The Blue Mage Raised by Dragons

Book 6: Chapter 128

When the amber light faded from Tafels vision, she adjusted the mask on her face and looked around. She had arrived at the third floors entrance with Kim Hajun in tow. A second later, another flash of amber filled Tafels vision, and Mary appeared. The black-armored woman pursed her lips. We were supposed to climb the tower together, she said. Why are we climbing downwards?

For training, Tafel said.

Oh, Mary said and blinked. Okay.

Kim Hajun gave Mary a weird look but quickly fixed his expression. He also flexed his quadriceps to prevent his legs from trembling, an action they automatically took upon hearing Marys voice. Kim Hajun cleared his throat and made eye contact with Mary before lowering his gaze, cold sweat forming on his back. We, were good now, right? he asked, staring at Marys feet.

Mary squinted at Kim Hajun. You killed my subordinate, she said and rested her palm on the hilt of her sword. Youre alive and unharmed. What do you think?

Kim Hajun flinched. The only reason he was unharmed was because Vur had kept healing him when he was on the brink of death after Marys beating, which would begin anew after he had fully recovered. Are you going to beat me again?

If you keep acting like youre alive around me, I will.

Kim Hajun shut his mouth and retreated by a few steps, letting Mary stand next to Tafel. The demon shook her head upon seeing the sight but didnt say anything. Tafel glanced around one more time before marching ahead, out of the tunnel and into the third floors plaza. How did you pass this floor? Tafel asked Mary. Did you learn a craft?

Is that how youre supposed to pass? Mary asked, raising an eyebrow. Jackal gave me some money and said Id pass the floor once I spent it all, so I bought food.

Oh, Tafel said and nodded. You passed the same way as Vur.

I did it first, so he copied me, Mary said and crossed her arms over her chest, the metal from her armor squeaking as they scraped together.

Yep, you sure did, Tafel said, her voice monotonous. Are you going with me to the smithery? All Im going to do is work on controlling my flames while Im there. The demon raised her head and glanced around at the various holographic tools being projected over the buildings. Her eyes lit up. Why dont you go to the woodshop? The staves you made were really impressive.

Mary turned her head to follow Tafels gaze. The demon was looking at a building with a chisel and handsaw projected on its roof. Mary bent her right arm and rubbed her chin. Does Vur still use the staff I made him?

Tafel scratched her head. Vur had used the staff Mary had given him once or twice. He likes fighting as a dragon, so the staff you made him is a bit too small.

So, he doesnt use it? Mary asked, her eyes glistening as her lips trembled.

No, no, he does, just not when hes a dragon, Tafel said and made a mental note to herself to tell Vur to use the combination staff Mary had gifted him in the red-headed womans presence. Stop looking at me like that.

Kim Hajun furrowed his brow. Although he couldnt see Marys expression, he still sensed a mismatch between the Mary that had nearly killed him thirty times over and the current Mary who seemed to be seeking Tafels approval. If he were braver, hed take advantage of her weak personality to manipulate her into action. It was a shame his courage leaked out of him every time he met Marys gaze.

***

Magnus took in a deep breath. Despite being completely submerged within a pool of green liquid, he could still breathe just fine. The Flame Lord sat up, green rivulets running down his torso, which was no longer battered and bruised. Magnus climbed out of the crevice in the large branch where he had been laying in the pool of healing sap. Healing sap recovered someones health slower than recovery magic, but it had the added benefit of restoring the user to their optimal state.

Magnus dried himself off and put on his clothes. He went to the wooden tablet, which was positioned next to the pool of sap, and pressed his root bracelet against it. Amber light filled his vision, and when he could see again, he was back in his residence. Magnus furrowed his brow, and he clenched his hands into fists. It was his residence, but for some reason, two other lords were there. What are you doing here? the Flame Lord asked Jasmine and Ashley. Behind the two women, there was a person, Magnus right-hand man, squatting in the corner of the room, facing the wall. Judging by the lumps on the subordinates head, it seemed like violence had befallen him.

Vur Besteck sent us, Jasmine said and beamed at Magnus. Hand over all of your guilds information. I think you know whatll happen if you refuse. Itll end in more than just a broken back.

Magnus eye twitched. The pain of having a dragon stomp on him was still quite vivid in his mind. Just thinking about it made him want to sweat. He scratched at his neck and glared at the Wind Lord. You wouldnt help the other lords fight a dragon, and now youre kicking me when Im down. Are you really on our side?

Sides? Jasmine asked, her face splitting as she grinned. What sides? Were all lords of the tower here. Theres no need to pretend were anything more than individuals seeking the greatest benefits for ourselves. She held out her left hand. Hand over your guilds database, or Ill tell Vur a whole bunch of lies thatll make him angry enough to turn you into dust.

Magnus turned his head towards Ashley. Youre working for her?

Im working with her, for Vur Besteck, the Light Lord said. Her root bracelet flashed amber, and a bazooka appeared in her right hand with its body resting on her shoulder, its front sight aimed at Magnus torso. Are you complying or not?

A bitter expression appeared on the Flame Lords face as he held out his left hand and connected his root bracelet with Jasmines. By any chance, is Vur Besteck still looking for lackeys? Id like to join.