The preparations were surprisingly quick, thanks to Aunt Libel handling everything.
Unfortunately, she won't be joining the mission. With me gone, it's her job as my advisor to keep the guild running in my absence.
Dragging my feet, I reach the platform, waiting for the train with my team.
Since this is an outdoor mission, we've gone with civilian clothes.
Aunt Libel suggested Mira cast an illusion spell to make us blend in with non-mages, but I shot that down, arguing it'd drain Mira and be pointless since the spell only works on non-mages. Our mission is to track a mage incognito, so civilian disguises made more sense.
My off-the-cuff argument convinced Aunt Libel.
I'm wearing a loose T-shirt with my favorite comic book character and simple jeans with plenty of pockets. Pockets are key. The more, the better.
Griffin, on the other hand, went full responsible adult with a suit. Hope he remembers we're headed to a village, not a job interview.
Piper's outfit is more fitting: a pink hoodie T-shirt, leggings, and a mini-shorts combo. Just two pockets, though…
As for Mira, well… how do I put this? She's really leaning into the role. She's got a neutral-toned blouse tucked neatly into a modest-length skirt. Her belt's perfectly cinched at the waist. Her black flats are polished to a shine, and she's wearing opaque tights. A necklace, sunglasses, and earrings complete the look… seriously.
If I ever find out she's a psychopath, I won't be shocked.
Adjusting my travel bag's straps, I glance disinterestedly at the train pulling in, then turn to Piper.
"You sure you don't have a teleportation spell in your arsenal?"
Just thinking about the long trip ahead makes me tired.
At my sudden question, Piper scratches her head, looking sheepish. "Sorry, Magister, spatial magic isn't really my thing."
When the train finally arrives, we board, and I distract myself by flipping through a comic book, which lulls me to sleep, rocked by the steady rhythm of the rails.
When I wake up, we're almost at our stop.
Piper, the chattiest of the team, just informed me that after the train ride, the rest of the way to Javal village is on foot.
Seriously? You're telling me with all the tech advancements in our country, there are still such isolated rural spots?
When you think about it, it makes sense that a criminal would pick this as a hideout. Looks like I'll have to move more than I planned.
The train drops us at Javal's station. The village itself? What? Two kilometers away?!
Leaving the station behind, we start our trek to the very isolated Javal village. My rubber-soled shoes hit the ground in a monotonous rhythm as my companions follow quietly.
The surrounding landscape is both picturesque and eerie, with dense trees lining our path.
Feeling the need to break the oppressive silence, I turn to Piper and say casually, "So, Warden Piper, your favorite element to wield is fire, right?"
She gives a slight smile, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "Yeah, fire's got its charm, but I'm drawn to nature as a whole…"
A subtle enthusiasm creeps into her voice, and I try to keep the conversation going.
"That's an interesting way to look at it."
"Speaking of which, Magister. I don't mean to pry, but what's your type of magic?"
At her question, I notice the other two perk up, pretending not to care. I raise a brow, a sly smile playing on my lips.
"My magic, huh… Elder Libel didn't tell you anything about it?"
Piper shakes her head. "Elder Libel keeps saying your magic's fearsome, but whenever we ask for details, she clams up. That's why I'm curious."
I see. So Aunt Libel only half-kept her promise. No big deal, though.
I turn to the other two with a mischievous grin. "You guys wanna know too?"
I can see Mira struggling to stay composed while Griffin avoids my gaze. Their little grimaces are pretty amusing.
"Well, I'm not sure if my magic's really 'fearsome' or not," I start. Then I turn back to Piper. "But I'm an elemental mage like you. As for my go-to element…"
I casually extend my arm, close my palm for a moment, then open it. At the same time, a stem sprouts from my palm, growing into a pretty rose.
"It's what you see," I say.
As the rose blooms in full splendor, a surprised smile lights up Piper's face. Her eyes widen, and she exclaims, "Plant magic! That's amazing, Magister."
I shrug nonchalantly. "Well, it is what it is. Not as flashy as fire, but it's got its perks." I'm about to close my hand to wilt the rose, but Piper stops me.
"Wait, Magister." She gently takes the rose from my hand, gazing at it with awe. "Plant magic is a composite elemental type. It's a blend of three of the four natural elements: water, earth, and air. It's not just about mixing them—the balance is crucial. Because of how complex it is, it's ranked as the rarest and hardest magic to master. You're incredible, Magister!"
Piper stares at the rose in wonder, piling on endless praise. Mira and Griffin exchange surprised glances. Even though I keep up my carefree front, there's a certain satisfaction in their reactions.
"Since you've mastered this magic, it means you've got an affinity for three natural elements," Piper says, smiling. "A triple elemental affinity is pretty rare. No wonder Elder Libel's so hyped about you. You're definitely worthy of being Magister."
I shrug with a detached air. It feels a bit weird. Truth is, that's not exactly why Aunt Libel calls my magic fearsome. But I decide to stop the show here since it's enough to make them happy.
Mira steps forward slightly, showing genuine interest for the first time. "It's fascinating magic. If I'm not mistaken, plants have countless uses, from healing to defense, even infiltration. Not to mention the offensive side."
"Exactly," Piper agrees. "It's a magic with super versatile spells. To think our Magister wields it—it's awesome!"
I scratch my head, a bit uneasy under the praise.
Then Griffin cuts in, changing the subject by pointing at the path ahead. "Maybe we should focus on the mission. The criminal we're after isn't gonna wait."
What a buzzkill. He's right, but mind your business.
With that, we resume our march to Javal village.
Piper, though, isn't ready to drop the conversation. I can tell she's about to ask another question about my magic. I sigh inwardly.
While it's nice to be a topic of interest, it gets tiring after a while. That's partly why I asked Aunt Libel not to spill about my magic. How can I live as a slacker with a fan club?
"Magister," she says softly. "Can you tell me how you learned plant magic? Is it a natural gift or the result of intense training?"
I glance at her sideways. She seems genuinely curious, maybe even a bit admiring. I wonder what she thinks of me. Does she already see me as a mentor or something? I pause, trying not to reveal anything that'd jeopardize my hermit life or embarrass Aunt Libel.
I answer in a neutral tone. "Bit of both. I've always had a knack for plants, but I had to work hard (bullshit!) to master this magic. It's not easy controlling three elements at once (quit spouting nonsense!). You need a solid grasp of nature, biology, and chemistry. Plus a lot of patience and creativity."
Piper nods, intrigued. Am I that convincing?
"I see. That's really impressive. What are your favorite spells to use?"
I think for a moment. There's a ton, but I skip most of them. Too risky, too much hassle, or they drain too much energy.
Why have so many if I neglect most? When you're a true slacker like me, you do things for the thrill of the moment.
I love the joy of creating spells, but that's it. Aunt Libel always struggles to get me to stop, but what does she know about a slacker's pleasures?
Anyway, little Piper's waiting for an answer.
"I'd say I like spells that let me control plants at will," I say finally, spouting the first nonsense that pops into my head. "Like, I can grow vines, thorns, or flowers depending on what I need. I can also make natural barriers or even talk to animals."
"Talk to animals?" Mira cuts in, intrigued by my last remark.
Crap. I said too much.