The following morning, I arrived at Mistress Lathurna’s class. After the conversation with the figure, I had a renewed vow to study hard and that Hamon’s location would be revealed to me. I would do as Headmaster Wavernjack suggested, I would concentrate on advancing my magical abilities so I was prepared to rescue Hamon when the moment was right.
When I entered the classroom, I sat in one of the chairs that were placed in the circle along with the ten other students.
“Edward, I see you are still casting Mage Light. You did not have to cast it today,” stated Mistress Lathurna from her chair in the circle.
“I found it best to cast it today as well. I am anxious to get my magic pool increased,” I answered.
“Very good,” she replied with a nod. Turning to the rest of the class, she announced, “Good morning class, today will take a quiz on the items that we went over yesterday. I hope all of you studied.” Mistress Lathurna split a stack of paper in half and handed it to each student on either side of her. “Take one and pass it down. You will have ten minutes to answer this quiz,” she explained.
My stomach sunk as I heard the word quiz. I was clearly not prepared and how would I ever outperform these older students?
“All right class, give you a quiz to the person on your right. They will grade your quiz for you,” Kyna explained. “Grade your classmate’s quiz, and mark the ones they got wrong. Total the number of correct answers at the top and circle it.”
She went over the correct answers, and I watched how many the student on my right was marking. The test that I corrected for the student on my left was absolutely dreadful. He did not even get one question right.
“Class, give the quiz your grading back to the student. Take a look at your score, and then pass them in,” instructed Mistress Lathurna.
“Good job man, you got them all right,” said the older student who sat next to me. He wore a black hooded cloak with red embroidery, his sleeves practically fell into my lap as he handed the quiz back to me.
I was surprised athwart he said, and I thought he was joking at first. When I looked at the answers I had written in, I became astonished. I did, in fact, get all of the answers correct. My jaw dropped. Perhaps I learned more than I originally thought.
Mistress Lathruna interrupted my private celebration, “Now class, we will hold a mock duel. Please, everyone, stand up and move your chair to the back wall. Uronion and Zagras, you two are up first.”
I stood up from my seat and carried my chair over to the back wall with the other students. The two evokers faced each other in the middle of the classroom. Mistress Lathurna continued explaining, “Class, these duels are to help you work on what spells to use and how to counter them. Pay close attention to these two. They are the top two mages in this school. Watch carefully at their spell selection and, more importantly, what they chose to counter the offensive spell.”
Uronion and Zagras stood in the middle of the classroom, their eyes focused on each other. Both men wore black cloaks with green embroidered sleeves and hems. Zagras had short blonde, he took a moment to pull his hood onto his head. Uronin did the same over his short black hair. Each stood facing the other at an arm’s length, now with their eyes closed. After a moment, they both nodded at each other.
Mistress Lathurna continued by stating the rules of the duel, “Both mages must duel in the clothes that they currently have on, no magical robes are allowed. Magic wands and staves are not to be used since they were not agreed to beforehand. No mage armor is allowed. Only one spell may be cast by each duelist per round. One counterspell is allowed per round. No Magical Missiles, those are boring. I want you to work on something other than Magical Missile. Both duelists must stand on either end of the classroom, which is around fifty-feet apart from one another. You may not move from your location once the duel has begun. This is a contest of magical abilities and not fancy footwork.”
The two mages each took fifteen steps backward, never turning their backs on each other. As they walked backward, a noticeable glimmer illuminated between them, signifying they were engaging in a duel. A fiery-red oval encompassed them, appearing like transparent flames, swirled around the dueling area in this small classroom.
Zagras’ back was toward me as he stood fifteen paces from Uronin on the other side of the classroom. Mistress Lathurna raised her right hand with her index and middle finger pointing to the sky and turned to Zagras, “Do you, Zagras, agree to enter the duel against Uronin? You may yield at this time, declaring Uronin as the winner.”
Zagras nodded and answered, “I agree to enter the duel against Uronin.”
“Very well,” responded Mistress Lathurna. She then turned to Uronin and asked, “Do you, Uronin, agree to enter the duel against Zagras? You may yield at this time, declaring Zagras as the winner.”
