Awaken Online: Ember (Tarot #1)

by Bagwell, Travis

  Brutus cocked his head. “That’s a good takeaway. As I mentioned before, your opponents likely won’t let you stand still and cast to your heart’s content. But that wasn’t the primary purpose of the lesson. Anyone else?”

  The burly mage frowned as he saw the novices all look away. “Hmm, no takers? Then I guess we’ll get to call on some people.”

  Brutus’ eyes skimmed across the crowd before locking on Finn. “How about you?” the fire mage said, stabbing a finger at him. “What do you think the true goal of this lesson was?”

  Finn grimaced. He had actually given that some thought. Brutus had opened the class by talking about the need for physical training. But there were likely more productive ways to show the benefits of improving their bodies. He hadn’t needed to kill them all.

  Finn hesitated at that thought.

  “You wanted us to know what it feels like to die,” he said softly. The other students looked at Finn in shock, their attention bouncing back and forth between Finn and Brutus.

  A broad, knowing smile crept across the fire mage’s face. “Indeed. This is a valuable lesson. As travelers, you can’t die – not truly. As such that puts me in an interesting predicament. How do I properly motivate you?”

  He let the question linger in the air. “With the residents of this world, I don’t really need to answer that question. They want to survive. They understand pain, hardship, and injury. But I have found it much harder to convey this point with your kind. It’s the sort of thing you can only understand firsthand.”

  “Y-you killed us just so we could appreciate what it feels like?” another student sputtered, anger tinging her voice.

  “Yes, I did,” Brutus replied matter-of-factly. “And I bet you now understand the importance of your training. You’ll also likely make an effort to avoid dying in the future. Besides, if it’s any consolation, I was actually going easy on you. In a real fight, your opponent will be trying to kill you much faster.” The student just stared at him. Her brow was furrowed and her mouth opened and closed, but no words escaped her throat.

  Finn had to admit the man’s logic did make a certain amount of sense. He suspected he might have tried a little harder in high school PE if he had been chased by golems hurling molten glass.

  “There were other lessons to be learned here, however,” Brutus acknowledged, taking a sip from his lemonade and nodding at Vanessa. “Your physical training is indeed vital to your survival. You also saw what a mage can do in an environment tailored to their magic. You can use the terrain to your advantage. That would have gone quite a bit differently if the fight had taken place on a ship or in a forest, for example.”

  His smile widened as he noticed many of the students glaring at him. “Anyway, the death was the stick. The carrot is those oh-so-sweet skill and stat gains,” Brutus explained. “But I’m sure you all have diligently checked your notifications…”

  Almost as one, the class of students all stared off into space, idly swiping at the air. As Finn checked his own notifications, he was surprised by his progress.

  Stat Increases:

  +3 Strength

  +7 Dexterity

  +7 Endurance

  x1 Level Up!

  You have (70) undistributed stat points.

  x1 Spell Rank Up: Magma Armor

  Skill Level: Beginner Level 2

  Cost: 55 Mana

  Effect 1: Creates a damage shield capable of absorbing 120 damage (60 damage if water/ice).

  “As I’m certain you’ve noticed by now, this sort of training provides experience and allows you to rank your skills. The same applies to the duels,” Brutus added. “The regular competitions are an important way to both rank members of the guild as well as provide invaluable combat experience and training.”

  That shit-eating grin was back on his face as Brutus continued. “So, let’s recap. You need this training if you don’t want to die – which I understand isn’t exactly pleasant – and this is also one of the easiest ways for you to get stronger. Feeling motivated yet?”

  A few students still seemed upset, but the majority were now watching Brutus with an appraising expression. More than one novice was also openly assessing their peers with hunger in their eyes. Not that Finn blamed them. Brutus had basically just explained that they could grow stronger by killing their classmates.

  “Now there’s one last thing I’d like to address before we wrap up for the day,” Brutus barked. “Specifically, some of you learned a lesson that wasn’t exactly on my syllabus. I suppose we can turn this into a teachable moment.”

