The Abyss of Desire

Winter Veil was indeed an occasion worth celebrating. By the time the last drop of liquor had run dry, it was already the third day. Under Uther's direction, everyone began clearing away the rubbish. Uther had them lay out the latest issue of the newspaper, while Belo'vir used Frostbolt to make a bucket of ice water and wake Astaroth. It took the groggy mage a full hour to understand exactly what he had done over the past three days.

"Drink less next time." Belo'vir understood his situation well. Compared to Quel'Sera, Dalaran was indeed unbearably dull. Kel'Thuzad was the same way. Yesterday, that fellow had hugged a cat and laughed like he was having a seizure. "After the Troll Wars ended, I celebrated with King Anasterian for a whole month and revelled with no fewer than a dozen girls. It's nothing. Just mind your image next time."

"Oh, thank you." Astaroth let out a long sigh of relief. Belo'vir was a kind and generous elder. After smiling, he cast Teleportation and left.

Lister and Modera sat in the same carriage. In Modera's hand was that enormous red gemstone, and she explained its origins and uses to Lister.

"This is a rune scarletstone." Modera looked at the gemstone, as large as a baby's fist, which contained terrifying magical power. "Scarletstone itself is an exceptionally high-grade magical gem, containing considerable magical power. As for the function of the runes... well, you've studied rune theory too. Analyze it yourself."

"Uh, the main structure of its runes stabilizes the magical power within," Lister said, pointing at the runes arranged in lines inside the scarletstone. The core of those runes formed a regular octahedral structure. "The octahedral structure allows this gem to fully draw in magical power from the air."

"Based on what I currently understand, many materials can absorb or even generate magical power, then store it. Scarletstone itself possesses that trait. Combined with Talar runes at four nodes, that trait can be amplified. I estimate it can store at least three times as much magical power as before, though the exact figures will need precise calculations once we return."

"The rune structure at these two ends is more complex. I can tell that this end is for channeling and exchanging magical power. It's a two-way circuit rune structure. As its user, I can both input magical power and draw magical power from it. The other end simply outputs magical power. Though I've never encountered material of such a high grade, I judge that rune scarletstone can amplify a spell's attack power to a certain extent. Of course, the enhancement definitely won't surpass Ebony Chill."

Ebony Chill proudly straightened itself. After all, it was an artifact, fundamentally different from such gaudy trash.

Modera smiled with satisfaction. "A very accurate analysis. Though it cannot compare to Ebony Chill, rune scarletstone is still an extraordinary treasure. This scarletstone should be worth no less than sixty thousand gold coins. Master Belo'vir truly likes you, or he would never have given you such a precious gift."

"Unfortunately, I've always disappointed him. I lose to him in every battle, even when he uses only the same spells I do." Lister placed the gem before Ebony Chill. Ebony Chill's ice crystals swiftly opened, swallowing the ruby like the mouth of a bottomless abyss. It truly was the safest possible vault. "There are still more than ten days of vacation. That's enough time to research a spell."

"It seems you still don't have a laboratory of your own." Modera had already heard of Lister's circumstances. "Though you are faster and stronger than others your age, your wealth still cannot compare to that of true nobles. Without a dedicated laboratory, it will be difficult for you to rival apprentices who have received immense resources."

"For example..." Lister muttered. He already had an answer. "Lady Ilucia."

"Yes. She is betrothed to Count Alexei Barov. That is an enormous family that controls nearly half a nation's income. Most of Alterac's taxes are in their hands. From Southshore to Tarren Mill, from Brill to Caer Darrow, it is practically an independent kingdom. Recently, she has come to see you as her greatest rival."

Modera's words stirred a faint, inexplicable disgust in Lister. He could not suppress the discomfort in his heart. "So what? In truth, I am not her greatest enemy. The Council of Tirisfal and the Council of Kirin Tor are not the same thing. Our goals are different."

Modera suddenly straightened. Naturally, Lister was not afraid. Ebony Chill flew swiftly into his hand, and he forcefully withstood her pressure. "Let me guess. It seems the patron behind you holds quite a grudge against her?"

"Knowing too much will do you no good, apprentice!" Modera's voice was particularly icy. This had touched a dragon's reverse scale. She quickly withdrew her pressure. Her control over magical power was exquisite, compressing it entirely within the carriage without letting the outside sense the slightest abnormality. "Of course, we share common interests when it comes to dealing with Ilucia."

Lister smiled. He displayed a maturity far beyond his years—restraint. His earlier provocation had only been meant to test her limits. It seemed his guess had been right. A mage without ambition did not deserve to be called a mage. "I'm all ears."

"Ilucia is a cunning woman, but she is also stubborn and shortsighted. Her desire for control is strong, and she is always so sharp-edged." The contempt in Modera's voice made Lister frown. "Never underestimate an enemy. Even the fangs of a dead venomous snake remain lethal—let alone one standing right before you."

"A fine fable. Is that an elven saying?" With a wave of Modera's hand, the spellbook beside her immediately opened, and a quill pen flew up to record it automatically. "I'm going to write it down."

"I'm beginning to doubt whether you can reliably defeat Ilucia." Lister sighed helplessly. "Perhaps I should report your situation to Master Antonidas."

"Oh, please. Our conflict would only delight him. There are other powers behind both of us. Antonidas, like you, is a pure mage. He very much hopes we remain at odds." Modera's words plunged Lister into deep thought. Wisely, Modera said nothing more. She knew perfectly well that this child was not so foolish. A Guardian's artifact could not possibly choose a fool.

After a moment, he abruptly asked, "Let me guess. The person behind you is House Wrynn?"

"No, no, no." Lister offered the guess himself, a crafty smile appearing on his face. "The only one with such an intense conflict with Alterac would be the Menethil Family."

"Then, are you representing King Terenas and inviting me to join Lordaeron?"

Unexpectedly, Modera showed no discomfort at having been exposed. Instead, she reached out, pulled Lister over, and held him in her embrace. An unusual feeling filled the entire carriage.

"If I can become a member of the Council of Kirin Tor, what difference would there be between me and a king? Would you be willing to bow your head and submit to someone else?" she whispered into Lister's ear.

Lister smiled, but it was only a cold smile. No wonder Jaina, a junior to you, crushed you outright later on. After turning dark, Jaina endured the pressure of the Sunreavers and even all of Dalaran to carry out a bloody purge of Horde forces within Dalaran. Together with Vereesa Windrunner, she ruled Dalaran with an iron hand and forced the Council of Kirin Tor to turn completely toward the Alliance.

Jaina didn't think like you, Lister thought. She was a ruthless monster who could watch her own father die before her without batting an eye, a thoroughgoing Machiavellian. The moment something ceased to serve her interests, she would turn on it without mercy. Unlike this clown, straddling three boats at once and still thinking herself clever.

Lister took the ice cup condensed by Ebony Chill, filled with ice water, and drank a mouthful. "So long as you don't take things too far, Master won't interfere with you. I won't become too entangled with secular powers."

"However..." Lister shifted the subject. "I will not help the Barov Family. Offending Lordaeron is no small matter."