"Going to be honest, was expecting a little more drama with the entry." I comment while fiddling around with this strange device they had attached to me.

"I'm surprised Einervaene here is keeping her cool given how on display your hard, robust and defined body is." Vadei snickers at our friend who is trying her hardest to ignore the comments that were just made.

"I'm sorry, what?" Einervaene says in a failed attempt to make it seem like she had not heard her. But, the way she was blushing and looking over at me made it clear she had. Even then, I was putting on a show just for her because it was funny.

"So why are you naked?" Larishazza asks after she finishes idly skipping about this chamber we were waiting in.

"Could not tell you." I lied as I tried to hide the fact I forgot to write down anything as equipment. As such, the staff running this event sent me in with nothing but my bare carapace and the device. Or, maybe they were just cruel and this was an attempt to embarrass me. But, I really have been through worse appearance-wise.

As for everyone else, they were not dressed all that badly. Tacky, dangling elements were gone and it was all very professional. Everyone either had something new on that I had never seen before or they were holding new tools. It was just a shame I would not be able to really see how any of it works.

Einervaene had with her a staff for some reason. But, I think I could gather its purpose from how much runed copper it was made with. Yet, its spear-like tip did confuse me. When did Einervaene learn to use a spear...?

Vadei, on the other hand, was far simpler in what it might be. She was covered in bandoliers with various bombs of some kind attached to them. I was curious as to why they were see-through and seemingly full of water. But, again, I wasn't going to be seeing it in action.

Others, however, didn't look too different. Rose, who was with us for some reason, was dressed as she normally was. Quinshuu, as distant as ever, had his strange brace. And the fat one was finishing off his fourth lunch or something stupid.

Then, the clang of metal caught my attention, "Shouldn't we be focusing on something, you lot?" Liada asked with an irritated voice as her armoured hand pointed up. And, when my gaze followed the finger's directions, I was beholden to a vast map of the arena we were in. Or, rather, the maze we were to fight in.

It did not have many details on it, but, it labelled key areas. Places to fight, pathways to get there, and, of course, how you won this event. Admittedly, I hadn't paid much attention as I just wanted to practise my magic in a serious fight. But, we were charged with capturing an item at the middle of the maze.

I wanted to believe it would be a simple matter, what, with us being positioned south of it. But, stealing that airship and travelling wasn't a simple matter. Climbing this damn mountain wasn't a simple matter. And, everything else in between was definitely no simple matter.

"So what is the plan, anyway? There's too many of us here to make one that works." Larishazza's sister points out before she reminds everyone of the vast crowd around us. There must have been hundreds of applicants from our House here. And, likely, many times more from Traditional. But, I was not too sure about Exceptional House.

Clearly, from the way the crowd was acting, they were on everyone's mind. I could easily understand why everyone could. The strongest, most powerful witches in the school were all from there. At least, the ones who knew wind magic. And, if the rumour was true, Vapooliar was up in their start position too...

"You know, Nin... It's alright to say you're nervous..." Vadei suddenly mutters to me while she holds her tail. Everyone else was talking away without me, so, I turned to face her.

"I'm not nervous." I lie while watching her as she subtly trembles and shakes.

"Ok, but I am." she answers quickly before she looks around, her ears lowered. A gentle whimper leaves her mouth before she scoots closer.

"You can leave, you know? They did say there would be a delay to the start so you can get out if you don't want to." I remind her just so she is perfectly aware of it. I would rather not have to visit her injured, bed-ridden body because she felt pressured into staying.

"N-No, I'm fine here." she struggles to get out before she loudly sighs into the air.

"Well, if it is any help, good luck with whatever fights you get into." I tell her with a small smile after leaning in closer.

"Thank you..." she says back as her tail is slowly released.

"Vadei, do you think your nose would be of any help here?" Einervaene asks as she comes over and takes Vadei away from me. And, as she did so, I watched with a smile. What did I have to be nervous about, I had my friends here to help me out!

"Nin..." Rose suddenly whispers as she comes close to me.

"You need encouragement too?" I ask her as she looked nervous too. But, I was mostly trying to keep the tension lacking. Our recent, rocky history could easily give way to needless conflict. And, well, we'd be getting enough of that soon.

"When the bells ring, can you follow me? I think I can get us to the end." she whispers very quietly.

"Then tell Einervaene?" I point out, which causes said woman to turn towards us.

"N-No! The path would only work with us two." she clarifies, and I open my mouth in understanding before waving off my friend. I guess this path of hers must've been very cramped? Or, very exposed, so, less was better?

"Alright, go on." I tell her with a slight gesture of my nearest claw.

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"And so, students of Traditional House, as you can see by the map we have provided. This will be a long and arduous journey. But, if accomplished, a well-earned victory." someone told us from a podium after he had carefully explained all the details of this event. Our map had locations of traps, special rooms that offered aid and it told us which way the enemy would be coming.

All-in-all, we had all the tools we needed to set up a good defence against any attackers. And, with our gargantuan numbers in comparison to the other houses... We most certainly had the reserves to handle it. But, did they have as much information as us?

"Yes, Student Baltanthan?"

"So do they have all this as well?" I asked, just to get this glaring concern made worse or beaten down.

"No, only Traditional House has access to these resources in particular." he answered quickly before he accepted another question. And, it made me sigh in relief, because, we could work out a plan. So long as certain individuals did not try and show others up... A certain woman in mind...

But, that would come later, so, I just looked at the list of people from the other Houses. We had thousands of participants, but, no list of names. The other two Houses, however, did, and it seemed to be ranked by some arbitrary number. With someone called Vapooliar being Exceptional House's top ranker while some foreigner called Omb Ur-Nace was Oddity's.

