Two Months Later

*Glow*

“Huh?” I look down. “What’s this?” There’s a bright blue sheen coming from the Stone of Calling hanging around my neck. I reach down to touch it. The moment my fingers brush against the smooth facets of the gemstone, it erupts into light. Swirling purple magic particles flare to life and gather above my head. They spin about, forming a glittering tornado, until they coalesce into-

“Good day, Myrr!”

This voice…holy hell!

“Glacia?!” I blurt out towards the phantom projection in front of me. “How are you here? What is this?”

“Shh…” Glacia puts a finger to her translucent lips. I can kind of see through her a bit. She looks just as I remember her, although it’s been so many years. Her spiky white hair waves eerily, and she floats in the air in front of me. Wearing a set of worn blue robes, my teacher has dark circles under her eyes, but she smiles brightly. “Myrr, this is just a projection, I can’t hear you-”

Oh…is this like a magical video message?

“-The Stone of Calling I gave you has a special feature. It’s called Image Transmission. When I got your letter last month, I figured you’d want to hear back from me immediately, so I bought a power crystal, but…” Glacia’s phantom figure purses her lips. She sighs, “They’re kind of rare, and I didn’t get a good deal, so I can’t talk long.”

Hehe, same old Teacher. She’s still worrying about money, huh?

I don’t dare sit down for fear of interrupting the Image Transmission, so I keep standing and watch Glacia talk. All the while, I examine her carefully, trying to gauge how she’s doing. Some of the room behind her is being projected as well. I can see it’s furnished with all sorts of books, a small wardrobe, and a few other things. She leans into the screen, and I notice that her hair’s tied up in an elaborate braid. I don’t remember Glacia ever doing her hair like that before. And is that a new hat?

“I better hurry up. This crystal won’t last long.” Glacia’s face tightens. She looks down at something out of sight. And then back. “So, you wanted to know if there was a way to infiltrate Geisha’s army right? Well, I don’t recommend such a dangerous venture, but if it’s to find Mark and Romy, then I understand. Listen, there are two ways for a mage to join-”

Here we go.

“-One, become a Royal Mage of Geisha. Go to an army recruitment center and take the Ancient Magic test. With your aptitude, it shouldn’t be a problem. They’ll definitely let you in. But there’s a problem. Mages of this level are rare. It takes hundreds of Royal Mages working in unison to cast Ancient Magic. So they won’t risk sending one out of the capitol unless total war breaks out. You want to go to the frontlines, right? Then you might have to try something else.”

I’d like to learn Ancient Magic. But from what Volushka said, the Wailing Witch only appears on the frontlines when Geisha is about to lose. If Royal Mages don’t leave the capitol, then it won’t work.

“-Okay, before I tell you the second way…please, I know I can’t stop someone as stubborn as you, but…just be careful okay?” Glacia pauses, looking down again. “Shoot, I’m running out of time! Listen, the second way is for you to take the aptitude test, but instead of joining the Royal Battalion, apply to become a Battlemage. This is what mages with a lot of practical experience, but not much magical talent, usually do. A lot of ex-adventurers end up becoming Battlemages. Keep in mind, you will be sent to the frontlines. And the war with Lissel is going poorly. It will be incredibly dangerous. You could easily die at any moment-”

Sorry, Glacia. I’m touched, hearing her repeated warnings. I’ll be careful. But I have to find them.

“-One more thing, Myrr! I’m not sure where you’ll be so I better tell you this before the crystal expires-”

*Bzzzz*

The Image Transmission makes a staticky noise, and Glacia’s face flickers-

“-N-No! Wait, Myrr listen to me, can you hear me?! I found-”

*Phwit*

She winks out of existence and I’m alone in the shop lobby again. Touching the Stone of Calling on my chest, I find it warm. Though I wait for several minutes, Glacia does not reappear. I feel kind of bad she didn’t get to tell me what she wanted to say. Unfortunately, now that I know how to join the army, I’m going to be on the road a lot. Even if she sends me a letter, I probably won’t receive it for a long time. Maybe she’ll send me another Image Transmission? But based on her expression it looked really expensive. Well…there’s nothing I can do about it for now.

“Natalia.” I bend down and pour myself another glass of wine. “Were you listening?”

*Flicker*

“Yes.” My sister appears in the lobby like a ghost. She nods quietly. I wish Natalia would talk more, but after the things she’s been through, I suppose it’s enough that she’s alive and with me. I miss Meera. Draining the fresh glass I poured, I bend down and lace up my boots. There’s a lot to do. Goodbyes to be said. And arrangements to be made. But my course is set. Or rather, our course is set. I look up at her and smile. Finally, it’s time. She bares her teeth as I announce,

“Get ready to travel. We’re bringing our family home.”

Mark…Romy…I’ll see you soon!