At first it felt like I had some acid spilled on me and reflexively dropped the bottle, spilling even more in the process, this time on my leg, which got accompanied by even more pain. Before I even managed to say something, or even yell in pain, it immediately subsided, instead replaced by something less inconspicuous.

Both my crystal stump and the side of my body with crystal shrapnel suddenly started glowing. In comparison to all the previous times it happened, this was by far the brightest it ever was. Both crystals were clearly visible through my clothes and the makeshift bandages, glowing like beacons on my body and, to my absolute horror, started getting larger. I could feel it as well - the one side of my body suddenly got heavier.

But as quick as the glow appeared, it started dimming down. In a matter of seconds there was no sign of the light, nor was there any mark left after the spilled potion.

Melle, now wide awake, was looking at me in confusion and horror.

-What was that?! - she asked, completely conscious.

-Ah. Well, your potions are a bit strong. The important thing is it woke you up. One way or another. You fine?

-Yeah, sure, whatever. Mind explaining yourself?

-Yes actually, I do.

-Come on, I feel like this is a bit important don’t you think? What was that light?

-I’m not pestering about your secrets too much, so why won’t you do the same? - I said, annoyed.

-Not pestering? Ha. Funny.

-Okay then. How about one for one.

-Wha?

-One secret for another. While I don’t think my problems have anything to do with our current situation, I can think of a few things that might prove… problematic if I'm correct.

-Pff. I already told you everything important. There is nothing…

-So that’s a yes then?

She hesitated for a second.

-Sure. Be my guest, go first.

-Why are you lying about being able to use a singular type of magic?

-Excuse me?

I pointed towards the tree from which we emerged not too long ago.

-Portal magic. Why are you trying to convince me that you can’t use it?

-Because I can’t? - she looked at me, confused. - I used a scroll…

-Pff.. Scroll. Woman, that does not work like that.

-What do you mean - she started looking at me surprised and a bit scared - Scroll magic always comes from the person who wrote the scroll…

I rolled my eyes.

-Yeah, no. Look at yourself. Listen to yourself. I agree, you can make items that work like how you just described, but that was not one of them. If it came from the person who wrote it, why would you be absolutely drained just now?

-I… em… I mean…

-See? I am right. So?

She looked at me defeated and sat under the tree that she not so long ago was slumped under.

-Why do you have to be so observant…

-Thank you? - I said a bit bewildered. - I kinda have to be… Also, it was not hard to spot…

-Eh… Right, right. I was sort of distracted… by some things.

-Yeah, your daughter got kidnapped, I get it - I rolled my eyes. - I’m not judging, just pointing out. It’s you who started this… tug-of-war.

-Fair enough. Eh… that’s what I get for being careless I guess. Whatever.

-So…?

-Yeah, yeah, I also can use portal magic. Albeit poorly.

-So it was YOU who failed to teleport me to the capital! For fuck…

-NO! Actually, no. That’s confusing for me as well, but let’s leave that for later. I learned that magic from my parents. That’s why we lived so far out, away from civilization.

-Like you can even call those villages “civilization” - I muttered quietly to myself, making sure that she wouldn't hear me.

-I never was good at it, so after my parents died, I just stayed at my house, content living there.

-But then someone appeared out of the blue at your place.

-Yeah. You know the rest.

-Hm. I guess…

-Now it’s your turn.

-Wha?

-The glow, what the hell was that?

-Ah. I said I’m going to tell you… - I scratched my chin, thinking how should I put it - It’s sort of complicated and I myself don’t know much of it… Do you remember what I said about the experiment and all that?

-The failed one that made you appear here?

-The same.

-Sure. What of it?

-This is another one of the side effects. You see, I lost an arm to… - and I started rolling back my shirt, to show the side of my body.

-OH!

-Yeah, oh - I said, touching the shrapnel stuck in my side, but I stopped almost instantly, noticing that something was wrong.

The feeling I had before, of my side getting heavier, that was not my imagination.