As terrifying as Exceptional House would likely be to face, if our numbers were anything to go by. I was more concerned about Oddity House because of their variation. Everyone here knew wind magic, and so did Exceptional. But, Oddity pulled from five different lands with five different magic types.

We understood how wind magic worked, but, we did not know what Errakurd fire was like. Nor did we know what the polar caps were like with their dark or light magic. Some might be familiar with those who used lightning magic as they seemed to intermingle with us Traditionals. But, I think everyone was terrified of any from the Grand-Kingdom just because of their history.

It was called the Time of Liquid Mountains for a reason... And it wasn't because fire or lightning had melted our continent. But, I guess I could take heart in that not many water users were considered a major threat. In fact, there was quite a relaxing details to be noted.

Oddity House was varied in power as well, they weren't just unfamiliar Exceptionals. Some were little better than us of Traditional House. So, we could beat them even in small groups if it really came down to it! Not that I probably could do that much with my magic...

"Herd mentality it is." I tutted out quietly before I groaned into my right hand.

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"Huh, quite far away, aren't you, Roseli?" I asked one of two devices I had managed to get from someone in Mechanical House. They might have been the least involved with the bug, but, it had its haters there. So, it wasn't hard giving myself a little ticket to finding him. And, with Roseli's help, I could finally free her from the burden it placed on her.

"Someone's impatient to go." I heard someone comment before my eyes turned to our strongest fighter. I did not know much about her, no one did. And it wasn't like she was reclusive or quiet as she has been training quite a few here. But, this Vapooliar was quite a mystery.

Every record in the entrance exams was annihilated the moment she stepped on academy grounds. One or two of which were records I had put into stone myself. So while I was a little annoyed about that, I was more so impressed. She just came out of no where and has already earned a reputation as Suhurlodst Academy of Arcane Learning and Understanding's strongest student.

Even the prince from the Seven-Peaks Union was not considered as strong as her! And he had a natural, lush mane of bright emerald hair. Frankly, I could not see how we would lose with her on our team. But, it was also clear she was here on a mission that was separate from the event's actual goal.

Like me in that regard.

"So, should we sense out which way has Traditional House? We could wipe them out and then just win by beating everyone!" someone laughed out arrogantly. I wanted to roll my eyes, but, a band beat me to it. And their music began to play.

"Charge on forth, lone spearman before the destroyer. Charge on forth, lone spearman with courage alone. Pierce her throat and avenge your army. Break the army killer with but a single blow. Run her through, we beg of you, run her through, and we'll be in awe of you." their lead sang gently as her fingers delicately went along her flute.

"What in the name of all that is holy is that meant to mean?" the arrogant boy laughed out before he started to point and mock.

Then, I stood up, "It's a song sung in honour of an unknown soldier who slew a witch who had wiped out an army thousands upon thousands of years ago. With but a bronze spear did he kill her."

"Someone's learnt their song history." the singer complimented before she gave me a wink.

"They're just Trads!" he dismissively waved off, clearly embarrassed slightly by the famous song putting his confidence in doubt.

"And just because you can cast a powerful spell does not mean you can take one back." I tell him before I give him a light backhand that sent him to the ground.

"Was that necessary!?" he asked aggressively before something else took my attention away from him.

"She's on the move." someone said as everyone paused to watch as Vapooliar calmly marched into one of the hallways. A backdrop of ringing bells and banging drums marks the start of the Inter-House Talent Display.

"H-HEY! THERE ARE TRAPS DOWN THERE!" someone warned Vapooliar before a grand explosion filled the hallway. But, when the fire died down, we all saw her for the kind of monster she was. Because she was not fazed by it in the slightest.

"Well, you hear them?" I then shrug out to everyone else before I let tornadoes surround my feet. And, with a determined expression, I raced on ahead at blinding speeds. The safety of Roseli being all that was on my mind from now on.

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"I am disappointed so far." I comment nonchalantly, probably cursing us in the process. But, I was only speaking my mind here. Since the bells and whistles told us to go and have fun. There has been nothing fun happening.

We've walked and walked and have encountered no one. We've heard noises, but we have yet to see any of it for ourselves. In fact, Larishazza was treating this as just another walk. But, Omb seemed to be interested in something at the very least.

"Shouldn't we go the same way?" Tiyanat asked the jiggling giant as he walked away from us when we reached a crossroads.

"I am assuming you lot have been blessed, so I am off to seek a curse for myself." Omb laughed out as he carried on walking.

"Can I come with?" Larishazza asked him before a finger was waggled.

"No, my friend. Find your own glory." Omb told her with surprising seriousness before he suddenly disappeared.

"Did he just...?" Vadei began to say as we all froze up.

"Yes, he was swallowed by the building." Quinshuu pointed out for those who were not paying attention.

"Nin, this way." Rose whispered to me as she tried to move me by pulling my arm.

"Can you get us out of here?" Einervaene asked her before one wrong step made her vanish as well.

"I'm good here..." Vadei whimpered as everyone suddenly became alert. What had just happened to those two? I cannot see it as them suddenly being killed, it was far too quick for that. Alas, Rose suddenly triggering something answered that question quickly.

"So that's what it was." I said calmly after I got up once I had registered that I had fallen from the sky.

"Nin!?" Rose called out from a distance which confused me greatly.

"How are you over there!?" I asked her with a cupped jaw. I was on the ground, but she was all the way up on some kind of platform.

