Once again Adriana was helped by the knight walking behind her. If only she had other footwear to walk in a place like this. Or at least she knew she was going to this abandoned mine, Adriana wouldn't choose the slippers she was using now, but the boots for riding or hunting for squirrels at home.
"Be careful, princess." One of the knights said to Adriana.
She didn't answer at all, just nodded and walked slowly following the people walking in front of him.
"There is nothing we are looking for here," said Adriana.
She hoped Ferdinand would stop and decide to go back upstairs, to where their father was waiting.
This closed mine is dangerous. Moreover, there is no barrier magic at the mine mouth. Adriana was sure that the alleys they were about to pass through had been inhabited by black beasts. If the breed is weak, the knights won't be overwhelmed. What if it was stronger than the knights they brought with them? Ferdinand and Adriana's lives will be in vain.
"It is here! I'm certain!" cried Ferdinand from the front without turning his head.
"Brother has never been here. Even when my father was a child this mine was not very productive anymore and ended up being closed. How can you be sure that there is a high-grade strength stone here." Adriana took a deep breath first. "You need to know, that such a high type of power stone is not found just like that. Many magicians have to identify first."
Ferdinand's hand rose. Instantly the knight in front of Adriana stopped and gave way to Ferdinand. Adriana's stepbrother glared, his face turned red, and he quickly covered Adriana.
"I know! Because he can't be lying!" He exclaimed.
He? Adriana thought about the words that just slipped from Ferdinand's lips. Realizing that he had read more than he should have read, Ferdinand looked away, hastily leading the way ahead again.
"I told you to follow me!" said Ferdinand when he arrived in front of the group again.
Adriana knew that she would not be able to stop Ferdinand's efforts. However, she had to tell the most important thing about the possession of magic that Ferdinand would surely know. It's just that Ferdinand was trying to deny that ability right now. Even their father who was waiting above did the same.
"A person's magic capacity is determined from birth," said Adriana.
There was no answer, even though Adriana was sure that Ferdinand had heard what she had just said. It seems that Adriana's stepbrother still doesn't want to admit her abilities.
"Leading a territory doesn't have to have great magic, Big Brother! Many landlords lack magic power but are great at swordsmanship and leadership."
"Shut up!" Ferdinand's scream contained anger.
If Adriana doesn't want to accept the same violence as at the residence yesterday, then it's time for her to be quiet.
They returned in silence. Only the sound of footsteps echoed in the room. Light magic stones glowed weakly on the tunnel walls.
Adriana's legs are a little sore from walking. She was sure he was far from the mouth of the cave. The atmosphere inside is not only humid but also cold. This place doesn't seem to have any more power stones in it. Adriana believes that the search for Ferdinand will only result in disappointment.
"Here!"
Just when Adriana thought about asking Ferdinand how far they had walked, her stepbrother told her to stop. The knight in front of Adriana stopped, left Adriana by his side, and was then stabbed by the knight behind him.
"There's nothing here," said Adriana.
The knights to her left and right looked restless. They seemed to also notice the absence of what their master was looking for.
"He won't lie to me, Adriana. Because he said that I would surpass all of our ancestors."
Adriana looked at Ferdinand in front of her. Obsession is a disease that cannot be cured. Adriana could only watch, hoping that whatever her stepbrother was trying to achieve didn't destroy Ferdinand himself or their family.
"Adriana, do you know how high-grade power stones can be found?"
Adriana tilted her head. "Not! There are no books that cover such a thing."
"Because it is kept secret from the general public. However, he came to me and then told me this: If you cast magic near that high-power stone, it will glow. Then if you refine it with the right technique, it will increase the magic capacity in the body!"
Adriana was surprised to hear that. Obviously what I just heard wasn't true. The power stone does contain magic, but it cannot be consumed. Because it is toxic to living things around it.
"Brother, it seems that you have been tricked by that person!"
"He's not a swindler Adriana!" Ferdinand drew his sword, placing the tip on Adriana's neck. "Compared to everyone in the family, you have great magic capacity. Spread your magic in this place, Adriana!"
Performing magic in a large capacity was a difficult thing. Adriana held her breath, she knew had no other choice.
***
The magic that Cyril will create is not easy. Instead of moving from place to place, to freeze the flow of space and time, that's why making a warp requires a large amount of magic power.
I wish I didn't have to die doing this! Cyril grieved for the misfortune in his heart.
"Do your job, Knight Cyril!" said Adelman as they were at the threshold of the castle entrance inside the fort.
Cyril's friends--the army of the seventh knights had stood beside their horses. They had been prepared to enjoy Cyril's failure. He thought of asking for compensation from the people who had forced him later. But, what's all the compensation for if he doesn't survive.
Crown prince Algis had also been there. Borneo held the horse.
Cyril closed his eyes, remembering how the concepts of space and time warped in the parchments he had just read. He tried to remember a dot on the map that read Fort Varden and Count Freifau's territory.
His chest felt hot like it was on fire, then his whole body heated up. Cyril dared not open his eyes. Afraid that the heat was an illusion of his body burning before exploding under the pressure of magic.
"You did it!"
What?
"Is it a warp? I've never seen it. This is amazing! Is it safe to cross it?"
Cyril thought it was time to take a peek now. He opened one eye, still concentrating on the burning sensation he felt. Then he saw it, a mirror-like object that didn't see through the field, reflected no image, about eight feet high and four feet wide.
"This warp?" Cyril asked someone.
"Well, that's exactly what you used to do!" From his right, someone shouted. When Cyril turned his head he saw the man who greeted him the first time he arrived. Very familiar man.
"Is it safe to traverse?"
Cyril couldn't answer it. However, he was also afraid to try. He doesn't want to die. He didn't want to die even if it was because of his recklessness.
"Let me pass first." Adelman volunteered.
Cyril was about to refuse, but Adelman had disappeared into the created warp. Until Cyril held his breath, it seemed like a long time had passed. Cold sweat dripped from fear.
Suddenly Adelman had appeared again out of there, smiling calmly. "He made it! This is right in front of the entrance gate of the Freifau territory."