Chapter 52: The Mage’s Shield
After Larnus's death, a heavy silence fell over the deck. No one had expected Captain Thenerev to step in personally—let alone strike with such brutal decisiveness. What he did went completely against the rules of the Union, but not a single soul dared to speak up. The fear in the air was thick enough to choke on.
Then something changed. A cold shiver ran down everyone's spine. A monstrous presence was approaching. In a flash, three figures appeared on deck: the same ancient mages who'd been escorting the ship. Behind them came Aurus. Agis, Thaloe, and Merion all wore cryptic smiles, like they were enjoying the show. No one could guess what they were thinking.
After a few tense seconds, Agis broke the silence with a calm voice, as if he were talking about the weather.
—"So, Aurus. How do you want to handle this?"
Aurus shrugged like it was nothing.
—"Larnus started it. His death is justified. I won't intervene."
Thaloe gave a slight nod. Merion just clicked his tongue, unimpressed.
—"Then that's that."
No one noticed at first, but Thenerev hadn't moved a single muscle since the mages arrived. He was paralyzed, trembling. Their aura alone had him pinned. The man William once saw as unstoppable now looked like a trapped rat facing three hungry beasts.
The elders said a few more words—calm, but sharp as knives.
—"Everything's fine... for now. But we won't tolerate another mess like this."