by Shanon Chong
“Well, for the most part, those days, you won’t have classes,” Mr Rhimmage answered. “Who’s next?”
The people who had their arms still lifted rose to their feet. Taking my time, I stood next to Rachel, who had remained seated. Knowing basic rune knowledge wasn’t going to be a problem, so I focused on the major issue: I hadn’t attended most of the classes on the Seraph’s Mage, leaving me in dire straits.
“Theo, ask away.”
“What do I do about the Seraph’s Mage?” I asked. “I don’t seem to have gotten the same information everyone else has.”
“Yes. I can’t change the test. However, you probably won’t be doing the same exam as them.”
“Huh?” I exhaled sharply. “Why?”
“You’re a special case; you’ll be joining in on the MERC for advanced rune and seal making.”
“What about my other missed content?” I continued, avoiding the fact I had been assigned to a test I didn’t have any background information on.
“I’ll make a compromise. If you go ahead and read up on the Seraph’s Mage in your free time, I’ll give you double marks for anything in that section. And concerning your early MERC, I’ll make sure you receive all the material you need to know.” He turned his attention from me, shifting it to the other students. “Juno then Vin.” He sat on the lectern’s smooth edge.
“When will get back the last test results?” Juno inquired politely. “It’s been a month since we took the test.”
“I’ve been putting off marking the test for the past few weeks because of the practice MERCs for my advanced combat class. I’m really sorry. They’ll be back at the end of this week, I promise.” He looked over at Vin and motioned for him to ask his question.
“For the planning, do we work in groups or—”
“Want me to just begin the planning?” Mr Rhimmage proposed. He looked at the class and received multiple nods and affirmations. “Great, since seventeen is too large a group, you guys can choose your own groups. There will be two groups of six and one group of five. Organise yourselves.”
Vin quickly approached me. “Want to work together?” he offered. “I really don’t know anyone.”
“Can I join, too?” Oliver asked. “Vin is one of my only friends.” Without a single word or action of confirmation, they joined our group.
Rachel tapped me on the shoulder and leaned close. Feeling her breath on my ear, I shuddered slightly.
“Can Beth join us? I mean, I want to make up for the incident in any way possible.”
“Fair enough. Isn’t she closer to Juno, though?”
“Juno’s group is full. See? Bethany just walked away from them.”
I sighed and walked over to Bethany. I waved at her, and she waved back. We repeated this process until I broke the loop. “Bethany, want to join our group?”
“Sure,” she replied with her strange voice. She definitely didn’t have an Arcanan accent, but I couldn’t recognise if it was a northern or a southern accept. Bethany grabbed her books and followed me to the other three, who stood in a circle. Bethany’s dark brown hair touched the table when she placed her books next to ours. Her red eyes turned to face us, regarding us before anything actually happened.
“What should we do?” I asked, rejoining the group. Hoping to lead us in a good direction, I observed the other groups for some ideas. Many of the other groups had started reintroductions for further clarity and information about their fellow peers. “How about we reintroduce ourselves?” I suggested.
Vin frowned and then suddenly said, “I’m Vin. I mean, what can I say? I’m fifty.” Quickly correcting himself, he continued. “Fifteen. I came from a village out east… That’s about it.”
He’d revealed absolutely nothing that would help us gauge what he was like to be around. Annoyed, I started to tell him to continue. However, Oliver began his own introduction.
“My name is Oliver. I spend most of my days playing chess. I’m sixteen, and I really dislike it when people call me Olli.” He’d given us more to work with than Vin’s vague and downright uninformative introduction, “I’m from the south, I’m part of the Southwatch family, not the main family, though… I’m from another one of the branches they have in their ever-growing midst.”
“That’s horribly depressing,” Bethany said. “Well, I’m Bethany. Feel free to call me Beth; I don’t do much in my free time. Back in my village, we play a game where we keep a ball in the air, tossing it over a net… It’s too hard to explain; anyway, I’m also from the south.”
Now it was time for either Rachel or myself do the speaking. Knowing Rachel, she wouldn’t go until she knew she had to. Finally mustering up whatever courage I had, I decided to speak.