As I was showing my wound, I realized that the crystal was now covering most of the side of my body. It was starting at about chest level and reached just below my waist. It did not spread the other way though. Slightly unnerved by this discovery, I tried not to betray anything on my face, but I am not sure if I managed that.

-That looks pretty serious… are you sure you are okay? - she reached towards me, trying to touch the crystal.

-I am fine - I replied, pulling my shirt back down and hiding the wound. - The glow you saw was the crystal absorbing your stupid potion.

-Your arm… is it…?

-Yeah, it’s the same thing. Excuse me but I don’t feel like being undressed right now so…

-Right. Sorry.

-Whatever. I guess I should’ve known that stupid light is going to give me away some day… In any case, I expect that this discussion is going to stay between us.

-Of course. But…

-Come on, what now?

-If it’s absorbing magic… How do you even use spells? How does this thing work… What exactly is that thing?

-Okay, first of all, this is not the time nor the place for this discussion.

-But…

-Second of all - I interrupted her - I have no fucking idea. I managed to somehow go by like this without much of a problem, besides a couple of flashes once in a while.

-Aren’t you curious though? I mean, I would instantly try and experiment…

-Experiment? - I laughed. - Where? With what? In the woods and using some bark or some shit? Come on, you need proper preparations for this. Also, you have no idea about my curiosity and lack thereof.

-Sorry.

-No worries. Now - I sighed, standing up - Since you’re obviously in a good shape now, where the hell are we?

-A! Right!

-I swear, you keep telling me you are so worried about that kid, and yet you get distracted so easily…

-Shut up!

I think I hit the weak spot, because for a second she did not know what to say.

-Ehm. We are just by the capital, about ten minutes walk I’d say. We need to go that way - she pointed out some random direction - and we will reach the road in a minute or two.

-Now we are talking. Let’s go.

To be completely honest, I expected this to be bullshit, considering she was the one who teleported us here, but I was surprised to notice that she actually was right. Soon we emerged on a very familiar road, half-overgrown and not too long later the city gate started looming in the distance in front of us.

Once more I was arriving at night, so to no one's surprise, the roads were deserted. The guards at the front looked at us and tried stopping us, but Melle pulled out something out of her bag and they left us alone.

Walking further in, I asked:

-What did you show them?

She pulled out the very familiar necklace - the same I had two copies of with me.

-Hm. Good to know it’s recognized even here…

-Why the hell wouldn’t it? You said it yourself, that's the symbol of the magic school and fire mages themselves.

-Yeah, sure… but there is a small issue.

-Huh?

-This is basically exactly what I was imprisoned for. Don’t you think they’ll… I dunno, try and jail you this time?

-Pff. Right. Who? For that is lying half conscious in her bed, or Jacob, who is completely knocked out.

-I guess that’s true…

-In any case, she is the one who called me in - she shook the necklace - so she’s in no place to complain if I use her reputation a bit.

-I mean, I don’t care, really, I’d be fine either way… So. Where are we going?

-We need to find a place to spend a night. After that, I need to contact some people. But that’s not your concern. You got what you wanted, we are in the capital. Do what you want.

-I guess… Well, I need to find a place too… Okay then, do you have any particular place in mind?

-Somewhere out of sight… Why do you care? It’s not like you actually know anyone here.

-Actually, I do.

-I thought you were not from here?

-And I am not. I told you I already was here once… before THAT happened. Now when I think about it I need to meet with some people…

-Okay… So what?

-Eh… - I sighed heavily. - Come with me. You are going too. So it happens that one of the people I want to meet is an innkeeper. Lucky for you.

-Lucky for me - she muttered, and after a second, said aloud - Fine. Let’s go then.

The streets around the inn were deserted. From the outside, the inn itself also looked barren, but that was to be expected, it was in the shadier area of the city after all. With every step Melle was looking less and less convinced. To be honest, I can’t blame her. In comparison to even the entrance of the city, the place definitely looked run down. At least she was not complaining though - not like she had a better idea, and she apparently was trusting me.

