by Tao Wong
The bullet hit the edge of the Force Bubble and slowed perceptibly. A lateral force was applied to the bullet, shifting it away from the center of the ward and making it fly by my face, leaving a sting of wind behind. They were smart enough to shoot for my head—avoiding my enchanted jacket—but that made the target much smaller. Even a small force was enough to make the shot miss, though the retort from the gun was still painful to my ears, even when slowed and distorted by my now-glowing modular ward tablet.
Instinct took over as I formed a Force Wall before me. Fingers snapped and twisted as I blocked off the area just outside of my Force Bubble. As the wall formed, it struck aside the gun barrel, sending the next shot up into the roof of the train. A mental command turned off the strained ward, the tablet glowing with light as it ran out of the Mana I instilled in it. Through my semi-opaque Force Wall, I stared at my attackers.
Three individuals. Clad in black business suits and shades at night, all of which spelled trouble. Of course, the trio of silencer-equipped pistols pointed at me was another good indicator. They were a mix of races—Hispanic and Caucasian—and ages, with the youngest a teenager. The kid’s gun came back down to point at me and the shield I had formed, targeted straight at my face. Then they opened fire and my Force Wall flickered, points of impact spreading and rippling even as bullets ricocheted away.
Gunman 1 (Level 37)
HP: 100/100
MP: 0/0
Gunman 2 (Level 45)
HP: 100/100
MP: 0/0
Gunman 3 (Level 59)
HP: 100/100
MP: 0/0
Non-magical gunmen. Mortal, but dangerous nonetheless as assessed by Lily. That probably meant training—special forces or worse. After all, a normal cop on the beat was only in the low 20s and that’s because he had a gun in hand and some modicum of training.
As the trio realized they were not getting through my Force Wall—not with their bullets ricocheting around—they stopped firing. They took turns dropping their magazines and reloading while keeping their guns pointed at me, faces impassive. A shard of a broken bullet seemed to have caught Gunman Two across the cheek, as a thin line of blood dripped down his face, ignored.
“Who are you people?” I said, keeping my spell formed as I mentally prepare a second and third backup.
Those bullets were unenchanted. They also had quite a bit of kick—especially compared to the pop-guns most gangers use—but nothing my Force Wall couldn’t handle. Their only chance was lost when they missed me the first time. So I could afford to fish for information.
Rather than answer me, the lead gunner looked sideways, ignoring the screams and shouts of horror from passengers in other cabins. I followed the gunner’s glance and spotted the upcoming stop, the way they eyed the doors.
“Come on. Just tell me. Who wants me dead?” I said.
Again, I got no answer. I noticed the pair at the back angling their bodies as they dropped their off-hands, taking them out of my view. Then the train slowed down, wheels grinding and shrieking, drowning out shrieking voices as it swayed ever so slightly.
“You failed. So tell me who sent you.”
No one answered. But the doors hissed open and the passengers in the other cars rushed out. So did my attackers, though not before they tossed a pair of small oblong objects at my wall. I didn’t have time to register what they were as I released my spell. The gunmen got their feet in the doorway and slammed headfirst into the Force Walls I’d formed around the car, hemming them in.
Force Cube Cast
Synchronicity: 89%
Durability: 1238
Foreheads smashed, bodies piled up against the wall and bounced backward. Their eyes widened, the youngest glancing back at the discarded items. I followed his gaze, spotted the grenades, and winced. Before everything became chaos.
***
In the resulting bedlam of two grenades exploding in a contained space, I sneaked out of the train via the untouched back doors. I couldn’t hear anything but the incessant ringing in my ears, bag slung over my shoulder as I cast a simple Glamour that changed what I looked like. I combined that with an Illusion for the security cameras, though I was not entirely sure how useful that’d be with the cameras in the rail car having already caught a glimpse of me.
Then again, I was sure my other guardians would cover it up. If they weren’t the ones who’d sent my attackers. Because… well, I was not entirely sure who else had three trained, mundane killers with access to high explosives and silenced weapons. Then again, with the militarization of our society, that number was rather higher and more depressing than I liked considering.
Behind me, as I hurried away on foot, I left the burnt and wrecked shells of my enemies, corpses torn and twisted by the rebounding explosive force of the grenades. I’d created the cube to contain them, to potentially get some answers. I hadn’t expected a grenade, and even now, I could feel how low my Mana was, how drained I’d been reinforcing the spell as the explosion rebounded. Even if I had grown more powerful, even if the Force Cube was one of my more complex spells—which I would never have tried casting if they hadn’t given me the time to do so—it was still tiring to use.
As I hurried out of the chaotic station, I couldn’t help but feel a little guilty at the deaths I’d caused, the collateral damage that was done. I hated killing, and even if I hadn’t done it myself, their deaths were painful. Still, if there was one thing I’d learned, it was that at least two groups were after me. Because whoever had sent the doppelganger wasn’t likely to use something this mundane.
Letting out an exhalation, I ducked into a nearby alleyway and recast both spells, cloaking myself in magic. It was time to get home. Quietly.