Uronin nodded and answered, “I agree to enter the duel against Zagras.”
“Very well. You two will quick cast, but will need to declare spells using the activation words. Each of you will have twenty HP,” explained Mistress Lathurna as the number twenty written in flames appeared on the wall over each duelist’s head. “The duel ends when HP is down to zero. The duel may now begin,” announced Kyna dropping her right arm back down to her side.
The two magic users nodded at each other. Zagras’ yelled at Uronin, “Honor virtutis praemium!”
Uronin replied, “Veritas aequitas!”
Both of these mages were 5th-level evokers, therefore the dueling area did not need to be large, and the classroom, although small was an adequate size.
Zagras shouted, “Ignis pila!”
Zagras had the initiative and cast Fireball.
Spell: Fireball
School: Evocation
Skill Level: 3rd-Level
Effect: A fiery explosion will cause 100 points damage if performed correctly in a 15-foot radius. Target will continue to take extra fire damage.
Zagras cast Fireball, at Uronin. I watched a fifteen-foot ball of flames emerge from Zagras’ palms and hurl itself toward Uronin. The Fireball traveled at a rapid pace, and would normally explode on impact and could potentially set Uronin on fire, yielding damage over time.
However, Uronin countered the spell, which is allowed each round of the mage duel. Uronin shouted, “Impetus tempestatis!”
Uronin completed a successful spell-craft check. Uronin cast Whirlwind
Spell: Whirlwind
School: Evocation
Skill Level: 5th-Level
Effect: Cyclone 30 feet tall and 15 feet wide. The raging wind moves through the air, along the ground, zigzagging by the caster’s direction. When the Whirlwind comes in contact with a spell, a reflex save must be successfully thrown or counter damage will be yielded by the caster of the spell.
Uronin summoned a circling vortex of air that created a funnel cloud inside the classroom. The cyclone zeroed in right on the Fireball and collided with the menacing fury of flames. The whirling windstorm pulled the Fireball into an inferno and launched the vortex up to the ceiling of the classroom, momentarily catching it on fire before it burnt out.
Uronin gave Zagras a flash of a smirk from under his black hood. I had never seen such a counterspell conducted with such precision and demonstration of magical abilities. One thing became apparent in the first round of the duel. I was outclassed by my classmates in terms of magical ability. The second thing that became clear was the Demon Lord was simply toying and playing with me and my friends. We did not even witness half of this from Lord Abraxas.
Zagras puffed out his chest, appearing not to be deterred by the Whirlwind counterspell. Mistress Lathurna announced, “Round 2.”
Uronin summoned sheets of roaring flames centered around his location. Sparks of embers flung themselves as the temperature of the inferno that surrounded Uronin appeared to increase and become molten.
Uronin cast Firestorm at Zagras.
Spell: Firestorm
School: Evocation
Skill Level: 5th-Level
Effect: A storm of fiery sheets surround the caster. As the storm surrounds the caster, the inferno increases in strength. Once it is unleashed on a target, the target is met with an explosion and ignites on fire, taking fire damage.
Uronin sent the Firestorm spell at the target, Zagras.
The rampaging inferno moved across the room in a wall of flames that was directed at Zagras but appeared to be coming for all of us. I watched the wave of seething lava-like energy barrel toward Zagras and me and the other classmates that sat behind him.
I cast Shield as I braced for the Firestorm to render fire damage on all who would be affected by the spell. “Clipeum!” I shouted.
Edward cast Shield.
Spell: Shield
School: Abjuration
Skill Level: 1st-Level
Effect: An invisible force shield that hovers in front of the caster. It negates attacks directed at them. It is formed in the shape of a disk and can ricochet attacks if hit at the correct angle. For a limited time.
Zagras shouted, “Argomentare magia!”
Zagras cast Magic Dispelled as a counter spell.
Spell: Magic Dispelled
School: Abjuration
Skill Level: 3rd-Level
Effect: Any creature or magical effect within range, any spell 3rd-Level or lower on the target ends the spell.
