Act 1, Part 5: An Insatiable Hunger
"This is…" Heinrich breathed.
He had no words to describe how awestruck he was. Magatia was perhaps the most beautiful city that he'd ever seen. Every part of it radiated magical energy, from the cathedral-like buildings to the paved streets themselves. There were rows and rows of high-rise buildings with pointed roofs and magnificent stained-glass windows. Several parts of the buildings had even been incorporated with Floating Rocks, which caused the structures to float in the air, tethered to the ground with ropes. The streets were illuminated with gas lamps lined along either side, bathing the area in a soft yellow light. On the lampposts themselves hung the banner of Magatia – a yellow letter 'M' on a red backdrop.
Grendel chuckled at Heinrich's marveling. "It's quite magnificent, isn't it?"
"I have… no words," Heinrich said. "It's even better than what I'd imagined it to be. Look up there, even the moon and the stars look like the Goddess herself hung them up tonight. It's like this city came straight out of a fairy-tale."
"The alchemists of Magatia have rather a penchant for aesthetics," Grendel explained. "When they founded this city centuries ago, it was with the intention of bringing fantasy to life. Transmutation, immortality, the creation of life itself… the study of such things requires an extraordinary vision… and ravenous hunger."
"What do you mean?" Heinrich asked in trepidation.
"Alchemy is different from other branches of magic. Mages like us are driven by intellectual curiosity. We seek to understand the laws of our world, to define a framework of what can and cannot be done. In other words, we work to determine the furthest that we can go within the boundaries set for us. But the scholars of Magatia are different. What we see as limitations, they see as obstacles to be overcome. Every alchemist is driven by that same hunger, to reach just a bit further. The climb is all they see."
"The way you describe them, it almost sounds as though you don't approve," Heinrich said.
Grendel shook his head. "I wouldn't blanket all alchemists in such a way. Innovation, after all, only comes when one dreams that there exists something further beyond what can be seen. I don't disapprove of alchemy itself, or its practitioners. But I will say this. For some, that hunger is all-consuming. And to a starving beast, the distinction between friend and prey fades fast. Some of the most dangerous people in the world live in this city. They are dangerous not because they are evil, but because they do not believe that such a thing exists. For them, there is only the unknown and how close they are to it."
Heinrich paused to consider Grendel's words. Looking around now, he felt a sense of hidden insidiousness that he hadn't picked up before. The idea that all the bright faces in the town had given up on their morals wasn't a cheerful one. Perhaps Grendel sensed this, because he put a reassuring hand on Heinrich's shoulder.
"I apologize if my words have alarmed you," he said. "I wouldn't want your only takeaway from this trip being that all alchemists are villains. In fact, why don't I introduce you to one of my dear friends. It seems that we're almost at our destination."
The two approached a large building with several floating sections held up by purple Floating Rocks. At the entrance was a young man holding a notepad.
"Greetings, Master Grendel," he greeted.
"Hello, young Alfie," Grendel said. "I hope you've been doing well."
"I have, thank you. I take it that this is your apprentice?" Alfie asked, pointing at Heinrich.
"Not my apprentice, but a fellow scholar," Grendel explained. "This is Master Heinrich."
"Pleased to meet you," Heinrich said politely.
Alfie looked closely at Heinrich. "You're pretty young for a master magician. And what's with the head covering? Accidentally cursed your ears off?" he teased.
Heinrich laughed. "Not exactly. I just happen to be a bit sensitive about the shape of them."
"Well, in any case, I'll need to see your invitations. Not that I doubt you were invited," he added quickly. "But security's been beefed up with the Sultan coming."
"Quite understandable," Grendel nodded. He took out two invitations and handed them to Alfie.
After taking the invitations, Alfie pulled out a small vial of scarlet liquid. Using his thumb, he pulled out the cork and tipped a small amount of liquid onto the invitations. Heinrich waited to see what would happen, but after a few moments, he began growing concerned when no reaction occurred. To his surprise, Alfie put the cork back on the vial and handed the invitations back to Grendel.
"Everything seems to check out. Enjoy the conference," Alfie said.
"Thank you, Alfie," Grendel said.
Though he was still confused, Heinrich said a quick thank you and followed Grendel inside.
