“I dismissed your fans so that I can speak without restraint. I don’t want to embarrass you in front of them, but if you continue to lie that way in the Academy, there will be disciplinary action, understood?”
Dominic nodded shamefully as Arimus turned to James.
“James, you will keep this a secret. But Dominic is, in fact, not a Sage.”
“HA!” James retorted. Dominic shoved his face away with an open palm. James almost managed to punch him, but Arimus caught his arm at the last second. Dominic barely noticed the retaliation.
“Why did you have to tell the new guy, Arimus?”
“And why do I have to keep this a secret?” James cried, backing away. “Don’t the students have the right to know?”
“The students look up to Dominic,” Arimus stated. “And believe it or not, he has inspired many of them to overcome obstacles that they previously struggled with. Nevertheless, the primary reason for my intrusion is because he will be the proctor of your second test, and I didn’t want you to get a head start.”
“Second test?”
“Which will begin immediately as a matter of fact. The sword in your right hand will suffice. We were supposed to wait until tomorrow, but considering the situation before us, we can begin. Prior preparation is unnecessary.”
“I never heard anything about having to give a test,” Dominic protested. “But if I am, then he fails—right now. Whatever it is I am proctoring, he’s not passing it.”
“That’s awfully mature of you,” Arimus stated.
“Thank you,” Dominic said, not smiling one bit.
“Regardless of your prejudices, however, the test will be given. I know what you are thinking. Why is James given special treatment? Well, let me tell you…he is not. This test, also known as the Sage preliminary test, is always the second to be given. It is just that students receive it by different proctors so there is little discussion on the matter. You were given this kind of test by someone else, were you not?”
Dominic nodded, his spirits rising again.
“Then James will receive the same. Though the tests are all handled differently, the desired outcome must be achieved in order to pass. This test will be no easier or harder than the one you took.”
“Fine,” Dominic muttered, partly satisfied with the explanation.
“I thought you said he wasn’t a Sage,” James retorted. Arimus nodded.
“He’s not. The Sage preliminary test examines a person’s ability to become a Sage, nothing more. If you do not pass this, you are still able to go on to the third exam, which will evaluate your eligibility to stay in this Academy, but it would be better for you personally if that doesn’t happen. Should you make it through the second exam, you will go immediately on to Sage training, accomplishing the goal you have set for yourself. But if you fail, you will have no hope whatsoever.”
“So Dominic passed?” James asked humbly.
“Dominic is the only recruit I have seen pass this test since I became a proctor. Everyone else has failed, and that is why we do not discuss it openly. It is too shameful to reveal that they will never reach their dreams…”
“So Dominic is taking Sage tests right now?”
“Yes, and he is doing adequately.”
“Who is his teacher?”
“That’s irrelevant right now. But should you pass the test, I will reveal it to you. This is not a light matter, I’m afraid. There are not many Sages at this Academy. So little, in fact, that most students are given the Sage preliminary tests by those who are not Sages themselves. It is an unfortunate circumstance but necessary. Even Dominic’s original proctor was killed in battle a few months back. Make no mistake, James. Even Sages have a long road to traverse.”
“Then why am I given this privilege? To face someone who’s passed the tests?”
“Circumstance. Believe me, you are not the only one. There are fifteen others that Dominic will proctor after you are done. Do not think you’re special.”
Why was everyone saying that?
“You never told me that!” Dominic exclaimed, pointing a finger in Arimus’s face. “I never agreed to become a teacher.”
“Yet you will if you desire to continue your training,” Arimus said firmly. Dominic sucked his teeth but otherwise remained silent.
“So…” James continued. “Does that mean Dominic is stronger than you?”
“Enough with the questions, James. The test will now begin.”
Dominic smirked and jumped back into an offensive stance, placing his right fist on top of his left shoulder, as if he had a blade concealed there.
“So what am I supposed to do, just hit him with this sword?” James mused, turning the blade over and over in his hand. “That hardly seems fair.”