"Are you able to get up to me!?"

Then, I did a few practice jumps, "Yes, now, wait. And I mean it!"

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"Why did even staying still make it happen?" I asked myself before I brought my tail around to my front. I was now separated from everyone else and I didn't see a point in calling out for help. I could not smell anyone but I could smell someone else.

"H-Hello!? Is a-anyone there?" this someone nervously called out as their equipment jingled and their staff tapped the stone. But, as I had an advantage for now, I started to crawl away. Both hoping they did not find me and that they were actually a friend.

"HUH!?" I yelped all of a sudden when the dark room we were in suddenly lit up. A resounding snap-like noise filled the air as well as our screams.

"ODDITY!" the girl I was trying to hide from screamed before I sensed the build-up of magic. But, no spell would come.

"Had she only seen my shadow...?" I asked myself in confusion before I looked up at the lights. There was no way it could have been that because the light was above.

"SUDDEN WIND BLAST!" she screamed before a pale, green bolt of magic exploded near me.

"HEY! WATCH IT!" I demanded out of reflex more than anything.

"S-Sorry..." she meekly apologized before realising our situation. And, the grip on her staff changed so that she could aim better. But, I had long since vanished into a nook to escape her. Which, might have been a bad idea as my bombs were scraping the walls.

"Gods please, gods please, gods please!" I began to repeat when I heard her approaching from behind

"Wind Slicer!" she declared before a blade of wind sliced the tip of my tail just as I got out.

"I'LL KILL YOU FOR THAT!" I screamed back at her through the gap before horror went over my face. Pride aside, if I hadn't gotten out of that gap in time...

"Oh, I made her angry..." the girl whined as she began to stutter and hyperventilate.

"You did far more than that!" I call back to her as I try to find a means to climb up the stone I was hiding behind.

"T-Truce? I'm Aisriget, so now we aren't strangers and we c-can be friends..." she cried out nervously from the other side as she clutched her staff.

"I reject your friendship!" I call down to her before I throw one of my bombs at her in an attempt to knock her out. But, there was an advantage I had here.

She needed to say her spell to cast it...

"Ew! It's all slimy..." she whined after I had missed the easy shot, "Sudden Gale Blast!"

But, my quick flinch allowed it to miss, "You get right here and answer for my tail!" I bark before I hop down. Surging what magic I could into my claws before charging at her. Yet, what we found out terrified me.

"Oh, hehe, this isn't too bad." she says with a smile right before my face. She was strong enough to casually push me to the ground. Yet, a quick stab at her wrist made her drop her staff before I fell.

"Get off!" I growled up to her as she saddled up on my gut. My hands restrained in hers while she clearly tried to think of something to do.

"Just surrender, okay?" she begged of me, her words clearly referring to the time out rule this event had.

"No." I snapped before I spat at her face. Hoping another disgusting thing would get her off of me.

"AH!" she screamed before she started to gag. And, with the pressure eased, I ran out from under her. Sliding around before watching her cautiously.

"So it does work." I comment with a cocky smirk as she looked at me in despair. She had just lost the ability to speak and lost her spell casting ability! Now I was the only one who could cast spells! So, I returned magic to my claws and charged.

Slicing and jabbing at her with what little martial arts I had learned before being shoved aside. An unfortunate reminder of the fact that I was very much weaker. And, with my spell being made for such close range. I had practically screwed myself over.

"WHAT DID YOU JUST DO!?" she screamed hysterically at me before she became amazed by the flaw in my magic. That was the first time I was actually able to use the spell... No one was willing to test it prior with me. For obvious reasons admittedly...

"Someone help..." I squeaked before I dove behind cover.

"Sudden Gale Blast!" she said once again before a hard-hitting gust of wind shattered the stone. A shower of pebbles rained down just after. Some scraped past me while others tapped the ground.

"Gods, what am I going to do!?" I both let out in panic and prayer before I ran away. I was trying my best to block out her words. But the ground around me suddenly glowing green reminded me of her advantage. And one lucky shot sent me flying into a hard, rock edge.

I hissed in pain before then collapsing down a level. Was this really it? One fight and I was already done for? Against someone from Traditional House!?

No... Wait... I did have the means to go against her in a ranged fight! I just had to find somewhere to hide so I could change my bombs!

So, I quickly got up and dove down into the maze-like area below and hid. Carefully letting my nose and ears guide me before returning up top. I then quickly unscrewed as many bombs as I could and shoved debris into the water-saliva mixture.

"H-How are you back up there!?" my opponent let out in confusion before she let loose a light barrage. And, I ended up losing my bombs because I panicked.

"Dammit..." I growl while leaning out to watch as she pulled herself up. And, instead of seizing the moment. I stayed still, scared of what might happen if I ran at her. Yet, eventually, I would muster enough courage to try and flank her.

I would go far and wide before I sprinted towards her quietly. Leaping at her at the final moment and bringing her down to the ground. Then, I quickly rushed for my bombs before she brushed my tail. And instinct opened me up to a whack from her staff.

"DON'T TOUCH THE TAIL!" I roared at her as I found myself with a primed staff right in my face.

"S-Surrender, please!" she begged before I felt magic build-up at the end of the weapon.

"Didn't you hear me?" I asked before I began to spit at her with wild abandon, "Don't touch the tail!" I repeated before I shoved her onto an activated bomb.

"GET OFF!" she screamed before she suddenly vanished when the bomb exploded. I then fell to my side and shuddered in the next few moments.

"I... I really need to find the others." I admitted before clutching my injured tail. And, while I was happy to have just won that fight. Somehow. I was terrified of meeting anyone else.