“My name is—” Rachel and I said simultaneously. “Sorry. You go first,” we both continued in unison. Finally, after several seconds of speaking with our hands, we decided I would go after her. I sat back and let Rachel do the talking.
“I’m Rachel. I’ve lived in the Capital from birth. I work on a contract basis with the military as a strategist. I spend some time every day reading, and I also play chess on the side.”
“We should play against each other!” Oliver exclaimed. “Surely, you’re good.”
I waited to introduce myself. However, I never found an opportunity after Rachel and Oliver began talking.
“I’m okay…” Rachel replied dismissively. “I haven’t won any tournaments or anything…” I wanted to call her bluff so badly. She’d flaunted her victories every time she had visited me back in the village. I bit my bottom lip, waiting to hear the rest of their conversation.
“Let's play some chess at the Bunker’s Entrance after class?” Oliver proposed, looking to the rest of us for our opinions. All of us raised our hands in a gesture of “count us out.” Oliver blinked as he ran through a few more options in his mind. “We can also do some planning for the mission while we’re there.”
“Maybe we can try that after the mission,” I suggested, intervening before Rachel got annoyed or frustrated at Oliver’s persistence. “We’ll have about a week after the mission to pack up our stuff and leave the academy.”
“Fine, we’ll settle this then,” Oliver reluctantly agreed as he sat down on one of the chairs. “So, what’s next?”
“Everyone, we’ll be beginning the group planning bit now!” Mr Rhimmage shouted. That was the beginning of three periods of complete focus and planning. With Rachel’s input, the planning for the mission routes and paths sailed along smoothly, with no logical flaws creating tears in our perfect-so-far teamwork.
Finally, the three lessons passed, and we reached the day where Mr Anity, also known as the Seraph’s Mage, would give up some time in his week to teach a first-year class. Our group would be first to get to meet the fabled legend of the eight generals of the kingdom. Knowing his fame, I hoped to stay under his radar.
Georgo Anity entered the room; he scoured us with his eyes as he entered. He stood at the rather short height of just over 5 feet. His dusty-blond hair was tied in a neat ponytail at the back of his neck. He wore a pure white robe, its edges flourished slightly with a golden trim.
“I’m Georgo Anity, the Seraph’s Mage. Pleased to meet you!” He said, politely bowing. A quiet shuffling was heard as everyone shifted to the edge of their seats, eager to learn the secrets of one of the strongest. Mr Rhimmage took an awkward step back as he watched the class raise their arms.
“Well, class, feel free to ask him anything. He should be a good resource,” Mr Rhimmage said. “Lucy, you go first.”
Lucy lowered her arm and got to her feet. “Mr Anity—”
“Just call me Georgo. It’s awkward when people call me mister,” he said. “So sorry. Please continue.”
“Georgo … What were your experiences with the Mage of the Eternum Seal like?” Lucy asked, no longer interrupted by Georgo, who was genuinely trying to apologise for the disruption he had created.
“My experiences with And
reas? He’s a great man. We spent some time working together; at the time, we always joked about how weak he was in comparison to us… I regret what I said now.” He pronounced his words carefully, avoiding any inappropriate language and keeping the story strictly child-friendly. “Andreas didn’t really like the fact I had sped past him at the time, so he decided to keep track of how many days it took him to overtake me.” His expression didn’t spell out the normal happy ending. “I mean, many people call me second-strongest mage in Arcana. It’s because of his little record book. That is the only reason why I’ve been dubbed second to the top.”
Norah, the other student nominated to ask a question, decided that now would be a good time to speak. “What kind of magic did Andreas use?” she asked. Georgo glanced at her quizzically, not particularly sure how to answer her question. “If you can’t disclose it, that’s okay, too.”
“No, no, it’s fine. I’m just thinking about what he actually used back then.” Georgo pondered as he scratched his head. “I remember him dabbling in necromancy, but I’m pretty sure he was better at theoretical magic than practical magic.” Shifting his hand, he scratched his chin as he continued to think. “Well, I mean, he wasn’t very fond of spatial magic. I think Steph might have a better idea about what Andreas used. Sorry I couldn’t answer your question further.”
