Soul Interaction: Chain! (ENG)

46 • The Sorcerers Society

Herega, Eavelin, and Ren continued their studies and training with Anfer and Rokai. A total of twenty-three days passed. Although it wasn't required, they took a written test on demons and managed to pass it with full grades. Their physical condition improved significantly. The diet, recommended by their master, showed its benefits. Their movements became increasingly agile, and their strikes more powerful. Their minds began to think increasingly complex plans, but with a good chance of success. Their bond with their weapons strengthened, as their skill did in wielding them. The three youths began to feel so familiar with their weapons that they almost couldn't do anything without them. They continued training by fighting against Anfer, and also among themselves. Herega could easily defeat Eavelin; he was evenly matched with Ren, though he held back from using sorcery, not only because he didn't want to cause harm, but also due to the backlash he often suffered from overuse. Against Anfer, however, he could never win; he rarely managed to keep up with him, and that was already a good result. Ren, on one occasion, managed to defeat the master; however, he was not in the best condition, as after two matches, including one almost evenly matched against the red-haired youth, he began to show signs of fatigue. Still, this act gave the girl confidence. Eavelin, on the other hand, had never managed to conclude a match in victory, but she was the one who emerged in the best condition after the fights. She never sustained any injuries and was never tired afterward. One might think she wasn't trying hard enough, but that wasn't the case. Probably, she wasn't suited for combat, yet she didn't give up, continuing to fight over and over. Anfer realized how much they had evolved. Although he had never exerted his full strength, he soon understood that these youths had potential far greater than his. They were improving rapidly, with great room for further refinement. Herega especially, focusing more on sorcery, might eventually be able to defeat him. Indeed, as time passed, he began to tire much later, managing to perform many more spells than he had before. Finally, the last week arrived, the one in which Herega would be introduced to the sorcerers society.

«Where are you taking me?» Herega asked Anfer.
They were on a carriage, just the two of them, with a coachman who, according to the master, was an acquaintance of his.
«To the society of sorcerers. I thought I'd told you.» He replied a bit annoyed, though still calm. «I mean the location. We're still staying in Elandria, right?» Herega added, lowering his voice a bit, as Anfer's tone had made him uneasy.
«Where do you think we could go in just an hour by carriage? Thanks to Master Rokai, we know precisely where one of these societies is located. But we can't disclose it, otherwise they would be hunted down. Understand?» He replied.
Anfer began to run his hand over the wood of the carriage, glancing at it shortly after.
«It's really dirty. When I get home, I'll have to wash up again...» The master said.
Herega laughed, thinking about how that aspect of his personality was so different with his character.
«By the way, why did you decide not to have me wear the uniform this week?» The red-haired youth asked as he fastened his cloak. «The uniform is very comfortable, but it lacks durability. You can't carry a backpack, so you wouldn't have a change of clothes. You know, I wouldn't want you to find yourself naked among those people.» He continued, fastening his ponytail.
Herega started laughing again, momentarily unable to catch his breath. Anfer seemed annoyed but gave a slight smile, almost letting out a laugh, then went serious again.
«You're good youths, also intelligent. Don't die as so many people do.» Anfer continued, brushing off the accumulated dust.
«Master, why did you think to say this now? Are you really afraid that we'll die?» Herega asked.
He thought for a moment. Anfer had lost his beloved for something that wasn't his fault. He wouldn't want to lose other people he'd grown attached to. Probably, that character had been acquired after losing his beloved, and his sunny personality was hidden by that misfortune.
«What was her name?» Herega dared to ask.
Anfer kept his head down. His breathing was strong, and his mouth was in an unstable position.
«Lial. That's the angelic name of a poor creature condemned to a grim fate that was not her own. It's the same for you and Eavelin. Isn't that right?» Anfer said in a slightly trembling voice.
Herega tried to stay serious.
«If it were up to me, I'd never have dragged Lial into an adventure as crazy as the one you're doing. No, I'm not saying it's wrong, but let's be realistic. What would you do if she were to die?» Anfer dared to ask in turn. Herega understood his outburst and wasn't offended by those terrible words.
«I would no longer find meaning in my life. But you're wrong about one thing. I don't love Eavelin as you loved Lial. She is part of me. If I were to lose her, it would be like losing myself. I don't want to protect her; I just want her to be with me. And I'm sure that's what she wants too.» He replied.
Anfer understood. In fact, he had tried to understand too much, while Herega had understood a lot about him. They remained silent until their arrival.

It was dark. Late evening. A long path, lined with illuminated houses, offered a clear view. The carriage stopped. About twenty other people were standing in front of the path. Herega and Anfer got off the carriage. «There's one thing I haven't told you. Before you're introduced to the society, you'll have to face a test. Only sorcerers can pass it, so there won't be any uninvited guests. Only four of you will be able to reach the sorcerer Who made this "event". In the meantime, I'll leave; I'm sure you can handle it.» Anfer said, getting back on the carriage. Once seated, he put a hand on the coachman's shoulder to stop him for a moment.
«Herega, I didn't mean to come off as insensitive with my words.» He said, seeming apologetic, not in tone, but in his choice of words.
«When humans Will be able to set aside emotions, using only reason, then we'll achieve a true utopia. However, human beings aren't made of reason alone, but of feeling itself. Humanity doesn't chase a utopia, but a balance of reason and emotion. What you said didn't bother me because, for a moment, I truly believed I was chasing a utopia.» He replied.
For the first time since their meeting, Anfer laughed, brushing off the dust once again.
«I'll pretend what you said made sense. Good luck. At the end of the week, I'll come back for you.» He replied.
In reality, he had understood what he meant, but leaving him with one of his usual serious and dull replies was not his intention. Leaving him with a fond memory would surely please him, he thought. Herega watched the carriage move away, smiling. Then he turned. The road toward truth was more open than ever!