Published at 26th of February 2026 6:21 am

Chapter 136: Recruitment

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Magic theory class the next day is only a little awkward with the Mynharan missing. Actually, nobody notices him being gone, since apparently a few percent of the school always get caught up with something over the break and fail to return in time. Granted, most people have returned by procday, but supposedly, theres always a few stragglers who manage to skip a whole second week.

Regardless, I think I manage to avoid acting suspiciously not avoiding looking at his usual spot, but not staring at it either. Though there is a fleeting not quite panic every time I glance at his absence as if my gaze might conjure up his spectre to accuse me. Absurd, I know no one leaves Anars orchard.

After class is the sword club with Bart and Preston. I perform badly, losing just about all of my spars, even against some of my fellow mages.

Whats the matter? Preston asks after the club has split up for free study. Youre even worse than two weeks ago.

I may have slipped up in my daily training, I mutter bashfully. Which is true, as I didnt exactly have time to while chasing after my friends, but its only half the story. The other half being the strain of hiding my recent enhancements. Trying to fight beneath my present ability is doable, but seemingly not not overdoing it.

I try Monroes breathing suggestion, but I cant figure out what she meant. I try everything: Rapid, slow, deep and shallow in every combination. Nothing seems to affect my effective enhancement in the way I want. I wouldnt be surprised if she was lying about the supposed insight.

Oh, right, you left during the break, didnt you? Preston asks with an inquisitive smile. I sent my servant over to perhaps arrange a meeting, but he was told you had left the capital and didnt know when you would return.

Ah, I utter, scratching the back of my head in embarrassment. My eyes glance to Bart, who I note is regarding me curiously. My apologies. I had to leave the city due to suddenly gaining too much attention. No doubt youve heard about my unexpected prominence at the courts Equinoctial?

No, he shakes his head, eyes widen in surprise as he leans forward on his practice sword to intently gaze at me. What happened?

Uh, I thought everyone had heard by now. All the nobles, at least. Anyways, it really wasnt much. The Empress decided to surprise everyone, especially me, by giving me a gift.

What!? his face brightens. The empress gave you a gift? Like personally? In front of everyone?

Yeah you really havent heard? I ask, surprised that he might be so unconnected.

He shrugs. I heard something about a commotion at her celebration, but I didnt know you were involved. Are you saying you met her majesty?

Umm, yeah, I guess you could say that. If by met, you mean I presented myself to her for half a minute and couldnt say anything beyond the usual because of how panicked I was.

What was she like? Preston asks excitedly, wide-eyed with an anticipatory grin.

She was I struggle for a descriptor not coloured by my true allegiance. Imperious. Regal. Stately.

As beautiful as they say? Preston asks, almost dreamily.

Ah I utter, unsure what to say or how Im to judge whether she falls into his criteria of beauty. Yes, I suppose. No less than would be expected, given the magics available to her.

Bart interjects with a playful smile. As beautiful as the coins which bear her face?

I smirk, deciding to match his tone with a straight face. Surely nothing is as beautiful as that.

Ah! Treason! Preston says, gripping his chest in mock indignation as he whips up his practice sword from where he was leaning on it. I shall defend her majestys honour! He immediately lunges. I protest by attempting to parry in earnest, but fail to deflect even his thrust made in jest, and the tip of his weapon strikes true my heart.

Ah, I am slain, I exclaim with deliberately as little emotion as I can express and fall to the ground dead with my hand gripping my wound.

Thus all traitors, Preston says in faux seriousness as he returns to starting form with a flourish and eyes Bart suspiciously.

Bart laughs loud enough to draw attention from the other groups with his resonant voice. How delightful. It eases my heart to see such play.

I look at him askance as I take Prestons offered hand to help me to my feet. I admit, I also feel more relaxed after the antic, but his words almost seem deliberately weighted.

Is there something that troubles you then? Preston asks, head tilted with an equal mix of curiosity and concern for our friend. Something we could help you with?

Ah, Bart opens his mouth as if to say something affirmative, but shakes his head. No, nothing in the present. Let us just say that my break was eventful He glances at me as if deciding something, though which way or what I cannot tell. His smile takes on a cunning quality as he changes the direction of conversation. Though not all stressful. Among other things, I finally broke through and became a page.

Both Prestons and my eyes widen, but for different reasons. He was already a formidable foe to Ser Terrys group when he was a mundane. How much more dangerous will he be now that hes self-enhanced? Though on the other hand, this does mean that itll be that much harder for Ser Terry to catch him off guard and kill him, which I would also be loath to occur.

Prestons face is, of course, a much less complicated congratulatory expression, which I quickly emulate. Thats fantastic! He says, beaming smile. I thought I could sense a difference, though of course, you probably dont have much of an improvement yet.

He nods. No more than a fraction of a standard boon, but I feel my strength growing every day now. The sensation is exciting.

Dont I know it. I still remember when I fully became an aspirant I hope your strength will grow more than mine did.

Bart gives a reassuring smile. Worry not, Im sure youll manage to achieve greater strength yet. In the meantime, you have done well training your technique to a level few who grow strong quickly achieve. Once the Eye finally grants you your full strength, Im sure this period will be seen as a blessing.

