by Eden Redd
The berserker turned onto his back and lifted a hand, beckoning her closer. “Come take the win from me!”
Fern fumed as she came down, her small mace held up. A body flashed and Professor Hark was between them. Fern stopped, her transparent wings fluttering.
“What do I always say? Keep the fury for your enemies, not each other,” Professor Hark growled.
The fire in Fern’s eyes died and she bowed her head. “Yes, Professor Hark.”
The professor nodded before he turned his attention to the doorway where several students stood. When he spotted Dax, the professor stared at him for a long moment.
“Take a break,” Professor Hark commanded.
The students were rising to their feet, even the one who stole Fern’s kill. He stood up with a jovial smile, but his eyes held a crazy edge. Long hair was tied back and he was topless, defined muscles covering his torso. Dax eyed him, something about him being very familiar.
Professor Hark stalked forward to the group. When he stood before Dax, his eyes held a mad gleam as if he was going to launch into an attack. Dax readied himself, knowing the professor accused him of cheating last year from taking down most of his class with his new technique. A nervous tremble ran up and down his spine, but he would not back down.
The professor let a small smirk slip and he bowed to the mage.
“Welcome to my tower, Dax Sage.”
The professor stood up and the mad gleam was gone from his eyes, replaced with a knowing kindness. “I apologize for how I behaved last year. It was unprofessional for me to accuse you of cheating when you truly were being innovative. I am a man of tradition and thought you were insulting my ways. For that, I have spoken at length with my fellow professors and come to the conclusion that I was at fault. You earned your victory and for that, I honor you.”
Dax blinked, unsure what to say.
Fern’s body flashed into her five-foot form and stepped over, her smile bright and speaking to her professor. “He thanks you.”
Professor Hark let out a loud, boisterous laugh and clamped his hand on Dax’s shoulder.
“Of course, he does,” the professor continued to laugh.
Dax gave a nervous smile as the professor’s fingers dug into his shoulder and pulled him deeper into the room. Everyone watched, some of the berserkers with snarky smiles as Hark dragged Dax to a small table with a stack of cards on them and a cup of steamy tea.
“I have to show you how your card magic has helped my students train,” Hark grinned as he let go of Dax and picked up a card from the table and held it up.
“Finding people to spar with my students has been a problem for the length of my career. I would have some of the mages provide sparring elementals, but sometimes, schedules didn’t allow it. My students need someone or something to test their abilities against regularly or their fury and rage would grow. I sometimes had them fight each other, but that meant many trips to the Healing Temple.”
Dax looked at the card and saw that it was an urth elemental card.
Hark nodded. “Elementals don’t feel physical pain. They make perfect training tools for our kind of champions. Professor Frost made me a stack of elemental cards so I can have my students train without anyone getting hurt. Myself and the academy owe you our gratitude.”
Dax bowed slightly. “I’m just glad I could help.”
Hark nodded with a smile. “I hope there are no hard feelings between us?”
The professor held out his arm.
Dax looked down and took it, clasping the larger man’s forearm.
“No hard feelings,” Dax smiled.
Hark nodded and pulled his arm back. “Alright! Training is finished for today. Rest up for we go twice as long tomorrow!”
Heads nodded before many berserkers relaxed. Some nodded to Dax and even a few smiles shined.
The berserker who stole Fern’s kill, walked over with a manic grin. “Fern doesn’t talk about you much, but I can see why she likes you. You seem easy to push around.”
Dax’s brow furled.
“Jonas!” Fern growled as she faced the berserker.
Jonas lifted his hands, palms out. “Come on Fern, I was only teasing. He’s with you so I’m sure he can take a joke.”
Fern’s arms trembled for a brief instant before her hand formed a fist. In a blink she drove her fist toward Jonas’s cheek when the berserker’s hand flashed forward and caught the fairy’s fist in his hand. Both of their arms trembled as eyes leaked molten rage.
“I’m getting stronger, just like you,” Jonas said with a sarcastic grin.
A card was aimed at the berserker’s chest, Dax’s eyes hard. “The only joke I see is the one right in front of me.”
Jonas eyed the card and then looked up into Dax’s determined expression. “You shouldn’t use your card magic on academy grounds.”
Dax’s eyes narrowed. “They said it can be used in the classroom. They didn’t say specific classrooms.”
The moment grew still like a frozen pond. A breath later, Jonas let go of Fern’s fist, stepped back and bowed.
“My apologies, Champion Dax,” Jonas said with dripping sarcasm.
Dax wanted to say the trigger word, blasting the berserker with an air bolt and sending him into a wall when a voice rose up like a horn blast.
“If everyone is finished, leave my classroom so I can enjoy my cup of tea in peace!” Professor Hark shouted, his voice causing the air to tremble.
The berserkers filed out of the chamber, walking past the small group. Jonas stood up, but a few of his classmates dragged him out. When they were gone, Dax’s group left together while Professor Hark sat in a chair and sipped on his steamy cup of tea.
Outside, the berserkers had disbursed, leaving Dax and his friends alone.
Symon scratched at his head, “That Jonas character is a bit of a jerk.”
