Chapter 418 - What Wizards Crave

Hey guys. I won't count this as the actual Tuesday release as this is Part 2 of Chapter 417 after a rewrite. I do suggest you read all of Chapter 418 as well as the section of 417 I've highlighted below, as this is almost entirely different. The additions come to over 1600 words (my typical chapters are 2500 words).

After waking up, I realised I wasn't fully happy with last chapter so I've spent today rewriting it. It ended up so long that I had to split it in two. While much of the conversation is similar, there are too many differences for me to summarise here. I've significantly changed the tone of the conversation, as well as introducing more element and expanding on motivations and conflict.

Please search for the following in Chapter 417 and read from there: “This is the Bearer of Infinity?” Melissa scoffed. “He is just a boy.”

I'll do my best to have another chapter on Thursday as it doesnt seem fair to count a chapter I split in 2 as a proper release.

Hump felt the weight in the air vanish in an instant, as Wizard Eileen restrained the weight of her soul. With it gone, he could breathe easy once more. All eyes were on Master Dorn now. It was fascinating to see the reverence every member of the table had for the man and only made Hump more curious about who he really was for such powerful wizards to look up to him.

“Be at ease, Wizard Humphrey,” Master Dorn said. “None here shall seek to claim that which is yours. The Book of Infinite Pages has chosen its bearer, and so it shall remain.”

The corner of his lips twitched, the ghost of something that might have been a smile, but it vanished as quickly as it came. His clouded eyes settled upon Hump with an intensity that sent a shiver down his spine.

“The blood of dragons runs in your veins.”

It was not a question.

Hump fought to keep his expression neutral. “How can you tell?”

“Emotion—it is a fuel of great power, yet it is also our undoing. You wield your soul well for one so young, but when the fire of your emotions rises, it betrays you. Your essence flickers like a candle caught in the wind.” He drew a slow, wheezing breath, as if inhaling something beyond air—something deeper, older. His clouded eyes narrowed ever so slightly, his expression shifting. Was that surprise? “You carry the boon of the Huntress.”

Hump’s heart almost stopped. Had he sensed all that just from a flicker of emotion? The boon he referred to must have been the affinity with nature that she had granted him before leaving Drakalyn. Had it left some mark of her on him.

There was no use lying. “I do.”

“The Huntress?” Eileen said. “How is that possible? She is bound to her tree.”

Hump wondered what they would think if they learned that the Great Tree had fallen, and that Owalyn was free.

“I am one of her Dragon Keepers,” Hump said. “It was an accident. The very same dragon that imprinted me had an egg. After it hatched, I went to her home and passed her trials.”

“But you do not carry her blessing,” Eileen said.

“I do not,” Hump said, not wanting to explain further.

The old woman seemed conflicted.

“With respect, Master, this changes nothing,” Melissa said. “We can store the book here where it is safe. There is no need to use it. What is most important is that nobody else does.”

The old man shook his head. “We shall respect the wisdom of the Silver Owl. The guardian has recognised the heir of Samuel Durain, and it is not our place to deny it.”

“If we do not, our enemies surely will,” Melissa said. “You cannot deny the danger. What use is there in setting him free, only to die to the torture of some demon.”

“Oh, stop it, Melissa,” Avara said softly, offering Hump a supportive smile. “You’ve had a tough time of it, haven’t you, dear? How long have you carried the book?”

“It’s been… difficult since my master died,” Hump said cautiously, unsure of the woman’s intentions. “That was a little under two years ago.”

“Two years…” she raised an eyebrow. “How old are you now?”

“Eighteen.”

“What are you getting at, Avara?” Melissa asked.

“While you debate the issue of the book, I believe that some of you have missed something quite important,” Avara said. “Before us is a young wizard that fights for his people and his homeland, while greater demons, warlocks, and even a god target him. Eileen, you asked what use he is to us, but who are we to turn away such talent when there is such a dearth of it in these dark days?”

“There is a rather simple solution,” Torrin said. “Wizard Humphrey, I understand your wish to be free, but would you not consider spending some time here while you train? Even just a few years could make the difference. We lack the resources to protect you in the mortal realm, but here, you would be safe. The book would be safe. Karlac, Anthony, even Baelkor, would not be able to touch you.”

Hump could tell the big man was earnest from his tone, and for a few seconds, Hump truly considered it. In truth, it was not a terrible choice. Hiding here would give Nisha the time she needed to reach adulthood, though she would lack exposure to the world which could cause issues later down the line. It could mean that his party were no longer at risk of being targeted because of him. And of course, the training of such masters would be useful to him.

But if he were to hide, why do it with some strange wizards? If he desired shelter, he could return to Drakalyn. Owalyn had already promised to come to his aid if he needed it—she would protect him.

It would also mean leaving Celaine and his friends. Would they even be any safer? There was a war to fight, and they needed him as much as he needed them.

“No. I do not wish to create difficulty, but I didn’t come here with any intention to hide,” Hump said. “I will not cower. If that is not agreeable to you, then I will find my own way.”

“Fool.” Melissa spat. “You will not even save yourself. Why should we? We do not need to hunt Anthony. He must destroy the Seal of Elenvine. The bastard will come to us.”

“But he will come in force,” Starick said. “There is merit to Wizard Humphrey’s offer. If we can battle him on our terms, it would certainly be simpler than attempting to isolate him amidst his army.”

Melissa slammed a fist on the table, the sound echoing in the room. “This is not our war to fight. We are no army. We owe the Pantheon nothing. It is only because of their ruthlessness that we exist. So, what if the old gods are freed.”

