Zectas Volume V: The Sequestered Seminary of Sawtorn

by John Nest

  The ring then glowed red, and several engraved runes appeared on the sides of the circular stage.

  Fiable vanished once more as suddenly as he materialized on the ring, and returned to his royal seat.

  "There you have it, folks! Mayor of Vona City, Duke Fiable," yelled out the announcer, and the audience cheered loudly.

  'Fiable looks strong, maybe as strong as Ultimo if not stronger,' surmised Smoke.

  The announcer's voice boomed once again. "The rules of the finals are the same as the preliminaries. Winning qualifies by out of the ring, surrender of a competitor, or death."

  Smoke was slightly taken aback that death was considered fair game in what was supposed to be a sporting tournament.

  "And now, for the moment we've all paid to see!" yelled out the announcer.

  A puff of smoke suddenly appeared on the western side of the arena. The jumbovision screen focused on the emerging silhouette.

  "The lady of the water, who flooded her competition in the preliminaries, the one, the only, Summoner Tsunamae!" yelled the announcer loudly, prolonging the name of the female Sonstwelter.

  A DarkElf came out from the smoke, and stepped onto the stage. Her purple skin and white hair matched Smoke's completely. Yet, her face looked exotic to Smoke. She donned an ocean-blue robe which stuck to her skin tightly, displaying her vivacious curves. Her upper body was slightly covered only by a short blue cape.

  The announcer's voice boomed. "Now, for a man who needs no introduction, our undefeated champion, the Prime Wizard of Vona, Ouragan."

  Smoke searched for a puff of smoke like Tsunamae's, but no such theatrics came. Instead, the jumbovision screen zoomed up in the sky.

  A figure came crashing down towards the arena. As he came closer to the ground, the individual became clearer, he was an old HighElf. He suddenly opened his cape, and landed softly in the opposite side of the ring from Tsunamae.

  If Smoke had not seen it himself, he would have thought that Ouragan's frail frame would fall down at any given time. The High Wizard wore a sky-blue robes, blue pointed hat, a black cape, and a small elder wand on his right hand.

  The two of them stared at each other. Then, the announcer's voice covered the arena. "Prime Wizard Ouragan, Tsunamae, when you hear the gong, let hell break lose!"

  GONG

  At once, Tsunamae summoned four humanoid-water-elementals, with the height of Ouragan, and surrounded the old HighElf.

  Ouragan took out his wand, and waved it in a circular motion. At once a large cyclone protected him and hit the humanoid-water-elementals.

  A cold chill overcame Smoke, as Ouragan's counter-spell reached the area of their seats.

  When Ouragan's attack stopped, the humanoid-water-elementals remained where they stood. The screen zoomed in on Tsunamae's face, and her smirk was seen clearly.

  "Water Spikes, now!" she yelled.

  Yet, her frozen humanoid-water-elementals did not respond.

  Tsunamae pointed her palms over to them, and the bodies of the frozen elementals glowed with a bright blue.

  However, her summons still did not move.

  On the other side of the ring, Ouragan calmly pointed his wand at her. Then, her frozen humanoid-water-elementals' hands became sharp blades, and turned to face her. Without any warning, they all charged towards their Summoner.

  Tsunamae did a quick incantation and canceled her summons. The swirling waters inside made cracks on the frozen summons, and they crumbled on top of the ring before making contact with her.

  Yet, Ouragan was already flying above her, and sent a powerful gust of wind aimed at her back. Tsunamae was sent tumbling across the ring. Her life bar displayed (210,000/250,000 HP), as she bounced on the floor. She almost fell out of the ring, but a gigantic water hand caught her. Her water giant, four-meters in height, placed her gently back on the ring.

  In the midst of her toppling, Tsunamae managed to summon a giant-water-elemental.

  'That's even bigger than the Gargantuan Goblins,' observed Smoke.

  Cold wind came rushing back around the arena once more, as a powerful cyclone enveloped Tsunamae's summon. Yet, this time, her summon remained unfrozen.

  Her water giant unleashed a rain of waterballs on Ouragan. The Prime Wizard promptly replied by creating a barrier of circulating wind in front of him. All of the water balls were repelled, and the ring below his barrier was flooded with water.

  Suddenly, several water-whips came out from the puddle of water, and intertwined around the Prime Wizard's body. The HighElf's life bar displayed (895,000/900,000 HP).

  Ouragan shook his head in disbelief, surprised by the sneak attack. With one flick of his wand, several swords made of air appeared around him. The air blades instantly severed the water-whips. After freeing Ouragan, the air blades went straight for Tsunamae.

  This time, it was Tsunamae's turn to create a water barrier. However, the air blades started spinning fast, creating small whirlpools in her barricade. After a few seconds, a wide gap appeared in the water barrier, and the other blades trying to breakthrough entered it.

  SHINK SHINK SHINK SHINK

  Several air blades pierced through her body. Her blood tainted the hard-to-see blades, making them clearer. They blades looked like crimson falchions, painted with Tsunamae's blood.