As they walked through the dimly lit hallway, Heinrich turned to Grendel and asked, "Was he trying to verify that the invitations were legitimate? That means the liquid was some sort of truth potion, right?"
"Homunculus' Blood," Grendel explained. "There are many types of truth potions. Most of them are dreadfully complicated to make. There's one I remember that required the most peculiar ingredient – 'a handful of moonlight'. Another took over ten years to brew and required over a thousand steps. Magatia found a simpler solution in the blood of a magical creature made through alchemy."
"That's… quite impressive," Heinrich said in awe. "I knew that Magatia has made great advances in magic, but to bypass the need for so many potion components…"
"And that, my boy, is what I mean by removing limitations," Grendel explained. "You'll find that quite a number of such innovations have been made, all jealously guarded until they've been perfected and priced appropriately."
The pair had just entered the conference room at the end of the hallway, where an old man in blue robes got up from his seat.
"Perfected and priced?" he asked in mock disbelief. "Is this what you've been teaching the boy, Grendel?"
The old man hobbled over to them, using his staff as a walking stick. Like Grendel, his beard was greying and long, and his eyebrows were quite thick. Grendel's beard twitched in amusement at the man's words.
"Alcaster, my dear friend," Grendel greeted. "It's been far too long."
The two men embraced each other fondly.
"I see the years have not been kind to you," Alcaster joked. "Or at least in comparison to your youthful companion."
He turned to look at Heinrich and extended a wrinkled hand. "I don't believe we've been acquainted yet, young one. I am Alcaster, president of the Magatia Alchemy Society."
Heinrich took Alcaster's hand and shook it firmly. "I'm Heinrich. It's an honor to meet your acquaintance, sir. Your paper on the xanthosis of prima materia was quite novel."
Alcaster laughed. "It's always a pleasure to meet a fellow student of alchemy, and it's just as well that Grendel invited you to visit Magatia. How do you find the city so far?"
"It's a marvel, sir. To see so many magicians gather in one place and collaborate together… I'm inspired just seeing it. I'm not sure if Master Grendel has told you, but my dream is to help improve relationships between the different races of Maple World. I know that it's ambitious of me to say," Heinrich added quickly. "But places like Ellinia – and this very city – are testaments that such a future is possible."
"It appears you were right, Grendel," Alcaster said. "This one is a dreamer like us."
He turned to face Heinrich and smiled. "I admire your vision, young one. Indeed, those towering ambitions are what inspired alchemists generations ago to build an equally towering city in the desert, one unlike any other. I don't just mean this in an idealistic sense, either. Magatia is unique because its foundations are firmly rooted in science. As such, our population is comprised solely of fellow scholars and researchers. The city has no government, in the strictest sense, but the Magatia Alchemy Society does represent us, and it strives to keep the peace… as best we can."
Heinrich frowned. "Keep the peace? Are there many disagreements here?"
Alcaster laughed rather grimly. "More than you can imagine. I suppose it's to be expected when so many brilliant, willful minds are brought together. Ideologies are quick to form fissures, and arguments are even quicker follow. People will disagree as they always have. They will find an ideal and make it their identity. They eschew differences, close themselves in their spheres of influence, and vow before their small world that they will die to defend it. In a way, it is rather similar to the predicament that you hope to solve, young Heinrich."
"Do you think that there's still hope for compromise?" Heinrich asked.
"Much as I'm sure that you hope for a better future, I myself sincerely hope that the alchemists of Magatia will share a laboratory for as long as possible. But if I must confess, I foresee that the time may come – and sooner than we think – that these fissures will tear this city in two. And I fear that what happens today will determine how quickly that future comes to pass."
"And from the cracks of the world shall the winged fairy ascend, to guide the silver-lined clouds themselves to where the sky ends." Heinrich recited.
"I beg your pardon?" Alcaster said.
"Scripture, a prophecy from the Goddess herself," Heinrich explained. "The Nymphs believe that the sky will one day fall, sending Orbis spiraling into the gaping jaws of a wingless demon below. But from his mouth, the Goddess will emerge and lift the clouds back into the sky, where she'll take the Nymphs to her sanctum in a place even higher above the clouds."
