Ezekiel was brooding at his desk as he stared up at the ceiling. It had been nearly a week since Sasha had brought him the news of what was happening on the Continent. While he had trusted her would, Ezekiel still took action to confirm Sasha’s information. As it was still hard to believe.

So, after spending the rest of the day questioning everyone he could for answers, he had it all confirmed. Civil war had broken out in Tarquessa, and open conflict was occurring at the borders of the Desolate Lands.

Apparently, from what the Church had managed to find out, the two events were, ultimately, unrelated to one another. It seemed that the Cult of Light had been slowly infiltrating the ruling clans and free cities of Tarquessa for years. Prior to even their events in Harkem. Apparently, they had decided to take it slow, so as to avoid the events of Harkem.

As such, the events in Tarquessa had finally reached a tipping point, wherein they had taken control of enough smaller oases that they could begin striking at the larger ones as well.

Worse yet, their conflict broke out into open war nearly a month before the Desolate Lands’ conflict broke out. Meaning that there was no way for the Church to spin it as them being opportunists that took advantage of the Cruor’s actions to force their own agenda.

The events of the Desolate Lands’ border were due to an increase in Peerage members in the Cruor. Worse yet, it seemed like there was a new Broodlord that was filling in the hole that had led to the previous state of relative peace.

Of the two situations, Ezekiel felt more apprehension and concern for the latter. Not because he was concerned for the Empire. He’d long since written that faction off, and never wanted to return if he could help it. The problem was that his family was there. So, he might get drawn in anyways.

Especially if they hadn’t paid off their debt yet. Which they likely hadn’t, since Ezekiel hadn’t heard any news regarding any large expeditions in recent years that would get them any good money. Thus, his parents were likely to get dragged into the conflict.

Ever since he’d confirmed these facts, he’d been in somewhat of a bad mood. He’d managed to finish a few smaller projects for the Church and a few other businesses that needed lesser Artifacts. However, he wasn’t making any progress on the larger, more expensive projects.

Instead, he’d been spending a lot of time going over maps and news reports regarding the conflict occurring in both Tarquessa and the Empire. So far, he hadn’t been able to paint a pretty picture of what he needed to do.

“Why do those damned cultists have to be alive?” Ezekiel muttered thoughtlessly. “If they were going to do something like this, they could’ve at least had the decency to begin their war after the Desolate Lands’ conflict broke out. That way we could blame them as being evil opportunists.”

“You don’t think they got inside information beforehand, do you?” Shine asked. “I mean, the timing is still suspicious, isn’t it?”

“I want to agree with you, but the only thing the Cult of Light hates more than the Cruor is me. They wouldn’t have the means to time their own conflict relative to the Cruor’s.” Ezekiel said. “Not unless there’s something we’re missing. But it just wouldn’t match up with the Cult’s practices and beliefs.”

A small stone-like figure climbed up onto the desk in front of Ezekiel. Its eye sockets were filled with opalescent light as it stared at Ezekiel. It was Shine, who was now inhabiting their statuette body.

Ezekiel had been working on making a new body for his bonded Spirit but had had little luck so far. The most he’d been able to do was make some repairs and minor alterations to the statuette Carrian had given them years ago. Luckily, Shine could manipulate their own gravity. So, they could still get around fairly well, even with Ezekiel’s assistance.

“Are we going to be going there?” Shine asked. They looked up at Ezekiel as they asked. Moving to the edge of the desk and sitting down above Ezekiel’s legs.

“... We probably shouldn’t be. We’re still only Tier two, after all. Even if both our souls are more than strong enough to reach Tier three at this point. So, even if we do go, we’ll get our butts handed to us if we run into any decently trained Adepts.” Ezekiel said as he sighed in a self-deprecating manner. “So, if we did enter into any of the conflicts, it would mean that we’ll need to be very careful. Moreso in the Empire.”

Shine tiled their little head in confusion.

