Scarlett stared at the girl before her, struggling to process what she saw. This was Arlene, but younger — a teenage version of the woman she knew.
Her gaze shifted to the two youths seated beside Arlene as she took them in. To Arlene’s left was an older girl, perhaps in her late teens, with sharp features and long black hair spilling down her back. She wore a simple yet elegant dress, strangely out of place in the forest, though Scarlett herself wouldn’t have hesitated to wear it. The girl’s dark eyes met Scarlett’s with a slight frown.
To Arlene’s right sat a boy, a few years younger, with tousled auburn hair and bright green eyes that sparkled with curiosity as he watched Scarlett, an almost innocent wonder in his expression.
If this was really Arlene, then these two had to be her siblings — Liane and Delmont.
A polite cough drew Scarlett’s focus back to the elderly priest in front of her, who offered a warm smile. “I don’t mean to rush you, but I did ask a question,” he said gently.
Scarlett assessed him for a moment longer, the realisation dawning. This had to be Deacon Emberwood — Arlene’s master and the priest who had created the dungeon beneath the Sunfire Shrine outside Bridgespell.
But how could these people, who had lived more than two centuries ago, be standing here before her like this? The idea of time travel crossed her mind, but that felt unlikely. She had absolutely no recollection of any such ability existing in this world from the game. Since this was somehow related to the stele she’d interacted with—which had been connected to Delmont—the more plausible explanation was that this was a memory of some kind.
Still, the situation felt unnervingly surreal. This couldn’t really be how the steles were supposed to work, right?
Out of the corner of her eye, Scarlett thought she caught a flicker of white. She turned quickly, but there was nothing. Her brow creased slightly.
“Are you choosing not to answer, or are you simply willfully dense?” A sharp, irritated voice cut into her thoughts. Scarlett looked over at Liane, who was regarding her with the same impatience one might a particularly ill-mannered guest. “If you are asked a question, the least you can do is extend the courtesy of answering it. Are you some sort of Shielder? If so, you should know your place.”
Scarlett studied the girl, suddenly understanding why Arlene had once remarked they were similar. “I am fully aware of my ‘place’,” she replied calmly. “Though I often find others who are not.”
She glanced briefly at Arlene again, who seemed to be eyeing her with both interest and puzzlement, as if examining a rare wild beast. Scarlett wasn’t entirely sure what had brought her here or what this situation truly entailed, but for now, it was probably best to play along until she learned more.
“…Nonetheless, I apologise for my delay in introducing myself,” she said, turning back to Deacon Emberwood. “My name is Scarlett…Scarlett Bernal. While I am no Shielder, you could say I am an adventurer of sorts. Might I ask who you all are?”
The name felt odd and almost unfamiliar on her lips, but it was safer than introducing herself as ‘Hartford’ here. The Hartford family had been around since the empire’s founding, so it wasn’t entirely out of the realm of possibility that one of them might recognise it, which could raise unwanted questions. While the Arlene she knew had never pressed her on such details, Scarlett had her doubts about how ignorant that woman truly was.
As for choosing the name ‘Bernal’ instead… She supposed it was out of a sense of nostalgia.
Deacon Emberwood chuckled gently, the sound like that of a wise, old teacher humoured by a student. “You may call me Donovan, or Father Donovan, if you prefer. These here are my disciples — Liane, Arlene, and Delmont. We were in the middle of a lesson, you see, when you decided to grace us with your presence.” His eyes flickered briefly down to her attire. “Though I do apologise for Liane’s cheek, I understand why she might have mistaken you for a Shielder. That is some very particular clothing you are wearing.”
Scarlett glanced down at her gear — the mostly black [Ashenwraith Elegance] and the [Garment of Form] beneath, layered with her usual expedition accessories. She realised that, to someone who could recognise magical items and the like, this outfit might come off as somewhat threatening. Emberwood was one of the Followers of Ittar’s original deacons, so it wouldn’t surprise her if he possessed such an ability.
With a thought, she activated her [Charm of Expeditious Change], replacing her current attire with a modest yet elegant red dress that shimmered in the sunlight, earning a few surprised reactions from the youths in front of her.
