《Melodies Of Power》 Prologue **Chapter 1: The Summoning** Lance¡¯s heart pounded in his chest as he stood in the summoning circle, surrounded by the glow of lifestream energy. His call, filled with both trepidation and hope, stretched across the cosmos, seeking a companion. He could feel it move¡ªpushing through the layers of existence, past the elemental planes of fire, water, earth, and air. It weaved through the serenity of the Primordial Plane of Stars, brushing by the calm forces of the Plane of Serenity, and finally descended into the chaotic, searing depths of the Plane of Fury. For a moment, Lance felt a response¡ªa tremor in the flow. A creature stirred in the fires of Fury, a mighty drake. Its roar echoed through his soul, vibrating with strength and power. Lance held his breath, hoping, praying that this was his companion. But then... nothing. The drake turned away, uninterested. Lance¡¯s heart sank. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. The connection frayed. He braced for failure. But just as the last thread of hope was about to snap, a small pulse rippled back. Something had heard his call. Something small¡ªalmost imperceptible¡ªbut something uniquely alive. Lance opened his eyes. The summoning circle glowed faintly in front of him. And there, hovering in the center, was a tiny wisp of light, flickering like a candle caught in a storm. A Wisp. Small, insignificant-looking¡ªbut it thrummed with energy that was different, unique. Lance¡¯s lips parted in surprise. The Wisp pulsed. It was no fire demon, no mighty beast of battle. But it was his. Summoning Lance knelt on the stone floor, his heart pounding in rhythm with the flickering candles around the room. His eyes locked on the intricate runes etched into the summoning circle, a mixture of anxiety and anticipation swirling in his chest. The day he had awaited for years had finally arrived. A soft voice broke the silence. "Just breathe, Lance," said his mother, Elara. Her presence in the room was like gravity itself, holding him steady. "Your father would be so proud. You''ve got this." Beside her stood a tall figure draped in dark robes, a mage from the academy. His stern eyes flicked between the summoning circle and Lance, silently evaluating. "Focus on your will. Your call must be clear, or the creature may never reach you," the mage instructed in a tone that was more command than encouragement. Lance nodded, trying to calm his racing thoughts. This was it¡ªhis summoning, the moment that would define his magic, his future. With a deep breath, he closed his eyes and sent his call into the cosmos. His call shot forward, speeding past the Elemental Planes. It just barely missed the scorching heat of the Plane of Fire, ducked under the looming shadows of the Plane of Darkness and the glowing brilliance of the Plane of Light. It squeezed past the calm serenity of the Primordial Plane of Stars and brushed by the stillness of Serenity, finally stretching into the chaotic currents of the Plane of Fury. And then¡­ it found something. A spark. A response. Lance opened his eyes, his breath catching as the energy in the room shifted. Inside the summoning circle, swirling motes of light began to coalesce. The air vibrated with a low hum, and then, as the magic settled, a tiny figure appeared¡ªa glowing wisp. This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. "A wisp?" Lance muttered in disbelief. The small, flickering being pulsed in response, forming two glowing hands of energy that crossed over its chest, as if to say, Who are you calling small? Before Lance could react, the mage stepped forward. "It¡¯s a wisp from the Plane of Fury," he said, his voice sharp with urgency. "You must form a contract quickly before it''s banished back to its plane." Elara handed Lance a standard contract scroll. His hands trembled as he unrolled it, the ancient words glowing softly in the dim light. The wisp floated closer, watching him with a sort of amused curiosity. ¡°Ready?¡± Lance asked, unsure if he was talking to the wisp or himself. The wisp pulsed again, its energy glowing brighter in response. They reached out¡ªLance with his hand and the wisp with its glowing energy hand¡ªand pressed their palms to the contract. The scroll flared with brilliant light as the connection was made. Lance gasped as he felt a sharp, searing pain. It wasn¡¯t just in his mind¡ªhis very soul was stretching, bending to accommodate the new presence. The sensation was overwhelming, like someone had reached inside and twisted his spirit into something new. The pain was sharp and raw, like his essence was being pulled apart and stitched back together all at once. He clutched his chest, wincing as his soul seemed to tear, only to reform in a different shape. The wisp''s energy surged into him, and for a brief moment, Lance felt its essence merge with his. He could feel it¡ªthis strange, cocky little being¡ªmaking itself at home within his soul, its power intertwining with his own. Half of its soul became his, and half of his became the wisp''s. Then, just as quickly as it had appeared, the wisp vanished, sinking into him, leaving only a faint warmth where it had been. Lance collapsed to the floor, breathing heavily. His body felt... different, almost lighter, but at the same time burdened with a new responsibility. "It''s done," the mage said, his tone softer now. Goodbye to the Past , And Hello to the Future **Chapter Two: Farewells and New Beginnings** The day lance went to college his mom made cookies ¨C The sun streamed through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow over Elara as she baked her famous choco chip cookies. The delightful aroma filled the house, mingling with the anticipation of Lance¡¯s departure for Arcane University. Elara''s movements were brisk but her eyes betrayed a hint of sadness as she prepared a final feast for her son. Lance lounged at the kitchen table, his mind busy with excitement. ¡°Mom, you know you don¡¯t have to go all out with these cookies. I¡¯ll be fine,¡± he said, trying to hide his grin. Elara¡¯s eyes sparkled with playful defiance. ¡°Oh, but I must. These cookies are a tradition! They were the one thing that was not completely miserable in the king¡¯s army. Besides, you¡¯re not leaving until you¡¯ve had one last taste of home.¡± Lance chuckled, accepting a warm cookie. ¡°I guess I can¡¯t argue with that. They¡¯re too good to pass up.¡± As they enjoyed their last breakfast together, Elara¡¯s expression grew serious. ¡°Lance, promise me you¡¯ll be careful. I know you¡¯re eager, but you can¡¯t predict what might happen.¡± Lance rolled his eyes with a smile. ¡°Moooom, I can handle it. Besides, I¡¯ve got my companion now.¡± Elara face contorted in worry ¡°How¡¯s that working out?¡± Lance shrugged, his smile fading slightly. ¡°It¡¯s still quiet. Haven¡¯t heard a peep from it since the summoning. I hope it decides to speak up soon.¡± Lance took another bite, savoring the rich, sweet taste. ¡°They¡¯re amazing, Mom. I¡¯ll definitely miss these.¡± Elara¡¯s eyes sparkled with a mix of sadness and warmth. She reached into a drawer and pulled out a neatly wrapped package. With a gentle smile, she handed it to Lance. ¡°I have something for you.¡± Lance carefully unwrapped the gift, revealing a cloak. Its deep blue fabric shimmered subtly in the light. Elara continued, ¡°This cloak has been with me through many battles. It¡¯s not just a piece of clothing¡ªit¡¯s a part of my past and my way of ensuring you¡¯re protected. When you channel lifestream into it, it will give you resistance to physical attacks. It might not cover your face, but it¡¯s a reminder of home and my support.¡± Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. Lance slipped the cloak on, feeling the weight of his mother¡¯s care and protection. He embraced Elara tightly, feeling the sting of parting. ¡°Thank you, Mom. I¡¯ll keep it close.¡± With final goodbyes and a heartfelt hug, Lance made his way to the carriage.As Lance approached the carriage, he noticed four students inside, already deep in conversation. They looked up when he arrived. Before he even sat down, a sharp voice cut through the air. ¡°Can you fight?¡± It was a blunt question from a boy with spiky hair and a hardened expression. His tone carried a challenge, not a greeting. Lance blinked, taken aback by the suddenness of it. ¡°Uh, what?¡± The boy, clearly unimpressed, folded his arms. ¡°Can you fight? Do you know magic?¡± Before Lance could answer, the boy sitting next to him, with a calm, composed demeanor, gave the spiky-haired one a nudge. ¡°Kade, be polite. Not everyone wants to get into a brawl right away.¡± Kade grumbled something under his breath but leaned back, crossing his arms and looking out the window. The calm boy extended a hand toward Lance. ¡°I¡¯m Felix. And that¡¯s my sister, Bella.¡± He gestured to the girl sitting next to him, who offered a small smile, though there was an air of intensity in her eyes as they assessed Lance. ¡°I¡¯m Lance,¡± he replied, shaking Felix¡¯s hand. Bella leaned forward. ¡°What kind of magic do you have?¡± Lance shifted uncomfortably. ¡°I, uh¡­ haven¡¯t figured it out yet.¡± Felix raised an eyebrow. ¡°You don¡¯t know your magic yet?¡± Lance was about to explain when Oliver, the cheerful boy who had been quietly observing the interaction, chimed in. ¡°Felix and Bella are high nobles. They¡¯ve got some of the most powerful mages working for them. They found out what magic they had as soon as they summoned their companions.¡± Lance blinked in surprise. ¡°Wait, you already know what magic you have?¡± Bella smiled, though it was the kind of smile that held a hint of superiority. ¡°Of course. I have fire and healing magic. My companion¡¯s a phoenix.¡± Felix gave a small nod. ¡°And I have light and illusion magic. My companion is a silver serpent. We¡¯ve known our magic for a while now.¡± Lance was still wrapping his head around the idea. Meanwhile, Oliver grinned and shrugged. ¡°I¡¯ve got a stone golem. My magic¡¯s earth-based, but, uh, let¡¯s just say I¡¯m still figuring out the details.¡± Kade, who had been silent, spoke up again, his tone still gruff but less confrontational. ¡°Lightning and enhancement magic. My companion¡¯s a thunder bear.¡± Felix leaned forward, clearly impressed. ¡°Kade¡¯s quite the fighter too. One of the best hand-to-hand swordsmen you¡¯ll find.¡± Kade gave a small, self-satisfied smirk but didn¡¯t add much more. It was clear he wasn¡¯t one for long conversations. ¡°And you?¡± Felix asked, looking at Lance again. ¡°You summoned your companion, right?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Lance nodded. ¡°It¡¯s a wisp from the Plane of Fury, but¡­ it hasn¡¯t really said anything since the summoning.¡± ¡°A wisp?¡± Bella asked, slightly incredulous. Lance shrugged. ¡°Yeah, but I¡¯m sure it¡¯ll figure itself out. It¡¯s just¡­ taking its time.¡± Oliver jumped in again, ever the optimist. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Lance! I¡¯m sure your companion will speak to you soon. Mine took a while too. It¡¯s all about the bond, right?¡± Lance nodded, but he couldn¡¯t help but feel a little out of place. Everyone else seemed so sure of their magic, their companions, while he was still in the dark. The Test The carriage came to a stop with a creak, and Lance stepped out into a bustling courtyard. All around, groups of students milled about, some clearly nervous, others looking determined as they glanced at their fellow competitors. In the middle of the courtyard, several mages stood watching, their gazes sharp and assessing. The air buzzed with excitement and tension. At the far end of the courtyard stood a tall, gruff-looking man in faded robes. He had a stern expression and crossed arms, clearly waiting for the next group. His presence exuded authority, and the other students quickly quieted down as they approached him. ¡°Alright, listen up!¡± the man barked, his voice rough as gravel. ¡°The test is simple. Each of you will hold the box and channel your companion into it. If it lights up, congratulations, you¡¯re capable of magic. If not... well, you''ll figure it out." He shrugged dismissively. "There¡¯s a lot of runework involved, but I can¡¯t be bothered to explain it all. That¡¯s what the colleges are for.¡± Lance exchanged a glance with the others. Felix stood tall, a hint of confidence in his posture, while Bella had an eager glint in her eyes. Kade, as usual, looked ready to punch something, and Oliver was trying to blend into the background. The mage held up a simple, yet intricately engraved cube, pulsing faintly with energy. ¡°One by one, you¡¯ll come up, hold the cube, and channel your companion. Don¡¯t overthink it. Just feel for the bond inside you.¡± Several students ahead of them took their turns, some managing to make the box glow brightly, while others merely caused a faint flicker before it faded. The successful ones were swiftly led away, presumably to be sorted into their colleges.Felix, looking calm and composed, stepped forward. He placed his hands on the engraved cube, closing his eyes. A low hum filled the air as he concentrated. Moments later, the cube pulsed with a steady, silver glow. The mage gave a curt nod. "Next." Bella strode up confidently, her head held high. As soon as her hands touched the cube, it blazed with a bright crimson light. She tossed her hair back, clearly pleased with herself. "How did I do?" Bella asked, smiling smugly. ¡°You did,¡± the mage replied dryly, waving her aside without further explanation. Bella''s confident smile faltered for a second, but she quickly recovered and stepped back beside Felix. Kade swaggered up next, rolling his shoulders as though preparing for battle. He grabbed the cube with both hands, his brow furrowing in concentration. For a moment, there was silence¡ªthen the cube flared with electric-blue light, crackling with energy. The mage barely reacted. ¡°Fine. Next.¡± Oliver shuffled up to the cube, his nerves clearly getting the best of him. He hesitated for a moment, wiping his palms on his robes before placing his hands on the cube. The seconds stretched, and Lance could see Oliver''s jaw tighten. Then, to everyone¡¯s surprise, the cube lit up with a soft green glow, bright and steady. The mage studied the cube for a long moment, his brow furrowing slightly. ¡°Interesting,¡± he muttered under his breath, barely loud enough for them to hear. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. Oliver blinked in surprise and quickly stepped back, looking relieved but also a little nervous under the mage''s scrutinizing gaze. Finally, it was Lance¡¯s turn. His heart pounded in his chest as he approached the cube. He could feel the weight of his friends¡¯ successes, and the pressure mounted. He took a deep breath and placed his hands on the cool, smooth surface of the cube. For a long moment, nothing happened. Come on, he urged silently, reaching out for his wisp, the elusive companion that had been eerily quiet since the summoning. Still nothing. His throat tightened as he mentally nudged the wisp again. Wake up! A faint stirring¡ªfinally. His companion¡¯s presence flickered in his mind, waking slowly. Without saying a word, the wisp seemed to stretch out, and Lance pushed as hard as he could. The cube lit up with a faint but unmistakable glow. The mage grunted in acknowledgment and waved him back with a motion that felt almost dismissive. Lance exhaled, feeling the tension leave his body as he joined the others. They sat down on a nearby bench, waiting as the mage moved off to speak with other students. Bella leaned toward Lance and gave him a quick nudge. "You did great. See? I told you you¡¯d pull it off." Lance smiled weakly. ¡°Barely.¡± Oliver sat beside Felix, still looking a bit pale. ¡°I was sure I was going to mess that up,¡± he mumbled, fidgeting. Felix gave him a reassuring nod. ¡°You did well, Oliver. The cube lit up strong.¡± Oliver forced a nervous smile. ¡°Yeah... I guess.¡± After what felt like an eternity, the gruff mage returned. ¡°Right. You¡¯ll all be walking through Portal 21. It¡¯ll take you to your university. Your luggage will be delivered shortly after.¡± He glanced at Oliver, then muttered, ¡°Good luck,¡± in a tone that left the group wondering what he meant. He turned away, giving no further explanation. Bella raised an eyebrow and asked, "What does that mean?" The mage only shrugged. ¡°Walk through the portal and find out.¡± They approached Portal 21, a shimmering archway that twisted with swirling, ethereal light. Kade, never one to back down from a challenge, stepped forward first. ¡°Here goes nothing,¡± he muttered, then disappeared into the swirling colors. One by one, the others followed. Lance hesitated as he watched Oliver step toward the portal, looking visibly uneasy. Before Lance could ask what he meant, Oliver stepped through, leaving the others confused. Lance shook his head and followed, feeling the world spin as the portal swallowed him. Everything turned into a whirl of light and sensation. For a moment, Lance felt like he was tumbling through nothingness, his stomach churning as the world around him twisted. Then, just as suddenly as it started, the sensation ended, and he stumbled out onto solid ground. They had emerged in the courtyard of a massive university. Towering buildings surrounded them, each humming faintly with magic. Before they could gather their bearings, a young woman with short, messy hair appeared in front of them. She was dressed in casual student robes, her eyes twinkling with amusement. She looked them up and down, then smirked. ¡°First time?¡± she asked, raising an eyebrow at their bewildered expressions. They didn¡¯t respond, too disoriented to answer. The woman shrugged. ¡°Happens to everyone. You¡¯ll get used to it.¡± Lance was still recovering from the portal¡¯s strange effects, but he couldn¡¯t help but glance at Oliver, who stood nearby, trying not to look as queasy as he felt. ¡°Well,¡± Bella said, rubbing her temples, ¡°that was... an experience.¡± ¡°Could¡¯ve been worse,¡± Kade added, though even he looked a little pale. The woman gestured toward the towering buildings of the university. ¡°Welcome to Arcanis University,¡± she said with a grin. ¡°This is where the real fun begins.¡± "Try Not To Kill Yourself" After everyone had checked in at the dorms and settled into their rooms, Mara gathered them again in the hallway. ¡°How were your rooms?¡± she asked, her expression bored but her voice carrying a hint of curiosity. Lance shrugged, exchanging glances with the others. ¡°Not much to look at,¡± he admitted. ¡°Barebones,¡± Oliver added. Bella crossed her arms. ¡°Could use some personality.¡± Felix nodded in agreement. ¡°Functional, but¡­ yeah, pretty dull.¡± Mara smirked. ¡°Yep, pretty standard. Don¡¯t worry, though. You can add a few personal touches¡ªrugs, a mirror, or even slap a light rune on the wall if you want. Just remember, everything gets reset after you leave, so don¡¯t get too attached.¡± ¡°Noted,¡± Lance said, glancing around at the others, who seemed equally unimpressed with their rooms. ¡°Alright, follow me,¡± Mara said, her tone shifting to business. ¡°We¡¯ve got orientation now.¡± The group followed Mara out of the dorms and back into the sprawling university grounds, eventually arriving at a large, domed building that loomed like a giant monument. Inside, the orientation hall was packed with first-year students, all nervously chatting and exchanging glances as they waited for it to begin. Up front, standing on a raised platform, was Headmaster Elowen. His imposing figure was draped in dark, flowing robes that shimmered like liquid shadow, and his gaze was as cold as the air that seemed to hang around him. Unlike the warm, inspiring figure of authority Lance had imagined, Elowen looked stern, perhaps even a bit foreboding. ¡°Welcome,¡± the Headmaster¡¯s voice boomed, quieting the room instantly. ¡°To Arcanis University, where you will spend the next several years honing your skills¡ªor watching them wither away.¡± The students shifted uncomfortably, exchanging nervous glances. ¡°Magic,¡± Elowen continued, his voice echoing in the large hall, ¡°is power. Power comes with consequences. Some of you will excel, while others¡­ will struggle. Those who are careless? Well, try not to kill yourselves.¡± A nervous chuckle spread through the crowd, though it was more out of discomfort than actual amusement. The Headmaster''s dark humor hung in the air like a cloud, making everyone shift in their seats. Elowen raised his hands, and in an instant, the air above them shimmered as enormous illusions appeared. The images showed different areas of the university in vivid detail. ¡°The Library,¡± Elowen said, gesturing toward the illusion of endless shelves filled with ancient tomes and scrolls. ¡°It is divided into nine floors. First-years have access only to the first floor. To gain access to the next, you must prove your capability by casting at least a Tier 2 spell. The higher the tier you can cast, the more knowledge you will be allowed to access. If you can cast Tier 3 spells, you gain access to the third floor, and so on, up to the ninth.¡± Elowen¡¯s hand waved, and the illusion shifted to the Training Grounds. Students were shown sparring, casting spells, and practicing their abilities, while healers stood by with glowing hands, ready to assist anyone who pushed themselves too far. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. ¡°Here, you will push your limits,¡± Elowen explained. ¡°You may practice any spell or technique you wish, and if you get hurt, healers are on standby. But do not grow careless. Just because you can be healed doesn¡¯t mean you can be reckless.¡± The image of a student hurling a fireball while dodging a lightning bolt flashed in front of them, leaving Lance in awe of the intense training he would soon undergo. Next, the illusion shifted to show the Summoning Chamber, a massive, dark room filled with glowing arcane symbols carved into the floor. The chamber was vast, its high ceilings and shadowy corners giving it a mysterious air. ¡°This is the Summoning Room,¡± Elowen said, his voice carrying a weight of importance. ¡°Here, you will summon ancient creatures from other planes. Some will offer knowledge, others might demand a trade. It is not to be taken lightly. You will also use this room for summoning classes, should you choose that path.¡± Lance¡¯s heart raced at the thought of summoning beings from other planes. His imagination ran wild with the possibilities¡ªwhat kind of creatures could he summon? What knowledge could they offer him? He could feel the excitement building, but also a sense of caution. Summoning beings from other planes wasn¡¯t just about power; it was about respect, control, and the danger that came with it. The illusion changed once more, this time showing the student facilities scattered across the campus. Elowen gestured toward an image of a bustling street lined with shops and stalls. ¡°There are several restaurants on campus if you wish to dine out,¡± Elowen explained. ¡°But for those of you who prefer to cook your own meals, there are also grocery stores where you can buy fresh ingredients.