Yeah sure, Preston says, a slight annoyance at Barts attempt to ameliorate him. Its a nice concept, but one Im sure Preston has heard many times. Though, having heard it many times, Preston does not linger on his friends inability to come up with a more novel reassurance, and returns his attention to his friend. So, what was your moment of breakthrough?

Oh, Bart says, turning slightly. I suppose you could say I had some frustrations over the break. Nothing important, just work related. I cant say what exactly due to privacy contracts. Anyway. I channelled the frustration, and I think it is that which finally prompted the Eye to relent and grant me the ability.

Preston nods attentively as he describes vaguely what I know some of the details of. If I understand him correctly, it would seem that my intervention and thwarting of his plans prompted him to finally advance. I dont know how to feel about that Probably nothing, since hed probably advance in a few weeks anyways.

Yeah, frustration is common, Preston says, seemingly only aware of the flow of conversation, with none of the ominous weight seemingly making its way through. None of my reading into whether Barts reading into my reaction. So, its probably just my imagination. I think I had a lot of frustration for my breakthrough too. Lots of expectations to live up to my mother, but I kept on losing to well, you know, a rival. He glances to me with an embarrassed blush, and I realize that hes talking about the girl I reported during the entrance exam.

I see, Bart says, and did you soon overtake this rial?

Preston shakes his head sadly. No, she soon advanced herself, and grew faster than I did Though now that I look back, I think maybe that wasnt as true as I thought. I think I might have been able to beat her if I wasnt always in my own head so much. You know, haunted by the pattern of defeat. Cause in the entrance tournament, I ended up beating the person who eliminated her.

Ah, I say, remembering her exchange with me after. She didnt mention that. I guess that just strengthens the arguments I made to her.

Preston gives me a quizzical grin. You argued with her? On my behalf?

I study him and shrug. I suppose. Though really, she was just being annoying, and I was more using you to taunt her So no, not really for your sake.

He chuckles. That is more you But what about you? Howd you first break through and become a mage?

Memories flash through me. It was a cold winter night, nearly seven years ago. I remember wolves howling, though that cant be right. Wolves had been driven from the area some time ago. I had been studying a basic flame spell for several weeks How long had I been in the cult? Where did I come? Pain shoots through my skull, and I stop trying to remember before. It seems the patriarchs spell is still in effect, though weakened with time.

I had been studying a basic flame spell for weeks. We had just moved into an area, and the patriarch captured a woman from the village. He said it was my turn to receive Anars grace. She was still awake, begged us not to, then bit off her own tongue in a futile attempt to deny us our prize when she saw our resolve. But she didnt bleed out fast enough for that to work, and I was soon blasted by my first taste of Anars pleasure.

Its funny, she was just a peasant, but I still remember that first taste as something astounding. After, I rose to the top of the hill and gazed at the rising sun, flushed with Anars power. It didnt take the full rising before the Eye relented to Anars power, and I became a mage.

Oh, you know, I say with a masking smile. The usual. Studied the concepts and standard riddles until the eye relented. Mages tend to not have as interesting stories. More rational in our negotiations You know.

Preston rolls his eyes. Yeah, Im sure. Come on, Ive heard plenty of wild breakthrough stories from mages. I even heard one claimed she had to dance naked during an eclipse.

That is not standard, I say, with baffled expression. And dangerous. Way too easy to go in too hard if youre not even a full mage yet.

He chuckles. Yeah, well, she was older. Said she felt it was her last chance. Which wasnt true, but maybe it might as well have been, you know. But then again, she was telling the story to a guy her age, so maybe she was just embellishing, if you understand.

I scrunch my face up. Not really.

He laughs. No, I suppose you dont.

We continue practising after that, then split up when the club ends. Bart, however, hangs back with me and gestures to go to the side with a conspiratorially low voice.

There was something Ive been thinking about asking you. Something you might be interested in. I cant tell you here though. Could meet up some place more quiet?

I freeze in realization. Hes clearly about to try to recruit me to his side I dont think I want that. I thought Id be neutral between them, not choosing until one of them asked me to. But I dont think Im that torn between them. I might be convinced to join Ser Terry against him, but not the other way around. I do at least have that slight preference.

Part of me feels that perhaps I should hear him out. After all, I did already act against him, and he is no doubt trying to replenish the losses I inflicted on him. Better to balance it out. But no, I wont act against him more than is necessary, but I wont help him either. After all, his side already has more resources.

But how to refuse without revealing that I already know whats going on, or allowing him to tell me about it, which would force me to reject him? How do I keep both friends?

I regard him silently, then mentally shrug and decide being direct as possible without revealing anything would be best. Would this have anything to do with the tension you have with Ser Terry?

He flinches at the direct tone. Yes. I suppose it does.

I shake my head. Im sorry, but I consider you both friends and have no intention of choosing between you. I dont care whos right or wrong, I wont pick a side.

He silently thinks for a moment, clearly having not anticipated my anticipation of his intent. You may have to choose, someday. His voice is deep and a bit threatening.

I shrug with an unstressed smile. No reason not to enjoy the time before then, no?

His eyes narrow, but he nods. I suppose you are right. No worries, I will just have to look elsewhere.

His gaze goes to Preston walking about, and I suppress a shudder, not knowing how to feel about the implied prospect.

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