ã€ŠMagick, Monsters &amp; Murderã€‹


 Gorlea College Registration (1)

    That day coincided with a glorious, momentous event! Proof of it lied right at the bridge leading towards the immense gates of the one and only magickal institution within the province.

    On that day, Gorlea College opened its doors and allowed the registration of its newest batch of acolytes. This was a chance for aspiring maegia to put forth their skills to the test and if found suitable, learn within the walls under the tutelage of some of the brightest minds of the current era.

    To most, this was the opportunity of a lifetime.

    Plebeians flocked at the start of a stone bridge, their manic pleas shouting for entry severed by an invisible barrier. In the confines of its safety, a tall man dressed in lustrous robes stood with his hands tied behind his back.

    No matter how many times the people outside screamed, no matter how many tears they shed, the robed man did not flinch. With an apathetic countenance, he fiercely guarded the area.

    ¡®Please, kind sir. Take my child¡­¡¯ a woman banged at the barrier with all her might. ¡®He is a gifted young man. Please don¡¯t leave him to rot on the streets.¡¯

    ¡®My son too,¡¯ a mother pushed a boy no taller than a shrub of blackberries. ¡®He can become a magick person no doubt. Show them, sweetie.¡¯

    ¡®Forget their children. Take me! I¡¯m a self-taught maegi.¡¯

    Many came and pleaded yet the senior looking man remained absolutely idle. It seemed as nought would move his hand or heart.

    It was exceptionally hot and searing that day, brilliant scorching rays of the sun whittled down the ranks of commoners camping nearby. Some succumbed to exhaustion whilst lesser few were even rendered unconscious.

    And even when a small child unfortunately fell dead from heatstroke, the man behind the gates stayed perfectly still.

    It wasn¡¯t until a group of seven came by that he was finally seen moving. The members were all elegant seeming, prominent and similarly clothed, and not a speck of grime dirtied their fine raiment. One individual stood out from the rest; a staff held in one of his hands.

    ¡®We are here,¡¯ the one at the front remarked as he rummaged through the inner pocket of his hood. ¡®Your entry tokens, all of you, show it to the watchman.¡¯

    The remaining six took out tokens ¨C circular baubles with a blue gem in the centre ¨C and followed his lead. The man at the front approached the invisible deterrent and stood exactly a pace away from it, he raised his arm and revealed his own token to the watchman. Unlike the others, his token was golden and gleaming with a green gem encrusted in the centre instead.

    The watchman took one glance at it and recognised him, ¡®welcome back, Sir Railone.¡¯

    ¡®Thank you, Lazrus. Busy day?¡¯

    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.   ¡®Very. I trust your travels have been fruitful,¡¯ he said as he leaned to spy at the youngsters in the background.

    Railone turned his head in their direction and chuckled. He appeared to take pride with the selection of talents he had come across during his travels across the continent.

    He beckoned them closer, ¡®promising youths all.¡¯

    ¡®Such high praise. I hope you will not disappoint Sir Railone¡¯s expectations.¡¯

    ¡®We will do our best, sir watchman.¡¯

    ¡®Good. Good,¡¯ Lazrus was content with their confident reply. ¡®Come in. Your chaperone will lead you to the registration booth yonder the bridge.¡¯

    Lazrus swished his fingers and a gentle breeze came over the bunch. As it subsided, they noticed how their tokens had now adopted a slight blue glimmer which when brought close to the barrier, allowed them safe entry. They marched onwards and aimed towards the booth that was mentioned.

    With the first arrivals residing safely within the college¡¯s grounds, an uproar fractured the peace in the surrounding area. The earlier interaction left those gathered around the bridge feeling uneasy and demanding a satisfying answer. Alas the bridge guardian fell silent just as soon, sowing further discontent amongst the masses.

    The commoners redoubled their efforts, making yet another series of futile attempts to force their way in.

    Hours later, neither man nor otherwise had managed to slip even a fingernail through the protective barrier. Despair took them and had the majority withdraw from the premises for good. Whoever remained was either desperate or there to investigate those who successfully entered.

    ¡®Make way, mongrels! Spare me your tasteless antics.¡¯

    A young man waltzed right through the crowd with an earnest attitude. His face showed visible repulsion whenever he bumped with them.

    ¡®Make way. Make way. I ain¡¯t got all day,¡¯ he spat furiously, his security detail shoving aside those whom stood in his way. ¡®This town sure is a dump. Alas the college lies within such a disgraceful location. No wonder a protective barrier was laid out to deter the unwelcome.¡¯

    Before Lazrus, the young man unveiled the entry token in his possession. The former made a gesture of his hand and the barrier split open for him.

    ¡®My name is Urael Flonderance, reporting my arrival to the college and the Arch-Maegi.¡¯

    Lazrus did not entertain his statement and simply turned his focus elsewhere.

    Urael was shocked at this treatment. He shook his head and repeated his sentence one more time.

    ¡®Ahem¡­¡¯ he cleared his throat, ¡®my name is Urael ¨C¡¯

    ¡®I don¡¯t care. Go in or stay out.¡¯

    ¡®Beg your pardon?¡¯ his eyes widened.

    ¡®Presumptuous of you to suggest that I, not to mention the Arch-Maegi, am supposed to acknowledge the presence of a mere registrant who hasn¡¯t even qualified as an acolyte.¡¯

    Urael raised his finger threateningly, ¡®my father is high ¨C¡¯

    ¡®Move along or move away. I shan¡¯t repeat another time.¡¯

    He swallowed his words for the time being. Although he suffered humiliation this time around, Urael hadn¡¯t his father with him to back him up in this moment. Bottling his fury, the young man flounced out of sight as the sound of his steps vanished behind the end of the bridge.

    Many others arrived after the Floderance boy and were allowed entry by the watchman. People of different status, race, and even age expressed their wishes to register but only those in possession of the token were accepted in.

    As the sun reached its zenith, well past noon, four people arrived near the point of entry. Two amongst them walked ahead, the remaining two keeping their distance, visible fright weighing on their countenances.

    ¡®There we are, Master Riniock. I¡¯m afraid this is where we part ways.¡¯

    ¡®It is indeed,¡¯ the boy spoke softly. ¡®This is where my legacy unfolds. Believe this is goodbye.¡¯

 Gorlea College Registration (2)

    ¡®I will miss you dearly, master,¡¯ the old man muttered as his attention shifted towards their two companions in the back. He let out a solemn sigh when he noticed them clutched at each other, limbs quaking in fear.

    The young man in front of him on the other hand smiled, gazing towards the distance where the college¡¯s fortifications erected, clouding the scenery of the mountain range behind it. Wind blew in his face, splitting away his long and ember black hair to reveal his striking appearance. His ambitious gaze hidden within the confines of his cerulean hued eyes reminded his old caretaker of himself: once young and ready to take on the entire world.

    ¡®Will they remain cowering in the back as such?¡¯ asked Riniock, unbothered to even look in their direction.

    Enjoying the feeling of warmth projected at him, he ran his fingers through his hair and allowed the sun to shine over the freckles that adorned the length of his face.

    ¡®Master, I¡­¡¯ the caretaker was almost quick to provide comfort but then remembered his master¡¯s personality and spoke honestly, ¡®¡­I think they probably will keep their distance.¡¯

    ¡®Oh well. That matter¡¯s already settled then.¡¯

    The caretaker bit his lip and slightly lowered his head to veil his expression. His palms intertwined within his large sleeves; they clenched so fiercely blood escaped his brittle skin. He was infuriated from within even though he visibly seemed completely relaxed and composed.

    Nevertheless, such matters did not escape his master Riniock¡¯s notice. With soothing words, the latter stayed his anger.

    ¡®No need to spare your thoughts on them, old man Deinas. Them accompanying me this far was solely for appearance¡¯s sake anyway.¡¯

    ¡®But, master¡­they should at least say goodbye.¡¯

    ¡®I couldn¡¯t care less even if they did,¡¯ said Riniock casually. ¡®I¡¯m glad at the very least you did.¡¯

    Deinas could not offer the solace he had imagined, but it seemed his master needed none to begin with. What truly worried him, however, were the repressed emotions, fearing they might one day return to haunt Riniock.

    ¡®I¡¯ll be off then, Deinas.¡¯

    ¡®Yes. Stay safe, master,¡¯ he grabbed the youth¡¯s cold hands.

    Riniock shook his head as lief.

    He then turned to his withdrawn and estranged parents, whose faces turned pale the moment his indignant gaze met theirs. Unlike before, the impression he exuded was more like that of a manic beast, desperate for release from its captor''s bonds.

    Happy and hopeful, he embraced this emancipation. No longer tethered to his family, he could finally devote himself fully to his passions and ambitions.

    ¡®Until our next meeting,¡¯ he marched forth and towards the bridge. Deinas waved his arm in goodbyes whilst the pair tugged tails and left ahead.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    At the edge of the barrier, Riniock idled and procured the entry token he was unwillingly given. The watchman inspected the circular bauble and deemed it genuine. The protection then lifted and embraced Riniock¡¯s presence within it.

    ¡®Thank you, sir,¡¯ he said with a slight bow of his head.

    Lazrus returned the gesture and pointed him in the right direction with a crooked finger. He was to pass the bridge and travel upwards a hill. Then, behind a wall would he find his quarry.

    The man walked through but prior to crossing the stone bridge, stopped in place and fetched an item from his sack.

    ¡®Excuse me, sir. You seem to have misplaced this flower.¡¯

    ¡®What flower?¡¯ the watchman revolved.

    In Riniock¡¯s hand was an apophina ¨C a shaded silver flower. It gleamed of silver and even had seven whole petals, a sign of maturity and its potent effects.

    ¡®Sir must be careful,¡¯ he handed it to him as he explained. ¡®Others might have pocketed the flower for themselves and robbed you.¡¯

    Lazrus was not dense and saw right through his act.

    ¡®My thanks, young man,¡¯ he gladly seized the flower. Even though it was indecorous of him to accept a bribe, an apophina was too precious a material to set aside shame.

    The only reason a registrant like Riniock might willingly part with such a luxury was that he had it in abundance. In such a case, fostering a deeper relationship seemed like a worthwhile investment.

    ¡®An honest young man I see.¡¯

    ¡®Not at all. Just doing what is right.¡¯

    ¡®Tell you what ¨C if you manage to pass the college¡¯s entrance exam, you can still visit my private quarters for a drink.¡¯

    Riniock bowed his head one more time, ¡®then I¡¯ll have to trouble sir watchman to take care of me later.¡¯

    The man left without any additional words exchanged.

    Lazrus watched him walk away, bewildered by what had just transpired and astonished by the impression he had left behind ¨C a far cry from that one impertinent boy he had met earlier. His parting words carried an air of absolute confidence in passing the exam, subtly suggesting that the watchman would undoubtedly see him again in the days to come.

    ¡®Do not disappoint me then,¡¯ Lazrus muttered to himself.

    Past the stone bridge, Riniock was met with a steep and long hill. According to the senior maegi earlier, yonder this path was where he needed to reach in order to register for the college¡¯s entrance exam.

    As he climbed up, a sense of fatigue befell him suddenly.

    He looked ahead and the path grew far longer than what he perceived it to be earlier when at the foot of the hill.

    ¡®An illusion, huh¡­¡¯ he quickly surmised. ¡®Nothing I can¡¯t handle.¡¯

    He pushed further and harder and soon the bridge where he was appeared as miniscule as an ant. The people gathered there on the cobblestone streets moved akin to tiny dots upon a grey canvas.

    ¡®Over here,¡¯ a lady beckoned Riniock when he was done admiring the distance. ¡®The registration booth is this way. Stand there and someone will promptly go over your details and credentials.¡¯

    He nodded and waited where he was instructed to.

    Glancing around, numerous people pondered in a similar fashion. The yard serving as antechamber housed hundreds, each different in their own way. Moreover, meticulous flora coiled around it, hiding the rest of the grounds from those inside its radius.

    Riniock had only just noticed but the further within he went, the denser and more potent the magickal fluctuation became. His lungs had already cleared and breathing was comfortable from simply idling in the waiting room.

    ¡®I can¡¯t wait to walk the corridors and explore around.¡¯

    Many had voiced their frustration over the registrars¡¯ tardiness, but, as luck would have it, Riniock was attended to almost immediately upon his arrival. This swift service created a bit of tension for him, as others cast irritated glances his way, suspecting he had leveraged some hidden advantage.

    Albeit the plethora of murderous gazes he was subjected to, Riniock paid no mind to those around.

    ¡®Right,¡¯ a lady magicked a stool and sat before him. She snapped her fingers and a similar seat conjured beneath him as well. ¡®Shall we set you up with a registration form then!¡¯

 The Crimson Glades (1)

    The registration woman pulled out a scroll and a quill. Then, without hesitation, she stabbed the young man¡¯s finger with the tip of the quill and dabbed it with his blood. The feather instantly turned red.

    She bent slightly forward, pushed her scarlet hair back, and crossed her legs. She was evidently young compared to the rest of the staff in the yard ¨C a clear testament to her talent perhaps.

    ¡®There we go,¡¯ she said, pressing the bloodied quill against her red lips. ¡®Name and surname?¡¯

    There was silence for a brief moment. He was caught off-guard by her actions, ¡®erm¡­Riniock. Riniock Ev Tolgir.¡¯

    The lady promptly wrote it down.

    ¡®Mine¡¯s Mathilia by the way.¡¯

    The second her quill was relieved from the paper scroll, the writing turned a darker shade, as though it had been written there for a very long time. The red colour smearing the quill faded slightly as well.

    ¡®Age and hometown?¡¯ she casually continued, going for another swift dab of his blood.

    ¡®I will turn fifteen in the upcoming time. And I hail from Tilaadea, upper district.¡¯

    There was a pause.

    She raised her eyebrows as she looked at him with her scarlet eyes. Pulling her scroll aside, the lady gave him a scrutinizing glance from head to toe, sizing him up. ¡®You from the capital? Don¡¯t look much like a poshie prick to me. You¡¯ll do!¡¯

    ¡®Thanks, I guess?¡¯ Riniock couldn¡¯t hide his discomfiture.

    For such a professional exchange, this interaction was definitely shifting towards being personal. Worse yet, what did she mean when she said ¡°You¡¯ll do¡±¡­

    ¡®No problem at all. Here¡¯s a few more questions¡­¡¯

    The process was long and drawn, too detailed for one¡¯s comfort and privacy. Some of the queries were for a lack of a better word: creepy. It was almost as if they were designed to be personal, targeted at Riniock specifically, and put in place by Mathilia herself against college jurisdiction no less.

    Riniock was sceptical but chose not to act on his suspicions. If the woman used the registration process as a pretext to pry into young men¡¯s personal lives for her own agenda, then he couldn¡¯t care less ¨C especially since he had lied about most of the trivial details anyway.

    ¡®That¡¯s about it,¡¯ Mathilia finally announced. ¡®Be seeing you around, handsome.¡¯

    ¡®I better not,¡¯ he inwardly hoped.

    With that trivial inconvenience out of his way, Riniock was now free to wander around the antechamber until further notice.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

    There were an overwhelming number of applicants this time around.

    However, Riniock had no interest in making friends or acquaintances. His sole purpose in applying was to learn, refine, and master the arcane arts whilst pursuing the mysteries of odh.

    What captivated him most at the moment, though, was the source of the rich energy emanating from the castle grounds. Despite his inexperience and lack of training in identifying sources of odh, he felt compelled to investigate.

    Relying on his senses, Riniock traced faint energy trails to the edge of the antechamber.

    ¡®It¡¯s not in this place, then,¡¯ he muttered through gritted teeth. ¡®It must be coming from the inner castle. The search will have to wait until later.¡¯

    With his quarry far from current reach, Riniock planned on returning to the main gathering area.

    ¡®I thought I¡¯d find you here,¡¯ an ominous voice hissed.

    He had been retracing his steps with his head lowered when a random group of four men accosted him. As he carefully assessed their appearance, he realized he was surrounded by strangers he had never encountered before. Yet one of them clearly suggested otherwise with the way he talked just now.

    ¡®Do I know you?¡¯ he asked, his stance shifting defensively. Their demeanour practically radiated harmful intent ¨C no one with friendly motives would impose their presence in such a manner.

    The owner of the voice stepped forth and chuckled.

    ¡®We¡¯ve never met before this,¡¯ he answered. ¡®My name is Urael Flonderance, of the noble house of Flonderance in Tilaadea, upper district.¡¯

    ¡®Nice to meet you?¡¯

    Urael swallowed his pride and shared his thoughts, ¡®I overheard your conversation with the pretty registration lady. You¡¯re from the capital city, same as I and my companions here.¡¯

    ¡®What of it?¡¯

    ¡®This makes our relationship much more complex. Not to mention, your parents and mine share some friendship. The Flonderances and the Tolgirs have always been on good terms so I see no reason in breaking that bond.¡¯

    ¡®You wish for me to be your friend?¡¯ Riniock almost laughed out his words, urging a frown out of Urael.

    ¡®Why make light of my proposal. Think about it, Tolgir. With the both of us, joining forces, this place would be ours for the taking.¡¯

    A sound proposal at first.

    However, Riniock¡¯s ambitions extended far beyond the measly overtaking of a college. Such deliberation was far too shallow a thought for the likes of him.

    ¡®No thanks,¡¯ he answered with cruel honesty. ¡®I work best alone. Be seeing you.¡¯

    Having swallowed this humiliation, Urael finally cracked under the guise of amiability and switched to his actual and genuine self. With the constraints of making allies out of the way, he switched to a different demeanour, to a more threatening tone.

    ¡®You will regret this, Tolgir. Don¡¯t blame me for acting uncordially the next time we meet.¡¯

    Empty words were all he said.

    Riniock remained unfazed in the face of his threats. He of all people was known to be decisive and exceptionally cruel to those who¡¯ve wronged him ¨C but Urael did not know that as of yet.

    ¡®If you make trouble for me, you will be dead next time.¡¯

    Many more hours passed and the sun finally began to set when a white robed man appeared in their midst, materialising out of thin air. He had a prominent black beard, long grisly hair and a pair of spectacles underneath the shade of his large quirky hat.

    A blank red orb floated and followed his lead. He carried a large book under his sleeve; its leathery cover pulsating with strange fluctuations.

    ¡®A warm welcome to you all,¡¯ the maegi initiated, his voice projected across the area with equal volume. ¡®I¡¯m certain everyone is aware why this day is particularly important. But I digress, allow me to make things clearer.¡¯

    With a swift yet calculated move, the maegi slammed his palm against a wall nearby. Resonating with his strike, a crack drew itself in the air, tearing through the fabric of space. A blurred image formed within the crack, foreshadowing a land both distant and fraught with opportunities.

    He rubbed his palm and descended some steps. As he scaled them down, he resumed explanation.

    ¡®Inside this gateway,¡¯ he indicated, ¡®you will be transported to the site of your exam. The Crimson Glades!¡¯

 The Crimson Glades (2)

    ¡®Crimson glades!¡¯ several applicants exclaimed, an assured expression on their faces. It sounded like they were aware of that place enough to remain on ease for the time being.

    ¡®Great news!¡¯ someone else said, holding a hand to their chest in a sigh of relief.

    And indeed, it was an expected and typical reaction.

    Riniock had read and heard about the glades prior to coming here. Although he hadn¡¯t travelled there ere this day, he understood the locale¡¯s implication within the exam.

    The world¡¯s myriads of habitats were all bristling with perils and unavoidable risks where one venture could very well spell a man¡¯s untimely demise. From harsh environments, terrifying beasts, and landscapes that were naturally designed for low survivability rates, the world is no safe a place to aimlessly roam about.

    In contrast, the crimson glades were amongst the tamest of such environments and was home to a fair amount of docile and neutral creatures.

    Safer than most when set side by side with the rest, the crimson glades are widely regarded as innocuous ¨C a false evaluation regardless of opinions.

    The maegi cleared his throat and smacked his hands together to foster their attention and resumed his explanation.

    ¡®Yes, the crimson glades are relatively safe if one wanders them cautiously. Nevertheless, let this not serve as an excuse for carelessness.¡¯

    ¡®What¡¯s there to fear in that place?¡¯ an applicant snorted.

    ¡®Yeah. Isn¡¯t the college overreacting a bit?¡¯

    Like a spark struck at dry kindling, irrelevant conversations quickly spread amongst the masses.

    Treated as though transparent, the man stood before them with his mouth ajar and at a loss for words. The feeling of his authority being subverted drove the maegi nearly round the bend. Mere mortals, insular and cocooned, yet to learn of the world¡¯s immensity, were undermining his efforts at providing everyone the proper guidance.

    To teach them a lesson, he intended to prove that his cautionary words were not to be taken lightly.

    ¡®Fetch me Bohg,¡¯ he whispered, fingers restless. His head leaned right and faced a person on the sidelines.

    That same person disappeared with a nod and returned a minute later, bringing someone else along. The one called Bohg was a young maegi and still donned his acolyte robes.

    ¡®You summoned me, professor?¡¯

    ¡®Yes. Alas I¡¯ll have to trouble you with setting an example,¡¯ the teacher honestly told him and the acolyte was gracious enough to comply as a favour.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    The youths, for the most part, were still laughing whilst exchanging jests and pleasantries at the expense of the warnings. Only a select knowledgeable few took the news seriously ¨C people like Riniock.

    ¡®Wastes,¡¯ Urael was heard spitting. ¡®They¡¯ll be the first to fail or hopefully the first to die in there.¡¯

    Their charade had endured long enough.

    With timed and powerful precision, the professor seized control with the directive of a single move. He held his palm beside his waist and accumulated ample energy to send a shockwave across the antechamber. In one fell swoop, all who were caught unaware were sent flying to the ground.

    The rest utterly fell silent.

    ¡®Now that I have your attention, please direct it to this acolyte here. Bohg, would you be so kind as to show these ignorant fools the arduous inevitable cost of being careless.¡¯

    ¡®Yes¡­professor,¡¯ Bohg said, shrunk in humiliation.

    He unfastened the knots of his robe, unbuttoned the shirt beneath, and exposed what had been concealed under layers of magickly weaved fabric.

    Five deep gashes marred Bohg¡¯s chest, their edges blackened and scarred from prolonged exposure. The wounds were massive, stretching from the top of his shoulder all the way down to his waist, a grim testament to the injury¡¯s severity.

    It was unsightly no doubt, apart from being an attestation to the professor¡¯s warning of course.

    ¡®Last year, I went out gathering verdack feathers in the glades. While searching through the tall grass, I accidentally stepped into a bed of celseeds and got sprayed with hallucinogenic spores. Everything went blank for a while, but when I came to, I found myself stumbling into a pack of lidthrags. The rest...¡¯ Bohg glanced down at his grievous claw wound, ¡®well, you can probably imagine what happened next.¡¯

    If a needle were to drop suddenly on the stone floor, its sharp ringing would be heard by everyone. The reticence was suffocating after that display.

    ¡®Now you all understand the severities ¨C hopefully.¡¯

    A maegi approached him, a pat on the shoulder to invite secrecy, and said, ¡®the exam, professor.¡¯

    The latter understood immediately.

    ¡®In any case, let¡¯s proceed to the more pressing matters at hand,¡¯ said the professor hurriedly, walking to the front of the portal. ¡®The requirements to passing your entrance exams¡­¡¯

    He bent down to open a crate full of shabby wands.

    ¡®¡­is successfully bringing back a beast material from the crimson glades.¡¯

    Surprisingly enough, there was no gossip.

    ¡®Excuse me, sir.¡¯

    A coarse voice spoke somewhere. The professor searched around for its owner in the crowd.

    ¡®Hm? Yes, young man,¡¯ he saw that someone had raised their hand.

    ¡®Can we procure material from any beast in the glades?¡¯

    ¡®That is correct. Any beast¡¯s will do.¡¯

    ¡®Then what is the point of procuring those of more dangerous beasts?¡¯ that boy said and complained. ¡®Couldn¡¯t everyone just run after verdacks, topis and falufraxies?¡¯

    He raised a good point.

    If there was any truth to that observation, the exam would no longer be a test of one¡¯s mettle and skill ¨C only a meagre childish chase for feathers and eggs.

    ¡®Naturally there is a reason,¡¯ he paused and thought a bit. After he was done picking his brain, he said, ¡®tell you what. Whatever material you bring back, I will exchange for a reward. This obviously means, the better the item you return with, the better your reward shall be.¡¯

    ¡®Can we do that?¡¯ a staff member butted in, quietly drawing closer to him.

    ¡®Why not? Let me worry about those trivial matters,¡¯ he said, counting the number of effects he had on his body. ¡®Handle the rest of this, will you?¡¯

    ¡®Very well,¡¯ replied the other man hastily, putting distance, and taking over explanations.

    Riniock and the others gathered around the portal, a crate stacked with wands resting at their feet. Following the man¡¯s latest instructions, each applicant selected a wand and formed a line, listening intently as he offered his final piece of advice.

    Moments later, they stepped through the portal leading to the glades, disappearing without a trace.

    Adrenaline surged within Riniock at the thought of crossing the gateway. Whatever awaited him on the other side ¨C it fuelled the genuine thrill of his excitement.

    ¡®This¡¯ll be fun!¡¯

 The Crimson Glades (3)

    Riniock walked through and crossed to the other side of the portal without hesitation ¨C as he looked forward to it. And there, lo and behold, the crimson glades were everywhere around him.

    They were exactly as described in the books from his family¡¯s study. In fact, the glades were even more resplendent than the writings ever gave credit.

    He gave a stoked rub of hands, turned about in place, watched the scenery, and went ahead in exploration, grinning from ear to ear as he did. It was no exaggeration to say that the glades were leagues upon leagues of tall red grass, reaching as high as the average man¡¯s chest. Where the lands cut, streams of white rivers flowed and nourished the fertile soil. Majestic red leafed and whitewood trees sprouted amidst the open spaces, prickling the clouds in the clear blue sky. And lastly, exotic creatures grazed peacefully and about, enjoying the scorch of the tender afternoon sun.

    ¡®Truly phenomenal!¡¯ said Riniock in exclamation, arms stretched, the feeling of soothing winds caressing his smooth skin.

    As luck would have it, there were no other people in close proximity to him. Whatever direction he faced, cardinal or otherwise, only wilderness stretched and played.

    Riniock was satisfied and plotted his next course of action carefully.

    ¡®I must get my hands on some dangerous beast materials, preferably some that would earn me recognition and rewards from that professor,¡¯ Riniock thought to himself, mumbling his words. ¡®If I find smaller less dangerous creatures, I could still collect their drops. The professor made no mention of their being a limit to how many different materials we could bring forth.¡¯

    Riniock glanced down at the wand in his hand as he organized his thoughts. ¡®Basic, but better than nothing,¡¯ he muttered.

    The wand measured approximately 7 coigns and 1 qiu (around 35 centimetres or 14 inches) with a wand core carved out of oakwood ¨C the least attuned of all magickal materials. Iron caps were mounted on each end, a similarly unimpressive choice for conducting magick.

    ¡®This must be a frost focus,¡¯ he noted, fiddling with the crystal embedded at one end of the wand. Its icy appearance hinted at its nature. ¡®According to what I¡¯ve read, a focus allows its user to cast specific types of magick. This one must align with the frost attribute.¡¯

    For a newly fledged maegi like Riniock and the other applicants, a wand was a practical tool. It could channel stored odh to amplify magick and even supplement the user¡¯s own reserves. However, unlike spells cast purely from a maegi¡¯s energy, a wand''s stored power was finite and required long hours to recharge once depleted.

    High-quality wands mitigated these issues, but this one was clearly among the most basic and poorly made. Both the core and the caps were crafted from the lowest-tier materials.

    ¡®I¡¯ll need to be cautious with its use,¡¯ Riniock thought grimly. ¡®I might need it if I run into something unexpected ¨C or powerful.¡¯If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    First order of business: he needed to find a creature to harvest. The glades were vast and sprawling, a place where one could easily become lost whilst searching for something that might not even be nearby.

    Yet Riniock remained unconcerned and perfectly calm.

    From his hours spent poring over books and manuscripts, he had learned precisely what to look for, smell for, and listen for when navigating places like these.

    Shielding his eyes from the blinding light with a hand above his brows, he squinted into the horizon: only trees and grass. No visible creature of interest.

    Next, he focused on his sense of smell: no distinct odour.

    Finally, he relied on the sharpness of his ears. In the distance, a cry echoed through a meadow not far from where he stood.

    The call was sharp, high-pitched, and unmistakable ¨C it could only mean one thing. ¡®A verdack,¡¯ he murmured, a sly smile forming on his lips. ¡®An easy catch for a first.¡¯

    Down a small hill, where two narrow streams merged into one, a black-plumed bird perched on a rock amid the tall red grass and clusters of cotton-like white flowers. Its sleek black feathers were accented by a vibrant red collar encircling its neck, with occasional streaks of white adorning its body. The bird¡¯s elegance was striking, even in its simplicity.

    Verdacks, like chickens, were flightless avians. When they crowed, their sharp calls rendered them practically deaf to all other sounds. And when they hunted, their focus was so intense that they became blind to everything but their prey.

    And Riniock meant to exploit this creature¡¯s shortcomings. Knowledge was power and, in this case, both were his hunting weapons.

    He knelt amongst the scarlet reeds and heeded the call of the verdack with careful attention.

    There it was, perched in the water within arm¡¯s reach, crowing incessantly, oblivious to the world around it.

    Patiently, Riniock bided his time, waiting for the perfect moment. As the verdack darted its beak into the water, he lunged, his hand closing firmly around its long red neck. In one swift motion, he wrapped his legs tightly around its body to keep it restrained.

    With practiced efficiency, he began plucking its feathers in handfuls, each motion deliberate and unyielding.

    The verdack struggled violently, kicking and thrashing in a desperate attempt to free itself from Riniock¡¯s firm grip. Its frantic cries echoed through the glades, voice cracking in a pitiful plea for help.

    ¡®Settle down, will you...¡¯ Riniock grunted, his tone low and strained as he wrestled to maintain control. Beside him, a growing heap of vibrant feathers rested on the dirt, ready for collection.

    Then, without warning, the ground trembled beneath him. The sudden vibration sent a jolt through his body, and Riniock instinctively released the verdack. Clutching his gathered spoils, he leapt to his feet, scanning the surroundings with narrowed eyes.

    The verdack scurried across the white stream, vanishing into the underbrush, just as Riniock spotted a pack of xilaks stampeding toward him.

    He cursed under his breath and bolted in the opposite direction.

    The xilaks ¨C large, white-furred herbivores resembling bovines, their curved horns glinting in the sunlight ¨C halted their pursuit once Riniock had gained enough distance. The largest of the pack, a male with white fur and bold black spots, snorted loudly and scraped the dirt with its front hooves, issuing a clear warning.

    ¡®That ¨C was ¨C a close one¡­¡¯ Riniock gasped, clutching his chest as he came to a stop at the edge of a grove. His life had flashed before his eyes in those fleeting moments.

    ¡®¡­I¡¯ll have to act more cautiously than that,¡¯ he muttered, the near-death encounter leaving him rattled and short of breath.

    Despite the toll on his nerves and stamina, all his worries vanished when his gaze caught sight of a new target in the distance.

    ¡®That¡¯s a kezok!¡¯ he exclaimed, excitement reigniting in his chest.

 Bed of Phantasm

    An equine beast moved gracefully across the stream, its steps so delicate that not a single ripple disturbed the water''s surface as it lowered its head to drink.

    There was no mistaking it ¨C this was indeed a kezok. Its pale fur was marked by vivid red stripes, and its tail was formed by numerous slender tendrils that swayed gently with its movements. Most striking of all were its blank, foreboding black eyes and the two antlers sprouting from its head ¨C the very feature that made it such a prized and valuable creature.

    A sudden rustle in the underbrush spooked the kezok, and crimson began to seep from its red stripes, as if issuing a warning.

    Without hesitation, it bolted ¨C not by galloping, but by bending the very fabric of space, disappearing and reappearing a distance away from its original position.

    The kezok possessed an extraordinary ability to traverse through space effortlessly, as well as gliding across water without so much as a ripple to mark its passage.

    ¡®Nifty trick,¡¯ Riniock muttered, a hint of admiration in his voice as he watched the kezok teleport. ¡®Though it¡¯s not without its drawbacks.¡¯

    Once again, the knowledge he had gained outside the glades proved invaluable.

    ¡®A kezok uses its blink ability in a very linear way,¡¯ he recalled, ¡®which means it¡¯s possible to predict where it¡¯ll reappear...¡¯

    Wasting no time, Riniock began devising a strategy, determined to act before the elusive creature vanished from sight, potentially forever.

    Riniock burst from his hiding spot, his movements brisk and deliberately exaggerated. The sudden commotion startled the kezok, prompting it to blink away instantly ¨C exactly as he had planned.

    He maintained pursuit.

    Riniock''s gaze wasn¡¯t fixed solely on the fleeing kezok. Instead, his focus was split equally ¨C half tracking the creature¡¯s movements and half calculating the most likely spot it would teleport to next if it sensed further danger.

    Once confident in his calculations, Riniock dove headfirst towards the kezok. Predictably, the creature teleported away in the blink of an eye.

    ¡®Gotcha!¡¯ he celebrated, a triumphant grin spreading across his face as he performed a quick roll to soften his landing.

    The moment his feet were steady, Riniock drew his wand. With a swift motion, he conjured a frost cloud that surged towards the spot where he aimed the wand¡¯s tip. The spell crystallised the targeted spot into a slick sheet of ice.

    Right on cue, and in perfect alignment with Riniock''s meticulous planning, the kezok emerged directly onto the ice. Unable to find footing, its hooves lost all traction, sending it sliding uncontrollably across the ice before being flung over the dirt. It tumbled down a steep hill, only to crash face first into a tree with a resounding thud.

    Even better, the impact drove the beast''s antlers deep into the whitewood of the tree, leaving it thoroughly stuck and unable to escape.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

    Like the verdack, the kezok thrashed violently, kicking and stomping in an attempt to free itself from the tree. Each stomp sent smoke-like puffs billowing in the air. Strangely, these vapours only seemed to agitate the creature further. The kezok became more frenzied and uncontrollable within the minute.

    ¡®What the ¨C¡¯ breathed Riniock as his words trailed off, pushing cautiously forward, one foot at a time, unsure of what unfolded. The substance in the air was invisible to his eyes no matter how much he squinted.

    The equine beast finally tore itself free, but not without a steep price ¨C it left its two ornate antlers behind, embedded in the tree still. When it teleported away, it was evident that it grew disoriented, its movements erratic. The kezok stumbled upon reappearing, its usual grace replaced by shaky, unsteady steps.

    It vanished within the darkness of the grove.

    Riniock did not give chase ¨C his quarry remained here, lodged deeply into the bark of a whitewood. Riniock yanked the antlers free and quickly stashed them away.

    Yet, as his hand touched the first antler, he felt an unsettling shift in reality. The ornate piece resonated with a dark, pulsating glow, casting a faint aura unlike anything he had ever seen.

    ¡®That¡¯s strange,¡¯ he muttered, narrowing his eyes. ¡®I don¡¯t remember reading about any such effects. The antlers of a kezok shouldn¡¯t emit particles, let alone glow.¡¯

    His confusion deepened when the world around him began to warp. The sky turned an unnatural crimson, though the sun still hung high. Nearby trees twisted grotesquely, their trunks morphing into faces with hollow eyes and gaping maws. The grass swayed and danced, unnaturally alive despite the absence of wind.

    ¡®What in the restless void¡­what is happening?¡¯ Riniock murmured, his breath hitching as his surroundings grew more surreal by the second.

    He forced himself to observe his distorted environment, noting additional anomalies. Dandelion-like puffs hovered unnaturally still in midair, each adorned with a massive, suffocating red eye that glared directly at him.

    Recognition struck him like a blow.

    ¡®Celseeds,¡¯ he noticed, the weight of realization dawning on him. ¡®I must be hallucinating¡­ that¡¯s the only explanation.¡¯

    The volatile celseeds appeared to be arranged in a deliberate pattern, forming a strange, meandering path. The trail stretched ahead of Riniock, its destination obscured by the warped and shifting surroundings.

    He had no choice but to follow. This was no ordinary illusion he could simply dispel or ignore. The glades themselves had revealed this path, and to him, that could only mean one thing: he was meant to traverse it.

    As he stepped forward, his unease deepened. The image of Bohg, the acolyte with the lidthrag¡¯s gaping wound across his chest, loomed in his thoughts.

    ¡®I just hope I won¡¯t suffer a fate similar to his,¡¯ Riniock shuddered at the thought, gripping his wand tighter as he moved into the unknown.

    The path stretched endlessly before Riniock, dense with celseeds in numbers that defied logic. Their silent, floating forms hovered with unnerving intent, and occasionally, one would drift toward him in a curious, almost playful manner.

    When they brushed against him, nothing seemed to happen. Yet, some clung to his clothes, like tiny hitchhikers unwilling to let go.

    As he trudged on, the end of the trail began to materialize in the distance.

    The path of celseeds led him to a part of the glades where fauna was sparse, but flora thrived in overwhelming abundance. There, an ancient tree stood sentinel, its gnarled roots cutting through the dirt and sprawling across the surface like skeletal fingers.

    The tree was unmistakable, its wood pale as bone and its leaves a vivid crimson, echoing the colours of its progeny scattered throughout the glades.

    Within its pallid embrace, something stirred. A titanic black eye snapped open, dominating the hollow at the heart of the tree.

    Riniock froze as the creature revealed itself ¨C a monstrous entity seamlessly camouflaged within the ancient tree. Its globular body was studded with writhing tendrils that extended outwards like grotesque banners. They trailed beneath its bulk, gripping the earth with a slow, deliberate pull as it began to move.

    Riniock¡¯s limbs trembled uncontrollably at the sight.

    ¡®A¨CA¨CCe¨CCel¡­¡¯ his lips barely formed the words. ¡®¡­a Celspore!¡¯

 Hunt for the Lidthrag (1)

    Despite their neutral demeanour, celspores are regarded as walking calamities, even when left unprovoked. These ancient, otherworldly beings release millions of hallucinogenic microorganisms in the air, propagating at alarming rate and within intervals of mere minutes. The implications were catastrophic: should a celspore infiltrate a city, the majority of its unprepared inhabitants would succumb to vivid and uncontrollable hallucinations, drowning entire populations into unmitigated chaos.

    ¡®What are the odds,¡¯ thought Riniock as he recalled the entry from the bestiary on that creature. ¡®Coming face to face with a celspore in one¡¯s lifetime is as likely as the gods manifesting in the material world¡­¡¯ the entry had read.

    And yet, here it was, an impossibility manifested.

    ¡®¡­or is this simply symptoms of the bouts I¡¯m experiencing?¡¯

    The Celspore, colossal and dread-inducing, advanced at an alarming pace. Riniock¡¯s eyes stayed fixed on the creature, his breath shallow as he watched it draw nearer and nearer. Yet, despite his growing terror, he found himself paralyzed ¨C his legs rooted to the ground and his wand arm frozen stiff, utterly unable to lift in defence.

    The monster¡¯s massive, all-consuming black eye loomed closer until it hovered directly before his face. Its gaze pierced through him, delving into his very soul, unravelling layers of fear and vulnerability he didn¡¯t know existed.

    And still, Riniock did not move.

    Not even as cold, sinewy tendrils snaked their way up his leg, coiling around his torso like living vines. He could feel their alien texture pressing against him, but his body betrayed no reaction.

    ¡®Don''t move,¡¯ he whispered under his breath, his voice trembling yet resolute. ¡®It won¡¯t harm me if I don¡¯t provoke it¡­¡¯

    The sentence repeated in his head, a reminder keeping his composure from unfolding entirely.

    The Celspore¡¯s tendrils continued their eerie crawl, weaving themselves all over Riniock¡¯s body like a living cocoon. Only his right eye remained uncovered, granting him a lone, distorted view of the towering creature before him.

    Strangely, the tendrils applied no pressure; they didn¡¯t constrict or suffocate. They simply draped around him, indifferent in their embrace. Yet, this unnatural stillness carried its own peril.

    Riniock felt the first creeping wave of lethargy ¨C a bone-deep weariness that grew heavier with each passing moment. His limbs grew leaden, his breathing slowed, and his exposed eye struggled to stay open.

    A fog descended over his mind, blotting out thought and clarity. Then came the sharp ringing ¨C a piercing, unnatural sound that consumed his senses entirely.

    Before long, his vision blurred, his eyelid fluttered shut, and his body surrendered. Consciousness slipped through his grasp like water through cupped hands, leaving only the shrill hum echoing in the void.

    Whilst comatose, Riniock¡¯s mind became haunted with whispers and fragmented sounds. Past moments flashed before him, fleeting and muddled. Then breaking the smothering silence, came a sudden, blood-curdling shriek.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    The sound ripped through him, jarring him awake.

    He found himself sprawled awkwardly over the grassy glades, as though someone or something had carefully and deliberately placed him there.

    ¡®Gods¡­¡¯ he got himself upright, one hand clutching his pounding head. Faint remnant whispers lingered still in the sombre recesses of his mind.

    Riniock¡¯s scan of the surroundings was met with eerie stillness. The celspore was gone ¨C its ominous presence vanished without a trace. The countless celseeds, too, were nowhere in sight.

    ¡®¡­what in the name of all that is darkness happened?¡¯ Riniock murmured, his voice trembling amidst confusion.

    Out of nowhere, the grass beside him gave out a groan.

    Riniock¡¯s brows furrowed as his head snapped to the side. He had been so preoccupied in his scan for the far distances of the glades that he had omitted to check his immediate surroundings.

    ¡®Basterds¡­¡¯ came a muffled curse from the ground. ¡®Ploughin¡¯ cotton pricks!¡¯

    For a fleeting moment, probably due his recent spell of hallucinations, Riniock entertained the absurd idea that the reeds themselves had gained the ability to speak. But as the figure stirred, it became abundantly clear that it wasn¡¯t the grass cursing, but another applicant sprawled in the dirt, just as he was.

    The applicant straightened, rubbing his forehead with two stretched fingers. He groaned, cursed loudly a few more times, still oblivious of the other person a few paces away from him.

    And then, the figure eventually noticed him through squinted eyes, fully turning to face his direction. ¡®You fell into those celseeds too?¡¯ the stranger asked, his voice laced with annoyance. ¡®Nasty little buggers.¡¯

    ¡®Tell me about it,¡¯ replied Riniock, the apprehension finally resolving in his heart.

    ¡®Let¡¯s be glad we didn¡¯t run into any lidthrags¡­¡¯ the stranger added with a forced chuckle, brushing dirt from his garments.

    ¡®Yeah ¨C we got lucky.¡¯

    The man squinted at him once more, tilting his head like he was trying to solve a puzzle. Then, his face lit up in sudden recognition. ¡®Wait a minute! You¡¯re that Toglin guy!¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s eyes narrowed at the butchering of his family name. He recognised the man now ¨C one of Urael¡¯s lackeys, and part of the same group that had surrounded him earlier in the yard.

    ¡®I remember you too. My name¡¯s Riniock.¡¯

    ¡®Whatever,¡¯ the stranger replied, dusting off what dirt remained on his clothes as he rose. ¡®Call me Odrean.¡¯

    Riniock got to his feet, glancing around to retrieve his bearings.

    ¡®Don¡¯t forget your wand,¡¯ Odrean said, gesturing to where it lay half-hidden amongst the brush.

    ¡®Thanks,¡¯ Riniock muttered, crouching to pick it up. Relief flickered through him; losing it would have been a significant setback. Yet as he straightened, the oddness of his situation gnawed at him. How had he ended up here? The nearest tree was far off, and the grove where he last remembered being conscious wasn¡¯t nearby.

    It didn¡¯t add up.

    Even stranger was Odrean¡¯s presence. If memory served, no one else had been in that grove alongside him.

    Could the entire encounter with the celspore have been a hallucination after all?

    Questions circled in his mind but nought was yet certain.

    Whilst Riniock delved into deep thought, Odrean broke silence. ¡®So, I know we didn¡¯t exactly hit it off before, but what do you say we put all that behind us? Work together?¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s face hardened.

    His scepticism wasn¡¯t unwarranted; Urael¡¯s group made their intentions clear back in Gorlea. Moreover, he wasn¡¯t one to trust easily, least of all someone who ran with that lot.

    His expression spoke volumes, and Odrean quickly picked up on it.

    ¡®Come on,¡¯ Odrean pressed. ¡®This is only a test. Any beast we come upon we can share evenly.¡¯

    ¡®What do I stand to gain from this partnership then if all my loot is halved,¡¯ Riniock asked, his tone flat.

    ¡®Think about it,¡¯ Odrean insisted, trying to appeal to him. ¡®With two wands, we stand a better chance against a lidthrag. Surely that¡¯s what the professor is really looking for ¨C a real trophy! Alone, it¡¯s suicide. Even you can sacrifice this much for the benefit.¡¯

    Riniock considered the proposal carefully, his grip tightening around his wand. There was a hint of truth in Odrean¡¯s words. Tackling a lidthrag solo was a risky gamble he wasn¡¯t eager to take just yet.

    But trusting Odrean? That was another matter entirely.

 Hunt for the Lidthrag (2)

    Riniock stood still, his eyes studying Odrean carefully, trying to gauge his true intentions.

    ¡®I don¡¯t make deals lightly,¡¯ he said, making queries in order to understand this potential ally better. ¡®What¡¯s your angle? Earlier today, you and Urael didn¡¯t seem too friendly towards me. Why the change of heart?¡¯

    Odrean chuckled nervously, his hands raised in a gesture of surrender. ¡®Look, Urael¡¯s a ¨C basterd ¨C I won¡¯t deny that. But out here I¡¯m on my own, and so are you. You think I¡¯d bother chasing you through the woods when I can barely take care of myself? I¡¯m not like him, believe me.¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡®You¡¯re not exactly radiating trustworthiness.¡¯

    ¡®Alright, fair. I don¡¯t expect you to trust me completely.¡¯

    ¡®Then there¡¯s nothing to discuss ¨C¡¯

    ¡®¨C But think about it¡­¡¯ Odrean interjected, his voice sharp and very convincing. ¡®¡­We only have second-rate wands and little to no experience. A lidthrag would chew up someone like us in seconds.¡¯

    Riniock weighed his options.

    There were risks as well as rewards. On one hand, survival was more likely, but it also meant Odrean could easily betray him or sabotage his efforts if things got rough.

    On the other hand, he couldn¡¯t shake the nagging feeling that something was off about how they¡¯d both ended up in the same place after the celseeds encounter.

    ¡®Very well, I accept your proposition,¡¯ Riniock confirmed, extending his palm. His tone was firm. ¡®But I¡¯m keeping my eye on you. Anything remotely shady, you¡¯re dead.¡¯

    Odrean grinned. ¡®Fair enough! You won¡¯t regret it.¡¯

    ¡®Our alliance is temporary. Once we kill the lidthrag, you and I will part ways.¡¯

    With reluctance, they shook hands.

    The partnership was uneasy, but the glades allowed no room for lone heroes. Odrean slung his satchel over his shoulder and gripped his wand, its tip mounted with a frost focus like Riniock¡¯s.

    They both tilted their heads skyward, withstanding the sun¡¯s rays to gauge the time. The sun still hung above the horizon; evening was hours away, leaving them a window to hunt before darkness claimed the land.

    Breaking the silence, Riniock took the lead, his tone brisk and assertive. ¡®Let¡¯s move. This way gives us the best chance to find one.¡¯

    Brows furrowed in confusion, Odrean looked cross-eyed. ¡®How can you be so sure?¡¯

    He scanned their surroundings. Yet no matter how many times he checked, his sharp eyes found no signs of the elusive feline beast. Had his partner spotted one prior to their encounter?

    ¡®I read. I know things,¡¯ Riniock replied curtly.

    ¡®That¡¯s not much of an answer,¡¯ the other shot back, unsatisfied.

    Riniock sighed, gesturing for him to come closer. With a steady hand, he pointed to a distant hill crest. ¡®Lidthrags are ambush predators. They often stalk the streams from elevations, preying on xilaks, falufraxies, and even other lidthrags. That hill aligns with the pattern.¡¯The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

    His scepticism was quickly replaced by a grudging respect as Odrean followed his line of sight.

    ¡®Satisfied?¡¯ Riniock said, already moving.

    Odrean raised his shoulders. ¡®Very. Lead the way, then.¡¯

    Traversing the plains ahead posed little to no challenge for either of the two. They hugged the stream¡¯s edge, a natural barrier that kept them concealed from the wide-open fields where they¡¯d make easy targets for prowling predators. The water trickling masked their loud footsteps, aiding in their efforts to move stealthily.

    As they neared the hillcrest Riniock had pinpointed, they veered away from the stream and climbed up. Instead of tackling it head-on, Odrean suggested they scale it from the opposite side, where the incline was smoother and had an abundance of cover.

    The climb was slow and awkwardly silent.

    Neither spoke, the silence interrupted only by the rustle of grass beneath their boots. There was the occasional snap of a twig and the sloshing of mud. Regardless, the duo remained undetected thus far.

    ¡®Stop!¡¯ Riniock whispered sharply, throwing his arm out in a silent signal of alarm. His eyes were locked ahead, his voice barely audible as he hissed, ¡®Lidthrag ¨C right there.¡¯

    Odrean froze instantly, his gaze following Riniock¡¯s gesture. He didn¡¯t reply, only giving a curt nod of acknowledgment.

    Just a short distance away, a massive feline predator lay crouched low against the earth. Its sleek white fur rippled slightly in the breeze, the bits of red fur blending seamlessly with the terrain. The lidthrag¡¯s amber eyes were fixed intently on a nearby herd of xilaks, every muscle in its frame poised to strike.

    For now, the predator¡¯s attention was entirely absorbed in its hunt. It remained oblivious to the two figures watching from behind jutting rocks, their presence masked by the wind and terrain.

    ¡®On my signal,¡¯ he whispered again. Gripping his wand tightly, he began counting to three on his fingers. ¡®1 ¨C 2 ¨C 3!¡¯

    Odrean reacted swiftly, his wand snapping upward as he focused his intent. Above the lidthrag, a sharp icicle materialized in the air, shimmering with cold magick. With a precise flick of his wrist, the projectile shot downward, crashing into the unsuspecting predator with a resonant thud.

    The impact drew a piercing screech from the lidthrag, startling the nearby xilak herd into a panicked stampede.

    But the attack was certainly not enough as it only managed to wound the beast, not incapacitate it. The lidthrag twisted its muscular frame, shaking off the blow, and turned its predatory gaze toward the two attackers. Its spiked fur bristled, and it let out a bone-rattling roar that sent a chill up their spines.

    In that instant, its blazing yellow eyes locked onto Riniock. Without hesitation, the predator lunged forward, closing the distance between them with terrifying speed.

    Riniock remained calm, his wand arm rising in a measured motion. He conjured a slick frost across the ground. The ice spread quickly, covering the terrain in a crystalline sheen. As the lidthrag charged, its powerful paws skidded and slid uncontrollably.

    For a moment, the beast lost its balance, but it didn¡¯t falter for long. Its claws extended instinctively, digging into the ice to steady itself.

    ¡®Now¡¯s my chance!¡¯ Odrean shouted. He directed his wand at the lidthrag, unleashing a volley of sharp ice spikes that slammed into its face and shoulders. The predator snarled in pain, momentarily immobilized as it shielded its eyes from the onslaught.

    ¡®Keep up the pressure!¡¯ Riniock barked, readying the next move.

    Odrean unleashed another barrage of icy spikes. The beast''s frustration peaked, and its fiery gaze shifted towards him with lethal intent.

    With a terrifying roar, it lunged, swiping at Odrean with its massive, clawed paws. He scrambled to evade, narrowly dodging the initial strikes. His movements were erratic, propelled more by instinct than skill. Each swipe missed by a hair''s breadth until, finally, the lidthrag adapted to his pattern.

    As its paw came crashing down, Odrean sidestepped too late. With a ferocious swipe, the beast caught him mid-dodge, sending him sprawling across the ground. He landed hard, coughing as he tried to collect himself.

    ¡®Blast it¡­ RINIOCK! HELP!¡¯ he shouted, desperation thick in his voice.

    The lidthrag seized the opening, prowling closer as Odrean struggled to regain his footing. It towered over him on its hind legs, preparing to deliver a death blow with its massive weight and claws.

    But Riniock was ready.

    With a sharp motion of his wand, he summoned a towering crystalline shard. It erupted from the ground a mere distance in front of Odrean, its jagged peak aimed skyward. The lidthrag¡¯s descent became its undoing ¨C the beast impaled itself on the shard, the razor-sharp edge piercing through its chest and emerging from its back.

 Bloody End

    The lidthrag let out a blood-curdling screech that echoed through the glades, thrashing violently as its strength drained away and its red blood trickled down the crystalline structure. It whimpered, its struggle growing weaker until, at last, its eyes radiated lifelessness.

    Odrean, still panting and crawling away from the beast-now-corpse, looked up at Riniock with a mix of relief and disbelief. ¡®That was¡­that was close.¡¯

    ¡®Too close,¡¯ replied Riniock, lowering his wand. ¡®That was my last spell.¡¯

    Odrean gave a strained laugh, wincing as he stood. ¡®Got lucky, didn¡¯t I? But we brought it down in the end.¡¯

    He nodded, his gaze lingering on the fallen predator. ¡®Yeah, we did. Let¡¯s collect its claws, the rest is useless.¡¯

    As per their agreement, each of them claimed a dozen claws from the lidthrag.

    By the time they were done, the sun had dipped even lower behind the horizon, painting the sky in hues of dimming orange and violet.

    ¡®Well, I¡¯ll be on my way,¡¯ Riniock said, giving one last glance at the fallen beast. Unbeknownst to him, Odrean had other plans.

    Before he had the chance to turn, a cold, pointed edge pressed against his back.

    ¡®Don¡¯t move,¡¯ came Odrean¡¯s voice, low and threatening. The sharp jab of the dagger in his hand made it clear he wasn¡¯t bluffing. ¡®I don¡¯t have to hurt you, but I will if you don¡¯t cooperate.¡¯

    Riniock froze, his earlier wariness now fully validated. Keeping calm, he scoffed under his breath. ¡®Knew you lot couldn¡¯t be trusted,¡¯ he muttered, remaining perfectly still.

    ¡®Too late for regrets now. Empty out your pockets,¡¯ Odrean demanded, his tone firm and void of pleasantries. ¡®Do it, and I¡¯ll let you walk away unharmed.¡¯

    Riniock slowly reached into his inner coat pocket and let the claws tumble onto the ground.

    ¡®I said empty them out¡­¡¯ Odrean insisted, this time prodding the blade a little harder. His voice grew sharper, betraying his growing impatience.

    ¡®That¡¯s all I have,¡¯ Riniock replied evenly, his composure still intact.

    ¡®Bollocks!¡¯ the latter snapped. ¡®You said you were out of spells earlier, but I counted ¨C you only cast two when we were together. So what¡¯s the deal? You must¡¯ve used three more before we crossed paths. What did you catch?¡¯

    The accusation hung in the air, Odrean¡¯s greed surfacing in every word.

    Fortunately for Riniock, his earlier deception about exhausting his spells had proven useful. In truth, he had used only one spell before their meeting ¨C the one against the kezok ¨C leaving him with four spells in reserve, a fact Odrean was oblivious to. After the two he expanded against the lidthrag, two more remained.

    Feigning exasperation, Riniock sighed to maintain the charade.

    ¡®I caught three verdacks,¡¯ he lied smoothly.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

    Odrean sneered at the response. ¡®Mediocre, but better than nothing. Now, hand over the feathers. Quickly!¡¯

    Riniock obliged, scattering a bundle of feathers onto the ground.

    ¡®So many!¡¯ Odrean¡¯s eyes gleamed with greed. He shoved Riniock forward and out of the way, whilst he knelt to gather the spoils.

    It was the moment Riniock had anticipated.

    As soon as Odrean bent down, Riniock twisted around, his wand already snapping into action. A crystalline blade of frost extended from its tip, gleaming like a sword. Without hesitation, he drove it into his shoulder.

    Odrean cried out in pain, the force of the blow sending his dagger clattering to the ground. He stumbled backward, clutching at his injury, his eyes wide with shock.

    ¡®You ¨C¡¯ he yelped, but Riniock gave him no chance to finish.

    He leaped onto Odrean, pinning him against the grass. His voice was cold, seething, trembling with unrestrained fury. ¡®I warned you not to cross me.¡¯

    ¡®Wait! We can work this out!¡¯ Odrean begged, his tone desperate, his eyes wild with fear.

    But Riniock¡¯s face hardened, his mind clouded by betrayal and anger. He grabbed the fallen dagger and slashed at Odrean without hesitation.

    ¡®Too ¨C late ¨C for ¨C regrets ¨C now!¡¯ Each word punctuated a frenzied strike.

    Again and again, the blade descended, slicing through flesh, until Odrean¡¯s lifeless body was a mangled, bloody ruin. Even as the man¡¯s chest ceased rising, Riniock¡¯s arm continued to plunge the dagger, his breaths ragged, his mind drowning in a storm of bloodlust.

    When he finally stopped, the silence was deafening. His trembling hand released the bloodied dagger, and he collapsed backward, panting, staring at the marvel he had created.

    His face spattered with blood, Riniock wiped it from his face with the back of his sleeve, only smearing it further. Then, uncontrollably, he burst into a hysterical laugh, a chilling sound that echoed across the darkening glade. It was a mix of exhilaration and madness, like a man unshackled from something long pent up.

    ¡®That ¨C¡¯ he choked out, swallowing his own slaver. ¡®That was refreshing.¡¯

    The thrill of taking Odrean¡¯s life surpassed even the triumph of slaying the lidthrag. Killing a beast was a matter of survival, but ending a man? That was power. Pure, unbridled power.

    Alas, his revelry was short-lived. The test would soon end, and the college staff would be rounding up the applicants. If he was found here, standing over a butchered corpse, there would be questions he couldn¡¯t answer. He needed to move ¨C and quickly.

    Still, there was time for one last act: looting.

    ¡®I¡¯m taking these back¡­¡¯ he muttered to himself and scooped up the lidthrag claws and feathers he had dropped.

    He turned his attention to Odrean¡¯s remains next, crouching beside the body. His hands moved swiftly, searching through the blood-soaked satchel. Inside, he found the rest of the lidthrag¡¯s claws, along with a falufrax¡¯s tail and an entire topi ¨C likely trophies from earlier hunts.

    ¡®Hoarder, weren¡¯t you?¡¯ he muttered, tossing the satchel aside after emptying it.

    Next, he rifled through Odrean¡¯s coat but found nothing. Lifting it revealed a small pouch tied to the man¡¯s belt.

    ¡®Let¡¯s see what you were hiding,¡¯ Riniock whispered, untying the pouch.

    Inside were twenty lunaris and a single solari coin ¨C a tidy sum for a teenger. But another item caught his eye: a small, unfamiliar card. Its surface bore strange markings and symbols he didn¡¯t recognize.

    ¡®What¡¯s this?¡¯ Riniock turned it over, frowning at its cryptic design.

    Shrugging, he pocketed the card. ¡®Check this later,¡¯ he muttered.

    Rising to his feet, he scanned the spot one last time, ensuring he left nothing behind but the broken shell of the man who had dared to cross him. Then, clutching his ill-gotten spoils, he prepared to distance himself from this incriminating scene.

    Riniock had been so consumed by his looting and thoughts that he failed to notice how quickly the sky had darkened, casting the crimson glades into deep shadow.

    The sudden rustling of nearby bushes shattered the eerie silence, followed by a low, guttural hiss that raised the hairs on the back of his neck.

    From the shadows emerged several large, white-scaled lizards, their sleek bodies adorned with thin black stripes. Each had a prominent red, feathered tail swaying rhythmically, as if signalling to one another.

    Within moments, he was surrounded by the creatures, their cold, piercing eyes fixed on him like a predator locking onto prey.

    ¡®Diallos,¡¯ Riniock spat, his voice barely above a whisper. ¡®Crap¡­¡¯

 Troublesome Glades

    He was careless in his choices, absorbed in the looting of the dead. Now he was paying the consequences of his act.

    ¡®There¡¯s ten ¨C no sixteen¡­¡¯ he counted them nervously, swivelling around as he maintained his guard.

    The bask of diallos moved in unison, encircling him tighter with each deliberate step. Their claws scraped against the ground, and their hisses, accompanied by the spiking of red hairs across their necks, grew louder.

    Riniock¡¯s heart raced as he tried to recall everything he learned of these creatures. Diallos were known for their boldness, attacking even the fiercest of lidthrags if cornered. And their territorial nature made them even deadlier; one wrong move proving fatal.

    ¡®Stay calm,¡¯ Riniock thought, retaining mental stability as he gripped his wand. With one spell left in his roster, he couldn¡¯t risk a direct fight with these beasts, not without a plan ¨C a quick but careful plan.

    However, there was no time to think, no time to strategize.

    As the diallos tightened their formation, snapping their maws in a coordinated display of intimidation, Riniock braced himself. Their movements were calculated, designed to unnerve and disorient him.

    One of the smaller diallos finally made its move, lunging with surprising agility. Riniock didn¡¯t see it coming until it was too late. The creature landed on his back, its weight and momentum driving him forward. Its teeth sank into his shoulder, not deep enough to maim, but enough to cause searing pain.

    The impact sent him sprawling onto the ground, his breath knocked from his lungs as he struck a protruding rock. The rest of the bask seized their opportunity, surging forward in a frenzy. They piled onto him, claws raking and teeth tearing at his exposed flesh.

    Riniock¡¯s vision blurred, his senses overwhelmed by the suffocating weight and relentless assault. Pain became secondary to the sheer terror of the moment.

    Then it came ¨C a roar, deep and guttural, reverberating through the air. It was so loud and commanding that even the diallos faltered. Riniock couldn¡¯t tell where it originated, but its impact was undeniable.

    Several of the lizards pulled back, hesitating as their predatory instincts were momentarily overridden by the presence of a far greater threat. The pressure on Riniock¡¯s body lessened, allowing him to twist and writhe desperately to free himself. With strenuous effort, he managed to slip out from under the remaining diallos, dragging himself across the dirt with trembling limbs.

    Blood seeped from numerous cuts and bites, his body trembling from exhaustion and pain.

    Another roar echoed, louder and more primal than before, leaving a sharp ringing in his ears. It was familiar ¨C too familiar. A lidthrag¡¯s roar, but this one carried an intensity far surpassing anything he had encountered before.

    A sudden thud next to him made him flinch. A lifeless diallos lay there, its body limp and torn apart by a massive bite wound. Blood pooled beneath it, its final jerks of life fading quickly.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    Riniock turned his gaze towards the chaos, his breath hitching at what he saw. Towering above the scene, a creature emerged from the shadows, its size utterly dwarfing the lidthrag he had encountered earlier. Its massive frame loomed like a pale nightmare given form, muscles rippling beneath its white furred hide.

    ¡®A great lidthrag,¡¯ Riniock muttered, his voice barely audible. His heart sank as he took in the monstrous beast, its piercing eyes scanning the area with feral intensity.

    ¡®Now of all times...¡¯

    A few diallos lay crushed beneath the great lidthrag¡¯s massive paws, their lifeless forms a grim testament to its overwhelming strength. The remaining lizards recoiled, retreating from the sheer presence of the colossal predator. Even the largest amongst them quivered, its scaly body betraying the instinctive terror gripping the bask.

    Riniock stood frozen, the events unfolding like a waking nightmare.

    ¡®Whoever said the crimson glades were safe...well, screw them,¡¯ he thought bitterly, the memory of the boastful words from the antechamber flashing in his mind.

    Yet, the worst was still to come.

    The great lidthrag seemed momentarily at ease until its piercing yellow eyes settled on the slain lidthrag lying on the ground. Its demeanour darkened immediately.

    With a deafening roar of rage, it struck out at its fallen kin, its claws effortlessly severing the lifeless head. Then, as if enraged further by the scent of blood, it stomped toward Odrean¡¯s remains. Riniock watched as the beast¡¯s colossal paw came crashing down, obliterating Odrean¡¯s head with a sickening crunch.

    And then it turned its gaze to him.

    Despite the several diallos still betwixt them, the great lidthrag ignored the smaller creatures entirely. Its focus was singular and terrifying: Riniock.

    ¡®No,¡¯ he whispered, his voice trembling as panic coursed through him. ¡®No, no, no, no!¡¯

    He turned and ran, adrenaline fuelling his every step. Logic told him escape was futile; a normal lidthrag could close the gap in seconds, and this monstrous version was likely even faster. But what was there else to do?

    The ground trembled with the beast¡¯s every stomp, its pursuit relentless. The sound of its approach grew louder, its rhythm striking fear deeper into Riniock¡¯s soul.

    It was close ¨C too close.

    He felt its breath on his back, hot and heavy, seeping into his open wounds like molten fire. The sensation sent waves of panic through his body, each one worse than the last.

    With desperation sharpening his mind, Riniock remembered the one spell he had left. It was a gamble, but it was his only chance.

    At the perfect moment, he skidded to a halt, his momentum halting abruptly. Snapping his wand forward, he cast the spell. A thick layer of ice spread rapidly across the ground ahead of him.

    The great lidthrag roared in frustration as its massive paws lost traction. Its momentum carried it forward uncontrollably, sending it skidding down a steep hill. The earth quaked as the enormous beast crashed and tumbled, roaring with rage as it struggled to regain its footing.

    This was Riniock¡¯s chance.

    Without hesitation, he spun on his heel and sprinted in the opposite direction, each step fuelled by raw survival instinct. The lidthrag¡¯s furious bellows echoed behind him, but the distance between them grew.

    He spotted a dense grove in the distance, the thick trees offering a potential sanctuary. A creature of that size would struggle to navigate the forest¡¯s narrow paths. If he could just make it there, he might stand a chance.

    Riniock pushed his battered body harder, ignoring the pain that screamed from every wound. Freedom was within reach ¨C if only he could hold out a little longer.

    The trees enveloped Riniock in a fleeting sense of security, their dense trunks and intertwining canopies offering a fragile barrier between him and the monstrous lidthrag.

    Deeper into the grove he ventured, the shadows thickening with every step. The fading light transformed the forest into a maze of foreboding silhouettes, where the shapes of trees blurred into walls of impenetrable darkness.

    The thought gnawed at him: ¡®If the beast pursues me here, I might not even see it coming.¡¯

 All that is Hell that Ends Well

    The oppressive darkness seemed to close in around him, each rustle of leaves or snap of a twig igniting his frayed nerves. Even the occasional hoot of an unseen creature set his heart racing. The great lidthrag¡¯s roar no longer echoed through the air, but the silence was no comfort ¨C it only heightened the tension.

    Riniock slowed his pace, his breaths shallow and quiet, his ears straining for any hint of movement. His wand remained firmly in his grip, though he knew he had exhausted his magick. If the beast found him here, his wits and surroundings would be all he had left.

    The grove¡¯s stillness was deceptive, masking whether he had truly lost his pursuer ¨C or if it was simply lurking, waiting for the right moment to strike.

    His best chance was to find cover and hope the beast lost interest.

    Scanning his surroundings, Riniock spotted the hollowed-out stump of a nearby tree. It wasn¡¯t perfect, but it would have to do. Hastily, he crawled inside, tearing up handfuls of red grass to obscure the entrance.

    Settling into the cramped space, he pressed his back against the damp wood, straining to keep his breathing quiet. Then came the sound he dreaded ¨C soft, deliberate footsteps approaching through the undergrowth.

    Riniock froze, his body taut with tension.

    As the steps drew nearer, he hugged his knees, his earlier decision suddenly felt foolish. ¡®What was I thinking?¡¯ he berated himself. A lidthrag¡¯s sense of smell was legendary. Even buried beneath layers of red grass, he might as well have been waving a torch in the dark.

    A cold dread seeped into him.

    The grass shielding the stump¡¯s entrance began to shift, and Riniock braced himself for the worst. Any moment now, he expected to see a beast¡¯s snout thrusting through the opening, sniffing him out.

    Instead, the pile of grass parted on its own, pulled gently aside.

    ¡®There you are!¡¯ a stranger¡¯s voice broke through the tense silence. Relief flooded Riniock. ¡®Playing hide and seek, are we? We college staff have better things to do, you know.¡¯

    ¡®College?¡¯ Riniock murmured, his voice betraying his mixture of surprise and disbelief.

    The man created a soft orb of light, the glow illuminating his face and the immediate surroundings. His expression was warm, almost friendly.

    ¡®Who did you think it was?¡¯ the man chuckled. ¡®The shadow cult?¡¯

    ¡®Heh¡­no,¡¯ Riniock exhaled deeply, a half-smile tugging at his lips. ¡®I¡¯m just relieved the test is over.¡¯

    ¡®Come on, then,¡¯ the man said, extending a hand. Riniock grasped it, and with a firm pull, he was lifted out of the hollow stump. ¡®Rough harvest?¡¯ the man asked, his tone tinged with sympathy.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    Riniock offered a small, tired smile. ¡®It was¡­so-so. But I¡¯m certain of my admission.¡¯

    ¡®Well, that¡¯s what matters,¡¯ the man reassured him. ¡®Skill comes with time.¡¯

    ¡®I guess so.¡¯

    ¡®Name¡¯s Noidron,¡¯ he said, nodding. ¡®And you are?¡¯

    ¡®Riniock, sir. Thanks for coming to find me.¡¯

    ¡®Of course,¡¯ Noidron replied with a grin. ¡®Let¡¯s get you back. You look like you¡¯ve been through the wringer.¡¯

    They moved through the glades under the cover of night, Noidron walking ahead with a purposeful stride and a destination in mind. Despite his apparent confidence, Riniock¡¯s eyes darted nervously to the shadows around them, scanning for any sign of the great lidthrag that had hunted him earlier.

    His anxiety was impossible to hide, and Noidron, perceptive as he was, noticed almost immediately.

    ¡®Worried?¡¯ the older man asked, his tone light but curious.

    Riniock nodded without hesitation.

    ¡®No need for that,¡¯ Noidron assured him with a grin. ¡®I can handle anything this place throws at us!¡¯

    ¡®Can you slay a great lidthrag?¡¯

    The question brought an awkward pause to Noidron¡¯s bravado. He faltered, swallowing his pride as his confidence wavered. ¡®Is that what¡¯s got you so on edge?¡¯

    ¡®Yes,¡¯ Riniock admitted. ¡®It was terrifying. That¡¯s why I hid.¡¯

    ¡®You saw one?¡¯ Noidron¡¯s voice rose in astonishment. ¡®It¡¯s a miracle you¡¯re still breathing, boy. I¡¯ll be honest ¨C taking down a beast like that on my own? Not something I¡¯d want to bet my life on.¡¯

    His admission was a strange mix of comforting and unsettling. Whilst Riniock appreciated the honesty, the idea that even someone like Noidron might struggle against such a monster did little to ease his fears.

    ¡®Sir ¨C if I may, can I ask you something?¡¯ Riniock ventured, curiosity outweighing his nerves.

    ¡®Ask away,¡¯ Noidron replied with an easy smile, waving off the formal tone. ¡®But drop the ¡°sir.¡± I¡¯m only a few years older than you.¡¯

    Riniock nodded. ¡®How did you find me? In the grove, I mean.¡¯

    ¡®Oh, that?¡¯ Noidron chuckled, pulling a small object resembling a compass from his pocket and holding it up. ¡®Quite simple, really. There¡¯s a tracking enchantment on the entry token the college gave you. Makes it much easier to locate participants, especially in a place like this.¡¯

    Riniock blinked, feeling a mix of relief and mild annoyance. ¡®So, I never really had to worry about getting lost, huh?¡¯

    ¡®Not in the slightest,¡¯ Noidron replied with a grin. ¡®Though, judging by the state I found you in, the worry wasn¡¯t entirely misplaced.¡¯

    Riniock chuckled lightly, brushing off Noidron¡¯s earlier comment, but his thoughts lingered on something far more serious. The realization that the college could track him stirred fresh worries. Could they tie him to Odrean¡¯s murder if they investigated thoroughly?

    ¡®Was the college tracking our movements throughout the test?¡¯ Riniock asked, trying to sound casually curious.

    ¡®Oh, gods no,¡¯ Noidron replied with a hearty laugh. ¡®Too much effort for a minor event like this.¡¯

    Relief swept over Riniock, though he kept his expression neutral.

    Noidron seemed like a talkative type, the kind who could unwittingly divulge useful information if steered the right way. Riniock pondered for a moment, probing for potential loopholes in the college''s tracking system. A new question surfaced in his mind.

    ¡®But,¡¯ Riniock pressed, keeping his tone light, ¡®if they wanted to, could they retrace someone¡¯s steps? Like, track exactly where they went?¡¯

    Noidron paused mid-step, scratching his chin thoughtfully. ¡®Hmm¡­I¡¯m not sure. Truth be told, this is my first time overseeing the admission tests. Everything¡¯s seemed pretty routine so far.¡¯

    Riniock nodded, hiding his relief behind a polite smile. ¡®Good to know. Just curious, that¡¯s all.¡¯

    For now, the lack of certainty worked in his favour, but he resolved to tread carefully. The less the college staff suspected, the better.

    ¡®Aha!¡¯ Noidron exclaimed, his voice brimming with satisfaction. ¡®This is where we¡¯re expected. And¡­it seems I¡¯m not the last to arrive. Wonderful!¡¯

 The Vices of Men

    Riniock followed his gaze to a modest clearing where several other test participants had gathered. They stood in small clusters, their expressions a mix of exhaustion and quiet anticipation.

    He surveyed the group, noting the diversity of their appearances. Some clutched their trophies from the hunt with pride, whilst others bore visible injuries that hinted at close calls.

    Noidron motioned for Riniock to follow, his steps light as he led the way towards the group. ¡®See? You¡¯re in good company. Looks like everyone had a rough time out there.¡¯

    ¡®Yeah¡­good company,¡¯ he repeated.

    Riniock forced a weak smile, his eyes darting nervously across the clearing. Amongst the faces, he didn¡¯t spot anyone who might¡¯ve witnessed Odrean¡¯s demise. That realisation brought a sliver of comfort, but he still felt the weight of unease clinging to him like a shadow.

    As they arrived, another staff member approached Noidron, nodding briskly. ¡®Glad you made it back,¡¯ the person said. ¡®We¡¯ll begin debriefing shortly.¡¯

    ¡®Excellent,¡¯ Noidron replied, before turning to Riniock with a grin. ¡®Relax a bit. You¡¯re almost through the hard part.¡¯

    Riniock nodded, though his muscles remained tense. The hard part might¡¯ve been over for most, but for him, the real challenge had only just begun.

    Every second spent here felt like an eternity to Riniock ¨C a chance for someone to stumble upon Odrean''s corpse and set an investigation into motion. He managed to steady his breathing, but the tension weighed heavily on him.

    ¡®Who¡¯s yet to arrive?¡¯ Noidron asked, turning to one of the other staff members nearby.

    ¡®Three applicants are still unaccounted for,¡¯ the person replied, their expression tense and laced with impatience. ¡®Fingal, Jorian, and Hilida are out looking for them.¡¯

    Noidron gave a curt nod, his demeanour unfazed. ¡®Alrighty then! Let¡¯s wait for them.¡¯

    The response unsettled Riniock even more. Time was ticking, and every additional delay felt like a knife¡¯s edge pressing against his neck. He discreetly glanced at the faces of his peers, looking for signs of suspicion or alarm, however they seemed preoccupied with their own struggles and triumphs.

    As the minutes dragged on, Riniock couldn''t help but silently plead for the others to arrive soon ¨C if only to get them all out of the crimson glades before someone uncovered what he had left behind.

    Meanwhile, the applicants that were present all seemed keen on returning to the college ¨C all except a select few.

    Riniock watched the scene unfold with growing interest, his earlier fears momentarily overshadowed by the spectacle of Urael¡¯s brazen arrogance. The applicants gathered in the clearing muttered angrily amongst themselves, frustration and hopelessness thick in the air.

    ¡®Urael, you witless prick!¡¯ one of the braver applicants burst out, her voice shaking with outrage. ¡®It was 120 lunaris before!¡¯

    Urael smirked, unbothered by the outburst and counting the silver he had made from earlier participants. ¡®Supply and demand, dear,¡¯ he replied mockingly, brushing an invisible speck of dust from his shoulder. ¡®I control the supply, and now the demand is higher. If you don¡¯t like it, you can try your luck without a feather. Let me know how that goes for you.¡¯

    ¡®Supply my ass! You robbed me and several others of our beast materials.¡¯Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    One of Urael¡¯s lackeys stepped forward, grinning. ¡®Sir Urael is being magnanimous enough to offer you any chance at all. Without this feather, you¡¯re nothing but a failed candidate.¡¯

    ¡®If you are not willing to pay this amount,¡¯ Urael continued, ¡®then your future in the college is not even worth mentioning.¡¯

    A murmur of despair rippled through the group. Several applicants clenched their fists, clearly weighing their options. Some seemed on the verge of retaliating, but Urael¡¯s gang was visibly better armed and ready for a fight.

    Riniock counted three ¨C minus Odrean for obvious reasons.

    Each carried themselves with unearned confidence, likely bolstered by the sheer dominance they¡¯d displayed over the course of the test.

    ¡®You¡¯re a despicable thief, Urael!¡¯ shouted another applicant, their anger outweighing their caution.

    ¡®Thief?¡¯ Urael echoed, his smile turning into a scowl.

    In a momentary fit of rage, Urael approached the person who spoke and punched him. The man gasped, short of breath, and fell to his knees.

    ¡®Careful with your words,¡¯ he said as he spat over the top of his head. He then turned to the rest. ¡®I¡¯m offering you all one more chance to take this deal!¡¯

    The tension in the clearing thickened.

    Urael¡¯s dominance was evident and it seemed like the college staff, who pleasantly watched this event unfold, were willing to step back. They were actually going to turn a blind eye to this extortion.

    ¡®Don¡¯t interfere,¡¯ one of them cautioned their colleague. ¡®The college was built upon the foundation and the laws of the strongest. Let them deal with it on their own.¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s mind began spinning with possibilities.

    He had this far feigned disinterest in the matter, carefully masking his expression beneath the guise of neutrality. However, Riniock¡¯s smirk grew as the scene unfolded. Urael¡¯s arrogance was laughable, a notion he wouldn¡¯t mind trampling all over.

    About nine applicants reluctantly approached Urael, their expressions a mix of shame and frustration. They emptied their pockets of coins, handing over their lunaris in exchange for verdack feathers.

    The rest of the group, however, stood firm, their jaws set and their gazes defiant. They chose to preserve their pride, even if it meant failing the test.

    ¡®And the rest?¡¯ Urael looked them over with a sneer, his confidence undeterred. He and his goons chuckled amongst themselves as they counted their earnings. ¡®Your loss then¡­¡¯

    Riniock glanced at the defiant applicants who refused to give in. Their frustration was palpable, their collective tension simmering like an ember waiting for a spark.

    As Urael strutted away with his lackeys, Riniock made his move. With their situation so desperate, all the leverage was in his favour.

    ¡®I will give you all a feather,¡¯ he announced, his words aimed at those select four. ¡®Your plight, I have witnessed personally. Seeing you stand for yourselves moved my heart, rendering me unable to sit idly by.¡¯

    Urael¡¯s face twisted in indignation, his voice laced with venom. ¡®Tolgir, what kind of foolishness is this? Do you think you can undercut me with some phony act of charity?¡¯

    Riniock turned slowly, locking eyes with Urael, his expression cool and unbothered. ¡®That hardly seems any of your business,¡¯ Riniock purposefully said, aiming to do a number on him. ¡®Go spit your poison over there.¡¯

    Urael tried to warn him but the young man ignored his words thereafter.

    ¡®I will offer each one of you, ten verdack feathers.¡¯

    The group did not react swiftly, murmuring amongst themselves. Finally, one of them stepped forward ¨C a young woman with dirt-smudged cheeks and a look of cautious hope in her eyes. ¡®If this is a trick, I swear ¨C¡¯

    ¡®It isn¡¯t,¡¯ he assured her, his voice steady and calm. Yet her face showed no signs of trust, which prompted him to reach into his possessions, pulling out a handful of verdack feathers. ¡®As you can see, I have more than enough, and I see no reason to hoard them when others are in need.¡¯

    The young woman hesitated, the sheer number of feathers displayed was beyond what she and others ever expected. ¡®How much would you ask in return?¡¯

    Riniock tilted his head thoughtfully. ¡®Return? I said I would offer the feathers. But if my goodwill brings you doubt, you may all think this a favour, to be redeemed when the time is right.¡¯

    The sincerity in his voice seemed to cut through their doubts. One by one, after exchanging eye contact, the four stepped forward, each receiving a bundle of feathers.

    ¡®Thank you!¡¯ they all said, bowing their heads slightly in gratitude. The woman stepped closer, her voice firm. ¡®I¡¯ll remember this.¡¯

    Urael fumed, his fists clenched tightly, glaring daggers at Riniock.

    Riniock held his gaze with calm defiance before turning away, a hint of mockery in his expression. Urael¡¯s silent rage burned behind him, powerless.

    ¡®Watch as I dismantle all your efforts,¡¯ Riniock murmured to himself, a sly smile tugging at his lips. Chaos would soon follow, the news of a murder shaking the college to its core.

 Applicants Turn Acolytes (1)

    Things returned to normal quickly, with the applicants forming into clusters. Thanks to Riniock and Urael¡¯s schemes, there were no outright failures left amongst them.

    Of course, those who had taken Urael¡¯s deal were visibly furious, realizing they had been cheated out of a hefty sum of lunaris whilst others got a far better deal. Surprisingly, their anger turned towards Riniock, convinced he had deliberately waited for them to take Urael¡¯s offer before revealing his better one to the remaining applicants.

    ¡®That damn guy!¡¯ one of them spat bitterly. ¡®I could¡¯ve saved my money if he¡¯d just spoken up earlier!¡¯

    Despite their grumbling, the frustration eventually faded. Soon, concerns of the missing applicants arose once more.

    ¡®They¡¯re taking too long,¡¯ one staff member muttered, glancing towards the glades.

    ¡®I agree with Illiar. We should start searching,¡¯ another added.

    Noidron held his hand up and shook his head. ¡®Let¡¯s give them a bit more time. If they¡¯re not back within the hour, we¡¯ll send a team. Illiar and Grahost will lead it at that time.¡¯

    ¡®Fine!¡¯ Grahost grumbled, annoyance clear in his tone. ¡®You¡¯ll bear responsibility ¨C¡¯

    ¡®Relax,¡¯ a voice interrupted their argument as another staff member approached, pointing at four silhouettes in the distance. ¡®Fingal and Jorian just got back.¡¯

    Then tension eased momentarily, but Noidron¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡®Where¡¯s Hilida?¡¯

    Moments later, Fingal and Jorian arrived, each supporting a battered and bruised applicant. One carried a broken wand, its focus missing, whilst the other¡¯s clothes were shredded and filthy, covered in dirt and grime.

    ¡®What in Murat happened to these two?¡¯ Noidron demanding, rushing towards them.

    Fingal sighed heavily; his weariness evident. ¡®We found them together ¨C fighting ¨C over a topi¡¯s corpse ¨C in the middle of diallos territory.¡¯

    Noidron stared at them in silence, the sheer absurdity of their situation punishment enough.

    ¡®Has it been long?¡¯ Fingal finally asked, ready to return.

    ¡®It has,¡¯ Noidron replied, his patience growing thin as well. ¡®With the two of you here, only Hilida remains.¡¯

    Jorian scanned the group, his expression darkening. His eyebrows shot up in concern. ¡®My sister still isn¡¯t back?¡¯

    Noidron shook his head grimly.

    Suddenly, a spark shot into the night sky, exploding like a firework and briefly illuminating the glades with bright red hues. The group froze, startled, their gazes instinctively turning to their compasses.

    ¡®Hilida is in this direction!¡¯ someone exclaimed.

    ¡®She must be in danger!¡¯ Jorian shouted, bolting off towards the signal. Grahost and Illiar quickly followed, determination etched on their faces.

    The majority of the group followed suit, leaving behind a scattering of applicants who now stood uncertain and vulnerable.

    ¡®You two,¡¯ Noidron took brief command, pointing at a pair of staff members, ¡®escort the applicants out of the glades and back to the college.¡¯Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

    They gave a brisk nod, readying themselves to shepherd the youths.

    Fortunately for Noidron, Fingal remained behind, a pillar of calm amidst the growing chaos. Had he charged off with the others, the situation might have actually spiralled out of control. He was amongst the few who managed to cast perfect teleportation spells.

    ¡®Fingal¡­good, you¡¯re here,¡¯ Noidron called out, his tone urgent.

    Fingal raised a hand, already anticipating the order. ¡®I know. I¡¯ll open the gateway right away.¡¯

    ¡®Good. Once everyone is safely through, follow after us,¡¯ he instructed firmly.

    Fingal nodded, moving swiftly to carry out the task as Noidron disappeared into the whitewood trees, following the others towards the spark¡¯s origin.

    Fingal stepped forward with practiced determination. Unlike the effortless motion of the professor, he raised his hands, performed a subtle wave, and then slapped his palms against the bark of a nearby tree. A crackling sound filled the air as the space before him began to distort, splitting apart with a ripping noise until a shimmering gateway appeared, its edges glowing faintly. Beyond the portal lay the familiar grounds of the college, exactly where they had last departed.

    ¡®Hurry up, everyone!¡¯ Fingal called, his voice strained as he held the passage open with his magick. Unlike the professor, Fingal had to actively channel his energy to maintain the spell, and the effort showed in the tightness of his expression.

    One of the staff members stepped through first, vanishing into the portal to ensure the path was safe. Moments later, he returned, ushering the applicants forward with urgency.

    The line began to move, applicants filing through one by one. A hundred or so terrified individuals shuffled forward, their fear and confusion palpable as they clutched their belongings. The staff members moved briskly, encouraging the stragglers to quicken their pace.

    ¡®Keep moving!¡¯ Fingal urged, his voice taut with exertion. The portal shimmered under the strain of his magick, and the faster they passed through, the sooner he could release the spell.

    As the last staff member stepped through, Fingal finally released the spell, the gateway collapsing with a soft crackle as the fabric of space stitched itself shut. He exhaled heavily, wiping sweat from his brow, the strain of maintaining the portal evident.

    Without missing a beat, the professor arrived, his usual jovial demeanour as lively as ever. ¡®Ah, splendid! Welcome back, everyone!¡¯ he announced, clapping his hands with enthusiasm. ¡®I trust your harvests were fruitful! I can already sense the energy of some fine successes amongst you.¡¯

    His eyes scanned the group, but his cheerful expression wavered briefly when he noticed the absence of several staff members. ¡®Hmm, where are the others? Noidron, Grahost, and the rest?¡¯

    One of the staff members gulped nervously before replying, ¡®They¡¯re¡­still in the glades, professor.¡¯

    The professor tilted his head but quickly waved it off. ¡®Ah, well! No doubt they¡¯re handling things with their usual diligence. Nothing to worry about!¡¯ His tone was confident as he refocused on the group. ¡®Now, onto the exciting part! It is my great pleasure to inform you all that, despite the late hour, the college shall officiate your admissions immediately!¡¯

    The room buzzed with relief and excitement. For Riniock, however, it was a bittersweet moment. The sooner this ceremony concluded, the better ¨C it would mean fewer prying eyes, fewer questions, and less time for anyone to piece together the events surrounding Odrean¡¯s demise.

    They were led into the castle¡¯s grand chamber, a sanctuary of warmth and comfort after the cold trials of the glades. The room was vast, its high ceilings adorned with banners bearing the college¡¯s crest. Columns stretched to the ceiling, their bases draped in rich tapestries. Floating candles cast a soft, golden glow, whilst a roaring fire in an immense hearth filled the chamber with soothing warmth. Thick, intricately woven carpets muffled their footsteps, adding to the sense of coziness.

    At the far end of the chamber, the professor took his place in a luxurious chair, a scroll hovering before him like a spectral ledger. ¡®Now then,¡¯ he began, his voice carrying authority tempered with excitement. ¡®When I call your name, step forward. You will surrender your wand and entry token, and present any beast materials you¡¯ve gathered to exchange for rewards!¡¯

    The gathered applicants were filled with excitement, eager to display the fruits of their labour. Conversations rippled through the room as participants compared their spoils, their anticipation palpable.

    All but one shared in this enthusiasm.

    Riniock stood silently amongst them, feigning disinterest whilst his thoughts churned. The professor''s announcement struck a chord far deeper than simple excitement. Instead, relief surged through him, subtle but undeniable, as he registered the significance of surrendering their wands and entry tokens.

    The moment those items were collected, any chance of tracing the spell cast on Odrean ¨C or identifying the possessor of his entry token ¨C would vanish. For Riniock, this was an unexpected stroke of fortune, cloaking his actions further in obscurity.

    His face remained unreadable, but inwardly, he allowed himself a moment to breathe.

 Applicants Turn Acolytes (2)

    The professor cleared his throat, adjusted his spectacles, and peered down at the ledger before him.

    ¡®Elitrea Actros!¡¯ he announced, his voice firm and resonating throughout the chamber.

    The room fell silent, all eyes scanning for the individual whose name had been called. For a moment, no one stepped forward.

    ¡®Elitrea Actros, please come forward,¡¯ the professor repeated.

    A soft gulp broke the tension, and a short, timid-looking woman hesitantly stepped out of the crowd. Her movements were slow and deliberate, her entire body trembling as if she¡¯d been drenched and left to freeze in the winds outside.

    ¡®Your wand, if you please,¡¯ the professor instructed, gesturing towards a crate nearby.

    Elitrea shuffled over, her footsteps almost inaudible against the stone floor. She reached the crate and, with visible reluctance, placed her oakwood wand inside.

    ¡®Your entry token as well,¡¯ the professor continued, motioning to a second crate. ¡®Leave that as well.¡¯

    Her hands fumbled briefly before she retrieved the token, depositing it with a quiet clink. The professor watched her with a neutral gaze, awaiting her compliance before turning his attention back to the process.

    ¡®Now, show me your harvest,¡¯ the professor said, leaning forward slightly. ¡®Whatever you wish to present, I will exchange for something of equal value. Mind you, to pass the admission, only a single offering is required.¡¯

    Elitrea hesitated, her face betraying her discomfort. Slowly, she reached into her bag and withdrew a modest bundle of feathers ¨C no more than five.

    The professor adjusted his spectacles and examined the offering. ¡®Hm, small but sufficient. Approved,¡¯ he remarked, scribbling a note in the ledger that likely read Pass. ¡®I will grant you 20 lunaris per feather.¡¯

    A murmur rippled through the crowd. For those who had been swindled by Urael and paid exorbitant sums for even one feather, the valuation was an added sting to their frustration.

    ¡®Trash harvests yield trash rewards,¡¯ one of Urael¡¯s lackeys whispered, their tone laced with mockery.

    Elitrea, however, seemed resigned to her fate. She accepted the coins silently, her expression a mixture of relief and embarrassment, and slipped back into the crowd, eager to fade from the spotlight.

    ¡®Next!¡¯ the professor called out sharply, his tone cutting through the rising chatter. ¡®Maro Bedlen, step forward!¡¯

    A man emerged confidently from the crowd, his movements brisk and assured. Without hesitation, he handed over his wand and token, placing them in the respective crates. He then carefully laid his materials on the counter before the professor.

    The professor examined the items with an approving nod. ¡®Ah! A topi¡¯s beak and a juvenile diallos¡¯ tail. Very good. Approved,¡¯ he declared, signing Maro¡¯s name in the ledger. ¡®Your rewards: a potion and a chunk of odh stone.¡¯

    Though the professor didn¡¯t elaborate on the nature of the odh stone, murmurs of recognition rippled through the crowd. Those familiar with such items understood its value, and even Riniock, though feigning disinterest, recognised its significance.

    Magick relied on the expansion of energy maegi called odh. Naturally, an odh stone, infused with latent reserves of this energy, could be consumed by a maegi to restore their own depleted reserves. It was a prized tool, especially for those who regularly engaged in demanding magickal practices.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

    Most of the gathered applicants knew the significance of an odh stone, but they were equally aware of its dual role as a trade commodity, often more valuable than silver or gold.

    ¡®Excuse me, professor,¡¯ Maro asked hesitantly, interrupting the silence. ¡®Could you tell me the properties of the potion?¡¯

    The professor¡¯s lips curled into a playful smile. ¡®Ah, I¡¯ll leave that for you to figure out. Consider it a challenge.¡¯

    Though visibly disappointed, Maro nodded, determined to uncover the potion¡¯s secrets himself.

    After Maro¡¯s evaluation, a procession of applicants followed. Their harvests varied, some meagre and some more impressive. Then, with a smug strut, Urael stepped forward. His collection was staggering: verdack feathers, topi beaks, falufrax tails, and more ¨C all pilfered from the less fortunate. His rewards were equally extravagant, enough to spark envy amongst the crowd.

    Those he had swindled watched with tight jaws as their own scant rewards ¨C a handful of lunaris ¨C were handed out. Meanwhile, the few Riniock had helped wore small, relieved smiles.

    Finally, it was Riniock¡¯s turn.

    ¡®Riniock Ev Tolgir!¡¯ the professor called out, his voice echoing through the chamber.

    An unusual silence fell over the crowd as his name was spoken. Heads turned, and murmurs quieted. From within the mass of applicants, Riniock emerged, his expression calm but purposeful.

    He handed over his wand and token without hesitation, clearly eager to be rid of them.

    ¡®Now then, let¡¯s see here¡­¡¯ the professor peered at Riniock¡¯s harvest, his expression turning to one of mild surprise. ¡®Well, well. Quite the assortment. It seems Mister Floderance isn¡¯t the only one with significant means in this cohort.¡¯

    The professor began listing items, his tone increasingly impressed. ¡®If my count is accurate, there are 109 verdack feathers. My word! That alone is worth over 2,000 lunaris!¡¯

    A ripple of whispers spread through the crowd.

    ¡®There¡¯s an intact topi ¨C very rare, indeed. That warrants an additional potion. And here we have...a falufrax tail, perfectly severed at the tip. Exceptional! That earns you a spell scroll.¡¯

    Then the professor froze, his gaze fixed on an item resting atop the pile. It was a large antler, flawless and unblemished.

    ¡®Mister Riniock,¡¯ the professor said, his tone suddenly more serious. ¡®Do you know what this is?¡¯

    ¡®I do,¡¯ Riniock replied confidently. ¡®It¡¯s the antler of a kezok.¡¯

    Gasps rippled through the room.

    ¡®Impressive. The kezok is an elusive beast. This material¡¯s value is extraordinary, and its applications in crafting are priceless.¡¯ The professor¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly. ¡®Are you certain you wish to offer it?¡¯

    ¡®I am,¡¯ Riniock replied, his voice steady.

    The professor nodded, respecting the decision. ¡®Very well. Since you are aware of its significance, there¡¯s no need for further discussion.¡¯

    Rising from his seat, the professor reached for his personal bag ¨C a relic of his own acolyte days. Unlike the applicants¡¯ simple pouches, this was a quasi-bottomless bag, capable of holding treasures beyond imagination.

    ¡®As recognition for your remarkable harvest, I¡¯ll grant you the rare privilege of choosing an item from my collection,¡¯ the professor announced. ¡®Whatever you pull from this bag will be yours to keep.¡¯

    ¡®Damn, lucky basterd,¡¯ someone muttered, the sentiment shared by many.

    Riniock approached the professor¡¯s bag without hesitation. ¡®Then I will not be polite, professor.¡¯ His hand plunged into the enchanted bag, fingers brushing against an array of mysterious objects. He explored carefully, letting instinct guide him.

    Satisfied at last, he closed his hand and withdrew it. Resting in his palm was a simple ring ¨C plain, unadorned, and entirely unremarkable in appearance.

    The professor leaned forward slightly, his face adopting a deliberately unimpressed expression. ¡®Well, it seems your luck has failed you this time,¡¯ he said with a note of disappointment.

    Riniock inclined his head politely, gathering the rest of his rewards before turning to leave. As he did, a voice resonated in his mind ¨C a calm, measured tone unmistakably belonging to the professor.

    ¡®This ring is quite useful. Use it well.¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s steps faltered for the briefest moment as he processed the meaning. The professor¡¯s feigned disappointment had been a deliberate act, shielding him from undue attention and possible envy from the others. Grateful for the gesture, Riniock resumed his stride, careful to show no outward reaction.

    Though he hadn¡¯t included the two dozen lidthrag fangs in his offering ¨C an intentional omission to avoid suspicion when Odrean¡¯s body was inevitably discovered ¨C this string of rewards far exceeded his expectations. And he also kept a kezok antler for himself.

    Once he was away from prying eyes, Riniock glanced at the ring in his hand, his curiosity piqued. The seemingly ordinary object now felt alive with potential, and he could hardly wait to uncover the secrets it held.

 Casualties of Greed

    Back in the glades, Hilida clung to survival, her breath ragged as the shadow of a great lidthrag loomed over her. The apex predator of the crimson glades had her cornered, and its presence was nothing short of a death sentence.

    She had sent up a red spark earlier, a desperate signal for reinforcements. Yet, the situation she now faced was beyond her understanding. What had begun as a routine attempt to track the signal of an applicant¡¯s entry token had brought her face to face with the lidthrag, a monster few lived to encounter.

    ¡®Where are they?¡¯ she whispered, her voice trembling as she ducked beneath a swipe of its claws. Her own spells flew in retaliation, but each one seemed to falter, lacking the power they should have possessed.

    Hilida¡¯s focus was fractured by the grotesque sight that hung before her: a headless corpse clamped firmly in the beast¡¯s jaws, its lifeblood dripping in sickening rivulets. Despite their clash, the lidthrag refused to release the macabre trophy, its determination unsettling.

    The sight of the mutilated body gnawed at her resolve. Her spells grew weaker, the gruesome image sapping her concentration. Still, she fought on, knowing full well escape was impossible. The lidthrag was far too swift for any human to outrun.

    And yet, in the back of her mind, a sliver of hope flickered. Reinforcements had to come soon ¨C if they didn¡¯t, her fate would be sealed.

    Footsteps rustled through the bushes, drawing Hilida¡¯s desperate gaze. Relief washed over her as she saw familiar figures emerging from the foliage.

    Jorian, her brother, was the first to arrive. Without hesitation, he clapped his hands together, unleashing a shockwave that forced the lidthrag to stagger back momentarily.

    ¡®Jorian!¡¯ Hilida cried, her voice trembling with a mix of relief and exhaustion.

    Within moments, Grahost and Illiar joined him, their expressions darkening as they took in the horrifying scene before them.

    ¡®Is that...the missing applicant?¡¯ Grahost asked, his voice unsteady as he stared at the headless body dangling from the beast¡¯s jaws.

    Illiar glanced at his compass, his face pale. ¡®There¡¯s no other explanation,¡¯ he confirmed grimly, pointing towards the lidthrag. ¡®The token¡¯s signal is coming from there.¡¯

    The air grew heavy with the realization. They hadn¡¯t just found a beast ¨C they had uncovered a sinister clue tied to the grim fate of the applicant.

    Hilida¡¯s eyes darted around, searching frantically. ¡®Where¡¯s Noidron?¡¯ she asked, her voice edged with panic.

    ¡®Sister¡­¡¯ Jorian snapped, his tone firm yet strained. ¡®Worry about yourself for now.¡¯

    Grahost stepped forward, shielding them both with a resolute glare. ¡®Stay back and relax. We¡¯ll handle this.¡¯

    The siblings reluctantly retreated as the remaining staff members ¨C six in total, excluding Noidron and Fingal ¨C closed ranks to confront the lidthrag. Their hands rose in unison, channelling the raw power of seasoned maegi.

    Unlike novices, full-fledged maegi drew directly from their own reserves of magickal energy, their focus sharpened by years of practice. Whilst wands served as useful amplifiers for emergency situations, they were unnecessary luxuries for them.

    The lidthrag acted first, its predatory instincts razor-sharp. It lunged towards Illiar, its massive paw poised to strike. Illiar barely managed to react, conjuring a shimmering barrier just in time to deflect the blow. But the beast, undeterred, used the momentum to pivot mid-air, targeting another staff member.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

    Before anyone could intervene, the lidthrag changed direction once more, pouncing on Grahost. Its claws slashed deep, sending the maegi crashing into the bushes, bleeding heavily.

    ¡®Leave him alone!¡¯ Illiar shouted, thrusting his hands forward. A beam of radiant blue energy surged from his fingertips, lighting up the glade with an ethereal glow. The lidthrag recoiled, but its aggression didn¡¯t wane.

    The other maegi launched their counterattack in concert. One summoned a torrent of energy, another conjured jagged spears of ice, and two others unleashed flames that danced wildly in the darkened glade. The spells struck the great lidthrag in quick succession, driving it back but failing to fully subdue it.

    Even wounded, the lidthrag¡¯s resolve was unshaken. Its jaws clenched tighter around the lifeless body it carried, blood dripping onto the crimson grass. Then, with terrifying speed, it shifted its focus to Hilida and Jorian, sensing an opportunity to secure another kill.

    ¡®Jorian, watch out!¡¯ Illiar shouted, but his warning came a fraction too late.

    The white-furred predator closed in, death looming over the siblings. Just as its claws reached for them, a figure erupted from the thickets ¨C a maegi whose fists crackled with electrified magick.

    Planting himself between the beast and the siblings, the newcomer struck with precision, slamming his charged fists into the lidthrag¡¯s throat. Sparks erupted, coursing through the creature¡¯s body, its fur standing on end as agony rippled through it.

    The beast¡¯s jaw finally went slack, and the mangled corpse it held tumbled to the blood-soaked grass below.

    The great lidthrag whimpered, its ferocity extinguished by pain and exhaustion, and disappeared into the dense shadows of the glades.

    Illiar prepared to give chase, his magick coiling at his fingertips, but Noidron stepped in, his commanding presence halting the younger maegi.

    ¡®Leave it,¡¯ Noidron said firmly, his voice tinged with authority. ¡®We¡¯ve more urgent matters to address.¡¯

    Illiar hesitated, but one look at the grim scene around him made him relent. Grahost lay slumped against a tree, his injuries grave and his breaths laboured. Hilida knelt nearby, still trembling and clutching at her robes, her breaths shallow as she tried to recover from the ordeal. But most alarming of all was the mutilated corpse of the missing applicant, Odrean, lying in a grotesque heap amidst the blood-soaked grass.

    Noidron approached the mangled body, kneeling by the remains. He let out a heavy sigh. ¡®What bad luck. To encounter a monster like this ¨C it¡¯s a tragedy.¡¯

    The corpse was barely identifiable, its flesh torn and shredded, marked by deep gashes and savage bite marks. The head, of course, was gone entirely, leaving behind a grisly stump.

    Jorian, ensuring that Hilida was stable and no longer in immediate danger, stood and joined Noidron by the corpse.

    ¡®We should cover him up and return to the college,¡¯ Noidron announced, his tone carrying a note of finality.

    Jorian nodded but found his gaze drawn to the wounds. Something about them struck him as odd. Kneeling closer, he carefully examined the injuries. Amidst the lidthrag-inflicted damage, he noticed peculiar inconsistencies ¨C lacerations and punctures that seemed too precise, too deliberate to be the work of a wild beast.

    He straightened and began surveying the surrounding area. His eyes fell on the corpse of another lidthrag impaled by a frozen spire, its fur steaming faintly as the ice melted. He crouched by it, inspecting the body. The claws on all of its paws were missing, crudely severed.

    ¡®Someone¡¯s been here,¡¯ Jorian muttered, his voice low as he continued his search.

    Nearby, he found a patch of darkened, dried blood staining the earth. It seemed older than the blood around Odrean''s body. Beside the stain, half-buried in the dirt, lay a dagger. The weapon¡¯s blade was smeared with dried blood.

    ¡®This doesn¡¯t add up,¡¯ Jorian thought, gripping the dagger. He turned it over in his hands, studying its craftsmanship. The blade seemed more suited for combat than hunting ¨C a weapon meant for precision and lethality.

    He glanced back at Odrean¡¯s corpse, piecing together the fragments of evidence. The lidthrag was responsible for some of the injuries, undoubtedly. But others? They hinted at human intervention.

    ¡®I should keep this to myself until I¡¯m certain,¡¯ Jorian resolved, pocketing the dagger.

    His thoughts were interrupted by Noidron¡¯s voice. ¡®Jorian! Fingal is here. Let¡¯s return.¡¯

    Jorian turned to see Fingal emerging from the shadows, his expression tense but relieved. With a final glance at the bloodied clearing, Jorian joined the others.

    As the group prepared to leave, the mystery of Odrean¡¯s death lingered in Jorian¡¯s mind ¨C a dark puzzle waiting to be solved.

 Open Doors

    A shimmering gateway tore through the air within the college hall, releasing Noidron and the rest of the staff as they stepped through. Fingal followed closely behind, sealing the portal with a flick of his hand, the arcane energy dissipating in a ripple of light.

    Inside the chamber, the professor stood amidst the applicants ¨C now newly-minted acolytes ¨C calling out the final names on his list. Noidron cleared his throat to interrupt, but the professor waved him off with an impatient gesture, intent on finishing his task.

    ¡®Lorean Zerosh!¡¯

    A young man emerged from the crowd, moving with the practiced ease of someone who had prepared for this moment. He handed over his wand and token, offered his gathered materials for inspection, and graciously accepted his reward before slipping back into the crowd.

    The professor glanced at the parchment, a smile of satisfaction playing on his face as he called the final name on the list.

    ¡®Odrean Zigo! Step forward!¡¯ His voice carried a note of relief, eager to conclude the ceremony.

    But no one came forward. The hall grew heavy with silence, the atmosphere tense as the professor¡¯s gaze swept the crowd.

    ¡®Odrean Zigo?¡¯ he repeated, lowering his spectacles and peering over them at the assembled youths.

    Urael and his cronies exchanged puzzled looks. With the staff¡¯s return, they had expected Odrean to be amongst them, the only applicant unaccounted for earlier.

    ¡®Odrean Zigo?¡¯ the professor called a third time, his voice firmer but tinged with confusion.

    From the corner of the room, Noidron stepped forward and spoke in a quiet tone, his words intended only for the professor. ¡®Professor¡­¡¯

    Unfortunately, his attempt at discretion failed. The chamber¡¯s attention shifted to him, every acolyte and staff member now hanging on his words.

    ¡®About the applicant¡­¡¯ Noidron began, his expression darkening as he hesitated.

    Eyes in the hall shifted to the object Noidron held, its odd shape wrapped in a white cloth stained with unsettling smears of red.

    The professor turned to him, his jovial expression slipping into one of concern. ¡®What about the applicant?¡¯ he asked, his brows knitting as his spectacles slid to the tip of his nose. He studied Noidron¡¯s sombre expression with a piercing gaze. ¡®Well, out with it,¡¯ he pressed, his tone impatient.

    Noidron hesitated, carefully choosing his words. ¡®During the trials, the applicant, Odrean Zigo, encountered¡­ misfortune,¡¯ he said slowly, each word laced with caution. ¡®We recovered his remains in the glades.¡¯

    The professor leaned back in his chair, stroking his hairless chin as the news sank in. ¡®The cause?¡¯

    ¡®A great lidthrag,¡¯ Noidron replied swiftly.

    Jorian¡¯s jaw tightened as he glanced at Noidron, clearly weighing whether to voice his doubts. At the same time, Riniock¡¯s eyes widened with surprise.

    The revelation sent a ripple through the hall. Gasps broke the silence, some acolytes stepping back in shock, whilst others whispered nervously amongst themselves. Urael and his entourage exchanged uneasy glances, their bravado dimmed by the grim news.

    The professor¡¯s response, however, was calm and measured. ¡®If that¡¯s all, there¡¯s no need for such apprehension.¡¯

    ¡®Pardon?¡¯ Noidron¡¯s voice cracked slightly. ¡®An applicant died under my watch, professor.¡¯This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.

    ¡®And that applicant was warned of the dangers, just like everyone else here,¡¯ the professor said sharply, gesturing towards the gathered acolytes. His voice carried an edge of stern authority. ¡®Let this be a lesson to you all. In Gorlea, unless you become maegi of exceptional skill and worth, your death holds no significance to us.¡¯

    The hall fell into an uneasy silence. The weight of Odrean¡¯s death loomed heavily over the newly minted acolytes, a chilling reminder of the dangers they faced. Disheartened expressions were visible on nearly every face.

    But amidst the tension, one person remained unshaken ¨C Riniock. Outwardly calm, he stood still, but his heart thudded with an uncontrolled relief.

    They don¡¯t suspect anything, he thought, almost giddy with the knowledge. They truly believed it was the lidthrag who did it.

    Whilst he found solace in escaping suspicion this time, a nagging awareness crept in. He had been careless, leaving room for doubt. It was a lesson he would not forget: next time, there could be no room for error.

    ¡®Glad we''re finally done with this,¡¯ the old man muttered as he slumped back in his chair, seemingly oblivious to the heavy atmosphere still lingering in the hall.

    The room remained awkwardly still. Both the new acolytes and the staff exchanged uncertain glances, unsure of what to do next.

    ¡®Professor,¡¯ Noidron ventured with a polite cough.

    The old man raised his head lazily, finally noticing the cluster of expectant faces. ¡®What is it now?¡¯

    ¡®The acolytes, professor,¡¯ Noidron prompted.

    The professor blinked, then waved a dismissive hand. ¡®Oh, right. Take them to their dormitories. They¡¯ve got classes to attend tomorrow.¡¯

    With that, the acolytes began to disperse, following their designated chaperones out of the hall. Some walked in silence, still shaken, whilst others whispered quietly about the events that had just unfolded.

    As the last of them exited, Noidron remained behind, shifting uncomfortably on his feet.

    ¡®What are you still doing here, Noidron?¡¯ the professor asked, glancing at him with mild irritation.

    Noidron hesitated before responding. ¡®What should I do about...about him?¡¯

    ¡®The Zigo boy?¡¯ The professor adjusted his spectacles, his tone casual and unbothered. ¡®Contact his family, what else?¡¯

    Noidron swallowed hard, nodding stiffly before turning to leave. The weight of his responsibility bore down heavily on him, but the professor seemed unfazed, already reaching for a ledger to scribble notes about the day''s proceedings.

