Chapter 20: Conflict

The conversation among the mages went dead quiet after Shaoke's angry accusation. Mage Kiya followed the group uneasily, not daring to look Shaoke's way even once, as if that would let him avoid the whole mess.

At that moment, Physician Ino, who had been messing around with the soldiers ahead, noticed the situation and told the soldiers he was going to go talk with the mages about something. Despite the soldiers' attempts to dissuade him, he stopped ahead, waiting for the mages to catch up, since doubling back would've been a pain.

After Shaoke's furious reprimand ended, Mage Yija stole a glance at Shaoke, then quickly moved beside Mage Kiya and whispered, "Mage Kiya... it's no big deal. Even if... Mage Xueye... doesn’t tell you for now, it doesn’t mean you can’t learn this technique! I tried practicing it before. I didn't succeed, but I still remember how. When we return to camp, I’ll tell you how to practice it." Then, Mage Yija went over how hard it was again: "I still haven’t mastered it to this day. Back then, I spent a whole year learning it! You should be prepared for that too."

"Really? I can hardly believe it, Mage Yija. I... I thought I’d never get to learn this technique. I'll never forget you helping me out!" Mage Kiya stared excitedly at his companion who had offered assistance, intending to shake his hand and promising to do his utmost to help him in the future.

Under Mage Kiya’s gaze, Mage Yija subtly shifted his posture. "No need for that, Mage Kiya. We should help each other. Who knows, one day you might help me just as I’ve helped you!" With that, he glanced meaningfully at Shaoke ahead and ended the conversation.

"Respected mages! Just a short distance ahead, we’ll be making camp. Finally, these poor legs of mine can get a break. I can’t wait to imagine what’s for lunch today. I’d love some roast suckling pig. Maybe I’ll go tell the soldiers about it later! May I join you for lunch? Doesn’t today’s victory deserve a celebration? We have plenty of beans today! They’re delicious." Physician Ino’s hopeful gaze wandered among the three mages, hoping they'd say yes.

Then, the physician noticed Mage Kiya’s attire and inquired, "Mage Kiya, your outfit looks so familiar! It’s just like Mage Xueye’s! Why would you imitate Mage Xueye’s unique, peculiar habit? Personally, I think a mage’s staff should always be held in hand for safety, just like a physician’s medicines are always kept on their person. That way, it’s easier for the soldiers to feel reassured. Hmm! I’m not saying anything bad about Mage Xueye. When Mage Xueye doesn’t use his staff, his spells are even more powerful!" Realizing his mistake, Physician Ino quickly corrected himself. He didn’t want the usually silent, mysterious mage, who was always wrapped in a large cloak, to hold any grudge against him. Although he knew the mage wouldn’t mind, he had noticed the tension earlier and couldn’t help but worry. However, he only relaxed after Shaoke gave a nod to say it was okay.

Hearing Physician Ino’s words, Mage Kiya uncomfortably touched the staff on his back and gently pulled it out. "Yes, I’m not used to this either. It just seemed novel earlier and I wanted to try it out, but it’s still so unfamiliar. You're right, Physician Ino."

Shaoke ignored Mage Kiya's little display. He was currently regretting having explained things in such detail. Why did he go on about the use of a staff so much? Wasn’t that just asking for trouble? He resolved to work harder upon returning, advance sooner, and leave this place. He couldn’t stand the two newly arrived mages anymore. At first, nothing seemed amiss, but as time passed, their undesirable habits had become apparent. How annoying.

Setting aside Shaoke’s regrets, let’s focus on Mage Kiya and the others. Mage Kiya pulled Physician Ino aside, allowing them to fall slightly behind Shaoke, and agreed to the physician’s suggestion for lunch. Mage Yija frowned, glanced at Mage Kiya and Shaoke, then also fell back a short distance, clearly expressing his dissatisfaction with Shaoke’s earlier behavior through his actions, as if protesting.

Shaoke didn’t care about their actions or the implied meanings. In his view, after he had so thoroughly pointed out their mistakes and indicated he wouldn’t pursue the matter further, they still acted this way—utterly lacking in magnanimity. Once this mission was over, he likely wouldn’t have any further dealings with them. Let them be!

The mages’ silence didn’t hinder the group’s progress. Amid the soldiers’ chatter, the scouts ahead quickly found a suitable spot for a temporary rest.