“No, it’s okay. Thank you,” Norah replied, and she sat back down.
Georgo flailed around as he looked at the still rather high wall of hands. Mr Rhimmage raised his chin to look at Georgo, who was tapping his shoulder.
Finally realising what he wanted, Mr Rhimmage rose to his feet and said, “Juno, ask your question.” Sighing, he sat back down. Pausing, he stood again and said, “Er, Noel, you ask a question after Juno.”
Juno stood, waiting for a second before asking, “Excuse me, Mr Anity, could you please explain the reasoning behind the public displays of magic?”
“That’s a good question…” Georgo struggled a little before continuing. “I mean, it shouldn’t matter if I tell you.” He continued hesitantly. “Recently we’ve noticed activity from the other nations. I’m just weeding out potential spies. I mean, if they’re scared of our show of strength and being killed, they’ll leave.”
Vin and Bethany shifted in their seats almost comically. Averting their gaze from the front, they looked toward the outer row. I leaned over Oliver, who sat between Vin and me.
‘Vin,” I hissed sharply to get his attention. He turned slowly as I said, “You okay?” I glanced behind me, looking at Rachel, who had already done the same for Bethany.
“Huh?” he remarked sarcastically. “Of course, I’m fine. What’s the matter?”
Having gotten to know Vin better over the three planning sessions we had been given in class, I had verified his personality was indeed genuine. The laid back and casual Vin, who also somehow had connections to intelligence firms and underground cartels, was indeed who he claimed he was. Of course, he’d also allowed us to verify the previously untouched drug trade in the Arcanan Church of Nine Tails.
“Stop whispering!” Mr Rhimmage barked at the four of us. Noticing that Georgo had already stopped speaking, I respectfully sat back down in my seat.
“Sorry!” the four of us, Rachel, Bethany, Vin, and I, all apologised, bowing slightly.
“It’s okay,” Georgo said kindly. “I used to be like that when I was in school.” He chuckled as he spoke, remembering some fonder memories. “Next to speak was Noel, right?”
Noel stood and stared at the legendary mage. “Mr Anity, my name is Noel Grys. Have you heard about the Grys clan?”
“Noel,” hissed Shannon, his sister, “not here!” Her desperate expression told the rest of us this was relating to something beyond just school.
“I’m waiting for a response,” Noel said stubbornly. “Wish to comment, Seraph’s Mage?” he asked aggressively.
“The incident three years ago?” Georgo asked. “I need some context.”
“Yes. Tell me, Georgo, why did you abandon my father?”
“Calm down, Noel. I don’t want to talk about it in front of your classmates,” Georgo replied dismissively. “This isn’t common knowledge.”
“Then make it common knowledge,” Noel attacked sharply. “Enlighten us with your words, Seraph’s Mage.”
“Well, the eradication of the Grys clan wasn’t connected to me,” Georgo said. “I wanted to see your ancient magic flourish in the world, but a few officials saw a threat in your clan.” He paused, waiting for a go-ahead from Noel. “Well, I, of course, at the time had recently become one of the eight generals in Arcana. I objected heavily, using one of my three commands to stop the raid.” He inhaled. “I ended up having to do more than just use a command.”
“Command?” Noel asked suspiciously, straying from his original, more personal question.
“You get three as a high general. You’ll figure out more if you can actually become one of the generals. I expect you’ll try to climb to my point, see the injustices dealt with properly.”
“I will!” Noel declared.
Suddenly two loud claps echoed through the room. Mr Rhimmage rose to his feet, his hands pressed together after clapping.
“Well, Mr Anity, with your permission, I would like to show the students how a strong mage fights,” Mr Rhimmage said, bowing slightly. “Of course, only with your consent.”
“I’m sure I told you to call me Georgo, but other than that, I can’t see why not,” Georgo replied, quickly making his way to the door. “Lead the way.”
Mr Rhimmage, rising from his chair, waved for us to follow and began walking to the Battle Dome.