“Why is the Empire worse? I thought the Cult was our primary enemy right now?” Shine asked.

“In Tarquessa, we have the forces that are for, and against, the Cult of Light. So, of the two sides, only one would actively seek our death.” Ezekiel explained. “In the border conflict, we’d have to worry about the Cruor, and the Empire. As I don’t think I trust their Inquisition to not want to capture me if they get the chance.”

“Huh...” Shine started kicking their legs at the end of the desk in thought. “What about the eastern border of the Desolate Lands? What’s the problem over there?”

“Nothing, really, except for the fact that we don’t have any personal ties to any of those factions. So, there’s really no need for us to step in.” Ezekiel said.

It was a bleak way to look at the current state of the world. But it was ultimately true. At least in this instance. Ezekiel had a reason to step in when it came to the conflicts in Tarquessa and the Empire. Personal connections to parties involved, for good or for bad.

“So, what are we gonna do?” Shine asked. “I’m connected to your soul, so I know we’re gonna do something.”

Ezekiel glanced downward; his face still pointed up at the ceiling. He couldn’t help but feel a bit annoyed that his hypocrisy was so easy to see through. Given that he had just said they shouldn’t be going. Sighing in frustration and amusement, he sat up, placing his hands beside Shine’s figure.

“Well, that depends on whether or not you’re with me on this.” Ezekiel sarcastically asked. “I know that neither of us actually want to enter into a war right now.”

“I’m you’re Spirit! Of course, I’m with you on this!” Shine was indignant that Ezekiel would ask such a thing, even sarcastically. “So where are we going first?”

“Unfortunately, that’s not for me to decide. Which is why I was brooding.” Ezekiel said. He reached down to one of the drawers beneath the desk. “Given the current state of the Continent, boats leading to and from the Empire are having difficulties. Especially since they mostly all go up and down the Tarquessa coast.”

Pulling out a map that detailed the primary trade routes between the Archipelago and the City of Harkem, he unfurled it and spread it out on the table. Shine jumped up and dashed out of the way.

Half the port towns and other waypoints along the eastern Tarquessa coast were marked in red. Indicating they were under control of the Cult of Light.

“Our ultimate goal will be to reach Harkem.” Ezekiel said, circling the city with a pen as he spoke. His voice grew heavy as he thought of his family.

“I know I can trust my parents to do whatever it takes to be safe. Even in a large-scale conflict. But I don’t think that my sisters will be doing well in these conditions. Even if they’re old enough to be in an Academy by now, I want to get them out of there if possible.” Ezekiel explained.

“But to get there, we’d either have to make land in the Morathi Alliance, and then cross through the whole of the Empire before reaching Harkem, or go up the coast of Tarquessa, running into the Cult along the way.” Shine said as they looked over the map.

“Indeed. Which brings me back to my previous point. I think it’d be safer to go up Tarquessa first.” Ezekiel stated. “Yes, the Cult wants to kill us. But the distance is significantly shorter, and we’ll actually have some open support if we plan things right.

“How so?”

“Some of these ports have asked the Archipelago to aid them in opening the trade routes back up and running. Specifically, members of the ousted clans and rulers of the ports that the Cult kicked out. Giving them legal right to make these requests, as the original agreements with these ports and clans were made with the Church of Ten.” Ezekiel explained. “The fact that the Cult of Light is opposed to the Church of Ten, and the feelings are mutual, we should be able to get on a boat that’s heading there as a volunteer Hunter, given our reputation.”

“The good one or the bad one?” Shine asked with a sarcastic tone. Referring to the way that a lot of their missions seemed to go bad.

“The good one. I’m thinking we can go there as support Hunters to maintain their enchantments and Artifacts.” Ezekiel explained. “And our other reputation is that not bad.”

“Six Leviathans, four squalls, three unexpected pirate dens, and for collapsed mineral deposits over the past five years.” Shine said. “Most of our missions have weird things happen during them. Even if they’re shorter, and we haven’t been on one in a few months.”

