Mage Legend

"I understand that very well. We received the information more than a dozen days ago. I happened to be traveling around with a company of elite knights, following an archbishop, so we came to receive these guests," Wislin rubbed his hands. "I heard Anna is among them, is that true? I only heard a few vague names, but I'm afraid it might just be another elf with the same name."

"It must be her!" Morgan seemed utterly confident. "Wislin, want to make a bet? If I win, how about canceling the bet from last time?"

"No, Morgan, a bet is a bet. If you hadn't gotten drunk last time and dyed the bishop's robe pink, I wouldn't have thought of this method," Wislin had a resolute expression but couldn't hide the smug smile behind it. "There's still a month left, you better not break your promise."

"Alright, I know. I always keep my word, just like our mage," Morgan turned his gaze to Lynch. "Why haven't you told Wislin about that matter?"

Seeing this, Wislin was also puzzled and said, "Lynch, do you have something to tell me?"

"I'm going north," the mage said. "Since Morgan is by your side, I can only idle around for now, running back and forth without much help. Besides, I'm constantly being drawn into battles, so it's better to have him with me to protect this fragile mage."

The dwarf nodded repeatedly, very much agreeing with the mage's words.

"That works, these days must be quite uncomfortable for him," Wislin nodded. "A paladin has many rules to follow, and after all, Morgan isn't a warrior summoned by the Light God Pate, unable to grasp the spirit of sacrifice. Freeing him might give those wicked beastmen a hard time! Those evil bastards!"

Looking into Wislin's angry eyes, the mage placed his left hand on his, the cold metallic touch gradually sobering the knight. He said, "Wislin, you're not someone who gets angry easily; control your emotions."

"But every morning when I wake up, the images of those beastmen defiling the painstaking creations of Pate's people flash before my eyes. Their cursed hairy feet tread upon this sacred land, the plains groaning in agony. I can hear that wailing in my ears!" Wislin exclaimed passionately. "I hear the cries of those pitiful people who lost their homes! I see the magnificent buildings leveled to the ground! The crops ruined! Polluted remnants flowing in the rivers! Even the air is filled with a foul stench! How can all of this not make me angry?!"

"No! You should not be angry!" Lynch suddenly shouted, though seated, his presence seemed to fill the entire space, turning the tavern into a tightly filled room, with other existences shrinking into the corners like children. He shouted, "Listen carefully, Wislin, what I'm saying is this: anger is the beastmen's marching step! Hatred is the weapon they use for slaughter! Do you intend to fight in that state? Do you think that is the ultimate meaning you pursue?"

"No!" Wislin responded loudly, as if trying to escape the pressing feeling of the mountain. Lynch's eyes bore into his, like a lighthouse shining through a dark fog. Then Wislin softened, speaking gently, "No."

"Paladins, I remember them being kind, rigorous, calm, and humble..." Lynch's voice returned to that of a longtime friend of the knight, words flowing from his lips like a gentle stream rather than a towering thunder. He said, "It is a sensitive time now; you must stay calm to clearly see the trajectory of the entire event. Especially since you are now a paladin, it is even more important."

"I understand," Wislin nodded. "You're right, it seems I was too restless. Perhaps becoming a paladin so quickly made me forget many of the virtues I should uphold." He tapped the armor in front of his heart. "I will keep your words here, always a reminder!"

"Phew... what was that just now?" Morgan shook his head, then looked at Lynch. "Since when do you speak so loudly? If you entered our loud voice contest at the holiday celebration, you'd surely win. Honestly, Lynch, did you use some magic?"

"Me? No!" Lynch waved his hand. "Have you seen me incant a spell or gesture? Both my hands were before you, and I didn't pick up any casting materials either." He smiled mysteriously, "That was just a perception error on your part, not related to me."