***
“You’re not allowed out without me,” Alexa stated. There was no anger in her voice, though she stared at me till I offered her a nod. Once I got back—later than the night-shift-working ex-Initiate—I’d been grilled in detail about my encounter.
“The police offering any more news?” I asked, tilting my head toward the TV that wasn’t on a superhero TV show or console game, but the local news for once. Even if I’d contained the blast, the damage done to the train and the ensuing disruption was more than enough for the local news to jump on it.
“No,” Alexa said.
Unasked and unanswered was the question of whether I should be packing an extra bag for a long, long talk with the police. And maybe jail time. I hoped not. While I did have a bucket list, jail wasn’t on it.
Leaving might be an option, but that meant abandoning our house and the wards. Even if I did leave, it’d be a temporary solution. Sooner or later, my enemies would find me.
“So…” I let my voice draw out, looking at Alexa and the silent Lily.
“I’ll…” Alexa frowned then shrugged. “I’ll ask around. See if I can learn if you’re in trouble. If we can learn who it is.”
Lily offered me a half-smile, then flashed the old Quest again. The one that asked me to stay alive. I couldn’t help but snort, wishing this was a game. One that railroaded you with clues, rather than a stupid puzzle one where the solution might be right in front of you—or in a portion of the map that you’d missed half the game back.
“I guess I’ll just rest for now,” I said, feeling the lack of Mana sending another wave of exhaustion through me. Being low on Mana and paranoid had drained me, putting me on the edge of sleep.
The pair offered me a smile, waving me away as I stumbled up the stairs. I barely even glanced at the notification that told me of a Level increase, knowing it didn’t help.
Perhaps, perhaps a solution would present itself when I awakened.
Chapter 11
Two days passed in tense silence, Alexa’s few contacts unable to offer us any assurance. Even our attempts to speak to our governmental guardians were thwarted—the ever-present service vans that had been parked on our street for months gone.
We’d been left in the dark, so I spent my time working on the enchantments. I finished the portable shelter, then worked the portable flamethrowers while we waited for the next shoe to drop. Alexa had taken a leave of absence from her job, though they’d hinted that she might not be welcome back. Actions had consequences, and mine had lost her her job.
When a knock came on the door, I didn’t move from my work table, having nearly completed the weapons. After I was done, I planned to work on my staff. The layered defenses available on the staff would be greatly appreciated, even if—unlike the flamethrowers—I’d have to power the staff myself.
When Alexa lead Caleb into the room, I looked up, blinking in surprise at the Mage. “You’re back.”
“I am. I come bearing conflicted news,” Caleb said. “The Council is unwilling to risk further manpower on an untested warlock.”
“Mage,” I said, glaring at Caleb. I might not have been trained by the Mage Council, but I was a Mage. Bette than their apprentices.
“Warlock in their eyes. Many do not believe what I have reported, are unwilling to accept your potential,” Caleb said. “It is why I have bargained for you to take the apprentice examination early.”
“What?” I said.
“Pack your staff. We must leave if we are to make it to the examination.” Caleb gestured to the staff propped up beside me as my next project.
“I’m nearly done,” I said, gesturing at the tubes.
“Those things?” Caleb took one glance and sniffed. “They’re cumbersome and not worth the Mana invested. You should have spent your time on the staff.”
“Funny. But I like having more tools.” I looked Caleb over, shaking my head. “Not as if you don’t have your own enchantments.”
“They are accessories. Useful but unimportant compared to a proper staff,” Caleb said. “That we are forced to leave them behind by modern-day fashion does not reduce the staff’s functionality.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Heard it before.”
“You are right. Now, come.”
I dithered for a moment, not entirely sure I wanted to commit. But what choice did I have? At least the Mage Council was still willing to help. No matter how much I grew, no matter what Level I achieved, I’d still be outnumbered. As much as I might have disliked the Council, I needed them. I needed an organization at my back.
Letting out a breath, I grabbed my staff and stood.
Alexa cleared her throat, drawing my attention. “Didn’t we agree to something?”
“Sorry. You’re right. Is she allowed to come?” I looked at Caleb, who shook his head.
“Can you guarantee his safety?” Alexa asked, looking pointedly at Caleb.
“During the trial, yes.” Caleb cocked his head. “I can take you to the grounds. Outside. If he fails—”
“We’re on our own,” Alexa said. “I’ll get my spear.”
I tossed her the pair of finished flamethrowers. “Add this too.”
The blonde nodded, heading upstairs to get dressed and armed. Caleb sniffed, tapping his foot only to be brought up short when Lily stood.
“Leave us, Mage,” Lily said.
“I’m—”
“Waiting outside.”
Caleb narrowed his eyes, but when I cleared my throat, he relented and left, leaving Lily and me to stare at one another.
“We haven’t… talked since, you know,” Lily said awkwardly. “About me. About my… crimes.”
“Were they crimes?” I said.
Lily nodded.
“Were they bad?”
Lily nodded again.
“Bad enough to be put in a ring for all eternity?”
“I… don’t know.”
