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Last of The Fae Chapter 134: Future Plans In Motion
🕑 Added 2025-03-15 18:01:41 +0000 UTCThane mulled over Mirabel’s words in silence as they approached the Apothecary. Once a modest alchemical supply store, it had since consumed an entire side of the street, transforming into a sprawling, warehouse-like facility that loomed over the cobbled pathways of the Fae District. The potentially brutalist architecture was softened by cascading greenery—vines twisting up stark white walls, vibrant alchemical flora planted in carefully arranged terraces—contrasting the sterile precision of its construction with a sense of controlled natural chaos.
For a moment, Thane let himself take it all in—the culmination of years of work, calculated risks, and knowledge carefully applied. It was proof of what could be accomplished when magic was treated as a discipline rather than an unpredictable force. Yet, despite all of this, Mirabel’s words lingered in his mind.
"Your idea has merit," he finally said as they stepped through the front doors, nodding in approval as clerks hurriedly moved aside to allow them passage toward the rear of the building. "But I think you underestimate just how dangerous the knowledge I possess truly is—both in its inherent nature and the consequences of its misuse."
Mirabel, walking a half-step behind him, did not miss a beat.
"But you’ve always said that magic isn’t something to be feared," she countered, her tone sharp yet earnest. "It’s meant to be understood. Developed. Pushed to new heights. How do you expect the world to follow your vision if you won’t even embrace it yourself?"
Thane let out a small chuckle, though there was no warmth behind it.
"You were right about one thing, Mirabel—I do have my secrets," he admitted, his voice dropping just slightly as they neared the private section of the Apothecary. "And the reason I refuse to share my knowledge is tied directly to my most guarded one. Do you understand?"
Mirabel stiffened, her breath catching for just a second. She was many things—clever, ambitious, determined—but in that moment, she was reminded of who she was speaking to.
This was the man who had single-handedly slain an ancient basilisk, who had outmaneuvered both the Light and Dark Courts, and whose very name now carried the weight of a growing empire.
"I—I’m sorry, Lord Thane… please forgive me for speaking so boldly," she murmured, carefully lowering her gaze.
Thane sighed, though there was no irritation in his expression.
"There is nothing to forgive," he said, waving a hand dismissively. "I recognize the passion in your words, and I do not fault you for speaking your mind. In truth, I don’t entirely disagree with your assessment."
They reached the far end of the store, where a set of imposing stone doors reinforced with gleaming mithril bands stood guarded by two sentinels in crisp, dark silver robes. As Thane and Mirabel approached, the guards immediately stepped aside, standing at attention. Without hesitation, Thane raised his left hand, revealing his ring, while Mirabel reached into her robes and withdrew her own identification band.
A beam of cool, blue light swept over them, scanning their unique magical signatures.
A beat of silence passed.
Then, the light flickered green, and with a deep, mechanical groan, the doors unlocked and swung open, revealing a small, confined chamber. The walls—like the exterior—were made of reinforced stone, but the true marvel lay in the intricate formations etched into the floor and ceiling.
Two nearly identical magical circles pulsed faintly, their designs more complex than even the Bank Sigils the public had marveled at.
Thane stepped inside first, Mirabel close behind.
The doors sealed behind them, enclosing them in absolute stillness.
Then, without warning, the formations activated.
Mana surged through the metal veins inlaid into the stone, flooding the chamber with an almost imperceptible hum. The air crackled as the floor array pulsed first, bending localized space, suspending it in time for a fraction of an instant. A second pulse followed from the ceiling, anchoring the space back into physical reality.
To the outside world, the transition happened in the blink of an eye.
For Thane and Mirabel, it was as if nothing had changed.
The doors before them slid open seamlessly, revealing not the neatly arranged store interior they had just left—but an entirely different world.
"This place will never cease to amaze me," Mirabel broke the silence, her voice tinged with awe, as she and Thane gazed upon a workspace that was actively being reclaimed by nature.
As Fae Inc. had exploded in scale and size, Thane had transformed his private atrium into the main processing plant for all alchemical products and ingredients the company supplied. It had only taken Thane a single afternoon to expand the extended space, yet its appearance remained largely unchanged.
Stone pipes still irrigated massive planter boxes, their water sourced from the Slipscale tank beneath the atrium. Vines still climbed along the walls and ceiling, reaching toward the artificial sunlight pouring in from the glass dome overhead.
The most noticeable addition was the circle of alchemical stations positioned throughout the space—each one attended by teams of alchemists, working with smooth efficiency as they ground, toasted, and fermented various raw ingredients. Their movements were precise, their processes streamlined, as finished materials were swiftly transported through the Fae Storage System, ensuring a seamless production cycle.
Mirabel let out a slow breath, letting her eyes roam over the expanse before them.
"Yes," Thane agreed, "But like you said… it could be so much more."
Mirabel turned toward Thane, her expression hopeful yet cautious.
Thane, however, was already smiling. And this time, it was genuine.
"You have a week to come up with a proposal—one that outlines a program for vetting those who will be entrusted with this knowledge and a strategy for ensuring that it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands."
Mirabel’s eyes widened.
"D-does that mean—?"
"You were right," Thane admitted. "If we want to evolve beyond expectations, I can’t be the only innovator in this company. You’ve convinced me, Mirabel. Now convince me further."
For the first time since their conversation began, Mirabel stumbled over her words, clearly caught off guard.
"O-of course! I’ll get started on it right away—you won’t regret this, Lord Fae!"
She bowed hastily before taking off at a sprint, already shouting for people and whipping the room into a frenzy of activity.
Thane watched her go, shaking his head in quiet amusement.
"I suppose I should get to work on my own projects," he muttered to himself, stepping back toward the Gate as the stone doors sealed behind him.
As he adjusted his robes, his mind drifted elsewhere.
"With summer approaching, I should be able to make real progress. I wonder if Dumbledore will allow me to begin my Mage Dissertation early… I can’t imagine wasting another two years taking foundational courses I’ve already mastered."
His thoughts lingered on that possibility as the portal activated once more, pulling him away.