    Outside the grand hall, the towering doors of the inner college finally creaked open, revealing a sight that many of the acolytes had only dared to dream of. For most, this moment was the culmination of their aspirations ¨C a tangible step into a world of opportunity.

    Eager and weary in equal measure, the acolytes poured through the threshold, bustling to locate their assigned dormitories. After a gruelling day in the glades, the thought of rest seemed almost too good to be true.

    The dormitories, however, quickly tempered their enthusiasm. The accommodations were rudimentary at best: vast, shared quarters divided strictly by gender. Rows of simple wooden bunks stretched wall to wall, and the amenities provided were meagre, if not outright cruel.

    It was a jarring contrast to the grandeur of the college''s outer halls, but the design was intentional. Freshly admitted acolytes were given the least favourable living conditions ¨C a deliberate policy of both discouragement and motivation. Those who wished to escape the crowded rooms and limited resources would need to excel, climbing the ranks to earn better privileges and personal quarters.

    For now, though, exhaustion trumped discomfort. The acolytes begrudgingly settled in, some unpacking hastily whilst others slumped onto their bunks, too tired to care. Whispers floated through the room ¨C conversations about their trials in the glades, the rewards they¡¯d earned, and the shadow of Odrean¡¯s death that still loomed over their arrival.

    Riniock, however, silently took his place on one of the corner bunks, his mind elsewhere. Whilst the others saw the dorms as a stepping stone, he saw them as a temporary refuge ¨C one he intended to use to its fullest advantage.

    Unlike many of the posh, privileged youths now grumbling about the cramped quarters and minimal comforts, Riniock was no stranger to such conditions. Despite hailing from a respected household, he had once experienced a period of similar austerity ¨C an event that had taught him resilience and adaptability amongst many other qualities.

    ¡®This will be easier to cope with than I thought,¡¯ he mused, reclining atop the thin sheets of his assigned bunk. His gaze drifted to the dim, flickering lanterns that barely illuminated the dormitory, their soft glow casting long shadows across the room.

    Now that he was here, there was no room for complacency. Resting his hands behind his head, Riniock stared at the wooden ceiling above, his mind already formulating plans. ¡®From tomorrow onwards, I cannot allow myself respite. I¡¯ll work myself to the bone if I must.¡¯

    He knew the path forward would be gruelling ¨C filled with challenges, competition, and danger. But this was a step closer to his true goals, and he was determined to seize every opportunity the college had to offer.

 Morning Routine

    The sun had risen, and Riniock long before it. He sat at the edge of his bed, gazing aimlessly at his hands, as though expecting something to materialise within them. Waking early had always been a habit of his ¨C a muscle memory forged in the crucible of bitter days past. Memories of harsh mornings crept into his mind like unwelcome guests. Even during times when exhaustion left his legs numb, his body had always willed him awake moments before the first light breached the horizon.

    This morning was no different. The dormitory was quiet, save for the muffled snores and occasional rustling of bedding.

    Then the door burst open.

    A puff of smoke billowed in, tinged with the faint crackle of magick. The abrupt intrusion jolted many from their slumber. Some shot upright, startled and blinking against the dim light. Others, still lost in the fog of sleep, remained under their covers ¨C but not for long.

    A man and a woman stormed into the dormitory, their expressions sharp and unforgiving.

    ¡®Get up, you lousy shits!¡¯ the woman barked, her voice a blade that cut through the air and pierced the ears of everyone present.

    Riniock had already risen and was standing near his bed, sensing the threat before it fully manifested. He watched as the woman raised her foot, a faint glow of energy gathering around her as she slammed it against the floorboards.

    A shockwave rippled outward, and those still lying in their beds were hurled into the air, crashing against the ceiling. An unseen force held them there, pinning them as if gravity itself had betrayed them.

    The room filled with groans and panicked cries, the oppressive pressure keeping them immobilised. Riniock stood unscathed, his quick reflexes sparing him from the humiliating fate that befell his peers.

    The woman¡¯s smirk widened as she surveyed the chaos she had caused. ¡®Lesson one: punctuality. If you¡¯re not up when the sun is, you¡¯ll answer to me.¡¯

    Her grip on the invisible force loosened, and the acolytes crashed down onto their beds in a series of muffled thuds. Remarkably, despite the commotion, neither the beds nor the room''s furnishings bore a single scratch.

    Riniock, standing amidst the chaos, murmured under his breath, ¡®Amazing control¡­¡¯ His words were laced with genuine awe, his gaze fixed on the woman who had orchestrated the spectacle.

    Her head twisted sharply towards him, as if she''d heard his quiet admiration. For a moment, her piercing eyes locked on him, sizing him up. She didn¡¯t say a word, but her lips curved into a sly smile, a look that hinted at acknowledgment.

    Without another word, the woman turned on her heel and strode out of the dormitory, leaving the room in stunned silence. The man, however, stayed behind, his stern expression making it clear he had no intention of leaving anytime soon.

    Moments later, a similar ruckus echoed from the adjacent room, where the female acolytes were housed. The faint sound of muffled shouts and the telltale crash of bodies colliding with the ceiling confirmed that the same ordeal was playing out next door.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    Riniock glanced in the direction of the commotion before settling back into his place, bracing himself for whatever was coming next. It was clear: this was no ordinary college, and these instructors were no ordinary teachers.

    The man at the door motioned with his hands, gesturing for everyone to file out. ¡®Follow me,¡¯ he instructed, his tone quiet but carrying an undeniable authority. Compared to the woman¡¯s earlier fiery temperament, he seemed far calmer, though his stern demeanor left no room for defiance.

    Fearful of experiencing another display of magickal prowess ¨C or worse ¨C every acolyte hurried to comply. There was no hesitation as they scrambled to form a line behind him, their footsteps echoing in the stillness of the dormitory hallway.

    Riniock followed suit, his thoughts racing. His jaw tightened in resolve as he fell into step with the others.

    The man halted in the centre of the corridor, his piercing gaze sweeping over the group of acolytes. His presence was suffocating, a weight of authority that pressed down on each of them.

    ¡®I am to be your guide for as long as you remain worthless acolytes,¡¯ he began, his tone cold and unyielding. ¡®Should you die, I wouldn¡¯t care. Should you surpass being acolytes, I still wouldn¡¯t care. What matters to me is strength. Nothing more, nothing less.¡¯

    The acolytes shifted uncomfortably, some glancing nervously at one another.

    ¡®Do not bother asking for my name,¡¯ he continued, his voice sharp as steel. ¡®For I have no intention of learning yours. You will address me as Sir, or not at all. Am I understood?¡¯

    ¡®Yes, sir,¡¯ the group chorused, their voices a mixture of fear and resignation, some louder than others in their attempt to mask trepidation.

    Riniock said nothing more than necessary, though his sharp eyes assessed the man with guarded curiosity. This was no ordinary guide. His approach was ruthless ¨C perhaps a reflection of the trials that lay ahead.

    ¡®Now be on your way to your first lesson,¡¯ the man commanded, clapping his hands sharply. ¡®You are expected in Magickal Theorum. This way!¡¯

    The acolytes followed him in a hurried shuffle, eager to avoid further confrontation. In no time, they were ushered into a classroom and seated, waiting for the teacher to arrive.

    The room itself exuded an air of studious comfort. It was tiered like an amphitheatre, the seats arranged on an incline to provide every student with an unobstructed view of the teacher''s domain. The desk at the front was modest but well-used, flanked by towering blackboards that stretched high up towards the ceiling ¨C several coigns above.

    To one side of the room, an impressive collection of books sat neatly arranged in rows, their spines forming a gradient of colours. The sight of such an expansive library was both inspiring and intimidating, a silent reminder of the vast knowledge they were expected to absorb.

    Riniock claimed the seat closest to the front, eager to make the most of his lessons. He had no intention of blending in with the rowdier or less serious students. The pursuit of magickal mastery, he knew, was not a journey that could be completed solely through lectures or classrooms but it was an important step nonetheless. It required initiative, curiosity, and an unrelenting drive to learn beyond what was taught.

    The teacher emerged from a concealed doorway hidden within one of the back walls, his arrival seamless and almost theatrical.

    He was strikingly youthful for someone in the college ¨C a stark contrast to the grim and rigid demeanour of most others they had encountered. His presence exuded energy, his movements smooth and confident as he strode to the centre of the stage, commanding the room effortlessly.

    With a warm, almost infectious smile, he clapped his hands lightly, drawing the attention of even the most distracted acolytes.

    ¡®Good morning, acolytes,¡¯ he began, his voice bright and clear, resonating across the tiered classroom. ¡®Welcome to Magickal Theorum. I am Professor Gieller, and I trust you¡¯ll all work diligently alongside me.¡¯

    The tone of his introduction was light, almost casual, but the subtle intensity in his eyes hinted that he expected nothing short of their utmost effort. For the first time since arriving at the college, some of the acolytes felt a flicker of something new ¨C hope.

 Learning of Odh (1)

    Professor Gieller strode confidently towards the acolytes, his long, overhung coat billowing behind him. As he moved, the coat briefly shifted, revealing a surprising sight: his left leg was missing, replaced by a sleek, intricate metal prosthesis that gleamed faintly in the light.

    Some of the acolytes gasped, startled by the sight. Others exchanged uneasy glances, their reactions a mixture of shock and curiosity.

    Riniock, however, did not flinch. His gaze fixed on the prosthesis, studying it intently with a glimmer of fascination.

    Gieller stopped beside Riniock, leaning casually against the desk in front of him. The proximity made the professor¡¯s presence even more commanding.

    ¡®In my class,¡¯ Gieller began, his voice calm yet vibrant, ¡®you will primarily focus on theory. We will unravel the fundamental truths of magick. What is magick? What is odh? And what, precisely, is daur? These are not trivial questions, but the very foundation upon which we, as maegi, must construct our understanding and purpose.¡¯

    His tone was authoritative yet inviting, urging them to think critically whilst making the esoteric subjects sound like the most exciting mysteries to be uncovered.

    ¡®I¡¯m fairly certain none of you would be here if you didn¡¯t already know something about magick,¡¯ Professor Gieller began, his voice laced with good-natured humour. ¡®But let¡¯s see if we can dig a little deeper. Who can tell me ¨C what is odh?¡¯

    The classroom fell into a hush, the weight of the question settling over the acolytes like a heavy mist. Gieller¡¯s gaze swept across the room, his cheerful smile undimmed by the silence. He seemed perfectly content to wait, letting the question hang in the air until someone dared to answer.

    Finally, a hand shot up from the back corner of the room.

    ¡®Ah! Excellent. The gentleman in the back,¡¯ Gieller said, pointing with theatrical enthusiasm. ¡®Please stand and tell us your name.¡¯

    The acolyte hesitated for a moment before pushing himself to his feet. ¡®Niann Nodahr,¡¯ he said, his voice slightly shaky.

    ¡®Good, Mr. Nodahr,¡¯ Gieller replied, rubbing his hands together as though preparing for a feast of ideas. ¡®Would you care to enlighten us?¡¯

    Niann nodded, swallowing nervously. ¡®Odh is the foundation of all magickal practices,¡¯ he began. ¡®It¡¯s the essence that maegi use to shape magick, create miracles, and achieve the impossible.¡¯

    Gieller tilted his head, a glimmer of approval mixed with a hint of mischief in his eyes. ¡®A fine answer, Mr. Nodahr ¨C textbook accurate, no less. But I was hoping for something a bit more¡­original.¡¯

    Niann shifted uncomfortably on his feet, glancing nervously around the room. ¡®Uh, well¡­odh is¡­energy? Something that flows through all living thing?¡¯

    Gieller¡¯s eyes sparkled with amusement. ¡®Closer. Much closer. But still not quite there.¡¯

    He gestured for the acolyte to sit down, his prosthetic leg clicking faintly as he stepped forward to address the whole class.

    ¡®Odh,¡¯ he began, pacing along the front row, ¡®is more than just energy or essence. It¡¯s not something that merely flows through you. Odh is a bond, a connection between the self and the infinite ¨C the world.¡¯Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!

    He stopped mid-stride and turned, making deliberate eye contact with several students, his voice dropping slightly as if sharing a secret. ¡®It¡¯s the thread that binds us to the very fabric of existence. To wield odh is not simply to harness power but to understand ¨C and align yourself with ¨C its rhythm. To force your will upon it without understanding? That¡¯s not magick. That¡¯s destruction!¡¯

    Gieller let the weight of his words linger before continuing, his tone lightening. ¡®Now, this ¡°textbook definition¡± isn¡¯t wrong. Odh is the foundation of magickal practice. But to grasp its true nature, you¡¯ll need to move beyond what¡¯s written and discover what it means to you personally.¡¯

    Professor Gieller turned towards his desk with a dramatic flourish, snapping his fingers. The desk slid across the floor as if pulled by an invisible force, stopping just short of his position.

    Atop it sat a peculiar box, its surface gleaming with intricate metal locks and arcane etchings.

    ¡®For this very reason, I¡¯ve brought a special item with me today,¡¯ Gieller announced, his voice brimming with excitement. ¡®Normally, I¡¯d wait until next trimester for this, but sometimes, you have to trust your instincts.¡¯

    He carefully undid the locks, each mechanism clicking open with precision. The lid sprang upward with a hiss, as if it had been under tension for ages. From within, a radiant sphere of light floated free, casting a soft, mesmerizing glow around the desk.

    ¡®An odh node!¡¯ Riniock exclaimed, his eyes widening as a familiar sensation washed over him ¨C a reminder of the elusive energy he had sensed in the college¡¯s antechamber the previous day.

    Gieller¡¯s head snapped towards him, a grin spreading across his face. ¡®Perceptive, mister...?¡¯

    ¡®Riniock, sir. Riniock Ev Tolgir.¡¯

    ¡®Well, Mr. Tolgir, you are absolutely correct. This is indeed an odh node,¡¯ the professor confirmed. With a slight motion of his hands, the node drifted closer, hovering between his outstretched palms.

    ¡®I¡¯m not going to lecture you about this just yet,¡¯ Gieller continued, his voice taking on a playful tone. ¡®Instead, I want you to observe. Study it closely, and note any peculiarities you can detect.¡¯ He gestured to a small hourglass on his desk. ¡®To keep things fair, each row of acolytes will take turns examining the node. You¡¯ll have until all the sand in this hourglass runs through.¡¯

    The first row, including Riniock, rose from their seats and approached the glowing sphere.

    ¡®Please, keep it orderly,¡¯ Gieller said, clapping his hands as the group shuffled forward. ¡®No need to shove ¨C there¡¯s plenty magick for everyone.¡¯

    The acolytes gathered around the odh node, their eyes fixed on its ethereal glow. With paper and quill in hand, they scribbled observations as quickly as they came to mind, some furrowing their brows in concentration, others nervously glancing at their peers.

    As expected, Niann was already deep into his work, his quill gliding effortlessly across the parchment. Halfway through his roll, the meticulous acolyte seemed entirely in his element.

    ¡®Nerd¡­¡¯ a few murmured, their tones tinged with envy as they glanced at Niann¡¯s progress.

    Riniock, unfazed by the whispers, focused intently on the node. His prior readings on such phenomena gave him an edge over most of his peers. He tilted his head, studying the shifting hues and faint patterns within the glowing sphere.

    ¡®There¡¯s this¡­¡¯ he muttered under his breath, jotting something down. ¡®And that as well. Oh, it¡¯s this colour, so it must mean¡­¡¯ His voice trailed off as he lost himself in thought, connecting fragments of theory with the evidence before him.

    Each moment with the node revealed new intricacies, and for Riniock, the puzzle it presented was more fascinating than daunting.

    ¡®Very well. Time is up,¡¯ Professor Gieller announced, snapping his fingers to turn the hourglass. ¡®Second row, please step forward to examine the node.¡¯

    The acolytes from the second row rose hesitantly, shuffling towards the professor and the glowing sphere.

    ¡®In the meantime,¡¯ Gieller continued, addressing those who remained seated, ¡®don¡¯t just sit idly. Even from a distance, observing the node can be valuable. The slightest glance could reveal something others miss.¡¯ He paused, letting his words sink in. ¡®All of you would do well to remember that!¡¯

    His tone carried a mix of encouragement and subtle challenge, sparking renewed focus amongst the acolytes. Some leaned forward, their eyes narrowing as they tried to discern any peculiarities in the odh node''s glow from afar. Others scribbled frantic notes, hoping to capture every last impression before their turn.

 Learning of Odh (2)

    By the time the lesson''s allotted time had passed, every row had had their turn to examine the odh node up close.

    ¡®I trust everyone got a good look at the odh node,¡¯ Professor Gieller said, glancing at the large timepiece on the wall. ¡®Now, I know it¡¯s your first day and your first lesson, but I¡¯ve gone ahead and prepared an assignment for you.¡¯

    A chorus of groans erupted from the class.

    ¡®Come on, professor¡­¡¯ one acolyte muttered, joined by others expressing their discontent.

    Gieller raised a hand, his tone still as warm and composed as ever. ¡®I know, I know. Believe me, I¡¯m a little disappointed in myself too. But hear me out ¨C let me explain the assignment first. Then we¡¯ll leave the subject open for debate. Fair enough?¡¯

    The acolytes exchanged surprised glances. A teacher bargaining over an assignment? It was unheard of. After a moment¡¯s hesitation, even the complainers nodded.

    ¡®Excellent.¡¯ Gieller smiled, snapping his fingers to command the odh node back into its box. The glowing sphere obeyed, floating into place before the locks twisted shut with a satisfying click.

    ¡®This observation exercise wasn¡¯t just for show,¡¯ Gieller continued. ¡®I want each of you to research and identify the type of node you studied today. Its unique characteristics and relevant details are outlined in this sheet.¡¯

    As if by magic ¨C though it clearly was ¨C individual sheets of parchment appeared on each acolyte¡¯s desk. The pages were immaculately prepared, with neatly written questions and spaces for answers.

    ¡®Today is Lodal,¡¯ Gieller said. ¡®You have until Sahadal ¨C four days from now ¨C to submit your completed papers. To sweeten the deal, the first five students to submit accurate and thorough assignments will earn the opportunity to harness the energy of this node and refine it under my supervision and that of Professor Rhetrick.¡¯

    The promise of direct interaction with the node silenced most of the protests, replacing them with murmurs of intrigue and determination. Some acolytes immediately began skimming the questions on their parchment, whilst others whispered excitedly about the prize.

    ¡®In that spirit, this lesson and its reward will be worked in tandem with another lesson. Well then,¡¯ Gieller said, clapping his hands. ¡®Any further questions?¡¯

    A few acolytes posed the usual questions ¨C clarifications about the assignment¡¯s scope and submission process. After addressing them, Professor Gieller noted the room''s growing silence and dismissed the class.

    The acolytes spilled into the halls, forming small groups as they chatted about the assignment and various other topics. Urael and his group stood out, their cocky demeanour unmistakable as they shoved past others. On their way out, they deliberately knocked into Niann, sending him sprawling to the ground. Without so much as a backward glance, they disappeared down the corridor, laughing amongst themselves.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Riniock lingered in the classroom, one of the last to leave. Excitement painted his face, his thoughts consumed by the task ahead. The prospect of completing the assignment and earning the chance to interact with an odh node filled him with a sense of purpose. All he had to do was answer the questions accurately and be amongst the first five to submit.

    Whilst he mulled over strategies, someone approached him unnoticed. Fortunately, their intentions seemed benign.

    ¡®Uhm...excuse me,¡¯ a voice called from behind.

    Riniock turned, finding himself face-to-face with Niann.

    ¡®Riniock, right?¡¯ the boy asked, his tone polite yet hesitant.

    ¡®That¡¯s me,¡¯ Riniock replied, curious.

    ¡®I¡¯m Niann Nodahr,¡¯ he introduced himself, adjusting his posture slightly. ¡®I remember your name from the hall earlier. Might I have a moment of your time?¡¯

    Riniock glanced around briefly before responding. ¡®I don¡¯t see why not. What¡¯s on your mind?¡¯

    ¡®Thank you,¡¯ Niann began, his voice tinged with relief. ¡®I don¡¯t know if you¡¯ve noticed, but I seem to be Urael¡¯s favourite target. Just today, he¡¯s accosted me three times. I can¡¯t focus, and walking around without looking over my shoulder feels impossible.¡¯

    Riniock raised an eyebrow, clearly puzzled. ¡®And what does any of that have to do with me?¡¯

    Niann hesitated for a moment, then pressed on. ¡®Well, if the rumours about your exploits in the glades hold any truth, I thought I might ask for your help.¡¯

    ¡®My help?¡¯ Riniock snorted in disbelief.

    ¡®You seem capable,¡¯ Niann replied, undeterred. ¡®And unlike me, you don¡¯t seem to fear Urael. I¡¯m more of a scholar than a fighter, and ¨C¡¯

    ¡®And what¡¯s in it for me?¡¯ Riniock interrupted, his tone sceptical.

    ¡®I could help you with the assignment,¡¯ Niann proposed. ¡®We could partner up.¡¯

    Riniock chuckled, a faint smirk forming. ¡®What makes you think I need any help? I¡¯m more than capable of doing the research on my own.¡¯

    ¡®No doubt¡­¡¯ Niann sighed, clearly growing desperate as he racked his brain for an alternative. ¡®Is there anything I can offer you that might change your mind?¡¯

    Riniock crossed his arms, contemplating. He wasn¡¯t one to waste time on fruitless endeavours, but an opportunity sparked an idea. ¡®I¡¯ve heard that access to the library is monitored and extremely restricted for acolytes ¨C two entries a week, isn¡¯t it?¡¯

    Niann nodded cautiously.

    ¡®If I¡¯m going to help you, I want one of your entries as compensation,¡¯ Riniock stated firmly.

    ¡®That ¨C¡¯ Niann hesitated, clearly reluctant. He glanced away, weighing his options.

    ¡®What say you?¡¯ Riniock pressed, his tone leaving little room for indecision.

    Niann exhaled sharply. ¡®Oh, alright. You can have my access to the library.¡¯

    ¡®Good,¡¯ Riniock said with a small smirk. ¡®Now you¡¯ve got yourself a deal.¡¯

    Visiting the library in Gorlea was considered one of the most rewarding activities available to acolytes. The vast wealth of knowledge housed within its walls was an opportunity too valuable to overlook.

    Earlier that morning, before class, the man who had escorted them had explained the rules surrounding such privileges. Access to the library was granted only twice a week and required written permissions, which were distributed at the beginning of each month.

    With this new arrangement in place, however, Riniock now had the potential to visit the library three times a week ¨C one more time than any of his peers. It was a small but meaningful advantage, and in a place as competitive as Gorlea, every edge counted.

    ¡®Can I count on your protection then?¡¯ Niann asked again, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

    Riniock gave a confident nod. ¡®You need not worry,¡¯ he said firmly. ¡®Urael is nothing if not predictable.¡¯

    Niann¡¯s shoulders relaxed slightly, though the tension in his eyes lingered. It was clear he wasn¡¯t entirely convinced, but this small assurance was better than none. For now, he would have to trust in Riniock¡¯s confidence and resourcefulness.

    ¡®Shall we head to the next lesson, then?¡¯ Riniock asked, already turning towards the hallway.

    Niann adjusted his robes and gave a slight nod. ¡®Lead the way.¡¯

 Harnessing & Refining

    The two began making their way through the bustling corridors of the college, navigating the chatter and movement of other acolytes. Despite the crowd, an unspoken understanding settled between them ¨C an unlikely partnership forged out of necessity.

    The benefits of their partnership were already evident. As they walked past Urael¡¯s group, the menacing bunch glared with disdain, their hostility barely concealed. But with Riniock by his side, Niann knew they wouldn¡¯t dare act out like before.

    ¡®It¡¯s already working,¡¯ Niann whispered, relief in his voice.

    Riniock smirked. ¡®Of course it is. Now, what¡¯s our next class?¡¯

    ¡®Magick and Mechanics, I believe,¡¯ Niann replied, glancing ahead. He gestured towards a stern-looking senior maegi standing near the classroom entrance, his sharp eyes surveying the gathering acolytes.

    ¡®Looks like this where we should head to,¡¯ Riniock remarked, squaring his shoulders as they approached.

    This classroom bore little resemblance to the previous one. Gone were the rows of wooden seats and rigid structure. Instead, hexagonal rugs spread across the floor, each adorned with plush, inviting pillows for the acolytes to sit on. The usual layout of a teacher¡¯s desk at the front was abandoned in favour of a circular design, with the stage placed directly at the centre of the room.

    The walls curved around them, lined with shelves overflowing with ancient tomes, delicate scrolls, and curious trinkets ¨C all radiating the aura of accumulated knowledge. The air was infused with a faint scent of old parchment and polished wood, a tangible reminder of the secrets waiting to be uncovered.

    Once the acolytes found their seats, the teacher arrived from the very door they entered from. He walked in, in quite a hurry, snapping his arm in the air as books slipped from the shelves and hovered in front of every attendee.

    ¡®Turn to page 14 in your manuals,¡¯ the professor instructed, his voice curt and direct, foregoing any introduction or pleasantries. ¡®Today, we begin with harnessing and refining odh energy lesson.¡¯

    Most acolytes obeyed without hesitation, their fingers rustling through the provided manuals. However, a few hesitated, their curiosity outweighing their compliance.

    One brave voice spoke up. ¡®Excuse me, professor. We don¡¯t even know your name, or what this class is about.¡¯

    The professor''s gaze swept over the class, his eyes narrowing slightly at the interruption. For a moment, a tense silence hung in the air.

    He straightened, his expression impassive. ¡®My name is of little consequence to you,¡¯ he stated flatly. ¡®But since it appears decorum demands it, I am Professor Rhetrick.¡¯ His voice was clipped, with an edge of impatience. ¡®As for what this subject entails, it concerns Magick and Mechanics ¨C the intricate art of harnessing, refining, and applying odh energy in practical and mechanical forms.¡¯

    He tapped the manual hovering before him, the sound sharp and definitive. ¡®Knowledge is earned here, not spoon-fed. If you¡¯re curious, then follow instructions, and you¡¯ll find your answers.¡¯This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

    A few acolytes shuffled uncomfortably, whilst others hurriedly turned to page 14, no longer eager to press their luck. Riniock opened his manual calmly, his eyes glinting with interest. The prospect of refining odh energy intrigued him deeply, and he wasn¡¯t about to miss this opportunity to learn.

    ¡®Now,¡¯ Rhetrick continued, his tone softening just a touch, ¡®shall we proceed?¡¯

    The acolytes mostly nodded, though it mattered little to Rhetrick. Without hesitation, he produced a chunk of odh stone, letting it hover in the air for everyone to see.

    ¡®The most common way for maegi to harness odh ¨C whether for enhancing their abilities or replenishing their reserves ¨C is by passively drawing it from the atmosphere. This method, however, is slow and inefficient.¡¯ He gestured to the floating stone. ¡®A more effective approach is extracting odh from items like this.¡¯ He tapped the chunk, which spun gently in response.

    ¡®Can¡¯t we just use odh nodes?¡¯ a student blurted out.

    Rhetrick''s glare was sharp enough to cut glass. ¡®If odh nodes were that abundant, do you think anyone would waste time with mere stones?¡¯

    The acolyte¡¯s confidence evaporated, and he swallowed hard.

    ¡®Next time, raise your hand before interrupting with such a foolish remark,¡¯ Rhetrick snapped.

    ¡®Y-yes¡­I¡¯m sorry, Professor.¡¯

    ¡®Now, can anyone explain to Mr. Wise Guy why his suggestion is impractical?¡¯

    Several eyes rolled as Niann raised his hand, a d¨¦ja-vu from Gieller¡¯s lesson.

    ¡®Odh nodes take an extremely long time to form naturally in the world,¡¯ he explained. ¡®Their rarity makes them far less accessible than odh stones.¡¯

    ¡®Good. And what exactly are odh stones?¡¯ the professor pressed.

    Niann answered smoothly, ¡®They¡¯re naturally formed as well. When concentrated energies in the outside world collide densely, they create veins of odh stones.¡¯

    ¡®Now that we¡¯ve settled that,¡¯ Rhetrick continued, his gaze sweeping the room, ¡®I want all of you to open your manuals and follow the instructions on harnessing energy from the stone. You¡¯ll be drawing on the odh preserved deep within it.¡¯ He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. ¡®This will take time, patience, and plenty of trial and error. But if you have any hope of advancing in your magickal studies, you will make it work.¡¯

    Riniock wasn¡¯t sure if the professor¡¯s words were a threat, a warning, or a form of encouragement. Regardless, he was determined to succeed.

    The manual detailed the intricate steps required for harnessing odh energy.

    First, they needed to sit cross-legged on a comfortable surface, given that the process could be time-consuming. Second, the odh stone had to be positioned directly in front of them, perfectly aligned with their body¡¯s centre. With eyes closed and breathing steady, they had to visualize the stone ¨C its shape, its presence, and its location.

    The third step was the most challenging: detecting the faint traces of odh trapped within the stone and using their body¡¯s inner energy to draw it in. This required pulling the odh steadily through the nose, mouth, and even the pores of the skin.

    Finally came the refinement process, which was comparatively simple. The maegi only needed to allow their body to stabilize the newly absorbed energy, transforming it into a form they could utilise for magick.

    Riniock worked diligently, his exterior composed and patient, whilst an intense struggle brewed within. In the depths of his mind, he groped through darkness, searching for the faint trace of odh within the stone before him.

    Detecting it was one challenge; drawing it in was another. Despite his controlled breathing, the delicate wisp of odh stubbornly hovered in place or veered off in unintended directions. Each failure gnawed at his resolve.

    Only after several attempts did he finally manage to guide the elusive energy towards him. Relief settled within him as the odh flowed in, subtle but tangible.

    ¡®Very good,¡¯ Rhetrick remarked, his voice flat and devoid of enthusiasm. ¡®It seems a few of you have grasped the concept. The rest, keep at it. If you can¡¯t succeed now, practice in your own time. If you¡¯re still unsuccessful, don¡¯t bother attending the next lesson.¡¯

 Tea Time

    Riniock''s day in Rhetrick''s class wrapped up uneventfully. After fully depleting the chunk of odh stone, he waited patiently for the lesson to end. When the time finally elapsed, Rhetrick dismissed the class with minimal fanfare. His parting words were curt but clear: ¡®Work diligently on harnessing and refining odh, as you¡¯ll need it for Gieller¡¯s lesson. Don¡¯t embarrass me in front of my colleague!¡¯

    Riniock left the classroom, parting ways with Niann after they agreed it was safe enough for him to navigate the grounds alone.

    With no more lessons scheduled for the day, Riniock set out to make productive use of his time. As he reflected on his recent gains, he muttered to himself, ¡®I should get someone to check the rewards I received from the admission test.¡¯ He also remembered the item he¡¯d taken from Odrean¡¯s corpse: a strange, cryptic card with an unfamiliar design.

    He spent what felt like hours exploring the college, asking for guidance on his items whilst familiarizing himself with the layout. His persistence paid off. Several staff members confirmed that the two potions he possessed were designed to boost the body¡¯s natural regeneration when consumed. Whereas, the spell scroll, they explained, contained a spell that conjured a focused burst of energy, firing it forward like a dart.

    ¡®This could be extremely useful if I use it wisely at just the right moment,¡¯ Riniock thought, feeling a sense of satisfaction.

    Riniock hesitated for a brief moment, then carefully slipped the ring and the cryptic card back into his pocket. He wasn¡¯t ready to reveal those particular finds just yet.

    A sharp, familiar voice rang out. ¡®Young man! Flower person!¡¯

    Riniock turned around, scanning for the source. To his surprise, it was the gatekeeper ¨C the same senior maegi he¡¯d given an apophina to yesterday. The man¡¯s expression carried a rare note of cheerfulness.

    ¡®It seems your confidence was warranted,¡¯ the gatekeeper said, his voice touched with approval.

    Riniock shrugged lightly. ¡®I wouldn¡¯t boast about something so trivial.¡¯

    The man chuckled. ¡®I never caught your name yesterday. Mine is Lazrus.¡¯

    ¡®Riniock, sir.¡¯

    Lazrus¡¯s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. ¡®Riniock¡­Are you the Tolgir who returned a kezok¡¯s antler?¡¯

    ¡®You know about that?¡¯ Riniock asked, his brow raising in surprise.

    ¡®Ha! Everyone knows. Professor Bhallen¡¯s been telling the whole college about you.¡¯

    So that¡¯s his name, Riniock thought. He almost said it aloud but caught himself. ¡®Oh¡­nothing,¡¯ he muttered. Shaking off the distraction, he added, ¡®In any case, did you need something, Sir Lazrus?¡¯Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

    Lazrus¡¯s lips curled into a knowing smile. ¡®Not really. I only wished to see if you were still up for that drink.¡¯

    Riniock hesitated for a moment, considering his schedule before deciding, ¡®I wouldn¡¯t mind joining you.¡¯

    ¡®Wonderful,¡¯ Lazrus said, his eyes gleaming. ¡®Follow me.¡¯

    The gatekeeper led him across the sprawling college grounds to a small building perched atop a cliff overlooking the far edge of the campus. To Riniock, it seemed modest ¨C unassuming, even.

    ¡®Here we are,¡¯ Lazrus said, flicking his hand towards the door, which swung open effortlessly. ¡®Come in.¡¯

    Riniock stepped through the doorway and was instantly astonished. The inside defied all expectations. Though the exterior appeared quaint, the interior was as spacious as the main hall itself. Rich tapestries and rugs covered the floors, whilst intricate lighting fixtures bathed the room in a warm glow. Shelves lined with books, delicate trinkets, and arcane instruments hinted at a lifetime of knowledge and adventure. Trophies from various creatures adorned the walls, adding a hint of danger to the elegance.

    ¡®You have a lovely home,¡¯ Riniock said, genuine admiration in his voice.

    Lazrus smiled. ¡®Thank you. Make yourself comfortable as I get us something to drink.¡¯

    Riniock sank into a plush sofa, the cushions enveloping him. His eyes wandered, drinking in the details ¨C every artifact and bauble seemed to have a story of its own. This wasn¡¯t just a residence; it was a treasure trove of a seasoned maegi¡¯s life.

    ¡®Here we are,¡¯ Lazrus announced as he returned from an adjacent room, balancing a tray with a pot and two cups. He set it on the table before them, a fragrant steam rising from the pot. ¡®Recognise the aroma?¡¯

    Riniock took a deep breath, the scent immediately familiar. ¡®This is apophina.¡¯

    ¡®Correct,¡¯ Lazrus said with a nod. ¡®The very same you gave me. I¡¯ve infused it into tea, so we can both benefit from its properties.¡¯

    Riniock smiled, impressed. ¡®That¡¯s a creative way to use it.¡¯

    ¡®Magick isn¡¯t just about power, my young friend,¡¯ Lazrus said, pouring the tea into the cups. ¡®It¡¯s also about knowing how to apply that power in ways that enrich life.¡¯

    Lazrus poured two cups, the gentle clink of porcelain breaking the tranquil silence. He pushed one cup towards Riniock, who accepted it gratefully.

    The first sip of the apophina-infused tea was a revelation. A wave of warmth swept through his body, clearing his airways and unfurling a sense of deep relief and calm. Each subsequent sip sent a soothing current through his veins, dissolving tension he hadn¡¯t realized he carried. The tea¡¯s delicate floral notes lingered on his tongue; each taste more rejuvenating than the last.

    Lazrus exhaled slowly, savouring the sensation. ¡®If you have more of that flower,¡¯ he said with a contented smile, ¡®we can do this more often.¡¯

    Riniock chuckled softly, eyes twinkling. ¡®I don¡¯t see why not. Consider it done.¡¯

    Riniock''s eyes wandered over the room''s decorations once more, his thoughts drifting.

    ¡®What¡¯s on your mind?¡¯ Lazrus asked, lowering his cup after a deep sip.

    ¡®Well...I have a few items I need identified, but I don¡¯t feel comfortable showing them to just anyone.¡¯

    Setting his cup down, Lazrus extended his hand, a confident gleam in his eyes. ¡®Show me, then. I¡¯m skilled with appraisal magic.¡¯

    Riniock blinked, realizing he hadn¡¯t considered that option. Whilst his trust in the gatekeeper wasn¡¯t absolute, Lazrus had earned a place in his good graces.

    ¡®Alright,¡¯ Riniock said, pulling out the ring and the cryptic card. ¡®It¡¯s these.¡¯

    ¡®Hm,¡¯ Lazrus murmured, his fingers gliding thoughtfully over the ring and the card. His eyes narrowed with curiosity. ¡®These aren¡¯t just ordinary items, Riniock. Tell me, where did you come across them?¡¯

 A Souvenir from the Glades

    The question put Riniock in an awkward spot, so he cloaked his hesitation in a veil of mystery.

    ¡®The ring is a reward from Professor Bhallen,¡¯ he said smoothly. ¡®As for the card¡­well¡­¡¯

    Lazrus held up a hand, his expression placid. ¡®If it¡¯s inconvenient to explain, let¡¯s pretend I didn¡¯t ask.¡¯

    Riniock inclined his head. ¡®I appreciate that.¡¯

    Lazrus didn¡¯t seem the type to pry, a quality Riniock found reassuring.

    ¡®So,¡¯ Riniock pressed eagerly, ¡®what do they do?¡¯

    Lazrus examined the ring more closely, a confident glint in his eyes. ¡®This ring is undoubtedly a Ring of Odh Storing. Judging by its rough craftsmanship, I¡¯d say it was something Professor Bhallen relied on in his younger days.¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s eyes widened, amazed by his deduction. ¡®That¡¯s exactly right! And what¡¯s its function?¡¯

    ¡®It¡¯s straightforward,¡¯ Lazrus explained. ¡®The ring holds a reserve of odh you can tap into when your own supply runs dry. Think of it as an emergency reservoir.¡¯

    ¡®How does it recharge?¡¯ Riniock asked.

    ¡®Just wear it while you harness odh,¡¯ Lazrus said, ¡®and it will absorb some of the energy passively.¡¯

    ¡®That¡¯s incredibly useful,¡¯ Riniock noted, a grin spreading across his face.

    Lazrus¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly as he turned his attention from the ring to the card. His gaze brimmed with unspoken questions, clearly wondering how Riniock had come to possess such a rare item.

    ¡®This card,¡¯ Lazrus began slowly, his fingers tracing its cryptic design, ¡®is a type of storage artefact. I¡¯m not sure of its exact name, but I do know its purpose. It allows you to store objects ¨C or even living creatures ¨C within it.¡¯

    He paused, considering his words carefully. ¡®However, it does come with limitations. It can only hold one category of item at a time. If you store weapons, for example, it can¡¯t hold anything else. Still, its portability and the ease with which you can summon the contents make it exceptionally practical.¡¯

    A faint smile curled at the edge of Riniock¡¯s lips. Convenient indeed.

    ¡®If it¡¯s as useful as you say, why isn¡¯t it a common storage item? Is it too expensive?¡¯ Riniock asked.

    ¡®It is expensive,¡¯ Lazrus admitted, ¡®but that¡¯s not the main reason it¡¯s rare.¡¯

    ¡®Oh?¡¯

    ¡®These artifacts are relics from a bygone era. We no longer have the knowledge to reproduce them. Most of these cards are discovered by adventurers exploring ancient ruins or forgotten dungeons.¡¯You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

    Riniock¡¯s eyes widened in fascination. Despite being a gatekeeper, Lazrus¡¯s depth of knowledge was astonishing. If his strength matched his intellect, he was someone to be reckoned with.

    ¡®How do I use the card?¡¯ Riniock asked, eager to put it to the test.

    ¡®Well,¡¯ Lazrus said, his gaze sharpening, ¡®both the ring and the card are still attuned to their previous owners.¡¯

    ¡®Wait, how can you tell?¡¯

    ¡®By their aura,¡¯ Lazrus explained. ¡®Your odh signature doesn¡¯t match the ones bound to these items.¡¯

    ¡®So, what do I need to do?¡¯

    ¡®Normally, this is something you¡¯d learn in Professor Rhetrick¡¯s class,¡¯ Lazrus said, a hint of leniency in his tone, ¡®but given the circumstances, I¡¯ll explain.¡¯

    ¡®Thank you, sir. That¡¯s generous of you.¡¯

    ¡®To make these items yours, you need to overwrite their previous owner¡¯s odh signature. You do this by consistently channelling your own odh into them until they fully attune to you. Only then can you use them without risking any backlash.¡¯

    Riniock nodded thoughtfully. ¡®I see. I¡¯ll have to get started then. Thank you for your hospitality, Sir Lazrus.¡¯

    ¡®Do you have a place to go?¡¯ Lazrus asked, his tone suggesting he already had an idea. ¡®If not, you can use my training room over there. I¡¯ll be stepping out for a while, so once you¡¯re done, just head back to your dorm.¡¯

    ¡®Are you sure? I wouldn¡¯t want to impose.¡¯

    Lazrus waved his hand dismissively. ¡®Nonsense.¡¯

    Without further delay, Lazrus left his quarters, and Riniock settled into the training room, ready to attune himself to the items.

    He started with the ring. Focusing intently, he channelled the odh he had absorbed from the stone. Gradually, he felt a shift ¨C a subtle transformation in the ring¡¯s aura. A connection bloomed, an unmistakable link between him and the trinket. He slid the ring onto his index finger and moved on to the card.

    The attunement process for the card took about an hour. When the bond finally clicked into place, Riniock¡¯s excitement flared. He held the card up, eager to test it.

    Let¡¯s see if this works. He pulled out a lunari ¨C a silver coin ¨C and attempted to store it in the card. Nothing happened ¨C the coin stayed firmly in his fingers.

    Am I doing this wrong? He tried different techniques, altering his grip and concentration, but the result remained the same. Frowning, he experimented with other items, thinking the coins might be the issue. Still, no success.

    Strange, he thought, puzzled as he studied the card. A realisation struck him. Could something already be stored inside? Maybe Odrean used it before.

    True enough, there was something inside the card.

    Riniock ran his fingers across its surface, and a soft glow emanated from it. Moments later, a strange entity emerged, hovering in the air. It looked like a tiny, cotton ball.

    ¡®A celseed?¡¯ Riniock gasped, instinctively stepping back. Memories of the test flashed through his mind ¨C the hallucinations, the confusion ¨C all brought on by celseed spores.

    The creature floated closer, its movements deliberate yet unhurried, a spark of curiosity evident in its approach. Celseeds were known for their inquisitive nature, and this one was no different. It pursued him gently, until it came to a stop, hovering just a breath away from his face.

    Riniock¡¯s heart raced, uncertainty creeping in. Yet, oddly enough, the celseed made no attempt to release its spores. It simply¡­observed.

    ¡®You¡¯re not trying to harm me?¡¯ he murmured, half to himself, knowing full well the creature couldn¡¯t understand him.

    He studied it carefully. How had the card contained a living celseed? And why wasn¡¯t it reacting defensively, as its kind usually did? The mystery deepened, but for now, he held his ground, intrigued rather than afraid.

    The celseed was so complacent that when Riniock approached the card to it, the former simply slipped into it, of its own volition.

    ¡®This is certainly strange¡­I¡¯ll have to research it further,¡¯ Riniock muttered, his eyes lingering on the curious celseed.

    With a resigned sigh, he rose to his feet, carefully tucking the card away.

    Riniock left Lazrus¡¯ house, stepping into the crisp evening air. His thoughts buzzed with questions, the strange encounter adding another layer to the mysteries he needed to unravel.

    ¡®Back to the dorm for now,¡¯ he murmured, setting off down the winding path, the weight of new discoveries pressing lightly on his mind.

 Discovering Whats Within

    After leaving Lazrus¡¯ quarters, Riniock returned to his dormitory as instructed. By the time he arrived, most of his peers had already settled in for the night. Some were sprawled across their beds, lost in deep sleep and dreams. Others, like Urael and his gang ¨C despite their animosity towards Riniock ¨C displayed enough sense to remain awake, diligently harnessing and refining odh energy from the surrounding air.

    Riniock had the same intention. He knew that refining odh regularly would give him a critical edge in future exams and challenges. The more he advanced now, the better his chances would be later.

    He climbed onto his bed and settled into a cross-legged position atop the soft sheets.

    This isn¡¯t like Rhetrick¡¯s classroom, he thought. The odh here is so thin. And with so many others drawing on it, there¡¯s barely enough left to gather.

    Focused entirely on the process, Riniock lost track of time. Night melted away, and morning arrived with a sharp jolt as the dormitory doors swung open with a resounding crash. The senior maegi entered, his calm tone edged with authority as he barked, ¡®Attention!¡¯

    Riniock, Urael, his lackeys, and several others leapt to their feet, standing at attention beside their beds.

    ¡®It seems some of you still fail to understand that defiance has no place in this college,¡¯ the senior snapped, a vein pulsing at his neck. With a swift gesture, those who hadn¡¯t awoken were lifted into the air, suspended helplessly. ¡®The rest of you, proceed with your day. I will deal with these miscreants.¡¯

    Tempted as he was to stay and see what fate awaited the others, Riniock knew better than to defy orders for the sake of curiosity. Without hesitation, he turned and left the room.

    ¡®There you are, Riniock,¡¯ a voice called from behind. ¡®I¡¯m glad I woke up when I did, or I might¡¯ve ended up like that lot¡­¡¯

    Riniock kept his pace, unwilling to meet his addresser.

    ¡®Good morning to you too, Niann.¡¯

    ¡®Good morning,¡¯ Niann replied, his tone shifting as he tried to brush past the awkward remark. ¡®Heading to class?¡¯

    ¡®Yes. Anatomy is our first lesson today.¡¯

    ¡®Have you visited the library yet?¡¯ Niann asked.

    ¡®Not yet, but I plan to go soon.¡¯

    ¡®You should. There are plenty of books worth reading. They even have spell tomes, though you can only read them inside the library ¨C you¡¯re not allowed to take anything out.¡¯

    ¡®That¡¯s fine by me.¡¯

    ¡®If you say so. The anatomy classroom is just over there!¡¯

    The anatomy classroom soon came into view. It resembled most other classrooms¡ªa spacious room with table counters and no chairs, ensuring the students remained standing. The walls were adorned with detailed drawings and charts of human anatomy, skeletons, and an assortment of tools neatly arranged on shelves.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

    ¡®Welcome, everyone,¡¯ the teacher greeted them, already positioned at the centre of the room. ¡®Please find a spot to stand while we wait for the rest to arrive.¡¯

    ¡®Excuse me, professor,¡¯ Niann spoke up, raising his hand. ¡®The others are going to be late.¡¯

    ¡®Is that so?¡¯ The professor chuckled softly, moving towards the blackboard. ¡®In that case, let¡¯s get started shortly.¡¯

    The classroom held one more person ¨C a senior student standing beside the professor, patiently awaiting further instruction.

    ¡®We¡¯ve waited long enough,¡¯ the professor finally said, his patience wearing thin. ¡®Welcome once again. My name is Telian Hekat. For your first anatomy lesson, we will be joined by another student.¡¯ He gestured towards the young man next to him. ¡®Please introduce yourself.¡¯

    The young man nodded and spoke with a firm tone. ¡®I am Giln. I¡¯ll be in your care.¡¯

    ¡®With introductions out of the way, we can begin the lesson,¡¯ Telian announced. ¡®Like humans and animals, maegi and monsters possess special constitutions that allow them to tap into and utilize magick. However, there is one key difference between them. Can anyone tell me what it is?¡¯

    Silence filled the room. Whether due to confusion or lack of knowledge, no one ventured an answer.

    ¡®Monsters are born with this special constitution, while maegi develop it through external means,¡¯ Telian explained.

    He beckoned Giln forward, guiding him to sit on a raised platform so the entire class could see him clearly.

    ¡®There are two primary and essential components of a maegi¡¯s constitution. Pay close attention here.¡¯ Telian adjusted a large contraption of magnifying glasses and positioned the smallest lens over Giln¡¯s arm. ¡®These are what we call conduits.¡¯

    Through the magnifying glass, the class could see beneath Giln¡¯s skin. Delicate lines, both similar to and distinct from veins, traced through his arms, pulsing faintly with the flow of odh.

    ¡®Conduits are pathways that allow odh to circulate throughout a maegi¡¯s body. But more importantly, they channel the energy towards this...¡¯ Telian adjusted another lens, now focusing on Giln¡¯s chest. ¡®The Vessel.¡¯

    The Vessel, often called the heart of a maegi, is where odh is stored within the body. Working alongside the conduits, it distributes odh to the organs and limbs, allowing for the use of magick.

    ¡®For acolytes like you, the Vessel is your ultimate goal,¡¯ Telian explained. ¡®The reason you cannot yet cast spells is simple: you do not yet possess a Vessel, a reservoir of odh to draw from.¡¯

    He paused and glanced around the room. ¡®Professor Rhetrick must have taught you how to harness and refine odh, correct?¡¯

    The acolytes responded with nods or whispered affirmations.

    ¡®Good. That wasn¡¯t without purpose. In these early stages, it¡¯s essential for fresh acolytes to absorb and refine as much odh as possible. This process helps form your conduits and, ultimately, your Vessel. When your Vessel is fully developed, you will have taken your first real step on the path of magick.¡¯

    ¡®Is there any way to speed up the process?¡¯ an acolyte asked.

    ¡®I¡¯m afraid not,¡¯ Telian replied, his tone firm. ¡®This is a delicate process, and trying to force it with supplements will do more harm than good. Your progress depends entirely on your body¡¯s natural ability to refine odh and the environment in which you harness it. Patience and diligence are key.¡¯

    Professor Telian used the remainder of the lesson to illustrate the various types of conduits, drawing precise lines with charcoal on Giln''s body to emphasize their structure and function. He detailed which conduits were the most crucial, which ones could channel the greatest amount of odh, and how they interwove throughout a maegi''s body.

    As the lesson concluded, Riniock¡¯s mind buzzed with newfound understanding. The pieces were finally falling into place. The professors had been guiding them step by step towards a single goal: the formation of their vessels.

    Gieller provided the odh node to refine their energy reserves. Rhetrick taught the technique to harness odh. And now, Telian had revealed the ultimate purpose of it all.

    Determined, Riniock resolved to be one of the few who would earn the chance to harness from the coveted odh node.

 Where the Nerds Meet

    After Telian''s lesson, the acolytes were granted a few hours of free time. Whilst the many chose to relax and wander the grounds, Riniock had only one destination in mind: the library.

    The library was so revered that an entire tower had been constructed to house its volumes, rising several stories high. As Riniock gazed up, the tower''s pointed spire seemed to pierce the clouds ¨C a fitting symbol for the boundless knowledge stored within.

    He approached the entrance, flanked by reinforced double doors and two vigilant guards. One of them raised his arm as Riniock drew near.

    ¡®Library card, acolyte,¡¯ the guard commanded.

    ¡®Here,¡¯ Riniock replied, holding out the card.

    The guard placed his fingers on the card, and a soft green light pulsed from it.

    ¡®You may enter, but remember: once the card turns fully green, your time is up. If you fail to exit by then, someone will come to ¡°escort¡± you out.¡¯

    ¡®I understand,¡¯ Riniock nodded. The guard released the card and stepped aside, allowing him entry.

    With a sense of anticipation, Riniock stepped through the doors into the heart of the library''s vast knowledge.

    Crossing the threshold, Riniock entered a sanctuary that only those who cherished books as much as he did could truly appreciate. No matter which way he turned ¨C left, right, or straight ahead ¨C endless rows of shelves stretched into the distance, overflowing with records and tomes.

    His first task was to gather information for Gieller¡¯s written assignment. Yet, the tower''s sheer size was overwhelming; even the first floor seemed vast enough to lose oneself in its labyrinth of bookcases.

    ¡®Excuse me,¡¯ he said, clearing his throat to catch the attention of the woman behind the desk. She appeared to be the librarian ¨C young, engrossed in her work, her head bent over a stack of papers. A pair of spectacles rested in her hand, and her lips moved silently as she read.

    Though her ears perked up at his voice, she made no immediate response.

    ¡®Excuse me, miss,¡¯ Riniock repeated. ¡®Could I enlist your help, please?¡¯

    Without lifting her gaze, she answered in a detached tone. ¡®Back end of the first floor, right side. There¡¯s an enchanted lectern. Speak to it, and it will show you what you¡¯re looking for.¡¯

    Her words seemed designed only to dismiss the interruption, and Riniock sighed, accepting the direction.

    He followed her instructions, navigating the maze of shelves until he reached the far end of the first floor. Turning right, he found a spacious alcove. In its centre stood a pedestal, atop which rested the enchanted lectern. Another acolyte was already using it.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    Curious, Riniock paused, observing the acolyte''s actions in hopes of understanding how the lectern worked.

    Though the person at the lectern was still an acolyte, he wasn¡¯t from Riniock¡¯s cohort. Standing before the enchanted lectern, the acolyte spoke clearly: ¡®Fire spells ¨C low consumption.¡¯

    Despite the vague command, the lectern stirred to life. A flurry of papers rose into the air, drawn to an unseen force. A quill floated beside them, swiftly scrawling out a list of options.

    From his position, Riniock couldn¡¯t make out the contents of the list. Only when the acolyte spoke again did he get a hint of what had appeared.

    ¡®I want the third option ¨C Ezial¡¯s Tome: Flowing Flames and Flying Fires. Show me where to find it!¡¯

    The sheet of paper tore itself apart, the fragments vanishing into thin air. Almost instantly, another paper ascended, its large, clear letters indicating where the requested tome could be found.

    ¡®That¡¯s¡­incredible,¡¯ Riniock thought, his eyes wide with fascination. As the previous acolyte stepped away, Riniock approached the lectern, eager to try it for himself.

    Riniock took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. He knew exactly what he needed. Their assignment required an in-depth analysis of the odh node Professor Gieller had shown them ¨C its type, characteristics, and properties. But unlike his peers, Riniock realised he didn¡¯t need a general book on nodes. He already had a specific idea in mind.

    From the moment the professor revealed the node, Riniock had recognized it. His readings back home had once led him to a particular subject.

    ¡®Odh nodes ¨C fading,¡¯ he instructed the lectern.

    As before, the lectern responded immediately. A single sheet of paper rose into the air, and a quill swiftly inscribed just one title.

    ¡®Show me where to find this book!¡¯ he commanded eagerly.

    The paper floated into his grasp, displaying clear directions. He turned away, weaving through the aisles until he reached the designated section. He paused in front of a towering bookcase, scanning the numbers until they matched the ones on his slip.

    ¡®There it is!¡¯ he exclaimed, his voice tinged with excitement. As he pulled the book from the shelf, the paper disintegrated in his hand.

    He read the title aloud: A Guide to Nature¡¯s Departing ¨C Fading Nodes of Odh by Oriphael.

    A triumphant smile spread across his face. This was exactly what he needed.

    Riniock wasted no time finding the nearest table and diving into his assignment. Since library books couldn¡¯t be brought outside the establishment, he needed to finish his work now, or risk using up another library card.

    Unrolling the scroll with his assignment questions, he began writing furiously, cross-referencing his observations with Oriphael¡¯s guide to ensure accuracy.

    ¡®An Odh Node classified as ¡°Fading¡± represents a naturally occurring cluster of energy that is undergoing a gradual depletion or dissipation process. This classification indicates that the node is losing its stability and potency, often due to natural entropy or external influences.¡¯

    He scrawled the text quickly, glancing at his library card. The green hue had already consumed more than half of it.

    ¡®I need to cover energy dissipation, diminishing output, visual indicators, temporal lifespan¡­¡¯ he muttered, listing key points in his mind. ¡®And I definitely have to mention the risk of instability ¨C if it destabilises, it transforms into a different type of node entirely.¡¯

    As he continued to read and write, the pieces fell into place. He began to understand why Professor Gieller had been so willing to share the odh node, despite Professor Rhetrick¡¯s insistence that such resources were rare.

    Fading nodes were destined to vanish. The college had little reason to hoard what was ultimately a fleeting resource. Allowing five promising acolytes to harness its final reserves was a logical choice.

    With renewed determination, Riniock¡¯s quill flew across the scroll. He would complete this assignment ¨C and he would do it well.

 Unlocking the Heart (1)

    Riniock left the library as soon as he finished his assignment. After reviewing his answers, checking his spelling, and refining his phrasing, he felt satisfied with his work. Without delay, he made his way to Professor Gieller¡¯s classroom.

    A gentle knock on the door disrupted the quiet of an unusual hour.

    ¡®Come in,¡¯ the professor called, his voice calm. ¡®The door is unlocked.¡¯

    Riniock entered the familiar amphitheatre-style classroom, the rows of seats rising in tiers. As he walked towards the front, his eyes settled on Professor Gieller, seated cross-legged near his desk.

    The professor was harnessing odh, but something about his technique stood out. The rhythm of his breathing was different ¨C deliberate and steady ¨C whilst the flow of energy in the room seemed to respond to him in a distinct, almost reverent way. It was as if he were performing an entirely different process altogether.

    Riniock paused, captivated by the precision and grace of Gieller¡¯s movements. Every muscle, every fibre of the professor¡¯s being seemed to participate in the ritual. Yet, even as curiosity burned within him, Riniock hesitated, unsure if it would be disrespectful to interrupt.

    He remained still, quietly observing, torn between reverence and his reason for coming.

    ¡®Mr. Tolgir, was it?¡¯ the professor said at last, rising to his feet after a few moments of quiet. Riniock nodded.

    ¡®To what do I owe the pleasure of your presence today?¡¯ Gieller asked.

    ¡®My assignment, professor,¡¯ Riniock replied, producing the scroll he had completed in the library. ¡®I¡¯ve finished it.¡¯

    ¡®Have you now?¡¯ The professor¡¯s tone was a mixture of excitement and surprise. ¡®You¡¯re the second acolyte today. The first one arrived only half an hour before you.¡¯

    Second? The thought flickered through Riniock¡¯s mind, but the order didn¡¯t trouble him. As long as he earned the chance to draw from the odh node, his efforts would be worthwhile.

    Gieller accepted the scroll and took a seat, unrolling it carefully. ¡®Would you like to stay and hear your results right away?¡¯ he asked, already scanning the contents.

    ¡®If it¡¯s no trouble, professor.¡¯

    ¡®Not at all. Have a seat while I review your excellent penmanship.¡¯

    As he read, Gieller¡¯s expression gradually shifted from curiosity to admiration. ¡®You¡¯re on the right track,¡¯ he said, nodding approvingly. ¡®Yes, it is indeed a fading odh node. These observations are precise. Did a senior student assist you with this?¡¯The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    ¡®No, professor. I made these observations myself and cross-referenced them with a book I found in the library.¡¯

    ¡®A Guide to Nature¡¯s Departing: Fading Nodes of Odh?¡¯

    ¡®That¡¯s the one, professor,¡¯ Riniock confirmed. ¡®By Oriphael.¡¯

    Gieller continued reading, his expression brightening with each line. Occasionally, he glanced up at Riniock, as if assessing his thought process.

    ¡®Mr. Tolgir,¡¯ the professor finally said, his tone impressed, ¡®in my twenty years of teaching theory, I¡¯ve rarely seen such eloquent, accurate, and insightful work. I¡¯m familiar with Oriphael¡¯s book, and it¡¯s clear you haven¡¯t merely copied it.¡¯

    ¡®Thank you, professor. I tried my best.¡¯

    ¡®This is beyond your best, young man. Acolytes your age rarely show such aptitude, yet here you are.¡¯

    ¡®Does this mean I¡¯m eligible for the reward?¡¯

    ¡®Without question.¡¯ Gieller smiled. ¡®You may have arrived second, but your work outshines your competitor¡¯s by far.¡¯

    ¡®When can I expect to have access to the node?¡¯ Riniock asked.

    Gieller glanced at the hourglass behind him, noting the last few grains of sand trickling through.

    ¡®A few minutes. Once the first acolyte finishes, it¡¯ll be your turn.¡¯

    Riniock nodded and settled into one of the empty seats. He adjusted his posture to begin harnessing odh, determined to make good use of the waiting time. Just as he was about to employ his usual technique, he recalled the method he had seen Gieller using moments before.

    Focusing intently, he synced his breathing to match the professor¡¯s rhythm, attempting to imitate the precise flow of odh he had observed. Gieller¡¯s eyes widened in surprise as he noticed what Riniock was doing. He didn¡¯t interrupt, instead allowing the young acolyte to explore the technique on his own.

    This is far more effective than the method Rhetrick taught us, Riniock thought, pleased with his progress, even if he couldn¡¯t yet replicate it perfectly.

    ¡®If I may,¡¯ Gieller finally spoke, his tone warm, ¡®let me give you a few pointers.¡¯

    He moved to sit beside Riniock, his demeanour both instructional and amused. ¡®Be aware, though ¨C many would consider it offensive to copy someone else¡¯s technique.¡¯

    ¡®I¡¯m sorry, professor. I didn¡¯t mean to ¨C¡¯

    Gieller waved a hand dismissively. ¡®It¡¯s quite alright, young man. If you weren¡¯t such a fascinating oddball, I might feel affronted. But I like you.¡¯

    ¡®I appreciate the help, professor.¡¯

    ¡®Think nothing of it,¡¯ Gieller replied with a smile. ¡®Now, follow my lead.¡¯

    Under Gieller¡¯s careful guidance, Riniock refined his movements and breathing. The flow of odh through his body became smoother, more efficient. With each adjustment, he felt the technique falling into place ¨C far superior to the standard methods taught to acolytes.

    By the end of the session, Riniock¡¯s mastery of the technique had significantly improved, his body humming with controlled energy.

    Just as the final grains of sand slipped through the hourglass, the door at the back of the classroom swung open. The first acolyte emerged, a satisfied expression on his face.

    ¡®Niann?¡¯ Riniock exclaimed in surprise.

    ¡®Oh, hey Riniock,¡¯ Niann replied with a grin. ¡®I see you¡¯ve finished your assignment too.¡¯

    ¡®Well, you beat me to it,¡¯ Riniock admitted. ¡®Guess you made it to the library before I did.¡¯

    Niann scratched the back of his head, sheepish. ¡®Yeah, I went there right after you left yesterday.¡¯

    Gieller rose to his feet, his eyes twinkling. ¡®Well done, Mr. Nodahr. Now that you¡¯ve finished, Mr. Tolgir, the node awaits you.¡¯

    Riniock took a deep breath, standing tall as he dusted off his clothes.

    ¡®Remember,¡¯ Gieller advised, ¡®regulate your breathing and ease your grip on the flow. Don¡¯t force it.¡¯

    ¡®I understand, professor.¡¯

    Gieller smiled approvingly. ¡®Good. Go right in! And may your harvest be fruitful.¡¯

    Riniock nodded and stepped forward, anticipation coursing through him.

 Unlocking the Heart (2)

    The room was cozy ¨C not too spacious, yet not cramped either.

    The odh node seems weaker, Riniock noted, inspecting the floating mass of energy suspended at the centre. Must be because of Niann¡¯s harnessing session.

    A warm, inviting spot had been prepared for those deemed worthy of the reward. As the door closed and sealed behind him, Riniock settled into place. He wasn¡¯t about to waste a single moment idling.

    With no established conduits to circulate odh throughout his body, his only option was to absorb the energy in raw form and hold it, refining it into usable matter. Fortunately, Professor Gieller¡¯s technique proved far more effective than he had anticipated.

    He focused, drawing in the delicate wisps of energy from the fading odh node. Even as the node¡¯s reservoir depleted, his refined technique allowed him to consume odh with an intensity that surpassed Niann¡¯s efforts.

    The node flickered slightly, its energy dwindling, but Riniock pressed on. Every breath, every pulse of focus, brought him closer to forming his conduits and inching towards his goal.

    All the odh he absorbed seemed to gather in a single spot, near where his human heart was. If Telian¡¯s anatomy lesson was accurate, Riniock thought, this is where the maegi¡¯s heart would eventually form.

    He had attempted to absorb odh many times before, but never with such progress. For the first time, he felt the odh surging through him, no longer aimless but purposeful ¨C transforming his human body into that of a maegi. The sensation was overwhelming, a chaotic storm of energy coalescing into order.

    Alongside the heart, he could sense the formation of conduits ¨C the delicate pathways through which a maegi circulates magickal essence to different parts of their body. Each conduit etched itself into existence, threading through his being like veins of pure energy.

    Riniock¡¯s consciousness began to drift as he surrendered fully to the process. The carving of conduits, the hollowing out of his vessel ¨C it was excruciating. Yet this was the threshold all acolytes sought to cross. To endure the agony was to transcend, to become something greater. His mind finally slipped into darkness, a protective respite from the pain.

    Is this...what it feels like to become a maegi? he wondered when he returned to awareness. He marvelled at the energy now residing within him, gradually filling the newly formed vessel. It pulsed softly, his to command, his to expand.

    Riniock had reached the first summit of his journey. He had taken a step beyond mere potential; he was now a vessel of power, a fledgling maegi poised to grow.

    He still had time before his session ended. Selfish as he was, Riniock intended to drain every last trace of energy from the odh node before he had to leave the training room. For the next few minutes, he concentrated, drawing in a manner that left the node teetering on the brink of complete depletion.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    I doubt this node will last until the fourth person, he giggled to himself, just as the door creaked open and Professor Gieller stepped inside.

    Behind the professor stood Urael, his expression shadowed with frustration ¨C the look of someone who realised others had beaten him to the assignment.

    ¡®Mr. Tolgir,¡¯ Gieller called, his eyes immediately locking onto Riniock. The professor¡¯s gaze widened as he noted the changes. ¡®My, my. If this is a sign of things to come, your growth will be nothing short of heaven-shattering.¡¯

    ¡®You could tell right away?¡¯ Riniock asked, a flicker of pride in his voice. Urael was within earshot, and Riniock relished the chance to flaunt his success.

    ¡®A maegi of my experience can easily probe an acolyte¡¯s progress,¡¯ Gieller said with a smile. ¡®Very good. You may leave. You¡¯ve done outstanding work this time.¡¯

    ¡®Thank you, professor. I¡¯ll see myself out.¡¯

    Riniock walked past Urael, a triumphant smirk curling his lips. He could practically hear the gears grinding in Urael¡¯s mind, imagining his dismay when he discovered the odh node had little left to offer.

    ¡®Niann? You¡¯re still here?¡¯ Riniock saw him sitting behind one of the classroom desks.

    ¡®I am. It wasn¡¯t a long wait, and I had a brief chat with Professor Gieller.¡¯

    ¡®I see. Thanks for waiting for me.¡¯

    ¡®Not at all.¡¯ Niann¡¯s expression turned slightly serious. ¡®Oh, by the way ¨C one of the staff members, you know, from the admission test, came looking for you.¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s posture stiffened, his guard immediately rising. ¡®What did he want?¡¯

    ¡®I¡¯m not entirely sure. He asked me a few questions¡­about Urael and his group. Specifically, about Odrean.¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s brow furrowed. Why Odrean? He didn¡¯t like the sound of this.

    ¡®Did you catch his name?¡¯ Riniock asked, his voice edged with tension, a hundred scenarios racing through his mind.

    ¡®He said his name was Jorian.¡¯

    ¡®Jorian?¡¯ Riniock¡¯s eyes narrowed. He recalled the name ¨C he¡¯d heard it from Noidron and his colleagues. His impeccable memory, a condition known as hyperthymesia, ensured he hadn¡¯t forgotten that interaction, especially since he had been eavesdropping at the time.

    Did Jorian figure something out and come looking for me specifically? Riniock wondered. Or is this just part of a standard investigation, and I¡¯m being questioned simply because I was part of the test?

    The uncertainty gnawed at him, but one thing was clear: he needed to be prepared.

    ¡®Did he talk to Urael as well?¡¯ Riniock pressed, determined to gather all the facts before planning his next move.

    ¡®He did,¡¯ Niann confirmed, though he seemed unsure why it mattered. ¡®Not sure what they talked about, though.¡¯

    He did, huh¡­Riniock¡¯s mind churned. It was entirely possible Urael had instigated the questioning. Their altercation on the first day was no secret. If Urael hinted at anything suspicious, it might lead Jorian to believe Riniock had something to do with what happened to Odrean ¨C assuming anyone suspected the death was murder in the first place.

    I shouldn¡¯t jump to conclusions, he thought. If I investigate too carelessly, I might draw suspicion where none existed.

    ¡®Should we head out?¡¯ Niann¡¯s voice snapped him out of his thoughts. ¡®We¡¯re expected in the main hall.¡¯

    ¡®Oh? What¡¯s going on there?¡¯

    ¡®Not sure.¡¯ Niann stretched and stood up. ¡®Apparently, the Arch-Maegi has summoned everyone.¡¯

    ¡®And Urael?¡¯ Riniock asked, glancing back towards the classroom.

    ¡®He¡¯ll join the rest once he¡¯s done,¡¯ Niann replied quickly, grabbing Riniock¡¯s arm and tugging him towards the exit. ¡®Come on. I hear there¡¯s plenty of food.¡¯

    Riniock allowed himself a small smile. For now, that was reason enough to go.

 The Arch-Maegi

    The hall was transformed beyond recognition. As Riniock and Niann stepped through the grand, oversized doors, a breathtaking sight unfolded before them. The vast chamber, which had seemed austere just days ago, now radiated warmth and festivity.

    Rows upon rows of dining tables stretched across the length of the hall, each draped in elegant cloth and laden with an abundance of sumptuous dishes. The scent of roasted meats, fresh bread, and spiced delicacies mingled in the air, making Niann¡¯s stomach growl. Candles floated gracefully overhead, their golden flames swaying gently, casting a soft glow across the scene.

    Even the carpets had changed ¨C plush and richly coloured, they felt inviting and luxurious compared to the stark, utilitarian rugs from the day of the test. The imposing, throne-like chair where Professor Bhallen had once sat with his ledger was gone. In its place stood an exceptionally long table, stretching across the width of the hall, reserved for the college¡¯s professors.

    But it wasn¡¯t just the decor that had shifted. The atmosphere buzzed with the presence of the entire student body. If Riniock''s count was accurate, nearly a thousand maegis filled the chamber, their voices a lively hum of excitement and curiosity.

    ¡®Acolytes seem to be seated over there,¡¯ Niann said, nodding towards a cluster of tables set to the far left of the hall.

    Riniock took a deep breath, taking in the grand scene. This was more than just a feast ¨C it was a rare gathering of power and potential, and he felt both humbled and invigorated to be a part of it.

    ¡®That¡¯s Jorian over there,¡¯ Niann whispered, nudging Riniock¡¯s arm and directing his gaze towards the professors¡¯ table.

    A man stood beside it, his back to them, engaged in a quiet conversation with a professor. Dark-haired and rigid in posture, Jorian exuded a cold, stoic presence that was hard to ignore.

    ¡®Jorian, huh¡­¡¯ Riniock muttered, a surge of anger stirring within him. The urge to snuff the investigator boiled beneath his composed exterior. If Jorian stopped prying, perhaps the dangerous truth would stay buried.

    The professor Jorian conversed with caught Riniock¡¯s attention as well.

    ¡®Do you know who that is?¡¯ he asked, curiosity tempered by caution.

    Niann squinted, leaning slightly forward. ¡®Oh, that¡¯s Professor Idrass. He¡¯s well-known within the college.¡¯

    ¡®The alchemy professor?¡¯ Riniock¡¯s voice carried a mocking edge. ¡®So¡­ potions?¡¯

    Niann shot him a sideways glance. ¡®Alchemy¡¯s more than just mixing potions. You¡¯d be surprised what a skilled alchemist can do.¡¯ His tone held a note of seriousness, as if reminding Riniock not to underestimate things he didn¡¯t fully understand.

    Riniock¡¯s eyes returned to Jorian, suspicion clouding his thoughts. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm. This was not the place to act rashly. Not yet.

    Their conversation ended abruptly when Professor Idrass handed Jorian a small object. From their distance, Riniock could barely make out the item: a slender phial filled with a swirling, nascent blue liquid.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    ¡®What¡¯s that?¡¯ Riniock whispered, worry seeping into his voice.

    Jorian¡¯s eyes darted around the hall, scanning for any unwanted attention. Riniock and Niann quickly feigned disinterest, their gazes shifting to the floor, hands fidgeting with nought in particular.

    Satisfied that no one was watching, Jorian pocketed the phial, his expression unreadable. He slipped away from the table just as the atmosphere shifted, an oppressive weight settling over the hall.

    The arch-maegi had arrived.

    He was a presence that commanded the room with silent authority. Tall and regal in his black robes traced with gleaming gold stripes, he moved with a grace that masked the sheer power radiating from him. To the stronger maegi, his energy was likely overwhelming. To acolytes like Riniock, it was a chill that prickled the skin ¨C a gnawing sense of insignificance due to their inexperience.

    The arch-maegi stepped to the podium, his hands clasped behind his back. The moment his fingers flexed slightly, the room fell into an unnerving silence.

    ¡®Good evening to you all,¡¯ he said softly. His voice, though quiet, rippled effortlessly to every corner of the hall. ¡®I trust you have all been diligent in your studies. Remember, your academic pursuits are paramount. All else follows naturally through the years.¡¯

    The silence thickened, every person holding their breath.

    ¡®This year, we welcome a new batch of acolytes.¡¯ His gaze swept across the tables on the left, lingering briefly. ¡®If the reports are correct, save for one insignificant casualty during the admission test, all applicants have successfully joined our ranks. I expect nothing less than excellence from each of you. Strive for greatness. Disappointment is not a luxury we afford here.¡¯

    From the line of professors, Gieller emerged, his footsteps soft yet purposeful. He leaned towards the arch-maegi, whispering something, his lips moving with careful precision.

    A cold wave shivered through Riniock¡¯s body. He was almost certain he saw his own name form on Gieller¡¯s lips.

    ¡®Is that so?¡¯ The arch-maegi¡¯s brows lifted in mild surprise. ¡®Professor Gieller informs me that one amongst you has already shown remarkable progress. Not a week has passed, and this acolyte has managed to unlock their vessel.¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s stomach sank. He slid lower in his seat, as if the shadows might swallow him whole.

    A low murmur buzzed through the hall. Some students gasped in genuine amazement, others scoffed in disbelief, their voices tinged with jealousy or scepticism.

    ¡®And what was this acolyte¡¯s name again, professor?¡¯ the arch-maegi asked, his tone calm but probing.

    Riniock flinched, his pulse pounding in his ears. The spotlight was the last place he wanted to be, especially now ¨C with Jorian¡¯s gaze no doubt lurking somewhere in the shadows, hunting for a clue.

    ¡®Riniock Ev Tolgir. Would you join me here, please?¡¯

    Riniock froze, his pulse thundering in his ears. He gripped the edge of the table, his fingers white with tension. If he stayed still enough, perhaps the arch-maegi¡¯s curiosity would wane, and this unwanted attention would pass.

    A pause stretched disturbingly.

    ¡®Professor Gieller,¡¯ the arch-maegi¡¯s voice broke the silence, ¡®our student seems to suffer from stage fright. Would you be so kind as to point the young man out?¡¯

    ¡®Certainly.¡¯ Gieller¡¯s finger lifted, a tendril of energy slithering forward like a serpent. The ethereal glow wrapped around Riniock, a binding mark that made him stand out amongst the sea of acolytes.

    Before he could protest or flee, the arch-maegi flicked his wrist. A surge of invisible force yanked Riniock into the air, his feet dangling helplessly. A gasp rippled through the hall as he floated forward, suspended like a marionette.

    ¡®How nice of you to join us at this time!¡¯ The arch-maegi¡¯s voice was laced with a hint of amusement, but the weight of authority was undeniable.

    Riniock¡¯s throat tightened. He swallowed hard, his voice barely escaping.

    ¡®Y-Yes¡­¡¯

    He landed gently before the arch-maegi, his legs trembling as they touched the polished floor. The eyes of the entire hall bore into him ¨C curious, envious, suspicious. He dared not meet their gaze.

    ¡®Now,¡¯ the arch-maegi said, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly, ¡®let¡¯s see what makes you so special.¡¯

 Pride and Woe

    The arch-maegi had put Riniock on display, exposed him to the hall¡¯s merciless gaze. The weight of a thousand rapacious eyes bore into him, hungry with envy, curiosity, and doubt. A chill ran through his spine ¨C a bitter realisation settling in. He wouldn¡¯t recover from this humiliation easily; it was a wound that would fester long after this day.

    This was the price of his vanity, his reckless flaunting of skill, and his misplaced trust in the professors. He clenched his jaw, vowing that he would never again succumb to such basic human emotions. But that resolve did nought to shield him now.

    ¡®A good vessel,¡¯ the arch-maegi remarked, his hand hovering just a breadth away from Riniock¡¯s chest. A warm glow emanated from his palm, illuminating the space between them. The energy traced invisible lines across Riniock¡¯s body, probing, inspecting, exposing every conduit and flaw ¨C as though being naked before a crowd. ¡®All preliminary conduits appear to have burst open as well.¡¯

    A murmur of astonishment swelled in the crowd, mingling with disbelief.

    ¡®I taught him my harnessing technique,¡¯ Gieller interjected, his voice oozing pride, a sly smile tugging at his lips. ¡®He used it to deplete a fading node I presented to the class.¡¯

    ¡®Marvellous.¡¯ The arch-maegi¡¯s eyes glimmered with something dangerous ¨C expectation, perhaps, or a cold calculation. ¡®This means we¡¯ll soon have another maegi with prospects in the three tempest elements.¡¯

    The words hung in the air like a prophecy, one that came with a burden heavier than any accolade. Riniock¡¯s heart pounded. He knew this wasn¡¯t just recognition; it was a spotlight that could burn as easily as it could illuminate.

    But amidst the humiliation, there was a glimmer of revelation. Their nonchalant discussion, held at his expense, had revealed something invaluable: Gieller¡¯s harnessing technique wasn¡¯t just effective ¨C it was tailored for learning, mastering, and wielding the tempest elements.

    The tempest elements¡­Riniock¡¯s eyes narrowed in thought. That should be my next objective.

    As the arch-maegi and Gieller continued to discuss him, dissecting his progress openly for all to hear, a bitter question gnawed at him: Why? He hadn¡¯t wronged them. He hadn¡¯t insulted, offended, or challenged their authority. Was this spectacle their way of teaching a lesson? A warning that pride had no place in a maegi¡¯s path?

    If so, the message was clear ¨C and it cut deep.

    ¡®Excuse me¡­professors,¡¯ Riniock said, his voice measured despite the weight of his shame. ¡®May I return to my seat?¡¯

    Gieller scoffed lightly. ¡®Arch-maegi, you¡¯ve made him suffer enough.¡¯

    ¡®Fair enough.¡¯ The arch-maegi¡¯s voice was devoid of warmth. ¡®Return to your classmates.¡¯If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

    The invisible grip released him, and Riniock trudged back to his seat. Each step felt like a brand, searing his pride away. The eyes of the student body pierced him ¨C some with amusement, others with scorn. Even the professors¡¯ restrained laughter stung.

    From the shadows, Jorian¡¯s gaze burned with renewed interest. Riniock could almost feel the questions waiting to be unleashed, the scrutiny he¡¯d now endure.

    ¡®Secrecy is key in a maegi¡¯s life,¡¯ the arch-maegi announced loudly. ¡®The less others know, the greater your advantage. Never reveal your trump cards, and never trust anyone.¡¯

    He clenched his fists. So that¡¯s the lesson.

    Gieller¡¯s betrayal wasn¡¯t born of malice. It was a hard lesson cloaked in humiliation. Riniock¡¯s progress had been too quick, too obvious. He had played his hand for all to see. And whilst Gieller had smiled and guided him, in the end, the professor had done what he must: taught him the most painful truth of all.

    A truth wrapped in good faith, yet delivered like a dagger.

    Riniock bore no hatred towards Gieller, but the trust he once placed in the professor was gone. Betrayal, even when served with good intentions, left a scar that would not heal easily.

    Yet there was no time to dwell on the sting of vanity. The arch-maegi¡¯s voice broke through his thoughts.

    ¡®But let us not wallow in woes of pride or humiliation. My summoning you here is not for this purpose alone.¡¯ His gaze swept across the hall. ¡®In a few days, we will be hosting very important guests from the Ikshar Academy of the North. I trust that all of you will be on your best behaviour and continue your studies diligently, even if they choose to observe lessons.¡¯

    Excited murmurs erupted from the gathered students. The anticipation was electric. Guests from other magickal academies were a rarity, an event that infused the college with a sense of importance and vitality. For many, it was a chance to shine, to prove themselves worthy of attention from beyond their familiar walls.

    The earlier humiliation seemed forgotten, swept away in the tide of excitement. Conversations bubbled up, smiles returned, and the weight of the moment lifted like a dissipating storm cloud.

    The arch-maegi¡¯s stern face softened slightly. ¡®But I digress. Today, we feast ¨C an honour to welcome the new acolytes who now grace our college grounds. Eat and drink to your hearts¡¯ content.¡¯

    A cheer rose from the crowd, followed by the clatter of utensils and plates as students eagerly turned their attention to the overflowing tables. The scent of roasted meats, fresh bread, and exotic dishes filled the hall, a sensory balm to soothe the wounds of pride.

    Riniock sat down, his resolve hardening beneath his quiet exterior. Trust is a luxury I can¡¯t afford, he quietly thought, reaching for a bowl of nuts. But for now, he would eat, observe, and prepare. There were greater challenges ahead, and he intended to face them wiser, stronger, and unyielding.

    Riniock ate, the clamour and chaos of the other students masking the sound of his determined chewing. Occasionally, he lifted his head, scanning the hall with a scowl.

    As his gaze swept across the room, it froze when it met Jorian¡¯s dark, unwavering expression. The man sat motionless amongst the other staff, untouched food before him, his attention fixed solely on Riniock with unsettling intensity.

    The subtle pressure in the air between them was almost palpable. Riniock forced himself to look away, returning his focus to his meal, though every bite now felt leaden and unappetizing. The conversation and laughter around him faded into a muffled haze.

    But this would only warrant further suspicion, emboldening Jorian.

    Feigning nonchalance, Riniock glanced back up. Jorian¡¯s eyes hadn¡¯t wavered; they remained fixed on him like a predator tracking prey.

    He exhaled slowly and let their eyes comfortably meet.

    If he wants to hunt me, I will make sure he¡¯ll chase a ghost through a maze.

    He turned back to his food, his mind already crating a contingency through this hurdle he was faced with.

 A Lesson on Attunement

    After the feast in the main hall, the students returned to their assigned dormitories. Unsurprisingly, the atmosphere was tense, with many casting dark, scrutinizing glances at Riniock.

    Their constant hostility gnawed at his focus, making it impossible to concentrate on training. Frustrated, he surrendered to sleep.

    As his consciousness slipped away, his thoughts lingered not on the humiliation but on the arch-maegi''s and Gieller''s words ¨C the fleeting mention of the tempest elements. For all Gieller¡¯s distasteful theatrics, the professor had unwittingly provided Riniock with a powerful harnessing technique, one that aligned perfectly with unlocking the secrets of the tempest elements.

    Tomorrow, I must return to the library.

    Morning arrived swiftly, the usual routine unfolding as it had every day before. The senior maegi stormed into the dorm room, though this time, only a few acolytes were caught unprepared.

    ¡®Good!¡¯ he announced with a satisfied tone. ¡®It seems there¡¯s still hope for you lot to make something of yourselves. Off you go ¨C Professor Rhetrick is waiting.¡¯

    If there was one lesson Riniock anticipated eagerly, it was this one. Following their instruction on harnessing and refinement, today¡¯s Magick and Mechanics class promised to introduce a crucial concept:

    ¡®Attunement!¡¯ Professor Rhetrick declared, gesturing dramatically to an array of items floating midair.¡¯ A magickal bond formed between a maegi ¨C such as myself, and Mr. Tolgir here ¨C and constructs imbued with magickal properties. While you miserable lot can still perform the process, your classmate here could do it in a way that is easier, and more efficient.¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s shoulders tensed, his head lowering as he felt the simmering weight of his classmates¡¯ hostile glares. If the scrutiny wasn¡¯t oppressive enough, Rhetrick seemed determined to amplify it, highlighting Riniock¡¯s rapid progress in a way that only deepened the rift.

    ¡®By pouring constant and steady flows of odh, you can carve your odh signature into the item you wish to attune to,¡¯ Professor Rhetrick explained.

    This was the exact same principle Gatekeeper Lazrus had taught Riniock previously. The mechanics of attunement weren¡¯t new to him ¨C and they weren¡¯t the reason for his eager anticipation of this lesson. It was the second half of the class that truly held his interest.

    ¡®Why do we need attunement?¡¯ the professor posed rhetorically. ¡®An intriguing question, one might say ¨C''

    Before he could finish, Niann interjected, ¡®An attuned item works best in the hands of its owner. If someone uses an item that¡¯s unattuned or attuned to another person, there¡¯s a risk of backlash, and the item itself could be damaged and perhaps beyond repair.¡¯Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Professor Rhetrick hissed, his expression tight. ¡®Thank you, Mr. Nodahr, for your insightful interruption. While your timing is obnoxious, your explanation is correct.¡¯

    Professor Rhetrick moved to the display of items, his fingers grazing each one as he began his explanation.

    ¡®Focus your fleeting attention here. These are three magickal items. The first is unattuned, the second is attuned to a staff member here at the college, and the third is attuned to me.¡¯

    He picked up the item attuned to him ¨C a small sphere, roughly the size of a fist. ¡®This sphere is defensive in nature. Because it¡¯s attuned to me, it will function without any risk of failure.¡¯ He activated the sphere effortlessly, and a protective layer shimmered into existence around him.

    Next, he reached for the unattuned item, a stone with a faint glimmer. ¡®If I attempt to use this one, it might respond, but¡­¡¯ As he poured odh into it, the stone flared brightly, momentarily blinding the class. When the light faded, the stone had cracked slightly. ¡®As I expected,¡¯ he said, returning it to its place.

    Finally, he grasped the third item ¨C a green-tinted, exotic feather attuned to someone else. ¡®Now, observe carefully. If I use this recklessly, the backlash could be severe. Never do this unless absolutely necessary.¡¯

    With that warning, Rhetrick swiped the feather across his palm, drawing a thin line of blood. He hesitated, then began channelling odh into it. The feather suddenly shot from his grasp, embedding itself in the ceiling. Simultaneously, a chaotic ripple surged through the flow of odh in the room, and Rhetrick doubled over, groaning in pain, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.

    ¡®I-I hope this demonstration has made the risks clear,¡¯ he said, his voice strained. Using telekinesis, he retrieved the feather and returned it to its display.

    ¡®To practice, I¡¯ve provided each of you with an Arcane Tome for attunement. This exercise will improve your attunement skills and lay the groundwork for casting spells. These tomes, worn and tattered as they may be, are your first tools for memorising, inscribing, and ultimately wielding magick. I strongly advise you to take this exercise seriously.¡¯

    With a wave of his arm, he directed the students to a pile of tomes. As they each selected one, Rhetrick lowered himself to the floor, crossing his legs with a wince.

    ¡®I need to meditate to recover from this injury. I expect not to find anyone slacking when I¡¯m done.¡¯

    Riniock seized the arcane tome with a thrill of anticipation. This was the moment he¡¯d been waiting for. Now that he possessed the tome and had formed his vessel, all he needed was a spell ¨C and he could cast it. Hence the reason he was delighted to hear about the tempest elements.

    Settling onto the plush cushions, he placed the tome before him. His previous experience made the attunement process smooth and effortless. A surge of satisfaction swelled within him as the bond solidified. Without hesitation, he stood and strode purposefully towards the door.

    ¡®Riniock? Where are you going?¡¯ Niann called out, still struggling with his own attunement.

    ¡®The library. See you later.¡¯

    ¡®What about Professor Rhetrick?¡¯ Niann asked, glancing nervously at their meditating instructor.

    ¡®Tell him I¡¯ve finished and went to the library.¡¯

    ¡®Are you sure?¡¯

    ¡®Yeah. We¡¯ll talk when I get back.¡¯

    The door closed behind him, and murmurs erupted across the room. The air bristled with resentment and envy. A few students viewed his accomplishments with admiration, but they were vastly outnumbered by those who simmered with disdain.

    Niann clenched his fists, his determination igniting. I need to catch up, he thought. I can¡¯t let Riniock get too far ahead.

 The Tempest Elements

    Riniock found himself back in the familiar confines of the library, his eyes scanning the shelves on the first floor. As an acolyte, this was his only domain ¨C the first level stocked with the most elementary texts on magick. Despite the limitation, he wasn¡¯t deterred. After all, understanding the fundamentals was the first step to mastering more advanced spells further down the road.

    Before he could learn to cast, he needed knowledge. Tempest spells. That was his goal. And with the assistance of the enchanted lectern, he soon discovered an ideal starting point. The book before him wasn¡¯t a practical guide, but it offered the foundation he sought.

    He ran his fingers along the cover, taking in the title: Storms at Your Fingertips by Zireal Eza Zoran.

    This should do it, he thought, flipping through the pages with a mixture of curiosity and resolve. If he wanted to harness the power of the tempest elements, understanding their nature was paramount.

    He settled into a nearby reading nook, the weight of possibility filling the air around him. This was the beginning of something powerful ¨C something that could tip the scales in his favour.

    Riniock¡¯s eyes skimmed the poetic prose, absorbing the essence of the tempest elements. The lyrical language grated on him slightly, but he couldn¡¯t deny the vivid imagery and the sheer power described beneath the ornate words.

    Wind. Frost. Lightning. Each one a facet of the storm¡¯s boundless power. He whispered the lines again, more thoughtfully this time:

    ¡®Wind is the unseen wanderer...a whispering breeze or a howling gale.¡¯

    The subtlety of wind intrigued him. The ability to move unseen, to shape and erode, or to strike with forceful, invisible strength ¨C it offered flexibility and finesse.

    ¡®Frost is the cold grasp of winter...an invisible chill that drains warmth and life.¡¯

    The chilling stillness of frost had a ruthless elegance. To slow, to freeze, to sap strength from a foe ¨C that was a weapon in itself.

    This one he had already a bit of experience with.

    ¡®Lightning is the furious energy of the heavens... nature¡¯s fury, a spark of creation, and destruction.¡¯

    Here was raw power ¨C brilliant, explosive, and unpredictable. It held the promise of devastation and awe, a force that commanded immediate respect.

    He closed the book slowly, his mind whirling with possibilities. Zireal¡¯s flowery language might be overly dramatic, but the truths hidden within were clear: these elements could make him formidable. The tempest was not merely about casting spells; it was about embodying speed, volatility, and overwhelming might.

    As he stood, ready to return the book, his eyes lingered on one final sentence etched into the back cover:Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    ¡®Together, these Tempest Elements embody the spirit of the storm: swift, unpredictable, and powerful, shaping the world with relentless and often uncontrollable might.¡¯

    Swift. Unpredictable. Powerful. That¡¯s what he needed to become.

    Riniock¡¯s resolve hardened. Now it was time to move beyond the theory and seek out practical knowledge. His next step lay in mastering these forces, one element at a time.

    He slid the book back onto the shelf and headed for the deeper rows of manuscripts. The storm awaited him, and he intended to seize it.

    With the lectern¡¯s assistance once again, Riniock quickly narrowed down his options. Each book flickered before his eyes with tempting possibilities, their name on the lectern whispering promises of mastery. Yet, none offered a unified path through all three tempest elements. He had to make a choice, and time was ticking away.

    He considered his options carefully.

    Wind ¨C wind was fluid, versatile, and, perhaps most importantly, the foundation of motion and speed.

    A pragmatic choice for a first step.

    His eyes landed on a slim, unassuming book with a straightforward title:

    ¡®Easy Wind Techniques.¡¯

    A grin tugged at his lips. ¡®Simple title ¨C good sign. That means the effort went into the techniques, not dressing it up.¡¯

    He lifted the book off the shelf, its weight reassuring in his hands. No frills, no fluff. Just practical knowledge he could use. This was exactly what he needed.

    Riniock shuffled through the pages, absorbing both the intricate script and the detailed sketches. Each note from the author, every diagram, arrow, and annotation that outlined the techniques, demanded his full attention. He read and deciphered everything meticulously, committing it all to memory.

    ¡®I can''t cast spells just yet,¡¯ he muttered, his eyes scanning a page depicting fluid hand movements and swirling currents of odh. ¡®But I can practice the motions, the gestures, and the way to circulate odh during casting.¡¯

    He took a deep breath, steadying his focus. Effective spellcasting wasn¡¯t just about knowing the theory. A maegi needed three things: a vessel unlocked within them, a successful attunement to their tome, and the spell properly inscribed on it. All the pieces were falling into place ¨C he just needed to hone his technique and learn to inscribe it.

    Riniock clenched his fists and opened them slowly, tracing the gestures shown in the book. He could feel the flow of odh within him, subtle but alive, ready to be directed with precision. This was the groundwork for wielding one of the tempest elements.

    Riniock jotted down a few quick notes on a scroll, returned the book to its place, and slipped out of the library just before his pass expired.

    The thought of crafting his first spell filled him with exhilaration; the anticipation buzzed through his veins, making patience seem impossible. The idea of waiting for the next lesson on spell inscription was unbearable.

    He turned over potential solutions in his mind. One option was going back to the library using Niann¡¯s pass and learning the technique from more books, just as he''d done so far. But that plan had its risks.

    There¡¯s no guarantee I¡¯ll find anything useful, he reasoned. Burning through my final pass on a mere possibility would be foolish.

    A new idea struck him, though hesitation gnawed at the edges of his resolve. Ever since the humiliation in the main hall, he''d been wary of trusting others ¨C especially anyone associated with Gorlea. Still, there was one person besides Niann whose interactions with him had always been transactional and straightforward.

    ¡®Lazrus,¡¯ he muttered, changing his direction towards the gatekeeper''s quarters.

    If he timed it right, Lazrus would be finishing his shift. If the man was in the right mood, he might be the key to Riniock¡¯s next step forward. With Lazrus¡¯s help, he could carve out the advantage he so desperately sought. An edge that would ensure his peers, no matter how determined, wouldn¡¯t catch up to him just yet.

    It¡¯s worth a shot, he thought, quickening his pace.

 Idiosyncratic Inscription Instructor

    Riniock''s luck held; he caught Lazrus just as the gatekeeper was unlocking his front door. The man paused, hand out and stretched, and turned with a faint smile.

    ¡®Riniock?¡¯ Lazrus said, his eyes glinting with curiosity. He managed to notice him before he even attempted to announce himself. ¡®What a pleasant surprise.¡¯

    ¡®Good afternoon, sir. I hope I¡¯m not interrupting.¡¯

    ¡®Not at all,¡¯ Lazrus replied, gesturing towards the open door. ¡®Care to join me inside?¡¯

    ¡®If it¡¯s no trouble.¡¯

    ¡®None at all.¡¯

    Riniock stepped into the threshold, once again struck by the familiar sensation of the cabin expanding on the inside. The modest exterior belied the spacious and warmly furnished interior. The air was just as he remembered it, rich with the scent of herbs and aged wood, a comforting contrast to the brisk air outside.

    ¡®You know your way around, right?¡¯ Lazrus asked, hanging up his coat and pulling off his boots. Riniock nodded in response.

    ¡®Good,¡¯ Lazrus continued with a smile. ¡®Make yourself comfortable while I fetch us some tea.¡¯

    Riniock eased into one of the sofas by the hearth, his eyes wandering over the shelves stacked with scrolls, relics, and assorted trinkets. The warmth from the fireplace seeped into his bones, easing the tension that had followed him all day.

    ¡®So,¡¯ Lazrus began, bringing back tea, ¡®what brings you here today?¡¯

    Riniock straightened. ¡®I¡¯ve come to ask for another lesson.¡¯

    The gatekeeper raised a brow, a wry smile tugging at his lips. ¡®Oh? Do you take me for an instructor now? Or are the college¡¯s professors so inadequate that you¡¯re forced to seek out my humble teachings?¡¯

    Riniock hesitated, choosing his words carefully. It wasn¡¯t that the professors were unqualified ¨C their knowledge was vast ¨C but their slow, measured pace frustrated him. He thrived on progress, on momentum. And here, with Lazrus, he found that edge.

    He weighed his options, his wariness of trust flaring briefly, but then took a breath. ¡®My teachers are fine,¡¯ he finally said.

    ¡®Then why seek me out every time you need guidance?¡¯ Lazrus¡¯s eyes narrowed, gleaming with an intensity that seemed to pierce through Riniock¡¯s defences, as though searching his very core for answers.

    ¡®Because I can count on no one else.¡¯

    The room hung in silence for a moment, the crackling fire filling the space between them. Lazrus¡¯ gaze softened slightly, though his expression remained serious.

    The gatekeeper let out a sigh. ¡®I hope you¡¯ve brought me something to make it worth my while. As much as I enjoy your company, time spent must have its rewards.¡¯

    Riniock allowed a small smile. ¡®Naturally. That¡¯s one of the reasons I feel at ease with you.¡¯The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

    Lazrus chuckled, the sound low and approving. ¡®Fair enough. Let¡¯s see if we can¡¯t push you further along your path.¡¯

    Lazrus leaned back, a glimmer of approval in his eyes. ¡®I know for a fact that your family deals in magickal flora. I would have my pick of one as payment.¡¯

    Riniock nodded, determination evident in his stance. He placed his arcane tome carefully on the table, the ancient cover catching the flicker of the firelight. ¡®I need you to teach me how to inscribe spells.¡¯

    Lazrus raised an eyebrow. ¡®That request is entirely based on your achievements first. Have you already practiced the movements, the gestures, the control of odh in your body?¡¯

    ¡®Already done!¡¯ Riniock declared, his eagerness cutting through the air like a blade.

    The gatekeeper¡¯s smile widened, his respect for the boy¡¯s dedication growing. ¡®Well then, the hard part is over. Now comes the long part.¡¯

    He leaned forward, fingers drumming lightly on the table. ¡®Because of the bond you¡¯ve formed with your arcane tome, anything you write in it ¨C as long as it¡¯s within your capabilities ¨C will be both committed to the tome and embedded in your memory. That¡¯s the power of attunement and of the tome¡¯s mystical properties.¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s eyes sparkled with anticipation.

    ¡®To inscribe a spell,¡¯ Lazrus continued, ¡®you¡¯ll need ink that¡¯s durable enough to endure the wear of time. A long-lasting ink, something resistant to degradation. But ink alone won¡¯t complete the process ¨C you also need a clear understanding of how the spell works. Your method of notation matters, not that of the creator of the spell. You can write descriptions, draw diagrams, or map out the flow of odh. Whatever it takes for you to recall the spell¡¯s essence instantly when you¡¯re in the heat of casting.¡¯

    Lazrus tapped the tome gently. ¡®The goal is to make sure the knowledge remains fixed, never slipping away when you need it most.¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s fingers curled around the tome¡¯s edges. He could feel the weight of potential resting in his hands, ready to be unlocked.

    ¡®Are you ready for this commitment?¡¯ Lazrus asked, his tone serious. ¡®Because once you inscribe a spell, it becomes part of you ¨C for better or worse.¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s jaw tightened, resolve etched across his face. ¡®I¡¯m ready.¡¯

    ¡®Good,¡¯ Lazrus said, his smile returning. ¡®Let¡¯s begin.¡¯

    For the next seven days, Riniock dedicated himself to visiting Lazrus as soon as the gatekeeper¡¯s shift ended. From the moment he stepped into the small yet expansive abode until he left, he remained focused and diligent, immersed in the intricate art of spell inscription. The spell book he studied was a treasure trove of techniques ¨C not just one spell, but an assortment, each designed for specific and practical uses.

    Despite his commitment, Riniock couldn¡¯t shake the feeling of being watched. It wasn¡¯t long before he discovered the source: Jorian¡¯s cold, scrutinizing eyes, tracking his movements outside of lessons and beyond the sanctuary of Lazrus¡¯ dwelling.

    Meanwhile, his studies with the professors continued. He absorbed lessons on history, renowned maegi, magickal institutions, and a range of theoretical and practical subjects. Yet, his most significant education came from Lazrus.

    It was from the gatekeeper that Riniock learned a profound truth: mortals were never meant to wield odh. This immense power could disrupt a maegi¡¯s mind, affecting memory and focus. That¡¯s why arcane tomes were invented ¨C to anchor spells safely within a maegi¡¯s grasp.

    As the seventh night descended, Riniock prepared to leave Lazrus¡¯ home for the final time. He bowed respectfully. ¡®I owe you so much, sir. Thanks to your guidance and the use of your training room, I can now inscribe and cast my spells. I already feel stronger.¡¯

    Lazrus shook his head with a wry smile. ¡®Your progress is your own. I only provided advice.¡¯

    ¡®Even so, this wouldn¡¯t have been possible without you.¡¯

    The gatekeeper¡¯s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. ¡®A word of caution, Riniock. Knowing how to cast a spell and having the experience to wield it effectively are two very different things. Don¡¯t overestimate yourself. Practice against real opponents ¨C if any of your peers are up to the challenge.¡¯

    Riniock nodded, his expression serious. ¡®I understand. I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡¯

    He returned to his dormitory, refusing to relax his discipline. He continued harnessing odh and filling his vessel, each moment drawing him closer to mastery. Tomorrow, important guests were set to arrive at the college, and Riniock was certain their visit would hold significance for him.

 Martial Magick (1)

    When the next morning arrived, Riniock found himself in an unfamiliar classroom ¨C an expansive arena surrounded by rows upon rows of seating. Unlike the usual lecture halls, this space buzzed with an electric anticipation, the air charged with excitement.

    He scanned the room, noting how his peers settled in, eager for the lesson to begin. If there was one subject that universally thrilled the students, it was this one.

    ¡®The arena¡¯s packed,¡¯ Niann remarked as he approached and took a seat beside Riniock.

    ¡®That¡¯s because the guests from Ikshar Academy will be here to observe,¡¯ Riniock explained, nodding his head in the direction of a group lingering in the centre of the arena.

    ¡®Oh!¡¯ Niann¡¯s eyes lit up with interest. ¡®I hope I can make a good impression.¡¯

    ¡®Why¡¯s that?¡¯ Riniock asked, his curiosity piqued.

    Niann glanced around cautiously before leaning in. ¡®I heard a rumour ¨C they¡¯re selecting students for an expedition beyond the college grounds. Only the most qualified will be chosen.¡¯

    ¡®An expedition, huh¡­¡¯ Riniock stroked his chin thoughtfully, his interest sharpening.

    Until now, he had planned to keep his abilities under wraps, focusing on refining his techniques through practice. But with this new information, his strategy shifted. This was an opportunity he couldn¡¯t afford to miss ¨C and he was determined to seize it.

    Riniock¡¯s fingers tapped thoughtfully on the edge of his seat as he absorbed Niann''s words. A journey outside the college grounds ¨C such an opportunity was rare and not one to be missed. The chance to gain real-world experience, test his abilities beyond the confines of Gorlea, and perhaps even uncover new magickal knowledge was too tantalizing to pass up.

    The arena buzzed with excitement as even senior students settled in. Conversations overlapped, speculation ran wild, and glances darted towards the arena floor where the lesson would soon commence. The presence of Ikshar Academy''s guests added an extra layer of tension. These were renowned scholars and skilled practitioners, individuals whose approval could open doors to even greater opportunities.

    Riniock felt a fire kindle within him. This was the moment.

    He turned to Niann, his voice low but firm. ¡®If there¡¯s a chance for us to be chosen for that expedition, we need to stand out today.¡¯

    Niann''s eyes lit up with determination but then just as quickly it faded. ¡®Well, I¡¯m not very confident in this. Perhaps I best leave this to you.¡¯

    A hush fell over the arena as a professor spoke, followed by the group of distinguished-looking visitors clad in the beige and brown robes of Ikshar Academy. Their eyes swept over the seated students, assessing, appraising, measuring potential, moving to join the rest of the audience upon the seats. Riniock felt the weight of their gaze and steeled himself. He wasn¡¯t just another acolyte; he was prepared to prove it.

    The professor¡¯s voice cut through the silence like a blade. ¡®Welcome, everyone, to your first lesson in Martial Magickal Arts. I am Professor Evondiel, and I¡¯ll be guiding you through this subject for the rest of the year. Many of you likely had hands-on experience with a wand during your admission test ¨C facing beasts. But the real challenges come when you confront fellow maegi, opponents whose skill and strategies may match, or even surpass, your own.¡¯The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    Professor Evondiel stood in the centre of the arena, his eyes gleaming as he scanned the sea of eager faces. ¡®Well then, shall we begin with one-on-one duels?¡¯

    A surge of excitement swept through the students ¨C this was what they had been waiting for.

    Riniock¡¯s heart pounded, not with anxiety, but with exhilaration. The countless hours he had spent training with Lazrus, refining his spell inscriptions, and honing his technique were about to be put to the test. He was ready. This was his moment to prove himself.

    As the professor called for volunteers, hands shot up eagerly. Evondiel¡¯s eyes roved over the crowd before selecting two acolytes.

    The chosen pair ¨C both young men ¨C stood from their seats and made their way to the battleground below. The anticipation in the air was palpable, each student on the edge of their seat, awaiting the clash of spells and strategy.

    Riniock leaned forward, his resolve hardening. When his turn came, he would make sure his performance left a lasting impression ¨C on the arena, and on those who watched.

    ¡®Choose your wands carefully ¨C stand a few coigns apart ¨C and await my mark!¡¯ Professor Evondiel commanded.

    The two acolytes followed his instructions, positioning themselves in the arena with tense anticipation. Once they were ready, the professor took a step back, raised his hand, and gave the signal to begin.

    By chance, the two opponents had chosen wands imbued with opposing elements ¨C fire and ice. As their first spells flew through the air, a blazing fireball and a jagged spike of ice collided, exploding in a burst of steam and sparks.

    ¡®Very good! Both of you have excellent reflexes!¡¯ Evondiel praised.

    The duellists hesitated, their wands still raised and pointed at each other. Uncertainty flickered across their faces, each unsure of the next move.

    ¡®Don¡¯t hesitate!¡¯ Evondiel urged, his voice firm. ¡®Maintain the pressure on your opponent. The more pressure you apply, the greater your chance of victory. Don¡¯t give your adversary a moment¡¯s respite. As long as it¡¯s safe and feasible, keep casting spells and keep them on the defensive.¡¯

    The tension in the arena thickened as the two acolytes tightened their grips on their wands, determination hardening their expressions. The duel was far from over, and now they knew ¨C hesitation could be their undoing.

    The duel continued with both maegi hurling spells in rapid succession, their movements sharp and precise. For a time, the fire-wielding maegi dominated the exchange, relentlessly launching blazing projectiles and keeping his opponent on the defensive. Fiery arcs streaked through the air, forcing the other to dodge and deflect.

    But then, the tide began to shift.

    In the final moments, the ice-wielding maegi steadied his stance and focused, his spells gaining accuracy and confidence. A well-aimed shard of ice grazed his opponent¡¯s shoulder, and another struck his leg, slowing his movements. Seizing the opportunity, he launched a flurry of frost spells that chilled the air and forced his opponent back.

    With one decisive strike, he froze his opponent¡¯s limbs, locking them in place with a coating of ice. The fire maegi struggled, his eyes narrowing in frustration, before finally conceding defeat with a begrudging nod.

    The crowd erupted into applause, the lesson clear: resilience and composure could turn the tide of battle, no matter how fierce the onslaught.

    ¡®Well done,¡¯ Professor Evondiel said, stepping forward to ensure the duel truly concluded with surrender. ¡®This was a promising match, but there are a few points that need addressing.¡¯

    He methodically explained each maegi''s mistakes, offering clear, constructive advice on how to improve their techniques and tactics. His tone was firm but encouraging, reinforcing the idea that growth came from learning and practice.

    ¡®Overall, a commendable effort for your first duel,¡¯ he concluded. ¡®Train diligently, and you¡¯ll progress well. Now then ¨C who''s next?¡¯

    A sea of hands shot up eagerly, the students¡¯ enthusiasm palpable. But Evondiel''s sharp gaze settled on one figure in particular. The acolyte who had already unlocked his vessel and conduits. The one who returned from the glades with spoils others hadn¡¯t managed to claim. The same who had endured humiliation in the main hall and yet remained undeterred.

    ¡®You,¡¯ Evondiel said, his finger pointing directly at Riniock.

    A ripple of anticipation spread through the arena.

    ¡®And you,¡¯ the professor continued, selecting another student from the crowd.

    Riniock rose from his seat, his pulse quickening. He felt the eyes of his peers and the visitors from Ikshar Academy settle on him, measuring, judging. The moment he had prepared for had arrived.

    He stepped down into the arena, his resolve unwavering. It was time to show them all exactly what he was capable of.

 Martial Magick (2)

    Riniock took his position on one side of the arena, his opponent mirroring him on the other, with Professor Evondiel standing between them. Both acolytes gripped their wands tightly, poised for the duel to begin.

    At Evondiel¡¯s signal ¨C his hand dropping and the command ¡®Begin!¡¯ ringing out ¨C Riniock acted swiftly. Instead of launching an attack, he flicked his wand with precision, conjuring a solid wall of ice before him. The barrier rose swiftly, obscuring his opponent¡¯s line of sight and buying Riniock valuable time to strategise his next move.

    Riniock¡¯s decision to wield a frost-attribute wand made perfect sense given his prior experience.

    ¡®Take this!¡¯ his opponent shouted, unleashing a sharp, narrow bolt of energy. The spell struck the icy barrier, leaving a slight fracture.

    Undeterred, the opponent continued to fire at regular intervals, each strike widening the crack in the frozen wall. From the outside, Riniock remained motionless, giving no indication of a counterattack.

    The relentless barrage wore on, and soon the other acolyte¡¯s movements grew sluggish. Fatigue crept into his motions, and his wand, drained of odh, flickered weakly ¨C its reserves nearing exhaustion.

    From the stands, those who couldn''t see Riniock grew restless, wondering what was happening behind the icy barrier and why he remained inactive.

    Their curiosity turned to astonishment when a blade of wind shot out from behind the wall of frost, curving and steering, trained at the acolyte. The projectile nearly caught his opponent off guard, missing by a hair''s breadth. But before he could recover, a second gust struck him squarely in the back, sending him sprawling across the arena floor, gasping for air.

    The ice barrier shattered ¨C not because of damage, but because Riniock chose to dispel it. He stepped forward, his right hand donning the wand pulsing with frost, his left hand swirling with wind within his palm. Without hesitation, he pressed the attack, casting the two elemental spells in relentless succession, just as Professor Evondiel had advised. His opponent cowered on the ground, overwhelmed, too terrified to call out his surrender.

