Rua Nun.
1st of Septara (7th month), 1491.
***
“Some weekend, huh Rua?”
I saw her face before I turned. Round and flat like a dinner plate, yet chiseled like a strong warrior and toned a deep brown like fertile soil. When she wanted to be, Roheisa Deapou was gentle and nice. She was thoughtful and kind. Almost too kind. When she wanted to be.
“I feel it was only a matter of time,” I said. Then took a moment to blink through the images of the nightmare we were forced through. Beings of light and shadow that rose no matter how many times they were felled. “But, I did not think it would be like that.”
“Eh, it wasn’t too bad.”
Almost as one, me and Roheisa turned to the vampire striding a few steps ahead.
“That’s cause the zombies didn’t fight you!” Teofila shouted from just behind us, leaving a sharp ringing to persist in my ear.
While a round of banter ensued between them, I peered beyond Opal to study Zohnos at the front. He was the first to fight the Elven Devil’s undead. Though few believed that claim, I did. His reaction to them made it too apparent. And the fact that he did not get his chance to redeem himself in battle was eating away at him.
“What do you think we’re here for?” Roheisa threw her chin to the doors ahead.
It was the same room we were gathered in six months ago. When we first arrived at the Bodhi Tree and were divided into parties. I was unsure of what to expect then, being teamed with a princess and a warrior from another realm, a being from beneath the sea, and a vampire from the Hells. But I have grown. I have learned to use my magic and empower my body. I have made some semblance of friends. But... I have made no progress on the most important front, and I was beginning to think I would not make any here.
“They are going to challenge us.”
My answer caused Teo to leap up to us at once and shove her way between us. She was far stronger than she was beautiful. And she was stunningly gorgeous. But her concept of such things was something me and the rest of my team could not seem to grasp. Rich and poor; noble and commoner; city-folk and outlanders; scholars and warriors; even men and women; it was not that she was confused about these things, she had no concept of them at all. Looks did not even matter to her, nor did personality. In her eyes- in the eyes of all Amazonians, there was only strength. Power.
As it was, Teofila Traversini felt herself average. Neither weak nor strong. Ugly nor beautiful. It was due to that- the Amazonian Culture and their strength, passed through their blood like the magic of sorcerers- that she obsessed over one individual in particular. And countless others did as well. For reasons that either eluded me or made no sense.
“We have already faced each other.” I later explained. “I think they will have us face creatures now. Maybe sentient creatures. Maybe even people.”
“Like gladiators.” Roheisa sighed in a curious way. Almost as if she were… disappointed. “Well.” She sighed again. “There’s only one way to find out.”
After catching up to Zohnos, we pushed through the door and found our seats in the vast auditorium. Or maybe it was simply large and only seemed vast due to the comparatively small size of our class. 55 humanoids in seats made for hundreds. Hubris in architectural form.
Looking out at the rows and rows of empty seats brought flashes of the monastery through my mind. The image I saw before I left remained seared into my memory even now. A fleet of boys and girls all shaved bald to make a field of shining spheres that spread to the horizon. Black and white and tan and green, and red and blue too. A sea of heads with only themselves to call home. A herd with no fence to keep them safe; a shepherd who screamed false teachings to the heavens.
“Welcome, students!” The Headmaster’s voice ripped the image from my mind. Replacing it with the inhumanly towering figure that ran the Bodhi Tree in its entirety. “And congratulations on making it through your first semester of study.” He paused to wave during a round of applause given by our teachers and the dense crowd of people I had not noticed until now. They were spread apart backstage in stands made of the same twisted vines and branches that connected to the writhing ceiling. Coiling and spasming like a beheaded snake until its life passed with a final shake; and from that passing tremor came a rain of paper that descended onto our laps. Pamphlets with the words Optimus Regni printed across the front.
‘Ah.’
“Due to your reservations at the end of the year, the mid-year ceremony is where you students will put what you’ve learned on display.” The Headmaster spread his arms in a declaration. “For the next five days, ten students will venture into the wilds to fight a creature specifically chosen to challenge you. On the sixth day, there will only be five matches. The seventh will consist of team battles between the three parties, and the eighth will be a free-for-all.
“It goes without saying, but this event will be held in lieu of your studies. Tomorrow, we will begin with the first ten members of Apple Party. Starting with Roheisa Deapou, and on until the last member of Apple Party, Team Two, Phelaia. Refer to your mailboxes on the day before your matches for further instructions. Those of you who are unscheduled may treat the time as a day off and spectate your peers' matches in your common rooms, the cafeteria, the gym, or the arena. But be on your best behavior.” He sickeningly smiled. “For eyes will be on you at all times.”
