Achieving something meaningful often involves the greatest sacrifices.
I had not left the Rosenstein library for a day. I looked through all the records of the hunters but couldn't find anything. After that, I resigned myself to the fact that I would have to visit Gironde Mehisto.
"I thought you'd come to see me soon," the Necromancer said, calmly sipping his tea.
"Then you'll help me?"
Gironde smiled softly. "As much as I can."
That didn't sound so convincing.
"Then what can you tell me?"
Gironde pondered. "The things that don't change fate."
I sat down in the armchair. "So?"
"Humans have a limit to how much magic their bodies can take. When you become a necromancer, those limits disappear."
"Splendid," I growled.
"Innate abilities are amplified, however, our magic is not infinite."
I raised an eyebrow.
"Necromancers are stuck somewhere between life and death. That is why we do not produce magic in our bodies and our lives would be finite if we did not replenish it," he explained. "A necromancer is only as strong as the number and quality of souls he has contracted with."
My eyes narrowed.
"How many contracts does he have?" I asked.
The Necromancer shook his head. "I cannot answer that."
"More than you have?"
Gironde flashed a sly grin. That was answer enough.
"But Gironde, Dorian Vincze wasn't contracted and yet he was still damn strong," I mused. "Will this other necromancer be as tough?"
"Dorian Vincze's innate talent was greater than ordinary mages," he replied. "He would have been a mage who could have turned the wheel of fate either for good or ill."
"Selam's talent is not inferior," I heard the familiar voice.
My eyes widened. "Aleshio?"
Gironde's gaze bore into the legendary mage with such intensity that I couldn't tell if he was on the verge of attacking or hugging him. In the end, he did neither. Gironde merely sighed.
"The boundary between our worlds has thinned. It is dangerous for you to be here."
Aleshio smiled as if to appease him. "This is your subdimension. It should be fine."
Gironde sighed again as if disturbed by the other's presence. Yet curiously, another armchair appeared in the room out of nowhere.
Aleshio took a seat without a word.
"Selam's ability is illusion," Aleshio declared. "It is dangerous because it can create illusions of such power that they are difficult to break out of even if you know about it. He is a master manipulator of the mind."
I pursed my lips. Not exactly the easiest opponent.
"How do I beat him?"
"See this locket?" asked Gironde, lifting the necklace in front of his chest so I could get a better look.
The red stone glowed with an almost lifelike intensity, as if deep crimson flames flickered and danced within its core. It appeared slightly larger than the one worn by Dorian Vincze.
"The easiest way to defeat a necromancer is to break his soul."
"But," Aleshio added. "If you break his soul, he simply ceases to exist. He will never have a chance to reincarnate again."
I knew exactly why Aleshio said that.
"I won't get any more brazen than this. I won't ask you to spare him, for I know you are risking your life. But if there's even the slightest chance that you can defeat him without breaking his spirit, please consider it."
"I cannot promise you anything," I replied.
This was a tough situation. I still didn't have enough information.
"Giro, can you help me?", I asked. "Like you did with Dorian Vincze?"
Gironde shook his head. "It is in your destiny to get into a confrontation with him."
Awesome.
"I cannot tell you how to defeat him," Gironde declared. "But Aleshio can."
Gironde opened his palm, which held a tiny glass orb. Around the glass orb, his magic spread like a green mist. He stared at the orb with intense eyes, his irises glowing green.
"The future can branch off in many directions. However, there are only a handful of futures where you will prevail," he said softly. "Aleshio, you see?"
Aleshio nodded, his eyes also staring at the glass orb.
He only looked up at me once the green mist of magic had vanished completely.
"What did you see?" I asked, unable to hide my confusion. "I saw nothing."
Aleshio's lips curved into a somber smile. "Of course you didn't."
I frowned. "Why?"
"How do you think Gironde became one of the most powerful necromancers?" he countered instead of answering directly.
From Aleshio's memories, I knew that Gironde, as a human, had been rather unremarkable.
"Has he contracted with many?" I asked.
"A thousand souls is not many for someone of his age," Aleshio replied, shaking his head.
My eyes widened as understanding dawned, and Aleshio, noticing my realization, smiled once more.
