Chapter Four: Rex's Entrance Exam
The visions of blood and death blazed violently in the vanity mirror. The horrific scenes, lit by nothing other than one small candle, reflected endlessly into the dark abyss.
She lay very still for a moment, her heart pounding while she tried to make sense of the nightmare in which she had awaken in. Reflection of a girl lying on a bloodstain bed, dressed in nothing but a thin layer of her nightdress. Her hair fanned around her shoulder in tangle waves, her eyes wide with shock and horror.
It took her a few seconds to realise that the girl reflected in the mirror was herself. There was a teenage boy beside her. The front of his shirt was soaked in blood, and his face was someone she recognised.
She sat up slowly, unconsciously letting go of an unseen object she had been gripping in one hand. A part of her insisted that she was living through a dreadful dream, but her other senses was telling her she was awake. It took her everything she had to touch his throat. There was no pulse. The chill of death had already enveloped him.
A surge of panic flared through her. She scrambled frantically out of the bed and gathered pieces of her clothing she found on the floor. She was struggling to dress-up when she suddenly heard footsteps, and a wave of panic rattled her nerves. She looked up quickly, and in the mirror, she watched the door behind her opening.
A boy in his youth walked in, "Excellent work, although somewhat untidy." He said sarcastically.
"What?" She managed, "No, I did not kill him." 'At least I don't think I did.'
"And if I call the Magistrate, would they believe you if I told them you did it?" The boy's eyes were brimming with anger, "I will extract full revenge on the death of my brother."
She has never seen him like this before. She tried to leave the room, but he blocked the way out, "I told you, I did not kill him."
"Then you have two choices: prove your innocence by helping me find his killer or, go to jail. There's no use running away. We've known each other for a long time so I know your mana all too well. It'll be too easy to track you down."
"I will help obtain justice as long as you believe it wasn't me who killed him."
* * *
Rex was eating breakfast, thinking about his entrance exam.
Yvonne, who was sitting across the table, saw his furrowed brow. "Rex, you don't have to worry so much in regards to your exam. From what I've seen, the skills you possess are more than enough to pass it."
"Yes brother, you're almost as strong as Father. You'll pass for sure." Adrian chimed in while Aibelle nodded in agreement.
"Who did you say was as strong as me?" Their father and mother chose to walk in at that precise moment.
"Nothing, Papa." Adrian lowered his flushed face and went back to his bacon and eggs.
Their parents both took their respective seats on the table. "Ahem." Their father cleared his throat, "Rex, didn't you have an announcement to make?"
Everyone on the table placed their eating utensils down and focused their attention on Rex.
In truth, Rex was not thinking about passing the exam, but the skills he would unconsciously use. He was afraid of being linked to Phantom. When he consulted his father, his only suggestion — no, it might as well have been a death sentence — was, "Tell them."
In his father's perspective, it was better for him to let them know beforehand than for them to realise it on their own down the road, or have someone else tell them. And now, his father had given him the opportunity.
'But is this something one brings up during breakfast?'
"Rex?" His mother asked. But chances are, she already knew what his big announcement was.
"Ahem. Yvonne, Adrian, Aielle," Rex looked at each of his siblings as he said their names, "There's something I want to tell you... Actually... You see... I'm Phantom."
'There, I've said it.' Rex waited for his words to sink in before looking at the expression on their faces.
Yvonne's mouth was slightly open, in a shape of an "O". Adrian and Aibelle on the other hand, mirrored each other's astonished expression, with their eyes as wide as saucers.
'Guys, please say something.' Rex pleaded in his mind and, his legs had the itch to fidget.
Yvonne was the first to snap out of her stupor, "Somehow I already knew..."
This time, it was Rex's turn to be shocked, "WHAT?!"
"Well I didn't know for sure that Phantom was you until today... but I had a feeling it was. Perhaps it was instinct, and because you seemed very familiar." Yvonne explained.
"Children," The Duchess said in a soft voice, "Your Father had asked Rex to tell you his other persona because we're family. However, we would like for you to keep this a secret until Rex wishes to reveal it himself. Is that understood?"
"Of course, Mother." Yvonne looked at Rex and smiled, while Adrian and Aibelle nodded.
Rex looked at Yvonne in the eye and asked, "You're not angry?"
Yvonne slowly shook her head from side to side, "I would be if you took it easy on me during our one on one battles over the years... But it didn't seem to be the case. Even Mother and Father said you only gave it your all when you were fighting against me."
