MORY FRAGNT
Mage Academy Learning Hall, 83 years ago
There was an inexplicable fascination that ca with otherworldly items. They were far better crafted than anything Adzorg had ever seen, even compared to artifacts from previous ages of the world. The materials were foreign, as was the function, and above all there was a deep aura of confidence that emanated from them, as if the items were looking down on their current surroundings.
Of course, there were so oddities as well. Human world items never had guardians. What was more, unlike other hollow artifacts, they appeared to be incapable of obtaining such. Adzorg had made dozens of attempts and all of them ended in utter failure.
Are you still ssing with the junk? Eliac entered the large room.
In theory, this was supposed to be his lab, but he had given it to his apprentices. Initially, the four had divided it into areas of dominance, but as their interests diverged, many of them focused on different things. The most prolific had expressed a desire to join the battle mages, leaving half a year after the groups expedition to the south. Another had beco a full mage one year later. At present, only Adzorg and Rivette shared the space, although the girl spent more ti in one library or another.
Its not junk, Adzorg said without even looking back.
Its complete junk, the man grumbled. I should know.
The way he walked made it more than clear that sothing was on his mind.
The discussions with the archmage went poorly? Adzorg asked.
Nope. Eliac summoned an obscenely large cushioned chair, then relaxed into it. That windbag didnt bother to show up.
Hes very dedicated to doing nothing.
The mage snorted.
Its not healthy to be so cynical at such a young age. The smile quickly faded away. The emperor called , he said. He doesnt think it would be a good idea if I were to beco the next archmage.
What? Adzorg turned around, forgetting the allure of the otherworldly items for a mont. Why? Youve the most capable mage the Academy has. The most capable one actually wanting the position, that was.
Apparently not. The emperor is of the view that putting an otherworlder in charge might not be the best strategy in the current situation Whatever that ans.
Adzorg stood there, as if hit by lightning. Spending part of his childhood and all his adult life at the Academy, he was familiar with the particular blend of political betrayal and backstabbery. Still, he didnt imagine it could co from the emperor himself. The current Emperor Tamin was the strongest awakened there was, and a direct descendant of the first ruler who had established the empire. He rarely ddled in the affairs of the Academy. As far as everyone was aware, he showed remarkably little interest, despite being a mage himself.
If you ask , its because of those. He glanced at the items. The Order doesnt like them, and with tensions starting in the west, the emperor has to play nice. He leaned back, closing his eyes. It was just a matter of ti, I guess. Showing too much interest in the technology of the Star wasnt the best idea.
But If they knew what this could accomplish
Oh, they know, Eliac interrupted. They know very well. Thats why they want to stop. And thats why you should stop as well.
? Adzorg felt as if hed been hit in the stomach.
For the mont they are focusing on . If you continue to show interest, their attacks will affect you as well. Why do you think all of the others rushed to get away from as quickly as possible?
They just wanted to beco a mage faster.
And you dont? Eliac laughed.
There was no denying it. Every apprentice wanted to beco a mage, even more than a novice wanted to beco an apprentice. Adzorg knew he had the skills to avoid the pit trap of diocrity, though he also had to admit that his recent interests had rendered him less significant in the eyes of the Academy. If he had stuck to writing boring theories of questionable significance, yet in a very verbose fashionlike one of his fellow apprentices hadthere was every chance he would have advanced by now.
Rivette has already been approved, the mage added. Theyre delaying the announcent until the emperor has decided what to do with .
Werent you punished already?
No. That was just to make it clear that I would be. The real punishnt will co soon enough, youll see. I suggest you use that ti to focus on sothing he opened an eye, glancing in the direction of the items that isnt that. Theory, realm transformation, vortex research, he waved a hand. Any will do.
The warning was clear. Adzorg didnt particularly like being told what to do, but at the sa ti he was smart enough to know what would happen if he didnt. The very next day he left Eliacs lab to focus on realm modification at the Academys research cloister.
Several months later, as the otherwolderly mage had predicted, the punishnt was announced. By decree of the emperor, all mages from other worlds were to leave the Academy, focusing on threads on the empires borders. There wasnt a soul alive that didnt see that for what it wasbanishntbut they knew better than to defy the absolute ruler of the land.
Within weeks, around fifty mages left, likely never to be seen again; Eliac was among them. Coincidentally, or not so much, the sa day Rivette was made a full mage, leaving the Learning Hall for her own laboratory which was generously provided by the archmage himself.
Also, rather coincidentally, the archmage stepped down from his position a week later, taking on the role of imperial court mage. The title was entirely ceremonious, but ensured a comfortable life. Thus, discussions regarding a new archmage quickly began.
Who do you think itll be? one of Adzorgs fellow apprentices asked.
The boy was half his age, and perfectly aware that hed remain at his current rank for the rest of his life. It wasnt that he was incompetent per se, but his magic trait had reached its limit, blocking his developnt in the only area that mattered. Thus, he had been buried in one of the least notable areas of researchrealm modification.
What does it matter? Adzorg grumbled.
His personal research was progressing remarkably well. When he initially requested to change fields, many thought it was as punishnt for his ntor. That couldnt be further from the truth. While realm modification held little significance for mages, Adzorg could clearly see how sought it would be outside of the Academy. Prison items were a perfect ans for nobles to punish friends and enemies and see instant results. In addition, any item that could help train awakened, especially in tis of war, would be highly sought after. If the archmage or any of the senior mages were forward-thinking, they would have realized this and forbidden Adzorg from doing his research unsupervised. By his estimates, in less than a decade, when the internal squabbles had ended, they would realize their mistake, but by then it would be too late; hed already be an established expert.
