It's not what you know, but who you know.
Rolo must have expected them to go straight to the auction house. However, the place looked more like the reception room of a villa. He looked almost suspiciously at the two rows of mages, all wearing blue robes.
The room was grand and elegant, with high ceilings and walls adorned with ancient tapestries depicting various magical scenes. The mages, all dressed in the same light blue robes, stood at attention, their gazes fixed forward.
Livius, completely at ease, told one of the mages to fetch him his cloak as well as an extra junior robe and confidently set off, almost oblivious to the mages standing around him. Rolo followed him, the weight of many eyes upon him. The air was thick with a sense of formality and respect.
Livius led Rolo through a series of corridors until they reached a small, well-appointed room that appeared to be Livius's study. The walls were lined with shelves filled with ancient tomes and strange artifacts. A large, ornate desk dominated one end of the room.
"Before we go to the auction, I have some business to attend to," Livius said, his tone casual but firm.
Rolo was awkwardly standing, still taking in his surroundings. The study was filled with the scent of old books and a faint hint of magical residue. It was a room that spoke of history and power, a place where important decisions were made.
Livius moved to his desk and began to sort through a stack of papers. "I won't be long," he said, glancing up at Rolo with a reassuring smile. "Feel free to look around."
Rolo nodded, his curiosity piqued. He began to wander around the room, examining the various artifacts and books. One item in particular caught his eye: a small, intricately carved box made of dark wood, its surface covered in strange runes.
As Rolo reached out to touch the box, Livius's voice stopped him. "Careful with that one. Best not to open it unless you know exactly what you're doing."
Rolo withdrew his hand, feeling a mix of awe and caution. "This artifact is unique," he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration.
Livius stopped and looked up at him. "What do you mean?"
"These runes... these runes are ancient," Rolo stated. "The magical energies are wild, untamed. Is it a containment box for volatile magical energies?"
His question wasn't really a question. Perhaps that was the moment when Livius really recognized Rolo's knowledge.
Livius smiled. "I'm glad you find it interesting."
"Still, do be careful," he added, moving to a large, ornate chest at the corner of the room. He opened it to reveal an array of items: gemstones that glittered with an inner light, small but powerful artifacts, and stacks of gold coins. Livius carefully selected a few choice items and placed them into a satchel.
"We'll need these for potential trades. Not everything at the auction is for sale in the conventional sense. Sometimes the most valuable items require a barter," Livius explained.
Rolo watched as Livius packed the satchel with practiced efficiency. The sight of the gems and artifacts made his eyes widen. Each piece seemed to be worth a lot, demonstrating a history of power and mystery.
Just then, the mage who had been sent to fetch the cloak arrived, carrying a long, light blue cloak with silver embroidery. He handed it to Livius, who draped it over his shoulders with practiced ease.
Powerful magic was woven into the fabric, which might have been useful, but made it seemingly impossible to summon the cloak.
"Rolo, have you ever worn a mage's robe?" Livius asked, glancing over his shoulder with a curious expression.
He got the second robe from the mage and waved him to leave. The door closed without a sound.
Rolo looked at him, slightly taken aback by the question. "Actually, yes, I have my own."
Livius paused, genuine surprise lighting up his face. "You do? Who gave it to you?"
"Shay gave me one," he replied.
Livius paused, genuine surprise lighting up his face. "Shay gave you a robe?"
Rolo nodded slowly, feeling the weight behind those words.
"In most traditions, the first robe is given by one's master after learning their first spell. It's a rite of passage, a symbol of your journey as a mage."
Rolo remained silent, his eyes distant as if recalling something long buried. Livius respected the silence, sensing that there were stories behind Rolo's quiet demeanor that were not meant to be shared at this moment.
"Well," Livius continued, breaking the silence gently, "today you'll wear the colours of my court. They will know you are under my protection."
He handed Rolo an elegant robe, made from fine fabric that shimmered subtly in the light. The intricate embroidery and the rich hue of blue spoke of prestige and respect within the magical community.
Rolo took the robe, his fingers tracing the delicate patterns. He looked up at Livius with a questioning gaze.
"Why blue?" he asked, genuinely curious.
Livius smiled. "Blue is the color of my court, symbolizing clarity, wisdom, tranquility and serenity. It shows a mage's dedication to knowledge and balance in the magical arts."
