Resume Exploration

"Here it is! Mission completed!"

Before Kalman and Albatross, Theodore presented a chunk of Aether crystal with myriads of cracks over its surface. This was the crystal that Theodore had used to record the maps. In order to fool Henrich's eyes, this crystal too was carried by the slime and was consequently shattered by the unseen talons.

Theodore had managed to retrieve the fragments with the help of his mice undeads while escaping and spent the morning mending them back together. Some information was lost in the process, but most of it was intact, including the parts Theodore had deemed important.

"So? What do the maps tell us? Does it contain the path to the bottom of the tower?" Kalman asked impatiently. Plenty of risks were taken to obtain this information and he prayed that it would be worth it.

"Interestingly, it does," Theodore answered straightforwardly. "You'd think that there would be more twists and turns to it, but the maps were rather straight to the point. The path to the bottom of the tower was clearly illustrated. It makes me a bit anxious, though. I can't help but feel that there might be a trap waiting for me."

"Isn't that just your typical mage paranoia talking?" Albatross commented. "Though, to be fair, things were hardly straightforward up to this point. I wouldn't be surprised if some other bullshit pops up."

"Well, if it were easy, someone would have already found their way down there," retorted Theodore. "In fact, I'd say that we're having a rather smooth sail comparatively by taking advantage of the groundwork others have done."

"Speaking of groundwork, it seems that the productions in the alchemical factories are speeding up. Someone out there is probably rushing their orders," Kalman informed. "More likely than not, the Archmage will be departing soon. We don't have much time left."

"Then let's get things moving here too. In three days I'll be departing. I don't know for how long I'll be gone this time so reject all visitors, tell them that I'm suffering from Aether crystallization in one of my kidneys or something."

"With that excuse, wouldn't they just send a healer here to cut the crystal out?" Albatross asked.

"Here's the thing, when you have a crystallization in one of your organs, provided that it didn't kill you, there's a chance that the crystal might fuse with the organ. When that happens, you can't just rip it out. It's the same case with the behavioral matrix on your heart, remember? You have to dissolve it slowly, bit by bit. Though, in the case of that behavioral matrix of yours, a countermeasure was put in to ensure that it can't be dissolved."

"That's good to know, I guess," said Albatross, more or less convinced. "So what do I do while you're gone?"

"Keep doing those book deliveries to keep up appearances. It'll be easier to let you know when I'm back too."

After speaking to Albatross, Theodore turned back to Kalman, who was stroking his beard while waiting for the two to finish.

"I suppose three days is plenty of time for me to concoct a few things," said Kalman. "That being said, in regards to this trip, do you mind if I suggest something?"

With an eyebrow raised, Theodore turned to Kalman, wondering what he was up to at this stage of the plan.

"Go on..." urged Theodore, his gaze cautious and his mind alert.

***

Seated at a table placed in the center of a dark room, Torben was fidgeting. It had been only a day since the last meeting and a day since his mansion's robbery.

"I heard of the situation from your message," said the figure seated across Torben. His name was Oro, a master alchemist. "So the thief came for your maps, did they?"

"Indeed they did..."

"You should have bolstered your security as I have told you. Even if you have no apprentice trustworthy enough, you should have installed more than just an alarm system."

"So you would have me use deadly traps then? As if I could trust the enchanters to not try anything. What if they made it so that the traps would turn on me instead?"

"Then enchant something yourself why don't you? You battlemages act like you're all so great, but when it came down to it, you can't do anything on your own."

"I rather not hear that from an alchemist. Anyone can do your job, even a non-mage. Well, alchemists are practically non-mages themselves so I suppose there's not much of a difference."

"Torben, you dare!"

"Oh, what's this? Does the alchemist want a fight? Good. Let me put you in your place. I'll show you how pitiful it is for you alchemists to even call yourselves mages."

The tension within the room was at an all-time high with the masters at one another's throats. Just as they were about to clash, however, another presence appeared in the room. No, they were there since the start of the argument, their presence was simply so well hidden that the other two did not notice.

Even without uttering a word, the two masters froze in place the moment they sensed the overwhelming pressure within the room.

"As you've been informed, the Archmage will be departing in a few days. This is no time for infighting," said a calm but imposing voice.

"E-Elder Darius," Torben stuttered. "I did not realize you have arrived."

"Then you require more training. I've been here the whole time."

"I offer my sincerest apologies about the robbery," Torben said in a panic. "I should have been more careful."

"Are the maps still fine?"

"No, no signs of sabotage."

"Good. I heard that two of your apprentices fought the intruder off bravely."

"But they still lost. They've much to learn."

"Indeed, but there is no shame. They're clever, so as long as they survived the fight, they will learn."

After addressing Torben, Darius turned to Oro.

"How are the preparations? The change of plans has been sudden ever since we knew that the Archmage will be departing soon. Do you think that you'll make it in time?"

"We're rushing, but I am sure we will make it."

"Very good, Master Oro. Your contributions will not be forgotten. Perhaps you'll replace Kalman soon enough."

"I only wish for what is best for the Mage Tower."

"As do we all..." Darius gave a small nod, knowing that it was but empty pleasantries, but also understanding that this was how an alchemist survived in this city with what meager strength they have. "I shall inform the others of the progress. You two may go now."

"Understood."

"I will return to my station."

Afterwards, Darius would go on to meet with the other masters. These secret meetings were not held with all collaborators together. It was so that if they were caught, some would still be able to get away, or at least, that was the excuse given.

The truth was, however, that this was to keep the collaborators from forming internal factions of their own and as such, members of each meeting were chosen by how little they got along.

Mages, after all, could not be trusted.

***

Three days later, Theodore began his journey to the bottom of the tower. By his side was Fiana. She had taken time off of work as a caretaker of the terrariums using the excuse of having to take care of Theodore while he was suffering from Aether crystallization. With that, it would not be odd for her to be absent for several days.

Of course, with Theodore's existence being a secret, only the elders would have heard of this while her coworkers would be given some other excuses.

Due to this trip being expected to last longer than the others, Kalman urged Theodore to take Fiana with him as support. If nothing else, two people would be able to carry more supplies than one, especially when one of them was but a ten-year-old.

"Will you be fine?" Theodore asked as he led the way with a brightstone lamp in hand.

"No problem. I am stronger than I look," Fiana replied solemnly.

"Can you keep up when we have to make a run for it?"

"As I've said, I am stronger than I look. I won't fall behind."

"I see. Good to know."

While Theodore was wearing his repaired robe, Fiana too was wearing a dark-colored robe that blended into the darkness. As a precaution, Theodore did not activate the 'Stealth' behavioral matrix, not wanting Kalman to know what he has under his sleeves.

"Don't worry, I won't get in the way," said Fiana after a long moment of silence, seemingly out of nowhere.

"Oh, uh... I'm counting on you," said Theodore, not quite sure how to reply due to the suddenness of it all.

Like so, with an air of awkwardness between them, the two proceeded deeper into the sewers.

***

End of Chapter 116

***