  Brutus leaned forward, setting his drink down, and his expression sobering. “More specifically, some of you learned the importance of working together – which, admittedly, is not a skill our guild tends to cultivate in its students – but it is a useful lesson for the world outside these walls.”

  Brutus’ eyes flashed a bright orange as he channeled his mana, his otherwise-friendly demeanor washing away entirely. “So, on that note, who came up with that clever little plan to drop me in a hole and try to destroy my golems?”

  Fuck, Finn thought. Fuck, fuck fuck.

  He had just gone and painted yet another target on his back. What was his damn problem? He watched as Brutus’ eyes danced across the four members of that conspiracy, lingering on him for a fraction of a second. Finn’s thoughts raced as he tried to think of a way to dig himself out of this hole.

  “I did,” Kyyle said loudly, his voice echoing across the field.

  Everyone whirled to look at the gangly youth, including Brutus and Finn.

  “Really?” Brutus replied slowly, skepticism practically dripping from his voice.

  “Yes,” Kyyle said more firmly. “I saw that you were casting multiple spells and how resilient your golems were. The obvious play was to distract you while hitting the golems hard enough that they couldn’t repair themselves.”

  Brutus glanced at the three other members of the conspiracy. “Is that right? Our skinny little mage over here came up with this master plan?”

  They all nodded numbly.

  “Hmph. Well, what’s your name, boy?” Brutus asked, turning his attention back to Kyyle and flames dancing in his eyes.

  “Kyyle,” he replied, barely managing to keep his voice even.

  “Well, congratulations then. I’ll have to keep an eye on you. Someone with your aptitude deserves some special attention.”

  Finn could actually hear Kyyle gulp at that comment.

  “Alright,” Brutus announced, leaning back and snatching at his lemonade – the weight of his attention abruptly disappearing. He waved a hand at them. “Anyway, class is dismissed! See you all tomorrow. Our next class is going to be a real killer, so get yourselves mentally prepared,” he added with a grin.

  Not a single chuckle escaped the group of students, nor did anyone make any move to leave, eyeing Brutus cautiously. However, when no flames erupted from the ground, they decided to beat a hasty retreat. Finn swore he heard Brutus grumble something about “novice mages” and “no sense of humor” as the students rushed to get away from him.

  Finn and Kyyle stood in silence for a moment, a sudden awkwardness hanging over them as they looked at each other and the flock of other students that were passing around them. Finn finally opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted.

  Zane approached and smacked the youth on the back. “Not a bad plan! I mean, we all died anyway, but it might have worked out under other circumstances. I guess I underestimated you.”

  Finn was surprised to see that Vanessa was walking with Zane, her expression more severe – as though she was mentally berating herself. “Yes… yes, it was a good plan,” she bit out reluctantly. “Although, it did ultimately fail.”

  I guess this is the second time our wannabe class valedictorian has gotten shown up, Finn thought dryly. She doesn’t seem to be taking it well.

  “Uh, thanks I guess,” Kyyle said, running a hand through his hair to cover his awkwardness.
>
  “Anyway, we’re going to get back to it,” Zane continued. “You guys take it easy.”

  With that, the two of them strode off.

  Kyyle looked at Finn, but he held up a hand. “Thanks. I certainly don’t need more attention right now.”

  The young man let out a sigh of relief. “I’m glad you’re okay with me taking credit. I saw the look of panic on your face and just sort of acted – wasn’t sure it was the right move.”

  He gave Kyyle a lopsided smile. “It’s more than fine. Besides, I wouldn’t have been able to pull it off without you.” Finn hesitated, remembering the question that had been bugging him in the deathscape. “Although, I was meaning to ask, how did Vanessa and Zane learn those new spells?”