Not everyone would have Aisriget's nervousness, reaction to spit or spell casting ineptitude. So, I was best off just hiding behind the others as they tried to win this thing. Besides, if I was this badly hurt just fighting a Traditional House student, what good would I be elsewhere!? But, even amidst the panic and terror...

I still found myself smiling at what I had just done. I had beaten a witch on my own without anyone else! I had done it! I had met the impossible goal of most oxfuinei!

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

"But, I would still like to find the others..." I told myself with a nervous smile before I noticed how her staff was still here. Maybe I could use it to some effect later in the event? If not, it was a weapon to smackheads with! But, I ended up dropping it when something entered my head.

I was not expecting it, but, I had an inkling as to what it might have been. I felt similar when I was stabbed by the airship thing a short while back. A sudden surge of knowledge had entered me at that moment. Knowledge of how to use spells pre-built into the staff...?

"So she couldn't actually cast spells?" I asked myself as I went through the knowledge that had just appeared. But, no, none of the spells this staff had was what she cast. This staff was basically a glorified poking stick, in actuality.

Yet, I kept it anyhow. Having additional mass to circulate magic through was a good thing. And I intended to at least learn something before my next fight. So, I might have to copy Aisriget's speech tactic.

Just think of a spell and give it a name, right? No, there's no way it could of been that easy... Magic wasn't just something you could learn with some words! Right?

I admit I was not really a witch, so I was probably wrong here... But, still, I was having some doubts as to if I could think of something to cast. I had never really considered such a means before. I normally just thought of my claws and words...

"I guess I can practise a little." I eventually say with a shrug before quickly making sure no one else was here. Thankfully, I was alone for the moment. So I found some unscathed stone and stood before it. I then tried really hard to think of some kind of magic attack.

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"Certainly are getting straight into it, this year." I comment before I write down some more notes. Having just seen where some of my students had failed where others had succeeded. It was a lot to take in, but, I have gotten used to it.

"Yes, as much as this is a way to gather information about magic and our students. It is also a source of entertainment for many." I am reminded before a gesture points to those who came here to relax. Students trying to kill each other fulfilled many stress-induced fantasies for some.

"So you had your students install those hidden magic redirectors so the fights could start quicker?"

My fell House Head then laughed, "No, they decided on it themselves. They like to show off what they did."

"Yes, I vaguely recall you mentioning it the last time this was all set up."

"I also recall you being disappointed last time."

"Not disappointed, just perplexed."

"Perplexed that Oddity House somehow did not win despite their clear advantages?"

"No, I was perplexed by how dull it all was. We have water magic, fire magic, lightning, light and dark magic! It should not have been that uneventful."

"Well, I hope your students will perform more gallantly this time around."

"I hope more so that they have an opportunity to perform at all." I comment as my eyes turn towards the roster for Exceptional House. They always had an impressive line-up of our greatest native students. But, this time was a little different with Student Vapooliar being present. She was tremendously powerful, after all.

In some ways, it was rather suspicious, her power that is. But, we as a collective whole have not been able to figure out why. Some have argued she is a failed Valkinvar. Yet, that made no sense, the Valkinvar did not have failures.

Only members or the corpses of those who tried to be one. It might be possible that she was inspired by them, but trained? Involved in any way possible? No, it just did not match up with how the famed Valkinvar acted.

"So, who do you think will win?" the Exceptional House Head asks us with a smirk as he walks on over with a glass of imported wine.

I roll my eyes before looking up at him, "Mine."

He scoffs before answering, "I'm sorry, what? Do you not see my lineup? Record holders, the lot of them."

"Exceptional House always holds the records." someone sat near me comments rightfully. Yet, the Boisterous House Head always kept his confidence and smile. Much to the chagrin of everyone else who ran a House.

"Well, I guess we best set aside room for our trophy, then." he laughs before he falls into his seat. Not spilling a drop of his wine because of a well-time magic cover.

"Not yet, it is an objective-based event, remember." Mechanical House's Head reminds him before he leans closer to the screens. Normally, it probably would not have mattered. But, he was a big guy, so maybe he could make use of it.

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"If it wasn't a dishonest place, I would be in my element here." I comment before rising up away from the exposed tree root. The path I had taken had opened up to a vast forest. A rather humid one that drove me to strip myself of any thick furs I had on. I did not like it, but, a hunt called for flexibility.

Then, all of a sudden, I heard a loud bang that sent birds fleeing into the air. It was clear that a fight was going on somewhere in this forest. Yet, I could not tell where as it seemed to echo about the trees. So, I dashed into cover just in case.

"Follow my trail, foolish ones, I will trap you." I warn anyone who might follow my footprints before I start to sprint. Leaves and branches whacked and slapped me as I ran through the forest. Marks of moss and dew painted my skin in the process. Then, at the end, I use the mud to slide along an open patch before huddling against a rock.

With calm breaths following the end of my actions. I relaxed and listened to the lying world around me. I could not trust it as I would normally. But, I would have to offer it my sincerest effort if I was to make it out the victor.

And, after a few more moments of waiting, I was able to figure out where a fight was happening. Yet, the sudden bangs and pops made me wary of further movement. These spells sounded familiar. In fact, I am pretty sure I had seen them in use before.

"Arfsgeer?" I ask the wind before a similar sound to what had come before came again. It was indeed him. He was an odd one because he spent his time hunting. A profession that did not seem all that popular here. Yet, even then, he stood out.