I nodded. “Yeah, thought so. We don’t have much to talk about then.”
Lily flinched, looking at the tops of her feet.
I winced, realizing how harsh that sounded, and put a hand on her arm. “Lily.” When she looked up, I offered her a small smile. “It’s fine. Whatever you did, it was a long time ago. So long it’s probably not relevant anymore.” When Lily flinched, I raised an eyebrow. “Never mind. It’s still not relevant. You’re you now. Not… whatever.”
“We’re still friends, right?” Lily said, sounding timid.
“Don’t have a choice, do I?” I said, trying for teasing.
When Lily shrank back, I winced and decided to shut up. I hugged the jinn, feeling the tension in her body that slowly relaxed and went away. Eventually Alexa cleared her throat, reminding me that I had to go.
“We’re friends. Now and forever. Promise,” I said. “But I got to go.”
Lily nodded, pushing me away. I headed off, catching her words just before I left.
“Good luck.”
***
Mundane. That’s a good description of my magical existence. No magical carpets, no teleporting rings, just a black four-door sedan that takes me out of the city and down the highway. Alexa’s seated in the back, dressed in her armored jacket and skirt, spear taken apart and laid out beside her. I’m up front with Caleb, watching as he guides us down the road with expert ease.
“No enchantments on the car?” I said, having finished looking it over.
“It’s a rental.”
As I said. Mundane.
“You should consider going over what you have learnt. There is no time to fix your staff,” Caleb said. “But some last-minute cramming would not hurt.”
“Actually, did you know that research has shown that last-minute cramming might actually be more detrimental than studying?” I flashed Caleb a smile, only to have him glare at me briefly before turning his gaze back to the road. “Fine. If I fail, you know who I’m going to blame.” When the silence grew colder, I added, “Me.”
“You’re really not as funny as you think, Henry,” Alexa said.
I grumbled under my breath but closed my eyes, calling forth what I knew about the examination. There were three sections in an apprentice exam. The first was theory—which mostly consisted of a written examination where I had to expound on formulas. This was my weakest area, and the area Caleb was hinting that I work on. While Lily might dump information into my mind, the way she did so was specific to spells, such that I often found myself missing important areas of learning. Or at least I used to. Lessons with Caleb and more spells had helped patch those holes. If I had to describe it, it’d be like learning high school mathematics—algebra, differential equations, logarithmic charts—and then realizing that you’d never learned how to do long division. Or, say, angles in a circle. Gods, I hated those.
The second portion of the examination I was much more blasé about. That was the practical examination where you were asked to show your command over magic. Apprentices were scored on the effects of their spells, and since I was, in terms of actual casting, much more advanced, I expected to get close to full scores. Even spells that I might not “know,” I could recreate by linking multiple aspects.
The last portion would be dealt with while I was writing the examination. That was where my staff would come into play, where I would provide the staff to them for review. They’d test the staff, reviewing it for flaws before marking it. I was much less certain of my results there. While I had some Master-level work in the staff, I was also still trying to make other portions of it work.
Still, I thought, overall, I should pass. But maybe a little more review of the theory would be best. Because passing wasn’t my goal anymore. I needed to be so good that they wanted me in the Council, that they were willing to put in real effort.
Resolved to do more than just pass, I went over my spells and the theories in my mind, allowing time to pass.
***
Since I’d refused to go to the Mage Council’s headquarters, the examination was being held in one of their many safe houses. In this case, it was a working horse farm. Stable? In either case, the farm had about four fenced off areas for the horses, a big stable, and a
nother, larger covered riding ring on the right of the road. Dominating the entire location was the double-story white ranch house with its large windows and blue curtains. A trio of vehicles were parked outside, the truck being the only practical farm instrument. The other two were sedans like ours, city vehicles by the lack of dents and dirt.
Of course, my attention was drawn to the presence of the three examiners standing on the house-spanning front porch. How did I know they were my examiners and not stable hands? Well, their Levels for one.
Patricia Fitzgerald (Level 173)
HP: 180/180
MP: 1783/1894
Nicholas Diaz (Level 183)
HP: 141/147
MP: 1084/1147
Muhammad Black (Level 171)
HP: 201/204
MP: 997/1473
“Are all examiners that high level?” I muttered to Caleb as we got out of the car. I could feel the power radiating out from them, and Patricia had a half-dozen more enchantments on her than Caleb did. Obviously she didn’t agree with his “the staff is the best thing ever” line of thought. I thought I might even like her.
“No. Your case is unique. They are the head examiners for the three closest regions,” Caleb said.
Caleb stayed silent until we were close to the group, then he introduced us and them to one another. Of course, I didn’t mention that I knew their names already thanks to Lily. Be a little rude.
“The Templar must stay outside.” Muhammad stated that with a glare at Alexa.
“Ex-Templar,” she said.
“There is no such thing,” Muhammad snapped before running a hand across curly, close-cropped hair, glancing at my hand with Lily’s ring. “The jinn is not here?”
“She stayed behind.” Caleb added, after glancing at the ring, “In a manner of speaking.”