"I'm so sorry, Vitaly. The incubi were right there, beyond the bend, I just-"
"Accidents happen. Unplanned battles are chaotic."
Morgan slumped in her chair, hands hiding her face. Opposite her, Eller angrily tapped the air, her angry face matching the faded velvet. Between them lay a narrow cot, on which rested Vitaly. His once white shirt was stained a flowing red. He adjusted the pillow under his neck again, pointing his nose straight up as it seemed ready to bleed again. An unseen current of mana channeled from Morgan to the man.
"I just... I was arrogant. I could target the leaders together, but I neglected the bystanders." Morgan continued.
"An effective strategy."
"No, I really owe you one."
"It's in the past." Vitaly answered, the nasal voice exhausted.
"But-"
"For the last time, Morgan. I hurt myself. And your Dao is stitching me back together."
"Don't lie. It is a buff at best. I barely feel it working on you. You haven't forgiven me at all."
"I have. Truly."
"Really? But... Are we really so.. so unaligned..."
"..."
"Unaligned, how?" Eller interjected, her eyes boring into the young professor, who didn't seem to notice.
"Anything. Everything... My intent towards him, his towards me, our shared goals, life experiences... The more aligned my targets, better the buff. Conversely, anyone I wish to harm, or wishes me harm, or just existing on the opposite ends of a conflict, would be weakened, move slower, fail at casting..."
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"You truly do belong on a battlefield." Vitaly replied.
"Or an inquisition." Eller added, a glint in her eye.
Morgan paused for a moment, then sighed and shook her head.
"I'm happy here. Hope this mess is over soon."
***
Proclamation of Civil Disobedience
--
We, the legal representatives of the Magicians' Union, hereby announce the commencement of a universal strike. Ab initio, mana technicians, referred colloquially as magicians, have been oppressed and exploited under the current regime. Malum in se, hazardous tasks without agency cause lasting bodily and mental harm to the magicians, and has gone unaddressed despite bona fide appeals and requests.
From hereon , no mana technology operation, maintenance, or repair shall be carried out, unless the following requirements are fulfilled
- Minimum hourly pay
9 coppers for apprentice
3 silvers for journeymen
1 gold for junior
5 gold for senior
- Transparent communication of hazards
- Provision for protective gear
- Prompt access to on/off-site healers
- Emergency action plan, sitemap, lifting and hoisting facilities/training
- Warding against mana anomalies, disruptions, and task specific failures
- Creation of a Magician Affairs Department comprising current/retired magicians to oversee the enforcement of aforementioned prerogatives.
All aspiring / current / former mana technicians are requested to comply in solidarity, and not give in to any perceived or implied force majeure. We request the support of the staff and students in our pursuit of fairness.
PSA - The teleportation services shall resume post-negotiations.
- Academy Services
***
"Ah!"
"This... "
"What the hell happened down there... If you'll excuse me."
Eller rushed out.
...
"Little one, they might need your help."
"And you don't, Captain?"
"...I'll manage..."
"..."
