The Runic Alchemist

Worldscribe continued, "But that one decision created a division that even after years, we still have trouble accepting. And after the recent attack on Eldoris from Ashenvale, where we should have taken action against the invaders, we couldn't because we were too divided, and no clear decision could be reached - everything one said was opposed by another. So, in the end, we decided to elect a new High Commander. Many names came forward, but after five years of dismissing one after another, only three names remained—three sections backing them up. Me, Voidshaper—one of the strongest and a High Table member—and Sunkeeper, with all his noble connections. We, the High Blades, are to select one of these in six months' time to become a new High Commander. But then came you..." All three looked at Damian.

Worldscribe straightened up and added, "Your potions were already a sensitive topic among us, but then you made this. The power balance between the three sections was somewhat at equilibrium, but a device that can give a person unlimited mana, or power massive runic devices… Needless to say, some of us don't want you to create such things, some desperately want your research, and others still believe in the ideals of Highswords and remember the code of honor. You are a civilian—an innocent one... Well, maybe not so innocent, but still, you aren't someone we can just watch get unjustly punished." Worldscribe finished.

Runefather picked it up from where she left off. "I understand why you chose to come here. Many come here hoping to find freedom and stability in their lives, fleeing oppressive lords and customs and that was the faith which had created this place to begin with and we intend to keep that belief going. However, the invitation was also a scheme by Sunkeeper to change the balance between Voidshaper and Worldscribe—both of whom have more support than her…"

Bloodedge added, "So, now you understand what your research really entails. I asked Runefather specifically to warn you; I knew something like this would happen the moment I laid eyes on you. Still, we arrived at this point anyway…"

Runefather turned towards Bloodedge. "The freedom to create is his. What did you want me to do? Tell him not to create anything? For God's sake, the boy creates family heirloom-quality swords in weeks! How long can you keep his hands sealed?"

Damian's mind was spinning at 180 km/h. Needless to say, he was still utterly baffled by the situation. Land Breaker was missing...? Since decades!? The fabled High Table couldn't even make a simple decision to aid humanity, which was supposed to be the most basic part of the Knight's code of honor? Electing a new High Commander? Three goddamn candidates!

This place was a mess. The most powerful organization on this continent was in shambles. The land was filled with the screams and fires of innocents, war raged everywhere, and these people were pointing fingers at each other, playing a game of who gets to be in charge!?

They were worse than any kingdom right now. At least those had one clear goal in mind, no matter their internal differences.

Everyone in the five kingdoms was making excuses on their behalf as to why Highswords wouldn't act, even though the situation was so dire. The Empire was still just testing its capabilities on the borders. Wait a minute, Didn't the Empire start moving aggressively toward the Dawnstar border in the past few months? Did they finally realize that no one was coming to stop them? Has someone leaked the information? If so, then the Highswords weren't just breaking into factions; some of them might have even other motives, too…

Would just choosing a new leader really solve all their problems..?

In the centuries-old spotless history of Highswords, no member had ever left them to join some random kingdom's army. Only members of royalty and the winners of 'Monarch's Trial' had that luxury. Even when someone retired, they still had regulations to uphold and were abided by Highsword rules and couldn't join another kingdom's military.

This was even worse than a king or queen hellbent on invading others.

"Kid… now you understand why we need you to cooperate." Worldscribe's words broke Damian's train of thought and brought him back to the room.

"Huh…?" Damian said. "What do you want from me?"

"We want you to stop..." Worldscribe said. Runefather gave her a hardened look, but she continued anyway. "At least, make it seem like you've stopped. And if you can't be persuaded by their schemes, and end up giving them this Runecore, that would be nice... just until we are done with the selection ceremony. After that, I'll be the High Commander and you won't need to worry anymore; you can continue as you wish..."

"And if you don't get selected?" Damian asked.

"Then I, myself, and our section will retire from the broken Highswords with no honor and no beliefs. There will be resistance no doubt... but we'll start anew. At least that's what I hope. We will continue in the honor and legacy of the proud Highswords, aiding those in need and protecting the realm from monsters and evil, as we have for centuries. In either case, if you cooperate, we will protect you with all we have."

"And what does this cooperation entail?" Damian asked.

"We want you to form a contract with us..." Bloodedge said in a serious tone.

"And we are back to square one..." Damian replied.

The three exchanged glances, as though deciding on something important before Worldscribe said, "Fine. We expected as much. Can you at least pretend you made a contract with us, so we can use that to gain more support?"

It didn't feel like a request. With the situation the Highsword upper management was in, Damian didn't take any chances and simply nodded. Not that he knew Voidshaper or Sunkeeper any better than these people. He had already rejected Voidshaper's offer, and Sunkeeper seemed more aligned with nobility. He didn't want to be part of this madness, but it didn't seem safe to refuse three third-rankers who roamed around him day and night with many others nearby who might belong to their faction.

They were the ones who helped the Empire become a powerful nation. At least he could respect their past ideals, if nothing else. Damian listened to their so-called 'plan' half-heartedly and left Worldscribe's office a few minutes later.

The place he had come searching for was not the golden opportunity he had imagined it to be. It was just another broken place, with tens of people stretching it in ten different directions to make it their own.

Another disappointment.