The Everburn Mage

8. An Unexpected Opportunity

Since those pain-filled early days of his life, his goal never altered.

Everything he'd done, everything he was doing. All of it was to ultimately locate the monster responsible for stripping away what little bit of happiness he had in this cruel world. Nevertheless, this was not to say he didn't have his doubts, at times. 

Occasions would arise where he'd question whether there even was a murderer. Question if the arson of the fire was himself like so many believed. And while they'd attack him during long, lonely nights or when his fellow combat mages truly tested his patience, he constantly refused to acknowledge them for long. He couldn't be allowed to fall mistress to such distractions.

He knew the truth and, much to his gratitude, he wasn't the only one. Sitting on the train station bench, hordes of travelers stampeding around them, Rune snuck a glance at his friend sitting next to him. With her hands placed in her lap and eyes staring solemnly ahead, she hadn't said much since their encounter with Lukas. Although he'd the sneaking suspicion she'd something to tell him.

"You know, I really appreciate you coming today. It's been a while since I've taken a break from my duties."

"Don't mention it!" she smiled. "And, if you want my advice, I suggest you take better care of yourself."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, you're a complete workaholic and not exactly the best when it comes to personal hygiene."

"You call this advice?! It sounds more like you're insulting me straight to my face!" Rune growled defensively.

Leora chuckled into her hand. "I'm only teasing, you dummy! Ryas sure made you a sensitive one, didn't she?"

" ...So it would seem. Much to my dismay, might I add."

"In all seriousness, Rune. I truly do admire what you're doing. I mean, you've made a real mage of yourself. You should be proud!" Staring at the ceiling of the train station, Leora giddily admitted, "I've always envied that resolve of yours. Others in your position might have given up a long time ago, myself included. Yet here you are determined as ever to clear your name and bring justice to your family."

Rune scratched the back of his head. "Stop selling yourself short, Leora. You're a lot stronger than you realize."

"I'm glad you think that. Because, well, after I've completed my training and sorted things out with my uncle's shop, I've decided I'd enlist in the military as an official medical mage."

"S...Seriously?!" Rune stammered. "Really, Leora. You don't have to keep looking after me. I'm more than capable of taking care of myself."

Leora frowned. "I'm not doing this for you, dummy! After honing my skills and visiting towns in the countryside, I realized how rare my healing magic is. And how desperately the people of Esteras need it. I shouldn't let my gift go to waste. So, once I get into the military, I'll help heal this country as well as the people living in it. I'll do my part to build a better future for everyone."

"You do realize you're beginning to sound a lot like Ethan, don't you?"

"I am? Jeez, how embarrassing!" she gasped, clasping her cherry cheeks. "But if he was still around, I'm positive he would've agreed with me."

"Leora, even though you won't be a combat mage like me, it'll be dangerous."

"I'm well aware. But I still want to try. I want to be the best healer I can." There was no use. For someone as caring and compassionate as her, Rune knew that this was her calling. As much as he wanted to persuade her from engaging in such a dangerous profession, it wasn't in his place. This was her decision, and he would honor it. "Rune," she said, nervously twiddling her thumbs. "I've gotten better with my light magic. Can I give it another go?"