"Cleo, are you ready? We need to go." Simjons voice bears through the door.
“Mn, just a moment.” I rashly pull out the blue jacket, Hira has given me when I left the bath.
I am slightly at unease leaving the house already, but on the other hand I can't run from my fears. I'll just take them head on and if someone pisses me off I go full rage mode.
Yep, that's the plan. No mercy, for anyone.
I skip through the door, smiling brightly.
I am welcomed by the warm sun, tingling on my skin. “Mn, how nice.” I sigh relieved
The sun on my body is somehow a cheering sensation.
Hehe, my old self would have camped inside his apartment till doomsday. I would've not even opened my curtains, if my life was dependent on that.
“Hello Cleo, how have you been?” Nina squats besides me and pats my head
why do people around me always tend to do that to me.
At least I could figure, that my enticing skill is a trigger effect. I tested it before on Hira, not that she might be the best subject to test “that” ability on, I think she is obsessed with me anyways. But she did not easily obey my command, by only looking at me. So I guessed the skill activates when I willingly use it.
“Hello, I've rested long. But now I am totally fine.” I wiggle free from under Ninas hands and walk towards Simjon, somehow I find myself hiding behind him.
“Hi hi, ok. I am glad to hear that.” She lets out a chuckle at my reaction
“So, shall we get going then?” Simjon just smiles at the scene and indicates with a gesture of his hand to depart.
As a sudden yell interrupts us. “Waaiiit! You want to go without me?” naturally it's Hira who spurts hasty through the door and adds herself to our small group.
“Moh Cleo, you wouldn't have gone without me, would you?”
She gasps for air, as she slightly bows, with her hands on her knees to support her. She looks a little sweaty.
“Hira...? Where have you been and why are you so exhausted?” Simjon raises an eyebrow at her
Hehe, just as I said, I may have tested my enticing ability before...
But would I ever demand her to carry all of her books for me, because I want them to be sorted a new way...?
“Hahahahaha.” I laugh heartfelt
of course I wouldn't... I would demand her to carry all her books and run the staircase a few times, naturally fully loaded with all her books.
And as it seems, if I trigger my enticing spell, it is just very hard to resist my commands.
So no wonder for her to be, a little, exhausted. Hehe...
“I.. I, well I wonder what I have been doing?” A questioning curl on Hiras face appears.
And as it seems people don't really remember being strongly affected by my enticing. Though I wonder if this skill will work on everyone or maybe it has a limitation.
Simjon rolls his eyes and pats Hira on the back. “Well doesn't matter, does it? Now you're here and we need to depart.”
A small turn towards the house and a questioning gaze from Hira, until she returns to her cheery personality.
“Mn, let's go.” She chirps happily and circles her father. Poking my hand with hers, looking at me expecting.
Ok, I'll take her hand. This one time...
our hands entwine and she smiles satisfied.
This time around the trip has not felt that long, maybe because I already knew how far we need to head.
We still took about two hours, before finally settling at a sitting bench in a large entrance hall.
The building is one of the most fascinating things, that I've seen since I am here.
From the outside it looks like a large build, timbered house, like you would expect from a medieval city.
But on the inside it is where the magic starts to kick in. There is an extremely large corridor from which a lot of doors branch off and each of those doors has it's own giant space behind them. They are definitely enchanted by a space creating charm.
Right now we entered one of those doors and found ourselves in a huge entrance hall, at the back a staircase leading only up.
Simjon gestured us towards a comfy sitting area, where we took our seats. Except for Simjon, he hurries towards a, comparable small, counter and starts talking to a women who seems busy with paperwork.
“We have an appointment for today, name's Cleo.” I can hear them talking, Simjons voice is just too deep and loud, even when he speaks quietly.
Th women at the counter looks up, mustering Simjon with a scrutinizing gaze. “Ah, Captain Vastgard, we're already waiting for you. You do know that you are 3 minutes and a half too late?”
“Yes, I apologize for our small tardiness.” What is this conversation, it seems as if Simjon totally obeys every of that woman's orders.
“Well, I shall overlook that for now. Hurry upstairs, third door on the left side and take her with you already. The madam is waiting.” The women fills something into her sheet of paper and firmly assess me as I stand up and hurriedly hush towards Simjon.
What a snobby woman, I hope I don't have to handle her later on.
Hira and Nina have to wait, whilst Simjon and I take our entry through a large wooden door. More a gate, if one would be a nitpicking bastard.