"We share magic," he said. "So, I saw exactly what he did."
"You signed with him?" I was shocked.
And Aleshio nodded. "The day he became a necromancer."
I didn't understand. I understood nothing. Then why had Giro imprisoned him?
Then it hit me—a sudden revelation. If Aleshio shared the same magic, it was no wonder he could traverse so effortlessly between the Mirrorworld and ours, slipping into Gironde's subdimension as if it were second nature. An unlocked cell is no prison.
Gironde turned away as if to indicate whose idea it was.
"Why?"
In my shock, I could only ask that.
"It was the only future where we all survived," Aleshio said quietly. "There are always sacrifices to be made. And most of the time, even the best future isn't perfect."
I pressed my lips into a sharp line. For some reason, his words upset me, even if I had no idea why. His words touched something in me that I didn't even know existed.
"Listen closely," he continued, his voice gentle but firm. "All the futures you've survived have one thing in common."
(...)
My phone started vibrating in my pocket. I pulled it out and Alex's number flashed on the screen. I picked up the phone but wasn't surprised to be greeted by another's voice.
"Where are you?"
"At the hunters' secret headquarters. Why?"
"I think I found something."
Less than half an hour later I was standing in the living room in front of Livius.
"So?"
Instead of answering, Livius threw a Kaleidoscope on the table. An old, printed version of the Hunters' Newspaper. I thought these had already been destroyed or locked up by the hunters.
I skimmed through the article in surprise which featured a huge picture of "the greatest mage hunter Amand Ernik" on the front page. I'd never heard his name before in my life, presumably because he was active in the 60s according to the Kaleidoscope.
Anyway, that wasn't the point, it was the picture, and more importantly the earring dangling in one of the man's ears. The jewellery was made of gold and depicted a snake holding a gemstone in its mouth—quite feminine for a man.
[Amand Ernik, the celebrated three-time Rosenstein Award-winning hunter and recently elected paladin, has been brought before the judges of the Crosspherat under enigmatic circumstances. Known as the most distinguished mage hunter of his generation, Ernik's rise to prominence has been nothing short of extraordinary.
While details remain scarce, it has been confirmed that Ronel Reisz, Ernik's long-time companion who has been at his side since the young hunter was just ten years old, is also implicated in the proceedings. The case has sparked widespread speculation, leaving many eager to uncover the truth behind these perplexing events.
For an in-depth look at the story, including exclusive insights and updates, please turn to page 3.]
I started to turn the pages and, stopping at the page mentioned, I delved again into the information in the ancient newspaper.
[Ronel Reisz Breaks Silence: Claims Amand Ernik May Be Cursed, Mentally Unstable]
[In an exclusive interview with our publication, Ronel Reisz, longtime companion of the famed mage hunter Amand Ernik, expressed grave concerns about his partner's mental state. Reisz, visibly shaken, disclosed his belief that Ernik has "lost his mind," attributing the change to a curse allegedly cast by the last mage Ernik encountered. According to Reisz, this curse may have stripped Ernik of his judgment and subjected him to harrowing visions, pushing him toward madness.
Reisz recounted a disturbing incident in which Ernik attacked him upon returning from a mission, leaving him with life-threatening injuries. The Crosspherat has neither confirmed nor denied the validity of these allegations, adding to the growing mystery surrounding the case.
Efforts to reach Ernik's only surviving family member, his son, were met with a refusal to comment. For a deeper dive into this unsettling saga, stay tuned for next week's edition of The Kaleidoscope.]
Livius casually tossed a stack of newspapers onto the table, their crisp pages rustling as they settled. I eyed them warily. Securing a single copy of The Kaleidoscope was no small feat, but to gather this many? Even with connections, it would be a challenge for anyone—even me.
Noting my skepticism, Livius's smile widened, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Remember, I am a king," he remarked, nodding toward the next newspaper in the pile. "Well, aren't you going to read them?"
[The Amand Case Remains Murky] the headline proclaimed.
[In a recent statement from the Crosspherat, officials confirmed that Amand Ernik is currently under investigation, and his case remains unresolved. As a precautionary measure, Ernik's hunting membership has been revoked until further notice.