-Are you sure about this? - she finally asked, gazing at our surroundings, when I was about to knock at the door.

I just shrugged and knocked at the door.

At first, I was met with absolute silence. The inside looked dark, so I couldn’t even tell if someone was inside or not. I knocked again, this time a bit more forcefully.

-Hm. Maybe he’s back at… - I started, but before I was able to finish the sentence I heard something move behind the door.

-What do you want? - A familiar voice asked from inside.

-I brought you a client.

-Wait… that voice…

I heard some more movement and rumbling, and the door opened slightly, just enough for me to see a bald head poke out.

-Hi.

-Mor! What the hell! I thought you were arrested!

-Oh, news spread fast. I’d rather not talk about it through the door…

-Right, right. Who’s with you?

-Acquaintance. And most likely a client for you.

He opened the door a bit wider and took a look at the woman.

-An old hag? - he muttered quietly so only I could hear him. - Can she be trusted? Where did you meet her?

-That’s a long story. And if she acts up… - I raised my hand and showed him my mark - I will take care of it.

-Oh. You’ve been busy I see. Okay, come on in.

The door opened completely and we entered the dark room.

Unsurprisingly, the inn was empty, the only other person inside was Jack himself. He quickly closed the door behind us. As he was locking the door, I asked:

-Say, where is our mutual friend along with his yellow sidekick?

-Pfffff - he barely stifled a laugh - that is the stupidest way to call them both. They are not here.

-Maybe for the better.

-Yeah, he was cursing you for stealing his armor.

-For fucks… - I sighed - I should’ve known.

-Don’t worry. Be... Ehm, I mean our friend knows that you did not do that on purpose. He tried explaining that to him but…

-Yeah, that’s like trying to talk to a brick wall. Well, whatever. At least he figured that out.

-Not like it’s going to help you to run away from Red Mages. I can give you a room, but don’t think I can help you fight them. That’s suicide.

-Nah, don’t worry about them. By the way, how do you even know I got captured?

-Ehrm… a friend of a friend notified us not too long ago. He said that apparently the head of Red Mages wanted you found and their forces were already near the city, so we assumed the worst.

-Huh. He’s informed. I guess it’s thanks to his position. Well whatever. I am good.

-Yeah, I dunno… - he said, clearly not convinced. - Let me tell you, the feuds with your higher-ups never end up in your favor. Just an advice.

I sighed heavily.

-Not like I had a choice. Doesn’t matter. I have some things to attend to…

-Right. I’m not wasting your time then. Let me show you to your room. About that woman…

-Yeah, I am not paying for her. While I know her, she’s her own person.

He looked at me strangely.

-Slave with her own money?

-It’s complicated. Come on, woman, stop standing there like you saw a ghost, I think you have some business to take care of.

-Right…

-I assume my room is still free?

-Yeah. Technically, it’s still paid off since the last time, so…

-Nice. After you both finish your business, come see me. Melle, wait in your room, I’ll meet you later, after I finish my business.

-Sure.

-Okay.

I left them both to their devices and went to my room.

I found it pretty much in the same state as I left it - I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, I don't think there is much of a crowd trying to get a place here. A few minutes later, I heard knocking on my door.

-Come on in.

It was Jack. This time, since we were alone, he did not hide his worries and looked at me with pained eyes.

-Look man, I am sorry, but I can’t host you here - he exclaimed instantly - I don’t want to get on the bad side of your boss and…

-Calm down. There has been a misunderstanding. First of all… - I said, sitting down on my bed and kicking a chair towards him - I am not being chased by anyone. Well, maybe by Goldie, but who cares about him.

-Weren’t you jailed though? Your people never just let go if they find someone guilty…

-And why do you think I am guilty? - I asked, sighing.

-He said…

-Yeah, that man seems to know a lot… Well, I am pleased to inform you that I am not wanted by Red Mages. Not any more. Even more, I am now working for them. Sort of.