Whoever is supposed to fit through this “door” must either be a giant or a hoooooolyyyy....
We enter a vast office room and are instantly greeted by an enormously fat lady.
Her entire body being moved, a hypnotizing flush of her fat goes up and down. She is at least double the height of Simjon and most obviously four times his width. Her black hair is long and braided into a dot on her head. She wears an old fashioned and oversize fascinator.
And her voluminous body is somehow wrapped in a complete curtain of black silk.
All in all, her appearance strongly reminds me of the witch of the waste. A fictive anime character from howls moving castle...
One of my favorite movies. She was one of those Antagonists, you just can't hate...
(An: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/36/bf/83/36bf8308d8611d8e0c15a808903c0abf.jpg )
With a preposterous fast move, she suddenly stands in front of us.
“Ah Captain Vastgard, I have already awaited you.” her voice turns out to be a sharp and yet gentle one, although a little deep.
She is already frightening enough, but now she bows over Simjon and me, shadowing both of us with her enormous body.
“My sincere apology for our tardiness, Madam Singwoo.” What's this, Simjon sincerely apologies to that fat women and following that, he even kisses the back of her hand...
It seems this person has a lot of authority, I should not take her lightly.
“Ha ha ha, still the same old charmer as always, aren't you. Well so, I shall forget about your being late. So you must be Cleo, mhh indeed. I can see the similarities, what an astonishing flow of mana. Well then, shall we start with the ceremony?” One of her giant hands strives from atop my head downwards to my chin, tilting my head as if I am some kind of ware that has to be assessed.
I dislike this women.
Simjon hurriedly shoves me towards the overly huge office desk. “Please start the ceremony.”
What ceremony are they talking about?
Haven't I come here to get some documents? This occasion is a riddle to myself.
“Ha ha well, so be it. Come forth young Cleo, I shall now asses your identification status.”
Another ridiculous fast move form her and she now sits at her chair, staking a small pillar of different colored stones in front of me.
And did she say status? This wouldn't perhaps be my real status, right?
A little sweat manifests on my forehead.
I still haven't found out how to hide my real status and I don't want my status to be exposed... That would bear extreme repercussions I fear.
“Please begin now.” Madam Singwoo amiable smiles at me
begin? What? What should I do?
Helplessly I stare at Simjon and the moment I want to open my mouth, questioning him, he seems to have realized my faux pas.
“Oh, ähem. Madam, as her circumstances might have not allowed her to do this kind of thing before , I think she needs instructions on what to do.” Simjon turns a little pale and staggers with his words, it seems he hasn't told Madam Singwoo much about me.
“Hoh? Well that is interesting. Anything else you have hidden from me, Mr. Vastgard?” Madam Singwoo locks her piercing gaze on him and asks jeeringly.
“So far not, I apology. It's just that Cleo herself has grown up very isolated from any kind of society.” He blatantly lies, but manages to remain convincing.
Hang in there Simjon, maybe I should have told them some more details about my story. Or perhaps I should've read more books about those ceremonies...
“Well then, let's not waste any more time. This is really very easy my dear, all you have to do is concentrating your flow of mana into this stone pillar. The rest will happen automatically.” Somehow her attitude towards me is very friendly, she even manages to turn her huge face into a nice and warm smile.
Ok, ok Cleo everything you have to do, is trying something. ~hide status?~ I hopefully think.
Ping!
You've chosen to hide your status.
Following options are available:
a.) status of a farmer b.) status of a guardc.) status of a noble this will cover your status with the stats
of a normal farmer.
this will cover your status with the stats
of a normal guard
this will cover your status with the stats
of a noble.
Ok, yes! This is exactly what I was hoping for. Since it would be too unnatural for me have the stats of either a or b, I think I'll stick to c.
Ping!
You've chosen to cover your status with that of a noble.
to finish this process, complete the status certification
ceremony. Then your status will be adapted to the best
fitting noble version.
Huh? Ok, so I still need to take this ceremony... well of course I need to.
I raise my hand and concentrate on my inner mana pool. There it is, the large glowing, blue and crystalline figure.
With a will of mine, I allow a constant flow of mana from my hand towards the pillar of stones.
“Like this?” I curiously ask
“Yes, yes. That's the way. Ah just one thing, try to allow those stones to tug into your mana pool. It happens that's sometimes a not very comfortable feeling might occur, but be assured that is normal and will do no harm.” With an eager voice she explains to me, notoriously keeping the pillar in her vision.