“Forgive me,” she said, lowering her hand to smooth the dress fabric. “I found myself in this forest due to an aberrant teleportation spell, so I was not wholly certain what to expect. Rest assured, I mean no harm.”
Even if she did, the man before her could likely deal with her without issue. That said…
Her gaze drifted back to the younger Arlene, who was still watching her intently. Scarlett couldn’t help but wonder how she would fare against this version of Arlene in a fight.
Deacon Emberwood stroked his chin thoughtfully, his weathered face deepening with lines. “You say an aberrant teleportation spell brought you here? Those are quite rare, and even rarer still to see one miscast. You’re fortunate to have arrived in one piece. I’ve seen firsthand the damage such accidents can cause.”
“Indeed,” Scarlett replied. “Though I am afraid I am unsure how to return from here.”
The old man considered her for a bit, then smiled again. “As it happens, my disciples and I are soon to depart after an extended stay here, as duty calls upon us all. If you wish, you could accompany us, and I might be able to assist in finding your way back.”
Scarlett met his gaze, giving a slow, deliberate nod. “That would be most appreciated.”
His smile widened. “Splendid. I’ve always found that journeys are far more enjoyable with stimulating company. Now, might I ask where you’re headed?”
“Freybrook, if possible.”
“Oh?” His brows rose with interest. “Well, what a fortuitous coincidence indeed! That’s precisely where we are headed. The town houses the nearest Kilnstone, and it is only a few days’ journey by carriage.” He looked down at Arlene and her siblings. “Though I’m afraid we can’t depart quite yet. We have a lesson to conclude, and the arrival of a new face is hardly cause to neglect our studies.” The man’s gaze flickered back briefly to Scarlett. “Perhaps you’d care to join us, Miss Bernal?”
Scarlett hesitated, sensing a hidden agenda in his words. “I am not certain what I could contribute,” she replied cautiously.
Deacon Emberwood's smile grew knowing. “Plenty, I suspect. Children,” he motioned towards his students, “can any of you hazard a guess as to why our new acquaintance might have valuable experience to impart?”
Liane scowled, glancing between him and Scarlett but said nothing. Delmont furrowed his brow, studying Scarlett with intense focus—his attention seeming to linger on her face—before shaking his head with a helpless shrug.
“Her equipment earlier,” Arlene finally spoke. She fixed Scarlett with an analytical gaze. “Several of her rings bore pyromancy enchantments, as did her gloves and the circlet she wore.”
Scarlett met the girl’s eyes.
“Quite so. Well spotted, Arlene,” Deacon Emberwood said. “It’s always wise to pay attention to the details and discern the arcane in the mundane. It seems our Miss Bernal here is a pyromancer — and one of some talent at that.” He nodded approvingly at Scarlett. “I can tell you have considerable skill with pyrokinesis. I daresay it would do my students good to observe what an experienced mage is capable of.”
Scarlett blinked, surprised by his insight. “You have a sharp eye, Father Donovan. How could you perceive that from a glance?”
The man tapped a finger to his nose, chuckling merrily. “The fruits of experience, my lass. When you’ve tangled with the arcane as long as I have, you pick up a few tricks. Though, in my case, it’s more the grace of Ittar rather than any innate talent.”
He cleared his throat, his demeanour shifting back to that of a teacher. “Now then, I had intended to continue our lesson on the finer points of elemental resonance. But with you here, Miss Bernal, perhaps we can come up with something a bit more engaging and practical.” He paused, his eyes moving over his students and Scarlett. “What say you to a bit of light sparring?”
Scarlett stared at him. “A spar? Here?” She looked around the clearing. They’d only just met, and she was a stranger who had popped out of the woods.
“Why not?” Deacon Emberwood replied, his tone light but his expression serious. “There is no better teacher than experience, and my disciples could certainly do with more practice against an unfamiliar opponent.”
Scarlett’s focus shifted to Arlene, noting the gleam of anticipation that had now appeared in the girl’s eyes. “You mean for me to spar with them, not you?”
“Precisely so. Variety is a spice that should not be squandered, as they say, especially when it comes to learning. They will gain far more from facing different styles and techniques.”
Scarlett remained silent for a few seconds.
“You needn’t worry about anyone getting hurt,” Deacon Emberwood added. “I’m more than capable of ensuring a fair and safe match.”