“We cannot stand alone, Melissa,” Starick said. “If we do nothing and Alveron falls, it will only be a matter of time before Anthony comes for us. His corruption runs deep. He will seek out the manor to claim it for himself. “

“They will stop at nothing,” Aldric said. “I know these warlocks. They are twisted to the very core, making deals with demons and evil gods. The Infernal Halls was no accident. Baelkor’s influence only strengthens. Already, the warlock use his power to create dungeons, and with them they shall bring about Alveron’s ruin. You say that this is not our war, but Anthony’s forces are at our doorstep. Where do you think they will turn when they are finished with the Chosen?”

“The next War of the Firmament will follow,” Starick said. “If the Path to Heaven is opened, it is inevitable.”

“Not inevitable,” Master Dorn said. “There is still time. We are on the brink of war whether we like it or not. I believe the Bearer of Infinity will have a role to play, as will all of us.”

“You will help him?” Aldric asked enthusiastically.

“We shall help each other,” Master Dorn declared. “I have made my decision. Wizard Humphrey—join our ranks as one of our battle wizards, help us in the hunt for Anthony, and if your efforts prove fruitful you shall be rewarded. As one of our Order, you shall have sanctuary in Elenvine where you shall be safe. Beyond the city, even our reach is limited. Would that be satisfactory?”

Hump did not need to consider it long. If he was safe in Elenvine, it gave him a base to operate from. It would be unreasonable for them to protect him in the Remnant Realm or on other adventures.

“Yes,” Hump said. “It would be my honour, Master Dorn.”

“This must be put to vote,” Melissa said. “I do not agree with this.”

“Then vote,” Dorn said. “All in favour.”

Hump watched as Wizard Starick, Torrin, Fena, Charles, and Avara raised their hands. When he thought that would be it, Wizard Eileen followed.

“You do not stand with me?” Melissa asked.

“I stand alone,” Eileen said. “The world is what it is. And this boy has passed the Dragon Keeper Trials. The Huntress does not approve those that are not worthy, so let us see what the boy is made of.”

“It seems I am outvoted,” Melissa said with a nod. “I accept the vote.”

“Then it shall be so,” Dorn said. “Starick, arrange a place of safety for him once we are finished. Wizard Humphrey, would you be so kind as to wait outside. I must convene with my Council.”

“Of course,” Hump said, giving a deep nod of his head. “

Hump stepped outside, waiting in the library. As he left and closed the doors behind him, he heard footsteps to his right and glanced over just in time to see a handful of children scatter, fleeing the area. Were they apprentices?

It felt like ten minutes had passed when the doors opened once more. When Wizard Aldric stepped out, Charles came with him. The man extended a hand and Hump shook it.

“Welcome to the Order, my young friend,” the blonde wizard said with a smile. “You handled yourself well in there. Very well done.”

“Thank you,” Hump said, scratching awkwardly at his chin. “I’m not sure it went exactly as Wizard Aldric planned, but I think the result was satisfactory.”

“It was indeed,” Aldric said. “But it is not quite over yet. Charles, I have a favour to ask. Hump is no apprentice, but he lacks in some fundamentals, particularly in regard to his soul, as I’m sure you have noticed. Would you train him in the art of Aura Concealment.”

Charles stroked his blonde beard thoughtfully, then nodded. “I can train him. He has already stirred up attention at Elenvine Academy. We have the resources. And it would not be unusual for him to join us for combat training. I’m sure I will be able to find the time to guide him on techniques he lacks.”

“My thanks,” Aldric said.

“Is that truly all you needed from me?” Charles asked. “This is hardly a favour.”

“You are one I never mind owing,” Aldric said. “Call on me when you require.”

The man nodded. “Very well. Wizard Humphrey, it was truly a pleasure. Come find me at the academy when you have some time, and we shall begin.”

“Err, right. Yes.”

With that, the man returned to the study.

After he was gone, Aldric turned to Hump. “Only Master Dorn is more skilled in the practice of the soul than Charles. He is a true master. This is a gift, and you must take full advantage of it.”

“Thank you. For all of this.” It was then Hump realised how much the man had done for him. “This favour you owe him, will it be problematic?”

Aldric shook his head. “Charles is a friend. He was the one that saved me when I needed it.” Aldric took a swig from his flask and smiled. “I would help him whether I owed him or not.” There was a pause, and then Aldric asked, “Why didn’t you mention you were a warlock?”

“You were known as the Iron Fist,” Hump said. “An inquisitor famed for his hatred of warlocks, and his efficiency at killing them. I’m no longer a warlock, so it seemed like something best to keep to myself.”

Aldric sighed. “I can understand your caution, but do not mistake me for something I am not. Not all who become warlocks are evil. The term is broad, and in a case like yours, I do not believe it is properly applied. If it were, the problem with my own soul could count.”

“It could?”

“My soul is not just damaged. The warlock marked me. There is little intent left in that mark now, but it exists.”

“You cannot overwhelm it?”

“I do not want to,” Aldric said. “It is bad enough that it stains my soul. I do not wish for it to become a part of me.”

“What is the answer you are all looking for?” Hump asked.

“The same great mystery that all wizards desire an answer to.”

Hump frowned. “But you have already broken through the seventh rank. You must have your methods. What more could there be?”

“Firstly, our methods are incomplete,” Aldric said. “Each of us has found a way through, but we lack a method that anyone could follow. However, that is not the question. Think bigger, Wizard Humphrey. What is it that all wizards crave?”

Hump considered the question, but the answer came to him easily. “Divinity. You believe the Book of Infinite Pages may contain a method to ascend.”

“If the legends are to be believed, the Wandering Wizard achieved a level of power that even the Pantheon do not possess,” Aldric said. “Continue on your path, and you may just find out.”