CHAPTER 52: CROSSROADS

A few days after my latest mission into a dungeon gate.

I was at the my dormitory studying when one of the clergy men of the academy came to relay an information to me directly from the Chancellor himself.

Today, I was set to have a meeting with Hans Wagner, he summoned me for discuss, but the way I see it, I had a meeting with someone who might provide clarity and direction fo my future path.

After everything that had happened recently, from battling the Roku to unlocking new rewards, the threat from Dazzai and that evil Shadow creature with abnormal intelligence Regazan The Blood Faun, I felt the need for some guidance.

More specifically, I had lingering questions about my clash with the powerful noble family. The Thornhills, and how I could navigate their enmity.

With my thoughts swirling, I set off toward the Chancellor’s office, my mind already brimming with questions.

The Chancellor’s office was located at the top of a tall tower, offering a panoramic view of the sprawling academy grounds.

But must of the destruction done by the Blood Faun Shadow creature had been repaired, must, not all.

I knocked on the large wooden doors and after a moment, they opened with a faint creek.

Chancellor Hans Wagner sat behind his massive desk, looking over ancient tomes and scrolls. Despite his injury, there was still an undeniable aura of power that surrounded that man.

"Come on in, Levi," the Chancellor said, his deep voice calm but still commanding.

I entered, standing a little straighter under the Chancellor’s gaze.

I couldn’t help but notice a subtle weariness in the old man’s eyes, something that hadn’t been there before.

"I trust your recent adventures outside the academy wall have been somewhat helpful... to your cause...?" the Chancellor said with a slight smirk playing on his lips.

I nodded, planning to choose my next words carefully. If he knows about my expedition into dungeon gates, what else does he know... he probably sent spies to watch my every move, and the Roku mission must have been the most recent in his fast track of discovery about me.

I nodded, playing along. "They have sir, but I feel like I’m at a crossroads. There’s still so much I don’t understand and I’m not sure where to go from here. I could use some guidance from an experienced awakened like you..."

The Chancellor leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing as he studied me.

"I can see that you are no longer the boy who first arrived at this academy... you’ve grown quite alot, both ins strength, character and wisdom... I witnessed it first hand when you faced off Regazan"

"But strength alone will not carry you to the heights you seek... I have been briefed about your current situation with the Thornhill family and their scoin Master Dazzai..."

I remained silent, waiting for the Chancellor to continue.

"You face challenges not just from negative monsters, but from powerful forces within our society... steming from the jealousy of an immature offspring, honestly I find it very callous and redundant."

"The Thornhill family are the most powerful family in the East here... seizing control of the business capital of the country Drakensport, hell even the Governor of the city is a Thornhill. The Thornhill family, Dazzai in particular has already crossed paths with you, and they are not ones to let go of grudges easily... they always get what they want, no questions asked."

The Chancellor said, his voice low and serious too. "Nobles play a long game, and their reach is quite honestly far. You’ll need to be very vigilant, strategic and most importantly, you must not let your emotions cloud your judgement when dealing with them."

My jaws tightened at the mention of Dazzai Thornhill. "I don’t plan to let them stop me," I said with a firm voice.

"Good," Wagner replied. "But be cautious. The Thornhills have resources and connections that can make life very difficult for anyone they see as a threat. If you push too hard, they may strike back in ways you won’t see coming."

There was a brief pause, and I shifted my weight, sensing an opportunity to ask something that had been on my mind for a while.

"Chancellor Wagner, if I may ask... what happened to you? I’ve heard rumours that you were once a member of The Vanguards. But now..." I hesitated, unsure how to phrase the remaining words.

He leaned forward, resigning his hands on the desk as he spoke in a quieter, almost distant tone.

"Yes child. I had ascended to the Vanguard stage. At the time, I was one of the most powerful in the country, even as an A-Rank Aeromancer... I was the only Aeromancer in the country, so it made sense to make me one of the Five."

"But even those at the peak will eventually fall to this ever perilous concept called time..."

There was a heavy silence in the room as I listened intently.

"When I see you, I see my young self... and needless to say, you totally have the potential to be the number one member of The Vanguards."

"The injury Regazan left me with is quite deep and even with the best healers, it’ll take a lot to be at a hundred percent... even so, my best years are well behind me..."

I frowned, lingering at the bandaged half of his body, curiosity gnawing at me. "Is there any way to heal the injury?"

Immediately I said those words, Hans Wagner’s gaze became distant, his voice laced with something close to longing.

"Perhaps... there is a legendary item that might hold the key, a relic known as the Heart of Eternity..."

"It was made by a ones great healer and it possess the power to heal even the most grievous wounds, restoring one to their original health. But such an item is rare, its location long lost to the bin of history and time. Some say it lies in a forgotten dungeon, hidden away by those who feared its power might be abused."

For a moment, Wagner’s eyes met mine, and there was a glimmer of something like hope, desperation? I couldn’t exactly tell.