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    <1/1/1963 – 11:01 | Eldora Tower Fl. 950, Eldora City, Junon, Sprawn Valley>


    It didn''t take long after the funeral service for the media to continue pressing the council for answers, and everyone was only looking to one man to answer all of them. Brash Danton, newest champion for Leray magic and leader in Eldora Tower was scheduled to give a public speech that he could no longer ignore. The speech of course was going to regard all of the questionable incidents around Eldora Tower lately. Even now, he would have to keep the secrets of the crystal core and the source of Leray magic. But for the safety of himself, Danton was locked inside of the champion chambers, surrounded from all angles by stationary camera systems and a crew running the equipment. The feed was still live, but Sirus insisted that Danton not leave the tower during a critical moment of the investigation. On this, he had no say in the matter.


    With the feed already running, Danton had only been speaking for less than a minute, talking to all of the people in Sprawn Valley. If ProCom news shares this headline with the world, then this news will reach beyond the confines of this nation too. "As you all heard, Eldora Tower''s primary chamber was damaged yesterday in an unscheduled battle involving two people of interest. We have reason to believe they are now involved with criminal activities, and are considered to be extremely dangerous."


    Danton paused, for the camera crew to display two professionally made portraits of the two suspects in front of the cameras. If Gleeon and Kite want to hide from society, then they shall have no part in this world any longer. "Gleeon Miao, and Kite Fargenst. These two suspects are both public enemy number one. All civilians should stay safe and clear of these suspects at all times. If you have any information on their whereabouts, please don''t hesitate to call the local law enforcement. And to all Leray agents out there, proceed with caution in their capture, and never approach them without backup. That is all I have to report on last night''s incident."


    Danton exhaled, finally getting just enough off his chest. The people deserve to know who their enemy is. This may help the search for those monsters, but that was only the report on the incident. Danton knew his speech was more detailed than this. He didn''t have a paper script to read from, only lines to remember if he couldn''t get any words out, though this part is just as important.


    "I know many of us out there are wondering who I am and what I''m here for. I''ve only been Leray champion for more than a month, but right now, there are important issues regarding the system of Leray magic that must be resolved, which includes our current investigations. So as your new leader of Leray magic, I will do everything in my power to allow Sprawn Valley to advance forward with prosperity and safety in the coming days. There will be laws pending to fix any little inconsistency regarding the rules of Leray battles and engagement, doctrines for agents and scouts to better patrol all locations and paths in and around Sprawn Valley for unwanted activity, and regulations to equalize the methods of executive government decisions."


    Danton could feel the buzz growing outside. The words he was saying were intelligent, but anyone could smell the fear in the air. People have a right to the truth, at least the amount they need to hear to feel safe. "Funding to the General Army will be doubled, as will their numbers and capacity for better national defense. This funding will also affect all Leray agents and investigation teams too. They will be enforcing greater restrictions out in the field on magic that is used. They will also protect us from any threat hiding in our society, so trust them as best as you can."


    The cameraman, equipped with a broadcasting earpiece held the device cupped to better listen to some of the most popular active questions coming from outside the building. His job was to inform Danton that such tough questions were making it through. "Sir Danton? Plenty of people are curious about these new changes. They''re asking, what are we all getting so afraid of?"


    A fair question indeed. Luckily, Danton was allowed to go as far on the reports of dark magic as he needed to. "It is my personal belief that withholding vital information to the public can be dangerous, and I don''t want to cause alarm or panic. After all, there are currently only two people of interest, thought to be in hiding right now. The threat here is not just with people. You may have all heard of the dangerous rumors regarding dark magic, that term or phrase we don''t ever use in public." Danton could hear the cameraman nearly choke in surprise, but he continued. "It appears there is a rather loose system in place to stop people from using dark magic. These extra patrols and regulations are going to change that. It''s no news that the use of dark magic is highly illegal and prohibited. Since this source comes from the very same veil that we enact over the continent, countermeasures against dark magic are evermore paramount. But I want everyone to be involved in our communities to ensure that such a deadly version of magic is never used in society, never practiced, and never researched. That is why, under executive order 5583, all authorized agents and militants who discover someone using or researching dark magic will arrest suspects on site, and they will be held without any trial until investigations can be made properly. Suspects thought to be using dark magic who also fail to cooperate with their arrest may be prosecuted and put down on sight. Consider this a heavy crack down on any suspicious activity with dark magic users or researchers." Danton paused for a good moment, allowing that doctrine to wash over everyone. It wasn''t easy to say, but this is necessary. Dark magic is deadly and dangerous, so it should be met with the appropriate responses.