    ¡®That¡¯s enough!¡¯ Professor Evondiel commanded, stepping between them to shield the fallen acolyte. ¡®Surrender now.¡¯

    ¡®I-I surrender¡­ I surrender,¡¯ the young man stammered, his voice barely audible.

    Riniock¡¯s focus gradually faded, and he became aware of the world beyond the duel. He looked around and saw the expressions on his peers¡¯ faces ¨C a blend of shock and awe. They struggled to process what they had just witnessed.

    How had he managed such precise and powerful spellcasting without relying solely on a wand or any traditional catalyst? To them, this feat should have been impossible at their level. The realization dawned on the crowd: none of them had yet learned spell inscription. For Riniock to wield such precise magic, he must have learned it independently.

    ¡®Impressive control, acolyte,¡¯ Professor Evondiel praised. ¡®I hope everyone paid close attention to this duel. It demonstrated key elements of strategic thinking and relentless pressure.¡¯Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

    The spell exchange caught the attention of all who watched, prompting some unusual reactions.

    A woman stood up from the seats, her voice soft but resolute. ¡®Excuse me. If it¡¯s permitted, may I duel this acolyte?¡¯

    Evondiel turned to find the source of the request. The speaker was a young acolyte from Ikshar Academy, clad in robes of beige and brown. Her expression was calm, but her eyes burned with determination.

    The professor¡¯s gaze shifted to the older maegi seated with the Ikshar delegation. ¡®Is this request genuine?¡¯

    The elder maegi, likely a professor from Ikshar, turned to his student. A soundless wave of magic, imperceptible to all but the most skilled, passed from his sealed lips to her mind. After a moment, the young woman responded with a measured nod.

    The elder maegi turned back to Evondiel and gave a subtle nod of approval.

    Professor Evondiel''s eyes rested on Riniock. ¡®Mr. Tolgir, do you accept this duel?¡¯

    Riniock paused to consider his options.

    There would be no repercussions if he refused; declining the duel was well within his right. Yet accepting the challenge held far more promise. The risk of injury was a small price to pay for the potential rewards. He could gain valuable experience, gauge the strength of Ikshar Academy¡¯s acolytes, and finally face someone who might truly test his abilities. Amongst his peers, none had proven to be his equal, and meaningful practice was essential for growth.

    His choice was clear.

    ¡®I accept,¡¯ he declared with conviction.

    Professor Evondiel¡¯s gaze sharpened. ¡®You understand what this could mean?¡¯ he pressed, subtly reminding Riniock of the potential outcomes. ¡®This young woman likely holds more experience than you.¡¯

    ¡®All the more reason to face her, professor,¡¯ Riniock replied, his voice steady. ¡®Opportunities like this don¡¯t come often.¡¯

    Evondiel nodded, a glimmer of respect in his eyes. ¡®Very well. The duel will begin shortly.¡¯

    The woman descended gracefully into the arena, taking her place opposite Riniock as Professor Evondiel positioned himself between them.

    Once she reached an optimal stance, Evondiel raised his arm to signal the start but was interrupted by her calm voice.

    ¡®Before we begin, would you mind if we duelled without wands?¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s eyes narrowed with interest. ¡®That would be wonderful,¡¯ he replied, a hint of excitement in his tone.

    ¡®Then let¡¯s proceed, Professor Evondiel. At your mark,¡¯ she said with a nod.

    Evondiel scanned both combatants for readiness, then dropped his arm in a swift motion to begin the duel.

    The woman moved first. Crossing her arms before her chest, a fiery blaze erupted, sweeping across the arena like a scorching tide.

    Reacting quickly, Riniock spun his hands in a tight spiral, summoning a vortex of wind that deflected and dissipated the flames into harmless embers. With the inferno neutralized, he seized the opportunity, unleashing rapid gusts of wind to stagger his opponent and create openings for an attack.

    Though a few gusts landed, most were dispelled before reaching her, her sharp movements and precise counterspells negating his efforts.

    Suddenly, she thrust her hands forward in rapid succession, unleashing a flurry of small fireballs that hurtled towards him in a chaotic swarm.

    Riniock had no time to strategize. With instincts taking over, he thrust his palms downward, generating a powerful updraft that propelled him a few coigns into the air, just high enough to evade the onslaught.

    Whilst airborne, he conjured a blade of wind, sharper and faster than the one used in his previous duel. It cut through the air with blistering speed, aimed directly at his opponent.

    But she was prepared. With a fluid motion, she dispelled the blade and slammed her palm onto the ground. A surge of flames erupted, creating a fiery wall that consumed the arena ahead of Riniock.

    Caught mid-fall, he had no chance to manoeuvre. The roaring flames engulfed him, searing his resolve. As the fire licked at his skin, he cried out in surrender.

    ¡®I surrender! It¡¯s my loss!¡¯

    The flames subsided, leaving Riniock scorched but unharmed, thanks to the controlled nature of the duel.

    The crowd erupted into murmurs, the Ikshar acolyte¡¯s skill leaving a strong impression on everyone present. Riniock, though defeated, couldn¡¯t help but smirk ¨C this was exactly the challenge he had sought.

 The List

    Riniock straightened himself, brushing off the dust and checking for any injuries. Thankfully, when he had announced his surrender, his opponent had swiftly withdrawn her fiery spell, sparing him from further harm.

    This showcased her great control over magick and emotions.

    ¡®You fight well,¡¯ she said, her tone both respectful and curious. ¡®May I ask your name?¡¯

    ¡®My name is Riniock,¡¯ he replied, his voice steady. ¡®And yours?¡¯

    ¡®I¡¯m Linry,¡¯ she introduced herself with a nod.

    ¡®I enjoyed this duel,¡¯ Riniock said earnestly. ¡®Thank you.¡¯

    Linry smiled faintly. ¡®If I may ask, was this your first-ever duel?¡¯

    Riniock hesitated briefly, scratching the back of his head with a sheepish grin. ¡®It was. I only began learning spellcasting about a week ago.¡¯

    Linry¡¯s eyes widened in astonishment. ¡®Is that so?¡¯ she said, her amazement evident. ¡®Well, in any case, I¡¯m certain you¡¯ll be hearing from the academy soon enough.¡¯

    Turning to Professor Evondiel, she inclined her head respectfully. ¡®Thank you, professor, for granting us this opportunity.¡¯

    Evondiel nodded, his expression a mixture of pride and intrigue as he glanced at Riniock. ¡®The honour was ours,¡¯ he said simply, already anticipating what the future might hold for the young Gorlea acolyte.

    Linry returned to the Ikshar delegation, whilst Riniock made his way back to join Niann in the arena seats.

    As he walked, a flicker of movement caught his eye. Amongst the audience, partially obscured by the crowd, stood Jorian. His gaze locked onto Riniock, unrelenting and unsettling. It was a stare that couldn¡¯t be ignored, sharp and deliberate, like a predator studying its prey.

    The Jorian problem was escalating, no longer a vague irritation but a pressing concern. Wherever Riniock went, the staff member seemed to follow, lingering just out of reach yet always present.

    ¡®I need to deal with him¡­and soon,¡¯ Riniock muttered under his breath, a frown shadowing his face.

    ¡®Did you say something?¡¯ Niann¡¯s cheerful voice interrupted his thoughts, his expression as na?ve and carefree as ever.

    ¡®No, nothing,¡¯ Riniock replied quickly, forcing a casual tone. ¡®Just talking to myself.¡¯

    Niann grinned, leaning closer. ¡®You were amazing out there! Shame you lost to that Ikshar wench, though¡­speaking of which, when did you learn how to cast spells like that? Or how to inscribe them in the first place?¡¯

    Riniock chuckled nervously, brushing off the question with a playful shrug. ¡®Can¡¯t go around revealing all my secrets, can I?¡¯

    Niann pouted exaggeratedly. ¡®Aw, come on! At least tell me someday.¡¯

    ¡®We¡¯ll see,¡¯ Riniock said, his smile masking the unease still lingering in the back of his mind.

    Across the arena, on the opposite side, the delegation from Ikshar Academy welcomed Linry back into their fold. She bowed respectfully before her master, the elder who regarded her with a stern expression.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡®Linry,¡¯ the old man began, his voice measured, ¡®I trust this duel of yours had a purpose beyond spectacle? You know I detest unnecessary theatrics.¡¯

    Rising from her bow, Linry met his gaze steadily. ¡®Of course, Master. My intention was to assess the strength of their most capable acolyte.¡¯

    The elder arched an eyebrow, his expression sceptical. ¡®And what led you to believe this Riniock is their strongest?¡¯

    ¡®It was a simple deduction,¡¯ she explained. ¡®When their duelling instructor began the lesson, he explicitly told the students to choose their wands carefully ¨C an implication that most of them, if not all, haven¡¯t mastered casting their own spells. That makes Riniock an anomaly.¡¯

    The elder nodded slowly. ¡®So, he must be the only acolyte with that level of ability.¡¯

    ¡®Exactly,¡¯ Linry confirmed.

    One of her peers interjected, scoffing. ¡®But you defeated him. Doesn¡¯t sound like much of a threat to our acolytes.¡¯

    Linry turned to him, raising a finger in quiet rebuttal. ¡®You clearly didn¡¯t pay attention to the duel. I had my doubts about his abilities, but Riniock confirmed them himself.¡¯

    ¡®Doubts?¡¯ the peer pressed, leaning forward.

    ¡®If he wasn¡¯t lying, that was his very first one-on-one duel,¡¯ Linry explained. ¡®And yet, he managed to perform so well. It also confirms he¡¯s likely the only new student capable of casting spells independently.¡¯

    ¡®His first duel?¡¯ the peer repeated incredulously. ¡®That¡¯s absurd.¡¯

    ¡®I thought so too, but his movements were largely instinctive, not those of someone with experience,¡¯ Linry replied calmly. ¡®If he is allowed time, his growth would be unimaginable¡­I¡¯m certain.¡¯

    ¡®This is troubling,¡¯ another member of the academy delegation remarked, their tone grim. ¡®If all their acolytes are as skilled as Riniock, our own might struggle to compete. His achievements in such a short time are nothing short of remarkable.¡¯

    The elder¡¯s voice broke the murmurs of agreement. ¡®Linry, my disciple, your observation is invaluable. Investigate this boy further and ensure his name is added to the list for the expedition.¡¯

    Linry nodded solemnly. ¡®Yes, Master.¡¯

    Later that day, across Gorlea¡¯s sprawling grounds, an announcement appeared on every wall, post, and bulletin board. Its bold letters caught the attention of passersby, and it read:

    Acolytes of Gorlea,

    By the express permission and patronage of your esteemed college¡¯s leadership, we are pleased to inform you of an extraordinary opportunity.

    The Ikshar Academy of the North will be conducting an audit to evaluate your skills, talents, and potential. Those who meet the required criteria will earn the prestigious honour of joining a groundbreaking expedition into the Rock Barren Wasteland.

    Best regards,

    The Committee of Ikshar Academy of the North

    Excitement buzzed amongst the Gorlea acolytes as they gathered to read and discuss the announcement, their imaginations alight with the possibilities it promised.

    ¡®Do you think they¡¯re only interested in strength?¡¯ Niann asked, his voice tinged with worry.

    ¡®Probably not,¡¯ Riniock replied, brushing off the concern. ¡®Stop overthinking it. Just focus on doing your best whenever one of them shows up to observe our lessons.¡¯

    Despite the reassurance, Niann slumped in his seat, his uncertainty written plainly across his face.

    ¡®Expeditions don¡¯t just need those who excel at martial magick,¡¯ Riniock continued, his tone firm but understanding. ¡®They¡¯ll be looking for people with a broad range of skills, including deep knowledge. It wouldn¡¯t make sense to choose only spell casters. You know that, and they know it too.¡¯

    ¡®I know¡­¡¯ Niann murmured, still unconvinced. ¡®But I can¡¯t shake the feeling. What if I can¡¯t meet their expectations?¡¯

    Riniock sighed, recognising the weight of his friend¡¯s doubts. ¡®Then prove to yourself first that you can. That¡¯s all anyone can do.¡¯

    ¡®You¡¯re right¡­as always,¡¯ Niann conceded with a faint smile, though the weight of his earlier worries still lingered.

    As the two made their way to their next lesson, Riniock¡¯s thoughts drifted elsewhere, gnawed by doubts of his own. Unlike Niann¡¯s concerns, his had little to do with confidence or ability; instead, they revolved around the enigmatic behaviour of Jorian over the past week.

    Was the man onto him? Or was this obsessive stalking part of something larger?

    Riniock couldn¡¯t be certain whether he was Jorian¡¯s sole target or if others were also under scrutiny. But it no longer mattered. The matter had festered too long, and Riniock had resolved not to let it linger further.

    I¡¯ll have to do my own stalking after the lesson, he thought, already piecing together a plan to confront and resolve this growing threat.

 Prepare to Be Hunted (1)

    As soon as Riniock¡¯s lesson ended that day, he set out to execute his plan. If he wanted to uncover anything about Jorian, he would need to adopt the same methods as his target, shadowing him, and tailing his movements discreetly.

    Jorian¡¯s day, however, turned out to be more nuanced than Riniock had anticipated. After his peculiar pastime of seemingly spying on him, Jorian seamlessly transitioned into more mundane activities. He attended his lessons, completed his assignments, and interacted with others as any normal staff member would.

    This duality only deepened Riniock¡¯s curiosity.

    Determined to find closure, Riniock maintained a careful distance, observing and piecing together the enigmatic man¡¯s routine whilst ensuring his own presence went unnoticed.

    As time went on, following Jorian proved fruitless. Riniock decided it was time for a different strategy. If shadowing the man yielded no insights, perhaps others could provide the answers he sought. He began discreetly asking around, taking care to keep his inquiries subtle.

    During a break between lessons, he found himself sitting next to Elred, an acolyte with a penchant for gossip. Elred¡¯s brother, a former classmate of Jorian, often shared titbits about them and their histories. It made Elred a wellspring of information on nearly everyone in their cohort.

    ¡®Elred,¡¯ Riniock began after a few minutes of exchanging words with him, his tone casual, ¡®has your brother ever mentioned anything about Jorian? He seems...different.¡¯

    Elred arched an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. ¡®Jorian? Oh, plenty. But why do you care? He¡¯s just one of the senior staff, assigned to...well, mundane chores, mostly.¡¯

    ¡®Assigned to chores?¡¯ Riniock repeated, feigning nonchalance. ¡®Is there a particular reason for that?¡¯

    ¡®Absolutely,¡¯ Elred replied with a sly smile. ¡®Acolytes like us, those with clear promise are usually given opportunities to flourish. But if someone reaches a bottleneck and stops progressing, they¡¯re often transitioned to roles like Jorian¡¯s. It¡¯s not failure ¨C it¡¯s more like being put on hold indefinitely.¡¯

    ¡®So, he¡¯s a stagnant maegi?¡¯ Riniock asked, leaning in slightly.

    ¡®Something like that,¡¯ Elred said with a shrug. ¡®From what I know, his focus shifted to escort duties. Those jobs are important but...not exactly glamorous.¡¯

    ¡®Escort duties?¡¯

    Riniock leaned back, processing the information. If Jorian¡¯s role was more limited than it seemed, then his constant watchfulness could very well be personal. It might not be tied to the college¡¯s oversight at all. Was Jorian stepping outside the boundaries of his responsibilities to monitor him?

    If that were true, it simplified matters. With only one person invested, neutralising the threat could be straightforward.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

    ¡®Thanks, Elred,¡¯ Riniock said, standing up.

    ¡®Anytime,¡¯ Elred replied, reclining with a grin. ¡®If you want to dig deeper, talk to those two seniors who guide us in the mornings. They were in Jorian¡¯s class.¡¯

    As Riniock walked away, his thoughts churned. A clearer picture of Jorian¡¯s motives was beginning to take shape. After deciding to approach the seniors for more insight, Riniock resolved to postpone his inquiries until the following morning, when the two seniors would arrive to wake the acolytes ¨C a routine that was often anything but pleasant.

    As usual, a few acolytes overslept and were met with stern reprimands. Riniock seized the moment.

    ¡®Go on ahead,¡¯ he said to Niann, motioning for him to join the others heading to their lessons. ¡®I need to discuss something.¡¯

    Niann hesitated briefly but nodded. ¡®Alright. Don¡¯t be late.¡¯

    With the other acolytes out of sight, Riniock turned his attention to the seniors. He approached the female senior first, hoping for a straightforward answer.

    ¡®Excuse me, would it be possible ¨C¡¯

    ¡®Get lost, craven!¡¯ she snapped, cutting him off sharply.

    Riniock sighed inwardly, not surprised but deeply disappointed. Her fiery temper was a well-known trait, evident from the very first day. Deciding not to press further, he shifted his focus to the male senior, choosing his words with care to avoid a similar outcome.

    ¡®Between you and Sir Noidron, who would you say is stronger?¡¯

    The male senior paused, studying Riniock with a curious glint in his eye. Normally, he¡¯d have scolded him, even berated him for failure to attend his lesson, but not this time. ¡®Why do you ask?¡¯

    ¡®I¡¯m trying to understand more about the staff here,¡¯ Riniock replied, his tone measured. ¡®It seems...some of them, like Sir Jorian, have unique roles. I thought it might help to know how they compare to others.¡¯

    The senior¡¯s expression softened slightly, his tone laced with mild amusement. ¡®Interesting question. Strength, in this context, is simply magickal power. Noidron is formidable, no doubt, but he wouldn¡¯t stand a chance against me. Jorian, on the other hand, is probably the runt of the staff members.¡¯

    ¡®Why is that?¡¯ Riniock pressed, sensing an opportunity to dig deeper.

    The senior crossed his arms, his gaze flickering momentarily towards the corridor where the other acolytes had gone. ¡®Let¡¯s just say Jorian never quite mastered martial magickal arts. His strength was in projecting his arcane sense, an exceptional skill. But even that talent was stripped from him about a year ago due to an injury.¡¯

    ¡®Injury?¡¯ Riniock asked, feigning mild curiosity. ¡®Are you saying his arcane sense no longer works?¡¯

    ¡®Exactly,¡¯ the senior confirmed, his voice lowering slightly. ¡®He couldn¡¯t detect a mouse trailing him even if it were right under his nose.¡¯

    Riniock nodded thoughtfully. ¡®I see. Thank you for sharing.¡¯

    The senior gave him a curt nod, his expression hardening again. ¡®Now, get to class before I give you something to really think about.¡¯

    As Riniock walked away, the puzzle pieces were finally starting to fall into place. This revelation explained why Jorian had failed to notice him the day before when he had been tailing him.

    It wasn¡¯t a matter of oversight ¨C it was a matter of inability. Jorian¡¯s once-formidable arcane sense had been rendered useless, leaving him effectively blind to subtle surveillance.

    Which raised an unsettling question: why was Jorian so determined to pursue the matter of the murder with such zeal? Even Professor Bhallen, a figure of authority, had dismissed Odrean¡¯s death as inconsequential.

    Was Jorian seeking some form of recognition, perhaps trying to redeem himself by unearthing the truth? Or was there something deeper driving his relentless curiosity?

    Whatever his motives, one thing was now certain ¨C his vulnerability presented an opportunity. Armed with the knowledge of Jorian¡¯s weakened state, Riniock had a clearer sense of how to act. If all went according to plan, this investigation would be snuffed out before it gained any traction, fading into obscurity like a shadow never cast into the light.

 Prepare to Be Hunted (2)

    Riniock moved through the day with practiced normalcy, careful not to betray the thoughts racing in his mind. He attended his first lesson without issue, spent time training during breaks, exchanged casual chatter with Niann, and followed up with another lesson. By the time the acolytes gathered in the main hall for dinner, the day had unfolded as routinely as any other.

    Yet, despite his composed exterior, Riniock¡¯s watchful eyes noticed Jorian lingering at the edges, still doggedly pursuing his investigation.

    Maintaining his usual routine was no longer just about preserving a fa?ade; it was a calculated effort to avoid giving Jorian anything to latch onto.

    Tonight, I¡¯ll end this charade once and for all! Riniock thought, his jaw tightening with determination. The quiet fury building within him found an outlet in the bent fork he gripped too tightly, a subtle testament to the storm brewing beneath his calm demeanour.

    ¡®I¡¯m going to excuse myself,¡¯ Riniock said as he pushed back his chair, his plate now empty. ¡®I¡¯ll head to bed early tonight.¡¯

    ¡®Alright,¡¯ Niann replied, though a flicker of concern crossed her face. ¡®Everything okay?¡¯

    ¡®Just tired from all the training,¡¯ Riniock answered with a casual shrug.

    ¡®Got it. Well, I¡¯ll stay here with Elred,¡¯ Niann said with a small smile. ¡®Catch you tomorrow then.¡¯

    Riniock nodded, gave a quick wave, and strode towards the dormitories.

    As he left, Jorian¡¯s gaze followed him, sharp and unwavering. True to form, the staff member discreetly trailed him all the way back to ensure that Riniock had returned to his bunk. Only when he was satisfied did Jorian retreat to his own chamber, his mission for the evening seemingly complete.

    But Jorian wasn¡¯t the only one who had an interest in Riniock¡¯s movements. Another shadow trailed behind them, their identity and presence a complete mystery.

    From his dormitory window, Riniock observed Jorian¡¯s departure with a faint smirk. Persistent as ever, he mused. His alibi was intact, witnessed by both Niann and Elred during his public departure.

    Satisfied, Riniock slipped out into the night. Cloaked in shadows and moving with purpose, he navigated the campus with care, ducking behind walls and skirting around lit paths. Each step was calculated, his ears alert for any sound that might betray the presence of others.

    Tonight, there could be no mistakes.

    Jorian¡¯s chamber was a chaotic sprawl of disarray. Books lay scattered across the floor, papers were strewn haphazardly over the desk and bed, and the dim flicker of a few candles barely illuminated the mess. It seemed as though Jorian had been too preoccupied to care for order, his focus consumed by something else entirely.

    The man sat in a chair next to his bed, staring intently at the wall, his eyes fixed as though it were a canvas upon which unseen stories unfolded. For a long time, he didn¡¯t move, the only sound in the room the faint crackle of candle flames.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Finally, Jorian stood and approached his bedside table. With deliberate motions, he opened the drawer and began retrieving items.

    Riniock, watching through the window from his concealed vantage point, stiffened as his eyes fell on the first object. That¡¯s Odrean¡¯s dagger¡­he cursed inwardly, recognising the very blade he had used to silence Odrean in the glades.

    But worse was yet to come.

    Jorian lifted another item from the drawer ¨C a wand. Riniock¡¯s breath hitched as he identified it immediately, the intricate etchings and carvings marking it as his own. That¡¯s the wand I used in the test!

    As though the revelations weren¡¯t damning enough, Jorian pulled out a small phial filled with a luminous blue liquid. Riniock¡¯s eyes narrowed. The phial Professor Idrass gave him¡­What is he planning to do with that?

    Tension mounted as Riniock grappled with his next move. Whatever Jorian was up to, it was no coincidence. The stakes had just been raised dramatically.

    Riniock braced himself for action, his heart pounding as he tied a cloth over his face to obscure his identity. The shrouded night and his concealed appearance would be his only allies should anyone catch sight of him during what came next.

    Inside the chamber, Jorian muttered aloud, seemingly speaking to an invisible confidant.

    ¡®With this, I can prove someone murdered that acolyte,¡¯ he said, holding up the dagger. ¡®Now the question remains...who killed him? This is that Riniock¡¯s wand. I hope Professor Bhallen will go easy on me for swapping this wand from the storages.¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s fists clenched as he watched Jorian bite the stopper off the phial and spit it aside. The man let a few drops of the luminous blue liquid drip onto the dagger¡¯s handle. Almost instantly, glowing patterns emerged ¨C fingerprints which would unmistakably be his own.

    ¡®Moment of truth,¡¯ Jorian murmured, his voice tense with anticipation. ¡®If the prints on this dagger match the ones on this wand, then the culprit is ¨C¡¯

    Jorian reached for the wand with deliberate care, intending to repeat the test.

    But before he could complete his plan, the window to his chamber shattered into a cascade of glittering shards. A shadowy figure vaulted through the opening, landing in a crouch. The dim candlelight made it impossible to discern their identity, the mask obscuring their face completing the air of menace.

    ¡®Who in Murat are you?¡¯ Jorian screamed, instinctively raising his arms to shield himself from the flying glass.

    The intruder stood to their full height, the shattered window framing their silhouette against the night. Riniock knew his time to act had come.

    Without hesitation, Riniock seized a nearby chair, hurling it with force towards Jorian. The staff member barely had time to react, flinching as the chair struck him squarely. The impact forced him backward, and the fragile phial slipped from his grip, shattering against the floor in a pool of glowing blue liquid.

    ¡®BASTARD!¡¯ Jorian roared, clutching his side in pain. ¡®Who sent you? Did Riniock pay you to destroy the evidence?¡¯

    The accusation hung in the air, but Riniock had no intention of indulging it. Destroying the evidence might have been a sensible move, but that wasn¡¯t his plan.

    Jorian had meddled too long and too deeply in matters he had no business investigating. In Riniock¡¯s mind, the outcome was clear. The man¡¯s relentless pursuit had left him with only one solution: silence Jorian permanently.

    The only thoughts that coursed through Riniock now were of death ¨C swift, decisive, and absolute.

    Riniock spread his palms wide, summoning swirling currents of elemental wind that crackled with latent energy. The air in the room shifted, charged with an intensity that made the candles flicker wildly. His stance radiated menace, a silent declaration that Jorian¡¯s earlier conclusion had been far from the truth.

    The realisation struck Jorian like a hammer, his bravado dissolving into desperation. He staggered back, hands raised in a futile attempt to placate the storm brewing before him.

    ¡®Wait!¡¯ he cried, his voice cracking with panic. ¡®We can work this out! There¡¯s no need for this!¡¯

    But Riniock¡¯s expression, hidden behind his mask, betrayed no mercy. His only reply was the growing chaos of the magickal winds, a harbinger of the fate Jorian had unwittingly invited upon himself.

 Buried in Flames

    From the outside, Jorian¡¯s humble chamber might as well have been silent as the grave. A muffling spell array surrounded it, ensuring no sound could escape or penetrate the space, creating an eerie stillness that belied the chaos within. The only sign of the carnage was a stray wind spell that burst through the already shattered window, sending a shockwave rippling through the night air.

    It was Riniock¡¯s fortune that no one trailed the grounds at that time, the majority still feasting within the main hall.

    Inside, the room was a storm of destruction. Wind blades slashed with lethal precision, tearing through furniture and walls alike. Papers and shards of broken glass swirled in the violent tempest. Riniock¡¯s attacks came with terrifying intent ¨C each spell aimed at vital spots, none designed to merely injure or maim.

    Jorian was fighting a desperate battle. Though he managed to avoid severe injury, his state was deteriorating rapidly. The overturned desk he used for cover groaned under the relentless force of the spells, pinned against the wall as though it might collapse at any moment.

    ¡®We don¡¯t need to do this!¡¯ Jorian shouted, his voice almost drowned by the gale. A razor-sharp sphere of wind missed his head by a hair¡¯s breadth, embedding itself in the wall behind him.

    Despite his lack of proficiency in martial magickal arts, Jorian wasn¡¯t entirely defenceless. From his crouched position, he shot up intermittently, casting defensive spells and retaliatory bursts of magick, before ducking back down. But his efforts were disjointed, and his hesitation was palpable. Unlike his assailant, Jorian had refrained from killing intent ¨C a restraint that now placed him at a dire disadvantage.

    His adversary, though inexperienced in movement and battle tactics, displayed spellcasting of unnerving refinement. Each attack was calculated, brimming with a precision that spoke of a single, chilling goal: the utter annihilation of its target.

    Jorian¡¯s breaths came in short, ragged bursts as he began to realise that his opponent¡¯s resolve far outweighed his own.

    ¡®If this drags on, someone will hear and investigate,¡¯ Jorian called out, renewing his attempts at negotiation. ¡®At that time, you''ll be outnumbered. Cease this and retreat¡­and I''ll forget this ever happened.¡¯

    Riniock smirked beneath his mask, his voice disguised to remain anonymous. ¡®Who could possibly hear us when you¡¯ve so thoughtfully provided this chamber with a muffling array?¡¯ he countered. ¡®I checked outside ¨C don¡¯t bother lying.¡¯

    Jorian flinched, dodging a projectile spell that barely missed his shoulder.

    The gust from Riniock''s spell toppled one of the candles, its flame catching onto the scattered papers and books that carpeted the wooden floorboards. Within moments, the fire began to spread, licking hungrily at the parchment and casting flickering shadows across the chaotic room. The acrid scent of burning ink and wax filled the air, mingling with the tension that thickened with every second.

    ¡®Look¡­¡¯ he began, his voice carrying a tinge of desperation, ¡®surely we can work something out. If it¡¯s money you want, I¡¯ll give you everything I have¡­¡¯

    ¡®I don¡¯t want your money,¡¯ Riniock interrupted coldly, his tone resolute.

    ¡®Then what is it you want?¡¯ Jorian pressed, his mind racing for a way out. ¡®If it¡¯s within my means, I¡¯ll give it to you.¡¯

    The offer was a ruse ¨C a ploy to stall for time. Jorian¡¯s mind clung to a single hope: his assailant would exhaust their odh reserves before he did. And when that happened, no amount of skill or ruthlessness could protect them from his counterattack.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

    Riniock, however, wasn¡¯t blind to the tactic. He could feel the slow but undeniable drain on his magickal reserves. Yet, some of Professor Evondiel¡¯s words echoed in his mind: Maintain pressure. Force the enemy into a defensive corner. The one who controls the flow controls the fight.

    So he pressed on, unrelenting. Each spell he cast drove Jorian further into the defensive, forcing him to expend his own odh in retaliation. The muffled chamber became a cauldron of tension, the stakes rising with every passing moment.

    As time wore on, Riniock¡¯s reservoir of odh was completely drained. His final spell sputtered weakly, fizzling out with a muted thud against the wall behind Jorian.

    ¡®Seems you really are inexperienced,¡¯ Jorian sneered, cautiously peeking over his cover to survey the aftermath. When no further attacks came, he straightened up, brushing soot from his clothes as he approached with measured confidence.

    ¡®It was a decent effort while it lasted,¡¯ he said smugly, coughing as the smoke thickened.

    The room groaned under the strain of the spreading flames. Wooden beams cracked and collapsed, sending fiery debris tumbling down, narrowing Jorian¡¯s path. He moved carefully, weaving sideways to avoid the inferno, the flickering light reflecting off his victorious smirk.

    Once I subdue him, I¡¯ll have the proof I need to expose Riniock as Odrean¡¯s murderer, Jorian thought, his determination palpable.

    ¡®Surrender quietly,¡¯ he commanded, his voice firm and unyielding. ¡®You¡¯re out of options.¡¯

    Hidden amidst the wreckage, Riniock clenched his teeth, his mind racing. Every escape scenario he concocted crumbled under the weight of reality. His gaze fell to a shard of broken glass on the floor, catching Jorian¡¯s approaching silhouette in its fractured reflection.

    Panic surged, and he bit down on his knuckles in frustration ¨C until his teeth brushed against something cold and metallic.

    The ring!

    A flicker of hope ignited as he remembered Bhallen¡¯s gift: the ring containing its own store of odh.

    ¡®Last chance,¡¯ Jorian warned, his tone sharp with finality. ¡®I won¡¯t hesitate to use force.¡¯

    He came to a halt directly in front of Riniock¡¯s cover, the flames consuming the wooden barrier with savage intensity. Splinters and ash cascaded onto the floor, painting the moment with a grim finality.

    Summoning every ounce of focus, Riniock felt the latent odh within the ring pulse, a subtle warmth spreading through his fingertips. He grasped the fragment of hope it offered and prepared to act, knowing this might be his only opportunity to escape the inferno ¨C and his accuser.

    The barrier buckled under the weight of the blaze, leaving Riniock mere seconds to execute his desperate plan.

    ¡®End of the line,¡¯ Jorian spat, his patience exhausted. He raised his arm, a spell forming at his fingertips.

    Riniock sprang from his cover, channelling every last drop of the ring''s stored odh into a desperate final spell. He didn¡¯t target Jorian directly but instead unleashed a powerful wind current towards a curtain of fire raging beside him.

    A gale tore through the chamber, fanning the flames into a roaring inferno that surged straight at Jorian.

    His screams pierced the oppressive silence ¨C raw and guttural, filled with agony and desperation. Flailing wildly, Jorian stumbled over furniture, colliding with walls as the fire engulfed him. Flames consumed everything: his clothing, his hair, his very flesh ¨C its greedy hunger leaving no reprieve.

    The stench of burning flesh hit Riniock like a hammer, wrenching him from his stunned stupor. He stood frozen, momentarily transfixed by the macabre scene before him. Jorian had become unrecognisable, a blackened husk writhing in the unrelenting fire ¨C a grotesque effigy of a man.

    Crawling towards the door, Jorian collapsed onto the smouldering floorboards. ¡®H-Help¡­¡¯ he rasped, his voice trembling and faint. ¡®Aaagh ¨C¡¯

    The screams dissolved to hoarse cries, broken whispers that were eventually silenced by the flames. The roar of the fire filled the void, consuming everything in its path.

    Riniock watched until he was certain of Jorian''s demise. Smoke clawed at his lungs, forcing him to stumble out of the chamber. He coughed violently, the acrid air burning his throat and eyes. Another moment inside, and he might not have made it out.

    Outside, he paused. The scene held him captive: the columns of fire licking the night sky, devouring Jorian¡¯s abode until nothing remained. He should have left, melted into the shadows to remain undetected. Yet, Riniock lingered, mesmerized by the destruction he had wrought.

    He was fascinated by what was transpiring.

 Caught Red-Handed

    Riniock, lost in the aftermath, hadn¡¯t realised someone was standing behind him. The figure remained silent, only the faint scrape of dirt underfoot giving them away.

    His heart raced as he spun around, the cloth that had masked his face now absent. His lips trembled as he stammered, a weak voice escaping him.

    ¡®Linry?¡¯ he murmured, barely audible. The enormity of his actions, the risks he had taken, now weighed heavily on him. He hadn¡¯t prepared for this moment ¨C for being caught, for being questioned. ¡®I can explain¡­¡¯

    But his fears were misplaced.

    Linry wasn¡¯t looking at him. Her gaze was unaverred from the inferno, her expression a mix of fascination and quiet reverie. She seemed just as entranced, captivated by the flames that devoured the remnants of Jorian¡¯s chamber.

    Riniock froze, unsure of how to react. She moved past him, her focus wholly on the blazing spectacle. It was as though the fire had drawn her into its hypnotic dance, like a child enchanted by the fluttering of a butterfly.

    ¡®It¡¯s beautiful,¡¯ Linry whispered, her voice barely carrying over the crackle of the fire.

    ¡®Yeah...¡¯ Riniock replied hesitantly. ¡®Watching fire¡­it feels profound.¡¯

    ¡®You see it too?¡¯ she asked, her tone soft yet earnest. ¡®How each flame is like a brushstroke on a canvas?¡¯

    For the first time, her words gave voice to something Riniock had felt but never articulated. Moments earlier, he had been similarly transfixed, unable to tear his eyes away from the fiery destruction. Now, through her perspective, he saw it anew ¨C not as destruction, but as art.

    ¡®I see it,¡¯ he admitted, a strange honesty in his voice. ¡®I see it too. But to do it, I had to ¨C¡¯

    Linry¡¯s lips curled into a faint smile. ¡®That man¡¯s death¡­it was irrelevant. If anything, I should thank him. His end created this masterpiece. And it brought me to you.¡¯

    There was no trace of deceit in her tone, no malice in her words. Just simple, honest truth.

    ¡®I¡¯ve lived my life worshiping the flame in secret,¡¯ Linry confessed, her eyes never leaving the blaze. ¡®I always feared its power would alienate me, that others would shun or even condemn me for it.¡¯

    ¡®They wouldn¡¯t understand,¡¯ Riniock said quietly. ¡®They don¡¯t understand us.¡¯

    ¡®No, they wouldn¡¯t,¡¯ Linry agreed, a hint of sadness shadowing her expression. ¡®But you, you don¡¯t hold back, even at the cost of being ostracised. That¡¯s very selfless.¡¯

    Finally, she turned to him, her gaze meeting his for the first time. She stepped closer, the warmth of her presence brushing against him. Gently, she took his hand in hers, lifting it towards the flames.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    ¡®Look,¡¯ she breathed, her voice intimate and reverent. ¡®Feel how the fire flares at your fingertips. It¡¯s as if it bends to your will, but it¡¯s just as unfettered as you are.¡¯

    Riniock felt the heat dancing along his palm, the fire responding almost as though it recognised him. For a fleeting moment, it wasn¡¯t destruction or danger ¨C it was power, beauty, and connection.

    ¡®I want to be like that ¨C free, untamed, and unbound, like fire. Like you, Riniock.¡¯

    ¡®Like me?¡¯ he echoed, a note of surprise in his voice.

    ¡®I felt it during our duel,¡¯ Linry continued, her gaze steady. ¡®You¡¯re no ordinary maegi. I even warned my peers and master against you, but now I see things differently. I want to be like you ¨C someone who can express their deepest, darkest desires without hesitation or fear.¡¯

    Riniock hesitated. His recent actions had brought him nothing but trouble. Yet, beneath the turmoil, they had also given him a sense of exhilaration and fulfilment ¨C a raw, unshackled satisfaction he couldn¡¯t ignore. And now, they had drawn him to someone who seemed to share his perspective.

    But there were more urgent matters at hand.

    ¡®What should I do now?¡¯ he asked, his voice tense. The longer they lingered, the greater the risk of being discovered. The aftermath of Jorian¡¯s death weighed heavily on him, the fear of leaving behind traces gnawing at his thoughts.

    ¡®Did you cast spells inside?¡¯ Linry asked.

    He nodded.

    ¡®Then we need to erase any traces,¡¯ she said decisively.

    ¡®How? The fire is too intense to go back in.¡¯

    ¡®I¡¯ll shield you while you work,¡¯ Linry explained, pulling out a small pouch and handing it to him.

    ¡®What is this?¡¯ Riniock asked, peering inside. To his confusion, the pouch seemed empty.

    ¡®Null dust,¡¯ she said. ¡®Any spot you stood on, or any place your spells touched or travelled through, needs to be covered with this.¡¯

    ¡®And it¡¯ll hide my signature?¡¯

    ¡®Completely,¡¯ she assured him. ¡®No one will be able to trace the spells back to you. But they¡¯ll still know foul play was involved once the investigation begins.¡¯

    Riniock smiled, his earlier worries melting away. Something about the confidence in Linry¡¯s tone soothed him, making it feel as though the weight of his actions ¨C murder on college grounds ¨C had never existed.

    With her shielding him from the flames¡¯ searing heat, Riniock focused on every instance of magick he had cast in Jorian¡¯s chamber. Reaching into the pouch Linry had given him, his fingers brushed against a cold, intangible substance, invisible yet strangely palpable. Without hesitation, he scattered the null dust over each location, erasing any evidence that could lead investigators to him.

    ¡®What now?¡¯ Riniock asked as they stepped away from the crumbling, flame-engulfed structure. ¡®Where will you go?¡¯

    ¡®I¡¯ll return to the main hall where my peers are,¡¯ Linry said calmly.

    ¡®Then I¡¯ll head back to my dormitory,¡¯ Riniock replied. ¡®That¡¯s where I told everyone I was going.¡¯

    ¡®That¡¯s best,¡¯ she agreed. ¡®We should act as though nothing is amiss. Any deviation in our behaviour could raise suspicion.¡¯

    He nodded, understanding the gravity of her advice.

    As Linry turned to leave, she paused, her movement halted by Riniock gently tugging at the sleeve of her robe.

    ¡®Thank you, Linry,¡¯ he said earnestly, his voice soft.

    She turned back, her eyes warm and thoughtful. ¡®We both have things to be grateful for. I hope we cross paths again tomorrow, if fate permits.¡¯

    ¡®So do I,¡¯ he replied, releasing her arm.

    With that, they parted ways, disappearing into the night.

    By the time they were gone, the college was alive with chaos. News of the incident spread quickly, drawing students and staff alike to the scene. Groups gathered in a frenzy, working to douse the flames and make sense of the destruction. The uproar left the campus restless, and many spent the night wide awake, grappling with unease and unanswered questions.

 Crime Scene

    Riniock awoke to a clamour echoing through the dormitory. Several members of his cohort had stumbled into the room, their faces smeared with soot and their clothes reeking of smoke.

    ¡®Why in Murat do we have to help the senior students put out the fire?¡¯ one of them grumbled, vigorously rubbing soot from their skin.

    ¡®Did they find anyone inside?¡¯ another asked, voice low with morbid curiosity.

    ¡®Probably,¡¯ came the grim reply. ¡®I heard tell of a charred body ¨C so burned it¡¯s unrecognisable.¡¯

    ¡®Gods! And we didn¡¯t even get a chance to rest,¡¯ another complained. ¡®I hope the arch-maegi cancel lessons today.¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s pulse quickened as he pieced together the details. The fire hadn¡¯t gone unnoticed; the incident was already the talk of the dorms.

    Determined to learn more, he changed his attire and slipped out, heading towards the site of his crime. When he arrived, a crowd of maegis had gathered around the torched ruins. The fire had been extinguished, but embers still glowed faintly amidst the blackened remains of the structure.

    Dozens of people milled about, some combing through the ashen debris, whilst others whispered amongst themselves. A group of staff members emerged from the wreckage, their faces grim as they carried what was left of Jorian¡¯s body ¨C a mangled, charred corpse.

    Near the scene, a woman stood trembling. Her tear-streaked face was red, her sobs heavy with grief. Hilida.

    ¡®Noidron,¡¯ she pleaded, reaching out desperately. ¡®Please, step aside. I need to see him¡­one last time. Please!¡¯

    Noidron blocked her path, his expression firm yet compassionate. ¡®Hilida, you shouldn¡¯t. Not like this.¡¯

    ¡®I have to,¡¯ she begged, her voice cracking. ¡®Please let me through!¡¯

    But Noidron remained steadfast, shielding her from the heartbreaking sight behind him. He pulled Hilida into an embrace, pressing her face against his chest to cover her eyes. She struggled against him, her sobs wrenching the air, but he held her firmly, refusing to let her witness the remains of her brother being carried away. Only when the staff disappeared from sight did he loosen his grip.

    Riniock stood nearby, his expression hard and unyielding.

    Though Hilida¡¯s cries pierced the air, they failed to stir him. In his heart, he felt no remorse. Jorian had brought his fate upon himself, Riniock reasoned. The man never should have involved himself in that investigation.

    From the corner of his vision, Riniock noticed the Ikshar delegation standing near the wreckage, being questioned by a group of Gorlean officials. Amongst them was Linry. Their eyes met, and a subtle smile curved across both their faces.

    ¡®Meet me in the main hall later,¡¯ Linry mouthed silently.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    Riniock gave her a small nod before his attention was pulled elsewhere. The investigators had finished with the delegation and were now approaching him.

    ¡®Good morning, acolyte. Do you have a moment to answer a few questions?¡¯

    Riniock glanced back at Linry, who subtly gestured for him to stay calm. Turning back to the investigators, he replied, ¡®Yes, sirs. Of course.¡¯

    One of them unrolled a piece of parchment. ¡®Your name is Riniock Ev Tolgir, correct?¡¯

    ¡®Yes,¡¯ Riniock answered, puzzled by how they already knew his name.

    The investigator jotted down the confirmation. ¡®It was brought to our attention by another acolyte that the deceased had attempted to contact you. Is that true?¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s fist clenched slightly, certain it was Urael who had informed them. ¡®Yes, that¡¯s correct,¡¯ he admitted.

    ¡®Any idea why the victim would want to speak with you?¡¯

    ¡®I have a vague idea.¡¯

    ¡®Please elaborate. Any detail might help.¡¯

    Riniock hesitated, then offered, ¡®During our admission test, I had a disagreement with a group of people. Things got¡­heated. Verbally, of course.¡¯

    The investigator¡¯s quill hovered over the parchment. ¡®Names?¡¯

    ¡®Urael Flonderance, Abrant Loyri, Kieg Klattos, and Odrean Zigo,¡¯ Riniock listed. He tthen continued, ¡®as you may be aware, Odrean Zigo was found dead later that same day.¡¯

    ¡®Killed by a great lidthrag, if I recall correctly,¡¯ one of the investigators interjected.

    ¡®Correct,¡¯ Riniock confirmed. ¡®After our return, I was informed that a senior student, who also held a staff position at the college, wanted to speak with me.¡¯

    ¡®And why do you believe he wished to discuss the incident?¡¯

    ¡®I honestly don¡¯t know,¡¯ Riniock replied. ¡®That¡¯s simply what I was told.¡¯

    ¡®Why were you unavailable to meet with him at the time?¡¯

    ¡®I was in training with Professor Gieller. Both he and Niann Nodahr can confirm this,¡¯ Riniock stated confidently.

    The investigator nodded, making a final note. ¡®Very well. Thank you, acolyte. You¡¯re free to go.¡¯

    Riniock thanked the investigators but lingered nearby, hoping to overhear details not meant for public knowledge.

    Experts moved through the remains of the site, using intricate devices strapped to their eyes and hands, clearly searching for the fire¡¯s origin. Accompanying them was a strange creature on a chain ¨C a canine-like beast that seemed to have been resurrected after death. Its skeletal frame was completely exposed in some parts, a grotesque display of bones visible to all.

    A moment later, the beast''s handler called the team over, motioning towards a specific area. The group gathered, focusing their attention on the spot.

    ¡®What do we have here?¡¯ one of them asked, crouching for a closer inspection.

    ¡®It looks like it was a candle,¡¯ another replied. ¡®This could be the source of the fire.¡¯

    ¡®So it was an accident?¡¯ someone speculated. ¡®A candle falls over, ignites the floor, and the blaze consumes the tenant along with the structure?¡¯

    The handler narrowed his eyes, clearly unconvinced. His beast, known for its extraordinary sense of smell ¨C able to detect traces even after a year ¨C snorted and sneezed violently, as though agitated by some unseen irritant.

    ¡®Hey, over here,¡¯ the handler called to the experts operating the devices. ¡®Can you check this area thoroughly?¡¯

    ¡®Check for what?¡¯ one asked, adjusting and calibrating their equipment.

    ¡®Null dust,¡¯ the handler said firmly.

    ¡®Null dust?¡¯ another echoed, eyebrows raised. ¡®You think someone was trying to cover their tracks?¡¯

    ¡®It¡¯s a possibility,¡¯ the handler replied, his gaze fixed on the spot. ¡®Let¡¯s see what your devices uncover.¡¯

    Later, the team froze in place, stiff, their expressions shifting from routine concentration to stunned realisation.

    ¡®Well?¡¯ the beast¡¯s handler prompted, his tone laced with anticipation.

    ¡®You were right,¡¯ one of the experts confirmed grimly. ¡®There are traces of null dust throughout the chamber. This wasn¡¯t an accident ¨C it was deliberate.¡¯

    The revelation cast the entire incident in a new and sinister light.

    ¡®Keep searching,¡¯ the handler ordered, his voice sharp and authoritative. ¡®This case is now classified as premeditated murder. Lock down the college grounds immediately and notify the arch-maegi!¡¯

 Bitterness Over Breakfast

    Having overheard the escalating situation, Riniock finally decided to head to the main hall, where breakfast was being served and Linry awaited him. Sticking to his usual routine felt like the wisest course of action on such a chaotic day.

    Pushing through the double doors, he joined his peers at their table, blending into the morning bustle.

    ¡®Rough night?¡¯ Riniock asked Niann, the latter glancing at him with tired eyes. ¡®Heard about what happened.¡¯

    ¡®It was fine,¡¯ Niann replied nonchalantly. ¡®Most of us got called to help out.¡¯ He stifled a yawn. ¡®Didn¡¯t get much sleep, though.¡¯

    ¡®You¡¯ve earned your breakfast. What¡¯s on the menu?¡¯

    ¡®Just about everything,¡¯ he grumbled. ¡®I¡¯m so wiped I need revirian eggs just to stay upright.¡¯

    Riniock helped himself to a modest selection ¨C some questionable spotted milk, a slice of neblan bread, and a bowl of soriz fruits. As he ate with practiced casualness, his eyes drifted to Linry, seated with the Ikshar delegation at a nearby table, enjoying their own lavish spread.

    From beneath her table, Linry subtly gestured for him to remain where he was. She did not make eye contact, but he realised that those gestures were meant for him.

    Elred appeared moments later, plopping down beside Niann with an audible sigh. ¡®Do you think classes will be cancelled today?¡¯ he asked, sounding both hopeful and exhausted. ¡®I don¡¯t think I can focus after last night.¡¯

    ¡®Unlikely,¡¯ Riniock replied, setting down his glass.

    ¡®Why not?¡¯ Elred pressed.

    Riniock smirked faintly. ¡®With how the higher-ups think, they¡¯ll probably turn the whole ordeal into some kind of moral lesson. As for cancelling classes, well¡­they¡¯d sooner march every acolyte into a slaughter before entertaining that idea.¡¯

    ¡®Bummer¡­¡¯ Elred muttered, slumping back in his seat, taking Riniock¡¯s word for granted.

    Conversations flowed freely at the table, with words exchanged here and there as other acolytes joined them for breakfast. Following Riniock¡¯s impressive display in the arena, it seemed many now regarded him with admiration. Some even sought to curry favour, eager to elevate their standing from mere acquaintances to something closer.

    As time went on, the main hall steadily filled with students until it buzzed with lively chatter and energy. The sheer number of arrivals gave the impression that their presence wasn¡¯t coincidental.

    ¡®You¡¯re here already?¡¯ a voice called as an acolyte slid into a seat beside them. It was Deliana, a familiar face amongst their peers. ¡®That was quick.¡¯

    ¡®We¡¯ve been here for a while. Why do you ask?¡¯ Elred replied, casually dipping neblan bread into a bowl of soft cheese.

    ¡®The arch-maegi has called a general meeting,¡¯ Deliana explained. ¡®Everyone ¨C students and staff alike ¨C was summoned. Only those assigned to guard duty were ordered to stay at their posts.¡¯

    Riniock had already anticipated this announcement, having overheard whispers whilst lingering near the scene of the crime. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder how the arch-maegi would address such a dire situation.

    Most of the acolytes, if they were even aware of the incident, likely assumed the fire was accidental. But if word spread that a murder had occurred within the college grounds, the repercussions could be unpredictable.

    Would the arch-maegi conceal the truth to maintain order, or would he risk the fallout by revealing everything?

    Before long, the arch-maegi entered the hall, his expression dark and severe. A procession of teachers trailed behind him, flanked by investigators and college staff Riniock recognised from the crime scene.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

    Ascending the podium with purpose, the arch-maegi gripped its edges so tightly that his knuckles whitened. His grim demeanour silenced the hall, anticipation hanging heavy in the air.

    ¡®As most of you have likely heard, there was a fire during the night,¡¯ he began without preamble, skipping over any formalities. His voice was sharp and resolute. ¡®Tragically, it claimed the life of one of our staff members and student, Jorian Sador. While the college board might prefer a more sanitised version of events, I will not mince words. The circumstances surrounding Jorian¡¯s death were not accidental. Someone ¨C perhaps someone in this very room ¨C murdered Jorian Sador and set his retreat ablaze.¡¯

    Horrified expressions rippled through the hall like a contagion, most evident amongst the younger acolytes. In contrast, a portion of the student body appeared indifferent, their demeanour hinting at a hardened familiarity with grim announcements.

    The arch-maegi pressed on, his commanding tone stifling even the faintest whispers of dissent. ¡®While you are all gathered here, your quarters and personal belongings are being thoroughly searched for any suspicious items or evidence related to the murder.¡¯

    This was cause for displeasure for sure.

    A collective murmur threatened to rise, but the arch-maegi continued, unyielding. ¡®Additionally, the college grounds are now under strict lockdown and curfew until further notice.¡¯

    With that, he turned sharply and departed, leaving a wake of confusion in the hall.

    He¡¯s watching for reactions, Riniock thought, his eyes darting to the investigators stationed throughout the crowd. Their subtle glances and whispered notes were evidence of their strategy ¨C observing for anyone whose expression betrayed fear, guilt, or even satisfaction at the news.

    ¡®Your attention, please,¡¯ one of the investigators announced as he stepped to the podium, his voice amplified to reach every corner of the hall. ¡®There will be a search at the exits of the main hall. Please comply without resistance or trouble, stand in lines as you head outside.¡¯

    Right after, Professor Bhallen took the stage, his demeanour formal and composed. ¡®Good morning, everyone. Despite today¡¯s unfortunate circumstances, lessons will proceed as scheduled. You are all expected to attend as usual. That is all.¡¯

    His curt announcement left a collective groan amongst the students, but the message was clear ¨C there would be no reprieve from the day¡¯s academic demands.

    Students filed into orderly lines at the exits, each subjected to a meticulous search for any incriminating evidence.

    Riniock sat on a bench nearby, watching the line inch forward. Patience was his ally ¨C there was no point in rushing, especially given the items he carried, ones he was less than eager to reveal.

    As the crowd thinned, a familiar voice reached his ear, soft and soothing.

    ¡®Hey, Riniock.¡¯

    ¡®Linry?¡¯ he whispered back, leaning forward, his elbows pressing into his knees. ¡®Are you alright?¡¯

    ¡®I am. And you?¡¯

    ¡®Don¡¯t worry about me,¡¯ he replied, his voice low. ¡®What did you do about¡­you know?¡¯

    ¡®The dust?¡¯ she said with a faint smile. ¡®I disposed of the rest yesterday.¡¯

    Relief washed over him. He¡¯d overheard investigators discussing the traces earlier that morning, and knowing the evidence was already gone lifted a weight off his chest.

    Part of him felt a wave of relief ¨C not just for himself, but for Linry as well.

    ¡®What did you want to talk about?¡¯ Riniock asked curiously, fearing the worst.

    ¡®Nothing urgent,¡¯ she said, her voice light. ¡®I just wanted to see how you were doing.¡¯

    ¡®That¡¯s¡­kind of you,¡¯ he murmured, a flicker of warmth stirring in him.

    Her words left Riniock unsettled in a way he hadn¡¯t anticipated. The idea that Linry simply cared about his well-being tugged at something unfamiliar in him. And now, as he had the chance to truly look at her, he realised just how striking she was.

    The firelight from the night before had painted her features in hues of orange, but he hadn¡¯t noticed her beauty then ¨C his focus was elsewhere. Now, he saw her clearly.

    Her hair cascaded in a smooth, black silk-like weave, shimmering faintly under the hall¡¯s light. Her gaze, both soft and stern, was framed by deep black eyes as mesmerising as polished onyx. Her lips, naturally red, curled slightly into a smile, complementing her fair, unblemished skin. The elegance of her hands, adorned with delicate rings and bracelets, peeked out from her robes.

    ¡®Linry,¡¯ he began hesitantly, his voice quiet. ¡®I have a favour to ask.¡¯

    ¡®A favour?¡¯ she repeated.

    ¡®I¡­I have some items that, if found in my possession, would cause complications. Would you ¨C¡¯

    ¡®Say no more,¡¯ she interrupted, her smile unwavering. ¡®Give them to me.¡¯

    ¡®Are you sure?¡¯ he pressed.

    ¡®I trust you,¡¯ she said firmly. ¡®If they¡¯re troublesome for you, then keeping them with me should be no issue.¡¯

    ¡®You trust me?¡¯ he echoed, incredulous.

    How could she easily place her trust in a stranger? From his experience, trust was earned, not easily given.

    Her smile deepened, radiating warmth. ¡®You and I share a special bond now, one forged in flames. I¡¯d like to think you feel the same about me.¡¯

    ¡®Special bond¡­¡¯ Riniock repeated softly, uncertainty still gnawing at him.

    ¡®If you doubt it,¡¯ Linry added, her tone gentle yet resolute, ¡®I¡¯ll just keep proving it to you. You may find that I¡¯m quite stubborn.¡¯

 Magickal Creatures and How to Care for Them

    Though hesitant, Riniock glanced around cautiously before handing over his items. He gave Linry the lidthrag fangs, the kezok¡¯s antler, and, after a moment of deliberation, the storage card containing the celseed.

    Linry approached the inspection line confidently. When her turn came, the searching party examined her belongings thoroughly before letting her pass without incident. Shortly after, Riniock joined the line. When he reached the exit, his belongings were checked and deemed ordinary, containing only common maegi items. He was allowed to leave without issue.

    ¡®Finally free?¡¯ Niann greeted him just beyond the double doors. ¡®We¡¯ve got Creatures, Critters, and Care first.¡¯

    Riniock nodded, falling into step beside his friend. As they crossed the grounds on their way to class, Riniock spotted the handler and his skeletal beast following a trail.

    ¡®Speaking of creatures,¡¯ Riniock said, gesturing towards them, ¡®do you know what that one is?¡¯

    Niann glanced in the indicated direction. ¡®The edahme?¡¯

    ¡®So that¡¯s what it¡¯s called,¡¯ Riniock remarked. ¡®I saw it earlier. They were using it to sniff out evidence of murder.¡¯

    ¡®Edahme are exceptionally sensitive to odh and magickal signatures,¡¯ Niann explained. ¡®The ones trained for tracking are usually captured from the siltwater abyss, where they¡¯re most abundant.¡¯

    ¡®Why not breed them?¡¯ Riniock asked, genuinely curious.

    ¡®People have tried,¡¯ Niann replied, ¡®but edahme raised in captivity don¡¯t develop the same sharp senses as their wild counterparts. Because of that, maegi ¨C and even the general populace ¨C prefer to capture them from their natural habitats instead.¡¯

    ¡®How come you know so much about them?¡¯ Riniock asked, curiosity evident in his tone.

    Niann chuckled, scratching the back of his head. ¡®I spend way too much time reading and slaving away in the library.¡¯

    The two arrived at their classroom just in time for their next lesson.

    Professor Amielda, a seasoned expert in creatures and monsters of all kinds, stood at the front. Her reputation for firsthand experience made her one of the most respected instructors at the college.

    ¡®Good morning, everyone,¡¯ she began, her tone warm yet commanding. ¡®I trust you¡¯re all holding up after the recent events. Let¡¯s treat today¡¯s lesson just like any other we¡¯ve shared so far, shall we?¡¯

    The room remained silent; none of the acolytes had any objections.

    ¡®Wonderful,¡¯ she said, clapping her hands together. ¡®Today, I¡¯ve brought a special little critter for us to study.¡¯

    She wheeled a trolley to the centre of the room, revealing a large vivarium filled with water and black pebbles. Inside swam a small, palm-sized creature, glowing a bright fluorescent green.

    ¡®Can anyone tell me what this adorable little thing is called?¡¯ Amielda asked, leaning over the vivarium to drop food pellets into the water.

    Hands shot up across the classroom. Scanning the eager faces, she selected an acolyte sitting at the far end of the left side.

    ¡®That¡¯s¡­an entriss, professor,¡¯ the student, a nervous girl named Lumea, answered as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    ¡®Correct, Miss Lumea,¡¯ Amielda replied with a pleased nod.

    With a flick of her finger, a piece of chalk flew to the blackboard, writing the creature¡¯s name alongside a rough but accurate sketch and a few key notes.

    ¡®Now, who can tell us where entrisses are commonly found?¡¯

    Urael raised his hand, drawing surprised glances from his peers. ¡®Entrisses are native to the cimmerian shores,¡¯ he said confidently.

    ¡®Indeed they are, Mr. Flonderance. Good job!¡¯

    The chalk added the new information as Amielda reached into the water, gently cupping the entriss in her hand before lifting it out of the tank. A few students gasped, fearing the creature might be harmed.

    ¡®Don¡¯t worry,¡¯ she reassured them. ¡®Entrisses are amphibious and can survive both in and out of water. Though perhaps you should be worried about me.¡¯

    ¡®Why¡¯s that, professor?¡¯ an acolyte asked.

    Amielda smiled, her eyes scanning the class. ¡®Anyone care to answer? Get it right, and I¡¯ll let you handle this green beauty.¡¯

    Hands shot up again, but none of the answers satisfied her. Some guessed that entrisses could bite, whilst others suggested they spat venom or poison. All were incorrect.

    ¡®I¡¯m sure someone here shares my passion for creatures,¡¯ Amielda said, stopping at Niann¡¯s desk. ¡®Mr. Nodahr, perhaps you¡¯d enlighten the class? Why is it risky to handle an entriss barehanded?¡¯

    Niann nodded, clearly having withheld the information earlier. His demeanour suggested he¡¯d taken the arch-maegi¡¯s advice about caution seriously. ¡®Their dorsal skin is covered in tiny prongs that inject a potent neurotoxin when touched.¡¯

    Amielda beamed at him before gently placing the entriss in his trembling hand.

    ¡®Entrisses are highly valued by maegi specialising in medicinal practices and even cosmetology,¡¯ she explained. ¡®Their toxins, when properly extracted and mixed with the right components, have diverse applications.¡¯

    She clapped her hands gently, summoning a box from one of her storage cabinets. The container glided through the air, swooping down to float beside her. Moments later, bulky pairs of gloves emerged from the box, each pair levitating to land neatly in front of every acolyte in the room.

    Next, she distributed delicate tweezers and small glass vials, ensuring every student had the necessary tools.

    ¡®Today, we¡¯ll practice extracting the tiny, needle-like hairs from the entrisses¡¯ dorsal skin,¡¯ she explained, her tone steady but encouraging. ¡®If you¡¯re successful, store them in the vials provided. You¡¯ll be using these in your alchemy lessons later.¡¯

    Behind the professor stood a thick curtain. With a flick of her wrist, it pulled aside, revealing several vivariums identical to the one at the centre of the room. Each tank housed an entriss, some wriggling gracefully through the water, others resting at the bottom.

    ¡®Step up and select one for your practice,¡¯ she instructed. ¡®But handle them with care. Any harm to these little creatures, and I¡¯ll have no choice but to exclude you from future exercises. I would hate to do that so let it not be necessary, okay?¡¯

    The acolytes slipped on their gloves and took up their tweezers, diving into their work with varying degrees of enthusiasm and skill.

    Some managed to extract the tiny hairs on their first attempts, their efforts rewarded with a vial of neurotoxic specimens. Others struggled, either failing to coax their entrisses from the tanks or fumbling through the delicate process. A few were even chasing their critters around the classroom as the creatures leapt in panic, their handlers too wary of risking a sting to grab them confidently.

    The lesson was momentarily disrupted when Elred collapsed to the floor, rigid as a wooden plank. His desk mate bolted to the professor, urgently calling for help.

    Professor Amielda, however, remained calm. ¡®No need for alarm,¡¯ she assured the class with a dismissive wave. ¡®These entrisses are juveniles. Their toxins are far too mild to cause any lasting harm. He¡¯ll wake up in about an hour.¡¯

    Meanwhile, Riniock quietly excelled, already removing his tenth neurotoxic hair from the entriss he¡¯d been assigned. This lesson felt unexpectedly illuminating for him.

    Until now, he had avoided interacting with the celseed he¡¯d brought back from the crimson glades, wary of triggering another bout of hallucinations. But as he deftly practiced extracting the hairs, he realised that with proper preparation and care, even dangerous substances or creatures could be safely handled.

    When Linry returns my things, he thought, I¡¯ll do some research and test a few ideas.

    As the session wound down, Riniock glanced around the classroom, his eyes landing on several academy maegis observing the proceedings from the shadows. Their presence confirmed what he¡¯d suspected days ago ¨C they weren¡¯t merely here to monitor the students¡¯ battle prowess solely.

    Their watchful gazes betrayed a deeper intent for other kinds of talents and skills.

 The Celseed Project (1)

    As the acolytes filtered out of the classroom, Professor Amielda offered warm thanks to each of them. When Niann and Riniock passed by, she gave them a bright smile and a curt nod.

    ¡®If either of you gentlemen ever need assistance with anything beast-related, don¡¯t hesitate to ask,¡¯ she said with a playful wink. ¡®But keep this between us, alright?¡¯

    Riniock assumed the offer was primarily directed at Niann, given his impressive performance during the entriss exercise. However, considering he had done quite well himself ¨C better than many of his peers ¨C he decided it might not be a bad idea to take her up on it if the need arose.

    As they walked away, Niann turned to Riniock with a curious expression. ¡®What¡¯s got you so cheery?¡¯ he asked. ¡®You¡¯ve been awfully smiley these past few days. Not that I¡¯m complaining.¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s thoughts had wandered to Linry ¨C how much he looked forward to seeing her again and retrieving his items.

    He barely registered Niann¡¯s question.

    ¡®Riniock?¡¯ Niann leaned in, blocking his path.

    ¡®Hm?¡¯ Riniock blinked, suddenly pulled from his thoughts. ¡®Did you say something?¡¯

    ¡®You¡¯ve been completely absentminded too,¡¯ Niann pointed out.

    ¡®I have?¡¯ Riniock frowned slightly, scratching the back of his neck.

    Niann nodded. ¡®It¡¯s like you¡¯re in a world of your own.¡¯

    ¡®Well, maybe it¡¯s the upcoming expedition,¡¯ Riniock deflected, trying to sound casual. Then, with a sly smile, he added, ¡®Speaking of which, you¡¯ll be interested to know that I saw academy members observing Professor Amielda¡¯s lesson.¡¯

    Niann¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. ¡®Does that mean ¨C¡¯

    ¡®Yes,¡¯ Riniock confirmed, his voice tinged with excitement. ¡®They¡¯re scouting for all kinds of talents.¡¯

    Niann¡¯s face lit up with excitement before quickly shifting to a mix of emotions ¨C anticipation, pride, and perhaps a hint of apprehension.

    ¡®What other classes do we have today?¡¯ Riniock asked, rummaging through his belongings in search of his schedule.

    ¡®No need to check,¡¯ Niann replied, already reciting the day¡¯s agenda from memory. ¡®We¡¯ve got astronomy later tonight, but until then, the afternoon is ours.¡¯

    ¡®That¡¯s perfect!¡¯ Riniock said, abandoning his search.

    ¡®Want to hang out? We could hit the courtyard or maybe the library.¡¯

    Riniock hesitated, a flicker of regret crossing his face. ¡®Sorry, Niann. I¡¯ve got something else I need to take care of.¡¯

    ¡®Oh, no problem,¡¯ Niann replied, masking his disappointment with a small smile. ¡®Catch you later.¡¯

    Riniock nodded, feeling a pang of guilt as he left his friend behind. But he had priorities ¨C chief amongst them, ensuring his effects were in order before Linry had a chance to inspect them.

    He hurried across the grounds, scanning the area for any sign of Linry¡¯s unmistakable obsidian-black hair. His search led him past a group of acolytes from her academy, lounging in the courtyard. Linry was nowhere to be seen.

    Halting, Riniock approached them. ¡®Excuse me, do you know where Linry might be?¡¯Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    The eldest of the group cast him a disdainful look, his gaze sharp and scornful. ¡®What business do you have with her?¡¯

    Riniock clenched his fists at the man¡¯s condescending tone but forced himself to stay composed. ¡®I wish to discuss the expedition with her,¡¯ he lied smoothly.

    The group exchanged superior glances, their disdainful expressions unwavering.

    ¡®She¡¯s in your college¡¯s library,¡¯ the eldest finally replied, his tone dripping with condescension. ¡®And if you know what¡¯s good for you, don¡¯t bother her with your presence.¡¯

    Riniock bit his tongue, suppressing the sharp retort brewing inside. But his frustration got the better of him, and his thoughts spilled out. ¡®If I were you, I¡¯d worry about my own business. Don¡¯t act so high and mighty ¨C you¡¯re just an acolyte like the rest of us. Your academy isn¡¯t any better than my college.¡¯

    His words lingered in the air, and for a moment, the group stared at him in stunned silence. Then, without waiting for a response, Riniock turned on his heel and made his way towards the library, his determination unwavering.

    ¡®One of you go follow him,¡¯ the eldest commanded.

    ¡®Irgod,¡¯ one of the younger acolytes interjected, his tone tinged with hesitation, ¡®what do you mean?¡¯

    The older acolyte, Irgod, narrowed his eyes, his expression firm. ¡®Something about that guy doesn¡¯t sit right with me. He¡¯s too bold for someone from their college.¡¯

    He turned to the slender acolyte who had been leaning forward attentively. ¡®Piddruin.¡¯

    ¡®Yes?¡¯ Piddruin straightened, awaiting instructions.

    ¡®Follow him to the library. Keep your distance and make sure he doesn¡¯t see you. I want to know everything ¨C what he¡¯s doing, what he¡¯s saying, and if he¡¯s really meeting Linry.¡¯

    Piddruin gave a small nod, already preparing to slip away. ¡®Got it.¡¯

    Another member of the group frowned, his voice laced with concern. ¡®Irgod, this doesn¡¯t feel right. Why go through all this?¡¯

    ¡®Because,¡¯ Irgod replied, his tone low and calculating, ¡®I trust my instincts. And something tells me we¡¯ll regret it if we don¡¯t keep an eye on him. Now go, Pidd. Report back to me as soon as you know something.¡¯

    Without another word, Piddruin melted into the shadows, silently tailing Riniock towards the library.

    ¡®Irgod, brother, please reconsider. We¡¯re on their turf now,¡¯ his peer pleaded, his voice laced with unease. ¡®You¡¯re just doing this because he upset you¡­¡¯

    Irgod turned to him, his expression darkening. ¡®Arthian,¡¯ he growled, his tone sharp and menacing. ¡®Keep quiet and never question my decisions again.¡¯

    ¡®Yes, brother,¡¯ Arthian muttered, bowing his head in submission. ¡®I¡¯m sorry.¡¯

    Meanwhile, elsewhere on the college grounds, Riniock arrived at the towering library. He handed over a pass ¨C a keepsake from Niann when they first met. Though passes were distributed periodically, Riniock had saved this one for an occasion when he might need it most.

    Inside, the library¡¯s quiet vastness made finding Linry easy; she was the only one wearing a brown and beige robe amongst the aisles.

    ¡®Linry!¡¯ Riniock called softly as he approached her table.

    She looked up, her gaze curious yet amused. ¡®Riniock? What brings you here?¡¯

    He took the seat beside her, his face lit with excitement, practically glowing. ¡®I was looking for you, of course.¡¯

    ¡®You want your items back?¡¯ she teased, a knowing smirk tugging at her lips. ¡®And before I could examine them further, I assume?¡¯

    ¡®Well¡­let¡¯s not put it that way,¡¯ he replied, scratching his head sheepishly. He truly wished to see her, even if he had no intentions to say so.

    Linry cut him off, placing his belongings neatly on the table. ¡®Here you go.¡¯

    ¡®Thanks,¡¯ Riniock said as he pocketed them. His attention shifted to the book in front of her, its pages filled with intricate drawings and diagrams that felt oddly familiar. ¡®What are you reading?¡¯

    Linry glanced up from the text, her expression playful and slightly mysterious. She tilted the book towards him, revealing the cover. ¡®Take a look,¡¯ she whispered.

    Riniock squinted, reading the title aloud. ¡®Dandelions or Snowflakes: A Guide on Celspores!¡¯

    A sharp tug jolted Riniock¡¯s chest, his heart racing as the weight of what he read settled in. ¡®You saw ¨C¡¯

    ¡®The celseed in your storage card?¡¯ Linry interjected smoothly, her expression unwavering.

    ¡®So you did,¡¯ Riniock murmured, swallowing hard, unsure how to navigate the situation. ¡®Why are you reading about it?¡¯

    ¡®Curiosity,¡¯ she said with a curious shrug, her tone light, showing no suspicious signs on her visage. ¡®I don¡¯t think anyone I know has ever brought one back. How did you manage it?¡¯

    ¡®I¡¯m not entirely sure myself,¡¯ Riniock admitted, shifting in his seat. ¡®Look, what are you hoping to gain from this?¡¯

    Linry¡¯s smile faltered a bit as she shut the book with a loud clap, the sound echoing through the quiet library. For a brief moment, she seemed clearly displeased with the way Riniock treated her. ¡®You still don¡¯t trust me?¡¯ she asked, her voice steady but tinged with mild disappointment.

    ¡®It¡¯s not that,¡¯ Riniock began hesitantly. ¡®I just don¡¯t understand what you want.¡¯

    ¡®Nothing,¡¯ Linry said firmly, leaning forward. ¡®I don¡¯t want anything from you or this. I only want to be part of whatever plans you have for that little creature.¡¯

 The Celseed Project (2)

    Riniock froze beside Linry, his lips pressed tightly together.

    ¡®Linry, I ¨C¡¯

    ¡®Save it, Riniock,¡¯ she cut him off, rising to her feet and gathering her belongings. ¡®I¡¯ve helped you cover up a murder. I¡¯ve hidden your things. I don¡¯t know what else I need to do to prove you can trust me.¡¯

    Her words struck him like a dagger, each one sinking deeper into the recesses of his guilt. Riniock¡¯s mind raced through a whirlwind of memories ¨C moments of embarrassment, betrayals, and his mishaps with trust. Yet none of those compared to the weight of her disappointment.

    He knew their relationship had been hastily forged. Its foundation lay on a fractured and bloodstained past. Yet, despite the chaos, their bond had grown, rooted in a mutual fascination ¨C perhaps even an obsession ¨C with the raw, untamed power of fire.

    ¡®I don¡¯t have to take this,¡¯ Linry said, her voice cold and resolute. She turned towards the exit. ¡®Figure out where you stand in all of this. When you do, maybe we¡¯ll talk.¡¯

    ¡®Wait.¡¯ Riniock¡¯s hand shot out, catching her wrist. He wasn¡¯t one to leave things unresolved, no matter how uncomfortable they might be. ¡®I admit it. I¡¯m paranoid. About everyone. And given the nature of what I do, and¡­my experiences here at the college ¨C it hasn¡¯t been easy for me to trust.¡¯

    Linry paused, her sharp expression softening just slightly as she studied his face.

    ¡®And what¡¯s your plan, then?¡¯ she asked, her tone challenging. ¡®To shut everyone out so you can¡¯t get hurt?¡¯

    ¡®No.¡¯ Riniock hesitated, searching for the right words. ¡®I misspoke earlier. I don¡¯t want to shut you out. I don¡¯t want you to leave. Please¡­stay.¡¯

    Linry¡¯s scowl began to waver as she looked into his eyes, searching for insincerity and finding none.

    ¡®Are you saying this just to placate me?¡¯ she asked, her voice quieter now, tinged with scepticism.

    ¡®I¡¯m not,¡¯ Riniock replied earnestly. ¡®I mean it.¡¯

    She placed her sack back on the table and sank into her chair with a resigned sigh. ¡®Fine. Then tell me ¨C what exactly do you plan to do with that creature of yours?¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s lips curled into a satisfied smile, pleased with how the tension had eased.

    ¡®I¡¯ve brought these,¡¯ he said, pulling out a pair of gloves, tweezers, and a small glass vial. ¡®I want to try collecting its spores. See if I can use its hallucinogens.¡¯

    Linry raised an eyebrow, examining the tools he laid out. ¡®And what uses do you have in mind for them?¡¯

    ¡®They could be useful in battle...or maybe as a drug,¡¯ Riniock replied, his tone thoughtful.

    ¡®Those ideas are ridiculous,¡¯ Linry said, though there was a flicker of amusement in her voice. ¡®But not entirely implausible.¡¯ She gave him an approving nod. ¡®So, what''s the next step?¡¯

    Riniock began packing the equipment back into his bag. ¡®We¡¯ll need a safe, quiet, and discreet place to experiment. But aside from the beast-handling classroom, I can¡¯t think of anywhere suitable.¡¯Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

    Linry stood abruptly, her expression shifting into one of determination. ¡®Follow me,¡¯ she said, grabbing his arm and pulling him to his feet. ¡®I know just the place.¡¯

    Riniock had little choice but to let Linry pull him along.

    Unbeknownst to them, Piddruin emerged from behind one of the towering bookshelves, utterly flabbergasted by everything he had overheard.

    Not only was Linry tolerating Riniock¡¯s presence, but she also seemed to enjoy it ¨C walking arm in arm with him, no less.

    ¡®I¡¯ve got to tell Irgod about this¡­¡¯ Piddruin muttered, panic creeping into his voice as he darted out of the library. ¡®He¡¯s not going to like this at all!¡¯

    Meanwhile, on the far side of the college grounds, still within Gorlea due to the border lockdown, Linry led Riniock towards a secluded pier. The dock was quiet, with only a few boats moored nearby ¨C most of them in disrepair. Only one vessel appeared seaworthy, its banners suggesting it wasn¡¯t under the college¡¯s ownership.

    ¡®Over here,¡¯ Linry beckoned, guiding Riniock a few steps away from the pier to a moss-covered wall. She pressed a hand against the stone. ¡®There¡¯s a passageway here.¡¯

    Riniock glanced around in curiosity, marvelling at the hidden nature of the spot. ¡®How did you even know this place existed?¡¯ he asked, his tone laced with both surprise and intrigue.

    ¡®That ship is ours,¡¯ she replied, gesturing towards the lone vessel. ¡®But I stumbled across this passage yesterday while looking for a place to dump the null dust I had.¡¯

    ¡®Ah, I see,¡¯ Riniock said, nodding as he inspected their surroundings.

    They moved cautiously along the wall, hugging against the cobblestone, as Linry deftly manipulated a few weathered bricks, triggering a hidden mechanism.

    With a low rumble, the stone wall groaned and shifted, splitting apart to reveal a concealed entrance.

    ¡®This way,¡¯ Linry instructed, snapping her fingers to summon a small, flickering spark at her fingertips to illuminate the path ahead.

    Riniock followed closely as they descended a moss-covered stone stairway. Behind them, the faint sound of bricks sliding back into place signalled the passage¡¯s closure, ensuring their secrecy unless someone else managed to uncover the hidden mechanism.

    Linry paused at the bottom of the stairs, snapping her spark towards a nearby brazier. The flame leapt to life, spreading quickly to other torches and bathing the underground chamber in warm, flickering light.

    ¡®Well?¡¯ she said, gesturing to the room with a sly grin. ¡®Cosy, isn¡¯t it?¡¯

    ¡®It¡¯s perfect,¡¯ Riniock replied, his voice filled with admiration. ¡®Safe, quiet, and completely hidden from prying eyes.¡¯

    The chamber was a long-abandoned underground boathouse, defunct, forgotten, and untouched by time. A large vessel was moored inside, gently rocking against a cobblestone hatch that led into the river running beneath the town. Despite the overgrown moss and missing sails, the ship remained structurally sound, with only a few fallen planks hinting at its age.

    ¡®Then let¡¯s get to work,¡¯ Linry said with a playful smile. ¡®No sense in lingering without making some progress.¡¯

    With a wave of her hand, she summoned a collection of tools and appliances across the boathouse, readying the space for their task ahead.

    ¡®You¡¯ll have to teach me conjuration someday,¡¯ Riniock remarked casually, his amazement evident as he observed the various tools and furnishings Linry had summoned with just a few gestures. ¡®You¡¯ve practically outfitted an entire workspace in minutes.¡¯

    ¡®Sure,¡¯ Linry replied with a small smile. ¡®I can teach you.¡¯

    ¡®Alright then, onto the real purpose of this little adventure,¡¯ Riniock said, pulling out the storage card from his belongings. He placed it on the table as the two of them began gearing up, carefully arranging their equipment.

    ¡®What do we do if it tries to make us hallucinate?¡¯ Linry asked, a hint of concern in her voice. ¡®We don¡¯t have anything to counteract that.¡¯

    Riniock scanned the room, his mind racing for a solution. Spotting a piece of cloth, he grabbed it and dipped it into the river water nearby.

    ¡®Here,¡¯ he said, handing it to her. ¡®Drape this over your face ¨C cover your mouth and nose.¡¯

    ¡®This rag?¡¯ Linry responded, wrinkling her nose in distaste.

    ¡®It¡¯s better than nothing for now,¡¯ Riniock replied matter-of-factly.

    With a reluctant pout, Linry followed his suggestion and tied the damp cloth around her face. Once both were masked, Riniock carefully activated the storage card.

    The celseed emerged gracefully, its cotton-like form floating and twisting through the air in playful, fluid motions.

    ¡®Don¡¯t make any sudden moves,¡¯ Riniock cautioned, his voice low and steady. ¡®It hasn¡¯t harmed me so far, so let¡¯s not provoke it.¡¯

    ¡®Got it,¡¯ Linry whispered, her eyes fixed on the creature, her movements careful and deliberate. ¡®I¡¯ll follow your lead.¡¯

 Calamitous Complications

    Riniock prepared to act, extending his hand towards the celseed in a calm, enticing gesture. In his palm, however, he held a bundle of crimson grass, freshly plucked from the glades ¨C the creature¡¯s native habitat.

    The celseed drifted closer, its delicate, cotton-like form settling lightly onto his palm. Its tendril-like appendages reached out, curling around the crimson grass as it began to feed.

    ¡®Gently now,¡¯ Riniock murmured, steadying his other hand, which held the tweezers. Carefully, he moved towards the celseed¡¯s fine, wispy hairs ¨C each one containing its potent hallucinogenic properties.

    He brushed the tweezers lightly against its fibres, testing which hairs were most likely to come loose. Despite the creature¡¯s diminutive size and the near-microscopic nature of its hairs, Riniock eventually managed to secure a few strands with delicate precision.

    Beside him, Linry mirrored his efforts, her focus evident in the way her jaw tightened beneath the cloth mask. Her brow furrowed as she squinted, her movements deliberate and precise.

    After some attempts ¨C most resulting in near-misses due to the slippery, almost intangible nature of their target ¨C they both succeeded in collecting their first samples.

    ¡®Place it here!¡¯ Linry said, holding up a small vial. She carefully secured her own sample before offering the vial to Riniock, who deftly manoeuvred the celseed to free his hand.

    ¡®These samples won¡¯t be nearly enough for thorough research,¡¯ Riniock said, frowning at the meagre collection they¡¯d painstakingly gathered. ¡®Are you up for doing this again?¡¯

    ¡®Research requires patience,¡¯ Linry replied firmly, her tone leaving no room for doubt. ¡®Of course I am.¡¯

    They pressed on, working methodically until the glass container brimmed with fibrous white particles, each strand humming with potency.

    ¡®That should suffice,¡¯ Linry said at last, wiping the sweat from her temples with her sleeve. ¡®What time is it?¡¯

    ¡®I have no idea. You can¡¯t see outside from here. Let me grab one last sample, and we¡¯ll call it a day ¨C¡¯

    Before Riniock could finish, the celseed abruptly finished its meal of crimson grass. In an instant, the creature contracted and expelled a dense cloud of spores, filling the underground boathouse with its volatile hallucinogens.

    Though they wore makeshift masks, the spores easily bypassed their rudimentary protection. Within moments, Riniock and Linry¡¯s eyes reddened, veins standing out starkly as disorientation swept over them. Both swayed unsteadily, losing their balance.

    Riniock dropped the celseed, which fluttered upward and hovered, untouched by the chaos it had unleashed.

    ¡®Riniock¡­¡¯ Linry muttered weakly, her voice barely audible. ¡®Where are you?¡¯

    To her, Riniock had vanished completely, even though he stood only a few steps away.

    Meanwhile, Riniock¡¯s own perception twisted. He stared at Linry, but her form shifted in his mind into someone entirely different. ¡®Eradina? What are you doing here?¡¯ he demanded, addressing her as his estranged sister. ¡®Even if you¡¯re my sister, you¡¯re not allowed on college grounds.¡¯

    Linry ¨C whom Riniock now fully believed to be Eradina ¨C wandered aimlessly around the boathouse, searching for something invisible and unattainable.

    This hallucination was unlike any Riniock had experienced before. Unlike his prior encounters with the celseed, he remained completely oblivious to the fact that he was under its influence.

    For what felt like an eternity, they both remained trapped in their distorted realities, oblivious to their surroundings as their minds played out fabricated scenarios.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

    Eventually, the effects of the spores waned. Linry was the first to regain clarity, her breath steadying as the hallucinations dissolved. Riniock came to a few minutes later, blinking in confusion as the haze lifted.

    ¡®Eradina?¡¯ Riniock muttered in confusion, glancing around. ¡®Where did she go?¡¯

    ¡®Who?¡¯ Linry asked, struggling to rise to her feet, her movements sluggish.

    ¡®Never mind¡­¡¯ He rubbed his eyes, dismissing the question. ¡®Forget it.¡¯

    Linry froze, her head tilting slightly as if listening for something imperceptible. ¡®Do you hear that?¡¯ she asked, pressing a palm to her ear.

    Riniock strained his hearing but detected nothing unusual. ¡®Hear what?¡¯

    ¡®Nocturnal insects,¡¯ she replied, her tone laced with realisation. ¡®It¡¯s already nighttime.¡¯

    ¡®Gods!¡¯ Riniock exclaimed, springing to his feet and hurriedly brushing the dust from his clothes.

    A quick scan of the chamber revealed the aftermath of their disoriented fumbling. A table was overturned, chairs scattered, and a rug dangled precariously over the platform, its edge dipping into the river.

    Thankfully, the celseed had returned to the storage card on its own, sparing them the ordeal of trying to recapture it. Riniock pocketed the vial of collected samples and hurried after Linry, who had already darted towards the exit.

    ¡®It¡¯s really nighttime¡­¡¯ he groaned, a sense of urgency creeping into his voice. ¡®My astronomy lesson!¡¯

    ¡®Hurry up! People might get suspicious,¡¯ Linry urged.

    Riniock dashed through the college grounds, expertly vaulting over obstacles and navigating the shortest routes he knew. In no time, he arrived at the astronomy tower, where two senior maegis guarded the entrance.

    After a brief argument and a hastily concocted excuse for his tardiness, the seniors begrudgingly allowed him entry, deciding to leave the issue for the professor to address.

    Meanwhile, some distance from the tower, Irgod and his group lurked in the shadows, eyes fixed on the entrance. Ever since Piddruin had returned with his startling report, Irgod had been tirelessly searching for Riniock and Linry, but they had remained elusive ¨C until now.

    ¡®There¡¯s the bastard!¡¯ Irgod spat, his fists clenched so tightly his nails bit into his palms.

    ¡®Brother,¡¯ Arthian interjected cautiously, ¡®this doesn¡¯t prove anything. He could¡¯ve been off doing something on his own.¡¯

    ¡®Shut it!¡¯ Irgod hissed. ¡®If it were just him missing, maybe I¡¯d believe that. But both of them? Vanished for the better part of the afternoon? Together?¡¯

    ¡®You¡¯re saying¡­¡¯ Arthian trailed off, scratching his head.

    ¡®They¡¯re sneaking off together,¡¯ Irgod growled, his tone venomous.

    ¡®To do what?¡¯ Arthian asked, bewildered.

    ¡®Gods know,¡¯ Irgod snapped. ¡®If Pidd wasn¡¯t so utterly useless, maybe we¡¯d have a clue.¡¯

    Piddruin flinched, startled out of his thoughts by the mention of his name. He looked around, confused, but remained silent.

    ¡®Why is she doing this?¡¯ Irgod muttered, more to himself. ¡®She knows exactly why this expedition is even a thing.¡¯

    ¡®Could she be rebelling against the master and the academy?¡¯ one of the group speculated.

    ¡®Nonsense,¡¯ Irgod said sharply. ¡®She¡¯s confused, maybe, but there¡¯s no way she¡¯d sabotage the plan for some pretentious college brat.¡¯

    A tense silence fell over the group as they resumed their watch. Finally, Linry emerged from the shadows, walking in the same direction Riniock had come from.

    Their eyes narrowed, suspicion mounting.

    ¡®Say nothing,¡¯ Irgod whispered, his voice low and dangerous.

    ¡®Shouldn¡¯t we inform the master?¡¯ someone asked hesitantly.

    ¡®Not yet,¡¯ Irgod replied, his gaze never leaving Linry. ¡®We need more proof ¨C enough to justify dealing with that pompous prick myself when the time comes.¡¯

    Linry spotted her peers in the distance and made her way towards them, unaware of their earlier clash with Riniock. Her unexpected arrival only deepened their suspicion.

    With calculated ease, the group masked their intentions, greeting her warmly.

    ¡®Good evening, Irgod. Good evening, Arthian, Piddruin, Rodgut, and Frisian,¡¯ Linry said, her tone polite.

    They responded in kind, their voices devoid of any hint of distrust.

    ¡®A beautiful night,¡¯ Irgod remarked smoothly. ¡®Care to join us for a stroll?¡¯

    ¡®Thanks, but I¡¯ll have to pass. I¡¯m feeling a bit tired,¡¯ Linry replied, offering a casual excuse.

    As she spoke, Irgod¡¯s sharp eyes caught the faint redness in hers ¨C subtle but unmistakable. This wasn¡¯t ordinary fatigue.

    ¡®I see. Rest well, then. Have a good night,¡¯ Irgod said with a smile that didn¡¯t reach his eyes.

    ¡®Thank you,¡¯ Linry replied, giving a quick wave as she turned and headed off.

    The moment her back was to them, Irgod¡¯s expression darkened, the friendly fa?ade replaced by a cold scowl.

    ¡®Rod,¡¯ he called tersely.

    ¡®Yes?¡¯ Rodgut answered, snapping to attention.

    ¡®Stay here with Frisian. Watch the tower. When he comes out, check his eyes. Look for redness.¡¯

    ¡®Redness?¡¯ Rodgut repeated, ensuring he¡¯d heard correctly.

    ¡®You heard me,¡¯ Irgod growled. ¡®Don¡¯t mess this up like Pidd did.¡¯

    ¡®Leave it to us, brother,¡¯ Rodgut assured him. ¡®We¡¯ll stay here all night if we have to.¡¯

    ¡®Good,¡¯ Irgod said, his voice sharp and final.

 Going Off Script

    Riniock slipped into the classroom as quietly as he could, but his late arrival didn¡¯t go unnoticed. The professor, mid-sentence, turned to address the unfamiliar face amongst the seated acolytes.

    ¡®And who might you be?¡¯ she asked sharply, her tone carrying a note of irritation. ¡®I don¡¯t recall seeing you amongst the first arrivals.¡¯

    ¡®My sincerest apologies, professor,¡¯ Riniock said, bowing his head slightly in a show of contrition. ¡®I encountered an unexpected and rather inconvenient delay that caused my tardiness.¡¯

    ¡®Is that your excuse?¡¯ she retorted, her scepticism evident.

    ¡®It is,¡¯ he replied with calm confidence, meeting her gaze.

    The professor raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. ¡®How much do you know about astronomy?¡¯

    ¡®Enough,¡¯ Riniock said with quiet assurance, ¡®to make you reconsider any assumptions you might have about me.¡¯

    ¡®Good. Sit down and pay attention,¡¯ the professor instructed briskly.

    Behind her, the tower''s ceiling had been ingeniously opened, its tiles pushed aside to reveal the vast expanse of the night sky.

    ¡®As you can see, two moons are clearly visible tonight. You, the new one ¨C what are their names?¡¯

    ¡®The smaller moon is called Serina, and the larger one is Selodis,¡¯ Riniock replied confidently.

    ¡®That¡¯s correct! You know your moons,¡¯ the professor remarked, though their names were common knowledge. ¡®Now, who can tell me how many moons our world originally had? New guy?¡¯

    ¡®Twelve, professor,¡¯ Riniock answered immediately, without hesitation.

    ¡®And what happened to the other ten?¡¯

    ¡®They were destroyed aeons ago by a powerful dark maegi. The two that remain were named after her children, to whom she offered when each came of age.¡¯

    ¡®Or so the story goes,¡¯ the professor commented, her tone sceptical.

    ¡®It is no mere tale, professor. The Fable of Sinolia is built upon facts,¡¯ Riniock countered firmly.

    The professor''s gaze sharpened, intrigued by his certainty. ¡®Then perhaps you''d care to identify the constellation tied to that fable? No telescope.¡¯

    Riniock rose from his seat and approached the fenced edge of the tower¡¯s rooftop to get a clearer view. With no telescope to aid him in this particular search, he relied entirely on his memory and sharp eyes.

    ¡®There,¡¯ he said, pointing upward. ¡®The Irindum Constellation.¡¯

    His finger traced an invisible line between the stars, connecting them to form the image of a skull with a snake slithering out of its gaping maw.

    ¡®Correct again. It seems your claim was no idle boast,¡¯ the professor acknowledged, a glint of approval in her voice.

    ¡®Thank you, professor,¡¯ Riniock replied, dipping his head respectfully.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    ¡®Now then, everyone,¡¯ the professor addressed the class. ¡®Claim a telescope from the ones provided and set to work. Observe the sky, record, and sketch every constellation or solitary star you can identify from this spot.¡¯

    With the professor¡¯s attention no longer fixed on him, Riniock felt a wave of relief, finally able to breathe freely.

    As he turned to his assigned task, aligning the telescope and gazing at the vast night sky, his thoughts drifted. The Tale of Sinolia lingered in his mind, demanding his fascination.

    How immense must one¡¯s power be to obliterate an entire moon? he wondered, admiration welling up within him. And if destroying a single moon required unfathomable strength, what then of Sinolia, who shattered ten?

    It was an awe-inspiring feat, one that stirred something primal within him. A vision of ultimate power took shape in his thoughts ¨C not as a destructive ambition but as an aspiration, an idea of omnipotence so complete that the world itself could become a marionette, its strings tugged effortlessly by his hand.

    If ever there was a goal worth striving for, it was this. The power to rewrite existence itself, to stand beyond mortal comprehension, was a dream tantalising in its boundlessness.

    The lesson wrapped up shortly after.

    ¡®New guy,¡¯ the professor called out to Riniock, gesturing for him to approach as the rest of the acolytes descended the steps of the astronomy tower. ¡®I trust your first astronomy lesson met your expectations?¡¯

    ¡®On the contrary, professor, it exceeded them,¡¯ Riniock replied with a polite bow. ¡®I am deeply grateful for your patience and generosity. I am undeserving of such kindness.¡¯

    ¡®Quite the charmer, aren¡¯t you?¡¯ she said with a smirk, pulling out a roll of parchment. ¡®However, your tardiness cannot go unaddressed. Before our next astronomy lesson, I expect you to conduct extensive research on stars and constellations. This question sheet will guide you ¨C I want names, their discoverers, their meanings, and any relevant information.¡¯

    Riniock accepted the parchment, his expression betraying a flicker of indignation before he masked it with composure.

    ¡®With your apparent breadth of knowledge, I suspect you have the potential to excel in my class,¡¯ the professor added.

    ¡®Understood, professor,¡¯ Riniock said, maintaining a respectful tone.

    ¡®I never caught your name.¡¯

    ¡®It¡¯s Riniock,¡¯ he replied.

    ¡®Ah, the Riniock, I presume,¡¯ she said, her eyes narrowing slightly as if piecing together something significant. ¡®Well, I¡¯m Professor Reginalia.¡¯

    With a faint smile, she turned and walked away, leaving Riniock to wonder what, exactly, she knew of him.

    After packing his belongings, Riniock descended the winding steps of the astronomy tower. By the time he reached the bottom, his peers had long since returned to their dorms, and even the senior maegis who had been stationed at the entrance were nowhere to be seen.

    The night was tranquil, the sky a deep canvas of stars, and the cool breeze carried with it a soothing calm. Riniock paused outside the tower, closing his eyes to savour the moment. The gentle wind on his face momentarily eased the tension of the past few days.

    ¡®I should get back to ¨C¡¯ he muttered, but his words were abruptly cut off.

    Before he could react, a force struck him from behind, tackling him to the ground. His vision spun as he hit the earth hard, the attack swift and silent.

    Riniock¡¯s instincts flared. He immediately began channelling his odh, the vital energy stored within him, readying his palms to cast defensive spells. But before he could focus, a heavy boot slammed into his face, shattering his concentration.

    Another figure held him down whilst blows rained upon him ¨C kicks, relentless and deliberate. The coordinated assault kept him disoriented, his attempts at resistance repeatedly thwarted.

    Fingers pried his eyelids open, inspecting the faint redness in his eyes. ¡®They¡¯re red,¡¯ one of the attackers confirmed coldly. ¡®Irgod was right.¡¯

    The beating continued, brutal and unrelenting. Riniock lost count of the strikes, his body succumbing to the assault. His face swelled grotesquely, blood dripping freely, whilst his torso and limbs bore deep bruises and lacerations.

    The one pinning him leaned down, their voice a venomous whisper in his ear. ¡®Leave Linry alone. If we catch you with her again, tonight will seem merciful.¡¯

    Riniock tried to speak, but his swollen lips could only manage a faint hiss of incomprehensible words. His attackers released him, letting his battered form collapse to the ground.

    ¡®Later, you piece of trash,¡¯ one spat, adding insult to injury before the two figures fled into the night.

    Riniock lay motionless, his body broken and his consciousness slipping away under the weight of searing pain. As his vision darkened, the stars above blurred, fading into the deep stretches of Murat.

 Out for Blood (1)

    Riniock jolted awake, his mind clouded. His vision swam, blurring into indistinct shapes, and the room around him warped into a surreal, incomprehensible haze.

    ¡®Riniock?¡¯ a voice called out, familiar yet heavy with concern.

    ¡®W-Where am I?¡¯ he murmured, struggling to sit upright from his prone position.

    Niann was at his side, his hand gently resting on Riniock¡¯s shoulder. ¡®You¡¯re in the Healing House,¡¯ he said softly.

    Before Riniock could fully process this, the door opened, and a man entered. He was robed in pristine white, a large golden amulet in the shape of a circle resting on his chest. The amulet, inlaid with glimmering blue gemstones, exuded a faint, calming warmth that seemed to fill the room.

    Niann stepped back, bowing respectfully. ¡®Thank you for your care, Medicar Kurny.¡¯

    The medicar approached Riniock¡¯s bedside, paying no heed to Niann¡¯s gratitude. He placed his fingers lightly on Riniock¡¯s neck, and a soft green aura began to glow from his hands.

    ¡®Do you feel any pain when I press here?¡¯ the medicar asked, his touch moving methodically across Riniock¡¯s body.

    ¡®No,¡¯ Riniock winced as the man¡¯s hand brushed over his chest. Despite the sharp ache, he forced himself to lie. ¡®I don¡¯t feel a thing.¡¯

    The medicar¡¯s gaze lingered on him briefly before nodding. ¡®Very well. Rest and recover quickly.¡¯ Without another word, he turned and exited the room.

    As the door closed, two men entered. Their sharp, purposeful movements and grave expressions immediately set the tone. Riniock recognised them ¨C they were investigators he had seen near the scene of the arson incident and they interviewed him as well.

    ¡®You,¡¯ one of them addressed Niann. ¡®Acolyte, please step out. This matter is sensitive.¡¯

    Niann hesitated but eventually complied, his worried eyes lingering on Riniock before he exited the room.

    ¡®We meet again, acolyte,¡¯ one of the investigators began, his tone steady yet probing.

    ¡®Unfortunately, sir,¡¯ Riniock replied coolly. ¡®What brings you here, if I may ask?¡¯

    ¡®We¡¯re here to question you about the nature of your injuries,¡¯ the first investigator said. ¡®Medicar Kurny informed us before you regained consciousness that you had sustained extensive trauma to your body and face.¡¯

    ¡®Your swollen features seem to have healed remarkably well,¡¯ the other added, scrutinising Riniock closely.

    ¡®If you already know these details, what exactly do you hope to learn from me?¡¯ Riniock countered, his tone even, though he feigned ignorance.

    The first investigator unrolled a parchment and prepared to take notes. ¡®Let¡¯s start with the basics: how did this happen?¡¯

    ¡®I was attacked,¡¯ Riniock answered without hesitation.

    ¡®By Flonderance and his group? Again?¡¯ the man asked pointedly.

    Riniock gave him a sharp glance but shook his head. ¡®No.¡¯

    ¡®Then who?¡¯

    ¡®I don¡¯t know. It was too dark to see their faces clearly, but their voices ¨C those weren¡¯t anyone connected to Urael,¡¯ he replied, carefully omitting certain details.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    The investigators diligently recorded everything he said, their quills scratching against the parchment. Riniock, meanwhile, recalled the attack vividly ¨C the voices of his assailants, the blows, and the whispered warning they left him with.

    ¡®Anything else you can tell us, acolyte?¡¯ one of them asked, signalling the end of the questioning.

    ¡®Nothing comes to mind,¡¯ Riniock replied smoothly.

    ¡®Very well,¡¯ the investigator said, rolling up his parchment. ¡®If you remember anything further, don¡¯t hesitate to inform us.¡¯

    Riniock nodded, a forced smile barely stretching across his face.

    As the investigators departed, Niann stepped in, his voice tinged with worry. ¡®Did it go well?¡¯

    ¡®Well enough,¡¯ Riniock replied, pushing himself off the bed. ¡®Where are my clothes?¡¯

    ¡®Th-They¡¯re here,¡¯ Niann stammered, pointing to a neatly folded pile on a nearby stool. ¡®Are you sure you don¡¯t need more rest?¡¯

    ¡®No. I need to get out of here. This place reeks of illness.¡¯

    Without another word, Riniock dressed swiftly, his movements purposeful. Niann trailed behind him as they left the room, his concern evident. ¡®So¡­you really don¡¯t know who did this to you?¡¯

    ¡®I don¡¯t,¡¯ Riniock lied effortlessly. Whilst he wasn¡¯t entirely certain, the list of suspects wasn¡¯t long. The clique from Ikshar Academy seemed the most likely culprits, especially after the tension he had stirred with them.

    ¡®I¡¯m glad I found you when I did,¡¯ Niann continued. ¡®I went back to check and found you unconscious.¡¯

    ¡®How many people know about this?¡¯ Riniock asked, his tone sharp.

    ¡®Just the medicar, the investigators, and Professor Reginalia ¨C she helped too. But I imagine they¡¯ve informed someone by now.¡¯

    ¡®I see,¡¯ Riniock muttered, his mind already elsewhere. ¡®Thank you, Niann. Truly.¡¯

    The sun was shining brightly outside, signalling that Riniock had slept through most of the night and into the early morning. Judging by the time, he had likely missed breakfast and his first class.

    ¡®You¡¯ve missed the first lesson, Niann,¡¯ Riniock remarked after piecing it together.

    ¡®That¡¯s alright. Your safety is far more important to me,¡¯ Niann replied without hesitation.

    ¡®In any case, we¡¯ve got some free time now. I¡¯ll see you in class later.¡¯

    ¡®Alright. Be careful,¡¯ Niann said, hesitating slightly as he finally left.

    The moment Niann was out of sight, Riniock set off, a clear destination in mind ¨C he was going to find Linry. Most people might have backed down after the attack, but not him. If he wanted to provoke Irgod and his group, to throw them off balance and gain the upper hand, he had to do exactly what they had tried to stop: keep meeting with Linry.

    ¡®Linry!¡¯ Riniock called out as he spotted her sitting on a bench in the centre of the college courtyard, engrossed in a book. The location was ideal ¨C she was in full view of other acolytes and, more importantly, her peers from Ikshar Academy. It was the perfect opportunity to rile Irgod.

    ¡®Riniock!¡¯ Linry greeted him, her voice bright and welcoming. ¡®How are you?¡¯

    ¡®I¡¯m well. And you?¡¯

    ¡®Never better,¡¯ she replied, though her eyes narrowed as they focused on his face. The faint yellowish hue on his lip, a remnant of the previous night¡¯s beating, caught her attention. ¡®What happened to your lip?¡¯

    Riniock instinctively touched his mouth. ¡®This? Oh, nothing serious.¡¯

    As they chatted, exchanging casual conversation, Riniock kept part of his focus on the group lingering nearby. Each of Irgod¡¯s companions wore a different expression.

    Irgod, the leader, appeared irritated, though his demeanour remained controlled. Piddruin, sitting to his right, looked indifferent, almost goofy, as if he didn¡¯t care. Arthian, to Irgod¡¯s left, stared blankly, void of emotion. But the last two ¨C Rodgut and Frisian ¨C glared at him with unrestrained hostility, their eyes sharp with anger and resentment. They had the unmistakable look of those whose warnings had been defied.

    If Riniock¡¯s hunch was correct, the latter two were likely the ones who had attacked him the previous night.

    ¡®Linry,¡¯ Riniock said, leaning closer, ¡®those peers of yours ¨C what are their names?¡¯

    Linry glanced at the group briefly. ¡®The one in the middle is Irgod. To his right is Piddruin, and to his left is Arthian. The two on the far sides are Rodgut and Frisian.¡¯

    Rodgut and Frisian, he noted, committing the names to memory. Could they be the attackers?

    ¡®If Irgod, who I assume is the leader, needed something done, who would he trust to handle it?¡¯

    Linry frowned, her brows knitting in confusion. ¡®That¡¯s an odd question. Why do you ask?¡¯

    ¡®Just curious,¡¯ Riniock replied casually. ¡®There¡¯s a similar group here, and I¡¯m comparing them to yours, that¡¯s all.¡¯

    ¡®Well,¡¯ Linry began, her tone thoughtful, ¡®Arthian¡¯s a coward, so not him. Piddruin is reliable but painfully dim-witted. Rodgut and Frisian, though ¨C they¡¯re aggressive and hot-headed. If Irgod needed something done, he¡¯d trust those two.¡¯

    Rodgut and Frisian, Riniock thought again, his suspicion solidifying. They will pay for this¡­

 Out for Blood (2)

    Despite Riniock¡¯s peculiar questions, Linry remained unaware of the conflict brewing between him and the acolytes from her academy.

    Good. She knows nothing of this. Best to keep it that way until I can figure out how to handle it on my own, he mused.

    His gaze swept over the group one last time, lingering on Rodgut and Frisian. Their hostility was unmistakable, radiating like a storm cloud. Any lingering doubt about their involvement had vanished.

    Suspicion or not, Riniock thought, I can¡¯t act recklessly. Not with the college on high alert after what happened with Jorian. Killing those two outright isn¡¯t an option.

    His eyes flicked to Linry, who had returned to her book, her face lit with a carefree smile.

    I must keep her out of this, he resolved silently.

    Stretching his arms, a plan began to form in his mind.

    ¡®In two days, we have another Martial Magickal Arts lesson,¡¯ he said casually. ¡®Do you think your academy will be there to watch?¡¯

    Linry glanced up from her book, tapping her lips thoughtfully with a finger. ¡®In two days? Yes, I believe the entire delegation will be present, just like last time.¡¯

    A sly smirk crept across Riniock¡¯s face, dark and calculated.

    ¡®Why do you ask?¡¯ Linry inquired, her curiosity piqued.

    ¡®Oh, nothing much,¡¯ he replied, his tone light. ¡®I¡¯ve been planning to improve my duelling skills over the next couple of days. Thought it would be nice to have a proper audience.¡¯

    Linry giggled, her laughter as melodic as ever. ¡®Still embarrassed about my win last time, aren¡¯t you? I¡¯m glad to see you haven¡¯t lost your determination.¡¯

    ¡®I learned a lot from that duel,¡¯ Riniock admitted, his tone sincere yet guarded.

    ¡®Good,¡¯ she said with an encouraging nod. ¡®Go train, then. Don¡¯t let me hold you back.¡¯

    Riniock offered a small nod before turning to leave, the smirk lingering on his face. His plan was beginning to take shape.

    Without delay, Riniock made his way to the arena ¨C Professor Evondiel¡¯s domain for teaching martial magicks. Upon arriving, he noticed the professor was absent, and a staff member was overseeing the area instead.

    ¡®Good morning,¡¯ Riniock greeted with a polite tone as he approached the reception booth.

    The woman sitting at the entrance lifted her head, her expression lighting up with recognition. ¡®Well, if it isn¡¯t the poshie prick from Tilaadea!¡¯

    ¡®M-Miss Mathilia?¡¯ Riniock winced, recalling their last encounter vividly. ¡®It¡¯s been a while¡­since the admissions day, I believe.¡¯

    Mathilia stood, her movements unexpectedly lively for her age. With a playful gesture, she tapped her cheek. ¡®That¡¯s true. So, did you come looking for me?¡¯

    ¡®A-Actually, no,¡¯ Riniock stammered. ¡®I¡¯d like to use the arena.¡¯

    ¡®Oh,¡¯ she said, her tone dipping into mock disappointment as she leaned against the counter. ¡®You¡¯re here to train, huh?¡¯

    Riniock nodded, stepping closer to her booth.

    ¡®One hour inside will cost you 250 lunaris,¡¯ Mathilia informed him, flipping through a pamphlet on the desk. ¡®If you want complete privacy, there¡¯s an additional fee of 300 lunaris. What¡¯ll it be?¡¯Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

    ¡®I need privacy,¡¯ Riniock replied without hesitation.

    ¡®Alright then, that¡¯s 550 lunaris,¡¯ she confirmed before glancing back at the pamphlet. ¡®Any other services you¡¯d like to add to your session?¡¯

    Riniock raised an eyebrow. ¡®What kind of services?¡¯

    ¡®Let¡¯s see,¡¯ Mathilia began, scanning the options. ¡®We offer enchanted target practices that move unpredictably, or training dolls equipped with magickal catalysts capable of retaliating for advanced difficulty. That¡¯s just to name a few.¡¯

    Riniock thought for a moment before shaking his head. ¡®I want my training to feel real, but without involving others. Revealing my skills in front of an audience isn¡¯t a wise move right now.¡¯

    Mathilia raised a finger, signalling him to wait. ¡®I think I¡¯ve got just the thing for you!¡¯

    She rummaged through the drawer attached to her desk, pushing aside several pamphlets until she found what she was looking for. With a satisfied smile, she pulled out a specific flyer and handed it to him.

    ¡®What¡¯s this?¡¯ Riniock asked, tilting his head as he examined the image on the page.

    ¡®A golem outfitted with a psychorite eye,¡¯ Mathilia explained, tapping the flyer for emphasis. ¡®These golems can mimic real maegi movements, adapting to how you want them to behave. If you¡¯re looking for enhanced realism in your training, this is your best bet.¡¯

    Riniock blinked in surprise. Though his knowledge of geology was limited, he was aware that psychorite was often used to create magickal constructs capable of following commands.

    ¡®And what¡¯s the catch?¡¯ he asked cautiously.