"The Sylphs have a similar prophecy," Grendel said. "Not including the part about the clouds, of course, but it did talk about the wingless demon."
"Many interpret the Goddess' words as a warning about the humans and their evil on the ground below. It's not surprising that both the Nymphs and the Sylphs share a common belief." Heinrich said. "You can learn a lot about a culture from their mythology. What they fear, what they dream… human prophecy is the same. Everyone wants to be saved. Everyone hopes for a savior to do what they themselves can't."
"Do you believe in the words of prophecy?" Alcaster asked.
"I believe in the spirit of the Goddess' words. I think that no matter who you are, or where you come from, the words of prophecy will always touch you in some way. Just like how you mentioned the division of Magatia, Master Alcaster. The words don't apply literally, but the broad strokes are still the same. Cracks dividing the city in two, and a savior who will mend it. I know that many these days don't believe in the Goddess, but I put my faith in her. I believe that every fissure can be repaired. Whether it be by her hand, or by one whom she acts through, I will always believe in a better future. Not just for Magatia, but for Maple World itself."
"Well spoken," Alcaster said. "Your insight serves you well, young Heinrich. And permit me to say that your conviction is both rare and appreciated. This city stands to benefit from you and your faith. Should you ever want to come work here, you are always welcome."
"Thank you, sir," Heinrich grinned. "I-"
Heinrich was interrupted by the sound of trumpeters and drummers. A red carpet was rolled out by servants as a small procession entered the room.
"Announcing the arrival of His Majesty Abdullah, Fourth of His Name, Sultan of Ariant, and Defender of the Nihal Desert."
Heinrich and Grendel quickly went to their seats next to Alcaster, though they remained standing. Around them, the other alchemists stood up themselves. Abdullah entered the room and strode along the carpeted walkway until he reached its end. The Sultan was much younger than what Heinrich had expected. His well-groomed beard was black, not grey, and he had not a single wrinkle on his face. On his head was a spectacular sky-blue, red-jeweled turban that hid all the hair on his head, though Heinrich suspected that it was neither grey nor balding.
Once the Sultan's ministers arrived and the fanfare died down, Alcaster walked up to Abdullah and greeted him by placing his hands together and bowing. Heinrich couldn't help but frown to himself at the sight of such a wise elder bowing before a young man.
"It is an honor to have the Sultan of Ariant grace our halls," Alcaster said. "Allow me to welcome you and your court to Magatia, the capital of magic."
"The pleasure is all mine, President Alcaster," Abdullah said, with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "This city is nothing short of a marvel. The instant that I stepped within its bounds, it was as though the heat and humidity of the desert disappeared altogether. You must share with me how you achieved such a thing, so that I may apply it to my own palace."
"We think alike, Sultan," Alcaster laughed. "I'd been rather hesitant to leave my home of El Nath for the desert when I was called to serve as president, but I rather enjoy our artificial weather here. Come, have a seat. Let us begin."
After Abdullah and his court were seated, Alcaster took his own seat before clearing his throat.
"I apologize for this being rather unorthodox, since we were the ones to arrange this meeting, but I would like to open this meeting by giving the floor to you, Sultan."
"Your generosity is appreciated," Abdullah said. Heinrich noted that the man's voice was quite bored, despite his facial expression. "And likewise, I apologize for jumping straight to the point. I do not wish to waste any of your time, nor mine. I've come here for one reason alone. I wish to form a permanent partnership between Magatia and Ariant."
The alchemists in the room immediately began muttering amongst themselves. Heinrich looked around and noticed that there was a mix of emotions in the room. Some looked trepidatious, while others looked amused. A few even had rather smug looks on their faces.
Abdullah motioned to one of the men sitting beside him. "Minister Cassim, if you would."
As Cassim got up, a servant brought a large scroll for him, which was unfurled to reveal financial logistics and diagrams. Alcaster pointed his staff at it and muttered an incantation, causing the scroll to largen itself and hang in the air unsupported. Cassim nodded his head in thanks.
"If Ariant is the crown jewel of the desert, Magatia is its holy grail. Indeed, the influence of Magatia extends far beyond just Nihal itself. Every magical innovation in recent history can be traced back to this sacred city. Self-renewing energy, spontaneous creation of precious metals, even the quest for life itself. The work done here directly influences the destiny of Maple World itself. Is it not, then, our solemn duty to the world that the miracles of this city and its brilliant minds be preserved at all costs?"
