Irrefutable evidence

ㅤ Tension was in the air. Even Lundgrom, standing to the side, sensed it. Reisen was adamant. Dhaos, too, was not backing down: too much depended on negotiations. Using brute force was a last resort, one he had never resorted to and was not seeking now. However, he had already paid for his principles once… To correct his own mistake, non-interference, and to regenerate the entire planet, he was ready to do anything. Like a cornered animal. He didn't want to. But desires no longer mattered. Only the goal. "The king of Midgards will never make concessions to some insolent foreigner," Reisen said with pressure and contempt. No argument could persuade him to moderate his obsession with researching pernicious magitechnology. Evidence was irrelevant. "Your decision will have catastrophic consequences," Dhaos warned, in a single sentence, both outlining the disastrous outcome of Reisen's research and his own intentions in the event of his refusal. Whether he intervened or not, whether he lost the battle or won, disaster was inevitable. "My research is impeccable, and Midgards' military might is unmatched. You have no business here. Disappear and never dare reappear with your heresy." Dhaos had so much he wanted to say, but he kept it to himself, knowing that his interlocutor, no matter how eager he was and how important the question, would not listen. The bitter truth forced him to turn silently and leave: once again, he had failed to achieve peace through diplomacy. Doubts still tormented his heart and mind, but he already foresaw the inevitable—war. For the first time, he was about to violate his principles. His hands trembled, but Dhaos courageously clenched his fists, turning his heart to stone with sheer force of will. "Please wait!" a polite male voice called out. The half-elf, who had unwittingly witnessed the aborted conversation, caught up with him, giving him hope. "May I learn more about the impending disaster?" Lundgrom seemed reasonable and thoughtful, genuinely interested. And not only because Dhaos' decisiveness inspired confidence, but also because Reisen's evasive reply: "I can't share all the details of our projects—you should understand, they're state secrets—but I assure you they're all extremely safe. You have nothing to worry about. We're working for the future of all humanity, after all!" But Reisen was too absorbed in his research to sense the shift in mana Lundgrom was experiencing. Moreover, Reisen wasn't just a scientist, but a military scientist obsessed with his ideas, and he had the glib tongue to convince the king himself of the righteousness of his actions. And if the project were military-related, the king of Midgards would have gladly supported it, despite the risks. In fact, Lundgrom had arrived in the allied kingdom, sensing a problem, backed by suspicious rumors, and formally requested permission from the king of Alvanista. But… he left empty-handed. Reisen had only outlined how magitechnology worked and allowed the king to examine only a few projects. All of them harmless and even useful. Reisen also failed to grant an audience with the king, finding a thousand reasons why the opportunity for a meeting was absent. Lundgrom inspired trust, so Dhaos told him everything openly: about himself, his world, the tragedy that had befallen it, and the purpose of his arrival on Aselia. And despite the incredible story, Lundgrom didn't detect a hint of falsehood in his words. "The same research that destroyed my world is being conducted in Midgards. My goals may be selfish, but they bring no harm to this world, only good." Lundgrom considered this seriously: they were both barred from entering Midgards' throne room, and no one here would listen to a stranger. Especially those involved in the research. All that remained was to try a workaround. "Please, come with me. Perhaps, with the support of king of Alvanista, you will be able to secure an audience with king of Midgards." After repeated cold receptions in Midgards, Dhaos no longer hoped to find support: all hope faded against the backdrop of growing despair. Even the kind people he encountered along the way gradually began to seem like an illusion—a protective reaction of the brain to prevent himself from going mad from despair. In Alvanista's castle, Lundgrom, using his position, arranged a meeting with the king in a matter of minutes. And the king he served also turned out to be a man worthy of respect. "Well, it's true that something fishy is going on," he agreed. "However, we can't accuse our friends based on mere conjecture and words. Empty accusations will only lead to inevitable conflict, especially if the kingdom of Midgards truly has something to defend. Before I personally request an audience with my friend, we must obtain irrefutable evidence." "And how do we do that?" Dhaos was ready to listen to any