The Supreme Guardian. Dmitry Chernykh

remained. Basically, only our cabin, protected by the air bubble, a few deck planks, and part of the mast were left. A pity for the little vessel, but at least we were alive.

      – What is this filth? – Asya shouted, following me out.

      – This appears to be a vivid demonstration of the dome of confusion, – the spellcaster explained calmly. – Quite an intriguing weave. Will you teach me?

      I nodded silently. Why not teach a good person? Even if he’s not exactly human.

      – Where are we? – Zheka was the first to address our surroundings.

      Tuzik had dragged the remains of our yacht into a large cave, dimly lit by magical torches. Its vaults disappeared into darkness, and far in the depths, a tiny bright red dot was visible.

      – This is the entrance hall, – I said uncertainly. – I’ve never been here, but I roughly know what we need to do. My office building is in the center of this system of underwater caves. During construction, the Guardians walled off all other approaches to the headquarters, leaving only the central one.

      – Why aren’t we being flooded? – Asya asked apprehensively.

      – Magic, – the dragon smiled, and I nodded in agreement.

      – Everything here is indeed protected by fundamental-artifact magic. That’s when the building itself is the artifact, – I explained, seeing the puzzled looks of the students. – The most unshakeable and reliable magic. That’s why the cave wasn’t flooded even when I cast the dome of confusion. The lighting and ventilation also operate on artifact spells, by the way.

      – So we’ll always have air and light? – the dragon clarified.

      I nodded, confirming his theory.

      – At least that’s a relief.

      – What do you mean ‘always’? – Asya suspiciously glanced at the professor. – How long, may I ask, did you plan this excursion for?

      – A couple of days, – I shrugged. – I did mention it. – You said we’d spend a few days in Bermuda! – the girl yelled at me. – You didn’t specify that it would be at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean! I don’t even have spare clothes with me! – she pointedly looked at her rather immodest swimsuit. – I didn’t even grab my sundress from the deck when I was hiding from your pet!

      – Don’t worry, – I smiled gently. – I’ve brought everything necessary. Spare clothes for you, and even a change of underwear. Luckily, I remember your sizes well…

      My fiancée turned beet red. Was it embarrassment or anger? I really didn’t want to find out. I returned to the cabin, grabbed the backpack soiled with stinking slime, and pulled out three sets of spare clothes: for myself, Asya, and Zheka. After all, we are responsible for those we bring on a journey.

      The girl snatched her set from my hands and pushed me out of the room. Well, the better. Changing in the fresh air is much more pleasant than in a cabin drenched in stinky substance. Apparently, Zheka and Altair came to the same conclusion, swiftly getting rid of their dirty clothes.

      However, just as I managed to remove my shorts, the cabin door flung open, releasing a girl ruffled with anger.

      – Vsevolod! I won’t go anywhere in this! – she exclaimed. – Are you mocking me?!

      And what didn’t she like? It was fine to sunbathe in a swimsuit made of a few strings, but as soon as a dress is a bit shorter than decent, she gets angry. I just don’t understand these girls…

      – What’s wrong? – I decided to play dumb. It usually works.

      – What’s wrong?! Your shorts are longer than this dress! – Asya pointedly nodded at my boxers.

      Well, she had a point.

      – Alright, – I agreed dejectedly. – Look in the backpack. There should be some sports pants. And find sneakers for yourself and your brother.

      – Is it bottomless or what? – Asya looked at my backpack in surprise.

      – Space expansion magic, – I explained, then thought a bit and added. – Artifact-based.

      The spellcaster looked at the nondescript backpack with respect. On the black magic market, such an artifact was quite expensive, even a dragon-pensioner couldn’t afford it. And all because these bags were made exclusively by Guardians using ancient mage technologies. What’s the big deal? We need to eat too, and you don’t earn much from volunteering to save the world. So we have to take odd jobs… Sabbaths, so to speak.