Second week of March, meeting of the twelve master mages, it had already been going on for nearly an hour, and it was time for Otrera to designate the official priority commands.
– According to what we could find out from the interrogations we did, I managed to find some terrorist cells to finish, they follow a pattern, 500-600 mages per cell and one to two generals... Alister for you a mission through the tropical region of Kalaria ... Ethan for you a group north of Ferchoir... Nora investigating a possible suspicious movement on the southern border of the country, two captains were killed, it must be some slash opponent to have done it so easily... Edward needs you go re-investigate some regions near Lekstrovia, something doesn't smell right... About the Kora'q terrorists three cells near Ri'ad in triangular formation, all 120km from the city in a geographic positioning looking down that forms a triangle, it looks like a geographical spell... Kristen, Teresa and Maeve these are yours... Morrigan is still analyzing that artifact and that's all for today. – Said Otrera handing each one the folder with the information of their mission.
Everyone started to leave and say goodbye, except for George, Anitta and Margareth, they looked dissatisfied.
– Do you have something to tell me, gentlemen? – Otrera said, she had enormous respect for all three who were there in front of him.
– Yes, we do! What's with not giving us real missions? – George complained.
– Exactly, we are not invalids, we are master mages and we must fulfill our duty, we can still fight. – Said Anitta convinced.
– Exactly, we can have other assignments aside the Academy, the religious sector and the guard of the queen, but the others also have ministerial obligations and go to combat missions, we never run away from a fight. – Margareth complained.
– Can you calm down? I've been preferring the dangerous missions to the younger ones because I'm worried about you, you guys are amazing, decades of service to this nation, but you're not that young anymore, you're not at your physical peak anymore, and I can't stand it. Lose someone else on a mission. – Said Otrera firmly, but without being arrogant with those who were already master mages when she was still at the Academy.
– Child, I know how it was for you to lose Astaroth in battle, but we gave our lives for the Royal Guard, this is our place and we still manage to fight, as we always did, you don't need to leave us in the background, that's right. it would be an offense to all our years of service. – Margareth said insistently.
– We may no longer be at the glow of youth and maturity, but we have experience and skill, if not for the three of us, the other master mages would have taken a much worse beating from you in that fight. – Said Anitta.
– That's true, but I worry, I'll feel guilty if you guys died on a mission I sent you, if the cancer doesn't kill George first. – Said Otrera worried.
– How… How do you know? I didn't tell anyone, I was so discreet with the exams. – George said feeling helpless remembering the cancer.
– I'm a medical mage, have you forgotten? I can identify all the health problems you have just by looking, I'm the best, did you forget? George has lung cancer, Margareth starting a muscle degenerative process, or did you think I didn't realize you're just fighting with the chains? Your physical strength for battle shouldn't exceed 540,000 tons, it was already much higher in your prime... Anitta, I realized as soon as I caught my eye that your body has an atypical hormonal deficiency after decades of your transitional surgery, your body it's producing atypical hormones and you're taking medication to keep everything under control... You're not thirty-year-olds any more. – Otrera said, she felt a little weight on her conscience for talking like that to the people who taught her what it was to be a master mage.
– We have to admit, we're not so young anymore, we can't go around playing careless like Kristen and Teresa who came out of a fight with Stroika and barely survived, that's a fact, but we still have the experience and the skill and as long as the goddamn sign of Aries, Virgo and Sagittarius bless us, we will keep risking our necks for Celestia, do you understand us?! – Margareth said, she did not like to be treated like an old woman, she knew that Otrera's intentions were noble, but she did not want to be underestimated.
– Okay, I rushed, I let my affective memory impair my judgment, but you three are all that Eddy, Mor and I have from that time, when we were master mages with Astaroth by our side, if you died, I would feel a complete useless... You guys are powerful, you still top-tiers to any of the captains, but precisely because of Teresa and Kristen's mission they almost died that I started to worry about it, I promise that things will change, but think about my point of view, there are a bunch of young mages who need you to guide them, I need you. – Otrera said, she was recomposing himself.
– We understand, it's ok, but think about our point of view too and we think about yours, we also have our pride. – Said Anitta austere.