“Just for comparison’s sake,” he said, putting on his “teaching” voice, “we’re both tier-ten mages. I just don’t have a title.” He paused before clarifying further. “However, having a title doesn’t necessarily make you stronger.”
Entering the Battle Dome, we saw the centremost arena was already occupied by two rather familiar figures. Lily and Diana appeared in the same circular space; the ashy grey seven above Diana’s head had disappeared, replaced with a red five, with a similarly coloured arrow pointing up next to it. Lilia’s number had also adopted a dull shade of red; her previous rank of third had increased, taking on the shape of a two. The red arrow was presumably an indication of rank movement.
“Lily, you don’t know my limits anymore!” Diana declared maniacally. “I’ve seen my talents in the inky void!”
“Now you can use the devil’s magic?” Lily exclaimed incredulously. “I’ll dispel the illusions of the devil’s strength!” Stars rose from the floor, lifting her small frame off the ground. A net of stars formed constellations reminiscent of flowers in the Battle Dome’s sky.
“Andreas, what happened…” Georgo muttered, his shock and fear paralysing him in front of us. He stared at the miasma that Diana wielded carelessly, Georgo paused for several moments before he actively decided to at least report it. Retrieving his pen, he wrote in a small notebook marked “A” on the cover. “I thought even the Old God had decency.” His eyes widened when he began writing to what I could only assume to be my father.
Diana wasn’t possessed by the darkness she wielded. With little effort, she manipulated the inky smoke around the area.
“Shall I show you the marvel of darkness?” she muttered. Removing her overcoat, she placed it on the floor, where inky-black soldiers appeared from the ground like an army of the dead. Diana cackled as she said, “Devourer’s joy!” her voice peaking in pitch as she cast that spell.
“I’m not that weak!” Lily shouted defiantly, her stars forming a shield to protect her from Diana’s dark army. “Astral plain!” she declared, and the stars joined to create a floating web of light that speckled the darkness created by her opponent. Not knowing the word defeat, Lily rushed forward, using her astral magic as a support for her combat prowess. The only things visible were the final sparks of their battle; the victor could not be seen within the da
rkness.
The darkness, dispelled by an official judge, revealed the barely standing Lily, triumphant over Diana. Finally pronounced the victor, she fell to the arena’s cold floor. Georgo swiftly walked forward and hailed the judge, examining both students for possible corruption. Finally, I observed him writing more in the notebook. Knowing my father’s proficiency in the dream realm, it wouldn’t have surprised me if Georgo were asking for his assistance with a final check-up.
“Shall we begin?” Mr Rhimmage asked, sliding underneath the ropes that kept the fighters within the circular arena.
Chapter 21: My Father’s Warning
The teacher and the general faced each other, their figures vastly different from one another. One was tall and lean, and the other was short and skinny. The two respectfully bowed before either began moving. My thoughts regarding the two were rather simple: I yearned for them to begin. My impatience felt justified after the third minute of absolute silence and staring between the two. The other students shifted in their seats, not exactly sure as to when the fight would start.
Mr Rhimmage shifted his foot slightly, causing an absurd reaction from Georgo, who leapt backward, toward the other side of the arena. Mr Rhimmage grinned slightly, covering the disrespectful expression on his face with his hand. Georgo’s reaction was an understandably displeased frown. No one in the class, except for maybe Juno, had seen Georgo’s magic. However, I guess that was true for Mr Rhimmage, too.
“Space, do my bidding. My rule is absolute,” Georgo muttered ominously. Mr Rhimmage smiled as he watched an area beside him lose bits of the floor as space froze.
“Explorer’s mark,” Mr Rhimmage murmured, and a yellow seal appeared above Georgo’s head, its purpose unknown. Leaping forward, Mr Rhimmage ran toward the mark he had created and broke it. Georgo leapt backward surprised, at Mr Rhimmage’s overall agility.
“Roll the dice that decide your fate,” Mr Rhimmage declared, throwing Georgo a pair of dice that remained suspended in the air. “Do whatever you want; you can’t outrun fate.” He pointed to a magical chart that had materialised in the air, it was reminiscent of a chalk board. However, the words were almost impossible to read from our position.