Cassim paused to see the effect of his words. Abdullah had given him strict orders to stick to brevity. Looking around the room, he was able to see where the Sultan was coming from. Every alchemist in the room, except for one sitting near the president, looked old and withered, as though would shatter upon touch. Old men rarely listened, and old geniuses even less. Brevity was the best policy here.
"It is my understanding that the practice of alchemy requires… specialized materials. Precious metals like silver, for instance. But while rare, these materials can be sourced from all over the world. There is one material, however, that is essential as it is elusive. I speak of Lidium, esteemed gentlemen. Forged in desert heat, it is the only known power source for alchemical processes. Without it, all these beautiful, marvelous inventions would simply be useless heaps of metal. And should that supply run out… I shudder to think what would become of our world without the wonders of alchemy. For this reason, His Majesty has taken it upon himself to scour every inch of Nihal for that wondrous ore. And by the grace of the desert spirits, he has found himself in possession of a near-infinite supply of Lidium, which he graciously offers to the alchemists of Magatia."
The room was abuzz with conversation. Heinrich could barely make out what the others were saying, though he felt Grendel stiffen beside him.
"So that's his game," Grendel said.
"What do you mean?" Heinrich asked.
"You'll see in a moment."
Alcaster hit his staff against the ground several times. "Silence! Silence, please!"
Cassim continued on. "This arrangement stands to benefit both Ariant and Magatia. As the city's patron, His Majesty will be able to provide funding to the crucial experiments of the Magatia Alchemy Society. He will make the names of those gifted minds known throughout all of Maple World. And… the Sultan will even offer additional funding to certain projects of his personal interest."
"And who would those projects be for?" Grendel asked from across the room.
"Those projects, Master Grendel, would be commissioned directly by His Majesty," Cassim explained. "Projects for improving security, infrastructure… all for the public good."
"And would that be for the public good of Maple World, or Ariant?" Grendel asked. His tone was pleasant enough, but Heinrich could feel well-restrained annoyance from the old magician.
"Both. These projects will be more… experimental. His Majesty offers Ariant itself as testing grounds for these works. In due time, and after careful review, those projects would be released to the rest of the world by His Majesty, as soon as it is made clear that they are safe and effective."
One of the alchemists in the room raised his hand. "These projects, would they be patented in the name of their inventors?"
"Of course, Master Johann," Cassim smiled. "The Sultan has great regard for giving credit where credit is due. Proprietary data will be kept on public file in Ariant, and the manufacturer's name will be noted in the marketing and distribution of those respective products."
Johann nodded eagerly. "This is quite acceptable," he said.
"And how will funding be distributed?" another alchemist asked, standing up. "Will it be partial to those who complete these projects? I worry that such discrepancies will stifle the creativity of experimentation. I'm sure you're aware that a certain level of risk-taking is necessary in scientific ventures."
"Certainly, Master Nicholas," Cassim said, nodding sagaciously. "Funding will continue being distributed equally, regardless of output. The only projects that will receive more are the ones personally commissioned by the Sultan himself, solely due to his vested interest in them."
As others continued bombarding Cassim with questions, Heinrich found it harder and harder to keep up with the dialogue. Despite Grendel voicing his concerns earlier, the conversation had quickly been steered towards logistics and accreditation.
Heinrich turned to Grendel and whispered, "Isn't anyone going to ask about the projects? Whether they're going to benefit the people?"
"I did tell you before that the greatest alchemists have boundless hunger. And right now, they've smelled the meat being dangled before them. They've sunk their teeth into it, and they will not let it go for anything. Not for the world and not for those who still starve in it."
"But not everyone agrees, do they? Shouldn't they voice their concerns now?"
"I'm afraid that the time may have passed them. They won't dare to swim in this frenzy, and risk being torn to pieces. What you see now is the heart that drives Magatia. A mania of ego. No matter how evenly split we are in opinion, the hottest heads will prevail. The lion's roar drowns out the mice."
"I don't accept this," Heinrich said firmly, immediately standing up.