– Yes, gentlemen. – Otrera said that he had a lot of respect for them, she left the room to go take care of her duties.
The three eldest mages of the twelve master mages stood there in the conference room and George poured himself a whiskey.
– When were you going to tell us about cancer? We've been in this together for over forty years, Anitta for over thirty, since she was still André, we went through hell together, when did you think about saying you were dying? – Margareth said that she had a very strong affection for her friend and teammate, it was a life working together.
– I found out just two months ago, I was scared, feeling weak, powerless, serving the Royal Guard is my life, I don't want to drop it, and I thought if they knew they would want to take me out. – George said emotionally and drinking.
– After all we're not so young anymore, I remember when we were Alister's age, Ethan's, being ordained mages, the adventures, the wars... I miss the rogue missions, danger, but at the same time I don't see myself without training and teaching the young mages either, our future, we are not eternal, we are here to pass the torch to the next generation one day, but that moment has not come yet, but it is not that far away either. – Anitta said thinking about the glory days.
– And you George, could go back to teaching at Belladona, would be an amazing teacher... Teaching future Royal Guard mages is a sacred mission... I remember from the time we joined the order, Helena Hecatrix was the Grand Mistress, it was an interesting time, until she walked away from the position because she saw that Astaroth was ready and would be her due successor, that was well into the last five years from the war that she passed the post, continued as master mage until the end of the war and then asked to retire, a lot of pressure from the children to do that, but just remembering a time of Helena's newly sworn-in Grand Mistress, show our age. – Margaret laughed longingly.
– I would love to be a teacher again, after I lost Aron and Ava I only have Emiliana, it would be good to be a teacher again, I think I'll get some trio to train again, relive those golden times... Fighting is our life, but I understand Otrera's feeling, she saw so many people give their lives and blood in the last war, there we were at our peak, now she and the others are at their peak, we have become relics of the past. – George laughed, admitting his current state.
– I still remember Astaroth entering the Academy, young, I was still only a teacher, today he would be 50 years old, he was quite naughty, Astarte reminds me a lot of him in the way he was... We saw Astaroth grow, we we've seen his students grow up and become legends, we'll give it our all, but in this I have to give Otrera credit, our time for playing the reckless youngsters has passed. – Margareth said thinking about her trajectory.
– Do you remember in 1992, that mission in the Xhali desert? It was madness to face that extremist Kora'q army, the three of us against five thousand mages. – Remembered George smiling.
– I remember, there was that time in 87 (1987) when I was still captain and you were already master mages that we defended Celestia from an invasion of the Xhyng Tzu coalition at the end of the Great War V. – Anitta remembered with good humor.
– I love all these memories, but the most special for me was in 2004, the stroikan empire trying to dominate the Zambi lands and we went to help, we had torn everyone apart, no one compared to us and then Astaroth comes to me with his squadron of three paladins and they cleared an army of nine thousand soldiers like it was nothing, and we had just finished off twelve thousand soldiers, but there were three paladins, it was Mor, Eddy and "O", I think this one was the first time we had witnessed his team in action with so much power and this memory is very special, to think that we were there fighting and beside us we had incredible talents, that gave me the gas to fight and go back home to my wife knowing that our legacy was safe, and today we have them here, at thirty-eight each, in the best of their ways, we are well represented. – Said Margareth homesick and nostalgic.
– Really, I remember and I was disbelieving with what those boys already knew to do... I remember seeing Otrera tearing a 300m3 block from the ground with her brute force and launching it in a stroikan camp... Edward, he set fire to the Zambi ruins by accident in battle and look that place had survived the energy bombards of destruction made by the stroikan Goulargs... And Morrigan was not far behind she eclipsed the sun and sealed the souls of a hundred mages at once as if it was nothing. – Anitta remembered excitedly.
– We performed our miracles, you caused celestial explosions like no one else... George's weapons, I've never seen a man use weapons with such excellence... And without wanting to brag, my explosive chains still as might as ever... The truth is that we are still the best in our fields, but there are some good guys who are trying to outdo us... And I hope they make it. – Margareth chuckled reflexively drinking whiskey too.
