Magic in the air - Getting to work
"Speech"
It had been a week since I'd joined Cait shelter, and Master Roubaul had me shadowing Wendy and Carla regarding the operation of the guild. Surprisingly, the guild was registered legally, as were the jobs that came in.
Now, it should be noted that Roubaul wasn't stupid enough to try and fake an S-class mage, but we still got the same job offers as a guild with them. True, we couldn't take the jobs, but it was mostly to tell us where to avoid.
Interestingly, the guild made most of its money off its magic infused clothing and textile products which were used to cover guild taxation and to buy any food or product that couldn't be gathered, hunted, or made. I mean, the illusions WERE solid, so I guess it makes sense, still weird though.
Outside of shadowing the two girls, I had spent the last week training myself physically, seeing as I still couldn't use my magical core. Much to Carla's approval and Wendy's chagrin. Carla was pleased I was taking this seriously, while Wendy was overly concerned about my health after my recent recovery.
She really needs more confidence. Her healing had sped things up at an alarming rate, even pushing magic into my spent core to prevent it from effectively imploding, which would have sucked.
My container wasn't strong enough to hold itself together without magic, well it wasn't, it was now. I'd taken a shortcut of sorts. It wasn't without drawbacks though, those hours in massive pain alone in a dark forest would always stick with me. I'd apparently slept for two days before waking up, due to magical depletion.
As a side effect, my magical output had effectively doubled, though the container itself was still damaged. Apparently, I had been subconsciously drawing on my magic as soon as I got even a drop of it back to keep me going. It explains how I made the trip here from the low mountains after that fight, I had walked nearly 12 hours in that condition.
The shy dragon slayer continued to check my recovery each day, for which I was always grateful, much to her embarrassment and Carla's annoyance/amusement.
I was actually waiting in that same room I'd woken up in for her now. My room, I reminded myself. There was housing around the outside of the guild for other members, though it was likely they were illusions as well. Me, Wendy, and Carla, however, had rooms inside the guild. Officially it was because of how young we were.
Knocking on the door brought me out of my thoughts. "Come in," I called.
The young girl entered with her young companion in tow.
"Morning girls," I said, happy to see them.
"Good morning Salem," Carla was the first to respond, followed by a quieter, "Morning," from Wendy herself.
The little dragon slayer mage came over to me, and gave a little, "OK" to herself, then began to check me over. It was both adorable and amusing.
"Carla, anything interesting in the news today?" I asked, making conversation. Forgetting the fact that, as I had discovered, Carla is even younger than Wendy at 2 years old to Wendy's 8, Exceeds matured rapidly, or maybe that was just Carla? Or maybe she is older than she thinks? Either way, as an adult in this younger body, I found myself appreciative of her maturity. We both enjoyed talking about what many would regard as adult subjects, politics, law, world news, and so on. We liked knowing what was going on around us.
The white cat gave a small sigh, "Not much, I'm afraid, though those fools in the magic counsel are attempting to pass a law regarding a guild tax per S-class mage, again."
"Sounds more like a bid at getting more power over guilds," I mused aloud. "Or they just want more money, but it's not like strong mages have to be registered as S-class, and that would mean less S-class missions get completed," I added. Though it could just as easily be for any other stupid reason.
The little feline scoffed, "Indeed, officially it is to prevent weaker mages from being made S-class before they are ready. They never seem to learn, the crown will put a stop to it, like before. They won't support a political weakening of the guilds." A good cause in theory but unlikely needed, guilds wouldn't waste magical talent like that.
Fiore's guilds are a large source of the kingdom's strength after all.
But no matter the guild, it seems the magic counsel is equally feared, respected, and considered stupid.
I snorted, "Sounds about right. If a law was needed, they'd make a mandatory counsel test or legal criteria to follow rather than leave it up to each guild, that's where the strength differences in the class are." We'd entered this topic before during the week, it's why some guilds don't have a single S-class regardless of their strength, and different guilds had different levels of S-class mages compared to others, because of the lack of standardization. Technically, you could ask for an evaluation from the council, though few ever did.
Carla simply rolled her eyes, "Don't go giving them ideas."
I chuckled as Wendy's magic cut-off, "So how am I doing?"
"Your magic container has recovered, you'll be able to use your magic now," Though the girl seemed rather sad for some reason.
Huh, well, that won't do. "So how about I give you both a demonstration of my magic," I asked as I stood back up.
That perked her up a bit, "Really?" Carla, however, smirked slightly at the offer.
"Yeah, but we'll need to go outside, mind you. I don't exactly have the best control right now," I moved to the door and indicated that she should follow. I'd had a week to figure out a few things to test, and I was anxious to try.
