The Virtues' Magecraft

Page 41: Crossing the Rubicon

The Virtues collectively stared at the glasslike pane of refracted light. That wall spread through the river and through the land. That was the radius Yulius had told them about.

Leonard's fist burst into flames. And with that flaming ball of magic, he drew his arm back. With that rapid throw, his fireball sped through the air. Until it reached the outer limits of Anti-Magic. Upon impact, it burst apart, the energy scattering and dissipating, the fire being reduced to naught in that same instant.

"It's like a damn force field," Leonard mumbled.

"That's the radius we were told about."

Alexander let out a breath. "No turning back at this point. But hey, at least we get to use magic inside it."

The ship grew ever closer to it.

And once again, Leonard's hand exploded into crimson flames. And just as they passed through that refraction of light and into the radius, the flames exploded out of existence. "Damn," Leonard mumbled, sighing.

"Just a few more minutes," Alexander mumbled to himself. Just a few more minutes until they get to the island. He was already tapping his foot against the wooden floorboard as he tried to steel himself, as he tried to swallow down any agitation in his gut.

As always, it was Leonard's voice that pierced past everyone's thoughts. "So..." Leonard said, staring out at the clear blue river before him and the Virtues. "Ruuvican River. That's its name, right?"

"Yeah, Gabriel responded, muttering as he examined Excalibur's blade. Checking every single blade for maximum sharpness and durability had become a habit for him, even with Excalibur's many attributes. For one, the holy sword would never go dull, no matter how much it endured.

Leonard turned to him. "So we're crossing the Rubicon, essentially."

"Leonard, what the hell are you talking about?" Gabriel spat out with a sigh, lowering his sword and raising his head at Leonard.

"Shut up, I'm saying something cool."

"Are you, though?" Anastasia asked. That question wasn't sarcastic, but genuine. She had just walked onto the deck, shutting the cabin door behind him, confused as she entered the conversation.

"She's got a point," Alexander said, quickly agreeing with something he was also confused about.

"I can't believe I'm finally agreeing with Gabriel, but... Damn, you guys are annoying," Leonard said.

Alexander chuckled. "Thanks, Leonard."

Leonard stared at him and spat out a dejected sigh. They all knew Leonard didn't think that, much less be willing to agree with Gabriel. He looked back up and pointed at Alexander. "Why are you dressed like that, though?"

Alexander looked down at his own clothing. "...What?"

Alexander was dressed normally, from his perspective at least. He still wore the hoodie Anastasia had given him, despite the two-inch hole at its side and the blood that surrounded it. Even though it was repeatedly washed, the dark stain remained as a shadow in the black cloth.

Still, in exchange for the blood-stained and slightly torn cargo shorts he wore for the two days prior, Alexander now wore cargo pants. Of the same color.

And now, Alexander Lane wore black, fingerless gloves. Just like at the start of their quest, a single sword sat attached to his belt. This was his third sword in the quest alone. And over the past seven months, Alexander estimated he had gone through at least two dozen blades.

All of them were the same for the most part. Bastard swords, so he could use them with a single or both hands.

"You're the one that's dressed weird," Alexander pointed out.