive Eruption"
A composite fire-based spell which also manipulates the earth element is cast. The spell is amplified by the catalyst in her grip. Moments later, large cracks form on the rough soil around Nashira's feet and burst open. Hot magma pours out while a cloud of ash and dust swallows Nashira's figure. The scene is like a miniature volcanic explosion, creating a molten crater 3 meters in diameter and half a meter deep. The effect would be more potent if used on harder materials like solid rock, but even at this level it's a Class 4 spell which can incinerate a whole group of people. Even Theola who cast the spell is surprised by its power.
"Oi, Theo, that was overkill! I was just trying to scare her off!"
"So what? In a fight between mages, he who strikes first wins. She wouldn't back down so I ended quickly. The idiot should've known better now that we got our hands on her gems."
"What a waste..." Polk says with a disappointed look. As a man, he didn't want to witness the death of a beautiful woman. He also knows that saying this will upset his partner even more.
"Let's just get out of here before her friends arrive. They can't be far behind."
"Fine, let's pack everything up."
They decide to collect all the precious gemstones they had taken out of the lockbox and continue on their way, unaware of the degree to which they have underestimated their opponent.
"Revertere"
Moments later, a magic chant is heard and an invisible force pulls the enchanted ruby out of Theola's grip. The catalyst zooms through the air like a missile, into the cloud of dust still scattering in front of them.
"My teacher's gemstones are too dangerous in the hands of someone ignorant of their power. Please return them before you inadvertently cause irreparable harm to yourself and those around you."
Nashira's figure emerges from the cloud of dust with the catalyst in her possession. She is completely uninjured. Even the white mage robe she wears doesn't have a speck of ash or dust. Looking closely, one can see the dust being dispersed as if there is an invisible barrier protecting her. Molten minerals on the ground make hissing noises as she walks with even footsteps. Even more unusual, there is no footwear at all . Nashira is barefoot just like the time Rigel first met her, yet direct contact with the molten earth causes no visible harm nor discomfort.
This bewildering scene leaves Polk staring with his mouth gaping open. He recalls the widespread rumors that a goddess had blessed Tyrin with her divine presence.
Is she really divine? A daughter of the Olympians? Will we be punished by Hades for sacrilege?
Theola has a different idea. She witnessed this kind of absolute defense that beggars belief once before at a conference between top officials of the Magic Guild.
It it... an illusion? No wait, I remember this from a few years ago! It's an ability called 'Telestic Barrier' which negates all magic power on contact with the user. It was demonstrated by Archmage Waldemar for the Magic Guild. Does that mean she's on the same level as the world-famous Archmage? I refuse to believe that two such monsters could exist in the same country!
Telestic Barrier is a spell which can essentially block all damage caused by magic in exchange for consuming double the mana of the spell being blocked. It's a very potent magic defense which comes with a severe cost attached, not to mention the difficulty to master it in the first place. For this reason, no ordinary mages would consider using it even if they knew how, since they would quickly burn through their entire mana pool.
There are rare exceptions. Archmage Waldemar, the most famous member of the Magic Guild, is a man gifted with an almost god-like aura. His body holds many times the quantity of mana that even elite mage can hope to attain. It is rumored that the earth trembles merely by being in his presence and that he can suffocate a man to death with his aura alone. Someone like him can use Telestic Barrier without fear of being depleted before the opponent.
"Hey, who the hell are you? Did you study under Archmage Waldemar?"
Theola asks a question directed at Nashira who is still not showing any hostility even after being attacked so viciously. Nashira simply tilts her head and says "I do not know whom you are referring to. My teacher's name is Lufus."
"... Kleon Waldemar. You really don't know the greatest mage in Amisos, maybe the whole world? Have you been living under a rock for the past century?"
"Under a rock? Perhaps you are not far from the truth. I am ignorant of many things indeed. Regardless, I ask that you not continue this vain contest any further."
While speaking, Nashira raises her free hand and points her index finger at Polk. Taking advantage of his confusion, she uses a constricting spell.
"Binding Light"
Before he can understand what happened, Polk finds himself immobilized by luminescent chains made of pure, white energy which coil around his entire body like a snake. He falls to the ground helplessly, dropping his sword and the unusual gemstone they were studying earlier.
"Agh— Theo, I can't move!"
"Shut up, I'm trying to think!"
Nashira steadily aims the same finger at Theola. Without a catalyst boosting her power, the female thief doesn't have any chance of piercing her opponent's defense and she knows it.