He allowed a long silence to befall the crowd. A moment for the inquires and curiosities boiling from the student’s mind to spill off into the air and be absorbed into his ego. “These pamphlets detail the top 50 guilds found across the explored realms of Nonus,” he said. “Their members are here in attendance to spectate your battles. From their observations, they will make assessments and, if you impress them, will contact you during your second year for a work-study. You will spend the majority of the following year in their care. Working under them so that you can gain an understanding of the inner workings of a guild before you graduate.
“So.” He clasped his hands with finality. “If you wish to be recruited into the Optimus Regni, here is your first opportunity!”
The Headmaster left the stage with a dramatic skip to the side. Giving way for the wall of seats to slide forth and recline back to make a set of bleachers in a semicircle around the central podium.
Through the round of applause, a figure rose from the stands to descend to the stage. Gently, as if he were standing on an invisible platform. He was tall, around a head shorter than the Headmaster. Covered in scale mail with gold trim that sat atop pale, almost glowing skin. With his hair and his eyes, he looked… familiar. But I could not place his name. Not until his voice spread through the air like a chorus sung from the heavens themselves.
“My name is Dende Morningstar. Stellar Commander of New Dawn, Radiant Emperor of Polaris.”
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
‘Of course.’
“I am here on behalf of the former and the following subguilds. Stellaris Garrison. Vergo Corps. Orion’s Army. Crux Draconis. Rouge Hydra. Canis Red.” He paused. “Our mission statement is and will always be as it was. That is: To spread a unified empire of peaceful humanoids across Nonus, united under the canopy of light. If you see that as a goal worth pursuing, well.” He inhaled sharply as his head lowered into a tiny bow. “You know where to find us.”
“Wow.” Roheisa shook her head. And admittedly, I laughed.
Thankfully, a round of both unneeded and much-needed applause muffled the sound. His arrogance made him undeserving of the noise generated from his peers while his departure seemed to be an object of celebration for many of the students. And then the cycle continued. Guild after guild master approached the stage to shout out the name of their guild, their mission statement, and sometimes list off what type of mystics they were hoping to recruit.
The Cowl- ranked in 9th place- wanted Artificers to craft tools and toxins for their Assassins Guild. Rex Magica and Agnes Arcanum, ranked 11th and 12th respectively, wanted genius Artificers to assist with their research. Number 14, Sinestro’s Quartet wanted Bards while number 25, The Toothy Maw, wanted beast hunters for their traveling restaurant. And on and on and on until we were dismissed to try and get some sleep before our trials.
“I didn’t expect the guilds to have such niche roles.”
We had just left the central hub and were on our way to our common area. Teo’s remark was one of many that came from the Maruleans, both in our party and out.
“Most cities and guilds get absorbed by Polaris as they expand evermore,” I explained. “Those that survive have monopolies on things Polaris does not. Or, they are too far away from the City of Light for them to care yet.”
“Yet?”
“A singular empire means everyone plays by Polaris’ rules,” Opal explained in my stead.
“Well, I don’t have an interest in any of them,” Roheisa said with a wave. “But, if I have to pick, I’d rather go somewhere I could do some good.”
“Oh.” Opal stopped in place to clap her cheeks with both hands. “I want to follow Amun,” she said. Swaying as if she were hugging herself.
“Why?” Roheisa sneered. Though she tried to hide it.
Opal stopped swaying immediately. “Vampiric reasons. Things mortals wouldn't understand,” she said. A single eye open and throwing daggers from its corner.
“I’m going to Gray Lagoon,” Zohnos said from just ahead. Though the angst in his voice was clear as well. “They are ranked 49th. A general force guild found in a sea to the far west.”
“General force?” Teo asked.
“They protect the locals in places Polaris does not care about. Usually outside of their territory, but not always.” I explained. “They do many jobs for the people. A general force. Some people call them Gennys.”
“Oh, well.” She paused to bury her eyes into her pamphlet. “I’ll go to grow… gr… Grow-Kaya or whatever. What about you?”
‘What about me?’ I wondered.
“Are you okay, Rua?”
I turned to her and realized we’d made it back to the dorms and had been standing around for more than a few moments. If not to await my reply then to show concern over my mental trip up.
“Yes.” I shook my head. “I just need to meditate. What was the question?”
“Is there any guild you’re interested in?”
Sighing, I stepped away from the door to sit before the window. “I do not know which one is best for me.”
“Well.” She sat by my side. “What do you want to do?”
“I only know what I do not want to do.”
“And what is that?”
“Nothing.”
“Ugh! Are you going to speak drivel or will you actually say something for once?” Teo huffed. And as always, Zohnos stomped up on his high horse. Only to be shut down at once. “And you be quiet!” The Amazonian snapped. “The words of the weak hold no merit!”
“What he means is.” Opal pushed between them with her absurd strength. “He doesn’t want to live a complacent- or perhaps a pacifistic life?”
Gods damned vampires.