¡± He paused, a thin smile creeping onto his face. ¡°Of course, there is a mess hall where you can get free food. But, after a few weeks, you¡¯ll likely get tired of it and want to prepare your own meals.¡± He glanced around the hall, grinning slightly. ¡°Trust me, I¡¯ve seen it happen a thousand times.¡± The scene shifted again, this time showing rows of laboratories and magical circles. ¡°Should you need specialized facilities, there are rentable alchemy labs where you can concoct your potions and other magical experiments,¡± Elowen continued. ¡°And, for more advanced students, rentable summoning circles for those particularly tricky creatures or experiments. Take care when using them.¡± Finally, Elowen¡¯s expression darkened slightly, and the illusion faded. ¡°You¡¯ll also find many clubs and organizations on campus, for those of you who want to join something beyond your classes. Though one thing you won¡¯t find¡­¡± He hesitated, his lips curling with disdain. ¡°¡­are religious sites.¡± The room fell into an awkward silence as Elowen continued, his tone dripping with subtle contempt. ¡°Magic and divinity don¡¯t tend to mix. We¡¯ve found that it¡¯s¡­ safer, shall we say, to keep them separate.¡± Lance raised an eyebrow at the distinct edge in Elowen¡¯s voice. It was clear that the Headmaster didn¡¯t have much respect for the divine, but the reason behind it remained a mystery. The illusions faded, leaving only the Headmaster¡¯s imposing presence at the front of the hall. ¡°Your time here will test you. Some of you will rise to greatness. Others¡­ will fall short.¡± His tone was grave, his gaze hard. ¡°Welcome to Arcanis University. Let¡¯s see if you survive.¡± With that, Elowen gave a curt nod and turned, disappearing into the shadows, leaving the students buzzing with excitement, nerves, and uncertainty. Kade let out a low whistle. ¡°Well, that was¡­ motivating.¡± ¡°Try not to die. Great pep talk,¡± Bella muttered, shaking her head. ¡°Very reassuring,¡± Felix added, his voice dripping with sarcasm. Mara sighed and rolled her eyes. ¡°Alright, that¡¯s the orientation. Get used to your surroundings, check out your rooms or whatever, and meet me back at the office in an hour. Then I¡¯ll show you to your first official session. Test After the somewhat ominous orientation with Headmaster Elowen, the group of first-years found themselves back with Mara. She was, as usual, leaning against a nearby wall, arms crossed, looking bored but alert. ¡°Alright,¡± Mara said, pushing herself off the wall. ¡°Next stop: the arena. It¡¯s where all the fun happens. Follow me.¡± Lance and the others trailed behind as Mara led them across campus. The large domed buildings gave way to an open courtyard, where students were practicing spells, swordplay, and various forms of magical combat. The courtyard was alive with the hum of magic and the sharp clang of steel as students honed their skills. At the far end stood the arena¡ªa colossal structure that towered above everything else, its dark stone walls making it look more like a fortress than a simple training ground. The massive entrance was flanked by imposing statues of past champions¡ªmages of great renown who had left their mark on the university through legendary feats. Inside, the arena opened up into a grand coliseum, complete with a sand-covered central stage surrounded by rising tiers of stone seats. Magical wards shimmered faintly in the air, reinforcing the boundaries of the combat space. ¡°Impressive,¡± Oliver said, gazing up at the high walls of the arena. Kade¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Finally! Something interesting.¡± Bella and Felix followed, their steps slowing as they took in the vast space. ¡°This is where you¡¯ll be spending a lot of time,¡± Mara explained as she gestured toward the arena floor. ¡°Whether it¡¯s practicing your spells or testing your combat skills, this is the place. Duels, group battles, tactical training¡ªit all happens here. And yes, before you ask, the healers are always on standby.¡± She smirked. ¡°But don¡¯t get too comfortable. The arena can still break you.¡± As they stepped further into the center of the arena, they heard footsteps approaching. A tall figure emerged from the shadows¡ªa woman with short, dark hair streaked with silver, wearing a long, flowing coat that swirled around her as she moved. She had an air of authority about her, with sharp eyes that seemed to take in every detail at once. ¡°Professor Korra,¡± Mara greeted her with a nod, her usual indifference replaced with a trace of respect. ¡°Didn¡¯t expect to see you here.¡± ¡°Still watching over the new recruits, are you, Mara?¡± Professor Korra replied, her voice calm but commanding. She looked at Mara, then shifted her gaze to the group of students behind her. ¡°You¡¯ve certainly grown since your first year.¡± Mara rolled her eyes. ¡°Yeah, yeah, I remember. You don¡¯t have to remind me.¡± Professor Korra smirked. ¡°It¡¯s good to see that you¡¯ve become competent, at least.¡± Lance couldn¡¯t help but stare at the professor. She had a presence that demanded attention, but not in the same overpowering way as Elowen. It was subtler, more controlled, like a storm waiting to break. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. ¡°Students,¡± Professor Korra addressed the group, her voice firm. ¡°Welcome to the arena. I am Professor Korra, and I will be overseeing some of your combat and tactical training during your time here.¡± Her gaze lingered on each of them in turn, evaluating. ¡°I know you¡¯re all green, fresh from your summoning and barely capable of anything worth noting. But we¡¯ll change that soon enough. First, though, I¡¯d like to see what I¡¯m working with.¡± Her eyes swept over the group, pausing on Lance and Oliver. ¡°You two¡ªsit this one out. You¡¯re not quite ready yet.¡± She waved them to the side without further explanation. Lance, who was about to protest, met her gaze and thought better of it. Instead, he and Oliver exchanged glances and moved to the side of the arena. Korra¡¯s attention returned to the others. ¡°Anyone who can access magic, step forward.¡± Kade, Felix, and Bella all raised their hands, stepping forward. Korra¡¯s eyes lit up with amusement. ¡°Good. Before we begin, let¡¯s do the formalities. Names. Not that I¡¯ll remember, but apparently, it¡¯s important. Some book said so.¡± Kade was the first to speak, his excitement barely contained. ¡°Kade Everhart.¡± ¡°Alright, ¡®Fade,¡¯ you¡¯re up,¡± Korra said, waving him forward with a lazy gesture. Kade blinked. ¡°It¡¯s Kade.¡± ¡°Yeah, sure. Show me what you¡¯ve got.¡± Without wasting any more time, Kade summoned blades of lightning from his wrists, their crackling arcs casting a sharp light across the sand. His fighting style was aggressive¡ªhe darted forward with swift, precise strikes, aiming to slash at Korra with his lightning blades. But Korra moved like water, her body fluidly weaving out of the way of each strike. She didn¡¯t block or deflect; she simply dodged, her expression never changing. Kade gritted his teeth, throwing in a sharp kick, which she easily sidestepped before sweeping her own leg out and knocking him flat onto the sand. He groaned, lightning flickering out as he hit the ground. Korra smirked, offering him a hand. ¡°Not bad, Fade. But you need to work on that footwork. Trying too hard. You¡¯ll trip over your own energy.¡± Kade mumbled, ¡°It¡¯s Kade.¡± Korra shrugged. ¡°Don¡¯t care. Next.¡± Bella stepped up next, her eyes flashing with determination. She summoned fire, her hands glowing with flickering embers that formed into a small, unstable fireball. She hurled it at Korra, but it fizzled out midway. Bella¡¯s face flushed with frustration, and she quickly tried again. The second fireball was slightly more stable, but Korra merely stepped to the side, letting it dissipate into harmless sparks. ¡°You¡¯re holding back,¡± Korra commented, crossing her arms. ¡°Fire¡¯s got to be bold, not hesitant. Try again when you¡¯re not afraid of burning something down.¡± Bella¡¯s frown deepened, but she nodded and stepped back. Felix was the next to step forward, his silver serpent coiled at his side. With a wave of his hand, he cast an illusion, creating multiple copies of himself in the arena, all moving in perfect sync. It was a clever trick, but Korra¡¯s sharp eyes saw through it. With a swift motion, she punched through the nearest Felix, causing the illusion to dissolve into mist. The real Felix appeared a moment later, but before he could react, Korra flicked her wrist, sending a pulse of magic that knocked him to the ground. ¡°Nice try,¡± Korra said, dusting off her hands. ¡°But illusions are only useful if they actually fool someone.¡± Felix groaned as he sat up, rubbing his arm. ¡°Noted.¡± Korra turned back to the group, a smirk playing on her lips. ¡°If any of you choose to take up combat courses, you¡¯ll probably be seeing a lot more of me. Just remember¡ªI don¡¯t make it easy.¡± She paused, her sharp gaze sweeping over the group once more. ¡°This is Arcane University, after all. If you want to thrive here, you¡¯ll have to prove yourself. I¡¯m not here to babysit you.¡± And with a final smirk, Korra raised her hand, a swirling vortex of magic appearing around her feet. Before anyone could blink, she vanished in a flash of light, leaving the group in stunned silence. Lance let out a breath he hadn¡¯t realized he¡¯d been holding. ¡°Well... that was something.¡± Mara chuckled, crossing her arms. ¡°Welcome to the arena, rookies.¡± Courses The next day, after a good night¡¯s rest and a hearty breakfast in the mess hall, Lance and his friends gathered outside the main academic building. The sun shone brightly, and the campus buzzed with students discussing their plans for the upcoming semester. Mara leaned against a column, her usual relaxed posture a little more serious today. ¡°Alright, listen up. You¡¯re going to need to choose your courses soon,¡± she announced, catching their attention. ¡°Courses? Already?¡± Bella asked, her brow furrowed in concern. ¡°Yep. You can select up to four courses, and the first one is mandatory: Magic Lore, it¡¯s essential for understanding the foundations of magic. After that, you can choose one major and two minors from any of the first-year courses available.¡± Kade perked up. ¡°What kind of courses are we talking about?¡± Mara pushed herself off the wall and pulled a small, rolled-up parchment from her pocket. ¡°There¡¯s a variety. There are combat courses, potion-making, elemental studies, alchemy, and even classes on magical creatures and their habitats. You¡¯ll want to choose something that complements your school of magic.¡± ¡°What if we don¡¯t have our magic yet?¡± Oliver asked, glancing at the others. ¡°Good question. If you can¡¯t commune with your companions yet or haven¡¯t discovered your magic, you better start sorting things out. Classes start in three weeks, and the deadline for submitting your course selection forms is in two weeks. You can pick up a course selection form at the library. Once you submit your forms at the office, your required books will be sent to your rooms.¡± ¡°Can we get extra books?¡± Lance asked, feeling a flicker of excitement. ¡°Absolutely. Any additional books on spells, potions, cooking, or even campus maps can be found in the library. They have an extensive collection. Just remember, the library can be a maze¡ªdon¡¯t get lost.¡± Mara smirked, clearly enjoying the idea. After Mara wrapped up her brief talk, the group lingered for a moment, glancing at one another as if weighing their options. Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. ¡°Guess we should split up and see what we want,¡± Felix said, rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°I need to figure out what else I want to take. Catch you guys later.¡± ¡°Yeah, same here,¡± Kade added, his eyes already wandering toward the training grounds. ¡°I want to check out the combat courses.¡± Lance nodded, feeling a mix of anticipation and uncertainty about the course selection. Bella waved goodbye as she headed off with Oliver, leaving Lance standing alone for a moment. With a deep breath, he turned toward the library, determined to find out more about companions and what he might be able to do with his magic. The library¡¯s massive doors loomed ahead, and he pushed them open to reveal a vast space filled with towering bookshelves, all brimming with knowledge. Lance stepped inside, inhaling the faint scent of aged paper and ink. The library was surprisingly quiet, with only a few students scattered among the tables, engrossed in their studies. At the far end, he noticed a tall figure behind the front desk¡ªthe librarian, an elderly woman with silver hair and sharp glasses perched on her nose. As he approached, she looked up, and for a moment, her eyes went blank, as if she had momentarily drifted into another world. Then, she returned to the present, her expression shifting to one of understanding. ¡°Welcome to the library. How can I assist you today?¡± ¡°Um, hi. I¡¯m looking for books on companions¡ªspecifically how they interact with mages and magic,¡± Lance replied, trying to sound more confident than he felt. The librarian blinked as if processing his request. ¡°Shelf four to the right, level two. You¡¯ll find the books you need. May I see your student card?¡± Lance pulled out the token the demon had handed him as proof of his status at the Arcane University. The librarian examined it closely, a slight smile forming on her lips. ¡°If only all first-years were this excited to start studying, we would be one of the top universities in the world,¡± she remarked. ¡°Anyways, enjoy! You¡¯ll find our collection of ancient tomes is very useful and extensive¡ªmuch better than what most of the other whackjob universities in the kingdom have to offer.¡± Feeling invigorated by her encouragement, Lance thanked her and turned to follow her instructions. As he walked away, he suddenly remembered something important. He rushed back to the librarian. ¡°Excuse me! Do you have a course selection form?¡± She conjured a parchment out of thin air, handing it to him. ¡°Here you go. Just make sure to hand it to Greg when you¡¯re done.¡± ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± Lance asked, furrowing his brow. ¡°The registrar, of course. Green, creepy, goblin, demon from the Plane of Darkness. Wears glasses,¡± she explained, a hint of amusement in her voice. ¡°That guy! Ohhh, okay!¡± Lance nodded, a chuckle escaping him. ¡°Thanks a lot!¡± ¡°Good luck with your studies, Lance,¡± the librarian said, her smile warm as he headed off toward shelf four. As he navigated the rows of towering books, he felt a surge of determination. With each step, he was one step closer to understanding his magic and companion. The adventure had just begun. The Basics Lance¡¯s fingers raced over the pages of Companions of the Arcane: A Comprehensive Guide to Familiar Types and Their Powers. As he read through the descriptions, he felt a mix of anticipation and curiosity about what he might discover regarding his own companion. He flipped to a section dedicated to companions from the Plane of Fury. His heart raced with excitement as he scanned the list, each entry drawing him in. Finally, he reached the entry for Wisp.
Wisp: A small, ethereal being often associated with the Plane of Fury. Wisps can be found in almost all planes of existence, except the Celestial Plane, and they acquire unique abilities based on the plane they inhabit. Typically a weak companion, wisps are notorious for their cocky and mischievous nature, making them challenging to manage. Despite their relative weakness, they can offer significant advantages to their bonded mages.
Lance¡¯s brow furrowed as he absorbed the information. Cocky and mischievous felt just right for his wisp, which had been darting around him, showing off with bursts of energy since their bond formed. He continued reading, intrigued to learn what magic the wisp could provide:
Abilities Granted:
Lance¡¯s eyes widened with excitement. Vibration, wind, and chaos magic! The possibilities felt endless, but the description of his companion''s nature gave him pause. Relatively weak meant he would have to rely on his own abilities and determination to grow stronger. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. He murmured to himself, ¡°So, I¡¯m stuck with a cocky little spirit that loves to mess around.¡± A chuckle escaped him. ¡°I guess I¡¯ll have to learn to keep it in check.¡± The text went on to highlight the challenges of bonding with a wisp:
Due to their mischievous nature, wisps require consistent attention and guidance. Mages often find themselves engaging in playful banter with their companions to maintain a balanced relationship. Expect moments of unpredictability and chaos as you navigate your magical journey together.
A mix of determination and anxiety swirled in Lance¡¯s chest. ¡°Sounds like a lot of fun,¡± he said, shaking his head with a grin. ¡°But also a handful.¡± He closed the book and reached for another titled Communicating with Your Companion: A Guide to Building a Bond. He flipped through the pages until he found a section on reaching out to one''s companion.
*To communicate effectively with your companion, start by calming yourself. Take a few deep breaths and center your thoughts. As you settle your mind, reach into yourself. You should feel the presence of something within, a spark of energy that is your companion. Gently nudge this presence and send it thoughts and emotions. With practice, you may hear a response. This is particularly important for companions from the Plane of Fury, known for their chaotic energy. Practice is essential; as your bond strengthens, you will be able to communicate telepathically within your mindscape. Once a significant bond has formed, you may also attempt to summon your companion from your soul or mindscape into what is known as their Spectral Form, allowing for verbal communion. This form enables your companion to interact with the physical world, increasing your ability to share thoughts and ideas directly.*
Lance absorbed this advice, feeling a new wave of excitement. ¡°So, I need to get in touch with what¡¯s inside me,¡± he whispered, ¡°and try to summon my wisp. This might actually work!¡± As he finished reading, he took a moment to reflect. The journey ahead would not only involve honing his magic but also learning how to communicate and bond with his wisp. He was ready to embrace the chaos and mischief that came with it. Gathering his notes and books, Lance left the library with a renewed sense of purpose. His path to becoming a mage was beginning, and he was eager to embrace the challenges that awaited him¡ªcocky companion and all. A wisp of all things!!! Lance sat cross-legged on his bed, staring at the piles of books stacked around him. The soft sunlight streamed through the tall window, casting warm, lazy beams across his small apartment. His eyes wandered over the spines of the books he''d borrowed from the library, but his mind was elsewhere. A wisp. Of all the companions he could have summoned, why did it have to be a wisp? It wasn¡¯t that he was ungrateful¡ªhe knew how rare and significant the bond with a companion from the plane of fury could be¡ªbut the disappointment gnawed at him. In his mind, he had always pictured something... grander. A powerful beast, maybe a thunder bear like Kade¡¯s or a phoenix. Something strong and awe-inspiring, a companion that could make him a battle mage worthy of his parents¡¯ legacy. But instead, he got a wisp. A tiny, cocky, and chaotic wisp. It¡¯s not even from the Celestial Plane... he thought with a heavy sigh, running a hand through his hair. He had read that wisps were found in almost every plane of existence, except the Celestial one. They took on the traits of the plane they inhabited. His wisp came from the Plane of Fury, giving him access to vibration, wind, and a touch of chaos magic. It was... useful, but far from the overwhelming force he had hoped for. I wanted something powerful, not something I have to manage, Lance thought bitterly. Is this really going to be enough?
Feeling restless, Lance decided to leave his apartment and clear his head. The grounds of Elderglen were buzzing with activity, students milling about in small groups, laughing and talking. As he walked through the courtyard, he noticed the subtle looks exchanged by some of the students. Everyone was sizing each other up¡ªLance could feel it. They all wanted to know who had bonded with which companion, what kind of magic they could use, and who might be a potential rival. If they knew I had a wisp, they¡¯d probably laugh, he thought with a grimace. In the distance, he spotted Felix and Bella sitting beneath a large oak tree. They were a striking pair¡ªtheir noble upbringing practically radiated from them. Felix, with his cool, calculating demeanor, was reading a thick, leather-bound book, his expression unreadable. Bella sat beside him, her posture perfect, her eyes sharp as she surveyed the students passing by. Lance hesitated. He had met them both during orientation, but there hadn¡¯t been much interaction since. They were polite enough, but there was a certain coldness about them, as if they were always analyzing, calculating everyone¡¯s worth. They probably don¡¯t think much of me either, Lance thought, feeling a slight twinge of insecurity. Felix and Bella came from a powerful noble family, and their companions¡ªthough unseen like everyone else¡¯s¡ªwere rumored to be impressive. Lance, on the other hand, was still trying to figure out where he fit in. He walked over, deciding to push through the awkwardness. "Hey," he greeted, keeping his tone light. Felix looked up from his book, his eyes assessing Lance with the same cool detachment as always. "Lance," he said, his voice polite but distant. "Doing some research?" "Yeah," Lance replied, holding up the books he had borrowed from the library. "Trying to learn more about my wisp." This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. There was a pause. Bella¡¯s gaze flicked to him, her expression neutral, though Lance could sense the subtle judgment behind her words. "A wisp from the Plane of Fury," she said, her tone carefully measured. "Uncommon." "Yeah," Lance said, unsure how to respond. Uncommon didn¡¯t exactly sound like a compliment. He knew that wisps weren¡¯t seen as particularly powerful companions, especially compared to the more formidable beings summoned by others. Felix¡¯s lips quirked in a small, polite smile, but there was little warmth in it. "Every companion has its strengths," he said, though his tone carried a hint of indifference. "It¡¯s up to the mage to make the most of them." Bella nodded, her expression remaining inscrutable. "A wisp from the Plane of Fury could be... difficult to manage. Chaotic, even." Lance tried to keep his voice steady, though the insecurity gnawed at him. "I¡¯m working on figuring it out. I¡¯m sure it has its strengths." "Of course," Felix said, but the conversation felt distant, like they were keeping him at arm¡¯s length. They weren¡¯t unfriendly, but there was an undeniable sense of detachment¡ªa subtle reminder that they came from a different world. A world where power, status, and potential mattered. And by those standards, Lance wasn¡¯t sure where he stood.