“Trust me, I’m more than prepared for you, rookie.”
“Here is the exam,” Arimus announced. “All you have to do is cut Dominic. Even if it’s the slightest nick. If you manage this within three days, you are eligible to begin Sage training. If not, your dreams will sadly end here.”
“That shouldn’t be too hard considering he’s unarmed. He’s gotta tire out sooner or later. Then I’ll slice him up.”
“You’re so confident, James,” Dominic mused. “But I think that’s the fear talking. You can’t imagine not being a Sage. No one can. Especially once Arimus tells you the legend. And you’re no different. So we’re going to see if you’ve got what it takes. Despite what your eyes tell you, I’m a lot more armed than you are.”
“What are you talking about, gabby?” James mocked, his hand snapping open and close as if it were talking.
“Dominic,” Arimus bellowed. “Reveal your eidolon edge.”
“His what?” James began, but Dominic cut him off.
“—gladly,” Dominic said, and in an instant, a flash of blinding light erupted from Dominic’s body, filling the entire room, and knocking James unconscious.
Chapter 4 - Eidolon
“Did I kill him?” Dominic laughed as Arimus shook James’ shoulder. Arimus gave Dominic a disapproving look and shook James again.
“Man, that was embarrassing,” James muttered as he came to. Waving Arimus’s hand away, he climbed to his feet.
“You’re telling me,” Dominic said in disappointment. “I didn’t even do anything. If this is a preview of things to come, I have to say, you’re just wasting my time.”
“Whatever, you mouth,” James snapped in disgust as he picked up the fallen sword. “I get three days to make one incision. Keep talking like that, and I’ll be aiming for your tongue.”
“What a temper,” Arimus commented.
“What garbage,” Dominic chuckled. “Anyone can talk big. Problem is, if you don’t make the cut, you’ll be just another infantryman, stuck in depression over what could have been.”
“Shut up!” James screamed as he lunged toward Dominic. James’ mind was racing.
With him talking so much, he’s bound to be distracted. I don’t know what an eidolon is or how he was able to knock me out so easily, but I won’t let him unleash it again. The sooner I cut him, the more potential I’ll prove to have.
Dominic pivoted backward as the sword that was aimed for his stomach went to the side. Securely out of the sword’s way, Dominic clasped James’ wrist and bent it to the right. James cried out as he dropped the sword and swung a random left hook—which was blocked easily. James couldn’t believe his eyes when his body was picked up and flipped over Dominic’s shoulder, right onto his back. Dominic punched at an imaginary opponent in the air as he danced in front of James’ fallen body. James tried desperately to catch the wind that was knocked out of him.
“A flip!” Dominic guffawed. “No one ever falls for a flip. It’s so juvenile!”
“You have to have patience with James,” Arimus stated as he helped James to his feet. “He has had no prior training as you did. He comes from the village.”
“What?!” Dominic yelled in shock. “He’s a walk
-in? You mean he wasn’t invited to the Academy formally?”
“We are running at low capacity. We turn no one away.”
“Oh forget this. I only did that to play around. I was surprised myself when he actually fell for it, but now I see that he doesn’t have a lick of combat training. This trash doesn’t even deserve to see an eidolon.”
James clutched his sword in anger and determination as the upperclassman spat words of distaste at him. He had been arrogant before, but now it was as if James was less than a human being, as if he were an insect that had tried joining the Academy, and now he had the audacity to think about becoming a Sage. Dominic found it ridiculous and disgusting—blasphemy against everything the Academy stood for, and therefore, he was going to let James feel every ounce of his hate.
“I refuse to pull out my eidolon. I refuse, Arimus. I’m just going to fight him with my bare hands if that’s okay with you. He can keep the sword. I really don’t care.”
“If that’s how you want it to go. I myself admit that if James cannot cut you while you’re unarmed, then he definitely isn’t worthy of becoming a Sage.”