Fern shook her head, “Don’t even get me started on him. First day in classes and he already declared he will be the best berserker the academy has ever seen in decades. Professor Hark doesn’t say anything. I think he likes to encourage healthy competition.”
The fairy turned and draped her arms on Dax’s shoulders, looking to him with adoring eyes. “You were so tough. I just want to drag you out of sight and show you how much it turned me on.”
Dax smiled. “How about we have lunch first?”
Fern’s eyes half closed. “There’s something I could feast on for a while.”
Vance closed his eyes like he was in physical pain. “Can we just have a normal day where you two aren’t all over each other?”
“Maybe,” Dax and Fern said in unison before they started laughing.
Symon curled his arm around Vance’s shoulders and turned him toward the Dining Hall. “Let’s get something to eat.”
The group moved as one, making their way toward the Dining Hall on the other side of the courtyard.
Vance seemed to collect himself before he spoke. “We should have a club meeting as soon as possible. We have to discuss a strategy if we want to join in the gem hunt. How about tomorrow, early afternoon?”
“Sounds good to me,” Symon smiled.
“Works for me,” Dax and Fern said in unison again and they laughed to themselves.
“I cannot be a part of the hunt,” Zarra said plainly.
All heads turned to the cleric.
Zarra continued, “The High Dean and professors thought my senses would give me an unfair advantage. I can be there for morale support, but I cannot participate.”
“They sure know how to suck the fun out of it,” Fern said with an annoyed tone.
“We will find a way to include you,” Vance said matter of fact. “Since we are in agreement, club meeting early in the afternoon tomorrow. Drinks will be supplied.”
“Aye!” the four friends shouted and Vance smiled.
Sunlight filled the courtyard as the group of friends made their way to the Dining Hall, hearts lifting in their chests. From a
deep shadow of a tall tower, two pairs of eyes shone, their bodies hidden from view. One figure licked their lips while the other was low, watching the small group of friends with observing eyes. When the group was far enough away, the pair hidden in shadows dripped laughter before they whispered schemes and giggled.
Five
Dax smiled as a small sack was placed in his hand. Professor Frost moved through the classroom, handing out small sacks of mana shards to the mages present. It was the standard ritual that began the academy year, preparing the students to increase their power so they could handle the new challenges ahead. The students stood, shoulder to shoulder in a wide circle, their professor moving methodically from one to the other.
Dax looked up, his eyes catching Nuria glancing away. A sense of loss pulled at Dax’s heart, wanting to step across the room and ask her how she’s been. The thought fell away as she made every effort not to acknowledge his existence.
Beside Nuria was ever faithful Clive. The large mage stood at her side, but his thick shoulders were a tad deflated. Shadows bled from under his eyes and he seemed a little sick. Clive glanced at Dax numerous times, but made no effort to speak to him. Instead, he simply hung his head forward like it took all his energy to stay standing.
Professor Frost gave the last sack to a student and turned around, speaking to the class.
“You have eight shards. Spend them as you wish, but understand this, if you spread them out between too many spheres, you will not be able to be as effective in challenges. It’s important to note, it’s encouraged in your time here to specialize in a particular sphere to give you an edge.”
Professor Frost began to pace, her arms behind her back and talking loud enough for everyone to hear.
“I won’t be gentle with what I have to say next. In two months, the 2nd year classes will undergo an exercise that will test everyone to see if they truly have what it takes to become a champion.
“As you may have noticed, our class is slightly smaller. Some students have not returned, saying they cannot endure the training any longer. We wish them well in their lives, but it is further proof, not everyone is meant to be a champion. Those of you here now, may still think you have what it takes until you are pushed beyond your limit. We here in Kinarth Academy want you to succeed, but we will not carry you. You must stand on your own feet and be a shining example of what being a champion really means.”
The professor stopped her pacing and simply looked each student in the eyes as she slowly turned and spoke.
“The challenge you will have to face has broken students for many decades. Unlike the Trials, this one will test every aspect of you. Much like the real world, there will be dangerous moments where no one will be able to save you, but yourself and those you trust at your side. Remember that and you may survive what is to come.”
Hooded heads nodded in unison.
Dax nodded as well, knowing that death had a real part to play in training here in the academy. A memory washed on the shores of his mind, seeing the sea monster that walked onto the beach, knocking Zarra away like she was a fly and nearly killing Nuria and Symon. The thought chilled him, but he learned from the lesson, they all had to become stronger or death would claim them with a smile.
Professor Frost continued, “Take a moment to spend your shards and then we will begin with standard spell casting.”
A student raised his hand. “Professor, will we be learning card magic this year?”
Many pairs of eyes turned in Dax’s direction. Nuria glanced over and looked down.
Professor Frost smirked. “We will in the near future, but don’t take any comfort in that. Traditional spell casting is still an important tool in your arsenal. Don’t become comfortable using cards as a crutch.”
Dax looked to the professor.
Is that some kind of insult toward me?
“Spend your shards and we will begin class,” Frost commanded before she walked to her desk.
Dax moved away, sitting down on a bench and opening his sack. He called up his stats and looked them over.
