Scourge of Chaos: Savage Healer

A couple hours later a sleepy Vyn led Sunday through the city while munching happily on baked goods. The streets were just as fascinating as the first time Sunday had seen them – it was morning and the town was brimming with the sounds of life and the smell of baked goods. For the first time, Sunday felt some regret that food was not something he could enjoy. That didn’t stop him from trying once.

He surprised an older lady by purchasing a few golden brown bread balls that were full of jams and fried in herbal oil. Taking a bite, however, seemed to instantly transform the delicious aroma into deadly poison. His tastebuds screamed in pain and disgust and the food was spat out in frantic panic to the horror of the onlookers. Compensating the terrified shop owner for the trauma was only right and Sunday left a hefty tip before moving along. Even the swamp waters hadn’t tasted as foul.

Still, he continued feasting with his eyes and nose, while ignoring the calls of his human brain to sink his teeth into the delicious otherworldly foods all around him. There were certainly drawbacks to undeath, and he had found one of the major ones.

The two of them crossed a few of the canals while talking quietly and got closer to the large lake. The smell of flowers took over and Sunday watched boats and strange platforms of something akin to stone float on the lake’s waters. It was a beautiful sight, with the distant mountains beyond the blue waters just a hazy outline. Some larger and well-built vessels seemed to be headed that way.

The building of the Arcanum was located around a large square as a part of a trio of a few other quite important-looking places – the city hall, and one of the guard barracks. Sunday had not seen a single human guard during his night stroll, despite them passing a few sleepy ones on the way over. There had been quite a few undead though – suitable, as they didn’t sleep. Yet, Safie had mentioned that the night guard could sense bloodlust, which was interesting.

The Arcanum was a building made to stand out. It was taller than most others, apart from some extravagant places on one end of the city. It was built out of pristine white blocks of stone with the occasional marble statue of prominent magi or strange creatures adorning its columns and walls.

Sunday was excited as Vyn led him to a small office that was busy even this early in the morning. It was situated just to the side of what appeared to be the grand entrance of the building – two large carved wooden doors. Sunday equated it to interviewing for a job back on Earth. And this was way more prestigious, or at least so it seemed.

“Are you sure about this?” Vyn asked for the fourth time. He had been hesitant after his initial excitement as he claimed that revealing oneself as a mage could bring another host of problems. He couldn’t name any so Sunday decided that Vyn was just worried his golden ticket would be snatched. If magi were rare then there would possibly be a high demand by those who could afford to hire one.

Sunday wasn’t that interested in serving pompous assholes though. There were secrets to uncover and hounds to kill. And he was getting quite interested in how far he could go. Using spells was intoxicating and his talent’s development was something to look forward to.

From what he had gathered so far, the Arcanum had an extensive library and even offered spell trading among other things. The latter interested him more than he wanted to admit. Storing spells outside of his three slots was something he wanted to figure out. The Repel Dirt stones were safe to keep in a bag, but it was the only spell he had seen that behaved like that and looked as normal. It was curious that he had yet to see any wild spells throughout the city or even on the way over, apart from some Lampyria which seemed to be everywhere.

The queue thinned quickly until finally, there was only one person in the line before them – a lanky and impatient undead with one ear and half a mohawk.

“What do you mean I haven’t qualified? I paid, didn’t I?” the undead complained. He sounded more disappointed than angry. Sunday listened in without shame, trying to gather bits and pieces of any useful information.

A sigh came from the desk. “You paid to be processed. You didn’t pass the evaluation and the test to qualify for an awakening art and guidance. Furthermore, no available magi chose you as an assistant, which would’ve overridden the previous failures. We apologize, but there is nothing more we can do at this time. You can try again in…” the clerk, a human woman, checked her notes and clicked her tongue, “three years and seven months.”

The undead opened his mouth but seemed to think better of it when she raised an eyebrow and picked up her pen. He slid off to the side, muttering something under his breath.