“I mean, everyone we go with tends to grow significantly faster afterwards, so I see it as a positive. Kinda...” Ezekiel trailed off at the end, as if he wasn’t sure he believed his own words. “Regardless, we should be able to get a ship just fine. So, let’s start preparing.”

“When do we leave?” Shine asked. “I doubt even you could’ve hidden vessel agreements from me over the past week.”

Ezekiel smirked in pride at his planning. While Shine was right, and he hadn’t set anything in stone, he had managed to get some information regarding the ships that were heading to Tarquessa.

“It seems like the Island Hoppers and a few other Tier two Guilds have made an agreement with the Torrent Riders and the Iron Hulls.” Ezekiel said. “Apparently, a few other Guilds from other Islands are also sending support for the anti-Cult forces. Given the Archipelago’s own issues with them. They leave in a couple of days and will be carrying members from the Tier three Guilds.”

“Do you think the Island Hoppers will let us on board?” Shine asked. “We’re not as closely connected to them as before.”

“I got this information from Riker. Apparently, the Gust Lord will be leading in this mission, with him sailing it here from Ironmast before setting out. Though he said he won’t be going himself.” Ezekiel said. “Not sure why, and he didn’t explain it either.”

Shine accepted Ezekiel’s words. They knew full well that Riker would never betray or lie to them. Not after Ezekiel had spent numerous hours tutoring Rikers kids. Especially in regard to getting his Void Mage Child to Tier one. Something that was becoming more and more common, after Ezekiel managed to use knowledge that he’d gained from his own spells to refine his meditation techniques.

Said methods had led to several paths of research amongst the Scholars of the Church. Several new apprentices and aspirants had also started popping up. All of the Void mages. Thus, ensuring the continuation of Void Magic research. Even when Ezekiel was no longer a Scholar.

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

His methods had actually been refined to the point that it no longer required immense pressure be applied to the soul when breaking through to Tier one without a pure mana crystal. Ezekiel had actually been there two years ago, watching over as they broke through to Tier one.

“Well, if it was Riker that sent you this information, then I know we can trust it. Though I do wonder why he won’t be going with us.” Shine said.

“We’ll find out tomorrow, after we visit the Church. There are a few things I want to see if we can get our hands on before we leave.” Ezekiel said.

“Won’t you get yelled at for going into a warzone?” Shine asked.

“Most likely. But that doesn’t mean that they can stop me.” Ezekiel muttered.

Shine couldn’t help but feel amused at their partner’s antics. Though, a part of him still dreaded what tomorrow was likely to bring. They just knew that it wasn’t going to go as simply as Ezekiel was making it out to be.

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“Absolutely not!” Scarlet yelled after hearing Ezekiel’s request.

Ezekiel couldn’t help but wince as he glanced at the door to Scarlet’s office. The youngest Grand Scholar of Sanafalls was currently going over some reports regarding the state of Tarquessa. As the Grand Scholar in charge of the major naval aspects of Sanafalls, she was the one who was first made aware of the situation.

She was also the one who ordered that all Scholars be barred from missions leading to the Tarquessa, or any of the factions that bordered the Desolate Lands on the continent.

“You do realize that you can’t actually stop me from going to the Continent, right?” Ezekiel said after confirming that no one was going to be barging in after Scarlet’s outburst. “Denying me access to the Artifacts that I created, and lent to you, will simply increase my chances of dying. It won’t make me ‘see reason’ or any other hope that you have regarding my intentions”.

Scarlet was glaring at him at this point, and Shine was starting to feel nervous. They had assumed that Ezekiel and Scarlet would end up having an argument, but this seemed to be going past that. Hopefully lines would not be crossed.

“I can take personal action, if necessary, to ensure that you don’t leave.” Scarlet said.

“You’d need to keep me in a coma to do that. Which I’ve planned for, and whilst painful, I can force myself to wake up. If certain conditions are met.” Ezekiel was starting to grow agitated. “Do you really want to test me on this?”