James winced. That definitely hurt. Coming from Arimus, the words pricked his heart like a poisoned arrow.
“I still have three days! Remember?!” James yelled at them as he tried once again to pierce Dominic’s unmovable resolve. Dominic continued talking to Arimus, pushing James aside and sending him clamoring awkwardly to the floor. Again and again James lunged at his foe, each time thrusting weaker and weaker as every bit of strength and energy he threw at his opponent was turned aside with a simple parry. Hours went by, yet he was no closer to passing than when he had started.
“Let’s call it a day,” Dominic yawned finally as he kicked a heaving James to the side. “He didn’t even get close.”
“It is getting late,” Arimus agreed as he put out his hand, motioning for James to give him the sword. James grit his teeth as he stared at the imprints of the hilt in his hand—his own steel grip being the cause as he had swung again and again at the upperclassman. It was pitiable. How could there be such a difference in their skill? How could Dominic have dodged his attacks for hours without breaking a sweat?
What made it worse was that he hadn’t even fought back. Sure, he would throw him to the side or flip him to the ground, but he never threw a punch. It was like James was a child all over again, trying to damage the impenetrable wall that was his father.
“You want to know something sad, James?” Dominic asked, snatching the blade out of James’ hand before he even saw him move. “If you can’t hit me, you’ll never—ever—ever—never—ever become a—”
“Don’t say it!” James screamed and began storming out of the hall. As he left he heard Dominic sneering behind him.
“Tell me, Arimus, what is the disciplinary action for one having a temper tantrum?”
Arimus didn’t smile as he stared at James’ back.
“You know, I wonder…could I beat you, Arimus? I mean, you’re not a Sage either. You don’t have an eidolon.”
Arimus turned slowly and glared at Dominic with calm yet warning eyes.
“I know how you are, Dominic. You won’t rest until you know for yourself.”
“I’m only curious.”
“I don’t play games.”
“It’s not a game, Arimus. I’m serious about this.”
“If Scarlet hears of this—”
“Master Scarlet won’t know a thing, I promise. She’s always telling me not to involve myself with other teachers so I wouldn’t dare tell her. The punishment would be very severe.”
“It is not a good idea.”
Dominic was standing only a foot away from Arimus, plenty of space to make a move.
So he did.
His thrust was precise and calculated, straight and quick, but all it pierced was the air as a single gray strand of Arimus’s hair hovered before his eyes. As he exhaled—his initiative now over—he began calculating a defense when he realized the blade he had held in his hand was now at his throat. Arimus stood unmoving behind him, a powerful arm reaching around Dominic and gripping the entire fist that was enclosed around the hilt.
“I trust you will not do that again. We are not in need of men…that badly.”
Dominic felt the grip lighten and he turned quickly to catch a glimpse of Arimus’s face, but, as expected, he was already gone, out of the very room itself.
“Arimus of the wind,” Dominic whispered. “You truly live up to your name.”
Dominic left the hall, amused yet humbled.
***
James was not in the mood to see Catherine as he power-walked down the east wing. But she was waiting for him by his room, leaning against the wall with legs crossed while deep in thought. He didn’t know what time it was, but he could tell that it was late by the lack of voices coming from the bedrooms. Catherine heard him grunt as he walked and she giggled at his approach. James waved a quick hi and stopped before her, but he wasn’t sure what to say. She waited for him to speak first as he tried to calm himself down, but he never was very good at that. Still, it was a good time to practice. It wouldn’t be right if he took his frustrations out on her.
James attempted a smile and took a breath, noticing that in the dim hallway light he couldn’t see the small patches of freckles that lightly decorated her cheeks.
“So how was your day?” she asked cautiously, tired of waiting for James to stop analyzing her and to actually speak.
“I didn’t pass if that’s what you’re asking,” James muttered as he folded his arms across his chest.
“At least you have two more days.”
“Yeah, but trust me, it would take a miracle for me to improve enough to pass that test.”
