Black Haze

Depth in the Lies

Depth in the Lies

“You, ‘Black Magician’, seem to have no trouble using magic. As for you…” Professor Orphell’s eyes averted to me. “You seem very suspicious. I cannot believe what either of you say.”

            “Bullshit,” I suddenly heard. There was a crash from the ceiling and Shicmuon came down. He stepped down with his hands in his pockets, glaring at the Tower’s Magicians. “I hate the Tower. Everyone gathers like they’re the elderly, not caring of others but of themselves. And that’s why we never get far.” He turned to the Black Magician. “Don’t you agree?”

            The Black Magician could only send him a dumbfounded glare.

           

I watched as Rood, or, err, the Black Magician, tell his “story.” He told the truth but not all of the truth. He revealed that he was the red robed stranger, that he posed to be a student, that he left but returned. He simply didn’t say what mission he was on nor who he really was.

            “So that’s what you’re telling us,” Professor Orphell murmured.

            “That’s correct,” the Black Magician replied with a sparkle. Lord…

            Professor Orphell spoke more with the Black Magician, still in disbelief. He didn’t believe. Shicmuon spoke as well. I could only listen and watch. Even after they spoke, Professor Orphell was still in disbelief.

            “And what about you?” He turned to me.

            “Eh?” I swallowed hard. “What?”

            “What is your story. You cannot just come from nowhere, claiming to be attacked by one of those demons. I don’t believe the demon has even appeared.”

            I closed my eyes for a few brief seconds. I had to remain calm and believable. “Well, you see,” I said, clearing my throat, “I was attacked by a demon. However, I saw these odd strangers who seemed to be the ones who started the mess. The demon suddenly threw me, not eating me or anything. I don’t know, I don’t know.” I stared at the ground. Crap… That wasn’t believable enough.

            Oh no… I’d forgotten that I’d encountered Professor Orphell already… He knew I was from Discipline, that I was a magician. But he hadn’t said anything. Yet. And, he hadn’t seen my power… Yet. That was good so far. But, why did he ask?

            “…Right.” Professor Orphell turned to the Black Magician. “To be truthful,” he said, “I cannot believe you. Which is why I need to know your mission, your purpose for being here.”

            “…I’m sorry.” The Black Magician spoke, his words crisp as ice. “The details of my mission are classified. I must deal with them on my own. And, if you cannot believe me… I suppose there is no other choice.” Black magic swirled around his hand and wrist. His weapon – the black rod of darkness – was in his hands. The sharp tip of the weapon was pointed at Professor Orphell.

            Holy mother of cheese, Rood, what are you doing? But that was cool, no lie.

            Everyone was shocked.

            “W-what is the meaning of this?!”

            “Black Magician?!”

            He ignored them. “I will ask you in return,” he said, staring deeply at Professor Orphell. “Do you really think I am acquainted with the people who caused this? Even if I had other plans in mind… If I attacked every single one of you, right here, right now…” He tilted the rod. “Do you think that… you could stop me?”