"It really is too bad we didn't have time to skin that Manticore, I'm sure we could have made some cool shit from its fur maybe some kind of dope cloak." Mike lamented.
"Are you suddenly Hercules now? Your sword couldn't even cut through its fur, let alone skin it," Sophia berated Mike, her tone tinged with sarcasm.
"First of all you made that shitty ice sword that broke, Blue Dawn would have fried that fucker in one slash." He retorted.
"Yeah but that's like using buckshot on a rat, Mike, what the hell would be left of it to use."
"Well, it doesn't matter now," Mike shrugged as they reached the edge of the enchanted forest after another week of enduring hardships alongside their sole survivor, Almora. The memory of their fallen companions haunted Sophia, but as Mike continuously reminded Sophia, they couldn't dwell on the past. Their elegant yet cold-hearted guide seemed to share Mike's perspective, understanding the risks the men had taken, and the fatal greed that had led them to an early grave.
"Helm Town is just ahead. Beyond this point, you'll be on your own. The entrance exams are on the other side of town, heading up the mountain to Helm Hold," Almora explained as they neared the end of their journey. She had described Helm Hold as a magical community filled with specialized shops, offering various forms of magic, except for Necromancy, supposedly. The news was disheartening to the twins, as leads on forbidden magic had been nonexistent until now, except for James, of course.
Stepping through the forest's edge, Valicar found herself standing in a small clearing, with the town's wooden gates within close proximity. Helm Town was a mesmerizing spectacle, unlike anything she had ever witnessed. Towering spires soared towards the sky, adorned with intricate patterns of enchanted lights that twirled and glimmered. Griffins and wyverns, tamed and majestic, elegantly glided through the air around the towers. The town itself boasted a vibrant blend of magical architecture, with structures constructed from stone, wood, and even crystal, each radiating an aura of ancient power. Mighty runes adorned the city walls, etched with precision and strength, acting as formidable barriers against the dangers of the nearby forest.
A small line of people had formed outside the city walls, patiently awaiting their turn for passage through the gate, while guards stood watch on either side. Mounted guards, astride enchanting creatures, patrolled the forest's border, ever vigilant for any signs of danger. As one guard approached, them Almora without uttering a word, swiftly retreated back into the forest. "That was weird," Mike commented, his gaze fixed on the guard who rode towards them, seated atop a...unicorn.
"No fucken way," Sophia exclaimed with delight, her eyes wide at the sight of the mythical creature. The guard, however, seemed less thrilled by their presence, drawing her sword as she approached, its pale blue glow casting an ethereal light upon them, contrasting against the forest's shadows. "State your name," she called out, while Mike noticed a flurry of activity atop the city walls, indicating that their commotion had not gone unnoticed.
"Hello there, my name is Valicar and I've come to take the entrance exams," Sophia said in a warm tone she did not feel.
The guard's stern expression morphed into one of confusion. "You are here for the Magical Games? I've never seen someone emerge from the southern forest alone, let alone someone so young. The nobles and adventurers usually come through the port," the woman stated, her suspicion growing. "Are you a halfling or something?" she inquired.
"Nope, I'm quite human," Sophia said her social battery already depleting with the new interaction, but she knew better than to let Mike chime in on first impressions.
"And a human with considerable magical potential, judging by your appearance. I must say, I've never witnessed two colors intertwine in such a manner as they do in you. You're so young, yet your entire head of hair and your eyes have turned shades of red and blue," the guard remarked, removing her helmet to reveal a shock of vibrant green hair that perfectly matched her emerald eyes. The intensity of the green, however, seemed unnaturally enhanced by magic. Notably, her hair had highlights of green, contrasting against the pitch-black roots.
"Do the colors have some connection?" Sophia asked, genuinely curious.
"It's no wonder you seek entrance to the school if you don't even understand that," the guard chuckled, her face softening as a slight smile graced her lips. "Come now it's not safe this close to the edge and you better hurry if you want to make the games, they start soon."
After a short walk to the gate, they learn the line of people was local farmers and not travelers, it seemed traveling to Helm town from anything but the port or by the sky was rarely done. So the guarders were always on the watch for what appeared from the forest as it wouldn't have been the first time they ran into a changeling. After a brief spell, they confirmed Valicar was human and she was allowed access to Helm Town.
The city was, even more, mystifying up close. As Valicar stepped through the gates of Helm Town, she was immediately enveloped in a bustling and vibrant atmosphere. The city streets teemed with a myriad of races, each possessing their own unique characteristics and magical abilities. Elves with graceful strides walked alongside dwarves, their sturdy frames accentuated by intricate metalwork adorning their attire. Beast kin, with their animalistic features, mingled with humans and other fantastical beings, creating a tapestry of diversity.
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"Is that a fucking cat girl?" Mike said as they passed a woman with feline features. "Look they have the tail and ears and everything."
"All this beauty and that's what you notice." Sophia chastised.
The architecture of the city itself was a marvel to behold. Magnificent buildings of all shapes and sizes lined the streets. Stone structures stood tall, showcasing intricate carvings and runes that pulsed with latent magic. Wooden houses exhibited skilled craftsmanship, their designs incorporating natural motifs and living vines that climbed their walls. Crystal structures glistened, reflecting and refracting sunlight, casting enchanting patterns across the ground.