From what I have seen of him, he preferred to be as quiet as possible. Picking off what he could with some kind of magic weapon that focused air. So, if I was not careful, I would not even see his killing blow. He was not a particularly strong witch, after all.

But, he was a skilled one. As the forest was full of cries and confusion. Familiar flashes of light and damning fire filled the sky every now and then. So, Arfsgeer had certainly proven himself a capable hunter of men.

So, I had to face him as something other than a man. A perplexing requirement, admittedly, but, the land would provide me with my means. As such, I began to slip into the mud.

Slowly crawling my way through grass and reed while hearing the forest sing. Disturbed beasts guided me and the cries of the hunted warned me. I even managed to get a few kills in myself. But, to both gladness and despair, I knew I had killed no one.

This was a game of elimination, after all. There were no trophies to be had. Eventually, however, it got quiet. It was increasingly just two hunters in these woods.

"God of Game, guide my shot." I prayed before I slipped out from a tree I had long since moved to. And while my shot did not hit anyone, it did make the distant plants rustle. I had spooked someone, yet, another shot made that bush flash.

It seems I had not taken out the hunter, but merely hidden prey. And, as such, I had lost my right to be called a hunter. Because now I found myself hounded all the way into the darkness. And, before I could even realise it, I was seething in pain for my side was bloody.

"A fine shot indeed." I commented as I looked down with grim curiosity. Despite it just being air, it had punched through my side as if it were a perfect ball. Thankfully, a small ball. Like a sweet moulded treat from back home.

Unfortunately, I was forced into a desperate decision. Either I risked losing my chance to win by exposing myself for a risky shot. Or, I traced my way to him with help from my injury. It clean and true nature meant I could figure out his place in time.

Yet, I might not have had time because no good hunter stayed still. He made sure his prey could be found again. Or, he was unfindable himself. I, however, was willing to believe the last option.

"May the best hunter win." I bless my opponent with before I run out into a brief opening. Dropping down into a hidden river and sticking to its sides. If I was lucky, I was on the side he would approach from. If not, I had a way to stop him.

Yet, the sight of the clear sky made me nearly weep. It may have been a lie, but, it was a beautiful, open sky I was beholden to. The imitation of the holy home shone brightly and I was gifted a magnificent view. One that made me wish that Luhki was here for me to ride.

And, having seen this sky, I knew that I had to win. For the sky was calling for honour to be presented before it. Arfsgeer might've been skilled, but, he knew nothing of a hunter's honour. Admittedly, many did not.

I have even failed at times to honour the bright sky above many times. But, here I would not fail. I would best the one who had spilt my blood. I would see that this Hunter of Men vanished to where the others had.

And so, I took out my precious tool. One designed to help me focus my magic, but, one that also could be converted. From a means to focus to a means to attack. I was now in possession of a bow with brilliant strength at the rope.

But, now I needed a place to take the shot, and, I found it soon. Yet, I would not arrive quickly because I had to climb along the root-covered cliff-face. My injury put me at greater risk as well. However, I would not fall.

And when I reached my destination, I waited in the open light. Calling out to the hunter with a proud voice before a shot pierced me at the breast. Yet, its clean nature only drove me to sing louder. And, I drew my bow in the direction of the shot.

"One eye, for two." I said to my lense-tipped arrow before I honoured the Betrayed Sun with a star of my own. Brightly did it shine and loud did my opponent cry when he was blinded. And, like a sabre-toothed beast of the plains, I charged at the noise. One hand reached out while the other clenched my bow.

Eventually, I felt my focus lense and it came back to me. And I spun around to let loose the final shot. Narrowly avoiding a panicked shot from my opponent. However, my haste made it so that I missed too. As such, I heard a knife be drawn.

"Give me a moment, to recover my eyesight." I begged Arfsgeer before I collapsed down onto a rock.

His knife then went against my throat, "Why would I do that?" he asked, his curiosity getting the better of him in his moment of victory.

"You are a hunter, no? What good is there in hunting blind game?" I asked, appealing to a sense of honour that I hoped burned bright.

"You will lay down your arms and accept the final shot like a man?" he asked as the blade eased away from my neck.

"I will hold my head high..." I admitted with a nod before his knife was sheathed. I was then helped to my feet and left alone briefly.

"Your eyes will clear up as your sight returns?" he asks me as I hear his weapon firmly settle into his hands again.

"I will tell you the colour of the bird behind you when I can." I tell him before I blast him with a spell made from my returned vision. And, I smiled triumphantly while looking back at the spooked bird behind him. It was a red creature with a white face and a small, squarish beak. And, once again, I sought a tree for comfort.

Because using both my eyes like that would leave me blinded for longer than usual. Yet, I was happy either way, because, I had bested a fine opponent. And, as he had a weapon in hand, my honour remained intact. Thankfully, as well, trickery was just as much a hunter's tool as was his bow or mount.

And, eventually, with Arfsgeer gone, I heard life return to the forest. For battle was coming back to the land and it disturbed it greatly. So, once my vision came back, I picked up my bow again. For someone had to keep the forest at peace.

This was an element I was comfortable with, so, I had no problems lingering here. The skulls I would claim would suit me fine. No trophy made by machines would impress me. Tales to boast about, however?

It made me smirk as if I had gone mad.

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"Head of Oddity House, where are you going?" one of my colleagues asked when I got out of my chair and walked off. Surprisingly, however, they were persistent and followed me.

"To check on my students." I tell her before I key in a destination at the nearest portal. And, we both rematerialised in the area where my students were seated. Several of them were enjoying themselves while others seemed to be worried.

