M.I Hausk

Chapter 1 - Part 3

Performing Duty

Cammron and Chasen arrived at Valen's house, a modest medieval structure of cobblestone nestled among a row of similar homes. They were laden with the tools needed for their task, their expressions focused as Valen greeted them warmly at the door, ushering them into the cramped living room.

With limited space, they had only managed to bring one piece of equipment: the Arcane Resonance Imaging (ARI) device, a large circular ring connected by magical cables to viewing orbs. Its purpose was simple but crucial-outlining the mana flow inside a person to detect any disturbances or imbalances.

Valen's eyes widened at the sight of it, clearly impressed. Equipment like this was typically found only in elite academies or government facilities. Cammron and Chasen explained its function: it would conduct consecutive scans, displaying Valen's mana flow in real-time across the viewing orbs. They instructed her to lie still throughout the process, warning that there might be slight discomfort during the scan.

However, the Arcane Resonance Imaging device had its limitations. Its powerful magic could cause interference, so they advised Valen to remove any enchanted items from her person and move to a part of the house with no magical interference. The attic, though dusty and bare, was the only option. Valen agreed, and they moved the equipment there.

Cammron and Chasen, unable to remove their own enchanted tools, set up a small transparent magical barrier specifically designed to contain the Arcane Resonance Imaging's influence. With everything prepared, they began the process.

The room buzzed with energy as the device started its scan, the orbs flickering with lines of glowing mana. Valen, lying flat, mentioned feeling slight discomfort. Cammron reassured her that it was normal and urged her to remain still.

Moments passed in silence, the steady hum of the device filling the attic. Then, without warning, Valen fell completely still. Cammron's eyes narrowed, her instincts pricking with concern. Chasen, however, brushed it off, suggesting Valen had simply drifted off to sleep.

But Cammron couldn't shake her suspicion. Without hesitation, she shut off the Arcane Imaging device. Her fears were confirmed-Valen's breathing was shallow, her face pale. The device had triggered a violent reaction, her body rejecting the scan like an allergy. Her airways were constricting.

Chasen sprang into action, kneeling beside Valen and casting a spell to supply oxygen through magic, but the rejection blocked his attempt. Panic briefly flickered across his face.

Thinking quickly, Cammron pulled a small ring-shaped rune from her pouch. With practiced precision, she pressed it to Valen's throat. The rune glowed as it carved itself into her skin, forcing her body to bypass the magical rejection. Chasen immediately followed with his spell, this time successfully supplying oxygen.

As Valen's breathing stabilized, Cammron bolted from the attic, racing toward the Adventurer Guild to request an emergency transfer for further evaluation at Pyrenstone-Plainsborough Adventurer Guild.

-

In the meantime, Hausk begrudgingly left his office, muttering under his breath about the guild duty forced on him by Caudus. He scanned the commission board and settled on a consultation request. The client claimed his skin was slowly turning orange and sought advice from a certified artificer or support class.

Despite Hausk being a mage himself, Hausk figured this was easy enough. The commission wasn't far; the client, Henren, was conveniently drinking at a nearby pub as soon as he stepped outside. Henren was a government worker, dressed in the standard long green robe with a vest-like overlay, typical for his profession.

The commission specified that the consultation could take place wherever the client wanted. With no urgency in his step, Hausk limped over to Henren's table, the heavy thud of his cane announcing his arrival.

He slapped the commission paper onto the table, causing Henren to jolt. "Henren, right? Name's Hausk," he said, lowering himself into the chair. Without asking, he grabbed Henren's beer jug and took a swig.

Henren blinked in surprise. "Uh, you're the certified artificer?" he asked, hesitant.

Hausk smirked, gesturing to the ragged bag slung over his shoulder. "What, the bag full of potions didn't give it away?"

Henren nodded slowly, beginning to explain his problem. "So, it started a few weeks ago... My skin's been turning orange, bit by bit."

He trailed off as Hausk, clearly unimpressed, yawned and casually uncorked a vial of Vynodin. He downed the liquid, leaving Henren feeling like he was being ignored.

Sensing the man's confusion, Hausk raised a brow. "You done?" he asked sarcastically.

"I'm not quite-"

"Great," Hausk interrupted, cutting him off. He grabbed the beer jug again, taking another swig before launching into his diagnosis. "Here's what you're gonna do."

Henren blinked, waiting for some profound insight.

"Get a wife who doesn't put carrots in every damn meal," Hausk said, deadpan.

Henren looked taken aback. "But... I love my wife," he mumbled, confused and unsure.

"Then get another one," Hausk shrugged. "You're a government worker. Shouldn't be that hard for you." He waved his hand, signaling Henren to sign off on the commission paper and hand over the reward.

Reluctantly, Henren complied. Hausk pocketed the reward, stood up, and limped out of the pub without another word.

Back at the Guild, Hausk slapped the signed commission paper onto the reception desk, startling Tessa out of her focused work. Without waiting for a reaction, he headed back to his office, satisfied with the completion of yet another pointless task.