The older mages were there, rambling on about their past glories and joys, and then Otrera walks in, desperate and heart-pounding, on an emergency mission.
– I need the help of the three of you... Mafia attack in Thunderia, they want to take control of the city, they want 200,000,000.00 celsians or they will blow up the city, it is our biggest generator of energy that we distribute to the whole country. – Commented Otrera.
– And will you give it? – Anitta asked.
– Of course not, go there and beat the shit out of them… The entire Razzi Mafia in the east of the country is concentrated there, 3,000 mobsters for you to take a swing at… And at least 30 Royal Guard captain level or more. – Otrera said that he knew it would be a mission they would love to take on.
– We're leaving, right now! – George said happily.
***
Thunderia, the most important city in Celestia in terms of energy production, the city was very modern and based on electricity, a metallic design, known for its spectacular skyscrapers and powerful power plants, the city was under attack by a mafia of mages of different nationalities, it was chaos, they were in the region of the main plants in one of the most isolated parts of the city for reasons of security logistics, they had taken control of the place and were giving work to the common army that was getting washed up. The plants were gigantic, five power diffusers three hundred meters high each and cylindrical, in addition to the installations. Margareth, Anitta and George arrived at the place and it was to seal.
– How good to feel so alive! – Said Margareth, conjuring several charp chains coming from extradimensional seals, these chains had explosive seals in them that triggered explosions to the touch, in addition to giving piercing damage with the tip, it was an unsettling movement.
– We do not deal with terrorists! – Said Anitta that easily conjured beams of celestial energy that expanded and purged the lives of those affected.
– It's time for a fight! – George said that he wielded the "Twin Shredders", in addition to controlling other weapons with his telekinesis, axes, swords and spears with blades that resembled snakes, he went into combat with immense power.
– Cut those old men down! – Yelled Armando Rizzo, 37, his eyes were multicolored, his skin white, his hair black and full; this man was the head of the Romaneza Mafia of Celestia; a very powerful explosion and flame mage who had been giving the master mages troublefor years.
– At least they didn't send the Scorpio mage, then things would get ugly. – mocked Larissa Rizzo, 34, her eyes were multicolored, her skin white, her hair black and long; a wind and fire mage, second-in-command and younger sister of Armando.
– But these old men are killing everyone. – pointed out Leticia Rizzo, 29, her eyes were multicolored, her skin white, her hair black and cut militarily; she was Armando's younger sister, an energy mage.
The three experienced mages of the Royal Guard showed why they had arrived where they had arrived, they fought like true heroes, George bladed the enemies, those 20-30 year old mages were no match for the swordsmanship and telekinesis skill of that mage who faced two world wars as master mage and has survived three. Margareth didn't even need to fight physically, her chains made up for the need for her to fight directly, even though she still has more than average brute strength, but her muscles had been degenerating over time, she couldn't count on her as her main weapon anymore, the chains moved so violently that they ripped the mages in half that they couldn't resist the violence of the impact, not to mention the explosions. Anitta was more playing with those mages who for her had barely left their diapers, she used her magical knowledge to destroy the spirits of enemies leading them to death.
– Any real challenges? – George shouted, decapitating two other mages.
– This old man… Sisters, let's teach these sclerotic ones they don't have a chance anymore. – Armando said furiously.
– The boss is mine! – Said George.
– Feel free. – Laughed Anitta who goes on top of Leticia.
***
Anitta faced Leticia, the young mage was however against the more experienced mage, she was even very powerful, a mobster of respect but she was facing a mage who was the closest to the gods on earth would not be an easy fight for the mage Rizzo.
– You don't stand a chance… Bubbling Energy. – Conjured the mobster who caused a bubbling mass of energy that clung to Anitta.
Anitta protected herself with a defensive spell, but was dragged away by the impact of the explosion, Leticia moved quickly and hitting Anitta with a series of blows with explosive effect, the younger mage was not lacking, she could even be a candidate for the position of master mage, your violent strength was a force to be reckoned with.
– You're good, but still too out of control, be quiet... Soul's Prision. – Conjured Anitta who trapped Leticia in a cage of magic seals that tried to drain her.
