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“She’ll be fine,” he said without much inclination to justify the actions. On top of that, questions about why the laboratory had been shut by a portal were asked. “Do I have to write a report of what I do with my property?” emphasis was put on the “my” part. To that, Auic could but back down and stop pestering the man. Not wanting to cause any trouble, “-I closed the lab for a good reason. I’ll be more focused on alchemy in the coming days. The details will be forwarded at a later date, just don’t make this any harder than it needs to be.” Dark-arts came in handy, sensing how the lady felt, helped. A problem handled before it blew out of proportion.

“Lizzie and Marie await thy presence in the library,” Deadeyes said whilst headed down the stairs.

“Quite formal,” Staxius added with a smile, “-nonetheless, have a pleasant evening,” they shook heads and parted ways. Their lecture continued where it left off, focused and composed, the girl couldn’t wait.

Meanwhile, preparations for the tournament began. Both arenas were cleared and renovated. The entire vicinity, with the dorms, was repainted. Trees, flowers, and the greenery around were handled with care by elite gardeners.

Director Josiah and Sophie remained true to their word. Training Eira became priority. Day after day, physical to magical, they worked hard. After many months, in the coming days, the list of who’d participate would be made public. Fourteen individuals would take part; since adventurers were allowed, many of the would-be mages – lost.

In the end, four participants from The Order in the capital. One from the Main central Claireville Academy, two from the Eastern branch, and two from the Western Branch. The latter being inside Arda. Four from Sepmora, School of Witchcraft, a girl only institution where witchery is taught. An art that differs from normal mages; as opposed to using one’s mana, they used a spirit’s mana. Acting as a conduit to channel the powers of the elements. No restriction to what spell could be used and not requiring mages to train their mana capacity. Founded a few decades ago; tis was pretty new. The Director of said establishment hated the prospect of using their education to fight. Nonetheless, going against Claireville Academy, a place renowned for mass making would-be killers. The only time their students were given combat training were a few years leading up to any major tournament that included Claireville. Alienated by the norm a few years back, witches were seen in a bad light. After countless quarreling with the King, a place was given to set up residence. Far to the East, inside Kreston. The Pope didn’t mind for the Director was bestowed with the title of Bishop. The ladies, pure and brought up to enter the service of their god – weren’t that normal. Witchcraft, once the magic of heathen, accepted by the Pope was now dated news, but it happened. Last but not least, a single adventurer managed to make it.

.....

Requirements set by this year was, *only people above 14 and below 20 are eligible to participate.* The sole necessity as far as the populous were concerned.

“Time to call it a day,” voiced a lady over the intercoms.

A thumb up, followed by heavy panting. The arena, normally clean and dry, turned to ice. Breathing grew heavy, icicles diagonally pierced into the barrier. In the middle, a single girl with her hair as white as snow, eyes as red as a ruby with what appeared to be a dragon in form of a mist above her head.

“Good,” an elderly voice complimented, each time they spoke, breath vapor would form what seemed to be clouds. A frail comparison to the reality that stood in the sky. Few steps away from the icicles, straps of metal and components. Pierced right in the center; a training dummy with S on the helmet. “That’s enough,” from complimentary to harsh, “-how many times do I have to repeat this. Don’t rely on that power,” he stared vividly into her half-frozen face. Eyelashes ending with snow, she stared back. Tiny as it might have been, the ruby-colored right eye seemed lessened; decolorized to one somewhat blueish. The iris already changed into one blueish-white. What remained was the outer layer of the cornea.

“Sorry,” it took a second to snap out of said state, “-I couldn’t resist it, came like a force of habit,” the tone semi-monotonous with gradual intonation at the start and end. “Anything to help in winning the fight?” she wiped her face with a towel, one thrown by Josiah.

“Winning is what counts, yes, that is true,” he shook his head, “-lose a fight and you’re dead,” a bottle of water was thrown, “-that doesn’t mean to sell thy soul to the devil for the chance at victory. I know not what power has been bestowed upon thee, I shudder to think what you’ll turn out to be,” at that moment, a flashback to the day everything began – the entrance exam of a boy who didn’t possess any special qualities. A boy who would have toppled over the academy if not for the plots by the royal family and everyone around. Next to her face, a semi-transparent apparition, one of Staxius; more than ever, they looked related. Red eyes and white hair, though for different reasons, Eira and her father sure were connected.

“Don’t be so harsh on her,” a female voice came forth, “-as strong as she might be, being perfect isn’t that big a deal,” she gave a wink.

“Thanks for all the help, Instructor Sophie,” she bowed, “-you too as well, Director,” she turned to Josiah and followed suit.

“You’re my apprentice; drop the Director title,” he sighed.

“I apologize, Master,” after which, the trainee headed into the showers.

“What’s the verdict?” Sophie asked as the girl faded into the distance.

“She’s strong, I’m confident in her abilities. That girl is like a sponge; outright absorbs everything I teach her without fail,” he could but smile.

“What about her Dark element?”

“It’s best to focus on her strongest element first. Ice, rare and powerful in terms of offensive power, not to mention that secondary presence I feel when she goes all out. She’s got everything to become the next prodigy.”

“Let’s just hope that the power you talk of doesn’t overwhelm her mind,” Sophie gave a gentle smile in turn. “Also, concerning the request by the Guild Master, any thoughts on the matter?”