And there it is, the explained tug on my mana.
“kyaa!”
Even if I am told, the feeling is really very uncomfortable, imagine a large injection needle used to take a probe of your blood.
And that is already a very harmless description.
A shudder runs down my spine, but I allow the tug to connect with my mana.
~Brimm~
The stone pillar starts to glow in all different colors. Firstly the lowest parts, blue, red, green.
And then the middle parts, violet, orange and brown.
“Very well, astonishing. You have a really good aptitude, my dear.” I see an expression of anticipation on her face, mixed with satisfaction.
For two seconds we stare at the top part of the stone pillar, but nothing happens.
“Ah well, I think this is already very very good. So then, Cleo you can....Ara?”
Madam Singwoo nearly stopped the ceremony, as a sudden flash of light brims densely around the pillar.
And with a, close to an eruption, quake the top parts start to glow brightly.
White, black and gray.
Madam Singwoos eyes widen in shock and she gasps for air. “This is, this is... Magnificent. Marvelous, how long has it been, since someone has activated those as well.” She exclaims heavily breathing and searching for air.
Simjon sits at his seat and gasps, his eyes melon-big, searching for an explanation in my face.
I don't know why, but a feeling of unease spreads throughout my mind. I glance back at Simjon and notice his surprise.
“Ok Cleo, you can stop now. I think we have seen...” Madam Singwoo attempted to take the pillar of stones.
~Boom!~
As a flash of light, accompanied by a loud explosion interrupts her. A small gale rushes forth from the pillar and engulfs us.
The next seconds feel like a slow motion.
I see how Madam Singwoo pulls her hand back in surprise and horror. My eyes finally adjust to the light and I see how the pillar is lifted into the air, separating every stone.
Each colored stone levitates in the air and suddenly bulges. They grow in seize at an impressive speed.
Ping!
You've been assigned as a noble of a royal bloodline. Your new stats will be adjusted.
Please be patient until your files will be created.
An error has occurred...
The, for the ceremony used, Color-stones are of lower quality.
The flow of your mana has caused an overload. Be cautious.
Oh Fuck!
I immediately stop pouring mana into the stones, but it seems it was a little late.
The bulged stones begin to crack and blueish light spreads and fills the room.
The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
“Cleo!” I am grabbed and pushed down by Simjon, who now cowers over me.
His body over mine, we lie on the floor awaiting the explosion.
Then, silence...
my vision is blocked mostly by Simjons body, but I manage to take a peek at the scenery behind him.
A large shadow has taken control of the room and is suppressing the dense light, though swallowing would be a better term.
The black mass engulfs the stones and a muffled ~thump~ sound marks the end of the incoming explosion.
“Don't panic, I have everything under control. Cough...cough.” The black mass disperses and Simjon gives me free.
Revealing madam Singwoo, who.... well, coughs small clouds of black smoke. She has taken her seat at the large office desk again and straightens her black silk curtain... I mean her clothing.
“Huuh! That was something else. How unexpected.” Still huffing black smoke, she glares at Simjon and then at me.
“So Mr. Vastgard, I guess you have not coincidentally known that your young girl here has royal blood flowing in her veins, have you? But of course you didn't, because if so, you naturally would have told me to use the larger stone pillar constellation, right?” A streak of black smoke leaves her mouth as she sarcastically asks a question at Simjon, answering it right after herself.
“N...No. I am very surprised myself. Cleo do you really not know who your father is?”
Simjon, has not really grasped the situation yet and full of surprise he, worriedly scratches his mustache.
“No, I am sorry. What does it mean, I have royal blood in my veins?” Hee, this seems to much of a jackpot situation. Hopefully I can get some decent answers, somehow nobody really likes to talk about the nobility, not even mentioning the royalty.
“That's... well you know...” Simjon staggers with his words, finding it hard to explain.
“That my dear, just means you have come from very far away and that your father has gifted you with an immense blessing.” Who would've believed that, when Simjon was out of words, Madam Singwoo suddenly turns to me and speaks with a kind and warmhearted smile to me.
“...” Simjon stares with a complicated expression at me and then towards Madam Singwoo.
“Alright, firstly let us complete your documents. Afterwards we can talk a little more.” She registered Simjons face and breaks the awkward silence with a firm and friendly gesture for us to sit down again.
She takes a small black orb from her desk and sets it in front of me.
“So Cleo, now you only have to lay your hand on top of this orb.” She smiles at me and I do as I am told.