She considered him, weighing her options. She would prefer to conserve her mana, given the uncertainty of her situation. Engaging in a spar here didn’t seem like it would give her much — especially if these people were merely memories or illusions.
Still…
“Very well,” she finally said, a faint smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
This was, after all, a young Arlene she would be facing. The very woman who had subjected her to countless grueling training sessions and spars, all the while remaining untouchable to anything Scarlett could throw at her. She couldn’t deny her curiosity about witnessing Arlene’s capabilities at this age.
And she wouldn’t mind a bit of payback for some of those torturous lessons.
“Marvelous!” Deacon Emberwood said, lifting his hands in a flourish. “You have my gratitude, Miss Bernal. Now, children, to your positions!”
The three siblings exchanged glances before rising from their seats, their movements betraying varying levels of eagerness. Liane held an aloof air, as if she’d been asked to perform a menial task beneath her station. Arlene’s expression was steady, her eyes revealing her confidence. Delmont, meanwhile, had a broad smile plastered across his face as he snuck peeks at Scarlett.
As they walked over to position themselves across the clearing—seeming like they were accustomed to this—Scarlett looked at the deacon, one eyebrow raised. “I take it spars are not an unusual occurrence during your lessons?”
“I am a firm believer in…practical demonstrations,” the man replied. “Dusty old men like me can only impart so much knowledge with words, after all.”
Scarlett eyed him thoughtfully. She was starting to see where Arlene had picked up her own rigorous teaching style.
“Are there any restrictions I should be aware of for this spar?” Scarlett asked.
Deacon Emberwood chuckled. “None whatsoever. Feel free to showcase the full extent of your abilities if you like. My disciples could certainly use the challenge. They have gotten somewhat full of themselves lately.”
“Are you certain that is wise?” Scarlett glanced over at the teens. “You are not familiar with my abilities. I could inadvertently harm them, even with your oversight.”
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
“That has never stopped him before,” Arlene called from across the clearing, clearly overhearing.
“I suppose that is a possibility,” Deacon Emberwood said with an unperturbed smile, as if he hadn’t heard his disciple’s remark. “But I think they will manage just fine.”
Scarlett studied him for another moment, then gave a slight nod. “If you are certain.”
With a thought, she re-equipped her gear, though only the items that bolstered her defences. Even if she wasn’t sure of the teens’ skills, going all out in a spar like this seemed excessive.
“Any other questions before we begin?” the deacon asked.
“I assume all forms of magic are permitted?”
“But of course.”
“Then I am ready when they are.”
“Excellent.” The man looked over at Arlene and her siblings, watching them nod in unison. “Now, let the match…begin!”
Instantly, all three siblings raised their hands, fingers weaving through intricate patterns as they began to cast their spells. Liane’s spell was the first to finish, conjuring a single large fireball that pulsed with heat before shooting towards Scarlett. Not even a second later, Delmont completed his casting, sending a trio of fiery daggers to join his sister’s fireball, their edges flickering dangerously as they sped through the air.
A small, amused laugh nearly escaped Scarlett as she watched the attacks approach. She lifted a single hand, fingers splayed. Just as the spells were about to make contact, they vanished, dispersing into harmless red wisps against her skin.
Liane’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Impossible!” she cried out, her composure momentarily slipping. “How did you—”
“That’s amazing!” Delmont exclaimed, face lighting up with excitement.
“That’s an impressive display of your pyrokinesis, Miss Bernal,” Deacon Emberwood remarked from the sidelines. “A rare talent indeed.”
“You are too kind,” Scarlett replied calmly.
She’d felt it the moment the spells were cast. Neither Liane nor Delmont had sufficient control to prevent her from simply seizing command over their magic. If she were to grade their abilities, based on her observations, they were perhaps just shy of the level of a Senior Wizard from the Rising Isle, excluding someone like Yamina Ward.
For their ages, that was probably very impressive. Especially for Delmont, who couldn’t be older than thirteen or fourteen. Liane was clearly talented as well, but Scarlett now understood why, in the journal she’d found in the Sunfire Shrine, the girl had seemed envious of her siblings’ abilities. Liane was probably around eighteen, only a couple of years younger than Evelyne, but Scarlett was certain the younger Hartford sister would utterly outclass her.