    Mathilia leaned forward, resting her arms on the booth. ¡®It¡¯s experimental ¨C developed a few decades ago by the college¡¯s artificing professor.¡¯

    ¡®Let me guess,¡¯ Riniock said, piecing it together. ¡®Some of the tests didn¡¯t go quite as planned.¡¯

    ¡®Exactly,¡¯ she admitted with a shrug. ¡®So, what¡¯s it gonna be?¡¯

    Moments later, Riniock stepped into the arena, his focus sharp and his nerves steady. Across from him, a portcullis creaked upward, and the golem Mathilia had described entered with a jerky, mechanical gait, its movements punctuated by occasional glitches.

    ¡®Amazing,¡¯ Riniock muttered, marvelling at the construct¡¯s design. ¡®Even as a failed experiment, it¡¯s fascinating.¡¯

    The golem wandered aimlessly at first, its head swivelling as though searching for something. Riniock reached into his pocket and retrieved a small bell Mathilia had provided.

    ¡®Time to give you a purpose,¡¯ he said, shaking the bell gently. Its chime resonated through the arena, and the golem¡¯s head snapped upright, its glowing eyes locking onto him.

    ¡®Golem,¡¯ Riniock commanded, his voice firm, ¡®engage me in combat. Use your magick as you see fit. Evade, retaliate, and do not stop until one of us is knocked flat on their back.¡¯

    The bell emitted a radiant glow, and the golem¡¯s eyes flickered in acknowledgment.

    ¡®As soon as I put the bell away, begin.¡¯ He waited a beat, then tucked the bell into his pocket.

    No sooner had he done so than an icicle shot through the air, aimed directly at him. Riniock reacted instantly, twisting his wrist and summoning a gust of wind to propel himself aside.

    His reflexes, honed through past encounters, felt sharper than ever. As Lazrus had once told him, experience shaped instinct. With his improved mastery over wind magick, he left no gaps in his evasive movements.

    Without hesitation, he channelled energy into his fingers, a spiralling current of wind coalescing in his palm. He launched the compressed force at the golem, but his opponent was already adapting, raising a rock wall to block the incoming blade of wind.

    The golem shifted seamlessly to a new element, switching magickal affinities like changing masks.

    Riniock extended his arms, preparing a new spell. One hand stabilised the other as he crafted a long, spinning projectile, wild in its energy. The spear-like spell flew, homing with precision, shattering the stone barrier.

    Beyond the crumbling wall, the golem retaliated, summoning a wave of fire that surged towards Riniock.

    He smirked, recalling lessons from his duel with Linry. Flame-based spells no longer fazed him. Clapping his hands together, he spread them wide, dispersing the flames into harmless embers.

    But the golem was relentless. True to its programming, it gave no respite, launching a volley of fireballs from its mechanical arm.

    Drawing on a manoeuvre he had perfected in the arena before, Riniock summoned a gust of wind beneath him, gliding effortlessly across the battlefield. He weaved through the barrage, the fiery projectiles exploding harmlessly behind him.

    Seeing its attacks rendered ineffective, the golem shifted elements again. With precise gestures, it summoned a sheet of ice that spread across the ground, freezing Riniock¡¯s feet in place.

    ¡®Damn it,¡¯ he muttered, struggling to break free.

    Before he could, the sky above darkened. The golem, now channelling lightning, unleashed a bolt from the heavens.

    Riniock shattered the ice binding him just in time, hurling himself backward. The lightning struck where he had stood moments earlier, leaving the ground scorched and a smoking crater in its wake.

    Riniock lost. The golem, adhering to its programming, stopped its assault and stood idle, awaiting further commands.

    Panting heavily, Riniock wiped sweat from his brow, his expression a mixture of relief and exhilaration. ¡®That¡­that was incredible,¡¯ he breathed, a grin spreading across his face. ¡®I¡¯ve never felt more alive.¡¯

    He straightened up, his eyes glinting with determination. ¡®Golem, let¡¯s do this again.¡¯

 The Day of Reckoning

    By the end of the hour, Riniock had faced the golem six more times, losing each bout. Despite his defeats, every encounter brought him closer to triumph, though his victory remained just out of reach within the allotted time.

    Still, the training session was invaluable, sharpening his combat instincts like nothing before. With the golem¡¯s relentless attacks and unpredictable tactics, Riniock felt confident that his next encounter with Linry ¨C not that it would come to pass ¨C would play out quite differently.

    I don¡¯t know who¡¯s more powerful or experienced, he mused, but I¡¯m certain I could hold my own against Linry now. As for Rodgut and Frisian¡­that¡¯s another question entirely.

    Riniock left the arena with a profound sense of accomplishment. His repeated encounters with the golem had honed his reflexes and instincts, leaving him feeling more attuned to the varied ways an opponent could strike. The progress filled him with a deep sense of satisfaction.

    Over the next two days, he diligently attended his lessons, adhering to his schedule. Yet, whenever he found an opening, he returned to the arena, ensuring his training sessions remained private and uninterrupted. In just a few days, he had exhausted most of his funds. However, he deemed the expense worthwhile. Finally, on his last attempt, he managed to defeat the golem ¨C though only by the narrowest of margins.

    ¡®I¡¯m ready,¡¯ he muttered, clenching his fists. ¡®You better be ready too.¡¯

    On the day of the Martial Magickal Arts lesson, the arena was alive with activity. Acolytes, senior students, several instructors, and even the academy delegation gathered to observe. Seated amongst the audience, Riniock spotted Linry. She was seated with her master and other academics from the academy. He chose not to draw attention to himself, avoiding any gestures that might raise suspicion.

    ¡®Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome back,¡¯ Professor Evondiel announced as he strode confidently into the arena¡¯s centre. ¡®As you are all aware, duelling is only one aspect of a maegi¡¯s combat skills. In real-world scenarios ¨C such as the upcoming expedition ¨C those selected to participate may face threats from all manner of adversaries. Chief among them? Other maegis.¡¯

    Evondiel paced the arena, his gaze sweeping across every corner as he spoke with authority. ¡®Monsters and beasts, while formidable, can be overcome through careful study and preparation. What makes other maegis far more dangerous is their unpredictability ¨C the lack of information about their abilities. In the heat of battle, even a single misstep can prove fatal.¡¯

    Riniock nodded inwardly, fully agreeing. Yet his mind was elsewhere, focused on one goal. He wanted the professor to call for volunteers, to invite the acolytes into the arena for combat. That was his chance ¨C a perfect opportunity to challenge one of his assailants to a duel.

    ¡®As such,¡¯ Evondiel continued, a sly grin spreading across his face, ¡®today, we will engage in cooperative battles. For now, let us begin with a two-versus-two scenario. Who wishes to try ¨C¡¯

    Before the professor could finish, Riniock shot to his feet, his hand raised high. This was a chance unmissable, to fight not one, but two of the ones who wronged him.

    To his dismay, he noticed another figure standing for the challenge ¨C Urael.

    ¡®Splendid! Mr. Tolgir and Mr. Flonderance shall form one team for this mock battle,¡¯ Evondiel announced. ¡®Now, who among the rest of you wishes to face them?¡¯

    The arena fell silent; no one stepped forward.

    ¡®If I may, professor,¡¯ Riniock said, stepping closer to the centre. ¡®The last time we had such a challenge, an acolyte from Ikshar Academy extended it to me. Wouldn¡¯t it be fair for us to extend the same invitation now?¡¯

    Evondiel turned towards the academy delegation, seeking their master¡¯s approval. Riniock had spoken boldly, ensuring the challenge was heard by all. The academy couldn¡¯t risk tarnishing its reputation by refusing in front of such an audience.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    ¡®Irgod. Linry. Step forward and demonstrate the strength of our academy ¨C¡¯

    ¡®Forgive my interruption,¡¯ Riniock cut in smoothly, his tone respectful but firm. The academy master¡¯s irritation was evident, though he masked it behind a stoic facade. ¡®The last time, your disciple Linry chose her opponent. Would it not be fair for us to do the same this time? What do you think, Urael?¡¯

    Urael cast Riniock a wary look, clearly suspicious of his motives. They had never seen eye to eye, but this situation called for a reluctant alliance.

    ¡®I agree,¡¯ Urael said, his tone guarded yet firm.

    The academy master¡¯s fury simmered beneath his composed exterior, his cold glare heavy with disdain. Yet, with so many watching, he had no choice but to relent.

    ¡®Very well,¡¯ he said icily. ¡®Choose your opponents. It makes no difference to us.¡¯

    Riniock feigned deliberation as his eyes scanned the ranks, finally pointing towards his targets with deliberate confidence. ¡®Those two.¡¯

    The academy master sneered, unshaken by the selection. ¡®Very well. Rodgut. Frisian. Enter the arena.¡¯

    ¡®Master ¨C¡¯ Rodgut began, but the man cut him off sharply.

    ¡®Silence! Go down there this instant,¡¯ he barked, his voice echoing across the arena. Then, in a low, venomous tone, he added, ¡®Make sure to crush that insolent acolyte. Maim him, kill him ¨C it doesn¡¯t matter. I¡¯ll handle the consequences.¡¯

    The two hesitated briefly before nodding and descending to the arena floor, their steps heavy with reluctance.

    Linry, close enough to overhear her master¡¯s chilling command, felt a surge of dread. She recalled Riniock¡¯s recent probing questions about Rodgut and Frisian. Had this all been a calculated setup for some kind of revenge?

    Riniock, don¡¯t let it come to this, she thought, clutching her hands tightly near her chest. Please, don¡¯t do something you¡¯ll regret.

    The combatants took their positions, standing on opposite ends of the arena. The sight was striking ¨C no wands, no staves, just raw skill and elemental prowess.

    ¡®You finally learned to cast without help?¡¯ Riniock teased Urael, his supposed teammate.

    ¡®Funny. When you¡¯ve got access to my father¡¯s resources, it would be pathetic if I hadn¡¯t,¡¯ Urael shot back.

    ¡®That¡¯s equally sad,¡¯ Riniock quipped. ¡®What¡¯s your affinity?¡¯

    ¡®Frost,¡¯ Urael replied tersely. ¡®I can start with a lesser blizzard spell. That work for you?¡¯

    Riniock nodded. ¡®How quickly can you cast it?¡¯

    Urael¡¯s glare said it all: Fast enough.

    ¡®Can you freeze their movements? Pin them down?¡¯

    ¡®I can,¡¯ Urael confirmed. ¡®You¡¯ve got a plan, I assume?¡¯

    ¡®I do. Cast your spells in succession and land them. Leave the rest to me.¡¯

    Urael chuckled dryly. ¡®That¡¯s your brilliant strategy? I¡¯ll enjoy watching you fail. And when you do, I¡¯ll make sure everyone remembers who turned the tide.¡¯

    Riniock didn¡¯t reply, but a sly smile hinted at his confidence.

    Professor Evondiel stepped between the teams, his authoritative voice cutting through the arena. ¡®Left side, ready?¡¯

    Rodgut and Frisian responded with gestures of bravado ¨C Rodgut pounding his fist into his palm, Frisian stomping hard on the arena floor. Riniock smiled; he now had no doubt who had restrained him and who had delivered the kicks that haunted his memory.

    ¡®Right side, ready?¡¯

    ¡®Ready, professor!¡¯ Riniock and Urael called out in unison, both assuming stances.

    ¡®Commence!¡¯

    The professor¡¯s voice reverberated as he stepped aside, and the battle erupted. Rodgut and Frisian wasted no time, launching a wall of flames towards their opponents.

    Urael reacted just as swiftly, summoning a lesser blizzard. The icy winds extinguished the flames and blanketed the arena in a thick veil of frost and snow, obscuring the acolytes¡¯ vision.

    Riniock moved into the swirling cold, trusting Urael to follow through with the next phase. As expected, Urael conjured a carpet of ice, freezing their enemies in place and rendering them vulnerable.

    Seizing the moment, Riniock closed the distance, targeting Frisian first. The pair had begun melting the ice with bursts of fire, but they were too late.

    ¡®Behind you!¡¯ Rodgut shouted, but his warning came too late. With precision and speed, Riniock formed a blade of wind in his palm and struck Frisian¡¯s leg, severing it cleanly.

    The acolyte fell harshly on the ground, his severed leg horrifyingly resting beside him.

    Frisian¡¯s scream was swallowed by the roaring blizzard, whilst Rodgut¡¯s cry of rage pierced through the chaos.

    ¡®Come out, coward! Face me head-on!¡¯ Rodgut bellowed.

    Riniock emerged from the icy storm, his expression cold and unyielding. ¡®Head-on? Like the two of you did that night?¡¯

    ¡®Shut up!¡¯ Rodgut snarled, attempting to bait Riniock closer. ¡®That was different.¡¯

    ¡®This is the same,¡¯ Riniock replied, his tone razor-sharp. ¡®Except this time, I came prepared.¡¯

    With a guttural roar, Rodgut raised his arms in the air and summoned a spiralling inferno, aiming to engulf Riniock entirely. But Riniock was faster. With a snap of his hand, a razor-thin gust of wind cut through the air.

    Rodgut froze, his eyes wide with shock, with disbelief. Blood cascaded from his shoulders as both arms fell to the ground, severed cleanly at the elbows.

    He collapsed to his knees, too shocked to scream.

    Riniock crouched beside him, his voice low and deliberate as he leaned in close. Echoing Rodgut¡¯s own words back to him, he whispered, ¡®You never should have crossed me. If you come near me again, today will seem merciful.¡¯

 Questioning

    As the blizzard''s veil dissipated, the aftermath of the battle was laid bare.

    ¡®Well, I''ll be damned,¡¯ Urael muttered, a mix of awe and disappointment lacing his tone.

    The sight of the academy acolytes, broken and defeated, sent a wave of alarm through the onlookers. Gasps and murmurs rippled across the crowd, their shock palpable.

    Riniock barely had time to catch his breath before his gaze landed on the academy master. The man¡¯s face was a mask of fury, and before anyone could react, he hurled a fireball with terrifying speed and precision.

    Riniock instinctively raised his hands to shield himself, but a protective ward flared to life in front of him. Professor Rhetrick had stepped in, intercepting the attack with a calm yet firm resolve.

    Almost simultaneously, Professors Evondiel and Idrass materialised near the academy master. Evondiel restrained the man¡¯s arm, whilst Idrass held a lethal spell poised mere inches from his face.

    ¡®You¡¯d do best to stand down,¡¯ Idrass warned, his voice cold and unyielding. The glow of his prepared spell promised devastation, and the academy master hesitated, realising the precariousness of his position.

    Still seething, he lowered his arm, dispelling the remnants of his fiery assault. ¡®That acolyte has mutilated my disciples, severing their limbs. How am I expected to remain silent?¡¯

    ¡®Injuries are a natural risk in battles,¡¯ Evondiel countered, his tone measured but firm. ¡®Had your disciples inflicted similar harm, we wouldn¡¯t be having this discussion. The college will address this matter as its laws dictate.¡¯

    The academy master scoffed, his eyes narrowing on Riniock with undisguised malice. ¡®I trust your college¡¯s laws will satisfy me, or I may reconsider including that one in the upcoming expedition.¡¯

    ¡®Is that a threat against the college''s authority?¡¯ Idrass snapped, his spell glowing brighter as tension thickened.

    The academy master flinched, stepping back as the alchemy professor''s spell remained trained on him. ¡®Summon the arch-maegi,¡¯ he demanded, his voice trembling with suppressed rage. ¡®I won¡¯t rest until I¡¯ve spoken with him.¡¯

    ¡®Mr. Tolgir,¡¯ Professor Rhetrick addressed him firmly, ensuring the academy master¡¯s aggression had been fully subdued. ¡®Follow me. You have some explaining to do.¡¯

    Without hesitation, Riniock fell in step behind Rhetrick, his movements steady despite the weight of the situation.

    As they moved away, Riniock caught sight of medicars rushing to tend to Rodgut and Frisian. His gaze briefly shifted to the audience, landing on Linry.

    Her expression was a mixture of relief and exhaustion, her trembling hands clasped near her chest. When their eyes met and Riniock offered her a small, knowing smile, she exhaled with a soft, almost disbelieving chuckle.

    ¡®I''m sorry,¡¯ he mouthed silently. She understood, shaking her head with a wry, incredulous look.

    Before he exited the arena, Riniock¡¯s attention flicked to one last individual ¨C Irgod. The man¡¯s glare was sharp, brimming with silent disdain. Riniock, however, kept his expression calm and unreadable, a subtle neutrality that only seemed to agitate Irgod further.

    Riniock was escorted into a room where the arch-maegi waited, seated with an air of quiet authority.

    ¡®We meet again,¡¯ the arch-maegi said, his hands clasped together. His expression betrayed neither displeasure nor anger.

    ¡®Professor, I ¨C¡¯ Riniock began, but the man swiftly interrupted.

    ¡®Before you speak, let me make something clear. My willingness to vouch for you will depend entirely on the truthfulness of your answers. If I detect even a hint of deceit, I will leave your fate in the hands of the academy master.¡¯Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    Riniock paused, carefully weighing his options before giving a small nod.

    ¡®Are you ready to answer my questions?¡¯ the arch-maegi asked, his tone stern and unreadable.

    ¡®I am,¡¯ Riniock replied firmly.

    ¡®From what your professor tells me,¡¯ the arch-maegi said, glancing briefly at Rhetrick, ¡®you severed the limbs of those academy acolytes. Why?¡¯

    ¡®Revenge,¡¯ Riniock stated plainly.

    ¡®What did they do to warrant such a response?¡¯

    ¡®They attacked me two nights ago, after Professor Reginalia¡¯s late-night lesson,¡¯ he said.

    The arch-maegi turned towards a pair of investigators standing quietly in the back.

    ¡®You reported you couldn¡¯t identify your attackers,¡¯ one of them said nervously, avoiding the arch-maegi¡¯s cold glare. ¡®You claimed it was too dark to see them.¡¯

    ¡®I didn¡¯t lie,¡¯ Riniock replied, his words carefully chosen. ¡®At the time, I truly didn¡¯t know their exact identities. But I knew they were from the academy.¡¯

    The investigators exchanged uneasy glances, clearly unsettled by his logic.

    ¡®Why did the two academy acolytes attack you?¡¯ the arch-maegi continued.

    ¡®I insulted their peer, Irgod,¡¯ Riniock admitted. His statement was truthful, though not entirely comprehensive.

    ¡®I see,¡¯ the arch-maegi murmured, his gaze thoughtful as he turned away for a moment.

    ¡®Does this mean you will vouch for me?¡¯ Riniock asked, his voice steady but probing. He knew this would be the case, and he expected it.

    The head of the college left the room without a word, his destination set on the academy delegation.

    Crossing the grounds in mere seconds, he flew with a few professors in tow. The towering spires of the college blurred beneath him, reduced to fleeting images against his speed. As he neared the pier, where the academy''s ship was docked, the arch-maegi slowed his flight and landed gracefully.

    ¡®Karthen!¡¯ the academy master, stormed towards him, each stomp driving divots into the soil. His voice boomed with rage. ¡®You¡¯d better have an explanation ¨C and a damn good one. Or, with the gods as my witnesses, I¡¯ll kill that boy myself!¡¯

    ¡®Hold your tongue!¡¯ hissed Idrass, raising a hand as if to cast a spell. The arch-maegi stopped him with a calm gesture.

    ¡®Mind your decorum, Fladd,¡¯ Karthen said evenly. ¡®I did not invite you to my college to endure baseless threats.¡¯

    ¡®Spare me the lecture! My disciples are ruined ¨C crippled beyond saving ¨C all because of your acolyte!¡¯

    ¡®Hardly,¡¯ Karthen replied, his tone cool. ¡®There are talented artificers capable of crafting mechanical prosthetics. Even if that weren¡¯t the case, only their future in martial magicks is truly affected.¡¯

    ¡®And that¡¯s acceptable to you?¡¯ Fladd¡¯s voice rose, his anger spilling over. ¡®I¡¯ve invested countless resources and months of training into those two!¡¯

    ¡®And yet,¡¯ Karthen interrupted, ¡®they were defeated by two newly fledged acolytes who receive no special treatment at my college.¡¯

    Fladd¡¯s face darkened further. ¡®If you won¡¯t deliver justice, I¡¯ll remove that boy from the expedition list!¡¯

    ¡®I¡¯m afraid that¡¯s not within your authority,¡¯ Karthen said firmly. ¡®While your academy headmaster granted you discretion in evaluating the candidates, only he or I hold the power to remove names from the list.¡¯

    Fladd roared, his temper breaking. ¡®He destroyed their futures!¡¯

    ¡®And they were the ones who attacked him first,¡¯ Karthen shot back.

    ¡®Lies and excuses!¡¯ Fladd accused.

    ¡®Is it?¡¯ Karthen¡¯s voice grew sharper. ¡®While Mr. Tolgir¡¯s actions were severe, they occurred during an official challenge. Your disciples, on the other hand, dared to ambush one of my acolytes on college grounds.¡¯

    ¡®Baseless accusations! You¡¯re just protecting him!¡¯

    ¡®If you doubt me, we can conduct a memory search,¡¯ Karthen proposed, his gaze steady. The words silenced everyone, tension crackling in the air. ¡®My acolyte would endure the procedure without issue given his healthy status. Your disciples, however, may not fare as well. I fear this would have irreversible effects on them.¡¯

    ¡®That¡¯s coercion! Blackmail!¡¯ Fladd protested.

    ¡®Then why not ask your other disciple?¡¯ the arch-maegi said, turning towards Irgod. ¡®Mr. Tolkies?¡¯

    Fladd¡¯s fiery gaze turned to Irgod, his voice a growl. ¡®What have you done?¡¯

    ¡®M-Master¡­¡¯ Irgod stammered, visibly flustered.

    Fladd¡¯s patience snapped. ¡®Speak!¡¯

    Irgod faltered under the pressure. ¡®Master, I¡­I did send Rodgut and Frisian, but I never told them to attack him ¨C¡¯

    His excuse was cut short by a slap that echoed across the pier. Fladd¡¯s hand left Irgod reeling.

    ¡®Disgraceful,¡¯ Fladd spat, his fury subsiding into bitter defeat. He turned to Karthen. ¡®Arch-maegi, I offer my apologies on behalf of my disciples. If you wish to impose punishment, I will not object.¡¯

    Karthen¡¯s eyes lingered on Irgod, cold and judgmental, but he made no move. ¡®I do not want to see those three set foot on my college grounds again. When the other two are in a stable condition, you will collect yourself.¡¯

    ¡®Understood,¡¯ Fladd conceded. ¡®None of them will leave the ship.¡¯

    The arch-maegi withdrew, his composure unshaken and his triumph in the exchange undeniable. His deft handling of the situation left the academy delegation simmering with resentment.

    As Karthen and the accompanying professors departed, the academy master turned on Irgod, his fury erupting in full force.

 Risky Revelations

    Fladd, the academy master, unleashed his fury upon Irgod, his ire spilling over onto Piddruin and Arthian as well. Only Linry and a select few acolytes escaped his wrath.

    ¡®So, you thought it wise to send Rodgut and Frisian after that boy, all because he insulted you?¡¯ Fladd growled, pacing back and forth like a storm contained in human form. ¡®Are duels no longer an option in your mind?¡¯

    ¡®Master¡­their actions were their own,¡¯ Irgod muttered, his voice faltering under the weight of his master¡¯s rage. ¡®I only instructed them to follow him, not to attack.¡¯

    ¡®And that¡¯s supposed to justify this disaster?¡¯ Fladd barked, his tone sharp enough to cut stone.

    Irgod slouched, his eyes glued to the floor. ¡®No, it does not.¡¯

    ¡®Then tell me,¡¯ Fladd demanded, his voice colder now, ¡®how did you imagine this would end? What if that acolyte had discovered your little scheme and reported you?¡¯

    ¡®He wouldn¡¯t¡­¡¯ Irgod murmured, but his master caught every word.

    ¡®And how, exactly, were you so sure of that?¡¯ Fladd snapped, his piercing gaze demanding an answer.

    Irgod hesitated, weighing his words carefully. His gaze flicked to Linry, frustration flickering in his eyes, but he decided against voicing his full thoughts. Instead, he muttered, ¡®He seemed the type.¡¯

    ¡®The type?¡¯ Fladd repeated, his voice laced with incredulity. ¡®The type? Was your brothers¡¯ future ¨C their very lives ¨C worth this baseless assumption of yours?¡¯

    Irgod clenched his jaw, swallowing any further retorts, unwilling or unable to meet his master¡¯s scrutiny.

    ¡®Master,¡¯ Arthian ventured cautiously, his voice wavering. ¡®What did you mean when you mentioned their lives?¡¯

    Fladd¡¯s stern demeanour softened ever so slightly as he delivered the grim news. ¡®I¡¯ve just received word from the college¡¯s healing house,¡¯ he said, his tone heavy. ¡®Frisian has succumbed to his injuries. As for Rodgut¡­he¡¯s fallen into a coma.¡¯

    The announcement hit like a thunderclap, shattering what composure remained amongst them. Irgod¡¯s eyes burned with restrained fury, his neck muscles taut as he struggled to keep his emotions in check. Arthian and Piddruin, along with the other members of the delegation, gasped in disbelief. Shock painted their faces, and the silence that followed felt like a suffocating weight.

    Linry, however, stood apart. Her face was carefully neutral, devoid of any outward reaction, but within, her heart raced with a forbidden sense of satisfaction.

    She resisted the urge to smile ¨C such an act would betray her in this moment of shared grief.

    Despite their shared affiliation, Linry had never felt any attachment to her peers. If anything, she felt vindicated. It had been her decision to share what she knew with Riniock, and now, she found herself quietly pleased with the outcome.

    She never liked them anyway.

    ¡®This matter,¡¯ Fladd said, his tone icy and resolute, ¡®will be revisited when we return to Ikshar. I will not let this transgression go unpunished. Now, dismissed!¡¯

    The group dispersed, each consumed by their own thoughts, weighed down by the grim news.

    As Linry prepared to leave the ship and return to the college grounds, Irgod intercepted her.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    ¡®This is far from over, Linry,¡¯ he hissed, his words laced with venom and barely coherent through his anger.

    Linry turned to him with a feigned air of innocence. ¡®Whatever do you mean?¡¯ she replied lightly, her tone almost playful. ¡®I¡¯m just out for a stroll.¡¯

    ¡®You and that boyfriend of yours will pay,¡¯ Irgod spat, his voice trembling with rage. ¡®I may not be able to set foot on college grounds, but my revenge is coming ¨C sooner than you think.¡¯

    For the first time, Linry didn¡¯t deny the accusation, her sharp mind piecing the puzzle together. ¡®So that¡¯s why he challenged them,¡¯ she mused, her voice calm but edged with amusement. ¡®Because you knew about us.¡¯

    ¡®I suspected,¡¯ Irgod admitted with a bitter smile, ¡®but this sealed it.¡¯

    Linry tilted her head, her tone dripping with mockery. ¡®Why not tell the master then? Or are you afraid he¡¯d carve out your ear for keeping it a secret this long?¡¯

    Irgod let out a deranged laugh, his composure unravelling. ¡®Why would I do that? No, no, no. I want to kill the both of you myself.¡¯

    Linry¡¯s expression remained cool, her confidence unshaken. The idea of Irgod as a threat seemed almost laughable to her. Yet when she thought of Riniock ¨C his potential, his unpredictability ¨C her heart quickened ever so slightly.

    ¡®If you only knew what he¡¯s capable of,¡¯ Linry said, her voice now edged with a subtle menace, ¡®you¡¯d be begging for an end as swift as Frisian¡¯s.¡¯

    ¡®That runt?¡¯ Irgod roared, his laughter escalating into a manic outburst. ¡®Don¡¯t make me laugh. Even Rodgut and Frisian together would be no match for me, and you think he is?¡¯

    Linry smirked faintly, turning her back on him. ¡®We¡¯ll see,¡¯ she said simply, her words hanging in the air as she walked away, leaving Irgod seething in his own fury and doubt.

    On the other side of the college grounds, Riniock strode confidently into his next lesson. His usual companion, Niann, was already seated and waiting for him in the classroom.

    As Riniock descended the steps towards his seat, the atmosphere shifted. The room¡¯s occupants turned to watch him, their gazes wary, as though bracing themselves for an outburst or worse ¨C another display of violence.

    ¡®Hey, Riniock,¡¯ Niann called out, breaking the silence.

    ¡®Niann,¡¯ Riniock responded, his tone faintly amused. ¡®Not afraid of me like the others?¡¯

    Niann chuckled, leaning back in his chair. ¡®Did they deserve it?¡¯

    ¡®They did,¡¯ Riniock admitted, before adding. ¡®But would that matter if they didn¡¯t?¡¯

    Niann shook his head, his grin unwavering. ¡®Not to me.¡¯

    Riniock waved him aside with a mock sternness. ¡®Now, scoot over. You¡¯re hogging my side of the bench.¡¯

    Settling into his seat, Riniock glanced around, noting the uneasy hush that had fallen over the room. Except for his casual exchange with Niann, the classroom felt steeped in tension, every word a disruption to the fragile quiet.

    A few minutes passed before two figures approached his table.

    ¡®Riniock Ev Tolgir,¡¯ one of them announced theatrically. The speaker was a young man with a surprisingly deep voice and a broad, muscular frame ¨C an uncommon sight for a maegi.

    Trailing behind him was a woman Riniock immediately recognised. She had been amongst the applicants during the admission tests and was someone he had argued with before ultimately helping her pass with a verdack feather.

    ¡®And who might you be?¡¯ Riniock asked, his tone even.

    ¡®Siegmun of House Torash,¡¯ the man declared with a smirk. ¡®Pleasure to meet you.¡¯

    Riniock studied him for a moment but found no spark of recognition. Siegmun was clearly an older acolyte, likely a year or more ahead.

    ¡®I¡¯m retaking Professor Gieller¡¯s lessons to pass my Magickal Theorum exam,¡¯ Siegmun continued. ¡®And let me tell you, I¡¯m thrilled to be learning alongside someone as interestingly fun as you.¡¯

    Before Riniock could respond, the woman stepped forward. ¡®Hey, I¡¯m Karia ¨C¡¯

    ¡®I know who you are,¡¯ Riniock cut in sharply. ¡®You said you¡¯d remember me, and so do I.¡¯

    ¡®Good! Good!¡¯ Siegmun laughed heartily, clearly entertained.

    Meanwhile, Niann¡¯s expression darkened. He glared at the newcomers, his eyes flicking between them as though they were interlopers encroaching on his territory.

    ¡®What do you want?¡¯ Niann asked, his tone cold and suspicious.

    ¡®Oh, nothing much,¡¯ Siegmun replied breezily. ¡®Just thought we¡¯d introduce ourselves.¡¯

    ¡®That¡¯s it?¡¯ Niann pressed, his voice dripping with distrust.

    ¡®Pretty much.¡¯ Siegmun then turned back to Riniock with a grin. ¡®By the way, I¡¯ve been waiting years to see those Ikshari bastards put in their place. Watching you destroy them? Sure, one of em¡¯s dead but totally worth it!¡¯

    ¡®Uh¡­thanks?¡¯ Riniock replied, unsure whether to take it as a compliment.

    ¡®Well, I¡¯ll see you around,¡¯ Siegmun said, clapping Riniock on the shoulder. ¡®With your attitude, I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll be the best of friends soon enough.¡¯

    Karia and Siegmun wandered off to find their seats, leaving Riniock puzzled by the interaction.

    Niann, on the other hand, was less bemused and more annoyed. He felt an instinctive unease, a prickling sense of competition. Silently, he hoped Riniock would maintain his usual aloofness and keep Siegmun at arm¡¯s length.

 Portent Protection (1)

    Professor Rhetrick entered the classroom, rather than Gieller, precisely on time.

    As he moved to the front of the room, his sharp gaze locked briefly onto Riniock, his expression unreadable. A moment later, his eyes shifted across the room to Urael, seated on the far side, before he finally addressed the class.

    ¡®Good afternoon, everyone,¡¯ he said, settling onto a tall chair. With a wave of his hand, a chalkboard floated into position beside him, guided effortlessly by telekinesis.

    ¡®Are we not supposed to have Professor Gieller?¡¯ someone asked.

    ¡®No. Following recent events,¡¯ he continued, evading the question, his tone measured, ¡®and the clear dangers that acolytes ¨C yes, all of you ¨C might face if you were to step into the world as you are now, the arch-maegi has instructed me to expedite my end-of-term subject. We¡¯ll begin it immediately.¡¯

    ¡®Professor, what is this subject about?¡¯ a student asked.

    Professor Rhetrick leaned back, crossing one leg over the other as he laced his fingers together. ¡®Up until now, when faced with incoming projectiles, how have you, as acolytes, responded?¡¯ His sharp gaze scanned the room before settling on Riniock. ¡®Mr. Riniock, given your recent impressive performance in the arena, perhaps you can enlighten us.¡¯

    Riniock straightened slightly in his seat, noticing the sarcasm in his tone. ¡®Mostly, I dodged or countered spells with my own when the timing felt right.¡¯

    ¡®Exactly,¡¯ Rhetrick replied, nodding. ¡®This is typical of most novice maegis. But let me make something clear: you cannot spend your careers dodging spells like monkeys swinging through trees.¡¯

    He paused, his words interrupted by movement. An acolyte had risen from his seat and was striding towards the door.

    ¡®And where, precisely, do you think you''re going?¡¯ Rhetrick''s voice turned sharp, cutting through the room.

    Siegmun halted mid-step, turning back with an air of mild confusion. ¡®Out, professor. I¡¯ve already taken Charms with you before.¡¯

    ¡®And does that make you too mighty to attend it again?¡¯ Rhetrick''s tone dripped with disdain.

    ¡®No, professor,¡¯ Siegmun replied carefully. ¡®I¡¯m only here for Professor Gieller¡¯s lesson.¡¯

    ¡®Then I suggest you sit back down,¡¯ Rhetrick said coldly, his attention already shifting back to the class. ¡®You might as well earn yourself some extra credit.¡¯

    Siegmun hesitated for a moment, the professor''s dismissal leaving him uncertain. After a brief pause, he turned on his heel and rejoined Karia at their desk, his expression unreadable.

    Rhetrick rose from his seat, grabbing a metallic ball from his desk. ¡®As I was saying, most of you still rely solely on dodging,¡¯ he said, tossing the ball at a nearby student, proving his point on the spot. ¡®True maegi, however, master the art of casting wards.¡¯

    He picked up a piece of chalk and began drawing a spell circle on the board, the intricate symbols and arcane letters forming an elaborate design. The process took nearly ten minutes as Rhetrick carefully expanded the circle to ensure it was large enough for everyone in the classroom to see.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

    Once finished, he tossed the chalk aside. ¡®All of you, inscribe this into your arcane tomes just as I¡¯ve taught you. You,¡¯ he pointed directly at Riniock, ¡®can use your own method. Let¡¯s see who finishes first.¡¯

    The acolytes sprang into action, pulling out their tomes and preparing their inks for the painstaking process of inscription. Siegmun, meanwhile, sat at his desk, quietly reviewing his own notes on ward inscriptions.

    Rhetrick paced the classroom, inspecting their progress.

    His sharp eyes scrutinised each attempt, but it was clear that Riniock¡¯s work stood out, his precision and speed surpassing the rest.

    ¡®First one to complete the inscription flawlessly,¡¯ Rhetrick announced, ¡®will get to practice directly with me.¡¯ His words carried an air of challenge, spurring the students to work even faster.

    Despite the professor¡¯s encouragement, Riniock once again outshone his peers. In a record fifteen minutes, he completed his inscription.

    ¡®Professor, I¡¯ve finished,¡¯ he announced with respect. ¡®How should I proceed?¡¯

    Rhetrick scanned the room, his gaze sweeping over the struggling students. A flicker of disappointment crossed his face as he acknowledged the stark contrast in progress.

    ¡®Bring it here,¡¯ he said, his tone tinged with irritation.

    Riniock approached, tome in hand, and presented it to the professor. Rhetrick examined the work closely, his sharp eyes scanning every line and symbol.

    ¡®Well,¡¯ he admitted begrudgingly, ¡®it seems you¡¯ve proven your skill once again, Mr. Riniock. Follow me to demonstrate the ward spell.¡¯

    He strode to the centre of the classroom, a flick of his hand sending the blackboard gliding away to clear space. ¡®You will cast a spell at me, and I¡¯ll protect myself using the ward I just taught you.¡¯

    ¡®Understood, Professor,¡¯ Riniock replied, positioning himself with a calm, focused demeanour.

    The rest of the acolytes ¨C Siegmun included ¨C abandoned their own work for the moment, their eyes locked on the scene. The room was steeped in anticipation as they waited to witness the exchange.

    Rhetrick stood motionless, his hands clasped behind his back, his confidence unwavering.

    ¡®Let¡¯s see one of your famed air blades,¡¯ he commanded.

    Riniock seized the opportunity, unleashing his fastest air blade ¨C a result of relentless training and precision. The spell tore through the classroom air, its velocity a testament to his effort, aiming to catch his professor unprepared.

    Just before impact, an immaculate, shimmering barrier materialised around Rhetrick, a luminous blend of white and blue. The air blade disintegrated on contact, dissipating like water against a solid wall.

    ¡®Observe,¡¯ Rhetrick said, his arm barely lifting, fingers extended in a calculated formation. Before his palm, a glowing replica of the spell circle hovered in midair. ¡®I didn''t even have to move. When casting a ward, there are two crucial components to remember: the spell circle and the cost. Who can explain their significance?¡¯

    Riniock, having witnessed the spell firsthand, was quick to respond. ¡®The spell circle acts as a signature, a guide that aligns your body''s intent with your mind''s command.¡¯

    ¡®Good explanation,¡¯ Rhetrick acknowledged, though he added, ¡®but your phrasing could use refinement. And the cost?¡¯

    Siegmun raised his hand, taking the opportunity to contribute.

    ¡®Yes, Mr. Siegmun?¡¯ Rhetrick gestured, allowing him to speak, though his approval was measured ¨C this acolyte had taken the lesson before.

    ¡®Wards are resource-intensive spells,¡¯ Siegmun explained. ¡®They require a constant odh expenditure to maintain. Additionally, absorbing the impact of an attack further drains your reserves.¡¯

    ¡®Correct,¡¯ Rhetrick affirmed, his praise muted. ¡®I could keep this ward active all day while deflecting your weak spells without significant depletion. However, you don''t have that luxury. Wards are invaluable but costly, so managing your odh consumption is critical.¡¯

    The acolytes diligently scribbled notes in their tomes, capturing every detail of Rhetrick''s explanation.

    ¡®Now,¡¯ Rhetrick declared, shifting his focus, ¡®let''s see Mr. Riniock cast the ward himself. Are you ready?¡¯

    Riniock stepped forward, his stance confident. ¡®Ready, Professor.¡¯

 Portent Protection (2)

    Rhetrick broke a piece of chalk into four equal portions, releasing them into the air, where they hovered obediently under his control.

    ¡®A spell of mine, even restrained, could cause significant damage to the classroom and to you,¡¯ the professor explained in a calm, measured tone, free of mockery. ¡®One of these will suffice for practice.¡¯

    ¡®I understand, professor. I am ready,¡¯ Riniock replied with a steady voice.

    ¡®Good. Pull your ward up as late as possible to conserve your odh.¡¯

    Riniock gave a nod of acknowledgment. Without hesitation, the rightmost piece of chalk shot forward like an arrow. Riniock reacted, but miscalculated, activating his ward prematurely. A glowing, frontal barrier formed from the spell circle drawn by his palm, successfully deflecting the chalk.

    Rhetrick clicked his tongue and shook his head. ¡®Too early. Time your activation better to optimise your odh consumption. Ready for another go?¡¯

    ¡®I am, Professor. At your discretion.¡¯

    This time, the chalk darted forward without warning, its speed even greater than before. Riniock¡¯s reflexes sharpened; he summoned his ward just a breath away from impact.

    ¡®That¡¯s it!¡¯ Rhetrick¡¯s voice carried a rare note of approval. ¡®But stay vigilant, Mr. Riniock¡­¡¯

    Before Riniock could feel any satisfaction, the professor sent the remaining two chalk fragments hurtling towards him in rapid succession, with only a second¡¯s delay between them.

    Riniock managed to block the first fragment with precision, his ward absorbing the impact as intended. However, as the barrier momentarily faltered during absorption, the second piece shot through unopposed, striking him squarely on the forehead. The force caused his head to jerk back dramatically, earning muffled laughter from his peers.

    Stunned but not deterred, Riniock replayed the incident in his mind. When the ward absorbs a hit, there¡¯s a fleeting moment of vulnerability where its defences drop. The professor exploited that window to teach me this.

    Though the vulnerability was negligible against most opponents, Riniock realised its implications. It¡¯s a weakness few would exploit¡­but one I could use to my advantage.

    Suppressing a small grin at the revelation, Riniock looked back at Rhetrick, ready to refine his skill further.

    At that moment, Professor Rhetrick pressed two fingers to his temple, closing his eyes briefly in thought. When he lowered his hand, he called out, ¡®Siegmun, get over here and take my place for now.¡¯

    ¡®Me, Professor?¡¯ Siegmun replied, a slight tremor betraying his nerves. Whilst he had exuded confidence earlier when speaking to Riniock, the prospect of leading the class was an entirely different challenge.

    ¡®Don¡¯t make a fuss. Just practice with them,¡¯ Rhetrick instructed curtly, heading for the door. ¡®I¡¯ll have a senior posted here for supervision. Don¡¯t let me down.¡¯

    And with that, Rhetrick exited the classroom, his departure leaving a brief, stunned silence in his wake. It wasn¡¯t until a senior maegi entered the room and stationed himself at a vantage point to oversee the proceedings that Siegmun finally stepped forward.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    ¡®Well¡­uh,¡¯ Siegmun began, fumbling for words. ¡®Those of you who have completed your inscriptions, pair up with either Riniock or me. Once one of you gets the hang of it, pair with someone else and keep practicing. Let¡¯s move, people!¡¯

    Though his initial hesitation was clear, Siegmun quickly composed himself, taking control of the situation with care and precision. His directions were clear, and the younger acolytes, wary of stirring any conflict with an older student, followed his lead attentively.

    ¡®Stand like this,¡¯ he instructed one student, adjusting their posture. Moving to another, he corrected them with patience. ¡®It might feel natural to hold your arms this way, but it¡¯s not the proper stance¡­¡¯

    Before long, a sharp, familiar voice cut through the room. ¡®Done daydreaming, Tolgir?¡¯

    Riniock sighed, recognising the unwelcome tone without needing to look. ¡®Urael.¡¯

    ¡®Disappointed?¡¯ Urael sneered, his smirk audible in his words.

    ¡®I¡¯d rather kiss an umblaar than face you.¡¯

    ¡®Well, that¡¯s rude.¡¯

    ¡®Not as rude as you are,¡¯ Riniock shot back, his tone as sharp as the air blades he conjured. ¡®What do you want?¡¯

    Urael took stance, ¡®isn¡¯t it obvious?¡¯

    ¡®Why should I waste my time sparring with you?¡¯ Riniock replied dismissively, turning to walk away. ¡®I gain nothing from it.¡¯

    ¡®I''m not asking,¡¯ Urael retorted sharply, launching a jagged icicle with a flick of his wrist.

    Riniock turned swiftly, summoning his ward. The icicle shattered against the barrier, its energy absorbed seamlessly ¨C just as he had been taught.

    ¡®I¡¯ve never liked you,¡¯ Urael continued, his voice laced with venom. ¡®Ever since before the admission test. Even when there were four of us, you acted so high and mighty.¡¯

    Riniock stayed silent, his expression unreadable.

    ¡®And after the test, you hogged all the attention,¡¯ Urael sneered. ¡®You robbed me of my chance to train with the fading odh. Honestly, saying I only hate you would be an understatement.¡¯

    ¡®I loathe you too,¡¯ Riniock finally replied, his tone calm but pointed. ¡®Everything about you grates on my nerves.¡¯

    ¡®At least we agree on something,¡¯ Urael spat, conjuring another barrage of frost spells.

    Riniock¡¯s ward held firm against each attack. His breathing remained steady, and his odh consumption was remarkably efficient. As Urael began to falter, his relentless attacks taking a toll, Riniock saw his chance.

    He unleashed a flurry of spells, each calculated and precise, as though part of their practice. Hidden amongst them was a razor-sharp needle-like spell, timed perfectly. When the forward spell struck Urael''s ward and triggered its absorption, the needle slipped through the momentary vulnerability he had caught earlier.

    It struck Urael square in the chest.

    ¡®Argh!¡¯ Urael gasped, clutching his chest as the air left his lungs. He staggered, struggling to catch his breath for several agonising moments before his breathing finally stabilised.

    Clutching his chest, Urael dragged himself out of the practice area, his glare filled with resentment.

    ¡®Alright, everyone,¡¯ Professor Rhetrick¡¯s voice broke through the tension as he returned to the room, a rare smile on his face. ¡®Gather your belongings and head to your next lesson. Excellent work to those who managed to cast the ward.¡¯

    The acolytes filed out one by one, leaving behind Siegmun, Riniock, Urael, Niann, and a handful of others still packing up.

    ¡®Professor, I¡¯ll take my leave now,¡¯ Siegmun said respectfully, bowing his head slightly.

    ¡®One moment, Mr. Siegmun.¡¯ Rhetrick¡¯s expression turned serious. ¡®It is my pleasure to inform you that the arch-maegi has selected you to lead the younger acolytes on the upcoming expedition.¡¯

    ¡®Pardon?¡¯ Siegmun¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief.

    ¡®Arch-maegi Karthan instructed me, during the lesson, to test your leadership capabilities by leaving you in charge. Your performance was¡­satisfactory,¡¯ Rhetrick said, a rare note of approval in his tone.

    ¡®Is this true?¡¯ Siegmun¡¯s face lit up with excitement. ¡®This isn¡¯t a jest, is it, professor?¡¯

    ¡®What do you take me for?¡¯ Rhetrick barked, offended by the suggestion. ¡®There are still additional tests for you to complete, but the initial results are promising. Keep it up.¡¯

    Without offering further praise, Rhetrick summoned his belongings and left the classroom.

    ¡®Congratulations,¡¯ Karia said warmly, walking up to Siegmun.

    ¡®I never thought I¡¯d be chosen,¡¯ Siegmun admitted, a grin spreading across his face. ¡®This is incredible news! Let¡¯s head to the main hall and celebrate.¡¯

    ¡®We still have classes to attend to,¡¯ Niann reminded them harshly. ¡®Celebrate later.¡¯

    ¡®Don¡¯t ruin my moment,¡¯ Siegmun giggled.

    ¡®Let¡¯s go, Riniock,¡¯ he called him, meaning to distance Riniock from the group.

    Riniock followed Niann, his expression still neutral.

 Lifting the Lockdown

    After their lesson, Riniock and Niann made their way to the main hall for dinner before heading back to their dorms.

    By chance, Siegmun was still there, enthusiastically sharing the news of his recent assignment. The table around him was littered with overturned mugs, spilling the remnants of neblan beer ¨C a mild alcoholic drink ¨C onto the floor.

    ¡®Riniock!¡¯ Siegmun called out warmly, raising a hand in greeting. ¡®Come join us! We¡¯ve saved you a few ¨C¡¯ He paused, scanning the table, only to realise there were no beers left. ¡®Well, we¡¯ll get more! Haha!¡¯

    Riniock offered a small smile and made his way to the table where Siegmun sat with a handful of others. The group¡¯s composition was telling: all of them were older students. Three wore the familiar plain dark blue robes of acolytes, whilst two others, distinguished by their robes of the same colour but with an array of patterns, designs that each designed to their whims, were aspirants ¨C students of higher rank. What also defined their rank from newcomers, was the embroidered college crests which was not prevalent on acolyte robes.

    As Riniock approached, he couldn¡¯t help but notice the differing reactions. The older acolytes regarded him with genuine curiosity and interest, their gazes lingering as if assessing him. The aspirants, however, exuded a mix of haughty disdain and cold indifference, their expressions hinting at a clear sense of superiority.

    ¡®This is Riniock,¡¯ Siegmun announced, gesturing towards him as he spoke to the two aspirants. ¡®The acolyte I told you about ¨C the one who wiped the floor with those Ikshari bastards.¡¯ Despite his attempt at discretion, his tone was far from subtle.

    At this introduction, the aspirants¡¯ stiff demeanours softened. Whilst they still projected an air of superiority, the contempt in their expressions faded.

    ¡®So, it was you,¡¯ one of them said, his voice carrying a trace of intrigue. ¡®Quite the commotion you caused. I¡¯m Balidor.¡¯

    He extended a hand, and Riniock shook it firmly. The second aspirant chimed in with a smirk, ¡®Wish I¡¯d been there to see it. We rarely get the chance to remind those fools of their place.¡¯

    ¡®I only sought revenge,¡¯ Riniock replied, his tone calm but laced with an icy edge. ¡®Had they not crossed me, perhaps their lives wouldn¡¯t be in ruins.¡¯

    His cold demeanour seemed to impress rather than unsettle the older students.

    ¡®Well said,¡¯ Balidor remarked approvingly.

    ¡®Good, good. An acolyte with some spine,¡¯ the other aspirant said, nodding in approval. ¡®I¡¯m Aikan. And these are Ulred, Hadfarr, and Lodras.¡¯ He gestured to the older acolytes, who each acknowledged the introductions with nods.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    ¡®No need to linger awkwardly,¡¯ Aikan added, motioning to the table. ¡®Bring your friend and take a seat with us.¡¯

    Riniock glanced at Niann, who appeared uncertain.

    ¡®I¡¯ll¡­stay with the others,¡¯ Niann stammered. ¡®I¡¯ll wait for you over there.¡¯

    ¡®Alright,¡¯ Riniock said, taking a seat next to Siegmun.

    Ulred leaned in, speaking quietly, his tone far more controlled than his intoxicated counterpart. ¡®I heard one of them didn¡¯t make it, and the other¡¯s in a coma.¡¯

    ¡®That¡¯s right,¡¯ Hadfarr confirmed, nodding slowly, his eyes closed in thought. ¡®I faked an injury to sneak a peek at the healing house.¡¯

    ¡®How do you feel about it, Riniock?¡¯ Lodras asked, his voice a bit softer, as if trying to offer comfort.

    Riniock shrugged indifferently. ¡®It¡¯s not the first time I¡¯ve killed someone,¡¯ he replied, his tone casual, a slight smirk playing at the corner of his mouth. The others paused, exchanging glances of confusion.

    He dipped a piece of bread into a bowl of creamy orion dairy ¨C a black-striped cheese ¨C before continuing. ¡®Once killed one of my family¡¯s slaves,¡¯ he lied, noticing their reactions. ¡®Caught him sneaking jewellery out of my room.¡¯

    His words hung in the air, leaving an uneasy silence as the group digested his bluntness.

    ¡®Well,¡¯ Siegmun broke the silence, ¡®it seems you¡¯ll be a real asset during the expedition. Not every day you come across a newbie as talented and decisive as you. I was right to approach you earlier today.¡¯

    ¡®You¡¯ve got a good eye, Siegmun,¡¯ Aikan chimed in, nodding with approval. ¡®I can¡¯t wait for this one to become an aspirant. That¡¯s where he¡¯ll truly shine.¡¯

    The group continued eating and drinking, the conversation drifting back to Siegmun¡¯s recent assignment and its significance, the mood lightened by the celebration.

    After a time, Professor Bhallen rose to the podium, his voice amplified by a spell. When the room fell silent, he addressed them.

    ¡®If I may have your attention,¡¯ he began, his tone formal. ¡®After an extensive investigation and much deliberation, the investigation team has concluded that the individual responsible for the murder of Jorian Sador is no longer on the college grounds. As no further evidence has emerged, the arch-maegi has decided to lift the lockdown. Visits to the town are once again permitted. Anyone wishing to acquire a pass of leave should submit a written request to the student committee.¡¯

    A quiet cheer rippled through the room, and expressions lightened as the news sank in. Conversations began to murmur, but Bhallen raised a hand, signalling for quiet once more.

    ¡®Before you all disperse,¡¯ he continued, ¡®be advised that the list of names for those joining the Ikshari delegation on the expedition will be posted tomorrow. If your name appears, be prepared to depart at a moment¡¯s notice. That is all.¡¯

    This was welcome news for Riniock.

    Although he remained sceptical about the premature lifting of the lockdown, it confirmed that the investigation hadn¡¯t tied the murder to him or Linry.

    ¡®Finally,¡¯ Balidor muttered, his voice laced with relief. ¡®We¡¯ve been stuck in here for so long, I was starting to feel like I couldn¡¯t breathe.¡¯

    Aikan spun around with a grin. ¡®I could definitely go for a drink at the tavern again. Their ale is to die for.¡¯

    The group continued chatting, the conversation flowing easily. Soon, the topic of the murder resurfaced, and the theories began flying once more, each more outlandish than the last.

    ¡®Well,¡¯ Riniock said after a moment, standing up. ¡®I¡¯ll have to excuse myself. Tomorrow¡¯s going to be a long day.¡¯

    ¡®Take care, Riniock,¡¯ Siegmun replied with a nod.

    Riniock made his way out, offering brief nods to his peers as he passed their table. Before long, he was back in his room, settling onto his bed in a position designed to promote the smooth flow of odh throughout his body.

 Taxidermy Tower

    Riniock was jolted awake the next morning by the senior maegi assigned to their escort. He blinked groggily, finding the man¡¯s stern face mere inches from his own.

    ¡®Sir?¡¯ Riniock asked weakly, still disoriented by the abrupt wake-up. ¡®Is something wrong?¡¯

    The senior maegi snapped his fingers in front of Riniock¡¯s face. ¡®Arch-Maegi Karthen wishes to see you.¡¯

    ¡®Did he say why?¡¯

    ¡®No,¡¯ the senior replied, shaking his head. ¡®Get dressed and follow me.¡¯

    Riniock quickly threw on his casual clothes and followed the senior maegi through the castle. They ascended to the highest tower, climbing winding staircases until they reached a door flanked by two imposing stone statues.

    The senior extended his arm, halting Riniock in his tracks. As if sensing their presence, the statues raised their stone weapons, slamming them together to block the path.

    ¡®Cyrtaib Hornuk!¡¯ the senior commanded.

    With a deep rumble, the statues lowered their weapons and withdrew, the wall behind them groaning as it shifted to reveal an entryway.

    ¡®What kind of password is that?¡¯ Riniock asked, his curiosity piqued.

    ¡®Go inside,¡¯ the senior replied curtly. ¡®The arch-maegi is waiting for you. I¡¯ll be here when you¡¯re finished.¡¯

    Riniock stepped inside as the heavy doors groaned shut behind him, sealing him in.

    The office was nothing like he had imagined an arch-maegi¡¯s sanctum to be. There were no towering bookshelves, no cluttered desks filled with scrolls or arcane instruments. Instead, the space was adorned with an overwhelming collection of taxidermized magickal beasts and monsters. Dozens of glassy-eyed creatures ¨C each grotesque or majestic in its own way ¨C filled every corner, frozen in lifelike poses.

    ¡®Weird hobby, wouldn¡¯t you say?¡¯ a voice remarked casually.

    Riniock turned to see Arch-Maegi Karthen emerging from behind the preserved body of a geoseri ¨C a massive black-scaled lizard native to the Yawning Tunnels.

    ¡®I¡¯ve always admired magickal creatures,¡¯ Karthen said, his tone thoughtful. ¡®If I must slay them, I do. But whenever possible, I spare them. They¡¯re remarkable, after all.¡¯

    ¡®That¡¯s¡­an interesting perspective,¡¯ Riniock replied cautiously.

    Karthen began pacing, leaving the geoseri¡¯s looming form behind as he closed the distance between them. His eyes, sharp and assessing, locked onto Riniock¡¯s.

    ¡®Have you ever strolled through the town?¡¯ Karthen asked, his tone shifting to something more conversational.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    ¡®Once, sir,¡¯ Riniock said, thinking back. ¡®When I was a child. Though I imagine the town looks quite different now.¡¯

    Karthen chuckled lightly. ¡®It does indeed.¡¯

    A brief silence followed. Karthen studied him, his expression sly and unreadable, whilst Riniock found himself caught between curiosity and unease, unsure of the arch-maegi¡¯s intentions.

    Riniock cleared his throat, breaking the tense silence. ¡®Sir, may I ask why you summoned me so early this morning?¡¯

    Arch-Maegi Karthen¡¯s expression shifted, his sharp gaze cutting through the question. ¡®Tell me, Riniock, what is your relationship with Linry Lotrielle?¡¯

    A cold sensation ran down Riniock¡¯s spine. He blinked, caught off guard. ¡®Pardon?¡¯

    Karthen resumed his leisurely pacing, his hand brushing against the fur of a nearby taxidermized beast. ¡®Last night, a member of the Ikshari delegation approached me. She requested permission to visit the town before returning to her province.¡¯

    Riniock opened his mouth to respond, but the arch-maegi continued, cutting him off. ¡®Before I could arrange an escort, she eagerly suggested you for the assignment.¡¯

    Riniock froze, his thoughts spinning. ¡®She¡­vouched for me?¡¯

    ¡®Precisely,¡¯ Karthen confirmed, his tone sharp and deliberate. ¡®So, I¡¯ll ask again ¨C do you have any unresolved grievances with her, as you did with Irgod?¡¯

    Riniock quickly composed himself. ¡®No, sir. I¡¯ve interacted with her a few times, but always on amicable terms.¡¯

    He forced his voice to remain steady, though his thoughts raced. From what Karthen said, it appeared he wasn¡¯t aware of the full scope of his dealings with Linry. Perhaps the arch-maegi suspected her motives stemmed from vengeance for her fallen peers, rather than any deeper connection.

    Karthen stopped pacing, his tone thoughtful but edged with implication. ¡®It¡¯s a risky proposition, and I won¡¯t downplay the danger involved. Still, would you be willing to accompany her into town?¡¯

    ¡®Sir?¡¯ Riniock¡¯s confusion was genuine, though he could sense there was more to the request.

    ¡®I need to observe her actions,¡¯ Karthen explained, his voice lowering slightly. ¡®There are¡­suspicions I must confirm.¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s pulse quickened.

    He understood now ¨C despite the investigation¡¯s official closure, the arch-maegi hadn¡¯t given up. If he suspected Linry or someone from the delegation, this could be an attempt to expose them.

    ¡®You think she¡¯s connected to the murder,¡¯ Riniock said plainly, testing the waters.

    Karthen¡¯s eyes widened slightly, but a smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. ¡®Perceptive of you. I won¡¯t deny it ¨C I suspect her, or someone among the Ikshari, to be involved.¡¯

    Riniock tilted his head, feigning contemplation. ¡®I had a similar thought, but I wasn¡¯t certain,¡¯ he lied, masking his unease with a calculated tone.

    ¡®Impressive,¡¯ Karthen said, nodding in approval. ¡®It seems my confidence in you was not misplaced.¡¯

    Though outwardly calm, Riniock¡¯s mind raced. The arch-maegi¡¯s suspicions placed Linry ¨C and perhaps himself ¨C on precarious ground.

    ¡®Then I must accompany her,¡¯ Riniock declared, his tone resolute. ¡®If your suspicions are correct, we need to uncover the truth.¡¯

    ¡®Excellent,¡¯ Karthen replied, nodding. ¡®To ensure your safety, I¡¯ll assign a security detail to accompany you.¡¯

    ¡®I wouldn¡¯t recommend that, sir,¡¯ Riniock countered, his voice calm but firm. ¡®If the Ikshari delegation is involved in the murder ¨C and given my prior encounters with their disciples ¨C they¡¯re likely on high alert. If they notice anyone shadowing me, it could tip them off.¡¯

    Karthen paused, stroking his chin thoughtfully as he considered Riniock¡¯s reasoning. ¡®A fair point,¡¯ he admitted. ¡®How about this ¨C I¡¯ll have someone tail you from a distance, keeping out of sight. They¡¯ll remain inconspicuous but close enough to intervene if needed.¡¯

    Riniock inclined his head in agreement. ¡®That would work.¡¯

    ¡®Good. That settles it, then,¡¯ Karthen concluded.

    ¡®Yes, sir,¡¯ Riniock replied, though a flicker of doubt lingered in his expression.

    Karthen caught the hesitation and raised an eyebrow. ¡®You seem unconvinced. That¡¯s good ¨C caution suits you. Prove yourself on this task, and I¡¯ll have something worthwhile waiting for you when you return.¡¯

    ¡®I¡¯ll do my best, sir,¡¯ Riniock said with resolve.

 Walk Through Town

    Riniock returned to his dorm to gather a few essentials. Once ready, he headed for the gates, where an invisible, impenetrable barrier shimmered faintly, guarded by a vigilant gatekeeper.

    ¡®Riniock,¡¯ a familiar voice called out. ¡®The arch-maegi mentioned you¡¯d be heading out as an escort.¡¯

    ¡®Sir Lazrus,¡¯ Riniock greeted, a faint smile tugging at his lips. ¡®It¡¯s been a while.¡¯

    ¡®Indeed it has,¡¯ Lazrus replied with a nod, his tone reminiscent. ¡®Where does your assignment take you?¡¯

    Riniock moved closer to the barrier, noticing Linry had yet to arrive. He reached out, his fingers brushing the translucent magic, studying its texture and structure. ¡®Just through the town. We won¡¯t be crossing the borders.¡¯

    Lazrus observed him quietly, intrigued by his attempt to analyse the barrier. ¡®I hear your escort is a young woman from Ikshar Academy. Is that correct?¡¯

    Riniock nodded, aware of Lazrus¡¯s keen gaze following his every move.

    Despite his preliminary studies on magickal barriers, Riniock found himself unable to fully grasp the nature of the one before him. Each time he struck it with his fist, faint scratches would appear, only to seamlessly stitch themselves back together, leaving no trace behind.

    The barrier was clearly powered by a continuous flow of odh ¨C a hallmark of magickal constructs known as arrays, which sustained wide-reaching effects.

    ¡®I can¡¯t sense the source of the odh flowing through this,¡¯ Riniock muttered, his frustration evident.

    ¡®That¡¯s because multiple layers of protection are in place to shield this area from probing, attacks, and spells of all kinds,¡¯ Lazrus explained, watching the young acolyte¡¯s curiosity with mild amusement. ¡®At your current level of magickstry, it¡¯s no surprise you can¡¯t detect the array¡¯s eye.¡¯

    ¡®The eye of the array?¡¯ Riniock repeated, intrigued.

    ¡®Yes,¡¯ Lazrus clarified. ¡®It¡¯s the core of the array ¨C its metaphorical heart. If the eye is disrupted, overridden, or overwritten, the entire array collapses. It¡¯s the single most critical point of any array.¡¯

    ¡®That sounds simple enough in theory,¡¯ Riniock remarked thoughtfully, ¡®but I assume there are complications?¡¯

    ¡®Naturally,¡¯ Lazrus affirmed. ¡®This particular array is designed purely for passive defence. However, a true master of arrays could craft one that functions as both offense and defence, rendering it hard for someone to leisurely look for the eye.¡¯

    ¡®Really?¡¯ Riniock¡¯s eyes lit up with interest. ¡®Something like that exists?¡¯

    ¡®Certainly,¡¯ Lazrus replied, his tone carrying a hint of admiration for the craft. ¡®It all depends on the skill, ingenuity, and resources of the one who weaves the array.¡¯

    ¡®Are you skilled in array tuning, Sir Lazrus?¡¯ Riniock inquired.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    ¡®I am, to a degree,¡¯ Lazrus replied with a faint nod. ¡®But that¡¯s a discussion for another time.¡¯ He gestured towards the horizon. ¡®It seems your companion has arrived.¡¯

    Descending the hill of illusions, Linry approached, accompanied by a senior maegi from the academy.

    Linry moved with her characteristic grace, her long black hair flowing behind her as the breeze played havoc with her robes, sending them flapping wildly. In contrast, her escort seemed entirely unremarkable ¨C an unassuming face amongst the countless others.

    ¡®Linry,¡¯ Riniock murmured under his breath.

    ¡®I¡¯m glad you agreed to this,¡¯ she said softly, her voice carrying warmth that belied the tension in the air.

    ¡®The arch-maegi insisted,¡¯ Riniock replied curtly, his tone sharp enough to catch her off guard. ¡®I¡¯m your escort,¡¯ he continued, his words deliberately cold, ¡®so there¡¯s no need for idle chatter.¡¯

    Linry met Riniock¡¯s gaze, her eyes narrowing as she saw through his deliberate lie.

    ¡®Well then,¡¯ she replied smoothly, choosing to play along. ¡®Would you do me the kindness of guiding me through town?¡¯

    ¡®After you,¡¯ Riniock said, gesturing for her to lead the way.

    The barrier parted before them as Lazrus performed a series of intricate gestures, granting Linry, Riniock, and their security details passage beyond the gates.

    The walk through town was calm, the silence between them unbroken for a time. After Riniock¡¯s subtle warning, both had silently agreed to keep conversation minimal, avoiding anything that might provoke suspicion.

    Fortunately, the security details from both the Ikshari and Gorlean factions maintained a respectful distance, far enough to give the pair some semblance of privacy. This allowed them the chance to exchange a few quiet words now and then.

    As they strolled through the bustling streets, they passed numerous vendors and stalls. The merchants had set up shop in every available nook ¨C between houses, under lamp posts, and in unlikely corners. Their wares, however, were unremarkable, consisting mostly of mundane trinkets and everyday items.

    ¡®Where can we find stalls that sell magickal wares?¡¯ Linry asked, her gaze sweeping over the offerings with a hint of dissatisfaction.

    ¡®There are a few,¡¯ Riniock said with a knowing smirk. ¡®I happen to know the best spot. At least from what I remember as a child.¡¯

    ¡®Good,¡¯ she replied, her tone expectant. ¡®Lead the way.¡¯

    After navigating a series of twists and turns, crossing a bridge, meandering through a winding viaduct, and passing through the bustling town square, Riniock finally led Linry to the location he deemed the best for magickal wares.

    ¡®This is it,¡¯ Riniock said, stopping in his tracks and gazing ahead.

    Linry scanned the area, her eyes darting left and right, searching for the promised marvel.

    Riniock couldn¡¯t help but smile. He remembered his own reaction as a child when his parents first brought him here. Back then, they had still doted on him, treating him with the warmth and love he cherished. For a brief moment, he allowed himself to recall those better days ¨C when, as the youngest of twelve brothers and three sisters, he had once felt truly valued. The memory stirred a bittersweet tear in his eye, but he quickly brushed it aside.

    ¡®I don¡¯t see it,¡¯ Linry finally said, her tone tinged with impatience, snapping him from his reverie.

    ¡®You¡¯re just not looking hard enough,¡¯ Riniock replied, quoting his father with a mischievous grin. He approached a stone bust of an important councilman; the figure¡¯s stern visage adorned with a pair of carved spectacles. ¡®If you still can¡¯t see it,¡¯ he added with a playful smirk, ¡®perhaps you need to clean your glasses.¡¯

    Linry furrowed her brow, clearly puzzled, as Riniock extended two fingers towards the bust¡¯s stone spectacles. With a gentle push, the lenses clicked inward, and his figure vanished before her eyes. His shadow lingered for only a moment before fading after him.

    Startled but left with no better option, Linry followed his example. Pressing the spectacles, she was immediately enveloped in a surge of energy, her surroundings dissolving in an instant.

    When her vision cleared, she found herself in an entirely different place, and her astonishment was evident. ¡®This is ¨C¡¯

    ¡®Magickal, right?¡¯ Riniock interjected, his excitement matching hers as he gestured to the breathtakingly enchanted marketplace that stretched before them.

 Berzinian Bazaar (1)

    Linry felt herself swept away, her surroundings blurring into a dizzying swirl before she landed in a place that seemed like something straight out of a dream. Back at the academy, she had always been confined to the Rock Barren ¨C a desolate, arid stretch of land ¨C but this¡­this was something else entirely.

    She looked around in awe, her eyes drinking in the breathtaking scenery. ¡®What is this place, Riniock?¡¯ she asked, her voice filled with wonder.

    Riniock, equally entranced by the beauty, answered with a grin, ¡®This is the Berzinian Bazaar.¡¯

    ¡®Berzinian?¡¯ Linry¡¯s brows furrowed in confusion. ¡®You mean Berzin, the province on the far west?¡¯

    ¡®The very same.¡¯

    ¡®But that¡¯s ¨C¡¯ Linry¡¯s words faltered. ¡®That¡¯s halfway across the continent! How is this even possible?¡¯

    ¡®The bust,¡¯ Riniock explained with a knowing smile, reminiscing the explanation his father bestowed him. ¡®It¡¯s a secret passage, a link to this place. Like the one we just used, there are hundreds of these scattered across the continent, all leading to this hidden underground market.¡¯

    Linry¡¯s gaze returned to the bust, curiosity piqued. ¡®What¡¯s so special about this one?¡¯ she asked.

    Riniock looked at it thoughtfully, then glanced back towards the columns where the bust of Remino Urbaaz sat, flanked by two intricately carved pillars. ¡®It¡¯s the work of a legendary Berzinian merchant named Remino Urbaaz,¡¯ he explained. ¡®He wanted to share his goods with the world, far beyond the borders of his province. So, he turned to magick and created these transportive busts. He travelled the continent, placing them strategically, and in doing so, linked distant lands to this very bazaar. His descendants still manage it today.¡¯

    ¡®Remarkable,¡¯ Linry marvelled, her eyes wide with excitement. ¡®One man did all of this?¡¯

    Riniock gave a quick nod, his expression turning more serious. ¡®We should move, though. For now, we''re free from prying eyes, and that means we can do as we please.¡¯

    ¡®That¡¯s true,¡¯ Linry said, flashing him a flirtatious glance.

    Riniock frowned, sensing her playful intent. ¡®I don¡¯t like that look¡­¡¯ he replied, blushing and quickly distancing himself and heading towards the bazaar.

    She chuckled at his flustered reaction, clearly entertained. ¡®Let¡¯s go, then. I¡¯m really excited to explore this place.¡¯

    The two of them made their way down the hill, the path leading them away from the bust and into the heart of the bazaar.

    The bazaar was unlike anything Linry had ever seen. It felt as though someone had carved an entire city into the earth, filling every surface ¨C walls, ceilings, and floors ¨C with panzamite bricks, a rich and luxurious form of stone. Arches and columns lined the space, sectioning off stalls and shops of all kinds.

    Intricate lanterns hung from every available surface, casting a soft, golden glow in the dim underground space. Here and there, colourful crystals floated lazily, providing cool, ambient lighting to scattered corners.

    As they ventured deeper into the bazaar, it became clear that the crowd was far from homogenous. Linry passed by a pair of felines lounging near a display of exotic meats. One resembled a sleek, grey cat with light grey stripes, whilst the other sported spots of varying sizes on its yellowish fur.

    ¡®Kabats!¡¯ Linry exclaimed in surprise. ¡®I¡¯ve never seen any before. They don¡¯t live in the Rock Barren.¡¯Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

    ¡®You¡¯ll find more than just kabats here,¡¯ Riniock said, gesturing ahead. A group of short humanoids wandered past, laughing and throwing jests at one another. ¡®Even gorens are allowed, as long as they don¡¯t stir up trouble.¡¯

    ¡®Gorens?¡¯ Linry echoed, her voice tinged with surprise.

    ¡®The lowest of the low are welcomed in the Berzinian Bazaar,¡¯ Riniock replied, a hint of disdain in his tone.

    Linry turned her attention to the gorens. They were grotesque, their warty skin either of swampy green, deep red, or sickly yellow ¨C colours befitting such monstrous creatures. Their faces were marked by crooked noses, pointed ears, and rows of yellowed, sharp teeth.

    As they moved through the bazaar, the gorens accosted a lone farferal. They shoved her aside, snatching the item she had been eyeing and laughing cruelly as they did. Then, without a second thought, they moved on, leaving her behind to fume.

    ¡®I don¡¯t think I like them very much,¡¯ Linry muttered, her distaste clear.

    Riniock tightened his grip on her wrist, gently pulling her gaze away from the scene. ¡®Then simply don¡¯t look. Let them mind their business,¡¯ he said, his voice steady. ¡®Remember, as long as they don¡¯t get violent, they can do whatever they want.¡¯

    ¡®Okay,¡¯ Linry agreed.

    ¡®Good. Let¡¯s keep walking. I¡¯m sure something will catch your eye,¡¯ Riniock suggested.

    They wandered through the bazaar, browsing and stopping here and there. Riniock picked up a few basic materials, nothing too extravagant. Linry, however, managed to find a generous batch of null dust ¨C enough to replace the amount she had been forced to discard.

    As they ventured deeper, they came across a jewellery stall. The vendor, a farferal like the woman from earlier, had a greyish complexion and sharply pointed ears.

    ¡®Welcome,¡¯ the vendor greeted warmly. ¡®My humble booth offers wide range accessories. Necklaces, bracelets, circlets¡­or perhaps rings for lovely ikurn couple?¡¯

    ¡®Ikurn?¡¯ Linry asked, puzzled by the term.

    ¡®It¡¯s what they call us in their tongue,¡¯ Riniock explained.

    The farferal smiled and clasped his hands together. ¡®Ah, yes, I apologise for term. What can I get you today?¡¯

    Linry¡¯s eyes moved over the display, her gaze finally resting on a ring. Crafted from solargold, it featured a large black gem embedded in the center.

    ¡®You have keen eye, lady,¡¯ the vendor remarked, swiftly removing the ring from its case and handing it to her. ¡®Black gem, kolicynn, well known for ability to enhance enchantments.¡¯

    ¡®So, whatever enchantment I place on this ring, the kolicynn will amplify it?¡¯ Linry asked.

    ¡®Exactly,¡¯ the vendor confirmed. ¡®Interested?¡¯

    ¡®How much?¡¯ she inquired.

    ¡®Only 30 solaris,¡¯ the vendor replied cheerfully, raising three fingers.

    Linry inspected the ring closely, noting the faint scratches on its surface. ¡®It¡¯s seen some use,¡¯ she murmured. ¡®I¡¯ll offer 15 solaris.¡¯

    The vendor chuckled, shaking his head. ¡®Lady jokes. While ring has scratches, polishing cheap. I can lower to 27 solaris.¡¯

    ¡®Twenty,¡¯ Linry replied firmly.

    ¡®Twenty-five solaris!¡¯ he countered.

    ¡®Twenty-three,¡¯ she said with finality. ¡®If you won¡¯t accept that, I¡¯ll walk away.¡¯

    The farferal paused, weighing the offer. After a brief moment, he sighed, nodding reluctantly. ¡®Very well, twenty-three is.¡¯ He extended his hand, eager for the exchange.

    ¡®Pleasure doing business with you,¡¯ he said, his smile returning. ¡®May your roads be blessed with grass and peaceful flight of moths.¡¯

    ¡®Thanks¡­¡¯ Linry said hesitantly.

    As they prepared to leave, Riniock lingered, his curiosity piqued.

    ¡®The ikurn still wants something?¡¯ the vendor asked.

    ¡®If I bring my own ring, can you install a kolicynn gem on it?¡¯ Riniock asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.

    The vendor eagerly reached forward, expecting Riniock to offer the ring. Riniock removed it from his finger and placed it in the farferal¡¯s grey palm. The vendor examined it closely, then gave his verdict.

    ¡®It possible,¡¯ he said, nodding with his eyes closed. ¡®But I don¡¯t do myself. Have friend in bazaar who can do. Want to send to him?¡¯

    ¡®Yes, how much would it cost?¡¯ Riniock asked, hoping to haggle a price.

    The farferal shrugged. ¡®Don¡¯t know. Friend fixes own prices. No negotiations.¡¯

    Riniock hesitated, but after a moment of thought, he nodded. The better the ring performed, the better he would perform. ¡®Alright, take it.¡¯

    The vendor chuckled. ¡®Good. I take delivery fee, too.¡¯

    Riniock sighed, reluctantly agreeing. ¡®Fine. Where should I wait?¡¯

    The farferal waved him off with a dismissive gesture. ¡®Can leave. Take this.¡¯ He handed Riniock a token. ¡®I send to you when done.¡¯

    Riniock took the token, feeling a mix of annoyance and acceptance. The token would serve as a tracking device for the vendor to find him when the ring was ready. With that settled, he and Linry continued their exploration of the bazaar, eager to make the most of their time there.

 Berzinian Bazaar (2)

    The stroll through the bazaar was uneventful after their visit to the jewellery booth. Whilst they encountered a wide variety of species ¨C kaerods, mornes, abdigans, vauhins, and even thorahks ¨C everyone seemed to abide strictly by the area¡¯s non-violence law.

    Linry couldn¡¯t help but marvel. She had never seen a place where such diverse cultures coexisted, all seemingly at peace with one another.

    ¡®This is getting boring,¡¯ she muttered, noticing how the stalls were starting to feel repetitive, as though she had seen them all before. ¡®Is there anything interesting we can do here?¡¯

    Riniock thought for a moment, sifting through his memories. ¡®There used to be something in that direction,¡¯ he said, pointing down a less-travelled path. ¡®But I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯s still there.¡¯

    ¡®What kind of thing?¡¯ she asked, her curiosity piqued.

    ¡®It¡¯s better if I show you,¡¯ Riniock replied, stepping forward and gesturing for her to follow. ¡®If I¡¯m remembering correctly, it should be this way.¡¯

    As they ventured deeper into the bazaar, the atmosphere began to shift. The alleys grew darker with each step, the once-bright lanterns fading to a dim glow. Their hues became strange and otherworldly, casting eerie shadows across the walls.

    The stone beneath their feet showed signs of neglect ¨C cracked, chipped, and in some places entirely missing. The stalls they passed now were far from the vibrant displays they had seen earlier; these were shabby and grimy, their tents worn and tattered. The vendors themselves looked rougher, their gazes wary and their demeanours shadier.

    ¡®W-Where are you taking me, Riniock?¡¯ Linry stammered, her voice betraying her unease as the unsettling surroundings closed in.

    ¡®To an auction,¡¯ Riniock said quietly, his head darting in several directions as though checking for something.

    ¡®An auction?¡¯ Linry repeated, her curiosity piqued.

    ¡®It¡¯s not a regular auction,¡¯ he replied cryptically. ¡®You¡¯ll understand once we get there.¡¯

    Before long, something unusual came into view. In the middle of a massive clearing stood an enormous tent, its size dwarfing the structures around it. The tent was an explosion of colours, an odd contrast to the drab surroundings. Despite its tattered state, the intricate design suggested it had once been grand. From their vantage point, Linry could see that the centre of the tent was open to the sky ¨C or ceiling in this case.

    At the entrance, two guards stood watch, flanking a set of stairs that led down a narrow, shadowy path.

    ¡®Morning, gentlemen,¡¯ Riniock greeted the guards casually.

    ¡®One solari per person,¡¯ one of the guards stated, extending a hand.

    Riniock and Linry handed over the coins, and in exchange, each received a small brooch. The guard gestured to their garments. ¡®Pin these on. Once inside, those who wish to observe or bid should take seats under the roofed sections surrounding the stage.¡¯You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

    Linry¡¯s eyes lit up with intrigue. ¡®Can we sell things too?¡¯

    The guard nodded. ¡®If you want to participate as a seller, head to the booth at the far end of the left path.¡¯

    ¡®Thank you,¡¯ Riniock said, offering a polite nod before stepping past the guards, with Linry following close behind.

    They arrived at the roofed sections the guard had mentioned, arranged in a ring around the central stage like seats in a grand amphitheatre. Each section was sheltered by a cloth canopy and separated by heavy drapes, creating an intimate and secluded space for its occupants.

    As they made their way to their assigned seats, Linry noticed a shimmering barrier enveloping each section. The magickal veil blurred the view of anyone sitting behind it, offering guests complete privacy.

    ¡®Impressive,¡¯ Linry commented, studying the protective enchantment with an appreciative gaze.

    Riniock gestured towards a section. ¡®This is ours.¡¯

    They settled into their section, which was outfitted with a pair of plush chairs, each featuring padded armrests and backrests. The elevated seating provided a clear and uninterrupted view of the stage below, free from any distractions or obstructions.

    ¡®Perfect!¡¯ Riniock exclaimed, leaning forward to get a better look at the activity on stage. ¡®We¡¯ve got the best view.¡¯

    A seller was already presenting his item, which rested on a uniquely designed platform. The surface of the platform, shaped with intricate, occult patterns, glowed with an ethereal purple light that encased the item, making it clearly visible despite the distance.

    ¡®What¡¯s he selling?¡¯ Linry asked, squinting to make out the object.

    ¡®Hold on,¡¯ Riniock said, reaching for a curious plate set into the armrest of his chair. The plate, pale and faintly luminous, bore a resemblance to the platform on the stage. As soon as his fingers brushed its surface, a ghostly image materialised above it, radiating the same purple hue.

    ¡®Anything placed on the platform down there gets projected to these plates,¡¯ he explained. ¡®They¡¯re called Image Replicators.¡¯

    The item being auctioned ¨C a seemingly ordinary, abstractly shaped, purple-tinged bag ¨C came into sharp focus on the plate¡¯s display. Though unassuming, its enchanted properties piqued Riniock¡¯s interest. He deftly manipulated the floating image, rotating and examining it from every angle.

    ¡®Let me see that!¡¯ Linry said, stepping closer and plucking the projection from his hands. She turned it around with fascination. ¡®This is amazing. I wish I had one of these displays for myself.¡¯

    They were too late to bid.

    The seller on stage repeated the final bid three times, signalling the item¡¯s sale. With that, he stepped down, replaced by another man whose unremarkable appearance did little to inspire confidence.

    ¡®Don¡¯t auctions usually have a presenter?¡¯ Linry asked, her brow furrowing at the unconventional setup. ¡®Sellers are usually anonymous, and the auction house handles the presentation, taking a percentage of the sale.¡¯

    ¡®That¡¯s how it works in standard auctions,¡¯ Riniock acknowledged. He gestured to the new seller climbing onto the stage. ¡®But in Berzinian culture, business is seen as a personal endeavour. The auction provides the platform and collects a small fee, but it¡¯s up to the seller to showcase their goods and convince the audience to bid.¡¯

    ¡®Interesting,¡¯ Linry mused, intrigued. ¡®It¡¯s like every seller has to be their own pitchman.¡¯

    ¡®Exactly.¡¯

    The next seller, though ordinary in appearance, carefully placed his item onto the replicating platform. As soon as it made contact, the item¡¯s image was projected onto every guest¡¯s plate, magnified and glowing with the platform¡¯s signature purple hue.

    A wave of astonished gasps rippled through the audience, the collective sound cutting through the otherwise hushed air of the auction. Even from their concealed sections, it was clear that the item had captured everyone¡¯s attention.

    Bids began flying in rapid succession, each offer quickly outmatched by another. The atmosphere grew electric, filled with the urgency of competing voices.

    Riniock leaned forward, his eyes fixed on the projection on his plate. He twisted the image, inspecting every angle with growing intensity. His lips parted slightly, and he murmured, ¡®This is¡­¡¯

 Business is Business!

    The auction house buzzed with chaotic energy as bids flew in rapid succession, guests vying fiercely for the item on display. It was a psychorite eye, a rare and vital component in the creation of artificially intelligent constructs like golems. The price skyrocketed quickly, spiralling into exorbitant territory as wealthy bidders sought to claim the coveted object.

    Riniock, however, remained unfazed by the frenzy. His attention wasn¡¯t on the psychorite eye ¨C it was fixed on something else entirely.

    ¡®This is¡­¡¯ he murmured, his words trailing off as his gaze locked onto an item hanging from the seller¡¯s belt.

    ¡®What is it, Riniock?¡¯ Linry asked, noticing his focus. She leaned forward, trying to discern what had caught his eye. ¡®Are you interested in the eye?¡¯

    ¡®No,¡¯ he replied, his tone firm. ¡®That man¡¯s knife.¡¯

    Her eyes followed his, landing on the unassuming dagger tucked into the seller¡¯s scabbard. ¡®It just looks like an ordinary dagger to me.¡¯

    But Riniock¡¯s sharp perception told him otherwise. From the dagger¡¯s scabbard, he could see faint threads of magick leaking through the tiny slits. The aura was subtle yet unmistakable ¨C a power that Linry, despite her keen curiosity, couldn¡¯t detect.

    ¡®It¡¯s far from ordinary,¡¯ Riniock said, his resolve firm as he stood. ¡®Stay here. I¡¯ll be back shortly, but feel free to buy anything that catches your eye.¡¯

    ¡®Where are you going?¡¯ she asked, twisting in her seat to watch him weave out of their section of the auction house.

    ¡®Down,¡¯ he replied without slowing. ¡®I won¡¯t be long.¡¯

    As the man announced the final bid on the palm sized item ¨C a staggering 400 solaris ¨C Riniock slipped out of the seating area and positioned himself near the exit, waiting for an opportunity to speak with the seller. When the man emerged from the central stage, Riniock approached him with a calm demeanour.

    ¡®Excuse me,¡¯ Riniock called, his voice polite but firm.

    The man stopped, raising an eyebrow as he turned to face him. ¡®Who are you?¡¯

    ¡®My apologies,¡¯ Riniock began, inclining his head slightly. ¡®I didn¡¯t mean to alarm you, but I couldn¡¯t help but notice the dagger hanging from your belt.¡¯

    The man¡¯s gaze shifted to his weapon, his hand instinctively resting on the hilt. His expression remained composed, but his subtle movements betrayed a guarded caution.

    ¡®What do you want with it?¡¯ he asked warily.

    ¡®I¡¯d like to buy it from you,¡¯ Riniock replied, his tone earnest. Though he couldn¡¯t fully articulate why, he felt an unshakable pull towards the dagger, as though it held a significance he wasn¡¯t yet aware of.

    The seller shook his head with finality. ¡®It¡¯s not for sale. Good day.¡¯

    With that, he turned and began to stride away, leaving Riniock standing in the shadowy corridor, his interest in the dagger only deepening.

    However, Riniock wasn¡¯t ready to give up.

    ¡®Please, reconsider,¡¯ he urged, hurrying after the man. ¡®I¡¯ll pay whatever you ask ¨C name your price!¡¯

    ¡®Let it go, boy,¡¯ the man growled, his voice sharp with menace as he stopped and turned.

    ¡®I won¡¯t haggle,¡¯ Riniock pressed on. ¡®I¡¯ll agree to ¨C¡¯This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    The man moved without warning, unsheathing the dagger in a swift, practiced motion and slashing towards Riniock.

    Riniock¡¯s instincts kicked in, and with a quick gesture, he summoned a protective ward. The blade struck the barrier with a crackle of energy, deflecting harmlessly. Without hesitation, Riniock retaliated, sending a powerful gust of wind crashing into the man.

    The force of the blast sent the attacker sprawling backward, his body colliding with a metal support pole. The impact reverberated through the tent as the man slumped to the ground, winded and unable to rise.

    He had rendered him rippled.

    The dagger slipped from his grasp, clattering to the floor. To Riniock¡¯s eyes, its faint strands of magick shimmered like threads of light.

    ¡®I knew it,¡¯ Riniock murmured with excitement, stooping to pick up the weapon.

    The man groaned weakly, his arm trembling as he reached towards Riniock. He was clearly no match for a maegi and now lay defenceless, reduced to futile grunts.

    Panic bubbled in Riniock¡¯s chest as he realised the gravity of his actions. Injuring someone in this place ¨C an area with strict rules of conduct ¨C was a dangerous misstep. He glanced around hurriedly, scanning the corridor for witnesses.

    ¡®Good, no one saw¡­¡¯ he muttered, exhaling in relief.

    His gaze returned to the injured man. The pathetic mundane figure sprawled on the ground posed no threat, yet leaving him here felt risky. Riniock¡¯s mind raced through options, weighing outcomes.

    Then, his eyes landed on a nearby sign. A slow, mischievous smile crept across his face as he read the single word painted boldly across it: ¡°Latrines.¡±

    ¡®Well,¡¯ Riniock said, gripping the dagger tightly. ¡®That solves one problem.¡¯

    Without hesitation, Riniock seized the man by the hair, dragging him towards the latrines. The man squirmed and groaned, but his muffled protests faded into silence as the door closed behind them.

    The room reeked, its stalls dimly lit and lined up like grim sentinels. Riniock wasted no time, hauling the man into one of the compartments and shutting the door behind them.

    With precision and cold resolve, Riniock drew the dagger and slashed it across the man¡¯s neck in one fluid motion. Blood sprayed in dark arcs, bubbling up from the gaping wound as the man gurgled in his final moments. Within seconds, his thrashing ceased, and his chest rose no more.

    Riniock stepped back, exhaling sharply as he wiped his brow. He glanced down at his clothes, checking for bloodstains. ¡®Well,¡¯ he muttered, his voice tinged with grim humour, ¡®this wasn¡¯t exactly how I imagined this trip would go.¡¯

    The stench of the latrines would mask the smell of death for hours, and it would likely be long before anyone discovered the body tucked away in the stall. The anonymity of the place worked in Riniock¡¯s favour, and he intended to vanish well before suspicion could reach him. It was near impossible to pinpoint him within this massive underground bazaar even if they attempted to track his magick signature.

    But he wasn¡¯t done yet.

    ¡®Dead men don¡¯t need coins,¡¯ he said, quoting a line he¡¯d once heard from a bandit. With swift hands, he rifled through the man¡¯s belongings and found what he sought ¨C the enchanted bag.

    ¡®I¡¯ll be taking this,¡¯ he murmured with finality, tying the bag to his waist before stepping out of the latrines and back into the auction house. His face betrayed no sign of the dark deed he¡¯d just committed.

    Riniock scanned his surroundings carefully, ensuring no one was watching as he made his way back to Linry.

    ¡®You¡¯re back,¡¯ Linry greeted him with a mischievous smile that matched her playful tone. ¡®I managed to snag a few nice things while you were gone.¡¯

    ¡®That¡¯s great,¡¯ Riniock replied casually, though his slight grin betrayed his mood.

    Linry tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. ¡®And what about you? Did you get what you were after? You seem¡­rather pleased with yourself.¡¯

    Riniock chuckled, unable to hide his expression from someone who knew him as well as Linry.

    ¡®I¡¯m right, aren¡¯t I?¡¯ she pressed.

    ¡®I¡¯ll tell you once we¡¯re out of here,¡¯ he said, glancing around at the bustling bazaar. ¡®Too many ears.¡¯

    The pair lingered a while longer, casually inspecting a few more items to avoid drawing attention. They even managed to secure the last item on display before finally departing. As they walked past the guards, bidding them a polite farewell, Linry turned the conversation back to him.

    ¡®So,¡¯ she began with a sly look, ¡®what¡¯s got you so chipper? Oh!¡¯ Her eyes locked onto the dagger now strapped at Riniock¡¯s side. ¡®You got the blade you wanted.¡¯

    ¡®I did,¡¯ he confirmed with a nod.

    ¡®But that¡¯s not all, is it?¡¯ Linry continued, her gaze sharp and probing. ¡®What happened with the man who owned it?¡¯

    Riniock met her gaze, knowing there was no use hiding it. ¡®I killed him,¡¯ he admitted, recounting the encounter in detail.

    Linry¡¯s lips curled into a quiet chuckle. ¡®So, I assume you have his money too? The solaris he made from selling that psychorite eye?¡¯

    Riniock shrugged, his expression neutral. ¡®Probably. I haven¡¯t gone through it yet.¡¯

    Linry chuckled again, this time more softly.

    ¡®What¡¯s so funny?¡¯ Riniock asked, raising a brow.

    ¡®Nothing,¡¯ she replied, her tone teasing. ¡®You just look adorable when you¡¯re this pleased with yourself.¡¯

 Appalling Adversaries (1)

    Linry and Riniock¡¯s shopping spree led them to several stalls as they continued exploring the bazaar. At Linry¡¯s insistence ¨C following a demand he¡¯d made days prior ¨C Riniock purchased various items needed for her to teach him the basics of conjuration, particularly the summoning of objects.

    In addition to their purchases, Riniock finally came across a vendor willing to buy his lidthrag claws.

    ¡®Phew,¡¯ he sighed in relief as he collected his payment. ¡®Glad to finally be rid of those.¡¯

    ¡®Why so eager to sell them?¡¯ Linry asked, watching him tuck the lunaris into his purse.

    ¡®They¡¯re spoils from one of my kills,¡¯ Riniock replied nonchalantly.

    Linry¡¯s eyes lit up with curiosity. ¡®Oh, another one? Do tell!¡¯

    Lowering his voice and glancing around to ensure no one overheard, Riniock began. ¡®His name was Odrean. It happened during the college admission test. The whole thing was held in a place called the Crimson Glades.¡¯

    Linry tapped a finger against her lip, a playful glint in her eyes. ¡®So you killed someone who could¡¯ve been your classmate? You really don¡¯t discriminate, do you?¡¯

    ¡®Why should I?¡¯ Riniock scoffed. ¡®If someone deserves it, they can die like the worms they are.¡¯

    ¡®And what exactly did this Odrean do to ¡®deserve¡¯ it?¡¯ Linry asked, her tone almost poetic as she pressed for details.

    ¡®He got greedy,¡¯ Riniock said, a smirk curling his lips. ¡®Tried to take my share of the spoils.¡¯

    Linry chuckled softly. ¡®Men will die for coin, after all.¡¯

    ¡®No truer words have ever been spoken,¡¯ Riniock agreed, the memory of the earlier incident with the dagger briefly flickering through his mind. The man Riniock had killed earlier met his end simply because Riniock had coveted his belongings. ¡®Anyway,¡¯ he said, brushing off the thought, ¡®I think it¡¯s time we wrapped up our visit here ¨C¡¯

    A shrill cry tore through the air, echoing from the shadows between the market stalls. Out of the darkness stumbled a farferal ¨C a short, wiry humanoid with greyish skin and hair that hung over her face like a mop. She appeared out of nowhere, her frantic movement clearly aimed towards Linry and Riniock.

    In her panic, she tripped over a crate of neon-coloured fruits, tumbling forward and landing in an awkward roll.

    ¡®Master Ikurns!¡¯ she screamed, raising an arm as she approached them, desperation etched into her voice.

    ¡®Who¡¯s she?¡¯ Linry asked, glancing at Riniock, whose expression mirrored her confusion. Neither recognised the woman.

    They cautiously made their way towards her, helping her to her feet.

    ¡®Who are you?¡¯ Linry asked, her tone measured.

    The farferal woman took a moment to catch her breath, gasping before finally managing to speak. ¡®I¡¯m the assistant at the jewellery stall. The owner sent me to his friend to retrieve your ring, but when I got there, a group of gorens was harassing the shopkeeper.¡¯

    ¡®Why come to us first? Why not alert the authorities?¡¯ Linry asked, frowning.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

    The farferal¡¯s tone turned sharp and eloquent, a stark contrast to her dishevelled appearance. ¡®Master surely jests. The authorities would sooner abandon their claim to this bazaar than take the word of a farferal. Even if they believed me, they¡¯d rather retreat to the tavern than lift a finger in a matter involving my kind.¡¯

    Riniock scowled. He bore no particular affection for the farferal, but neither did he harbour enmity. Besides, his ring was at risk, and that was a matter he couldn¡¯t ignore.

    ¡®Show me the way,¡¯ he demanded, his voice resolute and cold. ¡®If anything happens to my ring, I will flay the skin of every last goren responsible.¡¯

    A short distance away, six gorens loitered around a small workshop, their presence looming over the shopkeeper like a storm cloud. Though they hadn¡¯t resorted to outright violence, their harassment was relentless, pressuring the man to sell goods that weren¡¯t even his to offer ¨C items already purchased and reserved by other customers.

    ¡®How much for this, then?¡¯ one of the gorens asked with a coarse, dismissive tone. ¡®I¡¯ll give you ten lunaris for it.¡¯

    The farferal shopkeeper, trembling, tried to explain. ¡®A-Apologies, sir. This armband already belongs to someone else. It¡¯s not for sale.¡¯

    Four of the gorens leaned casually against nearby stalls, snickering at their comrade''s antics, whilst the other two continued badgering the shopkeeper. Nearby, several witnesses, most of them farferal vendors, watched with growing resentment. Though accustomed to enduring mistreatment, the blatant disrespect towards one of their own had them bristling with quiet fury.

    ¡®What¡¯s this, then?¡¯ another goren said, snatching up a ring from the counter ¨C a ring adorned with a newly polished black gemstone.

    ¡®Please, sir,¡¯ the shopkeeper pleaded, his voice strained. ¡®That ring is not for sale.¡¯

    ¡®Not for sale? Not for sale?¡¯ the green-skinned goren mimicked in a mocking falsetto, earning laughs from his companions. ¡®What¡¯s the point of running a stall if you¡¯re not selling anything? I¡¯ll take this ring.¡¯

    ¡®But, sir ¨C¡¯

    ¡®A hundred lunaris should cover it,¡¯ the goren declared smugly, reaching into his pouch for coins.

    The poor shopkeeper sunk as he imagined how to explain this circumstance to his customer. His eyes shrunk, his pride suppressed.

    ¡®That¡¯s quite enough,¡¯ a calm but commanding voice cut through the commotion from the nearby crowd.

    The gorens turned in unison, their eyes locking onto a lone farferal standing boldly in the middle of the road. He was diminutive and scrawny, his limbs shorter than average, and his mismatched eyes ¨C a strikingly uncommon trait ¨C added to his peculiar appearance.

    Arms crossed in a defiant stance, the farferal radiated an aura of false confidence that drew raucous laughter from the group of harassers.

    ¡®Well, well, what do we have here?¡¯ one of the gorens sneered, his lips curling into an amused grin.

    ¡®Leave him alone,¡¯ the farferal demanded, his sharp, childlike voice trembling with a blend of fear and audacity.

    The gorens erupted into laughter again. ¡®And here I thought we were ugly! What¡¯s a two-eyed freak like you gonna do, huh?¡¯

    The farferal''s mismatched eyes narrowed, his words cutting through the mockery like a blade. ¡®Bold of you, whose patron deity made you ugly by design, to mock my eyes.¡¯

    The atmosphere shifted instantly. The mention of their patron deity, the Spurned, struck a nerve. The gorens¡¯ laughter died, replaced by seething scowls and gritted teeth.

    ¡®You¡­¡¯ one hissed, his tone venomous as weapons were drawn. ¡®You dare insult Lady Aceria in our presence?¡¯

    The farferal¡¯s bravado faltered. His body quivered, but he held his ground, his resolve wavering as the leader of the gorens stepped forward. The goren''s flanged mace dangled ominously in his grip, its head stained with dried blood and specks of gore, a grim testament to its history.

    The farferal swallowed hard, hoping against reason that the gorens would adhere to the bazaar¡¯s strict rules forbidding violence.

    But his hope was short-lived. The goren leader halted and glanced back at his comrades with a wicked grin. ¡®You know what? To Murat with the laws!¡¯

    With a swift swing of his mace, the leader struck the farferal¡¯s legs, sending him sprawling to the ground. His head hit the cold panzamite floor with a sickening crack, disorienting him. Before he could react, the mace came down again, this time smashing into his face with brutal force. The attacks continued for another strike or two, leaving his head a gruesome, bloodied mess ¨C caved in and horrifically disfigured.

    Blood splattered across the ground as the farferal''s twitching body went limp. The leader spat on the lifeless form, muttering, ¡®Blasted freak.¡¯

    Turning back to the stunned shopkeeper, the goren wiped his weapon clean on his tattered tunic. ¡®Now,¡¯ he growled, his foul mood spilling over, ¡®about that ring¡­¡¯

 Appalling Adversaries (2)

    The shopkeeper trembled with fear, caught between complying with the gorens¡¯ demands or making a desperate escape. His eyes darted to one of the gorens, who gripped a shortbow in its yellowed, brittle-skinned hands, and his resolve crumbled.

    ¡®The ring,¡¯ the leader ordered, motioning to his companion. ¡®Take it from him.¡¯

    With a smug grin, the goren leaned across the stall, his fingers snatching the ring adorned with its striking black gem. ¡®This¡¯ll look nice on my finger,¡¯ he sneered as he slid it onto his pinkie.

    ¡®Pay him the lunaris we agreed on,¡¯ the leader added, though his tone carried the weight of coercion rather than genuine fairness.

    Reluctantly, the goren retrieved his pouch, tossing it onto the counter with disdain before admiring his new prize. He held his hand aloft, his gaze fixed intently on the gem.

    ¡®Does it look good?¡¯ he asked, turning to his companions with a smug grin.

    Their faces twisted in playful disgust as they recoiled at the sight of his grimy, scarred hand.

    ¡®Maybe I''ll get one like it for the wench back home ¨C¡¯

    His words were cut short as a sudden, searing pain tore through the top of his hand, followed by the warm splatter of blood spraying across the back of his head. Shocked, he looked back to see his fingers ¨C brittle and gnarled ¨C severed cleanly from his hand. Blood gushed in crimson torrents from the stumps.

    With a guttural cry of agony, he dropped to his knees, clutching the mutilated hand. His severed fingers lay a few paces away, lifeless on the stone floor, with the prized ring still snugly encircling one of them.

    ¡®I¡¯ll be taking what¡¯s mine,¡¯ a sharp voice interrupted, forcing the gorens into defensive postures. ¡®Filthy gorens have no business wearing my ring.¡¯

    Emerging from the shadows of the stalls were Riniock, calm and composed with his hands clasped behind his back, and Linry, whose palm flickered ominously with summoned flames.

    ¡®Tch,¡¯ the goren leader sneered, tightening his grip on his mace. ¡®Humans. Always meddling.¡¯

    ¡®That would be my line, filth of Aceria,¡¯ Riniock retorted, fully aware of how insults against their goddess would rankle. ¡®From where I stand, you¡¯re the ones meddling with something that belongs to me.¡¯

    ¡®You dare insult ¨C¡¯ the leader began, his fury rising, but Riniock silenced him with a raised finger.

    ¡®I¡¯d suggest you assess the situation more carefully. We¡¯re not street vendors,¡¯ he said, his gaze flicking pointedly to the mutilated corpse of the farferal lying nearby.

    The leader paused, his eyes narrowing as he studied them. ¡®Maegi filth¡­¡¯

    ¡®Heh. Sharp observation,¡¯ Riniock replied, his mocking tone unwavering. ¡®Your kind usually charges in the moment someone hurls an insult at your goddess. But it seems you¡¯re hesitating. Wise, considering what just happened to your friend¡¯s fingers.¡¯

    The gorens ground their teeth in frustration. Unlike the powerless farferal, maegis posed an unpredictable threat. The severed fingers lying nearby were a testament to their mysterious abilities.

    ¡®What do you want, human?¡¯ one of the gorens growled, his bloodlust evident in his glare.

    Riniock sighed, feigning exasperation. ¡®Still as dim-witted as I imagined. Leave. Consider this one¡¯s fate a warning for touching what¡¯s mine.¡¯Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    ¡®Kill him, brothers!¡¯ the injured goren screamed, his voice trembling with pain, his teeth grinding in fury.

    ¡®Gladly,¡¯ snarled one of his kin, stepping forward with his blade drawn. ¡®I¡¯ll take your hand, just as you took his!¡¯

    The goren advanced, but before he could close the distance, the leader¡¯s commanding voice rang out. ¡®Stop.¡¯ His glare locked onto Riniock, cold and unyielding. ¡®Fall back.¡¯

    Confusion swept through the group. The others turned to him, their faces etched with disbelief.

    ¡®What do you mean, Lodgok?¡¯ they demanded. ¡®There¡¯s two of them and five of us!¡¯

    ¡®Krashak,¡¯ the leader snapped, his tone like steel, ¡®I said fall back. If you¡¯re so eager to die, then go ahead. Fight them alone.¡¯

    ¡®But he attacked one of us! He insulted Lady Aceria! Are we just going to let him ¨C¡¯

    Before Krashak could finish, the leader struck him hard across the head with his mace. The blow sent him crashing to the ground, dazed but not severely injured.

    ¡®If you wish to avenge them, do it on your own time,¡¯ the leader growled. ¡®Lady Aceria favours the living, not the reckless dead.¡¯

    Krashak staggered to his feet, his pride bruised. With a resentful glare, he followed Lodgok¡¯s retreat, though inwardly his fury boiled.

    The gorens gathered their wounded and began to leave.

    As they distanced themselves from the scene, one of them spoke up, his voice simmering with frustration. ¡®You better have a good reason for this shameful retreat.¡¯

    Lodgok cursed under his breath, his patience thinning. ¡®Are you such fools that you can¡¯t see the danger? Look again.¡¯

    ¡®They¡¯re outnumbered. It doesn¡¯t matter,¡¯ another argued.

    ¡®Perhaps,¡¯ the leader replied, his voice measured. ¡®But they¡¯re maegi. From this distance, they¡¯d tear us apart before we could close the gap. Do you want to end up like Korro?¡¯

    ¡®Otolog has a bow,¡¯ someone muttered defiantly.

    ¡®That¡¯s enough,¡¯ the leader barked, silencing further objections. ¡®When I said fall back, I meant it ¨C for now.¡¯

    Krashak¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡®You mean we¡¯ll ¨C¡¯

    ¡®We¡¯ll gut them,¡¯ Lodgok interrupted, his tone cold and certain. ¡®When the time is right.¡¯

    A wicked grin spread across Krashak¡¯s face, mirrored by the others. Their retreat became an illusion, a veiled promise of vengeance as they disappeared from the area, their sinister laughter echoing faintly behind them.

    Back at the farferal¡¯s workshop, Riniock knelt and retrieved his ring, carefully prying it from the blood-soaked finger lying on the ground. He held it up, inspecting the black gem now tarnished by the scene around it.

    ¡®I¡¯ll need to sterilise this before wearing it again,¡¯ he muttered, slipping it into a pocket.

    Linry extinguished the flame still flickering in her palm and approached Riniock, who had turned his attention to the shopkeeper.

    ¡®Apologies for the trouble,¡¯ Riniock said, his voice uncharacteristically honeyed and smooth.

    ¡®Master Ikurns, your intervention came at the perfect moment. I am truly grateful,¡¯ the farferal shopkeeper replied, bowing in a show of gratitude.

    ¡®Nonsense,¡¯ Riniock replied with a dismissive wave, his tone dripping with faux modesty. ¡®We law-abiding citizens must stick together.¡¯

    Linry smirked, stifling a chuckle behind her hand.

    The shopkeeper¡¯s gaze shifted to the lifeless body of his kinsman. A small group of farferal had gathered around Laurion, their tears and muffled sobs breaking the air.

    ¡®Though we do not share blood, farferal always help one another,¡¯ the shopkeeper said, his voice heavy with sorrow. ¡®Alas, Laurion paid the ultimate price for his courage.¡¯

    ¡®His bravery is commendable,¡¯ Riniock said, his tone polite but distant, his usual indifference veiled behind practiced civility.

    ¡®I thank you,¡¯ the shopkeeper continued. ¡®Without your intervention, more of us might have joined Laurion.¡¯

    Riniock waved his hand again, brushing off the gratitude.

    ¡®I¡¯m relieved they didn¡¯t manage to take your ring before you stepped in,¡¯ the shopkeeper added.

    ¡®Ah, yes ¨C the ring,¡¯ Riniock said, shifting the topic as he reached for his coin purse. ¡®How much do I owe you for the adjustment?¡¯

    The shopkeeper raised his hands emphatically. ¡®Nothing! What kind of person would I be to accept payment after you¡¯ve done us a lifesaving service?¡¯

    ¡®That might be true,¡¯ Riniock replied, his tone even, ¡®but business and gratitude are two different matters.¡¯

    ¡®I insist,¡¯ the farferal said, gripping Riniock¡¯s hand to prevent him from retrieving his purse.

    For a moment, Riniock¡¯s composed smile wavered, a flicker of irritation breaking through before he quickly reined it in. His expression stayed outwardly calm, but a faint twitch in his eye betrayed his restraint. ¡®Then I won¡¯t press the matter further,¡¯ he said smoothly, though his tone carried a subtle edge.

    Sensing his struggle, Linry stepped in with a light-hearted tone. ¡®Well, since everything is settled, we¡¯ll be on our way.¡¯

    The shopkeeper released Riniock¡¯s hand, bowing slightly. ¡®Safe travels, masters.¡¯

    Before they could depart, a commanding voice interrupted. ¡®No one¡¯s going anywhere,¡¯ it declared. ¡®Bazaar law enforcement. All of you are to remain here for investigation.¡¯

 Loose Ends

    Riniock turned to see a group of law enforcement officers advancing steadily into the district.

    ¡®I want everyone present to form a single line!¡¯ the commanding officer bellowed. ¡®Hands forward, palms down, legs spread shoulder-width apart!¡¯

    The farferal shopkeeper and the rest of the vendors scrambled to comply, their movements hasty and precise as they executed the instructions.

    ¡®You two!¡¯ the officer barked, his clawed finger pointing directly at Linry and Riniock. ¡®Join the line, humans!¡¯

    The one in charge was a thorahk, a humanoid of draconic lineage. His towering figure was covered in tough, deep-red scales, and he stood upright like a bipedal lizard, his sharp, reptilian eyes scanning the crowd with practiced authority.

    ¡®Need I repeat myself?¡¯

    ¡®We understand you perfectly,¡¯ Riniock replied, his smug expression firmly in place. ¡®But we will not be joining the line.¡¯

    The thorahk snarled, his frustration evident. ¡®Don¡¯t test my patience.¡¯

    ¡®That¡¯s not my intention,¡¯ Riniock said smoothly. ¡®But unlike those good gentlemen, I am under no obligation to adhere to your self-imposed, flawed laws.¡¯

    ¡®Are you choosing to impede my investigation?¡¯ he growled, his voice a low, dangerous rumble.

    ¡®Not at all. I¡¯m happy to answer your questions ¨C right here.¡¯

    The officer¡¯s scowl deepened with each word. The longer Riniock¡¯s calm defiance persisted, the more visibly agitated he became. Meanwhile, Riniock¡¯s demeanour remained impeccably composed, his tone unwaveringly steady.

    ¡®Fine,¡¯ he snapped, clearly restraining his temper. ¡®I¡¯m Officer Zirang. Identify yourselves.¡¯

    ¡®Riniock.¡¯

    ¡®Linry.¡¯

    They offered no titles, no family names ¨C just the bare minimum.

    Zirang¡¯s sharp golden eyes flicked to the bloodied scene. ¡®Tell me what happened here.¡¯ His gaze lingered on the farferal¡¯s lifeless body, which his team was carefully wrapping in cloth for removal. ¡®Who killed this man?¡¯

    ¡®Gorens,¡¯ Riniock answered succinctly.

