"Aiko?" Jack asked, worry creeping into his voice as her silence lingered.
"Aiko is still here, Bossman. She's sorry; Aiko was just reminded of her life in Praiyas," the girl finally spoke, her tone heavy with a melancholy that weighed down her words.
Jack recalled the information the System had previously provided about her. By race, she was human, originating from the world of Praiyas—the same place the Wailing Hounds came from.
"What happened to you, Aiko? Why are you inside this System?"
Before she could respond, Hamilton barged into the room, his anger evident. "I can't believe these damn fuckers!" he yelled, launching into a tirade at the guards manning the door before slamming it shut behind him.
He took the seat opposite Jack.
"Listen, man, I won't let them take you anywhere. The commander of the mages has agreed to restore my former position in the association. I'll use that power to knock some sense into these dipshits!" he declared, his voice thick with determination.
Jack smiled, trying to lighten the mood. "Well, you know I can bust out of this place anytime I want."
"No, man, that's a shit idea," Hamilton shot back, his tone serious. "They've called in a First Class Warrior Mage just for you."
That struck a nerve. Jack's smile faded, replaced by concern.
The Mage Association typically ranked mages starting from third class and up, with only a handful of First Class mages in individual countries. Rein Republic, being a superpower nation, naturally had the highest concentration of such powerful mages.
"I'm only a third-class mage," Hamilton reminded him, trying to maintain some semblance of confidence despite the looming threat. "You saw what I can do with my Raging Furnace. Trust me, you don't want to cross paths with any First Class."
Hamilton's expression hardened, frustration morphing into genuine concern. "This is serious, Jack! You can't underestimate them. They're on another level entirely. One mistake, and you'll be in way over your head."
The weight of Hamilton's words settled heavily on Jack.
His brief moments of bliss had been abruptly extinguished.
On one side, he had a dangerous enforcer who had given him only a day to level up before coming for blood. Now, as Hamilton informed him, he also had to contend with the impending threat of a First Class mage. The odds were stacking up against him again, and he didn't like it one bit.
He summoned the blue screen.
[
System Information
New Talent
Flowing Paradise - reduce effective damage from enemy attacks.
Installing new talent…
]
He clicked his tongue in frustration, noting that the new talent was still unavailable. "Do you know anything about the mage they're sending?" Jack inquired, concern creeping into his voice.
The Mage Association typically kept its members' elemental capabilities under wraps. Only registered members had access to such information, and even then, it was closely guarded.
The official rationale for this secrecy was to protect state secrets, given that the Mage Association operated as an international body.
"He's a warrior mage," Hamilton replied, his brow furrowing. "The specifics are unclear, so I'll have to dig around for more information. My plan is to avoid direct confrontation altogether.
Answer every question they throw at you truthfully; you can't risk purging yourself. In the meantime, Linzy and I will leverage every connection and favor we still have in the Association to get you out of this mess," he advised, his tone firm and resolute.
For a moment, Jack couldn't help but admire Hamilton's composure. He thought to himself that the man might have made a formidable lawyer, handling the situation with a blend of strategy and conviction.
Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by the unannounced entrance of a tall, slender man with a thick beard. Hamilton shot up from his seat, snapping to attention and saluting his superior.
"Hamilton Brook, you've certainly changed for the better since I last laid eyes on you. Step outside; we'll talk after I'm done here," commanded Henry Wilberforce as he settled into the chair Hamilton had just vacated.
The arrival of the commander himself took Hamilton by surprise. He had expected one of the other mages or a soldier from the military to handle the investigation into Jack's case. Having someone of Wilberforce's stature personally oversee the affair signaled that the implications of Jack's situation were far more significant than he had initially imagined.
Suddenly, the involvement of a First Class mage made perfect sense; the national government was now inextricably linked to Jack's fate.
The commander cleared his throat after Hamilton exited the room. "Now, Mr. Jack Kamphar, we have much to discuss. Before we begin, there are two laws I must establish. Adhere to them, and we may find an amicable resolution that benefits us both.
"The first is my most fundamental rule: you will speak only the truth. I would prefer silence to being disrespected by your lies. The second is more of a reminder than a rule. While I may not possess the entire truth, I am well aware of what it is not. Do we have an understanding?"
Jack stilled himself, replying, "We do."
"The survivors brand you a Heretic," Henry began, his voice steady and uncompromising. "They claim you exchanged words with the gunslinger mage, Caesar. Reports indicate that a blue apparition appeared before you. This has all been corroborated by surveillance footage, by the way."
He paused, allowing the weight of the situation to settle over Jack. It was a strategy that had served Henry well throughout his years of service: first, demonstrate that you know everything in the suspect's hand, then let hopelessness creep in before presenting an underhanded alternative that they would have no choice but to accept.
Jack wondered why the commander omitted Hamilton's involvement in the apparition incident. If the Mage Association had access to surveillance, surely they had witnessed Aiko's confrontation with Hamilton before Caesar made his appearance.
"So, let us proceed to the questions. First: are you a Heretic?"
The term 'Heretic' referred to the semi-religious faction that questioned the Mage Association's narratives. While the Association insisted that elemental power was a hereditary gift, the Heretics believed it stemmed from an evil deity in an alternate realm.
"I am not," Jack replied, keeping his response succinct. The more he said, the greater the risk of revealing something Henry should not know.
"That is fortunate for you," Henry remarked, his gaze unyielding. "The government is currently deliberating on whether to begin rounding up those delusional pariahs. Tell me how you and your associates managed to escape the company building when nearly all the staff and personnel present were killed by the monsters."
"Hamilton is still a mage; he protected us."
"Indeed, Hamilton wields a formidable attack. If not for its limitations in practical warfare, he would have achieved First Class status long ago. As it stands, however, he is simply incapable of having fended off all the reported monsters. Perhaps he could manage one, but that's where his capacity ends." Henry's tone brooked no dissent. "I require a different answer."
Jack remained silent.
"So this is how it is. I appreciate your adherence to my rules, but make no mistake—this is a matter of national security at stake. I am giving you one last opportunity to divulge what you know, and perhaps we can negotiate an immunity agreement with the government on your behalf."
"What happens if I refuse to cooperate?" Jack asked, now contemplating the prospect of confronting the First Class mage if necessary. While he had little knowledge of the mage's abilities, he could initiate the fight slowly, allowing his Perception talent time to assess his opponent.
"If you choose not to cooperate, we will revert to my earlier plans. The only reason I agreed to this arrangement was because you were one of Timothy's employees. However, even though the man and I go way back, if you find our terms unacceptable, I am prepared to let the government assume control of your case." Henry's smile was devoid of warmth.
The government was notoriously unpredictable compared to the Mage Association. The Association operated under strict international laws and regulations, while the government enjoyed more autonomy and discretion in its actions.
"I'll take my chances with the government," Jack declared.
"Very well, your decision is noted. A military van will transport you to army headquarters shortly. And let me be clear: should you harbor any thoughts of mischief, do not even consider it. I don't know if your friend Hamilton has informed you, but a powerful Warrior mage has been dispatched specifically for you."