Later that evening, Lance found himself back in the library, surrounded by the books he had checked out. He stared down at the one about companions, his thoughts swirling. What if they¡¯re right? He knew that Felix and Bella didn¡¯t see him as a threat or even a rival¡ªthey were likely sizing him up, weighing his worth as a potential ally, enemy, or perhaps even a non-factor. And right now, I¡¯m definitely the least valuable person in the room. He shook his head, trying to push the thoughts away. No. I¡¯m not going to let this get to me. There was more to being a mage than just raw power, and he was determined to prove that. Opening the book on communication with companions for the tenth time that week, Lance focused on the instructions.
To communicate effectively with your companion, start by calming yourself. Take a few deep breaths and center your thoughts. As you settle your mind, reach into yourself. You should feel the presence of something within, a spark of energy that is your companion. Gently nudge this presence and send it thoughts and emotions. With practice, you may hear a response.
Lance frowned, doubt creeping in. His wisp had been chaotic and unpredictable from the moment it entered his life¡ªhow was he supposed to calm himself enough to communicate with it? He kept reading.
For companions from the Plane of Fury, this practice is especially important. Their chaotic nature makes them harder to bond with, but with time and effort, the connection will grow. As your bond strengthens, you will eventually be able to communicate telepathically within your mindscape.
Great, Lance thought sarcastically. Even the books know this thing is going to be a handful. Still, he had to try. He wasn¡¯t going to let his frustration and disappointment get in the way. Settling into a quiet corner of the library, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He cleared his mind, focusing inward, trying to feel the presence of his wisp. At first, there was nothing¡ªjust the quiet hum of the library around him. But then, after a few moments, he felt it¡ªa flicker of energy deep within him, like a distant spark. There you are... He nudged the presence gently, sending a wave of curiosity and intention. Almost immediately, the wisp responded with a surge of chaotic energy, teasing him with its usual cocky flair. Lance couldn¡¯t help but grin, despite himself. Of course, you¡¯re going to be difficult but at least I''m getting somewhere. The connection wasn¡¯t strong, but it was a start. And for now, that was enough.
As Lance gathered his books and left the library, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling of being an outsider, especially after his conversation with Felix and Bella. But he reminded himself that everyone was on their own path. His wisp might not be the most powerful companion, but he would find a way to make it work. I have to. As he walked back toward his dorm, the voices and laughter of other students filled the air, reminding him that he wasn¡¯t alone in this journey. Even if it felt like it sometimes. Taking Control ance pushed open the door to his room, the soft creak of the hinges the only sound in the quiet hallway. He had spent longer in the library than expected, and as the evening set in, most students were either at the dining hall or winding down after a long day. The subtle warmth from the setting sun filled the room as he stepped inside, tossing the pile of books onto his desk with a thud. The moment he did, he heard a shuffling sound from the other side of the room, followed by the soft rustle of fabric. He glanced over to find his roommate, Oliver, sitting on his bed, flipping through a notebook. His silver hair caught the fading light, giving it a soft glow. Oliver looked up, his pale eyes meeting Lance''s with a quiet, unreadable expression. "Back from the library?" he asked, his voice calm, almost serene. "Yeah," Lance replied, rubbing the back of his neck. "Just trying to figure things out. It¡¯s been... a lot." Oliver nodded slightly, as if understanding without needing much explanation. He closed his notebook, setting it aside before standing. "I get it. Everyone¡¯s trying to find their place here. Some of us just do it... differently." His gaze lingered on Lance for a moment, though not in judgment, more in quiet contemplation. There was something about Oliver that made it hard to pin down what he was thinking. He wasn¡¯t exactly warm, but he wasn¡¯t cold either. His presence was subtle, like a shadow that never drew attention to itself. From what Lance had gathered during their brief interactions, Oliver was someone who preferred to keep his thoughts to himself. "Any luck with the books?" Oliver asked as he gathered some clothes, heading toward the small bathroom attached to their dorm. Lance hesitated. "A bit. I¡¯m still trying to figure out what it means to have a wisp as a companion. It¡¯s... different from what I expected." Oliver paused by the bathroom door, turning back with a slight, almost knowing smile. "Different doesn¡¯t always mean bad. Sometimes it just means you¡¯ll have to figure things out your own way." Before Lance could respond, Oliver disappeared into the bathroom, the sound of running water filling the room a moment later. Lance sat down on the edge of his bed, staring at the pile of books. His thoughts drifted back to the library, to his conversation with Felix and Bella, and to the quiet frustration that had been building inside him since his summoning. He had wanted something powerful, something that would make him feel like he belonged here. A companion that could set him apart, give him an edge. But instead, he had gotten a wisp¡ªa mischievous, cocky creature from the Plane of Fury, whose magic was more chaotic than anything else. What does that say about me? he wondered. What kind of mage am I supposed to be with a companion like that? The doubt was familiar, creeping in like a shadow, feeding on his uncertainty. He had felt it ever since the day of his summoning, that nagging voice in the back of his mind telling him he wasn¡¯t enough. That he wouldn¡¯t live up to his parents¡¯ legacy. That a wisp wasn¡¯t good enough. But then, as he sat there, the weight of those thoughts pressing down on him, something inside shifted. He thought about what Oliver had said¡ªfigure things out your own way. And he thought about what the book had said about communicating with companions, especially those from the Plane of Fury. Hard to manage, chaotic, but not weak. Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. The wisp may not have been what he wanted, but it wasn¡¯t powerless. The power was there, hidden beneath the chaos, waiting to be tapped into. And wasn¡¯t that the whole point of being a mage? To take control, to shape the magic inside you, and make it your own? Lance stood up, pacing the small room. His mind raced with thoughts, memories of his training with his mother, of the countless stories he¡¯d heard about mages overcoming their weaknesses, becoming stronger not because of what they had been given, but because of what they had made of themselves. He wasn¡¯t going to let a wisp define him. If his companion was difficult, then he would be the one to master it. He would find a way to use its chaotic energy, to bend it to his will and make it work for him. No more doubt, no more second-guessing. He was going to take control of his life, of his magic, and of his future. The door to the bathroom opened, and Oliver stepped out, towel draped over his shoulder. He glanced at Lance, noticing the change in his expression. "You alright?" he asked, his voice low, but curious. Lance nodded, a newfound determination settling in his chest. "Yeah," he said quietly, but with a confidence he hadn¡¯t felt before. "I¡¯m good." Oliver gave him a slight nod, as if sensing the shift in his demeanor but choosing not to comment on it. "I¡¯m going to head down to dinner. You coming?" Lance shook his head. "I¡¯ll catch up with you later. I¡¯ve got some things to figure out first." Oliver didn¡¯t press, just gave another small nod before heading out the door. As the room fell silent again, Lance sat back down at his desk, picking up one of the books he¡¯d borrowed. This time, as he read through the pages, the words didn¡¯t feel as daunting. The path ahead might be unclear, but he wasn¡¯t going to let that stop him. He had made a decision. He was going to take control. Suddenly, a flicker of something strange pulled at the edges of his consciousness. A faint, almost playful presence made itself known, tickling the back of his mind. It wasn¡¯t a voice exactly, more like an instinctual sense¡ªlike a nudge. Lance froze, his breath catching in his throat. The wisp? He remembered the book¡¯s advice: Calm yourself. Reach into yourself. Feel for your companion¡¯s presence. He closed his eyes, trying to steady his breathing as he focused inward. There, deep within, he could sense it¡ªfaint, but unmistakable. A shimmering presence, like a mischievous spark waiting just out of reach. He stretched out his thoughts, gently nudging toward it. Hello? Lance projected, unsure if it would work. At first, there was nothing. Just the faint hum of energy that he could only barely perceive. But then, there was a sudden flicker of amusement¡ªa sensation, not quite words, but a distinct feeling of smugness. Then, unexpectedly, a voice¡ªclear, sharp, and full of arrogance¡ªechoed in his mind. "You know," it said, its tone dripping with mockery, "the only reason I haven¡¯t bothered communicating with you is because you act like a whipped dog. Even Oliver is more confident than you." Lance blinked, stunned. He wasn¡¯t sure what he had expected, but that was not it. The wisp continued, its voice lazily amused. "No companion of mine is going to be a weakling. But... you finally came around." There was a pause, then a slight chuckle. "You¡¯re not bad for a mortal, honestly." Lance felt a mixture of indignation and surprise bubble up inside him. "I¡ª" he started, but before he could gather his thoughts, the wisp cut him off. "Oh, and don¡¯t let those useless scraps of paper fool you," it added, its voice turning sharp with condescension. "No amount of meditation or clearing your mind will get you to communicate with your companion. It all happens if the companion wants to." The arrogance in its tone stung, but there was a truth to it that Lance couldn¡¯t deny. So, all that effort... didn¡¯t matter? he thought, feeling both frustrated and oddly relieved. The wisp, sensing his thoughts, snorted in amusement. "Don¡¯t look so shocked. You can¡¯t force a connection, mortal. But... now that you¡¯ve finally grown a spine, maybe we¡¯ll get somewhere." Lance took a deep breath, his initial shock fading into determination. "I¡¯m not going to be weak," he said aloud, even though he knew the wisp could hear him inside his mind. "I¡¯m going to master this¡ªyou and everything else." There was a pause, and then, faintly, the wisp¡¯s voice responded with a soft, almost approving hum. "We''ll see." Lance opened his eyes, the room coming back into focus. His heart was still pounding, but now there was a strange, almost electric energy coursing through him. He had made contact. It wasn¡¯t a full conversation, but it was something. He was going to take control¡ªof his magic, of his companion, and of his future. Courses And The Future Lance sat at the library desk, tapping his fingers lightly against the smooth wood surface. The course selection form lay before him, every line filled with possibilities¡ªeach one a doorway to his future at Arcane University. But instead of feeling excited, Lance felt weighed down. It was a lot. More than he¡¯d expected. His thoughts drifted to the past few days. Communication with his wisp had become easier, much easier than the dusty books in the library had made it sound. At first, Lance had tried the calming techniques, the meditations¡ªnone of it had worked. But when it had finally spoken up, it was clear why. ¡°Don¡¯t let those useless scraps of paper fool you,¡± it had said with a snicker. ¡°No amount of meditation or mind-clearing is going to get you to communicate with me. I only talk when I want to.¡± And talk the Wisp did¡ªa lot. It had even decided on a gender and name¡ª it insisted on being addressed as male. And was now officially "William", saying it had a certain "flair" that suited him. Lance didn¡¯t argue. It had definitely added to the wisp¡¯s personality, and their conversations were more lively now that William had fully embraced his role as Lance¡¯s companion. Lance¡¯s gaze drifted over the form again, where the first course, Wind Magic, was already checked, at the majors section. That had been an easy choice. With William¡¯s powers tied to wind, it made sense for Lance to focus on mastering the elemental manipulation of air currents and gusts. He could imagine himself someday soaring through the air, slicing through enemies with blades of wind. It would give him mobility and versatility in combat. But the next choice was harder. William had been adamant about it. ¡°You¡¯re not getting away with skipping Combat Mastery,¡± William¡¯s voice echoed in his mind. ¡°No way.¡± Lance leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. ¡°But I¡¯m not really the physical type,¡± he muttered, half to himself, half to William. ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter. You think you¡¯re gonna survive out there by flinging wind around and hoping for the best? Get real, Lance. You need to learn how to fight, how to think on your feet. Not every battle is gonna be won from a distance.¡± If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Lance frowned, unsure. He wasn¡¯t exactly a fighter. Growing up, his strengths had always been in his mind¡ªlearning, strategizing, thinking things through. The idea of physical combat, or even combat that relied on quick reflexes and movements, didn¡¯t appeal to him at all. William laughed, his voice loud in Lance¡¯s mind. ¡°Come on, don¡¯t be a coward.I¡¯m not saying you have to become some muscle-bound warrior, but you need to know how to hold your own in a fight. We¡¯re not gonna be a couple of pushovers.¡± Lance sighed, glancing down at the list again. Combat Mastery: Tactics and Practical Application was a class that focused on fighting with magic, battlefield tactics, and making split-second decisions. Even though the thought of throwing himself into combat made him anxious, William wasn¡¯t wrong. He checked the box in the minors section, feeling an uncomfortable mix of dread and determination. ¡°So that¡¯s two,¡± Lance said aloud, running his fingers through his hair. ¡°But I need one more. And Magical Theory is compulsory.¡± Magical Theory was a given¡ªevery first-year had to take it. It focused on the lifestream, spell flows, and the fundamental mechanics of magic. Lance didn¡¯t mind it. In fact, it would probably help him refine his abilities and improve his connection with the lifestream, especially now that William was around. That left one more class to choose. lance scratched his head, trying to figure out what else might round out his skills. He didn¡¯t feel like he needed something overly technical like Rune Crafting, but he did want something that could help him in a practical way¡ªsomething that might make him more adaptable. Next, he glanced at a course that intrigued him: Force Manipulation. This one had come up during his research into vibration magic, which was one of William¡¯s specialties. The class focused on manipulating kinetic energy¡ªpushing, pulling, and even breaking objects by applying controlled forces. It seemed like a natural fit for his growing abilities. ¡°This one makes sense,¡± Lance said aloud, tapping the pen against the paper. ¡°Obviously,¡± William scoffed. ¡°Force magic is perfect for us. You¡¯ll be able to do all sorts of cool stuff¡ªlike knock people off their feet or break through barriers with a well-placed vibration. Plus, you¡¯ve already got the basics of wind manipulation, so this will just add another layer.¡± With that, Lance checked the box for Force Manipulation in the minors section. It was the right call¡ªcombining air magic with force would give him the ability to control the battlefield, not just with wind but with kinetic force, too. It felt like a solid addition to his curriculum, one that would give him the theoretical and practical knowledge he needed to better control his magic¡ªand, eventually, become as powerful as he dreamed. Magic Lance sat on his bed, staring at the course list he¡¯d just submitted. A sense of accomplishment washed over him, knowing he¡¯d finally made decisions about his future at Arcane University. His course selections were in, and he could now communicate with William without needing to stumble over his thoughts. But now that he had his courses set and his companion talking to him¡­ What was next? ¡°You¡¯re thinking too much again,¡± William¡¯s voice echoed in his mind, dripping with sarcasm. ¡°You know you could start learning some magic, right? We could get started. You have me, after all.¡± Lance¡¯s heart skipped a beat. William was right. Companions weren¡¯t just there for show¡ªthey were supposed to guide their mages, teach them. His excitement surged, and he jumped up from the bed, pacing in front of the small room. ¡°What¡¯s the first spell I should learn?¡± Lance asked eagerly, fists clenched in anticipation. William laughed, his voice echoing in Lance''s mind, full of amusement. ¡°Calm down, would you? You¡¯re not going to be throwing wind blades around just yet. There¡¯s a lot to understand before you start casting spells. It¡¯s not like waving your hands and hoping for the best.¡± Lance paused, feeling a little deflated but still eager to learn. ¡°Alright. So what do I need to know?¡± ¡°First, you need to be able to sense the Lifestream,¡± William instructed. Lance blinked, tilting his head. ¡°Sense the Lifestream? But I thought that was something you either had or didn¡¯t.¡± ¡°You¡¯re not completely wrong,¡± William said. ¡°The Lifestream is everywhere, but most mortals can¡¯t feel it until they¡¯re guided by a companion. Lucky for you, I¡¯m here to help with that. If you can¡¯t sense it, you can¡¯t control it, and if you can¡¯t control it, no spells.¡± ¡°Okay, okay.¡± Lance took a deep breath and sat back down on the bed. ¡°So, how do I do that?¡± ¡°Close your eyes,¡± William instructed. ¡°Focus. You need to quiet your mind and reach out with your senses. I¡¯ll help at first.¡± Lance closed his eyes, breathing slowly. The room faded away, replaced by a dull emptiness in his mind. Then, William¡¯s presence seemed to grow stronger, wrapping around Lance like a protective shield. Lance could feel something stirring, a faint warmth just out of reach. ¡°I¡¯m going to condense some Lifestream around you,¡± William said. ¡°This is what it feels like. Pay attention to it.¡± The sensation grew, becoming more distinct. Lance felt a gentle tingling, like warmth spreading through his limbs. It was strange, almost like the air itself was vibrating around him, pulsing with life. His heart raced¡ªthis was it. This was the Lifestream. ¡°Do you feel that?¡± William¡¯s voice was quieter now, almost a whisper. Lance nodded, his eyes still closed. ¡°Yeah¡­ It¡¯s like¡­ warmth. Like energy in the air.¡± ¡°Good,¡± William said, sounding pleased. ¡°Now try to do what I did¡ªreach out and gather it around yourself.¡± Lance hesitated. Could he really do that? He took a deep breath and focused, willing the Lifestream to come to him. He imagined the warmth surrounding him growing stronger, pulling it closer. But nothing happened. ¡°Come on, Lance,¡± William chuckled, amusement bubbling in his voice. ¡°It¡¯s not as easy as those experienced mages like your mom make it look. You have to actually concentrate.¡± Lance frowned, feeling a little embarrassed. ¡°I am concentrating!¡± ¡°Alright, try again,¡± William urged. ¡°This time, don¡¯t just will it to happen. Let it come to you naturally.¡±Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. Lance relaxed, letting go of the tension in his body. Slowly, the warmth returned, and this time it responded to his will. It was faint, but the Lifestream was there, pulsing gently around him. He could feel it now¡ªnot just because William had brought it to him, but because he was finally reaching out to it. ¡°I¡­ I can feel it,¡± Lance whispered, his voice filled with awe. ¡°Good,¡± William said, his tone shifting back to guidance. ¡°But don¡¯t lose focus. When you get excited, it can slip away.¡± Just then, exhilaration bubbled over within Lance, and the warmth began to fade. He gasped, opening his eyes. ¡°Wait! No!¡± ¡°See? Told you,¡± William said, his voice teasing yet patient. ¡°For most people, it¡¯s easier than this. You have a very small connection to the Lifestream, and you¡¯re lucky to have your call answered by any companion¡ªeven me.¡± Lance slumped back against the bed, a mix of frustration and determination washing over him. ¡°Then how do I fix it? I want to learn!¡± William''s tone softened. ¡°You just need to practice. The more you connect with it, the easier it¡¯ll be to control. Soon, you won¡¯t need me to help you with this part.¡± With newfound determination, Lance closed his eyes again, focusing intently. This time, he kept the warmth in his mind, allowing it to flow around him, a comforting embrace. He repeated the process, slowly and steadily, letting the energy envelop him without losing his focus. With each passing moment, Lance grew more comfortable sensing the Lifestream. The initial struggle faded as he began to establish a connection, and he felt a swell of pride at his progress. ¡°Not bad for a beginner,¡± William said, his tone filled with encouragement. ¡°You¡¯re a quick study.¡± ¡°Thanks!¡± Lance beamed, excitement bubbling within him. ¡°So what¡¯s next?¡± ¡°Now we¡¯ll focus on bringing that sensation to your palm,¡± William instructed. ¡°That¡¯s the easiest place to work with it. It¡¯s also where you¡¯ll be doing most of your spellcasting. You can do it elsewhere too, but your hands are your primary tools inalmost everything.¡± ¡°Alright,¡± Lance replied, settling back into the rhythm of concentration. ¡°How do I do that?¡± ¡°First, remember the warmth you felt earlier. Picture it swirling around you, and then direct it to your palm. Visualize the energy flowing into your hand,¡± William explained. ¡°Take your time.¡± Lance closed his eyes again, blocking out distractions. He focused on the warmth that had become familiar, imagining it gathering at the center of his body before channeling it down to his hand. As he envisioned the energy moving, he felt a gentle tug, a pull toward his palm. ¡°Come on, just like that,¡± William encouraged, his presence soothing. ¡°Feel it flow.¡± Lance concentrated harder, envisioning the Lifestream swirling like a vibrant light, wrapping around his fingers. But as he attempted to focus all that energy into one spot, the warmth flickered and faded. Frustration crept in again, and he clenched his jaw. ¡°Focus, Lance. You¡¯re getting ahead of yourself,¡± William said gently. ¡°Take a deep breath. You can do this.¡± Lance inhaled deeply, letting the air fill his lungs and dispel the frustration. He reopened his mind to the sensation, letting the warmth wash over him again. This time, he concentrated on directing it, allowing the energy to gather slowly. He imagined the Lifestream coiling around his fingers, flowing through the very fibers of his being. With each passing second, he felt more in tune, more capable. ¡°Good! Now, direct it into your palm. Keep the energy steady,¡± William instructed. Lance focused intently, willing the warmth to concentrate at the center of his palm. He pictured it as a glowing orb, pulsing with life. It took time, but slowly, the warmth began to gather, and Lance gasped as he felt a soft tingling sensation blooming in his hand. It wasn¡¯t much, but it was enough to spark a surge of exhilaration. ¡°I feel it! I really do!¡± he exclaimed, eyes flying open to look at his palm. ¡°Great! But don¡¯t get too excited; keep it steady. You need to practice controlling it,¡± William cautioned, his voice steady. Lance nodded, determination filling him again. He concentrated, allowing the warmth to expand in his palm, feeling the energy shift and pulse with each breath. But as he continued to focus, a sudden wave of excitement washed over him, and the sensation flickered out. He sighed, frustration gnawing at him again. ¡°Hey, don¡¯t be too hard on yourself. It¡¯s all part of the process,¡± William reassured him. ¡°Every mage struggles with control at first. Just keep practicing.