To some, memories are like poison. An echo chamber of failures we can never change, and the ghost of those we once loved and remain unable to forget.
Chapter 6: Registration
There was something unnatural and terrifyingly vulnerable about sleeping that always made Mercedes anxious every time she closed her eyes. In a way, sleeping was no different from being dead, the body comatose and exposed while the mind slips deeper into oblivion.
The Sparrow's relentless insomnia had only intensified after her first visit to the abyss—a memory that always lingered just beneath the chilling fabric of sleep, paralyzing her the moment she fell into its clutches. He waited there. A formless being enshrouded in darkness, which only served to accentuate the aura of unquenchable malice, emptiness, and despair that was His domain.
A harrowing shiver of fear tore through Mercedes as she jolted awake, coughing in between gasps for air as she clutched the slashed fabric of the linen shirt that clung to her skin beneath a cold sweat. Her lungs seized between panic and relief as the albino’s blurred gaze took in the brightly lit room. Confusion clouded through her already jumbled mind as she tried to reorganize and reprocess the events that had taken her from Eldermoor into the Mystic Realms.
The small, tidy room was composed of two single beds pressed against the wall on either side of an unboarded casement window. At the opposite end of the room, a large wardrobe with an attached dresser for storage stood next to the only door. The Sparrow’s pink eyes returned to the exposed window, taking in the golden dust dancing through the slanted pillars of light that stretched out upon the warm brown hardwood floor.
Mercedes sucked in another slow, warm breath. Her pale brows furrowed as they registered the clean, tasteless air. Her senses highlighted the absent aroma of death and decay that was—strange and foreign. The Sparrow's muscles and bones protested as she roused herself onto one elbow, gritting her teeth as frayed nerves unleashed a torrent of delayed protests that had yet to process her healed status.
‘How long was I out?’
She took her time moving into a seating position as her brain recalibrated and analyzed the status of her physical condition. Mercedes had been through this ordeal before and knew better than to rush. By the time she was sitting up, both legs dangling over the bed, the balls of her feet curved awkwardly against the warm floorboards below, the albino was feeling much better, minus the brief wave of nausea that forced her to clench her eyes and breathe slowly for a moment.
A vibrant cascade of voices, carriage wheels, bells, whistles, and distant shouts came from the other side of the sparkling glass panels while the creak and thud of doors opening and closing seeped in through the bedroom door.
‘I didn’t expect to wake up alone like this. Where exactly am I?’
Her unsteady limbs wobbled as the albino forced herself to stand and walk the short distance to the window. She held onto the ledge, the smooth stone surface warm from the sunlight that spilled down from a cloudless blue sky so deep, Mercedes felt dizzy, as if the world might tilt over at any moment and drown her in the alluring, bottomless blue horizon.
The albino's pink eyes lowered to the city landscape that stretched on for miles. The rooftops were a pallet of vivid and bright colors, primarily green and purple, that defied any conventional sense of practicality. Over a thousand glass windows gleamed against a canvas of meticulously maintained buildings. Most of the windows were carelessly left open as if the occupants held not a single fear of invasion, theft, or any other form of danger.
The Sparrow’s bewilderment only grew as she beheld the distant castle walls towering above the rest of the city. The massive structure was composed of several lofty cathedrals that stretched triumphantly toward the sky as if seeking to take hold of the vast, untouched domain. Before Mercedes’s overwhelmed thoughts could comprehend the absurdity of the stronghold’s size, she realized in sheer, trembling wonder that the gargantuan castle was moving.
‘No, not just moving. It’s—floating above the city?!’
The albino’s toes curled along the wooden planks below. Her pale lashes fluttered against her cold cheeks as she stared, caught up in the wonder of it all. A curious sensation prickled in the pit of the Sparrow’s stomach before itching at the corner of her eyes. Mercedes's gaze snapped to the window frame, locating the flimsy bit of metal that kept it closed, which she pried loose before shoving the window fully open.
The bustling sound of the city swept in on a breeze so light and sweet it eased the lingering shadows of the abyss coiled around the albino’s bones.
Mercedes leaned through the window, resting on her forearms and elbows as she drank in each breath with a wildness that drew a smile upon her lips. Her gaze remained fixated on the floating castle for what felt like ages. The sun warmed her chest and cheeks, then seeped into her bones as the wind teased the tangled ends of her disheveled, ghostly white hair around her ears.