Rolo nodded slowly, slipping into the robe. It fit perfectly, almost as if it was made for him. He looked at himself in the mirror, the light blue fabric contrasting with his dark hair.
Livius watched him with a satisfied smile. "You look every bit the part of a mage in my court. Ready to impress at the auction."
Rolo couldn't help but smirk. "Impress, huh? I'd rather not."
Livius chuckled. "Come on, let's get going."
They headed to the designated area for port magic. As they made their way back through the corridors to the main reception room, the mages they passed nodded respectfully to Livius, their eyes lingering curiously on Rolo.
"Stay close," Livius instructed, extending a hand.
Rolo placed his hand on Livius's arm, feeling the subtle hum of magic as Livius cast the port magic. The air shimmered and swirled around them, and in the next instant, they stepped into the heart of the magical world.
Rolo did not wobble, he seemed quite stable for someone who had been pulled twice in a row through the delicate web of time and space. This might have piqued the Sorcerer Lord's interest as he curiously glanced over at Rolo.
"Have you ever used port magic before?"
Rolo shook his head. "I've seen other mages use it, but I've never cast it myself."
"You're doing surprisingly well," Livius mused. "Port magic is one of the more complex and versatile forms of magic. It requires a deep understanding of spatial manipulation and a considerable amount of magical energy. It also makes one feel a bit sick if you are not used to it."
Rolo nodded, thinking back to his own experiences. "I did have one experience with something similar, though. We used a form of short-distance port magic that opened access to an artificial subdimension. We didn't have to cast to activate it—a set of code words was enough."
Livius's eyes widened with interest. "An artificial subdimension? That's quite advanced. How big was this subdimension?"
Rolo looked thoughtful for a moment. "It was the size of a whole city."
Livius raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "A whole city, you say? That's extraordinary. Such subdimensions are extremely rare and require immense magical power to create. Who created it?"
Rolo shrugged. "I'm not sure."
"I did a bit of studying in connection with space magic," began Livius. "At its core, port magic relies on manipulating the fabric of space-time. When you cast a port spell, you essentially fold space, bringing two distant points together. It requires precise calculations and a deep understanding of magical theory. The key is to create a stable portal that won't collapse under its own instability."
Rolo seemed to be deep in thought.
"Creating a subdimension is even more complex," Livius continued. "It involves carving out a pocket of space within the existing dimension. This pocket must be self-sustaining, with its own set of physical laws and magical energies."
Rolo's face was serious as if he were mentally taking notes of Livius's every word, but he certainly would not have admitted it.
As Livius and Rolo approached the door, they were met by a stern-looking mage dressed in elaborate robes. The mage stood tall, his presence commanding respect and authority. This was no ordinary guard; his very aura radiated power and vigilance.
"Good evening, my Lord," the mage greeted, his voice deep and resonant. He extended a hand, palm up, and a faint shimmer of magical energy danced across his fingers.
Livius inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment. "Good evening," he replied, his tone confident.
The mage began to chant softly, which resonated with the very fabric of the building. A thin, ethereal light extended from his hand, weaving its way towards Livius. As the light touched Livius, it pulsed brightly for a moment before fading into a gentle glow.
"Identification complete," the mage announced, his eyes flickering with a subtle hint of surprise. "Welcome, Sorcerer Lord."
Rolo watched this process with keen interest. The identification spell was intricate, designed not only to recognize the individual's magical signature but also to confirm their identity with absolute certainty. The light was a manifestation of the mage's power, a delicate tool used to probe the magical aura of the person before him.
Livius turned to Rolo, sensing his curiosity. "It's a sophisticated form of magical identification," he explained as he accepted two pieces of fabric from the guard and gave one to Rolo. "The light reads the unique magical signature that every mage possesses. It's impossible to forge or duplicate, which ensures that only the rightful individuals can enter."
Rolo nodded, absorbing the information. So, it's like a magical fingerprint. Then he put the veil on.
The grand hall was an imposing structure, its exterior a blend of old-world charm and modern opulence. They passed through the wrought iron gates, stepping into a lush courtyard illuminated by softly glowing lanterns. The air was thick with anticipation, magic humming faintly in the atmosphere.