Rex smirked mischievously, "Of course. I wouldn't be able to defeat you otherwise."
Yvonne smirked back, "But as punishment for not telling me sooner, you have to spar with me at least three times a week."
Adrian and Aibelle both looked at each other, sending messages through their eyes, and said in unison, "Us too!"
Their father, who had been quietly drinking his coffee, spoke up, "Children, finish your breakfast. We have to leave early for Rex's entrance exam."
The four children stopped their conversation short, returned to their plates, and hurriedly devoured what remained of their breakfast.
* * *
The entire Merrick family squished themselves together in a carriage designed to fit only four adults. As a result, Adrian and Aibelle had to once again sit on their parents' lap. When they arrived at the Sachael Academy grounds, the Dean, Professor Truro, and an unexpected visitor, was waiting for them.
Adrian, who was first to alight from the carriage, ran towards the visitor and yelp, "Uncle Mars! What are you doing here?"
Mars grabbed Adrian on his waist and carried him on his shoulders, "I heard my dear nephew has returned and is going to be taking an exam today. I came because I wanted to see how much your brother has grown."
Rex approached them, "Uncle Mars, it's been a while."
Mars patted Rex's back with his free hand, "It's nice to see you well, Rex. And good luck."
Finally, the Duke and Duchess descended from the carriage. When Dean Marcel saw them, he walked towards them and reported, "Your Graces, Professor Truro and I have prepared the Intermediate Course's Field #1 as the place where the examination will be conducted. Would you like to see if it is acceptable before we start? Or...?"
The Duke simply nodded, "I'd like to get started right away. Rex," The Duke bellowed, "Come and greet your Dean and Professor."
The Dean took note of the Duke's words, which seemed to have dictated his son's acceptance to the academy as a forgone conclusion. Dean Marcel took one look at the teenage boy approaching him and observed his unimaginable mana pulsating around his slender body. 'He looks just like the Duke. And it doesn't look like the Duke's appearance is the only think he inherited.'
"It’s a pleasure to meet you, Dean Marcel." Rex greeted the Dean and then the Professor, "And you must be Professor Truro. Thank you for conducting this special entrance exam on such a short notice."
After the brief introductions, the party made its way towards the field where the examination was to be conducted. Once there, Professor Truro handed Rex a form to fill up, "This is the first part of the exam."
Rex took the form thinking, 'A written test right off the bat?!'
However, when Rex looked at the contents of the paper, he was confused. He asked the Professor, "This is it?"
The Professor smiled and nodded, "It seems you can read Mage Script, so you'll have no problems with the classes taught in that language."
Rex took the proffered pen and filled up the form:
[box border=1 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=3 width=80% bordercolor=#7499c4 bgcolor=#d2e4f2][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#7499c4 bgcolor=#d2e4f2]
[br][/br]Full Name: Rex Gabriel Verne Merrick
Preferred Name (Optional): Rex Avery[br][/br]
[/col][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#7499c4 bgcolor=#d2e4f2]
[br][/br]Date of Birth: 3rd Day of Capricorn
Age: 16
Sex: Male[br][/br]
[/col][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#7499c4 bgcolor=#d2e4f2]
[br][/br]Nationality: Erathian (Kingdom of Erath)
Magician Registration Number: S-0966-48558
Magician Ranking: S (Sachem)
Weapon of Preference: Dual Daggers
Eidolon (If any): Ares[br][/br]
[/col][/box]
Once he finished filling up the form, Rex handed it back to Professor Truro. The Professor took a look at the form, surprised, and handed it to the Dean without word. When the Dean saw the Professor's expression, he tried to read him, but to no avail. He then took a look at the form. Immediately upon reading the information, he, himself, was astounded.
"Yo— Your Grace," Stuttered the Dean, "If son's already an S Rank Magician, why is he enrolling in our humble school?"
"Because that's what he wants." The Duke proclaimed, as though it was the answer to everything Rex did, does, and will do in the future.
"There are still a lot of things I can learn from being in school." Rex explained, "I find the Magician ranking to be nothing but empty strength. One needs knowledge to back it up. That's what it means to be wise."
"I see." Professor Truro nodded in agreement, "Then let's continue your exam. Though I said that, I'm not sure I'll be able to judge your skills appropriately..."
