“There is more to it than that.”
“So tell me.”
“It’s nothing someone like you could ever understand, unless you’ve experienced it for yourself....”
“Then why grill me for it? If it’s nothing I can’t understand then quit being an ass and bringing it up.”
He narrowed his eyes on me. “I tire, Silas. I tire of seeing people abuse power. This is the outcome, not only the end of the world, but the suffering that’s been inflicted on our natives. This delusion that they are better than everyone else is sickening. It’s beyond sickening, it is destructive, and the fact that they cannot see that is downright terrifying.” He lowered his head, his eyes softening with concern. “Let’s say the dragons do win, what about the rest of us? What about the fae, the goblins, the orcs, and the little humans that are left? We will become tools for pleasure, for work, for trade. Whatever our new roles in this world, there is one thing that will remain absolute— we will be slaves to the dragons. With our freedom taken away, we’d be mere tools in a land we once called home.”
I listened to his words with bated breath, feeling the weight of his worries settle like a stone in my chest.
“And let’s say the fae win, the same outcome will follow. I worry little for the orcs or the goblins, but there is something special about the humans—they are naturally non-aggressive creatures.”
I scoffed. “Maybe in this world.”
“Since the beginning of their existence, they have been oppressed. They were such passive creatures, but they continued to be pushed and bullied and stepped on and used and slaughtered until our goddess felt so sorry for them that she gave them a way to fight back. You see, they lived within the confines of their territory, building and advancing, and the other races didn’t like that. But then cyberware began to flourish, and the other nations took notice. They thought ‘splendid! Another means of asserting our dominance! We will overpower them and steal their weaponry!’ Would you believe even then the humans refused to fight? It wasn’t until they started overclocking them did they stop turning the other cheek, and they did it in such a convincing fashion. Word spread that the humans were vengeful! They refused to learn their place and struck back out of jealousy! You hear so many things from those over-privileged, but between you and me, I feel that humans are the perfect race.”
“The perfect race? How do you figure that?”
He smirked. “Why do you think that the dungeon core stopped creating at that point? The dragons were selfish power-hungry monsters, the fae were criminals who got off from robbing each other and condemning themselves via magic, orcs were cannibalistic barbarians, and goblins were greedy vermin who would sell a soul for a quick profit. They each had their flaws, some worse than others. However humans were content. They were able to enjoy life and didn't need to be involved with all the other races, and weren't interested in the schematics of invading lands and branching resources. They had a joy for living. Until the others corrupted them. But I believe in every human heart there is this yearning to revert to a traditional way of life.”
“So that’s the real reason you hate fae? Because of their inability to stay in their own lane?”
“It’s part of it, but now I hope you can understand why I am for mankind. I want Senterra to win, Silas. We are on the same team.”
“You know, the old me would have been all for it. But after my time in the spirit world, and after talking to Alzera-Kar, I grew up. I realized that a bully isn’t just a bully. A bully has history, good and bad. A bully has flaws and insecurities like the rest of us. A bully is imperfect, just like you and me. I’m not saying those are grounds to let them do whatever the hell they want, because if there’s one thing bullies are good at is making a bad situation worse. They like to take their frustrations out on others, demoralize and destroy. They love feeling in control to compensate for all the pieces they are missing in their life. Wealth, power, dominion, luxury, pride, greed—it doesn’t matter what for. My thing is that if we don’t unite, then we are doomed to fail again, repeating this vicious cycle of war through segregation. And union is possible. I made friends with some orcs, and even consoled a fae of the royal court.”
“It sounds like you are making excuses for them.”
“I’m not. All I am saying is that even bullies deserve a second chance. We need to learn how to coexist with each other and help Thalian out. And if by then they don’t cooperate, especially in a matter of life and death, then screw them.”
“I don’t think you understand how incredibly dense some Thalians can be.” He grinned. “But I guess you’ll get to see for yourself very soon.”
“I had never really thought about the politics of this world beyond the borders of PP. I never had to. But seeing how passionate you are about this, it’s something I have to consider taking seriously.”
“You are barely grazing the surface.”
“I figured as much.”
“And if you are to unite the nations, you must first know how they operate.”
We sat in silence for a few moments before I spoke again. “Then why don’t you teach me?”
Rufian looked at me stumped.
“I back what you say 100%. I can’t unite a world that I don’t understand. I don’t know what’s important to dragons, and I have no clue what fae hold near and dear. Their values and their ambitions, culture and systems… from their ranks to their classes and everything in between.”
He chuckled. “Well, we just don’t have that kind of time. But I can answer any questions you may have.”
“Hatti, that sweet baker girl from Serin, she’d said something about being chosen. I mean, her fae powers being selective. What does that mean?”
“Oh, you are referring to the master mana elixir.”
“Okay, what is it?”
“It is where fae are appointed to their powers. The elixir comes from underground streams or passageways that connect every sub-country in Mavriel. Some call the housing of our master elixir temples.”
“You mean they are really not born with it?”
“Absolutely not. When a fae is born, they are brought to the elixir pool and dipped inside.”
Like a baptism?
“When the infant is brought out, their eyes would light up in various colors to signify the trait they have been blessed with. Icy blue for ice, red for fire, yellow for lightning, and so on and so forth. The selections are mostly elements, but in rare occasions, they may branch out to other properties.”
“Like that swiping one Tienus has.”
“Correct. Now as an infant, the power isn’t well developed. Here and there they may fire an ice ball or sprout a tree root or something, but as they age and level up, their skillset matures, the same way your gears do. The more they practice and use the skill, the stronger that skill becomes. For fae, they have options for their skills. From their base skill to their master skill. The higher the level, the more powerful the option.”
“So from what you’re saying, fae are only given one super power?”
“And only one.”
“Then explain your situation?”
He chuckled. “Most people know the real me as a weaver of ice only. Like I said, elemental magic isn’t something that can be taught. It is something that is given.”
“Then how the hell are you wielding two?”