The Everburn Mage

2. Life of a Combat Mage

His name was James Griffin.

From a young age, he was accepted into a high-end military officer academy and graduated in only two years' time. He comes from a family of nobles who has participated in many of the major wars throughout Esteras' history. 

While he didn't possess enough essence in order to use magic as the combat mages do, his intellect combined with his impressive aptitude as a leader allowed him to shoot through the ranks relatively quickly.

However, this was not to say he was the most upstanding of individuals. In fact, he was one of the persons in the military Rune despised the most. If not for his condescending personality, then for the callous comments he'd issue with a straight face. Almost as if he wasn't aware of the servile words streaming out of his own mouth at high velocity. Just staring at him with his fake smile and emanating a manufactured, benevolent aura was enough to make Rune want to punch him square in the jaw.

Nevertheless, there was a certain problem Rune needed to address first and foremost. He cared not for rank and even less for appearances. Invading the major's domain without a hint of fear or hesitation, Rune relayed to him an unforgiving grimace. "So, was it your doing?" he growled.

Perplexed, James could only cock his head and say, "I'm sorry?"

"Stop playing dumb! You're the bastard who's been going around telling people to call me "Everburn", aren't you!" Rune declared, pointing a trembling, accusatory finger his way. "I don't want anything to do with that horrid title, understand?! And if I am to be given a codename I'd prefer it if the officials at Military High Command gave me one instead of a creep like you!"

"Silence your tongue, you insolent maggot!" shouted the first lieutenant, smacking the young mage atop his cranium. "Where do you get the nerve to speak to your superior with such impudence?! I should have you court-martialed for such a deplorable action!"

"Please, save yourself the trouble," James said, raising his hand.

"B...But, sir..."

"It's fine. Ransford and I have a bit of a past, so to speak." Regarding Rune with a grin, he continued, "And I assure you I did nothing of the sort. But if the people of Esteras insist on referring to you as such, you might as well accept it."

"As if," grunted Rune. "The hell are you doing here anyway?"

"Why, a little bird notified me that the Pygmy Vyper Gang was situated in Ponsetta. As a soldier in my own right, I came to provide assistance should the mission take a turn for the worse. I'm relieved to discover, however, everything seems to be in order, more or less," he concluded, taking another look at the scene. 

Once his gaze fixated on the incubated building, as well as the soldiers escorting more men out of its shattered entrance, he mentioned, "From what I've gathered, you defeated them single-handedly. I guess you've gotten stronger since last we met, hm?"

"...Yeah, I suppose."

"Although, it would appear as if you still find a way to get yourself into heaps of trouble. Looks like some things never change."

"Oh shut it, will you!"

"Even so, despite today's victory, fire magic is pretty difficult to control, even amongst those who consider themselves experts. I commend you for making use of it with such precision and expertise. Still, allow me to offer you a bit of advice: accidents strike when we least expect them to. When I look at this charred building, such grim memories come back to haunt me. I can only imagine it's even worse for you." 

James took a step closer to Rune, peering down at him with a simplistic smile. And with this layer of innocence veiling his face, he said with an air of modesty, "Your magic is strong and your skills have undeniably improved. So I sincerely hope this means you won't be burning anyone else alive in the near future."