Colorful market stalls dotted the streets, displaying an array of wares and magical artifacts. Shimmering potions and spell books were neatly arranged, their contents promising great power to those who possessed them. The air was filled with the scent of exotic herbs, wafting from apothecaries and alchemists' shops, creating an intoxicating aroma that tickled the twins' senses. "I think I smell cinnamon," Sophia commented on the scent from another life.
Magical creatures, both domesticated and wild, roamed the streets. Varying greatly from one another. The sounds of music and laughter filled the air, emanating from taverns. Talented street performers showcased their skills, mesmerizing the crowd with magical illusions, music, and daring acrobatics.
Valicar followed the directions given by the guard and made her way through the city, navigating the winding streets and finally arriving at the location of the entrance exams. As she approached, she noticed a commotion nearby, drawing her attention away from the main entrance. A group of nobles, dressed in extravagant attire, surrounded a fellow entrance examinee, who seemed visibly distressed. They were only a few years Valicar's senior in age.
"Bullies, I guess every school has them," Sophia commented.
"Shall we?" Mike asked, Not waiting for an answer as he quickened his pace. However, before they could reach them, the atmosphere suddenly shifted. "OWALOW" The examinee underwent a remarkable transformation. Her figure grew in size, her limbs morphing into powerful bear-like paws, and feathers sprouted from her body. In an instant, she had turned into an awe-inspiring creature known as an owlbear.
"Holy shit! She is a druid," Sophia said in awe. As the now formidable student knocked the group of kids into a nearby magical stall. When they crashed into the magical potion stand it caused an array of chaotic wild magic to form, turning one of the bullies into a frog while another began to glow pink. The last one struggled to his feet seeming unaffected before he started to shrink to the size of a bug before their eyes. The Frog bully noticed as well, he started chasing the potential student with a hunger in his eyes.
"We won't forget about this! The pink one yelled as he scooped up his amphibious and tiny friend as they ran away.
The owlbear girl quickly transformed back to her normal state, she looked annoyed at the inconvenience, but her clothes and equipment seemed unaffected by the transformation. Making eye contact with Valicar she simply smiled and then took off at a mad dash, the commotion had already drawn a crowd, and now shouting and calls of alarm from the guard could be heard in the distance. She was gone in an instant no doubt transforming into something small and fast.
"Why don't you ever turn us into cool shit like that?" Mike teased.
"The books James gave us barely talked about polymorphing, but it's easier if you have a connection with nature or some shit so maybe we can learn it," Sophia mused, her mind already racing with possibilities.
After a long and winding path, Valicar found herself standing before the entrance to the magical arena, reminiscent of the ancient Roman Colosseum Sophia thought. The massive structure loomed before her, its towering walls adorned with intricate carvings depicting legendary battles between wizards and mystical beasts.
"I know we never went to Rome, but this has to be even more magnificent," Sophia marveled, her voice filled with wonder.
"Guess we'll never know, but it sure is... something," Mike agreed.
The gates were open to all who would dare participate. As Valicar entered the colossal arena, their eyes were met with a breathtaking scene. The vast space was alive with a kaleidoscope of colors. Magic users of all kinds filled the arena, each displaying their unique abilities and adorned with hair of vibrant hues that defied the natural world. Shades of fiery red, electric blue, lush green, and shimmering silver cascaded through the crowd, creating a stunning display of magical diversity among the humans. The nonhumans were just as plentiful as the city, elves, dwarfs, and even an orc, filled the field.
Most of the participants appeared to be in their late teens, ranging from around 16 to 20 years old, their youthful faces brimming with determination and anticipation. The twin's attention was drawn to the stands, where the nobles held court, observing the proceedings from their elevated seats. Dressed in lavish attire, they watched the unfolding events with an air of entitlement and superiority. On the ground floor, the commoners were seated, positioned closer to the heart of the action. "This is some Hunger Games shit..." Mike muttered.
Amidst the bustling scene, a figure stepped forward onto a raised platform, drawing the attention of the gathered participants. He was a tall and imposing man, his voice booming across the arena, commanding attention.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the magical tournament of Helm Hold Or the Magical Entrance Exams!" his voice reverberated through the air. "We have over a hundred talented individuals ready to showcase their skills and vie for a place in the hallowed halls of our esteemed magical school. The top 10 will be welcome with open arms no matter where they are from, But only one will receive the grand prize! The Bag of Dalioum!" The crowd erupted in cheers of excitement at the mention of the legendary artifact.
He continued, explaining the rules of the tournament. "In the first round, you will engage in one-on-one battles, pitting your abilities against your opponents. However, before we can proceed, we must thin the crowd. So, prepare yourselves for a preliminary free-for-all round!" He shouted with a devious smile. "You may begin until there are 50 left."
The participants exchanged glances, magical energy charging as spells waited to be whispered.
"Shit why is it always 1 to 100 right away," Sophia complained as all hell broke loose.