by Michael Sisa
“For this class, I am tasked to pick the representative,” he stared directly at Dan’s direction. “Daniek Roshaila—you shall be the representative for this class.”
Dan suddenly found himself the center of attention as the entire class stared at him. Being picked out as representative meant that he was the most cable of all of them, something some of the students were unable to accept.
“He’s that student without any affinity for elements, right?” said one of them.
“Yeah,” said another. “He must have been picked because of his father. Damn it.”
Negi glared. “Shut up! If you have nothing better to say, then shut your mouths!”
Rouma saw the unrest within the students. He said, “If there is anyone of you that have objections to my decision, feel free to step forward. If you’re confident of defeating my chosen student, that is.”
Most of the students immediately shut their mouths after that. Despite having no affinity for the elements, they knew that they would not be able to defeat Dan as of now, especially after seeing the event that happened during the first day of their Martial Arts Class.
Rouma said to Dan, “I know you’re tired, but we were tasked by the Chairman to gather all participants before noon. It’s starting soon. Come with me.”—he snarled at the rest of the students, “As of the greenhorns! Class dismissed!”
***
Dan followed Rouma’s lead, and they eventually arrived inside a small building near the coliseum. It reminded Dan of a warehouse, but its interior was large enough to accommodate visitors. There were some cobwebs here and there, and broken boxes were scattered on the floor to their left, but the competitive atmosphere in the air made it go unnoticed.
Numerous students had already arrived when Dan and Professor Rouma entered. Some familiar faces were among them. Yvette beamed at him, while the famous gentleman called Cazareth stared at his direction. At the far left, Ryle Monfort and Denzel Jack idly stood.
“Kiekekeke!” a small, creepy laugh echoed. “It seems all of the students are here?”
No one knows where she came from, but a woman that would immediately be mistaken for a witch appeared before the group. Her long, frizzled hair ran until the waist. If she was not wearing it, her saggy clothes would have been mistaken for rags.
“Professor Janus, I am ready. Just give the order,” she said.
Professor Janus glanced at everyone in the room before he spoke, “First, I would like to apologize for the venue. We’re currently cutting costs, you see.”—there was some grunts of disapproval, especially from Ryle—“I know all of you are aware by now. You have all been selected as participants in this year’s annual tournament. It’s a great honor, a prestige.”
Ryle smirked, while Denzel took out a small sandwhich. Yvette and the fifth year student called Cazareth silently listened.
“We usually pick out the students with the greatest potential among the lot,” said Janus. “There’s also the chance of you becoming a contestant again next year.”—he coughed then nodded at the ‘witch.’
“Kiekekeke! My turn!” she said. Using her index finger, she gestured for the students to come closer, but no one did so. There was an air of creepiness in her that would make one distrust her and simply stare.
After seeing that the students were unwilling to come closer, she snorted, her pointed nose wriggling in response. Dan had no idea how she did it, but he had no intent to find out.
“Just for the sake of formalities, I am Nevera! Also known as the Puppet Master!” she declared. She pointed a finger at one of the students, particularly a second year, and she walked towards the Nevera.
There was something weird about that particular student’s gait. It was stiff, like a golem ordered by its master to walk forth. And the student’s next words confirmed Dan’s suspicions.
“H-Help! Professor Janus! My body’s moving on its own! Help!”
The female student was almost sobbing, as she felt helplessness embrace her entire body.
Janus sighed. “Nevera, please stop picking on the kids.”
And the female student immediately fell on the ground. Two other students immediately went to her side to help her, and they glared at the direction of the witch.
“My… my…,” she snorted. “I’m merely trying to make things interesting!”
“If you don’t stop, I’ll report this to Chairman Grasse,” said Janus, and the female witch immediately stopped smirking. She bowed her head in silent apology.
Professor Rouma added, “We’ve still got things to do after this. We’re not here to play, Puppet Master.”