The black orb is about the seize of a full grown man's hand and feels slightly cold.
I touch the orb and a blue screen appears in front of all our vision, above the desk.
Status Name: Cleo VastgardGender: Female Age: 6Level: 5 Profession: /Rank: GTitle: /Health: 1750HP regeneration: 10/secMana: 3000Mana regeneration: 200/secStamina: 150Stamina regeneration: 5/secStrength: 150Wisdom: 300Agility: 125Intelligence: 125Class: childRace: Human
Simjon heaves in a mouthful of air and sighs relieved. “Thank the gods, it seems you only have inherited the good things from your father's bloodline.”
Madam Singwoo amiable smiles at Simjon, similarly relieved. “ Ähem, so with this young lady, you are officially a member of the Vastgard family and an acknowledged citizen of this town Sculd. I congratulate you to your new daughter, Mr. Vastgard.”
The blue screen begins to sway and suddenly transforms into mass, creating a blue pendant.
“This is your ID badge, normally it's not necessary to wear it. But there are some occasions, mostly the official ones, where it would be better to have this with you.” Madam Singwoo places the blue pendant in my hand.
Mhh, a stylish way to handle the matters of ID's. Much better than on earth...
I store the pendant in my pocket.
But I am still very unsatisfied with their answer. “what does it mean inherited only the good things, is there something wrong with me?” I curiously ask
“No sweety, definitely not. You are just fine as you are.” Simjon pats my head and tries to avert the matter.
But much to my appreciation it seems as if Madam Singwoo wants to answer. “Mn, you are fine. And there is nothing wrong with you. The point of concern was just, that every noble is blessed with immense mana, wisdom and intelligence, but that all comes with a hefty price. Every noble is cursed, they are not entirely hu....”
“Madam, excuse me if I am rude. But I think this matter is not important to Cleo at all. And I am against telling her yet. There's been more than enough experience in her life, which not pleasant at all.” No Simjon, nooooo. I want to know, but how can I possibly go against his wishes...
Simjon harshly interrupts her and pulls me nearer to him, embracing me with his right arm.
“Hah, then I will comply to your wishes. Ah one last thing, Cleo because you are a minor and not a native of this city, I am assigned as your Person of contact. Should there be something you need help with, be it with authorities or similarities, I am always here to help you.” She firstly sighs, but then warmhearted smiles at me.
“Mn, thank you. I will remember that.” I am still a little dissatisfied, but reply with a smile.
“Very well then, if you would excuse me now. There are some other appointments to take care of.” A last smile and Simjon urges me to stand up.
“Thank you for your time Madam.” Simjon shoves me towards the door and gives his farewell.
She may look frightening and imposing, but at least she seems to be very kindhearted.
The overload seemed to be pretty strong and she dispersed that quite easily, I wonder if I should risk a view. ~show status of Madam Singwoo~
Ping!
Status Name: Alwaria SingwooGender: Female Age: 754Level: 4521Profession: Clerk, member of the high councilRank: XTitle: Dark StarHealth: 190.000.0HP regeneration: 4500/secMana: 400.000.000Mana regeneration: 4500/secStamina: 1200Stamina regeneration: 120/secStrength: 40.000Wisdom: 1200Agility: 12.000Intelligence: 250Class: Black cloak witch Race: Witch
My face turns pale at her status screen.
She is a damn old monster... Even the Dumbledore imitation is not comparable to her??
But I noticed that her wisdom and intelligence are again not even near mine. I think those are exceptions, whilst everything else grows immensely high, wisdom and intelligence have to be something that depends on your genes from the start
Or so my theory. Maybe I am right and those stats just wont grow with your levels. That would make sense with intelligence though, but wisdom...
I decide to delay my theory, until I know more. And I will also have to look out for that old monster witch...
We walk downstairs and I am immediately embraced by Hira. “Cleo! How has it been? We heard a slight rumor coming from upstairs.” She excitedly chirps
“Ha ha, well someone has just an entirely too large mana pool for the Madam's ceremony stones.”
Simjon exclaims
“Mn, but I got my pendant.” I happily say
I really enjoy thinking about, being a part of their family and now I really am.
“That means we are sisters now, right?”Hira starts hopping around me
Simjon interrupts and smilingly claims. “Yes, She is your sister and my daughter from now on and forever.”
“Ohh, yes! Finally, now no one can take you away form me anymore... I mean now, no one can separate you from our family anymore” She hugs me tight. Haa? Have I just heard some real intentions from her there??
