Dreams

Wulmar was certainly ambitious, to put mages and commoners on the same level. I can at least tell he was a good man from what his ideals were and how Gora describes him.

Sorin then threaded those thoughts to the next question he wanted to ask. “About Wulmar and more specifically me, why was I turned into a hero from the moment I laid my eyes on the world.”

“Hm, That's a very good question. I don't have a full answer, but I will tell you my opinion.”

Sorin waved his hand into the air. “Anything will be helpful; I promise that much. I have no idea at all if anything, but I raised that way to know I was by my maid Mira; well, I would consider her more of a mother.”

He suddenly looked down at the mug of herbs in front of him. The thought of Mira being in the city. he couldn't meet her yet anyway; she was living with the mages and still in that same tower of his, probably alone, hoping that Sorin was going to be alright after all the news she must be hearing.

“Well then. Your heroism is unjust. I don't think you deserve to be a hero when they say it. Most people ate it up, especially the common person, to be truthful. Sorin, you were a political move.”

Sorin gritted his teeth and didn't even meet her solemn look. “Always politics. But then what about my four elements?”

“Your four elements are actually the reason you were able to be turned into that symbol of a hero. Now thinking about it. Your parents, not the maid. Must have been at minimum two but most likely both three-element mages.”

My parents, I never really gave them a single thought. I never met them, nor do I have a connection to them; even with names, I have no second name. They have nothing to do with me. I would consider Mira more real than any of them, but her assumption is right. I must have had powerful parents to be able to get the chance of the four elements.

Gora sipped her herbs; the two of them were talking for quite some time, and the sun was starting to set already.

She, however, had one more thing to say: “As a political move, you were going to keep things together, but the mages took them with you. Mira was actually proposed as an agreement to stabilise between the east and west, and she accepted the task of being your caretaker.”

“I suppose I'm not a pawn, so she did her job. But her involvement must also be deeper than I ever thought. Thank you for everything, Gora. I truly mean it.”

She just chuckled to herself. “Helping shape a better future is always my pleasure.”

Now that would leave one final thing I need from her. Chikaru, why would you even want to know this information.

“Final question about seals. I will convey the history, but there was a specific question my coworker wanted to ask.” Sorin sipped the mug as Gora prepared herself. “Is there a way to use a seal to form something new, like creation. She wanted to make an example of an assistant for herself to keep her company.”

Gora shook her head. “Seals are limited by the magic around us; technically, magic can be used for everything and can be converted from just its energy to fire as mages do. But to create a person. Or some creature. It would need a soul, so unless there is some forbidden knowledge that knows soul extraction and soul transferring.”

“So it's not possible, I see.” Sorin got up from his chair as Gora took a sip; their mugs were nearly gone, but it wasn't time to stay anymore. “I asked everything I wanted, and also I seem to be getting the sense there isn't much more to say. I will take my leave.” He bowed gently.

Gora nodded back. “Thank you for your presence. It's been a while since I got to use all this old knowledge.”

Sorin then asked, his voice slightly curious, “How do you know all this, actually?”

“I suppose I was a scholar back when Acluraria was at its peak of research and development; we have access to all sorts of information to aid our studies further. I would be a generalist, knowing all aspects of Acluraria, so I can't give anything too detailed.” She stood up, grabbed the two mugs and put them in a basin on a countertop.

“That sounds fun, learning all sorts of things. I was a blacksmith for a while in Farmouth. I suppose it was fun seeing the results of what I did, but I was only a heater, if anything. I would want to go back and learn the art itself.” Sorin’s face softened at the reminder of his peaceful times with Vanir making axes for the village. He then took a deep breath, walking over towards the seal at the back of the cottage. His body stood above it as he controlled his magic out into the sea. It lit up with an orange hue, which enveloped him more slowly this time. Gora was staring in awe at the sight.

“I hope to meet you again once everything is over, Gora.” He then increased the magic output, and with a blink he appeared back in base.

It was unusual, but for the first time Chikaru instantly turned her towards Sorin the moment he came back, her face written with interest. She clearly wants her question answered; give me at least a minute.

Sorin walked over to the bed, sitting down and putting his staff aside. He then told Chikaru to come over, and he explained to her the entire history of seals, as well as how they affect the landscape of Acluraria and her question too. This was the first time he ever had her attention.

Wow, I'm surprised I could keep her attention this much; this is nice, however. It makes me think that maybe she isn't just a fanatic and can actually listen sometimes.

After explaining, they just relaxed for a couple of moments until Ino arrived back from her adventure. “Team of laziness! How dare you all do nothing. Chatting and scribbling! Now get over here; we're beginning phase two of the plan. The chaos is starting!”