    After reminding himself of the alternative danger, Danton expanded his proposal. "In addition to this executive order, those involved with, using, or researching illegal symbols or markings will also be prosecuted in the same manner. The use of symbols can be just as dangerous as dark magic. As for now, we will be upgrading the security and infrastructure of Eldora Tower, as well as all other essential government and public facilities all around Sprawn Valley. This will ensure public safety in all civil societies in and around Sprawn Valley, under any public setting. We will also be making updates to all of the Leray battle parameters to make sure any impurities are corrected. We will not allow anyone to potentially cheat the Leray battle system in any open setting. Realize that from here onward, we must progress the growth of Leray magic without conflict, all while leaving no hint of danger to those who are involved with magic activities."


    After another break of breath, Danton considered the weight of his words. All of this really is true. Kite and Gleeon already know dark magic, so he didn''t give away anything too dramatic or dangerous. Now there is only one more thing to announce. "It will also be the announcement of myself and the mage council to suspend all public activities involving Eldora Tower and champion battle events until we resolve some internal issues and bring everything back up to speed. Estimates for this duration range between one and two months. That is all I have to say for now. Thank you."


    On cue, the cameraman cut the feed to the cameras, but that didn''t stop the two-sided roaring of the crowd watching or listening to that broadcast from outside. Large displays coated Eldora City like billboards, and they relayed the message to those on the streets, and to those in their homes with the news turned on.


    Mage Sirus, the current assistant for Brash Danton stood far behind all of the systems in the same room. He kept quiet all this time, all until now. Approaching Danton with the news of the public opinion in his ears, Sirus felt uncertain about everything Danton blasted into that camera. "This is the first time I believe that any champion has ever mentioned the words dark magic in such a critical speech. Not only that, you you''ve just indirectly chanted the connection between dark magic and our veil. Are you sure you want to worry everyone outside?"


    Worry everyone? The people should be worried. Danton couldn''t help but feel completely responsible for part of this. Kite and Gleeon both used to be his friends... It''s too difficult to believe that they were always like this. Dark magic must have some amount of effect on the mind, even if only minor addiction. But they have the power to kill people, and right now, they''re out there somewhere, hiding among the people. Who knows if they''ll ever be found? What happens if people die before that?


    But it''s far worse. Danton could feel the emptiness still strong in himself, and in Mainne''s heart. Vanoss is dead, and there is nothing that can ever change that. Sirus doesn''t know what to do anymore, but that''s to be expected, considering Eldora Tower has never had an elite member killed before by dark magic, let alone coming from their own trusted staff. The disaster could have been worse, but it is already bad enough. "There are two dangerous criminals on the loose that you''ve failed to find or capture. I think the people living here have a right to watch out for themselves."


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    "In any case," Sirus rephrased, "reports from the council of poll executives are coming in through my earpiece. It seems as if you''ve become highly popular in the last few seconds. It seems public polling has risen to seventy-six percent in favor of your proposals."


    Danton winced and squinted his eyes. When did this polling begin? And they''re really more in favor of him after this incident? "That was fast." People can send public polls to either the current leader of Sprawn Valley, or council executives. However, only council members can be booted out or elected in, depending on where they stand to support or protest the champion. This means that council members will have their hands tied if they don''t follow through with Danton''s new laws and regulations. That can only be a good thing. "I guess all the people want is the cold truth, no matter how horrible it might sound."


    "I guess..." Sirus continued to listen to the device as he spoke with Danton. "However, you also have a few people sending in angry letters of disapproval. They claim that nobody has any right to try and place restrictions on Leray magic or the rules of battle. We''re sure to receive more when people find out that dark magic exists in tangent with the Leray veil."