"Actually Professor, I believe my uncle Mars would love to do the honours." Rex glanced at his uncle from the corner of his eyes, "Isn't that right Uncle Mars?"
"Ahahaha. You're quick on the uptake, as always... You're correct. Your father called in the favour yesterday. Then, shall we?" Mars pulled his rapier from its sheath on his waist.
The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
"How will we do this?" Rex also pulled his twin daggers from both sides of his waist. 'Yale, Yuelia, be careful. Uncle Mars is an S Rank Magician. He mainly uses Water attributed magic, but he can use all other elements except Light and Dark.'
[Understood.]
[We'll be ready for him!]
"I will be the referee for this duel, if you don't mind, Dean Marcel, Professor Truro." The Duke stepped in between the two participants. Without waiting for the Dean's or the Professor's reply, he continued, "Five strikes each. Begin!"
"Your Grace... What of the other rules?"
"They don't need anything else."
Rex and Mars stood still facing each other, trying to gauge the extent of of their opponents' strength.
Rex, who knew he has a lot less experience than his uncle in terms of completing quests—at least three times less— was disadvantaged. Nevertheless, he was itching to charge at his opponent. However, he knew impatience can lead to death in battle. During his moment of conflict, it gave Mars the perfect time to attack.
*CLANG* Sounds of metals clashing together resounded in the area.
Just when Mars was about to strike Rex's left shoulder, he shifted his body, blocking the strike with both his daggers.
'He's a lot stronger than he lets on... How about this?'
[Rex! Watch out!] Yale yelled.
Suddenly, small threads of water began to coil around Rex's body, causing his exposed skin a few abrasions.
Rex used all the strength he could muster on his right arm and push off Mars' rapier. He then released a mana barrier around his body, before jumping up and sidestepped, then landed on the ground.
'Heh' However, Mars had predicted his move and had a trap lying in wait for him.
When Rex landed, he started sinking into the ground. He immediately cast air magic around the sole of his shoes, to lift him out of the quicksand and charged at Mars with a skill of his own, Sandstorm, lowering Mars' perception.
Mars' defence was a little slower than Rex's attack, and thus was grazed slightly on his right arm. However, Rex distanced himself rather than following up with another attack. His instinct told him he was in danger.
Mars was impressed, "Good judgement. If you didn't back away, you would have been pierced by hundreds of Ice Knives."
Mars sent the floating knives to where Rex had retreated to, in all directions. Rex instantly expanded his aura, producing heat waves. Majority of the knives melted and Rex parried the rest. However, Mars chose that exact moment to attack Rex from behind.
Rex sensed the danger and turned around to block the attack. He then used the dagger on his left to deliver a fatal strike. But before it landed, a yell rang out, "STOP!"
The Duke appeared in between the two and separated them, "Rex, it's your loss."
Rex lowered his head and bowed to his father and then his uncle, "I hope you didn't take it easy on me, Uncle Mars."
Mars laughed while scratching his head in embarrassment. "It's a little mortifying for me to admit this but, no I did not."
The Duke patted Rex's shoulder, "It was a close one Rex."
Rex lowered his head even further, "It's frustrating to lose against the move I used to defeat many of my opponents with..."
Right when Rex was about to wound Mars' right hip, Mars' body left an after-image and showed up the next second behind Rex, with his rapier pointed at Rex's back.
"Hahaha..." Mars laughed heartedly and winked at Rex, "You always have to be careful of people who knows your skills or can copy them."
"You're right. I will keep that in mind." Rex replied dejectedly.
"Dean, Professor," The Duke called out, "What's your decision?"
"Of course he passes, right Dean Marcel?" Professor Truro was already interested in the boy and his reasons for enrolling in the academy. However, the skills the boy displayed had impressed him and his interest in the boy had reached new heights. 'It will be an interesting school year.'
"Indeed Professor. Welcome to Sachael Academy, Marquis Avery." Dean Marcel extended his hand towards Rex for a handshake.
"Please call me Rex Avery. I'm not used to any other names and I've been away from society to mind formalities." Rex took the Dean's proffered hand and shook it.
* * *
That same day, Rex registered for a room in the dormitories. But because of his late admission, he was given a flat all to himself. The layout of the flat was quite simple. It had two bedrooms, sharing a kitchen, a living and dining room, and a bathroom. In truth, his sister tried to get a bigger flat so all four of them could stay together, but there was no longer any available ones.
