Chapter 212: Orphan Goblins

Chapter 212: Orphan Goblins

Ismene sat on her large burgundy pillow at the edge of the Frost Pool Chamber and watched as her student practiced his torrent spells.

Stryg channeled the blue mana from his heart and into his arms. Tendrils of water rose from under the grate flooring and flicked out with quick lashes.

Release, Ismene ordered.

Stryg released the spell with a simple thought. He relaxed his muscles and took a deep breath. The excess heat created by the spells was marginal, he barely felt the warmth rising within his muscles.

Ismene watched him with a thoughtful eye.

Hes improved. Again, she thought. Its only been a week and theres already a noticeable increase in his speed of casting and the force behind his spells.

Master? Stryg asked. Should I cast another water whip?

...No, lets take a ten minute break.

Im not even close to sweating, I can keep going.

I believe you, but taking a break isnt always about giving your body respite, your mind needs to rest too. She patted the pillow next to her, Come, warm yourself up with some tea.

Stryg walked over with reluctance and sat down on the large pillow. His body sank into the pillow, his weight flattening the feathers inside. Ismene hid her small smile and served him a steaming cup of tea.

The hot drink didnt bother his tongue, but he drank the tea with slow sips anyway. Ismene had told him on several occasions that simply because something could be done quickly did not mean it should.

Stryg glanced at the old woman, she sat hunched over, a cane rested next to her. Most people would never guess this was the renowned Tempest Arch-Mage. Ismene was usually so calm and serene, but there was great power hidden behind those peaceful beige eyes.

Stryg cleared his throat, Um, Master?

Hm?

...How is Nora? I mean, is she alright? he asked quietly.

Nora? Ismene put her cup of tea aside.

Youre her personal master, right? Have you seen her? I mean, the school year started two months ago, but she hasnt come to any classes. Is she okay?

Noras mage studies are improving just fine, Ive made sure of that. You have no need to worry about that.

Oh, right thats good, he sipped his tea.

Ismene smiled sympathetically, Shes doing okay. Most days she has morning sickness, but either than that shes hanging in there. Her mother has come to Hollow Shade to stay with her at their manor these next few months.

Family? Thats good, Stryg smiled weakly. Im glad shes okay.

So am I, she grabbed her cup of tea. Now, about your training. Youre relying too much on emotions, instead of keeping calm and collected while casting.

Im not relying solely on anger like before.

It doesnt matter. Emotions are volatile, they can change, and the last thing you want when casting a spell is for it to change and fizzle, or worse, backfire.

Stryg shrugged, My emotions help me remember why Im here, why Im doing all of this. They remind me of my goals, my purpose. He clenched his hands tight, And that pain helps me cast any spell.

That may be the case, but that sort of spell-casting isnt healthy for your mental state, Stryg.

I dont care, he said resolutely. Im too weak as it is. I need power, real power, and Ill do whatever it takes to achieve that I wont lose anyone else.

Ismene reached out and grabbed his hand gently, I understand youre hurting, believe me I do. I know what its like to be unable to protect the ones close to you, no matter how hard you try. But this, what youre doing now? This isnt healthy, and it certainly isnt how one obtains true power.

I disagree, Stryg pulled his hand away and stood up. Ive been training hard these past few months, harder than ever. And I can do things now that I never could before.

Even still, that doesnt mea-

I can even reliably multicast two spells at once!

Stryg raised his hands. A stream of water rose from the pool beneath the grate flooring and curled around his hand. An orb of orange fire blazed to life above his other hand.

How many magi my age can multicast?

Stryg, that isnt the point.

Two! Only two! Kitty was a natural, but I had to learn this on my own. If this isnt power, then what is?Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

Ismene shook her head, You will never learn blues storm spells like this. Storm magic is all about control and right now you are letting your emotions and pain control you.

I dont need storm magic, he frowned. There are other sources of power, I have plenty of other chromatic colors.

Ismene wondered if she should end her lessons with Stryg. She began training him because she saw the potential inside him to be a mage who could do so much good for the Realm. That potential seemed gone now, robbed by death and a war the young generation had never asked for.

If I reject him now, what will become of him in the future? Ismene thought bitterly.

Stryg released his dual spells and stared at his hands, Im not improving fast enough, Im still not strong enough to protect them... If you had to protect the ones you loved, what would you do in my position?

The power you seek may do more harm than good, she warned.

The gangsters burst into laughter.

Mel held his ground and straightened his back, I am not trash.

Then what the fuck are you, ey? Shit? the drow sneered.

Im, I I am Mel, a child of Lunis and Im proud to be a goblin, Mels voice grew stronger and more confident with each word he spoke. I dont care what you say. I am a Lunisian. You and your thugs cant take that from us, no one can.

Are all the people in this part of town batshit crazy? the drow asked.

I dont know, another drow shrugged. But the boss gave us our orders. Make as many examples as we need.

Fair enough, the drow brandished his dagger.

What the fuck are you all doing!? Karen screamed as she ran down the street.

Oh, thank gods, Witt sighed in relief.

And whos this bitch? the first drow groaned.

W-wait, look at her clothes, the second drow backed away. Shes a priestess.

So?

The boss says she doesnt want us messing with the temples. The last thing she wants is to have the gods angry with us, a third drow chimed in.

Ugh, fine, the first drow groaned. Lets get out of here for now.

Mel watched in stunned silence as the drow gangsters jogged away. Karen reached Witt and him a few moments later.

She slapped Witt on the back with a resounding crack, You had one job, dammit! And the first thing you do is get into a fight with some gangsters!?

They were threatening Mel, Witt winced.

And so you decided to fight them!? Karen yelled. You really are an idiot! Do you have any idea how dangerous they can be?!

What was I supposed to do? Witt mumbled.

You help Mel run, get some help, or anything besides fight. You are terrible at fighting, Karen snapped.

But Ive been practicing the dagger moves you taught me. I can handle myself.

Karen slapped the dagger out of his hand.

Witt blinked, stunned, Uh, I wasnt ready?

Youre an idiot, she groaned.

Miss Karen?

Yes, Mel?

Im sorry, but what are you both doing here anyway? Mel asked.

I sent Witt to invite you all to the temple, Karen said. But then I thought about it and realized I couldnt trust him to wander the streets alone. So I came too and damn Im glad I did.

Are you allowed to say damn? Witt muttered.

Shut up, she said.

One of the orphan children ran up to her, Miss Karen? You wanted us to come to the temple? Is Sophi there?

Karen smiled, Yes, but so is someone else. Stryg came to visit.

The childrens eyes widened with happiness.

Stryg is at the temple?! Mel asked excitedly.

Yeah, hes there right now, she nodded.

The children ran off before she had finished speaking.

Why do they all like that crazy guy? Witt frowned. What does he have that I dont?

Witt, Karen said.

Yeah?

Dont ask questions you dont want the answer to.

Oh I think I cut my finger when you slapped the dagger out of my hand.

Ugh, come on. Lets get you patched up.