Chapter 39: A World of Respect and Kindness |
"Shad Hamilton, detective."
Shad introduced himself proactively as they shook hands.
"Bill has already told me about you. Joining us is both your fortune and ours," the elderly man said cheerfully.
Shad noticed a champagne bottle in an ice bucket on the coffee table, likely prepared by Dr. Schneider since Father August's financial situation didn't seem much better than Shad's.
Father Rath August was a Second-Ring Warlock in their group, having become a Correspondence Warlock three years ago. He wasn't a native of Tobesk City but hailed from a small southern town in the Kingdom of Drarian. Influenced by his family, the elder priest had been a devout follower of the True God, Mr. Dawn, since his youth. In his early adulthood, he passed the Tobesk Dawn Seminary's exam and joined the Dawn Church of Tobesk at 23. He never married and dedicated his life to the church.
Despite 30 years as a priest without advancing his position, no one questioned his piety. Father August had significant influence within his parish and was highly trusted by clergy and followers alike. Even the Archbishop of the grand Tobesk Diocese sought his counsel on significant matters.
Due to the delicate relationship between Correspondence Warlocks and the True God Churches, Shad would often need to conceal his identity from the church in the future. Father August, however, was the best candidate within the group to mediate with the church, thanks to his network and influence.
Though advanced in age and not highly gifted as a Warlock, Father August was indispensable to the five-member group.
As a sign of trust, Father August and Shad revealed their Rings of Fate to each other. While the elder priest didn't possess the exceptional three-core setup like Miss Luisa, he did have a single core rune, Glimmer, which was still significant.
With Shad now introduced, only two members of the group remained absent. Miss Dorothy Louisa, an author from the School of Folklore, would arrive later, while the other, Luvia Anat, a Third-Ring Warlock, was currently away from Tobesk on other matters.
"Miss Anat is somewhat unique. Strictly speaking, she's part of the Prophets’ Association as a Warlock," Dr. Schneider explained. He gestured for Shad to sit anywhere.
"Aren't students of St. Byrons’ Correspondence program also part of our group?" Shad asked curiously, sitting across from Dr. Schneider.
While Father August studied through the adult education program at the academy, Miss Anat’s case seemed entirely different.
"She is, in a sense. She's in the Astronomy School, specializing in divination. As for her dual affiliation, are you familiar with ‘joint cultivation’ programs?"
Dr. Schneider’s words left Shad astonished. He was beginning to suspect that this organization was much more than just a school.
"Miss Anat belongs to both the Prophets’ Association and St. Byrons. The academy collaborates with various friendly organizations, including Zarasvin Academy and Circes High Medical Institute, but excluding the church, to jointly cultivate students. You'll learn more in time.
"But don't let her dual identity bother you—treat her as an ordinary companion. Tea? I had my housekeeper buy the kind you served last time."
"Sure, thank you. So, Miss Luvia Anat is more like us?" Shad asked.
"Not exactly," Father August replied, fiddling with his old pipe out of habit rather than to smoke. "Miss Anat benefits from resources from both the academy and the Prophets’ Association. She's well-regarded among their Warlocks.
"Although she's only a Third-Ring Warlock, one ring higher than me, defeating her outright isn't guaranteed, even for Schneider. Of course, that's partly due to the nature of our abilities."
The elder priest emphasized that Warlocks were researchers of the world and themselves rather than fighters. Gaining power as a Correspondence Warlock came with the responsibility to remain humble and cautious. He subtly advised Shad to avoid unnecessary risks and focus on studying, carving runes, and mastering arcane skills and techniques.
Shad suspected that Dr. Schneider had already shared his recent ordeal with Father August, prompting this advice.
"Speaking of which, I’m quite curious about something," Shad said, steering the conversation. "If Warlocks gather elements and carve runes, could killing a Warlock allow someone to gain their power, like their runes or materialized elements?"
"What a dreadful idea!" Father August exclaimed, clutching the holy emblem on his chest and closing his eyes in prayer.
Dr. Schneider’s blue eyes fixed on Shad sternly. "Shad, I don’t know where you got such a thought, but killing another Warlock for personal gain is abhorrent.
"In this age of civilization, not a lawless dark forest, killing another Warlock earns you nothing but their corpse and lifelong guilt. Should anyone attack you, you have the right to defend yourself, but never kill for greed—it only leads to ruin."
Shad quickly explained, "My apologies. It was mere curiosity, inspired by fictional tales. I wouldn't pursue such means of power."
Father August’s gaze softened as he reassured Shad with a calm smile, raising his teacup. "Our world is indeed eerie, filled with relics of the past, unknowable truths, and lurking evils. Yet, we are grateful for its beauty. A toast, gentlemen, to this merciful world."
Shad and Dr. Schneider joined in, smiling as they raised their cups and spoke in unison, "To this merciful world."
At that moment, the door swung open, and a golden-haired woman entered. Miss Dorothy Louisa froze at the sight of the three men raising their teacups with contrasting expressions—sacred, solemn, and amused.
"What... exactly were you doing just now?" she asked hesitantly.