    It''s a sad thing to hear, but there are bound to be people that don''t like the sound of more regulations. Danton however had to accept the gravity of the situation, and weigh it over the people. "If everyone before me would have just paid more attention to the little flaws with Leray magic, maybe this wouldn''t have to happen. But I''m not turning back Sirus. The worst those angry letters can do is make my job harder, not impossible. I''ll trust you to handle public relations for now, while I try and bring this place back up to operational capacity. Just don''t blow it."


    Before Sirus could shake off the mild insult, the primary lift doors opened, prompting Sirus and Danton to suddenly aim their weapons in that direction. The feeling of being on edge hadn''t disappeared. Danton kept his Mega-Staff equipped on him at all times now for quick preparations...


    But it only turned out to be Jarvis. Jarvis has a leading role in the mage council as head of security for Sprawn Valley infrastructure, which includes this tower. The man walked up to Danton casually to express his opinion on his speech. "I see you are all going to keep my department very busy with all of these security upgrades. The firms you''ve requested technology from have been granted by an overturn in a council decision earlier this morning."


    Jarvis is going to make sure the installations proceed smoothly. Danton thus lowered his weapon, realizing there is nothing here to worry about. "Jarvis. You and I should talk about how these installations will take effect, specific to the tower."


    "I agree. The tower needs to have top-level security after what happened yesterday. That is why I''ve been promoted, only temporary, as your new security advisor. We should get right to the discussions tonight, since the materials are being shipped as we speak."


    "Not so fast," Danton warned. "As you should already know, just about anyone can step foot into this tower and impersonate people. So I want to see some identification and orders of approval, as well as passes to this tower and access to all files on our security matrix before we can discuss anything. Sirus? I trust you can escort our guest downstairs so he can go fetch those documents."


    Jarvis held back a wince, but agreed willingly. "I''ll accommodate your wishes Danton. I have to say I''m impressed that you''ve already started trusting nobody without proof of authorized clearance. Let''s go mage Sirus."


    Sirus sighed, nearly sounding like a whine. "What fun we''ve had today. I wonder if this will be my job from here on."


    "Sirus?"


    "I know, I''m going. Come on Jarvis."


    "Sirus?" Danton got the man''s attention, causing him to freeze in place. "Be sure to page Mainne up to the chambers. I need to have a word with her."


    "As you wish. Come on." Sirus escorted Jarvis back down the way he came. It was rather annoying running the smaller errands for Danton, but at least his mind if finally in the right place. He knows what needs to be done, something that could never be said only days ago.


    Danton waited patiently in silence. The camera crew worked on packing up all of their primitive equipment, taking it away downstairs. Danton was soon alone with his thoughts, waiting on Mainne to come up here. Who knows what she''s thinking? The world has suddenly become so much more dangerous though, with those murders out there somewhere. They could be up to anything. Never has being a guardian of Eldora Tower meant so much before now. Any leaked knowledge of lunar magic, or the physical operations of the crystal core could be fatal to this nation. At this point, it might be worthwhile to take bits and pieces of knowledge on lunar magic, whether truthful or not and implicate that into the school system of basic core magic studies. If Kite and Gleeon learn that lunar magic is unusable no matter what, they may not pursue its secrets or the core. But that has to be a careful decision to make. Right now, the only person who can help fix this mess is her.


    "You summoned me already?" Mainne stood as the lift doors were opened, and she walked to the center of the room where Danton stood. He might not realize it yet, but Mainne heard every word sent from that speech. She could hear the hidden fear in his heart, and surely, some of the people in Sprawn Valley would hear it as well. He just declared war on dark magic, something only two missing people are known to use. It''s crazy, but at least now it''s also central in the media.


    With Mainne walking up to him after a few minute''s wait, Danton considered his earlier plan of action, and gave Mainne the proposal. "Mainne. I trust that you can be of best assistance maintaining your role here to safeguard this tower''s ultimate secrets, and all while maintaining the vital role you play as a guard of this tower."


    "I know..." People keep on saying that they''re guardians now, but there have been so many moments now, moments where Mainne missed the days before. Fighting in Leray battles with some of the best magic fighters; it''s so much fun! And now she can never go back to that.


    "What we need right now is a nearly permanent and impenetrable team, including you, me, and other elite members that will have to take the place of those we lost."


    "Permanent members?"


    "Yes. You see, nobody here gets a set term on how long they stay for their important roles. Anyone with the correct skills can come and defeat me, replacing me as leader when they know nothing about the importance of this tower''s security. Or, elites can be replaced, making the new ones weak against the two that might try to attack us."


