The Sage Council.

A group of six people sat in circle, silently listening to a young lady explaining in their middle. None of them say anything even when the young one stopped her narration. Silent ensued for some time…

…

…

“What do you think, Master Illmar?”

A deep voice asked the one by his side.

“Massive Ether purification… while sleeping? Impossible. Even performing small-scale Ether purification need continuous focus… a tedious process.”

An old voice responded. It was an image of a rather old man, with long white beard, yet with a well-toned body and black cloth wrapping his neck. He was caressing his beard while deliberating.

“Impossible, until now.”

The deep voice said.

“It must be the Devil doing it while the boy sleeps, Master Kharnain.”

“Hmm… What do you think, Shisha?”

“I… do not believe so. It seemed he did it without conscious effort… as if it was as natural as breathing.”

“… I see. What of the presence?”

“Only a little came out when he was asleep, though it was high quality, I do not think it is capable of controlling the boy yet.”

“This would be your first time, as Sage, to meet a High Level Demon. Purifying Ether unconsciously? Preposterous.”

“Master Illmar, Shisha here is among the best in detection ability, unlikely for one of her calibre to make such blunder.”

The man with the deep voice asserted while turning to the young lady. His image was blurry. The situation seemed to be a meeting of six people sitting around on higher ground, while Shisha was standing in the middle of them, a little lower ground facing the blurry man. The images of the other five seemed to be much clearer than him. The atmosphere was hazy and ethereal – out of this world. The place seemed to suggest that it was not our normal dimension.

“I confirmed it several times, Master Kharnain. Though I would like for someone else to confirm it with me.”

Shisha nodded while closing her eyes for a short while.

“… Indeed. We will take that into consideration, since the only High-level demon you did encounter was during the Thiaren Rebellion, and that was before you become one of us. So in term of experience, you may yet be sufficient.”

“Yes, Master Kharnain.”

Shisha nodded, again eyes closed for a short time. She opened them and observed the reaction of the council. In front of her was Master Kharnain – the blurry one -- The Leader of the Sage Council. To the left of him, was the old man with the white beard -- Master Illmar. He seemed to be musing quite a lot. To his right, a rather handsome man of seemingly in his 40s, with simple brown robe and dark green cloth wrapped around his neck. He sat straight with his arm wrapped with each other. Eyes closed still --as if he was sleeping. His breathing was deep and quiet.

- Master Kei… the one with the best discerning eyes among the Sages… is he sleeping? It can’t be, right?

Shisha mused.

“Of the Ether… did you see with clear mind? Do describe it once more, young Shisha.”

“Yes, Master Kharnain. What I said, I really did see with clear consciousness. Sky full of flying Ether, gathering and being gathered as if they were streams of water… forming whirlpool of Ether. Wave after wave… that night I counted eight waves… sky-full of Ether being consumed and purified – from what I can see, to a much denser form of at least… a thousand times.”

“…The radius?”

“Around 10 KM radius… and counting. The whole phenomena seemed to be limitless… as if the Ether listened to its whim without any complain.”

“Impossible… a thousand times denser… 10 KM… even Freivenn cannot do that much…”

“There are bound to be existences we have yet acquainted ourselves with, Master Illmar. Is that not right, dear Shisha?”

A rather calm, motherly voice noted. To Shisha’s left-back side, a long black haired lady with elegant sleeveless dress commented. Shisha turned to her. White, soft glittering skin… she had a presence of serenity of which reminded Shisha of sparkling pearls.

“It is as you say, Master Asiya.”

“Shisha, what of his demonic power? Can you go into details?”

Beside Kei, a sturdy man senior in age, with bald front head, rather spiky hair complemented by his seemingly sharp black beard and sideburns. Shisha recalled the experience.

“Yes, Master. It was… stronger than a High Demon – I mean, from what I could tell… from merely the power which seeped out from the boy when he was asleep -- I’ve never met a High-level Demon aside from the one we meet in Thiaren, but from what Devils I knew from other Elders, I believe his presence is higher – more menacing than any that was described. I find it hard to believe what I was seeing.”

Shisha answered. The one who asked would be her Master, Kyosei – Heinz’s old comrade. Silence ensued before…

“Then it must be destroyed.”

Illmar broke the silence.

“We still need to confirm it…”

Asiya tilted her head.

“Who will do it? Tell other Sage to go there while giving it – the devil – a few months to prepare? Shisha had Tasha with her, they both should be strong enough.”

“Hold it, Master Illmar. Maria, you’re quiet as per usual… Your take on this?”

