Standing outside the council doors, Magnus lingered for a moment, unsure of what to do next.
Seraline's awake, the banquet's tomorrow, and the number of injured showing up at the village hall is low enough that I don't even need to use magic to help anymore. Damn. Times like these make me really miss my computer and consoles. Worlds like this are fun and all until you've got nothing to do and way too much time on your hands.
With that thought circling his mind, Magnus stood there for a good five minutes, debating how to pass the time. Eventually, he decided to consult the other presence in his head.
What do you think, Basker? I really don't feel like lying in bed all day.
[I do not experience boredom, Master, but you could take a walk.]
Magnus blinked, caught off guard by the suggestion.
A walk? I mean… I guess. Sounds kinda boring, though.
[If you wish, Master, you could listen to music while you walk. Based on your memories, you seem to enjoy doing that when bored.]
Wait, what? You're telling me I can listen to music?
[Not exactly, but I can replicate any sounds you've ever heard and play them back in your mind. In your world, it would be like wearing 'headphones.']
Magnus's eyes widened as disbelief flashed across his face. He hadn't even considered the possibility, mostly because he'd never thought to try.
Huh. Alright, fine. Surprise me. Pick something fun.
As soon as the words left his mind, a familiar song started playing, clear and immersive, just as Basker had promised. Magnus tilted his head slightly, a grin forming as nostalgia crept in.
Oh man, I haven't heard this in forever.
The beat was infectious, and before he even realized it, Magnus started bobbing his head and wandering off. The village hall was massive, practically its own labyrinth within the tree it was built into. Aside from the fifth floor, which housed the guest rooms and council chambers, there were countless branching paths and hidden nooks he'd never explored before.
So, for the next half hour, he wandered aimlessly as Basker cycled through songs, some familiar and others unexpected. Magnus found himself humming and even singing along. With Basker's help, he could actually recall all the lyrics this time.
"I was born to run~♩ I was born to run, baby~♩" That's when Elder Rodgir found him—or rather, stumbled upon him. It was hard to miss someone shimmying down a hallway, singing at full volume.
"Oh my, someone seems to be in quite a good mood." Magnus paused mid-step, turning toward the voice. Down an adjacent hall, Elder Rodgir stood near an open window, his gaze distant as though lost in thought.
"Elder Rodgir?" Magnus's surprise was clear, and the music playing in his head automatically softened. Elip's words of caution about handling things delicately lingered in his mind.
"I wasn't expecting to see you here," he said, walking over.
"The same could be said of you," Elder Rodgir replied with a faint smile.
"We've been able to handle all the injured on just the first three floors, so the fourth has mostly been used for storage. It's quiet here—a good place to take a break." His voice softened as he turned back to the window, letting out a quiet sigh.
"I see. Sorry if I disturbed you," Magnus offered.
Elder Rodgir chuckled, shaking his head.
"Not at all. With how tense everyone's been, it's refreshing to see someone happy enough to dance down the hall. Hopefully, tomorrow's banquet will spread more of that joy." His tone was light, but there was a note of melancholy buried beneath it. Picking up on the mood, Magnus decided to share some good news.
"Well, with any luck, the banquet will have both of its guests of honor. Seraline's woken up." For a moment, the elder didn't seem to register the words. Then his head snapped toward Magnus, his expression one of pure shock.
"Truly? She's awake?" Magnus nodded.
"That's wonderful!" Elder Rodgir exclaimed, a wide smile spreading across his face.
"That will make the banquet even more special—a celebration not just of our village's survival and our heroes, but also her recovery."
Magnus scratched the back of his neck, awkwardly smiling.
"I mean, it's an honor and all, but don't you think 'hero' is a bit much?" The idea of being called that made him shudder. It didn't feel right.
Edler Rodgir chuckled.
"Nonsense. What you've done for our village is unforgettable. You've helped more than you realize, far more than this old man ever could..." His words trailed off, and Magnus caught the subtle shift in his tone.
Magnus hesitated Elip's warning about sensitivity warring with his own curiosity.
But in the end, he asked, "Elder Rodgir, why are you here? Like this, I mean."
