The moonlight reflecting off the water. A pavement ran through the middle, flanked by trees on both sides. Johan sat on a bench in the lake park. He waited for Azil. Just ten minutes remained until 11:59.
He had no hope, just orders from Azara to follow. He didn't want to force anyone to return, knowing it was pointless. Yet, for the greater good, he had to try.
Even a sage can lose interest or hate what they do. Not everyone loves their job. But being a sage isn't just a job; it's about shouldering burdens that aren't always theirs. They do it anyway, and it can drive them to the brink.
Maybe, I am like that too, Johan thought.
Sound of footsteps approaching
Johan looked back as he heard the footsteps. It was Azil.
"You came?" he said, his face etched with astonishment. He hadn't expected him to actually show up.
Azil didn't reply. He was sweating and panting, his face pale. He looked like he was struggling, possibly with a fever.
Johan noticed. "You're sweating. What happened?" he asked.
"Nothing", Azil said panting.
Johan had an inkling of what was happening with Azil. "Trauma? Are you having a panic attack?".
Azil looked distressed, Johan was caring too much, he didn't like that. "L-let's just go". He said.
"Control your breathing", Johan said. "Take deep breathes, slowly".
Azil did what Johan asked him too, and it did ease him a little bit but not that much. He was still sweating.
Johan felt a pang of sympathy seeing Azil's discomfort. "Do you drink too much coffee?" he asked.
"I do", Azil said.
Johan hesitated before saying, "Caffeine can trigger panic attacks, you know..." He hoped Azil would take the hint, without feeling offended.
Azil heard it and replied, "Thanks," acknowledging the concern.
Johan smiled warmly. "Shall we go?" he asked. "But first, there are a few things I must share with you."
"With the limiter intact within you, you may feel dizzy while travelling", Johan explained.
"I can handle it", Azil said.
Johan smiled yet again. "I know, but there's a couple more things I wanna tell you," he said.
Azil glared.
"The moment we arrive in Azara, security will tighten. Given your status as a banished sage, people will regard you as a threat," Johan remarked.
"Like I care, I've lost all the respect for Azara. And mere things like seeing me as a threat and bad mouthing me doesn't bother me". Azil declared resolutely.
Johan sighed. "Look, I know you don't give two shits about Azara. But the moment you act suspicious, the council will label you a threat."
Azil didn't reply, silent.
"I am helpless if that happens, but until then, you're safe with me," Johan said with a smile.
Azil stared at Johan, "You seem pretty confident". He said.
"Hahaha!!",Johan laughed. "I am, I guess".
"Now then, shall we," Johan said, stepping confidently to the middle of the pavement. He raised his hands, forming a distinctive gesture and started saying
[Journey beyond the known, where every step reveals the secrets of a thousand worlds...Harmony Hymn,Veilstrider's Passage]
A portal began to unfold the instant he spoke those words. It shimmered with dark green and purple hues, its edges rippling like disturbed water. As it widened, a powerful gust of wind swept through, stirring the trees and scattering leaves across the ground.
The wind from the portal tousled Johan's and Azil's hair and clothes, causing them to flutter and sway in its powerful currents.
"Oii... Come on!" Johan shouted over the roaring wind. Azil walked steadily towards the portal, reaching it and glancing back at Johan. Johan smiled and said, "Have a blast, Kiddo." With that, they both leaped into the swirling depths of the portal.
Ash Grey: Resonance
Chapter 4: Convergence.
Azil, finally arrived at the destination. Johan leaped out of the portal first, with Azil close behind. They emerged on a mountain peak, where the breeze stirred their hair.
From the mountain peak, one could see the entire realm of Azara. Azil gazed at the divine scenery, a tapestry of colors and culture. Shrines, temples, palaces, and fortresses dotted the landscape, each contributing to the realm's rich heritage. In the distance, the vast sea stretched out, its horizon blending with the sky, completing the breathtaking view.
Johan looked at Azil, whose eyes gleamed with the reflection of Azara's landscape. Azil's face remained straight as he gazed at the home he had long abandoned.
"Welcome back," Johan said, his hands raised high. "To the renowned Sage Society of Azara."