If even 'Effusive Eruption' wasn't strong enough, how can I win? Do I keep firing until I wear her down? Use another catalyst maybe? None of that will work! But there must be a way. Surrendering here isn't an option!
Stealing from nobility is punishable by death in Tyrin and Amisos as a whole. If they are caught here, both of the career thieves can expect to be wearing ropes around their necks by the end of the week. They can't trust what the strange woman before them said about not pursuing them. In their experience, nobles are never that kind or merciful. Zamorian nobility should be no different. Hence why they can't afford to simply give up.
"Hah—"
Theola turns out to be surprisingly quick on her feet. She dodges Nashira's magic by diving to the side in a desperate move. After a short acrobatic roll, she immediately recovers her standing position. In her hand is the unusual gemstone which Polk dropped before. She was able to pick it up during the tumble. Although her breathing is rough and sweat is pouring down her face from the tension, a snarky grin appears.
"No!"
Upon realizing what she's about to do, Nashira's composure vanishes.
"You said this thing is dangerous, right? Let's see how dangerous!" Theola shouts.
"Please, stop it!"
The stone's mystical aura expands as mana is injected into it. She intends to activate whatever spell is cast upon it, a Class 5 type if she guessed correctly. With that much power, Nashira's defenses can be overwhelmed. The spell might also harm the two thieves if the area-of-effect is too large, but Theola is too agitated to consider that right now. It only takes a few moments to realize the severity of her mistake.
An indescribable sensation appeared the instant she activated the stone. Her awareness expanded to encompass everything around her. An incredible, empowering feeling as if nothing is impossible anymore. However, this feeling ended the same moment it began and was replaced by cold. Nothing but frigid cold. A vast, empty coldness so intense that it can swallow everything; Theola, her devoted partner, Tyrin, Amisos and then the entire world. All would disappear into a black void from which there is no escape. At the same time, the three who are present heard a morbid, otherworldly chant.
"Ex mundi irritum factum est ut liceat nobis audientibus coelestium siderum. Offerimus, ut oculis aspicere mereamur aeternis. Offerimus, ut sciamus cerebro transcendit. Offerimus inmenso mundo corporibus unitas ut cooperatores simus veritatis. O magnum, quaesumus! Lineam cerebro nostro oculis!"
[From the cosmic void, the Celestial came so that we may be granted audience with the stars. We offer our eyes so that we may attain a glimpse of the eternal. We offer our brains so that we may understand the transcendent. We offer our bodies so that we may become one with the boundless universe. Oh, Great One, we beseech you! Line our brain with eyes!]
During an instant that seemed to stretch on forever, a choir of sinister voices spoke of inscrutable things in a language which the two thieves should not be able to understand, yet the meaning somehow entered their consciousness and resonated deep within.
Theola briefly becomes aware of her surroundings. Her arms are stretched out at her sides and she is gazing up at the sky as though in prayer to the divine. She realizes she has completely lost control of her body, which is now possessed by some malevolent force. The cold continues to spread, devouring her with no hope of resistance. As the last fragments of her consciousness fade into darkness, her mind makes a desperate plea for help.
Divine Step
Nashira resists the maddening voices which call out to her from the gemstone. In the blink of an eye, she teleports to Theola's side and firmly grabs the hand which holds the stone. Its dark, malignant aura attacks her mercilessly at such close proximity. Nashira's body feels as heavy as lead and refuses to move for a short moment. Then, she releases her own aura and sharpens it to the limit while uttering a chant.
"Crepusculum cadit, umbrae recedere!" [Twilight falls, shadows recede!]
The dark aura quickly vanishes as though the hole through which it leaked has been plugged. Theola's rigid body is set free from the power which possessed it and falls. Nashira catches her falling body and lowers it gently to the ground. She removes the cursed gemstone and hides it away in her robes. Now she is finally able to relax.
"Why— Why are humans so reckless? Must I use force every time to save them from their own foolishness?"
Nashira vents her frustration to no one in particular. No one is around except the two thieves who are both unconscious. They are fortunate to have escaped with their lives relatively intact. If Nashira had not intervened, a fate far worse than death awaited both of them. It's still unknown what damage Theola's mind may have suffered due to direct contact with the cursed gemstone.
"Master... The task you entrusted me feels more out of reach with every passing day..."
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Author's Note: I hope you enjoyed this double release. Some major hints about the story's general direction are revealed in this chapter. Let me know what you think, and as always, thanks for reading!