Although perhaps that was more a testament to Evelyne’s talent than any flaw of Liane’s.
Scarlett’s musings were cut short as Arlene's casting neared completion. Unlike her siblings, it seemed as if Arlene had opted for a more complex spell, one that required a longer casting time. Bright red runes appeared in the air behind her, pulsing with energy as the spell took form.
The runes flared, then vanished, and a tiny spark ignited above Arlene. It quickly expanded into a blazing sphere the size of a basketball, glowing an intense yellow like a miniature sun.
Scarlett’s smile faltered slightly. That spell was far too familiar to her for comfort, but she hadn’t thought Arlene would be able to use it at this age.
With a flick of her wrist, Scarlett dispersed the next two spells that Liane and Delmont had begun to cast. However, when she tried to suppress Arlene’s spell, she found she couldn’t fully negate it. The miniature sun wavered, flickering briefly under the pressure of her pyrokinesis, but it remained. Without the buffs afforded by the rest of her gear, disrupting others’ spells wasn’t as easy, and Arlene clearly wasn’t backing down.
As the fiery vortex above the girl continued to grow, albeit at a slower rate, Scarlett conjured an array of fire arrows. They spun around her before shooting towards Arlene, their white-hot tips leaving trails of light.
The siblings reacted immediately. Liane cast two quick fireballs in rapid succession, forcing Scarlett to split part of her focus to block them. Meanwhile, Delmont summoned a shimmering fire barrier around himself, stepping in front of Arlene to absorb the brunt of the arrows. The shield sizzled and cracked under the assault, but held firm.
Scarlett dispersed the barrier with another wave of her hand and prepared to launch another, more powerful attack. But just then, Arlene’s spell seemed to reach critical mass. Scarlett clicked her tongue in light frustration as the miniature sun generated a vortex of superheated air around it.
She’d hoped to avoid this.
In an explosive burst of light that threatened to momentarily blind Scarlett, the spell discharged a chaotic cluster of beams. They arched wildly in all directions before homing in on Scarlett with unerring precision.
Scarlett conjured layers upon layers of fire barriers, each shield appearing in rapid succession to intercept the beams. At the same time, she used her pyrokinesis to deflect the beams where possible. The space between them crackled with energy as the beams struck her barriers, some partly absorbed, others diverted to scorch the ground with bursts of dark smoke.
But none reached her directly. Arlene’s spell, though powerful, was not quite on the level Scarlett had faced from adult Arlene.
“Hoho, quite the spectacle,” Deacon Emberwood’s voice echoed. “Excellent execution, Arlene lassie, though it seems your opponent this time is someone you’ll need to be even more creative with if you hope to catch her off guard. Clearly, she is no stranger to battling other mages.”
Judging by the expression on Arlene’s face, she hadn’t quite expected Scarlett to block her attack so thoroughly. However, rather than looking frustrated, renewed determination lit her eyes, and she immediately began casting another spell, her siblings following suit.
Thinking that the girl couldn’t be allowed to get too carried away, Scarlett swept her arm forward, summoning a wall of fire arrows that hovered, poised to strike.
While she trusted Deacon Emberwood’s ability to prevent serious injury, she refrained from using the kind of attacks that would outright light her opponents on fire. Not only did it feel like overkill for a sparring match, but it was also terribly inefficient. That said, she didn’t mind showing these kids a taste of the techniques Arlene had once used against her. Besides, with the effect of her [Charms of Apperception], she could see that each sibling had decent magical barriers to protect them.
She blocked another barrage from Arlene’s miniature sun, which continued to function autonomously, then launched her own barrage with a hail of blazing arrows that obscured the three siblings’ figures temporarily. When the fire cleared, Scarlett noted with mild surprise that they had withstood the attack much better than expected. Their barriers were visibly worn in places, but not as much as she’d intended. Arlene, in particular, seemed nearly untouched.
Scarlett’s forehead creased in thought. She hadn’t seen Arlene cast any defensive spell, and her barrier shouldn’t have been able to take all of that unscathed. It couldn’t be that the girl was already a proficient pyrokinesis user like herself, right?
