Valicar, with Altheack's support, made their way back to Helm Hold. Bloodied and bruised, she leaned on her loyal friend for assistance. "You really shouldn't walk around drunk by yourself, Val," Altheack expressed concern for her battered friend, even with her healing magic, it would take a full day for Valicar to recover fully.
"I can take care of myself," Mike retorted defensively, a sly smile revealing missing teeth.
"Clearly," Altheack rolled her eyes, accustomed to Mike's stubbornness.
"You gotta let the little guy win sometimes," Mike said, his voice full of mischief despite his injuries. "But don't worry, I'm gonna get my lick back," he added with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"You say the strangest things, Val," Altheack chuckled softly as they continued their slow journey toward Valicar's room. Despite the late hour, the looks they received from concerned onlookers soon turned to relief as they realized it was just Valicar and Altheack, and most people went about their business.
Once they reached Valicar's room, Altheack gently helped her friend lie down on the bed, wincing at the sight of the injuries that covered her body. "Rest now," Altheack said softly, knowing that Valicar needed time to heal.
As the days passed, Altheack remained steadfast by Valicar's side, vigilant and ready to protect them from any potential backlash from the Old Bloods attacking them, even though it seemed unlikely to happen on school grounds. The Old Bloods were numerous, but their strongest members held positions too high in the school's hierarchy to directly involve themselves in a kidnapping. However, that brought about another problem – their self-defense actions had resulted in their attackers' deaths. Pursuing legal channels could lead to expulsion, or worse, they could face hanging or banishment. Dealing with the Old Bloods became a necessity, but Sophia knew they couldn't resort to a killing spree like Mike wanted.
"I'm gonna clean house, Soph," Mike said to his sister as they lay in bed, Altheack sleeping in the chair beside them. She had dropped everything to stay with them and had found them that night through her keen nose when transformed. After their capture, they were taken to the city's underside before being brutally beaten.
"We don't even know who all of them are, Mike, and if we don't get expelled or worse, we'll still be hunted down if we go on a killing spree," Sophia reasoned.
"I don't give a fuck. We need to leave this shit hole anyway, and clearly, we can't rely on just your powers, can we?" Mike's words were harsh, driven by his frustration and determination.
"I tried my best, Mike, but I couldn't use my magic," Sophia's voice wavered, hurt by his words.
"You wouldn't let me use the pact, and now, Soph, I've waited long enough. This just proves my point. It's been months already, and we still got our asses kicked by some fucking losers in robes," Mike asserted, his determination unwavering.
"No, Mike! You're right. I couldn't protect us, so I will give you full control this time. Just do the signs, and I'll cast the spells you want," Sophia said, giving up her resistance to the idea, knowing the risks involved but desperate to protect them both.
The days that followed were filled with preparation. Sophia crafted small charms filled with spells that Mike could use at his whim, replicating spells like fireballs, acid baths, and flashbangs. Sophia even made another atom bomb and stored it just in case.
As their bones healed, so did their minds, but Sophia still pleaded with Mike not to go through with his plan of assassinating all who would harm them, leaving Altheack in the dark. However, it was of no use; Mike was resolute. Under the cover of night, Valicar, infused with Mike's iron will, struck like a shadow of vengeance, their steps as silent as death itself. They moved through Helm Hold with lethal grace, mercilessly delivering death upon those who had tormented them.
The corridors reverberated with the chilling echoes of their fury, each step marking the end of another Old Blood's life. Swift and silent, Valicar moved with lethal grace, dealing death to those who had tormented them. Sophia's spellwork supported Valicar's deadly dance, never using offensive magic thus ensuring their attacks remained undetectable by the school's wards.
The journey led them into Helm Town, where the Old Bloods had sought refuge in a sprawling warehouse. Fire and lightning erupted from Valicar's fingertips, engulfing their enemies in a blaze of chaos, while ice encased their limbs, leaving them helpless before their relentless assault. Valicar moved like a force of nature, a storm of vengeance, the slaughter was a dance of spell and blade.
Valicar was a whirlwind of death as she made her way to the boss, Professor Simador. They had him cornered in his house, a knife to his throat before he could cast a spell, Mike was ready to take his life in the blink of an eye.
"Why are you really after me? I doubt you would risk your position over some fucking books," Mike asked the man, his blade dangerously close, demanding answers.
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"They will hang you for this Imp!" The professor's face contorted with pain as he screamed, his guts spilt onto his lap, the wound deep from Mike's blade. He gasped for breath, trying to speak, and Mike leaned in closer to hear him.
"Heal me, ahh please, and I'll tell you," he huffed in agony, trying to make a desperate bargain.
"Fine," Mike lied, feigning agreement to the desperate plea.
"The school elders suspect you had something to do with the forest explosion. They've been watching you, but without evidence, they gave up. Uhg, But I know you're responsible for that vile weapon, and your dangerous agenda threatens us all, you will bring the Church's wrath down on us," he spat, his voice filled with bitterness and hatred.
