Sophia and Mike delved deeper into their studies, driven by their determination to learn and gain power. Sophia focused on healing magic, dedicating an entire semester to support classes. She immersed herself in anatomy, cellular growth, and germ theory, acquiring the knowledge to regrow entire limbs given enough time and mana. The class was closely monitored due to the dangers of plague magic, emphasizing the immense trust their professors placed in Valicar.

Meanwhile, Mike ventured into the forgotten fringes of the library, eager to explore the frowned-upon demonic magic that had long been abandoned and shunned. His progress was limited, but he discovered promising leads within the forbidden books. He understood the perils and potential consequences of delving into such dark arts, yet he saw it as an opportunity to find answers that had eluded him in successfully forming a pact.

In their pursuit of alliances, Sophia and Mike decided to participate in the magical games once again. Their plan was to increase their popularity, hoping to attract potential allies who would offer more than token promises of support. One individual offered a hundred skilled elven archers, recognizing their worth in battle. However, Sophia and Mike were aware that the legendary druids and rangers that the elves possessed far surpassed their current offer.

Within the school, magic varied among the races, with some being more genetically inclined toward its mastery while others developed it through other means. The population of Helm Town consisted of approximately 80% mages, either born within the town or migrating from different parts of the world. However, the overall percentage of people with magic was only around 1% of the population. Despite this, the school gave the impression that everyone was a mage, reflecting the strength of magical bloodlines in the area.

One evening they attended a party organized by Valicar to build alliances and friendships, Orion, their rival, continued to spew insults and accusations. He mocked Valicar, claiming she was an imperial spy plotting to deceive the alliance. Mike's anger burned within him, but Sophia, wise beyond her years, urged him to remain composed and not give Orion any credibility.

"Im gonna tear the fucker's arms off again, Who the hell even let him in" Mike growled internally to Sophia, his frustration seething.

"The last thing we need is to give him credibility, Mike," Sophia reasoned, trying to calm her brother. "It's hard enough to make friends with non-humans ever since that first night. We don't need to add to the stigma."

Just as Mike was about to respond, Altheack, ever loyal and protective, noticed her friend's anger and stepped in. She raised her voice across the room, defending Valicar against Orion's accusations.

"Shut your fucking mouth, Orion!" Altheack exclaimed, her voice filled with defiance. "Just because she kicked your in the last games doesn't mean she is a spy. It's been two years for fuck's sake. So, if you really want to prove how much of a superior mage you are, why don't you enter the games again like Valicar?"

Orion, caught off guard by Altheack's fierce defense, couldn't help but retaliate. "You trust her, half-breed, but don't assume the rest of us do! Your family didn't even want you, so it's no surprise you clung to the first person who showed you kindness when they sent your filth here."

The room fell silent, tension hanging in the air. Altheack's eyes narrowed, her fists clenched, ready to transform. The tension in the room began to ease as Oghoth, the esteemed instructor, intervened with his commanding presence. His voice echoed with authority, cutting through the silence.

"That's enough, both of you," Oghoth declared sternly, his gaze sweeping across the room. "The Games will soon be upon us. Settle your petty squabbles on the field."

Altheack's eyes narrowed, her fists slowly unclenching as Oghoth's words resonated within her. The weight of his reprimand reminded her of the true purpose of their gathering. Orion, still visibly irked, begrudgingly acknowledged Oghoth's command, though his defiance lingered in his voice.

"Fine, let's settle it on the field, imp, make sure to bring your pet along." Orion grumbled the last part looking at Altheack, his confidence evident in his last two years of growth. As his final semester at the school approached, he had become significantly more powerful, a fact that was well-known to Valicar due to their complicated relationship. While he had been a constant thorn in their side, he hadn't attempted to challenge them outside the dueling arena for over a year now.

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As Orion grumbled, the tension in the room began to dissipate. Valicar and Altheack returned to their respective sides of the party, engaging in conversations with fellow attendees. Valicar's attention was drawn to a dwarvish man offering a trade deal for enchanted equipment at robbery prices. The items were inscribed with intricate runes by a skilled forge mage, imbuing them with various magical properties. The runes had a daily limit but would gradually recharge over the course of a day. From speed boosts to night vision and even flight, there was a range of enchantments available for those willing to pay the price.

