He who hesitates is lost. Or at least ends up in the wrong line at the grocery store.
Roundtable Discussion
Maybe the conversation had helped after all. When the third night came, Mose had already perfected his mental defenses and only joined Rolo for support occasionally. On such occasions, he would lazily float at the far end of the garden, peacefully meditating and honing his skills. Rolo barely acknowledged Mose's presence, though it was clear they had a routine. Since Olie and Edie had little more to teach him, they returned to their usual activities, only dropping in when there was news about the Syndicate or the Greys.
To my utmost surprise, Mazen revealed that Alex had asked him for extra lessons.
"And you agreed?" I asked, clearly shocked.
That's surprising, almost as surprising as Alex willingly seeking Mazen's company.
Mazen shrugged nonchalantly. "It's not that unusual. The task of a master is to help his student to the best of his ability," I said.
"You take teaching seriously," I remarked. "Have you ever thought of taking on apprentices yourself? You seem unusually good at it."
Mazen looked at me as if I'd suggested he swim with sharks. "Don't scare me with such ideas. There is no spell that could make me take on apprentices. I'm content looking after your court."
"Okay," I said, closing the subject.
With Mazen's guidance, Alex was making rapid progress. Within a week, he could fend off Mazen's mental attacks seven times out of ten. It seemed that soon, Alex would be left to refine his own defenses.
After our practice session, we settled down for cocoa. Rolo tried to ignore Alex's happy mutterings about his progress. Without a word, Mazen got up, only to return a moment later with Olie.
"Er, Shay," Olie began, looking uneasy, "I don't know if you're aware, but there's a ghost sitting on your sofa."
Simon, who had been absorbed in a book, looked up and scowled at Olie. The mage shivered under the ghost's gaze.
"That was really rude, Olie," I said, shaking my head.
"I'm sorry," Olie replied, his face flushed. He carefully avoided the ghost as he took a seat in one of the armchairs.
Simon went back to his book.
"What's up?" I asked emptying my mug.
"Zigi has left the alliance," Olie announced. "It seems he's got a package."
"Hmm," I replied thoughtfully.
I anticipated that the Syndicate would try to disrupt my alliances by force. It was surprising that only one clan had withdrawn so far.
Olie reported a few more minor updates, then stood up to leave. He hesitated, turning back as if he had forgotten something. Rolo was about to go to his room but stopped when Olie blocked his path. Olie placed a hand on the boy's shoulder and smiled.
"Do your best."
For a moment, thick magic enveloped Rolo. It was as if a visible pulse of energy wrapped around him, a shimmering cocoon of ethereal light that seemed to breathe with a life of its own. The magic then vanished as quickly as it had appeared, leaving no trace. The effect was both impressive and unsettling—a reminder of how potent Olie's abilities could be. Alex watched the scene, wide-eyed.
"What happened?" he asked.
As I watched, the monster within me stirred, awakening to a familiar, almost primal memory. The monster remembered this magic as if it were ingrained in its memory.
The dense forest shrouded the approaching hunters in shadows, their taunts and jeers echoing through the trees. The tension was palpable as the group of men advanced, their weapons glinting ominously in the dim light. Edie stood at the forefront, his usual meek demeanor replaced by a cold, unyielding resolve. His eyes glinted with a steely coldness.
He raised his hand, the motion deliberate and precise. The air around him seemed to thrum with palpable energy, a sharp contrast to the hunters' mocking laughter. With a steely gaze, Edie pointed towards the advancing threat.
"It's Olie's magic," I explained as the scene was unfolding vividly in my mind.
The first few men fell before they even realized what was happening. The remaining hunters' expressions shifted from confidence to sheer terror as the attack swept through their ranks. In moments, dozens of men were incapacitated, their bodies left lying on the forest floor, battered and broken.
Olie, stepped forward. His face was a mask of disdain. He glanced at Edie, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips.
