Chapter 53.
A few minutes after this very peculiar encounter, the trio turned to the other human and asked :
- What was that 'thing' ? What's an 'Agamai' ?
- A thing ?, answered the man with wide-open eyes. It would be best if you were careful with your thoughtless words, such hate of other races will definitely become trouble for you.
- Sorry, sorry., said Nick in an apologetic tone. It is the first time for us to meet another race. We were surprised. Still, what is that race ?
- I see., said the man while calming down. He is a Genid, a relatively common race in this world. As for this one, in particular, he is one of the city's few Agamais. Those mages usually come from the Sunray School, choosing healing others as their trade in exchange for fair compensation.
As they walked, the man explained more about these two matters. Apparently, the Genidis were a race of green-mud looking people from a foreign world, usually avoided by most races because of their ugly faces and uncomfortable black gazes. Not only that, but they often conflicted with people through their odd behaviour : each individual was very driven, only interested in their personal life goals and never doing anything else even if it hurt others. The fact that this one, Sanarsus, was well-liked by the locals could be considered an impressive feat, as it was very uncommon. The reason for it was that his goal aligned with the people's interests. Indeed, he aimed at being a great healer in the magical society, and as such, he practised a lot, helped the wounded and asked a low price for his services. Money did not seem to matter to him, as he learned a lot through healing.
During the whole explanation, the three humans felt overwhelmed and confused, even with the reliable support of the Nexus. Other worlds and races, magical society, 'Agamais' and foreign cities ? None of it rang any kind of bell in their minds, making them feel like they just entered a dream. A weird, twisted dream from which they did not know if they wanted to wake up. Seeing the dazed expressions they all wore, the man tried to offer some comfort.
- I am called Cusmo. I guard the Trial's exit. That is one of the tasks that the city assigns to the militia, and it was my turn today.
- You were expecting us ?, curiously asked Rose, trying very hard not to panic under the weight of this news.
- I would not say we were waiting for you in particular, but since the portal activated about two months ago, it was only a matter of time before Otherworlders came out., he said matter-of-factly. Well, there was a chance of no one getting out, of course, I heard many dangers lurked in those tunnels, but the possibility was there. If the portal had stopped glowing, then there would have been no reason to wait, as it would have meant everyone is dead.
- What portal ?, asked Enora.
- To be honest, I am not that knowledgeable on these matters., answered the man apologetically. Mages are the ones that can tell you everything you wish to know. I was only ever told that, when the portals in some cities begin glowing, it means people from other worlds are travelling in a nearby dangerous area, and we must be ready to welcome them if they make it out alive.
With nodding heads the three took in those informations, then pointing out something :
- Are you not a mage ?
- Of course not !, exclaimed he. I am a mere mortal. My meagre Cultivation in wild magic would never give me the courage to call myself a mage.
Those words echoed with what they had read in the Grimoires in their possession : basic energy did not make a mage and, judging by Cusmo's reaction, it would be taken as an offence if he compared himself to one. There really was a sense of arrogance and elitism to the magic society. None of this bode well for the future for sure. Soon enough, the four of them got to the city gate where the guard stopped and addressed them.
- I still have work to do, as in waiting for more people to come out of the tunnel if any are still alive. There is an inn not too far from here that is both cheap and comfortable where you should rest while your bodies recover. It looks like you just came out of a tough fight. Also, I talked about the portal : it is not open yet. You will have to wait a few weeks to go back to your world.
On those words, he left.
(Nick) This is crazy. In what world have we just entered ?
(Enora) Well, no sense in trying to figure out that while we're still weak. I just wanna do as Cusmo said and go to sleep.
(Rose) Motion seconded.
Following the directions given by the guard, the trio swam through the crowd in a tight formation, very much afraid of people after such a long time alone, and entered a large and beautiful establishment. With carved light grey and polished walls, coloured glass on the windows and a quality roof made of clear stone slates, it stood out from the rest. In fact, it was the only roof they had seen yet made of slates of this kind, as the other buildings either sported wooden shingles or metal plates. This detail, plus the stained glass on the windows made it a unique place that stayed in mind even when not in sight.
Inside the inn, a dining room appeared in front of the three mage's eyes, around one hundred and fifty square meters, with many tables disseminated left and right. No logic seemed to have been involved in the placement, hinting that maybe the clients were free to move them as they wished. To the left, three large hearths at equal distances from each other blazed, five meters large and three deep, with tall flames and bright embers. To the right a very long counter behind which stood three bartenders ready to serve drinks, while a dozen or so waiters slalomed between the furniture to bring plates of piping hot food to the customers. Many candles on the tables and everywhere brought light to the whole room.
Enora Nick and Rose hurriedly walked to the farthest barmaid as she was just next to a flight of stairs that they assumed to lead to the awaited beds of their dreams. They were so focused on that idea that they only realised said barmaid was not human when they faced her. She looked humanoid, just like Sanarsus the Genid, but the common points stopped there. For a start, she had dark red skin covered in small, smooth scales, bright white eyes and looked almost as tall as Enora. Just above her forehead, demarcating the end of the face and the beginning of the hair, two small horns protruded. Talking about hair, it was long, black, silk-like, and tied in a high ponytail. Some parts of her face and arms, the visible skin really, had many small or wide scar tissue, as proofs of a tough life. All that said, she looked way more human than the Agamai they met earlier, and more beautiful too.
- Hello, we would like a room for three., Enora said without hesitation.
The barmaid did not answer, looking at them with enigmatic eyes, as if discovering something new and exciting, or maybe was she surprised ? It was hard to read her as if she purposefully made her expression complicated to describe. After a ten-second long silence, this being answered in a harsh, authoritative, and yet melodious tone :
- One room for three ? I can do that. It will be six gold for the week.
Without more thought, the three humans placed nuggets of gold on the counter, waiting to see if the barmaid would accept it as Sanarsus did. She only looked at it for a second before pocketing and forgetting it at the same time. She gave them a key and indications on which door to unlock, then watched them walk to the stairs. Just before they began climbing, the female said :
- A little advice, lads : lower the intensity of the link when you sleep. Let's talk when you're better.
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Chapter's Glossary
Agamai(s) : magic healer(s) of the Sunray School.
Cusmo : the human guard that helped Nick, Enora and Rose after the Trial.
Genid(i) : average height ; greenish-brown skin ; black lines forming shapes on body ; long arms, long fingers with many phalanxes ; square and angular face ; nose beginning at forehead and finishing very close to mouth ; lipless ; only canines ; big black globular eyes ; coarse, lazy and throaty voice.