‘Is this what Vortexus meant? Is this what freedom is supposed to taste like?’
Something close to a laugh tickled at the back of the Sparrow’s throat as she leaned her shoulder and temple against the stone wall around the window and sighed.
‘This place is nothing like Eldermoor. It's bright, vibrant, and alive. It’s—beautiful.’
The giddy feeling evaporated as Mercedes’s gaze dropped to the city, thrumming with Mystics before her. A heaviness returned to her chest as her smile died, wonder bleeding out before the reality of her purpose for being here.
‘Don’t feel sorry for them. For all I know, they’re no different from Serenitus’s Temple of Hypocrites. Beauty is nothing more than an illusion. A deceptive draping used to mask one’s true purpose.’
The Sparrow exhaled forcefully as she pushed herself back from the window and the new world of marvels before her, unaware of its impending destruction. She shook her head, struggling to control the foreign emotion that writhed against her soul as she tugged at the ripped ends of her tattered shirt.
Then she turned to survey the room around her once more before focusing on the bedroom door. ‘If no one is watching me, shouldn’t I take this opportunity to explore?’ Her fingers stilled, pinching the ends of the frayed linen threads. ‘If the door is locked, someone must still be observing me. But if it isn’t—’
A rush of wind filled the room, reminding Mercedes of the window she had left open. She turned to remedy this mistake, blinking against the breeze that pushed the short strands of white hair across her sharp cheekbones into the corner of her eyes.
A flutter of wings followed the small dark shape that darted through the window, startling the albino. The strong sense that she was no longer alone dropped her into a crouch as her eyes narrowed on the small, bright blur that circled overhead with an erratic whistling toot.
‘Is that a—robin?’
The Sparrow blinked as the beige-brown bird with a vibrant orange stomach fluttered down to land on the bed knob facing her. The robin’s gem-green eyes blinked at the crouched albino with an almost perplexed expression before it opened its beak.
“Why, hello there!”
Mercedes’s legs gave out, and she sank onto the floor, her jaw clenched and her pink eyes widening. The albino's gaze whirled around the room again before refocusing on the small, bright bird.
‘Did it just—’
“Sorry for barging in like this,” the robin twittered as it ruffled its feathers. “I rushed out when I received notice that you were awake. Oh! Right, I should introduce myself properly first.”
Mercedes blinked as the bird disappeared, replaced by a Mystic, perhaps a year or two older than her, sitting on the edge of the empty bed. He wore the most ridiculously lavish garments of forest green, embroidered in gold thread, with a flowing purple cape pinned over a single shoulder with a golden clasp. Vibrant ginger bangs curled above a pair of bold eyebrows that seemed designed to express his every emotion. Below them, a pair of inquisitive gemstone green eyes smiled down at the albino as the Mystic placed a gloved hand on his chest before inclining his head toward her.
The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.
“I am Disciple Raimund, an assistant teacher of the Arcanum Mystic Academy,” he declared with a somewhat formal tone before straightening.
Several questions clamored for attention behind the Sparrow’s catatonic gaze before she selected the one of obvious importance. “How—did you do that?”
“That?” Raimund echoed with an arched brow.
“You were a bird?”
“Ah! That was an illusion spell. Nothing incredible, really,” he replied dismissively, though the corner of his mouth twitched with what might have been appreciation. “I apologize if I startled you with my entrance. The architecture of the Arcanum’s Nexus Public Teleportation System is grand and vast, but it doesn’t quite reach this corner of the city. Flying was the most efficient means of getting here from the Citadel after you awoke.”
“The Citadel?”
“The big floating castle just outside,” Raimund answered with a bemused grin as he pointed toward the open window. “That’s where the Arcanum Mystic Academy is located. It also holds the residences of the Academy’s professors and their disciples. I believe you’ve met one of them already when you arrived, my Master, Professor Nicodemus?”
His tone and brows inflicted the statement with the note of a question as if seeking confirmation from her.
“I’m—not sure,” Mercedes mumbled, frowning as she rubbed the back of her head. “My memories are still a bit chaotic at the moment. I remember seeing a Priestess?”