  Meanwhile, the giant-water-elemental's attack became more fierce as well, and finally broke through Ouragan's air barrier.

  However, the old HighElf welcomed the waterballs with open arms. A flood of waterballs struck Ouragan, but one waterball could only inflict 200 damage points on him.

  Whereas, several more air blades appeared around Tsunamae and continually skewered her.

  Both of their attacks kept on. It had become a contest to see who would endure the longest, but Tsunamae's life bar quickly went red, while Ouragan's was still in the green.

  The giant-water-elemental ceased its attack and it desperately ran towards its summoner. It covered Tsunamae from further air blade attacks, but it was too late. The DarkElf's life bar had already been completely depleted.

  Tsunamae's giant-water-elemental disappeared out of existence simultaneously as her body.

  "Woooooooooh!"

  "Hooooooohaaaaa!"

  "Ayiyiyiyiyiyi!"

  The audience of the stadium erupted into cheers.

  "Our winner, and still the undefeated representative of Vona City....Ouragan!" yelled out the stadium announcer.

  Smoke then heard Avilo cheer loudly. "Wooooohoooo! I told you he could do it, Mouche, I told you. Didn't I tell you?"

  "That you did, my Lord," cheerfully replied Mouche. "I do hope that he gets the title of honorary Magietrois this time, my Lord."

  Smoke's pointed DarkElf ears quickly picked up on what the old High Wizard said. "What was that about Ouragan becoming an honorary Magietrois?"

  "Oh, if you win the Magi Gagnant Tournament at least three times, you'll be given the title of honorary Magietrois," explained Mouche. "You know, since according to legend, it was one of the real Magietrois who created the tournament in the first place."

  "In fact, I heard that sometimes the Magietrois herself presents the award to the champion," added Mouche.

  "I see," excitedly answered Smoke.

  "Did you also know that it was said to be the Magietrois who made the Sawtorn Continent habitable?" said the old Steward

  "Really? I heard about a story of how powerful Mages were supposedly the ones who created those pomegranate forests," answered Smoke. "Were they actually the Magietrois?"

  Mouche could no longer entertain his questions as Avilo kept pulling his arm.

  "Excuse us, Faux, but we must go. Ouragan is a very busy man and I'd like to personally congratulate him before he leaves the arena," said Avilo. "It was nice to meet you," said the young aristocrat and pulled Mouche towards the exit.

  "I was wondering if I could join you," called out Smoke, but Mouche could only wave goodbye as Avilo was already sprinting towards the exit.


  * * * * * *

  Smoke left the arena with a pleased grin. Finally, he had a clue about the Magietrois.

  'I wonder how I can get to know more about the Magi Gagnant Tournament? I guess I'll be heading for the library next,' decided Smoke and asked around for its location.

  He punched himself in the head for not visiting the library sooner.

  'Even though it was great; meeting Esper, Colere, and the rest of the OrkElves, I still should have gotten more books to read,' he sternly lectured himself.

  In search of the library, he spotted a smiling Gnome. Smoke was not sure what it was, but the Gnome seem odd to him.

  "Good day," said Smoke to the Gnome as he walked over to him. "My name is Faux, I was hoping you can tell me where the library is?"

  While talking to the Gnome, Smoke realized why he looked different, he was the tallest Gnome he had ever met. He almost reached Smoke's shoulder.

  "Oh, you must be wondering why I am tall," he replied. "I am a Gnolf."

  "A Gnolf, huh?" replied Smoke, curiously nodding his head.

  Suddenly, an OrkElf came running by, and handed the Gnolf a bag of what sounded like zecs.

  "Same time next week, Jünger, and please tell mom to stop worrying about me," hurriedly explained the OrkElf and sprinted away.

  The OrkElf then joined a group of other OrkElves who were following a Sonstwelter Mage.

  "What was that about?" unconsciously asked Smoke out loud.

  "That was my older brother, Eigen," answered the Gnolf. "He just joined the service of some Sonstwelter named Zufällig."

  The Gnolf shrugged his shoulders. "He insists on working, even though my father is doing well on his business. In fact, my father told me that he just bought an item from a new arrival at the docks just yesterday, which he sold for almost 200,000 zecs," lengthily explained Jünger. "Although, technically, my father is his step-father, but still. It isn't like he is being neglected."

  "That sounds very interesting, but what about the library?" asked Smoke, refocusing the Gnolf on his question.

  "Oh, yeah. It's just past the market district. A tall red-bricked-building, can't miss it," replied the Gnolf.

  "Alright, thanks," said Smoke and headed for the market district.

  'Hm. It's getting dark,' observed Smoke as he saw the skyline turn auburn.

  'I should head over to the same appraisal shop and get another gem exchanged,' he thought to himself. He planned to buy more supplies and visit the other OrkElf Settlements marked by Esper and Colere.

  As he headed for the market district, he decided to check on his hidden partner.

  "Are you okay?" Smoke whispered to his chest, and peeked inside Igniz's secret chamber.

  Igniz sleepily nodded. His glow was a dull purple.

