Tale of a Hedonistic wizard-Chapter 456: The Arcnytes in the city

Jaegar walked towards them, rounding the corner to see a girl about his age backed against a fountain. Her hands were raised in a defensive posture, her expression a mixture of fear and defiance. What caught Jaegar's attention, however, were the faint traces of purple-coloured energy rotating around her, slowly rising.

"I said leave me alone," she warned, her voice surprisingly steady despite her predicament.

The largest of the men stepped forward, his hand glowing with rudimentary fire magic. "Or what? You'll lose control again? That's what we're counting on, freak."

Without thinking, Jaegar stepped forward. "That's enough." His voice was loud enough to turn their heads.

All heads turned toward him. Those young men sized him up, taking in his travel-worn appearance.

"Mind your own business, stranger," the leader said dismissively. "This doesn't concern you."

Jaegar's fingers twitched at his side, a subtle gesture that sent a ripple of arcane energy through the plaza. The fountain behind the girl suddenly surged, its waters arcing over her head to form a perfect dome—a shield of liquid that hovered impossibly in the air.

The young man stepped back in surprise, their expression shifting from arrogance to uncertainty.

"I said," Jaegar repeated, his voice dropping an octave as he channelled more power, "that's enough."

The leader, unwilling to lose face, hurled his fire spell at Jaegar. With casual ease, Jaegar deflected it into the air, where it dissipated harmlessly.

"Fucking noble dimwits," he muttered.

He made another subtle gesture, and the cobblestones beneath their feet trembled, then shifted just enough to unbalance them.

Nothing harmful—merely a demonstration.

"I suggest you find entertainment elsewhere," Jaegar continued, walking forward to stand beside the girl.

"Now."

They exchanged glances, clearly reassessing the situation.

Without another word, they backed away and then hurried off down a side street.

The water dome collapsed back into the fountain with a splash. Jaegar turned to the girl, who was watching him with a mixture of gratitude and suspicion.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

She nodded slowly, her unusual eyes studying him intently. "You didn't have to do that. I could have handled them."

"I'm sure you could have," Jaegar replied with a slight smile. "But then they might have needed medical attention, and that would have brought the imperial guards."

A reluctant smile tugged at her lips. "I'm Melusina."

"Jaegar." He hesitated, then added, "if you don't mind me asking, what are you doing here late at this hour?"

She looked around; it was already late hour, and there were no people around. She dusted off her clothes, and she said, "I was going home from the spire, and they followed me and cornered me. They do this daily."

Jaegar didn't know she was from the spire, and then realization struck him. If she was from Spire and that purple coloured energy was around her, it was the chaos; he was sure of it. So she was that child, then he turned to look at the spire.

His grandmother had gone to Spire to look for her, and she was right here in front of him.

"Which way are you headed? I will walk with you," Jaegar offered. He put his hands behind him, his fingers drawing a pattern in the air, a spell to call for Eradarin and others.

Melusina looked hesitant.

"I'm only just trying to help you; don't worry. I may not be a good guy, but I am decent enough to help a girl out when she needs it," Jaegar reassured her with a smile.

Melusina half smiled, a blush crossing her face, seeing his smile. She was mesmerised by his handsome face; her hesitation caved in, and she accepted his offer.

Jaegar sent a signal to Eradarin and his grandmother to come and meet him. Two magical threads strode towards the inn and one towards the spire.

***

At the northern edge of Amnohdet, two figures disembarked from the recently arrived imperial train. Steam billowed around them as they stepped onto the platform, both wearing the distinctive blue and silver robes of Arcnytes—elite wizards in service to the ministry.

Veronica surveyed the station with practiced efficiency, her sharp features set in a perpetual expression of mild disdain. She had already earned a reputation as one of the most effective senior Arcnytes in the corps. Her speciality was tracking magical signatures, a talent that had led to the capture of numerous rogue spellcasters.

Beside her, Ewen adjusted his gloves, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. Unlike Veronica, Ewen's strength lay in his ability to manipulate elemental magic, making him a formidable force in combat situations.

They were in the city to meet the Reverend Witch.

While Veronica was elated that she was given a high-priority mission, Ewen wasn't.

The assignment to hunt down Jaegar—his former classmate and long-time rival—was an opportunity he had no intention of squandering. But it was given to other wizards at the ministry at a high level.

He had no choice but to come here as he was assigned to Veronica.

Veronica was also not happy with him tagging along. She hated him for his arrogant attitude and constant need to prove himself superior. He was a selfish prick; that's what she thought of him. But they have no choice.

Ewen looked at the spire in the distance. the lights weren't bright, but the spire was glowing with an eerie aura.

"Do you think they would let us meet the Reverend?" Ewen asked as he was still looking in the direction of the spire.

"I have the seal of the minister, so she will meet me. I will talk with her. So you stay put and listen to my orders," Veronica said with a stern voice.

Ewen rolled his eyes as he nodded his head. "Yes, your highness." He said in a mocking tone. Veronica shot him a warning look before turning and walking towards the spire, her cape billowing behind her in the night breeze.

Ewen watched her go; suddenly, he felt a sense of unease settle in the pit of his stomach.