Somehow, Nevera was docile against Janus, but she blatantly glared at Rouma. The difference in treatment was obvious despite both being professors.
“Shut up baldy! I know!” she said as she waived her hands in the air. She chanted incomprehensible words, and a magic circle manifested itself on the ground.
She said to the students. “All of you. Just step into the damn magic circle. Just five seconds should do, then get out! This damn thing ruined my morning!”
Janus sighed, and the witch immediately stiffened. Her voice turned docile, “T-Then! If you please! Step on the circle!”
One after another, through Professor Janus’ guidance, the students entered the magic circle. A small orb immediately formed above them the moment they did so, and it floated towards Nevera. The female witch would scrutinize the orb, almost licking it all over.
“This one’s good… this one’s no good,” she mumbled as the orbs floated to her one after another. When it was finally Dan’s turn, the witch turned completely silent, her eyes bulging as she stared at the orb she was holding.
For some reason, all of the professors present in the room stared at him after that.
“Hey, kid,” said Karazaan. Somehow, Dan was annoyed every time he hears the spirit’s voice. “What the hell are you doing? Are you stupid? That’s a damn Marionette Spell!”
Dan whispered, as to prevent others from hearing, “What? You’ve been silent all this time. What do you mean? And can you stop yelling in my head?”
“Ah! I forgot!” said Karazaan, but its voice did not diminish the slightest. Dan grimaced. “But, kid. As I’ve said before, that’s a damn Marionette Spell. It can be used to copy the abilities and strength of its target, though the effects would eventually fade away with time. Or worst, it could completely take control of the target’s body.”
Dan instinctively stiffened upon hearing this. He stared at the drooling witch that continued to ask the students to step inside the circle one after another.
“Luckily, it seems that witch is simply copying the abilities of those that stepped inside it. It’s impossible to replicate inherent talent, so the spell should vanish in two weeks at most,” said Karazaan. Sometimes, Dan was amazed by the knowledge of the annoying spirit. “If she was an enemy, all of you in this room would have been dead by now.”
There was a long sigh from Karazaan, and its presence vanished.
Nevera chuckled after the entire students had finished stepping inside the circle. She whispered something to Professor Janus.
Rouma said, “This is a necessary procedure for the upcoming tournament. I’m sure some of you still have classes they need to go to. Dismissed.”
One after another, students exited the decrepit room. Yvette walked to Dan, her lips broadly smiling.
“Hey!” she said with a playful punch on the shoulder. “You’re joining the tournament? Well, it’s no surprise. I doubt there’s anyone among the first years strong enough to be your match.”
It was a good thing that Yvette had full trust in him, but Dan was sure that she had yet to hear the rumors surrounding his nobility. Dan was well aware that most of the students in his class believe that he was picked because of his lineage, something he was not truly happy about.
“Like you’re one to speak,” smiled Dan.
Yvette suddenly remembered something. “Oh! Let me in
troduce to you!”—she turned around and gestured for a familiar student to approach them. When the two of them were finally next to each other, Yvette said, “Cazareth! Introduce yourself!”
Her voice was full of jubilance that the student called Cazareth had no choice but comply. He stared at her for a full second before he said to Dan, “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Cazareth Vont Kulaima. A friend of Yvette. Hope we can get along.”
Dan was a bit baffled after the introduction. He was well aware that the person in front of him would someday become the Emperor of this nation. He bowed his head. “Daniek Roshaila. The pleasure is mine, your majesty.”
Yvette chuckled. “No need to be stiff!”—she punched Cazareth in the chest, and the man flinch from impact. “See? Even if you punch this thing here—”
“—Yvette!” said Cazareth. There was no hint of anger in it, but Yvette stopped her jeers regardless.
Cazareth sighed in resignation. Yvette pouted then smiled.
“But she’s right,” said Cazareth. “No need to be stiff. And no need to call me Your Majesty. I mean, I’m just a mere student, right?”
