Redel took a step forward.
“You think it could be an attack? The enemies we’ve been monitoring—perhaps those in the lower levels, or even remnants of Distantias?”
“Perhaps,” Heidrick said,
“Distantias has been behaving erratically since Alexander’s death. Their members are scattered, chaotic, but still dangerous.
“However, if they’ve managed to organize and execute something of this magnitude... it raises questions.”
Redel nodded.
“Their chaotic behavior could be a façade. It’s not unheard of for fractured groups to consolidate in secrecy. And magic users, especially mages, would be their best bet to strike someone like Gareth.”
----------------------------------------
Redel’s eyes narrowed in contemplation.
“If Gareth encountered high-level magic users, there’s a chance he was overwhelmed.”
Heidrick leaned against his desk,
“The timing aligns too conveniently. We issued orders against Distantias, and within a day, Gareth vanishes. This isn’t a coincidence.”
“Then what’s the plan, Judge?” Redel asked, his tone firm.
Heidrick straightened, his presence commanding.
“First, we assess the scope of the threat. Redel, I need you to gather information on Distantias’ movements over the past forty-eight hours.”
Redel nodded.
“Understood. I’ll begin immediately.”
“And Redel,” Heidrick added, his tone softening for a moment.
“Keep this quiet. If word gets out that we’ve lost contact with Gareth, it would not be good for the ship...”
Redel smirked slightly.
“You always know how to keep a ship steady, Judge. I’ll handle it.”
As Redel turned to leave, Heidrick spoke again. ,
“Redel, one more thing. What do you make of the possibility that this wasn’t Distantias, but another group entirely?”
Redel paused, his hand on the doorframe.
“Another group? Like Frost Elves? Dark Sickle?”
Heidrick nodded.
“Yes. Both have the capacity and motive. Frost Elves have been silent for too long, and Dark Sickle... well, they’re always a hassle to deal with and would need no reason to attack Blue Hope.”
Redel considered this for a moment.
“Dark Sickle would have the resources and knowledge to coordinate such an attack. But Frost Elves?
“If they’re involved, this could escalate into something much larger.”
“Exactly,” Heidrick replied. -
Redel turned toward the door, ready to leave, when a thought struck him.
He hesitated and then pivoted back to face Heidrick.
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“Judge, if Gareth’s disappearance is as dire as it seems, might I suggest we deploy the Blue Hope Guardians for the search? Their combat capabilities could prove invaluable, especially if we’re up against powerful mages.”
Heidrick leaned back slightly, considering Redel’s proposal.
“The Guardians, you say? Hmm. It does make sense. They are uniquely equipped to deal with threats on the ship.”
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Heidrick closed his eyes briefly, and with a faint whisper under his breath, a small shimmering portal materialized in the center of the room.
Within the portal, five humanoid figures manifested.
Each wore flowing blue robes that shimmered faintly, their faces featureless, smooth like porcelain,
The room filled with a quiet hum of energy as they fully materialized,
Each Guardian radiated the aura of a level-three mage, mid to peak strength.
Heidrick glanced at them and then at Redel.
“These are Blue Hope Mage Guardians.”
“They are biological and mechanical magic constructs, entirely loyal to this ship. Their power is amplified aboard Blue Hope. There are fifty of them on the ship, but I’ll assign these five to you for now.”
Redel stepped forward, studying the constructs with an air of admiration and respect.
“They’re... flawless,” he said. “Biological and mechanical…”
Heidrick nodded.
“Yes. A fusion of advanced magical engineering and biology. Their construction ensures they have no free will—they follow orders to the letter, without hesitation or moral dilemmas.”
----------------------------------------
Redel looked at the Guardians, then back at Heidrick.
“I’ll ensure they’re deployed strategically.”
“Good,” Heidrick said, his tone firm.
----------------------------------------
As they reached the door, Redel hesitated again.
“Judge,” he said, turning halfway,
“If this situation escalates, would you consider deploying more of the Mage Guardians?”
Heidrick’s gaze darkened.
“Let’s not jump to extremes just yet. Fifty Mage Guardians are more than enough for any internal threat, and their presence must not be squandered on trivialities.”
“For now, these five will suffice. If there’s a greater threat, we will escalate—but only when necessary.”
Redel inclined his head.
“Understood, Judge. I’ll proceed immediately.”
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As Redel exited Heidrick’s chambers, the five Guardians followed in perfect synchronization,
Their faceless forms drew stares from passersby as they moved through the halls, civilians and soldiers alike parting to let them through.
“What are those things?” one guard murmured to another.
“They’re Mage Guardians,” the second replied, his tone hushed with awe.
“Constructs of Blue Hope itself. If Heidrick’s deploying them, something serious is happening.”
Redel paid no attention to the murmurs, his focus solely on the task at hand.
He directed the Guardians toward the lower decks, where reports of disturbances and sightings of rogue Distantias members had been most frequent.
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As they moved deeper into the ship,
Redel reflected on the weight of Heidrick’s decision. Deploying the Mage Guardians was not a choice made lightly.
“They’re a reminder of what this ship stands for. A sign of that is Heidrick showing how valuable the ship and its crew are...”
“If Distantias really did something to Gareth, his revenge will be taken...”
Redel thought as he tightened his grip on his weapon as they neared their destination.
-
Rud sat on a luxurious chair in his private chamber,
Before him knelt a man wearing the uniform of Blue Hope—a man whose face and body were unmistakably Gareth’s, but whose aura and expression revealed the truth.
This was Alexander Distantias, reborn into the body of Gareth.
Alexander lowered his head, his tone reverent as he spoke.
“Without Lord Rud’s guidance and the grace of Dark Father, I could not have achieved this. The spell Body and Soul was beyond my grasp. Your intervention made this resurrection possible.”
Rud waved his hand dismissively.
“Friends help each other, Alexander. I saw potential in you—a spark that shouldn’t be extinguished so easily. Your work was not done.”
Alexander tilted his head slightly, his lips curving into a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.
“Indeed, Lord Rud.”
----------------------------------------
Rud leaned forward, studying Alexander with sharp eyes.
“Do you know why I chose to help you, Alexander? It’s not merely because of potential. It’s because I recognize the value of alliances.”
Alexander nodded, outwardly projecting humility.
“You are wise, my lord. And I am forever in your debt.”
Rud chuckled softly.
“Debt? Nonsense. Let us not cheapen this with talk of debts.”