“Yes.” I sighed. Though I had no reasons for hiding my past. They shared their stories with me after all. That did not mean I owed them mine, though. But the thought of me gaining some insight from them was not out of my mind. “I was raised in the north of Nonus. High in the mountains not far from Kodo Knight territory, in a monastic orphanage.” I looked at them in turn. “They trained to control our emotions before we sought to master our bodies. They trained us in martial arts- they taught us to kill. Yet, they told us it was for the sake of healing. They had us practice pacifism, yet we trained as if we were readying for war. They had us dedicate our lives to reaching the potential of mind, body, and spirit. Learn to kill and harm. But do not kill. Do no harm. We could not protect ourselves or anyone else with such a philosophy. We could only be healthy. Live in peace. Let nature run its course. And die after living a meek life.
“I disagreed with that. So I was banished and descended the mountain to stowaway on a train heading south. I was eleven at the time. The following years were spent living in nature, just outside of a small city. Now I am here.”
“To find a family?” Roheisa halfway whispered to me.
“A... guide.” I squinted at her. “That would be more appropriate to say. A guide. I wish to find a union of like-minded individuals with whom I can grow alongside. Whom I can master myself alongside”
“To reach your potential.” Opal finished.
“Yes.”
“Then join Amun’s guild.”
“Tch!”
“Don’t mind him.” Teo laughed at the closing door. “Zohnos is a sore loser. But Amun’s the real deal. Trust me, his magic covered the skies of Maru before. I saw it for myself.”
Roheisa recoiled at once. “Y- you saw that?”
“Yup!” Teo proudly nodded. “All the way in Phaegrath. It was the most beautiful thing I ever witnessed. Did you see it?”
“I asked him to do it.” She gasped in disbelief. “I wanted to see how strong he was. And…”
“Yeah.” I felt my hand brushing against my cheek. “I am aware. He is in a league of his own.”
“Then, will you join up with us?” Teo held out her hand.
“Us?” Roheisa turned, then suddenly turned back as if she shouldn’t have in the first place.
“My sisters.” Teo smiled. “It’s every Amazonian's dream to take back the motherland. When he breaks the barrier in Maru, we’ll finally be able to do it.”
“I’m joining too.” Opal stepped toward me. “Though, for my own reasons.”
“I assume you’re joining too?” I nodded to Roheisa.
“I mean, Amun’s family and mine have been close for centuries.” She turned away, sighing. “I’m more or less stuck with him.”
“I have considered it,” I admitted. “But I know nothing of his character. Only what people say.”
“I can introduce you,” Opal said.
“I can introduce myself.” I stood to turn away. “Now if you will excuse me, I need to meditate.”
“You can meditate with him too.” She took a step after me. “He’s trying to be a Monk, like you.”
“Thank you.”
With a bow to each of them. I walked and continued walking beyond the archway at the edge of our courtyard. I walked until I came to a seemingly random patch of stone beneath an open wound in the canopy, and sat.
‘Perhaps I should meet him.’
That was the final thought to pass through my mind before it cleared. Almost without my influence, a stream of mana detached from my Well to stream through my core, circulate through my body and loop through the paths bored through my spirit until my Well was spent.
Then I started again.
And again.
And again.
Until… I felt something. A presence. But when I opened my eyes, the only thing standing before me were two stone rods connected by a black chain.
“Nunchaku?”
I first noticed my voice trailing out into the night. Then my hand, gripped around the weapon before a whispering voice sprinted through my mind.
‘Have mercy!’
Without my action, my arms strained. My feet were dragged to straddle the base of the nunchaku and I felt myself pulling with all my might until the weapon finally broke from the ground with a… howl?
I fell onto my back and rolled, cupping an object that certainly was not stone until I clambered to my feet and looked down to see a Howler Parrot gasping to breathe in my arms.
“Ah!” I rolled to place it on the ground at once. Then watched it kick and flail its broken wings with pained howls. After a deep breath, I crossed the distance to kneel before it and once again cradle it in my hand. This time by the neck. “Forgive my hesitation.” I wrenched it as swiftly as I could. Ending the bird’s life with a final cry that outplayed the sharp crack that had caused it. And yet, another howl echoed against the dying cry of the first.
I turned in time to see a plume of feathers silhouetted against the darkness before I ducked, feeling a hot line drawn across my cheek. Then I started to swing. Another line. Another cut. Another swing. Having no other choice, I fought blindly until I felt a subtle shock ring through my hand and heard a howl ring through the night like before. I stopped, breathed, and searched for the clump of feathers spasming in the darkness to stand before it and take a final swing at its neck. After the final cry echoed like the first, I stood and cautiously turned. Watched for any clumps of feathers to be silhouetted against the darkness and saw none.
I looked down again. First to where the birds were slain, only to see two ambiguous patches of grass. Then I looked at my hands, where I saw them. A pair of stone rods connected by a black chain, the words ‘Mercy’ and ‘Reprisal’ etched onto their surfaces. And a voice that rang in my mind like a bell.
“At last, I have found you. Master.”