Master Kharnain asked the lady between Kyosei and Asiya. She was wearing an outfit fit for a priestess with white scarf covering her head – with her blonde hair slightly visible – and on her body, light blue garb. She had a calming beauty with soft white skin and a rather teenage-like face not yet in her 20s. Shisha turned to her.

- Maria… She looked just a little bit older than me… maybe 17 or so… though one must remember that we Sages can maintain our youth if we desire so. While Master Asiya looked mature and beautiful, Master Maria exhibits a youthful yet soothing feeling to others.

“Master Kei is quiet as well, Master Kharnain.”

Her soft, youthful voice vibrated in the surrounding.

“…He is deliberating. Your opinion, Maria.”

“Ah… We certainly need confirmation first. It’s good of Shisha to report it to us in vivid details – even when she is clearly reluctant--”

She eyed Shisha, who slightly jolted at her remarks.

“Thus I really support sending someone to help her confirm it. We can’t risk a mistake; moreover, it’s a boy. Five-years old, Shisha?”

“Yes, Master Maria. Five.”

“Any of you have the heart to kill a child with Life-Force Seal? It would seem cruel to do so, even when the one in question is possibly a devil reincarnate.”

She eyed Kei, who seemed still closing his eyes and in deep breathing.

“Plus, ordering our dear Shisha to do so would be bordering evil in itself, don’t you think so, Master Kharnain?”

“I would differ.”

Illmar interjected.

“Kei did what he believed was best, and we did give him our consent… Plus, our responsibility--”

“Aside from me, and Kyosei, who had yet joined. I know of our responsibility, Master Illmar.”

Maria interjected as well, ending her sentence with more weight. Asiya sighed weakly.

“Maria, don’t be like this in front of our young one…”

“I know -- My apologies. That’s why I… opted to stay silent.”

She eyed Kharnain before closing her eyes and nodded in respect. Kharnain nodded.

“It seemed we may have to discuss this among us first, Shisha. Thank you for reporting this to us in good details. If there’s nothing else, then you may dismiss.”

“Master Kharnain, if I may add…”

“Hm? Please do.”

“The one I currently reside with – Lord Heinz Valery… had told me… to trust him on this… issue. He asked the same to my Master.”

The whole council went on to an eerie silent… For the next few seconds, Shisha gulped. Kharnain looked around, before observing Shisha’s determined face.

“And do you trust him?”

“I do, Master Kharnain.”

“I see… What about you Kyosei?”

“He is my old comrade. We had gone through the worst of situations together and save each other multiple times. I trust him as much as I do myself.”

“Heinz… I remember you spoke of him before with overwhelming respect. How strong is he, Kyosei?”

“If I’m not mistaken… My equal. Know that we have yet to duel each other for over two decades.”

“Amazing. A trust not eroded by time and distance… Plus someone who rival your strength…”

Master Kharnain seemed to be deliberating.

“I understand. I will make sure the council takes that into consideration Shisha. Anything else?”

“Err… em… No. Nothing, Master Khar--”

“You’re restraining yourself. Please do tell us, Shisha. Anything we can take into account.”

“Well, I…”

Master Kharnain observed her. Soon, he turned to his right.

“If you’re so reluctant, then… Kei.”

With that word, the one called Kei opened his eyes, and immediately as he did, his eyes looked intently at Shisha, as if scanning her. Then as immediate as he opened them, he closed his eyes again.

“…She’s fine. She wanted the boy as apprentice.”

!!

“Apprentice!”

“Aren’t you too young to have one, dear Shisha?”

“It’s too risky. Young Sages these days… tsk, tsk…”

“Grown up quite fast, eh, my apprentice.”

Aaa…

Shisha had a shock of her lifetime.

- Eh? Eh? Wait! How did he know?!

Shisha was shocked. While it’s true that she did, she secretly desire so as part of her ploy to protect him. She was relieved that Kei did not add more – or will he?

“Is that true, Shisha?”

“Ah… Yes. Yes, it’s true, Master Kharnain.”

“Then… we’ll consider things with you in mind then…”

“Thank you, Master Kharnain. Thank you.”

She thanked him profusely. She was really glad the leader of the council was quite considerate.

“I expected the best from you Shisha, Master of Four Elements... dismiss.”

“Yes Sir!”

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Shisha already left the place, leaving the six contemplating themselves… before the leader spoke.

“…All of you have heard, and already have ample time to think this over. I asked each of you to give your thought on this, and think carefully before even suggesting, as this concerned the life of someone dear to the friend of Kyosei… and young Shisha. I shall hear all of your opinion and suggestions, before making the decision. The issue is, how to approach the matter regarding this boy… Averon.”