Yvette’s face clearly stated, “I told you so!”
“I heard so many great things about you, sir,” said Dan. “A prodigy. The strongest student in the academy.”
“Haha! What?” said Cazareth. He frowned. “Such rumors are going around? I’m sure there’re students stronger than me here.”
“Really,” said Yvette, her voice monotonous. “Caz, no need to be so modest. You can actually hold your ground in fights with some of the professors here. Quite unfair, right? Dan?”
Dan did not know what to reply. A ticking sound was heard, and Yvette fumbled inside her pocket. She took out a small pocket watch.
“Oh, crap,” she mumbled. She nodded at Cazareth, then said to Dan, “We’ve still got class. I’m sorry, but we have to go.”
Dan smiled. “It’s fine, Lady Yvette.”
After the three said their farewells, Yvette and Cazareth went out the decrepit room and went to their class.
Inside Dan’s head, Karazaan spoke, “Don’t you want to try fighting that kid? The so called strongest student in the academy? You want to, right? Right? Right?”
Dan frowned. He was really becoming irritated to this routine. “Maybe I should search for a way to purge you out of my body,” he mumbled.
“Hey! Just be grateful that a King like me sticks around with you, kid!” said Karazaan. “Do you know how many magicians would exchange everything they have just to have a contract with me?”
“We don’t have a contract,” retorted Dan. He felt Karazaan pouting after that.
“Well, you’re right. But!” said Karazaan. “You wanna fight him, right? That kid. That handsome kid!”
Dan shook his head then sighed. “Just stop. It really hurts whenever you speak in my head. Besides, we’ll most likely fight with each other during the tournament.”
“Gahaha! Good! Good! I really hate perfectly handsome guys like that! Crush him! Crush him! Crush hi—”
“Shut up,” said Dan. After another sigh, he went back to his dormitory.
Chapter 28: Gathering of Royal Magicians
The mellifluous voice of a child filled the empty street in the inner district of the City of Ilian. The fierce rain moments ago had just stopped, and three figures were seen walking nonchalantly towards a clothing store that seemed detached from the fiery rain. Splashing sounds were heard as the child purposely stepped on the puddles, squeaking in delight in her every step.
“Muan, you’ll get your clothes dirty,” said Minerva as she grabbed the child by the waist, lifting her up towards her bosom.
Edward softly smiled as he stared at the innocent child. She was clueless, pure, untainted. He nodded once at Minerva then said, “We’re here. Let’s go.”
The door softly screeched as they entered the shop. An old, skinny man peered at them from his spectacles. The storm from before had just stopped. He had not expected for customers to be coming so soon.
From a curious gaze, his eyes turned into that of surprise when he saw Edward Roshaila. That man was the Empire’s strongest magician—what was he doing inside his humble abode?
“Five sets of clothes for this child,” said Edward.
“As you wish, Lord,” said the man. The shopkeeper immediately signaled his two assistants, their movements instantaneous and coordinated.
“Hello, young miss—we’ll be getting your measurements, ‘kay?” After the child nodded in recognition, they cast their magic. It was quick and fluid.
The old, skinny man bowed then said, “Three hours, Lord Magician. The clothes will be ready in three hours.” He took a peek at Edward. “Would you like for it to be delivered at the Roshaila Family’s estate?”
It took no more than a second before Edward waved his hand. “We’ll come and pick it up ourselves.” He tossed a pouch towards the man. “Inside is a sizable amount. Use them as you see fit. Make the best clothes you can for my daughter.”
“Of course!” The man and his two assistants again bowed.
He turned to Minerva. “We still have three hours then. I’m sure the two of you are hungry. There’s a good restaurant nearby.”
Her lips softly curled upward. She had not expected it, but Edward took good care of them after Dan went inside the academy. Slowly but continuously, Muan had come to know the man as her father, something that Minerva was grateful for.