Sources also report that Ernik is being held in the secure ward of Veress Hospital. Attempts to reach his attending physician for comment were met with a refusal, citing medical confidentiality.]
I picked up the next article.
[Amand Case in Court – Open Trial Details Revealed!]
[The highly contentious Amand Ernik affair has escalated to an open trial, drawing significant public attention. The courtroom, filled to capacity, buzzed with tense anticipation. As Ernik was brought in, the once-celebrated hunter appeared unrecognizable. Gone was the golden boy of mage hunting; in his place stood a disheveled figure, his hands shackled, eyes flickering with a wild light.
Ernik's demeanor added fuel to the fire as he lashed out in a sudden outburst, requiring immediate intervention from court security. Once order was restored, the trial proceeded, with the prosecution outlining a grim narrative. Ernik was charged with a violent assault on his partner, Ronel Reisz, resulting in life-threatening injuries, and the deaths of five guards during an attempted escape from the hospital.
In a dramatic twist, Ernik refuted the charges, accusing his late partner, Reisz, of being the true culprit. The tension peaked when Ernik attempted to physically attack the plaintiff, an outburst that further underscored the defense's claims of his mental instability. The court, swayed by the testimony of Ernik's physician and his erratic behavior, ruled for his indefinite commitment to Thadeus, a facility for the mentally unwell.]
I couldn't find any more information about Amand in the other papers—but I found more about Ronel Reisz. After his partner's downfall, his results suddenly soared and he became an excellent mage hunter himself.
"I visited Amand at Thadeus," Livius said as if the place wasn't one of the most secure buildings in the country. "Reisz stole the amulet from him. I think we should pay him a visit."
"Okay," I raised an eyebrow. "What is the catch then?"
"I can't get any information about his whereabouts."
"Hm," I murmured, deep in thought.
A moment passed before I spoke again. "I think I can help with that. But first, I need to see Rolo."
Livius didn't hold my selfishness against me, he merely nodded.
I left him in the living room and crept noiselessly into Rolo's room. Despite my quiet approach, Rolo's sharp senses, as keen as any feline, wouldn't have missed my arrival.
"Hi," he greeted me.
"How are you feeling?" I asked, studying him carefully.
Rolo tried to struggle himself into a sitting position—with varying degrees of success.
"Better."
"You said you were stuck between a necromancer and a monster," I began. "Does that mean you can make a contract?"
Rolo furrowed his brow, clearly puzzled by the question. "I haven't really thought about that."
"I want you to make a contract with me," I stated firmly.
Rolo's eyes widened in surprise, his expression shifting from confusion to disbelief.
I bit my finger and drew a line of blood across his palm. But nothing happened.
"You're the only one I can't save, Rolo," I began and more emotion mixed into my voice than I would have liked. "If you're mortally wounded, my blood won't heal you. Not even a little."
"You think I'm going to hold you back?" he asked, pressing his lips into a tight line.
I shook my head. "No, but I am the packheart. I'm supposed to protect you."
He paused, silent for a moment. Then his eyes locked onto mine, unblinking.
"You know what I see when I look at you?" he asked quietly.
Rolo's piercing green eyes didn't leave me for a long moment, as if he could see something I couldn't—something profound, something rare. Something that defied explanation, even for him. Something that is the inherent essence of mortals.
When I didn't answer, he spoke again. "It's like seeing the sun."
My eyes widened in surprise.
"I noticed it that night," he continued, his voice softer now. "You glowed in the dark, like the sun rising. It was so bright, I could barely look at it, but I couldn't look away either. Your soul—" he paused, as if struggling to find the words. "It's the brightest I've ever seen."
I was speechless, unsure how to respond.
"That's why you shouldn't ask me to do this," he added, his voice full of quiet intensity. "I never want your light to fade."
It was the most honest I had ever heard him. Rolo smiled then, but it wasn't his usual smile. This one was soft, free of sarcasm or arrogance—and it unsettled me more than I expected.
"I'll be strong, Shay," he said gently. "So you never have to say that again."
I merely nodded, because no words came out of my throat.