"Show them, little brother," Olie said, his voice dripping with both encouragement and enormous magic.
The simple phrase was more than just words; it was a catalyst. The moment Olie spoke... was the end of all the remaining hunters.
Perfect supporter — magic that amplifies the target's abilities. It only works depending on Olie's feelings for the target. That's why this pair of siblings is so dangerous: Olie's fondness for his brother makes Edie's already formidable attacking magic even more powerful.
As I looked at Olie, I saw his face transform. It was as if the present had merged with the past. The mask of cold detachment I remembered from those darker days. The emotionless facade he once wore was a chilling reminder of the times when he seemed almost unfeeling.
Olie's gaze locked onto me with a frown, his lips curling into a disdainful smirk. "Did we miss this one?" he scoffed, his tone carrying a hint of annoyance.
Edie, still focused on the aftermath, glanced at me with a brief shake of his head. "No, we didn't."
"Hm," Olie hummed thoughtfully, his gaze shifting back to the remnants of the skirmish. "How is he standing then?" His voice was filled with an unsettling curiosity.
"Never mind," Olie said, his smile turning cold and calculating. "He won't be standing much longer."
It was like seeing a shadow of the past superimposed on the present. I couldn't help but reflect on how strange it was to remember this old version of Olie. The old Olie, with his icy demeanor and distant gaze, seemed like a different person entirely.
Yet here, in the living room, the same Olie who had once been a ruthless force on the battlefield now offered his help to Rolo with a kind smile.
It was a disarming shift—his face, once a canvas of cold resolve, now softened with genuine concern and warmth.
Rolo smirked, "No need for your useless magic."
Olie's reaction was instantaneous. His face turned an alarming shade of red as if he'd just discovered his favorite cake had been stolen. With a growl that sounded suspiciously like a toddler having a tantrum, Olie lunged at Rolo, trying to wring the boy's neck with his bare hands.
Alex, ever the swift interventionist, wrapped his arm around Olie's chest. Despite Olie's flailing, Alex held him in a bear hug, his expression one of mild exasperation mixed with a hint of amusement.
"I'll kill him!" Olie bellowed, his voice an octave higher than usual, practically vibrating with fury. "I'll kill that annoying brat!"
Rolo, meanwhile, was having the time of his life. He stuck his tongue out in a gesture of supreme mockery, clearly savoring the pandemonium he had incited. As Olie's rage reached comedic proportions, I could almost see the metaphorical steam pouring out of his ears like a cartoon character.
Simon sighed deeply as if resigned to the endless trials of the afterlife. He vanished, leaving his book to thump softly on the sofa.
Mazen watched the commotion with his usual blank expression. With a small, almost imperceptible shrug, he too disappeared from the room, leaving behind a sense of bemused detachment.
I looked at Olie, still struggling in Alex's grip, and couldn't help but chuckle. It wasn't exactly what I had envisioned when I told Rolo to ignore what others thought of him, but it was certainly entertaining.
As Olie stormed out, still fuming, the atmosphere in the living room gradually shifted back to normal. Rolo, now somewhat subdued after his encounter with Olie, glanced around. Alex, having released his grip on Olie, seemed to regain his composure.
"Shall we?" I suggested, gesturing toward the dining room. "I'm starving."
Rolo nodded and followed me, his earlier smirk replaced by a more thoughtful expression. Alex, still processing the chaos he'd witnessed, joined us with a curious glance at the now-closed door where Olie had exited.
As we settled down, I took the opportunity to observe Rolo and Alex more closely. "So, how do you feel about today's training?"
Rolo shared some of his observations, while Alex recounted some of his recent experiences. It was a welcome respite from the earlier tension, and soon the table was filled with laughter and animated discussion.
As we neared the end of our meal, I leaned back, savoring the last bite. The conversation had flowed smoothly, but I knew it was time to drop a piece of news that would shake things up.
"There's something I need to mention," I said, placing my glass down with a deliberate clink. "I'm considering forming an alliance with the lust mages."