“Are you referring to the exchange program?” he asked sarcastically.

“Yes, what else,” she stared, “-uncle, are you growing old?”

“How dare you,” he shouted, “-I’m still young,” the glance defiantly stared away. “It seems a bit out of character for our Academy to take part in such a program.”

“A breath of fresh air, I think the students will appreciate it. Joining a guild as a trial member for a period of a few months; to fight and experience what it’s like on the battlefield,” Sophie argued.

“I see the benefits,” he turned away, “-I doubt many will find that prospect enjoyable. Several of our students are nobles by birth; as opposed to adventurers. I don’t mind the idea – sadly, the upper echelon would get a little anxious if that were to pass.”

“There’s a simple solution,” Sophie added, “-why not make it optional. Make a list of the most suitable and prominent guilds, then see if the parents and students would like to take part in said program.”

“I guess I’m growing old,” he walked, “-a select few guilds with a few spots. Considering how it is at the moment, I doubt many will try to join. Even if a few do accept, it’ll be in their best interest. Mages need to evolve to be able to keep with the changing times. Becoming obsolete is the concern that should be addressed. Magical weapons, and more, I care not, we need new ways to fight.”

“That’s the spirit,” she followed behind, “-since they’ll be up against monsters; I doubt that it will weight on their mind.”

“Another point well made,” they entered the administrative building, “-time to speak with an old friend,” the door to his office shut.

“A few weeks more,” hidden behind steam, Eira rested her head against the wall. “I’ve trained so far,” her head turned to the showerhead, “-will I be good enough to go against them?” water fell and went down her long white hair, a gentle journey.

‘Why do you worry,’ a voice spoke from within, ‘-as long as I’m here, you’ll be fine, Lady White, I shall always be by thy side. Everyone else is but a mere insect on thy path to glory, everyone, without exception.’

“Yes,” the gaze felt emotionless, “-everyone shall be crushed beneath my foot,” ice formed right below, from hot, it turned cold, “-all will fall before me,” the mumbling grew louder.

“Eira,” a sharp voice called, “-are you done?”

“Yes, coming,” the hypnotic feeling broke, ‘-guess I took too long in the showers.’

Back home, the study session ended with a big yawn. Lizzie dozed in and out, Marie tried hard to stay awake. To that end, a bite mark could be seen on her thumb. As usual, despite the rain, Marie headed home in Void.

‘100 liters by the end of the week,’ he thought, ‘-3 gold per liter. Considering I sold Rare potions which is a quarter of a liter at 500 silvers; very profitable indeed.’ Stop shy of the mansion, he stared blankly at the surroundings. ‘Opening the Guild in Arda is complete. After Eira’s tournament, I wonder what I’ll do. This emptiness; is it what awaits for the coming centuries. How will the world look like then? Maybe it would have already been destroyed. Do I head back to Arda and live out till something big comes up,’ the thoughts kept on adding. ‘I can’t, I decided to raise Lizzie as my own. Even the Lymsey sisters, adventurers as they might be, they’re under my care. Still, Undrar is sure to protect them. I’ve got good companions,’ he stared at his hands, ‘-what is it that I wish for?’

“Why not go on a killing rampage?” said Adete with a serious tone, “-I’m craving for blood. Sitting idly by isn’t going to change much. Should I remind you of what title you possess, Blood King Staxius of Arda?”

“Even if I’m on guard, everything will be taken care of by the people I’ve called companions. Serene will sort out any issues, trivial, and major. Xula is independent and one of the strongest people in Arda. Here, we have Undrar, Achilles, and Auic. They’re like three mothers keeping the house safe and welcoming. Eira can stand on her own, Lizzie is getting there at her own pace. Where does that leave me?”

“At the top, obviously,” she sighed, “-didn’t thy wife give thee a purpose to live for? What happened to that.”

“Lead by example, I know, it’s embedded deep inside. There’s no clear path to strive for. Money, that’s covered. Connections, I’ve plenty. Power, not to be arrogant but I’m strong. What is there for me to conquer?”

“The Death Reapers curse,” she said in a monotonous tone.

“Are you saying that the vampiric power isn’t sufficient to qualm it’s growth?”

“Not necessarily; if everything is that boring – why not take a trip outside the capital. As you said, everything will be handled; why not leave to explore Arda or Totrya. Maybe go on a mission to slay every monster at Azure’s wall.”

“That’s not such a bad idea,” the face lit, “-exploring the deeper forest of Arda sounds challenging. A good opportunity to train my powers further,” a deep inhale, “-getting strong is the only thing I need to live for. Thanks for conversing with me, First Progenitor.”

“Stop calling me that,” she pouted, “-besides, I’m the only one you can fully trust. A manifestation of thy power with its conscience; how I wished I knew what my past was like.”

“Probably filled with blood,” he laughed, “-we’re setting off soon. A chance to go all out, using everything I’ve got inside – an opportunity to run myself ragged. Waiting around for a good fight is foolish, I understand that now.” On that night, with Adete’s fear of the egg breaking and Staxius’s emptiness, both came to one conclusion. Sitting around and waiting for things to be resolve won’t do much.

“We’ll leave in two or three days – need to brew God’s ale and Healing Potions for the Alchemist Sect. Lizzie’s lessons are nearing completion. After that, we’re free to go,” he turned, “-what do you say?” he held out an open palm.

“I’m ready,” she gave a high-five, “-partner.”