“Ähem! You are far too loud. And if you don't have any means here anymore please take your leave.” The women behind the counter reprimands us in a sharp voice.
“We are sorry. Ok then we need to go home. There is something you need to take part in today as well Cleo.” Simjon leads us towards the exit and apologies towards the women at the counter.
“Mh? There is more?” I surprised ask
I didn't know of anything more to do. By now I also realize that Nina is not with us anymore...
oops, maybe I should've notice earlier.
I totally forgot about her. Guess she will forgive me. I randomly smile.
“Yes, Lira... I mean we decided that it would be better for you to attend school already. So that you would learn to control and use your mana, maybe you will even become a strong magician. And for that you are to... haah.” Simjon explains and suddenly sighs
“Whaat? Dad! How can you decide that just like this? You must know how dangerous the entrance exam is, there's a reason for the age restriction of 10!” Hira seems totally freaked out and she yells at Simjon.
“Yes dear, yes. I know how dangerous that is. And if you want to know, I was opposed to that decision as well, but your dear mother demanded onto her decision. And you know she always has her way to get what she wants.” A shameful expression speaks everything I need to know. Lira is definitely the decisive part in the family.
“No Cleo, you don't have to do that. I am very fine with dealing with your mana. I can easily keep that up for the next 4 years, until you are to enter the academy.” She wraps herself around me even more
“What is that, I have to attend?” I ask dry
“Hah, well the headmaster of this academy is a very strict person. Every single pupil has to pass an entrance ceremony, whereby the candidates must fight each other. In fact all the candidates are split in half and each one, must fight another one. The winner has the exclusive rights to attend the school .” Simjon says
“And the loser?” I add a question
“They can attend to the entrance exam the next year, one can join the exam until they turn the age of 14 years, but most of the candidates who lose are... either utterly discouraged or not able anymore.” Hira spouts out
“Why not able?” Well this has my interest.
“Because some of them get injured beyond the point of healing.” Hira depressingly adds
“Hoh? But isn't everything heal-able?” I remember reading a book where it says that nearly every injury is curable with magic. Exceptions are given, but I doubt that a child of the age of ten years knows how to pulverize bone structures or how to disassemble flesh and organs into their molecules.
“Yes, normally that is the case. But it seems that every here and then, a special candidate appears. Some children have special and very rare magic. Magic which can manipulate the mind and if they are uncontrolled and also engaged into a battle... the outcomes can lead from slight amnesia to thinking you are a chicken. The damage taken in by your psyche, is very difficult to reverse.” Simjon explains
“But aren't the candidates matched up fair?” There has to be a system in that exam or are they really just blindly assigning random people to a vs battle?
“Not entirely. You are right, there is a sorting to match up equally strong kids, but this schema only includes a match up vs someone who has similar stats as you. And they totally ignore the fact that everyone is bound to different magic affinities. So it might happen that someone with the same stats as you, is to fight you. But the person fighting you, has an entirely different magic affinity, this has often already led to unfair matched battles. For example an earthen magic user vs someone with the darkness element. The darkness specialty is, that their mana makes them nearly untouchable.”
He explains more detailed
So this match up system is a pretty failure...
“And how much people are attending that exam?” I continue
“Mostly up to 1200 children take part in that spectacle. And coincidental it appears to take place today. I am very sorry to put you through this all Cleo.”
In the meantime we already found the exit and are waiting for something outside.
“But I don't even know my magic affinity. Speaking of magic spells will be even more futile.” I start imagining me in the battle, helpless being beaten and regenerating again and again... maybe my immortality is more of a curse...
And I don't want to end as a living human chicken.... no! Not at all...
“For that my sweet little daughter, you don't have to worry.” A female voice appears behind me and I am taken from Hira, lifted in the air and pressed into a large, yet familiar chest.
“Lira!” I yell happily
“Yes my dear, welcome in our small family. I am so happy to have another wonderful and beautiful daughter.” She puts me down and smiles brightly
“So how was it going with that old fox?” Simjon embraces Lira and asks
“Everything as planned. Hehe, he was totally eager to get close to her, he even suggested to accept her as his private disciple and he gave me this.” Lira ruffles through the inventory of her small handbag and pulls out a small and old looking book.
“”Who are you talking about? Who wants to take whom as disciple?” a little confused Hira asks into the round.
“Your mother was meeting with the vice headmaster of your academy, to convince him that Cleo may attend school already.” What, the Dumbledore wants me as his disciple?