  'Guess he must have been sleeping,' surmised a smiling Smoke.

  On the way to the market district, he had to pass by the entertainment district. There, he spotted plenty of DarkElf Sonstwelters with at least two OrkElves contracted into their service.

  Walking near one of them, Smoke overheard a DarkElf's conversation to his OrkElves. "How much would it cost if I change your name to Sharur?"

  "Sharur? Why in the world would I want to change my name," indignantly asked the OrkElf. "Wachs is a great name. My adopted father gave it to me."

  Smoke was glad he had his earth-mask on, otherwise the Sonstwelter could have clearly seen him smirking.

  'I guess the story about other Sonstwelters wanting to be me was true after all,' he proudly thought to himself.

  Then, he spotted a young aristocrat boy, about nine years old, wandering the streets.

  "Excuse me, excuse me, can you show me where the arena is?" The young boy randomly asked passersby.

  His fearful, lost expression tore a hole in Smoke's heart. The other Zectian passersby did nothing to help him at all.

  "Hey, are you lost?" asked Smoke.

  "Thank you! Finally, someone has answered me," cried out the young aristocrat and hugged Smoke tightly.

  "I was separated from my steward when I was watching the finals," explained the teary eyed boy. "My name is Jack Dawkins."

  "Dawkins, huh? Want me to take you back to the arena or can you make it there by—" Smoke was suddenly interrupted when a large tiger Lioumerean bumped into him from behind.

  "Get out of the way! This isn't some coffee shop, where you sit and talk all day!" angrily screamed the Lioumerean.

  Smoke was angry as well, and was about to have a word with the Lioumerean. However, he saw Jack fearfully step to the side of the street after he quickly released his hug from Smoke.

  "I'm sorry about that, Sir, the kid was just scared," apologized Smoke.

  "I don't care about your sob story! Just don't do it in the middle of the road," yelled the Lioumerean, and walked away from Smoke and Jack.

  "Don't worry about it, Jack," said Smoke calmly. "That was just some jerk. So, do you want me to take you to the arena?"

  Jack forcibly shook his head. "Just tell me where the general direction of the arena is, and I'll take it from there."

  "Why, that's very brave of you, Jack," said Smoke proudly. "Alright, it's this way," he said, taking Jack to a street that would directly go to the arena. "Just walk straight, and you can't miss it."

  "Thanks, Mister," replied a smiling Jack and ran down the street.

  "What a brave kid," said Smoke out loud. "I wonder if Donny would cry if he got lost?"

  Smoke hurriedly quickened his pace as he headed for the Appraisal Shop.

  "Good day, Pousser," greeted Smoke after he entered the Gnome's shop.

  "Oh, Faux, was it?" excitedly welcomed the old Appraiser. "Have you come to change another gem? I'll buy it for the same price as yesterday, 110,000 zecs."

  "You're not trying to pull a fast one on me now, are you?" asked Smoke.

  "No? I don't know what you're talking about? Who have you been talking to?" guiltily asked the Gnome.

  "Yesterday was at 120,000 zecs," reminded Smoke calmly. "So, I'd like that same price."

  "Oh, sorry, sorry. That was an honest mistake," quickly added Pousser. "Alright, alright, 120,00 zecs it is. So, how many gems this time?"

  "I'm thinking maybe four," said Smoke as he searched for his bag of gems in his inventory window. "Hm. That's odd. I can't seem to find it. Excuse me, Pousser, I think I misplaced it somewhere."

  "Take your time, Faux," answered a smiling Gnome.

  Smoke used the search function of his inventory window.

  - Bag of Prosjak's Gems not found

  'No it can't be,' thought a worried Smoke. An irksome feeling of being violated suddenly overcame him. 'I've been robbed.'

  "I hope you haven't been mugged," stated Pousser. "The Thieves of Vona are well known to be very slick. They have so many modus operandi—"

  Smoke left the Gnome's shop, running.

  'It must have been that tiger Lioumerean bumping into me,' thought Smoke angrily while sprinting in between the busy crowd of the market district. 'When I see him, he is going to wish he really had nine lives!'

  He desperately searched everywhere. Sadly, his Cunning of the Dire Fox did not have the capability to pin-point a target's race.

  Then, amidst the crowd, he spotted a familiar figure. It was Jack Dawkins, the young aristocrat boy, who he helped find his way back to the Arena.

  'No! How could I have been so naive?' he irritably reprimanded himself.

  He carefully made his way to where Jack was, but before he could grab him. The boy sprinted to the opposite direction and dove into a passing crowd of Zectians.

  Smoke hurriedly gave chase, he would have wanted to use his numerous abilities to increase his speed, but worried about exposing himself.

  'Looks like I'll have to do this the hard way,' he sourly realized.

  He gritted his teeth and gave chase to the young boy on foot.

  Chapter Two:

  Forced Circumstances Forcibly Shape Us

  A
fter a winded chase through the entertainment district, Smoke finally caught up with the pretentious nine-year-old, dressed as an aristocrat, in a blind alley. Jack was much more nimbler than Smoke thought he would be.