"Why are your eyes glued to the screens, then?"

"Because I have students fighting." I remind her as I take advantage of the fact these screens only showed my students. And, currently, a lot of those from the far north were getting uppity.

"If only he was mounted..." one let out in joyous awe before a few others laughed at the thought. I suppose they were referring to how one of their own had come to dominate one of the larger rooms. However, I grew curious as to if a student from Exceptional House would drive him out. But, the fact Student Nin had encountered no one also interested me.

I could only assume he was holding the luck of the draw if he was safe so far. He perhaps, out of everyone in the Inter-House Talent Display had the biggest target. Yet, maybe it was what he was that drove others away from him. His continued survival, after all, saw a sharp drop in harassment complaints.

But, he wasn't the only one that would draw a lot of attention to themselves. And, I was very much worried about the other one. Both Student Nin and Student Liadanann were unique, exciting opportunities. But, only one of them was a previously unrecorded species.

"What a perfect time to come by." I let out quietly as the magic screens pick up the increased interest in Student Liadanann.

"I envy you, you know." the lecturer who followed me commented as screens showing Student Liadanann dominated the space.

"Who wouldn't? I get any and all students who aren't human." I tell her with a smirk before my finger curls around my mouth. Chin soon resting in a claw-like grip.

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"Nin... Please find me..." I let out quietly before a terrified breath drowns out my whisper. Ever since we all got separated by whatever magic was in this place... All I have ever been was alone. The sounds of humans were everywhere.

I thought, maybe, having this armour would give me confidence. But, I was incapable of feeling safe at the moment. No matter how many times my magical shield protected me from the traps in this place. And, it did not help that so many of these places reminded me of that place...

This arena I had stepped in, it was a filthy, dark and dusty place with high vantage points around the rim. It was basically a carbon copy of that place where I learned only despair. And, I don't think Nin was going to suddenly come and save me. So, I was hiding and hoping I could avoid it all.

"Shh, do you hear that?" a human girl asked what I hoped was only one other.

"Scraping?" another asked. And, I froze up because this small space I was in was tight. I couldn't help but scrape my armour or claws along the stone and sand.

"This way!" a boy told the others before I heard them rush towards my position. And, in a state of panic, I let my magic activate so I could be protected by its divine power.

"Is she one of ours?" someone asked as some of them started to prod my defences.

"She?" the same boy asked with a scoff. But, I soon heard the sound of a slap and a shock-filled groan.

"Look around you, drownedbrain!" one of the girls scolded before the boy began to mock her with mutters.

"Alright, the rest of you back away, if this isn't someone from Traditional House, we're all going to get warped out." one cautioned before the ground began to tremble. And, soon, I was staring down a worm made of wind. Or, a tunnel made of it. It did not matter.

All I could do was attack the spell that had snuck under my magic and try to escape. Yet, my awkward position only brought me out into an exposed trap. And, I couldn't help but tremble in fear. All these humans had spells ready to be fired off at me.

"Hey, hold up, isn't that...?" one began to say as their hands moved down to their sides. And, just like that, all the magic began to disappear as what seemed to be cruel joy spread across their faces.

"By the gods... It is!" one said excitedly before they all looked at me as if I was a toy. They all wanted to have a turn with me and I did not want that to happen... I could not let it happen! These humans would stay away!

"H-HEY!" one shouted when I started to run away. Yet, I would soon plummet to the ground as some kind of magic rope had tripped me.

"It's alright, we just want to ask you some questions!" one asked me with a smile while I shook and trembled on my way back to my feet.

"HELP!" I cried, much to the confusion of the humans as one of them had just proven no help was nearby. Yet, I still couldn't help but try and call for help over and over. My magic was useless! They had spells that could get around it!

"Woah, hey, calm down!" one said gently as she laid down her weapon before she slowly approached.

"Uh, Sula, this is a fight, remember?" the boy asked the girl approaching me.

"Nothing is going to happ-" this Sula confidently brushed off before I struck them when they got too close.

"STAY AWAY!" I roared before I desperately tried to claw and slam my way out of the chamber. But, something was stopping me. Some kind of force was stopping me from getting a good grip on the walls. So I just could not climb out of here!

"AH! You little-" Sula began to screech before she brushed herself off and breathe deeply.

"Should we fight her?"

"Yes, should we?" the boy asked with the greatest aggression in his voice.

"N-No, it was stupid of me to get so close to her when she's clearly terrified." Sula commented before she started to stare at me with a ponderous gaze. How dare she... I was not some curiosity! I was a living being! Not some science project!

As such, I couldn't help but growl and take on a more aggressive posture. I did not know if my armour would let me hurt these people. But, it should at least give me enough power to survive whatever they had planned for me. It had to...

My Divine Lord gifted me a power to use, and this armour was to be used in conjunction with it. However, if I was not strong enough to use it, then I only brought shame to his name. I only made my people seem weak to the world... We were clinging on, but we were not weak!

"Again, fight?" the boy asked as I started to act with increasing rabidity. If they wanted to treat me as the Tobabllians had, then I would do the same. If this place wanted to remind me of that place, I would teach them of what it taught me.

"Come on... A weapon, give me a weapon!" I demanded of my god's power as I started to hyperventilate. I did not want to stain this work of art with such bad memories. Yet, it was the only way I knew how to fight. A blade on the tail and a bladed shield on each arm.

"Sula!" one of the girls nearly screamed before she fired off some magic at me as blades formed on my wrists.

"G-Good..." I stammered out as a cold sweat covered me. This talisman could create weapons even though it made shields before. But, maybe the talisman wasn't there to make shields. Rather, to create a defence.