A strange thought popped up in Sunday’s head. Had he been lucky to meet Jishu? The weird talent was responsible for it so it was probably not luck. Without things going the way they did, all would’ve been much more complicated. Unless of course, my initial destination had everything I needed. Such as answers and a support system.

Sunday pushed the thoughts away and stepped up. He hoped this would be a worthwhile venture. It was his first major step in establishing himself. Old Rud had taught them many times what a folly hope was, but then again, Old Rud had been an old drunk fool.

“Name and application number, please,” the clerk said as Sunday approached her desk. Vyn stood far to the side, looking innocently around.

“I have a name, but I’ve not put in any applications yet.”

“Oh, then please fill out this form, and then—,” she began with in a dry tone.

“I’m here to register as a mage. I’ve awakened,” Sunday interrupted.

Her face shot up and she took a good hard look at him, seemingly seeing him for the first time. Her eyes twitched for just a moment before she hid the surprise that was bubbling beneath.

“I see,” she finally said. “Please give me a moment and I will attend to you shortly.” She said with a polite tone. She then called for someone to take her place and hurried off toward one of the doors behind her.

Sunday waved at Vyn before following the directions he was given.

Soon he was led by the overly polite clerk through a side corridor that ended in a large stone room. She brought him to a windowless room, then closed the door behind without a word leaving him alone with the person that was already there—an older man who was buried deep in a thick book. ‘Love Beyond’, the title read. There was a depiction of a kissing couple carved on the cover, with a scary skeleton looming over them.

Sunday cleared his throat with a raised eyebrow and the older human jumped in his seat, throwing the book to the side in a hurry. Hadn’t he just been warned of Sunday’s arrival?

“Oh! Sorry, I wanted to finish the chapter.” He stood up and brushed his expensive clothes. They looked almost similar to a Victorian suit, with quite a bit more metal and charms. “My name’s Zihei Aturi, an Initiate and the one currently responsible for registering new magi. Did you awaken recently?”

Initiate? “Yes. Quite recently.”

Zihei Aturi’s eyes lit up. “Marvelous! We don’t get many like you. I need to inform you that sharing your awakening technique, even if it is known to the Arcanum, will be greatly rewarded. It will also become a permanent note of your desire to cooperate and help the growth of the Arcanum. It is in no way mandatory, of course. We are not after family secrets! However, rest assured that we’re renowned for our secrecy.” The man explained with a smile.

Sunday knew this game of smoke and mirrors. ‘We want them, and won’t tell anyone you gave them to us’. I can work with that.

“Of course, if you provide an art that is new to us, then the returns will be much better for you,” Zihei continued.

“I’ll think about it.” That is a good way to grow their influence and knowledge. Jishu mentioned awakening arts are strictly kept secrets that can affect a mage deeply. And so are soul-forging arts. If the incentives the Arcanum offers are good, then what reason would independent magi have not to contribute? Large clans and families will have to keep a tight leash on their offspring if this place is half as influential as Vyn makes it out to be.

The mage nodded, never letting his smile slip. “Of course. The deal includes soul forge arts and even spells you don’t need or want to trade away. Now, we need to take care of a few formalities and arrange for a test.”

“Hold on,” Sunday raised a hand, “While I deeply admire the Arcanum,” Even if I just learned of its existence, “I need to know how being a member will be of help to me.” Woo me, seduce me, shower me with gold.

That seemed to catch Zihei off guard. He blinked once, then twice. “I… see. Most unusual, as our fame precedes us, and those who join know that there is no better choice for their future. You seem to be a person of practicality and… caution.”

If by caution you mean that I’ve no clue how this world functions, then damn right. I need knowledge and experience. Sunday remained silent, smiling at the man.

“Very well, let me present you with the options before you. The first option is being an outer circle member. This means that against a one-time fee of two gold coins, you will receive a unique identification mark and be counted as a member. Some of the Arcanum’s services will demand additional payment, but having access to them is priceless in itself. There are lectures on various spell categories, combat training for magi led by excellent teachers, access to our library of arts and books, and of course, the one that is always in high demand – spell trading. You will also be able to take on tasks. The payment is satisfactory and helping us will certainly lead to better future benefits!” Zihei explained.