She breathed in a small gulp of air before saying the words she had been meaning to say all this time. “Thank you.”
Two words, but they held great feelings behind it. Edward was momentarily taken aback by the genuineness of her words before he was able to muster a smile.
Just as they were about to exit the shop, Edward felt numerous presences approaching. He furrowed his brows. They did not feel hostile, but the air around them was not friendly either. He took a glance at Minerva and the child.
“Stay here. I’ll be out for a bit,” said Edward. He took out a small scroll from inside his pocket then handed it to Minerva. “If anything happens, open the scroll. If I’m not back after three hours, go back to the castle and wait for me there.”
After those words, Edward went out of the shop then disappeared in a flash of light.
***
“What do you want?” said Edward. They were a good distance away from the shop where he had left Minerva and her child. Using magic, he had confirmed that all of the unknown figures had followed him to his current location.
Fifteen hooded figures manifested themselves before him. To his surprise, they all knelt down the moment their eyes met each other. It partly soothed his worries, but he remained on guard regardless.
“Greetings—Oh, Royal Magician!” the hooded figure in front said with respect. “We come to you in accordance to the decree of the Emperor.”
A decree of the Emperor? Edward momentarily paused before he wordlessly gestured for the figure to continue speaking.
“He is summoning all of the Royal Magicians of the Empire. Also, he wishes to inform everyone that the seat vacated by Theolfo has been given to the Lord of a Thousand Blades.”
The news they had brought with them was something he had expected the least. Over a decade ago, that magician had refused the offer of becoming a Royal Magician. Why now, of all times? Why did that sadistic monster finally accept the offer?
“Then… the summon’s for that, huh?” said Edward, frowning. He felt the hesitation within the hooded men, but they did not answer his question regardless.
Two hooded figures approached Edward. The one in front said, “Please come, Lord Edward. It is mandatory for you to answer the call for the Royal Magicians.”
Edward’s eyes swiveled left to right. He knew that the hooded figures surrounding him were strong magicians, no matter how much they tried to suppress the mana inside their bodies from leaking out.
“And if I don’t?”
“That is no
t an option, Lord Magician.”
The envoy’s answer was swift, and Edward knew that he was implying that they would use force to make him come if necessary. He was confident that he would win against them despite the differences in number, but having the fight inside the city was something that needed pondering.
“If you need proof, here is the Royal Decree.”
Edward took the rolled parchment. Upon opening, the seal of the Royal Family was engraved at the top-most portion using magic. Indeed, the Emperor was summoning all of the Royal Magicians for a meeting.
“It’s been years since we’ve all been summoned together… Theolfo was still alive back then,” said Edward. He sighed then gripped the parchment tight. “I will need preparations. I have to go back to the estate first.”
“That is also not an option, Lord Edward,” said the hooded figure.
Edward furrowed his brows in annoyance. Within him, he knew that the hooded figures were keen on bringing him towards the Royal Palace, no matter the cost.
He was not afraid, for he knew that despite his aging body, there was still no one among the Empire’s magicians capable of fighting him in a one-on-one battle. The difference in strength was very much apart.
A long pause filled the air before he said in resignation, “Fine. Lead the way.”
As though on cue, a magic portal manifested itself before Edward. He smirked when he realized how thoroughly they have planned things out. He stepped inside the circle and disappeared from sight.
***
Upon the activation of the warp portal, Edward found himself at the grand hall of the Royal Palace. He noticed that six out of seven Royal Magicians were already inside—it seemed that he was the only one left.
His eyes scanned the surroundings. Royal Guards stood next to the walls, and numerous maids were on stand-by. On the throne sat the Emperor, eyes dull, almost lifeless. He momentarily frowned when his eyes locked with Edward’s.
More importantly, the figure on the Emperor’s left was a distasteful sight: Merlot, the Lord of a Thousand Blades. Edward could not help but feel displeasure from the mocking grin from the sadist magician.