And, sometimes, the best defence, was an unrelenting offence.

Either way, their curiosity turned to caution and a different kind of excitement. Even now, as I tried to land a blow on their faster bodies, I was still treated like a curiosity. Was I really that weak even with this power? What was I doing wrong?

"Protect Meya!" one of them said to the others. But, that statement gave me something to work with. Was this Meya offering them some kind of advantage that their numbers needed? If so, it did not take long for me to find them amongst the humans.

"Eh!? It's chasing me!" this Meya squealed in an almost mocking manner before I was able to corner them. Despite the barrage of magic heading my way, the armour was holding up. The advanced machines in that workshop were doing what they needed to do. I may have felt the blasts that hit but they did not hurt beyond the impact.

"GET IT AWAY FROM MEYA!" one screamed before I lunged at the vulnerable witch. Yet, rather than seeing blood appear when I hit them. All I saw was a blue flash and they just disappeared.

"MEYA!" they would all scream before an unrelenting barrage suddenly came upon me. I was forced to create another dome shield around myself and I started to cower again. There was no way I could take out this many!

"Ah..." I cried before falling to the ground. All this magic was irritating my old injuries and they seemed to hurt more than they should have. What was going to happen to me if this shield broke!? Were they going to treat me like the humans back then did!?

I couldn't help but wail for Nin, surely he would come and help, right!? Right!? I couldn't do this on my own otherwise... I needed someone to help me...

"Liadanann." the talisman then said with a clear voice despite all the explosions around me. I was also not baffled by how it made me calm. How it made me feel safe...

"Yes...?" I asked the voice that I felt like I knew.

"Roar." it ordered before the talisman started to glow brighter than it did before. Then, after a brief delay of thinking about what it meant, I did as asked. I took in a deep breath, and then I let it all out with as much confidence as I could muster.

The shield that was protecting me began to break yet I could not stop roaring. I kept on going until I felt confidence seemingly pump through my veins. My doubts were gone and my mind was focused. Their attacks had not relented, but, I was not scared right now.

So, I launched at the closest one with my bladed shield and I struck at them before swiping at another. Tail and claw did I attack with. And while my armour did crack and break under their barrage. It steadily got quieter.

"Woah... So that's what you are capable of..." Sula uttered as she slowly got up after my tail sliced along her gut.

"SULA!" the boy screamed before he tried to lance me through with a close-contact magic blast. Yet, thankfully, I was able to make a shield in its path. So he instead went flying when it backfired on him.

"No... Wait..." Sula panted out before I got the chance to leap at the fallen boy.

"Quiet!" I told her before I struck at her until she disappeared in a flash.

"You... Stupid creature..." the boy mocked as he spat out blood before he collapsed.

"A bold claim coming from a human who tried to battle against the power of a god." I told him before I leapt and landed on his back. And, just like that, it was over. The humans were gone and I was safe.

"Well done." the talisman said before a strange sound came from it. Almost like when Vadei interfered with me as I did things on the airship...? I was perplexed by how it ended, but, I was thankful either way.

"Look at me, Nin. I can defend myself now." I confidently mutter with a small smile before I collapsed to the ground in pain. A strange message then suddenly appeared before me. It was asking if I wanted to quit?

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"Worried for her?" I was asked as my hand rapidly pushed the same magic button over and over. And, she was right and I had no shame in admitting it.

"One of our rarest, and the most irreplaceable student within this place is at risk of dying. I will not have it on my conscious should it happen!" I sternly tell her as I continue to insist on a course of action for Student Liadanann to take. Yet, despite my efforts, she declined. My hand then returned to my side with an unnerved shiver.

"You couldn't stop her from taking part."

"Of course not, there was no rule she had violated up to this point. She has earned no exclusion from this grand occasion." I point out with uncharacteristic hysteria before I nervously put my hand on my mouth.

She then laughed, "You know, Head of Oddity House Frihdeicalkbr, it's rather adorable that your desire for knowledge makes you so caring."

And her giggles annoyed me, "Caring? Please, I'm ensuring as well as I can that our future staff and students can make the most of this storied place." I scoff.

She giggles some more, "Whatever you say."

"Do go away, you are annoying me now." I lightly snarl, much to her amusement.

"I'm not from your House, so no." she childishly said back to me before her tongue came out too.

"Accept it already, dammit." I groan to the screens after deciding to ignore her. Yet, Student Lidanann kept on declining. And, instead, I was left watching her injured body slowly make its way to another arena. So, I was left paranoid that a member of Exceptional House might find her.

Yet, there was as much of a chance as a friendly student finding her...

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"So is this secret path of yours really this way? We did sort of get moved away from the original path." I asked Rose as my patience for all this walking reached its end.

"J-Just, trust me, please. I know where we need to go..." Rose snapped in a peculiar manner before she pulled out that thing of hers again. It flashed gently quite a lot and whatever it was displaying moved quite a bit.

"So what is that thing, anyway?" I asked mostly out of boredom as this path was rather quiet. Like, there were moments we walked over in-progress fights. Yet, this path itself was very uneventful. I mean, I could have hopped down at points, but, Rose said she had a plan.

"It's something I was able to get." she answered unhelpfully before she jumped in fright when I walked near her. It was clear she was hiding something, but, I did not know what to call her out on. Yet, I also just wanted to see what it was that she was leading me into. It could be useful to me, after all.