    Zirang¡¯s head tilted slightly, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the area. ¡®Where are those gorens now?¡¯

    ¡®Gone.¡¯

    ¡®Which way did they go?¡¯ Officer Zirang pressed, his frustration growing at Riniock¡¯s curt responses.

    Riniock gestured, directing the officers on the intended path. Then, as if a dam had burst, he relayed the full sequence of events, detailing everything from the moment the shopkeeper¡¯s assistant had approached him. He left nothing out, his account precise and unvarnished.

    Over the next few minutes, Zirang¡¯s team questioned other witnesses to corroborate the story. The accounts were consistent, save for a few minor details added here and there.

    ¡®Your involvement checks out,¡¯ Zirang finally said, his tone sharp but devoid of hostility. ¡®You¡¯re free to go.¡¯

    ¡®And the gorens?¡¯ Riniock asked.

    ¡®We¡¯ll search for them,¡¯ Zirang replied, his tone dismissive. ¡®But with so many of their kind in a place like this, it won¡¯t be easy. If I were you, I¡¯d head back to your business and keep a low profile. The bazaar doesn¡¯t need any more trouble from you.¡¯

    Riniock watched as the officers milled about, seemingly uncertain of where to begin. Zirang barked orders to his team, attempting to organise their scattered efforts.

    Scratching his neck, Riniock made a decision that felt uncharacteristic, even to himself. ¡®Officer Zirang,¡¯ he called out.

    The thorahk paused and turned back to him, eyes narrowing.

    ¡®I might know where the gorens will be,¡¯ Riniock said, his tone measured. ¡®Judging by their behaviour, I can guarantee they¡¯ll try to ambush us before we leave the bazaar.¡¯This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

    Zirang raised a scaly brow. ¡®Coming from you, I¡¯m surprised you¡¯re volunteering this information.¡¯

    Riniock chuckled dryly. ¡®Oh, don¡¯t misunderstand. I have no intention of sitting this one out. I just prefer not to be outnumbered.¡¯

    The officer¡¯s lips curled into a faint, approving smirk. ¡®Smart move. What¡¯s your plan?¡¯

    Ascending the steep hill, Linry and Riniock trudged towards the bust that marked their path back to Gorlea. Their pace was unhurried, their feet dragging lazily over the uneven ground as they chatted, seemingly indifferent to the journey ahead.

    Behind them, six short silhouettes crept from shadow to shadow, weaving through the obstacles in complete silence. The gorens stalked their prey with precision, their movements synchronised and soundless.

    The bust loomed into view, a familiar marker to them. Yet, despite being so close to their escape, Linry and Riniock seemed in no rush to leave. They dallied intentionally, their actions almost taunting.

    The gorens, however, were not amused by the pair''s leisurely antics. Seeing their moment, five of them sprang forward in a coordinated ambush, their movements swift and deadly.

    But their confidence proved to be their undoing.

    The instant they entered striking range, Riniock pivoted sharply, his cloak swirling as he unleashed a powerful blast of wind. The sudden force hurled all five attackers backward, slamming them onto the ground with bone-jarring impact.

    Otolog, the bowman, was first to act considering he stood as rearguard. He nocked an arrow and released it in a heartbeat, the missile speeding towards Riniock. But the latter was faster, conjuring a shimmering ward that deflected the arrow, shattering it into harmless splinters upon impact.

    The other gorens scrambled to their feet, weapons drawn, their snarls promising a fight to the death.

    ¡®Well, well,¡¯ Riniock said with a wry smile, his tone as casual as if greeting old friends. ¡®We meet again. Tell me, was this amateur ambush your grand plan?¡¯

    Lodgok, the goren leader, glared at him, his scowl deepening. The situation was eerily reminiscent of their previous encounter. The odds were unchanged, yet this time, the gorens had initiated the first move. But instead of retaliating, Riniock and Linry stood unfazed, as though entirely in control.

    Why weren¡¯t they attacking? Lodgok¡¯s grip on his weapon tightened as doubt crept into his mind.

    A sharp cry pierced the chaos, unmistakably from Otolog, the bowman. Krashak turned instinctively, his voice catching in his throat as he saw Otolog pinned to the ground by officers, unconscious and bleeding from a head wound.

    Officer Zirang and his squad surged forward, engaging the remaining gorens in fierce close-quarters combat. Steel clashed against shields, axes struck with brutal force, and maces hammered relentlessly. The battle unfolded with the odds tipping in favour of the bazaar¡¯s law enforcement, their training and numbers giving them the upper hand.

    Despite their disadvantage, the gorens fought with feral tenacity, refusing to yield. The clash took its toll on both sides; officers bore injuries, and several of the gorens were eventually subdued.

    Lodgok, however, refused to go down so easily. Whilst his comrades were distracted, he spotted his chance. As Officer Zirang barked orders in the melee, Lodgok bolted towards the bust, desperate to escape the escalating chaos.

    ¡®Going somewhere?¡¯ Linry¡¯s voice cut through the din.

    She stepped into his path, her hands glowing with summoned fire. With a swift gesture, she cast a wall of flames, halting his retreat. Lodgok skidded to a stop, his teeth bared in frustration as his escape route was sealed.

    Snarling, he tightened his grip on his mace. But before he could act, a fireball shot from Linry¡¯s hand, landing just in front of him with an explosive burst of heat and light. It wasn¡¯t an attack meant to harm ¨C only to warn.

    Lodgok¡¯s eyes flicked to Linry, then to Riniock. His snarling grin returned. ¡®The female,¡¯ he muttered to himself, shifting his focus, ¡®she¡¯s stronger than that one.¡¯

    With a single, fluid leap, Lodgok evaded Linry¡¯s next warning shot and closed the gap between himself and Riniock.

    The goren swung his mace with lethal precision as Riniock hastily raised his hands to cast a ward. To his dismay, the spell failed, likely disrupted by the proximity of the physical threat.

    ¡®Damn it,¡¯ Riniock hissed, quickly summoning a gust of wind to manoeuvre himself out of harm¡¯s way. Whilst his evasion wasn¡¯t entirely successful, the mace struck him only partially, sending him reeling with a pained groan.

    Lodgok¡¯s brief triumph evaporated as he noticed Zirang¡¯s squad closing in. Encircled on all sides, the goren leader gritted his teeth before dropping his weapon to the ground with a metallic clatter.

    ¡®Bind him,¡¯ Officer Zirang commanded.

    The officers moved swiftly, securing Lodgok with practiced efficiency. Within moments, the remaining gorens were also apprehended. Despite the skirmish, no lives were lost, though both sides bore injuries.

    Once the situation was under control, Zirang approached Riniock. ¡®Thank you for your cooperation,¡¯ he said, extending a scaled hand. Though the gesture was foreign to him, it was customary amongst humans.

    Riniock shook the thorahk¡¯s hand with a casual smile. ¡®I suppose you¡¯ll be leaving now?¡¯ Zirang asked, a trace of relief in his tone.

    ¡®We are,¡¯ Riniock replied smoothly, hinting at their imminent departure.

    ¡®That would be preferable,¡¯ Zirang muttered dryly. ¡®We¡¯ve endured enough of your company for one day.¡¯

    With a faint chuckle, Riniock signalled to Linry, preparing to depart.

    ¡®Wait,¡¯ the red-scaled officer called after him. ¡®The shopkeeper wanted you to have this.¡¯

    He handed Riniock a small trinket before turning back to his men. Without another word, Zirang and his squad hauled the bound gorens away, their once-defiant figures now subdued and pitiful.

    ¡®What is it?¡¯ Linry asked as she peered over Riniock¡¯s shoulder at the object.

    Riniock turned the trinket over in his hands, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. ¡®It¡¯s a token of goodwill,¡¯ he replied, his tone laden with meaning. ¡®A keepsake from the farferal¡¯s ancestors, a piece of their cultural identity.¡¯

    Linry¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡®What¡¯s it mean?¡¯

    ¡®It means,¡¯ Riniock said, a sly smile creeping onto his face, ¡®that from now on, I have friendly leverage when it comes to dealing with their kind.¡¯

 Mesyo Mahas (1)

    Linry and Riniock paused briefly, letting the overworld¡¯s bright light wash over them as their eyes adjusted to the open air. It was past the afternoon by that time.

    ¡®Although it was productive, I can¡¯t say I¡¯ll miss that place,¡¯ Linry remarked, stretching out her limbs. ¡®What about you?¡¯

    ¡®I have no feelings about it,¡¯ Riniock replied flatly.

    ¡®Of course,¡¯ Linry said with a knowing smirk, already expecting such a response. After a beat, she added, ¡®I meant to ask ¨C why did you let the gorens go?¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s tone was quiet but deliberate. ¡®I didn¡¯t.¡¯

    Linry glanced at him, intrigued. ¡®Knowing you, there¡¯s no way you¡¯d let someone who wronged you off the hook so easily.¡¯

    Riniock offered a faint smile as he started walking. ¡®It seems you¡¯re unfamiliar with Berzinian law.¡¯

    She fell into step beside him, her curiosity piqued. ¡®What¡¯s so special about it?¡¯

    ¡®In Berzin, crimes tied to mercantilism ¨C like theft, extortion, or similar offenses ¨C are treated with utmost severity,¡¯ he explained. ¡®If found guilty, the law demands imprisonment, starvation, and ultimately, execution.¡¯

    Linry shuddered, her expression shifting. ¡®Gods¡­all that for something as minor? What happens to someone guilty of murder?¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s eyes grew distant. ¡®You wouldn¡¯t want to know,¡¯ he said, leaving her question to linger unanswered.

    Their peaceful return was abruptly interrupted as their chaperones caught up to them, their faces flushed with frustration. Both guards appeared out of breath, evidence they had been searching tirelessly for the pair.

    ¡®Where in Murat were you?¡¯ Riniock¡¯s guard demanded, his tone laced with hysteria as he hurriedly inspected him for injuries. He placed himself between Riniock and Linry, shooting her a suspicious glance. ¡®Did she harm you?¡¯

    ¡®What could she possibly do to him?¡¯ the other guard scoffed, only giving Linry a cursory once-over before adding, ¡®But seriously¡­where were you?¡¯

    ¡®We snuck away from you,¡¯ Linry replied smoothly, her tone void of any remorse.

    ¡®To where?¡¯

    ¡®Hardly seems like your business,¡¯ Riniock interjected, his voice sharp and composed. ¡®If you wanted to know, you should¡¯ve done a better job keeping track of us.¡¯

    Their words struck a chord, leaving the guards momentarily deflated, as the truth behind them couldn¡¯t be denied.

    ¡®Well, no matter,¡¯ Riniock¡¯s guard finally muttered. ¡®Let¡¯s get you both back to Gorlea.¡¯

    ¡®Of course,¡¯ Riniock replied, his thoughts already elsewhere. ¡®I imagine the arch-maegi will want to speak with me anyway,¡¯ he continued. He was promised a reward for completing this escort.

    The four maegis returned to Gorlea, their journey concluding at the grand gates of the college. Lazrus, the ever-vigilant gatekeeper, was there to greet them, his face lighting up with excitement at their arrival.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    ¡®Oh, Riniock!¡¯ Lazrus exclaimed, his tone brimming with curiosity. ¡®How was your little excursion beyond the college grounds?¡¯

    Riniock glanced at Linry briefly, a sly smile tugging at his lips. ¡®Fruitful,¡¯ he replied, the word carrying layers of ambiguity.

    The two guards exchanged wary glances, their suspicion evident. They couldn¡¯t fathom what might have occurred during the day that warranted such an enigmatic response from Riniock.

    ¡®Good to hear,¡¯ Lazrus said with a nod. ¡®Shall I let you in?¡¯

    ¡®Please do. I need to report my return to the arch-maegi,¡¯ Riniock answered, stepping forward.

    ¡®Ah, that¡¯s unfortunate,¡¯ Lazrus said, his expression turning apologetic. ¡®Arch-Maegi Karthen isn¡¯t available at the moment.¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s brows knit together in a frown.

    ¡®Has he left the grounds?¡¯ one of the guards inquired, his tone suggesting he had an idea of the arch-maegi¡¯s whereabouts.

    ¡®Indeed,¡¯ Lazrus confirmed, raising a hand to dispel the protective barrier and allow them passage. ¡®I¡¯ll inform him of your return if he passes by during my shift.¡¯

    With that, the group thanked Lazrus and moved inside, their paths diverging shortly after. The guards went their separate way, leaving Riniock and Linry to do the same.

    Riniock made a beeline for his dormitory, knowing from the day¡¯s schedule that his friend Niann would likely be there.

    ¡®You¡¯re back!¡¯ Niann called out the moment Riniock stepped through the door, his voice full of excitement. ¡®Where were you?¡¯

    ¡®It¡¯s a long story,¡¯ Riniock replied, brushing off the question. ¡®I need your help with something.¡¯

    Niann¡¯s expression turned curious. ¡®What is it?¡¯

    ¡®I need to learn some physical martial techniques,¡¯ Riniock said, his tone uncharacteristically serious.

    ¡®Physical?¡¯ Niann repeated, blinking in surprise. ¡®You mean physical combat?¡¯

    Riniock nodded, confirming his statement.

    ¡®What for?¡¯ Niann asked, bewildered.

    Riniock sighed, rubbing where the lingering ache from the mace strike remained a painful reminder. ¡®Let¡¯s just say I¡¯ve recently ¨C painfully, I might add ¨C been reminded of my shortcomings. Wielding magick alone might not always be enough to handle certain opponents.¡¯

    Niann considered Riniock¡¯s words carefully, finding them unusually candid and revealing. ¡®So, you¡¯re looking for a way to learn physical combat techniques?¡¯

    ¡®Yes,¡¯ Riniock confirmed, his tone resolute. ¡®I¡¯m fairly certain there¡¯s no official course for that here at the college.¡¯

    Niann furrowed his brows in thought, mentally reviewing the schedules and timetables he¡¯d come across. ¡®I don¡¯t know about official courses¡­but I do recall seeing something listed under Mesyo Mahas.¡¯

    ¡®Mesyo Mahas?¡¯ Riniock repeated, the unfamiliar name catching his attention. ¡®Who teaches it if it¡¯s not an official course?¡¯

    ¡®It¡¯s an extracurricular class,¡¯ Niann explained, nodding slightly as he pieced it together. ¡®So, I¡¯d assume it¡¯s led by a student.¡¯

    ¡®A student?¡¯

    ¡®Yes. His name¡¯s Dirai Ocalli,¡¯ Niann said after a moment¡¯s pause, recalling the name. ¡®I¡¯m certain that¡¯s it.¡¯

    ¡®Never heard of him,¡¯ Riniock remarked, his tone reflecting mild curiosity.

    ¡®He¡¯s an older student,¡¯ Niann clarified. ¡®An aspirant, if I¡¯m not mistaken.¡¯

    ¡®Thank you, Niann,¡¯ Riniock said sincerely.

    Niann smiled, giving a nod of encouragement. ¡®Anytime.¡¯

    Tracking down Dirai Ocalli turned out to be less challenging than Riniock anticipated. He sought out the only aspirants he had prior connections with ¨C Balidor and Aikan ¨C and inquired about the student in question. According to them, Dirai resided in a secluded part of Gorlea where he often retreated to train.

    That¡¯s exactly where Riniock found him.

    ¡®Dirai Ocalli?¡¯ Riniock called out as he approached, observing the student intently balancing on a wooden rod no thicker than a finger, his concentration unwavering.

    ¡®I am he,¡¯ Dirai replied, his focus unbroken. ¡®What business does an acolyte have with me?¡¯

    ¡®I heard you teach physical combat arts.¡¯

    ¡®You¡¯ve come to learn Mesyo Mahas? From me?¡¯ Dirai¡¯s tone shifted, and his eyes seemed to light up.

    ¡®Er¡­yes,¡¯ Riniock answered, slightly thrown off by the unexpected enthusiasm.

    With a fluid motion, Dirai descended from the rod, halting his training. His face broke into a wide grin, his expression radiating gratitude and excitement.

    ¡®Finally,¡¯ he exclaimed, his voice trembling slightly. ¡®I thought I¡¯d never see the day when someone would want to learn this art from me.¡¯

 Mesyo Mahas (2)

    Before they began, Dirai gestured for Riniock to sit. Despite his earlier excitement, a tone of seriousness now dominated his demeanour. His intensity was subtly conveyed, his dark complexion and foreign origins lending an air of mystery to his presence.

    ¡®I need to ensure,¡¯ Dirai began, ¡®that your intentions to learn Mesyo Mahas are genuine.¡¯

    ¡®They are,¡¯ Riniock replied without hesitation, his voice steady and resolute.

    ¡®And that you won¡¯t quit halfway due to a passing whim or external distractions.¡¯

    ¡®I¡¯m fully committed to mastering this combat art,¡¯ Riniock affirmed, his determination clear.

    Relief softened Dirai¡¯s features. ¡®To be honest, I must teach this course to complete my aspirant qualifications and advance to the next rank.¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s eyes lit up at this revelation. The prospect of one day becoming an aspirant himself intrigued him. If teaching a course was part of the qualifications, he wondered what subject he might excel in enough to instruct others.

    ¡®I need at least one student and a minimum of five lessons to be eligible for promotion,¡¯ Dirai continued.

    ¡®How long have you been waiting for this opportunity?¡¯ Riniock asked.

    Dirai sighed, his expression tinged with frustration. ¡®More than half a year.¡¯

    ¡®Couldn¡¯t you have taught something else?¡¯

    Dirai shook his head. ¡®It¡¯s not that simple. But we can discuss that later. For now, can I rely on you to attend these five lessons?¡¯

    Riniock nodded without hesitation.

    ¡®Excellent!¡¯ Dirai said, pulling out a form with a renewed sense of enthusiasm. ¡®Fill this out, and we¡¯ll begin immediately.¡¯

    Riniock took up a quill and began filling out the form Dirai had handed him. He carefully recorded the required details: his name, family name, age, and current standing at the college. At the bottom, the form required an odh print ¨C a unique identification mark ¨C to verify his formal agreement to participate in the lessons.

    ¡®Done,¡¯ Riniock said, standing as he handed the completed scroll back to Dirai.

    ¡®Good. Now that we¡¯ve settled the formalities, we can begin.¡¯

    Dirai led Riniock to the centre of the clearing. The training ground was expansive, its sandy soil free of obstacles. Encircled by trees and rocks, the area¡¯s open heart was ideal for their purpose.

    ¡®In my province¡¯s traditions,¡¯ Dirai began, ¡®the instructor of Mesyo Mahas is called a nazeetar, while the student is referred to as pra¡¯mati. You will follow this custom as well.¡¯

    ¡®Yes¡­Nazeetar Dirai,¡¯ Riniock replied, his cheeks flushing slightly with embarrassment as he spoke the unfamiliar title.

    ¡®Excellent. As my pra¡¯mati, it is my duty to inform you of both the advantages and the challenges that come with practicing Mesyo Mahas.¡¯

    Dirai lowered himself to the ground, prompting Riniock to follow suit. Once seated, Dirai adopted an unusual posture ¨C similar yet distinct from the stance used by maegi to draw odh from their surroundings.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    ¡®You¡¯re familiar with a maegi¡¯s anatomy, I assume?¡¯ Dirai asked.

    ¡®I am. Took Professor Telian¡¯s class.¡¯

    ¡®Good. Then you know that maegi circulate odh through conduits that connect their vessel to their viscera, limbs, and other organs, correct?¡¯

    Riniock nodded.

    ¡®Mesyo Mahas was designed specifically to counter maegi, although it can also be effective against non-magickal opponents nonetheless.¡¯

    ¡®Designed specifically to counter maegi?¡¯ Riniock echoed, intrigued. ¡®How so?¡¯

    ¡®It¡¯s easier to show you than explain.¡¯

    Dirai focused for a moment, extending a single finger before him. A faint glow formed at its tip. Without warning, he tapped Riniock on the shoulder blade, just above his armpit.

    The touch was gentle, devoid of any pain, leaving Riniock puzzled.

    ¡®Feel anything?¡¯ Dirai asked.

    Riniock shook his head.

    ¡®Try casting a spell with that arm,¡¯ Dirai suggested.

    ¡®Alright,¡¯ Riniock said, stretching his neck as he prepared. Concentrating, he attempted to summon a spell. However, no matter how intensely he focused or how genuine his intent, nothing manifested in his palm.

    ¡®What¡¯s going on?¡¯ he asked, his voice tinged with alarm.

    ¡®Your body doesn¡¯t realise it yet,¡¯ Dirai explained, ¡®but I¡¯ve disrupted the odh circulation to that part of your body. Until the seal is released ¨C which is an immensely difficult task ¨C you won¡¯t be able to cast spells using that arm.¡¯

    ¡®That¡¯s... incredible!¡¯ Riniock exclaimed, his amazement uncontained.

    ¡®A mahasar holds a significant advantage over a maegi,¡¯ Dirai said confidently. ¡®Master these techniques, and I guarantee no peer of yours will stand a chance against you.¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s smile turned sharp, his eyes glinting with a hint of mischief.

    ¡®Then please, nazeetar,¡¯ Riniock said with genuine respect, the once-awkward title now flowing naturally from his lips. ¡®Teach me the art of Mesyo Mahas.¡¯

    Dirai raised a finger, halting him before he could get too carried away. ¡®Patience, pra¡¯mati. As I mentioned earlier, Mesyo Mahas is volatile. Reckless use can have devastating consequences. At best, you may permanently disrupt your odh flow. At worst? You could implode due to blockage.¡¯

    ¡®I-Implode?¡¯ Riniock echoed, his knees weakening as unease crept into his voice.

    ¡®Exactly. That¡¯s why your first task is to learn how to block your own odh flow. When performing techniques from Mesyo Mahas, your odh must be entirely still. Even the slightest movement within your conduits could cause irreparable damage, potentially crippling your ability to use odh forever.¡¯

    ¡®I need to stop my odh flow entirely?¡¯

    ¡®Precisely. Before you became a maegi, odh flow didn¡¯t exist within you ¨C it was normal. Now that it¡¯s active, it functions like blood, moving without conscious effort. Stopping it is akin to holding your breath ¨C something you must learn to do deliberately.¡¯

    ¡®And how do I do that?¡¯

    ¡®Watch and learn.¡¯

    Dirai sat in focused silence, demonstrating the technique. Though Riniock couldn¡¯t see the inner workings of his nazeetar¡¯s body, he sensed the subtle shift. Dirai stilled his odh, trapping it entirely within his vessel. No trace of it flowed beyond.

    ¡®Did you catch that?¡¯ Dirai asked, his calm demeanour unwavering.

    ¡®I think so,¡¯ Riniock replied, though uncertainty lingered in his tone.

    ¡®Good. Practice it over and over. We won¡¯t proceed to practical training until you¡¯ve mastered this fundamental concept.¡¯

    The next five hours were gruelling.

    Though Riniock eventually managed to stop his odh flow whilst seated, that was just the beginning. To ensure he could execute the technique in any situation, Dirai had him run laps around the training area, practicing the blockage as he moved.

    The intensity only escalated. Dirai threw objects at him and cast harmless yet irritating spells to mimic the unpredictability of real combat. As if that weren¡¯t enough, Riniock was forced to maintain his odh blockage whilst enduring sudden strikes from Dirai at random intervals ¨C a test designed to eliminate distractions and fortify his focus under pressure.

    By the time the session ended, Riniock was drenched in sweat, his clothes dirt-streaked, his hair a dishevelled mess. Bruises dotted his arms and legs, but his determination remained unshaken.

    ¡®You¡¯ve done well, pra¡¯mati,¡¯ Dirai said, nodding with approval. ¡®Tomorrow, you¡¯ll be ready for the next stage of training.¡¯

    Out of breath, Riniock leaned heavily on his knees, barely able to form words. ¡®Thank¡­you¡­for the¡­lesson,¡¯ he panted.

    The following morning, Riniock arrived at the training area bright and early, his excitement bubbling beneath a mask of composure.

    He was ready for whatever came next.

 Mesyo Mahas (3)

    Dirai hadn¡¯t expected his pra¡¯mati to arrive so early for their lesson, let alone outpace him. As he approached the training ground, he was pleasantly surprised to find Riniock already hard at work.

    Rather than taking it easy, Riniock had been diligently repeating the exercises from the previous day, ensuring he wouldn¡¯t fall behind when the day¡¯s practice began.

    ¡®Well, well,¡¯ Dirai said with a chuckle, a bright smile spreading across his face. ¡®It seems someone¡¯s taking this seriously. I¡¯m impressed.¡¯

    ¡®Good morning, nazeetar,¡¯ Riniock greeted with a slight bow.

    ¡®It is indeed a fine morning,¡¯ Dirai replied, glancing at the soft sunlight filtering through the trees.

    The day was bright yet comfortably cool, perfect for training.

    ¡®Are you ready?¡¯ Dirai asked, setting down his bag and personal effects.

    ¡®I am,¡¯ Riniock affirmed, his voice steady.

    ¡®Good,¡¯ Dirai said with a nod. ¡®First, we¡¯ll cover the theory. Once you understand the mechanics behind the techniques, applying them will come naturally.¡¯

    Riniock nodded, fully attentive.

    ¡®To be honest,¡¯ Dirai began, ¡®maegi often find it easier to grasp these techniques than non-maegi. Their training in blocking their own odh flow gives them an advantage ¨C they can replicate that sensation and channel it into a strike to disrupt someone else¡¯s flow. Does that make sense?¡¯

    ¡®It does,¡¯ Riniock replied earnestly, his gruelling training from the previous day and his morning practice suddenly feeling like a crucial foundation.

    ¡®Those without knowledge of odh circulation, like non-maegi, will struggle more to directly interrupt the flow in their targets.¡¯

    ¡®I understand. What should I do next?¡¯

    Dirai raised a deliberate finger, stepping closer to demonstrate. ¡®Pay attention to the sensation again. Now that you¡¯re accustomed to it, your task is to translate that feeling into a strike. It could be a finger jab, a palm strike, or even a punch ¨C whatever suits the situation.¡¯

    With precision, Dirai delivered a single finger poke to Riniock¡¯s solar plexus, striking the vessel ¨C the most vital organ for a maegi¡¯s odh circulation.

    Riniock absorbed the sensation, focusing on the pressure and the effect it had on his body. Taking a deep breath, he extended his palm and attempted to replicate the strike on Dirai, determined to match his nazeetar¡¯s skill.

    Dirai absorbed the blow, wincing slightly as Riniock¡¯s palm struck his chest.

    ¡®Not quite,¡¯ he said, adjusting his clothes. ¡®You managed to disrupt the flow momentarily, but that¡¯s not enough. Try again.¡¯

    With a determined expression, Riniock struck repeatedly, adjusting his form with each attempt. By the time he finally got it right, Dirai¡¯s chest was sore, a dark red patch forming against his already dark skin.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    ¡®That¡¯s it!¡¯ Dirai exclaimed, his enthusiasm breaking through his usually composed demeanour. ¡®Now, keep practicing. We need to ensure it wasn¡¯t a fluke.¡¯

    After several more attempts, Riniock consistently executed the Mesyo Mahas technique to block odh flow.

    ¡®This feels¡­liberating,¡¯ Riniock said, gazing at his hands as if seeing them in a new light. ¡®Too bad this only works on maegis.¡¯

    Dirai gave him a mischievous look before striking Riniock¡¯s shoulder with lightning speed. The impact came so swiftly that Riniock barely had time to react. He recoiled, numbness spreading down the right side of his body.

    Struggling to steady his breath, Riniock tried to move his arm, but it hung limp, unresponsive. Panic set in. ¡®I¨CI can¡¯t feel my hand¡­or my arm!¡¯

    Dirai calmly placed his palm on the affected area, releasing the blockage he had caused.

    ¡®That, my dear pra¡¯mati, is what a full-force attack using Mesyo Mahas feels like.¡¯

    Riniock blinked, confused. ¡®But you said this was specifically designed to counter maegis¡­¡¯

    ¡®I did,¡¯ Dirai said with a sly grin. ¡®Specifically ¨C but not solely. Mesyo Mahas is a combat art designed to defend against nearly any threat,¡¯ Dirai declared.

    ¡®Any threat?¡¯

    ¡®In the days to come, you¡¯ll experience hands-on training. I¡¯ll face you repeatedly ¨C barehanded, armed, and with magick. My goal is to prepare you for every possible scenario within the time we have.¡¯

    From that day forward, and for the three that followed, Riniock and Dirai trained rigorously. No session ended without both of them drenched in sweat and covered in bruises. The intensity left its mark on Riniock ¨C his exhaustion and injuries were obvious to anyone who saw him, from teachers to fellow acolytes.

    Despite his condition, Riniock remained diligent in his regular classes, attending without fail and following the lessons even as fatigue dulled his mind.

    At the end of their final session, Dirai stood before him, a satisfied expression on his face. ¡®Congratulations, Riniock. You¡¯ve crossed the first threshold of Mesyo Mahas.¡¯

    Riniock, still catching his breath after their last mock fight, managed a faint smile. ¡®Thank you, nazeetar.¡¯

    ¡®I must commend you,¡¯ Dirai continued, his tone both proud and appreciative. ¡®You¡¯ve mastered the basic blockage strikes, honed your ability to counter barehanded, armed, and magick-wielding opponents, and learned to reverse blockages for both yourself and others. That¡¯s no small feat.¡¯

    ¡®I couldn¡¯t have done it without your guidance,¡¯ Riniock replied earnestly. ¡®I hope you succeed in your qualification exams.¡¯

    Dirai¡¯s smile broadened at the words. ¡®Thank you. And I hope your journey to the rock barren region brings you success.¡¯

    ¡®You¡¯ve heard about that?¡¯

    ¡®How could I not?¡¯ Dirai chuckled, his grin wide. ¡®After our first day, I did a bit of asking around. You¡¯re quite the character ¨C an acolyte, yet already infamous within the college.¡¯

    Riniock rubbed the back of his neck, a faint blush creeping up. ¡®It¡¯s just¡­circumstances and luck.¡¯

    ¡®No doubt. Your luck is¡­terrifying,¡¯ Dirai said casually, though his tone carried a hint of admiration. ¡®I expect great things from you, pra¡¯mati.¡¯

    Riniock nodded, gratitude in his gaze. ¡®Thank you. I¡¯ll do my best not to disappoint.¡¯

    ¡®Best be on our way. You¡¯ve much to prepare if you¡¯re to join the delegation on the expedition,¡¯ Dirai said with a nod.

    Riniock rose to his feet, gathering his belongings as Dirai adjusted parts of his attire.

    ¡®Goodbye, Riniock,¡¯ Dirai offered, a hint of warmth in his tone.

    ¡®Goodbye.¡¯

    He headed back to his dormitory, eager for a well-deserved bath before tackling the rest of his day.

    As he crossed the college grounds, a peculiar light streaked towards him, catching his attention. The luminous form halted mid-flight, shifting and morphing until it revealed itself as a small, ethereal coffer glowing faintly with magickal energy.

    The coffer clicked, its lid snapping open with a soft metallic sound. Riniock leaned closer to peer inside, only for a folded letter to leap out, unfolding itself before him.

    Startled but composed, Riniock caught the letter, carefully unsealing the envelope to read its contents:

    Dear Mr. Ev Tolgir,

    I have returned to the college and have received troubling reports regarding your recent adventure in the town. Please join me in my office at your earliest convenience.

    There is much we need to discuss.

    Yours sincerely,

    Karthen Ev Guiollund

    Arch-Maegi

    Magickal College of Gorlea

 Concession & Coffer

    Riniock sat in the arch-maegi¡¯s office, perched in the tallest tower of the college. Familiar taxidermies of rare and mythical beasts loomed around him, their glassy eyes reflecting the warm glow of the room¡¯s magickal sconces.

    Before him, two cups of tea steamed quietly on a wooden table, its aromatic tendrils coiling upward.

    Karthen entered from behind, his robes trailing softly against the stone floor. He eased into his chair with a tired sigh. ¡®Comfortable?¡¯

    Riniock nodded, his gaze lingering on the room¡¯s only notable ornament: a hovering, polygonal star suspended above a delicate plate, from which shimmering particles lazily drifted away.

    ¡®Good.¡¯ Karthen¡¯s tone shifted, a hint of reproach slipping in. ¡®Now, about your little excursion with Miss Lotrielle.¡¯

    Riniock hesitated, his words briefly caught in his throat. ¡®What about it, sir?¡¯

    ¡®I¡¯ve heard the two of you vanished for quite some time, abandoning your chaperones,¡¯ Karthen replied, his fingers drumming a slow rhythm on the desk. ¡®I don¡¯t recall that being part of our arrangement.¡¯

    ¡®I had to improvise,¡¯ Riniock explained evenly.

    ¡®Improvise?¡¯ Karthen leaned back in his chair, watching him closely. ¡®Elaborate.¡¯

    ¡®It became clear early on that Linry was acting unusually cautious. I suspected she had noticed someone tailing me. To give her an opening to act ¨C if she intended harm ¨C I decided to take her somewhere she might feel more at ease.¡¯

    Karthen raised his cup, taking a deliberate sip of tea. ¡®And where did you take her?¡¯

    ¡®The Berzinian Bazaar.¡¯

    Karthen raised an eyebrow, his surprise evident. ¡®Interesting choice. Were we correct to have our doubts about her?¡¯

    Riniock shook his head.

    ¡®Explain,¡¯ Karthen said, setting his cup down with a soft clink.

    ¡®There were ample opportunities for her to act against me at the bazaar,¡¯ Riniock began. ¡®Instead, when we were confronted by a group of gorens, she chose to stand by me and help fend them off.¡¯

    Karthen tilted his head slightly, considering this. ¡®Could it have been a ruse? If she harmed you, she¡¯d naturally become the prime suspect.¡¯

    ¡®If something happened to me there, she could have easily filed a petition with the authorities and involved the college in an investigation,¡¯ Riniock countered. ¡®That would allow her to appear innocent.¡¯

    Karthen studied him carefully. ¡®Is she clever enough to devise such a plan?¡¯

    ¡®I believe she is, sir,¡¯ Riniock replied confidently.

    Silence blanketed the room as the arch-maegi mulled over Riniock¡¯s account. The only sound breaking the stillness was the occasional slurp of tea, each one punctuating the growing tension.

    Something about the arch-maegi¡¯s demeanour nagged at Riniock. Beneath the surface of his concern lay something unspoken. Now that he had a moment to reflect, the request to test Linry¡¯s animosity seemed odd. Was there a hidden motive behind it?

    Karthen leaned back in his chair, fingers absently combing through his hair as he stared off in thought.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

    ¡®Sir?¡¯ Riniock ventured, breaking the silence. ¡®Why exactly did you ask me to do this?¡¯

    Karthen¡¯s gaze shifted to Riniock, his expression darkening. ¡®I¡¯ve had a premonition,¡¯ he admitted, his voice low. ¡®One that our college seer confirmed, albeit vaguely. The expedition is destined to witness bloodshed ¨C potentially significant bloodshed.¡¯

    ¡®You mean¡­people will die?¡¯ Riniock asked, his brow furrowing with concern.

    ¡®Possibly,¡¯ Karthen replied, his tone measured. ¡®The vision wasn¡¯t clear on specifics, only that danger looms.¡¯

    Riniock frowned. ¡®If that¡¯s the case, why not cancel the expedition?¡¯

    Karthen sighed, the weight of his position evident in his posture. ¡®Cancelling an expedition of this scale isn¡¯t so simple. I¡¯d need substantial evidence or a clear threat to justify such a decision. Otherwise, it would strain our relationship with the Ikshari delegation ¨C an embarrassment our college can¡¯t afford.¡¯

    ¡®Politics,¡¯ Riniock muttered under his breath, the word slipping out louder than intended.

    Realising his slip, he clamped a hand over his mouth, but Karthen only chuckled, the tension in the room softening momentarily.

    ¡®I wouldn¡¯t wish it upon my worst enemy,¡¯ the arch-maegi said with a wry grin, his humour cutting through the unease.

    Riniock let out a faint chuckle, temporarily steering the conversation away from the grim revelation.

    ¡®Is that why you think the delegation might have violent intentions towards me?¡¯

    ¡®Not just you,¡¯ Karthen replied swiftly.

    ¡®Excuse me?¡¯

    ¡®I suspect they may be the ones to incite the bloodshed during the expedition.¡¯

    ¡®That¡¯s¡­a serious accusation, sir,¡¯ Riniock stammered, his expression tense.

    ¡®Indeed. But without evidence, I can¡¯t justify withdrawing from the excursion.¡¯

    ¡®What must we do then?¡¯ Riniock asked earnestly, his sincerity unmistakable.

    Karthen smirked, clearly amused. ¡®Look at you ¨C speaking like a grown man. Leave this matter to me and the other professors.¡¯

    Riniock recognised the attempt to shield him, but he couldn¡¯t ignore the arch-maegi¡¯s earlier disclosures. They had already drawn him into the web of concern, whether intentionally or not.

    The exclusion irked him.

    ¡®Then why involve me at all, sir?¡¯ he pressed.

    Karthen paused, his answer weighted with a rare moment of vulnerability. ¡®Why indeed¡­¡¯ He sighed, choosing his words carefully. ¡®I won¡¯t lie to you. Among the new acolytes, you, Riniock, might be the most gifted. I¡¯ve been observing you ever since our first meeting in the hall. Despite what happened then, you stood your ground ¨C resilient, diligent, and tireless. You¡¯re an example to your peers.¡¯

    ¡®Th-Thank you, sir,¡¯ Riniock stuttered, caught off guard by the praise.

    ¡®Your temper, though, leaves room for improvement,¡¯ Karthen added with a smirk. ¡®But that¡¯s a separate matter.¡¯ His tone grew sombre again. ¡®The reason I¡¯ve told you all this is because I trust that your strength will play a vital role in the challenges ahead. I can¡¯t place such a burden on the others ¨C not when they¡¯ve yet to lose their innocence. But you¡­I can rely on you to rise to the occasion.¡¯

    Riniock was speechless. No one had ever placed such trust in him ¨C not his parents, nor anyone else he could recall.

    ¡®Now, off you go,¡¯ Karthen said, his tone shifting back to its usual commanding authority. ¡®I¡¯ve much to prepare before the expedition.¡¯

    ¡®Sir¡­¡¯ Riniock hesitated, lingering in his seat.

    ¡®Hm? What is it?¡¯

    ¡®My reward?¡¯ he asked, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

    ¡®Ah, yes. That slipped my mind entirely,¡¯ Karthen admitted, pausing thoughtfully. ¡®Let me think ¨C¡¯

    ¡®Could you ¨C perhaps ¨C teach me the spell you used earlier?¡¯ Riniock interrupted, his voice eager yet polite.

    Karthen stopped mid-sentence, his curiosity piqued. He already had a reward in mind, but Riniock''s request intrigued him.

    ¡®Which spell?¡¯ he asked.

    ¡®The one you used to send me the letter,¡¯ Riniock clarified.

    Karthen¡¯s brows lifted in surprise. ¡®Ah, my personal coffer spell.¡¯

    ¡®If it¡¯s personal, I wouldn¡¯t want to intrude,¡¯ Riniock quickly added, his enthusiasm tempered. ¡®Please, forget I asked ¨C¡¯

    ¡®Nonsense,¡¯ Karthen interrupted with a wave of his hand. ¡®It is indeed a spell of my own design. I call it Karthen¡¯s Carting Coffer.¡¯

    ¡®Your own spell?¡¯ Riniock¡¯s face lit up. ¡®It would be an honour to learn it, sir.¡¯

    ¡®It¡¯ll take some time to draft proper instructions,¡¯ Karthen said, his tone turning thoughtful. ¡®Once I¡¯ve done so, I¡¯ll send you the scroll via the coffer itself. When you have mastered it, send me the scroll back through your own.¡¯

    Riniock grinned, bowing his head respectfully. ¡®Thank you, sir. Good day to you.¡¯

    ¡®Likewise, Riniock. Be well.¡¯

    Without looking back, Riniock carried on with his day, attending his lessons as usual. Later, the promised scroll from the arch-maegi arrived. Eager to begin, he took it to the library and diligently worked through the spell¡¯s inscription at an impressive pace. All that remained now was to practice it until he achieved mastery.

 The Sealed Truth

    Riniock stepped out of the library, thoroughly satisfied with his progress on mastering the new spell. Extending his arm with fingers outstretched, he recited the incantation. A glowing magick circle appeared before his palm, signalling the spell''s success.

    ¡®Surprisingly simple,¡¯ he murmured, a triumphant grin spreading across his face.

    A small light flickered into existence, gradually forming into a small coffer ¨C smaller than the arch-maegi¡¯s version. The lock clicked, and the lid snapped open with a soft metallic sound. Riniock carefully placed the instruction scroll inside and whispered the arch-maegi¡¯s full name.

    The coffer dissolved into the same light from which it emerged, drifting forward a few qius before seamlessly blending into the surrounding scenery and vanishing entirely.

    Content, Riniock left the area, his steps unhurried as his thoughts drifted to Linry. Since their return from the bazaar, they hadn¡¯t had the chance to meet again.

    ¡®Should I use the coffer to reach out?¡¯ he mused. ¡®I wonder if I can cast it multiple times.¡¯

    Testing the idea, he summoned the coffer once more. To his delight, it materialised before him, empty and ready. He quickly scribbled a note, placed it inside, and whispered Linry¡¯s full name.

    Feeling a sense of accomplishment, he made his way to the spot where he had asked her to meet him.

    By the riverbank that bordered the town and ran alongside Gorlea, the two met. The gentle rustling of the stream filled the air as water splashed against rocks, a soothing backdrop as Linry approached Riniock, who sat perched on one of the larger stones.

    ¡®I was sceptical,¡¯ Linry admitted, settling beside him. ¡®I had to read the letter several times. That coffer spell is a neat trick.¡¯

    ¡®Thanks,¡¯ Riniock replied, his tone casual. ¡®Something new I picked up recently.¡¯

    Silence fell between them as they both turned their attention to the teal-blue waters flowing steadily past.

    Occasionally, Linry stole glances at him, her expression betraying an expectant impatience, waiting for him to break the quiet. When it became too much, she finally spoke.

    ¡®Riniock,¡¯ she began softly, her voice faltering. ¡®Did you call me out here just to admire the scenery¡­or is there something you want to say?¡¯

    ¡®A bit of both,¡¯ he replied curtly, his words cool and measured.

    Linry frowned slightly, sensing his guarded demeanour. ¡®Alright¡­so what¡¯s on your mind?¡¯

    He exhaled slowly, weighing his next words carefully. ¡®That day, when you found me in the ruins of Jorian¡¯s home, you said something.¡¯Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

    ¡®We said a lot of things,¡¯ she interjected quickly, a shy smile befalling her. ¡®It was our first real conversation, after all ¨C¡¯

    ¡®You told me "You¡¯re no ordinary maegi. I even warned my peers and master against you, but now I see things differently." Those were your exact words,¡¯ he interrupted, his eyes averted.

    Linry¡¯s brows lifted, her surprise evident. He had quoted her perfectly, not a word out of place.

    ¡®At the time, it didn¡¯t seem relevant,¡¯ Riniock continued, his tone now tinged with suspicion and restrained anger. ¡®Why did you warn them about me? Were you planning to act against me ¨C or rather us?¡¯

    Linry remained silent, her lips pressing together, mouth tight as if sealed. Although Riniock was not looking in her direction, she attempted to speak, her words swallowed by an unnatural force.

    ¡®You asked me to trust you,¡¯ he pressed on, his voice steady but firm. ¡®That day in the library, you told me to put my faith in you. And I have, Linry. So tell me ¨C does your academy have plans to harm the college members joining the expedition?¡¯

    Linry struggled visibly, the answer she wished to give trapped deep within her. A pained groan escaped her lips, drawing Riniock¡¯s attention as he turned to witness her inner turmoil.

    ¡®What is this¡­¡¯ he hissed, confusion etched into his face.

    Linry raised a trembling hand to her lips, signalling that she could not speak. A single tear, glistening in the fading light, slid down her cheek and landed on the stone they shared.

    Riniock¡¯s sharp mind immediately sensed that something was amiss ¨C this was far from normal.

    ¡®Are you unable to answer?¡¯ he whispered, his eyes scanning the area, wary of unseen threats.

    She shook her head, a faint sob escaping her, though her voice remained lost. Grasping his hands in hers, Linry looked at him with desperate eyes, her emotions laid bare.

    Frustration flickered across Riniock¡¯s face as he tried to piece together the puzzle. ¡®Did they bewitch you?¡¯ he asked softly, his tone edged with tension. ¡®Did they cast a spell to stop you from revealing the truth ¨C revealing what I asked?¡¯

    Her solemn nod was all the confirmation he needed, the sadness in her eyes piercing through him.

    The arch-maegi¡¯s warnings were not without merit, Riniock realised, a weight settling in his chest. His thoughts raced, uncertainty clouding his judgment.

    His premonition was right. But I cannot confirm its genuineness ¨C not without risking Linry¡¯s life.

    Linry¡¯s hands tightened around his again. ¡®I¡¯m sorry,¡¯ she whispered, her voice, shaky, finally returning. ¡®I¡¯m so sorry¡­¡¯

    For the first time, Riniock pulled her into an embrace. Despite his usual aloof demeanour, his body moved instinctively, drawing her closer. ¡®It¡¯s alright,¡¯ he murmured. ¡®I¡¯ll find a way to fix this.¡¯

    ¡®You can¡¯t, Riniock,¡¯ she warned, her arms tightening around him as if afraid to let go.

    ¡®I won¡¯t let them get away with it,¡¯ he said, his voice firm. ¡®Not for plotting against me, and certainly not for bewitching you.¡¯

    ¡®Riniock¡­¡¯

    ¡®It¡¯s fine, Linry,¡¯ he assured her. ¡®Just keep up the fa?ade. Pretend I never found out. Can you do that?¡¯

    She pulled back slightly, wiping away a stray tear and taking a deep breath. Slowly, she nodded, her usual composure settling over her once more.

    ¡®I¡¯ll help you,¡¯ Linry blurted out suddenly, her voice resolute.

    ¡®Even if it means standing against your peers and fellow classmates?¡¯

    ¡®Yes.¡¯

    ¡®For someone you¡¯ve known for only a few weeks?¡¯

    Linry held his gaze, her voice soft yet unwavering. ¡®Ever since I met you, the rest of the world faded away.¡¯

    ¡®Since that day,¡¯ Riniock admitted, a faint blush colouring his cheeks, ¡®my world has felt just a little brighter.¡¯

    The sun hovered low over the horizon, casting a warm, amber glow across the riverbank. As they sat together on the rocky edge, arms still wrapped around one another, they watched the distant sky deepen into shades of red and gold.

    For this moment, the weight of the world slipped away, their troubles forgotten. In the quiet serenity of each other¡¯s presence, they found a rare and fleeting contentment.

 Plan in Process

    The moon hung high in the night sky, casting its silvery glow over the landscape. A flickering light danced across the ground, revealing three faces briefly illuminated amidst the surrounding darkness.

    Near the shoreline, where the Ikshari ship swayed gently against its moorings, Fladd and two senior members of the delegation sat huddled in hushed deliberation. An invisible barrier encased them, muffling their voices to ensure no prying ears could overhear.

    ¡®Is everything prepared and in motion?¡¯ Fladd, the academy master, inquired, his tone sharp and authoritative. ¡®Kilban, have you sent word to everyone?¡¯

    Kilban gave a curt nod. ¡®Yes, Master Fladd. The messages have been delivered.¡¯

    ¡®And you, Katta?¡¯ Fladd turned to the woman beside him.

    ¡®All our forces have been informed of the latest plans,¡¯ Katta confirmed. ¡®They¡¯re positioned and ready to act once we reach the designated checkpoints.¡¯

    ¡®Excellent,¡¯ Fladd remarked with a satisfied nod.

    The plan appeared to be proceeding smoothly ¨C barring the incident between their acolytes and the college¡¯s student.

    ¡®Our troublesome acolytes nearly jeopardised everything,¡¯ Fladd muttered, irritation simmering beneath his tone. ¡®Fortunately, their blunder didn¡¯t derail the mission.¡¯

    Katta shifted uneasily, preparing to speak.

    ¡®What is it?¡¯ Fladd snapped, his foul mood festering ever since that fateful day.

    ¡®I¡¯ve received a peculiar report from one of our own,¡¯ Katta replied cautiously.

    ¡®A peculiar report?¡¯ Fladd echoed, his voice laced with sarcasm. ¡®From whom?¡¯

    ¡®From a guardian,¡¯ Katta confirmed. ¡®The one we assigned to Linry a few days ago.¡¯

    Fladd¡¯s gaze shot towards the ship where he assumed Linry was stationed.

    ¡®She¡¯s not there, master,¡¯ Katta continued.

    ¡®Then where is she?¡¯ Fladd demanded, his tone sharp.

    Katta hesitated, scratching her neck. ¡®This ties into the guardian¡¯s report. According to him, Linry has been spending an unusual amount of time with that Gorlean boy.¡¯

    A deep scowl darkened Fladd¡¯s expression. ¡®Don¡¯t tell me she¡¯s been fraternising with that bastard ¨C¡¯

    ¡®She has,¡¯ Katta interrupted with a grim nod. ¡®In fact, her absence suggests she¡¯s likely with him now.¡¯

    Fladd surged to his feet, a searing flame igniting in his palm, the heat radiating his growing fury.

    ¡®Master, calm yourself,¡¯ Katta and Kilban urged, rising alongside him in an attempt to quell his rage. ¡®It would be unwise to act against either of them¡­at least, not yet.¡¯Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    Fladd¡¯s fury simmered, momentarily held in check.

    As his subordinates stood ready to intervene, the academy master began pacing within the soundproofed perimeter, his sharp movements tracing a circle around the crackling fire that served as their centre.

    ¡®Fetch me Irgod,¡¯ he commanded sharply, gesturing towards the ship with a flick of his arm.

    Moments later, the disciple was dragged before him. Irgod¡¯s irritated demeanour and exaggerated yawn immediately grated on Fladd¡¯s already frayed patience.

    ¡®Listen carefully,¡¯ Fladd said coldly, curling his fingers in a summoning motion, demanding Irgod kneel before him. ¡®When the time comes, I need you to kill that Riniock. Preferably during the expedition.¡¯

    Irgod knelt, smirking faintly. ¡®As you wish, master. That bastard will suffer unimaginable pain.¡¯

    ¡®Good,¡¯ Fladd growled. ¡®And if Linry is with him, kill her too.¡¯

    ¡®What? Again?¡¯ Irgod blurted, his shocked outburst escaping before he could stop it. Realising his mistake, his hands flew to his mouth, his wide, fearful eyes darting to meet Fladd¡¯s.

    ¡®You!¡¯ Fladd bellowed, his rage exploding as he thrust his arm forward. Irgod was wrenched into the air, choking as he was violently pulled in the direction of his master.

    ¡®You knew about this?¡¯ Fladd hissed, his voice seething with malice.

    ¡®I¨CI only knew of one meeting,¡¯ Irgod stammered, his words choking as he struggled for air.

    ¡®And you chose to hide this from me!?¡¯ Fladd¡¯s voice rose, his wrath casting an oppressive weight over the scene.

    ¡®Master¡­I was going to tell you ¨C¡¯

    ¡®Silence!¡¯ Fladd roared, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. ¡®It is unfathomable that all my disciples have proven so utterly incompetent. I have endured your foolishness for the last time.¡¯

    Without another word, Fladd¡¯s palm, still gripping Irgod¡¯s throat, began to glow with an intense orange light. A blistering heat emanated from his hand, searing Irgod¡¯s neck.

    Irgod let out a blood-curdling scream, but his agonised cries were swallowed by the invisible sound barrier enclosing them. His body writhed in Fladd¡¯s iron grip as the flames consumed his skin. The flesh around his neck blistered and warped, taking on a grotesque, hive-like texture. The heat crept up to his face, leaving raw, festering wounds in its wake.

    Finally, Fladd released him, allowing the charred disciple to collapse to the ground, gasping for air.

    ¡®Fail me again,¡¯ Fladd snarled, his voice colder than the night air, ¡®and I will not be as merciful as I am now. Your task remains unchanged ¨C kill Riniock and Linry.¡¯

    Irgod couldn¡¯t speak; his voice extinguished, snuffed.

    Shaking, he raised his head, his eyes barely able to meet his master¡¯s gaze, and gave a weak nod whilst clutching his scorched throat.

    ¡®Get out of my sight,¡¯ Fladd spat, his tone venomous. ¡®I don¡¯t want to see you again until the day of departure.¡¯

    Irgod staggered backward, retreating with his face still towards them, careful not to turn his back on Fladd. Once at a safe distance, he turned and trudged back to the ship, his steps heavy with shame and defeat. But deep within, beyond the overwhelming fear and his growing loathing for his master, a seething vengeance began to stir.

    Fladd turned sharply towards Katta and Kilban, his fiery glare cutting through the tension. ¡®This is the last straw, even for you two. If I catch even a hint of incompetence from either of you, I¡¯ll reduce you to ashes where you stand. The headmaster depends on this expedition to weaken the college. We will not tolerate failure.¡¯

    ¡®U¨CUnderstood,¡¯ they stammered, their voices trembling with anxiety.

    ¡®Dismissed. Ensure that everything is in place.¡¯

    ¡®Yes, master,¡¯ they replied in unison before hurriedly taking their leave.

    Left alone, Fladd muttered under his breath, a bitter edge to his words. ¡®Linry¡­you foolish, naive child. Your father will be deeply ashamed of you.¡¯

    He turned to the fire, snapping his fingers with practiced precision. The flames vanished instantly, leaving behind only a faint trail of smoke curling upward.

    Fladd exhaled heavily, his frustration evident.

    I must withhold any mention of her for now, he thought. I cannot afford to let anything jeopardise the mission before the goal is within reach.

 Dangling Dagger

    That week crawled by, each day dragging on as the expedition''s official date remained uncertain.

    Aside from attending their lessons, Linry and Riniock dedicated their time to training together in the arena, sparring against the golem. As fire and wind maegis, their synergy was remarkable, evident in their ability to dismantle the construct with impressive efficiency every other attempt. Their complementary skills made them a formidable team.

    When Riniock wasn''t attending classes or when training sessions proved inconvenient, the pair often returned to the underground harbour. They were intent on making the most of the celseed, keen to unlock its full potential.

    On the first of such visit, it was Linry who proposed they try something new. This time, instead of experimentation for its own sake, they aimed to craft something tangible from the materials they had collected.

    ¡®What will we do about the hallucinogenic fibres?¡¯ Riniock asked, his tone carrying a trace of concern. ¡®I¡¯d rather not mistake you for my sister again¡­¡¯

    ¡®Erodia, was it?¡¯ Linry inquired casually.

    ¡®Eradina,¡¯ he corrected.

    ¡®What¡¯s up with her?¡¯ Linry pried but kept her tone light, careful not to push too hard.

    ¡®Nothing much. She¡¯s a student here ¨C one of the older ones. But I haven¡¯t seen her in a while, so she might be on a trip of her own,¡¯ he replied nonchalantly.

    Linry tilted her head in thought. ¡®Do I resemble her?¡¯

    ¡®Not even remotely,¡¯ Riniock said with a faint chuckle. ¡®That was just the spores talking last time.¡¯

    ¡®Well¡­in any case,¡¯ Linry said, steering the conversation back on track. ¡®There won¡¯t be any hallucinations this time. I came prepared.¡¯

    She clasped her hands together, and with a subtle movement, began casting a spell. A faint magickal circle appeared in each of her palms, creating a translucent bubble around both their heads.

    The bubbles shimmered briefly before becoming imperceptible, leaving no visible trace of their presence.

    ¡®These will act as barriers to neutralise the hallucinogenic properties of the spores,¡¯ Linry explained confidently.

    Riniock inhaled deeply, the air within the barrier crisp and cool.

    ¡®Where did you learn a spell like this?¡¯ he asked, his curiosity piqued.

    ¡®After our last¡­incident, I researched a way to avoid a repeat performance,¡¯ she replied with a small smirk. ¡®I found the solution in one of the tomes from your college¡¯s library.¡¯

    Riniock couldn¡¯t hide his genuine admiration.

    Whilst part of him wanted to study the spell Linry had cast, his mind was set on finishing their current task.

    ¡®What¡¯s your plan for the spores?¡¯ Linry asked, her focus unwavering as she maintained the protective bubble spell.

    ¡®I was thinking of creating something like a bomb,¡¯ Riniock began, his tone thoughtful. ¡®Something similar to a smoke bomb, but the burst would release the phantasmal properties of the spores instead.¡¯Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    ¡®That could be effective,¡¯ Linry admitted. ¡®But¡­have you ever made a bomb before?¡¯

    ¡®I...I haven¡¯t,¡¯ Riniock confessed, his voice trailing off.

    With a deliberate motion, Linry cancelled her spell, lowering her hands. ¡®Then we need to be cautious. Extracting volatile materials is risky enough, but crafting explosives without experience is far more dangerous. Let¡¯s not rush into something we aren¡¯t prepared for.¡¯

    Riniock felt a twinge of disappointment but knew Linry was right to halt the process before it spiralled out of control.

    ¡®It¡¯s probably for the best,¡¯ he admitted. ¡®Maybe I can ask the alchemy professor for some guidance later.¡¯

    ¡®That¡¯s a much safer idea,¡¯ Linry agreed.

    ¡®What should we do now?¡¯ Riniock asked as he slumped onto a nearby crate, his motivation waning.

    Silence settled between them as they sat in the dimly lit harbour, each pondering how to make use of their time. The arena was packed, their lessons for the day were over, and no other pressing distractions presented themselves.

    Breaking the lull, Linry began tidying the space, her movements deliberate as she added a few simple decorations to the barren surroundings. Her actions inspired Riniock, reminding him of her earlier promise to teach him conjuration.

    Watching her closely, he mimicked her gestures.

    ¡®Conjuration, at least the form we¡¯re practicing, is quite straightforward,¡¯ Linry explained, retrieving a small object from her satchel. ¡®This is an arcraft ¨C an item designed to hold the essence of other objects. To conjure specific tools or appliances, you¡¯ll need their arcraft on hand.¡¯

    Riniock retrieved his own arcrafts, nodding as he followed her lead.

    Linry held her arcraft in her palm, focusing intently as she began the conjuration process. A hazy, indistinct silhouette of the object she intended to summon materialised, its edges faint and blurred.

    ¡®When you¡¯re successful,¡¯ Linry continued, ¡®the outline of the item will appear. Once visible, you can manipulate it ¨C move it, rotate it, even adjust its position above the ground before ever placing it.¡¯

    ¡®I see,¡¯ Riniock said, concentrating as he attempted the process himself.

    By the time Linry had successfully conjured a dozen useful appliances, Riniock had managed to produce just one. Still, his face lit up with a mix of frustration and pride as he studied his solitary success.

    The underground space had transformed into something far more inviting ¨C presentable, cozy, and almost homelike.

    Once their work was done, they sank into their newly conjured padded chairs, only to revisit the lingering question of how to pass the time.

    ¡®By the way,¡¯ Linry began, breaking the silence, ¡®whatever happened to that dagger you took from that dead man at the bazaar?¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡®Right!¡¯

    With newfound enthusiasm, he drew the dagger from its sheath and placed it on the freshly conjured table between them.

    ¡®Honestly, I still haven¡¯t figured out what it does,¡¯ he admitted, leaning back in his chair.

    ¡®Have you tried channelling some of your odh into it?¡¯ Linry suggested.

    Riniock froze, his face flushing with embarrassment. ¡®I¡­didn¡¯t think of that.¡¯

    Linry raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. ¡®You specifically said this dagger felt special. Well then, go on. Let¡¯s see what happens.¡¯

    Without hesitation, Riniock grabbed the dagger and channelled his odh into the metal.

    The moment the energy made contact with the blade, the dagger flew from his hand and hovered in the air beside his face, as if alive.

    Riniock¡¯s mind raced, formulating theories as he experimented with the peculiar weapon. It wasn¡¯t until he gestured with his arm that the dagger finally responded, moving in sync with his motions.

    Realising its potential, he extended a finger towards the hovering blade, guiding it with deliberate precision. With the link established, the dagger followed the movements of his left hand, mimicking his directions like a marionette on invisible strings.

    It felt as though he was wielding telekinesis, though he had never studied the art.

    ¡®This is incredible,¡¯ Riniock muttered, watching the dagger dance through the air as he flicked his wrist, testing its range and responsiveness. Left, right, up, down ¨C the weapon moved fluidly, almost as though it anticipated his intent.

    ¡®So, it¡¯s an autonomous suspended dagger, controlled through injection of odh,¡¯ he mused aloud, his awe growing.

    ¡®Fascinating!¡¯ Linry exclaimed, equally captivated by the display. ¡®Your intuition and your vision were spot-on. That dagger was definitely not a mundane trinket.¡¯

 Quick Potioneering Lesson (1)

    Riniock continued experimenting with the dagger, quickly realising that controlling it wasn¡¯t as effortless as he had hoped ¨C especially when it moved farther from him.

    He tested its responsiveness, swishing it through the air, propelling it forward in a straight line, spinning it in place, and even making it orbit around him. Each motion required careful adjustments, and the further it strayed, the harder it was to maintain control.

    Satisfied with what little progress he had made, he finally pocketed the dagger.

    ¡®We should head back,¡¯ Riniock said as he gathered his belongings. ¡®I have an important lesson tomorrow.¡¯

    Linry glanced up from her book. ¡®An important lesson?¡¯

    ¡®Apparently. If I recall correctly, all members of the expedition are required to attend without exception.¡¯

    ¡®Well then, you¡¯d best be off. I¡¯ll leave when I¡¯m finished here.¡¯

    ¡®Alright,¡¯ Riniock said, making his way towards the exit. ¡®See you later?¡¯

    Linry turned, offering a small smile. ¡®If fate permits.¡¯

    With that, Riniock returned to his dorm, got a good night¡¯s rest, and prepared himself for the lesson ahead.

    For most of the year, his classes had been held in familiar lecture halls. This time, however, their guide led them somewhere entirely new. They wove through a labyrinth of lush greenery ¨C towering trees, vibrant flora, and dense foliage that made the area feel like a sanctuary for maegis. Then, passing through a vast vivarium, they walked alongside a variety of creatures housed in carefully maintained habitats, each one more fascinating than the last.

    At last, their destination came into view.

    The path led them to the darkest corner of the area, where a long, spiralling staircase plunged deep underground. As they descended, the air grew damp, thick with the pungent scent of moss and mould.

    Eventually, their guide came to a stop before a massive zosphyrite-reinforced door.

    ¡®Here we are,¡¯ he announced. ¡®Your next lesson takes place inside.¡¯

    Niann eyed the door warily. ¡®This looks more like a dungeon, sir.¡¯

    ¡®That¡¯s how the professor prefers it. Stop complaining, Nodahr and get inside.¡¯

    The guide extended his hand towards the lock, twisting his palm in a practiced motion. A faint chime resonated through the air, and with a deep, mechanical groan, the zosphyrite door swung inward.

    Beyond the threshold lay a vast chamber filled with heavy stone tables, each cluttered with an assortment of alchemical tools. Alembics, phials, tubes, and glass compartments stood in haphazard arrangements, accompanied by aludels, mortars, crucibles, and cauldrons of varying sizes.

    Some vessels held bubbling, churning liquids in hues both vibrant and ominous. Others contained thick residues, crystalline solids, or raw components waiting to be refined. Wisps of colourful gases coiled through delicate tubing, their eerie glow reflecting off the polished glass.

    The acolytes stepped inside, their expressions shifting to awe as they took in the sight.

    Flanking the narrow corridor they passed through, towering shelves, pantries, and drawers lined the walls ¨C each brimming with an eclectic collection of ingredients. Extracts from flora, fragments of exotic beasts, and even remnants of sentient beings lay neatly categorised, waiting to be harnessed for arcane experimentation.

    ¡®One word of advice ¨C Professor Idrass does not take kindly to snooping. If I were you, I¡¯d stand still and wait for his instructions.¡¯

    With that final warning hanging in the air, the guide sealed the entrance with a resounding thud. A heavy silence settled over the room, broken only by the distant bubbling of liquids and the occasional slosh of shifting fluids. Then, the sharp sound of footsteps echoed through the space.

    ¡®Good,¡¯ came a voice from an unexpected direction. The acolytes flinched as Professor Idrass entered from a separate doorway, catching them off guard. ¡®Cauldrons are against this wall. Each of you, take one, fill it with water, and find a station. No time to waste ¨C move!¡¯The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

    For a brief moment, hesitation gripped the students, but Riniock and Urael took the first steps, snapping the rest out of their stupor.

    Riniock selected a cauldron from the designated area ¨C a sturdy, medium-sized pyresteel vessel with handles on either side. A wooden ladle hung neatly inside.

    ¡®Water is collected from those faucets,¡¯ Idrass continued as the first student approached them. ¡®Hold your cauldron beneath the spout and give the command: ¡°Flow.¡± Once it¡¯s filled to your liking, say ¡°Cease.¡± Simple enough.¡¯

    Following his instructions, the acolytes lined up. One by one, they placed their cauldrons beneath the faucets, calling out ¡°flow!¡± as clear water rushed in. With a quick ¡°cease,¡± the streams halted, filling each cauldron to the brim with precision.

    ¡®With all of you at your stations, we can now begin this brief potion lesson. I have no grand expectations ¨C most of you will not excel in potioneering, let alone its far more intricate counterpart, alchemy. However, whether you are as dense as the majority or amongst the rare, inexplicably gifted few, every maegi must be capable of brewing at least the most basic potions and draughts.¡¯

    Riniock had long since grown accustomed to professors belittling their students. By now, the insults barely registered.

    ¡®Whether for personal use or trade, rejuvenation elixirs are a staple amongst maegis and adventurers alike. And today, you will teach yourselves how to brew one.¡¯

    A hand shot up. Niann hesitated only a moment before speaking. ¡®Pardon me, professor, but¡­how exactly are we meant to teach ourselves something as delicate as potion-making?¡¯

    Idrass smirked. ¡®That, my dear acolyte, is precisely why potion manuals exist. Which, I trust, all of you have with you.¡¯

    As if compelled by an unseen force, the students immediately began rummaging through their bags and storage pouches, retrieving their manuals.

    ¡®Ah, seems my assumption was correct,¡¯ Idrass chuckled. ¡®Turn to page twenty-four ¨C Rejuvenation Elixir. Begin. If you succeed, you may leave. If not, prepare to stay. I have no other lessons planned today.¡¯

    Like his peers, Riniock retrieved his potion manual ¨C one he had purchased at the start of term along with a slew of other supplies.

    Flipping to the designated page, he skimmed through the text and diagrams. Any student paying attention had already begun lighting a magickal flame beneath their water-filled cauldrons. The sooner the water boiled, the quicker they could complete their brew.

    A deafening explosion suddenly shook the room.

    ¡®Mr. Plateon,¡¯ Idrass drawled, unfazed, ¡®control your flames with greater care. Your recklessness is a disruption to the entire class.¡¯

    A soot-covered student coughed violently, his hair a frazzled mess with a faint wisp of smoke rising from it. ¡®Y-Yes, professor,¡¯ he sputtered.

    With his own flame properly ignited, Riniock returned his focus to the manual. The next step required specific ingredients ¨C none of which he had on hand.

    ¡®For today''s lesson,¡¯ Idrass announced, ¡®you may help yourselves to my personal stores. Just be mindful of what you take, hehe.¡¯

    Wasting no time, Riniock darted towards the pantries.

    ¡®I saw it earlier when we passed by¡­¡¯ He rummaged hastily. ¡®Aha!¡¯

    Triumphantly, he pulled out two specimens of blestleaf ¨Cdelicate flowers essential for the elixir¡¯s first step.

    But before he could steady himself, his foot slipped. The room spun, and in an instant, he crashed to the ground. As he blinked away the daze, a sneering face loomed over him ¨C Urael¡¯s face.

    The older student crouched down and plucked one of the blestleafs from Riniock¡¯s grasp.

    ¡®Much appreciated, Tolgir,¡¯ he taunted before striding off.

    ¡®Bastard¡­¡¯ Riniock muttered under his breath, his lungs still catching up to the fall. As he pushed himself upright, his gaze dropped to the floor ¨C where a thin sheen of ice glistened beneath his boot. ¡®I can play dirty too.¡¯

    Rushing back to his station, Riniock found his water already bubbling. Without hesitation, he tossed the blestleaf into the pot, grabbed the ladle, and stirred in a steady counterclockwise motion.

    As he worked, his gaze flickered towards Urael¡¯s station across the room. The other student had reached the same stage in the process, completely unaware of the vengeance brewing in Riniock¡¯s mind.

    Subtly, Riniock lifted a finger and whispered a spell under his breath. A gust of air shot across the room, just strong enough to snuff out Urael¡¯s flame.

    ¡®What in Murat?!¡¯ Urael swore as his cauldron¡¯s rolling boil came to an abrupt halt. His head snapped back at Riniock, eyes burning with fury.

    Riniock smirked and feigned innocence, returning his attention to his potion.

    Next on the list were berth beans. He hurried back to the supply shelves, scanning the labels until he found them ¨C still encased in their tough, freshly plucked pods.

    To his mild annoyance, the beans required manual extraction.

    Behind him, Idrass approached with an amused expression. ¡®Be a good lad and crack that open for the rest of the class, would you? I haven¡¯t quite found the time myself.¡¯

    Riniock exhaled sharply, shaking his head as he lugged the entire berth bean pod back to his station.

    Since magic couldn¡¯t be used to split it ¨C lest its natural properties be compromised ¨C he resorted to brute force, slamming it repeatedly against the edge of his workstation. After several solid strikes, fractures formed along its surface. A few more cracks later, the pod finally split open, revealing the much-needed beans inside.

    He took his share, then casually tossed the pod onto another acolyte¡¯s station, letting the others scramble like crazed animals for the rest.

    ¡®Berth beans need to be added at one-minute intervals,¡¯ he murmured, recalling the manual¡¯s instructions, ¡®or else the potion¡¯s potency gets thrown off¡­¡¯

    Just as he raised his hand to drop in the first bean, his fingers recoiled.

    The surface of his cauldron was frozen solid.

    His stomach twisted in irritation. Slowly, his gaze lifted towards the obvious culprit.

    His jaw clenched. His teeth dug into his lip.

    ¡®Urael!¡¯ he growled.

 Quick Potioneering Lesson (2)

    Riniock''s frustration boiled over, his mind racing with ways to sabotage Urael¡¯s potion in retaliation. He weighed his options, but before he could act, a triumphant shout cut through the room.

    ¡®Success!¡¯ a student cried, practically leaping off the floor.

    Idrass turned towards the commotion and strode over to inspect the potion. ¡®Let¡¯s see¡­¡¯ He examined the liquid¡¯s colour, dipped a pinky in to test the temperature, and then, to everyone¡¯s mild discomfort, took a sip.

    A surge of refreshment washed over him. He smacked his lips in approval. ¡®Colour is right. Temperature ¨C perfect. Taste ¨C acceptable.¡¯ He set the ladle down and nodded. ¡®This brew meets my standards. You may go.¡¯

    The victorious acolyte wasted no time filling several potion bottles before slipping out through the reinforced door, his success evident in his smug stride.

    Idrass turned back to the class, clapping his hands. ¡®Pick up the pace, acolytes, or you¡¯ll be at this until next light!¡¯

    Riniock stood there, momentarily dumbfounded. If not for Urael¡¯s relentless interference, he would have been the first to complete the potion.

    Gritting his teeth, he chose to ignore his rival and refocused on his frozen cauldron, which had already begun to thaw. With a sharp gust from his wind magic, he fanned the flames beneath it, accelerating the melting process. In mere moments, his brew was back on track.

    To his relief, Urael¡¯s sabotage hadn¡¯t ruined the potion ¨C no need to start over.

    Glancing up from his station, Riniock noticed more and more of his peers finishing their potions, satisfaction gleaming in their eyes as they packed up and exited the classroom one by one.

    ¡®Shameful¡­¡¯ Riniock muttered under his breath, the sting of humiliation still fresh.

    Determined to put this ordeal behind him, he carefully added the remaining berth beans at the correct intervals, stirring the mixture as he reviewed the final steps of the recipe.

    Finely dice adai root, grind it into a paste using a mortar ¨C clockwise to release the juices ¨C then add it to the brew and stir continuously for two minutes.

    That last step was critical. If Urael had any sense, he would take this moment to sabotage him again, and this time, it would ruin the potion beyond repair.

    Anticipating trouble, Riniock hurried to the pantry, arriving well ahead of his rival. He located the adai root quickly ¨C then, with a smirk, shuffled the labels on the shelves. By the time Urael arrived, he¡¯d have no idea where to look.

    Wasting no time, Riniock returned to his station, slicing the root into fine pieces. As he moved them into the mortar, he stole a glance at Urael, who was now sifting through the shelves in frustration.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    Satisfied, Riniock focused on his task, grinding the root into a smooth paste.

    Now, to stir for two minutes¡­ He whispered to himself as he added the paste to the brew. Immediately, the liquid turned a brilliant golden hue, hissing and sizzling upon contact.

    He stirred with unwavering focus. For once, Urael seemed too preoccupied with his own struggles to cause any further mischief.

    Minutes passed, and at last, the potion settled. Its colour glowed rich and golden ¨C just as the manual described.

    ¡®Professor,¡¯ Riniock called, his hands aching from exertion. ¡®Please inspect my rejuvenation elixir.¡¯

    Idrass approached, scrutinising the potion with a discerning eye.

    ¡®The colour is sublime,¡¯ he remarked with genuine approval. ¡®The temperature ¨C hmm, a little inconsistent, likely from multiple reheats. But the taste¡­¡¯ He dipped a finger in and sampled it. His brows lifted in surprise. ¡®Remarkable. The adai root¡¯s essence was extracted perfectly. This is up to my standards. You may bottle it and leave.¡¯

    ¡®Thank you, professor. I won¡¯t be long.¡¯ Riniock exhaled in relief, his victory well-earned.

    With several potion bottles now safely tucked into his inventory, Riniock strode towards the door. His fingers wrapped around the handle, but just as he pulled it open, inspiration struck¡ªa perfect moment for retribution.

    Glancing back at Urael¡¯s station, he spotted his rival, utterly absorbed in the final rounds of stirring.

    ¡®That¡¯s for everything,¡¯ he murmured, a wicked grin creeping across his face as he twisted his fingers ever so slightly.

    Urael¡¯s cauldron shuddered violently, rattling like a boiling kettle on the verge of eruption ¨C then, with a sudden lurch, it tipped over.

    A flood of golden liquid splashed across the stone floor.

    ¡®Gods, no!¡¯ Urael cried, dropping to his knees in despair, watching his painstaking work soak into the cracks of the dungeon floor. His anguish turned to rage as he whipped his head around. ¡®Tolgir¡­you absolute anus!¡¯

    Riniock slipped through the door, shutting it behind him just as laughter bubbled up from his chest.

    His amusement lingered all the way through the dungeon halls, past the vivarium, through the garden¡¯s winding paths, and back onto the main college grounds.

    As he strode across, his thoughts drifted. The expedition ¨C long anticipated ¨C was just around the corner. Perhaps tomorrow, perhaps in a few days. He had waited for this moment for what felt like an eternity. But now, for the first time, he truly felt ready.

    Lost in thought, a soft glow caught his attention.

    The Arch-Maegi¡­or perhaps Linry¡¯s coffer?

    A small coffer materialised before him, its delicate enchantment unmistakable. It was the same spell he had learned just days ago, one he had generously shared with Linry to exchange letters and items with ease.

    With a quiet click, the lock released, and the lid snapped open. Inside, a small pouch rested atop a neatly folded piece of parchment.

    ¡®I did my own research. This is your share.¡¯

    At the bottom of the note, a simple L.

    Riniock¡¯s fingers closed around the pouch, and as he peered inside, his eyes widened in delight. Nestled within were several phials of what appeared to be weaponised celseed spores.

    He let out a surprised laugh. There¡¯s so much!

    Without hesitation, he tucked the pouch away and burned the parchment, ensuring no trace remained. His gaze lingered on the now-empty coffer, contemplating how best to repay Linry¡¯s efforts.

    With a smirk, he placed two bottles of rejuvenation elixir inside, sealing the coffer once more. The enchanted container shimmered briefly before vanishing, streaking back to its owner.

    Riniock clenched his fist, resolve burning in his chest.

    ¡®We¡¯re ready!¡¯

 Roll Call

    A few hours later, within the grand hall, students gathered for lunch, their chatter filling the vast space as they unwound from the day¡¯s lessons. Amidst the clinking of utensils and the murmur of conversation, Professor Bhallen rose to the podium, his expression alight with anticipation.

    ¡®If I could have everyone¡¯s attention ¨C I won¡¯t keep you long,¡¯ he called, his voice carrying an odd dissonance.

    Acolytes, aspirants, and students alike turned their heads, silencing their discussions to listen.

    ¡®This announcement concerns those selected for the upcoming expedition. Once lunch concludes, you are to return to your dormitories and pack your belongings.¡¯

    Excited whispers rippled through the hall, a clear reflection of the students¡¯ growing enthusiasm.

    Professor Bhallen pressed on. ¡®When you¡¯re finished, report to the abandoned docks. Roll call begins in the late noon hours ¨C don¡¯t be late!¡¯

    The great hall had turned into a frenzy, students devouring their meals as if the expedition would depart without them. Some acolytes had already abandoned their plates, eager to pack and make their way to the docks as instructed.

    At Riniock¡¯s side of the table, he and his companions ate at a more measured pace, though their excitement was undeniable.

    ¡®Finally,¡¯ Niann sighed, tearing into a thick piece of neblan bread. ¡®I¡¯d imagined at least a thousand ways this trip would be cancelled.¡¯

    ¡®You almost sound like you wanted it to fail,¡¯ Elred chuckled, stuffing his mouth with soriz.

    Niann tilted his head. ¡®Not at all. But my luck has been abysmal since the day I was born.¡¯

    ¡®No need to worry,¡¯ Elred assured him with a grin. ¡®With Riniock¡¯s god-blessed fortune, nothing¡¯s stopping this expedition now.¡¯

    The group turned to Riniock, who had yet to say a word. He sat staring into his bowl of orion cream cheese, his expression unreadable, lost in deep thought.

    For a few moments, his companions exchanged puzzled glances, wondering what had seized his attention so completely.

    Then Siegmun approached their table. ¡®Everyone holding up alright?¡¯

    Karia was the first to nod, her usual rosy smile in place.

    ¡®And you, Niann?¡¯ Siegmun pressed.

    Niann gave a half-hearted shrug in response. He didn¡¯t particularly like Siegmun.

    Finally, Siegmun turned to Riniock, a smirk tugging at his lips. ¡®And you? Ready to make those Iksharis eat dirt?¡¯

    Riniock remained silent, his mind drifting elsewhere.

    Siegmun frowned. ¡®What¡¯s gotten into him?¡¯ he asked, glancing back at Niann.

    Niann simply shrugged.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

    ¡®Beats me,¡¯ Elred muttered through a mouthful of food. ¡®He¡¯s been like this since we sat down.¡¯

    Siegmun circled the table and stopped behind Riniock. With a firm clap on the back, he jolted him from his trance.

    Riniock coughed, startled. ¡®Siegmun? What was that for?¡¯

    Elred leaned forward. ¡®See? Something¡¯s definitely off with him.¡¯

    Siegmun nodded in agreement. ¡®You¡¯re not yourself, Riniock.¡¯

    Riniock blinked, looking between them. ¡®What are you talking about? I¡¯m fine.¡¯

    Before anyone could respond, two more figures approached.

    ¡®He just needs to keep his head in the game,¡¯ Balidor remarked, Aikan standing beside him.

    Riniock exhaled, nodding as he rose from his seat, falling in step with Siegmun and the others as they left the hall.

    Their departure did little to ease the tension, and the rest of the group finished their meal in silence. Once satisfied, they rose from the table and made their way back to the dorms.

    The room buzzed with activity ¨C about twenty acolytes moved about, talking and packing their essentials: clothing, provisions, and personal effects.

    ¡®Bedroll?¡¯ Niann asked, checking his.

    ¡®Check,¡¯ Riniock replied. ¡®Elixirs from Idrass¡¯ lesson?¡¯

    Niann tapped the end of his pack. ¡®They¡¯re in.¡¯

    They went through the rest of their supplies, double-checking the list they had prepared earlier.

    As they packed, Niann kept stealing glances at Riniock, observing him closely. To most, his usual detached demeanour seemed unchanged, but Niann could tell ¨C something was weighing on his mind. And knowing Riniock, whatever it was had to be important.

    When they finally closed their bags and sat by their beds, their eyes met.

    ¡®You look like someone with something to say,¡¯ Riniock remarked, noticing Niann¡¯s persistent gaze.

    Niann exhaled. ¡®You probably wouldn¡¯t tell me even if I asked.¡¯

    Riniock tilted his head slightly, caught off guard by the response. ¡®Try me.¡¯

    Niann hesitated, then bit his lip. ¡®Why are you so tense?¡¯

    ¡®I¡¯m not ¨C¡¯

    ¡®Don¡¯t dodge the question.¡¯ Niann¡¯s tone sharpened. ¡®I know you better than anyone here, and something¡¯s clearly got you in this state. So what is it?¡¯

    Riniock hesitated. If he told Niann, he¡¯d be pulling him into something dangerous. ¡®I ¨C I don¡¯t want to burden you with this¡­¡¯

    Niann shot up from his seat, frustration clear on his face. ¡®Then why do I even bother?¡¯

    ¡®Fine,¡¯ Riniock relented, raising a hand to stop him. ¡®I¡¯ll tell you.¡¯

    Still sceptical, Niann sat back down, waiting for the truth.

    Riniock glanced around the room, lowering his voice. ¡®I have reason to believe the delegation plans to harm us during the expedition.¡¯

    Niann¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡®Where in Murat did you hear that?¡¯

    ¡®Well¡­¡¯ Riniock shifted slightly. ¡®Let¡¯s just say the source is reliable. No need to trouble yourself with the specifics.¡¯

    Niann scoffed. ¡®It¡¯s that girl, isn¡¯t it? Linry told you.¡¯

    ¡®What gave you that idea?¡¯

    Niann scoffed. ¡®Please. I¡¯m neither daft nor blind.¡¯

    ¡®I told you, Niann. Do with this information as you will.¡¯

    With that, Riniock slung his bag over his shoulder and strode towards the exit. He didn¡¯t wait for Niann¡¯s response ¨C he had already said enough.

    Once outside, he made his way to the docks, where Linry and the rest of the delegation were waiting with their moored ship. The usual tranquillity of the area had been replaced by a chaotic buzz ¨C students milled about in anticipation, their voices merging into a cacophony of excitement and tension.

    As the moment arrived, Professor Bhallen stepped forward, his presence commanding attention.

    ¡®I trust you¡¯ve all gathered your wits ¨C and your belongings,¡¯ he said, his tone both firm and expectant. ¡®Once I call your name and you step onto our ship, there will be no turning back.¡¯

    A collective gulp rippled through the crowd, the weight of his words settling over them.

    ¡®Without further delay,¡¯ Bhallen continued, turning towards the water, ¡®let me summon our seaworthy vessel.¡¯

    He lifted his hands, focusing intently. The surface of the water trembled, gentle ripples spreading outward. Then, something stirred beneath ¨C the deep groan of wood grinding against wood, followed by the unmistakable creaking of a ship emerging from below.

    A massive vessel broke through the surface, larger than the Ikshari delegation¡¯s, its hull draped in thick strands of algae, water cascading from every seam and plank. The sails hung limp and soaked, their colours obscured by moisture.

    Professor Bhallen gestured grandly towards the ship. ¡®Welcome aboard the Absconder!¡¯ A glint of excitement sparked in his eyes as he spoke the name. ¡®Step forward when I call your name.¡¯

 Sea Air and Sea Fare

    By the time the students were ready to board, the Absconder had been thoroughly dried and cleaned. With a touch of magick, even the most daunting tasks were easily handled.

    In record time, the entire expedition party was aboard, each traveller directed to their assigned quarters. Though the lower deck appeared unassuming from the outside, those who ventured through its halls quickly realised its true nature ¨C endless corridors stretched beyond comprehension, housing far more cabins than seemed possible.

    By some arcane design, every participant was granted a private room, undisturbed and entirely their own.

    ¡®It¡¯s like we¡¯re upper-year students already,¡¯ Elred remarked as he strolled past Riniock¡¯s open door, grinning.

    ¡®Don¡¯t get too comfortable,¡¯ Riniock replied, placing his bag on the bed. ¡®It¡¯s only for a fortnight ¨C just until we reach land.¡¯

    ¡®I know, I know. No need to ruin my good mood, you bastard.¡¯

    Riniock smirked, shaking his head as he began unpacking.

    ¡®All good here?¡¯ Siegmun rapped his knuckles against the doorframe, leaning casually against it.

    ¡®I¡¯m settled in,¡¯ Riniock replied.

    ¡®Great. Meet me on the upper deck at first darkness, alright?¡¯

    Riniock nodded. ¡®Sure.¡¯

    ¡®Don¡¯t keep us waiting ¨C Balidor and Aikan will be there too.¡¯

    With that, Siegmun gave the doorframe a solid tap before slipping away into the bustling crowd of students outside. As he disappeared, Riniock¡¯s door eased shut on its own, sensing no one in its way.

    Alone for the first time in a while, Riniock perched on the edge of his bed, letting the silence settle around him. He took a moment to survey his cabin, appreciating the rare sense of tranquillity it offered.

    His thoughts drifted, and with a flick of his fingers, his coffer materialised before him. He hesitated ¨C should he send it to Linry? With her aboard the adjacent ship, surrounded by the delegation, it was a risk.

    After a long pause, he exhaled and waved the coffer away. Its form shimmered before dissolving into the ethereal, swallowed by the unseen.

    At the first sign of dusk, Riniock left the warmth of his cabin and ascended the stairs to the upper deck.

    The night sky stretched overhead, the dim moon casting its ghostly glow upon the still waters. The ship¡¯s hull mirrored the moonlight, reflecting the sky¡¯s quiet vastness. Distant nocturnal birds screeched, their cries drifting over the rhythmic ebb and flow of the sea.

    Only a handful of students lingered above deck, scattered in small groups like drifting embers in the darkness.

    ¡®Riniock!¡¯ Aikan¡¯s voice carried from the aft of the ship. ¡®Over here, mate.¡¯

    Leaning against the railing, Siegmun gazed out at the rippling wake left in the ship¡¯s passage. Beside him, Balidor and Aikan were more invested in the row of wine bottles lined up along the banister.

    Aikan grabbed one and offered it to Riniock with a smirk. ¡®You drink, little acolyte?¡¯

    Riniock took the bottle, considering it. ¡®Never have,¡¯ he admitted. ¡®But it¡¯d be rude not to at least try.¡¯

    Balidor grinned, and Aikan let out a chuckle.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    ¡®Wise answer. Go on, then.¡¯

    Pulling the cork free with his teeth, Riniock took a cautious sip. The first swallow burned enough to make him cough, but the second went down smoother.

    ¡®Not bad,¡¯ he said, wiping his sleeve across his mouth. ¡®Will you tell me why you called me here at this hour? Surely not just to share drinks.¡¯

    Balidor and Aikan exchanged glances before Siegmun straightened, turning to face Riniock with a sharp edge to his voice.

    ¡®I''m sure you''ve noticed the Ikshari runt over there,¡¯ he said, his tone laced with disdain. He jerked his head towards the ship¡¯s fore, drawing Riniock¡¯s attention to a lone figure standing against the breeze.

    Riniock recognised him immediately ¨C Arthian, Irgod¡¯s peer and ever-loyal lackey.

    ¡®I did. What¡¯s he doing on our ship?¡¯ Riniock asked, narrowing his eyes.

    ¡®He¡¯s their chosen delegate, meant to accompany us,¡¯ Siegmun replied. ¡®One of ours is on their ship as well.¡¯

    ¡®Feels more like a hostage exchange.¡¯

    Siegmun¡¯s fist slammed against the railing, his jaw tightening. ¡®My thoughts exactly,¡¯ he muttered, teeth clenched.

    Balidor took another swig of wine before lowering his voice. ¡®We shouldn¡¯t be telling you this, but something about this whole mission feels off.¡¯

    ¡®Oh? What do you mean?¡¯ Riniock asked, leaning in slightly, curious.

    ¡®For one, I¡¯ve seen the delegation members using long-distance communication spells ¨C several times,¡¯ Balidor murmured, glancing around as if Arthian could hear him from across the deck. ¡®And on another note, our briefing with the arch-maegi was¡­strange.¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s brow arched. Had the arch-maegi confided his suspicions in them?

    ¡®Strange how?¡¯ he pressed.

    ¡®You¡¯ve said quite enough,¡¯ Siegmun interrupted, his sharp glare silencing Balidor. The latter swallowed hard and held his tongue.

    Riniock took note of the exchange but chose not to push ¨C yet.

    ¡®So this Ikshari,¡¯ he said instead, nodding towards Arthian. ¡®What do you plan on doing with him?¡¯

    The three aspirants turned to him in surprise.

    ¡®We weren¡¯t planning on doing anything,¡¯ Aikan said, his tone laced with suspicion. ¡®What exactly are you implying?¡¯

    ¡®Wait, Aikan,¡¯ Siegmun interjected, eyeing Riniock. ¡®Riniock, what¡¯s on your mind?¡¯

    Riniock smirked internally.

    He had their attention ¨C now to test their limits. Balidor¡¯s earlier slip had confirmed that the Iksharis were using long-distance communication, providing the perfect foundation for a carefully crafted lie.

    ¡®I overheard Arthian earlier,¡¯ he lied, carefully weaving his tale. ¡®He wasn¡¯t speaking to anyone on this ship ¨C or even on theirs.¡¯

    Siegmun rubbed his chin. ¡®How so?¡¯

    ¡®He was coordinating the ship¡¯s position with someone else. And the way he spoke¡­it was cryptic. Like he didn¡¯t want to be overheard.¡¯

    Silence hung between them as the three absorbed this.

    ¡®This is exactly what the arch-maegi warned us about,¡¯ Aikan muttered.

    ¡®I know that,¡¯ Siegmun replied, ¡®but he never told us what to do if it came to this.¡¯

    Riniock hid his satisfaction. His lie had found fertile ground, and the truth ¨C his truth ¨C was not far from reality. The delegation would try something eventually. He was merely expediting the inevitable.

    Siegmun turned to him again, eyes dark with contemplation. ¡®You were the one who overheard this. What do you think we should do?¡¯

    Riniock had been waiting for this. A chance to act. To settle his grudge against Irgod and his ilk. To repay every offense with blood.

    He smiled. ¡®Kill him, of course.¡¯

    ¡®K-Kill him?¡¯ Aikan stammered, his lips trembling. ¡®Isn¡¯t that a bit excessive?¡¯

    ¡®Right now, with the clear weather, their ship can relay our position easily,¡¯ Riniock reasoned. ¡®But in a few days, when we reach rougher waters, the only reliable source of information they¡¯ll have is the person they left behind.¡¯

    ¡®But that¡¯s assuming they¡¯re actually plotting something,¡¯ Aikan argued. ¡®We can¡¯t just kill their delegate over speculation.¡¯

    ¡®Are you certain of this?¡¯ Siegmun ignored Aikan¡¯s protest, his dislike for the Iksharis clouding his judgment.

    ¡®If you want proof, I can find it,¡¯ Riniock offered.

    ¡®Good. Find a reason, even a small one¡­and kill the bastard,¡¯ Siegmun said, his voice devoid of hesitation. ¡®Can I count on you?¡¯

    Riniock glanced at Balidor and Aikan. Uncertainty was written across their faces, but Siegmun had already made his choice.

    He knew where his trust lay: Riniock himself.

    Riniock met his gaze and nodded. ¡®You can count on it.¡¯

    ¡®Good. I¡¯ll be waiting for good news,¡¯ Siegmun said, returning the nod. He grabbed a bottle of wine and downed half of it in one long draught. ¡®Oh, and Riniock ¨C be discreet.¡¯

    Riniock smirked, tilting his head slightly. ¡®Don¡¯t worry. Not even you will know when I decide to do it.¡¯

    Conviction without proof was usually reckless ¨C but this was his battlefield. Here, his enemies moved unaware, their fates resting in the hands of someone who could twist the board at will. With the right incentive and backing, he could cast blame where he pleased, mould the truth into something advantageous.

    And unknown to Siegmun, the key to the proof he needed was already in place ¨C hidden amongst the Iksharis, aboard their own ship.

    If he wanted to incriminate Arthian, to solidify Siegmun¡¯s trust, there was one person who could help him.

    ¡®I need to contact Linry¡­¡¯

 As Good As Dead (1)

    At first light the next day, Riniock set to work, determined to find any reason ¨C no matter how small ¨C to incriminate Arthian. In the meantime, he had sent a letter to Linry, urging her to either fabricate or acquire evidence he could use against him.

    Through careful reconnaissance, Riniock quickly pinpointed Arthian¡¯s cabin ¨C located on the second floor of the lower deck, the 35th cabin on the starboard side.

    For three days, as he awaited Linry¡¯s response ¨C his sole informant aboard the delegation¡¯s ship ¨C he studied Arthian¡¯s habits and routines with meticulous precision.

    ¡®Right on cue,¡¯ Riniock murmured, glancing at the sky to gauge the hour.

    Arthian strolled onto the upper deck, moving with an air of ease, unconcerned with the watchful eyes upon him. He had a particular fascination with the ship¡¯s idol, a stone-carved depiction of a maegi standing at the Absconder¡¯s fore. The figure, draped in flowing robes, extended its hands outward, frozen flames of solid rock erupting from its palms. Its face was contorted in a silent scream, hollow eyes void of emotion.

    Like clockwork, Arthian visited the idol at the same hour each day, leaning against the banister as if admiring its craftsmanship.

    With his back turned, Riniock could never discern his true intentions. Was he merely intrigued by the carving, or was there something more to his routine?

    Despite Riniock¡¯s fabricated accusations ¨C rooted in a single careless remark from Balidor ¨C Arthian had shown no indication of wrongdoing. Either he was exceptionally skilled at hiding his true motives, or he simply had none.

    ¡®Come on,¡¯ Riniock silently urged. ¡®Do something¡­anything that gives me a reason.¡¯

    Yet, time and again, Arthian carried himself with the poise of a perfect emissary, leaving Riniock with nothing to exploit.

    By afternoon, Arthian always retreated to his quarters, making it nearly impossible for Riniock to continue his surveillance. Even when he pressed his ear against the cabin door, straining to catch the faintest sound, there was nothing ¨C no movement, no murmurs, not even the shuffle of feet.

    It was maddening.

    Days passed with little progress, and Siegmun grew impatient. He would check in frequently, demanding updates, but Riniock had nothing to offer beyond the same tired observations.

    ¡®Time is running out, Riniock,¡¯ Siegmun warned. ¡®A storm is approaching. Use it to finish the job before we return to clear skies. Anything you do after that will be too easily noticed.¡¯

    ¡®I can¡¯t rush this,¡¯ Riniock countered. ¡®You wanted proof ¨C I¡¯m doing everything I can to get it.¡¯

    ¡®I know, I know,¡¯ Siegmun sighed. ¡®Just don¡¯t lose track of time.¡¯

    ¡®I won¡¯t.¡¯

    Siegmun caught his arm before he could turn away. ¡®I trust you, but remember ¨C the proof isn¡¯t just for me. It¡¯s to bring Balidor and Aikan fully on board. We need them.¡¯

    ¡®Understood. I¡¯m doing my best.¡¯

    Sure enough, the storm caught up with them, thick clouds and torrential rain swallowing the ship in a shroud of grey. Visibility was cut to nothing, and soon, even the delegation¡¯s vessel had vanished from sight.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.

    That day, Arthian remained locked in his cabin, not even emerging for meals.

    Then, as Riniock sat waiting in his own quarters, a thin sliver of light pierced through the shutters. A familiar glow.

    ¡®The coffer!¡¯ he realised, eyes widening. ¡®Linry finally answered.¡¯

    He hurried to open the small container, revealing a single piece of parchment resting within. He unfolded it, scanning the words.

    Orders. Instructions. A daily chore list.

    On the surface, it seemed mundane, but Riniock understood immediately. Linry couldn¡¯t openly communicate, not with the enchantment binding her, but this was her way of confirming something crucial ¨C Arthian had written orders as well.

    This was the proof he needed.

    Now, all he had to do was get into Arthian¡¯s cabin to find it. A task difficult on its own.

    Arthian wasn¡¯t leaving his quarters.

    Riniock tapped a finger against his temple, thinking. ¡®I need to lure him out.¡¯

    Inside his cabin, Arthian sat hunched over his desk, carefully adjusting a trinket despite the ship¡¯s erratic movements. A map lay stretched before him, detailing the surrounding land and sea ¨C the very waters they sailed. A compass rested nearby, a clear indication of his work.

    ¡®We must be nearing the Pedora Isles,¡¯ he murmured, cross-referencing the location with his tools. ¡®I need to inform the master and the units on land.¡¯

    Reaching for a fresh parchment, he began noting down coordinates, double-checking his calculations.

    It was no accident that he had been chosen as an emissary. Amongst the students of Ikshar Academy ¨C particularly those in the delegation ¨C Arthian was the most adept at cartography. His skills allowed the Iksharis to track the Absconder¡¯s journey with unsettling precision.

    He pulled out an odd-shaped trinket, ready to make contact when, with an erratic rhythm, his door knocked.

    Arthian jolted upright.

    ¡®What in Murat¡­¡¯

    Heart pounding, he hastily tucked the parchment beneath a candle burner before rising to answer the door.

    The moment he cracked it open, a body collapsed into him.

    Warm, reeking, and retching.

    ¡®Gods!¡¯ Arthian recoiled in disgust. ¡®What in the rot of Kromulum?¡¯

    It was Elred who appeared before him.

    The Gorlean acolyte slumped against him, breath thick with alcohol, bile staining his robes. His face was vacant, lost in a drunken haze.

    ¡®What do you want?¡¯ Arthian demanded, trying to shove him off. But there was no response.

    Elred only groaned, his weight dragging them both down until he lay sprawled at the threshold, unmoving.

    Arthian exhaled sharply, glancing up and down the corridor. It was empty, void of activity. With the storm raging, most passengers had confined themselves to their cabins.

    ¡®Of course.¡¯ He pinched the bridge of his nose before shooting a look back at his desk.

    There was no helping it. He folded his sleeves up. ¡®Let¡¯s get you to your seniors.¡¯

    As they moved away from the cabin, the door began to swing shut on its own. Just before it could close completely, something shot out from the shadows ¨C a dagger, lodging itself in the doorframe and stopping it in place.

    A figure emerged from the darkness, glancing around cautiously for any signs of movement. Riniock, silent and swift, pressed himself against the wall, retrieved his dagger, and slipped inside. He eased the door shut behind him, turning slowly as his sharp gaze swept over the cabin.

    Everything appeared normal at first glance.

    But Riniock wasn¡¯t one to be deceived by appearances. He got to work immediately, moving carefully to avoid disturbing anything in case his search turned up empty. He sifted through drawers, checked beneath the bed, behind the closet, and in every possible hiding spot.

    One thing, however, stood out to him.

    The chair at the desk had one leg that appeared to be oddly fastened. Riniock knelt beside it, flipped it over, and twisted the leg free. Sure enough, the hollowed-out space inside concealed a rolled piece of parchment.

    His lips curled into a grin. ¡®Got it.¡¯

    Sliding the parchment into his pocket, he returned the chair to its original state. But as he straightened, his eyes caught something else ¨C the corner of a paper sticking out from beneath the candle burner on the desk.

    He leaned in, lifting it slightly.

    Coordinates! A precise record of their location.

    Riniock¡¯s grin widened. ¡®That¡¯s even better.¡¯

    With everything he needed now in his possession, he turned towards the door, ready to slip out unnoticed. But before he could reach for the handle, the door abruptly swung inward.

    Standing in the doorway, eyes filled with confusion, was Arthian.

    ¡®Riniock?¡¯ he said, recognising him instantly. ¡®What are you doing in my cabin?¡¯

 As Good As Dead (2)

    Arthian and Riniock stood frozen, locked in an entire minute of tense, unspoken exchange. Neither moved, neither spoke ¨C only reacting when the door finally clicked shut, breaking the silence.

    Riniock, for his part, kept his arms behind his back, his fingers clenched tightly around a gathering spell, its energy coiling within his palm.

    Arthian, however, was an open book. His posture, his expression, everything about him was plain to read ¨C and it was clear he hadn¡¯t yet realised the true nature of the intruder before him. Ever the pacifist, his mind hadn¡¯t jumped to the worst-case scenario.

    That changed the moment his eyes flicked towards the desk.

    The paper he had carefully stashed beneath the candle burner ¨C gone. It was no longer peeking out from its hiding spot.

    His jaw tensed slightly, but his voice remained even. ¡®I¡¯ll ask again ¨C what are you doing in my cabin?¡¯

    Riniock tilted his head, amused. ¡®What¡¯s it look like?¡¯ he shot back, hoping to bait Arthian into making the first move.

    Arthian studied him, his expression shifting into something almost disconcerting. Then, with deliberate calm, he spoke.

    ¡®Seems to me like you¡¯re snooping through my things,¡¯ he said. ¡®Return whatever you took ¨C and leave.¡¯

    Riniock hadn''t expected that response. For a brief moment, his guard slipped, his concentration faltering just enough for the magic in his palm to dissipate.

    ¡®Are you aware of your situation?¡¯ he asked, narrowing his eyes.

    ¡®I''m well aware,¡¯ Arthian replied smoothly. ¡®But unlike Rodgut and Frisian, I¡¯m not foolish enough to take you head-on. Facing you alone would only land me exactly where they are now.¡¯

    ¡®Dead,¡¯ Riniock confirmed without hesitation, making no effort to soften the word.

    Arthian inclined his head. ¡®Exactly. Which is why I propose a compromise.¡¯

    Riniock arched a brow but remained attentive. ¡®A compromise?¡¯

    With a slow, measured step, Arthian moved towards his desk. Riniock instinctively shifted, keeping a wary eye on him, alert for even the slightest hint of deception. But the Ikshari made no aggressive moves. Instead, he reached into a hidden compartment and retrieved a small trinket, holding it up for Riniock to see.

    ¡®I''ll give you my communication artifact,¡¯ Arthian offered. ¡®That way, you¡¯ll know for certain that I won¡¯t be sending messages to anyone.¡¯

    Riniock snatched the trinket from Arthian¡¯s hands, turning it over for inspection. At first glance, it looked like an ordinary stone, but etched into its surface was a symbol resembling an ear, its grooves filled with an inky black substance.

    ¡®You use this to send the ship¡¯s coordinates to someone?¡¯ Riniock asked, scrutinising Arthian¡¯s reaction.

    The young man¡¯s lips remained tightly pressed together ¨C likely the result of a bewitchment similar to Linry¡¯s. Still, after a brief moment of hesitation, he gave a single, resigned nod.

    ¡®Fine,¡¯ Riniock said at last, extending his left hand in what appeared to be a gesture of truce.

    Arthian hesitated, then clasped it. ¡®How did you know I was left-handed?¡¯ he asked.

    Riniock smirked. ¡®Careful observation. I do my homework.¡¯If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Before Arthian could process the words, Riniock yanked him forward. With a precise jab to his shoulder blade, he cut off the flow of odh to Arthian¡¯s left arm.

    Arthian winced, confusion flickering across his face. Then his eyes flared in realisation. ¡®What in Murat did you ¨C¡¯

    He never got to finish.

    His movements slowed, dulled by the sudden disruption of his energy flow, and in that split second of hesitation, Riniock violently and mercilessly struck. In a single, fluid motion, he drew his dagger and sliced clean through Arthian¡¯s wrist.

    A sharp spray of blood erupted from the wound.

    Arthian let out a strangled wheeze, his teeth clenched in agony. Though momentarily dazed, he quickly forced his thoughts into focus, his survival instincts kicking in.

    ¡®Somebody!¡¯ he bellowed, voice raw with desperation. ¡®HELP ¨C¡¯

    Riniock cut him off before the cry could echo, striking him in the throat with two sharp fingers. Arthian choked, his voice vanishing as if stolen from his very lungs.

    Eyes wide with horror, he clutched at his neck with his remaining hand, his breaths turning ragged. One moment, he had been shaking hands¡­the next, he had lost it. One moment, he was screaming for help¡­now, he couldn''t even make a sound.

    ¡®You¡¯re just as foolish as your friends!¡¯ Riniock cackled, thinning out any and all hope.

    He glanced around nervously. Arthian was running out of options. And Riniock showed no signs of mercy.

    In a final, desperate act of defiance, the air around them distorted, the temperature surging. A blistering wave of heat pulsed outward, making the very walls of the cabin ripple as flames licked hungrily at the furniture.

    Riniock staggered back, cursing under his breath as sweat beaded along his brow. The blood staining his clothes sizzled and evaporated. His vision swayed, his head clouded by the intense heat.

    ¡®What the ¨C¡¯ he rasped.

    Arthian, his body trembling, poured everything he had left into this final act. The more he concentrated, the more agony it brought him ¨C but he had no choice.

    Riniock, gradually feeling the sting, acted fast.

    Shaking off the haze, he took a deep breath and drove his palm straight into Arthian¡¯s chest in a shockwave that tore through the fabric of his clothes.

    His hand pierced through a barrier of scorching energy, searing his own arm in the process, but the force of the blow sent Arthian reeling. He coughed violently, a fresh splatter of blood spilling from his lips.

    Something was wrong with him.

    Every time he tried to circulate his odh, his body violently rejected it. His veins bulged and ruptured, his skin split like dry parchment, and blood oozed from beneath his fingernails, from his eyes, his nose ¨C every orifice.

    ¡®What¡­¡¯ He mouthed the word voicelessly, smothered as blood gurgled in his throat. His blurred gaze lifted to Riniock. ¡®What¡­did you do to me¡­?¡¯

    Arthian struggled onto one knee, his eyelids fluttering as his consciousness wavered. He managed one last, weak cough, blood spilling from his lips, before his body gave out completely. He collapsed onto the cabin floor, convulsing.

    There was no time for Riniock to savour the victory ¨C he had to move quickly.

    Acting with practiced efficiency, he seized Arthian by the shoulders and hauled him up, dragging his limp form towards the desk positioned beneath the cabin¡¯s small window. With a forceful shove, he flung open the shutters and manoeuvred the unconscious body into the narrow opening.

    A groggy Arthian stirred as the rush of cold sea air hit him, his induced stupor breaking just enough for his instincts to take over. Though still unable to speak, his body fought against the inevitable, kicking and twisting in protest as he realised what was happening.

    His struggling only irritated Riniock. With a quick, calculated motion, he jabbed two fingers into Arthian¡¯s kneecaps, severing any hope of swimming should he hit the water.

    Arthian''s breath hitched, panic flooding his eyes as his limbs betrayed him.

    ¡®Down you go,¡¯ Riniock muttered, shoving him fully through the opening.

    He barely waited for the splash, but when he heard it, a satisfied smirk curled on his lips.

    There was little left to do in the cabin aside from cleaning up the blood, but Riniock decided to leave the evidence intact ¨C at least long enough for Siegmun to see it. The cleanup aspect of his ¡°work¡± had always been his least favourite.

    He strode in the direction of the door, pausing only to pick up the severed left hand from the floor. Holding it aloft, he examined it as though it were some kind of trophy.

    ¡®I know exactly what to do with you,¡¯ he murmured.

    Summoning his coffer to his side, he placed the severed hand inside, slipping in a note alongside it. With a final glance, he shut the lid and issued his command.

    ¡®Go. Fly to Irgod and deliver this message.¡¯

    Riniock smirked at the thought of how Irgod ¨C so prideful, so unwilling to admit weakness ¨C would react upon receiving the grotesque gift. He wouldn¡¯t dare inform his master of it.

    And that was the point.

    The meaning behind the offering was unmistakable. Arthian had been Irgod¡¯s left hand ¨C his trusted agent. Now, that hand was gone, and Riniock¡¯s message was clear: the right hand would be next. Piddruin¡¯s turn was coming.

    Eventually, when the right was severed, the serpent¡¯s head itself would join its severed hands in the afterlife.

 Land Ho!

    ¡®So, it¡¯s done?¡¯ Siegmun asked, unfazed by Riniock¡¯s sudden arrival at his private cabin.

    ¡®It is,¡¯ Riniock confirmed as he began emptying his pockets.

    ¡®Are those the proofs?¡¯

    ¡®They are. The map he used to track our coordinates, a paper detailing our current position, and the written orders he was following.¡¯

    Siegmun took the documents and examined them carefully. A slow, satisfied grin spread across his face as he tucked them away, his expression smug with victory.

    Rising from his seat, he strode over to his closet and retrieved two bottles of mead from his stash. Returning to his spot, he slid one across the table towards Riniock.

    ¡®You¡¯ve done well,¡¯ Siegmun said, watching him closely. ¡®But I can tell ¨C this one wasn¡¯t just business for you. Was it personal?¡¯

    Riniock met his gaze, hesitating only for a moment before nodding.

    ¡®Payback for what they did to you at the college?¡¯ Siegmun pressed.

    ¡®Payback won¡¯t be complete until Irgod is dead,¡¯ Riniock replied, tilting the bottle in his hand. ¡®Everything before that? Just a hobby.¡¯

    ¡®I see. Well, I won¡¯t pry any further.¡¯

    Riniock popped open his bottle and took a deep swig. ¡®I¡¯d appreciate it if you didn¡¯t.¡¯

    ¡®Then I assume you left his cabin undisturbed?¡¯ Siegmun asked.

    ¡®I did.¡¯

    ¡®Needs clean up then. And the body?¡¯

    ¡®Taken care of.¡¯

    ¡®How?¡¯

    ¡®Overboard. He¡¯s feeding the coral at the bottom of the sea by now.¡¯

    ¡®Efficient.¡¯ Siegmun smirked, leaning back. ¡®That¡¯s why, out of all the acolytes ¨C new and old ¨C you¡¯re my favourite. Say, I know you¡¯re planning to take out more of those Ikshari bastards. If you¡¯ve got something in mind, count me in.¡¯

    Riniock took another sip and winced. ¡®I¡¯ll keep it in mind.¡¯

    ¡®You¡¯d better. I still have to clean up after you and fill in Balidor and Aikan on the latest developments. In the meantime, you might want to check on your friend ¨C Elred, wasn¡¯t it? The one you pumped full of alcohol to create a diversion.¡¯

    ¡®Guess I should,¡¯ Riniock muttered, sounding almost indifferent. ¡®I¡¯ll be in touch.¡¯

    ¡®Right. And thanks for the help.¡¯

    Riniock waved a hand dismissively as he walked out of the cabin.

