A Conversation

"So, do you want the recipe for the potion that strengthened your bones when you were a child?" Syndra looked at Damian as he entered with his companion.

For Syndra, giving this to Damian would mean passing on all her years of research for something that might sound incredible but could also be used in the worst possible way.

"I know what you're thinking, but you can trust Damian," said Frieren, who was not enthusiastic about talking, as she intervened in the conversation.

Her gaze was serious.

She trusted Damian more than anyone else alive.

It was evident in Frieren's eyes that she was on Damian's side, so they were not going to leave this place without getting what they were looking for.

That same look brought back many great memories for Syndra.

"You're right, but if that potion falls into the hands of demons, you can't even imagine the damage they would bring to humanity. You know perfectly well that demons surpass us in magical research; we are not on their level, and we should maintain clear advantages in our favor." Syndra was talking about the future of this war and the world.

Damian stood up and said, "Then let's make a binding vow. I promise that the potion will only be used for the future of humanity."

"A... Isn't that a bit exaggerated?"

"It's not, Frieren." Damian shook his head, and, extending his hands, a golden circle appeared on the floor.

"You haven't heard my request yet," said Syndra, also standing up.

"If it's not something pleasant to do, then I won't do it, but if it's a reasonable request, then I will." Damian wouldn't mind doing something that Syndra asked of him.

The sound of the magic rune extended and, shortly after, was compressed into Damian's hand, which he opened towards Syndra, showing her the deepest magic he had learned with his master Serie.

"That's an ancient spell..."

Frieren secretly learned one spell or another when Damian slept; she used to lie about wanting to sleep in the same room to read those books while Damian slept, which made her learn more mysterious magic than she could have ever learned.

Damian, who didn't know anything about this, or maybe just didn't pay attention, said, "If I break my promise, then I will die. This bond will only affect me, as I am the one receiving it. Of course, if you don't give me the magic potion after I have fulfilled your demands, then you will die."

"Fine, then accept all the people from this magic tower and take them to the city you govern. There aren't many wizards left; we've lost the best, and I don't have much time left." Syndra waved her hand, and the magic that changed her appearance disappeared, showing Damian her true face, that of an old woman.

Damian gritted his teeth. Was Syndra going to die too?

"Fine, I promise."

Syndra smiled and extended her hand to shake Damian's; at that moment, she waved her hand, handing Damian a scroll containing the perfected potion.

When they both completed the vow, Damian murmured, "I promise to take the people from this place to my city; I will save those who can be saved; and I swear they will not lack food."

Crack!

Golden chains enveloped Damian's hand, and, in a moment, the spell was completed. Both had made this vow, and now they just had to wait.

If ideologies change at an excessively fast pace, there can be resistance and rejection of the changes. Damian had to think about this before taking these people to a place they didn't know.

That was the challenge, but everything seemed to be going smoothly without any problems.

Frieren looked at Damian; he had changed, and she could see that.

"Why are you now starting to feel empathy for people you didn't care about before?"

Syndra smiled, sat down, and said, "I'm dying; maybe that's why. My master tried to kill the Demon King, but it seems he died a long time ago. I will make sure to prepare the wizards for their certain deaths; my students died, and now this wizard tower is in decline."

"At least before I die, I would like to see all my responsibilities in this tower completed. You have made me very happy; without you, I would have probably died in lament."

Damian looked at Syndra and shook his head. "I'll take care of it, I promise."

"I'm sure of it."