    No way! Danton really believes that''s their goal? "You think Gleeon and Kite are going to come back?"


    "Don''t panic right now Mainne. I need you here for this."


    "R-right!"


    "Try to think about this logically. If I or other elite members are replaced by those who don''t have a clue about the dangers of dark magic and people who use it, they won''t be able to properly protect us or the tower. And I can''t assume that our employee list will remain secret. After all, champion events are always recorded and broadcast live for entertainment. Just about anyone can see who is powerful here, and I bet those two are just waiting for a moment of weakness to attack this tower again."


    "But... What if somebody does defeat us one day, replacing you and me, and the rest?"


    "It won''t happen," Danton promised. "I don''t have any say in the matter, but words and orders are irrelevant for what is now expected of us. Raw skill and strength have the points in this. If you and I become stronger warriors, we won''t be booted out of the tower as easily, but I also need our replacement elites to be in the same condition."


    Her eyes opened a little wider after processing the words enough times. Mainne stood with one hand on her hip to guess the plan. "You want me to go out into the world, and find the strongest people fit to be elites? Is that even allowed?"


    "Of course it is," Danton pressured. "Anyone is allowed to be imported as an elite member of Eldora Tower with time-based restricted access to any normally classified material. People will assume that any new elite members we recruit will get their asses handed to them when the tower reopens for business, but you and I won''t let that happen. We''re going to personally train the new elite squad. You''re task is to find five potential candidates, inform them of why you''re gathering them, and bring them all to this tower''s training room. And I''m giving you one week to complete this task."


    "A week?" Mainne felt her heart pounding in her chest. Only having a week isn''t what made this challenge difficult. It''s the note of how important this mission is. Danton is right. If Mainne fails to find able candidates for the task of defending Eldora Tower''s reputation, Kite and Gleeon will be back. This mission is very important!


    "Don''t look for people with muscles, skills, or power."


    "Huh?" What does Danton mean by that? "But you just told me to find the best, most suitable people."


    "Listen to me very carefully Mainne." Danton held every memory to his eyes as he spoke, and he had Mainne''s undivided attention. "We can''t afford to have any more Kites. So I don''t want you to focus on how strong they are. You find only candidates who have unbelievably great morals and principles. I want you to find people of honor, people who have strong hearts, people who have a genuine love for Leray magic. I don''t care if the only skill they can use is Radial Stars. You and I will be training this squad to represent their roles. So we won''t fail to beef up any of their stats as the need passes us."


    "So even if they look like they can''t hurt a fly..."


    Danton held Mainne''s shoulders, emphasizing his earlier claim. "Only bring me good people who have what it takes to protect Eldora and our friends with their lives. And be sure to explain the difficulty of their jobs here as you go. Promise them that we will train them to be the best, most amazing elite team the world has ever seen. And make sure they will never have any potential sway to the dark side of magic."


    So that''s what he wants. Skills are taught easy, but morals are not. Mainne waited for Danton to let go of the rims of her shoulders before accepting this challenge. "You want me to find five people, able candidates of Leray wielders who only know goodness in their hearts, and who all have what it takes to enjoy Leray magic to the fullest... I think I can manage that in a week. But where should I start my search?"


    "You can start here in Eldora if you''d like. I''m having Sirus hand me a supply of teleportation crystals. I''m giving them all to you so that you can get around easily."


    He really is serious about all of this. "Okay Danton." Mainne happily agreed. This felt good, to finally have something so important to do, something that would help everyone and prevent another disaster. "I''ll leave as soon as you hand me everything. I''ll need to get started immediately."


    "Good. I''ll cover for your absence in the meantime Mainne. For now, prepare yourself for a long travel, and always remain wary when you are outside of the tower. Understand? I can''t have anything bad happen to you."


    "Uh— Don''t worry," Mainne promised. "I''ve got this."


    There it was at last. Danton had not seen that look on Mainne for such a long time now. She''s so confident and focused now. That''s the way things should be. Mainne is right. We''ve got this! With a new team built to replace the old, there is no doubt that they can all pull this off and protect everyone. Just believing in that was already enough to make Danton smile again as well.