    A short while later, he found himself in a large medical cabin, where the expedition¡¯s travelling medicar tended to patients. Elred lay sprawled across a cot, unconscious, a line of drool trailing from the corner of his mouth.

    The medicar ¨C different from the one back at the college ¨C passed by, sighing when he noticed the young man still occupying his bed.

    ¡®Still here?¡¯ he grumbled, striding over and shaking Elred roughly until he groggily stirred, eyes unfocused. ¡®Go sleep off your hangover somewhere else. I¡¯m not here to babysit adolescents after a bad night of drinking.¡¯

    Elred groaned, stretching. ¡®Where am I?¡¯

    ¡®If you¡¯re still here when I come back, I¡¯ll knock you out and leave you outside my door,¡¯ the medicar snapped before moving on, gathering supplies as he exited the room.

    Elred squinted, struggling to focus on the figure before him. ¡®Riniock? That you, man?¡¯

    ¡®Who else, numbskull.¡¯

    ¡®What wrong with ¡®im,¡¯ he rubbed his eyes, clearly meaning the medicar.

    ¡®You,¡¯ Riniock said flatly. ¡®But let¡¯s leave that for later.¡¯

    Elred straightened on his cot, sitting up as he struggled to piece together the events of the previous night.

    ¡®What do you remember?¡¯ Riniock asked, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. ¡®What happened to you?¡¯

    Elred scratched his head, his brow furrowed. ¡®I¡¯m not sure¡­¡¯

    ¡®Do you remember how you ended up in the medicar¡¯s cabin?¡¯ Riniock pressed, gauging the extent of his recollection.

    Elred wasn¡¯t the sharpest, easily led, and even easier to distract. Even if he did recall something, Riniock was confident he could steer the narrative in his favour.

    ¡®Eh, what does it matter?¡¯ Elred finally said, brushing it off with a chuckle. ¡®Probably drank too much. My whole body¡¯s tingling ¨C like a million ants crawling under my skin.¡¯Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

    ¡®You¡¯re alright, and that¡¯s what matters most.¡¯

    ¡®True,¡¯ Elred agreed, swinging his legs over the side of the cot and slipping on his shoes. ¡®Best not to overstay my welcome. And that medicar? He¡¯s terrifying¡­¡¯

    Riniock chuckled in turn. ¡®That he is. Let¡¯s go.¡¯

    Aboard another ship, its sails still dishevelled from the now-passed storm, the delegation worked to restore order after a rough few days at sea.

    Meanwhile, within his cabin, Irgod sat in silence, staring out the small square window, his mind adrift in a sea of thoughts. His contemplation was cut short when a mysterious coffer materialised before him, its lid snapping open with unsettling finality just a few paces from his bed.

    ¡®Gods above¡­¡¯ he muttered, startled.

    Something inside the coffer caught his eye, compelling him to rise and investigate. As he approached, the gruesome truth became clear ¨C a severed hand rested within, propped upright with two fingers deliberately extended.

    Irgod recoiled, disgust twisting his expression.

    His gaze then landed on a folded note at the bottom. He plucked it from the coffer and read aloud:

    ¡®The left now severed, two remain. Next will be the right¡¯s, and eventually, the serpent¡¯s head.¡¯

    ¡®Arthian¡­¡¯ Irgod breathed, his stomach knotting at the realisation. His eyes flicked back to the severed hand, now even more repugnant in his sight. The two outstretched fingers made sense now ¨C a taunt, a warning. Two targets remained: him and Piddruin.

    There was only one person audacious enough to orchestrate such an act.

    ¡®That bastard¡­¡¯ he hissed, voice thick with fury.

    The sheer audacity of it burned at him. And worse ¨C there was nothing he could do about it. Not here, not now. If he reported this to Master Fladd or anyone else, it would be his own death sentence. Fladd was neither merciful nor patient, and one misplaced word would see him reduced to ash before they even reached home.

    Yet to let this insult stand¡­

    Irgod clenched his fists, his breath slow and controlled as he swallowed his anger. He couldn¡¯t let it slip ¨C not here, not where it could be seen. But as he struggled to contain it, his mind churned with one thought.

    He needed a way to make Riniock pay.

    It clicked in his mind like a trigger being pulled. Irgod shot up from his bed and stormed out of his cabin, his pulse pounding in his ears. Down the corridor he went, his pace unrelenting until he reached a particular door. Without hesitation, he kicked it open, the wood splintering under the force.

    Linry barely flinched.

    ¡®What gives, Irgod!¡¯ she snapped, jolted only by the sudden intrusion.

    His glare was murderous. ¡®What did you tell him?¡¯ he growled. ¡®What did you tell him, Linry?¡¯

    A slow, knowing smile spread across her lips as she took in the rage twisting his face. Unbothered, she lounged at the edge of her bed, one leg draped over the other. She tapped her cheek in mock thought.

    ¡®I¡¯ve told him a lot,¡¯ she mused. ¡®You''ll have to be more specific.¡¯

    The words had barely left her mouth before Irgod¡¯s hand shot forward, hurling a fireball that singed past her head, missing by a hair¡¯s breadth. The air crackled with heat. Yet Linry didn''t so much as flinch.

    ¡®Don''t play coy with me, you whore,¡¯ he seethed. ¡®Why did he kill Arthian?¡¯

    She burst into laughter. ¡®He killed Arthian too? No wonder you¡¯re in such a bitch of a mood.¡¯

    ¡®Answer me now, or regret it.¡¯

    ¡®Rot in Murat, Irgod!¡¯

    His lip curled in a manic snarl. He lunged at her, fists igniting with blazing fury.

    Linry reacted instantly, ducking and weaving past his first few swings before her own limbs erupted in flames. She struck back with equal ferocity. Their blows clashed like hammer against anvil, sending shockwaves through the cabin. Wood groaned as it splintered, drapes whipped in the heated gusts, and furniture skidded across the floor.

    Irgod pressed his advantage, hammering through her defences. His strikes landed, searing her flesh.

    Linry gritted her teeth, countering when she could, but he was relentless. With a swift manoeuvre, he batted her arm aside, creating an opening. In the next breath, his hand locked around her throat, flames licking up her neck, searing towards her chin.

    ¡®You treacherous whore!¡¯ he snarled. ¡®I¡¯ll kill you and send you to him in pieces.¡¯

    Linry''s lips curled into a faint, breathless chuckle. Through the choking grip, she still found amusement in the burn scars on his neck.

    ¡®Are you giving me a matching tattoo?¡¯ she rasped. ¡®If you put some effort into it, you might even come close to master¡¯s skill.¡¯

    ¡®Shut up! This is also a result of your loose legs!¡¯

    She took her chance. Her skin ignited with a searing burst of heat, forcing Irgod to release her with a hiss of pain. The moment her feet hit the ground, she gathered her strength, then unleashed a roaring wave of fire that blasted Irgod off his feet. He was sent hurtling down the corridor, through wooden panels, his body slamming onto the deck outside with a heavy thud.

    He groaned, pushing himself up, blood trickling from fresh cuts across his body.

    ¡®You will pay for your treachery¡­¡¯

    Linry emerged from the corridor, her hands ablaze with a menacing glow. Burn marks lined her throat, blackened fingerprints seared into her skin.

    ¡®Perhaps I should inform the master about what''s happening,¡¯ she said, her voice devoid of its usual mirth.

    Then, from behind Irgod, a voice like a blade against stone cut through the tension.

    ¡®Inform me of what exactly?¡¯

    A cold shiver ran down Irgod¡¯s spine. His body stiffened, his breath faltering. Slowly, he turned, his head tilting down as his shoulders crept up.

    ¡®Master Fladd¡­¡¯ he started, voice dry. ¡®Linry, she ¨C¡¯

    ¡®Irgod has been drinking,¡¯ Linry interrupted, her tone measured with seriousness, deliberate. ¡®He barged into my cabin, laid his hands on me¡­forced himself on me.¡¯

    She tilted her head, exposing the raw burns around her neck for all to see. Several crew members had gathered on deck, silent witnesses. Amongst them, Master Fladd.

    ¡®Master¡­that¡¯s not true,¡¯ Irgod protested, his voice tight with barely restrained panic.

    ¡®Silence!¡¯

    Fladd''s voice thundered across the deck, a roar so fierce that all fell still.

    ¡®I did not try to ¨C¡¯

    Irgod''s protest was cut short as his feet suddenly left the ground. An invisible force yanked him upward, suspending him in the air like a puppet on severed strings.

    With so many witnesses and the undeniable evidence of his assault on Linry, Fladd had no choice but to punish him. Even if he knew of Linry¡¯s own betrayals ¨C her fraternisation with the enemy ¨C he could not afford to overlook Irgod¡¯s actions. He needed to make an example of him.

    Without warning, Irgod''s body was hurled across the deck with bone-crushing force. He slammed into the mast, rebounded off the banisters, and crashed into the crates, each impact leaving a fresh bruise, a new welt. The ship groaned under the violence of his flight.

    Linry hid a satisfied smile, pleased with how effortlessly she had twisted the situation to her advantage.

    When Fladd had seen enough, he flicked his wrist downward. Irgod plummeted like a stone, hitting the deck with a sickening thud. He lay sprawled, black and blue, gasping for breath.

    Then, from high above, a voice shattered the silence.

    ¡®Land ho!¡¯

    All heads turned towards the crow¡¯s nest, where a lookout stood perched, pointing to the horizon.

    Their homeland had come into view.

 Chief Contravention

    Tents with magically expanded interiors were already scattered across the shoreline, positioned at a good distance from where both ships were moored.

    As the Gorleans set foot on land, they were met with the searing heat rolling in from the Rock Barrens, carried by the dry winds to the coast. With mutual agreement from both parties, they advanced along the shore for a time before preparing to cut inland into the harsh terrain ahead.

    Both groups worked efficiently, setting up tents, fire pits, and cooking stations within a few hours.

    ¡®Good work, acolytes,¡¯ Bhallen said as he strode through the camp, inspecting their progress. ¡®We must remain vigilant, swift, and above all ¨C efficient in every possible way.¡¯

    Riniock was particularly watchful.

    As he secured the tent alongside his peers, his gaze remained fixed on a figure in the distance. Irgod was equally vigilant ¨C their eyes locking even across the encampment. A silent exchange of cold, murderous intent passed between them, unspoken but undeniable.

    ¡®What¡¯s got you so on edge?¡¯ Elred asked, crouching beside him as he pinned one side of the tent to the ground.

    Riniock didn¡¯t respond, his stare unbroken.

    Elred shifted behind him, following his line of sight. ¡®That¡¯s him, isn¡¯t it?¡¯

    ¡®That¡¯s the bastard,¡¯ Riniock finally muttered.

    ¡®So, when are we killing him?¡¯ Elred blurted out, his tone far too casual.

    That finally broke Riniock¡¯s focus. He turned to his companion, only for Elred to chuckle and wave a dismissive hand. ¡®Relax, I¡¯m joking. Just wanted you to look away for a second.¡¯

    ¡®Whatever,¡¯ Riniock grumbled, returning his glare to Irgod ¨C only to find that, to his surprise, Irgod had already looked away and moved on to other matters.

    Elred spoke again, his attention shifting. ¡®Hey, what happened to her? Isn¡¯t that the girl you fought in the arena?¡¯

    ¡®What? Where?¡¯ Riniock followed his friend¡¯s gaze.

    Sure enough, there was Linry, tending to her own tasks. But something was off. His sharp eyes quickly caught the burn marks stretched across her neck ¨C a fresh injury, unmistakable. Someone from the delegation had done this to her. And come to think of it, Irgod was riddled with wounds of his own as well.

    His grip tightened around a wooden tent peg until it snapped in his hand. ¡®I¡¯ll kill the bastard. He did this to her.¡¯

    Elred blinked. ¡®What was that?¡¯

    ¡®Er ¨C nothing,¡¯ Riniock muttered, forcing himself to relax. ¡®She probably burned herself while practicing.¡¯

    Elred pursed his lips and nodded. ¡®A sound hypothesis.¡¯

    On the other side of camp, Irgod worked in silence. Once he finished setting up the tent assigned to him, he gathered his belongings and stepped inside to unpack.

    The interior was vast ¨C large enough to house at least fifteen people comfortably.

    ¡®Arthian¡¯s nowhere to be seen,¡¯ Piddruin remarked, stepping in behind him with his own bags in tow.

    ¡®Don¡¯t dwell on it, Pidd.¡¯

    Irgod dropped his pack onto the floor and crouched to retrieve his things.

    ¡®What do you mean?¡¯ Piddruin pressed. ¡®It¡¯s like he vanished. No one¡¯s seen him on the Absconder, and there haven¡¯t been any reports of him leaving either. Something¡¯s not right.¡¯

    ¡®Pidd¡­I said let it go.¡¯Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    ¡®But why?¡¯

    ¡®Just drop it.¡¯

    ¡®Not until you give me a damn reason.¡¯

    Irgod exhaled sharply, then turned to him. ¡®Fine. He¡¯s dead ¨C killed by that bastard Riniock.¡¯

    Piddruin¡¯s grip slackened, his bag slipping from his hands as he straightened in confusion. ¡®What? How do you know that?¡¯

    ¡®I just know. Don¡¯t push it.¡¯

    ¡®T-Then we should tell Master Fladd ¨C¡¯

    Irgod moved in a flash, grabbing Piddruin¡¯s sleeve before he could take another step.

    ¡®What the ¨C let go, brother!¡¯ Piddruin yanked his arm free, barely breaking Irgod¡¯s grip.

    ¡®Are you that thick? You think telling the master is a good idea?¡¯

    Piddruin hesitated, clearly torn. ¡®Shouldn¡¯t I?¡¯

    ¡®You stupid fuck. If you go to him with this, he¡¯ll flay you ¨C and me ¨C for knowing about Arthian¡¯s death and saying nothing until now.¡¯

    Piddruin¡¯s brow furrowed in confusion. He was trying to piece it together, but the situation was too tangled for him to make sense of.

    ¡®Then¡­what do we do?¡¯ he asked, rubbing the back of his neck.

    ¡®You? Nothing. I¡¯ll figure something out ¨C a way to rid us of that slimy twat for good.¡¯

    As night fell, lanterns flickered across the camp whilst students took turns standing watch.

    Down by the shore, where the two ships rested against the water¡¯s edge, scattered lights glowed on the decks. Whilst most had moved inland with the main expedition, others were left behind to guard the vessels.

    Amongst them were Illiar, Grahost, and a handful of other students, serving as the ship¡¯s temporary guard crew. Illiar and Grahost stood near the railing, their eyes sweeping over the darkened landscape.

    ¡®What do you think?¡¯ Illiar broke the silence.

    ¡®Think about what?¡¯ Grahost replied, his focus unshaken.

    ¡®You know,¡¯ Illiar nudged him with an elbow. ¡®The ruins they found. Do you think there¡¯s anything worthwhile waiting at the end?¡¯

    Grahost squinted into the distance. ¡®How in Murat should I know¡­¡¯

    Illiar groaned. ¡®Gods, Grahost, I know you¡¯re not a seer. We¡¯re just guessing here.¡¯

    Grahost let out a dry sigh. ¡®Most of the time, places like that hold nothing but dust and bones ¨C remnants of civilisations long buried.¡¯

    ¡®A fair guess,¡¯ Illiar admitted. ¡®But not the right one.¡¯

    Grahost turned to him with an arched brow. ¡®Oh? And what is the correct guess?¡¯

    Illiar grinned. ¡®That those ruins are the resting place of a powerful sealed entity ¨C one waiting to be set free.¡¯

    ¡®You''ve read too many novels.¡¯

    ¡®No, no. Think about it,¡¯ Illiar pressed, his tone caught between excitement and jest. ¡®Ancient ruins with no records. The rock barren ¨C once the seat of an old kingdom. If that¡¯s not the perfect place for a sealed entity, I don¡¯t know what is.¡¯

    ¡®Whatever, Illiar. Just stay focused.¡¯

    ¡®You¡¯re just jealous of my boundless knowledge.¡¯

    ¡®Oh, spare me your nerdish antics ¨C¡¯

    Grahost''s words were cut short as his body lurched backward. He hit the deck with a heavy thud, the impact echoing across the ship.

    Illiar dropped to his knees, panic setting in. ¡®Grahost!¡¯

    His friend didn¡¯t move. A ghostly blue arrow was lodged between his eyes, his face frozen in an expression of complete, unknowing death.

    Illiar¡¯s breath hitched as he scanned the deck. Lanterns lay toppled, their flames licking hungrily at the wooden planks. Bodies were strewn about ¨C lifeless, unreacting.

    ¡®Damn it all,¡¯ he muttered, staggering to his feet. The enemy was unseen, and standing in the open was an invitation to die.

    He bolted for the lower deck just as cries erupted from the cabins. Figures clad in black stalked the corridors, kicking down doors, cutting down anyone inside. The clang of blades against flesh filled the air, followed by the sickening gurgles of lives ending.

    Smoke thickened. The ship was burning.

    If the assassins didn¡¯t kill him, the fire or suffocation surely would.

    Illiar raced downward, deeper into the hull. Nowhere was safe. Death loomed in every corridor.

    At the lowest level, near the brig, he found his escape ¨C a trapdoor leading straight to the sea. Without hesitation, he wrenched it open and dove into the dark water.

    The splash was loud, but no one seemed to notice. He swam frantically towards shore, dragging himself onto the sand. Coughing, gasping, he looked back just in time to see the Absconder collapse in on itself, flames devouring it from within.

    The delegation¡¯s ship, however, stood untouched. Not a single spark marred its pristine form.

    ¡®What in Murat is happening¡­¡¯ he panted, his mind struggling to process the chaos.

    Then pain ¨C sharp, searing ¨C exploded through his back.

    Illiar stumbled forward, his face hitting the damp, sticky sand. His fingers twitched, reaching back, gripping the arrow lodged between his shoulder blades.

    ¡®Shit, shit, shit¡­¡¯ he gasped, wrenching it free. Blood spilled down his back as he forced himself upright, wavering.

    His vision swam. The world tilted.

    A shadow stepped forward, materialising from the darkness like it had always been there, unseen. It moved with chilling certainty, eyes devoid of mercy.

    Illiar raised his hands, readying a spell ¨C but pain struck again, deeper this time.

    A spectral blue blade pierced his chest, its glow casting eerie light on the sand.

    Illiar¡¯s breath faltered. Blood dribbled down his chin. His eyes lifted to meet his assailant¡¯s, but before he could say a word, the blade was ripped free from his chest.

    A single, sweeping motion followed.

    His head hit the sand, half-buried in the cold grains.

    The dark figure turned, leaving the lifeless body behind, and walked back towards the burning wreckage of the Absconder.

 The Rock Barren (1)

    Before sunrise, the expedition stirred, rising early to break camp and press onward towards the Rock Barren.

    From a distance, the Gorleans watched as the last stretch of beach sand gave way to the endless expanse of the desert. Stepping forward felt like crossing into a furnace, the heat rolling over them in oppressive waves. The scorching winds clawed at their throats, stealing their breath and focus.

    Yet, for the Iksharis ¨C their hosts ¨C the trek was effortless. They moved with practiced ease, unfazed by the relentless sun and shifting sands, as though this brutal landscape were little more than a familiar stroll.

    Meanwhile, the acolytes of the college cursed under their breath, struggling as their feet sank into the dunes with every step. More than a few cast jealous glances at the Iksharis, resentful of their effortless grace.

    ¡®Look at them,¡¯ Elred grumbled. ¡®They don¡¯t even sink. Are they using some special kind of boots?¡¯

    ¡®I doubt it¡¯s that simple,¡¯ Riniock mused. ¡®I¡¯ll find out.¡¯

    Elred shot him a sceptical look. ¡®And how exactly do you plan on doing that?¡¯

    Riniock smirked, giving him a friendly pat on the shoulder ¨C before suddenly using him as leverage, pushing him down into the sand.

    ¡®Ehh ¨C bastard!¡¯ Elred sputtered, struggling to get back out.

    The rock barren stretched endlessly before them, a vast, unforgiving biome, likely even larger than the crimson glades. Unlike the dense glades, however, this land was mostly open plains of sand, interrupted only by towering rock formations and scattered dunes. If the world itself were curved just a little less, one might have been able to see clear from one end of the barren to the other.

    The company trudged through the relentless heat for hours before finally stopping for a brief respite.

    ¡®There¡¯s no water in this damned place,¡¯ Riniock overheard someone grumbling behind him.

    ¡®If I¡¯d known, I would¡¯ve packed more than what I brought¡­¡¯

    ¡®Those Ikshari pricks could¡¯ve at least warned us. They¡¯re not even helping us navigate.¡¯

    ¡®Screw them. I¡¯ve got a few choice words for their headmaster.¡¯

    Riniock had been observing the Iksharis closely throughout the journey. Not only did they move across the shifting sands with remarkable ease, but they also seemed to require far less water than their Gorlean counterparts. Whilst the Gorleans drained their flasks to quench their thirst, the Iksharis sipped sparingly, needing only a fraction of what the others consumed.

    That advantage would serve them well, considering what Riniock knew about their true intentions.

    ¡®So, what¡¯s the deal with you and Niann?¡¯

    Riniock took a measured sip from his waterskin. ¡®What do you mean?¡¯

    ¡®Oh, don¡¯t give me that crap,¡¯ Elred scoffed, punching him in retaliation for his earlier stunt. ¡®Anyone with half a brain can tell you two had a fight.¡¯

    Riniock glanced to the left, where Niann sat perched on a large rock, sipping water in silence.

    ¡®Let¡¯s just say he has¡­reservations about something I did. Not really my fault.¡¯

    Elred smacked the back of Riniock¡¯s neck.

    ¡®The fuck was that for?¡¯

    ¡®For having the lamest fight I¡¯ve ever heard of,¡¯ Elred said flatly. ¡®If you don¡¯t patch things up soon, expect more of those.¡¯

    Rubbing his neck, Riniock shot Elred a glare before shifting his attention elsewhere.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

    Ahead of the group, Siegmun stood watch alongside Noidron, one of the more prominent staff members. Unlike them, the Iksharis appeared far too relaxed in their vigilance.

    Though Noidron was older and more experienced, leadership of the expedition had been entrusted to Siegmun. Noidron respected the chain of command and conducted himself accordingly.

    ¡®Nervous?¡¯ Noidron asked.

    ¡®A bit,¡¯ Siegmun admitted. ¡®Our hosts aren¡¯t exactly the most cautious bunch.¡¯

    Noidron followed his gaze towards the Ikshari delegation. Their master, Fladd, lounged comfortably, as if he owned the entire desert.

    ¡®Well, you¡¯re handling things remarkably well,¡¯ Noidron said approvingly. ¡®I¡¯ll be sure to inform the arch-maegi of your merits once we return.¡¯

    Siegmun allowed himself a small smile. ¡®I appreciate it.¡¯

    ¡®Not at all. It¡¯s good for a fresh mind to gain experience early on. It¡¯ll serve you well to learn from ¨C¡¯

    Noidron abruptly cut himself off, his expression shifting. His ears twitched as he turned his head sharply, scanning their surroundings with sudden urgency.

    ¡®What? What is it?¡¯ Siegmun mimicked his movements, searching for whatever had caught his attention.

    Noidron raised a hand, signalling for silence as he strained to listen.

    The two men stood perfectly still. Then, just barely over the sound of the wind ¨C a faint scrape in the sand.

    Noidron¡¯s eyes widened in horror. His voice rang out in a frantic cry, drawing all attention.

    ¡®ENEMY INCOMING!¡¯

    From seemingly nowhere, a massive beast lunged out of the sand, seizing a college acolyte by the ankle and dragging her across the dunes.

    A fellow acolyte reacted instantly, summoning a spell between her palms. The moment it was ready, she hurled it at the creature, striking it square in the face.

    The attack barely registered though.

    Unbothered, the beast halted just long enough to sink its teeth into its captive¡¯s neck, tearing through her carotid artery in a single vicious bite. The acolyte''s body went limp, her life snuffed out in an instant.

    ¡®RAINA!¡¯ the nearby girl screamed.

    A bolt of lightning ripped through the air, striking the creature in the chest. It let out a strangled cry and collapsed, its limbs convulsing from the electric surge.

    Noidron was alerted by her cry, his fingers sparking with white-blue lightning.

    ¡®Don¡¯t just stand there!¡¯ Siegmun barked, taking command. ¡®Form up and cover each other! Keep your backs guarded!¡¯

    Niann sprinted to the fallen beast, crouching beside its corpse for a better observation point.

    It had the appearance of a massive, hairless feline ¨C its sleek yet grotesque frame giving off an eerie presence. Wrinkled, leathery skin stretched over a body both slender and deceptively powerful. Its blunt snout was out of place compared to its massive hunter¡¯s paws, tipped with cruel talons. Despite its feline nature, there was something unnervingly reptilian about it.

    Before Niann could further examine it, more creatures began emerging, stepping through the wavering heat like spectres dissolving from a mirage.

    His breath caught in his throat. ¡®I know what these are¡­¡¯ he muttered, mind racing to piece together their nature. ¡®Elantreas! They use the desert¡¯s heat to bend light around them, turning invisible.¡¯

    The pack moved in with unnerving precision, encircling the group with coordinated, almost tactical intent.

    Noidron, observing their unnatural behaviour, turned sharply to Niann. ¡®Are they intelligent?¡¯

    ¡®Not like this¡­¡¯ Niann¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡®Something¡¯s wrong with them.¡¯

    There were too many ¨C far more than Noidron and the few elite maegis could handle alone.

    One moment, dozens of Elantreas loomed around them. The next, they vanished without a trace.

    Panic swept through the acolytes as their eyes darted wildly, searching the empty air for their attackers.

    ¡®Do not fear! Stay calm!¡¯ Siegmun¡¯s voice rang out. ¡®Focus ¨C trace the odh signatures in the air!¡¯

    He turned towards an unseen presence and cast his spell.

    Jagged stone spikes erupted from the ground, impaling something invisible. A pained gurgle followed, and then, with a spray of crimson, the creature¡¯s lifeless body became visible once more.

    Its blank eyes stared ahead, maw unhinged, tongue lolling out.

    This approach proved effective for several acolytes, including some from the Ikshari delegation. By concentrating on the subtle disturbances in the air, the more perceptive amongst them managed to detect the shifting odh signatures.

    With swift precision, these maegis unleashed their spells, either slaying or forcing their targets into the open.

    In one instance, an elantrea was wrenched from its invisibility, only to go berserk upon being exposed. However, something was off ¨C the creature targeted only the Gorlean acolytes, blatantly ignoring an Ikshari who stood just a step away.

    It even paused, nostrils flaring as if assessing him, before dismissing him entirely. Instead, it lunged at another Gorlean several paces away, bypassing multiple Ikshari in the process.

    Riniock took note of this as he fended off a creature exhibiting the same peculiar behaviour. When he spotted an elantrea creeping behind Linry, he braced for impact ¨C only for the beast to ignore her completely, leaping over her to strike one of his own peers instead.

    Gathering wind in his palms, he blasted the creature away from its intended target. The moment it hit the ground, a barrage of spells from the surrounding maegis finished it off.

    Riniock¡¯s brow furrowed.

    Why are they only attacking us? His fingers tightened into fists. This must be another one of their ploys¡­

 The Rock Barren (2)

    The battle ended swiftly once Fladd finally stepped in. His flames surged forth with eerie precision, each bolt of fire seeking out elantreas and reducing them to a smouldering husk within seconds. It was as though his mind could command dozens of spells at once, each flame moving with individual intent, yet without hesitation or error.

    For those who had never seen Ikshar¡¯s academy master in action, it was a terrifying spectacle.

    Riniock swallowed hard, a cold realisation settling over him. He recalled the day he had openly wounded Rodgut and Frisian in the arena ¨C how easily Fladd could have incinerated him on the spot. Had the professors not intervened, there would have been nothing left of him but ashes.

    I offended this monster¡­he gulped, a shiver running down the length of his spine.

    Some of the beasts began to retreat, easy prey for those swift enough to strike them down. Yet a few remained relentless, still targeting the Gorleans whilst continuing to ignore the Iksharis entirely.

    One particular elantrea locked onto Niann. It tore down the hill, weaving through students from both factions, its gaze fixed solely on him.

    The moment it reached him, the creature barrelled into Niann with bone-crushing force, slamming him onto the sand and pinning him beneath its powerful paws.

    ¡®Niann!¡¯ Riniock shouted, hastily gathering magic to intervene. But his hands trembled, and the spell fizzled before he could release it.

    The elantrea reared back, maw wide open, ready to sink its fangs into Niann¡¯s throat ¨C until a barrage of glacial spikes shattered against its face.

    It was none other than Urael.

    He had acted just in time. A second later, and Niann would have met the same fate as the fallen acolytes before him.

    Wounded, the beast let out a guttural cry and attempted to flee.

    Riniock, unwilling to let it escape unscathed, pulled his dagger and flung it towards the retreating creature. With both hands, he guided the blade through the air, steering it until it embedded deep into the elantrea¡¯s hind leg.

    But it wasn¡¯t enough to slow or bring the beast down. It vanished into the desert, taking Riniock¡¯s weapon with it.

    ¡®It made off with my dagger!¡¯ he snapped, frustration boiling over. But his anger quickly shifted to concern as he turned back to Niann.

    Niann lay sprawled on the ground, gasping for breath, his body rigid with pain.

    With the last of the elantrea either dead or gone, the medicar rushed between the wounded, eventually kneeling beside him.

    ¡®Oh dear,¡¯ he muttered grimly. ¡®He¡¯s lucky. Any worse, and he would¡¯ve been crippled for life. Here, give him this while I tend to the others.¡¯

    Niann tried to speak, but his words were lost beneath his laboured breaths. When neither Riniock nor Urael could understand him, he turned his head to the nearest slain elantrea.

    Faint sparks still crackled around its lifeless body.

    With a weak lift of his hand, Niann pointed towards the beast¡¯s neck. Deep, coiled ligature marks were clearly visible against its leathery skin.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

    ¡®They were tamed?¡¯ Urael deduced, eyes narrowing. Niann gave a slight nod. ¡®Someone set them on us,¡¯ Urael continued. ¡®But who?¡¯

    Riniock had a strong suspicion, but he masked it with feigned ignorance. ¡®No clue.¡¯

    ¡®We should tell Siegmun.¡¯

    ¡®I¡¯ll do it,¡¯ Riniock cut in quickly. He, more than anyone, understood what the Iksharis were up to.

    Urael scoffed, eyeing him mockingly. ¡®Cold, even for you. Not staying with your friend?¡¯

    Riniock glanced down at Niann, who clung to consciousness by the thinnest thread. He had nearly died, and they had been at odds when it happened. Their friendship had formed quickly, yet the sight of him so close to death made Riniock¡¯s heart pound in ways he wasn¡¯t used to.

    Unfamiliar emotions stirred in his chest.

    Then, just as suddenly, Niann¡¯s eyes fluttered shut ¨C the medicar¡¯s remedy had taken effect, sending him into a deep sleep.

    ¡®I have to do this,¡¯ Riniock finally said. ¡®He wouldn¡¯t have shown me the marks if he wanted me to stay.¡¯

    ¡®Suit yourself,¡¯ Urael shrugged, ¡®but I¡¯m coming too.¡¯

    ¡®No, you¡¯re not.¡¯ Riniock stopped him with a shove.

    Urael pushed past him. ¡®Try and stop me.¡¯

    Siegmun stood at the centre of the aftermath, issuing orders with practiced efficiency. The medicar moved between the wounded whilst Noidron remained close, listening intently.

    ¡®Seven casualties, all from our college. Thirteen injured ¨C also ours,¡¯ the medicar reported. ¡®The delegation¡¯s acolytes suffered only minor wounds from their own confusion and panic.¡¯

    Siegmun frowned, his suspicions hardening with each passing moment. ¡®So only we suffered losses. That¡¯s troubling.¡¯

    ¡®Don¡¯t dwell on it too much,¡¯ Noidron advised. ¡®It could just be a coincidence.¡¯

    ¡®Maybe,¡¯ Siegmun admitted. ¡®But morale will take a hit.¡¯

    ¡®I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll find a way to fix that,¡¯ Noidron said confidently, ever trusting of Siegmun¡¯s leadership.

    Both turned as Riniock and Urael approached.

    ¡®Riniock!¡¯ Siegmun greeted, visibly relieved to see him. ¡®What brings you here?¡¯

    ¡®We meet again!¡¯ Noidron added.

    Riniock nodded slightly. ¡®Greetings, Sir Noidron. Niann found ligature marks on the elantreas¡¯ necks. We believe they were tamed and commanded to attack us.¡¯

    Siegmun and Noidron exchanged tense glances.

    ¡®That explains their unnatural coordination,¡¯ Noidron murmured.

    ¡®Indeed,¡¯ Siegmun agreed. ¡®We need to investigate this before our enemies cover their tracks.¡¯

    Before they could continue, Noidron¡¯s gaze sharpened as he noticed Riniock¡¯s companion.

    ¡®And who is this?¡¯ he asked pointedly.

    ¡®I¡¯m Urael Flonderance, and I ¨C¡¯

    ¡®And he was annoyingly insistent on tagging along,¡¯ Riniock interrupted, subtly signalling Siegmun not to speak freely in Urael¡¯s presence.

    Siegmun caught on. ¡®If you have no business here, return to the medicar and assist with the wounded.¡¯

    ¡®But I ¨C¡¯

    ¡®The expedition leader gave you an order,¡¯ Noidron growled, his usual composure shifting into something sterner. ¡®Are you refusing it?¡¯

    Urael hesitated, his resolve wilting under the weight of authority. Without another word, he turned and walked away.

    Once he was out of earshot, Siegmun refocused. ¡®Any ideas on how to track where the elantreas went?¡¯

    ¡®I could follow their tracks,¡¯ Noidron suggested, ¡®but it would take too long.¡¯

    ¡®We don¡¯t have that kind of time,¡¯ Siegmun said. ¡®They¡¯ll vanish before we get anywhere close.¡¯

    ¡®We could try tracing their odh signatures,¡¯ Noidron offered, ¡®but that would drain too much of our own energy, and their abilities to turn invisible might interfere.¡¯

    They tossed around ideas, but none seemed practical.

    Then Riniock spoke up, resting a hand on his empty scabbard. ¡®How hard would it be to track a weapon I¡¯m attuned to?¡¯

    Noidron¡¯s furrowed expression shifted into a knowing smile. ¡®Not hard at all. That¡¯s the best suggestion yet.¡¯

    ¡®What weapon?¡¯ Siegmun asked.

    ¡®My dagger,¡¯ Riniock said. ¡®I threw it into an elantrea¡¯s leg. If it¡¯s still lodged in the beast, we can use it to find them.¡¯

    ¡®Brilliant!¡¯ Siegmun clapped his hands. ¡®That gives us a direct trail to follow.¡¯

    ¡®Then, who are you bringing?¡¯ Noidron asked.

    ¡®I¡¯ll need a team of five. You¡¯ll stay behind and assume command in my absence though.¡¯

    ¡®Understood,¡¯ Noidron nodded.

    ¡®As for the search party, I¡¯ll definitely take Balidor and Aikan. As for the remaining three, Ulred, Hadfarr, and Lodras will have to suffice. Riniock, you¡¯re coming too.¡¯

    Riniock blinked. ¡®I am?¡¯

    ¡®Of course. You¡¯re the only one who can track the dagger.¡¯

    ¡®I see.¡¯ He masked his excitement with a neutral nod.

    Noidron gave them one final piece of advice before turning to his new duties. ¡®Be careful. We still don¡¯t know who or what we¡¯re dealing with.¡¯

    Siegmun and Riniock exchanged a firm nod.

    ¡®Let¡¯s gather the others,¡¯ Siegmun said. ¡®Then we¡¯ll begin the hunt. Ready?¡¯

 Payment in Blood

    From a distance, the group might have seemed like they were wandering aimlessly through the dark expanse of the desert, with no clear purpose.

    The moon shone at their backs, providing slight clarity.

    ¡®There¡¯s blood spatter here,¡¯ Siegmun observed, pointing to a stained patch in the sand.

    Aikan¡¯s face lit up. ¡®We¡¯re still on the right track.¡¯

    ¡®Good work, Riniock,¡¯ Balidor praised. ¡®I can feel we¡¯re getting close ¨C¡¯

    Riniock suddenly halted, bringing the entire group to a stop. Those behind him stumbled slightly, caught off guard by the abrupt pause.

    ¡®What is it?¡¯ Siegmun asked.

    ¡®I lost focus for a second,¡¯ Riniock muttered. ¡®You lot wouldn¡¯t stop talking.¡¯

    A few of them looked away, mildly embarrassed.

    Regaining his concentration, Riniock pressed on, and the others followed. They covered a good distance before he finally came to a stop again.

    ¡®There,¡¯ he said, pointing towards a rocky formation.

    ¡®The rock?¡¯ one of the acolytes asked, perplexed.

    ¡®Behind it.¡¯ He gestured at the edge of the tallest spire. ¡®Look closely ¨C you can just barely see smoke rising.¡¯

    ¡®A camp!¡¯

    Siegmun stepped forward, his expression sharpening. ¡®If we move strategically, we can pull this off. First, we¡¯ll assess their numbers and scout the area. We can¡¯t afford to walk into their camp at a disadvantage.¡¯

    They nodded, drawing in closer to hear the plan.

    ¡®We¡¯ll split into pairs,¡¯ Siegmun began. ¡®Hadfarr and I will circle the camp and infiltrate from the north. Aikan and Ulred, you¡¯ll approach from the east. Balidor and Lodras ¨C¡¯

    ¡®Left side, west. Got it!¡¯ Balidor interjected.

    Riniock leaned forward slightly. ¡®And me?¡¯ he asked, eager to be included.

    ¡®You¡¯ll climb the rock formation and scout from the vantage point. Provide support from long range,¡¯ Siegmun instructed. ¡®More importantly, you¡¯ll be our signal. Once we¡¯re all in position, you¡¯ll give the cue to begin.¡¯

    Riniock gave a firm nod. It wasn¡¯t surprising that he was assigned the safest role, given his limited field experience.

    But this was his chance to prove his worth.

    If there was one thing Riniock excelled at, it was long-range spellcasting. From his vantage point, he would have the only complete view of the battlefield, making his support crucial to the survival of the raiding pairs.

    Scaling the tallest spire was no easy feat. It took time, and every muscle in his body protested the effort. Outside of his training at Mesyo Mahas, physical exertion had never been his strong suit. Without the aid of magick, the climb drained him completely.

    But eventually, he reached the top.

    Catching his breath, Riniock began assessing the area.

    To his right, Aikan and Ulred moved in the shadows, slipping between tents. On the left, Balidor and Lodras crouched behind a stack of crates, exchanging glances as they scanned their surroundings. Directly ahead, Siegmun and Hadfarr were already at work, their small figures barely visible as they took down a lone sentry who had wandered outside the camp to relieve himself.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

    With his allies¡¯ positions confirmed, Riniock turned his attention to the camp''s occupants. Their beige robes were unmistakable ¨C the same worn by acolytes of the academy.

    He began counting.

    Including the one just taken down, fourteen maegis occupied the encampment. Some were asleep, others gathered around a fire, drinking and talking, whilst the rest patrolled the perimeter.

    ¡®Good. The elantreas are caged. One less problem to worry about.¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s gaze settled on one particular elantrea. His dagger was still lodged in its leg, but an Ikshari maegi had just noticed it. The man pulled it free, inspecting the weapon before giving it a few test swings. Then, without much thought, he walked away from the cage, dagger in hand.

    Riniock didn¡¯t let that distract him.

    Even from a distance, his companions could still see him clearly. With a precise sequence of gestures, he gave the signal.

    It began.

    Balidor struck first, taking his target by surprise. But Lodras faltered ¨C his attack failed, and his opponent immediately cried out for help. The camp erupted into chaos as the Iksharis converged on their location. Lodras and his foe locked into a frantic struggle, grappling at close quarters.

    Then they broke apart.

    The Ikshari stumbled back and turned, hands glowing with a fire spell. But before he could release it, a razor-sharp gust of wind slammed him into the side of a tent.

    Balidor was already moving. He caught up, conjuring a blaze that engulfed both the Ikshari and the canvas in a roaring inferno.

    ¡®Watch yourself,¡¯ Riniock muttered, already taking aim.

    Another target ¨C this time, a compact spear of wind tore through his chest. Aikan wasted no time, finishing the job with a spell of his own.

    The battle escalated.

    What was meant to be a stealth operation turned into an all-out clash of magick. Spells of every element and hue streaked through the night like chaotic fireworks.

    Riniock provided cover from above. He destabilised moving targets, giving his allies the chance to land killing blows. And when an enemy remained still long enough ¨C he struck to kill.

    ¡®RINIOCK!¡¯ Ulred¡¯s voice rang out over the battlefield. ¡®Stop him! Stop that guy!¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s eyes snapped to the commotion. It was the same Ikshari who had tended to the elantreas earlier, now sprinting in the direction of the cages.

    Riniock fired off a spell, but the man dodged ¨C whether by skill or sheer luck, it didn¡¯t matter. He was closing in.

    Frustration burned through Riniock. The Ikshari reached the first cage, his hand already gripping the bars. Then something caught Riniock¡¯s eye ¨C the glint of his dagger still in his grasp.

    Without thinking, Riniock thrust his hands forward. The blade wrenched free from the man¡¯s grip, whirling midair. And in one fluid motion, it slashed across his throat before he could release the beasts.

    The outcome of the battle became evident in moments.

    With their overwhelming advantage ¨C and Riniock covering them from above ¨C the camp¡¯s defenders fell one after another. Only three remained, making a desperate final stand.

    They had taken cover behind a stack of bricks.

    Spells flew in all directions, lighting up the night in bursts of fire and crackling energy. Despite being outnumbered, the last three held their ground, their defensive position making it difficult for Riniock to land a clean shot. Unless he timed his strike perfectly, his support was useless.

    Riniock thought fast.

    Locating his dagger once more, he lifted it into the air, guiding it towards the huddled enemies. They were too preoccupied with their frantic spellcasting to notice the weapon hovering just inches away.

    With a flick of his wrist, Riniock twisted the blade in the air ¨C then drove it straight into the skull of the nearest man.

    The Ikshari convulsed, his body jerking involuntarily before crumpling to the ground.

    One of his remaining allies gasped in horror. In his panic, he shot to his feet ¨C forgetting his surroundings.

    That was all the opening Hadfarr needed.

    An explosive sphere struck the man¡¯s head, detonating on impact. His headless body slumped, smoke curling from the scorched remnants.

    The last survivor was already trembling.

    With wide eyes, he threw up his hands. ¡®I yield!¡¯ he cried, voice cracking. ¡®Please, I yield!¡¯

    But surrender didn¡¯t stop Riniock from taking his shot.

    A sharp gust of wind slammed the man against a nearby wall, pinning him in place. The others rushed forward, restraining him with a containment spell.

    Siegmun exhaled, surveying the battlefield. ¡®Good job, everyone! That¡­wasn¡¯t exactly how I planned it, but no one¡¯s hurt, right?¡¯

    ¡®I¡¯m fine!¡¯

    ¡®Same here¡­¡¯

    ¡®Not a scratch.¡¯

    ¡®Untouched.¡¯

    Lodras inspected himself. ¡®Just a flesh wound,¡¯

    Someone glanced up towards the rocky spire. ¡®Riniock! You good, mate?¡¯

    Riniock held up two thumbs. ¡®All good.¡¯

    ¡®Then,¡¯ Siegmun continued, his expression darkening as he turned to their captive. A menacing glint flickered in his eyes. ¡®Let¡¯s see what we can squeeze out of you.¡¯

 Wrapping it Up

    The group of seven secured their captive to a chair they had found in the camp, subjecting him to brutal interrogation.

    Despite their efforts ¨C and the unmistakable desperation in his eyes ¨C not a single word left his lips. It was as if his mouth had been sewn shut.

    ¡®This is going nowhere,¡¯ Siegmun growled, ripping off his gloves and throwing them to the ground before storming off in frustration.

    Balidor clenched his fist, dispelling the flames he had conjured beneath the Ikshari¡¯s feet. As the heat faded, so did the man¡¯s silent, shuddering gasps of pain.

    A short distance away, Riniock sat on a boulder, watching in quiet detachment.

    Torture wasn¡¯t something he particularly enjoyed. He understood its purpose, but if given the choice, he always preferred a simpler solution: murder.

    There was no doubt ¨C the captive knew the answers to their questions but remained silent, whether intentionally or forcibly.

    ¡®He¡¯s probably under a spell preventing him from speaking,¡¯ Riniock suggested, eager to end the pointless interrogation. ¡®Let¡¯s just kill him and get back before the delegation starts questioning your absence.¡¯

    Siegmun hesitated, but when the others nodded in agreement, his resolve wavered, his worry assuaged.

    ¡®Riniock¡¯s right,¡¯ Aikan said, clapping him on the shoulder. ¡®He¡¯s not going to talk.¡¯

    Siegmun scanned the group, their expressions unwavering. ¡®You¡¯re all in favour of this?¡¯

    Not a single head shook in dissent.

    ¡®Then it¡¯s settled.¡¯ He turned to Riniock. ¡®Have at it.¡¯

    There was no need to tell him twice.

    Riniock rose from his rocky seat, stretching leisurely. His dagger slipped from its scabbard of its own accord, hovering beside his face like a predator savouring the moment before the kill. After a night spent wielding it with deadly precision from afar, his control over the weapon had only sharpened ¨C so much so that he no longer needed his hands to guide it.

    The captive, who had endured an hour of silent torment, finally broke.

    ¡®No¡­please¡­mercy¡­I¡¯ll tell you what you need to know¡­just don¡¯t kill me¡­¡¯

    Riniock tilted his head and smiled. ¡®I don¡¯t care.¡¯

    The dagger shot forward, piercing through the man¡¯s skull. His body jerked back, chair and all, collapsing into a lifeless heap. The execution was so swift, so seamless, that most of the group barely registered the moment of death.

    The blade wrenched itself free, spinning midair to fling off any lingering blood before gliding smoothly back into its sheath ¨C no hands required.

    The others stared, clearly impressed.

    ¡®Neat trick,¡¯ Siegmun remarked before turning to their final task. ¡®Now, let¡¯s deal with the remaining elantreas and head back.¡¯

    Across the barren landscape, the night echoed with bestial shrieks ¨C sharp cries of terror that quickly faded into silence as their owners expired.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    By the time they returned, the first light of dawn crested the horizon. The entire rock barren glowed in a warm hue of terracotta, the unbearable heat finding its way back.

    Their arrival did not go unnoticed ¨C seven figures striding back into camp were hard to miss. And with Riniock being a person of interest to the academy master, his absence had certainly raised questions. As they made their way through the gathering of both institutions, Fladd fixed them with a jaundiced glare, his scrutiny unmistakable.

    Noidron was the first to greet them, though he did so discreetly. Approaching Siegmun with his back turned to Fladd, he gave a subtle glance, a silent warning not to say or do anything that might arouse suspicion.

    Siegmun caught the cue and played along. ¡®Noidron! How goes the healing of the injured?¡¯

    ¡®Quite well,¡¯ Noidron replied, his expression carefully neutral. ¡®But the academy master has grown impatient. He spent the entire night inquiring about your whereabouts.¡¯

    Siegmun raised a brow. ¡®And did he receive an answer?¡¯

    ¡®He did.¡¯ Noidron¡¯s tone remained steady. ¡®I informed Master Fladd that you took the initiative to form a squad and drive the elantreas away from the area, ensuring the safety of the wounded whilst the medicar tended to them and the others handled the fallen.¡¯

    Siegmun forced a polite smile and gave Noidron¡¯s arm a firm squeeze. ¡®You did well. I¡¯ll handle the rest from here.¡¯

    With a slight nod, Noidron excused himself, leaving Siegmun to face what came next. He passed by the others, allowing Riniock a warmer expression as greetings.

    Fladd wasted no time closing the distance between them, his stride sharp and his expression betraying clear displeasure.

    ¡®Mr. Torash,¡¯ he began, his voice laced with thinly veiled sarcasm. ¡®I trust your little excursion was a success?¡¯

    ¡®Oh, without a doubt,¡¯ Siegmun replied smoothly. ¡®Mr. Ortis mentioned you spent the entire night beside yourself with worry.¡¯

    Fladd¡¯s expression darkened. ¡®Beg your pardon?¡¯ he echoed, his tone heavy with displeasure.

    ¡®But there¡¯s no need for concern,¡¯ Siegmun continued, unfazed. ¡®I¡¯ve returned safe and sound, and I¡¯m prepared to move along as soon as the last of the injured is fit for travel.¡¯

    Fladd¡¯s glare was piercing, but Siegmun met it without so much as a flinch. The academy master¡¯s efforts to intimidate him were wasted.

    ¡®We march in an hour,¡¯ Fladd finally said, his voice clipped. ¡®Make sure your company is ready. We¡¯re nearly there.¡¯

    Siegmun inclined his head with practiced ease. ¡®I¡¯ll be sure to pass along the message, Master Fladd.¡¯

    After this peculiar exchange, Siegmun, Noidron, and Riniock reconvened, the staff member eager to hear about their exploits from the night before.

    They settled onto the sun-scorched sand, careful to keep their conversation out of any unwanted earshot.

    ¡®I assume you tracked down the beasts?¡¯ Noidron prompted.

    ¡®We did,¡¯ Siegmun confirmed. ¡®Thanks to Riniock, we located a camp ¨C fourteen maegis from the academy.¡¯

    Noidron¡¯s voice dropped. ¡®And their status?¡¯

    ¡®Dead,¡¯ Siegmun stated plainly. ¡®We also eliminated the elantreas and burned the camp along with the bodies.¡¯

    Noidron wrinkled his nose. ¡®That explains the stench. Your clothes reek of smoke.¡¯ He shook his head before pressing on. ¡®Tell me more ¨C about the battle.¡¯

    Siegmun recounted the raid in detail, leaving nothing out. Noidron listened intently, occasionally making approving remarks, particularly when hearing of Riniock¡¯s role in the skirmish.

    ¡®To think, the first time I met you, you were hiding in a tree. You¡¯ve come a long way.¡¯

    Siegmun raised an eyebrow, smirking. ¡®Hiding in a tree?¡¯

    ¡®Long story,¡¯ Riniock cut in before the conversation could veer off course and his embarrassment exposed.

    Noidron chuckled. ¡®Well, in any case, go get ready. I¡¯d rather not have that oaf Fladd breathing down my neck if anyone isn¡¯t prepared on time.¡¯

    Before long, the entire group, from the college and academy alike, had gathered and resumed their march, trailing behind the delegation, who moved with practiced ease across the unforgiving terrain. Curses were muttered, complaints whispered, but as time wore on, their frustration dulled into weary resignation.

    Then, as they ascended a steep dune, a breathtaking sight unfolded before them, sweeping away the lingering grievances of their journey.

    It towered over everything in sight.

    No dune, no stray shrub, no lone tree or jagged rock spire could compare to its sheer presence. The Gorleans might argue that their own homeland was far grander, but for a people whose closest brush with permanence had been tents, this was a sight to behold.

    A voice rang out, that of Fladd¡¯s, rich with pride and a hint of challenge in his intonation.

    ¡®Welcome to our home, spawns of Gorlea. This is Ikshar Academy of the North.¡¯

 Ikshar Academy of the North

    Riniock ¨C and many others ¨C immediately noticed how vastly different Ikshar was from Gorlea.

    For one, the academy was a fraction of the size of their own college. Whilst Gorlea¡¯s institution was a sprawling castle, its grounds stretching across an entire hill, extending into a town, and even bordering the sea, Ikshar was far more compact and straightforward in design.

    Its structure was plain to see ¨C no labyrinthine corridors, no sprawling wings to explore. The heart of the academy was a single, dominant main building.

    Surrounding this central structure was an array of towering spires, all linked by fortified walls and battlements. The entire layout was circular, with the outermost ring lined with the towers, more scattered within the inner perimeter, and at the core of it all, the imposing main hall.

    ¡®Follow our lead,¡¯ Master Fladd instructed. ¡®One misstep, and you¡¯ll find yourself lost in the heart of the rock barren. Stay close to me or one of the students at all times.¡¯

    After descending the dune, the Gorlean students took heed of their hosts¡¯ warnings, keeping close as they advanced.

    Something felt off about the atmosphere surrounding the academy. The path the Ikshari hosts took was seemingly erratic, as if designed to mislead. But to those with sharp instincts or a trained eye, the reason for their caution became evident.

    ¡®Bewildering array,¡¯ Niann whispered to Riniock, noting the defences shrouding the academy¡¯s entrance. ¡®One wrong step, and you could end up gods know where.¡¯

    Once again, Niann¡¯s knowledge proved valuable.

    ¡®How do you know everything?¡¯ Riniock quipped.

    ¡®Reading like a maniac,¡¯ Niann replied with a shrug. ¡®I¡¯ve got obsessively academic parents and relatives.¡¯

    ¡®You don¡¯t say. Mine are botanists ¨C rich ones.¡¯

    Since Riniock¡¯s injury, whatever tension had existed between them had completely faded. Their past conflict was now behind them.

    ¡®What else do you know about the academy?¡¯ Riniock asked, curious and assessing.

    Niann bit his thumb, wincing slightly as he searched his memory. ¡®I remember reading that their education system is different from ours,¡¯ he finally said, raising a finger.

    ¡®How so?¡¯

    Leaning in slightly, Niann directed Riniock¡¯s gaze towards the towers encircling the academy. ¡®See those? Each one belongs to a maegi ¨C an acknowledged master. Unlike our system, where specialised professors teach specific subjects, here, each master gathers their own disciples and trains them in all they know.¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s eyes widened. It was an unusual, almost foreign approach.

    Yet, that didn¡¯t mean their methods were inferior. Linry and Irgod were living proof of Ikshar¡¯s capability. Who knew how many other masters and disciples resided within its walls, potentially as strong ¨C or even stronger ¨C than those two?

    And then there was Fladd himself ¨C a walking calamity of fire, his fearsome magick demonstrated time and time again.

    ¡®What about their headmaster? Any information?¡¯

    Niann shook his head. ¡®The books I read are a few years old. As far as I know, the current headmaster has only held the position for the past two years. Beyond that, I¡¯ve got nothing.¡¯

    ¡®I see¡­¡¯

    Niann¡¯s knowledge, extensive as it was, had its limits.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    If Riniock wanted to learn more about their hosts, he¡¯d have to turn to the one person here he had a rapport with.

    When the opportunity arose, he needed to speak with Linry. There were things he needed to clarify.

    A few moments later, the academy gates finally emerged from behind a veil of the array. Like Gorlea¡¯s, they were heavily guarded, a formidable line of gatekeepers standing watch. And judging by their presence alone ¨C much like Lazrus ¨C these maegis were not to be trifled with.

    The group of maegis finally crossed the threshold, stepping into the academy¡¯s inner grounds.

    From within, the layout remained much as they had observed from outside ¨C fortified, structured, and unembellished. Yet, something felt distinctly off. The air itself was thin with odh, the very essence needed for magick.

    With so little of it present, how the Iksharis managed to train, recover, or even cast spells at all was a mystery. And knowing this, their progress in the arcane arts became all the more impressive.

    As they entered, a man approached to greet them.

    He was neither old nor young, but what stood out most was that he was not from Ikshar. His attire was unmistakable ¨C black robes laced with gold, swirling with intricate symbols. Layers of heavy golden bracelets encircled his wrists, each adorned with multi-coloured gemstones. Rings covered his fingers, glinting with the same lavish craftsmanship. Around his neck, an array of pendants gleamed, their gemstones catching the light.

    But the most striking piece of all was the circlet resting upon his brow, an intricate fusion of solargold and an unfamiliar white metal.

    Riniock narrowed his eyes and whispered, ¡®That man¡­he¡¯s Gorlean.¡¯

    ¡®This is Talien Torash, High Maegi and current contender for the position of Arch-Maegi,¡¯ Niann said, a note of reverence in his voice. He regarded the man with respect, as if he already knew him well. ¡®He¡¯s also my uncle.¡¯

    ¡®The High Maegi?¡¯ Riniock repeated, the title alone evoking an air of authority. ¡®Is he powerful?¡¯

    Niann nodded, his expression darkening.

    Riniock didn¡¯t miss the shift in his demeanour. ¡®How powerful?¡¯

    Niann hesitated. ¡®Let¡¯s just say¡­Master Fladd wouldn¡¯t stand a chance against him.¡¯

    Riniock swallowed hard, feeling a weight settle in his chest. ¡®That strong? But there¡¯s decades between them.¡¯

    ¡®The Nodahr and Torash bloodlines are renowned for their strength and knowledge,¡¯ Niann murmured.

    Riniock frowned, a realisation dawning on him. ¡®Wait. If he¡¯s a Torash and related to you¡­then does that mean ¨C¡¯

    At that moment, the leader of the expedition stepped forward, brushing past the academy master with unrestrained enthusiasm.

    ¡®Uncle Talien!¡¯ Siegmun called, approaching with an ease that suggested a closeness others did not share.

    Talien turned at the sound of his name, his sharp gaze settling on his nephew. He stepped closer, placing a firm hand on Siegmun¡¯s shoulder as though measuring his progress. ¡®I can sense your growth. As expected of a Torash.¡¯

    ¡®And you, uncle ¨C are you well?¡¯ Siegmun asked.

    Talien¡¯s voice dropped to a low murmur. ¡®As well as one can be. The Iksharis aren¡¯t exactly known for their hospitality.¡¯

    Siegmun smirked but held back a chuckle. ¡®I can only imagine.¡¯

    Talien scanned the assembled Gorlean students, his expression betraying mild disappointment. With a sigh, he released Siegmun and straightened. ¡®Where is my other nephew?¡¯

    ¡®I am here, Uncle,¡¯ Niann answered hesitantly.

    Riniock had suspected it, but now he had confirmation. ¡®You and Siegmun are cousins?¡¯ he muttered.

    Niann kept his gaze forward, nodding faintly in response.

    ¡®Well,¡¯ Talien said with a knowing tone, ¡®come closer so I can take a look at you.¡¯

    Reluctantly, Niann shuffled forward, stopping just two paces away. He scratched his neck, eyes shifting away uneasily.

    ¡®Minimal progress, I see,¡¯ Talien remarked, his tone indifferent. ¡®It will do for now. But you¡¯d best keep working hard ¨C lest I inform your father of your shortcomings.¡¯

    Niann lowered his head. ¡®That won¡¯t be necessary. I¨CI promise I¡¯ll work harder.¡¯

    Talien studied him for a moment longer before moving on to more pressing matters.

    Waiting nearby, Fladd stood with his arms crossed, his expression dark and his foot tapping impatiently. The academy master had played the part of a cantankerous old man so far, but in front of Talien, his usual arrogance was noticeably restrained.

    ¡®I trust I haven¡¯t kept you waiting too long, Fladd,¡¯ Talien said smoothly.

    Fladd cleared his throat. ¡®Not at all, Talien. I assume your arch-maegi has sent the necessary documents?¡¯

    With a snap of his fingers, Talien summoned a scroll into his hand. ¡®He has. You needn¡¯t concern yourself further ¨C I¡¯ll handle my college¡¯s affairs from here.¡¯

    Fladd inclined his head in acknowledgment.

    Without another word, the academy master turned and strode towards one of the surrounding towers, his personal disciples trailing after him. The rest of the Ikshari students dispersed, returning to their usual routines.

    As they moved away, Riniock noticed Linry slowing her pace. She glanced in his direction and, with subtle hand gestures, signalled for him to meet her later.

    Riniock blinked as a response, trying to be a discreet as possible. He watched her enter the tower, disappearing behind a large door.

    His spirits were renewed. He had been waiting for this moment for a while.

 The Deserts Secrets (1)

    The rest of the day passed uneventfully after Linry¡¯s departure and Talien¡¯s assumption of control. Once the delegation and the Ikshari welcoming party had dispersed, the high maegi turned his attention to assigning the students under his care to their designated quarters.

    ¡®As a demonstration of inclusivity, both institutions have agreed that you will share lodgings with the academy¡¯s students.¡¯

    A murmur of discontent rippled through the Gorlean students, several voices rising in protest.

    Talien remained calm, yet his measured tone alone was enough to quell the complaints. ¡®Are you questioning the college¡¯s decision?¡¯ He did not raise his voice, cast a spell, or make any overt threats ¨C yet the authority in his gaze was absolute. ¡®You are here as representatives of Gorlea. As such, it is Gorlea¡¯s hierarchy that determines what you can, cannot, must, and must not do.¡¯

    Silence followed. No further objections.

    ¡®Good.¡¯ Talien continued, satisfied. ¡®Ikshar has a total of sixteen living towers. When I call your name, you will step forward, draw a lot, and reveal the number you receive. These assignments are final. You may not exchange or alter them. Understood?¡¯

    A collective nod of agreement followed.

    Talien had already summoned the scroll acting as documents and began calling names. Each student approached in turn, reaching into a leather sack to draw a slip of paper. Upon revealing their number, they were directed to their assigned tower.

    As the process continued, Riniock paid close attention, carefully noting each number drawn. When one of his peers pulled the number 15, Talien gestured towards a particular towe ¨C the very one Linry had entered.

    Riniock knew what he had to do. He had to draw that number ¨C no matter what.

    The list was dwindling, and Riniock felt the inevitable weight of his name being called. No matter how much he thought about it, no spell or trick he knew could guarantee him the outcome he wanted.

    As his hopes faded and he resigned himself to fate, something caught his eye ¨C Noidron, standing off to the side, his left eye glowing faintly with a soft green light.

    It was subtle, but unmistakable. The lead staff member was using magick.

    ¡®Sir Noidron,¡¯ Riniock whispered, discreetly moving towards him.

    Noidron remained focused on whatever he was observing.

    ¡®Riniock,¡¯ he acknowledged, not looking away. ¡®What brings you here?¡¯

    ¡®Nothing much. I was just over there when I noticed your eye glowing. Is that a spell?¡¯

    At that, Noidron turned his head slightly, the glow vanishing. A flicker of surprise crossed his face ¨C he hadn¡¯t expected anyone to notice.

    ¡®Y-You have a sharp sense for perceiving odh,¡¯ he remarked with a stutter, his expression shifting to something wary.

    ¡®So it was a spell?¡¯

    ¡®W-Well, kind of,¡¯ Noidron admitted, lowering his voice. ¡®But please, keep that to yourself. I don¡¯t wish for others to know I can make use of it.¡¯

    Riniock saw his opening. ¡®Is it arcane sense?¡¯

    Noidron¡¯s eyes widened. ¡®How do you ¨C¡¯ He cut himself off and quickly shrank back, glancing around to make sure no one else had heard. ¡®You shouldn¡¯t go around saying things like that.¡¯

    ¡®I would never, sir,¡¯ Riniock assured him.

    ¡®Good. Now, go back to your group before the high maegi notices you lingering.¡¯

    But Riniock remained where he was, shifting his expression into one of exaggerated unease.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡®Well, you see, sir,¡¯ he said slowly, ¡®I actually need your help.¡¯

    ¡®My help?¡¯ Noidron repeated.

    ¡®Indeed. I need to be assigned to the fifteenth tower. And since convincing the high maegi is out of the question, I¡¯ve come up with a better alternative.¡¯

    Noidron immediately understood what was happening.

    Riniock hadn¡¯t approached him out of mere curiosity ¨C he had a purpose, and Noidron had a strong suspicion of what it might be. Whilst he wasn¡¯t entirely sure of the details, he knew one thing: Riniock wanted him to use his ability.

    He exhaled, already regretting his next words. ¡®What exactly do you need from me?¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s lips curled into a knowing smile.

    ¡®You probably can project your voice into people¡¯s minds,¡¯ he said smoothly. ¡®When it¡¯s my turn to draw a lot, I want you to use your arcane sense and telepathically guide me to number fifteen.¡¯

    Noidron¡¯s expression darkened with suspicion ¨C and concern. If the high maegi caught wind of this, it would be his head on the chopping block.

    Then again, if Riniock decided to let slip that he could wield arcane sense, it would cause him no small amount of trouble as well.

    After a long pause, Noidron sighed in resignation. ¡®Fine. But you never breathe a word of this to anyone.¡¯

    Riniock blinked innocently and gave a firm nod.

    Time passed, and at last, Talien called Riniock¡¯s name. Steeling himself, Riniock stepped forward, making his way to the High Maegi.

    It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but he could sense it ¨C the weight of Talien¡¯s gaze, the quiet uncalled disapproval behind those unreadable eyes.

    He pushed the thought aside as he reached into the leather sack. At that precise moment, Noidron¡¯s arcane sense flared to life.

    Move your hand slightly to the right ¨C now towards you. Not the first slip your fingers brush against ¨C the one just beneath it.

    Riniock obeyed the whispered guidance without hesitation. A moment later, he pulled out his lot: Fifteen.

    He wasted no time lingering for the high maegi¡¯s instructions. Moving with purpose, he strode towards the tower assigned to him.

    As his fingers neared the handle, a voice suddenly echoed in his mind ¨C cold, sharp, and unmistakably dangerous.

    Don¡¯t think yourself clever, Mr. Tolgir. I¡¯ve been made aware of your repeated insubordinations. If you so much as stir trouble within Master Fladd¡¯s tower, you will answer to me personally.

    Riniock¡¯s breath hitched. His hand remained frozen over the door, his pulse hammering against his ribs.

    In the reflection of the polished metal handle, he caught a glimpse of Talien, still facing the other students, betraying nothing of the quiet warning he had just delivered.

    Swallowing hard, Riniock steadied himself, turned the handle, and stepped inside.

    ¡®Riniock!¡¯

    Linry stood waiting deeper inside, where no prying eyes or ears could reach.

    Before he could say anything, she grabbed his hand and dragged him straight to her private quarters. As they neared the door, it swung open on its own.

    The moment they crossed the threshold, Riniock felt a strange shift in the air.

    ¡®There¡¯s an array in this room, isn¡¯t there?¡¯ he asked.

    ¡®A soundproof one,¡¯ Linry confirmed without hesitation. ¡®I hate when people eavesdrop.¡¯

    She was more direct than usual.

    Wasting no time, she settled onto a pair of luxuriously soft cushions, gesturing for Riniock to do the same. He sat across from her, taking in his surroundings. Her quarters were unlike anything he had seen before ¨C unconventional, distinctly foreign.

    Rugs hung from the walls instead of covering the floor. The furniture, if it could be called that, consisted entirely of cushions. No chairs, no tables. Anything of importance rested on the ground or atop ornately carved wooden boxes.

    These were just a few of the peculiarities.

    ¡®It¡¯s been a while,¡¯ Riniock said at last, a smile tugging at his lips as he admired her.

    ¡®It has,¡¯ Linry replied, her own expression unreadable.

    ¡®I thought about you often during the journey,¡¯ he admitted. ¡®How have you been?¡¯

    Almost instinctively, her fingers brushed against her neck, where scorched fingerprints marred her skin.

    ¡®I¡¯m fine,¡¯ she said, but her voice lacked conviction.

    Riniock¡¯s gaze darkened. His expression remained soft, but his tone carried a sharp edge.

    ¡®Who did that to you?¡¯

    ¡®Irgod,¡¯ she answered, her voice quieter now. ¡®When he found out you killed Arthian, he stormed into my cabin¡­and attacked me.¡¯

    Riniock clenched his fists. ¡®That scummy bastard. I¡¯ll kill him.¡¯

    Linry giggled, breaking the tension. Some of the ice in her demeanour melted as she absently rubbed the wound, lost in the memory of how Irgod had suffered his punishment on the upper deck of their ship.

    As Linry¡¯s expression softened, Riniock let go of some of his tension and eased into his seat.

    ¡®What did you want to see me for?¡¯ he asked, settling more comfortably. ¡®Did something happen?¡¯

    ¡®Sort of,¡¯ she admitted. ¡®I can¡¯t exactly explain it¡­it¡¯s better if I show you.¡¯

    Leaning forward, Linry reached for a locked box nearby. She conjured a key into her hand and unlocked it, revealing a stack of neatly arranged magickal manuals.

    Riniock¡¯s eyes narrowed with curiosity. ¡®Are those spellbooks?¡¯

    ¡®Some of them, yes,¡¯ Linry said, running a hand over the texts. ¡®But there are also techniques ¨C techniques so valuable that the academy keeps them hidden from outsiders

    Riniock leaned in, intrigued.

    ¡®I saw the way you and the others looked at us while we crossed the rock barrens,¡¯ she continued. ¡®You wondered how we had such an advantage¡­well, this is why.¡¯

 The Deserts Secrets (2)

    Riniock took the stack of manuals from Linry and flipped through them, scanning the titles.

    ¡®Dune Drift¡­Stellaridon¡¯s Thirst¡­Earstone¡­Desert Deterrent,¡¯ he murmured, counting at least nine in total. ¡®These are all techniques you''re taught here?¡¯

    Linry nodded.

    ¡®Just from the titles alone, I can tell these are incredibly useful.¡¯

    ¡®Naturally,¡¯ she confirmed. ¡®Our academy¡¯s founders spent their entire lives in the rock barrens. They developed these spells and techniques to make survival in this place easier for future generations.¡¯

    Riniock turned the pages, admiring the detailed instructions, intricate diagrams, and arcane graphemes.

    ¡®I can only lend them to you,¡¯ Linry said. ¡®Copy them down as quickly as you can and study them at your own pace.¡¯

    He glanced up. ¡®You¡¯re not going to help?¡¯

    Linry shook her head, tapping a finger against her lips, emphasizing her bewitchment. ¡®You know there are some things I can¡¯t share ¨C whether willingly or by force.¡¯

    Riniock exhaled through his nose. ¡®I see. Well then, if you don¡¯t mind, I¡¯ll start right away.¡¯

    Riniock wasted no time, meticulously copying every detail from the manuals Linry had given him. The contents weren¡¯t particularly long or complex, and his pace was steady yet efficient.

    Linry observed him in silence, noting the precision of his quill strokes, the controlled elegance of his penmanship.

    Despite the focus required for such a task, Riniock still had the presence of mind for conversation.

    ¡®I never asked you this before,¡¯ he began, eyes still fixed on the manual he was transcribing. ¡®Does it bother you? Going against your peers? Betraying your master?¡¯

    Linry didn¡¯t answer immediately. Her silence stretched, deliberate.

    ¡®Does it trouble you,¡¯ he pressed, ¡®that you¡¯re helping me kill them?¡¯

    ¡®I thought it would ¨C at first. But no matter how many of them suffer or die, I don¡¯t seem to care. I don¡¯t want to care.¡¯

    Riniock stole a glance at her. Her face was eerily neutral, her eyes distant, lost in a void.

    Then, seemingly out of nowhere, she spoke. ¡®My father.¡¯

    He looked up fully now. ¡®Your father?¡¯

    ¡®He¡¯s the reason I put up with all of this.¡¯

    She exhaled, voice steady but laced with something unreadable.

    ¡®When my mother died, my father fell into depression. He drank constantly, drowning himself in alcohol. One night, some years ago, he came home with strangers ¨C men in robes.¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s expression darkened. ¡®Ikshari maegis?¡¯

    She nodded. ¡®Yes. He was intoxicated, barely coherent, and they were ruthless in their handling of him. They forced their way in, demanding I pay off the debt he owed them. But as you can probably guess, my father¡¯s drinking had drained what little money we had.¡¯This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

    Riniock set his quill down, giving her his full attention.

    ¡®They didn¡¯t take long to realise we had nothing. That only made them angrier. They broke our table, tore through our house, taking whatever they could. I was young ¨C too young ¨C but I had already been forced to grow up. Taking care of my father left no room for childhood.¡¯

    His voice was quiet now. ¡®What happened next?¡¯

    Her next words sent a chill through him.

    ¡®I sold myself.¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡®You what?¡¯

    ¡®I offered myself as payment. But even that wasn¡¯t enough. So one of them took me in as his disciple ¨C a bond that would allow me to earn the rest of my father¡¯s debt.¡¯

    Riniock clenched his jaw. ¡®Fladd. It was him, wasn¡¯t it?¡¯

    She nodded, a small, humourless sound escaping her lips. ¡®Yes. He took me in around the same time as Frisian and Rodgut. By then, Arthian, Piddruin, and Irgod were already under his tutelage.¡¯

    ¡®So you''re still here... does that mean the debt isn''t settled yet?¡¯

    Linry nodded, a flicker of exhaustion crossing her face. ¡®As of a fortnight ago, I finally managed to pay off the first half.¡¯

    Riniock frowned. ¡®Only half?¡¯

    ¡®Unfortunately, yes.¡¯ She exhaled sharply, her expression hardening. ¡®So when you ask if what we''re doing bothers me¡­I sincerely hope this entire academy burns in flames so fierce, they can be seen from your college.¡¯

    Riniock had no response to that.

    For a moment, he considered saying something ¨C anything ¨C but instinct told him it was best to stay silent, to let her sit with her own thoughts.

    Surprisingly, it was Linry who broke the tension.

    ¡®Don¡¯t linger too long ¨C you can¡¯t stay here indefinitely.¡¯

    Riniock fumbled with his quill, snapping back to the present. ¡®Right¡­¡¯

    An hour later, Riniock stood at the exit, Linry lingering just behind him.

    ¡®Go,¡¯ she whispered, motioning for him to leave. ¡®Before someone sees you.¡¯

    ¡®Thanks, Linry.¡¯

    Without another word, he slipped out, making his way straight to his assigned room within the same tower.

    The moment he arrived, he wasted no time. He sat down, pulling out his tome and setting to work.

    ¡®Dune Drift¡­¡¯ he murmured, scanning the instructions. ¡®The movement technique they use to glide across the desert sands. The way they circulate their odh while doing it¡­that¡¯s probably the trickiest part. The flow and speed are different from what I''m used to ¨C tedious, but not impossible.¡¯

    Lacking sand to practice on, he stood up and mimicked the motions illustrated in the manual. Rehearsing it on solid ground felt unnatural, even foolish, but it was necessary.

    Next, he turned to another page.

    ¡®Stellaridon¡¯s Thirst¡­unlike the last one, this is a spell. Once cast, the user won¡¯t feel thirsty for an entire day. Overuse, however, can force a maegi to drink excessive amounts of water afterwards.¡¯

    A spell with side effects. That explained why the Iksharis occasionally sipped water ¨C it was likely to regulate their use of the spell.

    Moving on, he switched to the next item.

    ¡®Earstone¡­neither a spell nor a technique, but an enchantment. A carved stone, imbued with magic, capable of transmitting voices over distances. Activation requires speaking the word: Earstone.¡¯

    Reaching into his pocket, Riniock retrieved a small, engraved stone. His spoil from Arthian¡¯s murder aboard the Absconder.

    He had suspected it had a purpose, but now he understood its function. Carefully, he erased any lingering traces of Arthian¡¯s odh signature and replaced it with his own.

    Still, using it now would be a risk ¨C any contact might connect him to the other Iksharis. He set it aside.

    Finally, he reviewed one last entry for the night.

    ¡®Desert Deterrent¡­a draught brewed from Daqroot, a plant notorious for its repelling properties. Once consumed, it wards off most creatures, particularly predators.¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s eyes widened as the pieces fell into place.

    That day, when the elantreas ambushed them ¨C no matter how many Iksharis stood in their path or even struck at them ¨C the beasts had simply ignored them. Or rather, they had been repelled.

    The draught¡­

    He committed the recipe to memory, noting the instructions and the most effective way to apply it. Just as he finished, a yawn escaped him.

    Exhaling, he set the tome aside. He had much to practice ¨C but for now, rest took priority.

    Strangely, despite the lack of physical exertion over the past few days, exhaustion weighed on him more than expected.

    Without bothering to review the rest of what he had copied from Linry¡¯s manuals, he found his bed and collapsed into it.

 Suspicions Fester

    The next morning was a rough awakening for the Gorleans. Still unaccustomed to the heat of the rock barren, their sleep had been restless. Most woke with droopy eyes and lingering exhaustion, though at the very least, they had slept in beds rather than on bedrolls.

    Siegmun was amongst the first to rise and make his way to the academy¡¯s main tower.

    As he stepped inside, a wave of familiarity washed over him. The main hall wasn¡¯t an exact replica of their own back home, but the atmosphere ¨C the buzz of students having breakfast, chatting, and working on assignments ¨C was the same.

    His gaze swept across the room.

    The tables here were unusually low, surrounded by flat cushions instead of chairs. Even the food was different ¨C meats, milk, and bites unfamiliar to him.

    The academy relied on sunlight for illumination, but to soften the heat, special glass panes lined the walls, filtering the light.

    At the back of the hall, just like in their own academy, the masters sat at a long, low table, a single seat in the centre left empty.

    ¡®Nephew,¡¯ a voice called, pulling Siegmun from his thoughts.

    He turned, spotting his uncle at a lone table.

    ¡®Uncle Talien,¡¯ he greeted, approaching. ¡®Good morning.¡¯

    ¡®Yes, a fine morning indeed,¡¯ Talien replied, gesturing towards the cushion across from him in invitation.

    As Siegmun took a seat, he noticed the unusual woodwork of the table ¨C different from anything he¡¯d seen before.

    His attention, however, quickly shifted to the food in front of him.

    ¡®What¡¯s for breakfast?¡¯ he asked, inspecting the spread.

    ¡®Stellaridon milk and cheese,¡¯ Talien said, pointing at the selections. ¡®Different meats, too ¨C dinone, politamus, marsupial¡­take your pick.¡¯

    Siegmun¡¯s gaze lingered on the meat. ¡®Is it any good?¡¯

    ¡®A bit tough,¡¯ Talien admitted. ¡®Personally, I prefer Oribex meat from back home.¡¯

    Siegmun wasted no time digging in, reaching for the dinone meat first. He sliced off a piece and spread some cheese over it before taking a bite. The flavours were unfamiliar but pleasant. To wash it down, he took a sip of the milk, surprised by how refreshing it was.

    His expression brightened. ¡®This milk is delicious!¡¯

    Talien, however, remained indifferent. ¡®I don¡¯t particularly enjoy it,¡¯ he said before shifting the conversation. ¡®But I wished to speak with you about something important.¡¯

    Siegmun, still chewing, raised a brow. ¡®What is it?¡¯

    ¡®The acolyte named Riniock.¡¯

    Siegmun swallowed and tilted his head. ¡®What about him?¡¯

    ¡®What can you tell me about him?¡¯ Talien suddenly seized his wrist, his grip firm and unyielding. ¡®Leave nothing out.¡¯

    Siegmun hesitated, caught off guard by the intensity of the question.

    ¡®He¡¯s an acolyte from this year¡¯s admissions,¡¯ he began carefully. ¡®Talented, skilled ¨C outpaces most of his peers in nearly every subject. He excels in martial magick and ¨C¡¯

    ¡®And he killed a member of the delegation, leaving the other in a coma,¡¯ Talien interrupted. ¡®All under the claim of avenging himself for being accosted.¡¯

    Siegmun blinked, momentarily speechless. ¡®That¡¯s¡­correct. Why?¡¯

    ¡®At first glance, nothing seemed out of place. But then I learned something odd ¨C he faced no reprimand, no consequences for his actions.¡¯Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

    Siegmun frowned. ¡®And?¡¯

    ¡®When have you ever seen such a thing?¡¯ Talien pressed. ¡®Acolytes are punished for far less. And then there¡¯s the matter of Sador¡¯s murder.¡¯

    ¡®Sir Jorian¡¯s,¡¯ Siegmun spoke with a flinch. ¡®What does that have to do with anything?¡¯

    Without a word, Talien slid a stack of documents towards him. The papers bore the official findings of the investigation team from the day of the incident.

    ¡®News reaches me, even from out here,¡¯ Talien said. ¡®When I heard what happened, I discreetly requested a copy of the report. Read it yourself.¡¯

    Siegmun pushed his plate aside and pulled the documents closer.

    ¡®Report: Riniock Ev Tolgir,¡¯ he read aloud. ¡®Prior to the incident, the acolyte was reportedly sought after by the victim on multiple occasions, and the suspect appeared aware of it¡­On the day of the incident, during questioning, traces of soot were found behind his ears, his fingernails bore dark residue, and he smelled of smoke. His testimony was coherent, but his circumstances were suspicious. When we attempted further investigation, we were ordered to cease inquiries and lift the college¡¯s lockdown¡­¡¯

    Siegmun¡¯s grip on the pages tightened.

    ¡®Acolytes helped clear the rubble and clean up the house. He must have been among them.¡¯

    Talien took back the papers and scanned them himself. ¡®After interrogating an acolyte named Urael Flonderance, we learned that the suspect had a prior encounter with his group. Coincidentally, following their admission test, one of their members, Odrean Zigo, was found dead at the scene ¨C supposedly killed by a Great Lidthrag.¡¯

    ¡®This still proves nothing,¡¯ Siegmun insisted.

    Talien¡¯s expression darkened. ¡®Siegmun, open your eyes! Zigo crosses him ¨C ends up dead. Jorian investigates him ¨C ends up dead. The two Iksharis beat him ¨C one dead, the other still unconscious. He¡¯s a killer, and you¡¯re letting him stay close to you.¡¯

    ¡®Well¡­¡¯ Siegmun scratched the back of his neck.

    Talien¡¯s gaze sharpened. ¡®You knew?¡¯

    ¡®I wouldn¡¯t go so far as to call him a murderer, but back on the ship, he suggested we kill Arthian after discovering he had leaked our location.¡¯

    ¡®Tell me you¡¯re joking¡­¡¯ Talien¡¯s voice dropped to a near whisper, his eyes darting around as if expecting eavesdroppers. ¡®Tell me you didn¡¯t actually go through with it.¡¯

    Siegmun hesitated. ¡®I¨CI let him do it.¡¯

    Talien¡¯s expression contorted in disbelief. ¡®Have you lost your mind? What if the academy or even the headmaster finds out? What then?¡¯

    ¡®We were thorough.¡¯

    ¡®Thorough?¡¯ Talien scoffed. ¡®Did it never occur to you that a missing student ¨C one who was aboard our ship ¨C would raise questions? Just because no one¡¯s spoken openly about it doesn¡¯t mean they haven¡¯t noticed. At this rate, you¡¯re going to jeopardise the entire expedition.¡¯

    Siegmun averted his gaze, as if hiding something else. Talien caught the tell immediately.

    ¡®What else?¡¯ he demanded.

    With a sigh, Siegmun relented. He explained the elantreas¡¯ attack, the discovery that Ikshari students were behind it, the destruction of their encampment, and the interrogation of the last survivor.

    ¡®So he didn¡¯t speak¡­¡¯ Talien murmured, biting his thumb in thought. ¡®He must have been bewitched.¡¯

    ¡®That¡¯s exactly what Riniock said.¡¯

    Talien¡¯s head snapped up. ¡®He did?¡¯ He searched Siegmun¡¯s face, piecing the information together. ¡®And the survivor ¨C how did you handle him?¡¯

    ¡®I didn¡¯t. Riniock killed him.¡¯

    ¡®Again with him.¡¯ Talien exhaled sharply.

    ¡®He¡¯s a good guy once you get to know him.¡¯

    ¡®That may be, but his actions are far too blatant.¡¯

    ¡®Then why hasn¡¯t anyone done anything?¡¯ Siegmun challenged. ¡®Maybe he¡¯s actually innocent.¡¯

    ¡®Don¡¯t be ridiculous. The circumstances of these deaths are too conveniently tied to him. Someone is covering for him ¨C erasing the consequences of his actions.¡¯

    Siegmun frowned. ¡®Who?¡¯

    Talien leaned forward. ¡®His last name is Tolgir. Take a wild guess.¡¯

    Siegmun¡¯s expression shifted as he turned the name over in his mind, searching for any connection. Then it hit him.

    ¡®You don¡¯t mean¡­the other high maegi?¡¯

    A small smirk tugged at Talien¡¯s lips. ¡®You¡¯re not entirely hopeless after all.¡¯

    This flood of information took time to settle in Siegmun¡¯s mind. As he processed it, his hand instinctively reached for his plate.

    He chewed absently on a piece of meat, his gaze drifting, fixed on the unfamiliar etchings carved into the table.

    ¡®So, if everything you¡¯ve deduced is true, am I supposed to just avoid him from now on?¡¯

    The high maegi shook his head. ¡®No. Your connection to him, no matter how deep, pales in comparison to our bond of blood. If the other high maegi has been covering up an acolyte¡¯s murders, I can use this as leverage for my claim to the arch-maegi¡¯s seat.¡¯

    Siegmun hesitated. ¡®But¡­is that really the right thing to do?¡¯

    Talien exhaled sharply. ¡®Both of my nephews are spending far too much time with this Riniock, but you are the only one I can rely on. I doubt Niann has the resolve to do what must be done.¡¯

    Siegmun lowered his gaze, conflict clouding his thoughts.

    Talien¡¯s expression darkened as he caught the hesitation in his nephew¡¯s demeanour. His lip curled in irritation, and his tone dropped into something cold and edged.

    ¡®Your loyalty to your friends is admirable,¡¯ he mused, feigning a moment of withdrawal. Then, leaning in close, he whispered, his breath warm but menacing against Siegmun¡¯s ear. ¡®But if you fail me, I will kill him. And if I discover you withheld anything useful, I will personally see to it that you never rise in the college¡¯s ranks.¡¯

    Siegmun¡¯s breath hitched. ¡®Uncle, please don¡¯t make ¨C¡¯

    ¡®Silence!¡¯ Talien snapped. ¡®Your duty is to your family first and foremost. If you refuse this simple task, I will see you disowned.¡¯

 A Cold Chapter Amidst the Scorch (1)

    Siegmun sat through the rest of breakfast, his appetite gone. He couldn¡¯t even bring himself to look at his uncle, afraid that doing so might provoke yet another cruel demand.

    He had always known Talien to be domineering and cold, but this level of cruelty had caught him off guard.

    ¡®Finish your meal,¡¯ Talien muttered, his voice a cold hiss. ¡®You¡¯ve work to do.¡¯

    Just then, the main hall¡¯s doors creaked open, and in walked Riniock, brimming with energy, his enthusiasm seemingly renewed.

    ¡®Speak of the monster,¡¯ Talien sneered. ¡®Hurry up and join him.¡¯

    Siegmun hesitantly glanced up, watching as Riniock made his way to the table where the Gorleans were gathered. He looked to be in high spirits, grabbing whatever food he could before calling Niann outside.

    Siegmun cast one last look at his uncle before pushing himself up from his seat and following after them.

    Once outside, he called out.

    ¡®Riniock! Niann!¡¯ He waved, his tone and gesture uncharacteristically eager, almost forced.

    Niann¡¯s expression darkened the moment he spotted his cousin approaching. His lips pressed into a thin line, jaw tightened, and fists subtly clenching at his sides.

    ¡®Where are you two headed?¡¯ Siegmun asked.

    ¡®The academy¡¯s bibliotheca,¡¯ Riniock answered. ¡®Wanna tag along?¡¯

    Niann frowned, and Siegmun ¨C now painfully aware of the task he had been given ¨C couldn¡¯t help but notice the sharp glare and hostility directed his way.

    ¡®I¡¯ll pass,¡¯ he replied, deciding it was best to avoid Riniock whilst Niann was present.

    ¡®Suit yourself,¡¯ Riniock said, already turning back towards their destination.

    Siegmun forced a casual wave as they walked away, exhaling shakily once they were at a safe distance.

    He hadn¡¯t expected spying for his uncle to feel this difficult. After everything Talien had told him, he found himself just as hesitant to provoke Riniock as he was his own uncle.

    Both were merciless in their own ways.

    But in the end, Talien¡¯s power ¨C and his threats ¨C held the greater weight.

    Deep within Ikshar¡¯s vast repository of knowledge, Riniock and Niann quickly realised they were far from welcome. The bibliotheca, housed in the tallest tower on the academy¡¯s rightmost wing, loomed over them like a sentinel guarding its secrets.

    At the entrance, a pair of guards met them with cold, unyielding glares, making it abundantly clear that their presence was unwelcome.

    Yet, by the terms of the expedition, they had the right to be here.

    ¡®You are permitted entry,¡¯ one of the guards stated, his tone edged with warning. ¡®But you may take nothing with you. What you manage to read inside is all you leave with.¡¯

    ¡®That¡¯s fine,¡¯ Riniock replied with a smirk, the mockery in his voice unmistakable.

    The guard narrowed his eyes. ¡®If I catch you causing trouble, you¡¯ll answer to me personally.¡¯

    Riniock brushed past him without hesitation.

    ¡®That won¡¯t be necessary,¡¯ he said smoothly. ¡®We are not animals ¨C we know how to conduct ourselves in a place of learning.¡¯

    ¡®For your sake, I hope so.¡¯

    Inside, the pair quickly became aware of how inferior this so-called bibliotheca was compared to their own grand library. The lack of proper classification left books scattered haphazardly, abandoned wherever the last reader had carelessly placed them.

    ¡®I miss the magickal lectern,¡¯ Niann muttered in frustration, forced to comb through endless shelves just to find a book worth reading.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡®This reminds me of my study back home,¡¯ Riniock remarked, his tone indifferent. ¡®No real difference ¨C a real challenge.¡¯

    They split up, each pursuing their own areas of interest. Yet, with the disarray, even locating a worthwhile book proved more time-consuming than expected.

    Niann eventually settled against a bookcase, reclining on the floor with his nose buried in a dense tome. Meanwhile, Riniock wandered the aisles, fingers trailing along the spines as he skimmed through titles on the go.

    What Riniock sought was a spellbook to refine his martial magick ¨C something practical, something powerful.

    ¡®Should¡¯ve guessed ¨C fire and flames everywhere¡­Blasted pyromaniacs!¡¯

    Tomes on fire-attributed spells flooded the shelves in overwhelming abundance, quickly growing tedious to sift through.

    ¡®Oh?¡¯ He crouched by the lowest shelf of a dusty bookcase. ¡®Now this is interesting¡­¡¯

    Amidst the endless inferno-themed spell tomes, a handful of old, worn books stood out. Unlike the others, they looked untouched, as if they had been left to gather dust for decades. More importantly, they didn¡¯t appear to be part of the academy¡¯s official collection.

    These tomes contained spells and techniques spanning multiple elements ¨C ones impossible for any Ikshari to practice. So why were they here, of all places?

    Riniock scanned their titles and the names of their authors or previous owners. None rang a bell. Nobodies, most likely. But that still didn¡¯t explain why these books had been stashed in the depths of the Ikshari bibliotheca.

    As he flipped through them, a low chuckle sounded behind him.

    Leaning casually against the wall, Irgod watched him with an amused smirk.

    ¡®Figured I¡¯d find you here ¨C reading our spoils, no less. Trash digging through other trash¡¯s leftovers.¡¯

    ¡®Spoils?¡¯ Riniock echoed, narrowing his eyes.

    ¡®Those tomes you¡¯re so engrossed in? They¡¯re relics my academy¡¯s seniors took after defeating maegis across the world.¡¯

    ¡®So they weren¡¯t written or owned by anyone from the academy¡­?¡¯

    Irgod chuckled again. ¡®You weren¡¯t listening. Every one of those books is inferior to our own. But by all means, don¡¯t let me stop you from wasting your time.¡¯

    With that, he turned and strode off, vanishing into another section of the bibliotheca.

    ¡®Psh¡­show-off.¡¯

    Despite Irgod¡¯s condescension, Riniock¡¯s resolve remained unshaken. If anything, his curiosity burned even brighter.

    A hunch ¨C almost a premonition ¨C told him he would find a technique suited to him. It was an instinct, a certainty he couldn¡¯t quite explain, but one he felt good about.

    Sure enough, after sifting through most of the tomes, a leather-bound manual caught his eye.

    ¡®Mixing the Tempest¡¯ the title was scrawled in faded ink across the front cover. No name accompanied the work, either because the author had chosen to remain anonymous or because time had long since erased their identity.

    The moment he flipped to the first page, he knew he had stumbled upon something extraordinary.

    To Murat with what Irgod had said ¨C just because its original owner had fallen at the hands of an Ikshari didn¡¯t mean the technique itself was worthless.

    ¡®This text proposes that frost-attributed spells can be created by transmuting wind-attributed spells. Rather than learning an entirely new odh circulation method to accommodate the frost attribute, one can manipulate the wind particles as they form within the conduits, converting them into frost just as they leave the maegi¡¯s body.¡¯

    At first glance, it seemed ludicrous.

    Nevertheless, the deeper he read, the more immersed he became in its logic. The calculations, the flow diagrams, the theory ¨C it all made an uncanny amount of sense.

    By the time he reached the practical applications, his mind was made up.

    ¡®I¡¯ve never heard of such a thing¡­to generate one element from another. How many people even know this is possible?¡¯

    A grin stretched across his face as the possibilities unfolded in his mind.

    If my opponents believe my primary attribute is wind, and I suddenly wield frost derived from it¡­they won¡¯t know what hit them. That confusion alone could grant me the upper hand.

    Riniock tore through the text at a frenzied pace, determined to absorb every last detail before they were forced to leave.

    He didn¡¯t even need to take notes ¨C his eidetic memory ensured that whatever he read remained etched in his mind, as vivid as if the pages were still open before him. He devoured, gorged the words like a starving man at a banquet, his eyes darting hungrily from line to line, his fingers flipping through the pages with reckless urgency.

    ¡®Riniock?¡¯

    Niann¡¯s voice cut through the silence as he searched for his companion.

    ¡®I¡¯m here! Over here!¡¯ Riniock called back, a manic edge to his voice.

    Circling a bookcase, Niann found him sitting in a mess of scattered tomes and loose parchment, his entire demeanour resembling that of an addict who had just overdosed on forbidden knowledge.

    Niann hesitated. Was he really about to involve himself in¡­whatever this was?

    ¡®Our time¡¯s almost up,¡¯ he reminded him, hoping Riniock would take the hint and slow down.

    ¡®It is?¡¯ Riniock snapped his head up. ¡®Well, no matter. I¡¯ve already gone through this three times ¨C memorised it on the first, comprehended it on the second, and dissected and analysed it on the third.¡¯

    ¡®That¡¯s¡­good?¡¯ Niann ventured cautiously.

    ¡®Now, all that¡¯s left is to put it into practice. Gods, I¡¯m pumped. Let¡¯s get out of here.¡¯

    Niann held his tongue, opting not to address the unsettling intensity in Riniock¡¯s gaze as he followed him towards the exit.

    Riniock was a different kind of monster ¨C one who could master spells after a single day of study. Even amongst the greatest maegis and prodigies across worlds, such a feat was unheard of.

    And yet, only Niann knew this truth. A secret he intended to keep, so long as Riniock had the sense not to reveal it to the wrong people.

    At last, Niann allowed himself a small smile and motioned for him to hurry along.

    After a thorough search by the irritatingly hostile guards, the two stepped outside.

    ¡®Where can I train?¡¯ Riniock asked, barely able to contain his excitement. ¡®Preferably somewhere private.¡¯

 A Cold Chapter Amidst the Scorch (2)

    Somewhere beyond Ikshar, erratic gusts of wind crashed against a boulder ¨C wild and unrestrained, a stark contrast to the controlled, crystalline power of frost.

    ¡®Why isn¡¯t it working?¡¯ Riniock grumbled, extending his hand once more, only for another burst of wind to escape his fingertips. Sweat slicked his brow, both from exertion and the unrelenting heat. ¡®I know I understood the entire process.¡¯

    After inscribing the method into his tome, he and Niann had left the academy grounds in search of a secluded spot to train.

    As Riniock struggled to transmute the odh particles of wind into ice, Niann busied himself with his own practice nearby. Yet, every so often, he cast a glance in Riniock¡¯s direction, observing his movements, piecing together his intentions. With each muttered frustration, Niann gradually unravelled the nature of his training.

    For the most part, Niann remained silent, carefully observing the pauses Riniock took between attempts.

    ¡®Circulate the odh,¡¯ Riniock muttered to himself, mentally reviewing the steps.

    He followed the breathing technique taught to him by Professor Gieller, though its effectiveness was diminished in the relentless heat. Designed specifically for tempest elements, the technique was naturally hindered in the arid, rock-strewn wasteland. Here, odh moved sluggishly ¨C heavy, scarce, and far less responsive to his will, hampering his practice significantly.

    ¡®Extend the odh imbued with wind daur to my fingertips,¡¯ he continued, executing the motions as he spoke. ¡®Then transmute it with the frost daur, freezing the initial element.¡¯

    Yet, as soon as the wind gathered at his fingertips, it stubbornly refused to shift into frost.

    According to the nameless author, wind served as a foundation for both frost and spark magick. If one mastered wind first ¨C as Riniock had ¨C then wielding all three should have been within reach.

    ¡®Was the book purely theoretical?¡¯

    With a frustrated sigh, he conceded for the moment, slumping onto a nearby boulder, his fist pressed against his forehead in deep contemplation. Only once before had he worn such an expression of utter defeat ¨C when he had come face to face with the Great Lidthrag and barely escaped with his life.

    ¡®What am I doing wrong?¡¯ he kept asking himself. ¡®I can¡¯t see the flaw in my own approach.¡¯

    As Riniock mulled over the process, mentally retracing each step, Niann continued to watch him intently, piecing together the mechanics on his own.

    Strangely, he found that he could predict the nature of Riniock¡¯s spell just moments before its completion.

    Ordinarily, when a spell is being formed, more than just odh and daur intertwine ¨C intent and information take shape as well. Every spell, whether a feeble spark or a cataclysmic tempest, requires a spell circle to function. These circles act as instructions, a blueprint ingrained in the maegi¡¯s knowledge, directing magickal energies to transform and to manifest the desired effect.

    In theory, this also means that a maegi¡¯s spell circle betrays their intentions.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    However, the ability to decipher these intricate formations in real time is exceedingly rare ¨C few possess such a talent. To predict an opponent¡¯s spell before its completion is an invaluable skill, one that only a handful of maegis across the world have mastered.

    Niann, unaware that he might possess such an ability, unconsciously recognised a flaw in Riniock¡¯s technique.

    ¡®You¡¯re doing something wrong,¡¯ he stated bluntly.

    Riniock snapped his head towards him, irritation flashing across his face. ¡®What?¡¯

    ¡®There¡¯s a misalignment in your spell circle,¡¯ Niann pointed out. ¡®That¡¯s why it¡¯s not working.¡¯

    Riniock initially glared at Niann, irritation flashing in his eyes. But when Niann simply shook his head, his anger faded into confusion. Niann wouldn¡¯t lie about something like this ¨C especially not when it came to magick.

    His frown softened into neutrality.

    ¡®What¡¯s wrong with the way I¡¯m doing it?¡¯ he asked, inhaling deeply and steadying himself.

    Niann stepped closer. ¡®Cast the spell again, but this time, hold it in place so I can show you what I noticed.¡¯

    Without hesitation, Riniock complied, conjuring the spell and keeping it steady in his palm. Niann studied the formation carefully before pointing to a section of the spell circle.

    ¡®Here,¡¯ he said, tapping at the glowing symbols. ¡®This part is structured incorrectly. If I had to guess, the original author wrote it in another language, and when it was translated, the sentence structure wasn¡¯t properly adjusted. Because of that, the spell doesn¡¯t function as intended. If we fix the order, the transmutation should finally work.¡¯

    ¡®So the spell was mistranslated?¡¯ Riniock asked, realisation dawning on him. He wasn¡¯t at fault.

    ¡®Exactly.¡¯

    Without wasting time, Riniock sat down on the warm sand and flipped open his arcane tome. He adjusted the spell circle based on Niann¡¯s suggestion, correcting the mistranslation.

    Once satisfied, he stood and prepared to test it again.

    Taking a deep breath, he circulated his odh, letting it flow seamlessly through his conduits. As it reached his fingertips, the familiar gust of wind formed ¨C but this time, the air instantly froze, swirling into a cluster of volatile snowflakes around his palm.

    ¡®That¡¯s it!¡¯ he shouted, elated. Laughing, he turned to Niann, then snapped his wrist forward, launching a sharp icicle straight into the boulder ahead.

    The feeling was indescribable.

    The two of them cheered like they had just won a grand prize, the thrill of discovery fuelling their excitement. Eventually, once the adrenaline settled, Riniock tapped Niann¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡®You fixed it,¡¯ he said. ¡®How did you do that?¡¯

    Niann hesitated. ¡®I¡¯m¡­not sure. I just saw that something was wrong with the spell.¡¯

    Riniock frowned. ¡®But I was casting almost instantly each time. You couldn¡¯t have analysed the details that fast¡­Could you?¡¯

    Niann merely shrugged.

    A thought struck Riniock, his expression shifting. ¡®Wait a second ¨C if you can spot flaws in spell circles that quickly, can you also tell what kind of magick someone is casting before they even finish?¡¯

    Niann bit his thumb, thinking. ¡®I don¡¯t know.¡¯

    ¡®Let¡¯s test it. I¡¯ll cast something, and you tell me what I¡¯m trying to do.¡¯

    Niann nodded and focused.

    Riniock took position, silently uttering an incantation. A spell circle flared to life in his palm, and almost instantly, Niann¡¯s eyes narrowed as if by instinct. He instantly scanned the spell circle, deciphering its function.

    ¡®Are you¡­summoning a chest?¡¯ he asked, uncertain but confident.

    A moment later, Riniock¡¯s hidden coffer materialised before them, proving Niann¡¯s guess correct.

    ¡®This is incredible!¡¯ Riniock grinned. ¡®That¡¯s an amazing skill ¨C perfect for combat, too.¡¯

    ¡®Too bad I¡¯m more of an academic,¡¯ Niann said dryly.

    ¡®Don¡¯t sell yourself short. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll find plenty of uses for it in other fields.¡¯

    Niann smiled, contemplating the possibilities.

    Riniock mirrored his expression ¨C until a sudden vibration in his pocket pulled him from his thoughts. His hand instinctively reached for the source, retrieving the earstone which pulsed erratically, as if reacting to something urgent.

    Without hesitation, he pressed it to his ear.

    A soft voice emerged from within. ¡®Riniock?¡¯

    His eyes widened in surprise. The voice was unmistakable. Niann, however, scowled the moment he recognised it.

    Riniock brought the earstone closer to his mouth. ¡®Linry? Is that you?¡¯

 Taste of Blood and Sand

    Her voice resonated through the earstone, and when Riniock held it closer, his own voice seemed to transmit effortlessly.

    ¡®It is me,¡¯ Linry confirmed, a soft giggle accompanying her words.

    Riniock¡¯s face lit up, a stark contrast to Niann¡¯s deepening scowl. Just moments ago, Niann had shared in his excitement over Riniock¡¯s successful first wind-to-frost spell, yet now, his expression soured ¨C not that Riniock noticed.

    ¡®Where are you?¡¯ Linry asked.

    ¡®Outside, training with my friend, Niann,¡¯ he replied, puzzled. ¡®Why?¡¯

    ¡®Return¡­now, Riniock!¡¯

    Her voice cracked with urgency, laced with an unease that sent a chill through him. He and Niann exchanged tense glances, a shared sense of foreboding settling between them.

    Riniock pressed the earstone against his lips. ¡®What¡¯s wrong?¡¯

    ¡®Take your friend and come back to Ikshar immediately! Master Fladd just left with a search party. They refused to let me join, which can only mean one thing ¨C they¡¯re looking for you.¡¯

    Niann stiffened at the revelation, quickly gathering their belongings whilst Riniock remained focused on the conversation.

    ¡®Which direction did he go?¡¯ Riniock asked, his mind already piecing together a plan. He knew Fladd¡¯s strength was formidable, but his subordinates might be less of a challenge. If he could avoid Fladd directly and instead intercept others from the party, he might stand a better chance.

    ¡®He headed west,¡¯ Linry answered.

    ¡®Understood. I¡¯m coming back. Thank you, Linry.¡¯

    ¡®Please, stay safe.¡¯

    ¡®Don¡¯t worry ¨C I will.¡¯

    Niann hurriedly gathered their belongings, thrusting Riniock¡¯s effects into his hands with a palpable urgency. Whether it stemmed from the looming threat of Master Fladd or his inexplicable irritation towards Linry, even he couldn¡¯t say for certain.

    Riniock slung his gear over his shoulder and immediately started moving, steering clear of the academy¡¯s western perimeter.

    Linry¡¯s voice still crackled through the earstone, though he no longer held it to his ear. ¡®Whatever you do, don¡¯t engage him. Master Fladd has slain maegis far stronger than you.¡¯

    ¡®I¡¯m not that reckless,¡¯ Riniock shot back, already picking up the pace alongside Niann. ¡®Do me a favour ¨C find Siegmun Torash and tell him what¡¯s happening. He¡¯ll know what to do.¡¯

    ¡®I¡¯ll track him down. Just head straight for the academy.¡¯

    A faint crackle of static signalled the end of the transmission. Riniock pocketed the earstone and pressed forward, both he and Niann sprinting as if a dragon were hot on their heels.

    Niann¡¯s every step churned the sand beneath him, forcing him to exert twice the effort. In contrast, Riniock glided over the shifting ground with practiced ease, barely disturbing the surface ¨C a result of mastering Dune Drift from Linry¡¯s manuals.

    Even so, he paused occasionally, waiting for Niann to catch up before forging ahead once more.

    Niann¡¯s breath came in ragged gasps, his movements sluggish as exhaustion took hold. Each step demanded twice the usual effort, and the relentless heat drained what little stamina he had left. Eventually, even lifting his head became a struggle.

    ¡®Go on without me,¡¯ he panted. ¡®They¡¯re after you, not me. I¡¯ll find my own way back.¡¯

    ¡®Don¡¯t be ridiculous,¡¯ Riniock shot back. ¡®If they catch you, they won¡¯t hesitate to kill you.¡¯

    ¡®Just leave, Riniock!¡¯

    ¡®Not happening.¡¯ Without another word, Riniock bent down, grabbed Niann¡¯s arm, and hoisted him up, draping him over his shoulder. ¡®If I have to die, I¡¯d rather do it with you by my side.¡¯

    ¡®Riniock ¨C¡¯ Niann swallowed his words, his ears perking.

    A distant voice cut through the dunes, its ominous tone sending a chill down their spines. The words carried an eerie weight, laced with power, and before they could react, the ground trembled beneath them.

    Somewhere unseen, someone was casting a spell.

    Both of them snapped their heads around, frantically searching for the source. Then, without warning, the sand erupted into the air, swirling in violent, chaotic currents. Within seconds, the sky darkened, shrouded by a suffocating storm of airborne grains.

    In their moment of carelessness, they lost sight of the academy. No matter which way they turned, the sun was obscured, stripping them of any sense of direction.

    They were stranded.

    ¡®This isn¡¯t natural,¡¯ Niann quickly deduced. ¡®That incantation we heard ¨C this storm is their doing.¡¯This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

    Riniock swallowed hard. ¡®Magick can do this?¡¯

    ¡®As long as the caster maintains focus, keeps the incantation going, and has enough odh to sustain it, yes. We¡¯re trapped inside it.¡¯

    They glanced around, searching desperately for a way out. There was none.

    ¡®No ordinary maegi could conjure something on this scale,¡¯ Niann muttered.

    ¡®Must be Fladd¡­¡¯ Riniock cursed under his breath.

    ¡®Or someone just as powerful. For all we know, Fladd is already hunting you in this storm.¡¯

    ¡®Damn it all to Murat¡­¡¯ Riniock clenched his fists. ¡®What do we do now?¡¯

    Perched atop a jagged, rock-strewn cliff, two figures stood against the raging winds. One stood near the edge, arms outstretched, lips moving in a steady murmur. The other lingered further back, arms crossed, waiting.

    Below them, the land vanished beneath a thick, swirling veil of beige, the sandstorm consuming everything in its path. Their heavy hoods flapped violently, caught in the tempest they had unleashed.

    As the storm intensified, the hooded figure at the back stepped away. ¡®Keep it going until I give the signal. I owe you one.¡¯

    The maegi casting the spell showed no sign of acknowledgment, his voice a constant whisper of incantations. He remained utterly still, his focus unshaken, his resolve unwavering.

    The hooded man turned to the others. ¡®Fan out and find him. If you do, don¡¯t engage. He¡¯s slaughtered too many of ours already. Call for reinforcements immediately.¡¯

    The gathered figures nodded in silent obedience.

    One of them hesitated. ¡®And what of anyone else, Master Fladd?¡¯

    ¡®If you don¡¯t recognise them, they¡¯re expendable.¡¯

    ¡®Then ¨C¡¯

    ¡®Spare them or kill them,¡¯ Fladd uttered coldly. ¡®I leave that to everyone¡¯s discretion.¡¯

    ¡®As you command, master.¡¯

    Silent as wraiths, the groups dispersed in all directions, each unit consisting of three maegis ¨C a precaution against unexpected resistance.

    Only Fladd moved alone, striding through the raging storm with unshaken confidence. The swirling sands barely hindered him. Whilst others struggled against the spell¡¯s chaotic interference, their odh circulation disrupted, Fladd pressed forward effortlessly. Even his own allies faltered under the storm¡¯s influence, but he remained untouched.

    The plan was flawless.

    To avoid provoking Gorlea, he had orchestrated every detail with precision. The sandstorm ensured they remained unseen, and the sheer number of pursuers made Riniock¡¯s capture inevitable. If all went according to plan, they would kill him, bury the body, and be gone before anyone even realised he was missing.

    Fladd had never been more determined to find Riniock.

    Deeper within the storm, the Ikshari disciples scoured the landscape at an astonishing pace. Their earstones, tethered for constant communication, crackled with updates as each team cleared their assigned sector.

    One team in particular stumbled upon clear signs of disturbed sand. The patterns suggested that more than one person had lingered there for some time.

    ¡®Faint tracks spotted,¡¯ one of the three reported through the earstone. ¡®Pursuing them, north of the main cliff.¡¯

    ¡®Understood,¡¯ came a response. ¡®We should be there within a quarter-hour.¡¯

    The trio exchanged glances before proceeding along the faint trail.