With Zagras mastering the defense for the Firestorm, it dissipated into the atmosphere, ending the spell cast by Uronin. That was an exceptional use of defensive magic Zagras demonstrated, however, the Dispelled Magic spell was not at the same level as the Firestorm and Zagras would take damage. Zagras gave Uronin a nod while he tilted his head to the side as the flames of the Firestorm turned to smoke.
Zagras made a successful Spellcraft check but took 50 points fire damage because Magic Dispelled was cast at a lower level to conserve mana. -10HP.
The flamed numbers above Zagras moved from twenty to ten. Firestorm is a crazy spell, and that was the first time that I saw one in action.
Mistress Lathurna announced, “Round three.”
I was certain that Zagras needed to come up with something more powerful to equal the score. Zagras closed his eyes and concentrated. His hands glowed bluish-white. From where I sat, I was able to see beads of sweat stream down his forehead.
Zagras shouted, “Conicum glacies!”
In a blink of an eye, a blast of crystals, shards of glass, and ice radiated from Zagras’ hands in the shape of a cone toward Uronin.
Zagras cast Conical Chill
Spell: Conical Chill
School: Evocation
Skill Level: 5th-Level
Effect: A 60-foot cone of arctic energy is hurled at a target. A successful Constitution save must be made.
Uronin immediately shouted, “Murus ignis!” As flames of fire energy created a wall in front of him. Uronin was a moment too late when he cast the FireWall to counter the cold energy.
Uronin cast Fire Wall at a lower level that the Conical Chill.
Spell: Fire Wall
School: Evocation
Skill Level: 4th-Level
Effect: A wall of fire on a solid surface is created up to 60 feet. Firewall can counter cold damage on the same level. Can render damage on an opponent within range.
Zagras made a successful Dexterity saving throw and was not damaged by the Fire Wall. Uronin was caught flat-footed with the Conical Chill and was delayed with the cast of Fire Wall taking 80 points of cold damage. -20 HP.
I watched Uronin’s hit points written in flames fall to zero. Mistress Lathurna immediately announced, “Zagras has won the Mage Duel.” She walked into the middle of the dueling square in the classroom and held up her hands. “The duel is over.” As she did that, the outline of the dueling boundaries disappeared. Both Zagras and Uronin shoot hands in the middle of the classroom right next to Kyna.
“Good job,” Uronin said to Zagras.
“You’re a formidable opponent,” Zagras said to Uronin.
Mistress Lathurna turned to each of us who sat along the wall of the classroom. “Edward MacAra, you’re up next.” She took a moment to look around the room, and said, “Avaleus, you will duel Edward.”
I did not know who Avaleus was but watched a tall older student stand up in a red robe with gold embroidery stand up a few seats down from me. As he stood, he put his hood up over his head. Reluctantly, I stood from my seat as well. After seeing what type of magic these evocation students could cast, I became hesitant. Usually, I am not lacking in confidence, but I had a feeling I was in over my head.
I met Avaleus and Mistress Lathurna in the middle of the classroom. “Do you two agree to enter the duel?” Mistress Lathurna asked both of us.
I nodded and said, “I agree.”
Avaleus nodded and said, “I agree.”
“Good,” replied Mistress Lathurna with a nod. “We will use the same rules as the duel before. Count out fifteen paces backward.”
I nodded and walked backward while I counted each step. Avaleus did the same. The energy waves outlined our dueling space as we moved further back form each other.
As I got to my fifteenth step, I was taken by surprise as eight Firebolts came at my feet. I didn’t hear Avaleus announce the spell, perhaps because I was still counting. I instantly started to jump in an attempt to dodge the bolts. Fiery bolts of energy came in my direction, ionizing the surrounding air as they zapped past my legs. The reddish-orange blasts pelted where I stood, leaving charred residue on the classroom wall behind me. A sensation of feeling overwhelmed came over me, and I became panic-stricken.
Avaleus quick and duel casted four sets of Firebolts catching Edward flat-footed.
Spell: Firebolt
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School: Evocation
Skill Level: Cantrip
Effect: A bolt of fire is hurled at a target. The target takes fire damage.