It only took a few minutes to reach a good spot away from the buildings, we weren't far, mind you. But if something did go wrong, there were at least 100 feet between me and something breakable.
"Alright, ready?" I asked, quickly receiving two nods, I moved a good 20 feet away and stopped after finding a rock the size of my palm.
"OK," I didn't quite shout over the distance. "It's going to be loud," I added, remembering that both of them had excellent hearing.
I searched for my magic, which I found far easier this time, and kept a metaphorical eye on it while I added it to the rock in a much larger amount than before, yet it felt like less. Then I pushed the magic to my hand and threw it hard. A blast rocketed the stone from my hand before it collided with a tree a good distance away, I felt the magic linked to my core give. It detonated with a boom reminiscent of a hand grenade cratering the bark with rock shrapnel shredding the poor tree, though it remained standing with ease.
My ears, however, were ringing, man, I'm going to go deaf, aren't I?
I turned back toward my new, now wide-eyed, friends. Both were covering and rubbing their ears. "What do you think?" I asked.
"Wow," Was Wendy's rather cheerful if reserved response at the show once she re-composed herself from the sound.
"Indeed, a useful ability in the right hands," Carla commented.
"Thanks, I'll work on it though, got some things to test out. What about you two?" I asked. Granted I was already aware, but with what was coming if I could get them stronger, then all the better.
Wendy cocked her head to the side while Carla rose a brow.
"I mean, you're a dragon slayer, right? So, you must have some offensive magic as well. The power of a dragon would blow my little trick out of the water," I smiled at her, both of them, actually.
"A-ah, I mean, I've never really... Tried before," Wendy looked at her feet in embarrassment.
It was Carla who spoke next in her friend's defense, "Wendy is a healer she doesn't need to fight." The she-cat glared at me.
I raised my arms in a mock surrender, and explained myself, "Easy, I'm just concerned. Medics are targeted on the battlefield, and the same is true in smaller fights."
The cats glare lessened at that, "I see, while your concern is noted, it won't matter so long as we remain away from any fights." Wendy, however, gained that sad look again.
I sighed, "Well I guess I'll just have to stick with you then, anyone who wants to fight you, will just have to go through me."
Wendy perked up at that, "Really?"
I nodded resolutely, and I could see Carla cross her arms and give a pleased nod, "Very well then, but you had better keep her safe." And she's back to glaring.
Wendy, of course, interjected with a strangled, "Carla!" The poor girl was obviously embarrassed.
"No," I responded. Her glare doubled, "I promise to protect you both." I nodded again seriously.
That blindsided the little cat, who blushed alongside her partner. She was used to trying to look after Wendy, after all, not being looked after.
"Your fast and have aerial advantage, but unless I missed my mark, you don't have any offensive magic either," I made my reasoning clear, I had seen her wings over the week after all.
Carla responded regardless of her red face, "I-I see, very well, we will both be counting on you then, so see you do a good job."
I chuckled, making the rather serious girl blush, it was amusing. "Aye, aye, Ma'am," I gave a cheeky salute.
My first job with the team only hours later, was collecting magical herbs, something Wendy was adept in. Hence, why our new team was taking such a job.
We were about an hour away north of the guild in the forest separating the mountains from the guild, it was... Pretty, if not dull.
I was standing guard while the girls, specifically Wendy, collected the herbs.
So far, nothing had happened.
"So is it usually like this?" I asked.
"Uhm," Wendy nodded with a sound in the positive. "Oh, but normally, we don't go this far," Wendy stated then hummed to herself checking over a plant, while I scanned the area. I'd fought a Vulcan, a weak creature by this world's standards, and it had taken everything I had. I'm not taking any chances..
"The deeper we go, the more magic is in the plants," She explained, picking one of said plants. "But there are monsters that like them too, so we try to find what we can at the start of the forests and leave," She was already looking for a new plant.
"Normally, but I'm sure you can handle a few beasts, yes?" Carla hovered behind me also on the lookout.
"Well I can handle a Vulcan one-on-one, so I should be able to handle some wild animals. Still, I'd rather err on the side of caution," I wasn't about to get cocky when I was responsible for protecting someone or two someones' in this case. I also didn't know what types of creatures could be found in this world, either.
Carla hummed at my response, but didn't comment further.
"So what do we do after this? Deliver them?" I was honestly curious because Cait shelter was a very isolated place.
"Ah, it depends on the job. Usually, we can mail the herbs. The guild has several members with magic specializing in such," Carla explained again.