Mike's eyes narrowed as he considered the man's words, but he remained focused on his goal. He had no sympathy for his enemies. "Ok, goodbye," he said, raising his blade to end the professor's life.
"Wait, wait, there is more," the professor pleaded, desperation in his eyes. "You stole our forbidden texts. We have more books! Even necromancy!"
Sophia snapped out of her self-induced trance, her detachment from the violence momentarily broken. She had allowed Mike to take control during the chaos of the night, but now she needed to know more. "Where are they?" she demanded, her voice cutting through the carnage.
"Heal me first, and I'll tell you!" the professor gasped, still clinging to hope.
Not wasting any time, Sophia delved into the man's mind with an immensely powerful mind-read, seeking the information they needed. In the process, she overwhelmed his consciousness, rendering him a mere shell of his former self turning him into a vegetable. Through the mental intrusion, she discovered the truth - he lied about having the books, but he knew their true location. The forbidden necromancy texts were hidden in the Arch Mage's office, belonging to the head of the school.
In that moment, Mike's foot stomped down, ending the professor's life with a squish. But as he dealt the fatal blow, an unexpected sensation washed over him. It was as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders, but it wasn't a mere sense of relief. It felt more profound, almost as if he had paid a blood price, sealing a dark deal with someone or something beyond comprehension.
"We have to get those books and get out of here," Mike said, his voice cold and determined, though a hint of an unsettling glint danced in his eyes. The experience he had just gone through left him strangely changed some how.
Sophia nodded, the gravity of their actions settling heavily upon them both in different ways. The path they had chosen was filled with bloodshed, and they knew they had to tread carefully to protect themselves and the alliances they had built so far, but finding any more allies would be difficult. They were aware that the school would soon wake to find the carnage they had left behind. Bodies were sprawled in hallways and corridors, some caught unaware in their beds or in the midst of using the privy. They had taken down every last Old Blood, leaving no one standing. Now they had to find their way into the Archmage's office before they could leave the school for good.
Their time at the school was over after three long years. Sophia knew probability magic was their best hope, but she was also aware of the dangers of using it. It was a risk she had to take if they wanted the books to free their souls.
"Gormai Hys Nalova Bavask!" Sophia cast her spell, and like the magic it was, it changed the winds of fate forever. The distraction they needed appeared. Cries of alarm filled the town as the Pillars, legendary enforcers and warriors from the church, made their presence known. "The Pillars are here!" People screamed as they ran through the streets in a panic. The templars had arrived, and Sophia's spell ensured their timing was perfect for their escape.
In the heart of the city, the chaos was palpable as Pillars, unleashed their holy magic, sending golden beams of light slicing through towers and reducing the mighty magical walls of Helm Town to rubble. Spears of golden light flew from the harbor, shooting down griffons and wyverns of the town guards, leaving the city's defenses in shambles.
Sophia and Mike, now in the midst of the city, watched in awe and horror at the devastation unfolding before them. The Pillars were relentless, their power unmatched, and the city's guards and citizens scattered in fear, running for safety or seeking refuge behind the crumbling walls.
"We need to get to Helm Hold," Sophia said, her voice tense as they made their way to the staircases. Along the way, they witnessed the templars moving into the city, killing wizards and guards alike. The Pillars were an unstoppable force, their golden weapons cutting through magical wards like a hot knife through butter. The twins knew they had to make their way through the school and Helm Town quickly and quietly, avoiding the Pillars' gaze at all costs.
Amidst the chaos and destruction they had caused, the blame was now shifted to the templars instead. The massacre they left behind was attributed to the powerful enforcers. The twins might just escape being held responsible for the carnage they had unleashed upon the school.
As they moved with haste through the alley, Mike couldn't resist a teasing remark, trying to lighten the tense situation. "So, is it good luck or bad luck you summoned?"
Sophia managed a brief laugh, her voice tinged with amusement and guilt. "Only time will tell, but at least it's giving us the distraction we need to slip away unnoticed."
”That looks like the Pillar of the south and west. That should keep the arch mage busy.” Mike added as they watched the wizards spells clash with holy magic over the city.
They reached the outskirts of Helm Hold, the sounds of battle still echoing behind them. Altheack stood there, their loyal friend ever watchful. Her eyes softened with concern as she saw the state they were in. "What happened? You should still be in bed resting!"
"We need to leave this place behind," Mike said, brushing her concern aside. "But there's something I still need to do."
Sophia nodded. "Can you send this letter to Easton, and we will meet you behind the school?" she pleaded with their friend.
"Ok, but you have to explain what the hell is going on after this," Altheack said, determined to get answers.
With the letter sent and their meeting place set, they parted ways, with Valicar, heading towards the Archmage's office. The school was now in chaos, the Pillars and templars wreaking havoc. It was the perfect opportunity to slip into the Archmage's quarters unnoticed.