“Oh yes, Gladys.” He scoffed as if she had said something amusing. “It's fine if you don’t remember. I suppose that’s to be expected, given what you survived.” The Mystic sighed as he offered her a sympathetic smile. “Being attacked and cursed by a demon and then nearly killed by an overzealous Priestess—you wouldn’t be human if that didn’t scramble your marbles a fair bit. Yes, perhaps it's better if you don't remember."
The albino maintained her confused expression as she dropped her gaze. ‘What is he playing at? In a single breath, he has both unmasked me and provided me with the perfect cover. For now, I had better go along with it.’
She slid back against the bed behind her, placing a hand on the mattress as she rose. “I don’t suppose you could tell me—where I am right now and how I got here?”
“Of course,” Raimund replied enthusiastically, his gaze returning from a brief scan of the room. “We are currently sitting inside the Enchanted Hearth, an Inn which provides some of the cheapest lodgings in Arcanum—”
Mercedes blinked in confusion as she settled comfortably on the bed to face him. The ginger Disciple appeared to have frozen with his mouth hanging open, his gemstone green eyes focused on the albino’s chest before he turned rigidly away from her. His ears and cheeks flushed red as his right knee banged against the headboard.
“I apologize! I didn’t realize—your shirt is ripped.”
“Oh?” The Sparrow looked down at all that remained of Vortexus’s attack. “It’s fine. I have a jacket somewhere—or at least I did.”
“Fine?!” The Mystic sucked in a sharp breath as he gripped the headboard. “This is why I said Sasha should have been the one to greet you first,” he muttered, waving his left hand in the albino’s direction. “Could you, please—sit still and keep your hands away from your shirt for a moment?”
“Umm, sure?” Mercedes pressed both hands against the neatly made bed, puzzled by his overreaction.
“Right, I’m going to turn around, but I promise not to look.”
‘I guess Mystics are more sensitive about these things than normal humans. Then again, even the Sparrows in my Unit didn’t like me changing with the rest of them.’
The Sparrow's jaw clenched as she recalled the name her second partner, Christine, had given her: Corpse Girl. Mercedes had done her best to ignore the name and crude comments that generally accompanied it, but ignoring cruelty doesn't stop it from spreading, and even the strongest tree cannot weather an unrelenting storm without a few cuts and bruises.
'Get a grip. It's nothing I haven't been through before.'
“It’s fine," Mercedes muttered stiffly. "I can turn the shirt around backward if you—”
Raimund already sat facing her, his right hand pressed firmly over his eyes while his left hand moved gracefully in the albino's direction. She watched as the Mystic’s lips moved soundlessly. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end as the silver runes embroidered into his gloves glowed with a purple ethereal glimmer. Mercedes’s fingers tensed against the warm blanket below as the torn edges of her shirt fluttered and stretched back into position.
[Notice! Disciple Raimund is using [Mend Fabric] to repair your clothing.]
The Sparrow’s eyes widened as a faint purple aura wrapped around the flimsy threads that now methodically wove themselves back together. A moment later, the tingling magic was gone, leaving only an immaculate shirt that looked as new as it had when Ray first gave it to her.
“Ahem,” Raimund cleared his throat carefully, still hiding behind his right hand. “Are you decent?”
“I’m—amazed,” Mercedes replied honestly, running her fingers down the flawlessly repaired fabric. ‘I’ve only seen destructive magic before. This is—different.’
The ginger Disciple lowered his hand cautiously, smiling with faint relief as he studied his work. “Much better. Though you won’t need those rags for much longer after we finish your registration with the Academy.” The albino raised her gaze and stared at him blankly, prompting the Mystic to add, “That’s why my Master sent me here—to help you register in time for class tomorrow. It couldn't be more last minute, but he insisted. Otherwise, you’d be stuck in limbo for at least six months until the next registration period.”
“Your Master wants me to register at this—Mystic Academy?”
“Well, yes. I mean—Master Nicodemus is highly selective when it comes to choosing his students, so it's an honor, really—and who wouldn’t want the opportunity to learn from such a realm-renowned professor?”
The Sparrow absorbed his rather hasty reply as she crossed her arms and shrugged. “But I've only just arrived. I don’t have a single coin to my name.”