“We’ve always destroyed Devils before… even with the case of Kei discovering that young boy… why should the treatment be different?”

Old man Illmar made the statement. Kharnain did not answer, instead, he looked at the direction of Asiya. She nodded, knowing full well what the leader asked her to.

“Master Illmar… please reconsider. Kei have the ability to discern even the slightest tricks… while Shisha had yet to achieve such. The fact that she told us all of the information in details, while adoring the boy and his family… why do you think she did so?”

“Because that’s her duty. That’s it.”

“Because she wished for us to make the right decision, one that will consider all possible options – whether having precedent or unprecedented. She trusted us, and we must respect her decision.”

“Bah. Sentiment. Responsibility comes before feelings.”

Maria snapped at the words.

“Responsibility? Isn’t it our responsibility to make sure 100% what was possible, before we decided to take life away? Have your age make you senile, old man?”

“You…”

Illmar gave a serious gaze to the young lady, yet stopped as Kharnain raised his hand.

“Maria, Master Illmar had been fighting the Demons before you were even born. The effort of his generation made sure our dimension safe from the demon horde. Do not lose your respect.”

At his remark, Maria jolted, and seemed to calm herself down. She lowered her gaze and took a deep breath.

…

“Forgive me, Master Illmar. I’m terribly sensitive when it comes to killing… especially if the one in question is a child. I did not see what you have seen in your generation, nor do I have the wish to. I apologize.”

“Hrmmm… As long as you understand.”

“We’ve strayed off topic a little but… continue.”

Kharnain said so with weight.

“I suggest sending someone capable to confirm or at least look into the matter in better details.”

Asiya said, finger on her lower cheek.

“I fully agree.”

Maria quickly said so.

“As do I.”

This time, Kyosei did.

…

“That means a Sage better than Shisha, at least…”

Kharnain turned to Kyosei in front of him. Since he was her Master, the connection of their Life-Force Regalis would be the strongest – allowing him to sense her growth.

“An Adriat, at least. With sensing ability better than hers.”

“She’s already a Midriat? Isn’t she too young to be one?”

Illmar asked.

“Yes, I gave her the rank when she passed the test four years ago. She is young, yet her potential possibly exceed even my own, Master Illmar.”

Kyosei answered.

"I see... if it's you who evaluate, then there should be no problem."

“Amazing. She reminded me of a certain someone…”

Asiya eyed Maria, who seemed to ignore such statement. Kharnain raised his hand, of which all fell silent.

“Is there any nearby? All Masters, confirm the nearest possible Adriat Sages to the location – Cestia. Any available, report.”

With his command, all six of them sat in silent, trying to confirm every possible location the Sages under them were located in.

...

...

“I have some in our homeland and Alvinn… They’re busy training young ones, so I would prefer not to disturb them.”

Maria said.

“I have all twelve of them near or within Vrien’s vassal states. If I move any, it would open a serious gap in our barricade.”

Illmar said.

“I have them all in Continent of Erlin. We’re preparing for possible incursion from Vrien’s proxy.”

Kyosei said.

“I have all seven in the Union. We’re all busy right now so I’m afraid I can’t spare any.”

Asiya said.

…

…

“All three of mine are quite far apart right now… the nearest would be… well, far… Kei?”

Kharnain asked the one who kept on being silent by his side.

“Linz. All ten.”

!!

“What’s all ten doing on that island? ”

Maria asked.

“It’s about the opening in the sea, isn’t it… Kei?”

Asiya answered in his stead.

“Sealing… opening… troublesome.”

“Can you spare one to help our young one?”

“No… Seal… barely.”

Kei mentioned of the Sealing of the opening within the seas of Linz, the area between the continent of Arcad and the Serian Archipelago. The rare occurrences of opening between dimensions were considered extremely dangerous. With the opening, those with enough power and the right ability would be able to transverse through, entering the world of Ein Gard. Since the start of the Sages in Ein Gard, they had treated such opening as something akin to demon army’s incursion. So far, there were no news of any permanent victory from the five known dimensions, and thus they treated the existence of these openings as such… which proved to be true, around 200 years ago.

“It seemed my lack of contact with all of you produced such trouble. In addition of the fact that Kei is not the type to ask for help… Hmm, Asiya, being the nearest, can you spare one or two Adriats to help Kei?”

“Master Kharnain… like I said, the situation in Union is quite… hard to deal.”

She turned to the others… Her gaze stopped at Kyosei. He caught her gaze, before closing his eyes in deliberation.

“Hmm… I understand, I will send one of my five.”

Asiya sighed, glad.