The mobster proved strong enough to break the cage with her force and release a barrage of energy shots violently.
– You'll have to try harder, grandma! – Provoked Leticia who unloads what seemed to be a powerful spell capable of destroying a city, a mass of explosive energy that emanated such force, it was frighteningly powerful.
– So much wasted talent... Virgo: Transcendental Power! –Conjured Anitta who used one of her most powerful techniques, this blow not only interrupted Leticia's but trapped her in a hollow celestial energy sphere and there Leticia was suffering from an overdose of power from the divine world, it was not physical damage, but a direct attack on the target's spirit and mind was a frightening power capable of destroying a mind completely, but Anitta only calibrated it to incapacitate the opponent.
Leticia was there incapacitated and defeated in the arms of Anitta who looked almost like Michelangelo's Pietá holding the girl's body, Anitta was a great warrior mage, but also a pious woman who liked to give the chance for redemption.
***
Margareth was facing Larissa, the mobster had no truce and was advancing against Margareth as if her body were a missile of flames stirred by the wind, hitting the Aries mage squarely and knocking her against a wall.
– You really got sclerotic, the one who was once the most feared among the women of the Royal Guard is now just a decadent lady… Fiery Storm. – Conjured Larissa causing several vortexes of flames that hit individually and then converge in a single vortex of imperious and powerful flames.
– You'll see your chicken sclerotic... Aries: Chain Tornado. – Conjured Margareth angry who used one of her most powerful techniques right away to take care of the enemy, she was powerful, but made the mistake of provoking this so experienced mage. The spell creates a magical seal just below Margareth's feet and out of it 360° chains flow out in all directions filled with blades and thorns that rise to the sky and begin to spin, becoming a violent tornado of piercing and rolled metal in a centrifugal movement. almost impossible, Larissa was caught and at the speed she was she was dragged and violently thrown between one chain and another, one link and another.
Larissa was on the floor all blown up, cut and bleeding, but still slushy.
– Your finished old... Ground Fiery Storm. – Conjured Larissa, shocking the ground and triggering a massive firestorm blast just below the older mage.
– Amateur... Bind Teletransport Chain. – Conjured Margareth who conjured rune chains that encircled her and Larissa in a symbol of infinity and then switched places with Larissa who ended up dying from her own blow. – Sclerosed is your mother, Eleonor Rizzo, that disqualified one. –
Margareth proved to be a somewhat ruthless mage when she was disrespected, did what had to be done and without shame, always taught her students to be strong and decisive, never weaken and fight with bravery and courage.
***
George was in a fight against Armando, he was even more powerful than his sisters, the fight was fierce, he launches powerful explosions to try to tear apart his much more experienced enemy, but George had four shields that he controlled with telekinesis and wielding the shredding Twins, the shields managed to protect the mage from the explosions even partially.
– So, old man, do you think you can handle it? I will love killing you with your own swords. – Provoked Armando, who was constantly advancing against the mage, his fists were laced with explosive energy, he was much more agile, younger, he was an opponent who reminded George that he was no longer at the height of his youth.
– You little shit, your mother and I already got slapped when you didn't think about getting out of your father's balls. – Provoked George, who showed himself to be a swordsman and telekinetic, even though he was no longer as agile as his opponent, he compensated with a complicated strategy that forced him a lot, he used his telekinesis to maintain his agility from his golden days, more than that, using his telekinesis he not only managed to increase his agility but he also increased the impact force of his blows.
It was impressive how George's strategy was working, he was really ingenious, that fight became increasingly impactful and powerful.
– You still hit well, old rag, but you're going to die, they should have sent the 3GLWM... Destruction Seed! – Conjured Armando, he concentrated explosive energy enough to destroy one of the regions of Belladona, Armando was not the leader of one of the most feared mafias in the nation for nothing. That punch was to kill George and he would get it if it hits.
– Young, handsome and daring... Sagittarius: Prismatic Reflection Shields. – Conjured George who was very ingenious, the shields that George controlled had the special prismatic background and even held the shields and Armando in a telekinetic sphere, the mobster's blow hit the shields forged by the goddess Lunes, the prismatic side made the blow go reflecting and hitting Armando violently and killing him.