“You can also opt to join the inner circle. This is a full-time commitment, and you will need to be evaluated much more. If accepted, you will be assigned a position, and given weekly stipend and lodging in the building. Most importantly, you’ll be given access to soul-forging art to help you grow as a mage.” Zihei paused to let the words sink in. That was a big deal for those who only got an awakening art. “You will spend most of the time working various jobs suitable to your spell selection, often with important individuals or higher-ranked magi in need of assistance. Apart from the stipend, you will enjoy the full support of the Arcanum and access to most of its amenities, the safety we provide, and much more. It is restrictive, and it can be dull at times, but the possibilities for growth are much better and stable. We, as magi, enjoy quite longer lives than normal after all, and as an undead, you are further privileged on that account. All the good, without the risk!”

He stopped and waited for Sunday. And all of it sounded good, but he doubted the second option was for Sunday. He still had plenty of secrets to hide and being holed up with a bunch of unknown magi was one way to get burned.

Sunday grew even more interested after hearing the offer, although he didn’t fully trust it. His looks alone were apparently enough to give people ideas and if Vyn and company had noticed something, then the mage before him was sure to notice even more. Pretending to be just another regular undead was out of the question. And having something like the Arcanum to lean on was a great boon.

“Right, thanks,” Sunday said. “I’ll let you know.” He turned to leave.

“W-Wait.” Zihei called confused just as Sunday was almost at the door, “Are you not going to choose either?”

“I need time to think it through. It’s a big decision, is it not?”

“I—I suppose it is.” Zihei agreed reluctantly.

“I’ll be back in a few days if I decide the Arcanum is for me. I’m interested in the outer circle, but the fee is a bit steep. Have a great day.” Sunday smiled, reaching for the handle.

Zihei’s eyes lit up and he almost tripped as he circled his desk, knocking a bunch of papers in the process. “How about… I waive half of the fee?”

Sunday frowned to hide the smile trying to play on his lips. Oh, so you do want me? Then, you get something out of it too, don’t you? I know how this works. It’s too good to be as simple as you make it sound.

“I’m sorry Mr. Aturi. As a simple traveling mage, I’m just too poor. Thank you though, you’re being awfully kind.” Bite down on that bait and open up that purse.

“Wait! Don’t be too hasty.” Zihei called again. The man hesitated, but after a look toward the door seemed to finally reach a decision. “Look, any mage joining would be a good thing. We don’t get many new members. It is a peaceful city and magi don’t flock to peaceful places, as you may know.”

“Why don’t you just let more people awaken? I heard you were pretty strict.” Sunday countered, probing for information.

Zihei shook his head, “It doesn’t work like that. Very few meet the criteria and awakening can be a dangerous thing even with guidance. Some could be assisted with sensing their essence, but we’re against that. It’s a dangerous practice that can destroy potential and go against our principles. What’s worse, without balance of the three pillars, new magi are easily swayed. There are gaps and holes to exploit…” his words died down, but his eyes had become much more serious.

What three pillars is he talking about? Arten mentioned body and soul. I assume he’s talking about the mind. Progressing is proving much harder than I thought it would be simply because my focus is lacking. And neither Arten nor Jishu mentioned that helping me sense my essence might be detrimental… of course they didn’t. I hope it doesn’t lead to complications.

Zihei sighed. “I’ll waive the whole fee, I can do that considering how few magi we have around. You will need to pass a simple test in the presence of at least three of our members and it will take a day or two to arrange it. Being one of the Arcanum’s own will open many doors for you, no matter if you stay in Blumwin or travel. And, between us, if you do good, I might get something nice coming my way too. I’ll be greatly appreciative if that becomes the case. My only ask is that you do a few jobs before moving on to greener pastures. It will be worth your while.”

A tale as old as time. Butter my toast, and I’ll butter yours. Sunday extended a hand. “You’re very convincing Mr. Zihei, how can I refuse?”