-Oooh… - he looked at me with a mischievous smile.

I was about to clear up some things, but I stopped myself. It could actually work in my favor if I didn’t tell everything. And, this man clearly knew more than he was showing.

-Not everyone affiliated with Red Mages has to work for them. While the majority might, I did not.

-So what was all that about? Or you’re gonna tell me that there was also some misunderstanding and I had some fake news.

-Yes and no.

He rolled his eyes.

-Let me finish. Yes, it was a misunderstanding. No, Odar had it right. I was indeed imprisoned for a while, but I struck a deal with… some people up high.

-Really? To be honest, they don’t seem to be a dealing sort of folk, more the killing part.

-Heh. Well, they did not have a choice. Never mind that, the main point is that I was sent on a mission to deal with some internal affairs, and in the process I met that woman - I gestured towards the door and the main room. - Speaking of. Did she pay?

-Yeah - he nodded. - She’s surprisingly rich. Where the hell did you even get her?

-Long story. Doesn’t matter. She might be useful to you though.

-Oh? How?

-That’s why I wanted to talk with you. How is our other “friend” doing?

-We have a lot of common friends. Which one?

-The not responsive one.

-Oh - his demeanor instantly changed.

He was about to sit down, but when I mentioned him, he instantly straightened up and went back to the door. He peeked out, checking if anyone was listening, then closed the door, locked it, and put the chair right in front of it for good measure.

-Is that really necessary? You have other guests besides us two?

-No, but better safe than sorry. And that woman… She knows?

-No.

-Good. What’s up then?

-I trust this conversation is staying between us?

-Obviously.

-Just making sure. So. When I was… a guest at the Red Mages… there’s been some things happening, let's say. And just so it happens that some people started having very similar symptoms to our “friend”. He’s still unconscious?

-Yeah. I tried contacting some people quietly, but all of Odar’s men were busy.

-You wanted HIM to help you? Are you insane?

-Calm down, I wouldn’t even mention the name nor what exactly was going on. It’s not the first time when I bought similar things from him. Not like he would sneeze at the money.

-Hm. Well, your choice. In any case, the people who got “sick”, for lack of better word, apparently had some connections. The woman who came with me to be exact.

-What, she’s some kind of healer?

-No. An alchemist.

-Oh. I guess that could come in handy. So what, you want to get her to heal that fucker? Would that even work?

-Well, not exactly. The thing is, she already made a potion that was supposed to fix the issue - I said, pulling out the bottle.

-Oh shit. So she knows why he’s just lying there like a vegetable?

-That’s the thing. It apparently is just a very severe mana deficiency.

-What? - he raised his eyebrows. - Nah, that’s not possible. I already tried some potions and even mana fruit. Shit does not help.

-You know, we did as well. This - I shook the bottle - is apparently many times stronger than that.

-And you believe that? - he asked, looking the bottle over.

-I didn’t, to be honest. I was going to give you the bottle just to try it out, but what happened today made me think it actually might work.

-Oh?

-As we arrived here, I accidentally spilled a few drops of it on me. I expected it would burn a little, like some infused water would or something. Let me tell you how wrong I was: this thing burns harder than some acid.

-Shit… And what, you want me to feed that to him? Acid?

-Won’t hurt to try, right? To be honest, I was going to first test it out on the other “sick”, but luck wanted something else: the woman herself drank it and she’s more than fine.

-Okay… So we have a potion… why is she here then? Isn’t that enough?

-Yeah, the reason why she’s here… Well I think she will tell you herself. Long story short, she is looking for someone with connections. Like you.

-Really? - he looked at me surprised. - She doesn’t look like some type that wants anything to do with the underground.

-You’d be right. But that's very recent. First take this potion and hide it or something, then come here and we’ll talk with her.

-Okay.

He left the room with the bottle, hiding it under his coat, of course checking if there was anyone eavesdropping first.

I stretched out and lied on the bed, waiting for him to come back. I didn’t get much of a rest though. Not even a minute later he was back along with Melle.