Edward made a successful Constitution check taking 50 points of fire damage. -8 HP.
I had almost dodged all of the Firebolts that Avaleus hurled at me, however, the last one stung my ankle, and knocked me flat on my back. I was certain that I would be out of hit points after that onslaught.
I got up off of the classroom floor and took a look at the remaining hit points. Twelve left. That was a relief, but how would I win this duel?
As I attempted to strategize my offensive plan, Mistress Lathurna came over to me. “Pause the duel, pause the duel,” she shouted with both arms raised in the air.
The stood right infant of me, our toes almost touching. “Edward, you cannot move and doge the spells. That is a violation of the rules of the duel,” Kyna explained.
“I know,” I replied, lowering my eyes. “I’m in over my head,” I muttered.
“No you’re not,” she countered. “Now, work on the spells we did yesterday. Remember, quick cast and dual cast. Cast an offensive spell with one hand and a defensive spell with the other hand as the starting foci.”
I nodded, trying to figure out what exactly she meant. Kyna returned to the middle of the classroom, “Resume duel!” Mistress Lathurna shouted dropping her raised arms and making her way to the edge of the classroom.
“Clipeum!” I shouted. I casted Shield, bringing a curved shield on my left arm.
Edward cast Shield.
Spell: Shield
School: Abjuration
Skill Level: 1st-Level
Effect: An invisible force shield that hovers in front of the caster. It negates attacks directed at them. It is formed in the shape of a disk and can ricochet attacks if hit at the correct angle. For a limited time.
I realized that this is a timed spell, so I can have the Shield protect me for a few minutes before I need to recast it.
“Gees!” I shouted. “Not again!” I muttered to myself as I had another set of Firebolts hurled at me. What is this guy’s problem, I thought it was my turn for an offensive attack?
I watched the Firebolts fly at me. I braced to take more damage, however, I watched the Firebolts deflect in different directions as they hit the invisible shield. Some of the bolts hit the shield and the correct angle, and they were hurled back into Avaleus’ direction, rendering damage.
Avaleus takes 20 points fire damage. -4 HP.
Using dual cast, I shouted, “Fulgur ignis!” I did not want anyone to know that I was able to silent cast. I hurled Firebolts in the direction of Avaleus, only to witness him cast his own shield and to have some of the Firebolts come back at me.
After watching my own Firebolts ricochet back into my direction, I hit the ground on my stomach. I remembered what Mistress Lathurna stating that this was an illegal maneuver, however, I did not have a counterspell prepared.
While I laid on the ground, I had to think of something fast, or else I was done. I closed my eyes, my belly on the cold marble of the classroom floor. Then it came to me! I watched a stream of lighting snake across the floor and weave its way to Avaleus.
Edward cast Spark.
Spell: Spark
School: Evocation
Skill Level: 3rd-Level
Effect:A spell that causes lightning to course across the ground aimed at a target, rendering lightning damage.
Avaleus jumped over the lighting bolt that stretched across the ground. Mistress Lathruna shouted, “Illegal maneuver!” I thought Kyna was referring to the fact that Avaleus jumped over my really awesome Spark spell, but she came to the middle of the classroom again with her hands raised. “Pause duel,” she shouted before walking swiftly over to me.
“Edward, you cannot use spells that are not taught by this school. I was impressed by your ingenuity, however, this school has a prescribed methodology and you must adhere to it. Why cast a spell that someone could easily hop over?” Mistress Lathruna asked.
I nodded, she had a point. “Yes, Mistress Lathruna.”
“Very good,” she replied. Walking back to the middle of the classroom, she shouted, “Resume duel.”
The Shield had dissipated since it was timed. Unfortunately, I did not have enough left in my magic pool to recast it. Not to mention, I am hindered by not being able to use spells that are not taught by this school. I really wanted to cast Lightning Chain, but now I am unable to with Mistress Lathurna’s silly rules.
Avaleus shouted, “Fulgur ignis!”Once again, reddish-orange bolts hurled themselves at me. Without the Shield to protect me, I was a sitting duck, waiting to be subdued.
