Chapter 17: The next step

The air buzzed with anticipation as the people of Neverport gathered near the town's fountain.

Word had spread quickly—magic, a new and mysterious development, was about to be revealed.

Becca stood at the center of the commotion, her expression calm but expectant, waiting for Axel to arrive.

Meanwhile, in the shadows of an alley between the general goods store and the tailor, Axel and Ivy prepared for something far more urgent.

Axel's glowing eyes flickered as he channeled angel magic, scanning the crowd for signs of the Lost Brotherhood.

The process required him to observe each person's internal magic tubes.

Most humans had empty magic ducts unless they wielded artificial enhancements, in which case their ducts appeared externally, like glowing veins.

Limb transfusions—parts taken from monsters—carried internal ducts, already infused with magic.

But Hax users were different. Their bodies brimmed with unstable magic, releasing a faint vapor that built up internally, forcing them to exhale it periodically.

His sharp gaze fell on a man with pink hair.

The man wore a black leather jacket, simple pants, and brown boots.

He kept his face hidden under a hood, but a sudden gust of wind pulled it back, revealing sharp, tense features.

Hax coursed through him, its telltale vapor faintly visible around his figure.

Axel turned to Ivy and handed her a bag of poisoned knives, "You think you can handle this?" he asked.

Ivy took the bag and clipped it to her waist, her body slowly turning invisible, "Of course, hon. Do your thing and deliver your speech." She gave him a coy smile and playfully slapped his behind before vanishing entirely.

---

At the fountain, Becca addressed the growing crowd, her voice commanding their attention, "May I have everyone's attention, please?" she called.

The murmurs quieted as the villagers turned to listen.

"I know many of you are worried about the potential war between Neverport and Sungalepore," Becca began. "But I want to assure you, there's no need for fear. King Kurtis and I have reached a mutual agreement to strengthen our relationship with the kingdom."

The crowd visibly relaxed at her words. Becca continued, "With that out of the way, I'd like to make an announcement. We are looking to expand our council. Anyone skilled in trade, agriculture, construction, or treasury management is invited to apply. Tomorrow afternoon, I'll hold interviews to select candidates with the expertise and leadership required. Are there any questions?"

A man in the crowd raised his hand, "Who actually prevented the invasion?" he asked bluntly.

Becca hesitated, "Well, I was able to—"

"DON'T LIE TO US!" the man shouted, cutting her off, "We know it was King Axel!"

Gasps rippled through the crowd as the man pushed forward, only to be stopped by guards, "When Axel returned, so did King Kurtis. Everyone saw the king's fear! Axel defeated four heavenly invaders like it was nothing. That royal coward realized he couldn't push us around anymore!"

The crowd erupted into divided whispers—some agreeing with the man, others dismissing his claims.

Becca looked out at the commotion, unsure how to respond, until a booming voice cut through the noise.

"SILENCE!" Axel commanded as he approached, carrying a box under his arm.

The crowd stilled as he stepped up to the fountain and addressed them, "Let me set the record straight," he said.

"I had no part in the negotiations between Becca and Kurtis. When I returned, I brought back two ships for trade—and, if necessary, for war. But Becca is the one who resolved this peacefully. She convinced the king to negotiate, putting the welfare of this village above all else."

Axel turned to Becca and knelt before her, surprising everyone, "I'm grateful to have a partner like you. You turned a potential war into an opportunity for alliance. You deserve all the praise. Please give this woman a round of applause."

The crowd erupted into cheers.

Becca's face flushed, a mix of embarrassment and pride.

She leaned down and whispered, "Thank you. Now, go do the thing."

Axel chuckled, standing to address the crowd again, "People of Neverport, I'm honored to present the next step in our village's development." He opened the box, revealing a collection of rings, "Allow me to introduce Druid magic."

The crowd leaned in, curiosity lighting their faces. Axel took one of the rings and dipped it into the fountain.

A faint glow emanated from the water as he charged the ring. Afterwards he equipped the ring on his left hand before point at the open space infront of the people.

Then, with a dramatic flourish, he conjured an apple tree from thin air, using a combination of water and plant magic.

Gasps and cheers filled the air as he ended his demonstration by transforming into a wolf, howling to the sky.

Returning to his human form, he smiled, "Artificial magic is simple to use. The rings provide the knowledge you need, but mastery takes practice. Start small—saplings, seeds—and work your way up. Any questions?"

A pink-haired man stepped forward, "How will magic be shared with the people?"

Axel's sharp eyes noticed Ivy's invisible presence behind the man.

He replied, "Currently, we have fifteen units. Becca will receive one, and the rest will go to the guards for protection. As new batches arrive, we'll distribute them to households. Children won't be permitted to use magic until they're of age of maturity, and unauthorized use of the fountain's magic is strictly forbidden."

The man raised another hand, "Will there be different varieties?"

Axel nodded, his curiosity growing, "Yes. Our goal is to make Neverport a haven of progress, a magical kingdom that thrives through alliances with other races. Have I answered your question?"

The man nodded, signaling the end of the announcement.

As the crowd dispersed, Axel leaned toward Becca and whispered, "That's our target. Pink hair. Take the rings home with the guards. I'll handle this."

Becca's eyes followed the man as he began to pick up speed. "Go quickly," she urged.

---

The pink-haired man walked briskly, feeling a growing sense of unease.

He glanced over his shoulder, only to find no one there.

Breaking into a jog, he left the village behind and entered the outskirts, where he stopped beneath a large tree.

Suddenly, a sharp blade grazed his cheek, drawing blood. Startled, he spun around, "Who's there?" he demanded.

Ivy materialized from the shadows, her clawed fingers resting against his neck as she hummed a haunting tune, "Oh, don't worry," she whispered. "I'll make this quick."