Chapter 30: I Mean No Harm

Thankfully, Calian reached Teinansha Street before sunrise. However, he was certainly not in his best state. He had walked into the street practically lying down on Ravens back.

A few peoplethey must have either woken up early or not slept at allwere walking on the street in their mages robes. Those who saw the suspicious person who was shriveled up on the back of a black horse flinched and backed away. Every time this happened, Ravens hooves clacked on the pavement with a subtle sense of pride. He must have been reminded of attracting everybodys attention during the march.

Calian, who was still lying down on Ravens back, mumbled in defeat. This isnt the good kind of attention. Stop being so proud of it. Its actually embarrassing me.

After finishing everything that he needed to do, all the exhaustion and pain hit Calian at once. He had gathered what little mana he had to use his aura. Even though he took his medicine, he was at his limit. He was left with no other choice but to use Ravens back as a bed. It was a good thing that Raven was so smart. If he hadnt returned to the Royal Road by himself, they wouldnt have made it back on time.

Not long after, they arrived at the Mages Union headquarters that Alan had mentioned. When Calian stumbled into the building, the mages joyously greeted him. Euria, the leader of the Mages Union, came down herself and showed Calian into a room on the fourth floor.

It was a small study that could also be used to welcome guests. All kinds of books about magic filled the bookshelves that lined the walls. A knife ornament on the desk caught Calians eyes. It was oddly similar to the one that Calian had.

Alan was sitting on the couch. He was waiting for Calian without sleeping. Calian was so glad to see Alan after his long night and had to swallow his tears of gratefulness.

Teacher.

Alan gaped as he stared at Calians worn-out appearance. Did you get into a fight? Where in the world did you lose all your clothes?

Calian laughed. I didnt get into a fight. About my clothes its a long story.

He had only put up a front to threaten the men at the gambling grounds, and technically didnt get into a fight. Alan scrunched up his nose, presumably from the foul smell of the gambling grounds that had oozed into Calians clothes. He snapped his finger. A fresh gust of air surrounded Calian and he instantly felt refreshed. Calian was overjoyed to know that it was cleaning magic.

Thank you, said Calian as he plopped onto the couch across Alan.

Alan closed the book that he was holding. Did you finish everything that you needed to do?

Yes, for now. I think Id have to come back out again in about a month.

Alan nodded. He would be willing to bring Calian outside next month as well.

Alan let go of his book in the air. To Calians surprise, the book fluttered away like a bird and nested itself into the bookshelf.

Alan saw Calian marveling at the book and explained, A spell has been cast on the building. It allows you to move objects where you wish. Mages are very inactive creatures, you see.

Thats quite something.

Yes, even though it was probably more trouble to cast a spell on the whole building. Thats just what mages do, so dont worry about it.

Calian laughed. He glanced at the object that had caught his eye earlier.

But that knife isnt something that mages dont really use. commented Calian.

Alan followed Calians gaze and stared at the knife for a little too long.

Youre right. Theres a knife, he said in a strangely unsettling voice.

Alan smiled bitterly. Calian turned towards Alan, slightly confused.

Although the object was sitting there like it was nothing, Euria held this treasure more valuable than her life. It was none other than Sispanians own creation. It was a magic device that warned of someones hidden weapon in the form of a desk ornament.

In other words, the fact that there was a knife ornament on the desk signified that Calian currently had a knife hidden away.

Its something that shouldnt be there. Alans eyes sunk. When people age, many things are supposed to change but it seems that curiosity still thrives in me.

Calians face filled with confusion once again. Instead of explaining any further, Alan prepared his mana.

As I have just told you, the objects in this room can move according to my will. All I need is to know how to connect my will to them, so theres nothing difficult about it, Alan continued.

Calian still couldnt understand why Alan was saying all this. He was about to suggest that Alan slept a little, but could not get the words out.

I wish peoples minds worked the same wayeasily moved and understood.

Calian couldnt get the words out because he saw the knife ornament slowly being lifted of the desk.

But that is the one thing that can never be done.

The blade, which was sharper than needed be for an ornament, slowly turned towards Calian.

Calian narrowed his eyes. Teacher

If this is my only way of opening your mind, so be it.

Calian thought it was a joke. However, Alan didnt stop.

fwoosh!

The knife flew into Calians neck. Calians hand moved instinctively.

clang!

The deafening sound of two blades striking each other rang throughout the study.

Complete silence settled in.

Alan stared.

He stared at the knife that was in Calians hand, the knife that was deflected into the wall

And at Calians eyes that were as sharp as the knifes blade.

Calian stared at Alan without a word, and Alan gazed back in silence.

It was Alan who broke the silence first.

Please explain.