“Don’t give up yet. Just think about what you could do differently.”
“I guess so.”
“Wow, you really are bummed. You haven’t asked me one question yet. You’re usually so inquisitive.”
James sighed and didn’t respond.
“So, if you don’t mind me asking...” Catherine continued. “What was your second test? I know everyone has a different one.”
“I had to face Dominic.”
Catherine’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Wow. That must’ve been hard!”
“He’s not that tough,” James muttered, sneering at the awe in her voice.
“Oh no—no, I’m not saying he’s like the best or anything. Only it’s a little unusual to have to face a student for your test. Especially one that has an eidolon!”
“Okay, you have to tell me, what is an eidolon exactly?”
“You didn’t get a good look at Dominic’s?” she inquired, raising her eyebrows suspiciously.
“I uh…” James stammered. “I was actually knocked unconscious by some blinding light when he supposedly pulled it out.”
Catherine giggled in response and James scowled, nearly turning and storming into his dorm room. It took a lot of restraint to remain still.
“I can’t believe you fell unconscious…” Catherine said. “I mean, that is impressive.”
“Why?”
“An eidolon edge is a sword, but not just any sword. It’s actually a person’s very soul manifested into the form of a blade. The very word eidolon means ideal, so when a person’s eidolon is released, it reveals the inner desires of a person, transformed into blade form.”
“So you mean someone might pull out an eidolon that looks like a pink flamingo or something?” James said slyly, thinking of what ridiculous figure Dominic’s might take on.
“Not exactly. If you were to see someone’s eidolon, it may take some thought and interpretation to figure out what desires their eidolon represents. Unless you really know a person, odds are, you probably won’t figure out what the blade is revealing to you, but all of that is irrelevant. What’s impressive is what the eidolon can do. Each one possesses abilities that can take out waves upon waves of armies with little
effort. It is a Sage’s ultimate weapon.”
“But Arimus said that Dominic isn’t a Sage,” James stated, forgetting his promise to keep it a secret.
“You’re not supposed to be telling me that.”
“Oops,” James said, shrugging his shoulders. He didn’t really care who knew Dominic’s little secret.
“In any case, I already knew that. Arimus told me as well.”
James looked at her suspiciously. How much did she talk to Arimus anyway? James made a mental note to find out what their history was. Maybe he was her guardian or something. The way they looked, it would be hard to believe he was her father.
“Even though Dominic isn’t a full blown Sage, he’s well on his way to becoming one. The fact that he can manifest his eidolon is a testament to that. There is a lot more to a Sage than developing an eidolon, but one can’t even begin to live the life of a Sage without doing so.”
“Why? Why is having an eidolon so important?”
“It’s true that the eidolon is the weapon of a Sage, but don’t forget that it is also the soul. A Sage’s life is such that a person’s spirit must be developed to a certain maturity—a level at which eidolon wielding would come naturally. When a Sage transfers their being into an eidolon, they are able to abstractly and efficiently determine the next move of their opponent. When their soul is out in the open, the eidolon absorbs everything around it. The very air is taken in. For example, take a sword that it clashes with—the eidolon will instantly know the durability upon impact, and that knowledge is instantly absorbed so that the next time it comes across something similar, it can break it easily. It learns as we do, and the eidolon can only get stronger as one’s spirit does, reaching limitless heights over time.”
“This is a lot to take in…so, this eidolon is your soul, right? And it can absorb all this knowledge just by touching things?”
“It’s not as scary as it sounds. While it is your soul, it’s not like it turns you into a mindless drone once it’s out in the open. Now I’m not exactly sure how much of a percentage of your soul is taken and manifested into the sword, but I know there is still a link between you and it. I’ve heard that Sages can’t just let go of their eidolon either. If someone forced it out of your hand, it would just disappear and go back into your body. It’s not like you’d see it clank on the ground and shatter to pieces.”
The Works of Julius St. Clair - 2017 Edition (Includes 3 full novels and more) Page 8