I gave a hum of agreement to the cat. Privately, however, I could only think of Roubaul's ridiculous amount of skill and power. Physical, autonomous magic using illusions.
"Annnnd done," Wendy cheered, a bundle of herbs in the basket she was carrying. At least until she lost her balance.
I quickly grabbed the girl for the 3rd time today. "Nice work, Wendy," I complimented, much to the bluettes joy as she straightened herself.
Well, time to head back then... I guess not every mission has to be exciting.
"Want me to carry it back?" I asked, getting the dragon slayer's attention. "I'm feelin' a bit useless here," I added.
"Nonsense," Carla interjected, "We're still quite far within the forest. We need you ready to fight."
I sighed but complied, she had a point.
"Ok, ok," I agreed, as Carla took the basket instead.
It turns out Carla was right to be worried, right before we reached the clearing something would gain our attention. Carla and Wendy were the first to notice with their sensitive hearing. They stopped and turned, looking around frantically, which put me on guard.
Paw pads hitting dirt and scraping claws entered my hearing from behind. Then I spotted them, a large pack of giant wolves, nearly 50 or so. That's a bit much.
"Direwolves, RUN!" Carla commanded.
Why the hell are they tracking us? The herbs? Doesn't matter, I ran behind the girls, putting up a rear guard of sorts and keeping both in my vision.
The pack was getting louder, therefore closer, I touched the tree closest to me as I passed, actually getting some of my magic into it. Booyah!
Bang.
Not as big or loud as I expected, but the noise and shrapnel would slow them if not deter them. I continue my slowing tactic, a tree here, a low branch there, maybe that log on the ground, etc.
It was working in keeping them off of us, but it wasn't stopping them. My larger reserves were holding up but slowly draining, after 15 minutes I was already under half.
We needed a better solution, and after racking my brain, I had... Something. If I could get them into an open area with no cover, I MIGHT be able to use myself as a bomb, I felt my magical energy briefly sting under my skin across my whole body.
Later. For now, "Carla! Don't suppose you can fly Wendy and yourself out of here?"
"No," Wendy practically begged. But she was small even for her age, and all this running was exhausting her.
Carla ignored her outburst, "I'm not strong enough to carry her and the foliage canopy is too thick anyway. DO SOMETHING." The young cat's Strict demeanor was falling away with panic.
I grabbed some leaves from a low-hanging branch and pushed some energy into them, more stinging feeling, less heat. Just like the dirt a week ago, I realized.
"Cover your ears!" I shouted to the girls ahead of me, who complied. Then I threw the leaves, which gently fluttered to the ground.
I felt the magic tug on my core. Not yet. Tug, not yet.
The pack of hounds trampled the leaves and the magic was tugged from my core forcefully, damn. I'd hoped to wait until the center of the pack was in the radius.
Still, it had the intended effect, a sharp ringing detonation, and bright light erupted from behind me. A flashbang, the pack quickly became disorientated.
Unfortunately, the momentum from the pack members in the rear kept them moving forward for the most part. Only a dozen or so had fallen or crashed into something in their disorientation. My detonations had, had some effect on the 50-or-so-strong wolf pack over the past few minutes. They were down to about 30-35, but they were only dazed and hurt, not dead, they could still catch up.
We entered the clearing to the guild, but Wendy's sprinting had crawled to a slow jog. Even Carla was tiring, pushing her Aera magic was draining her. And while definitely tired, I could likely go faster, but the rear guard was mine to keep.
The problem was about half the dire wolves were only a couple of meters away, having broken from the tree line in pursuit.
I slid to a stop, forcing the remainder of my magic through my entire body, leaving only a sliver in my core. The girls continued toward the guild hall, unaware of my stopping. I couldn't let those girls fall, it wasn't an option.
The lead wolf was mid-jump as I turned, maw open and descending. So, I uppercut it, an explosion rang out as I hit the beast, reversing its momentum.
The other wolves paused at my newfound aggression, sizing me up and circling me. The pack had paused, then all at once, they pounced.
In the seconds it took me to finish drawing on my magic, the wolves as big as cars were already bearing down on me.
"Ground Zero!" I shouted naming the attack, hey everyone else does.
For a split second, I saw a large magic circle form on the ground around me, orange in color, then.
BOOM
My Body stung like someone had paper cut my interbody, and heat and force knocked the air from my lungs. Cracking and tearing entered my hearing, followed by whistling and then ringing. The ground loosened and shook. Then the cool wind returned, the ringing became a buzzing and my sight returned as the blinding light and smoke dissipated.
