Building a magic system on threat of destruction

Jeler watched Jack engage with Skol. Jack seemed interested in prying into the shared past Jeler had with the woman, much to his dismay. He wouldn't outright deny Jack the ability to ask these sorts of things, but his on-and-off relationship with Skol had been...complicated.

Skirl hovered nervously near her twin, not wanting to be too far away but wanting to give privacy. It had been that way with Jeler too. Skirl didn't seem to want to really talk to anyone except her sister and lingered near her at all times. She had barely ever responded to Jeler when he attempted to get to know her, and Skol had even gotten annoyed at him for trying.

The twins were an odd bunch when it came down to it. Skol was sharp as a tack and seemed to be able to piece things together very easily. She and Jeler had first bonded over pranks on other mercenaries, each looking to outdo the other. They had become friends, then they had started sharing a bed. Both of them knew it wouldn't last, but neither had been willing to end things. Then Jeler had been promoted by Riniox, the demon wanting to advance him to a command position. That had spelled the end of his dalliance with Skol. She wanted what he had, and it made her angry that she was passed up constantly for promotion.

Jeler had asked Riniox about it, and his boss had told him that Skol was driven but didn't hold much loyalty. Skol wanted to be in charge, but only because she liked the idea. It was a harsh assessment, but Jeler saw the truth of it. He had nothing against Skol, but anytime they got back together she tried to subtly manipulate him or suggest things that would give her power.

Skirl seemed more than content to just tag along with her sister. Jeler had never gotten the whole story, but apparently, they had been separated for years before reuniting. They were very close, and Skirl did everything she could to be near her sister. Apparently she could work harder than almost anyone in the mercenary troop if it meant she could go meet with her sister sooner.

Jeler kept his eyes on the both of them as Jack continued to talk. Skol was being very curt, and Jeler could tell something about Jack annoyed her. She had strong opinions, so it was possible that she had issues with him being a tri-internal type bore-bot. There were mercenaries that had their issues with that, some even speaking out about it to Riniox. If that was really the issue, it was just another reason for Jeler to be done with Skol. Jeler didn't want to discriminate like that anymore.

As he kept watch, both on the twins and his surroundings, Zrez prowled by him as he paced the perimeter of their makeshift safe zone. The Draconid was an enigma to Jeler. The two of them hadn't spoken much, though Zrez was well-known around the camp. He was a mage of some skill, one of the more powerful casters in the camp. He'd saved lives in a number of skirmishes and battles, blowing away enemies with powerful blasts of fire. But aside from his actions in times of conflict, the man was incredibly reserved. Riniox knew a bit of his life story but wasn't one to share others' personal information without good reason.

Jeler didn't make a habit of measuring himself against other people in the mercenary group, but he silently measured himself up against Zrez. The draconid was strong and tough but had access to powerful magic besides that. It was a potent combination, unlike Riniox who was an unparalleled brawler, Zrez was a diverse fighter who could respond to a variety of scenarios. Jeler himself was a tricky fighter, but tricks could only go so far in real combat. the [Point Defense] skill would help provide a lot of utility, but if others became able to use and incorporate it into fighting, then his advantage would fade.

As things stood, Jeler knew that there were people in camp who could fight much better than him. He silently wondered if he should ask Riniox to assign someone else to guard Jack. Riniox was too busy, but someone like Zrez could fight off assailants better than Jeler could. He sighed, a bit dejected. How was he supposed to protect Jack from people like the Queen of all Demons? He was just a normal guy.

Zrez approached him, a curious expression on his face. "Are you well, Jeler?"

Jeler eyed him, then sighed again, bowing his head defeatedly. "Just feeling a bit of self pity I guess." When Zrez didn't speak again, Jeler continued. "I'm in charge of guarding Jack, but...I feel a bit out of my depth. All these crazy things keep happening and...I don't know what to do."

Zrez regarded him for a long moment, his eyes staring intensely at Jeler. "Well I won't pretend to know what goes on behind closed doors, but perhaps I can be of some assistance."

Jeler looked up at him. "How so?"

"As you may be aware, I am well-versed in the magic arts. Perhaps I could teach you some things, expand your repertoire."

Jeler immediately felt disappointed. "Won't work. I've had a magic teacher before, and my talent for it is abysmally low." Jeler ground his teeth in frustration. "Basic tricks are the best I can manage, even those took me over a year to learn."

"A lack of talent?" Zrez rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "That is the great divide between true casters and simple hedge mages. However, even simple casters can have their strengths."

Jeler looked away, pretending to observe their surroundings. He was frustrated, it was easy for a powerful mage to say something like that, but it didn't change his situation. Zrez studied him for a moment. "Jeler, if you wanted to disturb an opponent's balance, would you need to shove them out of their stance with all your might?"

Jeler glanced back up at him. "That would work, but you could do something simpler. A feint, a tactical nudge, or even a knife can change someone's stance."

"The same is true for magic. A contest between two powerful casters does not simply boil down to who can sling more powerful spells. A well-placed basic spell can disturb the largest of artillery magic, provided the opponent is caught off guard. And that sort of trickery is your specialty, is it not?"

Jeler had spent a long time learning how to manipulate his opponents in a fight. He was naturally athletic and fast but lacked the strength to overpower many people. Speed, tricks, and positioning had always been his tools. If he could use magic in a similar way...He looked up at Zrez, meeting the draconids eyes. "How do I learn to do that?"

Zrez smiled, his toothy grin seeming eager. "I can teach you. If you wish to learn other techniques, even martial ones, I know some mercenaries that I could likely convince to help you."

Jeler wanted to accept but held back. "Why are you helping me, Zrez? Powerful techniques are a mercenaries lifeline. Sharing those with someone else, especially someone you aren't close to..." He trailed off leadingly, silently requesting for Zrez to explain.

"You are Jack's protector. It is the will of the High Deity for Jack to do this work, so I will assist in keeping him safe."

It was a reason, but Jeler wasn't sure how much he believed it. There was a hidden motive here. Despite that, Jeler reached out his hand in acceptance. If he could grow stronger, and find ways to assist Jack more, then he would take that chance.

When the all-clear sounded, Zrez, Skol, and Skirl walked back to the dorms. Zrez walked with a pep in his step, clearly pleased with the results of the afternoon. Skol, on the other hand, was annoyed. "Quit being happy, you stupid lizard. I had to talk to that...thing for like an hour." She shuddered at the memory.

Skirl nodded along enthusiastically. "Yeah, and he was boring."

Skol shot her sister a harsh look. "That's not the point, Skirl. He's a crime against nature."

Zrez hummed in amusement, ignoring Skol's insulting words. "I am pleased that my efforts were not in vain. I have secured closeness to the abomination. Lessons with Jeler will give me ample opportunity to engage with the target."

Skol scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Great!" she said sarcastically. "Now you can make his bodyguard stronger and be close to the freak." Skirl nodded her agreement.

"All kinds of accidents can happen during training. Besides, the more I teach Jeler, the more I become aware of his capabilities." Zrez grinned predatorily. "Knowing your enemy is the first step to victory. Besides my dear Skol, this will be the perfect chance to bring Hilox into the proximity to Jack."

Skol chewed on that for a moment before nodding. "Well if it gets him closer, that's fine I guess." Their demonic compatriot was a monster, and most people had no idea what he was capable of. With him getting close to Jack, the freak was one step closer to death.