Change of plans

Another message came from the Magic Tower again. They were already waiting for the child to be brought back to them and if they couldn't bring him back, they will receive a punishment.

Alastor crumpled and burned the piece of paper. He did not understand why the people of the Magic Tower valued that child too much. He has no mana, and was just an ordinary person, so why?

He narrowed his eyes in thought then leaned his body on the couch where he was sitting. He was back at his room in the Municipal Hall after a fruitless endeavor.

'If the Magic Tower wanted that child even though he had no mana, then there must be something special in him. Perhaps, his mana was sealed? But he did not detect traces of a sealing spell on him.' He closed his eyes and hummed, 'Then what is it then?'

These thoughts constantly revolved in his mind but he seemed to have no answers to it as well. Then he thought of that time when Jagan suddenly disappeared. He tried to recall any notable events during that time but he remembered nothing.

A knock interrupted his thoughts and through his magic sense, he let the person in. Meliore closed the door behind her, went ahead to the seat opposite of where Alastor was seated.

"What is it?" He asked without opening his eyes.

"We won't be able to convince Ezio to come with us," she went straight to the point. "It is useless and a waste of time to continue on coaxing him."

Alastor opened his eyes and sat up straight, "Then there's no other way but to drag him to Lamier, the Magic Tower has yet again sent a message. We need to bring him back whether he likes it or not or else everything we have worked for will go to waste."

Meliore was not surprised at the man's suggestion. She already anticipated this to happen and if Alastor's words were true, then they might face some backlash if they can't bring Ezio to the Magic Tower.

"When do we make our move?" She did not disagree. Although she felt a bit sorry for the child but she can't sacrifice everything she's built just because a some child doesn't want to be coaxed.

The man grinned, he knew that Meliore has a soft heart but when all her precious research materials were at stake, she wouldn't hesitate to even break the law.

"Let's prepare for tomorrow," he answered. "Don't forget to inform Arean because she might do something stupid again."

Meliore gave a curt nod before she stood up and left the door. It is a pity that he wasn't able to meet the mysterious mage who caused that earthquake but he had a feeling that they will meet in the future. He chuckled, "I'll be waiting for that time."

Cygnus opened his eyes with a wide grin on his lips. Something was about to happen, and the anticipation in his heart bubbled. "What a great day!" He exclaimed as he left his room.

They had been staying in the inn for four days now but the culprit to the arson has yet to be found. It did not matter though because something else was going to happen.

"What a cloudy atmosphere," he smirked at the people in the inn from the second floor. He was looking at them with a lazy expression on his face.

"What made you so happy this time?" Nina asked from where she was sitting with a book on her hand. She lifted her head when she heard the master speak.

"None of your business, just be glad that my mood has improved." He stood up from his slouching position and walked to the stairs.

His footsteps echoed inside the empty hall which made Nina and Ezio a bit tense. On the other hand, Mr. C remained calm. Ezio didn't understand how the man could stay calm whenever he faced the master, even though the master was angry.

"Those mages, are they still pestering you?" He asked once he reached the reception area which became like a lounge area for the three. He sat down and tilted his head to the side while waiting for Ezio's answer.

"They've already stopped, thankfully." Ezio answered, unconsciously straightening his back while answering the man.

Cygnus did not answered, he placed both of his hands on the armrest of the chair and sat comfortably. "Don't be too comfortable though, they might be planning something different for you."

An ominous feeling swept through the room. Ezio shivered and he suddenly felt anxious for no reason. He looked at the people around him, but they all looked so calm. It felt like they did not feel the sudden change in the atmosphere.

"I-I'll be careful then," he stuttered but he still remained nervous.

That night, Ezio could not sleep. He tossed and turned on his bed as he kept on remembering the master's words. He can't help but think that he might die or something bad might happen to him.

He tried to close his eyes but the images of his uncle being killed replayed in his mind. It was still as clear as day, even the smell of smoke and the sensation that something was prickling within him all returned just because of those words from the master. He was terrified.

While Ezio was in conflict and unable to sleep, two shadows leapt through the roofs as they chase each other. Blue magic circles were simultaneously drawn by the two as ice spears collided with each other.

The collision created an explosion that destroyed the structure where the both of them were standing. The other one, who was wearing a blue cloak ran again while the other, who had a blue hair chased the other.

"You'll never get away with this!" The blue haired woman, Arean, shouted in anger as she continued to chase the blue cloaked person. As per fate, she had encountered the person who had impersonated her.

It was pure coincidence that she met the person. She was roaming around when she felt mana being used and when she followed the direction where the mana energy came from, she saw that the other was about to destroy another shop.

Arean was able to stop the person but they immediately escape. How could Arean pass that chance to capture her impersonator? So she decided to chase them.

The blue cloaked person looked behind them and sent a fire ball towards Arean which she countered with an ice barrier. She then expanded her ice barrier successfully trapping the person she was chasing.

"You won't be getting away!"