Name: Dax Sage
Class: Mage
Health: Normal
Mana: 1200
Mana Shards: 8
Spheres of Magic
Air: 2
Water: 2
Fire: 1
Urth: 1
Life: 2
Decay: 0
Light: 0
Dark: 0
Time: 2
Space: 0
Mind: 2
Body: 0
Dax eyed his stats. Despite the extra shards he received yesterday, he could see his magic was still a little too even and spread out. With eight shards, he could bring one of his 2nd degree spheres to 3rd degree. Thoughts flowed to the monster phantoms he created and a small smile bloomed.
For now, maybe stronger constructs will help.
Dax turned the sack over, eight small shards falling into his hand. Closing his hand, he allowed the power of the mana shards to sink into his spirit, binding to his soul. His eyes flared with power before it died, his mystical strength growing a little more.
Name: Dax Sage
Class: Mage
Health: Normal
Mana: 1300
Mana Shards: 0
Spheres of Magic
Air: 2
Water: 2
Fire: 1
Urth: 1
Life: 3
Decay: 0
Light: 0
Dark: 0
Time: 2
Space: 0
Mind: 2
Body: 0
A tingling sensation pulsed through the mage before he grew accustomed to it.
Professor Frost looked to the students as they finished and her lips curled into a wicked smirk.
“Let’s begin,” the professor said like a seductive threat.
***
The morning fell into place. Dax cast incantations at a terribly slow pace since Professor Frost didn’t allow him to use his cards. Instead of being laughed and ridiculed, the rest of the class gave small encouragement. Vance was at his side, talking Dax through spell casting and the importance of relaxing. Despite his frustration, Dax did find it easier to spell cast, but his time did not improve.
When class was over and dismissed, Professor Frost asked Dax to stay behind. The pair left the classroom, making their way to a lower floor and met with Professor Plume. The rest of the morning was spent going over the procedure and instructions for creating and using card magic.
Dax was eager to help, but after an hour, he looked to the window and wanted to be out before his afternoon class. A gurgle in his stomach was loud enough for both professors to look up to him. After that, Frost said they had done enough for the day and could come back to it tomorrow.
Dax was up, had bowed, and nearly darted out of the room. In the courtyard, fresh air filled his lungs as he made his way toward the Dining Hall. When hands rose up and waved to him from a grassy area, the mage grinned as he made his way over to his friends.
Fern, Symon, Vance and Zarra sat amid the short grass, packages of food around them. When Dax approached, Symon lifted up an extra package and handed it to the mage.
“We thought we would see you and brought extra. The day is much too nice to stay inside,” Symon smiled.
Dax thanked his friend, sat down and opened his package which contained rice, vegetables and slices of cooked fish.
“Did anyone else get talked to about what to expect in two months?” Vance asked.
Everyone nodded.
“Professor Hark told us most of us were going to die and we should be proud of that instead of quitting,” Fern said plainly.
“At least your professor acknowledges you,” Zarra said with a slight nod. “Professor Truelight doesn’t acknowledge me in class. I think he’s more concerned with the other clerics than me.”
Fern shook her head. “Want me to beat him up?”
“Please do,” Zarra said with a deadpan
expression.
The group laughed before they continued to eat.
“Has anyone found any gems or wands yet?” Symon asked with a mouth full of food.
Heads shook from side to side.
“We’ll talk about it more in the club meeting later. I have some ideas that may…” Vance was cut short when a shout echoed off the academy walls.
The moment fell into soft confusion, several students running along, some with wands in their hands. The murmur of conversations died as heads turned to see what was happening.
Dax looked up from the food in his lap, taking in what played out in slow motion.
A woman and a man pumped their legs, upper bodies forward and determination in their eyes. They wore light armor, Dax seeing that they were from the Lancer class. The two were striking, the woman with blonde hair tied back into a tight ponytail and the man with short brown hair. What really stood out was the red aura around the man as they sprinted through the middle of the courtyard.
Vance was up. “They have a gem!” he shouted.
The group of friends stood up, their full attention on the two lancers. Students rushing toward the pair aimed wands and bolts of white energy blasted out. The man and woman bent their legs and launched into the air, energy bolts shooting under them as they were now airborne.
Dax marveled as the pair were forty feet in the air before they began to fall. Wands aimed up and fired. While in the air, the man tossed the gem to the girl and turned his body sideways, forming a falling shield. Bolts struck him as the woman planted her boots on her falling comrade and launched higher.
Several more lancers raced out of nowhere, catching their falling classmate. Dax stared as the woman soared high above, white bolts filling the sky. She turned and twisted her body like an acrobat in the rain before she hit the cobblestone floor, lifted her head and launched into the air again.
“That’s Miranda Bright. She’s the best lancer in her class,” Vance said with awed astonishment.
Dax couldn’t look away as her lithe form moved like she belonged in the air. Gravity was merely a guideline to the lancer as she flew up, spun and came down again. Students tried to get shots off from their wands, but she twisted and turned her body at odd angles, dodging every bolt and launching herself into the air once again.