“Not to worry, talent matters more to the Academy than wealth, and you are considered a special case. Master Nicodemus has agreed to cover any expenses related to your registration. He’s already secured you lodgings here at the Enchanted Hearth.”
‘I’m considered a special case? I wonder why?’
“Are you saying that you don’t want to register?” Raimund pressed, sounding a little nervous as he scooted to the edge of the bed. “This is the Arcanum Mystic Academy we’re talking about. Students come from all over the Mystic Realms to apply for an opportunity to get in. Master Nicodemus is one of its foremost professors, a student of Grandmaster Iskander himself!”
‘This is a lot more attention and interest than I’m comfortable with. Too many eyes could become a detriment to my mission. However, becoming a student of this academy would go a long way toward helping me blend in while learning more about the Mystic Realms. They might even provide me with the knowledge I need to open a communication channel with Vortexus.’
“I see,” Mercedes murmured as she tilted her head to the side, noting the Mystic’s twitching brows as he watched her intently. “What’s a Grandmaster?”
The ginger Disciple’s hopeful expression fell before he closed his eyes and dragged a hand down his face. “So this is why I was asked to babysit you. Then again—you come from a Mundane world, so you’d know next to nothing about the Mystic Realms.”
The Sparrow listened intently to his every word, mildly surprised to find not even the slightest hint of irritation or reproach.
‘No matter, your mask will slip soon enough. If this Nicodemus is truly as important as you make him out to be, then there must be a reason he’s sent his Disciple to assist me personally. They must have some alternative reason for wanting me to attend this Academy. Perhaps they are hoping to trick me into exposing my true identity.’
“Right,” Raimund declared as he shot to his feet. “We have places to go, people to meet, and much to teach you, so we’d better get started, Initiate. To survive in this world, you must be able to adapt quickly. You will require some basic Mystic common sense, experience, and a solid understanding of the mystical arts that govern the realms.” His right hand moved fluidly through the air between them. It took the Sparrow a moment to realize he was reading something she couldn’t see, likely one of those curious screens controlled by magic. “And there’s no better way to learn about Arcanum Haven than to start you off with your very first quest!”
“Oh!” Mercedes blinked as a Mystic Blue screen appeared between them. Belatedly, she realized she ought to have acted more surprised but settled for a confused expression as she read the quest information.
[Quest Received: Arcane Mystic Academy Registration]
You have been selected as a candidate to join the renowned Arcanum Mystic Academy. A magical journey of discovery, destiny, and diligence in mastering of the arcane arts awaits. We look forward to guiding you toward your future goals and potential greatness.
Requirements:
Obtain a signed Bank Voucher from the Mystic Vaults 0/1
Obtain a signed Lodging Voucher from either an inn or the Guardian you reside with 0/1
Obtain a Nexus Registration Bracelet 0/1
Reward:
Academy Initiate Training Uniform.
Academy Initiate Identification Badge.
Deadline: Please complete all registration requirements before the first day of class.
Time Remaining: 0 Days 16 hours and 13 minutes.]
“Sixteen hours?” Mercedes echoed as she glanced at the ginger Disciple standing on the other side of the quest screen.
“Actually, I’d say we have about five hours if we want to be done before sundown,” Raimund commented with a frown as he checked a rather expensive-looking pocket watch that appeared to have materialized out of thin air. “And even then, you’ll still need to pick up your magic primers and catch up on the reading your other classmates will have had months to go over and prepare.”
The albino’s finger hovered over the quest screen, her interest in the Academy rapidly draining.
“Not to worry,” Raimund said quickly, misinterpreting her expression. “Five hours will be more than enough time. We can collect your first voucher from the Inn’s lobby and then be on our way.” He stepped back and tilted his head toward the bedroom door with an encouraging smile. “Shall we?”
‘I wonder how devastated he would be if I refused to accept this quest?’ Mercedes pondered before she tapped a finger against the option to accept. ‘Well, what’s the harm? If I can’t keep up with the other students, I’ll find a way to leave before they can kick me out. Either way, this is an opportunity to fill in the gaps in my knowledge and gain access to the Citadel.’
The very idea of visiting the formidable floating city gave the Sparrow all the motivation she needed as she turned towards the door.
“Ahem!” Raimund interjected gently. “Shoes first, Initiate.”