suggestions. "That man, Reisen, would never allow it to be obtained so easily." "True," Lundgrom said thoughtfully. "However, we could try our luck in another plane. The Spirit World." "Neither humans, nor half-elves, nor even elves can get there, no matter how hard they try," Dhaos shook his head. "We don't need to," Lundgrom smiled slyly but gently. "At the Academy, a precedent was recently raised by a scientist's unusual research. It concerned summoning techniques. And who, if not spirits, knows the truth about the state of mana in our world? If we can introduce the spirit to the king of Midgards, we'll have a chance to reach him. At the very least, remind him that mana is not only the source of magic, but also the life force for other beings." "Then I entrust this matter to you, Lundgrom," the king said majestically. From the lips of his chuckling colleagues, Klarth came across as a rather unpleasant person, lacking in manners and any tact whatsoever. A madman trying to pass off heresy as truth. However, Lundgrom knew that there was far more truth in that "heresy" than in many of the studies of particularly arrogant scholars. He managed to rein them all in with a single phrase, reminding them that it was Klarth's research that the kingdom needed at that moment. However, this only further deepened the dislike for Klarth among his colleagues. No matter, Lundgrom and Dhaos had learned what they had come for: where to find the man they needed. The village of Euclid was a promising place, developing with each passing day. That's where the unfriendly scientist lived. Rough and uncouth, as Dhaos and Lundgrom had unanimously described him in their minds the moment they met his disapproving, appraising gaze. "It seems to me you didn't come to listen to a lecture." "Not at all," Lundgrom hastened to deny. "Moreover, we have come to invite you, on behalf of the king of Alvanista, to a research expedition on the topic of your scientific work. Allow me to introduce myself: I am Lundgrom, the court mage of Alvanista. My companion is Dhaos. He has come from distant lands on a mission of the utmost importance, one that intersects with ours. In short, we require proof from the spirits that the mana is running low. If they can point to the source of the problem, it will greatly help us solve this serious problem." "Mana… running low?" Klarth narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. This scenario could negatively impact his life's research. But for now, these were just the half-elf's words, unsupported by facts. Dangerous words. But they also held the possibility of meeting spirits in person and trying out an improved summoning technique, which brought a smirk to Klarth's face. And the "banquet" was planned to be sponsored by the state. "Well, I think I have an idea where to start. Mirald! Where's my hat?!" The lonely valley was located very close to Euclid. It took some fiddling with the local "caretaker" to convince him to hand over the ring needed to forge an alliance with the spirit, but Lundgrom proved a master negotiator. Again, his title and closeness to power played their part. Lundgrom didn't push his position, but rather casually implied bonuses for cooperation. The name matched the content: the howling of the wind among the rocks created an atmosphere of oppressive solitude. At times, it seemed as if the wind were playing its own special melody, cut by sharp boulders and playing with the grass. Equally lonely, Sylph waited on a cliff by a withered tree. She greeted the humans without surprise, but with interest. "Greetings, highly respected wind spirit. We are incredibly pleased to meet you." "As I see, you have a purpose for meeting me: humans are rare visitors in the Valley." "Correct," Klarth took over. "Lord of the Winds, I wish to form a pact with you, following the principles of the ancient ring rite." "I am impressed. The tattoos on your body, the melodic sounds of your ritual, and the waves of power emanating from your ring… You have prepared for the rite in both body and mind," she evoked a secret glee in Klarth's soul with her praise. "But before we perform the pact, I wish to ask you for something." "A spirit asking a human?" "I have no other choice. In truth, under the current circumstances, even if we form a pact, it may prove useless in the near future." The trio became wary. They hadn't even had time to discuss the problems of the Spirit World when, apparently, the question had arisen without their even trying. Unless, of course, the spirits had other problems that humans could help with. "What do you mean?" Klarth continued, surprisingly polite. "Mana, the source of our power, is about to disappear from this world. And with it, spirits and magic." "And can you tell me the reason?" Klarth continued, playing the role of intermediary between the human and spirit worlds. "Please, go to the