    As they advanced, they relayed continuous updates, meticulously noting every detail they uncovered. Their vigilance was crucial ¨C any mistake on their part would surely incur their master¡¯s wrath.

    ¡®We¡¯ve found another sign. The tracks widen here¡­looks like they stopped to rest.¡¯

    ¡®Good. Keep following the trail. We¡¯re closing in.¡¯

    Tucking away the earstone, the disciples pressed forward, their eyes scanning for the next clue. Before long, the tracks split in two different directions.

    One of them immediately reached for the device. ¡®The trail diverges. We can confirm two individuals.¡¯

    ¡®Hold your position,¡¯ the voice on the other end instructed. ¡®We¡¯ll split up once we arrive.¡¯

    ¡®Understood. We¡¯re standing by.¡¯

    Without warning, one of them collapsed with a sharp, guttural groan. The other two whirled around, startled, immediately assuming defensive stances. Without hesitation, they called for reinforcements, reporting a man down.

    ¡®Was he killed?¡¯ the voice on the other end of the earstone inquired.

    He was still breathing, but before they could answer, an agonised scream tore from his lungs.

    ¡®Negative. He¡¯s alive, but his arm¡­it¡¯s twisted ¨C completely dislocated backward. It happened in an instant.¡¯

    One of them narrowed his eyes, scanning the storm around them. ¡®A wind-attribute spell. I barely caught it, but I saw it.¡¯

    The other nodded grimly. ¡®Wind spells can cut through this storm without resistance, but their strength is diminished. Whoever cast that attack was aiming to kill ¨C but they must not have accounted for that loss in power.¡¯

    They remained on high alert. In this blinding haze, visibility was non-existent. Which raised a terrifying question ¨C how had their attacker seen them without revealing themselves?

    No logical answer presented itself.

    Suddenly, a sharp whistling cut through the sandstorm, hurtling towards their position. This time, they were ready. One of them raised a ward, the translucent barrier flaring to life just in time to intercept the projectile. The other retaliated instantly, launching a counterattack towards the source of the spell.

    Silence followed.

    Did they hit their mark? Or had their target simply vanished into the storm once more?

    Before they could dwell on it, multiple wind projectiles materialised around them, twisting unpredictably, their erratic movements making it impossible to pinpoint the caster¡¯s position.

    They barely had time to react. Both of them raised their wards, bracing as the barrage of attacks struck their shimmering defences. The impact rippled through their bodies, their strength waning under the relentless assault.

    Then, the inevitable happened.

    One of them faltered. His ward flickered for a fraction of a second ¨C just enough time for a wind blade to slip through, slicing across his throat. The cut was shallow but deep enough to send him staggering, choking on his own blood.

    His remaining ally turned, exposing his back for the briefest moment. A spell struck him squarely in the spine, sending him hurtling forward. Before he could recover, another, far deadlier projectile speared through the back of his skull, killing him instantly.

    The final blow came swiftly.

    A lone wind spell pierced through the storm, striking the first, already wounded maegi in the chest. His body jerked violently ¨C then went still.

    All three pursuers were killed.

    The storm swallowed the silence that followed. Two figures emerged from the dense storm, moving cautiously towards the fallen bodies.

    Niann gagged, turning away, but Riniock stood over the corpses, his expression unreadable. In his hand, the earstone crackled with noise, transmitting the voices of the search party directly to him.

    ¡®I don¡¯t know how you managed to tap into their tether, but it was useful,¡¯ Riniock said, pleased.

    Niann wiped his face, his stomach churning, throat raw. ¡®Once you understand the pattern, it¡¯s not that difficult.¡¯

    Riniock hummed in response, rifling through the dead men¡¯s pockets. ¡®We should move. More are coming.¡¯

    Niann swallowed hard and nodded, quickly falling into step beside him.

    The constant stream of reports had worked to their advantage, allowing them to anticipate enemy movements and navigate around their pursuers. Every voice over the tether was accounted for ¨C except one.

    Master Fladd¡¯s voice.

    The thought alone was unsettling. A man of his calibre, powerful, stalking in complete silence, listening, and unseen.

    A shadow of death prowling the rock barren.

 Showdown

    Fladd remained silent on the earstone, wary of a potential breach. Instead, he listened intently to his disciples'' reports, adjusting his course accordingly.

    Each time they discovered tracks, he moved beyond their findings, anticipating where Riniock might go next in an attempt to catch him off guard.

    Everything had been progressing as planned ¨C until the latest report ¨C the surprise attack. Then, silence.

    Fladd''s grip tightened on the device as unease crept in. His fears were confirmed when a voice finally crackled through.

    ¡®Team 3¡¯s wiped out. Three bodies confirmed, all killed with wind-elemental magick.¡¯

    A muscle twitched in Fladd¡¯s jaw. His teeth ground together in seething frustration, fingers clenched so tightly around the earstone that fine cracks splintered across its surface. Tiny embers flickered at his fingertips as his temper flared.

    ¡®Useless. Every last one of them.¡¯

    But their failure wasn¡¯t enough to deter him. The reports, the tracks, the direction of Riniock¡¯s movements ¨C it all pointed to one conclusion. His quarry was heading straight for an area Fladd knew better than anyone.

    A grin stretched across his face. He strode forward with renewed purpose.

    Elsewhere in the swirling storm, Riniock and Niann pressed on, putting as much distance as possible between themselves and the search parties.

    Then, through the haze of sand, a massive crater came into view, its edges fused to the base of an impossibly high rock wall.

    They craned their necks, but the peak was lost to the storm. There was no way up.

    A dead end.

    Niann exhaled sharply, exhaustion and frustration evident in his tone. ¡®We have to turn back.¡¯

    Riniock, however, studied the crater¡¯s size with fascination. ¡®Something massive must have hit the earth here. I wonder what kind of monster could have caused this.¡¯

    Niann¡¯s patience was at its limit. ¡®Come on, Riniock.¡¯

    The two turned back, Riniock leading the way with Niann close behind. As they moved, Niann kept his eyes on the ground ¨C until he abruptly walked into Riniock¡¯s back.

    Riniock had frozen in place, staring straight ahead, his body locked in a rigid stance. His breath hitched, and his fingers trembled at his sides.

    Niann rubbed his forehead, annoyed. ¡®Why did you stop?¡¯ He leaned to the side to see what had him so rattled ¨C then immediately wished he hadn¡¯t.

    A cold dread washed over him.

    ¡®Finally.¡¯

    The voice carried through the howling winds, steady and composed. There stood Fladd, his robe untouched by the storm, the sand itself parting around him as though unwilling to trespass upon his presence.

    ¡®You¡¯ve been a real thorn in my side, Riniock,¡¯ he mused, his tone calm but edged with disdain. ¡®I must admit, I can¡¯t decide if I should be impressed or enraged by your continued defiance.¡¯

    Riniock exhaled through his nose, his expression darkening. ¡®Fladd¡­¡¯

    Fladd took a slow step forward. ¡®Three of my personal disciples ¨C all but slain by your hand. And today, more. You, a masterless wretch, slaughtering without consequence. As if that weren¡¯t insult enough, my fourth disciple ¨C turned traitor, bewitched by your poison. Even your death won¡¯t balance the scales of what you¡¯ve cost me.¡¯

    Riniock said nothing, his throat tight with a weight he could not swallow.

    Fladd''s expression twisted with fury. ¡®A thousand times, I could have ended this. But always, some meddler stood in my way. And while I was delayed, you butchered my students ¨C warped their minds with fantasies of vengeance and love.¡¯

    ¡®Rodgut and Frisian forced my hand.¡¯

    Fladd¡¯s lip curled. ¡®Perhaps. But what of Arthian?¡¯ His voice rose, sharp with accusation. ¡®What had he done to deserve his fate?¡¯

    Riniock kept his silence.

    Fladd tilted his head, eyes gleaming with cruel amusement. ¡®And Linry ¨C that little whore. Did you think she was innocent in this?¡¯ His smirk deepened. ¡®I bought her once, to settle her father¡¯s debt. Yet it seems she no longer cares about his life.¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s jaw clenched. ¡®Linry has nothing to do with this.¡¯

    A pulse of magick surged from the academy master. Though it left no visible wounds, it sent agony searing through their bodies ¨C an illusion so precise that every fibre of their being screamed in pain.

    Fladd scoffed. ¡®She has everything to do with this.¡¯

    Through clenched teeth, Fladd murmured, ¡®Once I¡¯ve finished with you, I¡¯ll pay her father a visit. Then, when I return with his head, I¡¯ll deal with her personally.¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s fists curled, but he did not move. Though fury raged within him, outwardly, he remained frozen ¨C his body stiff with fear.

    ¡®You will die a slow death ¨C a dog¡¯s death!¡¯

    Fladd¡¯s voice turned to ice, his usual fiery temper replaced with something far more dangerous. He raised a hand towards his target, fingers curling like the claws of a predator ready to strike.

    Riniock¡¯s body moved on instinct, breaking free of its paralysis. A blade of wind shot from his palm, slicing through the storm as it hurtled at Fladd.

    The academy master did not flinch. He merely flicked his hand, casually swatting the spell aside as though an insect. The wind blade veered off course, carving through a boulder as though it were paper before gouging a deep, clean line in the sand.

    Riniock¡¯s breath hitched again. ¡®Gods¡­¡¯

    Fladd scoffed. ¡®Pathetic.¡¯

    Then, with no visible sign of casting, Riniock was wrenched from the ground. An unseen force hoisted him into the air, holding him aloft.

    Then he was hurled backward.

    The impact came fast ¨C too fast. The rock wall behind him met him with brutal finality, the force of the slam knocking the air from his lungs in a violent gasp.

    Before he could even react, Fladd curled a finger.

    Riniock was yanked away from the wall ¨C only to be slammed into it again.

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    And again.

    And again.

    The rhythm was relentless.

    A dozen times over, Riniock¡¯s body was sent crashing against the unforgiving stone. With each impact, his bones splintered further, his flesh bruising and tearing under the relentless assault. Blood poured from his lips, his body little more than a shattered husk.

    Niann stood frozen. The deafening crack of Riniock¡¯s body meeting stone filled his ears, each collision driving an unbearable weight deeper into his chest. He watched, horror-stricken, as the repeated blows began to carve a dent in the rock, an imprint of Riniock¡¯s broken form.

    He couldn¡¯t just stand there.

    Niann¡¯s breath came in ragged bursts as he willed himself to move. His legs trembled but carried him forward. His hands rose, the beginnings of a spell forming at his fingertips ¨C

    But nothing happened. The sandstorm¡¯s effect was simply too great for his meagre skills.

    His spell fizzled out before it could even take shape.

    Tears blurred his vision as panic set in. Fladd turned, barely even acknowledging him, and lifted his free hand. Flames gathered at his palm, flickering hungrily in the storm¡¯s unnatural stillness around him.

    Niann barely had time to close his eyes before Fladd fired. The spell streaked through the air, its sheer force rattling Niann to his core.

    But it never struck him.

    A figure had stepped between him and certain death, his silhouette distorted by the swirling storm. His hand remained outstretched, the air still crackling from the force of the deflected attack.

    ¡®Hands off my nephew,¡¯ the person declared.

    The voice alone was unmistakable. It carried the same authority as the sun setting in the west ¨C absolute, undeniable.

    Niann¡¯s breath hitched. His legs nearly gave out beneath him. Had he¡­had he just soiled himself?

    Talien cast a quick glance at him and hissed. ¡®Shameless.¡¯ He spat onto the sand, his expression one of utter contempt. ¡®At least your friend has the decency to resign himself with some dignity.¡¯

    Niann¡¯s lips trembled. ¡®Uncle?¡¯

    Talien silenced him with a glare. ¡®Enough. You¡¯ve disgraced our family name plenty for one day.¡¯ His tone was sharp, unyielding. Then, turning slightly, he barked another order. ¡®Siegmun, take your cousin and move him somewhere out of my sight. I¡¯ll retrieve that one in a moment.¡¯

    Through the haze of sand and chaos, Siegmun emerged. He nodded once before gripping Niann by the collar.

    ¡®Yes, uncle.¡¯

    Fladd¡¯s eyes widened at Talien¡¯s sudden arrival.

    His plan had accounted for countless contingencies, including the possibility of the college¡¯s high maegi interfering. But he had never actually devised a countermeasure for it.

    His frown deepened. He had to act fast ¨C before Talien had a chance to interfere.

    He had to kill Riniock once and for all.

    Fladd turned his focus back to his captive, intending to end Riniock¡¯s life before the high maegi could intervene.

    But his grasp found nothing.

    His heart lurched. Snapping his gaze back to Talien, he saw the man now holding Riniock in his arms.

    In the blink of an eye, Talien vanished, reappearing beside Siegmun and Niann, who instinctively stepped back. He gently laid Riniock on the ground before straightening.

    ¡®Is he dead?¡¯ Siegmun asked, already pressing fingers to his pulse.

    ¡®Unconscious,¡¯ Talien replied. ¡®Give him a remedy while I clean up this mess.¡¯

    Siegmun nodded and dug through his bag.

    Fladd¡¯s face twisted with fury. ¡®Not again!¡¯ he bellowed, summoning the largest sphere of fire the two acolytes had ever seen.

    The air pulsed with blistering heat as the blazing mass shot forward, carving a path through the storm. Sand beneath its wake melted and solidified into glass in an instant.

    But just as it neared its targets, a wall of hardened sand erupted before it. The fireball tore through the barrier with ease, but another followed. Then another.

    Seven walls rose in rapid succession ¨C until the final one absorbed the last of the sphere¡¯s destructive energy, reducing it to harmless embers.

    Fladd clenched his fists. ¡®Talien, you meddlesome bastard!¡¯

    The high maegi exhaled, unconcerned. ¡®Hush now. This is an exchange of magick, not words.¡¯

    ¡®Watch your tongue, cur!¡¯

    Fladd clapped his palms together, and over a dozen serpentine fire arrows materialised around him. They slithered through the air, hissing like living creatures before he sent them hurtling towards Talien in a relentless assault.

    Each arrow moved with deliberate precision, twisting, coiling, and darting along unpredictable trajectories. No two followed the same path ¨C Fladd controlled them individually, a testament to his mastery.

    Yet Talien remained unfazed.

    With a simple snap of his fingers, an orb of radiant light flared to life above his head, its glow unwavering.

    Then, as effortlessly as one might swat away insects, he pointed at each incoming arrow. The orb responded instantly, firing beams of concentrated light, striking down every flaming serpent before they could breach his perimeter.

    The moment Fladd¡¯s attack was neutralised, Talien turned his attention to him. Without hesitation, he flicked his finger forward ¨C once, twice, thrice ¨C each motion sending a razor-sharp shard of light streaking towards the academy master.

    Fladd¡¯s eyes widened.

    His reflexes, honed by years of battle, surged into action. Channelling raw power into his body, he heightened his senses with a spell, his vision sharpening to perceive even the smallest of movements.

    In an instant, he conjured a great ward ¨C far beyond the feeble barriers of mere acolytes. The shimmering shield formed, absorbing the barrage of light shards.

    But Talien didn¡¯t give him a chance to recover.

    Extending his hand, he curled his fingers as though gripping the hilt of an invisible sword.

    Talien vanished from sight, reappearing behind Fladd in an instant. His luminous weapon arced upward, poised to end the battle with a single decisive strike.

    Yet the moment his foot touched the ground, an amber light flared beneath him.

    Acting on instinct, Talien propelled himself backward ¨C just in time.

    A pillar of fire exploded from beneath him, a trap spell meticulously prepared by the academy master.

    ¡®Curse you!¡¯ Fladd bellowed, summoning pillar after pillar, filling the battlefield with relentless eruptions of flame.

    But Talien moved with effortless precision, weaving between the blazing infernos as if he had choreographed the very dance of battle itself.

    To Fladd, it was maddening.

    No matter what he threw at the high maegi, Talien had a way to sidestep, to counter, to render it meaningless.

    Despite their difference in age and experience, Fladd found himself utterly outclassed. There was simply no matching Talien¡¯s mastery, his command of magick, his sheer force of will.

    ¡®Out of tricks already?¡¯ Talien¡¯s voice remained unnervingly calm, laced with quiet amusement.

    ¡®Monster¡­¡¯ Fladd seethed through ragged breaths.

    But he wasn¡¯t out of tricks.

    His gaze flickered towards the three acolytes huddled behind their high maegi¡¯s formidable presence.

    ¡®I have one more left,¡¯ he murmured, then thrust his hands forward and into the sand.

    The earth trembled.

    The sand quivered.

    The very ground beneath them split open.

    A deep, violent fissure tore through the battlefield, dragging the sands into an abyss beyond sight. Like wildfire, the rupture spread, branching outward like skeletal fingers stretching through the rock barren.

    Even Talien was forced to retreat, moving with speed beyond the limits of the eye.

    The fissures reached the crater, then the endless wall. The brittle terrain cracked and collapsed, revealing a gaping chasm ¨C a black void swallowing all light.

    Its depth was immeasurable. Its darkness, absolute.

    The earthquake raged on, growing stronger the longer Fladd maintained his focus. His intent was clear: he would not stop until the Gorlean acolytes were swallowed whole.

    ¡®Help me lift him!¡¯ Siegmun urged Niann as they struggled to move.

    Their timing could not have been better ¨C only moments later, their previous position crumbled into the abyss.

    Riniock, stirred by the effects of the remedy, began to regain consciousness at the most crucial moment. No longer dead weight, his movement made their escape far easier.

    Still disoriented, he barely processed Siegmun¡¯s urgent words.

    ¡®Pull yourself together, mate! We need to run like Murat!¡¯

    Though his vision was still blurred, Riniock obeyed without question.

    Fladd clenched his fists, his hold on the spell weakening.

    ¡®Blast it!¡¯ he spat, straightening. ¡®Those bastards are still alive¡­¡¯

    For a brief moment, the thought of his enemies escaping faded into the background.

    Even Talien, having moved beyond the collapse, refrained from pressing his advantage.

    Something stirred beneath the devouring sands.

    Then came the sound.

    A snarl, deep and bone-chilling, rumbled from the chasm. It was followed by a guttural growl ¨C an otherworldly reverberation so powerful that the entire rock barren trembled in response.

    Nearby cliffs splintered.

    Rocks shattered into dust.

    Blood dripped from their ears as the sheer force of the noise threatened to rupture their skulls.

    Even the most powerful amongst them ¨C both the high maegi and the academy master ¨C felt their bodies quake beneath the monstrous pressure.

    ¡®What¡¯s happening¡­¡¯ Riniock clutched his ears, barely recovered from his wounds, only to be inflicted with a fresh agony.

    ¡®I don¡¯t know!¡¯ Niann cried, his hands pressed against his bleeding temples.

    The answer came too soon. And they all wished they had never asked.

    From the chasm, something gazed back at them.

    Bulbous eyes!

    A myriad of them, glowing with an ethereal, nightmarish radiance. The smallest amongst them dwarfed the humans who stood before the abyss.

    Then, the largest eye opened.

    And fear took on a new meaning.

    ¡®Gods above¡­¡¯ Fladd choked, stumbling backward, dragging himself away from the very hole he had torn into the earth.

    The eye was colossal ¨C so vast that even with the enormous fissure, only a fraction of it was visible. Which meant that whatever horror lurked in the depths below¡­

    ¡­Its eye alone eclipsed the crater.

 Stellar Sea Scourge

    The ground trembled violently as the creature below stirred from its ancient slumber. The maegis lost their footing, scrambling to their knees before staggering away, desperate to escape the unfolding nightmare.

    Then, the earth cracked open even further.

    The thing rose.

    Its form was a grotesque mockery of nature ¨C an eldritch horror that defied logic and reason. Even the briefest glimpse of it sent an unnatural chill through the spine, as though its very existence corroded sanity.

    It was sleek yet impossibly vast, its sickly green bioluminescence casting an eerie, ghostly glow. The light flickered like a dying star, rendering its already spectral shape all the more otherworldly.

    A myriad of eyes ¨C ghastly, disembodied orbs ¨C peered in every direction, each one pulsing with an unsettling awareness.

    ¡®Asreth have mercy on our souls,¡¯ Fladd breathed, his voice laced with terror and awe.

    Spectral tendrils slithered outward, curling and unfurling like restless phantoms. With an unnatural grace, the creature lifted itself into the air, unbound by gravity. Its undulating body bore an uncanny resemblance to deep-sea leviathans, adorned with wispy, translucent fins and jagged, thorn-like spines.

    Then, it unhinged its maw.

    And from within ¨C framed by rows upon rows of blade-like fangs ¨C stared the colossal eye that had first struck terror into their hearts.

    Caged behind its monstrous teeth, the eye gleamed with an unfathomable hunger, its pupil contracting as if selecting which soul to consume first.

    Then it roared.

    The air itself fractured under the force of its cry.

    They felt it ¨C not just in their ears, but in their very cores. The unnatural sound bypassed flesh and bone, striking straight into their souls.

    Agony bloomed.

    Blood erupted from their mouths, their noses, their ears ¨C forced out as if their bodies rejected the horror¡¯s very presence.

    ¡®What is this thing?!¡¯ Riniock cried, his voice barely audible over the ringing in his skull. ¡®I''ve never ¨C never seen anything like it!¡¯

    Niann did not respond. His blank, unfocused eyes were evidence that he had already been lost to the terror. Blood streaked his face, his breath shallow.

    Siegmun, though standing, was no less shaken. His mind grasped for answers, but none came. Like the others, he had never seen such an abomination.

    ¡®That,¡¯ Talien rasped, spitting blood onto the sand, his hand clutching his chest as though to steady his very soul, ¡®is an emerser.¡¯

    Riniock repeated the name, his breath hitching. ¡®An¡­emerser?¡¯

    ¡®Scourges of the Stellar Sea,¡¯ Talien murmured, dragging himself closer to them. His voice was raw, strained, yet firm with grim understanding. ¡®They devour astral bodies¡­warping into eldritch titans with too many eyes and no mercy.¡¯

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    The high maegi reached the three, crouching beside them. The emerser had yet to fully shake off its haze.

    ¡®We need to move ¨C fast,¡¯ Talien urged, his tone unusually grim. ¡®None of us can take this thing on. Even if the academy master and I fought together, we wouldn¡¯t stand a chance.¡¯

    Riniock coughed, wincing. ¡®If it¡¯s left unchecked, what kind of damage are we looking at?¡¯

    Talien fell silent, his expression darkening.

    ¡®¡­can no one stop it?¡¯

    ¡®It would take the combined efforts of the academy¡¯s headmaster, Fladd, and myself just to suppress it. And even then, I¡¯m not sure what could truly put it down.¡¯

    ¡®Then what do we do?¡¯

    ¡®We run.¡¯ Talien glanced at the others, assessing their conditions. ¡®You still seem lucid ¨C help Niann. I¡¯ll get Siegmun up.¡¯

    Riniock gave a weak nod and forced himself to his feet, his abdomen flaring with pain. He swayed for a moment but steadied himself, pulling Niann up before following Talien, who had slung Siegmun¡¯s arm over his shoulder.

    Then, the emerser snarled.

    Its countless eyes flickered to life, one by one, as awareness returned to it. It shook its head, unsettlingly fluid in motion, as if waking from a nightmare.

    They had no way of knowing which of them had drawn its attention.

    But then its gaping maw turned towards them.

    The realisation hit like a hammer.

    Before it could strike however, a sudden commotion broke through the storm. A group of figures rushed onto the scene ¨C they were Fladd¡¯s disciples. Not one or two teams, but four. A force of twelve acolytes, moving in formation.

    ¡®Master Fladd!¡¯ one of them called out.

    The emerser¡¯s attention briskly snapped in the direction of the shout.

    It scowled ¨C or rather, its grotesque, shifting expression twisted into something resembling rage.

    With a guttural growl, it surged forward.

    It moved like a missile, cutting through the sandstorm, heading straight for the newcomers at high speed.

    The Iksharis barely had time to react. Had it not been for the storm obscuring their vision, they might have noticed the creature¡¯s approach.

    ¡®Watch out!¡¯ Fladd shouted.

    It was too late.

    The emerser struck the first of them, its monstrous jaws snapping shut around an acolyte¡¯s body. The young mage¡¯s eyes rolled white as his soul was torn from him, ripped away in an instant.

    On the creature¡¯s back, a new eye formed.

    ¡®It¡¯s evolving,¡¯ Talien muttered, horror creeping into his voice.

    The emerser, caught in its reckless charge, failed to stop its own momentum ¨C slamming headfirst into a nearby spire with a deafening crash.

    ¡®Now, Riniock!¡¯ Talien urged, pushing his battered body into a desperate sprint.

    Riniock hesitated for only a moment before shaking his head and following close behind.

    The Iksharis remained fixated on the emerser, too engrossed in the unfolding nightmare to notice their targets slipping away. Only Fladd caught sight of their retreat. His face twisted in fury.

    Raising a hand, he summoned a fireball and hurled it towards them.

    His target was Riniock.

    Riniock ducked at the last second. The fireball seared past him ¨C straight into Siegmun.

    A sharp, agonised scream tore from Siegmun¡¯s throat. Flames licked at his robes, blackening the fabric and scorching deep into his back.

    Fladd had acted out of frustration, but the moment the fire left his hand, he realised his mistake.

    The emerser turned.

    Its countless, unblinking eyes locked onto him. Fladd¡¯s stomach plummeted as cold dread took hold.

    But the Gorleans did not stay to witness the Iksharis'' fate. Seizing their chance, they turned and ran, vanishing into the howling sands. Behind them, the figures of Fladd, his disciples, and the monstrous emerser disappeared into the storm.

    Hours later...the four of them stumbled to the gates of Ikshar, barely holding themselves together. The guards, seeing their injuries, blocked their path.

    ¡®What happened to you lot?¡¯ one asked, scrutinising them.

    Talien, still composed despite his wounds, spun a lie with practiced ease. The guards exchanged glances, then shrugged. ¡®Get yourselves to the infirmary.¡¯

    They didn¡¯t need to be told twice.

    Upon reaching the infirmary, Siegmun and Niann were placed onto beds, their wounds immediately tended to.

    As for Riniock ¨C

    The moment he let himself breathe, the world spun. Darkness closed in and his eyes shut down.

    He collapsed.

 Many a Question

    Riniock tossed and turned through the night, trapped in a restless sleep. Shadows of the past plagued his dreams ¨C old wounds, buried memories, things better left forgotten.

    Then came the last vision.

    It struck like a blade to his soul, jolting him awake with a sharp gasp.

    His breath came in ragged bursts, sweat clinging to his skin as though he had just outrun death itself. A dull, throbbing pain coursed down his spine, and his ears rang with a lingering numbness ¨C the remnants of the emerser¡¯s soul-wrenching screech.

    Blinking, he took in his surroundings. White linen, the scent of herbs, the quiet murmur of distant voices ¨C an infirmary.

    ¡®You¡¯re awake.¡¯

    The voice was soft, familiar ¨C one he hadn¡¯t realised he had longed to hear until now.

    He turned his head.

    ¡®Linry,¡¯ he said with a weak voice.

    Relief flooded him, though his vision still swayed. ¡®Linry¡­you can¡¯t imagine how glad I am to hear your voice.¡¯

    ¡®And me, yours,¡¯ she admitted. ¡®I feared our earstone exchange would be the last time.¡¯

    He exhaled, leaning back against the bed frame. His body still ached, but it wasn¡¯t just the wounds weighing on him.

    ¡®It was¡­¡¯ he swallowed hard. ¡®That thing was terrifying.¡¯

    ¡®Niann told me it was an emerser,¡¯ Linry said. ¡®A creature from the Stellar Sea, beyond the boundaries of our world.¡¯

    Riniock arched a brow. ¡®You spoke to Niann?¡¯

    She nodded. ¡®Surprising as it may be, he and I have put our differences aside.¡¯

    ¡®You don¡¯t say.¡¯

    Linry studied him, noting the flicker of conflicting emotions on his face. ¡®What¡¯s on your mind?¡¯

    ¡®A lot, honestly¡­but first, I want to know what happened after we got back.¡¯

    ¡®Nothing,¡¯ she replied.

    ¡®Nothing?¡¯ Riniock echoed, frowning.

    ¡®Neither Master Fladd nor any of the disciples who went with him that day have returned. It¡¯s been five days.¡¯

    ¡®Five days?¡¯ He jolted upright, wincing. ¡®I was out for that long?¡¯

    She gave a small nod. ¡®You were.¡¯

    ¡®And Siegmun? If you spoke to Niann, that means he¡¯s already awake.¡¯

    Linry¡¯s gaze drifted to a nearby bed, its sheets tangled and empty. ¡®He woke up a few hours ago. Already left.¡¯

    There were countless questions swirling in Riniock¡¯s mind, but before he could voice a single one, the door swung open.

    He immediately recognised two of the figures entering the room.

    ¡®Niann,¡¯ he said, relief evident in his tone. His gaze then shifted to the other familiar face. ¡®Sir Talien¡­¡¯

    The high maegi strode in, hands clasped behind his back, flanked by another man. The newcomer moved with practiced ease, clearly accustomed to the room and its tools. Riniock could only assume he was the local equivalent of a medicar.

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    The man approached and silently checked Riniock¡¯s vitals, performing a few routine tests to assess his condition.

    ¡®He¡¯s healing well,¡¯ the healer informed Talien before stepping aside.

    Talien tilted his head. ¡®Comfortable?¡¯

    ¡®I am, sir. Thank you,¡¯ Riniock replied. ¡®What brings you by?¡¯

    Something about the way Talien looked at him unsettled Riniock. It was a calculated gaze, as if he were scrutinising him beyond what was being said. For some reason, Riniock hesitated to press further.

    ¡®You¡¯ll be pleased to hear that, as of now, there¡¯s no sign of Fladd. Search parties were sent after him, but it¡¯s as if he simply vanished.¡¯

    Riniock exhaled, his shoulders easing slightly. ¡®That¡¯s¡­a relief.¡¯

    ¡®Perhaps,¡¯ Talien said. ¡®But I¡¯d advise you to keep a low profile. There are those who knew of your involvement with Master Fladd, and while it¡¯s highly unlikely anyone will think you had a hand in his disappearance, questions are being raised.¡¯

    Riniock scoffed. ¡®You can¡¯t be serious.¡¯

    ¡®They are. So, consider this fair warning.¡¯

    Riniock ran a hand through his hair and let out a breath. Then, a thought struck him. ¡®What about the emerser? I figured I¡¯d wake up to complete devastation.¡¯

    Talien¡¯s expression darkened slightly. ¡®The emerser is gone.¡¯

    Riniock blinked. ¡®Gone? How is that possible?¡¯

    Talien¡¯s lips pressed into a thin line. ¡®Your guess is as good as mine.¡¯

    ¡®How does something that massive just vanish without a trace?¡¯

    Talien¡¯s expression remained unreadable. ¡®I don¡¯t know. The world is full of mysteries. Anything is possible.¡¯

    Riniock mulled over those words. The world truly was strange ¨C its unpredictability undeniable. The very existence of maegis was proof enough of that.

    The matter of the emerser was all but settled but there was nothing any of them could do about it. Instead, there was one thing he wished to clarify before the high maegi took his leave.

    Seizing the moment, he asked, ¡®What¡¯s happening with the expedition?¡¯

    ¡®Postponed until further notice,¡¯ Talien answered bluntly.

    ¡®Postponed?¡¯

    ¡®It¡¯s necessary,¡¯ Talien replied. ¡®With these disappearances, the academy higherups need time to sort things out.¡¯

    ¡®So, no one besides us knows about the emerser?¡¯

    ¡®No one alive that I¡¯m aware of.¡¯

    Riniock exhaled sharply. ¡®I see.¡¯

    ¡®Don¡¯t dwell on it too much,¡¯ Talien advised. ¡®If I were you, I¡¯d use this time to strengthen yourself ¨C consolidate your magick, refine your spells. You¡¯ll need them.¡¯

    Talien paused at the door, turning to address Riniock one last time.

    ¡®You¡¯re fortunate I was with Siegmun when this young lady came looking for him,¡¯ he said. ¡®Neither you nor my nephew would be alive today if I hadn¡¯t intervened.¡¯

    Riniock nodded, understanding the gravity of Talien¡¯s words.

    ¡®I understand¡­¡¯

    Talien¡¯s gaze hardened. ¡®I don¡¯t think you do. Your actions keep bringing trouble ¨C not just for you, but for those around you as well.¡¯

    With that, he turned the knob, lingering in the doorway for a moment before stepping out.

    ¡®Are you alright?¡¯ Niann asked, his expression sorrowful, as though weighed down by a quiet grief.

    ¡®It could have been worse,¡¯ Riniock replied, trying to downplay the situation. ¡®We can thank Linry. She saved both our lives.¡¯

    ¡®True. I¡¯ve already expressed my gratitude to her,¡¯ Niann said. ¡®When you¡¯re discharged, come find me. I¡¯ve been researching with spell-mixing, and I¡¯ve discovered something that might interest you.¡¯

    ¡®I¡¯ll seek you out when I¡¯m able to leave,¡¯ Riniock promised.

    Niann nodded and excused himself, leaving Riniock to slowly sit on the edge of the bed. After five days of inactivity, his muscles felt stiff, and he longed to stretch them.

    As he did, he noticed Linry, her expression full of quiet turmoil. There was something heavy on her mind.

    ¡®What¡¯s wrong?¡¯ he asked gently, placing his hand on her arm, feeling the coolness of her skin beneath his touch.

    ¡®I¡¯m not sure,¡¯ she murmured. ¡®With Master Fladd gone, my father¡¯s debt is erased. I¡¯m free from him and all his filth. Right?¡¯

    Riniock immediately understood her conflict. Without proof of the academy master''s fate, she couldn¡¯t quite bring herself to act, caught between hope and doubt.

    ¡®Let¡¯s focus on the positive,¡¯ he suggested, offering her a reassuring smile.

    Linry gazed into her reflection in a nearby metal bowl, lost in thought. Then, as if a realisation struck her, she straightened up, her posture more resolute.

    ¡®How would you feel about visiting my old village with me?¡¯ she asked, her spirits curiously renewed.

    ¡®Are you sure? You¡¯d take me with you?¡¯

    She nodded, her smile bright and defiant. ¡®I don¡¯t care what anyone else thinks anymore. I¡¯m done hiding and living in fear.¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s heart lightened at her determination. ¡®I¡¯d be honoured to accompany you.¡¯

    ¡®That¡¯s nice of you,¡¯ Linry blushed, hiding her face.

    ¡®I owe you my life, Linry. I¡¯d go to Murat with you if you bid me.¡¯

    A brief silence occurred when he wore his clothes ¨C which were neatly folded on a nearby cushion ¨C and Linry continued to observe her reflection in the metal bowl.

    ¡®I would want to introduce you to my father if we get the chance.¡¯

    Riniock swivelled in place, his robe hanging from his teeth. ¡®Your father?¡¯

    ¡®Yes,¡¯ she nodded.

    ¡®Sounds like a pleasant plan,¡¯ Riniock jumped off the bed, throwing hands in all directions. ¡®When do we depart?¡¯

 Haitenshire (1)

    Linry secured permission to leave the academy grounds and return to her village. With the allotted date set two days ahead, she and Riniock waited patiently.

    In the meantime, Riniock continued to recover, and soon he was well enough to leave the infirmary.

    As agreed, he and Niann trained together, though they kept to the academy¡¯s private training grounds ¨C taking no chances after the Fladd and emerser incident.

    ¡®When I went back to the library, I found a second volume of that book you discovered,¡¯ Niann said.

    Riniock¡¯s interest piqued immediately. ¡®Oh? And what did it say?¡¯

    ¡®The second part of elemental transmutation details how to change a spell¡¯s element after it leaves a maegi¡¯s hand. For example, you could launch a wind blade at someone, only for it to transform into a glacial blade just before impact.¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s eyes gleamed with excitement. This was a fascinating expansion to his already formidable technique. ¡®Whoever this anonymous author is, they¡¯re an absolute genius.¡¯

    ¡®No doubt!¡¯ Niann agreed. ¡®Like the first volume, though, the spell circle was mistranslated. So while you were still on bedrest, I took the time to copy everything for you, including the necessary corrections.¡¯

    He rummaged through his belongings and retrieved his notes. As expected from Niann¡¯s meticulous nature, everything was neatly organised, making it easy for Riniock to memorise and copy the contents into his arcane tome.

    It took him a few hours, but he eventually finished.

    ¡®You¡¯re absolutely cheating,¡¯ Niann muttered in disbelief. ¡®It takes most people days to inscribe spells properly, and weeks to learn them. But you? You¡¯re done in a matter of hours for either of them.¡¯

    Riniock chuckled. ¡®If talent is cheating, then yes, I¡¯m cheating.¡¯

    Niann laughed at the remark, observing Riniock¡¯s method of inscription. The most time-consuming part of copying spells was constantly glancing between the original text and one¡¯s own notes, ensuring precision.

    But as Niann watched, he realised something odd ¨C Riniock barely looked at his notes.

    ¡®¡­did you memorise it after reading it once?¡¯ Niann asked, still struggling to believe what he was seeing.

    Riniock glanced up at Niann¡¯s scrutinising expression, a self-satisfied grin spreading across his face. Without breaking eye contact, he continued writing, his quill gliding effortlessly over the page. For an entire minute, he didn¡¯t so much as glance at his tome ¨C yet not a single line was out of place, not a single symbol omitted.

    Niann exhaled sharply. ¡®Now that¡¯s just showing off¡­¡¯

    ¡®Heh. I¡¯ve always had an eidetic memory,¡¯ Riniock admitted. ¡®Everything I see or hear ¨C I never forget. I can recall it in perfect, vivid detail, as if I were experiencing it again.¡¯

    Niann fell into deep thought, rubbing his chin as he paced back and forth, clearly mulling something over.

    Then he stopped and turned to him. ¡®Is there a limit to how much you can remember?¡¯

    ¡®None. I remember everything from the moment I became aware.¡¯

    A realisation dawned on Niann, his excitement growing. ¡®So, theoretically, you could flip through hundreds of books, absorbing their contents instantly, and take your time later to process and understand them? You wouldn¡¯t even need to study in the normal sense ¨C just glance at each page once and move on.¡¯

    Riniock blinked, considering the idea for the first time. ¡®Huh¡­never thought about it like that.¡¯

    ¡®You¡¯d be a walking library,¡¯ Niann marvelled, just as thrilled by the revelation as Riniock himself.

    ¡®But let¡¯s not lose focus,¡¯ Riniock butted in, rising to his feet as he finished his notes. ¡®Let¡¯s try out the second volume¡¯s technique. It¡¯ll be invaluable in this godsforsaken place. The sandstorm really messed with my spells last time, but I have an idea on know how to counter that now.¡¯

    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

    He stepped forward, positioning himself in front of a training target.

    ¡®This technique is definitely more complex, but knowing I have the correct translation from the start gives me confidence.¡¯

    ¡®You¡¯re welcome,¡¯ Niann quipped.

    Riniock chuckled. ¡®Thank you, my friend.¡¯

    Taking a steady breath, he gathered wind energy into his palm, shaping it into a pulsating orb. Instead of launching it immediately, he released it at a slow, deliberate pace, allowing himself more time to attempt the elemental transmutation before it reached its mark.

    But the process was gruelling.

    His face tightened with concentration, sweat forming on his brow as he struggled to alter the spell mid-flight. His hand trembled from the strain, and despite his best efforts, the magick reached its destination unchanged.

    ¡®This is harder than I expected,¡¯ he admitted, panting slightly.

    ¡®Try to relax,¡¯ Niann advised. ¡®Tempest elements may be volatile, but they require fluidity, not tension.¡¯

    ¡®Alright¡­I¡¯ll give that a shot.¡¯

    ¡®According to the book, you need to envision your odh flowing towards your spell, linking with it, and issuing a command to change its element. It¡¯s similar to the first volume¡¯s method ¨C just with an extended range.¡¯

    ¡®Envision my odh? Like a trail?¡¯ Riniock asked, trying to conceptualise it.

    Niann nodded. ¡®If that helps you visualise it, then yes ¨C think of it as a trail.¡¯

    Riniock, reinvigorated by his determination, took his stance once more and conjured another slow-moving orb.

    ¡®Here we go,¡¯ he muttered to himself, steeling his focus.

    In his mind¡¯s eye, a luminous thread of odh stretched from his fingertips, weaving through the air and latching onto the wind orb. Yet, time and time again, the link faltered ¨C sometimes detaching before it could take hold, other times failing to reach the orb at all.

    He repeated the process relentlessly, casting spell after spell, draining his reserves of odh with each attempt. The first ten tries yielded nothing but failure, no connection whatsoever. But then, finally, his odh reached the spell.

    However, the breakthrough was far from victory. Though the link was established, his command to shift the orb¡¯s element failed to transmit. Again and again, he tried, each attempt inching closer, yet still missing the mark.

    After more than fifty attempts and a whole day later, the slightest sign of progress flickered before them.

    ¡®It almost worked!¡¯ Niann exclaimed, pointing at the orb. ¡®I saw it shudder ¨C just for a moment. The command must have reached it, but it wasn¡¯t strong enough to trigger the change. You¡¯re close! Don¡¯t give up now.¡¯

    Riniock exhaled, his exhaustion catching up to him. ¡®I don¡¯t know, Niann¡­maybe I should take a break. Grab a bite or something.¡¯

    ¡®That¡¯s what losers say.¡¯

    Riniock shot him a look, caught between amusement and disbelief. ¡®I appreciate the effort, but¡­you¡¯re terrible at motivational speeches.¡¯

    Niann scratched the back of his head. ¡®Eh, worth a shot.¡¯

    ¡®It really is difficult, though¡­¡¯ Riniock admitted, rubbing his temple.

    ¡®Try adding a bit of anger,¡¯ Niann suggested.

    Riniock frowned. ¡®I thought I needed fluidity. Didn¡¯t you say tempest spells don¡¯t work well with tension?¡¯

    ¡®I did,¡¯ Niann acknowledged. ¡®But I¡¯ve seen you fight. You pull off some incredible things when you¡¯re in the heat of battle. Maybe if you channel that same intensity ¨C without stiffening up ¨C it could work in your favour. It¡¯s worth a try.¡¯

    Riniock took a moment to consider it.

    If he was going to harness his anger, he needed a fitting target ¨C someone like Irgod. The memory of the wounds Linry bore on her neck flashed in his mind, and his pulse quickened. Just the thought of it sent heat surging through his veins.

    With this intensity fuelling him, he ran through the process once more. Cast, envision, link, command, and¡­

    ¡®It worked!¡¯ Niann shouted.

    Before his eyes, the swirling winds of the orb crystallised into frost, wisps of air solidifying into an icy sphere. However, the spell faltered, unable to continue its trajectory, and instead sank midair before shattering upon the ground, leaving a thin layer of ice in its wake.

    A grin spread across Riniock¡¯s face. It wasn¡¯t perfect, but it was progress ¨C proof that, with enough training, he could master it.

    ¡®Alright! I need food. I¡¯m starving.¡¯

    Niann frowned. ¡®Shouldn¡¯t you ¨C¡¯

    ¡®Let¡¯s take a break. Even us losers need to rest now and then,¡¯ Riniock quipped, throwing Niann¡¯s earlier words back at him.

    As they turned in direction of the academy¡¯s main hall, they were caught off guard by Linry standing near the exit, quietly watching their training unfold.

    For once, Riniock noticed that Niann didn¡¯t tense at the sight of her. It seemed they had really resolved their differences.

    They approached her, their strides casual, as if nothing had happened.

    ¡®Finished?¡¯ Linry asked.

    ¡®Were you waiting long?¡¯ Riniock glanced at the sun, trying to gauge the time.

    ¡®Not long.¡¯

    ¡®Why are you here?¡¯ Niann cut in jokingly. ¡®Spying?¡¯

    ¡®Kind of,¡¯ she admitted with a smirk. ¡®I like watching Riniock.¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s gaze flicked between the two of them. Not only was Niann no longer scowling at her, but they were teasing him ¨C together.

    ¡®Did I miss a chapter somewhere?¡¯ he asked, arching a brow.

    Linry giggled, covering her mouth with her hand. ¡®Maybe one or two.¡¯

    Niann, shaking his head, redirected the conversation. ¡®So? Why are you here?¡¯

    ¡®I came to collect Riniock. We¡¯re heading to my childhood village.¡¯

    ¡®Haitenshire, right?¡¯ Niann recalled.

    Linry nodded. ¡®Yes. Are you ready, Riniock?¡¯

    ¡®Yeah. My things are over there.¡¯

    Linry smiled as she walked beside him. ¡®I can¡¯t wait to go back.¡¯

 Haitenshire (2)

    Reaching the village was no great challenge ¨C long, but uncomplicated. As Riniock and Linry approached the academy gates, ready to depart, they found a man waiting with two beasts, already fastened and prepared for travel.

    ¡®A politamus,¡¯ Riniock noted as they drew closer.

    Linry nodded. ¡®That¡¯s right. They¡¯re perfect for crossing the rock barrens ¨C they can go days without water and handle the rough terrain with ease.¡¯

    Intrigued, Riniock stepped forward and placed a hand on one of the creatures¡¯ heads.

    The politamus had wrinkled, leathery skin, smooth yet uneven, like that of a hairless animal. Its large, round eyes held a surprising depth, curiosity gleaming within them. Its snout-like mouth gave it an intelligent ¨C if slightly eerie ¨C appearance. A long, sturdy tail flicked behind it, likely aiding in balance or communication.

    Linry finished paying the stablemaster and turned to him. ¡®Shall we?¡¯

    Riniock gave the politamus an affectionate pat on the snout before nodding. Without further delay, they mounted their beasts, secured their belongings, and set off on their journey.

    As they traversed the wastelands, they encountered many sights. Though much of the terrain was an endless expanse of sand and rock, a few details stood out amidst the desolation.

    Whilst riding, they crested a dune and spotted a gathering of creatures below.

    ¡®What are those?¡¯ Riniock asked, turning to Linry.

    She squinted against the glare of the sun, shading her eyes with one hand. ¡®Remazods. Nasty things.¡¯

    As they neared the creatures, the entire pack snapped their heads towards them in unison. Then, in an unsettling display, a dozen or so of them reared onto their hind legs, their massive black eyes locking onto the politami and their riders.

    Without warning, they let out a shrill, piercing screech, their maws gaping wide to reveal rows of razor-sharp fangs.

    ¡®Don¡¯t be alarmed,¡¯ Linry said quickly, raising a hand to stop Riniock from making any rash moves. ¡®It¡¯s just a warning display. Stay calm, act normal, and don¡¯t make any sudden movements.¡¯

    Riniock eyed the creatures warily, his gaze shifting between them and Linry.

    The remazods were reptilian beasts, their bodies covered in rough, almost armour-like hide with jagged spines running along their backs. Their heads bore long, tendril-like appendages resembling beards, adding to their eerie, ancient appearance.

    Amidst the encircling remazods, a carcass lay sprawled in the sand. It was large and covered in coarse fur, its flesh torn open and entrails strewn across the ground, staining the desert red.

    ¡®What are they eating?¡¯ Riniock asked, though he quickly answered himself. ¡®Is that a shimlee?¡¯

    Linry nodded. ¡®Poor thing. It¡¯s slow, making it easy prey for every beast in the region.¡¯

    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    The words lingered in Riniock¡¯s mind.

    The weak are always preyed upon, fodder for the strong. If his luck had been any worse that day in the sandstorm, he might have ended up dead at Fladd¡¯s hands ¨C or worse, de-souled by the emerser.

    As they put more distance between themselves and the remazods, the creatures lost interest in them and returned to their meal.

    The rest of the journey proved uneventful. They passed jagged rock spires and winding canyons, spotted a lone oasis, and even rode by a crater eerily similar to the one left behind by the emerser.

    After several days, the village finally emerged on the horizon ¨C a small, impoverished settlement.

    Given that none of its inhabitants were maegis, it was a wonder how they survived in such conditions. Their homes were built from the materials available, crude bricks of dried mud stacked together to form humble dwellings.

    ¡®This is where you lived?¡¯

    ¡®Surprising, isn¡¯t it?¡¯ Linry replied, her voice tinged with melancholy. ¡®It was poor back then, and it¡¯s even poorer now¡­¡¯

    Riniock scanned his surroundings as his politamus trudged forward.

    Villagers toiled beneath the relentless sun, dressed in little more than rags. Some diced up carcasses, others hauled building materials. Tanners stretched leather, whilsta blacksmiths hammered away at their forges. Even children no older than Riniock and Linry worked tirelessly alongside the adults.

    Only the youngest gathered in the streets, their wide eyes fixed on the newcomers and their unusual mounts.

    ¡®So many people in such a small village,¡¯ Riniock muttered, scanning the crowd. Even amongst the children alone, the numbers were staggering. ¡®How do they manage to feed everyone?¡¯

    ¡®They don¡¯t,¡¯ Linry replied bluntly. ¡®Some babies don¡¯t even make it past their first year. There¡¯s just not enough food to go around.¡¯

    ¡®Seriously?¡¯

    Linry shot him a sideways glance. ¡®You grew up in a wealthy household, didn¡¯t you? I doubt you ever imagined such a thing was possible.¡¯

    Riniock hesitated before nodding. ¡®That¡¯s true¡­a single garden at my family estate could probably feed this entire village. And we have over a dozen of them.¡¯

    Linry sighed.

    She didn¡¯t need to say it outright, but it was clear ¨C agriculture wasn¡¯t part of their way of life. Even if it was, there were few crops that could survive in such a harsh landscape.

    The only trace of plant life in the village was a single withered tree. Or at least, it resembled a tree, though its twisted branches looked more like exposed roots clawing at the sky. It bore no leaves, no fruit ¨C just dry, lifeless wood.

    Something about it felt oddly familiar.

    ¡®What is this tree?¡¯ Riniock asked.

    ¡®That old thing?¡¯ Linry chuckled. ¡®It¡¯s not a tree. That¡¯s daqroot ¨C one of the only ones for leagues. Probably the only plant you¡¯ll find around here too.¡¯

    ¡®A daqroot? The same one used in the deterrent potion?¡¯

    ¡®The very same. Why do you think the village was built around it?¡¯

    ¡®To keep predators away?¡¯

    ¡®Exactly. But it also bothers more docile creatures, which means we can¡¯t keep livestock or raise beasts for food.¡¯

    ¡®Gods¡­why do people stay here?¡¯

    Linry gave a small shrug. ¡®Where else would they go?¡¯

    ¡®¡­fair point.¡¯

    Haitenshire. A crumbling village with more people than houses, barely any food, no vegetation ¨C just a daqroot that fended off threats but made survival even harder.

    Truly, their luck was rotten.

    Then, out of nowhere, Linry brightened. ¡®We¡¯re almost there! My father¡¯s house is just down that way.¡¯

    The politami trudged at their usual pace, but at a nudge from their riders, they picked up speed.

    The house in question was no better off than the others ¨C weathered and neglected. Bricks were piled haphazardly against the walls, as if repairs had been abandoned mid-task. Several holes dotted the structure, unfinished and exposed to the elements.

    The door hung loosely, unhinged and swaying in the wind. Even before they reached it, the truth was clear.

    The house was abandoned.

    Linry¡¯s expression darkened. Her hand clenched, and a flickering flame ignited in her palm. ¡®Something¡¯s wrong.¡¯

    She didn¡¯t wait. ¡®Father!¡¯

    Silence.

    The moment they reached the front, Linry thrust her reins into Riniock¡¯s hands and rushed inside.

    Minutes later, she reappeared, her face pale with panic.

    ¡®He¡¯s not here¡­there¡¯s dust everywhere, and most of his things are either broken or missing.¡¯

 Creep Crawl Inn

    Linry paced back and forth, her expression tight with panic. She was unravelling, acting on impulse rather than thought.

    ¡®Linry¡­¡¯ Riniock called out as she passed him for what felt like the hundredth time. ¡®I know this is hard, but we have to think clearly. Panicking won¡¯t help.¡¯

    ¡®I ¨C I can¡¯t!¡¯

    ¡®You have to,¡¯ he insisted. ¡®If we¡¯re going to find your father, we need to start somewhere. The first step is asking the neighbours.¡¯

    His gaze swept over their surroundings before landing on a nearby woman. He gestured towards her. ¡®Let¡¯s start with her.¡¯

    Without hesitation, he approached. The woman¡¯s sharp eyes followed him, her wariness evident.

    ¡®Greetings, miss,¡¯ Riniock said with a polite nod.

    ¡®What?¡¯ she snapped.

    ¡®Erm¡­hello. I was hoping you could ¨C¡¯

    She cut him off. ¡®What do you want? Can¡¯t leave an old woman in peace for more than a day?¡¯

    ¡®I think you have me mistaken for someone else.¡¯

    The woman huffed. ¡®I told you I¡¯d get it. Why can¡¯t you wait another day? Look, I don¡¯t have much¡­¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s brow furrowed. She must have confused him for a debt collector ¨C or something worse.

    If he played along, he might learn something useful.

    ¡®Well, I¡¯m getting impatient,¡¯ he bluffed, crossing his arms. ¡®When can you get it?¡¯

    ¡®My hands are tied. It¡¯ll take another day.¡¯

    ¡®You better hope you have it by then, or I¡¯ll be back,¡¯ he said, keeping his voice firm.

    ¡®Fine, fine, I heard you the first time, you Ikshari bastards.¡¯

    Riniock stiffened. Ikshari¡­ His lips twitched in anger, but he kept his composure.

    ¡®I assume you remember where to drop it off?¡¯

    The woman rolled her eyes. ¡®Yeah. Your camp, southeast of here, a few leagues out.¡¯

    ¡®Good,¡¯ he said smoothly. Then, he gestured towards Linry¡¯s old house. ¡®And what about the man from there?¡¯

    ¡®Him? Nuh uh, I won¡¯t tell you a damn thing.¡¯

    Linry stepped forward, eyes narrowed, a swirl of flame flickering in her palm. ¡®You¡¯re testing our patience, woman. Tell us where he is.¡¯

    The woman raised her hands, squeezing her eyes shut at the sight of magick. ¡®Okay ¨C okay! He¡¯s at the inn¡­hiding from you freaks.¡¯

    Linry extinguished the flames in her palm and strode towards her politamus. With a swift motion, she pulled herself onto its back, urging it forward. Riniock followed suit, trailing behind until he caught up.

    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    She had a destination in mind, and it wasn¡¯t the Ikshari camp.

    ¡®We¡¯re going to the inn, aren¡¯t we?¡¯ Riniock asked.

    ¡®Mhm. Creep Crawl Inn,¡¯ she replied hastily. ¡®I know where it is. Come on.¡¯

    Riniock fell silent for a moment.

    Linry wasn¡¯t thinking clearly ¨C much like he often didn¡¯t when anger clouded his judgment. Right now, all that mattered to her was finding her father.

    ¡®Shouldn¡¯t we deal with the camp first?¡¯

    ¡®I need to check on my father,¡¯ Linry said firmly. ¡®Everything else is secondary.¡¯

    ¡®Very well.¡¯

    Their journey through Haitenshire carried a weight of unease. People had likely overheard their exchange with the old woman, and gossip had spread like wildfire. Adults pulled their children inside, vanishing from the streets as the pair rode past.

    Then, the inn came into view.

    Unlike most of the village¡¯s decrepit buildings, this one stood strong, its structure better maintained. A wooden sign swayed gently in the wind at the entrance, displaying a crude carving of tree roots alongside the name:

    Creep Crawl Inn.

    ¡®This is it,¡¯ Linry confirmed, glancing at the sign before dismounting.

    They stepped inside. The moment they did, a heavy silence fell over the inn. The patrons ¨C who were clearly not Haitenshire locals ¨C stared at them, their expressions mirroring the wary glances of the villagers outside.

    For a few tense moments, all eyes remained on them. Then, as if nothing had happened, the room returned to life. Conversations resumed, drinks were poured, and a lone minstrel plucked at the strings of an unfamiliar instrument on a small stage.

    Unlike traditional inns and much like the academy, this one was open to the air. Instead of wooden chairs and tables, the seating arrangements consisted of colourful cushions placed around low trays with sturdy legs. The scent of warm food and ale filled the space.

    A barmaid hurried towards them, her cheerful tone at odds with the tense atmosphere.

    ¡®Welcome to the Creep Crawl Inn! We have food, drink, and rooms for weary travellers. What can I get you?¡¯

    Linry stepped forward. ¡®We¡¯re looking for someone. His name is Garant.¡¯

    The barmaid stiffened.

    She tried to hide it, but her body language betrayed her. She knew something.

    ¡®Can you tell us where he is?¡¯ Linry pressed.

    The woman hesitated before shaking her head. ¡®I¡¯m sorry. No one by that name stays here.¡¯

    Riniock didn¡¯t miss the nervous tremor in her voice.

    ¡®We¡¯ll take a seat,¡¯ he said casually. ¡®And a round of your finest.¡¯

    The barmaid¡¯s lips parted as if to protest, but she thought better of it. She nodded, gesturing to a cluster of cushions.

    ¡®These will do,¡¯ she said, avoiding eye contact. ¡®I¡¯ll fetch your drinks.¡¯

    As she turned away, Linry shot Riniock a puzzled look. He simply gave her a reassuring nod ad urged her to play along.

    ¡®What are we doing?¡¯ she asked under her breath, impatience creeping into her voice.

    ¡®Just watch,¡¯ Riniock murmured, tilting his head in the direction of the barmaid.

    The woman glanced around nervously before slipping between two columns, vanishing from sight.

    Riniock stood. Linry did the same.

    Silently, they followed her into a back room, hidden from the main area. Stacked crates, burlap sacks, and rows of dusty amphoras filled the space ¨C likely a storage or supply room.

    Then, they heard hushed voices.

    ¡®¨C they didn¡¯t say who they were, but one of them was definitely wearing academy robes.¡¯

    That was the barmaid speaking.

    ¡®Damn it¡­I need to leave, Meliona,¡¯ a second voice whispered, laced with unease.

    ¡®You can¡¯t,¡¯ Meliona warned. ¡®They¡¯re still out there.¡¯

    Linry¡¯s eyes widened. The second voice ¨C she recognised it instantly. Without hesitation, she shoved past Riniock and stepped into the open.

    ¡®Gods!¡¯ the barmaid yelped. ¡®Run, Garant! Quick!¡¯

    But before the man could bolt, Garant grabbed her sleeve, stopping her in place.

    ¡®Calm yourself,¡¯ he said firmly. ¡®They¡¯re not who you think they are.¡¯

    The man hesitated before lifting his head. His expression softened as he took in Linry¡¯s face.

    ¡®Daughter,¡¯ he murmured, his voice coarse and dry.

    ¡®Father!¡¯ Linry rushed forward, throwing herself into his arms. ¡®I was worried sick! The house was ransacked ¨C I didn¡¯t know what to do.¡¯

    Garant patted her head gently.

    ¡®I¡¯m alright, dear. I¡¯m alright.¡¯

    ¡®Thank the gods,¡¯ she breathed.

    ¡®Indeed. Thank the gods¡­and Meliona.¡¯

    The barmaid¡¯s cheeks flushed, but before she could say anything, Garant¡¯s gaze shifted towards Riniock. His brow furrowed in thought, as if trying to place him.

    ¡®I don¡¯t believe we¡¯ve met,¡¯ he said, extending a hand. ¡®Name¡¯s Garant.¡¯

    Riniock clasped it with a polite nod.

    ¡®Riniock, sir. A friend of Linry¡¯s.¡¯

 Trouble Finds

    Garant studied Riniock, their hands still locked in a firm shake. Though it wasn¡¯t obvious, Garant attempted to squeeze ¨C testing the young man¡¯s strength ¨C but found no success.

    Riniock didn¡¯t so much as flinch. Instead, he met Garant¡¯s gaze with a smug look.

    ¡®A friend of my daughter?¡¯ Garant asked, his tone sceptical.

    ¡®That is correct, sir. I met Linry back at my college.¡¯

    Garant released his grip, his brow furrowing. ¡®College? Not the academy?¡¯

    Riniock shook his head. At that, a visible wave of relief passed over Garant.

    ¡®Father,¡¯ Linry cut in, sensing his shift in demeanour. ¡®Riniock is from beyond the sea. He¡¯s not Ikshari.¡¯

    A broad smile spread across Garant¡¯s face at her words. He clapped Riniock on the back, his entire stance loosening.

    ¡®Well, why didn¡¯t you say so earlier? Should¡¯ve led with that. Never had much love for those academy types¡­what with the ¨C well, everything.¡¯

    Linry cleared her throat pointedly. ¡®Riniock is aware, Father.¡¯

    Garant¡¯s head snapped towards Riniock. ¡®He is?¡¯

    ¡®Do not worry, Mr. Lotrielle,¡¯ Riniock said smoothly. ¡®I share your hatred for Iksharis. Save for your daughter, I would kill ¨C and have killed ¨C several of them.¡¯

    Garant¡¯s eyes widened at the casual remark. He had momentarily forgotten how easily maegis spoke of bloodshed, as if it were as simple as discussing the weather.

    But he pushed the thought aside and exhaled sharply, refocusing on Linry.

    ¡®So, what brings you here?¡¯

    ¡®I came to visit you at the house,¡¯ she said, her expression darkening. ¡®It was turned upside down.¡¯

    Garant¡¯s shoulders sank as he rubbed the back of his neck. ¡®So you saw that¡­How embarrassing.¡¯

    ¡®What happened?¡¯ she pressed, undeterred by his discomfort.

    He sighed. ¡®They¡¯ve been harassing Haitenshire for a while now. Taking jobs, then demanding outrageous payments. If we refuse, well¡­you¡¯ve seen what happens.¡¯

    ¡®How did you know where I was, anyway?¡¯

    Linry hesitated, then admitted, ¡®We may have¡­threatened your neighbour. She might have gotten the impression we were debt collectors.¡¯

    Garant groaned, shaking his head. ¡®Gods, Elonda. That woman¡¯s going to be the death of me. If you really had been debt collectors, I¡¯d be in serious trouble.¡¯ His gaze flicked over Linry¡¯s robes. ¡®And with that getup, you certainly look the part.¡¯

    ¡®Your face, father¡­¡¯ Linry murmured suddenly.

    Garant raised an eyebrow. ¡®My face? Something wrong with it?¡¯

    ¡®No¡­that¡¯s just it. There¡¯s nothing wrong with it at all. You¡¯ve stopped drinking, haven¡¯t you?¡¯

    Garant let out a quiet chuckle, his gaze shifting away. ¡®It¡¯s been¡­blimey, I don¡¯t even know how long ¨C¡¯

    ¡®Half a year now,¡¯ Meliona interjected casually as she tidied the room.

    ¡®Well, I haven¡¯t exactly been keeping track.¡¯

    Linry smiled softly. ¡®You look better. I¡¯m glad.¡¯

    A quiet understanding passed between them, both hesitant to say more. The silence was only broken by Meliona¡¯s occasional movements ¨C furniture creaking, objects shifting. Riniock watched from his corner, silent as ever. He couldn¡¯t recall the last time he had such an exchange with his own family. Maybe he never had. Or maybe he had simply forgotten.

    Linry exhaled and wiped away the beginnings of a tear. ¡®We know where their camp is. It¡¯s time we deal with them.¡¯ She turned towards Riniock. ¡®Are you ready?¡¯

    Riniock pushed himself up from his chair, slamming his hands against the armrests. ¡®Always.¡¯

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    ¡®Then let¡¯s move. The sooner, the better.¡¯

    Garant¡¯s face twisted with concern. ¡®What in Murat are you planning? You can¡¯t just confront them.¡¯

    ¡®Father, please,¡¯ Linry said impatiently. ¡®We don¡¯t have time to argue.¡¯

    ¡®I won¡¯t allow it.¡¯ He grabbed her arm, his grip firm.

    Linry wrenched herself free. Without another word, she strode towards the door, Riniock right beside her, silent as a spectre.

    She paused only to glance back, her expression tense. ¡®I¡¯ve taken care of myself this long. Today is no different.¡¯

    ¡®Linry, please ¨C¡¯

    Before he could finish, a voice from outside cut through the room, sharp and unmistakably arrogant.

    Meliona rushed to the window, parting the drapes just enough to see the street. She squinted, then gasped, eyes widening in shock. ¡®It¡¯s them.¡¯

    Garant yanked her away and yanked the curtains shut. ¡®Stay away from there.¡¯

    ¡®Is it the debt collectors?¡¯ Riniock asked.

    Garant hesitated, but Meliona¡¯s quick nod betrayed him.

    Linry and Riniock exchanged a knowing glance and moved to the door. As they reached the inn¡¯s main area, a sharp voice forced them to halt. Instinctively, they ducked behind two columns and a stack of barrels.

    From their hiding spot, they glimpsed two figures entering ¨C both garbed in robes much like Linry¡¯s.

    ¡®Afternoon, Haitenshirees,¡¯ the man in front bellowed, his voice carrying through every corner of the inn. ¡®Hope I¡¯m not interrupting anything.¡¯ He took a slow, deliberate step forward. ¡®I wouldn¡¯t want to disturb your clientele, so I highly suggest you hand over my money, and I¡¯ll be on my way.¡¯

    Silence fell over the inn. The air grew thick, heavy. The only sound was the rhythmic tap of the man¡¯s boot against the hard floor.

    Beside him, a woman stood just out of his shadow ¨C silent, watchful. She barely moved, but her sharp gaze swept the room.

    The man¡¯s voice rang out again. ¡®Where¡¯s the innkeeper?¡¯

    A nervous voice piped up from behind a counter. ¡®I ¨C I¡¯m here¡­¡¯

    ¡®Our money,¡¯ the Ikshari man demanded. ¡®Cough it up, old man.¡¯

    ¡®I ¨C I¡¯m afraid I don¡¯t have much to give back ¨C¡¯

    The Ikshari snapped his fingers. Instantly, a ball of flame ignited in his palm, flickering hungrily.

    ¡®Yes ¨C money ¨C right away, sir,¡¯ the innkeeper stammered, scrambling to open his registry. He fumbled with the coins, counting shakily as the Iksharis stood ominously in the doorway.

    Meliona stepped into the inn¡¯s main area, immediately drawing the attention of the two intruders.

    ¡®You, lass!¡¯ the man barked, his voice sharp and demanding. ¡®Where¡¯d you come from, eh?¡¯

    She cast a quick glance towards the back room before answering smoothly, ¡®The outhouse, sir.¡¯

    The man¡¯s eyes narrowed, his fingers still idly twirling the flame that hovered above his palm. He jerked his head towards the woman at his side, signalling her to move.

    She obeyed without hesitation, stepping forward with deliberate slowness, her gaze sweeping the room with razor-sharp precision. No corner escaped her notice, no shadow went unchecked. As she neared the columns near the back rooms ¨C where Riniock and Linry lay in wait ¨C her eyes caught a sliver of cloth peeking out from behind one.

    Flames bloomed in her hand as she stepped closer.

    ¡®Anything over there?¡¯ the man called.

    ¡®Nothing yet,¡¯ she replied, her voice steady. ¡®Checking something now.¡¯

    The moment she rounded the column, her knee buckled. A sharp pain shot through her, forcing her to the ground. Before she could react ¨C before even a sound could escape her lips ¨C a blade swept across her throat in a clean, silent cut.

    Her final sight was a blurred face ¨C a fellow Ikshari, familiar in a way she couldn¡¯t quite place. Then, only darkness.

    Across the inn, the owner finally scraped together an amount that seemed satisfactory to the collector.

    ¡®Much appreciated,¡¯ the man sneered as he snatched the weighty pouch of coins.

    But his attention soon drifted to where his companion had gone. He couldn¡¯t see her anymore.

    ¡®Where are you?¡¯ he called.

    There was nothing but silence.

    His gaze snapped to the innkeeper, who stood frozen beside him.

    ¡®What¡¯s over there?¡¯ he demanded.

    ¡®B-Back rooms,¡¯ the man stammered. ¡®Nothing of note.¡¯

    With an irritated growl, the Ikshari shoved past him, pocketing the pouch as he strode to the far end of the inn, knocking over anything in his path.

    Then he saw it: blood.

    His muscles tensed, senses heightening. Fire flared around his hands, his instinct to burn first, question later. Without hesitation, he whipped his arm forward, sending a jet of flames towards the bloodstained spot.

    A figure shot from the darkness. A ward flared into existence, dispersing the fire with practiced ease.

    The collector¡¯s eyes widened in recognition. A dark blue robe ¨C he knew what that meant.

    ¡®Gorlean!¡¯ he spat, taking a cautious step back.

    Riniock wasted no time. With a swift motion, he conjured a powerful gust of wind, blasting the Ikshari backward. The man barely managed to throw up his own ward, absorbing most of the impact, but the force still sent him stumbling.

    He landed a few steps back, fire already swirling in his palms, ready to retaliate ¨C

    A second figure struck from the side.

    Before he could react, a blazing fist slammed into his face. The force sent him hurtling through the entrance, crashing violently onto the sand-covered street outside. His landing was anything but subtle ¨C the sound alone would be enough to alert the others.

    A voice came from behind. Calm. Collected.

    ¡®Take this outside, please,¡¯ Garant said. ¡®The innkeeper has done much for me.¡¯

    Riniock nodded. Linry followed him as they stepped out into the streets of Haitenshire, the warm air thick with dust and tension.

    ¡®He¡¯s dead,¡¯ Riniock noted, glancing at the crumpled body slumped against a nearby wall. Smoke curled from his scorched flesh, his hair burned away to nothing.

    ¡®I know,¡¯ Linry said simply. ¡®I didn¡¯t hold back.¡¯

    Riniock studied her for a moment. ¡®These were your peers,¡¯ he reminded her. ¡®Are you sure you want to do this?¡¯

    Linry scowled at the corpse, her hatred burning hotter than the flames in her palms.

    ¡®I¡¯m sure,¡¯ she said, letting loose a wave of fire.

    The body blackened and turned to ash, its smouldering remains curling into the air. The scent of charred flesh carried through the streets, a beacon for the dead man¡¯s comrades.

    Linry¡¯s eyes flickered with unshaken resolve.

    ¡®I¡¯ve never been more certain.¡¯

 When One Has Had Enough

    Within seconds, every Ikshari in the vicinity had converged on the scene. Nine in total, draped in shades of beige and brown, their faces marred by old burn scars that only added to their menacing presence.

    The first to arrive came to an abrupt halt, his shock evident. The others mirrored his alarm, though they remained still, held back by his raised hand.

    ¡®What in the ¨C¡¯ one of them muttered, immediately shifting into a defensive stance.

    Riniock and Linry stood beside the smouldering corpse, their robes unmistakable ¨C a clear declaration of who they were.

    ¡®I¡¯ve heard tales about you two,¡¯ one of the Ikshari sneered, his tone dripping with mockery. ¡®But I had to see it for myself.¡¯

    ¡®I don¡¯t appreciate your tone,¡¯ Riniock replied, his voice devoid of warmth.

    The man chuckled, folding his arms across his chest. ¡®So, you must be that Gorlean troublemaker everyone¡¯s been whining about.¡¯

    He squinted dramatically, raising a hand to his brow as if struggling to get a good look. Then, turning to his comrades, he let out a laugh.

    ¡®Doesn¡¯t seem like much,¡¯ he scoffed. ¡®I suppose the skinnier they are, the more ¨C¡¯

    A fireball cut his sentence short.

    It struck his face with brutal precision, searing flesh and bone in an instant. His skull disintegrated upon impact, leaving behind nothing but the acrid scent of burnt meat and the stunned silence of his companions.

    He wasn¡¯t the only one to fall in that instant. Like feeble insects caught in a blaze, two more were incinerated, their bodies reduced to ash by Linry¡¯s merciless spellwork.

    The remaining six recoiled, panic setting in as they scrambled for cover. Three attempted to retreat down the street, but a razor-sharp gale tore through the buildings on either side, shattering stone and wood alike. Their escape was severed, and one was flattened beneath the collapsing debris.

    The other two barely had time to react before a fan of flames engulfed them. Their shrieks pierced the night, only growing louder as Linry strode towards the last survivors, her expression one of pure irritation ¨C like someone roused too early from slumber, her mood soured beyond repair.

    Her eyes burned red, her hands ceaseless in their destruction.

    One of the fleeing Ikshari bolted, desperation driving his feet. But Riniock¡¯s wind spear found him mid-stride, the force of it puncturing his chest clean through. Blood gushed as his body tumbled lifelessly to the dirt.

    ¡®Wait!¡¯ the last survivor gasped, weaving through the village, leaping over obstacles in a frantic bid for escape. ¡®We can talk about this!¡¯

    ¡®We can talk after I¡¯ve burned your corpse black and held a conversation with your ashes,¡¯ Linry retorted coldly.

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    Two houses later, another Ikshari collapsed, his limp body crashing into the final man in front of him with such force that it knocked him to the ground.

    ¡®Damn it all!¡¯ the last one spat, shoving the smouldering corpse off him, struggling to rise. His limbs failed him ¨C panic and dread weighing him down. ¡®You treacherous bitch¡­may Murat take you¡­¡¯

    Linry stood a few paces away, unmoved by his curses. She flicked her wrist. At first, nothing seemed to happen.

    Then, heat surged beneath him.

    A column of fire erupted from the ground, swallowing him whole in a blinding inferno. His screams lasted no more than a second before his body was reduced to nothing ¨C no bones, no remains, only embers and the lingering scent of charred flesh.

    ¡®Linry.¡¯ Riniock approached from behind, slightly winded. ¡®Are you alright?¡¯

    She gave a stiff nod, her gaze locked onto the scorched ground.

    ¡®Are you sure?¡¯ he pressed.

    ¡®I¡¯m fine,¡¯ she replied, though her voice lacked conviction. ¡®They were just grunts, sent to intimidate ¨C not expecting a real fight.¡¯

    ¡®You know that¡¯s not what I meant.¡¯

    A hand settled on her shoulder ¨C cold, firm, its chill seeping through the fabric of her clothes.

    When Riniock turned her to face him, her expression was a battle of emotions, caught between the urge to scowl and the threat of tears. He wasn¡¯t someone who held much regard for family, but even he could understand, at least in part, what she felt.

    Her fingers still crackled with remnants of fire, even though no enemies remained.

    Riniock wrapped his palms around hers, closing her fist and extinguishing the flickering flame.

    ¡®I¡¯ve¡­¡¯ She faltered, the words catching in her throat. ¡®I¡¯ve killed before, but this¡­it was like something moved my hand for me.¡¯

    ¡®You did wipe them out in mere minutes¡­¡¯

    ¡®I¨CI couldn¡¯t hold back,¡¯ she admitted, shaking her head. ¡®Not after what they¡¯ve done. Or what they might do to my father. Those were my thoughts then.¡¯

    Riniock didn¡¯t hesitate. He reached out, pulling her close, pressing her head against his shoulder.

    ¡®This is good,¡¯ he murmured. ¡®Don¡¯t fight it.¡¯

    ¡®There¡¯s still the camp,¡¯ Linry spoke, her voice drowned by Riniock¡¯s blue robes. ¡®Some of them are bound to be left behind to guard it.¡¯

    ¡®I know,¡¯ Riniock murmured, absentmindedly running his fingers through her flowing black hair. ¡®We¡¯ll deal with it ¨C after we catch our breath.¡¯

    Neither of them moved right away.

    He was cold, like a block of ice ¨C she was heat, like molten lava. But pressed together like this, their extremes seemed to cancel each other out, leaving behind something still, something balanced.

    Her tension faded. The fire in her veins cooled.

    ¡®That felt nice,¡¯ she admitted after a moment, lifting her head from his robe.

    ¡®The killing or the hugging?¡¯

    Linry giggled. ¡®Both, I guess.¡¯

    Their quiet moment didn¡¯t last.

    Garant burst through the smoke, eyes wild as he searched for them. As soon as he spotted them, relief washed over his face. He stopped to catch his breath, one hand braced against a wall, the other clutching his chest.

    ¡®I saw the smoke and feared the worst¡­Thank the gods!¡¯

    ¡®We¡¯re fine, father.¡¯ Linry reassured him. ¡®We took care of them.¡¯

    ¡®You must have given them quite the thrashing. A moment ago, you were still inside the inn¡­¡¯

    Riniock let out a quiet chuckle. ¡®They didn¡¯t even get the chance to fight back. She¡¯s a monster among maegis.¡¯

    Garant exhaled sharply, shaking his head. ¡®That¡¯s my daughter, huh? Well¡­thank you, Linry.¡¯

    ¡®Father,¡¯ she huffed. ¡®We¡¯re family. I¡¯m not going to stop taking care of you now.¡¯

    Garant sighed, a hint of shame in his voice. ¡®That should have been my job.¡¯

    ¡®It¡¯s done,¡¯ she said firmly. ¡®I regret the past, but I don¡¯t regret the present. I¡¯ve found more than I ever hoped to have in life.¡¯

    Her gaze flickered towards Riniock. At first, he didn¡¯t notice. But when he caught the meaning in her eyes, his lips curled into a small smile.

    Garant looked over the aftermath ¨C the blood, the bodies, the embers still smouldering in the sand.

    ¡®So,¡¯ he asked, ¡®what happens now?¡¯

    ¡®Now,¡¯ Riniock explained. ¡®Now we go to their camp. It is high time Haitenshire has solved its debt collector problem for good.¡¯

 Vaxuum Visitors (1)

    Linry and Riniock dismounted their politami at a safe distance, ensuring they wouldn¡¯t be spotted by any potential enemies.

    Something felt wrong.

    They hadn¡¯t even reached the camp yet, but a thick column of black smoke billowed from its centre, rising like a signal of destruction. And beyond the smoke, something else festered within the Ikshari camp.

    ¡®Wildfire?¡¯ Riniock muttered as he and Linry advanced swiftly but cautiously.

    But as they drew closer, the air was filled with harrowing screams. A chaotic medley of sounds assaulted them ¨C metal clashing, heavy thuds, pained sobs, and desperate cries.

    They concealed themselves and found a vantage point. What they saw made their eyes widen in shock.

    The camp had been overrun by a force unlike anything Riniock had seen before ¨C warriors with the features of rough-skinned beasts, neither wholly human nor animal.

    Some bore a single horn on their noses, striding through the wreckage with ruthless efficiency, spears in hand. Without hesitation, they impaled any fallen maegi in their path, showing no mercy, not even to the gravely wounded.

    Others had wide, fan-like ears and elongated trunks for noses. They carried staves, chanting as they conjured flames, setting tents and other appliances ablaze.

    The third group was scattered across the battlefield. These had monstrous jaws lined with oversized mandibles. Some wielded bows, loosing arrows at anything that moved ¨C especially fleeing maegis. The rest gathered in the camp¡¯s centre, where a group of Ikshari captives lay bound and beaten.

    ¡®What are those¡­¡¯ Riniock whispered, stunned. He had never heard of such creatures.

    ¡®Vaxuums,¡¯ Linry replied. ¡®Nomads. Warriors. And they despise the academy.¡¯

    ¡®Why?¡¯

    ¡®Why wouldn¡¯t they?¡¯ she retorted.

    Riniock smirked at that, but his attention quickly returned to the unfolding carnage.

    At the centre of it all, one of the vaxuum warriors stepped forward, drawing a broad, curved sword. Without hesitation, he decapitated one of the captive maegis.

    The others squirmed, eyes wild with panic, but bound as they were, resistance was futile.

    The vaxuums moved with eerie efficiency, hardly speaking as they carried out the executions. One by one, the captives fell until none remained. The camp was nothing but smoke, ruin, and death.

    That was their cue to leave.

    Linry and Riniock turned to slip away ¨C only to find themselves staring down the sharpened points of spears and arrows.

    Massive vaxuum warriors had surrounded them. Despite their bulk, they had moved with startling silence, trapping the pair before they had a chance to react.

    Instinctively, they raised their hands in surrender. There was no time for a spell ¨C no incantation quick enough to cast before the vaxuum warriors could thrust their weapons forward and cut them down.

    Their captors¡¯ eyes lingered on Linry¡¯s attire, scowling at its unmistakable markings.

    Then, one of them stepped forward, raising his spear, intent on striking her down.

    ¡®Vayalem!¡¯ Linry shouted, voice firm. She repeated it, louder. ¡®Vayalem ¨C Vayalem!¡¯

    The warriors hesitated. Their weapons lowered slightly, their faces contorted in a mix of surprise and confusion. They exchanged glances, speaking in hushed tones, their language foreign and guttural.

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    One of them turned and shouted towards the distance, calling to the others. The word Linry had spoken rippled through their ranks.

    Riniock swallowed hard, sweat beading at his temple. ¡®What¡­what just happened?¡¯

    ¡®I called upon their leader,¡¯ Linry said. ¡®The Vayu.¡¯

    ¡®How do you know that?¡¯

    ¡®My father learned the word from his father before him,¡¯ she explained. ¡®He always told me ¨C if we were ever confronted by a vaxuum tribe, we were to say it.¡¯

    Dragged through the scorching sand with blindfolds tightly secured, Riniock and Linry were hauled before a vast assembly of vaxuum nomads. When the cloth was finally pulled from their eyes, they found themselves kneeling beneath the relentless sun, surrounded by a hundred imposing figures.

    A wide berth had been left around them, save for one vaxuum who stood closest ¨C a presence that commanded attention.

    ¡®You are enxan, are you not?¡¯ The vayu¡¯s deep voice carried through the silence, slightly muffled by the trunk that curled near his mouth.

    ¡®Enxan?¡¯ Riniock echoed, unfamiliar with the term.

    ¡®In your tongue, you call yourselves humans,¡¯ the vaxuum leader clarified. ¡®I am Vayu Ishan, an eno vaxuum, ruler of this tribe.¡¯

    Linry lowered her head respectfully. ¡®My name is Linry. He is called Riniock.¡¯

    Ishan stomped the sand beneath him, a sharp huff escaping his trunk.

    ¡®You are well-versed in our ways,¡¯ he observed. ¡®No ordinary enxan would know of the vayalam custom. Where did you learn it?¡¯

    Linry hesitated, keeping her gaze downcast. ¡®I¡¯d rather not say.¡¯

    The vayu let out a rumbling chuckle. ¡®A bold enxan indeed.¡¯

    His heavy gaze lingered on them before he finally relented. ¡®Very well. Speak your piece. Judgment shall come after.¡¯

    Linry lifted her head, her expression carefully measured with a hint of reverence. The vaxuum were a proud and domineering people, intolerant of outsiders who dared to speak to them as equals. She understood this well and chose her words accordingly.

    ¡®Your warriors have captured us under the assumption that we belong to the Academy,¡¯ she began, addressing the matter directly.

    ¡®Do you not?¡¯ Ishan''s eyes narrowed. ¡®You wear their robes.¡¯

    ¡®I am their prisoner, not their student ¨C nor their ally,¡¯ Linry clarified. ¡®Riniock is from a distant province beyond the sea.¡¯

    A chorus of grunts echoed from the gathered vaxuum. Though most were not fluent in the common tongue, they understood enough to react with scepticism. Ishan, however, seemed proficient in their language, his piercing gaze weighing their claim.

    He turned to his warriors, exchanging words in their native tongue ¨C words that clearly stoked their anger.

    ¡®They do not believe you,¡¯ Ishan translated, his tone edged with disdain. ¡®Enxan are known to be deceitful and wicked after all.¡¯

    Riniock cleared his throat. ¡®We''ve slain maegis from the Academy in the village nearby. Send someone to verify it.¡¯

    The tribe did not take kindly to his bluntness. A thunderous roar erupted from the vaxuum ranks, their hostility palpable.

    Ishan merely raised his arm, and at once, the uproar ceased. The stillness that followed was as unsettling as their outburst. With a single gesture, he signalled two young warriors, pointing towards the distant settlement of Haitenshire.

    The chosen vaxuums struck their chests in salute before darting off at full speed.

    ¡®The young epi and riu vaxuum will confirm your claims soon enough,¡¯ Ishan stated. ¡®Until then, you may prove your allegiance through action.¡¯

    Linry''s gaze sharpened. ¡®What do you mean?¡¯

    Ishan turned, gesturing behind him. From the ranks, a group of eno vaxuum shoved forward a bound Ikshari maegi. His body was bruised and beaten, his lips split, his swollen eyes barely able to open.

    He has been a prisoner for a while now.

    ¡®We have an enxan prisoner,¡¯ Ishan declared. ¡®If you are no ally to the Academy ¨C kill him.¡¯

    The maegi was forced to his knees, his bindings cut. A moment later, Linry¡¯s restraints were severed as well.

    ¡®If you dare turn against us instead,¡¯ Ishan warned, his tone final, ¡®we will riddle all three of you with arrows.¡¯

    Linry exhaled slowly, rubbing her wrists before rising to her feet. ¡®I understand.¡¯

    The other maegi staggered slightly as he was released, his confusion evident. As soon as his gaze landed on Linry¡¯s robes, a wave of relief washed over him.

    ¡®You¡¯re Ikshari!¡¯ he exclaimed, his tone easing into calm. ¡®I¡¯m glad to see a friendly face in this desolate place.¡¯

    Linry said nothing. Instead, she struck first.

    Fire erupted from her fingertips, but miraculously, her opponent reacted on pure instinct, conjuring a barrier just in time to deflect the attack. His expression twisted in shock.

    ¡®What are you doing?!¡¯ he shouted, his voice cracking with disbelief.

    Still, Linry remained silent, pressing forward with relentless aggression.

    It took him a few moments to grasp the reality of the situation. Though caught off guard, he managed to ward off her strikes. And when the truth sank in ¨C that she was no ally ¨C his hesitation vanished.

    ¡®Traitorous bitch¡­¡¯ he spat, countering with an onslaught of spells. ¡®You¡¯re her, aren¡¯t you? The one we were warned about ¨C the one cavorting with the enemy!¡¯

    The vayu and his warriors watched in silence, their unreadable gazes fixed on the battle. The maegi¡¯s words seemed to stir something amongst them.

    Ishan turned to his tribe, his expression thoughtful. ¡®She speaks the truth, it seems,¡¯ he murmured in their tongue. Then, with measured interest, he added, ¡®Now, let¡¯s see just how useful she is.¡¯

 Vaxuum Visitors (2)

    The vaxuum, along with Riniock, stood transfixed as fire and magick clashed violently between the two combatants. Linry and the Ikshari maegi traded spells like seasoned brawlers exchanging blows, their duel an unrelenting spectacle of raw power.

    Yet, as the battle raged on, the gap between their skill levels became painfully evident. Linry outmatched him in both speed and precision, and with each passing moment, his struggle to keep up grew more desperate.

    After nearly ten gruelling minutes, both were nearing their limits. The maegi, realising he was on the losing end, made a desperate decision ¨C he broke the standoff and sprinted towards a gap in the vaxuum¡¯s encirclement.

    He barely made it a few steps before an arrow whistled through the air and struck his leg, sending him crashing to the ground. Within seconds, two vaxuum warriors descended upon him, pinning him down as they turned to their vayu for orders.

    Ishan regarded Linry with a calculating stare. ¡®Enxan,¡¯ he addressed her, his voice even. ¡®Execute him. Prove your allegiance.¡¯

    Linry didn¡¯t hesitate. As soon as the words left his mouth, her focus locked onto her fallen opponent.

    With measured steps, she closed the distance, her expression void of sympathy.

    ¡®Wait, wait¡­¡¯ the maegi stammered, his voice laced with desperation. ¡®I didn¡¯t mean any of that ¨C I take it back! Please, I ¨C¡¯

    She wasn¡¯t interested in his pleas.

    Her hand shot forward, seizing him by the throat. Her nails dug deep into his skin, and his breath hitched as she cut off his air. Then, without warning, flames erupted from her palm. In an instant, his head was reduced to little more than ash, scattered by the desert wind.

    Ishan watched impassively, arms crossed, before offering a low grunt. ¡®Enxan are wicked and devious,¡¯ he mused, ¡®but loyal to their own. You hesitated not once. I am convinced ¨C you are no ally of the Academy.¡¯

    Linry flicked the blood from her fingers, her face unreadable, revealing no hint of regret.

    Ishan turned to his warriors. ¡®Any objections to my judgment?¡¯

    The entire tribe responded in unison, pounding their fists against their chests in silent approval.

    At that moment, the two vaxuum scouts returned, dropping to one knee before their leader.

    ¡®Vayu,¡¯ one of them reported, striking his chest in salute. ¡®Male enxan speaks truth. Many corpses ¨C some burned, others cut or crushed.¡¯

    Ishan nodded, the verdict final.

    ¡®Then it is decided. The enxans shall keep their lives.¡¯

    Riniock was unbound afterwards, as Ishan and three others approached them. Both he and Linry instinctively lowered their heads, careful not to offend their hosts now that they had worked so hard to earn their goodwill.

    ¡®Enxans,¡¯ Ishan called, drawing their attention. ¡®These are the elders of each family. The eno vaxuum, my kin, are under the care of Elder Azaam.¡¯

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    Azaam stepped forward ¨C a vaxuum with wide, flapping ears and a sturdy trunk. Two short, curved tusks protruded from his lower jaw, and he carried a peculiar-looking staff.

    ¡®He is the Spellmaster of our tribe,¡¯ Ishan continued.

    ¡®Delighted,¡¯ Riniock and Linry each said, nodding in greeting.

    Ishan gestured to the next elder, a vaxuum distinguished by a long, pointed horn on the bridge of her nose. A set of pronged spears rested across her back.

    ¡®This is Elder Maian of the riu vaxuum,¡¯ Ishan introduced. ¡®Despite her years, she remains our finest Spearmaster.¡¯

    ¡®Greetings, enxans!¡¯ Maian said, striking her clawed fist against her chest in salute.

    ¡®Lastly, our Bowmaster,¡¯ Ishan said, gesturing towards the final elder. ¡®He is the Elder of the hepi vaxuum.¡¯

    The vaxuum stepped forward and bowed. His large maw concealed two prominent mandibles, which clicked faintly as he moved. A bow and quiver hung across his back, whilst a curved broadsword rested at his waist.

    ¡®I am Elder Tarv. A pleasure.¡¯

    With the introductions complete, Ishan lowered himself onto the sand, motioning for everyone to join him. Young vaxuums pressed forward, distributing bowls and cups. Soon after, one of them approached, carrying a large case.

    Dried meat was portioned into their bowls, whilst milk was poured into their cups.

    ¡®Custom dictates that, as allies, you are now our guests,¡¯ Ishan said.

    ¡®We are grateful, Vayu Ishan,¡¯ Linry replied.

    ¡®Our god, Randak, teaches that travellers are sacred,¡¯ he explained. ¡®Turning one away is taboo, a grave sin in His Grace¡¯s eyes. So please, help yourselves. Meat is abundant, and milk flows freely ¨C blessings of Lord Randak¡¯s favour.¡¯

    At his words, the vaxuum raised their bowls ceremoniously before drinking deeply from their cups.

    Riniock took a sip and recognised the taste immediately. ¡®This is stellaridon milk. I remember it from Ikshar.¡¯

    Ishan nodded. ¡®We herd stellaridons. Even politami and dinones roam the rock barrens with us. Praise be to Randak for his blessings.¡¯

    Riniock seemed genuinely intrigued by their customs.

    ¡®Forgive my curiosity, but what kind of entity is Randak?¡¯

    ¡®Ah! Lord Randak is the patron of travellers and wanderers,¡¯ Ishan declared proudly. ¡®He watches over those who walk the road and bestows his favour upon nomadic tribes such as ours. Every beast we herd, every weapon we wield, every meal we eat ¨C these are his gifts to us.¡¯

    The tribe leader continued his teachings, describing their god in a way that sounded eerily similar to a divine patron worshipped by humans.

    ¡®Some humans give thanks and offer prayers to a deity we call Rwindek¡­¡¯ Riniock mused.

    Ishan nodded, closing his eyes thoughtfully. ¡®Perhaps same god, different names. Perhaps enxans and vaxuums are not so different after all.¡¯

    ¡®Hm. You might be right ¨C the names even sound alike.¡¯

    As they exchanged their knowledge, they found several striking similarities between their descriptions. Before long, it seemed highly likely that Randak and Rwindek were one and the same.

    More food was shared that day in honour of the growing camaraderie between them.

    ¡®So,¡¯ Elder Tarv of the hepi vaxuum asked, ¡®who do enxans worship and revere?¡¯

    Riniock and Linry exchanged uneasy glances.

    ¡®Well,¡¯ Riniock began carefully, ¡®humans have many deities ¨C so many, in fact, that it''s difficult to keep track of them all. But we don¡¯t worship all of them. Some people don¡¯t worship any at all.¡¯

    ¡®You don¡¯t say¡­¡¯ Tarv murmured, his mandibles twitching slightly in confusion.

    ¡®How can enxans live without a god¡¯s favour?¡¯ the Bowmaster interjected, her tone laced with scepticism. ¡®Without Lord Randak, the eno vaxuum would have no spellcraft to wield. Isn¡¯t it the same for you?¡¯

    ¡®Not at all. Maegis don¡¯t draw their power from gods,¡¯ Linry explained. ¡®We harness what is already around us, shaping it through our own will.¡¯

    ¡®But surely, you must believe in something,¡¯ Elder Maian pressed.

    Linry hesitated. ¡®I suppose I¡¯ve never given it much thought.¡¯

    ¡®This is blasphemy,¡¯ Elder Azaam scoffed. ¡®How can one lead a life without a god? No wonder enxans are arrogant. This is why we vaxuums are superior.¡¯

    ¡®Azaam!¡¯ Ishan barked, his tone sharp. ¡®Your words insult our guests'' customs. Apologise at once.¡¯

    ¡®I ¨C I apologise,¡¯ Azaam muttered begrudgingly. ¡®I meant no offense.¡¯

    Riniock waved a dismissive hand. ¡®No harm done.¡¯

    ¡®Good,¡¯ Ishan said, setting his cup down. His eyes darkened with intent. ¡®Now, let¡¯s get to the heart of the matter. Why do you betray your own kinsmen?¡¯

 Trip to Take

    Linry shared a portion of the truth with the vaxuum vayu, revealing the roots of her hatred for the Academy. As she spoke, Ishan and the three elders listened in solemn silence, nodding at her words.

    ¡®The treachery of that place knows no bounds,¡¯ Ishan rumbled. ¡®To steal a child from her family to pay for her father¡¯s folly¡­this is the injustice of enxan societies.¡¯

    ¡®Alas, oh Vayu,¡¯ one of the elders agreed, shaking his head. ¡®Wherever coin is worshipped, greed festers.¡¯

    ¡®Silver and gold,¡¯ Ishan spat, his trunk curling with disdain. ¡®They will be the undoing of their kind.¡¯

    For a time, the vaxuum continued their condemnation of human greed, speaking as if Riniock and Linry were not sitting amongst them ¨C despite the very wealth they carried.

    Their conversation stretched on until a hepi vaxuum approached the gathering. He was not young, his weathered features and the bow slung across his back marking him as a seasoned hunter.

    Kneeling on one knee, he placed a fist over his chest and bowed his head.

    ¡®Vayu,¡¯ he addressed Ishan with deep respect. ¡®The rest of the tribe has been sighted.¡¯

    ¡®About time. We have lingered in this place for too long.¡¯

    ¡®The rest of your tribe?¡¯ Riniock asked, surprised. He had already been impressed by the number of warriors in this group alone. ¡®Is that where the beasts are kept?¡¯

    Ishan nodded before turning back to the scout. ¡®Which direction?¡¯

    The hunter gestured towards the horizon. ¡®Beneath the sun.¡¯

    Ishan rose, brushing the sand from his garments before lifting his trunk high and trumpeting a commanding call. The sound carried far, and within moments, his tribesmen gathered with practiced efficiency. Though nomadic and wild in nature, their discipline was unmistakable.

    ¡®Pack up! We move to rendezvous with the tribe.¡¯

    At once, the vaxuum responded with their own distinct cries, pounding their chests in an aggressive display of unity.

    ¡®Amazing,¡¯ Riniock murmured. ¡®They¡¯re better trained than most armies¡­¡¯

    ¡®Loyalty and respect,¡¯ Linry said, watching the warriors move with practiced precision. ¡®The vayu instils it in them ¨C a gift to the vaxuum, no doubt.¡¯

    ¡®A blessing from their god?¡¯

    Linry shrugged. ¡®I¡¯m not sure. But whatever drives them, it is remarkable.¡¯

    They rejoined the tribe just as the sky deepened into twilight.

    The sight that greeted them was nothing short of breathtaking. Beasts of the rock barren marched alongside the vaxuum.

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    The sturdy dinones, commonly used to haul supplies, and the swift politami, familiar mounts the maegi pair was already riding on. But what truly stole their breath ¨C especially Riniock¡¯s ¨C was the majestic stellaridon striding beside its herdspeople.

    Towering and immense, the stellaridon was cloaked in thick fur despite the relentless heat of the desert. Patterns of bioluminescent markings flickered to life between its dense fibres, glowing in response to the fading light. The shifting illumination painted the creature in an ethereal display, as if the stars themselves had woven into its hide.

    Its head was utterly alien, its luminescent eyes gleaming even in the absence of light. Curved horns spiralled from its temples, whilst two fibrous tendrils hung where a maw should have been, eerily reminiscent of trunks.

    ¡®M¨CMagnificent¡­¡¯ Riniock breathed, practically choking on his own awe. ¡®Simply magnificent.¡¯

    Then, the stellaridon raised its massive head and let out a deep, resonant growl that rumbled through the earth. The sound was both nasal and profound, reverberating in his chest like the voice of the land itself.

    As if in response, the scattered stellaridons across the encampment answered in kind, their calls forming a low, droning harmony ¨C monotonous yet eerily melodious.

    Riniock urged his politamus closer, unable to resist the urge to reach out. ¡®How do you care for these creatures?¡¯ he asked, running his fingers cautiously through the stellaridon''s thick fur.

    ¡®We have herdmasters ¨C our vaxuum¡¯s noblest calling,¡¯ the vayu replied, nodding towards a group of vaxuum standing watch. ¡®Lord Randak blesses them with the knowledge to care for the beasts. Any who devote themselves fully to him and wish to walk the path of a herder may lay down their weapons and take up the herding stick.¡¯

    Riniock glanced back at the towering beast, still mesmerised. ¡®What do you feed it? It¡¯s so massive.¡¯

    ¡®We do not feed it anything,¡¯ Ishan replied. ¡®The stellaridon sustains itself on water alone.¡¯

    Riniock blinked in disbelief. ¡®Water?¡¯

    ¡®In truth, a stellaridon spends its entire life searching for water sources in the rock barren.¡¯ The vayu gestured towards the vast horizon. ¡®The tribe simply follows its lead, travelling where it travels.¡¯

    Riniock exhaled slowly, watching the stellaridon with newfound admiration. ¡®Fascinating¡­¡¯

    Beyond the beasts, the sheer number of vaxuum alone defied logic. If even a fraction of their tribe wandered into a town back in their province, chaos would erupt ¨C people crushed beneath their massive strides.

    This species was full of surprises.

    ¡®Riniock.¡¯ Linry nudged him as she guided her mount closer. ¡®I¡¯ve received word from the Academy. All students must gather at the expedition site.¡¯

    ¡®Is that so?¡¯

    She nodded. ¡®We already instructed Niann to bring our belongings in case we didn¡¯t return in time. We should meet them there.¡¯

    ¡®Agreed. Let¡¯s inform the vayu ¨C¡¯

    ¡®There is no need, enxan.¡¯ Ishan¡¯s voice interrupted smoothly. ¡®My kin and I hear well. You are free to depart for this expedition of yours.¡¯

    Riniock inclined his head in gratitude. ¡®I hope we meet again.¡¯

    ¡®Likewise, enxan. May Randak guide your path.¡¯

    With the vaxuum''s blessing, Riniock and Linry turned their politami in the direction of their next destination, riding towards the appointed gathering place.

    ¡®The site was just revealed,¡¯ Linry added. ¡®It¡¯s a three-day ride from here.¡¯

    ¡®Are you ready?¡¯ he asked.

    ¡®I''m ready. If all goes well, I can finally be free of this place. My father and I can reclaim our lives.¡¯

    Riniock, however, was more pragmatic.

    As long as anyone in Ikshar remained to enforce her debt, Linry and Garant would never truly be free. Fladd¡¯s convenient disappearance ¨C hopefully his demise ¨C meant one less obstacle, but it didn¡¯t guarantee anything.

    For now, their focus had to be on the expedition ahead. Riniock had two more targets to eliminate before his vengeance was complete.

    ¡®It is crucial that I kill Piddruin before Irgod,¡¯ he said with a dark tone. ¡®I swore to that snake he would be the last to meet his fate.¡¯

    Linry had no objections. ¡®I¡¯ll follow your lead this time. This is your fight as much as mine.¡¯

    Riniock smiled and nodded. ¡®When this is over, we¡¯ll have much to discuss ¨C and much to do. And you¡­you¡¯ll have a chance at a life far more normal than before.¡¯

    ¡®Okay. I¡¯ll hold you to that promise.¡¯

 Expedient Expedition

    Three cycles of the sun later, the pair arrived at their designated location. It was impossible to miss ¨C a massive quarry carved into the solid rock, plunging leagues deep into the earth.

    As they approached, it became clear that discovering this place had been sheer coincidence. From the surface, there was no sign that anything of significance lay beneath ¨C no markers, no disturbances, nothing to suggest the existence of a site worth exploring.

    Riniock and Linry rode their politami to the quarry¡¯s edge, gazing at the exposed layers of stone. The split rock walls shimmered with a kaleidoscope of colours ¨C beige, brown, grey, purple, red, yellow, and orange ¨C revealing the desert¡¯s hidden heart. A shame such beauty remained unseen from above.

    ¡®Who goes there?¡¯ a guard halted them as they circled around to the descent path.

    ¡®I¡¯m Linry Lotrielle, of the Academy. And this ¨C¡¯

    ¡®Riniock Ev Tolgir. Of the College,¡¯ he finished.

    The guard, a Gorlean, studied them with an impassive gaze. He recognised neither of them ¨C not surprising. Linry, an Ikshari, was an unfamiliar face in Gorlean circles, and Riniock had only recently joined, making him just as much a stranger.

    Reaching for a list, the guard scanned through the names, all of them already crossed out ¨C no doubt those who had arrived earlier.

    ¡®There you are,¡¯ he said, pointing at their names. ¡®Last two to arrive. Get down there quickly, or you''ll miss the briefing.¡¯

    ¡®Thank you, sir.¡¯

    The descent was treacherous.

    Wooden beams, likely supplied by the Gorleans given the land¡¯s barrenness, were braced against the quarry walls, forming a spiralling path to the bottom. Scattered along the way, makeshift platforms jutted from the stone ¨C checkpoints where researchers examined the quarry¡¯s depths.

    Half an hour later, the pair reached the base, where countless students had gathered. Some sharpened their wits in hushed discussions, whilst others meticulously checked their equipment, preparing for whatever lay ahead.

    And looming behind them all ¨C a colossal door.

    ¡®This is the entrance?¡¯ Riniock asked as he stepped off the last wooden beam, his gaze drawn upward.

    ¡®It must be. Look at the carvings¡­¡¯ Linry murmured.

    Riniock nodded. ¡®Etching details into metal is no easy feat. Whoever did this was both skilled and patient.¡¯

    ¡®You think this was the work of a single person?¡¯ Linry turned to him, sceptical but invested.

    ¡®Most likely. The strokes, the symmetry ¨C everything is too consistent. It has the mark of one hand, not many.¡¯

    ¡®That¡¯s actually terrifying to think about¡­¡¯

    ¡®Mhm.¡¯

    Their arrival did not go unnoticed.

    Disgusted glances flicked their way from both magickal factions. The air between the Gorleans and the Iksharis crackled with silent animosity, a near-visible tension that made it a wonder no outright conflict had broken out. They exchanged glares like drawn daggers, each side unwilling to look away first.

    But none dared act ¨C not with the high maegi present.

    Talien stood perched on an elevated platform, watchful and composed, his gaze sweeping over the gathering. Beside him, an Ikshari man stood in quiet authority, an unmistakable aura of power surrounding him.

    ¡®Riniock!¡¯ Niann strode towards them, carrying the belongings entrusted to him. Raising his arms, he presented them. ¡®Here you go. I brought everything you asked me to safeguard.¡¯

    ¡®Thanks,¡¯ they both said.

    ¡®Come along. The briefing starts soon.¡¯

    Riniock nodded and followed Niann, taking his place near the Gorlean students in the waiting area. As he blended in with them, Siegmun caught sight of him ¨C only to quickly avert his eyes.

    Suspicious, but not worth dwelling on.

    They lingered in restless anticipation until the high maegi silenced the murmuring crowd with a single, deliberate cough. Though his demeanour remained composed, something in his voice, in the way he carried himself, weighed heavily on every mind present.

    Talien stepped forward, resting a hand on the railing that separated his platform from the students below.

    ¡®Death!¡¯

    His first word alone sent a chill through the assembly, the weight of it settling in their chests.

    ¡®Death awaits any who cross this threshold. It claims the careless, the arrogant, the cowardly.¡¯

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    Visible unease spread through the crowd. Only a few remained composed, unmoved by the ominous warning.

    ¡®Though we have cleared the first section of the temple, do not mistake this for an easy expedition. Beyond lies what appears to be a long-lost temple ¨C one that once belonged to an evil cult. Traps, perhaps creatures of eldritch nature, await within. Some of you may return. Some may not. From this point forward, fate is no longer ours to know.¡¯

    ¡®May I say a few words, High Maegi Talien?¡¯ the Ikshari maegi beside him asked, stepping forward to the railing.

    Talien gave a nod and stepped aside, allowing the man to speak his mind.

    ¡®Though this expedition is a joint effort, beyond the threshold, your survival is solely your own responsibility. Since only students of acolyte rank are permitted entry, it is only fair that each of you faces your own challenges and opportunities.¡¯

    Talien, sensing the man¡¯s cryptic phrasing, interjected. ¡®In short, what Master Eglenn means is that anything you find inside is yours to keep. You may travel with your peers or venture alone if you wish. What happens within those walls remains unknown to us.¡¯

    A hand shot up from the crowd ¨C Niann¡¯s.

    ¡®Yes, Mr. Nodahr?¡¯ Talien acknowledged him with a sigh, already anticipating trouble from his own nephew.

    ¡®Mhm. Why is it that only acolytes are allowed inside?¡¯ Niann asked, his tone pressing on an unspoken tension. ¡®Would it not be safer to send older students or even staff?¡¯

    His uncle shot him a withering scowl. Talien parted his lips to respond, but Eglenn spoke first.

    ¡®It¡¯s a matter of politics,¡¯ the master explained honestly. ¡®Your college discovered the site, but it was our researchers and excavators who unearthed it. When neither side could claim full rights, we settled on a compromise ¨C acolytes alone would be permitted entry. That way, whatever you find belongs solely to you, not to the institutions.¡¯

    ¡®I''m sorry, but nothing more can be disclosed,¡¯ Talien said sharply, shooting the man a murderous glare. The latter only smirked, stepping back a few paces. ¡®Satisfied or not, this is the only answer we will give.¡¯

    Niann lowered his head and slipped away into the crowd of students.

    ¡®Good. If there are no further questions¡­¡¯ With a flick of his hands, the massive metallic doors groaned open, splitting apart with a deafening screech.

    A thick cloud of dust billowed out as the entrance yawned wide. Beyond the threshold, only pitch-black darkness awaited. The air that seeped through carried the weight of ages past ¨C a sharp, musty scent that curled into their nostrils, making a few recoil instinctively.

    ¡®In an orderly fashion, proceed inside.¡¯

    One by one, or in pairs, the students of Gorlea and Ikshar crossed the threshold. The moment they stepped through, a strange chill seeped into their bones ¨C a stark contrast to the relentless heat of the barren wasteland they had endured for days.

    Riniock, Linry, and others in their circle were amongst the last to enter. As soon as the final student passed through, the doors trembled and began to close.

    ¡®Good luck,¡¯ Talien called after them, his silhouette barely visible through the narrowing gap before the entrance sealed shut.

    Complete darkness engulfed them. Only when a few maegis cast illumination charms did the tunnel ahead come into faint view, their spells carving out small pockets of light in the abyss.

    They pressed forward, the group descending into disorder ¨C some pushed ahead, others shoved aside, a few even knocked to the ground. As the high maegi had so eloquently stated: What happens within these walls remains unknown to us.

    It quickly became evident that the first section of the temple held little of interest.

    Empty pedestals stood eerily in place, as if whatever once rested upon them had long since been taken. Despite the passage of time, the walls remained remarkably well-preserved, untouched by decay.

    ¡®Those symbols¡­what are they?¡¯ Linry asked, her mouth slightly agape. ¡®I¡¯ve never seen anything like them before.¡¯

    ¡®This is ancient! Ag Nargim,¡¯ Niann explained, ¡®the root language of the world. I don¡¯t know how to translate it, but these look like some kind of chant.¡¯

    ¡®A ritual?¡¯ she asked.

    ¡®Possibly. Or a prayer.¡¯

    She nodded. ¡®Right. This place did belong to a cult, after all.¡¯

    They took a moment to examine the inscriptions, the elegant yet unnerving script stretching across the walls. Interspersed amongst the text were ancient drawings ¨C scenes that hinted at a forgotten tale, though none provided clear insight into which entity had been worshipped here.

    ¡®What¡¯s this?¡¯ Riniock¡¯s voice pulled their attention forward. ¡®Looks like a chamber.¡¯

    ¡®Seems like it, yes.¡¯

    As they made their way inside, they found themselves amongst the last to arrive. The students had come to a standstill, waiting, uncertain.

    This was, without a doubt, the end of the first cleared section Talien had mentioned. Beyond this point, no one had ventured ¨C whatever lay ahead would be untouched, unclaimed.

    But, as expected, it wouldn¡¯t be that simple.

    The chamber they entered was a vast dome, its ceiling stretching so high that even the strongest illumination spells failed to reveal it. Around the perimeter, set into the dark stone walls, hung peculiar frames forged from solargold, their gleam a stark contrast against the surrounding gloom.

    ¡®What¡¯s wrong?¡¯ Riniock pushed through the crowd towards Siegmun, who stood alongside Irgod, both deep in thought.

    Siegmun turned to him, his expression grim. ¡®There¡¯s no visible way forward. Just this lever in the centre of the room.¡¯

    Indeed, a golden lever stood alone at the heart of the chamber. Dust collected on top of it.