Scarlet and Ezekiel stared off for a few moments. Scarlet knew that there was still a lot that Ezekiel was keeping close to his chest. They had barely scratched the surface of what Void Magic could actually do. None of the Grand Scholars, even the new one that was transferred from another Cathedral, wanted him to leave, for any reason.

Yet, they knew there was little they could do to stop him from leaving. So, all they could manage was to give him benefits that would hopefully keep him around.

“I know you all value me because of my potential, but you know just as well as I, that potential is worthless if it isn’t realized, and utilized.” Ezekiel said. “Keeping me locked up here is not only illegal, but also destructive towards my potential.”

“You, dying in a war is more destructive.” Scarlet nearly growled. “If you were at least an Adept then I might not be too worried. But you’re still an Apprentice. A skilled Adept is more than a match for you. Especially if you can’t catch them off guard right away. Knowledge of Void magic has been spreading. Your spells are no longer a secret weapon anymore.”

Unfortunately, Scarlet was right. After Ezekiel and Shine had managed to make headway in translating their spells into enchantments, it was surprisingly simple to enable other Void Mages to cast spells. It seemed like the innate understanding of Void Magic simply needed a medium that other Void Mages could use.

Having them visualize the spell structures of the enchantments required a great deal of focus, but it allowed them to cast the spells. It wasn’t instinctive, nor as simple and immediate as Ezekiel and Shine’s spell. But it was something that Void Mages could do besides enhancing their physical bodies. Even if it took several seconds for them to cast said spells.

This was actually what Ezekiel had begun spreading as a new form of spell casting. As it seemed like other Mages could do something similar with different elements. Creating magical effects and spells that were stronger than the ones that were formed from force of will, at a lower cost.

Ezekiel had begun to suspect that this might be a feasible method for advancing an Adept Mage to a Legendary Mage without a bonded Spirit.

“Look. I’m going. You can either help me, and decrease my chances of dying, or leave me alone, and let my chances of dying stay as high as they are.” Ezekiel stated. As he crossed his arms and glared at Scarlet, Shine could tell that this was likely going to be the last time they were welcome here.

“... Carrian would be disappointed in the choice that you are making right now.” Scarlet said in a harsh and biting tone.

Ezekiel said nothing. His face fell flat, the glare he had blanked for a moment before coming back in full force. Shine nearly started rattling in their sheath as Ezekiel did everything to contain the mana. His wrath was nearly boiling over, but he managed to control himself.

“... Good day, Grand Scholar Rayness.” Ezekiel said as he turned to leave.

Shine’s metaphorical heart sank. Ezekiel hadn’t called Scarlet by her title, let alone by her surname, in all the time they’d been aware. They knew that Ezekiel was not taking Scarlet’s words well.

“Ezeki-” Scarlet’s call was cut off as Ezekiel slammed the door behind him as he left.

He nearly ran down the hall but kept his pace to a fast but steady walk. It wasn’t until he was nearly three halls away that he punched the wall in anger. Small cracks spread out from the impact zone as he failed to totally suppress his mana.

“How dare she...” Ezekiel muttered. “Using Carrian to try and keep me from leaving...”

“Should we... should we not be going?” Shine asked quietly. A part of them wanted to go and see the family that Ezekiel had been separated from. But another part was now worried that the friends they had made in Sanafalls would be lost to them.

Ezekiel stopped to think for a minute. His breathing came in long, deep, breaths as he tried to calm down. He thought about his family, facing the border conflict. He thought about the Cult taking power in Tarquessa. He thought about the events on the expedition for the Temple of the Void five years ago.

“It’s probably a bad idea. But we’ve gone through with those in the past.” Ezekiel said. “Contact with my family is basically lost at this point. I won’t just sit here, when there’s a possibility that I could’ve done something.”

His determination came back, stronger than before. Leaving the Cathedral at a faster pace than before, Ezekiel realized that he would likely need to make a few changes in his plans.

