Sovereign of the Ashes

Sensing the imminence of his final days, Morsidor shared a wealth of information with Sein on his final night.

Beyond instructing Sein to conceal his identity as a black magic initiate upon reaching the surface, Morsidor offered insights into the general situation of Gloomhaven and its surroundings.

“In the space bangle, there’s a magic map I made over a hundred years ago upon my arrival in Gloomhaven. I have also investigated your background two years after taking you in.

“As I expected, you’re not a commoner. Black mages in the Mystralora City usually steer clear of nobles when seeking fresh blood to avoid unnecessary trouble. After all, nobles in the Magus World are usually involved with the knights and mages,” he explained.

“The black mages who went out to plunder back then acquired you from a specialized trafficker. The black mages of Mystralora City often collaborate with human traffickers or bandits within Gloomhaven. They usually handle the dirty work we can’t.

“Many fresh initiates at the academy come from such sources. Although I couldn’t determine the exact noble family you came from, I roughly learned you originated from the region to the north of Gloomhaven. I have a bloodline tracing magic that might be able to help you,” Morsidor offered.

Sein was quite worked up upon receiving information about his birth and family.

He accepted the crystal ball with bloodline tracing magic in it, feeling excited about the prospect of returning to his childhood home.

Following this exchange, Morsidor’s condition seemed to worsen.

His consciousness wavered, and even his speech became unclear.

He coughed up a mouthful of black blood, and the foul-smelling blood stained half of his robe.

Sein, disregarding the unsettling sight, rushed to support Morsidor to prevent him from falling to the ground.

At this moment, Morsidor seemed to be clinging to his final shred of clarity.

His jaundiced eyes met Sein’s as he hoarsely remarked, “Kid, you’re truly not cut out to be a black mage. You lack ruthlessness and still cling to your moral compass. It’s a good thing you’re still young and only an initiate, not a wanted criminal by the Divine Towers. As long as you leave Gloomhaven, you’ll be able to survive in the Magus World as an ordinary magic initiate.”

“Truth be told, on the first night I met you here... I tried to steal your body to extend my life...”

Sein was not certain if Morsidor was fully conscious when he revealed this. Nevertheless, he remained silent.

Despite later learning Morsidor’s intention to harm him that night from Seven, Sein harbored no resentment toward his mentor. In the ensuing days, he behaved normally and did not distance himself from Morsidor.

However, Sein chose not to disclose the thirty Grade Two energy crystals he obtained in the Sand World.

Sein provided only a vague overview of his two years in the Sand World, deliberately omitting any mention of the thirty Grade Two energy crystals to Morsidor.

He understood that his gains were wealth that could sway even a Rank Two or even Rank Three mage.

Revealing such wealth as a lowly magic initiate would only put himself in unnecessary danger.

While the inheritance within the Morsidor’s space bangle ensured Sein’s smooth progression toward becoming a full-fledged mage, the addition of the thirty Grade Two energy crystals meant he would not lack resources for his advancement to Rank Two.

This collection of resources represented Sein’s unique opportunity and served as a reward for enduring the ordeal of over two years in the challenging Sand World.

As for the Sandworm King’s request, Sein could only wish it good luck.

After all, he had already conveyed its circumstances to the mages from the Divine Tower, but the outcome did not seem to be favorable.

Morsidor remained unaware that Sein had concealed something from him.

After entrusting all he intended to Sein, he grasped Sein’s shoulders in his final moments and made a plea.

Yes, it was a plea rather than a demand.

“I hail from Thousand Leaf Coral Island in the middle of the Western Archipelago. If you have the chance in the future, please bring my ashes back there and scatter them in Geyzes City. I said that you’re not cut out to be a black mage, but I too, am an unqualified black mage for easily trusting others.”

“Remember, you can only travel to the Western Archipelago after becoming a full-fledged mage. The Magus World isn’t a place you can safely traverse as an initiate, and this includes the Blackhaven in the Western Archipelago,” Morsidor cautioned.

Morsidor closed his eyes and continued, “Strive hard and give it your all. If, for any reason, my wish proves challenging to fulfill, then let my ashes find their way to the Boundless South Sea. That place, too, holds a special place in my heart.”

With those words, Morsidor never opened his eyes again.

After a long time, Sein felt his mentor’s body growing cold. He brought his finger near to Morsidor’s nose and confirmed that he was no longer breathing.

His heart had ceased beating too.

Gazing at Morsidor, who appeared aged and emaciated before him, Sein knelt down and pressed his forehead to the ground several times as a final gesture of respect.

***

Sein insisted on handling the disposal of his mentor’s body alone.

Seven observed from the sidelines, respecting Sein’s wish not to interfere.

“Your mentor was right. He didn’t qualify as a black mage, and you, as his apprentice, don’t fit the mold of a black magic initiate. What a peculiar pair of mentor and apprentice,” Seven remarked as it perched on a boulder, observing Sein by the fire.

“If my mentor had carried out his intentions that night, could you have stopped him?” Sein asked in a composed tone as he watched Morsidor’s body gradually consumed by the flames.

“Difficult to say. Your mentor is a full-fledged black mage, he likely possesses other magic artifacts. If he had gone through with it, it is quite likely I wouldn’t have been able to stop him,” Seven replied.

The owl’s response caused Sein to let out a long sigh, though he was not entirely sure why.

Regardless, the passing of his mentor left Sein in a state of profound sadness.

“He was my mentor, and always will be,” Sein uttered as he stared at the flames dancing before his eyes.