15 The Outer Realm 2 (2/2)
”Just because many people agree on a single thing, it doesn't make that particular thing a truth, does it?”
”Alright, I am interested. What are your plans?”
”There are various plans but first, I wish to be a strategical class Magi before the gates reopen.”
”That isn't a class that one can achieve just because one wishes though. Even with my aptitude and skillset, I am classed as a tactical class asset with a low probability of developing into a strategic asset.”
”It is not as if the order does the assessment to spite the mages. They too wish for more strategical class magi to appear throughout the three realms.”
”I am not looking down on you Caine, just that with your aether core rating, that might not be realistic even with your bloodline ability. In my lifetime at the Magi Order, I never heard of even a mage below an aether core rating of 9 ever becoming a strategic class asset. With yours, it may be far wiser to aim for tactical class. As long as your aether core continues growing in your first century, I am sure you would have no problem becoming a tactical class mage.”
”Don't get me wrong , the resources that I would be able to access as a strategical class magi is welcome indeed. Even without them, I still intend on elevating the Golem magi branch. If I am able to achieve that, I am quite sure that I will be classed as a strategical asset, regardless.”
”That is true.”
”It is my belief that one day, Golems will be able to rule the battlefield through their presence alone and affect the strategic picture of a power. When that day arrives, the Golem magi branch becoming regarded as a primary magic branch is not far off.”
The red-haired lady looked half admiring and half exasperated as Caine related his ambition.
”O great Golem Mage, please do not forget about your fellow poor little fire mage at that point in time. I may need your great protection when that day arrives.” The red-haired lady was adopting a servile manner as she made her request.
”Please, I will be happy enough if you do not incinerate me with an ill-aimed fireball on accident during our next job, Tif” Caine did not even bat his eyes as he retorted.
Tif instantly straightened ”Come on, it was just a small mistake that one time. You dodged it with ease. No harm, no foul.”
”You came close to ending the brightest prospect of the Golem magi branch that day. Such potential greatness, gone in a fireball. What a waste it would have been.” Caine said as he shuddered.
”I wish more mages in the Magi Order had your attitude and perspective on aether cores not being the end all and be all of a mage's potential. There is such a huge emphasis on aether core rating back home, one would believe that the rating would determine your life as a mage.”
Caine's expression clouded over as Tif went on.
Catching his change in expression, Tif seemed to realize something.
”Sorry, I must have brought up some bad memories. It couldn't have been easy for you with your rating to be hanging out with the mages.”
Caine laughed and replied in a carefree manner ”Not at all, I cannot remember anything at all. I can only recall I had plenty of great friends and mentors at the Golem Artificing Branch.”
”This boar meat and mashed potatoes is delicious, no wonder this establishment is the top pick for all the mercenaries in Everdawn city. Man, I am so tempted to go for a second helping!” Tif appeared torn in two about whether to order another portion or not.
As the magi duo left the inn, Edward was pondering over what he overheard.
”Appearances are deceiving. The top dog was not who I expected it to be.”
Edward laughed and chided himself before continue digging into his meal.
”From what I understand, Golems are considered an auxiliary force in combat.”
”They have a greater role in small scale conflicts due to various factors.”
”It is more regarded as a form of entertainment than a serious branch of magic as there is a Golem championships in the core realm?”
”Yet that lad's ambition is to elevate the Golem magic branch into being regarded as a Primary magic branch?”
”My understanding of Aether magic is rather shallow but even so , to a layman like me, it sounds ludicrous.”
”Golems will one day rule the battlefield through their presence…that sounds interesting though.”
”I wonder what is that autonomous Golem program that Johan mentioned. I should ask him in greater detail when I meet him again later.”
Draining the remainder of the mug in one gulp, Edward burped before leaving the inn.