  Kyyle immediately looked guilty again, kicking at the sand as he looked away. “Well, last class Lamia taught us all three basic spells…”

  Finn just stared at him, anger suddenly simmering in his veins as he realized that Lamia had cut him out from learning new spells. She must have known that Finn would miss out by graduating from her class early. “That cold-hearted—”

  “—beauty!” Kyyle interjected, looking pointedly at a group of passing students. “I know, she’s pretty hot, right.”

  In a lower-pitch voice, Kyyle continued. “I wouldn’t talk badly of the teachers in public. They seem to hold a grudge, if you know what I mean.”

  Finn did – firsthand. But he ground his teeth together as the pair started heading back to the main guild. Between the harsh reality check that Brutus’ “lesson” had given him and missing out on new spells, Finn needed to haul some serious ass if he was going to keep up with his classmates.

  ***

  Brutus took another sip of his lemonade as he watched that boy, Kyyle, walking away. He spoke to an older novice who walked with him. He had caught the man’s name in passing.

  Finn.

  There was something in that older man’s eyes that unsettled Brutus – although, he was reluctant to admit it. Maybe it was the way Finn seemed to analyze and measure everything around him. He hadn’t seen any fear shining in his eyes during the lesson even while the others panicked. Only a calm precision and even a flicker of excitement. That plan to distract him might have even worked had the group of novices been a bit more experienced.

  “What do you think?” a quiet voice asked. Abbad suddenly appeared beside Brutus’ makeshift glass throne, his body shimmering as he dropped the reflective shield of air that had kept him hidden from sight.

  “I don’t buy that kid’s bullshit story,” Brutus grumbled.

  “Loyalty is an admirable quality, as well as the ability to engender it in others,” Abbad replied in a neutral voice. “And what of the older student?”

  Brutus hesitated. “He has potential, but he hesitated to take credit for his plan. I wonder whether he has the spine to do what needs to be done.” Brutus spared a glance at Abbad. “You know as well as I do how grueling the duels can be.”

  Abbad gave a curt nod. Yet he stayed still, as though waiting for something.

  “I also noticed the mark on his hand – his sleeve slid back during the fight,” Brutus murmured, grinding his teeth together. That symbol was a bad omen.

  More silence.

  “Can you not train him yourself?” the fire mage asked when it was clear that Abbad didn’t plan to speak.

  “You know that my skills and temperament are better suited for… other activities,” the librarian replied.

  Brutus let out an incredulous snort. “I’ve seen you in a fight. You’re selling yourself short by a mile.”

  Abbad simply cocked his head but didn’t say anything.

  Brutus knew that the so-called librarian was just waiting for an answer. And he already knew the one he would give. A man’s debts needed to be repaid.

  Brutus finally let out a frustrated sigh. “Fine. I’ll train him. But after this, we’re even.” A brief pause as he chewed on his next words. “How… how is she?”

  “She is doing well,” Abbad said simply and began to walk back toward the guild building, taking the same route as Finn and Kyyle.

  Brutus was glad for the librarian’s quick movement; it spared him the need to control his expression. He choked back at the sudden lump that had settled at the base of his throat. “Why are you taking such a large gamble on this one?” he asked as Abbad walked away. “You know what the others will do if they find out you’re meddling.”

  The librarian hesitated, stopping in place. “Because I can imagine a different world,” he said softly. “One where we’re more than slaves.”

  Then Abbad disappeared as though a mirror had swept in front of his body, only hot sand visible where he had been standing a moment before. Brutus could just barely make out the faint ripple of light that marked the edge of the condensed pocket of air – a limitation of the librarian’s school of magic. Light and water mages could craft illusions that were far superior. Although, they lacked some of Abbad’s other talents.

  Brutus’ gaze returned to Finn. He hoped Abbad was right, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off here. The Crone’s Mark hadn’t appeared in more than a century, and it never came without a cost. He’d only seen that symbol in books, alongside entries and accounts that chilled even his blood.

  “Let’s hope you’re tough enough to handle what’s coming,” he murmured.