Elder Rodgir glanced at him, his expression thoughtful before he let out a reluctant sigh.
"I... have two granddaughters—well, adopted daughters technically. Their parents were close friends of mine, and when they passed in an incident, I took the girls in as my own. They've lived with me ever since. But..." His voice faltered while Magnus frowned slightly.
"Did they...?" Elder Rodgir shook his head before Magnus could finish.
"No—or at least, I pray they didn't. My home is in the western district, near where the wall collapsed and the fire began. I haven't been able to return, so I don't know what state it's in." The explanation definitely made Elder Rodgir's behavior make a lot more sense.
"I see... but why not ask Elip or Rasan to take a group of guards to check? I'm sure they'd be willing." Elder Rodgir shook his head again, his expression resolute.
"They would be willing, yes, but I can't ask that of them. The western district still has the most remnant monsters. How could I ask them to risk their lives when... when I already have a sinking feeling about what I'd find? And beyond that, the elders and I have agreed to focus on securing the area around the village hall first and gradually expanding outward. Diverting resources would go against everything we're trying to accomplish." It was clear that duty and personal longing were locked in conflict within the elder. Magnus could see it in the way Elder Rodgir's hands tightened behind his back, his posture as rigid as his resolve.
Elder Rodgir let out another heavy sigh.
"It's one thing to ask others to risk their lives for the village, Magnus. It's another to ask it for my own personal reasons."
"Hmm," Magnus rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Then, as if deciding on a whim, he spoke.
"In that case, why don't I go?" The offer caught Elder Rodgir completely off guard. His expression froze for a moment before he shook his head firmly.
"No, I can't ask you to do that. It-" Magnus cut him off.
"You're not asking me to do anything; I'm offering. Besides, this way, you won't have to worry about sending someone else off to get killed." Elder Rodgir stared at him, his mouth opening and closing as if trying to argue, but no words came out. The internal struggle was evident in his face, though it didn't last long.
Finally, he muttered, "Would you really do that?"
"Of course," Magnus replied with a grin, though it faltered slightly.
"But... on the chance that your house and your granddaughters didn't..." He hesitated, searching for the right words.
"Didn't make it... what do you want me to do?" Elder Rodgir's gaze dropped to the floor, his expression heavy. After a moment of thought, he answered.
"If they've truly passed and their bodies are recognizable, I would like the chance to bury them. If not... I'd prefer they be laid to rest in ashes."
Magnus nodded solemnly.
"Alright." With that, he stepped toward the open window, placing one foot on the sill as he turned back toward Elder Rodgir.
"Just give me a general idea of where your house is—or at least, where it should be." After receiving the description, Magnus gave a quick nod. He had already memorized the map of the village a while ago.
"Got it. I should be back in less than an hour." Without another word, he leaped out of the window. The freefall lasted only a couple of seconds before he seemed to kick off the air with a burst of energy, creating a minor shockwave as he propelled himself toward the western district. The sound echoed through the massive tree, drawing the attention of a few villagers. Most who looked up only caught sight of a black dot streaking across the sky, mistaking it for a bird.
As Magnus soared through the air, his sharp eyes scanned the ground below. Whenever his momentum waned, he kicked off the air again, maintaining his speed.
Not having to dodge buildings or stick to roads makes getting around the village way easier. I should start traveling like this more often—at least for short trips. Long distances, though? I'd probably burn myself out.
For the most part, his journey was uneventful. Near the village hall, he occasionally spotted guards patrolling, clearing buildings, or securing areas. But as he neared the western district, those sights vanished, replaced by an unsettling stillness. The ground below was eerily empty, the silence pressing. Then, up ahead, something moved. Magnus didn't kick off again, letting himself descend gradually as he narrowed his eyes, focusing on the movement.
It took a moment, but he spotted it—a monster. Some kind of giant spider with the uncanny ability to change both its color and texture, much like an octopus. Right now, it was camouflaged against the roof of a building, its body blending perfectly with the patterned surface. The only reason Magnus had noticed it at all was because it had been moving.
A giant spider? Yeah... no thanks.