Avaleus dual cast four Firebolts. Edward failed his Constitution check and was rendered unconscious. -12 HP. Avaleus won the duel.
“Duel complete. Avalues, you are the victor,” I heard Mistress Lathurna shout while I laid on the ground, picking up my head to see her raise his arm.
I struggled to get to my feet. Both Mistress Lathruna and Avaleus came over to me. “Great job Ed!” Avaleus said. “I’ve never seen that lightning snake thing you cast before. That caught me off guard.” Avaleus helped me straighten my robe and look presentable once again.
Mistress Lathruna added, “Edward, you did well for just entering the art of evocation. As time goes on, you will become a great evoker.” She paused for a moment and then added, “Edward, think about how the battle would have gone if you kept up the spells longer.”
I nodded in response to Kyna’s suggestions. Turning to Avaleus, I said, “Great match, man. You are tough!” Avaleus nodded with a smile.
Both of us returned to our seats. I could not help but go over the entire duel. I really did not do my best, I concluded. I should have really shown what I’m capable of. In the midst of my thoughts, Kyna interrupted, “Great job today. Everyone really did their best. Keep up the good work, and class is dismissed.”
The students filed out of the classroom door, but I decided to hang around after class. I wanted to ask Kyna a question. As she was shuffling our quiz papers into her bag, I approached her and asked, “Mistress Lathurna, I really want to work on my magic. Are there any practice rooms that I can use?”
“That’s wonderful Edward! Yes, you need all the practice you can get. But, I’m afraid to tell you that all of the practice rooms have not been repaired yet since Lord Abraxas destroyed Draererth. Headmaster Wavernjack is in the process, but it will still be a while.”
“They haven’t been rebuilt yet after they were destroyed?” I asked. “Everything else seems to be rebuilt and is better than it ever was.”
“I know. Those practice rooms were part of the final phase. Be patient, they will get to them soon,” Kyna explained. Mistress Lathurna hesitated and resumed stacking our quizzes and putting them in her bag. Then she turned and said, “There is a secluded area on the northwest part of the school, right near the barrier is before the Enchanted Forest. Hardly anyone goes there. I’m sure you could use that area to practice to your heart’s content.”
As her words came out and fell onto my ears, I smiled at her idea. It was like I had a lightbulb light up above my head, and this time it was not my Mage Light, I had an idea. I had to tell others. We were going to work on the spells that were not taught by the Mage Order where Kyna suggested. “Thanks!” I replied, nodding, attempting not to look to eager, but I knew I was not concealing my excitement. I had to show my friends that I could now silent cast spells. I darted off out of the classroom and to the dining hall to tell my friends my plan.
“Where are we going?” Walter asked, attempting to keep up while I led the charge.
“All right guys,” I said as I walked backward so I could explain further the plan. Cecily, Yves, and Walter followed, appearing to be bewildered by my sense of urgency. “We are going to practice spells that are not taught at Draererth and not know by our Mage Order,” I explained, moving at a brisk pace, careful not to trip over my heels as I led my friends to the area that Kyna suggested.
“I still don’t understand,” countered Yves. “First of all, why are we going to learn spells that are not taught by this Mage Order. Second, where in the world are we going?”
Still walking backward, I started, “First of all guys, thank you. Thank you for your supporting willingness to follow me.”
Walter interjected, “I don’t like how this is sounding already.”
Cecily affirmed my haste and action, “Ed, we are always on your side. We will help you no matter what.”
Yves finally got with the program, “Ed, we trust you, but where are we going?” As she finished her sentence, I fell backward as the ground sloped downward.
“Goodness, Ed! Are you all right?” Walter asked as he stood on the shelf of soil that was above me while I laid flat on my back.
“I’m fine. Thanks,” I replied getting to my feet and figuring out where I had landed. My eyes could not believe what I saw. On the northwest corner of the school, right before the transparent barrier where the Enchanted Forest started was a circular, pressed area of land of dark soil. The depression must have been at least two feet and was cut out in a perfect circle. How in the world did Kyna know about this area?