I am not sure what I should think of this...
“But what's that? What is this book?” I ask curiously eyeing the object of interest
“Haha, this is something very precious, that vice headmaster Schild gave me in order for you to pass the exam.” Lira eagerly passes the book over to me
I look at it and open it.
Ping!
A new spell has been learned. "Fireball" Mana cost: ?Damage: ?Rank: G This simple spell of the fire attribute is a must have for all fire-wizards. This useful spell has the great ability to grow
stronger with the user. To cast this spell, just simply chant it.
A sudden flow of Information rushes into my mind and the spell fireball is now in my casting repertoire.
I stare at the opened book and simply look at empty pages..
“What was that?” I ask, still a little confused
“Oh, very good. You seem to have at least the fire attribute. What you just felt was the reaction of the magic tome you've opened.” Lira grins at me and nods
“Cleo, that means you have instantly learned the spell of that tome!” Hira adds in, surprised at my action
“Why is it so good that I learned that spell instantly. Isn't that what this tome is for?” I question Hira's behavior
“Hahaha. No Cleo, while you are right that the usage of a magic tome is for the reader to learn the spell, there is actually quite the difficulty in reading a tome. Sometimes it may even take a year or two, to fully comprehend the tomes content, until it can pass all it's knowledge into your mind.” Lira laughs
Hoh? I guess my wisdom skill allowed me to comprehend this so fast.
“As expected of one of my daughters. Both of them are powerful and promising prodigies.” Simjon laughs heartfelt.
“MN! This is great Cleo you know, I did the same with a tome, when I entered the academy.” Hira chirps happily
“Oh, we really need to go now. Otherwise I fear we will be too late. Luckily I already send your status towards the managing Teacher. So you should be in the system already.” With a wink of his hand Simjon calls for a nearby wagon.
The carriage immediately turns by and stops in front of us. And as the door opens we are welcomed in by Nina. I already guessed where she might have vanished to. So she was actually organizing this carriage.
“Hurry up and come in, otherwise we will be late.” Nina prepares a small iron ladder, so that we can enter more comfortably.
“Yes, nice timing Nina.” Simjon lifts Hira into the carriage, totally ignoring the ladder. Shortly after he lifts me inside as well.
A comfortable leather bench awaits me inside the closed wagon and I take my seat.
Lira and Simjon enter afterwards and we sit opposed to each other.
Nina seats herself next to me and Hira. “So uhm, congratulations to your ID Cleo. And of course for your family.” She smiles nicely at me and presses my hand in hers.
“Thank you Nina.” responding a little absent minded I smile
My thoughts are much more occupied by the incoming exam. I've never even cast the fireball once, but it feels as if I already know perfectly how to use it.
I just hope that the real thing will go as smooth as in my thoughts.
We drive 15 minutes and Nina, Simjon and Lira held a little small talk, but I only looked out the window.
From my seat, directly at the window, I have a perfect view on the outsides.
And currently we are heading through a really beautiful avenue. The road is very wide and at the sides are so many amazingly beautiful trees, that my eyes have gone wide a long time ago.
I always enjoy a nice scenery and the purple blossoming trees around this place are very beautiful.
They've build a crown roof with their leaves above the whole avenue.
But the much more impressive sight is only to come.
We arrive at a large castle like building, much like Hogwarts. Only in a more colorful way, the castle is shining in a bright white with blue battlements and rooftops.
Especially one large tower is attention calling, it has a rainbow layered wall.
Outside the wagon has gathered a loud mass of people, like currents they are streaming all around the place, mostly headed in one direction.
“Ok Now, we should hurry. Only five minutes left until it's your turn Cleo.” Lira opens the door and hushes outside indicating for us to do the same.
Simjon follows and awaits Hira, to catch her when she jumps down. So she does...
I want to exit as well, as Nina gently holds me back. “Don't worry Cleo, I know this exam may be harsh, but you will pass it. I am a hundred percent sure.” She whispers into my ear and sends me of with a caress of my hand.
I jump into Simjons arms like Hira. He catches me and lifts me in a turnaround through the air, before placing me on the ground.
I look back at the wagon, but it seems Nina will not accompany us.
“What is with Nina?” I ask
“She has to attend other things in the moment. But she will be watching as well, if this assures you.” Simjon simply smiles at me, before taking my hand and leading me towards a large tent.
I simply nod in understanding. Somehow I want her to watch...
Inside the tent is a registration counter with a few people filling papers behind it. Simjon walks towards them.