But, it wasn't like I was apathetic to the issue of her clearly lying to me. It did concern me as her encouraging me to do something, only to reveal her aid to the offender was not new. It was what made us grow distant, after all. And it was only since I got back that she has started speaking to me again.

Yet, I was sure she did watch me on occasion even before I left for...

"Rose...?" I asked in concern when she suddenly dropped to the floor when we passed into this peculiar room. It was rimmed by grooved pillars and it was as if it was built on a mountain. Clouds could be seen through the pillars and the dark stone floor below made us stand out. Because, for some reason, these clouds were like mirrors.

"I'm fine... Just a little tired..." she panted out before she groaned in pain.

"Okay, we're getting you out of this place." I say with uncertainty before I pick her up and place her down outside the room. And, when we got out of it, she and I both felt better. Because for the moment we were in there, I felt weaker. Oddly enough, it felt like I had a blocked nose that applied to my magic.

"Th-Thank you..." she breathed out slowly before I felt magic in the distance. Her device as well began to get a lot more active. So, whatever she had led me into was just about to start.

"I have no idea what to do." I try to joke while I nervously shift my position about. I had no idea what was coming, so, I did not know what to do. Yet, I could guess that whatever was lighting up the distant hallway was not friendly.

"GET AWAY FROM HER!" a voice roared as this distant magic suddenly rocketed forward even quicker than before. And, soon, very soon, I was watching a magic-covered foot come slamming into my face.

"GAH!" I let out in pain before I went flying back into the strange room. And, as I got up, I began to realise just how hard I had been hit. There was a strange taste in my mouth and there was a painful wetness dripping down my face. I also couldn't help but seethe as sharp stings kept rippling around my skull.

"I'm-I-"

"Don't apologize to it, Roseli, it's alright, I'm here now." this individual told her with heroic confidence that left me pissed. I may have been more focused on the blow I had just received, but, I remembered that magic.

"You..." I growled once my vision cleared up and I saw his face again. That blonde prick was back again to humiliate me once more!? Well, I sure hoped he didn't have a brain, because I have grown since then!

"Back off." he casually warned before he struck me away again after I tried to charge him.

"W-Wait!" Rose interrupted before she got between him and me. And, even now, I was confused as to what Rose was doing. I could get that she was in league with this guy, but, why was she interfering...? If she led me to him so he could beat me down again, why was she doing this...?

"What is the meaning of this, Rose!?" I asked her angrily, barely holding back a roar. Yet, either way, she still jumped and collapsed in fright. And, whoever this guy was, that only made him angrier. But, it did not matter.

I had no intention of losing this time so I tried to launch myself at him. Yet, I was intercepted each and every time I tried to grab him. He was just too fast and agile despite the relatively narrow space we were in. Any time I was close to taking hold of him, he spun or twirled around me.

A kick was not far behind each time and I kept finding myself on the floor. And it only made me more enraged each time. Surely I had grown since the last time I fought him!? I made it into the school, didn't I!?

I fought and survived against Salahma, a powerful wyvern! I overcame the horrors of an osibindah hive once again! So why was he beating me so easily!? Why did I keep feeling shockwaves travel across my face!?

"STOP IT!" Rose screamed before this guy stopped to comfort her.

"Roseli, listen to me, this isn't you. Okay? I'm here to help, just stay back and let me handle it." he affectionately told her before I heard a quick smack of the lips.

"You shit..." I growled as yellow blood flowed from the cracks in my carapace.

"Get back!" he warned Rose before my chin was struck and I was sent somersaulting.

A loud bang filled the air once I crashed into the ground, yet, my retaliatory spell did not come out. Was I scared of hurting Rose? Why would I be scared of that!? She had led me into another trap where I would be humiliated!

"No... That's not it." I sniffled before I spat out some blood and caressed my jaw. He had sent me back into this room, and this room stopped spells being cast! So, I just needed to get him into this place and I would be able to...

"Whatever you think you have planned, bug, it won't work!" he told me as he kept himself in position so he could defend his whore. That traitorous, vapid whore...

"Oh, I think it will!" I snapped before I made one last desperate charge. And, even though I was probably vulnerable anyway to him. I made sure I myself felt vulnerable. So that he would go for the blatant opening I left him.

"Told you!" he said when he suddenly appeared behind me before his magic began to drill into my nape.

"GET OFF!" I roared in desperation as I felt that magic did into my flesh. Yet, it was that desperation that drove me to grab his leg after suddenly flipping over.

"Huh!?" he let out in shock before I threw him into the room, screaming all the while. For, despite me having landed my first blow on him... That magic around his feet still shredded up my claw. It was a cracked, bloody mess.

Yet, its sacrifice gave me what I needed. He no longer had his magic and his sudden, clumsy fall made me cackle. He wasn't so tough now, was he? He was just some witch who had a good spell, yet, it was now gone!

"For my sake, I hope you don't know how to fight." I try to confidently taunt, despite myself not knowing how to fight either. I may try my hardest, but, I just hadn't learned yet.

"I didn't get into my position just with a few spells. I did not leave record for Student Vapooliar to break just because I knew how to fight with proper magic!" he taunted while waving me closer with a confident smirk. Yet, before I stepped closer to fight him, I looked back at Rose.

And she was looking on at this man with hope... Why was she looking at him with hope!? I had done nothing to her!? I had kept her safe all this time...

"SO WHY DID YOU CHOOSE HIM OVER ME!?" I roared while already knowing the answer. Her kind were fickle, she left that bark thing for me. And, she in turn left me alone in my time of need for him.

All because the other one was stronger... Yet, I suppose it did not matter, I could ask her all I wanted when I beat him!