    Riniock scanned their surroundings. Aside from the gleaming frames and the lever, the only other notable features were four massive, golden vats, each fitted with intricate pumps that burrowed into the walls.

    It was clear that the lever was the key to progressing. But pulling it without knowing its function was a tremendous risk ¨C it could just as easily spell their doom.

    Even Irgod hesitated, his usual confidence shaken.

    ¡®Cousin.¡¯ Niann¡¯s voice rang out from across the room. He knelt beside one of the golden frames, inspecting its base.

    ¡®Niann? Did you find something?¡¯ Siegmun asked, stepping closer.

    Niann nodded, motioning for him to come nearer. ¡®Look here ¨C ancient numerals.¡¯ He pointed at the base of the contraption.

    Siegmun squinted at the markings. ¡®What do they mean?¡¯

    ¡®Coordinates. I¡¯m certain these frames are portals.¡¯

    ¡®You¡¯re certain?¡¯ Siegmun pressed.

    ¡®Yes. The lever should activate them ¨C all of them.¡¯

    ¡®A¨CAll of them? There are hundreds of these frames!¡¯

    ¡®Which means hundreds of different coordinates ¨C hundreds of different destinations.¡¯

    Was such a thing even possible?

    Many silently questioned it. Even the most advanced cities had no more than a handful of these long-distance gateways, typically linking different districts or connecting to select locations beyond city borders.

    But here? If Niann was right, and these truly were portals, then the possibilities were limitless.

    ¡®Then there¡¯s only one thing left to do,¡¯ Irgod declared, stepping forward. Without hesitation, he grasped the tip of the lever.

    The metal resisted, grinding and shrieking as he fought to move it. With one final push, the lever snapped into position.

    The ground trembled, sending several students stumbling. A sharp hiss echoed through the chamber as steam vented from unseen mechanisms. Gears groaned and clicked, their movement reverberating deep within the walls.

    ¡®Look!¡¯ someone shouted. ¡®The portals are activating!¡¯

 Forsaken Bloody Gates

    As the tremors in the portal chamber persisted and the grinding of gears filled the air, a sudden transformation overtook the room.

    Thin lines of red began etching themselves across the floor, creeping up the walls, and stretching towards the ceiling. The markings extended gradually, each one slithering towards the dormant portal frames like veins seeking connection.

    The moment the first line reached its designated portal, a violent crack split the air. A surge of crimson particles converged at a single point, swirling together before expanding into a shimmering red sheet within the portal¡¯s boundaries.

    ¡®Look!¡¯ someone cried. ¡®The portals are activating!¡¯

    One by one, the rest followed, a web of glowing crimson gateways flickering to life. But just as excitement spread, an overwhelming stench polluted the air.

    Riniock¡¯s nostrils flared. ¡®Blood¡­¡¯

    Niann recoiled, gagging as he pinched his nose. ¡®You mean¡­those vats are filled with blood?¡¯

    ¡®They are.¡¯ Riniock¡¯s expression darkened. ¡®And that¡¯s a lot of blood.¡¯

    Many of the students looked shaken by the grim revelation. The confidence they once carried upon crossing the threshold had all but vanished. Yet, they knew there was no turning back ¨C the doors behind them remained sealed.

    It was becoming disturbingly clear that the cult that once inhabited this place was neither ordinary nor weak. The sheer complexity of the metallic doors, the corridors inscribed with ancient languages, and now these portals ¨C powered by blood ¨C spoke of something far more sinister than they had anticipated.

    ¡®Just how much blood would it take to activate all these gates¡­¡¯

    ¡®That¡¯s not the real question, Pidd,¡¯ Irgod interrupted. ¡®The real question is ¨C how many had to die for this?¡¯

    Piddruin paled at the thought, his breath catching in his throat as the horrifying realisation set in.

    Siegmun stepped closer to one of the glowing red portals. As he approached, faint whispers and unsettling murmurs slithered into his ears from beyond the veil.

    ¡®This cult is far more dangerous than we imagined. We need to proceed with caution,¡¯ he warned. Without hesitation, he extended his hand into the portal, then withdrew it ¨C unharmed. ¡®We¡¯re not wasting time. Choose a portal and go through. Groups of two, at most three. No one enters alone.¡¯

    ¡®But Master Eglenn said ¨C¡¯

    A sharp unidentified projectile whizzed past the speaker¡¯s head, grazing his cheek and drawing blood.

    ¡®I don¡¯t care what your master said,¡¯ Siegmun snapped, his voice laced with authority. ¡®Inside here, I give the orders. Not you. Not even your strongest,¡¯ he gestured towards Irgod, eyes cold. ¡®Now move.¡¯

    Irgod shrugged, unwilling to stir conflict in a place like this. Siegmun was formidable, but it wasn¡¯t his strength that made Irgod back down.

    Both Riniock and Linry ¨C seasoned killers in their own right ¨C could easily side with Siegmun if a fight broke out.

    He let out a sharp hiss and gestured for Piddruin to follow. Without another word, he strode towards one of the portals and stepped through. ¡®Do as he says,¡¯ he muttered before vanishing into the crimson veil.

    Piddruin scratched his head before reluctantly following, his form swallowed entirely by the occult gateway.

    The student who had protested stood frozen in disbelief. If even Irgod had yielded, what choice did he have? With clear reluctance, he and two others exchanged uneasy glances before stepping through a portal together.

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    Siegmun¡¯s sharp gaze swept over the remaining students.

    One by one, they complied, each pairing with at least one other before disappearing into the glowing portals.

    As the last few groups made their selections, Siegmun turned to Niann and Riniock.

    ¡®You two, with me,¡¯ he ordered.

    Riniock¡¯s eyes flicked to Linry, who stood beside an Ikshari girl. She made no protest ¨C perhaps expecting this division. As she and her partner stepped into their portal, Riniock caught a glimpse of her hand, half-clenched, concealing a readied fire spell.

    Satisfied, he turned back to his own group.

    ¡®Are you both ready?¡¯ Siegmun asked.

    Niann and Riniock exchanged a final glance before nodding. Together, they stepped forward, vanishing into the same blood-drenched portal their leader had tested moments before.

    Within, a blurred corridor stretched endlessly before them, bathed in an eerie haze of red. The air itself churned, thick with shifting crimson mist, as if they had stepped into the heart of a living bloodstorm.

    Tiny droplets clung to their skin, accumulating the longer they lingered within this nightmarish interstice. Siegmun led at the front, Niann followed closely behind, and Riniock took up the rear.

    Though Siegmun turned back to speak, his lips moving in silent urgency, not a single word reached them.

    Niann and Riniock exchanged a confused glance.

    With an irritated roll of his eyes, Siegmun gestured for them to follow, jabbing a finger towards a distant entrance barely visible through the swirling red fog.

    Step by step, they trudged forward, the storm pressing against them like a living force.

    Once more, Siegmun attempted to communicate, momentarily forgetting the soundless void that surrounded them. When his efforts proved futile, he resorted to his previous gestures.

    Riniock gave a silent nod and pressed on. Blood streaked down his face in thin, glistening trails, his vision clouded by the oppressive haze.

    Then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw it¡­

    His breath hitched.

    A shape loomed in the distance, vast beyond reckoning. A suffocating presence that coiled through the storm, an overwhelming mass of darkness and despair. The entity was colossal, a living void woven from the fabric of nightmares, its form an ever-shifting tangle of writhing tendrils and sinewy black filaments.

    Skeletal faces clawed their way to the surface of its abyssal flesh ¨C countless, tormented visages with hollow sockets that devoured all light. Their frozen expressions twisted in eternal anguish, mouths locked in silent screams.

    Riniock''s pulse thundered in his ears as his gaze lifted, meeting the creature¡¯s own.

    Empty, fathomless eyes stared back, deep wells of oblivion, glaring with a formless malice.

    At the core of its monstrous visage stretched a towering, vertical maw ¨C an endless abyss from which no sound escaped. It radiated nothingness, a chasm of pure hunger that devoured both light and hope alike. Its countless appendages extended in all directions, clawing at the storm, their sharpened, talon-like tips raking against the very fabric of reality.

    The entity loomed over a crumbling, desolate expanse, a monolith of entropy, a harbinger of devastation incarnate.

    In that moment, the world itself seemed to warp beneath its presence ¨C an existence beyond mortal comprehension.

    Riniock stumbled forward, his eyes locked onto the monstrous entity. He moved blindly, his mind drowning in its abyssal presence ¨C until he collided with Niann¡¯s back.

    Startled, Niann turned, his gaze following Riniock¡¯s. The moment he laid eyes upon the horror before them, his breath caught in his throat. Siegmun, noticing their frozen expressions, turned as well.

    Terror seized them all.

    Without warning, the entity¡¯s massive limb rose high into the air. Then, with a force that warped the very air around it, the appendage came crashing down, its descent shattering the ground below. The sheer impact carved a path of devastation, obliterating everything in its wake.

    The three bolted, adrenaline seizing their limbs as they sprinted for their lives. The world quaked behind them as the monstrous strike barely missed, annihilating the spot where they had stood mere moments before.

    Their eyes locked onto the distant exit ¨C the opening barely visible through the storm. They pushed forward with every shred of strength, lungs burning, hearts pounding.

    With a final desperate leap, they crossed through.

    The moment the last of them passed, the blood portal flickered and died, its crimson glow fading into nothingness.

    They stood there, gasping for breath, drenched in sweat, and streaked with blood.

    ¡®What in bloody Murat was that?!¡¯ Siegmun bellowed, his voice cracking under the weight of his terror.

    Him and Riniock turned to Niann, who shrank under their expectant gazes.

    ¡®I¨CI don¡¯t know¡­¡¯ Niann stammered, his heart hammering against his ribs. His hands trembled, his entire body still quaking in the aftermath of what they had seen.

    Riniock exhaled sharply, trying to steady himself. He flexed his fingers, noting the residual tremor in them.

    ¡®Where are we?¡¯ he asked, scanning their surroundings with cautious eyes.

    Darkness pressed in from all sides, but the damp air and uneven ground beneath them made one thing clear ¨C they were in some kind of underground cavern.

    ¡®I¡¯m not sure,¡¯ Niann admitted, his voice still unsteady. ¡®We¡¯ll have to go deeper to find out.¡¯

 The Yawning Tunnel

    The darkness in the cavern was so absolute it felt as if they were walking through Murat itself.

    Only a single glimmer of light stood out in the distance ¨C a faint, eerie blue, unnaturally vivid against the cave¡¯s oppressive blackness. The trio exchanged uneasy glances, uncertain whether they should follow it.

    They stepped down from the platform they had arrived on. Unlike the rest of the cavern, it was clearly mortal-made, constructed from brick, though time had not been kind to it. Thick layers of festering vegetation and fungi had overtaken the surface, creeping over the remnants of the now-extinguished portal.

    ¡®There¡¯s no way back,¡¯ Niann murmured, eyeing the inactive gateway. ¡®We can only move forward.¡¯

    ¡®I agree¡­¡¯ Riniock muttered. The thought of re-entering that portal was one he never wished to entertain again.

    Siegmun gave a curt nod, and they set off. With a swift motion, he clasped his hands together, conjuring a ball of light. Unlike conventional illumination spells, his was different ¨C it did not float beside him but instead clung to his robes, glowing from the centre of his chest.

    He summoned two more, pressing them against the chests of his companions. The magickal orbs adhered to their clothing, shedding a dim, flickering radiance around them.

    The path ahead became somewhat clearer, though the stone surrounding them seemed to devour the light, absorbing most of its glow and weakening its reach.

    ¡®Better than nothing,¡¯ Siegmun muttered, stepping forward cautiously, mindful of unseen pitfalls and whatever other dangers lurked in this forsaken place.

    With nought but their thoughts to accompany them in the oppressive darkness, Riniock¡¯s mind spiralled into grim possibilities.

    He replayed their encounter with the entity within the portal, considering what might have happened had they not escaped so easily. What if they had been wounded ¨C or worse, killed? What if they had been trapped, unable to reach the other side? More troubling still was the thought that other portals could be connected to similar horrors. His concern deepened when he considered Linry ¨C if her portal was anything like theirs and she had managed to dispose of her companion, she would be facing whatever lay within it alone.

    The uncertainty gnawed at him, and time blurred as they pressed forward, until at last, they neared the source of the distant glow.

    ¡®It¡¯s there,¡¯ Niann pointed ahead, shielding his eyes with one hand against the intensifying brightness.

    As they drew closer, the light became fiercer, almost blinding. Yet when they finally fixed their eyes on its origin, what they saw stunned them.

    ¡®What¡­is that?¡¯ Siegmun tilted his head, struggling to make sense of it. ¡®I¡¯ve never seen anything like it before¡­not even in books.¡¯

    ¡®Me neither,¡¯ Riniock added, equally perplexed.

    But Niann¡¯s eyes glowed with unrestrained excitement, as if he had been waiting for a moment like this. Dropping to one knee, he rummaged through his belongings with hurried hands.

    ¡®Found it!¡¯ he exclaimed, pulling out a tattered old journal. ¡®I came across this in my family¡¯s study. It details an entire habitat ¨C its creatures, flora, even geological elements. I read it years ago but thought it was just literature, not an actual field study.¡¯

    Siegmun leaned over his shoulder. ¡®You found this back home?¡¯

    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

    Niann nodded, flipping feverishly through the pages.

    ¡®I knew I recognised this creature the moment I saw it,¡¯ he muttered. ¡®I¡¯ve had this journal for four years, but I never imagined it contained real discoveries¡­¡¯

    ¡®So what is it?¡¯ Siegmun pressed.

    ¡®He named it a Tertei,¡¯ Niann tapped on a crude sketch. ¡®One of our ancestors ¨C Jirash Nodahr ¨C apparently explored this place and recorded his findings.¡¯

    Before them, the strange creature glided gracefully from one side of the tunnel to the other.

    It appeared almost celestial, a manifestation of radiant energy rather than a living being. Its form shimmered, woven from intricate, glowing filaments that pulsed with an ethereal luminescence. It resembled a butterfly in shape, yet its wings were an exquisite lattice of gossamer light, swirling with currents of pure energy. Unlike the artificial glow of their spells, its radiance did not fade against the cavern walls but bathed the stone in a soft, ambient glow.

    Its sleek, almost incorporeal body seemed to be composed of the very essence of the cosmos. Delicate tendrils trailed behind it, undulating like wisps of celestial silk, leaving behind faint traces of stardust in their wake.

    ¡®Amazing¡­¡¯ Riniock breathed, flipping through the journal¡¯s pages, taking in the various illustrations. ¡®Are you saying this place is completely uncharted? Aside from this journal?¡¯

    Niann shrugged. ¡®I can¡¯t say for certain. But I¡¯ve never found another mention of it. I checked the local libraries and even the college archives, at least on the first floor. Nothing.¡¯

    ¡®That¡¯s concerning¡­¡¯ Siegmun murmured.

    ¡®It probably is,¡¯ Riniock admitted. ¡®This journal is the only source of information we have, but we can¡¯t treat it as fact until we confirm it ourselves.¡¯

    ¡®Riniock¡¯s right,¡¯ Siegmun agreed. ¡®We have to assume that some of Jirash¡¯s accounts might be unreliable.¡¯

    Niann nodded, flipping through the aged pages before they decided to press on.

    ¡®What¡¯s this place called, anyway?¡¯ Riniock asked, still admiring the tertei from where they stood.

    ¡®I think Jirash called it the Yawning Tunnel¡­¡¯

    ¡®The Yawning Tunnel?¡¯ Riniock repeated. ¡®Not the most creative name. But then again, who am I to discredit his discovery?¡¯

    Carefully, they manoeuvred around the celestial insect, ensuring they did not disturb its graceful flight.

    As its final traces of light vanished behind the curve of the tunnel, Riniock shifted his focus forward. Jirash¡¯s chosen name for this place, the Yawning Tunnel, now felt more fitting than ever.

    Endless stretches of stone corridors sprawled before them, each passage seemingly longer than the last.

    For the most part, their surroundings were barren. Now and then, they spotted another tertei or, to their surprise, an unfamiliar creature ¨C clusters of bright orange orbs hovering near the high ceilings. According to the journal, Jirash called these Saphores.

    Thus far, there was little flora to be found. The only plant-like growths they encountered resembled thin filaments protruding from the rock, each tipped with a softly glowing bulb.

    ¡®Jirash classified these as fungi,¡¯ Niann remarked, studying them closely.

    ¡®Are they edible?¡¯ his cousin inquired.

    ¡®The journal doesn¡¯t say,¡¯ Niann admitted, shaking his head. ¡®Jirash probably didn¡¯t want to risk poisoning himself by eating some random fungus he found down here.¡¯

    A reasonable caution. And with their supplies still intact, none of them felt inclined to experiment and confirm.

    They pressed on, their journey proving relatively easy thus far.

    Unlike the treacherous terrain of the Crimson Glades, the Yawning Tunnel was nothing more than a vast network of interconnected caves. No hills to scale, no forests to navigate ¨C just a seemingly endless stretch of tunnels, winding ever onward.

    The path remained linear, requiring no navigation beyond simply following it. Siegmun took the lead, guiding their way.

    ¡®There¡¯s a structure ahead,¡¯ he announced after catching sight of it in the dim light. ¡®Mortal-made. Stay alert.¡¯

    At the end of this tunnel section, the cavern widened into a space clearly altered by intelligent hands. A tower ¨C fashioned directly into the rock ¨C stood before them, its walls seamlessly fused with the stone. It had windows, doors, and every indication that it had once been inhabited.

    ¡®This must have taken years to carve,¡¯ one of them noted as they approached.

    ¡®Unless they were a maegi,¡¯ Riniock countered.

    ¡®Right. Unless they were a maegi,¡¯ Siegmun repeated, his tone thoughtful. ¡®Still¡­why would anyone want to live down here?¡¯

    No one had an answer.

    ¡®Should we search it?¡¯ Riniock and Niann asked in unison.

    Siegmun studied the tower¡¯s exterior, weighing their options. After a moment of silent contemplation, he gave a firm nod and gestured for them to follow.

    ¡®I don¡¯t see why not. There might be something valuable inside. We¡¯ll split the loot, of course.¡¯

 The Tower of Kzarg

    Siegmun was the first to approach the tower, raising a hand to signal his companions to hold back whilst he inspected the entrance.

    Step by cautious step, he advanced until he stood before the reinforced metal door. His sharp eyes traced the contours of its frame, scanning the top, sides, and even the base for anything unusual.

    ¡®Oh?¡¯ Siegmun murmured, his gaze locking onto something above the door.

    Three distinct symbols were carved into small, tablet-like stones, suspended over the doorway¡¯s mantle.

    ¡®What is it?¡¯ Riniock and Niann called from behind, craning their necks to get a look.

    ¡®I recognise these from a history lesson,¡¯ Siegmun said. ¡®They¡¯re sigils of tarnish. Ancient markings ¨C practically forgotten nowadays.¡¯

    ¡®Sigils of tarnish? Here?¡¯ Riniock echoed, his mind already racing.

    ¡®It¡¯s strange, I know. These symbols originate from the mainland. Their presence here makes little sense.¡¯

    Riniock stroked his chin, considering the implications.

    ¡®Are they active?¡¯ he asked, cupping his mouth to project his voice forward.

    ¡®Doubt it¡­the carvings are faded, void of colour.¡¯

    ¡®Niann and I are coming forward.¡¯

    ¡®Please do,¡¯ Siegmun said, still fixated on the sigils.

    As they approached, Riniock¡¯s breath caught in his throat. His suspicions were confirmed ¨C these weren¡¯t just any sigils of tarnish but three of the most significant: the Deterrent, the Guardian, and the Key.

    Together, they formed a ward meant to repel intruders, sealing the entrance from unwelcome guests.

    Fortunately, time had drained their power. They were nothing more than lifeless engravings now.

    Without hesitation, Riniock reached for the metal handle and pulled.

    The door swung open with ease, revealing the way forward.

    The base of the tower was unremarkably mundane ¨C lined with burlap sacks, crates, and barrels stacked haphazardly against the walls. Over time, invasive flora had crept in, weaving through the slats, whilst thick cobwebs draped over every surface like an undisturbed shroud.

    Only one thing stood out.

    At the centre of the room lay a circular platform, its surface adorned with intricate patterns and what appeared to be a spell circle. The craftsmanship was striking, each line and symbol meticulously inscribed, hinting at a purpose beyond simple decoration.

    The three knelt beside it, careful not to touch it, studying the engravings in an attempt to decipher their meaning.

    ¡®Looks like some kind of propulsion spell,¡¯ Siegmun observed, pointing at a particular set of markings that suggested upward force.

    ¡®That¡¯s only part of it,¡¯ Niann corrected. ¡®This spell doesn¡¯t just propel ¨C it transports both objects and living beings directly upward before shifting them a few qius forward in the direction they¡¯re facing.¡¯

    Riniock tilted his head back, scanning the ceiling. Above them, a platform jutted out, just barely visible from where they stood. It was far too high to reach through conventional means, and none of them had the aptitude for flight or teleportation magick.

    This spell circle was their only way up.

    ¡®Does it still work?¡¯ Riniock asked, rising to his feet.

    ¡®If the engravings remain intact, it should.¡¯ Niann gestured towards the platform. ¡®Step inside and channel your odh into it.¡¯

    He wasted no time.

    Following his friend''s suggestion, Riniock stepped onto the platform and positioned himself within the spell circle. With a focused motion of his fingers, he guided his odh through his conduits, channelling it downward into the circle beneath his feet.

    The engravings pulsed to life, glowing with a brilliant white-blue radiance. Ethereal particles lifted into the air as the intricate lines filled with energy.

    Then, in an instant, the spell activated. A sharp force propelled Riniock upward, launching him towards the platform above. His stomach twisted from the sudden ascent, but he fought the urge to retch.

    ¡®Are you alright?¡¯ one of them called from below.

    Riniock steadied himself, scanning his surroundings before answering. There were no immediate threats in sight.

    ¡®I¡¯m fine. Come on up.¡¯

    Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!

    One after the other, Niann and Siegmun followed suit, propelled by the spell¡¯s force and landing beside Riniock. Their faces mirrored his ¨C strained from the unsettling motion ¨C but they composed themselves quickly, standing upright and preparing to move forward.

    ¡®This floor is more spacious,¡¯ the leader remarked, surveying the open area.

    The floor was divided into four sections, one in each cardinal direction, though only three seemed worth investigating. The trio gravitated towards the least demanding section ¨C a desk positioned near a set of railings that overlooked the hole leading down to the propulsion spell circle.

    Like everything else in the tower, the desk was carved from stone. A matching chair sat before it, occupied by a hunched skeletal figure, its bones brittle with age. The tattered remnants of ancient clothing still clung to its frame.

    The moment they laid eyes on the remains, the same thought struck them all.

    ¡®Halfling!¡¯ they exclaimed in near-perfect unison.

    The skeleton¡¯s diminutive stature ruled out the average mortal man, confirming it belonged to one of the smaller races ¨C something along the lines of a goren. A closer examination, however, suggested otherwise.

    ¡®A kaerod?¡¯ Niann speculated, narrowing his eyes at the bones. ¡®Or maybe a flennhod¡­too hard to tell just from this. If only Professor Hekat were here ¨C anatomy isn¡¯t exactly my strong suit.¡¯

    Whilst Niann studied the remains, Riniock¡¯s attention was drawn elsewhere.

    ¡®What did you find?¡¯ Siegmun asked, noticing his interest.

    Riniock held up a worn, dust-covered book. ¡®A journal¡­or maybe a diary. Likely belonged to our skeletal friend here.¡¯

    A gust of dust scattered into the air as Riniock blew across the book¡¯s cover, revealing a name inscribed beneath the grime.

    ¡®His name is Ladthrar,¡¯ Riniock read aloud, flipping to the first page. ¡®Finally, our prayers have been answered. Thank Besledrias. With the reluctant yet granted blessing of the MCoS ¨C¡¯

    Siegmun cut in. ¡®MCoS? What is that?¡¯

    Riniock shrugged, just as clueless. Niann, meanwhile, had drifted away, busy searching through the other sections whilst the two remained engrossed in the diary.

    ¡®We have at last entered the premises. Kainor, Tharin, Ig¡¯ada, and I were welcomed by the cult. Their hospitality was¡­suspicious, given their devotion to Neohk. Yet, since they showed no overt hostility, we ignored it and ventured deeper into the tunnels branching from their headquarters. Eventually, the four of us established ourselves in a tower we constructed through our combined magick. We named it K¡¯zarg, just as our forebears did when they first descended into the depths and darkness of the earth¡­¡¯

    Riniock read on, whilst Siegmun listened intently. The names offered no real clues regarding the identity of the skeletal remains, but one thing was evident ¨C this took place whilst the cult was still active.

    ¡®Neohk¡­¡¯ they both muttered, the name familiar yet buried in the recesses of their minds.

    Meanwhile, Niann had wandered further from them, scouring the section to the right of the stone desk, deep in his search.

    The section contained four stone beds, their rigid forms betraying any sense of comfort. Along the walls, stone shelves stood draped in dust and cobwebs, their surfaces littered with tattered clothes and decayed remnants of belongings.

    Three skeletal figures lay motionless on the beds, leaving one space eerily vacant. Each bore signs of violent death ¨C one with a stab wound in the chest, another with its skull shattered, and the last with a head separated from its ribcage. Yet, a single detail united them: they had all died unaware, caught in their sleep.

    ¡®That must be Kainor, Tharin, and Ig¡¯ada¡­how dreadful,¡¯ Niann murmured under his breath.

    A chest in the corner caught his eye, but when he pried it open, he found only a pile of brittle, weathered paper resting at the bottom.

    ¡®Nothing here¡­¡¯

    Satisfied with his search, Niann moved on to the next section, located directly opposite the desk, separated by the gaping hole in the centre of the floor.

    This area was filled with an assortment of workstations ¨C alchemy sets, enchantment tools, a crafting station, and an inscription table. It was unmistakably the lair of a maegi ¨C or in this case, four maegis.

    He swept his gaze over the equipment, pocketing a few meagre valuables as he passed.

    Then, something unusual caught his eye.

    ¡®What¡¯s this?¡¯ he muttered, stepping closer to a stone bookcase at the back of the section. Hidden behind it was a reinforced door, securely barred and locked.

    Slumped against the wall before it was a corpse, astonishingly well-preserved despite its decay. One of its hands was missing, and its remaining flesh bore deep bite wounds, as if something had feasted upon it.

    Clutched tightly in its remaining fingers was a key of solargold ¨C its lustre undiminished by time. The shape suggested a perfect fit for the lock sealing the door.

    With a quiet breath, Niann pried the key free from the corpse¡¯s stiffened grasp and slid it into the keyhole. A twist, a click ¨C the lock snapped open, and the chains unravelled, falling away with a heavy clatter.

    The door groaned as it swung ajar, revealing a gruesome sight.

    The room beyond was littered with corpses ¨C dozens of them ¨C piled across the floor, their bodies marred by the same kind of wounds as the corpse outside.

    But unlike the four skeletal remains scattered throughout the tower, these were different. Their flesh, though rotting, still clung to their bones. Their garments, though tattered, remained mostly intact.

    And more disturbingly, they were not halflings. Some stood just as tall as Niann ¨C perhaps even taller.

    Cautiously, he stepped inside, scanning the room for anything of worth.

    ¡®We''ve been down here for a whole year¡­ I think,¡¯ Riniock continued, his voice echoing through the vast chamber of K¡¯zarg¡¯s floor. ¡®Kainor and Ig¡¯ada have already explored all the nearby corridors. Tharin and I, on the other hand, have had little to no success with our research. I fear this divide in our duties will become apparent the next time we meet.

    ¡®We managed to capture one of those shape-changing creatures ¨C the ones that disguise themselves as inanimate objects, luring unsuspecting victims before devouring them. Ig¡¯ada sealed it inside a room at the far end of the northern section. We¡¯ve been dosing it with anaesthetics to keep it docile. I hope we¡¯ll be able to study it further.¡¯

    Riniock skimmed through a few pages filled with mundane details ¨C Ladthrar¡¯s routines, scattered thoughts, and passing reflections.

    ¡®Interesting,¡¯ Siegmun mused as he rummaged through the desk and its surroundings. ¡®Maegis from an age long past¡­and yet, we haven¡¯t changed. Research and knowledge still push us into adventure ¨C and into danger.¡¯

    ¡®Listen to this,¡¯ Riniock interrupted, his voice suddenly serious.

    Siegmun took note of the shift in tone and stepped around to read over his shoulder.

    ¡®Tharin has noticed cult members loitering outside K¡¯zarg these past few days. To ease Kainor¡¯s mind, we carved protective sigils on the tower, meant to ward off intruders. But I have a feeling¡­an ominous premonition I can¡¯t explain. Maybe I¡¯m just being paranoid. Still, those cultists are bad news.¡¯

    Riniock turned another page, but this time, Siegmun read ahead.

    ¡®DON¡¯T OPEN THE DOOR ¨C¡¯

    A chill ran down both their spines.

    Their gazes darted to the skeleton slumped over the desk. A gaping hole pierced through its ribcage ¨C a fatal wound delivered from behind. Whoever killed Ladthrar had struck mid-sentence.

    Realisation dawned on them at the same time.

    ¡®Where¡¯s Niann?¡¯

 Monster Behind the Door

    Inside the room, Niann knelt beside one of the corpses, rummaging through its pockets, unaware of the dire revelation his companions had just uncovered.

    ¡®NIANN!¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s voice rang out, sharp with urgency. Niann¡¯s head snapped up towards the sound, his attention torn away from his search. As he did, he failed to notice the subtle, grotesque movement unfolding beneath him.

    Amongst the rotting remains, the nearest corpse stirred. A jagged split formed across its decayed flesh, parting like a gaping wound ¨C only it wasn¡¯t a wound. It was a terrible mouth, riddled with acerated dagger-like fangs. A coiled tongue slithered free, dripping with saliva, tasting the air.

    The corpse reanimated ¨C not truly alive, but controlled by the shapeshifting horror festering inside it. Its flesh stretched, skin tearing as its unnatural maw widened.

    ¡®Riniock?¡¯ Niann muttered, confused by the urgency in his friend¡¯s voice.

    ¡®Get away from that room ¨C NOW!¡¯

    ¡®What? Why?¡¯

    Riniock and Siegmun skidded to a halt at the doorway, arriving just in time to see the creature fully unfold itself.

    Riniock¡¯s breath caught in his throat. His eyes went wide in horror. He was too late.

    The monster¡¯s elastic jaws snapped shut.

    Blood sprayed across the room.

    Niann lurched backward, clutching his hand ¨C now missing three fingers. At first, only a harsh, ragged breath escaped Niann¡¯s lips ¨C then came the wail of pain.

    Meanwhile, the monster lurched upright, balancing on the corpse¡¯s rotting legs. Its grotesque form resembled an infestation, as though some sinister entity had gestated within the flesh, twisting it into something unnatural.

    Riniock snapped out of his shock, instincts taking over. With a swift gesture, he conjured a wind spell ¨C a forceful blast meant to drive the creature back. Just as it lunged for Niann again, its fangs barely missed their mark, slicing through his robe and raking shallow gashes across his skin.

    The spell struck, shoving the creature back a few steps.

    For a brief moment, it hesitated. Then, with a slow, mechanical twist of its head, its attention shifted towards Riniock. Its gaping maw trembled, ichor dripping from its teeth.

    ¡®Watch out!¡¯ Siegmun shouted, charging into the room. He moved swiftly, flanking the creature so that he and Riniock stood on opposite sides.

    ¡®Right.¡¯

    Both maegis summoned their magick and unleashed their spells.

    But the creature was fast ¨C unnaturally so. It moved with an eerie fluidity, bending backward at an impossible angle, its spine cracking as it evaded the attacks.

    Then it snarled and lunged at Riniock.

    Siegmun reacted instantly, sending another spell hurtling towards the monster. But the thing, sensing the attack before it even landed, twisted away with unnatural precision ¨C leaving Siegmun¡¯s spell hurtling dangerously close to Riniock.

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    ¡®Careful!¡¯ Riniock shouted, stepping back as the creature closed in. He drew his dagger, gripping it tightly.

    It lunged, evading Siegmun¡¯s spells with unsettling ease, its movements too fluid, too unnatural.

    Riniock barely dodged its snapping fangs, each near miss forcing him to retreat further. Between its relentless attacks, he lashed out with his dagger, but every strike met only empty air ¨C the thing was too fast.

    ¡®Nothing¡¯s working!¡¯ Siegmun cried in frustration.

    ¡®It¡¯s too ¨C damn ¨C fast!¡¯ Riniock growled, each word punctuated by another missed slash. ¡®But I have an idea¡­¡¯

    Riniock let his dagger fall midair and engaged the shapeshifter barehanded, relying on Mesyo Mahas techniques. Though a monster, it still had a mortal body ¨C one that could be broken.

    As his fists and palms struck, his dagger darted through the air at his command. The creature twisted and contorted unnaturally, dodging what it could, but it couldn''t evade everything. It was forced to take the brunt of both Riniock¡¯s blows and the relentless strikes of his hovering blade.

    Siegmun pressed the attack as well, helping drive the thing into a corner. Yet, despite their efforts, no wound proved decisive ¨C each strike was shallow, merely grazing its tar-black flesh.

    ¡®Get ready,¡¯ Riniock warned.

    ¡®For what?¡¯ Siegmun asked, bracing himself.

    ¡®Not sure if it''ll work ¨C just be ready.¡¯

    Riniock channelled his odh into his leg and stomped the ground, sending a wave of wind rippling towards the creature. Deceptively harmless, the monster didn''t bother to dodge. The moment the gust touched its skin, Riniock twisted his magick, transmuting the air into frost. The wind hardened into ice, shackling the creature in place.

    Siegmun took the hint. He unleashed a spell, a blast of energy that tore through its chest.

    Yet it still lived.

    Thick, blackened blood seeped from the wound, tarred by time and corruption.

    It writhed and shrieked, a ghastly, ear-splitting sound. Its flesh darkened, shifting, mutating, evolving before their eyes as the two maegis struggled to end it.

    Then Riniock saw it ¨C an organ, pulsing deep at the wound¡¯s edge, barely missed by Siegmun¡¯s attack.

    Without hesitation, he raised his hand, remotely seized control of his blade, and drove it straight into the creature¡¯s core.

    It let out a final, piercing wail, its death cry shaking the entire tower of K¡¯zarg ¨C as if calling for something.

    ¡®Gods¡­¡¯ Siegmun exhaled, heart pounding. He turned on his heel and rushed to Niann¡¯s side.

    Slumped against the wall, Niann trembled, hyperventilating as blood continued to pour from his severed fingers.

    ¡®We need to stop the bleeding ¨C¡¯ Siegmun muttered, digging through his pack. ¡®Damn it, I can¡¯t find a cord!¡¯

    Riniock pushed him aside. ¡®Move.¡¯

    With two fingers, he struck Niann¡¯s wrist. The young maegi gasped as his palm turned pale, the bleeding slowing to a near halt.

    Siegmun frowned. ¡®What technique was that?¡¯

    ¡®No time for questions. I¡¯ll tend to him ¨C you¡¯ll keep watch.¡¯

    ¡®Fine,¡¯ Siegmun grumbled, turning back to monstrosity. ¡®But once this is over, you''re explaining.¡¯

    Siegmun approached the slain shapeshifter, his gaze lingering on its grotesque features. Rows of jagged teeth had formed within the warped remains of what was once a mortal being ¨C now twice dead. Undead creatures were common enough, but this? This was something else entirely.

    Even in death, the thing was repulsive, its twisted form a mockery of life. A gaping wound marred its chest, and remnants of frost clung to its flesh, slowly melting away.

    ¡®Tch¡­¡¯ he spat, leaning closer. ¡®Foul spawn.¡¯

    He turned, scanning the room ¨C only for searing pain to rip through his lower body. His vision blurred. The world spun. One moment he was standing upright, the next, the ceiling filled his view. He hadn''t even bent his neck.

    A choked groan escaped his lips, drawing Riniock¡¯s attention.

    ¡®Shit!¡¯ Riniock cursed, reacting in an instant.

    A burst of wind magick slammed the shapeshifter¡¯s corpse against the wall, crushing its remains into a mangled, shattered mess.

    Not taking any chances, he fired again. And again. Seven more times, each spell ensuring the thing would never so much as twitch.

    Then he turned to Siegmun. ¡®Your leg¡­¡¯

    Riniock knelt, striking just above Siegmun¡¯s knee to stem the blood flow. His gaze fell to the wound ¨C a deep, jagged gash where his limb had been severed. Just a few qius away, his leg lay motionless, severed cleanly from his body.

    Siegmun let out a shuddering breath. His voice trembled. ¡®I¨CI can¡¯t feel my l¨Cleg.¡¯ A tear welled in his eye, dread creeping into his expression. ¡®W¨CWhat happened? M¨CMy leg¡­¡¯

 Alone Again

    It didn¡¯t take long for Siegmun to slip into unconsciousness, the sheer agony of his wound overwhelming him until his body shut down. Nearby, Niann still sat trembling, clutching his mangled hand, his sobs quiet but unrelenting.

    ¡®Niann,¡¯ Riniock called.

    The young maegi turned sluggishly, his face twisted with grief and shock.

    ¡®Help me with him¡­he¡¯s too heavy for me to drag over all these corpses alone.¡¯

    ¡®S¨CSure¡­¡¯ Niann stammered, forcing himself to his feet. He barely managed a step before his knees buckled, tripping over a mere crack in the floor.

    Shaking off his daze, he helped Riniock lift Siegmun, the two of them struggling to haul him towards the door.

    Halfway across the room, something coiled around Riniock¡¯s leg.

    Without hesitation, he transmuted his odh into ice, sheathing his limb in a thick frost before stomping down. A sickening crunch echoed beneath his foot.

    His eyes darted downward.

    Another corpse writhed at his feet, its cracked skin splitting to reveal rows of needle-like fangs. Unlike the shapeshifter they had slain, this one was smaller, weaker ¨C still in its early stages, judging by its sluggish movements. It had caught him off guard, yet it was far too slow to be a true threat.

    Its fully matured kin, however¡­that was a different story. The one they had fought moved with an unnatural, terrifying swiftness.

    Riniock didn¡¯t linger.

    He shoved Siegmun over Niann¡¯s shoulders and pushed him forward. ¡®Go. Get to the door ¨C I¡¯m right behind you.¡¯

    ¡®O-Okay¡­¡¯ Niann mumbled weakly, his legs unsteady beneath him.

    Within seconds, the corpses strewn across the room began to convulse, shuddering violently as if roused from slumber. One by one, they stirred, their forms twisting, reshaping ¨C mimicking the monstrous guise of the shapeshifter he had just slain.

    A dozen cadavers, now awakened, slithered across the floor like reptilian beasts, their movements frenzied and erratic as they dragged themselves towards Riniock.

    He held his ground.

    Summoning the winds to his palm, he unleashed a powerful blast, hurling most of them across the chamber. The rest, undeterred, clawed their way to his feet, swiping at him with jagged nails and snapping jaws.

    Riniock weaved between their attacks, dodging where he could and shielding himself with his ward when necessary. One attack grazed him, but he was fine.

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    A quick glance back confirmed it ¨C Niann and Siegmun had made it out. With no reason to linger, he raised a wall of ice between himself and the creatures, then turned and bolted in the direction of the exit.

    As soon as he crossed the threshold, Niann slammed the door shut. His remaining fingers fumbled desperately with the key, trembling too violently to fit it into the lock.

    A thunderous impact shook the door.

    The force sent Niann sprawling, the key slipping from his grasp and clattering to the floor.

    ¡®Damn it¡­¡¯ Riniock cursed, diving for it.

    The door rattled as the creatures pounded against it, the hinges groaning under the relentless assault.

    With a frantic motion, he snatched up the key, shoved it into the lock, and twisted.

    The door sealed with a magickal thud just as the next blow landed.

    ¡®My word!¡¯ Riniock gasped, collapsing to the floor to catch his breath. ¡®The shapeshifter must have reproduced¡­or something.¡¯

    His words, however, fell on deaf ears ¨C Niann had already succumbed to exhaustion, slipping into unconsciousness now that the ordeal was over.

    Riniock chuckled at the sight.

    His gaze drifted to his companions¡¯ wounds, and a grim thought settled in his mind. In their current states, they were in no condition to continue. He would have to leave them behind and press on alone.

    The tower of K¡¯zarg was relatively safe ¨C so long as they avoided the shapeshifter¡¯s chamber. Niann could still accompany him if he wished, but that would mean leaving Siegmun behind, forcing him to take care of and fend for himself with only one leg.

    Hours later, both men stirred awake. Their wounds had been treated, stitched, and bandaged, the bleeding long since stopped. Siegmun, more than anyone, looked as though his entire world had crumbled ¨C and in many ways, it probably had.

    They sat upright on the halflings¡¯ stone beds, staring blankly into space, their faces devoid of emotion.

    ¡®You¡¯re awake,¡¯ Riniock noted, closing Jirash¡¯s journal he had been reading halfway through.

    Siegmun blinked, his voice hoarse and weak. ¡®R¨CRiniock¡­¡¯

    ¡®No need to say anything. I can only imagine what you¡¯re both going through, and I hate to do this, but I have no choice ¨C I must move on.¡¯

    ¡®You¡¯re¡­continuing?¡¯ Siegmun asked.

    Riniock nodded. ¡®I have to. Besides, there¡¯s no way back for either of you, and in your condition, neither of you is fit to come along.¡¯

    Siegmun slumped forward, his eyes flicking towards the stump where his leg had been. He still wasn¡¯t used to the sight of it. Once he was done lingering on the loss, he turned his gaze back to Riniock.

    ¡®I asked you, back there¡­ about what you did to stop Niann¡¯s bleeding. And mine. What was that?¡¯

    ¡®You mean Mesyo Mahas?¡¯ Riniock raised two fingers in demonstration. ¡®It¡¯s a technique that blocks odh, generally. But it can also be used to force blood vessels ¨C by disrupting the odh flow ¨C to constrict and seal themselves, stopping blood loss.¡¯

    Siegmun frowned. ¡®Where did you learn something like that?¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change. ¡®I cannot say.¡¯

    Siegmun exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. ¡®I understand.¡¯

    ¡®Take this time to adjust to your body. I also scouted the tower ¨C it''s stocked with materials for both alchemy and enchanting. Since you have nothing else to do, you might as well put your time into something productive.¡¯

    Siegmun stiffened at the suggestion. Like Riniock, he was a fighter. The thought of being reduced to academic pursuits gnawed at him, striking a nerve he wasn¡¯t ready to confront.

    Denial was written all over his face.

    ¡®I''ll do my best, then¡­¡¯ he muttered before waving him off. ¡®You¡¯d better get going. The longer you wait, the more those Ikshari bastards seize the best opportunities.¡¯

    ¡®Right.¡¯

    Riniock turned to Niann, who had remained silent since regaining consciousness. Unlike Siegmun, he wouldn¡¯t even meet his gaze.

    ¡®Well then, best of luck to you,¡¯ Siegmun said, instinctively trying to stand ¨C only to be reminded of his missing leg. His expression darkened for a brief moment before he shook it off.

    ¡®And if you find Irgod¡­¡¯ he added, his voice laced with quiet venom, ¡®maim him beyond recognition¡­¡¯

 Return of Ruin

    Although the students had finally entered the ruins, the work outside remained just as demanding for the institutions¡¯ staff. Beyond the great metallic doors, where the once-rowdy young maegis had gathered, researchers, guards, and teachers busied themselves with their respective tasks.

    ¡®High Maegi,¡¯ a Gorlian employee approached Talien. ¡®It¡¯s been a full day. Should we open the metallic doors?¡¯

    Talien, his expression as unreadable as ever, lifted his gaze to the top of the quarry, to the visible sky before giving a slight nod. Beside him, Noidron and Eglenn, the Ikshari Academy Master, stood over a map of the ruins'' inner chambers, quietly discussing their plans.

    ¡®Noidron,¡¯ Talien called, his tone edged with something grim.

    ¡®Yes, sir?¡¯

    ¡®Assist the aspirants with the door,¡¯ he ordered, turning his back before either Noidron or Eglenn could glimpse his expression.

    ¡®Sir? I thought I was to help with ¨C¡¯

    Talien raised a hand, cutting him off. ¡®Your eyes are exceptional. If you put them to use, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll understand why I want you there.¡¯

    Eglenn frowned, puzzled. What did keen eyesight have to do with opening a door?

    Even Noidron was momentarily baffled ¨C until realisation struck. The high maegi wasn¡¯t talking about his physical sight. He was referring to his arcane sense. That was supposed to be a well-kept secret. Apart from Riniock, no one should have known about it.

    Yet, Talien had somehow figured it out. Likely from the moment Noidron used it back at the academy.

    ¡®Very well,¡¯ Noidron said, stepping down from the platform without further argument.

    As soon as he had the opportunity, he activated his arcane sense, an unseen glow pulsing faintly around him. His eyes shifted upward, towards the top of the quarry.

    Traces of odh ¨C high concentrations of it ¨C lingered in the air, almost suffocating any who could notice them.

    If he had any sense at all, this could only mean one of two things: either a powerful beast lurked above them¡­or a powerful maegi.

    He and the aspirant reached the door and began the process of opening it. The moment the gap between the two massive doors widened just enough for a person to slip through, a deafening sonic boom shattered the air ¨C someone had just broken the sound barrier.

    Noidron barely had time to react before a blur shot past him. He turned just in time to witness Talien materialise beside him in an instant, striking at seemingly empty space. But then ¨C something, or someone ¨C was violently launched backward, crashing into the quarry¡¯s wall with enough force to make the entire structure tremble.

    The aftermath was gruesome. Blood and shattered remains smeared against the rock, a grotesque mural painted in red upon the otherwise colourful stone.

    ¡®Sir ¨C¡¯

    ¡®No time, Noidron,¡¯ Talien cut him off, shoving both him and the aspirant through the doorway before sealing it shut behind them. With a few swift gestures, strange magickal light engulfed the slits between the doors, rendering the entrance impassable. It was as though only Talien himself could now pass through.

    A heavy thud echoed behind him.

    Talien turned, only for his usually unwavering composure to falter.

    ¡®Fladd¡­¡¯ he exhaled.

    The academy master stood before him, a smug smirk curling his lips ¨C an arrogance Talien had never seen from him before.

    ¡®Been a while, Talien,¡¯ Fladd greeted, his tone brimming with satisfaction. ¡®Miss me?¡¯

    In his grip, the neck of a struggling Gorlian was crushed beneath his fingers. Without hesitation, he lifted the man into the air. His free hand, wreathed in flames and smoke, then drove straight through the victim¡¯s back, emerging from the other side in a searing burst of flesh and embers.

    Fladd tossed the lifeless body aside like a discarded rag and turned back to Talien with a smirk. He glanced at the dead maegi in the wall, chuckling as he faced Talien.

    ¡®Not going to attack me? Or are you too afraid to face me?¡¯

    Talien remained silent, his focus divided between Fladd and something ¨C or someone ¨C else.

    Fladd sighed. ¡®Come down. He already knows you¡¯re here.¡¯

    A sudden gust stirred the air, sending grains of sand whirling skyward. From above, a powerful maegi descended, riding the swirling cyclone beneath his feet as he effortlessly hovered down the quarry¡¯s depths. His landing was light, like that of a feather, yet his presence was anything but. A quiet intensity radiated from him, an aura of unshaken composure.

    ¡®Fladd,¡¯ the newcomer spoke coolly. ¡®You failed to mention that the high maegi would be your target. That wasn¡¯t part of our arrangement.¡¯

    Fladd chuckled, unbothered. ¡®I know, I know. First the Absconder, and now the high maegi ¨C I keep asking more and more of you and your spellswordsmen.¡¯

    The maegi¡¯s expression darkened, irritation flashing across his face. ¡®You seem to have forgotten my intervention that day as well. That giant ghost fish wasn¡¯t exactly easy to help flee from.¡¯

    A cold unease settled over Talien.

    This man had helped Fladd escape the Emerser. Worse still, he had spoken of the Absconder ¨C meaning it was likely already lost, its crew slaughtered.

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    At last, Eglenn found his voice, the weight of realisation crashing down upon him. ¡®Fladd?¡¯ he called, his disbelief giving way to horror. ¡®You¡¯re alive?¡¯

    Fladd shot him an amused glance. ¡®Oh, don¡¯t look so disappointed, Eglenn. This works out nicely. With the three of us here, Talien doesn¡¯t stand a chance this time.¡¯

    The foreign maegi frowned at that, clearly insulted by the suggestion that three were needed to handle a single opponent ¨C one mortal man.

    Fladd gestured towards Talien with a flourish. ¡®After you, Kilig.¡¯

    Talien stiffened. ¡®Kilig?¡¯ he echoed, the name striking a chord of recognition. His gaze locked onto the maegi. ¡®Kilig the Sandworm?¡¯

    Kilig turned his head slightly, meeting Talien¡¯s eyes. ¡®So you¡¯ve heard of me. In that case¡­now that you¡¯ve seen my face, you must die.¡¯

    Kilij wasted no time. With a flick of his wrist, the sands surged upward, twisting into a deadly wave aimed at Talien. Fladd and Eglenn followed suit, summoning flames of immense intensity and hurling them forward with unrelenting speed.

    From the storm of sand and fire, a brilliant flash erupted ¨C a streak of pure light cutting through the chaos. Talien emerged, unscathed, his counterattack already in motion. A flurry of luminous projectiles arced through the air, homing in on his three opponents.

    His form glowed with radiant energy, his irises swallowed by a gleaming white void. Particles of odh trailed from his body like embers, coating his limbs in a shimmering haze. In an instant, a sword of light materialised in his palm. Without hesitation, he dashed towards Eglenn ¨C the most vulnerable of the three.

    His orbs of light veered mid-flight, circling before converging upon them. Talien struck first, slashing at Eglenn with deadly precision.

    The latter barely managed to parry, but he was faltering. ¡®Help¡­¡¯ he choked out.

    Fladd intervened, conjuring a shifting wall of fire that forced Talien back. But the moment¡¯s respite was fleeting ¨C Kilij launched his next assault, summoning pillars of hardened sand to erupt from every direction.

    The three bore down on him at once, fire and stone crashing upon him in relentless waves. And yet, Talien did not fall.

    ¡®Nasty bastard¡­how the hell is he moving like that?¡¯ Kilij growled.

    He changed tactics, compressing the swirling sands into hardened spikes, millions of grains compacted into deadly bolts.

    ¡®I did warn you it would take all three of us,¡¯ Fladd muttered, channelling his power. A massive orb of fire crackled to life between his hands. ¡®Don¡¯t underestimate him.¡¯

    Eglenn, now regaining his footing, unleashed twin streams of fire, attempting to overwhelm Talien¡¯s shimmering ward of light.

    ¡®Now!¡¯ Fladd roared, releasing his spell.

    Kilij followed suit, unleashing a storm of sand bullets ¨C a barrage of death that tore through the air.

    Talien remained within his ward, but instead of countering, he reached for one of his golden bracelets. With a simple stroke of his fingers, the gemstone embedded within activated and crumbled into dust.

    His form shimmered ¨C and then became as intangible as light.

    The combined barrage of fire, sand, and raw destruction passed through him as if he were never there at all.

    Blinded by their own attacks, they failed to notice his true position until it was too late.

    A looming shadow stretched across the battlefield. Their gazes snapped upward. Talien hovered above them, suspended in the air without any visible means of support.

    Then, with a single turn of his entire body, the space within the quarry ignited with countless tiny stars.

    ¡®Move!¡¯ Kilij shouted, raising a wall of sand around himself.

    Before Talien could strike, Fladd reacted ¨C his entire body bursting into flames. His temperature skyrocketed, the sheer heat liquefying the sand beneath him. The very air warped around him, distorting light and consuming everything within reach.

    With an explosive release, his flames surged outward, vaporising the high maegi¡¯s magick before it could descend upon him.

    But Eglenn ¨C he was too slow.

    The first of the stars struck, piercing through his body. Then another ¨C and another.

    The barrage was over in an instant, yet by the time it ceased, his corpse had not even hit the ground.

    Even Kilij and Fladd did not escape unscathed.

    The Sandworm emerged, battered, blood spilling from his mouth. His once-impenetrable sand barrier was riddled with holes.

    Fladd, though alive, was near collapse. Maintaining his body temperature had drained him, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

    Talien, too, had suffered. One of his bracelets completely crumbled away, metal and stone disintegrating into fine dust. The glow around him dimmed, his body visibly weakening.

    ¡®He¡¯s faltering¡­¡¯ Fladd muttered, his hand barely steady as he pointed.

    But neither he nor Kilij could have foreseen what happened next.

    A massive shadow loomed overhead, eclipsing what little light remained in the quarry. Its owner was far too large to squeeze through the pit¡¯s narrow mouth, but that did not stop it from trying. The creature snapped its jaws, forcing its fanged maw through the opening, widening the gap with each monstrous push.

    ¡®E¨CEmerser!¡¯ Fladd gasped.

    Kilij stood frozen, his face betraying his alarm. This was the worst possible time for such a beast to appear ¨C especially in a place with no easy escape.

    The ground trembled as the emerser burrowed deeper, rock and soil cracking apart under its relentless advance. Its ghastly form plunged towards Talien, its yawning maw opening wider still, preparing to devour him whole.

    Yet, as its teeth closed around him, Talien¡¯s soul did not vanish into the void.

    Instead, he held firm, his hands forcing apart the emerser¡¯s spectral jaws with an inhuman strength.

    ¡®Gods¡­¡¯ Fladd breathed, his voice barely a whisper.

    ¡®How is he doing that?!¡¯ Kilij blurted, shaken to his core.

    For a fleeting moment, the two maegis considered their next move.

    ¡®Should we kill him?¡¯ Kilij suggested, his voice laced with uncertainty. ¡®He¡¯s pinned ¨C now¡¯s our chance.¡¯

    ¡®Are you insane?¡¯ Fladd shot back. ¡®Kill him, and that thing turns on us!¡¯

    They hesitated, torn between action and self-preservation. If they left the high maegi to his fate, they were surely next. Yet, they knew firsthand that nothing they wielded could so much as scratch the voidspawn.

    Talien trembled under the monstrous strain, his muscles quivering as his final reserves of strength drained away. One by one, his enchanted bracelets shattered, their power surging into him, fuelling his desperate defiance. But even that was not enough. His limbs buckled, his body faltering.

    Just as the battle seemed lost, his lips moved ¨C soft at first, then resounding like a thunderclap in their ears.

    ¡®Aslad, Star of the Old World. Shine through my skin, cast the Void, pry it away from sight. You whose shimmer is golden light¡­¡¯

    His golden circlet blazed, a searing brilliance erupting forth. The sheer radiance nearly blinded the onlookers, forcing them to avert their gaze.

    The emerser reeled back with a shriek, its eerie wails echoing across the barren expanse. It writhed in agony, retreating from the quarry as the unbearable light seared through its very voided essence.

    And then, silence.

    The high maegi staggered. His body, drained of power, collapsed.

    With a dull thud, Talien lay motionless.

    Kilij hesitated, eyeing the unconscious man warily. ¡®W¨CWhat now?¡¯

    Fladd stepped forward, his gaze unwavering. ¡®We take him to Ikshar. He¡¯s too valuable to leave behind.¡¯

    Kilij scoffed, shaking his head. ¡®A hostage? You can¡¯t be serious. This man drove off the emerser ¨C the same monster that devoured your disciples¡¯ souls. And you think keeping him alive is a good idea?¡¯

    Crouching beside Talien, Kilij reached for his blade, intent on ending things then and there.

    ¡®Patience,¡¯ Fladd murmured. ¡®I know I owe you a debt.¡¯

    Kilij¡¯s grip tightened. ¡®You bet you do¡­¡¯

    Fladd raised his hands in a gesture of peace. ¡®When the time is right, he¡¯ll be yours to kill. But for now, we need him alive. Without him, we have no protection.¡¯

    Kilij exhaled sharply but relented, stepping back. He was far from convinced, but he would follow ¨C for now.

    Then, as if reminded of something, he turned to Fladd. ¡®And the doors? How do you plan to get inside?¡¯

    Fladd approached the sealed entrance, the remnants of Talien¡¯s golden radiance still lingering on its surface. He pressed his hand against it ¨C but the barrier held firm, impenetrable.

    Clicking his tongue, the academy master sighed. ¡®Yet another reason to keep him breathing, it seems.¡¯

 A Mercenarys Life For Me!

    Down in the quarry, new faces mingled with the Iksharis. With Talien captured and the remaining Gorleans slaughtered, Kilij¡¯s spellswordsmen had taken over the site.

    ¡®Gods, he died fast,¡¯ Fladd remarked, watching the mercenaries pry their comrade¡¯s lifeless body from the jagged quarry wall. ¡®Hope you¡¯re not too torn up about it.¡¯

    Kilij shook his head. ¡®We live and die. He knew the risks ¨C we all do.¡¯

    ¡®Good,¡¯ Fladd replied with a shrug. ¡®No hard feelings, then.¡¯

    Near the massive doors, a circle of hooded maegis launched relentless waves of magick. Ghostly blue spells surged and struck the metallic frame, their ethereal glow illuminating the cracked stone. But the doors stood firm, unyielding.

    Meanwhile, Talien¡¯s unconscious form was dragged up the steps, bound in shackles of an unsettling design. Their alien contours pulsed faintly, suppressing any hint of his lingering magick. Two mercenaries bore his weight, their movements careful, as though even in this state, the high maegi posed a threat.

    ¡®Will those hold him?¡¯ Kilij asked, his brow furrowed. ¡®Can he still cast?¡¯

    ¡®Not with those shackles,¡¯ Fladd replied confidently. ¡®They¡¯re made for the likes of him. You can rest easy.¡¯

    ¡®Rest easy?¡¯ Kilij spat, his frustration evident. ¡®Nothing¡¯s gone right so far.¡¯

    Fladd grinned. ¡®Ah, but that¡¯s the beauty of improvisation. In the end, we got the high maegi.¡¯

    Kilij¡¯s glare sharpened. ¡®After what, exactly? After he nearly killed all three of us? After the ghost fish almost tore us apart? Or is it the part where you failed to open the very doors you promised us access to? Shall I go on?¡¯

    All eyes returned to the sealed doors, their unyielding presence making Kilij¡¯s words weigh heavier. As long as the barrier of Talien¡¯s magick remained, no one could enter the ruins ¡ª a critical step in Fladd¡¯s plan. Killing the high maegi wouldn¡¯t guarantee the barrier¡¯s dissolution, leaving them at an impasse.

    Kilij¡¯s impatience, palpable and growing, did nothing to ease the tension.

    ¡®You don¡¯t have a backup plan, do you¡­¡¯

    ¡®How could I have foreseen that the man would seal the entrance like this?¡¯ Fladd retorted. ¡®I won¡¯t be held accountable for that.¡¯

    With a sudden motion, Kilij seized the academy master by the collar of his robe. ¡®I don¡¯t care. Find a way in, or I¡¯ll take what I¡¯m owed right now.¡¯

    The mercenary leader¡¯s glare shifted to the captive Talien, still slumped in his bonds.

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    Fladd, remarkably composed for once despite the threat, responded with a steady voice. ¡®Unhand me. We¡¯ll find a way. But it will take time.¡¯

    ¡®You¡¯d better ¨C¡¯

    Before Kilij could finish, a maegi descended from the cliffside above, landing with deliberate flair. He fell to one knee, bowing before his leader.

    ¡®Leader. We¡¯ve tracked where the emerser retreated.¡¯

    Kilij¡¯s scowl deepened. ¡®Why in the depths would I want to go anywhere near that thing?¡¯

    ¡®B¨CBecause it may be the answer to your problem,¡¯ the maegi said, his tone unsettlingly calm as he nodded towards the ruined entrance.

    The mercenary leader followed his gaze, suspicion flickering in his eyes.

    ¡®Explain.¡¯

    The kneeling maegi lowered his head further. ¡®It would be simpler to show you, leader.¡¯

    Without waste of time, the spellswordsman led the two powerful maegis away from the quarry, guiding them across the sands. They followed his foot trail in the desert until they reached a massive hole, its jagged edges revealing a dark abyss below.

    Peering down, they could clearly see the unfamiliar landscape beneath ¨C a vast network of winding tunnels, partially collapsed from the emerser¡¯s violent passage. Luminescent creatures, now exposed to the glaring sunlight, drifted aimlessly in the open air.

    ¡®The emerser did that? Why?¡¯ Fladd asked, his brow furrowed.

    ¡®No idea,¡¯ Kilij replied. ¡®Was that why it appeared earlier? Was it trying to break into the ruins?¡¯

    The academy master stroked his chin in thought. ¡®Perhaps. If not for Talien¡¯s light, it would¡¯ve devoured us and likely started down in the quarry.¡¯

    ¡®Guess we owe the bastard some thanks.¡¯

    ¡®I wouldn¡¯t go that far,¡¯ Fladd muttered. ¡®Our last encounter with him, and yesterday¡¯s, left plenty to hold against him.¡¯

    The two stepped closer to the edge, observing the eerie depths below. Tunnels twisted through the ground like veins, broken apart by the emerser¡¯s destructive force. The pale glow of the subterranean creatures flickered faintly, their movements sluggish in the foreign atmosphere.

    ¡®Anyone gone in yet?¡¯ Kilij asked, his eyes narrowing.

    ¡®No, leader. We awaited your command,¡¯ the spellswordsman answered promptly.

    With a decisive wave, Kilij summoned his warriors. Twenty-four hardened fighters approached, their presence exuding fearsome resolve as they knelt before him.

    ¡®Go down and spread out. Kill the Gorleans ¨C only them. The Iksharis are our allies in this, but the students don¡¯t know that. Avoid any contact with them.¡¯

    ¡®Understood, leader!¡¯ they answered in unison.

    ¡®Take anything of value ¨C gold, artefacts, anything worth your time. But your primary objective is the extermination of the Gorleans. Your secondary task is to secure anything valuable from the ruins. Is that clear?¡¯

    ¡®Yes, leader!¡¯

    ¡®Good.¡¯ Kilij¡¯s lips curled into a sly grin. ¡®Fan out ¨C and happy hunting. But for Gods¡¯ sake, watch out for that ghost fish while you¡¯re inside.¡¯

    The mercenaries descended swiftly into the tunnels, vanishing beneath the earth as the shadows swallowed them whole.

    ¡®No objections to my orders, academy master?¡¯ Kilij asked, his back still turned to Fladd.

    ¡®None at all,¡¯ Fladd replied with a sly smile. ¡®Think of it as a gesture of goodwill.¡¯

    ¡®Planning to linger here?¡¯

    ¡®I¡¯m afraid not,¡¯ Fladd said, resting a hand on his prisoner¡¯s shoulder. The high maegi stirred, slowly waking up and groaning weakly as the touch jarred him. ¡®I¡¯ll be returning to the academy with this one. And you?¡¯

    ¡®I¡¯ll stay, naturally,¡¯ Kilij replied. ¡®Might even get my hands dirty.¡¯

    Fladd chuckled. ¡®That restless already?¡¯

    ¡®Not yet,¡¯ Kilij said dryly. ¡®But I have a feeling the boredom will creep in soon enough.¡¯

    ¡®Good. If you happen upon him, make it torturous before you finish him. I want his head delivered to me.¡¯

    Kilij¡¯s grin was cold. ¡®Consider it done.¡¯

 Race for Rescue

    Inside the ruins, just after the entrance sealed shut behind them, Noidron and the aspirant stood in tense silence, watching as a strange light cascaded over the door. The staff member pressed his palm against the barrier, quickly realising the futility of trying to pry it open.

    Once satisfied with his inspection, he exchanged a glance with the aspirant.

    ¡®What now?¡¯ the aspirant asked, uncertainty lingering in his voice.

    ¡®We move forward. High Maegi Talien is powerful enough to face them.¡¯

    ¡®But three ¨C maybe more ¨C against one? That¡¯s too much, even for him.¡¯

    Noidron didn¡¯t respond. Instead, he strode further into the dim tunnel. ¡®We have to trust that he will prevail.¡¯

    ¡®Right¡­¡¯

    The tunnel soon opened into the portal chamber, a massive space lined with ancient, metallic frames. Pulsing veins of crimson fluid coursed through pipes, powering several portals. Yet, many gateways remained dormant, their edges dark and unresponsive.

    Noidron narrowed his eyes. The air was thick with residual traces ¨C whispers of magickal presence. When he activated his senses, a spectrum of energy unfolded before him, revealing faint silhouettes of those who had passed through.

    ¡®They went through these,¡¯ he murmured.

    ¡®How can you tell?¡¯ The aspirant frowned. ¡®I don¡¯t see anything.¡¯

    ¡®I can.¡¯

    He scanned the lingering traces, searching for a particular imprint. Every movement of his eyes traced the invisible currents of odh. Amongst the echoes of many footsteps, one stood out.

    ¡®What now?¡¯ the aspirant asked impatiently.

    ¡®I¡¯m working on it,¡¯ Noidron replied, his tone clipped.

    ¡®Working on what?¡¯

    ¡®This,¡¯ he gestured towards one of the inactive portals. ¡®Riniock went through that one.¡¯

    The aspirant blinked. ¡®Who in Murat is Riniock?¡¯

    ¡®That¡¯s irrelevant.¡¯ Noidron¡¯s voice remained steady. ¡®The high maegi¡¯s nephews are likely with him. I need to figure out how to follow.¡¯

    He approached the lever at the chamber¡¯s centre, testing it. It hummed softly, controlling the flow of power to the still-active portals, but the ones already used refused to reignite.

    Another angle, then.

    Noidron once more tapped into his sight, allowing odh to bloom in his vision. The threads of energy clung to everything ¨C even the dormant portals. Each signature pulsed with a distinct resonance. And amongst them, he saw it. A connection. Faint, but undeniable.

    ¡®They left a trace,¡¯ Noidron muttered.

    ¡®What?¡¯

    ¡®Nothing.¡¯ He waved dismissively.

    The more he examined, the clearer the pattern became. Several portals were linked ¨C their energy signatures intertwined. One of them must lead to the same destination.

    Then, it clicked.

    ¡®Got it!¡¯ Noidron¡¯s voice rang out, triumphant. ¡®That¡¯s the portal we need.¡¯

    ¡®Finally.¡¯ The aspirant sighed. ¡®Took you long enough.¡¯

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    They stepped through the portal and were immediately engulfed in a storm that reeked of blood. Crimson droplets clung to their skin, staining them as they trudged forward. The air was thick, stifling, and their voices failed them ¨C no sound escaped when they tried to speak.

    Side by side, they pressed on, their eyes locked on the distant exit.

    But then the aspirant halted, scrubbing furiously at his eyes. Noidron noticed, pausing to wait. The aspirant¡¯s trembling hands smeared the blood away, and just as he blinked his vision clear, a massive shadow loomed overhead.

    Noidron''s gaze snapped upward. For a brief, dreadful moment, he glimpsed the vast form of a monstrous structure plummeting towards his companion.

    The impact was brutal. The ground quaked and dust filled the air. By the time the mass retracted, there was nothing left ¨C only a smear of crimson where the aspirant had stood.

    A rush of dread coursed through Noidron.

    Without hesitation, he broke into a sprint, his heart pounding. But even as he fled, his eyes flicked towards the source of the destruction.

    There it stood ¨C a monument to death itself. A colossal, jagged tower of blackened stone, twisted and vile. Tendrils of malevolent odh pulsed from it, visible only to the staff member. It exuded ruin, a force of pure malice that swallowed all light and hope.

    And still, it loomed, waiting.

    Without sparing a glance behind him, Noidron emerged from the portal, finding himself in a vast, shadowed cavern. Darkness consumed the space, broken only by a faint glimmer in the distance. He took a few shaky breaths, the horror of what had unfolded still fresh in his mind.

    But he forced it aside. With a firm slap to his face, he cleared his thoughts, rubbed his eyes, and focused on the task at hand ¨C following the trail left by Riniock, Niann, and Siegmun.

    Their tracks were easy enough to trace.

    As he moved through the cavern, strange flora and fauna surrounded him, unfamiliar and alien. The twisted vegetation pulsed faintly, and the creatures moved with an unsettling grace. Noidron, wary of what he did not understand, disturbed nothing. His sole focus remained on the footprints ahead.

    Eventually, he came upon what appeared to be their place of respite ¨C at least, for two of them. One set of tracks continued further, leading deeper into the tunnels.

    ¡®A tower, huh? Not a bad spot to stop,¡¯ Noidron murmured, studying the looming structure.

    Ancient, three faded symbols adorned the entrance, their meanings lost to him. With no hesitation, he stepped inside. The chamber was sparse, marked by a single circular platform in the centre, surrounded by broken crates and scattered debris.

    Noting that the others¡¯ traces had somehow ascended, Noidron followed suit. He stood upon the platform, feeling the lingering traces of their odh. Imitating them, he channelled his own energy into the circle. The response was immediate. His body jolted upwards, propelled to the floor above.

    Before his feet had even settled, a voice greeted him.

    ¡®Noidron?¡¯

    ¡®Siegmun,¡¯ Noidron exhaled, relief washing over him. ¡®And Niann!¡¯

    The two sat slumped in stone chairs, papers and old books scattered around them. Both bore visible injuries ¨C Siegmun''s leg torn, Niann¡¯s hand wrapped in crude bandages.

    ¡®What are you doing here?¡¯ Siegmun asked, eyeing the staff member with surprise.

    ¡®It''s¡­a long story,¡¯ Noidron answered, his gaze flicking between them. ¡®Where''s Riniock? And what in Murat happened to your leg? And his hand?¡¯

    ¡®Long story,¡¯ Siegmun echoed dryly.

    Noidron explained everything, leaving no detail unspoken. In turn, they recounted their own ordeal. The more they spoke, the deeper the unease settled between them.

    ¡®So Riniock was right,¡¯ Niann murmured grimly. ¡®They were planning this from the start.¡¯

    ¡®Riniock knew?¡¯ Noidron asked, visibly taken aback.

    ¡®He did,¡¯ Niann confirmed.

    ¡®The arch-maegi must have told him,¡¯ Siegmun added, absentmindedly rubbing his wounded leg. ¡®He hinted as much to me at least.¡¯

    ¡®What do we do now?¡¯ Noidron pressed. ¡®High Maegi Talien bought me time, but I have no idea how to help him. We need to inform Arch-Maegi Karthen. But how?¡¯

    Silence hung over them as they each mulled it over.

    ¡®Riniock can help!¡¯ Niann suddenly exclaimed.

    ¡®How?¡¯

    ¡®He knows a spell ¨C it allows him to send messages to anyone, no matter the distance.¡¯

    ¡®How far can it reach?¡¯

    ¡®When he was far from Ikshar, hundreds of leagues away, he used it to contact me.¡¯

    ¡®Perfect.¡¯ Noidron straightened. ¡®Then there''s no time to waste.¡¯

    ¡®You''re leaving?¡¯ Siegmun frowned.

    ¡®I am. I''d rather not leave you both in this condition, but we have to warn the arch-maegi.¡¯

    Noidron dusted himself off and prepared to depart. But before he could take another step, a violent tremor ripped through the tower. The walls groaned, and thick clouds of dust cascaded from the cracked stone. The three of them were thrown to the ground as debris clattered around them.

    ¡®What was that?¡¯ Niann gasped, struggling to sit up.

    ¡®I don''t know. An earthquake?¡¯ Siegmun suggested, though the uncertainty in his voice was clear.

    Noidron''s expression darkened. ¡®It didn¡¯t feel like an earthquake.¡¯

    He promptly activated his sense, his vision flooding with glowing strands of odh. What he saw sent a chill through him. Astronomical currents of energy surged beneath the earth, twisting through the stone with terrifying speed ¨C energies that resembled that of an actual monster of immense proportions.

    ¡®Much worse,¡¯ he muttered. ¡®Far worse.¡¯

 Finding Riniock (1)

    The tunnels twisted endlessly as Riniock descended deeper into the earth.

    Not long after leaving the tower of K¡¯zarg, a violent tremor shook the Yawning Tunnel. The ground groaned in protest as sections of the corridor crumbled, jagged stone cascading from above.

    He emerged unscathed, the path behind and ahead still passable.

    But this was no mere earthquake.

    The Emerser, he thought grimly. It¡¯s here.

    The realisation did little to slow his resolve. If the creature had any intention of pursuing him, it would have struck by now. Riniock knew and witnessed its terrifying speed ¨C monstrous, unrelenting. Outrunning it was impossible, even if he poured every ounce of his strength into the effort.

    He pressed on, the tunnel¡¯s oppressive narrowness gradually giving way to more open, cavernous passages.

    The openings ahead were anything but natural.

    The tunnels widened dramatically, their depth and breadth unsettlingly familiar - almost identical to the size of the emerser. If his suspicions were correct, one end of these burrows could lead outside, perhaps back to the rock-barren wasteland.

    A possible way out. A way for Niann and Siegmun to escape considering their injuries.

    ¡®Spread out! Find the boy!¡¯

    The harsh command echoed from the left. The voice was firm, dripping with authority. Though the figures had yet to reveal themselves, Riniock knew without question ¨C these were no students.

    He slipped into a shadowed recess, his breath steady as he observed.

    Soon, a lone figure emerged, moving with deliberate confidence. The stranger¡¯s attire was peculiar, standing out even in the dim gloom. One glance was enough.

    A maegi. And a formidable one at that.

    His footsteps pulsed with odh, a kind unlike anything Riniock had sensed before. There was something unsettling about its composition ¨C fundamentally different from that of anyone at Gorlea, or even Ikshar.

    ¡®Why¡¯s there no one?¡¯ the man muttered, emerging from a curtain of webs. ¡®No signs of life as of yet!¡¯

    Riniock knew better than to assume he was talking to himself. The stranger likely had a communication device, perhaps an earstone or something similar.

    From the man¡¯s deliberate movements, it was clear ¨C they were searching for someone.

    ¡®Tunnels to my right and left, check. No signs of Gorleans here. Not even Iksharis.¡¯

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    As the words left his mouth, a bluish spark shot from his fingertip, streaking down the tunnel and briefly illuminating the path ahead. Hidden behind the wall, Riniock caught only a faint glimpse of its glow, his face turning blue for a moment there. Then, another spark flashed past ¨C a second probe, no doubt to ensure the way was in fact clear.

    ¡®Nothing yet,¡¯ the man reported.

    Riniock let out a quiet breath of relief.

    But as the footsteps drew closer, a strange pressure gripped his chest. A wave of odh rippled outward from the man, spreading in a perfect circle. It swept along the tunnel walls, reverberating like a pulse.

    Riniock wasn¡¯t sure how he could sense the vibrations ¨C only that he could. And one thing was certain: if the oscillation reached him, the maegi would know he was there.

    His heartbeat quickened as the thought of being caught consumed him. The scenario played out in his mind, and the dread it brought was unbearable. This wasn¡¯t Fladd, but at the same time it was neither Odrean nor Arthian.

    No ¨C someone skilled prowled these tunnels. Someone experienced in hunting prey like him.

    The pulse of odh crept closer, brushing against the air with an unsettling presence. Riniock pressed himself tightly against the wall, curling in on himself in a desperate attempt to avoid the vibrations. Every second felt agonising.

    Then, a voice cut through the tension ¨C not the man¡¯s, but another.

    ¡®Found a pair of Gorleans,¡¯ the unfamiliar voice reported. ¡®Anything on your side?¡¯

    The man¡¯s expression twisted with dissatisfaction as he squinted further down the tunnel.

    ¡®Nothing,¡¯ he replied curtly.

    ¡®Want to come?¡¯

    ¡®Yeah. I¡¯m coming.¡¯

    And just like that, the footsteps receded, leaving Riniock in silence once more.

    He waited a few moments before deciding it was safe to leave his hiding spot. Carefully, Riniock peeked out from behind the wall, his eyes scanning the surroundings. There was no one in sight.

    Dusting himself off, he stepped back towards the centre of the tunnel.

    But as he resumed his journey, the ceiling above him erupted in a sudden haze of blue light. The glow pulsed erratically, flickering as if responding to his presence. Panic surged through him, his gaze fixed on the unsettling glow.

    Yet that wasn¡¯t the worst of it.

    A distant hum echoed through the tunnel, the unmistakable sound of odh gathering. At the far end of the dark corridor, a faint blue shimmer revealed the faint appearance of a hooded figure. In the blink of an eye, the light twisted into the form of an arrow. With a swift motion, the figure thrust their arm forward, sending the projectile hurtling at Riniock.

    He barely had time to react. His ward sprang to life just as the arrow struck ¨C but the shield shattered upon impact, scattering like shards of glass. The force of the blast flung him to the ground, leaving him gasping.

    Shock washed over him. Until now, no spell had ever obliterated his ward so effortlessly.

    Another glint of blue caught his eye. The stranger was preparing a second arrow. The glow illuminated the hooded face once more, and in an instant, the projectile launched, slicing through the air with terrifying speed.

    There was no time to rely on his ward.

    Thinking fast, Riniock thrust his hand upward, summoning a fierce gust of wind. It swirled before solidifying into a thick wall of ice. The arrow struck, shattering the barrier into jagged pieces, but the impact dulled its momentum. The remnants of the spell fell harmlessly to the ground, disintegrating.

    ¡®He took the bait,¡¯ the stranger¡¯s voice murmured into his device. ¡®Lured him out of hiding.¡¯

    ¡®Good. Keep the pressure and don¡¯t relent.¡¯

    The hunter chuckled. ¡®I know that.¡¯

    Riniock scrambled to his feet, seizing the brief moment of distraction. With a swift motion, he conjured a surge of wind and hurled it towards his opponent. As the gust roared forward, he wasted no time and bolted in the opposite direction.

    The maegi barely flinched. With a flick of his hand, the wind scattered harmlessly, leaving no trace of damage.

    But by the time the air settled, Riniock was gone.

    The hunter¡¯s eyes narrowed as he scanned the tunnel. His gaze flickered from side to side, frustration etching into his features. With a low growl, he broke into a run.

    ¡®Making pursuit¡­¡¯

 Finding Riniock (2)

    Riniock sprinted through the tunnel, ducking and weaving as ethereal arrows whizzed past him. His pursuer was undoubtedly faster, but the constant need to cast spells slowed the maegi down just enough to keep Riniock ahead.

    He traced the path from memory, his eidetic recall serving him well. The tunnel twisted and turned, its natural curves offering occasional cover from the relentless barrage. Each arrow struck the stone with violent force, splitting rock and leaving jagged scars in its wake.

    If one of those hit him, it wouldn¡¯t just pierce ¨C it would tear through flesh, muscle, bone, and viscera.

    Riniock retaliated when he could, hurling spells behind him in desperation. Yet, just like Fladd had once done so effortlessly, the maegi swatted his attacks aside. Though not as gracefully accomplished as the academy master, his adversary still managed to parry the magick with little effort, sometimes using nothing but his bare hands.

    Nothing worked.

    If Riniock wanted any hope of success, he would have to close the distance. Face-to-face combat through Mesyo Mahas or his dagger seemed like the only options. But even then, uncertainty gnawed at him. Against an opponent like this, neither choice seemed promising.

    At a fork in the tunnel, divided by a thick stone pillar, Riniock conjured a wall of ice, sealing both paths. One side, however, was deliberately thinner ¨C a subtle trap.

    As expected, the mercenary crashed through the weaker section, shards of ice scattering like broken glass. The moment he emerged, a dagger hurtled straight towards his throat. He jerked his head to evade it, but the blade twisted mid-air, tracking his movement.

    With a surge of odh, he slapped the weapon aside, sending it clattering into the low ceiling where it lodged firmly. ¡®Hmph, parlour tricks.¡¯

    Riniock burst from his blindside, his palm aimed at the mercenary¡¯s chest. He struck with all his might, hoping to disrupt the flow of odh within him. But the man¡¯s reflexes were unnervingly sharp. He caught Riniock¡¯s wrist mid-strike, the impact vibrating through Riniock¡¯s bones.

    ¡®Bold,¡¯ the mercenary said, his voice low and amused. Then, without warning, he drove a magick-imbued fist into Riniock¡¯s ribs. ¡®But useless.¡¯

    Pain flared through Riniock¡¯s body, stealing his breath. The mercenary¡¯s grip tightened, but Riniock refused to yield. In a flash, the man¡¯s free hand was raised and formed a shimmering ethereal blade. As it came slashing down, Riniock made a desperate choice. He twisted his body violently, dislocating his shoulder to slip free. His right hand shot up, striking the man¡¯s wrist with an outstretched pair of fingers. The sudden blow forced the mercenary¡¯s fingers to release him.

    But the fight was far from over.

    The mercenary recovered quickly, slashing horizontally. Anticipating it, Riniock summoned a gust of wind beneath his feet, propelling himself upward. The surge lifted him high enough to reach the embedded dagger. His hand gripped the hilt as he yanked it free.

    He descended swiftly, dagger aimed at his foe. Yet even as the blade found flesh, it failed to pierce. Some unseen force repelled it ¨C a protective layer, impervious to ordinary weapons covered the man¡¯s entire arm, where Riniock had struck.

    ¡®You little shit!¡¯ the mercenary snarled, his patience snapping. He drove a brutal kick into Riniock¡¯s stomach, sending him hurtling into the tunnel wall. The impact cracked the stone behind him, and agony shot through his body.

    Yet despite his apparent victory, the mercenary¡¯s expression twisted in frustration. His hand dangled uselessly, limp as a severed rope. He shook it, attempting to will it back to life. But no matter how much he tried, the limb refused to respond.

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    ¡®What in Murat did you do to my hand!?¡¯

    His manic gaze returned to his prey, who coughed a spatter of blood onto the rocky tunnel floor.

    Riniock felt the weight of that glare and panicked.

    No spell worked on him. His ward shattered beneath the mercenary¡¯s magick. Blades couldn¡¯t pierce his skin, and Mesyo Mahas would be useless a second time.

    ¡®Damn...¡¯ He coughed again, crimson streaks clinging to his chin.

    There was no other choice. His trembling hand plunged into his inventory, fingers fumbling through his belongings. Whatever fate awaited him would be determined by whatever he found.

    The mercenary paced forward, his functional hand gathering odh once more. A tall blade, gleaming and jagged, formed around it.

    Wrath burned in his eyes. Malice twisted his lips.

    He had no intention of sparing Riniock the agony of what was to come.

    But then, Riniock¡¯s fingers brushed against something smooth and cold. A glassy texture. He hadn¡¯t considered using it until now. With no time for second thoughts, he drew it from his bag and hurled it at the advancing foe.

    The phial spun through the air, its contents seemingly empty to the naked eye.

    ¡®An empty phial?¡¯ the mercenary scoffed, easily catching it midair. He turned it between his fingers, his grin twisting further. ¡®Is this your final struggle? Pathetic.¡¯

    His fingers closed and the glass shattered.

    ¡®Now, to more pressing matters ¨C¡¯

    His words faltered. The mercenary¡¯s feet locked in place. His vision spun.

    Colours that didn¡¯t exist pulsed across the stone walls. Swarms of light drifted from the cracks, buzzing like insects. The tunnel itself twisted, its surface morphing into a writhing hive.

    The mercenary lashed out at the hallucinations, swatting at the glowing motes. But no matter how much he flailed, the lights did not yield.

    ¡®What did you do ¨C¡¯

    He froze again.

    Before him, where Riniock had sat huddled, three monstrously distorted figures loomed. They circled protectively, their forms warped and grotesque. Eyes like molten gold gleamed from the shadows.

    Riniock smirked. The celspore phial Linry had crafted worked perfectly. Whatever horror the mercenary now witnessed, it was enough to keep him distracted.

    Clutching his side, Riniock staggered to his feet. Pain gnawed at him, but he endured. Even though the mercenary¡¯s strength dwarfed his own, the enemy now fought phantoms.

    Despite the clear disadvantage, the mercenary¡¯s determination didn¡¯t waver. With grim resolve, he summoned ethereal arrows and fired at the spectral guardians. The figures twisted and writhed, blurring into indistinct shapes. To him, it seemed as though Riniock¡¯s protectors faltered.

    ¡®Got you now, you shit.¡¯

    The mercenary surged forward, aiming to strike down his target. But Riniock had prepared for this. He conjured a volley of wind bullets, infusing half with frost. Razor-sharp icicles materialised, joining the barrage.

    A ward would have been too slow. Instead, the mercenary raised his arm, shielding his chest and part of his face. Ice spikes pierced his skin, whilst the wind bullets battered his flesh, tearing through him like unseen blades.

    Yet, to Riniock¡¯s dismay, the assault failed to incapacitate him. Blood seeped from his wounds, but the mercenary remained standing.

    ¡®That¡¯s it! I¡¯ll fucking kill you!¡¯ he roared, lunging at Riniock.

    But before his hand could reach him, the mercenary jerked to a stop.

    To Riniock, it was as though some invisible force restrained him. But to the hallucinating mercenary, the three distorted figures reappeared, clawing at his limbs. He thrashed wildly, trying to break free, though nothing truly bound him.

    Riniock¡¯s heart pounded. The celspore¡¯s effects warped reality so intensely that even the mercenary¡¯s body reacted. He was utterly vulnerable.

    ¡®Let¡¯s end this,¡¯ Riniock murmured, preparing a final spell.

    But the killing blow never came from him.

    A flash of lightning seared through the tunnel. A real hand, not some illusion, tore through the mercenary¡¯s chest. Crackling sparks danced around the wound as the mercenary¡¯s body stiffened. Blood poured from his lips as his strength failed him.

    Riniock¡¯s eyes widened as the figure behind the attack came into view.

    ¡®Sir?¡¯ he gasped.

    Noidron yanked his hand free, the mercenary¡¯s lifeless body crumpling to the ground. He glanced at his bloodstained fingers with mild disgust before meeting Riniock¡¯s gaze.

    ¡®Riniock,¡¯ he greeted calmly. ¡®Glad you¡¯re alright. Sorry for butting in. Looked like you had it handled.¡¯

    ¡®I appreciate the intervention. You came just in time.¡¯

    Noidron¡¯s eyes shifted to the corpse at his feet. ¡®Seems they found another way in. It may already be too late for others.¡¯

    ¡®Who¡¯s they?¡¯

 Amongst Fair Company

    Noidron rubbed his chin, his expression tense. In his carelessness, he smeared the blood from the corpse across his face, giving him the unsettling appearance of a man fresh from a violent feast.

    ¡®Those men,¡¯ he gestured to the lifeless body with the tip of his boot, ¡®they¡¯re spellswordsmen ¨C mercenary maegis. Dangerous killers-for-hire, capable of powerful magick. The Iksharis must have sent them to cull us, or worse, wipe us out entirely.¡¯

    ¡®No wonder this one was so skilled,¡¯ Riniock nodded, wincing slightly as he stretched his aching arm. Mid-conversation, he braced himself and popped his shoulder back into its socket. The sharp crack echoed through the tunnel, making Noidron flinch.

    ¡®Impressive,¡¯ Noidron remarked, scratching the back of his neck. ¡®You held your own against a higher-grade maegi.¡¯

    ¡®I barely survived,¡¯ Riniock countered. ¡®If I hadn¡¯t fought dirty, I¡¯d be dead long before you showed up.¡¯

    ¡®I wouldn¡¯t be so certain,¡¯ Noidron replied, his voice tinged with sincerity. ¡®You¡¯ve proved your mettle time and time again.¡¯

    Riniock offered a sheepish smile. ¡®That explains this mess, but why are you here? In the yawning tunnel?¡¯

    ¡®Yawning tunnel?¡¯ Noidron raised a brow.

    ¡®Long story. I¡¯ll explain later.¡¯

    Realisation struck Noidron as he recalled the urgency that had brought him there. He gave a curt nod, beckoning Riniock to follow whilst his sharp eyes scanned the surroundings.

    ¡®Come on. Let¡¯s find somewhere safe.¡¯

    It didn¡¯t take long before the two Gorleans discovered a narrow alcove carved into the stone, secluded from the main path. Hidden away, it provided a temporary refuge from any wandering Iksharis, Gorleans, or mercenaries alike.

    As they settled down, Riniock broke the silence, his curiosity unrelenting.

    ¡®Why are you here, Sir Noidron?¡¯

    ¡®I seek your help,¡¯ he said plainly.

    ¡®My help? What could I possibly offer that you don¡¯t, sir?¡¯

    Noidron reached into his pocket, pulling out a sealed letter. He handed it to Riniock with careful deliberation, his expression taut.

    ¡®A letter?¡¯ Riniock arched a brow.

    ¡®Indeed. I need you to send this to Professor Karthen immediately.¡¯

    Riniock turned the envelope in his hands, inspecting the seal. ¡®You want me to send this to the arch-maegi?¡¯

    ¡®Niann has already vouched for your talent in sending messages across long distances. It¡¯s vital that he receives it without delay. Please, tell me it¡¯s possible.¡¯

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    Riniock hesitated. His lips pressed into a firm line, irritation flickering beneath the surface. ¡®Niann and his loose lips¡­¡¯

    ¡®Forgive him this time. Fladd has returned, and he¡¯s currently fighting the high maegi ¨C¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s head snapped up, disbelief etched across his face.

    ¡®F¨CFladd has returned?¡¯ His voice shook, his lips barely forming the words.

    ¡®Yes. He, the leader of the mercenaries, and another academy master are outside, confronting High Maegi Talien. We must alert the arch-maegi now ¨C¡¯

    ¡®That¡¯s impossible! Fladd couldn¡¯t have returned.¡¯

    ¡®Well, he has. Can you send the letter or not?¡¯

    ¡®I¨CI can¡­¡¯

    Summoning the spell before him, a coffer materialised in a shimmer of light. Riniock placed Noidron¡¯s letter inside, murmured the name of its recipient, and sealed the lid. With a faint hum, it transformed into a small orb of light and darted away, vanishing into the dim tunnel.

    ¡®That¡¯s it?¡¯ Noidron asked, his brow furrowing at the simplicity of the act.

    ¡®Were you expecting something more extravagant?¡¯

    ¡®No¡­well, maybe.¡¯

    They lingered in uneasy silence, the weight of the moment pressing down on them. Just as Riniock prepared to speak, a memory struck him.

    ¡®The mercenary you killed,¡¯ he began, his voice low. ¡®He was speaking to someone else. That man said he¡¯d found a pair of Gorleans. Should we ¨C¡¯

    Noidron shook his head before Riniock could finish.

    ¡®Unlike you, I doubt any other acolyte would stand a chance against a seasoned spellswordsman.¡¯

    ¡®Then they¡¯re already dead¡­¡¯

    ¡®Most likely,¡¯ Noidron replied grimly. ¡®There¡¯s nothing you can do for them.¡¯

    ¡®I understand. I won¡¯t throw my life away in vain.¡¯

    ¡®Good. Not that it would make much difference with your current abilities. You¡¯re no match for a higher-grade maegi in a fair fight.¡¯

    Riniock scowled, frustration settling deep within him. The memory of his opponent effortlessly swatting aside his spells gnawed at him.

    ¡®It doesn¡¯t matter anyway,¡¯ he muttered bitterly. ¡®I can¡¯t hold my own against their magick. Blocking or countering their spells is impossible for someone at my level.¡¯

    Noidron chuckled at his dismay. Though Riniock spoke with self-doubt, the staff member had heard whispers of the young maegi¡¯s rapid progression. If the rumours were true, there might still be hope.

    ¡®You¡¯re proficient in the tempest elements, aren¡¯t you? I was there that day in the hall when the arch-maegi¡­well, you know.¡¯

    Riniock nodded, embarrassment washing over him. ¡®Wind and Frost, so far.¡¯

    ¡®I think it¡¯s high time you completed the assemblage.¡¯

    ¡®You mean¡­learn spark elemental magick? Now?¡¯

    Noidron extended his finger, white sparks crackling to life around it. ¡®Unless you¡¯re not up for it.¡¯

    ¡®N¨CNo, I am. But where am I supposed to learn it from?¡¯

    He placed a hand on his chest. ¡®From me, of course.¡¯

    ¡®I¨CI don¡¯t know if I can. Learning from a book is one thing, but from a living person¡­I find the former simpler.¡¯

    ¡®That¡¯s where you¡¯re mistaken. Learning from someone experienced is always better. They can train you, correct your mistakes, and guide your progress. When you learn from a tome, you¡¯re limited to your own interpretation. The difference is vast.¡¯

    ¡®When you put it that way, there¡¯s no reason to refuse.¡¯

    ¡®I can¡¯t have you facing powerful enemies while you¡¯re still limited to basic elemental magick,¡¯ Noidron said, implying he would teach Riniock spells beyond his current abilities.

    Riniock slumped, his thoughts clearly burdened. Someone weighed heavily on his mind ¨C someone whose safety he feared for.

    ¡®If you really wish to protect that person, our best chance is to even the odds.¡¯

    Riniock nodded. ¡®But I¡¯m afraid of being late.¡¯

    ¡®It¡¯s a risk we have to take.¡¯

    Linry occupied his thoughts. Though he couldn¡¯t be certain of the spellswordsmen¡¯s intended targets, and much less if she was amongst them, the dangers within this place were many to begin with.

    ¡®There is one caveat you should be aware of,¡¯ Noidron added, his voice shifting to a graver tone.

    ¡®I knew there was a catch.¡¯

    ¡®Your vessel hasn¡¯t yet matured to endure the strain of higher-level magick. Spells of this magnitude will take a toll. Repeated use could have severe consequences.¡¯

    Riniock¡¯s eyes widened, but his resolve remained unshaken.

    ¡®I understand. Please ¨C teach me!¡¯

 Winding and Wayward

    Footsteps echoed through the winding tunnels, a frantic rhythm of pursuit and flight.

    A young Gorlean sprinted down the stone corridors, his breath ragged, his vision blurred by tears. Magickal projectiles exploded around him, missing by mere inches. Though the acolytes had been instructed to travel in pairs or threes, he now ran alone.

    His luck ran dry. Just as he turned a corner, an ethereal arrow struck his shoulder, sending him sprawling face-first onto the cold ground. Gasping, he scrambled to rise, but another arrow found the back of his head. His body seized for a moment ¨C then went still.

    A figure emerged from the shadows, her hand near her mouth as she murmured into an unseen device.

    ¡®I took down a group of three. Moving to another sector. Aileed out.¡¯

    She clicked off the device, pocketing it before nudging the fallen Gorlean with her boot to confirm his fate. Satisfied, she turned to leave ¨C only for a bolt of lightning to streak down the tunnel towards her at blinding speed.

    ¡®Fuck!¡¯ she hissed, teeth clenched as she raised a barrier just in time.

    The spell crashed into her ward, shattering it in an instant. The force staggered her, leaving her open just long enough for her attacker to strike again.

    A second bolt shot forward, piercing her outstretched hand as she prepared another spell. A gaping hole burned through her palm, but she barely flinched.

    Snarling, she retaliated. As her opponent closed the distance, she slashed with her uninjured hand, sending a blade of magick slicing through the air. Noidron barely ducked in time ¨C the attack would have taken his head clean off.

    Darting forward, he infused his arms with elemental energy and lunged.

    But she was fast. The spellswordswoman caught his wrists, locking them in place. They struggled, strength against strength, neither gaining the upper hand.

    Then Noidron smirked and ducked his head.

    Without warning, a silent spell struck her face. Her head disintegrated in an instant, leaving behind only a charred stump and a thin veil of black smoke.

    As the lifeless body crumpled to the ground, Noidron exhaled and turned his gaze behind him.

    ¡®Impressive. If I hadn¡¯t known you were there, I wouldn¡¯t have noticed your casting at all.¡¯

    ¡®Thank you, sir. Silent casting is a favourite of mine.¡¯

    Noidron nodded approvingly. ¡®It¡¯s effective.¡¯

    Their victory was brief. Riniock suddenly grimaced, clutching his chest as sharp pain lanced through him, like needles driving into his very core.

    He dropped to one knee, breath shallow.

    It wasn¡¯t his human heart ¨C it was his maegi vessel. As Noidron had warned, his body wasn¡¯t yet prepared to handle such advanced spells.

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    Noidron knelt beside him, placing a steadying hand on his back. A soft pulse of energy flowed from his palm, travelling through Riniock¡¯s conduits, soothing the pain though not eliminating it.

    Riniock forced himself upright, his body still aching.

    ¡®Take it easy,¡¯ Noidron advised. ¡®Lay off sparks for now.¡¯

    ¡®Understood.¡¯

    After looting the mercenary¡¯s corpse, they turned their attention to the fallen Gorlean. Two ethereal arrows protruded from his body. He hadn¡¯t even been given a chance to fight back.

    The acolytes were hopelessly outmatched. Here lay three victims ¨C but how many more had fallen elsewhere in the endless tunnels?

    It was turning into a massacre.

    ¡®What a sad death,¡¯ Riniock murmured.

    ¡®Are you absolutely sure the letter reached the arch-maegi?¡¯ Noidron asked, his unease growing.

    ¡®I¡¯m certain.¡¯

    ¡®And your spell can reach him?¡¯

    ¡®It can and it will,¡¯ Riniock assured him. ¡®Stop panicking. We can only do so much.¡¯

    Noidron exhaled, steadying himself. ¡®You¡¯re right.¡¯

    ¡®Let¡¯s keep moving,¡¯ he nudged and paced forward.

    ¡®Yes, let¡¯s.¡¯

    Elsewhere in the tunnels, three Gorleans fought their way forward, cutting through the dangers that lurked in the dark. Unlike many of their fellow acolytes, they had fared well so far ¨C not because they hadn¡¯t faced threats, but because they were seasoned enough to handle them.

    Urael, Kieg, and Abrant stood over the fresh corpse of a strange beast, the result of their combined efforts.

    At the forefront, Urael wrenched a blade of ice from the creature¡¯s body, flicking off dark ichor.

    ¡®What the hell was that¡­¡¯ Kieg muttered, sinking to the ground to catch his breath. ¡®I¡¯ve never heard of anything like it before.¡¯

    ¡®No clue,¡¯ Urael admitted. ¡®Abrant?¡¯

    The third shook his head, just as perplexed.

    The creature was mesmerising in its grotesqueness ¨C reptilian in form, built for agility, with a sleek body covered in fine scales and a moss-like texture. Even in death, its large, glossy black eyes glared at them, unblinking.

    Kieg winced as he inspected the gash across his shoulder, torn open by the beast¡¯s blade-like claws.

    Meanwhile, Urael studied the corpse, his gaze lingering on the white filaments running along its spine. They still pulsed with a faint glow. But something unsettled him.

    It had been strong, nearly matching them in size, yet its ill-formed scales suggested it wasn¡¯t fully grown.

    ¡®Something wrong, boss?¡¯ Abrant asked, stepping closer, sharing his leader¡¯s curiosity.

    ¡®I can¡¯t shake this feeling¡­¡¯

    ¡®What feeling? You find something?¡¯

    ¡®I don¡¯t know¡­not yet.¡¯

    Shrugging off his unease, Urael turned to Kieg, who was still tending to his wounds. Two empty potion bottles lay at his feet, their contents already working to cauterise the injury. Blood still flowed, but the worst of it had been halted.

    ¡®How are you holding up?¡¯ Urael asked, stepping closer. ¡®We¡¯ll move as soon as you¡¯re able.¡¯

    ¡®Won¡¯t take long.¡¯

    ¡®Good. Don¡¯t slack off¡ª¡¯

    His words cut short as his ears twitched at a faint sound. Instinct took over. Ice erupted from the ground before him, forming a wall of jagged spikes just as a torrent of fire exploded from the tunnel ahead.

    Flames surged into the clearing, devouring everything in their path.

    Abrant, standing behind Urael, was spared by the icy barrier. The fire slammed into it, hissing violently as steam filled the air.

    Then, as quickly as it had come, the blaze died down. The ice wall melted away.

    And Kieg¡­

    Abrant¡¯s breath hitched. ¡®Kieg¡­¡¯ His voice barely rose above a whisper.

    Before them lay their friend¡¯s charred remains, curled into a foetal position. He hadn¡¯t had a chance to react.

    Urael¡¯s eyes darkened as two figures stepped from the shadows, smirks plastered across their faces.

    ¡®You¡­¡¯ he spat, rage creeping into his voice.

    They wore Ikshari garments. Their faces were impossible to forget.

    The leader of the pair grinned. ¡®Where¡¯s Riniock?¡¯

    Urael¡¯s expression twisted with fury. ¡®You burn one of mine alive, and your only concern is that bastard Tolgir?¡¯

    Irgod and Piddruin barely spared Kieg¡¯s corpse a glance before chuckling. Flames flickered at their fingertips, eager for another kill.

    ¡®Where is he?¡¯ Irgod repeated, voice dripping with amusement. ¡®Tell me, and I might grant you a swift death.¡¯

    Urael¡¯s grip tightened, frost gathering in his palms. ¡®You wish.¡¯

    He sighed. ¡®One last chance ¨C where is he?¡¯

    A smirk tugged at Urael¡¯s lips. ¡®In your mother¡¯s room.¡¯

 The Gigantic Geoseri

    Urael found Irgod¡¯s question about Riniock¡¯s whereabouts strange. Surely, the Ikshari knew they had entered different portals ¨C if not, he would have at least assumed as much. From the very start, this exchange made no sense. Irgod wasn¡¯t searching for answers; he was trying to unsettle them.

    With Kieg dead, it was now just him and Abrant against Irgod and Piddruin.

    They were at a disadvantage. Irgod had seen Urael fight before, but the Gorleans had no prior knowledge of their enemies¡¯ abilities. Worse, both Iksharis specialised in fire magick, which severely hindered Urael¡¯s own effectiveness.

    ¡®Abrant¡­¡¯ Urael whispered, careful not to draw attention. His companion leaned in slightly but kept his expression neutral. ¡®Go on the offensive. I¡¯ll cover you.¡¯

    Abrant didn¡¯t need further instruction. He had already reached the same conclusion.

    His boot twisted against the stone floor, pebbles crunching beneath him as he launched sideways. Their enemies¡¯ eyes snapped to him immediately.

    As he moved, he began casting his spells. Unlike most acolytes, Abrant specialised in thaumaturgy ¨C pure energy-based magick with few direct counters. Fortunately, fire held no natural advantage against it.

    ¡®Pidd, watch it!¡¯ Irgod barked, shoving his companion aside before lobbing a fireball.

    Abrant darted away, narrowly evading the projectile. His spell completed, and a condensed wave of energy shot towards Irgod, tearing through the air like a column of rampaging odh particles.

    Irgod threw up his arms, shielding himself just in time.

    That was Urael¡¯s cue. He hurled a volley of razor-sharp icicles at the Ikshari¡¯s exposed side, certain they would find their mark.

    But at the last second, Piddruin lunged in front of Irgod, blocking the attack.

    ¡®Damn it¡­¡¯ Urael muttered, already preparing his next spell.

    Before he could strike again, both Iksharis raised their hands in unison. Twin bursts of flame erupted from their palms, sweeping across the battlefield in a relentless blaze. They spun in place, ensuring fire engulfed every corner.

    Then, just as suddenly as it had begun, the inferno ceased.

    A low rumble shook the cavern.

    Irgod and Piddruin hesitated, withdrawing their flames. As the smoke cleared and the embers died down, their expressions twisted in disbelief ¨C Urael and Abrant stood unharmed, shielded behind flawless magickal wards.

    Neither side had time to celebrate or lament the outcome.

    The ground trembled again, this time more violently. Dust rained from the ceiling, and loose stones quivered as if an earthquake had struck.

    Then came the sound of something moving.

    A monstrous shape emerged from one of the tunnels, its enormous body clinging to the ceiling as it crawled into view. It was so large it rivalled a great lidthrag.

    At the sight of it, all four combatants instinctively readied their spells.

    ¡®What in Murat is that¡­¡¯ Irgod swallowed hard.

    The creature slithered into the clearing, its massive frame shifting to rest against the cavern wall. For a long moment, it ignored them entirely, its enormous obsidian eye sweeping the battlefield, searching for something.

    Then it found it.

    Amidst the scorched remains left by Irgod and Piddruin¡¯s flames, a charred corpse lay still smouldering ¨C not Kieg¡¯s, but the reptilian creature they had slain earlier.

    ¡®Boss¡­that¡¯s its parent,¡¯ Abrant murmured.

    Urael gave a stiff nod, barely daring to breathe. His assumption turned true after all.

    The beast¡¯s lips curled back, revealing rows of jagged teeth. Its glare, once unfocused, now locked onto the Iksharis.

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    Surprisngly, the beast had a certain intelligence to it. With what was visible, it had put the pieces together.

    The youngling had been burned, as far as it could tell. Irgod and Piddruin still held flames in their hands. They were the guilty ones in its eyes.

    Irgod¡¯s eyes widened with realisation. ¡®Shit¡­¡¯ he grabbed Piddruin¡¯s arm and bolted.

    ¡®Damn you, Gorleans!¡¯ he shouted as they fled.

    A bone-chilling roar erupted, shaking the cavern with violent force.

    Irgod and Piddruin didn¡¯t dare glance back. Their only concern was reaching the tunnel ahead ¨C a dubious refuge, but a refuge nonetheless.

    Behind them, the dark-scaled beast stretched the pale filaments along its back and lunged from the wall. It crashed down just above them, landing atop the tunnel entrance they had chosen for their escape.

    By sheer luck, they had slipped inside just in time. The monster¡¯s immense size kept it from pursuing them directly.

    But it didn¡¯t give up so easily.

    A massive limb forced its way into the tunnel, claws scraping against stone as it groped for them. They were already too deep inside for it to reach.

    For a moment, it seemed like they had truly escaped.

    Then, with a growl of frustration, the beast withdrew. Its long limbs tensed, and without hesitation, it hurled itself down to the cavern floor. The sheer force of its landing sent tremors through the ground, nearly causing Urael and Abrant¡¯s hearts to stop.

    They barely had time to process their relief before the monster made its next move.

    With deliberate steps, it backed away from the tunnel entrance. Then, in a sudden burst of speed, it launched itself forward, slamming headfirst into the narrow passage.

    Stone cracked under the force.

    For several seconds, its massive frame wedged into the tunnel, seemingly trapped ¨C until the rock around it buckled and gave way.

    With terrifying tenacity, it tore through, forcing its way inside in pursuit of the Iksharis.

    Urael and Abrant stood frozen, watching in stunned disbelief. A cold shiver ran down their spines as they imagined what might have happened had the beast turned its rage on them instead.

    ¡®Safe to say those two are fucked,¡¯ Irgod muttered, though the sweat glistening on his temple betrayed his unease. ¡®Let¡¯s get the hell out of here before it decides to come back.¡¯

    Abrant didn¡¯t need convincing.

    Reluctantly leaving Kieg¡¯s charred remains behind, the two vanished into the tunnels, swallowed by the darkness ahead.

    Deeper into the narrow tunnel, Irgod and Piddruin ran, hearts pounding. They were out of breath, but the surge of adrenaline kept them moving forward, faster than they thought possible.

    For a fleeting moment, they thought they were safe. But as they dared a glance behind, their eyes widened in horror.

    The beast was still on their tail, closing in fast. It was almost upon them.

    Yet neither maegi faltered. The end of the tunnel loomed ahead ¨C both a glimmer of hope and a potential trap. Once they reached it, they could find another way out, but that also meant the predator would be free to fully unleash its fury.

    Finally, they reached the tunnel''s end, only to collide with two figures blocking their way.

    Piddruin crashed into one of them, both tumbling to the floor. Irgod was intercepted by a hand that shot out, gripping his neck before he could pass.

    ¡®Well, this is a pleasant surprise,¡¯ the man holding him said, his voice dripping with amusement. ¡®Fladd¡¯s prime disciple, isn¡¯t it?¡¯

    Irgod¡¯s vision blurred for a moment, but he quickly recognised the man who had him pinned as one of Gorlea¡¯s staff members. The person on the floor¡­ ¡®Riniock!¡¯

    ¡®He seems to know you,¡¯ Noidron chuckled, sparking lightning with his free hand.

    Irgod¡¯s panic grew as he struggled to turn his head and catch a glimpse of what was behind them. His expression screamed urgency, a reaction that didn¡¯t escape Noidron¡¯s notice.

    Piddruin groaned as he rubbed his head, momentarily forgetting about the creature chasing them.

    ¡®Put me down,¡¯ Irgod rasped, his breath constricting. ¡®Quickly...before it catches up¡­¡¯

    Then the ground trembled.

    Noidron spared a quick glance, and his eyes went wide with shock. The beast was upon them.

    ¡®Geoseri!¡¯ Riniock screamed as he regained his senses at the perfect moment. He recognised the monster from the journal, and terror filled his voice. ¡®That¡¯s a geoseri! Block the tunnel before it reaches us!¡¯

    Following Riniock¡¯s advice, Noidron released Irgod and unleashed a destructive lightning spell, charging it with deadly precision.

    Irgod bolted, leaving his fellow disciple behind.

    Noidron hurled his spell forward. The ball of lightning shot through the air, then halted abruptly. As the geoseri¡¯s enormous form approached, the spell detonated, unfurling into tendrils of electricity that struck the monster, stunning it long enough to collapse the tunnel above.

    Rocks rained down, sealing the path.

    Silence followed.

    ¡®That was too close,¡¯ Riniock breathed, a sense of relief washing over him. As the threat subsided, his attention returned to their unexpected visitors. ¡®That was Irgod, and this is Piddruin.¡¯

    Piddruin stirred, his face a conflicted mix of confusion and relief. His gaze met Noidron¡¯s, who glared at him with quiet malice. Piddruin lowered his head.

    ¡®We need to catch him,¡¯ Riniock said, determination hardening his voice. ¡®But first, let¡¯s deal with this one.¡¯

    ¡®Gladly,¡¯ Noidron replied.

    Before they could even move though, the tunnel erupted with a deafening explosion. Rubble flew towards them, knocking them off their feet, and dust clouded the air, blurring their vision.

    The geoseri emerged from the wreckage, barely a scratch.

    Noidron was the first to recover. He stood quickly, though his fingers were badly damaged, some twisted beyond recognition. Gritting his teeth, he downed a potion, the healing liquid snapping his bones back into place.

    ¡®What a monster¡­¡¯ he muttered, coughing as he regained his composure.

    The geoseri spread its filaments in every direction and let out a roar that shook the tunnel. It scanned the area, its gaze locking on its next target ¨C Noidron, who had been the one to strike it.

    The monster¡¯s new priority was clear.