After our duel ended we returned upstairs to the study. Although I had lost it gave me a parameter to work with, an idea of how much stronger someone from rank 2 might be. There was a difference between two mystics belonging to the same rank based on their sub-domains. After all the sub-domain was what dictated the abilities of that mystic, not the rank. I did not doubt that Kaius was much stronger than he let out in the spar but I didn’t go all out either.
Regardless his chaos magic or decay arts as he put it made me curious.
I asked him, “What was that Chaos magic that you used there?”
“Exactly what it sounds like. It’s a school of magic that any mystic when the Sub-domain of ‘Entropy’ can wield. It allows me to use decay,” Kaius explained.
Decay? What was its range? Could it be used on humans? Can it be cast anywhere? or was there a requirement? When cast could the target notice the attack coming?
My mind instantly generated dozens of thoughts but forced it to calm down. Even if Kaius was willing to share about it, asking so many questions at once was only going to put him off. It would sound like I was questioning him.
“Since you have mentioned that it’s a school of magic but only someone from the sub-domain of Entropy can wield it, all the ranks under the ‘Order’ can wield it?” I asked, confirming.
“Yes. Starting from ‘Blessed’ to the last of the ranks. The only reason it’s a school of magic is because the individual ranks provide the particular ability that comes with that rank but decay art is the ability of controlling decay as a matter.” Kaius said, picking up the empty cup from the table into his hand and slowly it broke down into ash. “ ‘Collapse’ is an ability that I gained once I became an Overseer. It is just one of many decay art, and in this case, it allows me to disintegrate any object into dust.”
“Only objects? Not living things?” I asked, doubtful.
“Just objects. But there is no way I can prove myself, Can I? Sounds familiar?” Kaius smirked and I almost facepalmed myself.
So Sirius has explained everything in detail huh? Well, that’s quite expected.
“But the good thing for you is that all mystics have a much higher sensitivity than normal people. All mystic arts manipulate bondor and as such a mystic can easily sense it beforehand. But whether they can react in time depends on themselves. I’m sure you felt an impending danger when I attacked you, am I wrong?”
“No, you are right. I felt an approaching danger as all my senses warned me to defend myself,” I said skipping the part of my soul vision activating on its own.
Now that I think about it my soul vision activated only as a warning for me but most mystics didn’t have that ability.
He got up from his seat and walked toward the large window which had a curtain over it showing that someone had come inside the room after we went underground. Since Kaius didn’t react to it, I assumed it was a servant or maybe even Clovia.
He peeked outside from under the curtain and sighed audibly. I also went near the window and realized it was snowing.
“Is it also part of the curse?” I asked.
“Yes,” he replied and an awkward silence descended upon the room.
It lasted a couple of minutes until kaius let the flap fall and walked behind the desk. He bent down a little and spoke, “Clovia told me that you were interested in visiting the library, is that correct?”
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“ I have been wanting to learn more about this place and assumed the library would be the best place for that,” I replied honestly.
I couldn’t see what Kaius did but he stood up straight a threw a key to me which I cached with my right hand almost instinctively.
“Take that. Although there isn’t much in the library, I’m sure the books on the basics of mysticism will help you learn a few things,” Kaius said, leaning against the inner side of the desk. “ I would love to tell you there is news regarding any decision taken about you but the reality is it’s a very hectic time for all of us. But I assure you that I will try to speed things up.”
“Well thanks,” I said, tucking the key inside my cloth.
After that I took my leave from there and headed straight to my chamber which wasn’t very hard. I wasn’t able to find Clovia on my way but soon forgot about that with the many thoughts that were present in my head. It was a rather eventful day in the sense that I got to learn a lot. It’d take an hour or two more before I fell asleep.
But one thing I didn’t know was what was awaiting me the next day. Events that could change the entire trajectory of my life.
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KAIUS DANISH’S POV
With Zareth’s departure a calm, peaceful silence enveloped the place much different from how the outside was. A slight creak and Clovia slipped inside, gently closing the door to not make any noise. Leaning against the chair I sighed deeply and heard her footsteps approaching me. She came to a halt and I opened my eyes.
“You seem tired,” She remarked, her pupils monitoring me.
“I am,” I admitted, rubbing my temples. “A lot of things are happening in Xavier right now. Many that I don’t know of. With the return of Team 11, I had expected things to smolder down a little but it only made things complicated.”
Clovia hummed while listening—a habit that she had from her childhood. I still remember the first time I met her. It wasn’t the most pleasant experience for her but I still thought fondly of it. Back then her parents used to work in the manor and brought her along with them. But being hungry Clovia ran off on her own and later was found stealing some cookies made in the kitchen. I only managed to find her randomly after hearing her humming happily.
“It’s about Zareth, isn’t it?” She said.
“You can say so,” I replied.
“What do you think of him?” Clovia asked, leaning against the desk, and looking directly into my eyes.
“What do I think about him?” I echoed her question, breaking her eyes and looking behind her. I voiced my thoughts aloud, “I don’t doubt him on what he has said. My discussion with Lord Leader had been fruitful enough for us to figure out that Zareth was indeed an outsider. The prospect of lying was almost impossible as then he would have to go through all the ancient texts while bypassing our security. Besides, I have sent people to all the villages to inquire about him although it wouldn’t be necessary.”
“Then do you intend for him to stay here?” Clovia asked.
I took a moment to think about it and then realized something, “Oh I forgot to mention this to Zareth. Lady Aria intends to visit him tomorrow. I don’t know why she wanted to do that but I assume that’s because of her curiosity.”
“Is that so?” Clovia said, looking at her back. “Did you two fight after I left?”
“Why ask a question that you already know the answer to?” I smiled at her, knowing it was going to piss her off.
She scoffed at my words, “So you did. Who in their right mind fights against a person who might be the only clue to the outsider world? A madman!”
“It wasn’t that serious,” I said quickly to save myself from her wraith. “It was nothing but a simple spar.”
“Yeah right. You speak like I don’t know you enough. I have seen you for years and know very well how much of a battle maniac you truly are. Those who don’t know you might be fooled by your gentle outer demeanor but that’s not me.”
She huffed after finishing, her hands on her waist. “Does that mean I am gentle outside?” I teased.
At my words, her cheeks flushed red and she ignored my words walking off.
“Clovia?” I called at the last moment before she left, stopping her as she turned to look at me. With a serious gaze, that betrayed the playfulness that I’d just a moment ago, I watched her expression harden as well. “That man has agreed to speak.”
Silence descended upon the room. The type of silence I was very much aware of, even used to. Both of us were.
“Why now?” She asked, sounding genuinely curious.
But I could only shake my hand, “I don’t know. The guards were the first to inform Lord Leader about his sudden change of mind. He told me that that man wanted to meet me. Only then would be start speaking.”
“Are you going to meet him then?” Clovia asked.
“I will,” I answered, looking afar. “I have thought about this many times and I think it’s time for me to confront him. I can no longer hide from it.”
“I see. Then when that time comes and if you wish I can come along with you. But only if you truly wish,” Clovia reassured me with a smile, one that warmed my heart.
“Thanks,” I replied.
I was grateful that she was there. I hoped and even prayed that she would continue to be by my side and help me.