“Cleo Vastgard, number 567 has arrived and is ready.” He says
“Yes, the battle will begin in a few minutes, please enter the arena's changing room and get ready. We will announce her name.” We get some instructions and head towards a small room.
Finally we leave the masses of audience behind us, I really dislike people...
“Ok Cleo are you fine? Do you think you can do it?” Now Lira seems a little nervous, even nearly as if she is regretting.
“Mn, I will be ok. I am strong.” Muahaha, I will stomp my enemy. If my fireball will not do the trick, I can always stick to my massive mana. A pity that I can't tell them that I already learned how to control my mana, but I think this is for the best.
“Mhh, moh Cleo. You really don't have to do that... I don't like the option of you becoming a mental avert person.” Hira clings to my right arm
“Cleo Vastgard please enter the arena! Cleo Vastgard, please enter the arena!” A with magic amplified voice sounds through the changing room, ending any conversation which was about to start.
“Ok Cleo I we wish you good luck. We will be directly above on the observer platform. And Cleo, we love you, we know you can do this.” I am struck at the word love and a shudder overcomes me.
I look at the faces of Hira, Lira and Simjon... Am I smiling? Indeed I am smiling.
I don't reply and leave the room
Outside I find myself in a vast space, circled by huge walls and another entry on the opposite side.
This place is like a Colosseum, even the observer platforms are above at the sidelines.
What is this? Some primal sub human beings idea? Come on, only the lions are missing...
No you know what, please don't put actual lions in my face! I am glad they are missing.
I look around and esteem that this place must be around the seize of a football field and then I see him.
A young boy, maybe 11 years old, no 13 years old. So he's my opponent huh?
He has blond hair and is very tall, I guess around 5,5 feet tall. But his hairless face and the baby expression make him much more looking as if he would start to cry easily.
“Show status.” I want to know whom I fighting.
Ping!
Status Name: Leon Igwar Gender: maleAge: 13Level: 12Profession: Soldier trainee.Rank: GTitle: /Health: 1500HP regeneration: 10/secMana: 1700Mana regeneration: 200/secStamina: 250Stamina regeneration: 5/secStrength: 190Wisdom: 122Agility: 150Intelligence: 70Class: childRace: Human
A soldier trainee... so I guess that's why he is equipped with a god damn fucking SWORD!!!?? As I inspect him closer I realize that he is armed. Very well armed... He has a small buckler and a European long sword.
Why have I no weapon?... Where's my sword? Goddammit, maybe I was a little too fast in deciding to participate here..
And what's with that guys stats? Hasn't Simjon said they are equally to mine? He's better in everything except the, for fighting, useless ones...
God, I will shove all my mana up his arse!
“The battle between Leon Igwar and Cleo Vastgard may begin!” Someone yells from above and a huge ~Gong~ sounds let's the battle begin
Whatever, I guess now it's already too late to reconsider. I observe my enemy and see how he is already running towards me, puling his sword.
Well then I am sorry. But you will burn now little soldier boy!
I smirk widely and say "Fireball!"
somehow nothing happens...have I mischanted something, this is not good
I see how my enemy takes his chance. A little surprised at the beginning, he tried to cover his face with a shield at my spell casting. But soon enough he realized that my spell has not worked. His battle senses immediately scream at him to attack me.
He spurts in my direction, his sword at the go. Whilst he casts an enchantment.
With a sudden flash of blinding white light, his sword is covered in a frighteningly strong magic field.
I try to appraise the magic he has cast and
Ping!
Appraisal skill acquirred. Appraisal lvl 1Discovering the shemes of your enemies is always a wonderful enjoyment.
But with this skill, you can also discover the shemes of the ant beneath you,
the bakterium inside you... And who knows maybe even something
you don't know about.... like....like uhm a moment please.....
PEEEEEEEEP!
We are utterly sorry, but this programm is currently under heavy maintenance.
PS: NO THE WRITER IS NOT OUT OF IDEAS.
PPS: TOTALLY NOT OUT OF IDEAS!
PPPS: TRY TO APPRAISE THIS YOU....!
….. I don't even want to think about the one who writes this....
Ping!
Sword magic appraised successfully. Enchantment of the runic thunder-god. Any object enchanted with this spell will cause an electric paralysis
including a huge electric thunderbolt to it's target.
so his sword is buffed with lightning. I really don't want to get struck by that.
I try again. “Fireball!”
This time I vehemently swing my hand in his direction....
