"I apologize, Vitaly. I'm so sorry."
"Accidents happen. Specially in the chaos of unplanned battles..."
Morgan was slumped in a chair, opposite Eller. Between them lay a narrow cot, on which Vitaly rested. His once white shirt was now stained in red. He adjusted the pillow under his neck to increase the decline of his head, pointing his nose straight up as it seemed ready to bleed again.
"I just... I was arrogant. Realizing I could shoot down all the leaders together, I neglecting consider the bystanders." Morgan continued.
"An effective strategy. And it's in the past." Vitaly answered, the nasal voice exhausted.
"No, I really owe you one."
"For the last time, Morgan. I was hurt by own ability. And your Dao is already stitching me back together."
"Don't lie. It is a buff at best. I can barely feel it working on you. You haven't forgiven me at all, have you?"
"I have. Truly."
"Really? Are we really so different then? So unaligned..."
"What do you mean? Unaligned, how?" Eller interjected.
"Anything. Everything. My intent towards him, his towards me, our shared goals, life experiences... The more aligned my targets, better the buff. Conversely, anyone I wish to harm, or wishes me harm, or just existing on the opposite ends of a conflict, would weaken, even harm."
"Quite an ability. You truly belong on a battlefield." Vitaly replied.
"Or an inquisition." Eller added, a glint in her eye.
Morgan paused for a moment, then sighed and shook her head.
"I'm happy here. Hope this mess is over soon."
The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
***
Proclamation of Civil Disobedience
--
We, the legal representatives of the Magicians' Union, hereby announce the commencement of a universal strike. Ab initio, mana technicians, referred colloquially as magicians, have been oppressed and exploited under the current regime. Malum in se, hazardous tasks without agency cause lasting bodily and mental harm to the magicians, and has gone unaddressed despite bona fide appeals and requests.
From hereon , no mana technology operation, maintenance, or repair shall be carried out, unless the following requirements are fulfilled
- Minimum hourly pay
9 coppers for apprentice
3 silvers for journeymen
1 gold for junior
5 gold for senior
- Transparent communication of hazards
- Provision for protective gear
- Prompt access to on/off-site healers
- Emergency action plan, sitemap, lifting and hoisting facilities/training
- Warding against mana anomalies, disruptions, and task specific failures
- Creation of a Magician Affairs Department comprising current/retired magicians to oversee the enforcement of aforementioned prerogatives.
All aspiring / current / former mana technicians are requested to comply in solidarity, and not give in to any perceived or implied force majeure. We request the support of the staff and students in our pursuit of fairness.
PSA - The teleportation services shall resume post-negotiations.
- Academy Services
***
"Ah!"
"This... "
"What the hell are they doing down there... If you'll excuse me."
Eller rushed out.
...
"Morgan, they might need your help."
"And you don't?"
"...I'll manage..."
"..."