  Chapter 17 - Sneaky

  Finn sighed, letting his mana lapse as his fingers stilled. The balls of flame that hovered around him winked out of existence. He was getting better. He could maintain three orbs at the same time now, letting them revolve around him and alternating their rhythm at will and he no longer required Abbad’s shield to protect the room around him. On top of that, the hand gestures had become almost entirely instinct.

  His ability to actually cast spells… now that was another matter altogether.

  “Icarus,” Finn said aloud, bringing up the spell creation UI he had designed.

  Translucent guidelines soon hovered in his field of view. A new window opened, showing a list of his most recent failures. It was a rather long list.

  After Brutus’ sadistic training exercise, it had become clear that Finn’s primary problem was a lack of spells. He couldn’t depend on the abilities of other students to bail him out of a situation – at least, not during the upcoming duels. Finn needed to become more flexible, which meant he needed more weapons in his magical arsenal.

  However, he seemed to be missing something.

  No matter how many different variations he tried, he couldn’t replicate what he had done with Fire Nova. He wasn’t sure what was missing. However, after his time in the deathscape, it was clear that there were different tiers of spells. The golems that Brutus had summoned had involved a much more complex incantation. The trouble was that with just his two simple spells and the fragments of the spells that Brutus had cast, Finn was having difficulty finding the problem. His sample size was simply too small.

  “I need a real spellbook,” Finn murmured, skimming the list of failed spells.

  “Oh, really? Well, there are plenty of books in here. Have you tried checking the stacks?” a voice chirped from over Finn’s shoulder.

  Acting almost entirely on instinct, Finn fumbled to cast his Magma Armor, the hot liquid belatedly forming a barrier along his arm even as he whirled to face whoever had snuck up on him. The stranger wore dark-blue robes, the hood drawn over their face and long sleeves covering their tattoos.

  “Well, that’s a little dramatic,” the woman said, pushing back her hood to reveal Julia’s mocking grin. “Although that shield is pretty cool – or hot, I guess,” she amended, tapping at her lips thoughtfully.

  “You scared the shit out of me,” Finn hissed, letting his spell lapse.

  “You do seem jumpy,” Julia replied with a smile. “Maybe because a rather large man killed you and an entire class of students earlier?”

  Finn let out another frustrated sigh, leaning
against the table and rubbing at his face. “How do you know about that? Actually, how the hell did you even get in here?”

  Julia paced in front of him, rolling what appeared to be a novice token across her knuckles with a speed and precision that Finn found a little frightening.

  I hope she didn’t hurt anyone to steal that, he thought to himself.

  “I told you already, I have a knack for getting into places,” Julia said, waving a dismissive hand. “Especially if I haven’t been invited. I’m like… the opposite of a vampire.”

  “So, you’re a stalker?” Finn asked in a dry voice.

  Julia shrugged. “Ego much? It’s not all about you. I’m trying to find a chink in this place’s armor. Maybe a way to smuggle your dumb ass out of here.”

  “Might I suggest the same way you keep getting in?” Finn offered.

  She grimaced. “I’m not sure you would enjoy that.” Julia’s attention returned to Finn once more. “Besides, I don’t think you have the skill to pull it off. Not without a lot of training and a few more levels anyway.”

  “She’s correct,” a familiar voice said. Finn felt a dull weight settle in his stomach as he observed Abbad step out from behind the stacks. “You would not be able to take the same path as the thief.”

  Julia tensed but made no overt move to reach for a weapon. Instead, she painted a woeful expression on her face. “A thief? I am just a lowly street urchin. I stumbled in here… I-I think I may have gotten lost.”

  Abbad didn’t react to her theatrics. As he approached her, he rested a hand on her shoulder. “Save the sob story for someone more gullible, child.”

  What happened next was a bit difficult for Finn to follow, the movements practically a blur of motion.

  Julia flicked a dagger out of the sleeve of her robe while simultaneously flinging the same arm forward. Abbad didn’t move; he merely twitched the fingers of his left hand. The dagger stopped short as though it had hit an invisible wall.