¡± Lance took a moment to center himself, shaking off the frustration. He closed his eyes again, breathing steadily, refocusing his thoughts on the warmth that had become so familiar. As the tingling began to return, he pictured it swirling and settling in his palm. Time passed, and with each attempt, he felt more confident. The energy began to grow more tangible, and he could sense it pulsing gently against his skin. He spent the rest of the Day honing this newfound skill, channeling the Lifestream into his palm and striving for mastery. A Strange Encounter After leaving the restaurant, with a full stomach and thoughts of magic swirling in his mind, Lance wasn¡¯t quite ready to head back to his dorm. The night air was crisp and refreshing, and the campus had quieted down. The stars were visible, twinkling faintly in the dark sky above, while the distant hum of students slowly faded as most returned to their dorms. "Not a bad evening," Lance mused aloud, stuffing his hands into his pockets. He felt a gentle nudge from William in the back of his mind. You still need to practice, you know. Don''t get too caught up in the calm. Lance chuckled at his companion¡¯s constant push for discipline. "I will, I will," he whispered under his breath, strolling along a quiet path. As he wandered toward the university¡¯s central courtyard, he saw a lone figure sitting on one of the stone benches beneath a large tree. The man seemed to be quietly reading a book, his long cloak draped over the bench, and a small lantern beside him casting a soft glow. The man shifted his gaze up, and a broad, easygoing smile stretched across his face. ¡°Ah, good evening to you too,¡± he replied. ¡°Out for a stroll, are we?¡± Lance nodded. ¡°Yeah, just getting some fresh air. I¡¯m still getting used to everything here.¡± The man chuckled. ¡°I remember those days. So, what are you studying? Or have you not dived into the magic yet?¡± Lance smiled, a bit proud of himself. ¡°Actually, I¡¯m working on learning Lesser Gust right now.¡± The man¡¯s eyes gleamed with interest. ¡°Lesser Gust, eh? Fine choice! Wind Magic, in all its forms, is one of the most versatile schools out there. Of course I might be a bit biased. After all¡ª" he smirked¡ª¡± I teach it.¡±This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. Lance immediately felt a rush of embarrassment. ¡°Oh¡ªum, I¡¯m sorry, sir. I didn''t realize.¡± Ellard waved him off. ¡°None of that ¡®formalities¡¯ nonsense. I¡¯m not one of those uptight professors who expects students to bow and scrape. Name¡¯s Ellard, Proffeser elemental magic, specifically wind and fire. You¡¯ll probably see me around quite a bit.¡± Before he could respond the air around them shimmered and warped,and a familiar figure walked through. Korra, the combat professor who had tested Lance¡¯s group just a few days ago, stood tall in her astral projection. Her presence radiated authority, her stance poised for action, even in a holographic form. Ellard grinned widely as he recognized her. ¡°Korra! How you doing? Haven¡¯t seen much of you these days,¡± he said with a casual wave. Korra¡¯s expression remained serious, ¡°Ellard, the Chancellor has called an urgent meeting for all professors.¡± Ellard huffed in irritation. ¡°Not a moment of peace, eh? Can¡¯t a genuine professor hang out with his students without getting dragged off every other minute?¡± He shook his head dramatically, clearly more annoyed than concerned. Before he could complain further, Korra glanced at Lance, her expression slightly softer but still serious. ¡°Lance, a word of advice. He might seem nice now, but Ellard is one of the most power-crazed people in the kingdom. If you take my advice¡ªkeep your distance.¡± Ellard chuckled, not missing a beat. ¡°You flatter me, Korra!¡± Korra let out an irritated sigh, turning her gaze back to Ellard. ¡°Just be there, Ellard,¡± she said before her image flickered and disappeared. Ellard sighed, shaking his head. ¡°I suppose duty calls. I¡¯ll take my leave for now, Lance. See you in class soon.¡± He gave a mock salute, and with a powerful gust of wind, blasted off into the sky, leaving Lance standing alone, slightly bewildered. Lance stood in the now-empty courtyard, still feeling the lingering energy from their strange encounter. William stirred inside his mind, muttering, ¡°I¡¯d take her advice, Lance. That guy¡¯s got power¡ªand something is not quite right with him. Not a combination you want to mess with lightly.¡± practice The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window of Lance¡¯s dorm room, waking him earlier than usual. He stretched, feeling both excited and a bit nervous. Today, he would practice Lesser Gust¡ªhis first real step into magic. Oliver was still fast asleep on the other side of the room, snoring quietly. Not wanting to disturb him, Lance grabbed the spell guide from his desk and quietly slipped out into the hallway. He needed to find a place where he could focus. William¡¯s voice nudged into his thoughts, dripping with confidence. ¡°Good, up early. I expect nothing less from my mage. Let¡¯s see how you handle this today.¡± Lance found a small, quiet courtyard on campus. It was early enough that the space was deserted. The morning air was cool and fresh, with just the faintest hint of wind¡ªperfect for practicing. He sat down on a bench, flipping open the spell guide to the section on Lesser Gust. As he read through the instructions, confusion crept in. ¡°What exactly am I supposed to do?¡± he muttered to himself. ¡°You can¡¯t just will it into existence,¡± William replied, his tone slightly mocking. ¡°You have to create a spell flow.¡± Lance furrowed his brow, still unsure. ¡°Spell flow? What do you mean?¡± ¡°Think of it like guiding water through a pipe. You need to create a specific path for the lifestream to follow. It¡¯s all about the flow. And you¡¯re going to need to be better at it than this.¡± He nodded slowly, trying to wrap his head around the concept. ¡°So, I need to visualize how the energy should move?¡± ¡°Exactly! There¡¯s a pattern in the spell guide. You have to shape the lifestream into that pattern. Easy-peasy .¡± Lance flipped through the pages until he found the diagram for Lesser Gust. It depicted a spiral pattern, but the lines were almost abstract, swirling in a way that felt complex. He sighed, feeling the weight of expectation. ¡°This looks¡­ complicated.¡±A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. ¡°Pfft, complicated? You¡¯ll get it. Just focus on that pattern and feel the energy in your palm. You¡¯ve already learned to channel it; now you need to direct it.¡± Taking a deep breath, Lance held out his Lance nodded, trying to shake off his initial nerves. He opened the spell guide, its pages filled with intricate patterns that depicted how to manipulate the lifestream. The concept was still a bit murky, but he felt a flicker of determination ignite within him. ¡°Okay, I can do this,¡± he said quietly to himself, holding out his palm. He concentrated, feeling the lifestream gather, but instead of a gust, he only managed a sputter of air. With excitement bubbling over, he jumped up from the bench. ¡°I did it! It worked! I did magic!¡± ¡°Wow, magical farts! Impressive!¡± William replied, his tone laced with sarcasm. Lance huffed, shaking his head at his companion''s humor. ¡°Alright, alright, I¡¯ll get it this time.¡± He took a deep breath and tried again. But again, only a weak puff of air emerged, barely enough to rustle the leaves nearby. ¡°No! Come on!¡± He felt a mix of frustration and determination wash over him. As the hours passed, Lance continued to practice. With each attempt, he felt his connection to the lifestream growing stronger, though the results varied. A few more sputters later, and he felt like he was getting closer. He could see the spell flow in his mind, spiraling gracefully as the guide illustrated, but executing it proved challenging. ¡°Focus, Lance,¡± William urged. ¡°You¡¯re almost there. Just visualize the flow and let the lifestream guide you.¡± Finally, as the sun began its descent in the sky, casting a golden hue over the courtyard, Lance took a moment to regroup. He gathered all the energy he could, channeling it into his palm, concentrating on the movement of the lifestream as depicted in the guide. With a final deep breath, he pushed the energy outwards. This time, a small gust burst forth from his palm, strong enough to send a few scattered leaves spiraling into the air. The wind swirled around him for about five seconds before sputtering out, leaving him breathless. ¡°Yes! Yes!¡± he shouted, excitement bubbling over once more. ¡°I did it! I really did it!¡± ¡°Now that¡¯s what I¡¯m talking about!¡± William laughed. ¡°You¡¯ve got it! Just imagine what you¡¯ll be able to do with a bit more practice!¡± Leaning back on the bench, panting but filled with accomplishment, Lance couldn¡¯t help but smile. Force Lance stepped into his first Force magic class, feeling a nervous flutter in his chest. The room was unlike any other classroom he had seen so far at Arcane University. It was spacious, the floor covered in a spread of colorful cushions instead of rigid chairs. The walls were adorned with diagrams of spell flows, kinetic energies, and the principles of force manipulation. The atmosphere was calm but carried a subtle intensity, as if the very air buzzed with untapped power. At the front, there was a small, open space, clearly meant for demonstrations. And standing in that space was the professor. He was tall, with sharp features and dark hair streaked with silver, dressed in a simple but immaculate robe. His stance was formal, but there was an underlying sense of control, of sheer power, radiating from him. He didn¡¯t look like someone who had to raise his voice to command attention¡ªhis presence alone did the job. ¡°Welcome to Force Magic,¡± the professor began, his voice smooth but commanding. ¡°I¡¯m Professor Raelan, and I will be guiding you through this course. Before we get started, I should warn you¡ªthis class involves a lot of pushing things around.¡± He paused, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. ¡°Both physically and mentally. So, if you don¡¯t like a little movement, you¡¯re in the wrong place.¡± A few students chuckled at the dry humor, and Lance relaxed a little. "For those of you taking Force as a major," Raelan continued, pacing slowly across the front of the room, "you will be required to demonstrate a list of spells by the end of the year. First, a first-tier spell that allows you to pull or push objects, using any school of magic you¡¯re comfortable with¡ªwind, shockwave, whatever fits. Simple, but essential." He made a sweeping gesture with his hand, and a small object¡ªa piece of chalk, Lance noticed¡ªfloated into the air, hovering above his fingers before settling into his palm. He started writing on the black obsidian board behind him. "Second," he went on, ¡°you will need to demonstrate a lesser levitation spell. How you achieve this is up to you. Wind, force, shockwaves¡ªit¡¯s all valid, as long as you get the object in the air and keep it there.¡±The professor waved his hand again, and a small stone lifted into the air, spinning slowly. ¡°And finally,¡± Raelan said, ¡°you will need to demonstrate a force-based combat spell. This can be anything that incorporates kinetic energy¡ªpushing, pulling, barriers, or direct attacks. Again, the choice of how you apply it is yours.¡±A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. ¡°For those of you who have taken this class as a minor,¡± Raelan added, turning toward a few students in the back, ¡°you won¡¯t be required to demonstrate all of these spells to pass, but you are still encouraged to learn them. My door is always open if you want help. Though,¡± he said, a mischievous glint in his eye, ¡°I do expect bribes of chocolate or good tea.¡± The students laughed, Lance included. It was clear that while Raelan took the magic seriously, he didn¡¯t take himself too seriously. There were a few more chuckles, and Lance felt himself relax just a little. Professor Raelan was clearly a force to be reckoned with, but he wasn¡¯t unapproachable. The lecture, however, quickly turned more serious as Raelan shifted into an explanation of force and kinetic energy. "Kinetic energy is the core of what we work with in Force magic. Every motion, every impact, contains energy that can be manipulated. Whether you¡¯re pushing a boulder or levitating a feather, you¡¯re controlling kinetic forces in the world around you." The explanation made sense, but as Raelan delved deeper into the nuances of spell flows and the precise control required for force magic, Lance felt his attention beginning to wane. The professor had a good sense of humor and was clearly passionate, but there was no denying that he had a tendency to drone when he got deep into technical details. By the time Raelan moved on to the mechanics of combining force with other magical elements¡ªlike wind and shockwaves¡ªLance was fighting to keep his eyes open. He glanced around and saw several other students in the same condition¡ªhalf-asleep, heads drooping slightly, struggling to maintain focus. Raelan wasn¡¯t a bad teacher, but when he got into the nitty-gritty of magic theory, his voice seemed to lull people into a trance. Lance stifled a yawn, trying to keep his eyes on the professor, but the words were starting to blur together. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Raelan brought the lecture to a close. ¡°That¡¯s enough theory for today. Next time, we¡¯ll start practicing. Just remember: kinetic energy is everywhere, and learning to control it will be the foundation of everything you do in this class.¡± As soon as the words left his mouth, Lance practically jumped to his feet, grabbing his things. He wasn¡¯t the only one¡ªhalf the class looked relieved that it was over. With a quick nod to Raelan, Lance dashed for the door, eager to escape before the professor could call them back for any last-minute instructions. Outside, Lance breathed in the fresh air, grateful to be out of the stuffy classroom. He stretched his arms above his head and let out a long breath. ¡°Well, that was... something,¡± he muttered. William¡¯s voice echoed in his mind. ¡°You mean, ¡®that was nap-inducing.¡¯ I thought we were going to practice, not listen to a bedtime story.¡± Lance snorted. ¡°Hey, at least we survived it. I bet Raelan¡¯s going to be a good teacher... once we actually start doing things.¡± Wind Lance stepped into his next class, Wind Magic 101, already knowing what to expect¡ªor at least, he thought he did. Professor Ellard, the eccentric and slightly mysterious man he¡¯d encountered during that strange incident a few days ago, was already waiting at the front of the room. His silver-streaked hair seemed even wilder today, tousled as if the wind had personally styled it for him. The professor¡¯s vibrant, unpredictable energy was hard to miss. The classroom itself matched Ellard¡¯s personality. The wide, open space had no rigid chairs or desks¡ªjust soft mats scattered across the floor. Open windows let in the fresh, crisp breeze, giving the room a sense of constant motion. The atmosphere felt charged, as if the very air was alive, waiting to be shaped by the students inside. Ellard caught Lance¡¯s eye and gave him a knowing grin, as if to say, Ready for the real thing? ¡°Welcome, welcome!¡± Ellard¡¯s voice cut through the ambient rustling of the wind. ¡°You¡¯ve all made it to Wind Magic 101. Congrats. But don¡¯t get too comfortable.¡± He waved his hands around the room. ¡°As you can see, we don¡¯t do desks in here. Why? Because wind doesn¡¯t sit still, and neither will you.¡± A few students chuckled nervously, but there was an underlying excitement in the air. Ellard clapped his hands and began pacing, his every movement fluid, like the air around him. ¡°First things first,¡± he said. ¡°Let¡¯s talk about the five spells you¡¯ll need to master by the end of this course. These will be the building blocks for everything else you¡¯ll do with wind magic.¡± He paused, letting the words sink in before continuing. ¡°The first spell¡ªand probably the one most of you already know¡ªis Lesser Gust. It¡¯s your basic, everyday breeze, good for moving small objects or giving someone a nudge.¡± Lance felt a stir in his mind as William¡¯s voice echoed, a smug tone clear in the wisp¡¯s words. ¡°Good, we¡¯re already a step ahead,¡± William said, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. Lance held back a chuckle, glad that at least one spell on the list was something he had already mastered. Ellard, oblivious to the internal banter, moved on. ¡°Next up is Galeburst. This one¡¯s fun. It¡¯s one of the most effective low-tier wind spells you¡¯ll learn¡ªa short, sharp burst of wind that can knock someone off their feet. It¡¯s quick, powerful, and great for disarming opponents.¡± With a flick of his wrist, Ellard demonstrated the spell. A gust of wind shot out from his hand, sending a stack of papers flying across the room. ¡°You¡¯ll use this one a lot,¡± he said, watching the papers scatter with an amused look. ¡°Trust me.¡± Lance made a mental note of that. Galeburst sounded like a spell he could see himself using in combat situations¡ªfast, powerful, and effective. Ellard didn¡¯t slow down. ¡°Your third spell is Wind Blades. Now, this is your first true combat spell in wind magic. You¡¯ll be creating thin, sharp blades of wind to cut through objects¡ªor enemies. It takes some precision, but once you get the hang of it, it¡¯s incredibly useful in a fight.¡±Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. He raised his hand, and with a quick, fluid motion, three shimmering blades of wind appeared and sliced cleanly through a nearby piece of cloth. The students watched in awe as the fabric fell to the ground in neat pieces. ¡°That one¡¯s a bit tricky,¡± Ellard admitted, ¡°but we¡¯ll get there. Precision is key.¡± Lance nodded, already eager to try that spell out. Wind magic had an elegance to it that Force magic didn¡¯t¡ªa balance of power and grace that was starting to appeal to him more and more. Ellard continued, his voice taking on a slightly more serious tone. ¡°Now, for defense. You¡¯ll be learning Lesser Whirlwind. It¡¯s a protective spell, creating a small vortex of wind around you. It¡¯s not foolproof, but it¡¯s often the first defensive spell most wind mages master. It¡¯ll deflect projectiles and slow down anyone trying to get too close.¡± With a swirl of his hand, Ellard demonstrated, and a small whirlwind formed around him, lifting papers and loose items off the ground in a gentle but powerful spiral. ¡°This spell will be your go-to when you need to buy time in battle,¡± he added. ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate it. It¡¯s not perfect, but it¡¯s enough to keep projectiles at bay. Plus, it looks cool, and that¡¯s half the battle.¡± Lance took mental notes, recognizing the importance of defensive magic. Wind might be a bit more subtle compared to something like Force, but it had its own kind of strength¡ªespecially when used to shield and protect. Finally, Ellard¡¯s eyes gleamed with excitement as he introduced the last spell. ¡°And for the grand finale, we have Gale Punch. This one¡¯s a bit more advanced, but it¡¯s a powerful offensive spell. It¡¯s like Galeburst, but concentrated into a focused strike. Imagine a punch backed by a concentrated blast of wind. If done right, it can hit like a battering ram.¡± He clenched his fist, and with a sharp movement, a gust of concentrated wind shot forward, slamming into a heavy wooden box across the room, sending it skidding several feet. ¡°This one¡¯s not easy,¡± Ellard warned, ¡°but once you master it, you¡¯ll have a serious advantage in combat.¡± The room buzzed with excitement, and Lance could feel the energy rising. Ellard¡¯s enthusiasm was contagious, and despite the challenge ahead, Lance found himself eager to start practicing these spells. Wind magic felt different from what he¡¯d experienced before¡ªmore free, more dynamic. He could already tell it would push him to be more creative with how he used it. Ellard clapped his hands, bringing the class to attention one last time. ¡°Alright, that¡¯s your roadmap for the year,¡± he said, a grin still tugging at the corners of his mouth. ¡°If you can master these five spells, you¡¯ll have a solid foundation in wind magic. But remember¡ªwind is unpredictable. It can lift you up or knock you down, depending on how you treat it. You don¡¯t control the wind, you guide it. And it¡¯ll test you every step of the way.¡± Ellard clapped his hands together, breaking Lance¡¯s thoughts. ¡°Now, for those of you taking this class as a minor, you¡¯ll only need to master the first two spells to pass. But,¡± he added with a sly smile, ¡°you¡¯re more than welcome to challenge yourselves. Wind¡¯s got a way of pushing you to do more.¡± ¡°As for my Wind majors,¡± Ellard went on, his eyes scanning the room, ¡°you¡¯ll be expected to have full control over all five by the end of the year. And believe me, the wind¡¯s not going to make it easy for you.¡± He paused dramatically. ¡°But then again, nothing cool ever is.¡± With that, the class was dismissed, and the students began to gather their things. Lance, excited but cautious, glanced out at the open windows, feeling the pull of the wind. This wasn¡¯t going to be easy, but it was definitely going to be interesting. As Lance left the classroom, he could already hear William¡¯s voice echoing in his head. ¡°At least this guy doesn¡¯t put us to sleep. Although I give it a week before half the class is swept away by a rogue windstorm.¡± Dorm Room Drills Lance sat cross-legged on his bed, his dorm room dimly lit by a flickering arcane lamp. Spread out in front of him were three spell guides¡ªeach meticulously picked by William, his companion, to prepare for his upcoming combat class. Outside, faint voices echoed from the hallway as students passed by, but Lance¡¯s focus remained on the pages before him. ¡°These should do the trick,¡± William¡¯s voice hummed confidently in his mind. ¡°We need to stay ahead of the competition.¡± Lance gave a quiet sigh, staring at the first spell guide. Tremor Disrupt. It was a simple yet cunning spell that allowed him to send a pulse of vibration through the ground or air, destabilizing anyone nearby. The effect wasn¡¯t powerful enough to do serious harm, but it could easily knock opponents off balance or interrupt their spells. ¡°Catch them off guard, and they won¡¯t even know what hit them,¡± William mused. ¡°A well-timed tremor, and they¡¯ll be face down before they can react.¡± Lance smirked, already imagining how useful it could be. It wasn¡¯t flashy, but it would be invaluable in a fight, especially when people least expected it. He moved on to the next spell¡ªGaleburst. This was the one Ellard had introduced earlier in Wind 101, a quick, concentrated burst of wind designed to knock back opponents or deflect incoming attacks. Simple, but effective. ¡°This one will be your go-to,¡± William commented. ¡°Fast, reliable, and with enough punch to keep your enemies at a distance. You can even mix in some of that vibration magic for added chaos.¡±Stolen story; please report. Lance nodded in agreement. Galeburst had felt like a natural fit for him. With both wind and vibration at his disposal, the possibilities for combining the two were endless. The final spell was the most intriguing of the three¡ªResonance Strike. It was a unique vibration spell that didn¡¯t require hand movements or any kind of physical casting. Instead, the user let out a focused, high-pitched whistle aimed at their opponents. The vibrations from the whistle would disorient anyone in its path, rendering large groups vulnerable for a short time. ¡°Now, this is where we get creative,¡± William said, his tone full of pride. ¡°A spell cast from the mouth¡ªit¡¯s unexpected, quick, and perfect for crowd control. You¡¯ll have them dizzy before they even know what¡¯s happening.¡± Lance couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at the image of him whistling at his enemies mid-battle. But despite the humor, he could see the potential. A well-placed Resonance Strike could disrupt a whole group of opponents, leaving them wide open for an attack. He leaned back on his bed, looking at the three guides, feeling a growing sense of determination. These spells weren¡¯t just for show¡ªthey were practical tools that would give him an edge in combat. ¡°Alright, time to put in the work,¡± Lance muttered to himself, picking up the guide for Tremor Disrupt. ¡°That¡¯s the spirit,¡± William replied with a satisfied tone. ¡°These aren¡¯t just practice spells. Master them, and you¡¯ll be ready for anything the combat class throws at you.