“Well, I found what I was looking for!” I announced.
“What is this?” Yves asked.
“It is our new training area,” I proclaimed. “Look, we can practice the spells here, and we have a slight covering from prying eyes since we are lower. We will not be overtly visible to students who are passing by.”
Cecily added, “I think Ed is on to something. It seems a little unorthodox, but I believe we could be great mages if we follow him.”
“Thanks, Cecily,” I replied.
“Here, let me scratch out our dueling square,” Cecily said as she found a stick and outlined two squares in the dirt. She went to the middle of the circle to make the centerline, separating each opponent.
As Cecily finished creating the dueling square, I went to one side. “Do I have any volunteers for a duel?” I asked.
“I’ll volunteer for the duel!” Yves announced raising her hand and walking toward the dueling square.
“Awesome!” I shouted. I appreciated Yves’ techniques and attention to detail. She always came across as a formidable opponent.
Yves stood in the square opposite me.“Clipeum!” I shouted. A blueish-transparent, curved disc appeared over my left arm.
Edward cast Shield.
Spell: Shield
School: Abjuration
Skill Level: 1st-Level
Effect: An invisible force shield that hovers in front of the caster. It negates attacks directed at them. It is formed in the shape of a disk and can ricochet attacks if hit at the correct angle. For a limited time.
“How did you do that?” Yves asked looking perplexed at the spell that I cast.
“Yves, the magic word to activate this spell is clipeum,” I instructed. “The curve will appear wherever your focus is. To make the shield moveable, I made sure to cast it on my arm.”
“Clipeum!” Yves shouted and the same blueish-transparent, curved disc appeared on her arm.
Yves cast Shield.
“Very good!” I commended.
“I’m ready!” Yves announced.
On that note, I needed to come up with a spell that I want to practice, but will not be too dangerous to try on my friends. As I pondered my first offensive strike, it came to me. I’ve been wanting to try out these gravity spells. I shouted, “Gravitas liqueur diaboli!” I concentrated on Yves’ position and modified the glyphs of the runes that appeared before me.
Edward cast Gravity Snare
Spell: Gravity Snare
School: Evocation
Skill Level: 6th-Level
Effect: The weight of the spell pins down and crushes the opponent, anchoring them to the ground. Target takes bludgeoning damage, which can be halved on a successful check.
As I finished the last syllable of the magic word, I watched Yves collapse to her knees. “Aaaahhh!” Yves shouted, her shoulders being pulled to the ground and she was unable to move her arms.
Walter shouted from the sidelines of the dueling square, “Ed! What in the world did you cast? Undo it this instant!”
“It’s a gravity spell. It's intended to slow the opponent down,” I explained.
Yves could not muster any words from where she kneeled. Grunting in pain she breathed, “Ow!” I could tell that her struggling meant that she was not getting oxygen through her airway. The gravitational force must be pulling down on her neck as well.
I couldn’t watch this anymore. It was apparent that Yves was in a great deal of pain. “Oblittero!” I shouted as I focused on Yves’ body that was pulled to the ground.
I was able to cancel the spell, and the gravitational force that pulled Yves downward released her. She flipped over on her back, breathing heavily to catch her breath. I stood at my end of the dueling square, watching her regain her strength. Immediately, she got to her feet and stomped over to me.
“That was dirty!” yelled Yves. “You are a low-down dirty scoundrel. No wonder no one at this school likes you!” Yves continued to huff to catch her breath. “I could not even raise my arms!”
Cecily inspected the impression in the dirt where Yves laid while she gave me a piece of her mind. “Hey Yves!” Cecily shouted. “Consider yourself lucky!”
“Oh yeah, why?” Yves shouted.
“Luckily this dirt was soft. If it had been any harder, you would have broken your legs,” responded Cecily.
I winced at the sound of that. I didn’t want to break Yves’ legs. Cecily continued, “Yves, take a break. Let me have a crack at him!”
Yves still stared at me. “This is not over,” she muttered as she stomped off to the side of the dueling square next to Walter.
Cecily took her position in the dueling square, opposite me. I felt her eyes piercing through me as she narrowed her focus. “Clipeum!” I shouted, activating Shield.
