Chapter 2: The Meeting

"Don't worry. You'll get better soon… just relax and don't get into too much physical activity," Mia said, gently rubbing a cloth on Auroch's head. Isaac, the Praetor of the Silver Sages, had wandered down into the same corridor Auroch had ventured into. Only the Leader, Praetor, and Head Investigator were allowed in the office of the Leader. Isaac notified the medical team, and they rushed him to the hospital wing.

Auroch slowly opened his eyes. The bright light hurt his eyes, but he managed to keep them opened. The first thing he saw was Mia's soothing smile. It was reassuring to him, as he was still rather confused. After all, he had just lost a duel against Neil.

"Your back still has a large wound on it. I've cast Ply and gave you some herbs, but it's still there. I even used Spritz, but no use. You'll just have to keep it easy for a few days," Mia comfortingly said.

"Alright, thanks. If anything serious comes up, I'll have Isaac do the work for me," Auroch replied.

"What exactly were you doing down there, anyways?" Mia asked, wanting to know more. When she heard he was down there, she was immediately intrigued.

"Well, I guess you could say I was just exploring this place. There are so many places a Leader can go that the other ranks can't," Auroch said, shrugging his shoulders as he talked.

"Auroch… I heard someone say… that Neil was down there. Is that true? Is that how you got hurt?" Concern was in Mia's face as she spoke softly.

"Yeah, you heard right. We had a little sword duel, and I lost," Auroch meekly said. He didn't seem very proud of the fact.

"How did he get down there? Nevermind, I'm sorry. I shouldn't be asking you all these questions. I'm only a nurse."

"No, it's okay. But I'm afraid I don't know the answers. I wish I did, though. There are so many things I don't know. I hope Ivan found out some information. I didn't make him Head Investigator for nothing."

There are so many things I don't know. What happened to Alex? Why did he suddenly disappear? He was the best leader we've ever had. He had bravery, wisdom, and strength. Something happened to him. Something serious. I bet it involves Neil and Dante. And then the more frightening fact: How did Neil get in that room? Is there an outdoor passage? I'm going to need to find out how he got there. Tomorrow, there could be a huge siege on this place. When one knows the location, everyone knows.

This is such as difficult time for us. I really haven't been with us that long. I don't completely know what I'm doing. But I'll do my best. I won't give up. I will not fail the Silver Sages.

"Yeah. Ivan is very reliable on finding information. Anyways, I think you're ready to leave the hospital now. Remember, get well rested, eat right, and no more dueling!" Mia said, laughing.

Auroch smiled and then began to laugh. "Yeah, you're right," Auroch said. "I'm going to talk to some people. Thanks for everything, Mia." Auroch gathered up his things and headed out of the hospital wing.

"See ya, Auroch! I hope you shed some light on this situation," Mia said, waving goodbye as Auroch left.

Auroch swung open the door and proceeded into the hallway. At his first left he turned and headed down the next part. He was heading towards the Meeting Hall. Isaac would be there, and so would Ivan. Sheba, another investigator, would also be there. Sephirus was also expected to show up. He was relatively new to the group.

Sephirus has silver hair. His hair is longer than most men wear it, however it does not interfere with his sight. His eyes are a deep blue, which is strange because most of his family has green eyes. He has a loose, one piece outfit which is colored in a brilliant imperial blue. Silver buttons line the front middle of it. He has a slim build, but is incredibly agile which has most likely developed from fighting of neighborhood fiends with only a wooden stick. He isn't very tall, only at a height of 5 feet, 9 inches. His clothing actually was similar to Auroch; the color scheme was pretty much the same. Sephirus is the Silver Sage's top spy. Although he hasn't done it yet, his job is to infiltrate the Dark Paladin's HQ. He's amazingly agile so he can avoid danger. Auroch has a strong trust in that man.

Auroch finally reached the meeting area. He opened the doors and surprisingly found that everyone was already there. He let out a faint smile and quickly sat down.

"Nice to see you here, Auroch. We have some very important things to discuss," Isaac said. His tone was very serious. Ivan must have found something.

Sheba was the first to speak. "Auroch, Ivan and I have found some startling information. It explains why Neil was in here, how he got here, and even gives clues to Alex's whereabouts. We're hoping we can unveil more clues in the coming days." Auroch nodded his head as she spoke.

"I'll start with the Neil incident," Ivan said. "As you know by now, Neil was found in a room at the basement, which we have labeled the Dueling Room. The only known path to the room is accessible through Auroch's office. After some investigation, Sheba and I have also found another entrance. There is a cracked area of stone on the ground. When the rubble is removed, a very narrow passageway leads down. Upon descending, you need to duck your head to continue on. This path travels on for a rather long time, about a hundred yards. At the end there is a small opening. The area outside of this hole is at the side of HQ."

Auroch looked puzzled. "How did the hole get there in the first place?"

"Neil is a Venus Adept. Dante is a Mars Adept. Dante most likely used Burst to create a hole, but he wanted to keep it small. That way, we would not easily suspect the opening," Sheba explained.

"But how did that entire path get formed?" Auroch questioned.

"That's the scary part," Ivan said. "We don't know. Dante could not have repeatedly used Burst. The path walls are even and if explosive force was used, it would not be possible for such smooth surfaces. Our only theory is that the path has always been there."

"Alex," Sephirus suddenly said. The entire group looked at him with a strange expression.

"What?" Auroch said, even more confused.

"He used Aqua Tunnel," Sephirus said. "It's the only way. Certain Mercury Adepts can use that Psynergy. A powerful stream of water is summoned, which corrodes through almost anything in its way. Alex must have controlled this current to form the path.

"But why would Alex want to do that?" Isaac said. He was now utterly confused, as was everyone else.

There was thing for sure, though. Sephirus was essential to solving this mystery.