Grendel opened his mouth, but then decided against it. Sometimes, touching the fire was the quickest way to learn how not to get burned. His eyes met Alcaster, who gave him a questioning look. Grendel wordlessly nodded, letting Alcaster know that he would intervene before things got too bad.
"Um, e-excuse me," Heinrich said, attempting to get the attention of the others.
Alcaster slammed his staff. "Quiet, please."
The room became deathly silent. Heinrich suddenly grew aware that every pair of eyes was on him. A few seemed mildly curious, but the ones who had been talking earnestly with Cassim were looking at him with a mixture of annoyance and boredom. Even the Sultan and his entire court were staring right at him. The room was getting hotter by the second.
"I, uh, I have a question for Minister Cassim about…" This was a lot harder than he thought it would be. "About..."
"Get on with it, boy," Johann said impatiently.
"Johann," Alcaster said warningly. He nodded kindly at Heinrich. "Whenever you're ready, my boy."
Heinrich balled his hands into fists. This wasn't the time to freeze up. He had been invited to the conference too. He had the same right to speak.
"Minister Cassim, I, um, had a question about the distribution of products. From what your proposal sounds like, it seems that Ariant will hold a monopoly on all patents developed in Magatia. I- I wanted to ask how the Sultan plans to distribute these products to the rest of the world."
"Excellent question, Master…?"
"Heinrich."
"Master Heinrich, the Sultan will work alongside Magatia to determine the best course for manufacture, pricing, and distribution. Rest assured that the gifts of this city will be shared effervescently with the entire world."
"You said pricing too?" Heinrich asked. "But wouldn't that be unfair? For the Sultan to hold a monopoly and to have the final say in how much it costs?"
"The Sultan is both generous and fair-"
"Do you cast doubt upon me, boy?" Abdullah asked abruptly.
Heinrich jumped as the Sultan directly addressed him. "N-no, Your Majesty. But-"
"Speak your mind. I will hear your reasons first."
"I- I just think that… for one person to hold so much power is, um, unwise. The fairies believe that the Goddess made it so that the fate of their ruler must be shared with their people. In this way, power can never be monopolized by one being. One represents all, but one never exists above all. These are the teachings of the Goddess that they live by. It's blasphemy for the people to have no say in their own governance."
"I understand your words. But I am not the Sultan of this world. I protect only my own. All that stands on the desert sand is mine. Anything beyond is not my concern."
"And just for that, you would jeopardize the lives of countless people?" Heinrich knew that he was overstepping his bounds, but his passion was getting the better of him. "Ariant doesn't exist in a bubble – what happens there will affect everyone."
"And where has it been said that I will leave the world to suffer? Ariant's glory is Maple World's glory. The greatness of this nation will undoubtedly spill upon others. I will share the inventions of Magatia with the world at a fair price. They may consider it a form of taxation."
"But it's not just a matter of now," Heinrich protested. "What about ten, fifty, a hundred years from now? Will future Sultans honor this partnership? You're leaving the fate of the world to an unknown factor. Wouldn't it-"
"Enough. I am not known for my patience, and you already border on insolence with your talk of my descendants falling to despotism." Abdullah said irately.
"Heinrich," Grendel said calmly. "I think that will do."
"Master Grendel-" Heinrich began.
"The point has been made, has it not?" Nicholas said impatiently. "Botched in the process, too, I'd daresay. Alcaster, who even is this boy? I thought that this meeting was quite exclusive to only the best among us, not a child speaking on matters that he knows nothing of."
"Master Heinrich is a talented magician, and a guest of Master Grendel," Alcaster said testily. "Speak your mind if you will, but I will not abide insults to an esteemed guest of this city."
"Well then, Master Heinrich. Allow me to explain the ways of the world to you. The creations of Magatia are the best of their kind, but they do not stay exclusive for long. Some second-rate sorcerer will inevitably make a knock-off and sell it for pittance, and there you have it. The poor souls that your heart bleeds for will get their grubby little hands on them, at the cost of the ones who invented them. All this deal does is secure our ability to continue researching, even after our inventions get stolen and duplicated. Do you understand now, boy?"