Edward cast Shield.
“Clipeum!” Cecily shouted, activating hers.
Cecily cast Shield.
“Fulgar ignis!” I shouted, watching the reddish-orange bolt of fire emerge from my fingertip.
Edward cast Fire Bolt.
Cecily instinctively blocked the firebolt with her shield, sending the stream of energy back in my direction.
While I was distracted, Cecily shouted, “Pruinae fulguri!”
Cecily cast Frost Bolt.
Spell: Frost Bolt
School: Evocation
Skill Level: Cantrip
Effect: A ball of magical frost is hurled at an opponent within range. The opponent will take cold damage. Can be halved on a successful Constitution check.
A ball of arctic energy came toward me along with my firebolt that ricocheted off of Cecily’s shield. I held both offensive attacks off with my shield, but the time on my shield was soon to run out.
Cecily had come quite a long way in her elemental magic and was giving me a run for my money. Catching me off guard as she did also was a little dirty. However, if we wanted to beat the Demon Lord, we were going to need to know how to defend dirty.
“Excandescunt!” I shouted.
Edward cast Flare.
Spell: Flare
School: Evocation
Skill Level: Cantrip
Effect: A burst of light causes opponents to be dazed and temporarily blinded by the flash of light.
A flash of light came from my palms, piercing my eyes. As I covered mine to protect them I saw Cecily having to shield her eyes from the flash with her arms. Now was my chance!
I focused inward and pleased as much energy as I could to subdue Cecily.
Edward silent cast Fire Bolt, Frost Bolt, and Dark Sphere.
Spell: Dark Sphere
School: Evocation
Skill Level: 8th-Level
Effect: Caster summons an orb of darkness that deals damage to anyone caught in its confines. This spell utilizes the absence of matter and energy to create its power. The absence of energy and matter is just as powerful as those type of spells rendering dark-elemental damage on those who are within range, exploding upon impact. The damage can be seen by inky-black blotches where the absence of energy occurred in an opponent and the surrounding area.
First, I cast a Fire Bolt to render quick damage to Cecily while she shielded her eyes from the Flare spell. The Fire Bolt mostly hit her Shield, however, time should be running out for that spell.
Then I hurled the Frost Bolt at Cecily, sending the arctic energy over to her. She would never expect that. Not to mention her Shield shout be occupied with the Fire Bolt, this Frost Bolt should render cold damage like she never experienced before.
Finally, I needed to practice a new spell. One that I had only been visioning and formulating in my spellbook, but never had materialized until now. Dark Sphere. I grew an orb of black and purple anti-energy between my palms. Summoning the antithesis of matter, I felt the emptiness of the ball between my hands grow with power. The strange thing is, the absence of energy is just as powerful as energy itself. This spell reminded me of my high school physics class in my former life. Good thing I was a science nerd and could borrow my previous education and experiences for this incarnation. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to come up with half of these spells I’ve conjured.
I hurled the dark, purplish sphere toward Cecily and waited with anticipation. I could not wait to find out what this spell does, and I was thrilled that my friends decided to support me with trying out different schools of magic. I could not wait to try other spells on them, especially Walter—
Yves let out a bloodcurdling scream. “Ed! What in the world did do?” Yves yelled.
“Oblittero!” I shouted, not able to see anything beyond the orb that moved toward Cecily. I heard the two bolts hit Cecily, and was eager to find out what the Dark Sphere exactly did, but Yves’ screams sparked me to rethink my offensive plan.
After I shouted the magical words to cancel the Dark Sphere, I became astonished by the sight. Inky blackness covered the entire square. The sight looked like tar, spread all over the dueling grounds. As I took a moment to study my surroundings, I found Cecily flat on her back, unconscious.
As I moved over to Cecily to make sure she was all right, Yves and Walter were already there tending to her. “Cecily! Are you OK?” I shouted, panicked that I hurt her. Goodness, what was I thinking?
Her eyes slightly separated as she came to, “Ed! How did you do that?” Cecily asked.