House Norail, known for their wealth, was the target of the dwarf's sales pitch. The dwarf seemed to perceive them as a desperate, wealthy target, but Sophia was pleased to see some diplomatic progress since their arrival. Initially, many who approached them seemed to be fishing for information rather than genuine alliances.

Within Helmhold Academy, various factions existed, each with its own agenda and beliefs. One faction advocated for exclusivity, believing that the school should prioritize locals and those with "old blood." Another faction hailed from the western continent, which operated as a republic led by a diverse senate comprising representatives from different races, from halflings to lizard kin. Their approach was more diplomatic, seeking cooperation among the different races and factions.

As Sophia observed the interactions around her, she realized the complexity of the school's dynamics. Navigating these factions and forging alliances would be crucial, not only for the Games but also for their ultimate goals. They needed support and allies to challenge the might of the empire and the Church, and their time at Helmhold Academy would serve as the foundation for these alliances.

One night, as Valicar prepared for the magical games, she was approached by a stranger in the library. The man, a member of the old bloods faction, offered Valicar a deal. If she agreed to manipulate the outcome of the games, allowing someone from their faction to win, they would assist her in gaining access to the forbidden knowledge section of the library.

Mike, always quick to act and often impulsive, was immediately intrigued by the offer even if it hurt his pride to lose to Orion. He saw it as an opportunity to gain more power and advance their quest for knowledge. Sophia, on the other hand, cautious as always, saw the potential dangers and was hesitant to accept such a deal. They left the man with a unsure answer.

"What the hell are you looking at that shit for? Don't you remember the dangers James warned us about, Mike?" Sophia demanded of her brother.

"James is full of shit. Besides, we haven't heard from that bastard in almost five years now. We have to find answers on our own, Soph," Mike replied, annoyed at being caught after years of sneaking around instead of using his training yard time.

"How the hell can you even read half of these texts without a spell?" Sophia questioned, considering the language barriers he must have encountered.

"You remember that ring I bought at the market a few years ago? It has an enchantment that lets me read any known language for half an hour a day," Mike admitted somewhat sheepishly.

"You've been relying on a cheap knockoff? What the hell was so important that you needed demonic power anyway?" Sophia asked, feeling offended that Mike would resort to someone else's magic.

"You don't get it, Soph. Without your magic, I'm helpless, like any other schmuck out there. But with a pact, I could fight on par with Easton. Didn't you see how strong it made him?" Mike explained, hoping to make her understand his perspective.

Sophia let out a weary sigh. "You don't have to be the strongest, Mike."

Mike's determination remained unyielding. "No, but I have to be strong enough to protect you, sis. Hell, even to protect myself. We have to consider taking his deal. Easton mentioned that it's best to learn as much as we can while we are here at Helmhold, I might even be able to get a pretty good deal out of it If I knew how it works."

Sophia's frustration grew. "So Easton knows about this too? He was the one who told you about it wasn't he? And damn it, Mike, I'm not your damn warden, but seriously? You were doing all this by yourself while I was asleep?"

Valicar's face reddened with Mike's guilt. "I'm sorry, Sophia. I didn't mean to keep you in the dark. I thought it was the right thing to do, to find answers and protect us from all the evil shit out there."

Sophia's expression softened, her concern overriding her anger. "I understand, Mike. We're in this together, but we have to be cautious. Let's move forward, but we need to watch our steps before we step in shit."

Mike nodded, grateful for his sister's understanding. "The only downside to the deal is having to let that Twig fucker win," he said, annoyed yet relieved that Sophia accepted his plan.

"Seriously, cut it out with the twig shit, Mike," Sophia added, reprimanding him.

"Haha, you said it to." Mike teased.

"Real mature," Sophia said, shaking her head disapprovingly.

As the magical games drew near, they wholeheartedly embraced their shared identity as Valicar, a vibrant mage standing at just 4 feet 10 inches tall, burdened with the weight of the world on their shoulders. Despite the imminent risks, they found solace in the knowledge that they had each other for unwavering support.