¡± Lance focused on the guide in his hands, already feeling the buzz of energy as he mentally prepared to start learning. Tomorrow¡¯s class was going to be a challenge¡ªbut with these spells in his arsenal, he knew he wouldn¡¯t be caught unprepared. Trials Lance sat cross-legged on his bed, a frustrated frown etched across his face. He had been working on Tremor Disrupt for the better half an hour, and all he¡¯d managed so far were a few weak vibrations through the floorboards. Nothing like what he was aiming for. The spell was supposed to destabilize opponents, sending a ripple through the ground that could knock someone off balance¡ªbut right now, it barely rattled a pebble. ¡°Come on,¡± Lance muttered, returning his hands to the spell¡¯s starting position. ¡°It¡¯s just vibrations. I¡¯ve already got the flow, I just need to¡ª¡± ¡°It¡¯s not just vibrations,¡± William interrupted, his voice echoing in Lance¡¯s mind. ¡°This isn¡¯t like Galeburst. Vibration magic isn¡¯t just about pushing air; it¡¯s about disrupting the flow of energy. You¡¯re too focused on the wind side of things¡ªthis is different.¡± Lance sighed. That was exactly the problem. Tremor Disrupt wasn¡¯t behaving like the wind spells he was used to. The wind was straightforward, an elemental force you could push or pull with the right flow of magic. But vibration? It was different. It wasn¡¯t about moving something through the air but causing things to shift¡ªto resonate. He planted his palms on the floor, feeling the lifestream begin to stir inside him. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s try again.¡± This time, he focused not on creating movement, but on the subtle shifts in energy, like William had suggested. He pictured the ground beneath him, the way the vibrations should spread out in ripples, touching everything in their path. There was a faint tremor. ¡°Yes!¡± Lance grinned. But the excitement was short-lived as the vibration sputtered and died just as quickly as it had started. His hands shook from the effort, and he slumped back against the wall, groaning. ¡°Better,¡± William commented dryly. ¡°But still sloppy. You¡¯re overthinking it, trying too hard to control every little movement. Let the magic breathe. Vibration magic is more about resonance than brute force.¡± Lance massaged his temples. ¡°Easier said than done.¡± He pushed himself off the bed, deciding to practice standing up this time. Maybe changing his stance would help. He planted his feet firmly on the floor, hands at his sides, and took a deep breath. ¡°Alright, alright,¡± he muttered, closing his eyes to focus. ¡°Resonance, not force. I¡¯ve got this.¡± This time, he allowed the flow of magic to spread out from his core more naturally, without trying to control every inch of it. He felt the hum of energy as it spread into the ground, the vibrations flowing outward in small, concentric waves. Suddenly, the ground beneath him shifted ever so slightly. A few books on his desk rattled, and his lamp flickered. It wasn¡¯t perfect¡ªfar from it. But it was something. ¡°Not bad for a beginner,¡± William said. ¡°Still rough, but you¡¯ll get there. Wonky or not, that¡¯s better than nothing.¡± Lance exhaled slowly, a mix of relief and frustration washing over him. It wasn¡¯t the polished version he was hoping for, but it was a start. He had something to work with for the class tomorrow. The atmosphere in the combat field was thick with anticipation as Professor Korra surveyed the gathered students. The class had heard rumors about Korra being tough, but as the professor stood before them¡ªtall, imposing, and with sharp, calculating eyes¡ªit was clear this would be more than just a lesson. It was a test. Korra began with a slow, deliberate pace. ¡°Welcome to Combat Training. One of the most difficult classes Arcane University offers,¡± they announced. ¡°If you¡¯re here, it¡¯s because you¡¯ve chosen to challenge yourselves. Good. But let me be clear¡ªthis class will push you harder than any other. You will fight. You will struggle. And if you¡¯re not careful, you will fail.¡± There was a brief pause as Korra¡¯s eyes swept across the group, lingering on certain faces. Lance stood tall, feeling a mix of nervous excitement. Kade, as usual, had a cocky grin plastered across his face, ready for whatever challenge lay ahead. But many others wore the same tense expressions as Lance. Korra¡¯s voice sharpened. ¡°In the real world, you won¡¯t just have your spells to rely on. You¡¯ll need every resource at your disposal. That means your companions, your weapons, any tools you can gather. If you leave a resource untapped, you¡¯re wasting potential¡ªand in battle, wasting potential gets you killed.¡± A few students shifted uneasily at the bluntness of Korra¡¯s words. ¡°You are welcome to bring your familiars, companions, or any magical tools. Hell, if you have a family member or friend who can support you in combat, bring them too. In the real world, it¡¯s not about pride or going at it alone. It''s about survival.¡± Korra paused for a beat, letting that sink in. ¡°Understand?¡± A murmur of agreement rippled through the class. ¡°This will not be a controlled exercise,¡± Korra added. ¡°Out there, the world is dangerous. Some of you will succeed because you¡¯re prepared, others because you¡¯re clever. But if you rely on luck, don¡¯t expect to last long.¡± Lance felt the weight of the situation settle in. This wasn¡¯t a game. Korra raised a hand, and as before, a glowing tattoo appeared on their shoulder. ¡°Each of you will be given a teleportation sigil. It will activate if you¡¯re about to take a critical hit, sending you straight to the infirmary. But don¡¯t rely on this to save you from poor decisions. It¡¯s a last resort.¡± As Korra spoke, Lance¡¯s attention shifted slightly to Nico, who was standing a few feet away. Nico had an eagle perched confidently on his shoulder, its sharp eyes scanning the crowd with the same intensity as Korra. Lance had seen the eagle before, but this time it felt different¡ªlike a more integral part of Nico¡¯s strategy. ¡°And speaking of resources,¡± Korra continued, ¡°some of you already have Familiars, spirits, creatures bound to you other than your companions. Don¡¯t leave them behind. Use them. If you¡¯ve trained them well, they will give you a distinct advantage.¡± Nico glanced over at Lance and grinned. He lifted a hand toward the eagle. ¡°This is Astra,¡± he said, almost proudly. ¡°She¡¯s more than just a pair of eyes. I can cast spells through her, and she amplifies my wind magic.¡± The eagle, as if understanding it was being praised, fluffed its feathers and gave a proud shriek. Lance smiled slightly, impressed. He knew familiars could enhance a mage¡¯s abilities, but Astra seemed particularly well-trained and in tune with Nico. ¡°Everyone, listen up!¡± Korra interrupted the brief moment of chatter, her voice cutting through like a blade. ¡°You¡¯ll be divided into random teams and teleported to a large grassland with a clear goal: reach the tower,¡± Korra pointed to a distant, looming structure barely visible on the horizon, ¡°in under four hours. You¡¯ll encounter low-tier monsters, but don¡¯t underestimate them. Your job is to survive and reach the tower together.¡± Lance¡¯s stomach knotted at the words ¡°together.¡± That meant he wouldn¡¯t know who his teammates were until they landed. ¡°You¡¯ll also be teleported to different locations,¡± Korra said. ¡°Find your teammates quickly. If anyone fails to reach the tower, they¡¯ll be disqualified from this class and have to choose another path. Keep that in mind. You¡¯re here because you want to push yourself, but failure has consequences.¡± ¡°The creatures you¡¯ll encounter today are low-tier monsters¡ªif you¡¯re prepared. But be warned: underestimating them will get you injured, or worse.¡± The first image sharpened, revealing a lithe, ferret-like creature with sleek black fur and sharp, intelligent eyes. ¡°These,¡± Korra gestured, ¡°are Nightstalkers. They travel in packs, using coordinated attacks to overwhelm their prey. Fast, clever, and dangerous in groups. Alone, they¡¯re weak, but together, they¡¯ll tear you apart if you¡¯re not careful. They rely on their speed, so keep them at a distance or slow them down. Direct attacks are rarely effective unless you¡¯ve immobilized them first.¡± Lance felt a knot tighten in his stomach. He knew keeping enemies like that at bay would require careful control over his vibration magic. He had Tremor Disrupt, but its effect was still inconsistent. The diagram shifted, and a larger creature appeared¡ªsomething resembling a cross between a bull and a rhino, with a thick, armored hide and two large, curved horns. ¡°This,¡± Korra said, ¡°is a Stonehorn. Slow but incredibly durable. It charges at its enemies and uses its momentum to deliver devastating blows. Earth and wind magic can throw off its balance, but getting close is a risk. You¡¯ll need coordination to bring one down.¡± As Korra went on to describe the third and final creature¡ªa large, insect-like beast known as a Tunnelback that could burrow and ambush from below¡ªLance glanced at Lyra. She was listening intently, her brow furrowed in thought. When Korra finished, they turned to the class with a grim smile. ¡°Remember: every spell, every decision, matters. You¡¯ve got four hours to reach the tower. Work together, use what you¡¯ve learned, Lance landed softly on the grass, the world around him coming into focus. He looked around quickly, his eyes scanning the vast expanse of rolling plains. In the distance, about five miles ahead, the tower stood, tall and imposing against the horizon. ¡°Alright,¡± he muttered to himself, ¡°now to find the others.¡± Within moments, three figures appeared from the direction of some tall grass¡ªFelix, Lyra, and Nico. Nico had Astra perched on his shoulder, the eagle¡¯s sharp eyes gleaming with awareness. Lyra immediately began scanning the area, her expression focused. ¡°We¡¯re all here,¡± Lance said as they approached. ¡°Good. Korra wasn¡¯t kidding about this being tough.¡± Felix shrugged. ¡°Better get moving before those Nightstalkers find us.¡± Lyra spoke up, her voice calm but authoritative. ¡°We should expect them soon. Nightstalkers hunt in packs. They¡¯ll be the first threat. We should plan our roles now.¡± Lance nodded, taking the lead. ¡°I¡¯ll provide support with Tremor Disrupt to slow them down. Lyra, you handle defense with your barriers. Nico, you and Astra can attack from range. Felix, use your illusions to keep them off balance. Let¡¯s keep them at a distance. Ready?¡± They all nodded in agreement. With that, they set off toward the tower, moving at a steady pace. It didn¡¯t take long for the first challenge to present itself. As the group moved across the grassland, a faint rustling sound came from the tall grass surrounding them. Lyra stopped suddenly, holding up a hand. ¡°They¡¯re here,¡± she whispered. ¡°Stay sharp.¡± Without warning, a dozen sleek, black shapes darted from the grass¡ªthe Nightstalkers. Moving with incredible speed, they circled the group, their eyes gleaming with predatory intent. Lance felt his pulse quicken. ¡°Now!¡± he shouted. Felix moved first, summoning an illusionary wall of flickering flames between them and the nearest pack. The Nightstalkers hesitated, momentarily fooled by the display. Taking advantage of the pause, Lyra raised her hands, summoning roots from the ground to form a barrier around the group.¡°They¡¯ll try to flank us,¡± Lyra warned. Lance stepped forward, focusing on the ground beneath one of the Nightstalker packs. He gathered his lifestream energy, feeling the familiar hum of vibration magic. ¡°Tremor Disrupt!¡± he called out, sending a wave of vibrations through the earth. The ground shook beneath the creatures, disrupting their balance. The Nightwalkers stumbled, momentarily thrown off, and Nico seized the opportunity. ¡°Astra, go!¡± he shouted. The eagle soared into the sky, letting out a piercing screech before diving toward the pack. As she did, Nico cast a spell through her, unleashing a gust of wind that sent the Nightstalkers tumbling backward.¡°They¡¯re regrouping!¡± Felix shouted as the other half of the pack circled.Lyra quickly reinforced her root barriers, but the Nightstalkers were relentless. One of them leaped over the barrier, landing just feet away from Nico.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Before the creature could pounce, Nico cast a quick spell through Astra again. The eagle screeched, releasing a burst of energy that sent the creature flying back. ¡°Lance, we need to stop them from jumping the barrier!¡± Lyra called out, her voice tense. Lance focused his energy again, this time spreading the vibrations more evenly across the area around them. He wasn¡¯t aiming for precision, just disruption. ¡°Hold on,¡± he muttered as he cast Tremor Disrupt once more. The ground quaked, and the Nightstalkers, mid-leap, lost their footing and crashed to the ground. ¡°Nice!¡± Nico grinned. ¡°That¡¯ll slow them down.¡± Lyra nodded. ¡°We can¡¯t stay here forever. Let¡¯s move while they¡¯re off balance.¡± They broke through the barrier, sprinting across the field. Behind them, the Nightstalkers scrambled to their feet, but by the time they¡¯d recovered, the group had gained a significant lead. They hadn¡¯t been running for more than fifteen minutes when the ground began to shake¡ªnot from Lance¡¯s spell, but from something much larger. Ahead, a massive Stonehorn lumbered into view, its thick, armored hide gleaming in the sunlight. It let out a low, rumbling bellow as it scraped the ground with its hoof. ¡°Great,¡± Felix muttered. ¡°As if Nightstalkers weren¡¯t enough.¡± Lance¡¯s mind raced. The Stonehorn was slow, but its size and durability would make it difficult to take down. And with their spells already draining their lifestream, they couldn¡¯t afford to waste energy on a drawn-out fight. ¡°We¡¯ll need to throw it off balance,¡± Lance said. ¡°I can try to disrupt the ground beneath it, but we¡¯ll need something stronger to stop it.¡± Lyra stepped forward. ¡°I¡¯ll use my earth magic to create a trench. If we can get it to stumble, it¡¯ll buy us time.¡± Nico, already casting a spell through Astra, nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll use the wind to push it once it¡¯s off balance.¡± Felix gave a quick smirk. ¡°And I¡¯ll make sure it doesn¡¯t see it coming.¡± The plan was set. As the Stonehorn began its slow, rumbling charge toward them, Felix waved his hand, conjuring an illusion that made the ground appear smooth and even. In reality, Lyra was shaping the earth into a wide trench just in front of the beast. Lance waited until the Stonehorn was just steps away from the illusion. ¡°Now!¡± he shouted, casting Tremor Disrupt with everything he had. The vibrations hit the ground beneath the Stonehorn and combined with Lyra¡¯s trench, it lost its footing and stumbled forward, its massive bulk crashing into the earth. Nico didn¡¯t waste a second. ¡°Astra!¡± he called, and the eagle swooped in, releasing a powerful gust of wind that pushed the Stonehorn onto its side. The beast roared in frustration, flailing as it tried to regain its balance. ¡°Move! Now!¡± Lyra shouted. They sprinted past the fallen Stonehorn, making their way toward the tower once again. As Lance''s group neared the tower, their spirits were high, but the sight of a massive Tunnelback creature emerging from the ground stopped them dead in their tracks. The beast was colossal, with thick, armor-like skin and a maw large enough to swallow a person whole. Its appearance sent shockwaves through the clearing, and before Lance could react, he saw another group struggling to fend off the creature. ¡°Let¡¯s help them!¡± Lance shouted, his instincts kicking in. His team, though hesitant, followed his lead. Lyra began weaving a quick spell, sending bolts of magical energy toward the Tunnelback, hoping to distract it. Nico cast his lightning-enhanced strikes through his familiar, the cocky eagle soaring above and aiming precise attacks. Felix conjured his light illusions, trying to confuse the creature. Lance, meanwhile, used a combination of his wind magic and the shaky Tremor Disrupt spell, aiming to unsteady the Tunnelback¡¯s footing. Despite their efforts, the Tunnelback was relentless. It swiped its massive claws, tearing through the illusions and knocking back their attacks like they were nothing. The other group, battered and struggling, couldn¡¯t hold up any longer. With a sickening crack, the magic tattoos on their shoulders activated, and one by one, the members of the other group vanished and teleported to the infirmary. Lance¡¯s heart sank as he watched them disappear. "Run!" Lance called out, realizing they were outmatched. His group turned and ran, the Tunnelback roaring in frustration as it pursued them. Every step sent tremors through the ground as the beast bulldozed through the terrain, gaining on them. Just as the situation seemed hopeless, a flash of lightning crackled through the sky, striking the ground in front of the Tunnelback. The beast halted, momentarily stunned. Lance turned to see Kade and his team sprinting toward them, Kade''s companion¡ªa hulking Thunder Bear¡ªcharging with him. Kade''s expression was Crazed, he looked like he was having the time of his life, and his eyes gleamed with battle-hungry determination. ¡°Get back!¡± Kade shouted, throwing his hand forward. Another bolt of lightning surged from his palm, striking the Tunnelback again. Lance¡¯s team regrouped, using the brief reprieve to catch their breath. Lyra moved quickly, analyzing the Tunnelback¡¯s weak points, while Nico supported with precision strikes from his familiar. Lance took a deep breath, pulling together what magic he had left, ready to step in if necessary. Together, both teams managed to drive the Tunnelback back. With Kade¡¯s powerful lightning magic disorienting it, and Lyra¡¯smagic burning its vulnerable spots, the beast finally retreated, burrowing back into the ground with a furious roar. The two groups exchanged exhausted but relieved glances before making their way to the tower. By the time they reached the tower, the sun was beginning to dip toward the horizon. They had less than thirty minutes left on the clock, and their bodies were sore and tired from the constant fighting and running. But they weren¡¯t the only ones there. Several other teams were already gathered at the base of the tower, some of them looking worse for wear. It was clear that not everyone had made it through the trial unscathed. Korra waited at the entrance, her expression unreadable as she surveyed the students. ¡°You¡¯ve survived,¡± she said. ¡°But survival is just the first step. We¡¯ll debrief inside.¡±Professor Korra stood at the front of the clearing, her arms crossed, surveying the tired but determined faces of the students. Behind her, the tower they had all struggled to reach loomed tall, a silent testament to the grueling trial they had just endured. "Well done," she began, her voice firm and unwavering. "Today was a true test of your abilities, and for most of you, I saw the beginnings of what could be great mages. However, I¡¯m not going to sugarcoat this: some of you performed admirably, while others struggled to even stay together." Her gaze briefly flickered toward the absent members of the first team, who were not standing among the rest of the class. "As you may have noticed, Liam, Tara, and Joel are not with us. They were disqualified after being overwhelmed by a pack of Ferretfiends. They¡¯re in the infirmary now, and while none of you were disqualified, their failure is a learning opportunity for all of you."Korra paused, letting her words sink in. "Those of you who think you can act alone, or ignore your teammates, will learn the hard way. In the real world, you don¡¯t get to learn from failure when it costs you your life."Korra turned to the second group, Ray, Alice, and Kade, all humans who had reached the tower but had faced issues due to poor coordination. "Ray," Korra started, eyes locking onto him. "Your flight magic allowed you to scout ahead, but in doing so, you abandoned your teammates. You left Alice and Sophie to fend for themselves. In the real world, separation like that would leave you vulnerable. You didn¡¯t think about the risks of being alone in unfamiliar territory." Ray winced, clearly feeling the weight of her words. "Alice, your matter spells were effective in holding off the Stonehorn, and I was impressed by how you used such a complicated school of magic in your first year, and Kade, your lightning was solid. But you need yo control yourself, going crazy with bloodlust could endanger your teammates. You held it together well enough to reach the tower, but that was luck as much as skill." Korra¡¯s tone softened just slightly. "Use that lesson. Stay together next time. You¡¯ll only be as strong as your weakest link." During the reflections, Lance couldn''t shake a nagging thought as the group. Usually, the cocky wisp from the Plane of Fury couldn¡¯t resist making his presence known, offering his biting commentary during challenges. But today, he had been completely absent, not even whispering his usual snide remarks or giving any tactical advice. It was unnerving. Lance glanced around, tuning out of the conversation as he fell into his thoughts. Why hadn''t William shown himself? Was something wrong? His unease grew with every second. Normally, William would at least be there, mocking Lance''s moves or gloating about how they could have done things better with his help. Just as Lance was about to voice his concern out loud, a familiar, smug voice echoed in his mind. "I''m here, don''t worry," William''s voice suddenly said, casual and self-assured as ever. "I just thought that if you did this without my help, it would be a learning opportunity for you." Lance nearly stumbled, catching himself before anyone noticed. A learning opportunity? He thought back. You¡¯ve been quiet this whole time just to see what would happen? "Exactly," William replied, his tone dripping with amusement. "Look, kid, you need to learn how to rely on yourself sometimes. Not everything can be handed to you. It was good for you to struggle a bit, and figure things out on your own. Besides," the wisp added, "I wanted to see if you¡¯d drown without me." Lance sighed internally, half-relieved, half-annoyed. You could''ve at least warned me. "And spoil the surprise? Nah. Besides, you did fine, didn''t you?" William¡¯s voice took on a more teasing edge. "But next time, I might just step in if things get too... entertaining." Lance rolled his eyes but couldn¡¯t help a small smile from creeping onto his face. Despite William¡¯s cockiness, there was an odd sort of comfort in knowing his companion had watched the entire trial¡ªready to intervene if necessary. You¡¯re such a pain, Lance thought, shaking his head. "You¡¯re welcome." Next, she turned to the third group, consisting of Goruk, a large Beasten Minotaur with a massive mace and body enhancement magic, along with two human students. They had made it to the tower without too much difficulty, but Korra knew they were second-year students, taking a first-year combat course to refine their skills. "You three have more experience than most here," Korra said, her gaze narrowing slightly. "As a second-years, I expect a higher level of discipline and maturity from you. You reached the tower, but that doesn¡¯t mean you were perfect." She crossed her arms, studying them carefully. "I won¡¯t tell you what went wrong. I want each of you to reflect and tell me what your weaknesses were during the trial." Goruk, the Minotaur, shifted his weight, his horns gleaming in the sun. "I relied too much on my physical strength," he admitted, his voice low and rumbling. "I was too focused on brute force and left myself open in the middle of my swings." Korra nodded, satisfied with his self-awareness. "Correct. Your strength is an asset, but leaving yourself vulnerable to counterattacks isn¡¯t something a second-year should be doing." Zara spoke next, her icy blue eyes reflecting the calm she had shown in battle. "I hesitated when coordinating with Leo. My ice magic conflicted with his fire, and we didn¡¯t plan well enough for that." "Good," Korra said, giving her a nod. "At your level, you should know better than to let conflicting elements clash. Think about how to use your magic in harmony, not opposition." Leo followed, his fiery hair matching the magic he wielded. "I didn¡¯t control my fire spells well enough. Almost burned Goruk twice. I need to focus more on precision." "Exactly," Korra said. "Fire is one of the most destructive forces in magic, but if you can¡¯t control it, it¡¯s as much a danger to your allies as it is to your enemies. Tighten your focus." Korra¡¯s eyes softened for a moment as she addressed the group as a whole. "You three did well overall, but remember, as second-years, I expect more from you. Next time, show me that you¡¯ve learned from your flaws."
