Argrave came here in part to retrieve a treasureor rather, a set of treasuresbut it was not something hed consider his primary purpose. He wanted two things from these Magistersa safe escort away from the Tower, and then after well, this living fortress head wasnt the only thing that could move. But then, maybe he wouldnt need the Magisters for that at all.

Argraves primary concern was getting through this fortress as quickly as he could while securing his partys position for the second part of his journey. His haste was both for the temperamental Magisters he travelled with, and the disgusting atmosphere he found himself in.

Both of the Magisters wore illusionsVeras was acting, a metaphorical faade, while Hegazars was his spells. They agreed in advance Anneliese should stay near Vera, while Argrave focused on Hegazar. Only a rough guideline, naturally, but it was sufficient enough. At least, it needed to be, if the plan theyd brewed back at the Tower would work.

Most of what they travelled was a straight corridor of stone, yet parts of it had chipped away, revealing the pink, smooth flesh beyond that resembled the pink, soft flesh youd see inside a body. He felt like an endoscope. In addition, what was still stone was oddly shapedthe pathway they walked, for instance, was vaguely reminiscent of a spine.

This place Magister Hegazar looked around. Magics dense. Its so dense its like a gas in the air, pushing against my skin as I walk. Theres danger in a place like this. Its like toying with the trigger for a beartrap. Quite a nasty fortress youve come toweve come to, he corrected.

If youre afraid, you might leave, Magister Vera suggested.

No, I wouldnt consider such a thing, Hegazar said smoothly. I am merely reminded of you, grotesque little spider that you are. Reminds of how disgusting your home in Jast was.

At least I have a home and a family, Vera rebuked as they walked.

Maybe Argrave was delusional, but he couldve sworn that even Hegazar was not entirely unoffended by that comment. If he was, he didnt miss a beat in replying, Soon enough youll keep getting older, and theyll all die one by one.

Near the end, Argrave cut in. Path branches here.

Branches? Hegazar noted incredulously, still walking. No matter. We have plenty of time.

Well need to split, Argrave disagreed. This place wasnt meant to be entered alone. To open the way, multiple unique magic signatures are required.

Vera stopped. How would you know this?

It was true in the last one of these living fortresses I visited, Argrave anticipated the question.

Hegazar stopped too, and his illusory form grinned broadly. Youd gamble so much on past experiences, eh? Jerk two Magisters about on a chain?

Argrave deliberated his response carefully, staring at Hegazars form in silence. Let them think Im gambling, he concluded. Might lower their confidence in me, but its better than giving away too much.

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I didnt have much choice but to gamble, Argrave said quietly.

Though Hegazar kept his wry grin, his eyes sharpened like they saw an opening. A correction, Kinslayer. Not didnt. You still dont. Best hope the dice youve cast dont end up snake eyes, hmm?

Itll be fine, Argrave, Vera soothed sweetly. So, we split, yes? Into how many?

Argrave looked ahead. Three is all thats needed.

Ill travel with you, Kinslayer. Id like you where I can see you. Hegazar decided at once.

Alright, Argrave agreed without hesitation. Anneliese, Durran you remember my instructions?

Difficult to forget, Durran said, while Anneliese nodded.

Veras predatory orange eyes jumped between all of them, and then she dictated, I will go with Anneliese, then.

Argrave narrowed his eyes at once. He didnt want to display blatant distrust, at least not yethe didnt have them attracted enough to this treasure trove yet.

Sure, Argrave agreed, though the words felt heavy in his throat. But why?

Want me to stay within sight? Vera teased. I merely wish to be away from that one, she explained, looking at Hegazar.

Argrave glanced to Anneliese. She didnt seem uneased by the idea, but Argrave surely was. If thats what you want alright.

A blessing, truly, Hegazar noted. Come. Lets enjoy a few moments of bliss, free of the despicable spiders presence.

#####

So partner, Hegazar spoke to Argrave as they walked. It was only the two of them. Galamon remained at the point where the paths branched, ready to help any should the need arise. It was only a small comfort. Finally, a moment alone a moment to speak frankly.

Argrave spared a glance to Hegazars illusory form, which walked just beside him. His true body walked a fair bit behind Argrave, obviously maintaining extreme caution. The Magister feared a trap, or general danger. He would be disappointed. The pathway of stone and flesh extended ahead of them for a long while, shrouded in darkness broken by spell light.

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You seem pretty frank generally, Argrave saida total lie, but Hegazar would probably believe it easily enough. With how you talk to Vera

Hegazar groaned. Bleh. Let us not speak of herinstead, let us speak of you and that little elf girl you link hands with. Well, shes little to you, at leastquite the giant to the rest of us. I think you could learn from my mistakes. One of few, though the biggest blunder of them all...

Argrave couldnt help but stiffen. The change was reflected in his tone, too, as he asked more monotonously than he intended, What mistake might that be?

Well, Im not one to stick anything where its not wanted, be it an opinion or a thought Hegazar wrung his hands together as they walked. but I will say this. You seem the ambitious sort. When you want something done, youll get it done. Youve got light feet, and youre running fast towards your goal. Even still, its best to travel lighter partner.

Argrave looked to Hegazars illusory form, studying the bald head and face. What does that mean?

Your lady friend? Shes competent. I can tell that with my eyes alone quite the beauty, too, though too tall for my tastes. Thats no issue for you, though, and I have nothing but compliments. Hegazar raised a finger to emphasize his counter. But thats just the thing, you see. No one gets anywhere without being like us. Driven. Practical. She has a goal just like you do and you might like that. I dont care how statuesque some womans figure might besmart is sexy. I certainly liked that about Vera.