----------------------------------------

It was midday on the day that Riker was supposed to be leaving with a group of Hunters from the Torrent Riders Guild. He was standing with Scarlet, who was taking steps to prevent Ezekiel from leaving with Riker.

“This is wrong, you know.” Riker said in a disappointed tone. “Ezekiel is not a member of the Church. He hasn’t been for half a decade. You have no right to stop him from leaving with us.”

Scarlet did her best to ignore the glares that were pointed in her direction from the assorted Island Hoppers Guild members.

“Regardless, it has been decided by the Grand Scholars, not just me, that Ezekiel has a contract with us. While not a Spirit Covenant, it still dictates that we can hire him for jobs with priority. Failure to accept said jobs will result in the cancellation of said contract.” Scarlet said. “As such, we can indeed do this, as we are operating within the boundaries of the contract.”

Riker grew upset at Scarlet’s words. He and the surrounding Hunters all knew that the Church was reaching for whatever they could get that would allow them to keep Ezekiel out of the wars.

“What if he decides that the cost of canceling his Affiliate contract is worth it?” Riker said. “If you do this, it is you that will have thrown away Ezekiel’s life.”

“He’s the one that’s trying to throw away his life! Not us!” Scarlet nearly screamed. “If anything, we’re the ones who are doing all that we can to save his life!”

Off to the side of the piers, Sasha just looked on with a despondent look. She wasn’t there to join Ezekiel. His self-made mission was too much for her. But she had hoped to see him off, at least one last time.

“Whatever. It’s midday. While I’d hoped to have him with us, it’s time for my ship to depart.” Riker said as he turned towards the Gust Lord.

“Riker!” Scarlet called out, releasing her mana and putting pressure on the assorted Guild Members. The man inquisition turned to look at her. “If I find out that you’ve interfered, the Island Hoppers will regret it.”

Riker and the other Guild members bristled at Scarlet’s threat.

“I’m not the one that’s interfering with a life that I have no right to dictate.” Riker said. “Besides, I’m not afraid of you.”

Riker then released his own mana pressure, alongside his Spirit, revealing that he had reached Tier four, and was now just as much of a Legendary Hunter as Scarlet was a Legendary Mage.

Scarlet’s eyes widened. As did everyone else on the docks. A new Legendary, one that was native to Sanafalls, was something that would usually be worthy of celebration. But it was ruined by the situation going on.

“I had wanted to surprise Ezekiel, but since he’s not here, I guess that’ll have to wait.” Riker said as he continued to his ship, just to see it off one last time. “You’ve changed, Scarlet. It was subtle, at first, but you’ve changed. You would’ve made a fuss, five years ago, like you did when we brought Ezekiel on the mission to wipe out the pirates. But you would’ve never allowed your feelings to push you across the line like this.”

Riker turned to glare at Scarlet one last time.

“Ezekiel is not your ward anymore. He hasn’t been for five years. Let him make his own life choices. Good or bad.” With that, Riker leapt onto his ship.

He’d be riding with it to pick up a few more Hunters at another city on one of the satellite islands. Then he’d return to his Guild. It had already been decided that no Legendaries from Sanafalls would be participating. There just weren’t enough of them to maintain a powerful presence on the island otherwise.

As Riker’s ship pulled away from the docks, alongside several other ships from different piers around the city, Scarlet couldn’t help but wonder where Ezekiel was. A part of her hoped that he had just stayed at home or busied himself with other projects. But the part that knew him well, the part that understood Ezekiel’s personality, knew that this hope was nothing but a dream.

Turning away from the pier. Scarlet headed back to the Cathedral. Several Scholars met up with her on the way, reporting as to whether or not they saw Ezekiel. None of them had. Leaving everyone to wonder, just where had he gone.

----------------------------------------

Well away from Sanafalls. Roughly halfway between the island of Sanafalls and its closest satellite island, a ship with a gray boat’s bow on its flag was fluttering in the wind. This was the ship that the Iron Hulls Guild had sent to ferry it and its subordinate Guild’s Hunters.