Finally, Korra turned to the last group: Lance, Lyra, Nico, and Felix. Their trial had been marked by strong teamwork, though there were still areas they could improve. "Lance," she began, focusing on the young mage. "You took leadership, and I respect that. Your use of Tremor Disrupt was clever, disorienting the Ferretfiends and keeping your team moving. But when the Rockboars attacked, you hesitated. Don¡¯t be afraid to take the initiative when the situation demands it." Lance nodded, absorbing the feedback. "Lyra," Korra continued, turning to the top student. "Your knowledge of the creatures you faced was invaluable. You identified their weaknesses quickly, and that helped your team make smart decisions. But next time, trust yourself to use that knowledge earlier. Don¡¯t wait for the perfect moment¡ªsometimes, you need to act first." Lyra offered a small nod, her confidence growing. Korra turned to Nico next. "Your use of Astra, your eagle familiar, was impressive. Channeling your spells through her gave you both a combat and scouting advantage. But you¡¯re holding back. You¡¯re capable of more than you¡¯re showing." Nico smirked but took the advice to heart. Finally, Felix received her scrutiny. "Your illusions were sharp, Better than last time. But illusions aren¡¯t enough on their own. You need to learn how to integrate them with other forms of magic." Felix simply nodded, always the quiet one.
Korra turned back to the whole class, her expression a mix of pride and stern expectation. "No one here was disqualified, and that¡¯s a victory in itself. But this is just the start. You all need to keep pushing yourselves. Use every resource¡ªmagic, weapons, companions. Don¡¯t leave anything off the table. This trial was a test, and you passed. But the real world is much harsher." She gave the class one last hard look, her eyes lingering on each group. "You¡¯ve survived the first trial. Now prove to me that you deserve to stay in this class." whispers in the wind The sun filtered through the leafy canopy of the forest near Arcane University, where today¡¯s wind class was in full swing. Students stood in a clearing, their eyes focused on Professor Ellard as he gestured animatedly, urging them to harness the winds. The atmosphere crackled with energy, a welcome distraction from the rigorous studies that had defined Lance¡¯s early days at the university. ¡°Now remember,¡± Ellard called out, ¡°the key to controlling the wind is balance! Too much force, and you¡¯ll¡ª¡± His words were drowned out as he accidentally summoned a gust that whipped through the trees. Leaves flew in every direction, and students stumbled as the winds began to spiral out of control. ¡°Ellard, I think you¡¯re getting a bit carried away!¡± one student shouted, half-laughing, half-panicking. Lance stood nearby, his heart racing as the storm of wind grew. Just as Ellard''s voice grew frantic, everything suddenly went dark. Confused, Lance squinted into the void, unable to see anything. When the light returned, the rogue windstorm had vanished. Standing amidst the now-still forest was a young man emerging from the shadows of a tree. The students fell silent, their mouths agape in awe. Lance¡¯s heart raced. This wasn¡¯t just any man¡ªthis was his brother, Elias. ¡°Ellard!¡± Elias scolded, striding forward with an authoritative presence. ¡°I can¡¯t have you destroying school property while I¡¯m on duty!¡± Ellard straightened, his bravado faltering under Elias''s stern gaze. ¡°Elias, I had everything perfectly under control!¡± he retorted, though the humor in his tone suggested otherwise.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. Elias''s eyes narrowed, but he quickly softened as he turned to Lance. ¡°Hi, Lance,¡± he said warmly. ¡°Hi,¡± Lance replied, still processing Elias¡¯s sudden appearance. ¡°I thought you were in Greenwood?¡± ¡°I graduated,¡± Elias said simply, a hint of pride in his voice before he glanced back at Ellard. ¡°And you really need to rein in your theatrics.¡± With that, Elias turned to leave, but not before Lance blurted out, ¡°Wait, Elias! Why does everyone seem so shocked to see you?¡± As Elias walked away, a few of the students whispered among themselves, their eyes still wide with awe. One of them leaned closer to Lance and said, ¡°Elias is one of the most promising graduates from Greenwood University this century. He joined the Sentinels of the Veil, and you know how prestigious that is!¡± Another chimed in, ¡°He¡¯s already made quite a name for himself. Did you hear he helped take down a rogue mage last summer?¡± Just then, Lance felt a smug voice in his mind, William¡¯s voice, commenting as if he¡¯d been watching everything. ¡°If I were Elias¡¯s companion, we¡¯d have conquered the world twice over by now!¡± William scoffed, his tone as proud as ever. Lance nearly rolled his eyes out loud. ¡°Sure, William. I¡¯m sure the world would tremble before your¡­ illustrious glow.¡± ¡°Hey!¡± William huffed indignantly in Lance¡¯s mind. ¡°I am a force of nature! Don¡¯t you forget it.¡± Ellard, overhearing the conversation, shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s true. Every single one of Korra¡¯s students is such a party pooper! You join the Sentinels, and suddenly you can¡¯t even stop by to say hi to an old professor!¡± Lance¡¯s brow furrowed in confusion. ¡°Wait, you taught him wind and fire magic, but he uses shadow and darkness?¡± Ellard sighed dramatically. ¡°I used to be a battle mage professor until they removed me from the post because too many mages were turning out like me.¡± He muttered to himself, ¡°Isn¡¯t that a good thing? Seriously!¡± As the class resumed, Lance felt a renewed sense of determination. If Elias could navigate the world with such confidence, then so could he. And maybe, just maybe, he and William would have their chance to make a name for themselves too. dark omens The afternoon sun filtered softly through the branches, casting dancing shadows over the university¡¯s sprawling courtyard. Lance lounged beneath a broad, ancient tree, his back against the rough bark, absently practicing Gale Burst. A quick flick of his wrist sent a burst of wind rustling through the leaves above, sending a few loose ones fluttering down like lazy confetti. William, his wisp companion, floated beside him, casting a glow that shimmered in the sunlight. ¡°Seriously, Lance, you call that a Gale Burst?¡± William teased, hisvoice echoing in Lance¡¯s head. ¡°I¡¯ve seen stronger breezes on laundry day!¡± Lance chuckled. ¡°Cut me some slack! It¡¯s only been a week since I started practicing. Besides, maybe if I had a better companion¡ª¡± ¡°Oh, you wound me, truly,¡± William huffe. ¡°If I were Elias¡¯s partner, we¡¯d have conquered the world twice over by now!¡± Before Lance could respond, he felt it¡ªa prickling sensation, like static in the air. His smile faded as an eerie chill settled over the courtyard. The sunlight dimmed, and the comforting warmth drained away, leaving only an uncomfortable silence that weighed heavily on his chest. Lance¡¯s heart began to pound, a creeping sense of dread filling him. Then, from the edge of the courtyard, shadows coalesced and twisted, forming a grotesque shape. With a rumbling growl, a demon emerged from the darkness, its hulking body oozing with an unnatural energy. Its skin was blackened and cracked, with veins of fire pulsing beneath the surface. The courtyard erupted into chaos as students screamed, scrambling to flee the creature¡¯s path. Some, too terrified to move, stared in shock, their books and belongings forgotten. Lance ducked behind the tree, his mind racing. He wasn¡¯t prepared for this¡ªnot here, not now. The demon let out a guttural roar, its eyes glowing with an intense, malicious light as it prowled through the courtyard, striking fear into all who saw it. A few brave students attempted to conjure spells, but their attacks barely scratched the creature¡¯s hide, flickering out against its hardened form. Just then, Lance heard the heavy footsteps of the Sentinels¡ªthe university¡¯s elite guardians¡ªas they rushed in, brandishing their weapons and chanting incantations. They hurled blasts of magic toward the demon, creating explosions of light and color that briefly illuminated the courtyard. Lance¡¯s pulse quickened, his instinct to fight warring with the overwhelming fear knotting his stomach. One of the Sentinels, casting a protective shield around a group of students, yelled, ¡°Get back! We¡¯ll handle this!¡±A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. But the demon was relentless, shrugging off each magical assault with a snarl. As it lunged forward, ready to tear through the line of Sentinels, everything went still. A wave of energy rippled through the air, strong enough to make Lance¡¯s hair stand on end. Suddenly, an enormous, radiant hand of energy materialized above the courtyard, reaching down and gripping the demon mid-strike. The creature writhed in its grasp, but the hand held firm, hoisting it into the air as easily as if it were a doll. From across the courtyard, a tall figure stepped forward, her presence radiating authority and control¡ªChancellor Elowen. She stood there, her gaze calm and unflinching, observing the demon with a look that bordered on boredom. With a dismissive flick of her wrist, she pulled the creature closer. ¡°Who sent you here, creature?¡± she demanded, her voice low and chilling. The demon snarled, its eyes burning with defiance as it attempted to lunge at her. Elowen sighed, her face settling into a look of mild irritation. ¡°Very well,¡± she murmured, as if indulging a petulant child. ¡°Begone, foul thing.¡± In her other hand, a massive, gleaming blade of pure energy formed, pulsing with raw power. With a single, fluid motion, she drove the blade into the demon¡¯s chest. The creature shrieked, a horrible sound that echoed through the courtyard, as its flesh began to dissolve under the blade¡¯s influence, melting away until all that remained was a blackened, oozing pile of goo that smoked and hissed on the ground. With a wave of her hand, Elowen dismissed the energy constructs, and the remaining ooze faded into nothingness. She dusted off her hands, glancing around the courtyard at the stunned students and Sentinels. Her gaze swept over Lance¡¯s hiding spot briefly, but she said nothing as she turned and strode away, muttering under her breath about the lack of proper defenses. Lance stayed frozen in place, his heart still racing as he processed what he¡¯d just witnessed. The courtyard buzzed with hushed whispers, students exchanging wide-eyed looks and murmuring about Elowen¡¯s extraordinary display of power. ¡°That was¡ªinsane,¡± Lance breathed, glancing inwardly at William. ¡°How did she do that?¡± Lance frowned. ¡°William, what was that? You¡¯ve got to know something about this.¡± ¡°Demons from the Plane of Fury have strange tendencies,¡± he said, looking away. ¡°These things¡­ happen sometimes.¡± Lance narrowed his eyes. ¡°You¡¯re hiding something.¡± But William ignored him, and Lance sighed, realizing he wouldn¡¯t get any more answers. As he stood there, listening to the chatter around him, he began piecing together what little he¡¯d heard. ¡°That¡¯s Chancellor Elowen¡¯s material magic,¡± a student near him was whispering, her voice awestruck. ¡°They say she can manifest physical forms from pure energy! I heard she once created a whole wall to hold back a firestorm!¡± Another student nodded, glancing nervously at the remains of the demon. ¡°She didn¡¯t even seem bothered. Do you think we¡¯re going to see more attacks like this?¡± A chill ran through Lance as he realized the implications. The university¡ªhis sanctuary, his training ground¡ªhad just been breached. The threat was real, and whatever had sent that demon might only be the beginning. As he made his way out of the courtyard, Lance cast one last look at the scorched patch where the demon had been, a sense of foreboding settling over him. Midterms and more!! After the recent demon attack, the university remained vigilant, with sentinels stationed throughout campus and frequent patrols around the perimeter. An investigation was underway, and students could feel the increased tension among the staff. Professors prepared the students for more than just exams¡ªthey reinforced emergency protocols and drilled combat skills with renewed urgency. Lance threw himself into his studies with new determination. Conversations with William hinted at something deeper brewing, though his companion maintained an air of secrecy, making only vague comments about ¡°preparing for the worst.¡± Taking this to heart, Lance began refining his combat spells, filling notebooks with practice sketches and spell flows, especially focusing on *Tremor Disrupt*. His progress with wind magic also impressed him, as he¡¯d nearly mastered both *Galeburst* and *Lesser Gust* by midterms. On the day of his Force Magic practical, Lance found himself in a large classroom with several assistant instructors waiting. He was called up by one of them¡ªa tall woman with a composed, scrutinizing expression. ¡°Lance?¡± she asked, glancing down at her clipboard. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s me,¡± he answered, keeping his voice steady. ¡°I¡¯m Instructor Reyna,¡± she said, nodding slightly. With a quick gesture, she activated a teleportation spell, and the classroom disappeared in a rush of color, leaving him standing in a quiet, open clearing. A gentle breeze drifted across the field, the morning sunlight filtering softly through the surrounding trees. ¡°Here¡¯s the setup,¡± Reyna began, folding her arms as she explained. ¡°For this test, you¡¯re going to need to deflect projectiles. I¡¯ll be controlling a construct that will launch them at you. Do whatever you need to block or deflect the hits. And don¡¯t get too comfortable¡ªit gets harder as we go. Ready?¡± ¡°Ready,¡± Lance replied, grounding his stance and focusing his lifestream flow. Reyna summoned a glowing orb that hovered in the air, gleaming with pent-up energy. With a small gesture, she commanded it to release its first volley¡ªa series of glowing projectiles that whizzed through the air. Lance breathed in, centering himself, and conjured his Lesser Force Field. The shimmering barrier absorbed the initial barrage with ease, the projectiles bouncing harmlessly away. Reyna raised an eyebrow. ¡°Alright, not bad. Let¡¯s see how you handle this.¡± The orb pulsed, and the projectiles became faster, more erratic, some even arcing around to strike from unexpected angles. Lance adjusted quickly,pushing more lifestream expanding his barrier slightly and moving his hands in tight, precise motions to direct the flow of energy. A couple of projectiles grazed his shoulder, but he kept his concentration steady.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. Reyna smirked. ¡°Still holding up?Take a breather and let¡¯s crank it up a notch.¡± A moment later The orb shifted again, now releasing larger, more concentrated bursts of energy that exploded into smaller fragments on impact. Lance¡¯s Lesser Force Field flickered under the strain, and he felt the drain on his lifestream reserves. ¡°Your right it wont hold, you need to think of something better ¡°, Williams voice echoed in his head. He raised one hand,And instead of letting the force field drop, he channeled tremor disrupt,into it . A faint hum filled the air as vibrations rippled outward in a protective radius around him. The incoming projectiles slowed as they passed through the field, their momentum disrupted just enough for him to dodge Reyna clapped her hands once, clearly impressed. ¡°Now that¡¯s what I¡¯m talking about. Innovative and efficient. You adapted instead of relying on one trick. Let¡¯s call it here before I¡¯m tempted to push you harder.¡± Lance exhaled in relief, wiping sweat from his brow. Reyna checked something off her clipboard. ¡°Alright, that¡¯s a wrap for this section. Next part¡¯s the theory test,¡± she said, activating another teleportation spell. His other two exams were actually easier. He had practically breezed through *Wind 101*, and combat was just as straightforward. When midterms finally ended, Lance felt like a weight had lifted off his shoulders. To celebrate, he invited his friends to his dorm room for a small party¡ªhis caravan group along with a few friends from combat class. It wasn¡¯t long before Kade, Oliver, Felix, Bella, Nico, and Lyra arrived, each of them buzzing with excitement after a grueling exam week. As soon as they entered, Kade was the first to let loose, immediately flopping onto Lance¡¯s bed. ¡°Finally, some freedom!¡± he exclaimed, stretching out dramatically. ¡°I thought those exams would never end.¡± ¡°Speak for yourself,¡± Oliver joked, sitting on the floor with a handful of snacks. ¡°I thought you loved a good fight.¡± ¡°This was different,¡± Kade grumbled. ¡°Fighting¡¯s one thing, but tests?¡± ¡°Oh, please,¡± Nico teased, ¡°says the guy who aced the combat practical without breaking a sweat.¡± They all laughed, and the atmosphere grew lighthearted as they shared stories about their exams. Lance listened, occasionally adding his own experiences with *Tremor Disrupt* and his unexpected use of the *Lesser Force Field* during the *Force Magic* exam. When Felix brought up the topic of magic theory, Bella groaned. ¡°I¡¯m just glad it¡¯s over! I¡¯ll take a hundred combat exams over one more theory session.¡± Lyra chuckled, patting her on the shoulder. ¡°Maybe I could tutor you next time, Bella. I quite enjoyed Magic Lore.¡± The group burst into laughter again, and Lance was relieved to see everyone so relaxed and at ease. He noticed Felix and Lyra chatting more closely as the evening wore on, and a quiet look of understanding passed between them¡ªsubtle but unmistakable. He made a mental note of it, smiling at the thought of his friends finding connections amidst the chaos of university life. As the party continued, Lance felt a warmth settle in his chest. This was what he had hoped for when he¡¯d come to Arcane University¡ªfriendships, camaraderie, and shared experiences. They laughed, joked, and shared stories late into the night, momentarily forgetting the pressures of school, the lurking threats, and even their demanding futures. Independence Lance paced his small dorm room, the weight of his empty coin pouch like an anchor in his mind. He couldn¡¯t even ask his mom for money¡ªit wasn¡¯t just the distance but the principle of it. He was here to grow, to forge his own path. Surely, she would understand if he asked, but that was the very reason he couldn¡¯t. Should he ask for a loan from his friends? Bella and Felix were nobles¡ªsurely, they wouldn¡¯t mind. The idea grew more tempting by the minute, but a quiet, stubborn voice inside him pushed back, urging him to find his own solution and protect his dignity. ¡°Isn¡¯t this what you wanted?¡± William¡¯s voice chimed in, cool and sharp in his mind. ¡°Wanted what?¡± Lance muttered, leaning back in his chair. ¡°Freedom. Independence. You went on about forging your own path, yet here you are, thinking about groveling for gold.¡± Lance scowled. ¡°It¡¯s not groveling. They¡¯re my friends. And besides, what do you care? You don¡¯t eat or need money.¡± ¡°I care because your whining is giving me a headache. You¡¯re supposed to be a battle mage, not someone who folds at the first sign of hardship.¡± Lance¡¯s temper flared, but he held it back. William wasn¡¯t wrong, even if his delivery left much to be desired. Taking a deep breath, Lance straightened his cloak. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll figure it out.¡± William¡¯s laugh echoed faintly in his head. ¡°That¡¯s the spirit.¡±
The portal courtyard loomed ahead, an area Lance had barely visited before. Rows of black obsidian arches stood like sentinels, each one humming with energy and brimming with lifestream. The air felt thick with magic, so charged that Lance could almost taste it.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it ¡°Fifth one from the end,¡± William said, his tone now surprisingly helpful. Lance counted until he stood before the one labeled Portal 109 - To Genesi, North Eastern Mountain Range. Stepping closer, he felt the portal¡¯s magic brush against his skin like static. He took a deep breath, then stepped through. The sensation was overwhelming¡ªa rush of light and sound, as though the universe had folded him into itself. For a fleeting moment, he was weightless, suspended in the magical stream. Then, with a jolt, he stumbled out onto the cobblestones of a new courtyard. Cool mountain air greeted him, sharp and invigorating as it kissed his skin. He steadied himself, taking in the view of the mountain town nestled among jagged peaks. The streets bustled with activity, and the faint sound of music drifted from somewhere nearby.