You two were? Argrave expressed ignorance.

Oh, yes. Youve seen her. Quite beautiful, even though I wish she werent, Hegazar mused, stroking his chin. When she was but a humble Wizard, and I a High Wizard, I took her under my wing tutored her, mentored her, raised her up alongside me until we stood shoulder-to-shoulder. A regular power-coupleenvy of all in the Tower. Handsome me and beautiful her, linking arms, walking into the sunset with petals and doves flying in our wake

Argrave saw the apparatus hed been looking for up ahead, veritably taking form out of darkness. He responded to Hegazar, asking, Considering the current state, I assume theres an until?

Yes, Hegazar nodded very slowly. There always is an until. Thats the point Im trying to make. We can rely on ourselves and ourselves alone. Things were straight out of a dream until she decided that walking side-by-side was not good enough. She had taken so much of what I had and then, she wanted to break free.

Argrave heard the words and though he could usually find some position to empathize with someone, he couldnt find it here. Despite himself, he asked, But what did she do to you?

Do to me? Hegazar halted. His husky voice was low and sharp as he continued, You dont listen very well. Makes me think what you have to offer might not be worth my time.

Argrave stopped and looked back. Hegazars true form walked up until it overlapped with his illusory body, and then both stepped to Argrave.

I dedicated my time to her. My thought, my effort, diverted from my ambitions to help her. I severed ties with my family because of her insistence. I broke the rules of the Order countless times, because of her. She killed many people, you know and I helped her hide that fact. She thinks she can trot off on her own, leaving everything before behind like it never was? Hegazars voice had an icy fire in it. I dont think so, Kinslayer.

As Argrave stared at Hegazar he saw the dimmest shadow of himself. He was repulsed by the revelation until he examined it further. Hegazar was who Argrave would be if he had not left the Tower when he first arrived in Berendar. Bitter, self-serving, cynical hed only do something if he expected a return. Hed be an egomaniac, spouting out empty, wry lines constantly to disguise his nature.

Despite what Argrave had said when the hypothetical was brought up earlier, Argrave was near certain he could stop Gerechtigkeit if he had remained in the Tower. Ruthless practicality was a hallmark in optimal gameplay for open-world RPGsif an NPC had something you wanted, youd kill them to get it. Argrave could have let everyone suffer, work things out on their own all the while he prepared only what was needed to end this world-ending calamity. No danger, no suffering, surefire

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The realization was like a sobering drug to Argrave. He felt validated in his choices thus far, seeing the miserable man that Hegazar was. With spirit renewed, he felt words come to him as easily as they ever had.

At least she proved nothing can bring you down, Argrave flattered. Nowthe spot to put the signature in is over there. Ill take care of this. After all, this is a risky thing, relying on degraded enchantments.

Hegazar looked to the apparatus, then shrugged. Hmm I cant protest. My signatures got a bit more value, after all no offense.

#####

Anneliese, I wonder have you ever been tutored by an S-rank mage? Vera asked of her as they walked down their path alone.

Anneliese looked down at Vera as they walked, thinking of her answer carefully as she scrutinized the womans expression. Yes, though not for extended periods. There are not as many S-rank mages in Veiden, and as a united nation without a neutral mage Order as Berendar has, each and all are expected to oversee and look after the new spellcasters. So, for a brief time, I received the same tutelage.

I see, Vera nodded, and Anneliese got the impression that she was thrown off. Quite an interesting place, your homeland.

I would agree, Anneliese nodded. Berendar interests me more, of late.

Yet Vera crossed her arms. In your homeland, are women allowed to hold positions of power?

Anneliese turned her head. Patriarch Dras did not seem to care. But, historically, it is difficult for women to inherit anything.

Then it seems our two peoples share something in common, Vera smiled as though shed finally found a place to rest her feet. The world is not fair to us, would you agree? I was the eldest of six sisters, yet all of us were passed over for the youngest child a son. A child of ten. Now, my nephew, Delbraun, rules in Jast.

The path of magic is fair, Anneliese noted.

Vera smiled. And that is why I came to the Order as soon as I was able. That is why I severed most ties with my family. All are equal when magic becomes involved... or at least, judged by their true ability. The Magister stopped. Since then, Ive been endeavoring to advance women in the Order. Ive seen your badge and heard news of your promotion to High Wizard. Congratulations, she said.

Anneliese paused with the Magister. Thank you, she returned, surprised by the sincerity.

I think, given both your already-demonstrated talent and your womanhood I could be a big proponent for you within the order, Vera suggested. Despite the Orders relative fairness in terms of equality, even for women and elves like yourself the fact remains most of our members are from Vasquer, and consequently bear its biases. It can be very helpful for us to stick together. And Im sure you know, having experienced it the tutelage of an S-rank spellcaster can be extremely valuable, the ashen haired woman spread her arms out.

Anneliese studied the Magister in detail. Despite everything, none of what she proposed was insincere, at least not to Annelieses eye.

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That is very enticing, Anneliese smiled. but I am travelling with Argrave.

I see, Vera nodded. As Anneliese watched the Magisters orange eyes, she was surprised by the turbulence of violent emotions hidden beyond them. They flashed for but a second, and then the Magister smiled brightly. There is always room for compromise. Lets talk more as we walk.

certainly, Anneliese agreed, trying to hide her unease as she followed.