Nicholas leaned back against his chair with a smug look on his face. Heinrich wanted to protest. He could even see that some people were with him. But he quickly looked at Grendel, who subtly shook his head. He looked at Alcaster, who did the same. And slowly, he took a seat. Alcaster got up and began salvaging the situation. Heinrich could barely register the conversations taking place, as all he could think about was wanting to crawl under the table and hide. Grendel put a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"You did well, my boy," he said gently. "Out of everyone here, only you were brave enough to swim with the sharks."
"But it wasn't enough," Heinrich said sadly. "I thought that my words could reach them, but all I did was get drowned out."
"It's a step in the right direction. Let this be a valuable lesson to you. Today, you've learned what it feels like to be drowned out. Soon, you will learn how to be heard. And perhaps one day, you will even master the art of being listened to."
Alcaster tapped his staff against the ground.
"Thank you, Sultan Abdullah, for your valuable time. You have given us a great deal to consider. After we adjourn today, we will share the details of today's meeting with the rest of the Magatia Alchemy Society. After conferring with the entirety of our body, we will deliberate and come to a consensus regarding the future of our partnership with Ariant. We will be in touch with you throughout the process."
"Thank you, President Alcaster," Abdullah said shortly. "May the blessings of Nihal be with you."
Heinrich and the rest of the room stood as Abdullah and his court got up and departed. Slowly, the other alchemists began trickling out of the room after Abdullah, though Alcaster and Grendel remained behind.
After a moment of silence, Heinrich cleared his throat awkwardly. "I have to admit, since coming to Magatia, it's felt like I've been watching a spectacular magic act. But now, it feels like the curtain has been lifted, exposing all the gears clanking against each other. I'm a bit embarrassed to say that I've been naïve, thinking that I could change the world in a single conference, when great masters such as yourselves have been struggling for years."
"Please, I do hope that I haven't dissuaded you by having you here," Alcaster said.
"Oh, quite the opposite. For a long time now, I've always had the strangest feeling that I've been peering into the window of a stranger's home. Part of it is because I always find myself thinking that I'm somewhere I don't belong. It was like that when I first lived with the Nymphs in Orbis, and a bit like today, where I looked around and found that I was the only man without a beard in this room. I've always relied on knowledge to help me find my way around, even when it's always on my mind that I'm as green as they come. But today was a discourteous reminder – and I meant that in the best of ways – that knowledge alone can only take me to the threshold, not across it. And to make that leap, I see now that I need to unlearn what I've taught myself. I'll soak up all the experience I can get my hands on, and I'll scrub this green off of me."
Grendel nodded approvingly. "It's true, you are young. And your inexperience leaves you lacking. But beyond all that, I see great wisdom inside you. A good magician knows what he knows, and what he doesn't. And fortunately, I believe that I have an opportunity that will help you on that front. Last we spoke, I told you about our efforts in trying to establish training centers in El Nath. But recently, the leaders of Victoria Island and I have come to the unfortunate realization that it will not be enough. There is too much chaos brewing in the world. And as we are unable to rely on the Noblesses, we need to find a way to make our Explorers stronger. And for that, Heinrich, I ask you to help us."
"What do you need me to do?"
"Find ways to strengthen others, so that they may defend those who cannot defend themselves. This is a mission that requires someone with intelligence, magical mastery, and unwavering conviction. The Explorer Guild will send you whatever resources you need. This is a task of supreme importance – and most importantly – discretion. We do not want our enemies to learn of this. You will need to conduct this research in seclusion."
"I think I know just the place," Heinrich grinned. "I'll head to Leafre immediately. How long do I have?"
"The situation is… not looking good. Our Explorers are doing what they can, but they may soon find themselves drawing the Huntsman King's attention. Though we are not sanctioned to fight in this war, we still need them to be able to defend the refugees, and themselves. I'm particularly concerned about the new Explorers being trained in El Nath. Their training is being supervised by highly-talented students, but still, we cannot say how they will shape up until their training is complete."
"I understand You can consider it done, Master Grendel."
"Thank you, my boy. I cannot think of a better candidate for the job than you. Now that you've seen how the world is, it is time for you to change it. Not just as a scholar, but as a leader. If the Goddess is watching, I pray that she will help you find the strength to do what must be done."