Forest of Spirits, where the world tree, Yggdrasil, grows. Take this orb. It will allow you to speak with the tree's guardian spirit. After listening to her, perhaps you can prevent what is coming." Dhaos' words and Lundgrom's suspicions were confirmed: mana was gradually disappearing from this world, risking vanishing forever. But this still wasn't enough to provide "irrefutable evidence." "Okay, we'll go there as soon as possible." The first pact with the spirit was successful and exciting. Its joy almost drowned out the anxiety about a bleak future. And this question now intrigued him far more than it had during his meeting with the court mage and his silent companion. "Perhaps now you'll tell me in more detail what trouble happened?" he turned to Lundgrom and Dhaos, looking at them seriously. "The story is both incredible and unremarkable, I'd say," Lundgrom said frankly. "There are suspicions that someone is conducting experiments on the artificial use of mana— magitechnology. And, as you can see, these experiments could lead to disastrous consequences. But before we can take the next step toward resolving the problem, we need proof of its pernicious influence. This is why we needed your cooperation, as you are the only person capable of forging a pact with the spirits and presenting them as witnesses." "It's getting worse by the hour…" Klarth sighed, pulling his hat down over his eyes. They had yet another long journey to the Forest of Spirits ahead of them after a preliminary rest in Euclid. The guests checked into an inn, not wanting to embarrass Klarth and his sympathetic assistant, but she persuaded them to dine. A noisy argument ensued at the table, but the story of his little adventure and the benefits of his research proved more emotional. In the Forest of Spirits, a depressing sight awaited them: a withering Great Tree, carpeting the ground with withered leaves. "You said," Klarth turned to Dhaos, "that this tree contains all the mana in the world?" "True." "Then we…" "We still have a chance to fix everything," Lundgrom interrupted, trying not to lose hope. "Klarth, please use the gift of Sylph." A beautiful girl in white robes, surrounded by a soft light, emerged from the mighty trunk. Her hair was greener than the leaves of the dying tree. "Do you see me?" she spoke hopelessly, her voice still ringing even in its weakness. "Can you hear me? The time of doom is near… I want at least you to know this." "That is precisely why we are here, respected guardian spirit. We want to do everything possible to prevent what is coming. And to do this, we require information." "First," Dhaos intervened, as the most knowledgeable on the matter, "the spirits of the Great Tree have names. Please, tell me yours." "I am the spirit Martel, who lives in the World Tree Yggdrasil." "We know," Lundgrom continued, "that the mana is rapidly depleting and we wish to stop the leak. Can you tell us its cause?" "I'm afraid I can't… The Yggdrasil Tree requires mana to survive. However, it isn't depleted simply by magic use. It must be some immense force consuming mana in large quantities." "Where exactly is the highest mana consumption felt? In what region, at least, could you name it?" "Midgards. That's what you humans call the continent. I can't give you a more precise name: too much mana drain." "That's enough." Having thanked the spirit that was disappearing in powerlessness, placing his hand on his heart, Lundgrom looked at Klarth. He understood without words, summoning Sylph. "Can you confirm Martel's words, and also determine the source of the unnatural mana absorption upon approach?" "Perhaps. I can't be certain about the latter, but I can certainly confirm the words of the tree's guardian spirit." "That's not bad," Lundgrom nodded. "As long as we have the sphere, we can invite the king of Midgards to the Forest of Spirits, if the words of the highly respected Sylph aren't enough." "The king of Midgards!?" Klarth was stunned. "You called him 'someone'!? I'm not so young as to endure such shocks…" "Not so old, so don't slander me," Lundgrom dismissed politely. "Well, it can't be helped; I need to see this through to the end, otherwise all my research will be wasted." "Despite the selfishness of your goal," Dhaos said, "I thank you for your help." "Oh, come on," Klarth dismissed this time, grinning. "You didn't come to save our world either. Or did you? Why would you need all this?" Dhaos paused, ironically, before finally answering succinctly: "To save my world." "Now I'm officially an egoist…" They reached Alvanista on the next ship. The king was waiting in the throne room. He didn't interrupt his court mage's story, listening with particular attention. Sylph's demonstration of summoning only shook him, eliciting a surprised gasp. "Even if the evidence isn't irrefutable, I doubt we'll get much further. Perhaps it's time