Well, yeah, his friend replied. If its the right person, the Academy could
Theres no right person. Whoever it is, they wont be sympathetic towards us. Besides, none of the competent ones want to get involved.
Co on. You must at least be curious. Theres talk that Grand Mage Whidico might have a go. As an active battle mage
She has no chance. The emperor wouldnt allow it. More than likely, no one will. If youre asking my thoughts about the betting pool, put your money on the most boring person there is. Adzorg paused for a few minutes. Also the youngest.
Why the youngest?
Appearances. Changing old blood with new and all that. The last archmage held on for five decades. The next one will be soone who could keep an eye on this place for just as long. Though changed in a few years, he added to himself.
Youre sure about this?
Without a doubt.
Pleased, the apprentice rushed off to place his bet, leaving Adzorg to continue with his work. His latest theory, if proven correct, had the possibility of creating a virtually inescapable prison item with uneven ti dilation properties. However, even while thinking about it, his mind was focused on the otherworldly items. Before abruptly stopping his research on those, he had managed to see indirect proof of threads that werent magic or even from this world. If that proved correct, there could be a way to follow them all the way to their world of origin. The possibility had been ntioned in a few ancient scrolls Adzorg had access to, but dismissed as improbable. Yet, if it wasnt, he could make the greatest discovery the Academy and even the world had ever known.
The archmage selection was brief and unsurprising. The new person to take on the post was competent, though unremarkable, and not part of any major faction. Naturally, he also received the backing from the Imperial House, quickly ending even rumors of disagreent among mages. From there on, things proceeded as normal.
Within a few years, Adzorgs efforts were noticed to the point that he was even considered for becoming a mage. The only obstacle was his low magic trait, though steps were made to redy that. Between arranged duels, artifact gifts from nobles willing to acquire so of his works, and the occasional wild vortex, he had managed to raise his magic level to the forties. At that point, the most unexpected thing happened.
One day, with little warning, it was announced that the emperor himself would visit the Academy. This was a rare occasion, making everyone of importance scramble to bring their respecting areas into shape. Unfortunately, for them, the emperor did not visit the archmages domain or any of the other prominent building clusters. Instead, the first and only place he went to was the Learning Hall, or rather a very specific part of it.
Add so runes, an academy mage hissed at the apprentices.
Adzorg didnt see the point. Being a mage, the emperor would be easily able to see beyond any simple illusion an apprentice could muster. Still, he did as was asked, then straightened up, expecting the visit. Truth be told, part of him was looking forward to it. Seeing the emperor in person was always a big deal, especially up close.
Hes here, soone whispered.
The mages in the room turned pale, then rushed to the only door, ready to welco their ruler. Normally, one of the emperors guards was supposed to enter and make sure everything was in order. When the door opened, everyones heart skipped a beat as the seven-foot figure of Emperor Tamin stepped in.
Moons Adzorg thought.
If there was soone who could claim to be beyond awakening, this one was it. Every item and piece of clothing worn by the man contained so much magic that it glowed brighter than a purple fla. Yet, compared to the body of the emperor himself, they were like candles to the sun. The light coming from the mans face was so intense that Adzorg was forced to wince. No wonder that he always wore a mask when addressing the public.
A quick gesture towards the mages stopped them from making a sound just as they were about to welco him. Several seconds later, the ruler was joined by the archmage and the rest of the small procession.
This is your item research? he asked in a voice heavy with power.
Yes, Emperor, the archmage quickly replied. One of the lesser research areas, he added as an excuse.
The emperor walked in, examining the space. It was impossible to say to what degree he was disappointed.
Youre one of Eliacs, arent you? The rulers head turned in Adzorgs direction.
Yes, Emperor. Adzorg instinctively bowed down.
A sha what happened to him, he said almost dismissively. At least he was very good at finding talent. I hear youre a prodigy when it cos to item realm modifications.
Yes, Emperor. Modesty wasnt a quality that awakened respected.
Show .
Adzorg felt as if he were struck by lightning. In his mind, he had often imagined wowing his superiors with one of his creations. However, presenting sothing to the emperor was different. There was no way that a training item would be remotely impressive. The only thing that would approach a masterpiece would be sothing he didnt dare bring anywhere near a noble of such stature.
Apprentice, the archmage said in a sharp tone. Do you have anything to show to the emperor?
This was it. It was now or never. Adzorg knew hed never get another opportunity such as this, so decided to risk it.
I constructed a prison item, he said. One that could keep soone inside for as long as one of the ancient artifacts. Maybe longer.
Even with the emperor present, a few whispers escaped his entourage.
Are you suggesting the archmage began, but a quick flick of the hand on the part of the emperor made him stop.
Bring it, the emperor ordered.
His pulse doubling, Adzorg went to his personal cabinet from where he took a small crystal sphere. Holding it with his own hands already caused so commotion. Usually, prison items were handled with gloves to make sure they wouldnt affect the person wanting to use them.
Ive integrated a few spells to protect the owner from getting affected, and can easily make anyones magic threads to be exempt of
Before he could finish, the emperor cast a spell, causing the sphere to fly out of Adzorgs hands and into his grip. Everyone froze. The re thought of having the emperor locked in a prison item was equivalent to rebellion. Even if Adzorg were to rush and release him, years, probably decades, would have passed.
Rather impressive, the emperor said, tossing the sphere back to Adzorg. Elegant, self-sustaining defenses, with the ability to be produced. I want a few dozen of these toys.
Adzorg blinked.
Yes, Emperor, he said with a slight delay.
Youll be in charge of making them. The archmage will provide enough resources and apprentices to have it done quickly.
Emperor, Im not a mage, Adzorg almost stuttered. I cant
You are now, the emperor declared. Dont let down.
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