With a quick visualization, Magnus extended one arm, and mana surged outward, wrapping around it before condensing into the shape of a massive, glowing mana construct. A colossal arm formed in seconds, radiating raw energy. Without giving the giant spider a chance to react, he kicked off the air again, rocketing toward it with the giant mana arm raised high. The spider noticed the massive shadow bearing down on it, but by the time it realized the threat, it was too late. Magnus slammed the mana fist down with devastating force, crushing the creature instantly. The impact splattered blood and guts across the roof, leaving a grim, sticky mess in its wake.
"And just like that, one less nightmare-fueled creature in the world," Magnus muttered, shaking his head as the mana construct dissolved into wisps of light. He landed lightly on the roof beside the spider's remains, scanning the area for any signs of more monsters—or worse, a nest of spiderlings. After a quick check though, he didn't find anything out of the ordinary, so he resumed his journey toward Elder Rodgir's house. Along the way, he did eventually encountered a handful of other monsters, though their numbers were notably thin. It was clear that Seraline, the captains, and the village guards had done a good job handling the remaining population.
Most of the creatures fell easily with Magnus's use of water elementrix magic. It was almost like playing a point-and-click shooter: he'd aim his fingers, form a tightly compressed ball of water, and fire it off in a high-pressure jet. The water sliced cleanly through whatever he targeted, dropping each monster with minimal effort. Eventually, the last of them was dealt with, and Magnus spotted his destination in the distance.
"Hmm, looks like it's in pretty good shape," he remarked to himself, a hint of surprise in his tone. Elder Rodgir had described the house as being near where the fire first started and close to where the wall collapsed. The progression of destruction was clear—buildings transitioned from abandoned to charred and crumbled the closer Magnus got. Yet, despite its proximity to the disaster, the elder's house appeared relatively intact. It bore scorch marks and signs of fire damage, but compared to the ruins surrounding it, it was in remarkable condition.
With a final leap, Magnus descended to the grassy hill where the house stood. He slowed himself as he landed softly, surveying the area.
"Hmm." His gaze shifted around the hill. At one point, it had been fenced off with a wooden barrier, but the fence had burned away. The grass along the edges was singed and blackened, though most of the hill itself had been spared.
How did the fire even reach the house? Maybe embers?
The thought lingered as he began walking up the dirt path toward the porch. His eyes flicked toward the windows, but he didn't see or hear any signs of movement inside.
"Hello?" Magnus called out as he approached the door—or what remained of it. The once-sturdy wooden door had been reduced to charred fragments. Peering inside, he could see that nearly everything in the house had been burned—the furniture, the wooden walls, all scorched beyond recognition. Thankfully, much of the structure was reinforced with stone, which had withstood the flames.
No response came to his call, so Magnus stepped inside cautiously. That's when he heard it: a faint, subtle melody creeping into the air. It wasn't from Basker—this was something else entirely. The BGM Glitch. His instincts kicked in as he recognized the signal of an imminent attack. He spun toward the source of the sound just in time to spot a hand reaching out for him. But it moved slowly, too slowly for someone like Magnus, who was used to facing knights and monsters. With ease, he sidestepped the grasping hand and stepped further into the house.
"Huh?" A younger girl's voice echoed in confusion. Magnus turned to see her, honey-colored eyes wide and staring back at him through strands of messy brown hair. She looked a bit younger than him, her expression a mix of surprise and uncertainty.
"Hey, are you-" Magnus started, but his words trailed off as he frowned, sensing something else. He glanced over his shoulder and spoke again.
"I know you're behind that wall. You can come out." There was a beat of silence before another figure peeked from behind the wall, a pan clutched tightly in her hands.
"Huh, but how?" the second girl—clearly a twin—asked, her confusion mirroring her sister's.
Magnus's gaze flicked between the two before he asked, "You two are twins? Elder Rodgir didn't mention that."
At the mention of their grandfather, both girls' expressions shifted from cautious and confused to surprised.
"You know our grandpa?" The first twin, Marilyn, asked, her voice tinged with urgency.
Magnus nodded.
"Yeah. He wanted to make sure you two were okay, but he couldn't get to you, so he sent me."
"That doesn't make any sense. Why would he send a kid?" The second twin, Mary, crossed her arms, her skeptical tone causing Magnus's eyes to narrow as he turned to face her.