for me to pay a friendly visit to the king of Midgards. However," he paused, looking at Dhaos, "I ask you, Aselia's guest, to refrain from traveling to Midgards. Your appearance during the negotiations could complicate the situation. A prejudiced attitude toward you has already developed. I hope you understand." "If my absence helps convince the king of Midgards and his stubborn commander, I will accept the necessity of patiently awaiting the outcome." "My gratitude." An official visit from one king to another is a troublesome affair. However, Lundgrom and the secretaries arranged everything quickly and efficiently. Soon, the king of Alvansta was standing in another throne room. "What brings you to me personally, friend?" the king of Midgards asked, welcoming but suspicious. Reisen stood at his right hand, casting a disapproving glance at Lundgrom, understanding the reason for the majestic guest's visit. "My friend, devastating changes are coming to the world. And I fear their source lies right here." "What are you talking about? What happened?" "As sad as it is to admit, your research is consuming too much mana, killing the Spirit World. And if you haven't turned your attention to the creatures of another realm, why not consider another perspective: without mana, your research in this field will also become useless." "Why are you so sure that my research is the cause!?" the king of Midgards protested. "If you don't believe my words, perhaps you would agree to journey to the Great Tree to witness its pitiful state and hear the cries of its guardian spirit for yourself? Or could the spirit of the wind, who has kindly agreed to come with us, convince you?" Klarth obediently summoned Sylph, asking her a direct question before giving her the floor: "Sylph, can you sense where the mana consumption is particularly high?" "Yes," she said, dizzy: the mana around the castle was particularly thin, concentrating in one spot. "Here. In the dungeon. Something is sucking out a huge amount of mana. It hurts…" she squeaked, vanishing, unable to bear it any longer. King of Midgards frowned, the last vestiges of his façade of friendliness vanishing. "You dare accuse me? Let me guess, that stranger sent you. I heard he's come back repeatedly with the same nonsense." "Are you saying that my words, king of Alvanista, are on par with those of a nameless stranger?" "You don't understand!" the king of Midgards flared. "We've made a breakthrough in the use of magic by humans! By ordinary humans! And our weapons are capable of destroying mountains!" He showed his obsession in a specific direction. "Our military might…!" "Enough!" the king of Alvanista raised his voice. "Tell me, friend, who are you going to fight? Me?" "What?" the king of Midgards was taken aback. "Is there anyone else who can have enough strength to stand against you?" "No…" "Then why do you need such great military might, capable of destroying the entire world, not just the mountains? And why do you need a weapon you can only use once?" the king of Alvanista forced him to consider. "Please, be reasonable. The spirits themselves have confirmed the perniciousness of your research. And if you continue, you will destroy an entire innocent race." The king of Midgards tried to object, but he couldn't find the right words. Because there weren't any. The king of Alvanista was right about everything. "But I can't just give up like that…" "Better to stop now than when it's too late. You know, I'm always ready to help you in difficult times. So let us sort this problem out together again. I'll send you my best mage-scholars so they can determine exactly which research is most dangerous. That way, you won't lose everything, and the magical world will avoid destruction." The negotiations continued for some time. As a friend, the king of Alvanista lingered for a couple more days, stoking the king of Midgards' forced resolve. He tried to keep Reisen at arm's length, and then, before leaving, ordered Lundgrom to remain as the first and chief mage-scholar to maintain that resolve. He made the same request of Klarth, who had no reason to refuse. 'Well, long live palace intrigue,' Klarth thought gloomily. Magitech, the ability for humans to use magic, certainly piqued his interest, so he was eager to explore the limits of the possible and be one of the first to test it. However, much remained to be culled. And he understood perfectly well, as king of Midgards and Reisen had understood, how difficult this would be. However, if these developments destroyed mana itself and its source, they would soon become pointless anyway. 'Let's hope we've saved the world after all. Now if only we could somehow restore the Tree…' he conceived one of the topics for his next research. All Dhaos could do was wait. Insanely long. And painfully. However, he achieved his goal without breaking his own rules… ㅤ