The music led him to a lively tavern called The Mountain Tap. Its wooden sign swayed in the breeze, and warm light spilled out through the windows, beckoning him inside. The tavern was alive with clinking mugs and hearty laughter. Behind the bar stood a stout, bearded dwarf with a pointy hat. His one good eye squinted as Lance approached, and his voice was dry and rasping, like someone who gargled gravel daily. ¡°Ain¡¯t you a bit too youn¡¯ to be drinkin¡¯, boy?¡± the dwarf asked, raising a bushy eyebrow. ¡°I¡¯m looking for a job. Are you hiring?¡± The dwarf¡¯s eyebrow arched higher. ¡°We could always use help around here. You can serve drinks, boy?¡± ¡°Not really,¡± Lance admitted. ¡°You¡¯re hired. Get to work,¡± the dwarf grunted, slamming a tray into Lance¡¯s hands before he could ask further questions.
The next few hours were chaos. Lance darted between tables, dodging flailing arms and spilled ale. The tavern was packed with miners, merchants, and travelers, each more rowdy than the last. By the time the crowd began to thin, Lance was exhausted. His feet ached, his cloak reeked faintly of mead, and his arms felt like lead from carrying tray after tray. The dwarf clapped him on the back as he wiped down a table. ¡°Good work, boy. You¡¯ll learn fast.¡± He handed Lance five gold coins, the metal cool and rough in his palm. ¡°Thanks,¡± Lance said, his voice tinged with fatigue but also a hint of pride. Stepping outside into the cool mountain air, Lance looked down at the coins in his hand. They weren¡¯t much, but they were his¡ªearned through his own effort. "well at least you don''t have to grovel anymore", William''s voice echoed in his head. This was the beginning of a new chapter in his life, one where he could finally start proving himself. Missions The open, breezy classroom buzzed with anticipation as the wind carried the faint scent of pine from the enchanted vents lining the walls. Ellard stood at the center, his light robe swaying gently, his arms wide open as if beckoning the air to listen. ¡°Alright, my Wind majors,¡± Ellard began, his voice breezy and charismatic, ¡°today is a special day. Not because you get to hear me speak¡ªthough I know that¡¯s always a highlight¡ªbut because we¡¯re discussing something that will shape your journey as mages: the quest system.¡± Lance, seated cross-legged on a mat near the front, straightened his posture. He had been waiting to hear about this. The thought of taking on real missions excited him, even if William¡¯s presence in his mind meant an ongoing stream of unsolicited commentary. Ellard paced, his steps light and rhythmic. ¡°Quests come in ranks, from one to five. Rank 1? That¡¯s basic magical pest control or fixing minor arcane issues. Rank 2? Now you¡¯re dealing with small but hostile creatures, protecting townsfolk, or securing magical artifacts. Rank 3 and above?¡± He paused dramatically, allowing the whispering breeze to fill the room. ¡°Let¡¯s just say those are for seasoned professionals. You won¡¯t be touching those¡­ yet.¡± William¡¯s voice hummed in Lance¡¯s mind. ¡°Seasoned professionals? We¡¯re practically pre-seasoned with all the chaos you¡¯ve managed so far.¡± Lance stifled a chuckle. ¡°Not now, William,¡± he whispered under his breath. Ellard continued, ¡°For this class, you¡¯re required to complete two Rank 1 quests and one Rank 2 quest by the semester''s end. But don¡¯t stop there! Quests are also an excellent way to earn some gold and gain experience. And, trust me, nothing makes you learn faster than a little danger.¡± His grin was as wide as the horizon. ¡°Now, any questions?¡± Lance raised his hand. ¡°What happens if we fail a quest?¡± Ellard¡¯s expression sobered just slightly. ¡°That depends. If it¡¯s a Rank 1, you¡¯ll likely just embarrass yourself. But failure at higher ranks? It can mean harm to others¡ªor to yourself. That¡¯s why you¡¯ll always have recommended team sizes listed on the quest board. Follow them.¡± The room fell silent. After a moment, Ellard clapped his hands. ¡°Alright, that¡¯s it for today. Class dismissed! Go explore the board, find some friends, and get out there. Wind magic doesn¡¯t just exist in books, folks¡ªit lives in the world. Go where the breeze takes you!¡± As the students filed out, Lance lingered, tying the laces of his boots. He could feel William¡¯s presence stirring in his mind. ¡°Quests, huh?¡± William mused. ¡°I wonder how many ways you can creatively screw this up.¡± As the wind magic class ended, Lance walked out to find Kade leaning against a pillar near the entrance. He wore his usual cocky grin, looking impatient. ¡°About time!¡± Kade called out. ¡°You¡¯re slower than a snail on ice.¡± ¡°Patience, Kade,¡± Lance replied, smirking. ¡°Not all of us can sprint through life like you. Heading to enhancement magic now?¡±If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°Yep,¡± Kade said, stretching his arms. ¡°Eldric¡¯s supposed to talk about the mission system today. Finally, something real to sink my teeth into.¡± Lance chuckled. ¡°Good luck with that. I¡¯m going to check out the mission board after lunch.¡± William¡¯s voice echoed in Lance¡¯s mind, dripping with sarcasm. ¡°Lunch first, of course. Heaven forbid the great Lance face the world on an empty stomach.¡± Lance mentally shot back, ¡°You¡¯re welcome to take over if you think you can do better.¡± ¡°I would,¡± William quipped. ¡°But then who¡¯d provide the witty commentary?¡± An hour later, Bella strolled out of Ellard¡¯s fire magic class, her fiery red hair glowing under the midday sun. She spotted Lance waiting near the library. ¡°So, you heard about the missions too?¡± Bella asked, adjusting her satchel. ¡°Yeah, Ellard told us earlier. I¡¯m guessing you got the same rundown?¡± Bella nodded. ¡°Two Rank 1 missions, one Rank 2 to pass. He said it¡¯s all about teamwork, but knowing you, you¡¯re already planning something, aren¡¯t you?¡± Before Lance could respond, William¡¯s voice chimed in, ¡°Oh, absolutely. Planning to trip over his own feet, most likely.¡± Lance muttered under his breath, ¡°Thanks for the confidence boost, William.¡± ¡°What was that?¡± Bella asked, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Nothing,¡± Lance said quickly. ¡°Just thinking aloud.¡± By the time Felix and Oliver joined them, the dining hall was bustling with activity. The group found a table near the window, plates piled high with food. ¡°So,¡± Lance began, ¡°I¡¯m guessing you two heard about the missions too?¡± Felix nodded, his expression calm and composed. ¡°Professor Maribel went over the whole system in illusions class. She made it sound like the missions are as much about strategy as they are about magic.¡± Oliver, ever the quiet one, simply said, ¡°Earth magic class was the same. Missions are mandatory, but I think we can handle it.¡± Bella leaned forward, her tone serious. ¡°Alright, then. We¡¯re all on the same page. What do you say we pick a mission together? We can grab Kade, Lyra, and Nico on the way.¡± Felix arched an eyebrow. ¡°Team of seven? Sounds ambitious. Let¡¯s hope the mission doesn¡¯t call for more.¡± ¡°Seven¡¯s fine,¡± William remarked. ¡°Any more, and it¡¯d be like herding cats. Besides, I¡¯m worth at least two people.¡± ¡°Modest as ever,¡± Lance muttered under his breath. The group made their way to the mission board after lunch, collecting Kade, Lyra, and Nico along the way. Kade was still buzzing from his enhancement magic class, practically dragging everyone toward the board. The mission board was an imposing structure in the main hall, glowing faintly with magical energy. Tasks were displayed in neat rows, each entry accompanied by crucial details: Bella scanned the list, her finger tracing over the entries. ¡°Look at this one: ¡®Pest Control: Minor Karpoi Infestation.¡¯ Rank 1, reward: 15 gold per person. Recommended team size: 3. Sounds doable.¡± Kade scoffed. ¡°Too easy. What about this? ¡®Exterminate Aggressive Forest Karpoi.¡¯ Rank 2, 80 gold each, recommended team size: 8.¡± Lance¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°That one. Karpoi are tricky, but if we¡¯re careful, we can handle it.¡± ¡°Team size is eight,¡± Felix pointed out. ¡°We¡¯re only seven.¡± ¡°Basic math,¡± William quipped. ¡°Well done, Felix. But honestly, who needs eight people? I say you¡¯ll do fine with six¡ªand me.¡± Lance rolled his eyes. ¡°I¡¯m not counting you, William. You¡¯re a voice in my head, not exactly a combatant.¡± Bella tapped her fingers on the board, clearly thinking. ¡°We could take a chance. We¡¯re a solid team, and I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll manage even with one less person. Besides, the reward¡¯s tempting.¡± Lyra, who had been quietly observing the conversation, nodded. ¡°If we do this, we¡¯ll need to be smart about it. The Karpoi are strong, and they¡¯ve been aggressive lately. We¡¯ll need to coordinate, cover all angles.¡± Nico, always calm and analytical, added, ¡°We can make it work. My magic can support us in ways you might not expect. I¡¯ll keep the team covered from a distance.¡± ¡°Alright then,¡± Lance said, feeling the weight of the decision settle in. ¡°We¡¯ll do it. Seven¡¯s good enough. Let¡¯s sign up and get moving.¡± gloomy roads Lance was the first to stumble out of the portal, barely managing to stay on his feet as a wave of dizziness hit him. His stomach churned, and he instinctively steadied himself against the nearest surface, blinking hard to clear his vision. He took a moment to gather his thoughts as the others began materializing behind him, their expressions ranging from disoriented to downright nauseous. ¡°I feel like my insides are all screwed up,¡± Lance muttered, holding his stomach. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t be far from the truth,¡± William replied, his voice dripping with amusement. ¡°It¡¯s long-distance travel¡ªmuch longer than you¡¯re used to. Who knows how you might pop out on the other side? Maybe a tissue or two misplaced, or food that was supposed to come out decided to head back up the digestive tract.¡± He snickered. ¡°But hey, no big deal. Happens to the best of us.¡± ¡°Very reassuring,¡± Lance grumbled, rolling his eyes. As the group recovered from the effects of their journey, they began to take in their surroundings. They had arrived in a quiet township, where stone and brick houses lined the narrow streets. The air felt heavy, almost oppressive, and a rugged valley loomed in the distance, shrouded in a dense, unnatural fog. ¡°Well, I guess we should get moving,¡± Felix said, heaving himself off the ground and dusting off his coat. The others nodded in agreement, though there was a collective unease among them. As they walked, Lance couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something was wrong. The streets were eerily quiet, with only a few people visible, darting from building to building as if afraid to linger outside. Shadows seemed to stretch unnaturally long, and the atmosphere carried a palpable sense of gloom. ¡°Do you feel that?¡± Bella murmured, her fiery demeanor dimmed by the oppressive atmosphere. ¡°Yeah,¡± Lance replied, keeping his voice low. ¡°It¡¯s like this place is holding its breath.¡± Eventually, they reached a building that stood out from the others¡ªnot because of its size but because it seemed better maintained. The stone walls were cleaner, and the windows glowed faintly with warm light, a stark contrast to the rest of the town¡¯s dreariness. A man stood outside, his posture stiff as he waited for them. His sharp eyes swept over the group, lingering just long enough to make Lance feel self-conscious. ¡°You must be the group that accepted the mission,¡± the man said, his voice clipped and formal. ¡°My master is waiting inside. Please, come in.¡± He pushed open the heavy wooden door, which creaked softly on its hinges. As the group stepped inside, a wave of warmth and the comforting scent of freshly baked bread washed over them. The contrast was almost jarring. The interior was cozy, with a crackling fireplace and polished wooden furniture. A large table dominated the center of the room, laden with papers and a steaming pot of tea. Despite the welcoming atmosphere, there was an undercurrent of tension¡ªsomething unspoken that hung in the air like a faint, lingering shadow.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. The group was led toward a grand hall with a long table dominating its center. Seated at the head was an elderly man who looked far older than his probable seventy-odd years. Despite his weathered appearance, his eyes lit up as they entered, and he rose to greet them. ¡°A pleasure to meet you all. My name is Mayor Shindall Vines, though you may simply call me Shindall.¡± His voice carried a tone of warmth, and there was a flicker of hope in his gaze. ¡°The pleasure is all ours,¡± Felix replied, offering a small bow. The others quickly followed suit, their bows ranging from polite to awkward. ¡°Oh, please, there¡¯s no need for such formalities,¡± Shindall said with a chuckle, motioning for them to sit. Following his own advice, he settled back into his seat at the head of the table. The group took their places, some more hesitantly than others. Moments later, a side door opened, and a procession of servants streamed into the room, each carrying a platter of food. The scent of roasted meats, fresh bread, and savory spices filled the air, and Lance¡¯s stomach growled audibly. The servants placed the dishes on the table and departed without a word, leaving the group with a veritable feast. ¡°Please, enjoy yourselves,¡± Shindall said, gesturing toward the platters. They began serving themselves politely¡ªexcept for Kade, who piled his plate high with reckless abandon and dug in with enthusiasm. Bella elbowed him sharply. ¡°Kade, manners!¡± she hissed under her breath. ¡°What?¡± Kade grinned, unfazed. ¡°This good man is treating us to a meal. It wouldn¡¯t be polite to refuse, would it? And, for the record, this is amazing food.¡± The mayor laughed heartily, a sound that filled the room with unexpected warmth. ¡°Thank you, my young friend. Very few are so blunt and honest with me. It¡¯s quite refreshing, actually.¡± The laughter faded into an awkward silence as they ate, the group still adjusting to the situation and each other. Eventually, Shindall broke the tension, setting down his utensils with a soft clink. ¡°Now that your stomachs are full, let¡¯s get down to business.¡± His tone turned serious, and he leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. ¡°As you likely know, our small town¡¯s fields have been plagued by forest karpoi for some time. These creatures have been destroying our crops, and the situation is becoming dire. We need you to exterminate them before they cause any more damage. My assistant will lead you to the outskirts of town and assist you in your task. Any questions?¡± Most of the group shook their heads, but Lyra leaned forward, her brows furrowed. ¡°Do you have any idea why the forest karpoi are behaving this way? It¡¯s unusual for them to act so aggressively.¡± Shindall sighed, his shoulders sagging. ¡°We don¡¯t know yet. I¡¯ve sent men to investigate, but so far, they¡¯ve found nothing definitive.¡± At that moment, his assistant leaned down and whispered something into his ear. The mayor¡¯s expression darkened further, and he rose from his seat with a weary nod. ¡°It seems I must take my leave. This crisis demands much of my attention. I trust you¡¯ll handle the task with urgency.¡± With that, Shindall departed briskly, leaving the group in contemplative silence. ¡°Well, that was enlightening,¡± William said, his voice breaking the quiet. ¡°I suppose we should get moving,¡± Lance suggested, standing. ¡°The sooner we deal with this, the better.¡± The others nodded in agreement. Shindall¡¯s assistant stepped forward, bowing slightly. ¡°My name is Lucas. Please, follow me.¡± Lucas led them through the back of the estate and out a sturdy wooden door that opened into a small stable. A cart was waiting, its wheels creaking softly as it shifted in place. ¡°Please climb in. I will be driving you to your destination.¡± Without hesitation, the group clambered into the back of the cart. The rough wooden planks jostled them slightly as the cart rumbled forward, leaving the warmth of the estate behind and heading into the misty unknown. battlefields and bonds ¡°This is where you can drop us off,¡± Felix said as the wagon came to a halt. Lucas nodded, pulling the reins to steady the horses. The group disembarked swiftly, keeping their movements quiet and controlled as they clustered together in a small huddle. Felix took the lead, his voice low and composed. ¡°Alright, everyone. Our goal here is to eradicate the karpoi, but we¡¯ll do this with caution and discretion. We can¡¯t afford to be reckless.¡± ¡°I think we should stay low for now and focus on gathering information,¡± Nico said, his voice calm but firm. ¡°Rushing in without understanding their movements or numbers could make things worse.¡± The others exchanged brief glances before nodding in agreement, their expressions a mix of determination and wariness. ¡°Good,¡± Felix said, scanning their surroundings. His gaze lingered on the edges of the nearby fields, shadowed under the dim light of the evening. ¡°Let¡¯s move.¡± With Kade taking an eager lead, they crouched and began making their way through the tall grass. The blades swayed slightly in the breeze, offering a whisper of cover as they moved stealthily. Each step was deliberate, their eyes sweeping the area for signs of the karpoi¡ªor any clue that might indicate their whereabouts. Lance¡¯s senses were on high alert. The air here felt heavier, charged with a subtle tension that set his nerves on edge. In the distance, the rustle of leaves and the faint call of an animal reminded him just how alive this place was, as though the land itself was watching them. As Lance scanned the area, his eyes caught what he was looking for¡ªa faint trail in the dry dirt. It wasn¡¯t much, just an irregular line etched into the ground, likely stirred up by a passing breeze or careless movement. ¡°We¡¯ve got something,¡± he said, crouching to inspect it more closely. Felix stepped forward, his gaze narrowing. ¡°Looks like they¡¯ve been moving in this direction. It¡¯s subtle, but this could be their route.¡± The group exchanged brief nods, their attention sharpening. Despite the promising find, a palpable unease hung in the air, pressing down like a weight. Lance couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something was just out of place, like the calm before an unexpected storm. Suddenly, two voices sounded in unison, startling him. ¡°To your left!¡± One came from outside¡ªa sharp shout from Bella. The other came from within, an urgent cry from William. Lance didn¡¯t hesitate. He threw himself into a roll just as a gust of wind and dust rushed past his previous position, a flash of sharp claws grazing the air where his chest had been moments before. Heart pounding, he scrambled to his feet, instinctively summoning his companion. The group scattered, drawing weapons or readying spells as the threat revealed itself. A lone karpos emerged from the shadows, its body gleaming unnaturally in the dim light. Its bark-like hide reflected the faint glow of the moon, and its eyes, gleaming a pale amber, locked onto the group with feral intent. Kade was the first to act, his reflexes fast and almost reckless. In a flash, lightning erupted from his fingertips, crackling through the air before slamming into the creature. The karpos shrieked as its wooden form ignited into flames, burning to a smoldering crisp in seconds. But just before it collapsed into ash, the creature released a piercing, guttural cry¡ªa call that echoed eerily into the distance. From somewhere deeper in the forest, an answer came, faint but distinct. ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound good,¡± Felix muttered, eyes darting toward the source of the response. Lance let out a shaky breath and turned toward Bella. ¡°Good call, Bella,¡± he said, his tone a mix of gratitude and curiosity. ¡°How¡¯d you know it was coming?¡± ¡°What about me?¡± William huffed from within, his voice laced with mock offense. ¡°I called it out too, you know.¡± Bella smirked, clearly pleased with herself. ¡°I¡¯ve got imbuements. They let me sense movements and living things around me.¡± Some of the group nodded in understanding, but Lance tilted his head in confusion. ¡°Imbuements? What¡¯s that?¡± William jumped at the chance to explain, his voice taking on a teaching tone. ¡°Imbuements are spells converted into runes that get fused into a person¡¯s body. In Bella¡¯s case, she probably used a basic heat-detection spell. By placing the rune around her eyes, she can channel a bit of lifestream into it and sense living creatures through their body heat.¡± Lance¡¯s brows knit in fascination. ¡°That¡¯s... really useful.¡±Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. ¡°It is,¡± Bella said with a shrug. ¡°Saved your hide, didn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Okay, no need to rub it in,¡± Lance muttered with a sheepish grin. Felix held up a hand, cutting the conversation short. ¡°Focus up. If that call was an alarm, more of them will be coming. We need to prepare for what¡¯s next.¡± The group quickly reassembled, their expressions grim as they readied themselves for the impending encounter. *************************************** They crouched through the rolling fields, the tall wheat grass whispering against their clothing as they moved closer to the fields. Kade led the way, his excitement barely contained, though he moved with surprising quietness for someone so eager for battle. As they approached, Lance¡¯s sharp eyes picked up faint shimmering shapes shifting among the stalks ahead. ¡°Guys, I think I see them,¡± he whispered, pointing. ¡°Yeah, me too,¡± Bella agreed, her tone grim. ¡°There¡¯s at least a dozen¡ªmaybe more.¡± ¡°They¡¯re spread out,¡± Lyra observed, assessing the situation. ¡°If we hit them quickly and catch them off guard, we can overpower them before they know what¡¯s happening.¡± The group nodded silently, the weight of what was coming settling over them. Felix crouched low and gestured to the others. ¡°All right, everyone, spread out into a circle. Wait for my signal.¡± His voice was barely audible but carried an authority that rallied them to action. Lance took his position, the tension building as he called upon the lifestream. Energy flowed through him as he readied a Tremor Disrupt, holding the spell at the edge of release. The surrounding area seemed to buzz faintly with the buildup of magic. To fill the waiting time, Lance nudged William internally with a burning question. ¡°You know, imbuements could be really useful for a battle mage, couldn¡¯t they? Do you think I could use vibrations to sense things around me if I get the imbuements right?¡± William¡¯s voice came, calm but direct. ¡°Probably, but you¡¯re far from that skill level. Don¡¯t rely on shortcuts yet¡ªfocus on mastering the basics.¡± Lance frowned, ready to argue when a sudden blinding flash of light burst a short distance away. ¡°That¡¯s the signal!¡± William called sharply. ¡°Let¡¯s move!¡± Without hesitation, Lance broke into a sprint, releasing Tremor Disrupt into the ground. The waves rippled through the air and the earth, creating dissonance around the karpoi. Blinded by Felix¡¯s light magic and now thrown into chaos by the disrupt spell, the karpoi stumbled, their coordinated movements dissolving into disorder. Kade erupted from the grass like a thunderstorm, a feral laugh echoing as lightning danced over his shortsword. He charged a disoriented karpos, his swings ferocious and wild. With one heavy slash, the creature fell lifeless. Nearby, Nico let out a high-pitched cry as the air around him shimmered with celestial energy. His familiar, Astra, materialized from the glow, her wings gleaming faintly with golden light. Empowered by Nico¡¯s companion from the Plane of Stars, Astra soared into the air, her every movement radiating magic. As Nico extended his hands, the energy between them surged, sending bolts of light cascading from Astra¡¯s wings, streaking through the field and reducing their targets to ash. Kade glanced up from his lightning-charged brawl just in time to see Astra vaporize another karpos. ¡°How is that even fair?¡± he muttered under his breath before refocusing on his opponent. Bella¡¯s fiery blanket engulfed another group of karpoi, though the flames licked too close to Lyra, causing her to stumble backward. Felix¡¯s bursts of light magic disoriented Kade, throwing off his rhythm and leaving him momentarily vulnerable. ¡°Lance! Oliver! I can cast a big spell¡ªjust buy me some time!¡± Nico shouted over the cacophony of the battle. Lance exchanged a quick glance with Oliver. They both nodded in silent agreement, springing into action. Oliver raised a barrier of earth around Nico, blocking approaching enemies, while Lance layered the defense with a Lesser Force Field, enhanced by his Tremor Disrupt for added resilience. Sweat dripped down Lance¡¯s temple as he concentrated, the strain of multiple spell casts mounting. A throbbing headache bloomed at the back of his skull, but he pushed through. ¡°Lance, you¡¯re struggling already?¡± William¡¯s voice cut through the tension, laced with concern. ¡°Your casting stamina is really lacking. Why does it drain you so quickly? There¡¯s something... unnatural about it.¡± Gritting his teeth, Lance didn¡¯t respond. A nearby karpos lunged at him, its jagged wooden claws reaching for his chest. He reacted swiftly, casting Gale Burst to propel himself upward, just out of reach. Midair, he twisted and unleashed another Gale Burst to increase his momentum, landing atop the creature. With a final, focused effort, he channeled Tremor Disrupt directly into its body. The karpos convulsed violently before collapsing, lifeless. ¡°Now that was ruthless and efficient,¡± William said approvingly. ¡°You¡¯re learning.¡± Before Lance could respond, Nico¡¯s voice rose above the chaos. ¡°Everybody move¡ªnow!¡± The air around Nico crackled with energy as a storm of magic swirled around his small frame. The others dove for cover, instinctively obeying his command. With a primal roar, Nico released a wave of magical projectiles that surged across the field, each one locking onto a target with unerring precision. The remaining karpoi were obliterated, reduced to smoldering remnants under the onslaught. Nico staggered, his arms falling limply to his sides before he collapsed into Oliver¡¯s waiting arms, breathing heavily. ¡°What was that? That was insane!¡± Kade exclaimed, staring wide-eyed at Nico. ¡°That,¡± Felix said, his expression a mix of surprise and respect, ¡°was a second-tier spell. Nico, I didn¡¯t know you could do second-tier casting.¡± ¡°It¡¯s something new,¡± Nico said weakly, his voice barely above a whisper. ¡°I learned it just before coming here. It¡¯s a high-level second-tier spell¡ªalmost bordering on third-tier. I can barely pull it off without passing out, but it¡¯s a last resort.¡± ¡°Well, it worked,¡± Bella said, wiping soot from her face. ¡°But Felix is right. That was a mess¡ªwe nearly hit each other more than the karpoi. We need to work on our teamwork if we¡¯re going to handle tougher missions.¡± As the group recovered, Lance felt a nagging sense of unease. William voiced what he was already thinking. ¡°That was too easy. For a rank-two mission, this barely qualifies. Something¡¯s wrong.¡± Bella suddenly shot to her feet, her flames igniting instinctively as her eyes locked on the forest ahead. ¡°Look! Toward the treeline! There¡¯s something huge out there.¡± Before anyone could respond, the bushes exploded outward as a massive figure burst onto the field. Run !!! Lance¡¯s heart sank as the enormous beast emerged from the treeline, its guttural roar echoing across the fields. The creature was massive, its hulking form covered in jagged, scaly hide that seemed almost volcanic. ¡°RUN!¡± Olliver screamed, as he conjured a wall of earth that erupted from the ground in front of them. The barrier groaned under the force of the charging beasts but held just long enough for the group to start their escape. The group didn¡¯t hesitate. As one, they turned and bolted back toward the cart they had left hidden behind a rise in the fields. Kade, however, hesitated for a fraction of a second. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Felix barked, grabbing his arm and dragging him away. ¡°But it¡¯s huge!¡± Kade shot back, frustration clear in his tone. ¡°We could¡ª¡± ¡°No, we can¡¯t!¡± Lyra cut him off. Her sharp tone left no room for argument. ¡°We¡¯re outnumbered and outclassed. Get to the cart, now!¡± The fields blurred past as they sprinted for their lives, the sounds of snapping trees and heavy footfalls closing in behind them. The beast wasn¡¯t alone. From the corner of his eye, Lance caught glimpses of movement¡ªdark shapes shifting among the wheat, some leaping forward on lithe limbs, others lurching like horrors dragged straight from a nightmare. The gates of the town loomed ahead, and Lucas barely slowed as they crashed through. Guards rushed to close the doors behind them, their expressions a mix of panic and resolve as the distant roars of the horde drew closer. Without a word, Lucas directed the cart toward the mayor¡¯s house, bringing it to a stop so smooth it seemed incongruous with the chaos surrounding them. The group scrambled out, racing up the steps. Lance pounded on the heavy oak door. ¡°Mayor Shindall! It¡¯s urgent!¡± The door creaked open moments later, revealing Mayor Shindall, his face lined with weariness but his eyes sharp and alert. ¡°What¡¯s happening out there?¡± Shindall asked, his gravelly voice calm despite the urgency in his tone. ¡°Horde of monsters,¡± Lyra explained quickly. ¡°They¡¯re heading this way¡ªfast. We need to evacuate the town and send a distress call to Arcane University!¡± Without hesitation, Shindall turned back into the house, barking commands to his aides. ¡°Prepare the evacuation bell. Draft the distress message¡ªaddress it to Sentinel Command.¡± He grabbed a gnarled staff from a rack by the door and stepped outside. ¡°I¡¯ll see to the defenses myself.¡±Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. The group followed as the mayor strode down the steps, rallying guards as they formed a defensive line. The first of the monsters reached the edge of the town just as the guards took their positions. Shindall raised his staff, and with a sharp incantation, a surge of silver fire erupted from its tip. The blazing energy streaked through the air, incinerating a clawed beast mid-leap. Another advanced, only to be hurled back by a powerful gust of magic that sent it crashing into its companions. ¡°Hold the line!¡± Shindall commanded, his voice cutting through the chaos. He raised his staff again, striking down a writhing mass of tentacles that had breached the perimeter. Arrows flew, and bursts of magic lit up the dusk as the guards desperately tried to hold back the tide. The initial wave was small¡ªdozens of beasts that were swiftly dispatched by the well-trained defenders and Shindall¡¯s precise strikes. But then more came. And more. ¡°They just keep coming,¡± Lance muttered under his breath, watching from the safety of the town hall steps. The guards¡¯ bravado was slowly eroding as the waves of creatures seemed endless. The creatures seemed frenzied, as if driven by some unseen force, their grotesque forms relentless in their assault. Inside the hall, the air was thick with fear. Townsfolk huddled together, clutching their loved ones as muffled booms and cries echoed from outside. The tension was palpable as each minute dragged on. Lance stayed close to his group, his mind racing. ¡°We can¡¯t hold them off forever,¡± Bella said grimly. As if in answer, the heavy doors burst open, and a guard staggered in, bleeding and barely able to speak. ¡°They¡¯ve breached the east gate,¡± he gasped. ¡°We¡¯re falling back. I don¡¯t think we can¡ª¡± The guard didn¡¯t finish his sentence. A deafening roar shook the hall, followed by the sound of splintering wood. The beasts had reached the final defenses. And then, as despair began to set in, a sound cut through the chaos: a horn, low and resonant, echoing across the town. Lance¡¯s head snapped up, hope flaring in his chest. ¡°The Sentinels¡­¡± Felix breathed. Moments later, brilliant flashes of light filled the night as teleportation circles opened in the town square. Figures stepped through, their armor gleaming and weapons ready. ¡°Form ranks! Push them back!¡± the Sentinel leader commanded, their voice cutting through the clamor like steel. The Sentinels descended into the fray like a storm unleashed. Where the guards had struggled, the Sentinels excelled, their combined magic and flawless coordination carving through the horde with ease. But one figure stood out even among them¡ªa dark blur flickering across the battlefield. Lance¡¯s breath caught in his throat as he recognized his brother, Elias. At first, Elias was a methodical shadow, slashing through creatures with unnerving ease. But as the battle grew more intense, his laughter began to echo across the square. And then he disappeared, moving through the shadows like a phantom. Lance only realized Elias was behind him when his brother¡¯s voice roared in his ear. ¡°This ain¡¯t a Rank 2 anymore, brother!¡± Elias howled, his manic laughter chilling as he vanished into the shadows once more. Lance barely had time to process the moment before Kade turned to him, his eyes wide with excitement. ¡°Lance!¡± he exclaimed. ¡°You never told me your brother was so cool!¡± A Stand he Sentinels had managed to hold the advancing horde at bay, but the relentless waves of monsters were taking their toll. Their previously seamless coordination was beginning to falter as fatigue set in. Wave after wave of monstrosities burned under torrents of fire magic or were cleaved apart by enchanted steel. Yet for every beast that fell, two more seemed to surge forward, as though driven by an unending force. ¡°They just keep coming!¡± shouted a Sentinel, her voice a mixture of frustration and determination as she slashed at a lithe, furry creature that lunged toward her. Her blade glimmered with lightning, crackling as it tore through the monster¡¯s hide. The Sentinel commander stood firm amidst the chaos, their polished armor scratched and dented. Their eyes, however, remained sharp as they barked out orders. ¡°Evacuate the citizens! Prioritize women and children. Anyone capable of fighting stays behind¡ªwe don¡¯t have the magic to protect everyone!¡± Throughout the town, groups of Sentinels and guards coordinated to usher the wounded and the vulnerable into shelters and onto teleportation platforms hastily assembled in the larger buildings. Glowing glyphs etched into the floors pulsed as each group was whisked away to safety. Lucas guided a young woman carrying an infant toward the teleporters. ¡°Quickly now,¡± he urged, his tone firm but gentle. ¡°You¡¯ll be safe at the University. Go!¡± Inside the town hall, the chaos was controlled but intense. Families clung to each other, awaiting their turn to escape, while teleporters worked as fast as their magic allowed. Each spell visibly drained them, beads of sweat running down their foreheads. Lance¡¯s group remained close to the door, observing the flow of fleeing citizens. A teleporter, her robes glowing faintly from residual magic, approached them. She was clearly exhausted, her voice hoarse but steady. ¡°You kids should stay back,¡± she said, pointing a finger at Lance and his friends. ¡°You¡¯re mages, and you can defend yourselves. We need every bit of magic for the non-combatants.¡± Lance nodded hesitantly. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll tell my friends.¡± ance turned to find his friends clustered near the hall''s entrance. The tension was evident on their faces; even Kade, normally the first to rush into a fight, seemed shaken. ¡°We¡¯re staying back,¡± Lance announced as he approached, his voice steady but firm.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. ¡°What?¡± Bella exclaimed, her fiery demeanor sparking to life. ¡°They¡¯re evacuating the town. Why are we staying?¡± ¡°They don¡¯t have enough magic to teleport everyone,¡± Lance explained, his gaze sweeping over the group. ¡°We¡¯re mages. We can protect ourselves. If we leave, that¡¯s one less chance for someone who can¡¯t fight to get out safely.¡± Lyra frowned, crossing her arms. ¡°You mean we¡¯re supposed to just stay here and... what? Play heroes?¡± ¡°Not heroes. Survivors,¡± Lance corrected, his tone sharpened by urgency. ¡°The Sentinels are out there giving everything they¡¯ve got, but they¡¯re exhausted. We can¡¯t just abandon them¡ªor the town.¡± Bella opened her mouth to retort but hesitated. Her gaze flicked to the townsfolk, huddled in fear, clutching their children and each other. She let out a frustrated sigh. ******************************************************************* Lance took a deep breath as the group gathered near the hall¡¯s heavy oak doors, the muffled sounds of combat growing louder with each passing moment. The roars of the creatures outside mingled with the shouted commands of Sentinels, creating a symphony of chaos. ¡°Stay close,¡± he repeated, his voice firm. ¡°Watch each other¡¯s backs. Let¡¯s¡ª¡± "Easy there, commander," William¡¯s voice echoed lightly in Lance¡¯s mind, his tone tinged with playful reassurance. "You might want to loosen up a little. Confidence looks good on you, but rigidity? Not so much." ¡°What?¡± Lance murmured under his breath, earning curious glances from his friends. "Your stance, Lance," William quipped. "Don¡¯t lock your knees like that. What are you planning to do, intimidate them with a statue routine? Relax! Go with the flow." Lance shifted his feet and rolled his shoulders, muttering, "Happy now?" "Delighted," William replied, his laughter a gentle ripple in Lance''s mind. "Remember, kid, you¡¯ve got me to amplify your spells. Just don¡¯t flail around like a drowning octopus, and we¡¯ll be fine." ¡°What are you mumbling about now?¡± Bella asked, adjusting the grip on a makeshift staff ¡°William,¡± Lance said simply. "Offering his¡­ unique brand of advice." "Don¡¯t drag me into this," William teased. "You¡¯ll make me sound like a drill sergeant." ¡°Are we doing this, or are you two holding hands?¡± Kade interjected, sparks of lightning crackling faintly around his fists. ¡°Hold tight. We¡¯re moving,¡± Lance replied, his confidence rekindled as he stepped forward. "Let¡¯s make this count." As the group stepped out into the night, the battlefield came into full view. The Sentinels had pushed the horde back from the square, but the monsters were relentless, their grotesque forms spilling from the darkness like a flood. "Okay, quick strategy," William piped in, his tone serious but not devoid of humor. "The big guy there? Lumbering, slow¡­ prime candidate for a quick collapse. Hit the legs, mess with its balance. Simple physics, buddy." Lance nodded and gestured to the group. "Bella, Felix, keep the monsters busy. Kade, Lyra, help me bring that big one down." ¡°You¡¯re awfully confident for someone who doesn''t know how to use a sword,¡± Lyra remarked, skepticism apparent. "Ah, the skeptic," William remarked. "Tell her to save the sarcasm until after we¡¯re heroes." ¡°Just trust me,¡± Lance said, ignoring William¡¯s snicker in the back of his mind. "Let¡¯s go." The group surged into the fray, their movements starting to become coordinated despite the chaos around them. Lance let his focus narrow as William¡¯s voice kept a steady stream of encouragement flowing through his thoughts.