"I'm pretty sure I'm older than you," he replied flatly.
Mary shrugged dismissively.
"So? You're still a kid—especially to Grandpa. He wouldn't send someone so young here." Magnus felt the urge to rebuke her but paused, giving her words a moment's thought. Finally, he sighed and nodded.
"Okay, fair enough. But seriously, your grandpa did send me me. I'm not from this village; I'm a mage from Takerth Academy." Mary raised an eyebrow at his explanation, while Marilyn's voice betrayed her lingering doubts.
"You're a mage?" Marilyn asked. Already sensing this would drag on without proof, Magnus didn't answer and instead raised a hand, conjuring a fireball large enough to illuminate the entire interior of the house. The searing heat radiated outward, causing a warm breeze to sweep over the room. Both twins instinctively raised their arms to shield their faces.
"Believe me now?" Magnus asked a touch of humor in his voice.
"Okay, we get it, you're a mage. Now please put that away—it's hot," Mary called out. Magnus let the fireball dissipate, lowering his hand. Mary recovered quicker than her sister, still watching him with cautious eyes. After a moment, she sighed.
"Well, I did hear Grandpa and the other elders had called for help from some magic academy. Didn't think anything would come of it, though. Were those water spheres a few days ago you're doing as well?" Magnus nodded.
"Yeah, I used them to douse the fires around the village." Hearing that, Marilyn's honey-colored eyes sparkled.
"So you're the one who saved us?" She asked, her tone having quickly shifted from doubt to being filled with amazement. Magnus blinked, slightly confused. Realizing he didn't understand, Marilyn quickly explained.
"Mary and I—oh, I'm Marilyn, by the way—we got trapped in the attic because of the fire. I thought we were going to die until the water broke through the roof and put everything out. I didn't know what caused it, but to think it was an actual mage..." Her voice carried genuine gratitude, though her awe was also clear.
"Oh, well, I'm glad it worked out," Magnus said.
"Your grandpa's been worried sick about you two. But he couldn't send anyone to help because of the monsters." Hearing that, the twins exchanged a glance, their expressions softening with relief.
"So Grandpa's okay... that's good," Marilyn murmured, a gentle smile forming on her face.
Mary added, "He was right about the monsters, though. Every time we tried to leave, we'd spot one and have to come back to the house." Her face tensed as she spoke, the memory clearly unsettling.
"We almost got caught once. After that, we just stayed put and hoped someone would come for us."
"Speaking of monsters," Magnus said, shifting his weight slightly, "the attack was a while ago. How've you two been surviving all this time?" Marilyn eagerly pointed toward the kitchen as she answered his question.
"We have a basement pantry. The hatch is wooden, but the rest is stone so the fire didn't reach it. We also had water in the kitchen—it got heated during the fire, but it didn't evaporate completely so we drank that. We've been rationing, but a few more days and we would've had to leave. So it's a good thing you're here." Mary nodded, lowering her head slightly.
"Yeah. Oh, and... sorry about trying to grab you earlier. We heard a loud boom outside and footsteps, and we weren't sure what to expect." Magnus frowned, and then realization dawned on him.
"Oh, that boom was probably me. I was moving pretty fast when I got here." Mary looked stunned for a moment before she just sighed, her expression becoming unreadable. At this point, it seemed she had given up being surprised. Marilyn, on the other hand, stared at Magnus with wide eyes.
"Whoa! Were you, like, running super fast or something?"
"More like... flying? Jumping? Uh... let's say I was jumping through the air super fast," Magnus said with a shrug.
"Oooh," Marilyn muttered, clearly impressed.
"Anyway," Magnus said, refocusing, "that's enough about me. I told Elder Rodgir I'd be back within the hour, so we should get moving. You can ask all the questions you want after he sees you two are okay."
Marilyn nodded, though it was obvious she had a ton of questions. Mary, however, raised her hand slightly.
"But what about the monsters? They're still out there, right?"
Magnus smirked, a hint of confidence in his voice as he spoke.
"Don't worry. I already took out the ones on the path we'll take on my way here. And even if we run into more, I'll handle them."