“Thank you, Master Kyosei.”

...

Seeing Kyosei’s sacrifice, Maria seemed to take everything back into account.

“…Master Kharnain, I think I can spare one from our Capital – He’ll help Master Kei, so the one Master Kyosei will send may go to Crest – We’ll save time that way.”

“Wouldn’t it disturb the training? There’s only three there.”

She watched the seemingly sleeping Sage with some concern.

“Ah… well, if Master Kei fail, the consequence would be much more serious.”

“Who do you have in mind?”

“I’ll send Vortus. He’s quite handful – I mean, powerful. I’ll fill up the gap in the training of our apprentices.”

“I see. Your sacrifice is appreciated, Maria.”

“All to protect the legacy, Master Kharnain.”

He nodded in acknowledgement of her sacrifice. Having less high-level Sage – Adriats under her meant that she needed to prepare for more countermeasures, in case of any emergency -- even a dimensional rift called “Opening”, though they were really rare and slow to develop. Adriats were Sages that had reached such a high-level mastery in their art of nature manipulation, so much so that they can influence a dimensional rift and even close it.

The most senior among Sages, Illmar the Fire had twelve Adriats.

The most prominent eyes and earth user among Sages, Kei the Seer had ten.

The most cunning of Sages, Asiya the Tactician had seven.

The youngest and most popular among Sages, Maria the Light had six.

The best beast user among the Sages, Kyosei the Beast-Master had five.

The leader of the Sages, Master Kharnain, had three.

All of Adriats, counted to 43. However, that was not all. There were also Adriat Sages who went under the radar – of which they went missing and lost contact for reasons unconfirmed. Some of the council members do know some... but that’s a story for another time.

“If you’re sending one of the five, Kyosei… then I suggest sending Laksha, she’s quite capable and sharp. Just right for the mission.”

“I’ll consider that, Master Kharnain. Could you please specify the mission?”

“Alright. Kyosei, send one of your Adriats, find out whether the treat is real or not. If it is vague, continue to observe it. Send reports to the council after a week of observation or when something evident was observed. If any emergency occurred, then the Sage in question is to use his or her own judgement. Work separately from Shisha unless it is necessary. As for Shisha, let her take him as apprentice. If per chance he managed to form Life-Force Regalis – then the chance for the devil to surface would be close to nil.”

“I hear and I obey, Master Kharnain.”

“By the way, about your friend Heinz… could you ask Shisha to have a bout with him? I’m quite curious of his ability.”

“I… I shall tell her your wish, Master Kharnain.”

“…Then the matter with the boy named Averon will be under the jurisdiction of Kyosei. Any objection?”

…

There was no answer to such questions, of which even Illmar was merely making humming sounds…

“Then it’s settled. The Adriat Sage under Kyosei will examine and judge the situation – and report back to us within the nearest time. For the time being, we will let Shisha do as she wish.”

“I’m still worried, Master Kharnain…”

“I understand, Master Illmar, but please trust the young ones on this. If it gets out of hand, I shall personally deal with it.”

“That’s assuring. By the way… it’s been bothering me for quite a bit…”

“What is it? No need to hold back on my account.”

“How come your image is so blurry. I know you wish to prevent any detection, but for it to be so blurry that it even distorted the colours… why?”

“Was thinking the same thing, Master Kharnain.”

Asiya added.

“Hmm… it’s nothing special. I’m in Vrien right now so I had to take extra countermeasure. Those Hawks are quite pesky.”

…

…

Aaa…

The other Sages had their fill of surprise, with only Kei being indifferent. Maria tried to say something, but started off stuttered. Vrien Empire, being their adversary for such a long time, was considered to be the most dangerous ground a Sage could step on. Kyosei did so over twenty years ago with Heinz, and even with the two of them and even while being not a listed Sage, he was hunted fiercely by the Hawks Incantus – Supernatural Assassins trained by the Empire. It was a life and death adventure for the two.

“If -if you die, Master Kharnain…”

“Don’t worry Maria, my Life-Force is still full. I’ll just have to avoid encounters if I die once.”

“Seriously, Master Kharnain… you’re the 1# wanted person in Vrien… for you to be there…”

Asiya sighed weakly.

“Well, that’s life… Full of challenge…”

“What’re you doing there, by the way?”

Kyosei asked.

“Sightseeing…”

…

…

…

…

…

“Alright. It’s a joke. A bad one, I know, but at least don’t make such face…*sigh* …I’m there to deal with the original Seal the First Kharnain did.”

!!

“WHAT!!”

The whole four -- aside from Kei -- shouted in unison.

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