A stunned silence followed. Rolo's fork hovered in mid-air, his eyes widening in horror. Alex, looking confused, glanced between Rolo and me, clearly unsure about the gravity of the situation.
Rolo finally broke the silence, his voice trembling slightly. "Are you serious? Do you know what that could mean?"
I nodded, trying to keep my expression as neutral as possible. "Yes, I'm aware. Their reputation precedes them."
Alex frowned, trying to piece together the implications. "But what makes you think they'll be willing to join forces? And what's the benefit of aligning with them?"
"It's not about their willingness," I explained. "It's about leveraging their resources and knowledge. They have connections and information that could be crucial for our plans. It's a risk, but one that might pay off."
Rolo looked unconvinced. "But... they're dangerous. Their magic isn't just about power; it's about manipulation. They'll twist things to their advantage, and we could end up being used."
"I understand your concerns," I said, trying to reassure him. "But I won't put you guys in danger. I'll be the only one involved with them."
Alex's brow furrowed deeply as he leaned forward, clearly agitated. "Wait a minute. You're saying you're going to handle all the negotiations and dealings with the lust mages on your own?"
I nodded, holding up my hands in a placating gesture. "Yes, that's the plan. I'll be the only one mostly interacting with them. The rest of you will stay clear of their influence."
Alex's voice grew more insistent. "That's not how it works! You can't just shield us and expect to bear all the risks alone."
I sighed, knowing he wouldn't be easily swayed.
Rolo's expression turned more troubled as he watched the exchange. "Alex's right."
I shook my head, trying to explain. "Lust mages won't be able to manipulate me. My willpower is strong enough to withstand their tricks. Even Violan's magic, as potent as it is, can't affect me because of my mental resilience."
Alex's skepticism didn't waver. "You're underestimating the potential risks. We can't just let you walk into this alone."
"You need to shield your minds better and that takes time," I said.
Alex leaned forward, a new thought striking him. "Then maybe Mazen should handle the shielding. He's the best at mental defenses."
I frowned. "Mazen is not an option. The lust mages won't trust him. They won't even consider working with him. It has to be me. I knew this plan wouldn't be thrilling, but it's necessary."
Alex's brow furrowed, but he remained silent, contemplating the implications. Rolo's expression showed a mix of concern and acceptance.
"This is a high-stakes game," Rolo said.
Rolo, having absorbed the weight of our conversation, shifted his attention. "What about Violan? What's your relationship with him?"
I took a moment to gather my thoughts.
Rolo's curiosity got the better of him. "I've heard rumors that Violan is ruthless, but he seemed to treat you with a surprising amount of kindness. What's the deal with that?"
"Hm," I mused. "He does have that kind of reputation."
Rolo leaned in, intrigued. "So, what's your history with him?"
I took a deep breath, trying to balance honesty with discretion. "It's not exactly friendship, but there's a certain understanding between us."
Rolo seemed skeptical. "Understanding?"
I leaned back, "We have an understanding, and he… likes me."
Rolo's eyes widened in disbelief, clearly struggling to reconcile the image of the ruthless Violan with the one who seemed to have a soft spot for me. "Likes you? How can that be?"
I shrugged. "I guess even the most feared mages can't resist my charm."
Rolo's skepticism didn't waver. "So, you're saying... it's your 'charm'?"
I grinned. "Exactly. Just like how a sprinkle of magic can fix almost anything, a dash of charm can win over even the most stoic of dark mages. Who needs spells when you've got charisma?"
Alex, who had been quietly observing, couldn't help but chuckle. "I guess we should start marketing this. 'Shay's Charisma: Guaranteed to Win Over Dark Mages or Your Money Back.'"
I laughed. "Now that's a business idea I hadn't considered. But seriously, Violan's not as scary as he looks."
Rolo shook his head, half-amused and half-bewildered. "I suppose we'll just have to see how this alliance plays out."