As if to confirm her suspicions, flames burst into existence around Scarlett, encircling her without any visible casting being finished by the siblings. The fire pressed in from all sides, and she could practically feel the intent to burn her where she stood. If she hadn’t instinctively countered and dampened their intensity, she might actually have felt that.
Her eyes met Arlene’s, catching a hint of a smirk on the girl’s lips.
…Oh, that was it. She didn’t care if it was unfair, unsightly, or even if this wasn’t the real Arlene. She was definitely going to teach her a lesson—
Another barrage of sharp beams poured out from the miniature sun, interrupting her thoughts. As she moved to deflect the attack, Scarlett saw all three siblings weaving another round of spells. She couldn’t counter them completely while dealing with the beams, and by the time she’d neutralised those, she already had several more fireballs and fiery missiles arcing towards her, courtesy of Liane and Delmont.
Scarlett barely managed to dispel those when Arlene’s next spell hit her: a web of glistening, thread-like flames that curved towards her from every direction, sizzling as they clashed with her magical defences. She fought back with her pyrokinesis, enduring the assault for a few more seconds, but that was when the smell of singed hair reached her nose. Glancing down, she spotted dark-red strands on her shoulder, the ends burnt.
Her eyes narrowed. It was time for the kiddy gloves to come off.
Across the clearing, the siblings were already casting another set of spells, while the miniature sun was gathering energy for another volley. Scarlett decided to deal with the latter first. Raising her hand decisively, she focused intensely — and with a flash of blue light, the sun erupted into a cloud of steam as a compressed sphere of water enveloped and extinguished it.
A splash of scalding water hit Delmont, disrupting his concentration and causing his half-formed spell to fizzle out. Liane and Arlene, however, pressed on, determined to unleash their next attacks.
Not that Scarlett would allow it. The second their spells finished, conjuring even more fireballs and fiery nets, she created swirling vortexes of water that absorbed each one. Some of the vortexes then shot forward liquid chains, wrapping around Liane’s and Delmont’s hands and feet. Both stumbled back, landing unceremoniously on their behinds. Arlene managed to fend off the chains with bursts of flame, but Scarlett wasn’t done.
Their eyes met once more in a momentary standoff, and Scarlett then offered a predatory smile. “I believe this is over.”
Arlene didn’t respond. Instead, she threw out a flurry of pyrokinesis-fueled attacks, every bit of her focus directed at Scarlett. But though impressive in volume, the attacks lacked strength and precision this time, and Scarlett had no issue countering them with her own pyrokinesis.
Arlene continued her barrage, and Scarlett methodically countered each attack, all while moving closer and closer to the girl. Her steps remained measured, and as Arlene’s attacks grew more and more desperate, Scarlett finally found herself understanding how the older version of the woman must have felt whenever she faced the less experienced Scarlett. Trampling over someone like this was fun.
Finally, only a few steps from Arlene, she cut through the girl’s latest attack of fire with a sharp blade of water. Then, with a single motion, she summoned dozens of watery chains that came at Arlene from all angles. This time, Arlene had no chance.
The girl fell to the ground beside her siblings, defeated, with Scarlett standing above her in triumph. Liane and Delmont both struggled against their constraints, staring up at Scarlett in frustration and awe, while Arlene soon gave up on resisting and simply lay back on the grass, looking oddly content.
Scarlett studied her. She would have liked it if the girl at least looked slightly depressed. But she supposed this was still pretty satisfying.
Applause rang out from behind. “Impressive, impressive. Spectacular, even.”
Scarlett turned to see Deacon Emberwood approaching, his gait surprisingly spry for a man his age.
“I will say,” he continued as he stopped beside her, gazing down at his subdued disciples with amused crinkles around his eyes. “I did not anticipate that you were so proficient in hydrokinesis as well as pyrokinesis. It’s a formidable combination against any fire-aligned mage like us. The manner in which you countered young Arlene’s attacks there at the end, one might almost think you specialise in handling pyromancy mages.”
Scarlett’s focus drifted back to Arlene. In a way, she did. After all, much of her hydrokinesis technique had come from lessons facing Arlene herself. She hadn’t planned on using it in this spar, but she’d changed her mind towards the end.
Deacon Emberwood coughed lightly, drawing her attention back to him. “Perhaps you could release my disciples now?” he asked with a raised brow.
