Aldric's mind was heavy with thoughts of the southern coal mine incident, the unease gnawing at him as he walked alongside Mira through the palace courtyard.
Mira said, "There he is."
Aldric nodded, eyes narrowing. "Ok, I'll go meet him. You can stay here and watch around while I talk with him."
Mira stayed back, scanning the surroundings as Aldric approached the miner. The man was trembling, his clothes dusty and stained, the weight of fear etched into every line of his face.
Aldric called out in a firm voice, "Are you the survivor of the coal mine incident?"
Mira said, "There he is."
Aldric replied, Ok, I'll go meet him. You can stay here and see around while I talk with him.
Mira nodded.
Aldric approached the miner. Are you the survivor of the coal mine incident? he asked in a loud voice.
The miner instantly turned back and bowed. While bowing, he said, Yes, Archmagister. I'm Dorin from Oika Village, where the incident happened.
Aldric stepped closer, his eyes sharp. Raise your head and tell me what happened that day.
The miner's hands shook as he straightened, sweat gleaming on his brow. It… it was actually a lie, he stammered.
Aldric's gaze hardened. "What lie?"
The miner continued, As you know, the whole village thinks that the person or according to them, a living dead who killed the rest of the miners didn't have a face. But… IT DID!!
Aldric's voice was steady but filled with intensity. Do you remember his face?
The miner nodded, voice trembling. Yes… I do.
Aldric gestured towards the palace doors. "Come inside with me."
They walked through the grand hall, the sound of their footsteps echoing softly against the cold stone walls. Aldric then turned to Mira, his expression sharp. You can leave now, and make sure no one knows about this.
Aldric took the miner with him and stopped in front of the same wall where the Valca Kingdom flag was hung. He whispered, "Amana Vee."
The flag transformed into a door. The miner thought to himself, Be… really is one of the greatest magicians in the world right now.
They entered the secret chamber of Aldric. Aldric turned to the miner. "Sit down."
The miner blinked. "Sit down?"
"Yes," said Aldric.
The miner hesitated, thinking, There's no chair behind me… how am I going to sit? But as he started to lower himself, a chair appeared at his back. He sat.
Aldric said, "Give me your hand."
The miner repeated, uncertain, "My hand?"
Aldric stared at him. Yes, your hand. Don't worry, it's not like a girl is asking for your hand in marriage.
The miner extended his hand. Aldric took it and whispered, "Vein to Vein."
The miner went unconscious, and Aldric was once again inside the Dimension of Memories. But this time, it was not his own he was in the memories of the miner.
Aldric stood between a calm ocean, and in front of him stood a tall tree, its trunk pulsing like a heart.
He whispered a date, and a branch emerged in front of him. When he touched it, the branch absorbed him, taking him into a sub-dimension the full memory of Dorin's, every detail of that fateful day.
Dorin's wife knelt by the hearth, brushing flour from her hands. "Dorin, don't stay out too late today. The miners say the tunnels are unstable."
Dorin ruffled his eldest daughter's hair. "I'll be careful, Aila. Promise me you'll help your mother with household work while I'm gone.
Aila nodded earnestly. We will, Papa. Don't worry.
His younger daughter, little Lira, tugged at his sleeve. Papa, bring me something shiny from the mine! she said, eyes wide with excitement.
Dorin chuckled, picking her up. Something shiny, huh? I'll see what I can find, Lira. But you must stay close to Mama, alright?
Aldric followed him to the site of the incident and witnessed everything. But he paused, astonished. How in the world is this possible? That particular part of the memory was corrupted.
Yet, someone Aldric could see the face.
He muttered under his breath, "Wait… I think I know…"
His eyes widened. Wait… he is the Sixth Magister who was involved in the summoning in the Northern District. He was captured earlier but somehow escaped and went into the Southern District. But why are his eyes dark… similarly… like the King of Valca…
Aldric finally emerged from the Dimension of Memories, his steps deliberate as he guided Dorin back into the palace corridors. Dorin remained unconscious, his body limp in Aldric's careful grip.
Mira looked up from the Royal Healing Chamber, where she had been tending to another patient. Her eyes widened as she saw Aldric approaching.
"He's unconscious," Aldric said without preamble, his voice low but firm. "I now know what I needed. Once he regains consciousness, send him back to his village immediately."
Mira frowned. "But… what is it?"
Aldric shook his head. I can't tell you right now. But there might be a potential threat to the Northern Districts. I'll try to inform Zayden as soon as possible.
Nyra nudged Zayden slightly as they rode, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Finally… we've completed the mission," she said, relief evident in her voice.
Kael shook his head sharply from his horse beside them. Wait a second! We haven't completed anything yet. We still need to find the fifth Magister. This mission isn't over!
Zayden glanced at Kael, his expression tightening. He's right. Don't celebrate just yet.
Nyra let out a light huff, rolling her eyes. "Ugh… always so serious, you two."
Zayden, Nyra, Kael, and Cedric finally arrived at the Nor Palace. Rowan was already waiting, his expression sharp and impatient.
"What took you so long?" he barked. "I said to complete the investigation faster!"
Kael smirked and cut in smoothly, "Well, making sure the village was clear and that no summons remained is a bit better than standing around here doing nothing."
Rowan's frustration deepened, but he let it slide. He turned to Zayden. "Here are the four Magisters. Their hands and mouths have been sealed with spellbound chains, so they cannot use magic or speak spells."
Zayden nodded. Good. Let's head toward the Central District. Aldric must be waiting for us...