George was not unharmed, for an instant the telekinetic sphere failed and George was hit by part of the blow throwing him to the ground very injured, in addition to the impact on the ground, even with the uniform he broke four ribs, dislocated his shoulder and suffered burns.
– Fuck you, kid. – Said George satisfied even in that situation.
Anitta and Margareth who had defeated their opponents went to help their friend, caught him and took him back to the Royal Guard tower and Leticia sent to Sephiro Prison.
***
The medical wing of the Royal Guard Tower, Margareth and Anitta were accompanying George who was lying on a bandaged bed and recovering. Otrera then soon arrived at the medical wing to see the mage's condition.
– Congratulations, you cleaned the floor with those mobsters, what a class... Apparently you proved me wrong, I'm glad I still make mistakes. – Laughed Otrera.
– Yes and no, girl, we cleaned the floor with them, but I almost died from a tactical failure, it wouldn't have happened ten years ago. – George assumed.
– George, everyone here has been wrong in battle, it's not age necessarily, you are not outdated, you showed me the heroes I admired when I was young, you who already shined and were impressive inspirations, and I'm proud of to have you as companions in battle, what matters is not age, but the strength of the "spirit of Celestia" in our hearts, regardless of age, gender or specialty. – Otrera smiled as she hugged George in a bed.
– Very beautiful to hear you talking like that, reminds me of Astaroth, and George is right, yes and no, we are still here to fight, but we also have to understand that certain types of missions are up to us and others to young mages. – Said Margareth who realized in the nostalgia of the lightning mission the rage of youth, but that she was on another level.
– Exactly… We have to fulfill our role and nowadays it is much more important to help the young people, even so we are still warrior mages, only we have to give the space for Alister and the others to build their path, we already have many stories and our moment of glory, now we have to give way to them and do our best for Celestia. – Anitta smiled.
– I am very happy to hear this, masters… Whether you like it or not, you are my masters too, you guided me along the path of the master mages along with Astaroth… I promise that whenever I can I will designate this type of mission, I know that I need it, I'm crazy to get my ass kicked again, but I have to take care of everything around here, now I know why Asta always liked to go when he could go on missions after becoming Grand Master. – Laughed Otrera.
– It will be very good and we appreciate it, this mission made us realize that we have reached a point that we are aces for strategic moments and keeping the foundations of this place for the future, Ethan and the others have to show service, we forget that age brings more wisdom and no more stamina. – Anitta laughed reflecting on the situation.
– But know that you are very powerful and that we all have a lot of respect and admiration for you, we know that you give a stick in any new mage, and you have proven that in the race. – Said Otrera.
– It's very good... And Otrera, I want you to treat my cancer, you're the best, you'll do it with your hand on your back. – George said smiling.
– Magic cancers are much more complex than normal cancers, this one of your lungs, it's like this due to an abnormal pressure in the rib cage by magic, have you been using telekinesis to improve movements? – Said Otrera giving a deadly accurate diagnosis.
– Yes, I have been doing this to maintain my battle performance in terms of agility. – Said George.
– I see, doing this has serious consequences, it is a treatment of at least three months even with my skills, you have been doing this for years, and you will have to avoid as much as possible using your telekinesis on your own body. – Said Otrera.
– Of course… You're really the most suitable for the position, even if you don't realize it, you're a born leader. – Said George.
– Thank you, this is very coming from you, from all of you. – Otrera smiled.
So the older mages got a taste of nostalgia, saw that they were still the mighty mages as they always were, even though age is already leaving its marks, they were ingenious and skillful, decades of experience, proven their competence and realized their place, his experience should guide the next generations and younger mage masters. Otrera also learned a lot, that pride is ageless and the spirit of courage and duty was what it counted, she was living with the heroes of her youth again, but now she had to learn to understand this new phase they were living in and at the same time acting as a leader, maturing and adapting is not easy even for, and perhaps especially for, more experienced people who have already gone through trauma and want to preserve what they have left; Otrera had a lot of confidence in those three who had seen and lived the Royal Guard routine much more than she, owed them respect and care at the same time.