Realising she was still using up her mana, Scarlett dispelled the remaining chains. Liane was the first to rise, dusting herself off with a silent, half-heated glare at Scarlett. Delmont, meanwhile, seemed to now have decided to remain on the ground, head on the grass as he stared up at the sky.
“That was…something,” he muttered. “I’ve never been beaten so badly by a beautiful woman before.”
“I will remember you said that the next time we spar,” Arlene said, pushing herself up onto her knees. “And I’ll remember to do something about that slow casting of yours.” She stepped over to her brother and grabbed his arm, hauling him to his feet. “And don’t laze around in the middle of a lesson. She clearly went easy on you.”
“Actually, I believe that concludes today’s lesson,” Deacon Emberwood interjected lightly, clasping his hands behind his back. “I had promised your father I wouldn’t push you all too far, and we need to return to the keep to prepare for our journey back to Freybrook.”
He turned to Scarlett, his smile polite. “Thank you for helping with their education, Miss Bernal. If you’d like, you’re welcome to join us to the keep as well. We can provide a meal and some refreshments before we depart by carriage.”
“If you insist,” she replied. She glanced to the side, prompting the system to display her mana reserves.
[Mana: 9382/12448]
The fight hadn’t drained too much of her, honestly. Since she’d used only a little mana earlier in the Hall of Echoes, she was in good shape. She could potentially even ask the deacon or Arlene to top up her necklace’s mana reserve before they left. With that, she would be near full capacity again.
Deacon Emberwood gestured for his disciples to gather their belongings. Scarlett watched as the trio retrieved their bags and other equipment, packing them into a pair of large satchels. Before long, the group reconvened and started along the trail leading from the clearing. Scarlett fell in step beside the deacon, the quiet rustle of leaves underfoot the only sound for a moment.
“If I might ask,” the man began, glancing her way, “where exactly do you hail from, Miss Bernal? I don’t believe you mentioned.”
“I am from Freybrook, in fact,” she answered simply, keeping her gaze forward, though she could feel the weight of Arlene’s and the others’ eyes on her. “I have no other particular affiliation at present, if that is what you are curious about.”
“Ah, an independent mage. Interesting.” Deacon Emberwood stroked his chin. “It surprises me that someone of your calibre hasn’t been claimed by any group yet. There are many who would value your talents — especially among the Imperial Divisions. They’re always on the lookout for capable mages.”
“I do not doubt it,” Scarlett replied. “But I have my own concerns and responsibilities. Lending my skills elsewhere is not feasible as things currently stand.”
As they exited the clearing, her eyes traveled down the winding path towards the distant keep, its stone walls just barely visible through the trees. She considered it with a quiet curiosity. Which keep was that? And where were they right now, for that part? The keep itself likely belonged to Arlene’s family, but Scarlett had never learned the woman’s full name. She wondered if they were still around today.
Just as she was about to ask the deacon about it, a voice broke through her thoughts.
“Miss ‘Bernal’,” Arlene said. “Is there a reason you lied to us about your name?”
Scarlett paused mid-step. She turned slowly, but froze when she found that Arlene and the others had disappeared.
The clearing that had been behind them was now nothing but an expanse of hazy nothingness. Gradually, the rest of the forest faded away as well, dissolving into a sea of muted colours. Those colours then began to morph and change, like brushstrokes over the world, taking on browns, greens, reds, and even more hues.
Scarlett had already re-summoned her gear, scanning the shifting landscape with narrowed eyes, bracing herself for whatever came next. What was going on here? Why did what she was seeing right now somewhat remind her of what happened in Freymeadow every time its loop reset?
Soon, the colours coalesced, taking on shapes as everything resolved into a new scene. She found herself standing at the entrance of an opulent parlour. A man in a crisp, black robe stood slightly to the side in front of her, and at the center of the room, seated among plush couches and ornate armchairs, were three familiar figures.
Scarlett blinked, not entirely prepared for this. It was Arlene and her siblings once again, now appearing a few years older.
Liane, dressed in an elaborate gown of deep burgundy and wearing an emotionless expression, regarded the robed man standing in front of Scarlett.
“So, what brings you here today, Vice-dean Fletcher?” she asked in a cold voice.