“I think we’re far enough now, wouldn’t you day, ya rotten pest?” An Elderly man said as he looked up at the crow's nest. There were currently only a handful of Iron Hulls’ Hunters on the deck right now. The rest of the Hunters were currently below in cabins.

“Perhaps. But it’s best not to take a chance right now.” Ezekiel said as his form briefly flickered. “I’ll keep this up until we reach the checkpoint. We should get to our satellite island before the Gust Lord gets to theirs. It’ll take some time, but I should be able to meet up with them before we get within Tarquessa’s waters.”

“If you say so.” The man said. “Not like it matters to me if you get caught.”

“Only if you tell them where I am, of course.” Ezekiel’s voice drifted from seemingly everywhere on the deck. His form was now fully hidden. “That was the conditions of your and your crew’s contracts, after all.”

“Yeah, yeah, keep quiet in exchange for some new toys. Not the worst deal I’ve made.” The man said as he gently caressed an ornate looking fan that he flicked open and shut a few times. “Still think that it’s a shame that you can’t get along with our Leader. He’d make plenty good use of you.”

“He’d also ensure that I never reached Tier four so long as I was a part of your Guild.” Ezekiel stated. “I prefer the freedoms I have right now. Thank you.”

“Heh, true enough. Lucky me I don’t have such aspirations.” The man said. “Still, you’re lucky that it was me that was running the ship this time around. If it was any of the other captains, they’d probably just turn you in since they hate you.”

“Indeed. I am fairly lucky.’ Ezekiel said. Not bothering to mention that he’d tracked down all the captains that were going to turn up in Sanafalls that day.

Having known that this man was going to be the captain, he knew that hiding out on this ship was probably his best bet. It wasn’t like anyone knew he had an inside man in the Iron Hulls. Even if it was an excessively expensive inside man.

Knowing that Ezekiel didn’t want to talk much more, and not wanting to risk his extra income. The man sighed and headed below deck. He figured that if he didn’t know where Ezekiel was, it wasn’t like he could actually report his position and break the contract. So, it was better to leave Ezekiel be.

“Are you sure we can trust them?” Shine asked, mentally nudging Ezekiel’s attention to several of the men on the deck. “None of us are really friendly with each other.”

“It’s fine. We’ll be long gone before we make the next port anyways.” Ezekiel replied. “I’ve placed several beacons over the years. Technically, we could’ve made our way to the satellite islands last night. But that ran the risk of tipping off the Church too soon. With this, we should be able to meet up with Riker’s boat by evening. Well after we’ve left Sanafalls’ waters.”

“What if we can’t?” Shine asked.

“Then we pay a little more and get passage on a different ship.” Ezekiel said. “Why? Are you hoping that we don’t make it?”

Ezekiel would’ve been disappointed if that was the case. But Shine hadn’t been truly opposed to their current course of action so far. So, he didn’t believe that they were truly against this. If they were, then he’d be willing to turn around, even now.

“No. Nothing like that. If anything, I think we need to go there.” Shine said. “It’s just a feeling. But it’s stronger than the ones I’ve had in the past.”

“I see. Well then, all the more reason to keep going.” Ezekiel said. “I know you don’t have one, but it’s good for Void users like us to trust our gut.”

Ezekiel wasn’t kidding when he said this. He wasn’t sure if it was an innate aspect of the Void. Perhaps it was an ability that would be granted in full later, but there were times where he could swear that he could predict events. Similar things had happened to him and Shine over the years. It was just hard to differentiate that one feeling from any others.

If Shine was getting such a feeling though, then Ezekiel was going to trust it. He was too emotionally invested to discern that feeling for himself right now.

“Hopefully that feeling doesn’t lead us into trouble.” Shine muttered.

Unfortunately, experience had long since taught them both that that was not going to be the case.