Chapter 192: The Future

Chapter 192: The Future

So, Princess Valarith said I should go explore the world or something. Travel, study more magic, and go on adventures. She said that even though my talent is as pure as a crystal found by the greediest of Teikos inhabitants, I should go and have my way or something. They really have some beef with those people, dont they? I tell Lucinda.

The Vanedenis come from Teiko. Their migration to Kome is shrouded in legends. Some even argue they were never on Teiko and that they always only inhabited Kome. Thats why they despise them so much. Anyway, are you going to follow Valariths advice?

Im not sure. They even proposed I go to Kome because some great stuff is bound to happen there in the near future. They dont know how near, though.

You are going to Kome? Lucinda asks me in disbelief.

We are sitting at a table in the kitchen, having a private conversation after my meet-and-greet with Valarith and Levener. Lucindas been asking questions about the future and what will happen now. Shes been trying to ignore it as much as possible, but she has been labeled a traitor too. Her being rescued by me was apparently enough to decree, with a push from [Archmage] Titus, that shes in cahoots with the evil Human.

Going to the continent full of madmen? The people who pride themselves in starting civil wars when someone insults them? Hell no. I love living, and I dont like being beaten up.

Lucinda sighs in relief, but the doubt is still thick in the air.

So?

I dont know. I have a couple of ideas, but nothing too good for now. What about you?

Princess Valarith asked me if I want to study here under her. I wont be a disciple, just a common student. There are many details to define, though. I wouldnt be able to come and go freely. We are still at the Nine Towers Academy, and if anyone saw me, my life would be at risk. But Im not sure Im ready to stay years alone with Valarith and Levener for years and years until I become strong enough to protect myself. I dont want to be locked in a cage.

I look at Lucindas hard features for a second. She has a special coldness about her, something deep and cautious. She always talks with a hint of dismissal, even though her eyes often betray her and light up in excitement. This woman is a walking contradiction with a massive set of curves.

Well, at least you dont have a huge bakery under construction over in Amorium. From what I heard, construction has already started, and Lakaris has already completed some of it. His team is fast; I have to admit.

Lakaris? As in the famous [Architect]?

Yep. I got him to build me a huge-ass bakery. Actually, its more like a castle. But Im not sure it will do me any good. I cant return to my normal life in Amorium, or Ill be hunted. I could try to rally up the people around me and build resistance. Hell, I could even use the bakery as my fortress. But Im not in the mood for a civil war.

I slide my chair back and hug my tender shin.

You are a brute!

She just stares daggers at me.

My dad always said not to mess with Southern Italian women, but thats because he didnt know Elves, apparently. He was worried Id get shot by an overprotective father, but Elves can be even nastier, huh?

Before she can say anything, I continue.

I have no idea whats going down. The people I thought were my friends bailed. Domitilla is too weak, and if I reach out to her, she might also be charged with treason. Same for Lucillus. I have some business to take care of in Amorium, but that will be it. Once Im done over there, Ill figure out what to do next. Anyway, Ill need a good couple of days before I completely recover from the fight. My Mana is still a wreck.

All the [Archmages] are after you. And now, the nobles too.

Its only a matter of time before I get powerful enough that I wont be the worried one anymore. If they have even the slightest idea of what I can do, they will be shitting themselves.

Lord Juler mentioned your radiation, Lucinda says with a level face.

Cool, huh?

Terrifying.

Id say cool, but whatever. I need to develop something to assess how much of a dose I got. Same for you. We risk organ failure, thyroid problems, and a whole lot of nasty stuff. Not that a couple of indirect injections would be enough to cause too much damage. But I have to see how much radiation is released into the environment. Lord Juler and I had to hurry up with the research, and we cut some corners, to be honest.

Lucinda sighs and gets up.

Im tired. Ill see you later. Its still late. Get some more rest, and well talk again tomorrow.