The captain soon made a decision to rest at the clearing ahead, as everyone was exhausted. The soldiers also needed to conserve their energy to handle any unexpected events. Led by the scouts, the group quickly reached the discovered location. The clearing wasn’t large, but the soldiers swiftly expanded it with their tools and, following the physician’s instructions, began preparing lunch for the mages.

After such a long journey and the brief battle, the mages were also worn out. Shaoke fared better, already accustomed to such activities, but the two newly arrived mages struggled, their pace slowing more and more. However, to maintain their dignity as mages, they didn’t utter a single complaint.

The soldiers quickly cleared a flat area of snow, laid down thick animal skins, and invited the mages to rest first. They also brought a small barrel of wine to ward off the cold.

After expressing his thanks, Shaoke casually chose a spot and sat down, ignoring the conversation between the two mages and the physician. Although the physician invited Shaoke to join the conversation several times, Shaoke merely gave brief responses before falling silent, continuously analyzing the gestures required for his spells in his consciousness space, hoping to deduce more and faster gesture combinations to indirectly enhance his strength, or silently reciting incantations to deepen his memory.

Lunch was quickly served by the soldiers. As suggested by the physician, the captain had taken the time to specially roast a suckling pig for the mages. Although Shaoke was somewhat displeased, he didn’t voice it. After the soldiers served the meal, Shaoke, following etiquette, shared a toast of specially made snow wine with them, then sliced a small piece of meat, placed it in a wheat bread roll, and concluded the lunch with some honey and wine.

Physician Ino realized the conflict among the mages was beyond his ability to resolve. After casually eating some bread, he excused himself for a walk and left.

During lunch, Mage Yija opened his mouth several times to ask Shaoke about the earlier incident but stopped himself, perhaps fearing it might upset Shaoke. After repeating this a few times, Mage Yija finally abandoned this impractical idea. After all, regardless of the reason, he had been supporting Mage Kiya behind the scenes earlier. It seemed Shaoke was somewhat dissatisfied with him as well.

When the group set off again, the lingering mist had completely dissipated. Sunlight filtered through the uneven tree trunks, shining on the snow and creating a glaring brightness that wasn’t particularly comfortable. However, compared to the fog-filled forest of the morning, it lifted everyone’s spirits considerably. At least they wouldn’t trip over tree roots while walking or fail to notice they’d gone the wrong way.

The soldiers marched in a loose formation, chatting as they walked. Occasionally, they would whisper about the mages’ silence but quickly change the topic to discuss which startled bird looked more beautiful. They didn’t particularly care about the affairs of the noble mages. In their view, as lowly soldiers, they had no right to meddle in the matters of such esteemed individuals. Perhaps only the bold, rule-ignoring physician would dare approach the mages to understand the situation—even the captain wouldn’t and couldn’t do such a thing.

"Mage Xueye, may I speak with you for a moment?" After exchanging a few words with Mage Kiya, Mage Yija caught up to Shaoke and softly asked for his opinion.

"Speak your mind, Mage Yija." Shaoke looked at the young man with his full head of golden hair and agreed to his request under the other’s evasive gaze.

"Mage Xueye, I don’t think Mage Kiya is that kind of person. He’s just too fixated on that spellcasting technique. As you know, we low-level mages rarely have the chance to learn techniques related to incantations, gestures, or meditation methods. Having a method that can indirectly enhance our strength, he got overly excited and made what seemed like an unreasonable request without thinking it through carefully." As Mage Yija spoke, he secretly observed Shaoke, eventually trailing off under Shaoke’s gaze.

"Mage Yija, I believe Mage Kiya could have come to say this himself; there was no need for you to speak on his behalf. Moreover, his request wasn’t just seemingly unreasonable—it was utterly unreasonable. Look, which mage’s techniques aren’t obtained from their teacher, through adventures, in ancient ruins, or by sheer luck? Every spellcasting technique is like a second life to a mage. Faced with a threat, they would rather forget the technique than let others obtain a method to enhance their strength from them. I think you understand what I mean, Mage Yija." Shaoke turned his head to glance at Mage Kiya, who was listening to their conversation, thus expressing his dissatisfaction.

"No mage would casually reveal their spellcasting techniques to others, even if such techniques are recorded in books. Mage Yija, do you also want me to tell you how I mastered this technique?" Shaoke retorted.

"No, Mage Xueye, I... I’ve never had such a thought. I swear on my honor, I’ve never had such a thought." Mage Yija’s face flushed red with indignation at the insult to his character. He raised his staff, ready to swear an oath to prove his innocence.