Rolo and Livius arrived at Belizár's auction, the grandeur of the event not lost on Rolo. It was his first time at a magical auction, and he couldn't help but marvel at the opulence. Iris, tasked with gathering intelligence, was already there blending into the crowd, touching things and mingling discreetly.
Livius and Rolo made their way through the crowd of people, admiring the various magical artifacts on display. Livius kept a watchful eye on Rolo, guiding him through the intricacies of such an event.
The room buzzed with anticipation as mages and collectors discussed potential purchases. People in elegant attire moved gracefully through the space, their faces obscured by intricately designed veils. Each veil was unique, a subtle indication of the wearer's rank and affiliation.
"Remember, observe, and learn," Livius whispered. "These auctions are as much about connections as they are about the items."
Rolo nodded, his eyes wide with curiosity. His gaze darted excitedly from one artifact to the next. Each display held a unique allure, whether it was an amulet pulsing with elemental energy or a cloak that shimmered with power.
Rolo's fascination with the artifacts was palpable. He inspected each display with a mixture of awe and curiosity, occasionally muttering to himself about their potential uses. Livius observed Rolo's excitement with a faint smile, appreciating the kid's intellect and enthusiasm.
"This is just the appetizer," Livius whispered. "The real prizes are kept under tight security and will be revealed during the main auction."
Even the items on display were extraordinary. There were enchanted weapons, shimmering with latent power, and ancient tomes filled with arcane knowledge. One artifact, a small mirror with a frame of twisting vines, caught Rolo's eye. Its surface rippled like water, reflecting not the surroundings but glimpses of other places and times.
Livius followed his gaze. "A scrying mirror. Quite rare, but nothing compared to what's coming."
Rolo stepped closer to the scrying mirror, his eyes narrowing as he observed the intricate design. "This isn't just any scrying mirror," he murmured. "The frame is made from Aethereal Ivy, a plant that's been extinct for centuries. The reflections... they aren't just of places and times. This mirror may show possibilities that could have been, or might still be, making it incredibly powerful and dangerous."
Livius raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "You have quite the eye, kid. Most would see just an ordinary scrying mirror."
Rolo shrugged at the compliment. "It's just theoretical knowledge. I've read about artifacts like this, but I've never seen one in person."
Livius chuckled. "Your knowledge is more than theoretical. You could recognize its significance and potential at a glance. That's a rare talent."
Rolo turned away from the mirror. "Not really. I just have good eyes, that's it."
"But I'm genuinely curious," continues the Sorcerer Lord. "What kind of magic do you have? Might it be appraisal?"
Rolo's expression flickered momentarily, a hint of defensiveness crossing his features. "I've dabbled in various forms," he replied cautiously, his tone guarded. "But as you know, my focus has been on the theoretical aspects of magic."
Livius nodded thoughtfully. "Of course," he said diplomatically. "But surely someone with your intellect must have some unique talents."
Rolo's demeanor shifted subtly, his eyes narrowing imperceptibly. "I have my strengths," he replied curtly, his voice tinged with a hint of challenge. "But I wouldn't expect a gifted mage like yourself to appreciate the nuances of my magic."
Livius raised an eyebrow, sensing Rolo's defensiveness. "Have I overstepped?" he said evenly, his tone betraying a hint of amusement. "It's not often I encounter a mage as... unconventional as yourself so I may have been a bit too curious."
Rolo's jaw tightened, his patience wearing thin. Livius's comment struck a nerve, tapping into Rolo's deep-seated insecurities about his place in the magical world.
"Unconventional?" Rolo retorted sharply, his voice tinged with frustration. "Fancy way of saying that I lack magic."
Livius's gaze hardened slightly, his amusement giving way to a more serious demeanor.
"Genius often comes with its own challenges," he remarked coolly. "But remember, Rolo, true greatness is not just about talent or magical power. It's about how you wield your knowledge."
"Says the Sorcerer Lord who has almost infinite magical power," replied Rolo quietly. "I don't expect you to understand my struggle. I'm not willing to discuss this topic with you."
Rolo was clearly offended. The tension between them hung in the air for a moment, both sizing each other up.
"Let's focus on the task at hand," Livius said finally, breaking the silence. "We're here for a reason, after all."
Rolo nodded tersely, his pride momentarily stung but his determination undiminished.