“Oh? Glad to see you are all right. Goodness, I was not sure what got into me,” I replied, relieved that she was going to be just fine.
“I’m serious,” Cecily continued, lifting her head. “How did you do all of that? And so fast? I did not even hear you announce the spells.”
“Oh, right.” I was just relieved that she was all right, still calming down from the slight panic that I had killed her. “Let me teach you the activation words for the Flare and Dark Sphere spells,” I said, getting my wits about me again.
“The activation word for Flare is Excandescunt. The magic word for Dark Sphere is sphere tenebris,” I explained. I realized that the more spells my friends knew, the better off we would be when we faced the Demon Lord once again. Plus, I was more confident in their abilities to perform these spells. These guys were doing quite well with their magical abilities.
“And how did you perform these spells without the activation words?” Yves asked.
I could not tell them about the new ability that I had from the figure in the mirror. To cover myself I replied, “I said the words. I just don’t think you heard me.”
“Oh, OK…” Walter replied. “Weird. I was watching you the entire time. I didn’t even see your mouth move.”
“It did. Perhaps you were blinded from the Flare?” I hastily retreated but astonished at my cleverness to keep coming up with these lines.
“Perhaps,” he said while he shrugged.
Walter took a moment and glanced around at the circular depression that we were practicing in. “Gees, this does not look good,” he stated. He had a point. The ground was scared with large pieces missing all around. Other parts of the ground looked like they had been scorched.
Yves affirmed, “Right! This ground is very soft. There are scares all around. It looks like an absolute mess.”
They were right. “We may want to build something permanent in this spot. I would hate to catch the school on fire accidentally. We just rebuilt Draererth. I’d hate to destroy it again,” I suggested.
“Great idea!” Cecily shouted she was now getting to her feet. “Ed, ask the headmaster for permission.”
“Well, why can’t you ask?” I retorted.
“I’ve already asked for a larger library wing. I surely can’t ask for a structure to house our illegal dueling practice now, can I?” Cecily replied.
I was not certain if I believed her. As I thought about it more, I felt Cecily was telling a lie, but figured it was not worth arguing about. “All right!” I shouted as I sprung into action. “I will go ask Headmaster Wavernjack for a building for our dueling practice!” I climbed up out of the depression in the gourd and made my way to the headmaster’s office.
After running across campus, I found myself at Wavernjack’s office. Knocking on the closed door, I was surprised to see the handle engage and Headmaster Wavernjack opened it. “Edward!” Wavernjack shouted. “What brings you by? Everything fine with your classes?”
I took a moment and realized I did not want to go into the issues with my instructors and classmates. I replied, “Yes, everything is just dandy!”
“Well, good. Come on in. Have a seat,” welcomed Headmaster Wavernjack as he pointed to two leather sofa chairs that were set opposite his mahogany desk. He moved back to his seat behind his desk. “What can I do for you?” Wavernjack asked, peering over his spectacles.
Not precisely knowing where to begin, I started, “The private dueling rooms haven’t been rebuilt yet.”
“Right.” Wavernjack nodded in agreement. “Ed, I hate to interrupt. I am extremely busy at the moment. Could you get to the point”
“All right. I would like your permission to build a private dueling room on the northwest part of the school, out there by the barrier,” I explained.
“I really don’t have the resources to do that at this time,” explained the headmaster.
“That is fine. Walter, Yves, Cecily, and I are willing to do all of the work. I’m only asking for your permission to embark on such an endeavor,” I reiterated.
“Ah! I see. That is fine as long as you and your friends do all of the work.” Wavernjack hesitated and looked over his spectacles at me again. “You cannot spend any money to build anything professionally, but since the land is not being used, I don’t see how it could hurt.”
“Really?” I shouted, surprised at how easy it was to talk the headmaster into my plan.
As I got up to leave, Wavernjack said, “I will need to inspect your structure when you are done. You know, to make sure that it is safe. I wouldn’t want any accidents happening on Draererth’s property.”
“Right!” I replied. “Thank you! I will let you. Know when it is ready to be inspected.” I left, on my way back to my friends to tell them the good news.