Panting heavily and leaning on my knees as they too gave out, I slumped to the ground. Looking around the now charred area, I saw several of the trees had bent slightly from the shockwave and branches had been stripped. The amount of damage I'd done was crazy, there was a scorch mark over a dozen meters around me as the epicenter.
The wolves closest to me were whining on the floor where they had been thrown, but some had smashed into the tree trunks and were barely moving. The treeline itself was now pandemonium as the scared pack decided that discretion was the better part of valor. Howling and whimpering the entire time, their better senses taking the explosion far worse than my own. I was surprised none of them were dead, crippled? Yes, Dead? No.
I slowly rose to my feet and watched as the pack scattered, bare those crippled, only when I was sure they were gone did I turn and stagger back toward the guild. My body felt numb, but there was no pain, just a deep tiredness, not sure if that's good or bad. At least I'm alive.
Minutes had passed, it felt longer.
Moving through the street of small lodgings, I made an effort to straighten myself out, realizing the clothes I'd gotten from the guild were still intact from the explosion.
Though there was an uproar at the guild proper, and before I could enter, the flap of the entrance flew open with a distressed Wendy with Carla right behind her, leading several illusions out of the tent.
Right until they saw me anyway. "Hey," I greeted tiredly, "Wolves are gon-". That's as far as I got when I was wrapped in a hug by the distressed dragon slayer mage, the now crying dragon slayer mage. I automatically returned the hug in an attempt to soothe the girl.
"What were you thinking!?" Carla was next to let me know of her displeasure. "We were almost back, and you decided to try to be a hero, you stupid boy!" Her words bit, but she was visibly distressed herself, standing on the ground, head tilted away to hide the tears that were present moments ago.
"No, they were seconds away from pouncing, and I had the best chance against them. I made a stand, so you could get away, I promised," I corrected her assessment of the situation.
She glared again, heedless of the tears this time, "Not by killing yourself!" I know these two are young girls right now, but I'm so used to seeing the women they become in the story I didn't think anything of it. They aren't battle-tested, not yet.
I felt Wendy tighten her hold, damn she's stronger than she looks, "I had a plan, I told you my magic is dangerous, and you were in the blast area."
"So you decided to blow yourself up!?" She was obviously angry.
... "Maybe?" I mean I did, they probably felt the shock wave and saw the aftermath, hence the gathered rescue team I was actively ignoring.
At that, Carla began hammering my legs with her little paws with cries of, "Idiot."
"I'm OK, just tired and a little numb," I admitted. "But the wolves have retreated. Mostly," I continued
"Mostly?" Carla was looking at her surroundings now.
I wrinkled my nose in disgust, mostly at myself, "There's... Some still trying to leave." They were going to die I knew that, but slowly, and I regret that.
"Hey," I got the attention of one of the illusions, "Could you finish it? I would, but." I wasn't in a condition to, they knew it, I knew it.
The individual in front of me nodded in compliance, illusion or not, it had free will, I think, and I appreciated the help.
"No, problem-o, dude," He spoke in surfer lingo and gave a hang loose sign while wearing Native American /Nirvit attire... OK, moving on.
I patted Wendy on the back as several of the illusionary guild members went off toward the forest.
The girl finally released me from her hug, sniffling, "Please, don't do that again. Please."
I frowned, but looking at the watery-eyed girl I knew there was only one answer I could give, "Fine, I'll let you know next time."
"No! No next time, please," Wendy sounded defeated. Carla was silently resting her forehead on my leg.
Oh, hell. They had been shaken by recent events, so I needed to be gentle, "Look, my magic's dangerous. I need distance, or you could be caught in it, I promise I'll tell you next time." The bluette silently looked at her feet.
Carla huffed and turned her back to me, "And what good will that do in a cave or building." I could hear the condescension in her quivering voice.
"OK a good point, I'll work on something I can use near you, alright? No more splitting the team," I'd need to improve myself rapidly. To be fair, after a week in this world and 2 days with magic, I could already cause damage like that blast, it was... Unnatural, but useful.
The small healer nodded silently, though Carla remained silent.
Wendy sniffed again, and my guilt rose as she activated her magic, looking me over.
What a day.
A/N:So I know Salems self sacrificing tendency here my seem a bit out of the norm for a regular person, but remember he is an adult in a small body and most adults would go out of their way to defend a child, never mind the fact that he knows how instrumental those two girls will be in the future. Well in canon who know what could happen.
Carla is very strict as a character when we first meet her in canon and that is shown here, but she also isnt made of stone on top of been younger here, this kind of think would have an effect on her. Same with Wendy she's much younger here has yet to find her nerve, not yet.