Chapter 50. Interlude.
*The Fire Lord's Palace. The Second Prince Ozai's Chambers.*
The second prince's quarters were lavish, a clear indication of his high status. Most of the interior was adorned in deep burgundy hues, featuring various symbols of the Fire Nation. At that moment, the room's owner was intently writing on a finely crafted sheet of paper. His calligraphy skills were impressive—the quill in his hand seemed like an extension of his body, dancing across the page. Just then, a gust of wind blew open one of the windows, nearly extinguishing the only source of light in the room—a candle on the table.
"Was anyone watching?" Ozai asked, seemingly into the void.
A floorboard creaked faintly as a dark figure knelt, their black robes blending seamlessly with the shadows.
"No surveillance detected," the man replied in a slightly raspy voice.
"I wasn't worried," the prince nodded. "What have you learned about the matter?" A hint of urgency crept into his usually indifferent tone, and his fingers tightened slightly around the elegant quill.
"The unknown spirit influences our minds directly—I'd say it targets the soul," the figure began. "Visible changes occur in the second week after contact with the Fire Sages' flame. By the third week, the person becomes more cynical and bloodthirsty without realizing it. Their reasoning blurs, not to the point of social incapacity, but their thoughts center solely on achieving their desires."
"We already knew that," the prince said irritably, shrugging. "Tell me something new," he added sternly, causing the candle flame to flicker upward momentarily.
"As you command," the figure remained unmoved by the prince's display of emotion. "As you suspected, it can be resisted. It requires unshakable willpower and a strong mind to question every thought. The potion from the herbalist in Taku also helps—its periodic use clears the mind. There's a theory that the Fire Sages are beyond saving. They willingly surrendered to the spirit, which allows them to wield that terrifying flame."
"Is that all?" Ozai raised an eyebrow. Seeing the figure's slight nod, he sighed wearily, massaging his temples. "Ten years of secret research and dozens of loyal officers' lives wasted, with almost nothing to show for it."
"I trust you've taken care of the 'fallen' officers' families? They knew what they were risking by volunteering as test subjects. They earned my respect, Ozai," he said, his piercing golden gaze fixed on his servant.