Why does it not work?
The boy in front of me comes dangerously near me. One try left and he would reach me.
Suddenly I realize what has gone wrong. I am such an idiot.
“Fireball!”
Two small sparks flash brightly before my hand and with a sudden ignition a round orb of fire, the seize of a fist, is created. With a magnificent speed the orb accelerates itself and shots towards the young boy.
“Huhaaa!” He covers his face with his shield stopping whereas he is and awaits the incoming hit. A second was needed for him to enchant his shield as well.
Ping!
Shield magic appraised successfully. Enchantment of the dragons heir. Any object enchanted with this spell will become medium resistance to fire.
this will block off weak fire spells and weaken medium fire spells.
My appraisal skill automatically manages to show me what his enchantment does. It buffs his fire resistance.
I feel a sudden tug on my mana pool and naturally allow the usage. That's what I've done wrong before, I have always cut of the mana supply. Only focusing on casting the spell, it seems as if the fireball spell is one of those, which constantly need mana.
I intensify my grin in await of the hit.
“swoosh.”
“Ara?!” I can't hold back my surprise
The fist seized fire orb, stopped mid air and came to a halt right in front of my opponent.
What tha heck???
“Hahaha, sorry sissy. Even if you are a beauty and still so young, I have to defeat you here. Ragh!”
The boy looks stupefied at my abomination of a fireball and breaks into a laughter.
Who could hold it against him, even I don't know if I should cry or laugh...
Why has my spell stopped.
The boy rushes past the orb and takes his word into a large swing, as the tug on my mana suddenly grows immensely.
Without really time to react, I allow the flow of additional mana.
Much to my surprise, as well as to that of my opponent, the orb starts pulsating as he passes it.
“OH NO! Young girl, stop that spell!! IMMEDIATELY!” I hear a frantically and hysterical voice from above us, within the observer platform.
But it is too late. The pulsating orb emits a sound like a heartbeat. ~Badum~ ~Badum~
getting faster and faster until it suddenly starts rotating.
A current of air forms around it and with a huge shockwave the orb sucks in great amounts of air.
The young boy is overwhelmed by surprise and force of the shockwave, his fragile body is catapulted to a near wall and there he lies, limply, still in range of the orb.
Which now evolves its true might. “Boom!”
The current ignites itself, creating a giant and hollow orb of fire, the small orb of fire as its core.
The rotation grows faster and the heat leads even me to suffocation. The orb burns away the oxygen supply, while becoming bigger and bigger.
There I realize what hell of a fireball I have created...
I don't feel much pain, but the lack of oxygen makes it really hard to breath and I feel myself suffocating.
The ground starts to melt and the walls of the arena seem to become soft as rubber, the orb finally stops rotating and reveals the compact and densely concentrated magma sun it has become.
This is not what I had in mind... who in all his right senses would cast a forbidden sun at himself and his enemy.
I think I've reached my limit and last thoughts sway through my mind, Oh Dark Souls how far have you corrupted my soul, that I subconsciously would cast a forbidden sun.
I reach the end of my thoughts, slightly blinking towards my opponent. But everything that my dry and sore eyes can estimate is a blinding blueish light.
And a voice sounds, with powerful force, through the surroundings. “O Goddess of the ocean, lend me your strength, defy your enemy, surpass this fire and lead us back to your calm currents!”
A woman falls from above onto the forbidden sun, her hands covered in a blue light.
With a loud explosion, she hits the target of boiling magma and cuts her way inside the hot bubble.
A strong gale develops a glade in midst the orb and with a magnificent force, added by an implosion
she has defeated my spell. The last attempts of my forbidden sun to recover, fail mournfully. The small orb in the center tries to suck in more air, but there seems to be nothing left.
With a short whimper and a “poof” sound it flattens out, like a balloon with a hole.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPU4_vMbxg4
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So yeah, here is the promised chapter
and I must say this turned out wayyyyyyyyy longer than it should, but I just couldn't find a nice part to cut this in half.
So for those of you who dislike the length: I feel bad, I am sorry, I may write similar long ones in the future.
for those of you who want it even longer: I feel bad, I will not write longer I think, I am sorry
for those of you who like the length: I feel bad, I will write shorter next time, I am sorry
So a lose lose situation, i`ll always feel bad …
Since I really wanted to finish this chapter in time, it may feel a little rushed at the end. Though I hope it will not.
The chapter next week, will maybe take a little longer. Maybe takes me till sunday to release the next one.