Magic, the people heard the announcement by the guards about this new development.
The entire town was heading to the center of the town near the fountain, where Becca was waiting patiently for Axel's arrival.
Meanwhile, Axel and Ivy stood by the alleyway between the general goods store and the tailor. He was using angel magic to locate a member of the lost Brotherhood.
To achieve this, it was necessary to observe everyone's internal magic tubes. Human ducts are currently empty, but if they had artificial magic, their ducts would appear externally like veins.
The limb transfusion ducts appear internal since the new limb is from a monster with its own set of magical essences already present.
However, Hax is completely different from the other two. The body has its magic ducts filled with a limited amount of magic. There is a steamy vapor released inside that needs to be exhaled occasionally; otherwise, it could lead to emotional or physiological distress.
Axel's eyes were moving from person to person, watching for any signs. So far, everything seemed alright until he noticed one person with Hax in their body.
A pink-haired man was wearing a black leather jacket, common pants, and brown boots. He tried to keep his face hidden, but the wind blew his jacket hood down, revealing his face.
Axel turned to Ivy and then proceeded to hand her his bag of poisonous knives, "You think you can handle this?" He asked.
Ivy grabbed the bag and attached it to her waist body slowly turning invisible, "Do your best hon, I got a speech to deliver." Before he left, he received an unexpected slap on his behind before coyly smiling.
Becca waited for Axel to arrive. She knew how to keep them busy with something she was discussing with Cj and Philly earlier today.
"Attention everyone, may I have your attention." Becca's voice keeps the crowd from speaking. Many were interested while a small number were dismissive of her.
She quietly breathed in and out before saying, "I know many of you are concerned about the potential war between Neverport and Sungalepore. I would like to address the issue of miscommunication between the two parties involved. King Kurtis and I have reached a mutual agreement that will help strengthen our relationship with the settlement. With that out of the way, I would like to invite anyone interested in joining our council. We are looking for individuals skilled in trading, treasurer, agriculture, and construction. Tomorrow afternoon, I will be conducting interviews to determine who may join the council. Requirements include a high level of expertise in those four fields and the ability to take on a leadership position. Are there any questions?"
Becca's explanation seemed to shed some fear that lingered within the people.
One of the villagers raised his hand and asked, "I have a question, who actually prevented a possible invasion?"
Becca was slightly stunned by the questions and replied, "Well, I was able to-" but the man immediately cut her off, "DON'T LIE TO US! WE KNOW THAT KING AXEL WAS THE ONE DID IT!" The man declared.
The crowd whispered among themselves as the man tried to push forward but was stopped by the guards. "When Axel returned, so did King Kurtis. Everyone could see that the king was terrified of something, especially since Axel had defeated four heavenly invaders without breaking a sweat. I bet Axel made that royal bastard realize he can't bully us anymore."
The random man caused a division between the people. Many disagree with him while others support his claims.
Becca was watching the commotion wondering what to do or say, that's when, "SILENCE!" Shouted Axel as he made his way to the fountain with a box under his arms.
The crowd followed the command and remained silent. "Allow me to clarify something," Axel began. "There was no possible way for me to intervene in the negotiations between Kurtis and Becca. For those wondering about the two ships located in our waters, I went out to retrieve them for trading purposes and, if deemed necessary, for warfare as well. When I returned home, I was made aware of what had transpired today and was fully prepared to go to battle. However, the king returned and wished to negotiate a deal once again." As Axel spoke, he stood by Becca's side.
As he stood in front of her, he knelt down, an action that took everyone by surprise. "I'm grateful to have a partner like you, someone who puts people first. You managed to persuade a man known for his indifference to issues outside his kingdom to reach an agreement. You truly deserve all the applause!" Axel's performance prompted many people to cheer for the two of them.
Becca's flustered face gave away that she was happy to receive such praise. She embarrassedly looked at him and said, "Thank you, you don't mind explaining the other thing now."
He lightly chuckled and whispered, "Anything for you princess." He got up and addressed the people.
"People of Neverport, it's an honor to introduce a new stage of our village's development towards greatness." He opens the box with the rings and says, "Allow me to introduce Druid magic." The crowd's reaction is filled with wonder and excitement.
Axel passes the box to Becca who holds it while he puts on one of the rings in his left hand. Then he dips the ring within the fountain.
Everyone watches him closely, especially Becca who seems highly interested, in what he will conjure up.
After charging the ring to full capacity, he began to create an apple tree, captivating the audience with both water and plant magic. As a grand finale, he transformed into a wolf. "Now, ladies and gentlemen, that was the next step. Artificial magic doesn't require much to use the arts. Every piece of information on how to use these arts will be sent to your brain, making you a master. However, that doesn't mean you'll be able to create trees like this right away. You must start with saplings or even seeds and then slowly work your way to the top. Are there any questions you would like to ask?" he said as he reverted back to his human form.
That's when the surprising appearance of the pink-haired man who pushed forward of the crowd, "How will magic be shared with the people?"
Axel's eyes can see the magical essence of Ivy right behind him. "At the moment, we have fifteen units. One unit will be given to Becca, while the remaining units will be assigned to the guards for protection purposes. When our next batch arrives, we will distribute one unit to each household. Under no circumstances are children allowed to use the essence unless they have reached maturity. This restriction also includes the unauthorized extraction of magic essence from the fountain without permission from either me or Becca."
The man looked like he had questions so he did by raising his right arm, "Would there be different varieties."
Axel was becoming increasingly intrigued by this person. He replied, "Yes, I plan to make this future kingdom a magical one. Our village should represent progress and serve as a haven. To achieve that, we must survive the heavenly armies, and for that, we need to build friendly relations with the various races so we can provide more opportunities for everyone. Have I answered your question?"
In response, the man shook his head which meant that the announcement was over, "Okay everyone, you are dismissed."
The crowd of people slowly made their way out of the area, including the pink-haired man who was walking somewhere.
Axel quickly whispered in Becca's ear, "That's our target. The guy with pink hair. Take the box home with you and make your guards with you. I will be back" he placed the ring within the box and locked it afterward.
Becca's eyes pan over the man who increases his speed, "Go quickly." She said.
Immediately after he was being followed by the Axel and a second hidden threat.
The man pink-haired felt something was off and pretended to be jogging to avoid suspicion and also gain some distance.
That's when he passed Axel which made him stop himself. When he turned around and looked for him, he wasn't there.
The man decided to continue jogging eventually he was out of the village and on his way somewhere.
The man made a stop to a tree and something unusual happened. He was cut by a sharp unknown blade that caused his left cheek to bleed, "Who are you?" He called out.
Ivy made her appearance behind him with a claw finger by his neck while humming a gentle song.