When he got to his room, Rex extended his left hand, pressed the gem on the ring, and called out, "Open Dimension Ares."
Suddenly, a purplish-black door appeared. Rex opened the door and found the thing he was looking for. His Eidolon, Ares.
Ares, the God of War. Fancy name? You really think so? However, this author can assure you, dear reader, that Rex did not have that particular meaning in mind. Since the egg hatched almost two years ago, it brought Rex nothing but trouble. It caused him to fail one quest, and almost failing at least five others. He also had to pay for the damages it caused. If Rex was a normal person without any savings, he would have ended up in debtor's prison. But what can Rex do? It was only a baby.
When it learned how to talk eight months prior and asked for a name, Rex had given it the perfect name, Ares—overwhelming, destructive, and ruination. Whether he had predicted his own future, or merely describing the force his Eidolon possessed, only time will tell...
"Ares, I'm here. Did you behave and eat you food like I told you to?" Rex took a look around the huge otherworldly dimensional room; messy papers with scribble all over the floor, ripped open pillows, food used as paint on the walls, and etcetera. Rex's lips twitched but he maintained his smile.
"Papa!" Ares flew and landed on Rex's lap. When Rex saw Ares' original form, he turned as stiff as a statue. Although others might find Ares' original form cute, — small-sized dinosaur stuffed animal — to Rex, it looked naught but a lizard.
When Rex was young, he found a bird's nest that had fallen from a tree. While he went to get a ladder so he could return the unhatched eggs before the mother bird arrived, he left the nest unguarded on the servants' dining room. After he had placed the ladder beside the tree, with the help of their gardener, he returned for the eggs. When he got there, he saw something he would never forget: A lizard swallowing the last of the eggs whole.
He screamed, grabbed his shoes and chopped off the lizard's tail by accident. However, the lizard was still alive and moving! But there was nothing he could do to save the eggs.
The following nights, he constantly had nightmares of the event, making him very afraid of lizards...
Ares, still on Rex's lap, sensed his discomfort and transformed into his human form. Rex finally relaxed and started stroking its hair, "Ares is such a small child."
Yawning, Ares said, "Don't worry papa, Ares will grow soon."
"You won't grow if you don't eat properly." Rex pointed out, and then added, "Especially you veggies."
"Those are yucky." Ares pouted.
"Ares, let's go to bed outside this dimensional room. Starting today, we won't have to camp out for a while, so you can sleep beside me." Although Rex finds his Eidolon a troublesome creature, he still dotes on it.
When Rex determined Ares was asleep, he got up, opened the dimensional door to Ares' room again, and cleaned it until it was sparkly. He took a shower to wash off the dirt of a day's work and returned to bed, beside Ares.
Around the ungodly hour of three hours after midnight, Rex heard a knock on the window. Not wanting to wake up the soundly sleeping child beside him, he got out of bed very very carefully. He walked towards the window and opened it very slowly, softening the sound of the creaking window.
"Yo, Rex." The person said as he jumped into the room, "You arrived earlier than I expected."
"Touma..." Rex shook his head. 'Leave it to a ninja to do important business at night.'
"I came as soon as I could when I got your message saying you've enrolled in the academy. I thought maybe you'd want me to explain why I've asked you to come, as soon as possible." Touma said casually as he made his way out of the bedroom and into the living room before taking a seat.
Rex followed his lead and also sat down. "Ah, yes, your mysterious message. What's it all about?"
About three months ago, Rex coincidentally reunited with Touma, whom he had met each year in the Magic Competition, while the latter happened to be doing a quest nearby Rex's location. They finally exchanged contact information and during the following months, they never failed to talk to each other at least once a week about their quests, travels, and etcetera.
However, about three weeks ago, Touma failed to contact him. Rex continued to calls his phone until Touma finally sent him a short but cryptic message:
I need your help. Please enrol in Sachael Academy as soon as you can. I'll meet you there.
It was the first time Touma had ever asked him for help. Since he was Rex's first friend, Rex decided to do as he said: enrol in the academy, and see how he could help him.
Touma remained silent for a long while, thinking how to form his words, before subsequently saying with a soft voice, "My brother has been murdered."
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From the Author
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I had a lot of fun writing this chapter. I wrote it so quickly that my hands and arms are both numb. Although this chapter is quite short, I hope you'll forgive me since it's released early ;).
- AnmesicCat
PS: You can also read the story in Japtem's FanFic section or Fable Wind for better reading.