Behind the imposing structure of the Arcane Citadel, a training ground for melee fighters unfolded like an arena of discipline and valor, where the clashing of swords and the shouts of warriors resonated in the crisp air. The field, surrounded by a short, wooden palisade, provided an ideal backdrop for honing the skills essential to becoming a null guardian.
Rising prominently behind the training grounds, a resolute keep stood sentinel, its stout stone walls exuding an aura of strength and stability. The structure boasted extensive parapets that crowned its upper edges. At one corner, a tall watchtower loomed, offering a commanding view over the entire campus.
“That scary-looking building is where the null guardians are housed,” Marvin explained as they navigated their way around the expansive training ground. Trey was still lugging around all of their baggage.
Upon reaching the small wooden office just outside the keep’s gates, Marvin pushed the door open, causing it to creak softly on its hinges. Inside, the air was thick with dust and the faint but lingering scent of old parchment and wax. The dim light filtering through a small, barred window illuminated shelves overflowing with books and odd trinkets.
The room was cramped and filled with mismatched furniture. An oversized, well-worn desk dominated one corner, its surface cluttered with a small mound of half-finished reports. It was encircled by a few well-worn chairs, while the walls nearby were adorned with faded maps, old portraits of stern-faced officials, and freshly inked schedules.
In the center of that chaos sat an older, burly man slumped deep in a chair, his head tilted back and mouth wide open. The unmistakable sounds of heavy snoring rattled the small space, the rhythmic inhalation and exhalation punctuated by an occasional snort. Marvin took a step forward and cleared his throat loudly, the noise cutting through the rattle and rousting the man from his slumber.
The man rubbed his eyes, stretched out his arms, and blinked at his surroundings, his grumpy demeanor etched upon his features. “What can I do for ya?” he grumbled.
“Dropping the boy off,” Marvin replied, turning to leave as if the matter were settled.
“What?!” the man barked, his voice rough and unfriendly. “Who the fuck is this?”
Marvin sighed. “This is Trey. He’s here to be a null guardian. I was rather hoping you could take it from here.”
Rising to his feet, the man attempted to loom larger, crossing his arms defensively. “I have no record of a Trey, orientation was yesterday, and I’m not a fucking nanny. Take your kid and get out of here.”
Marvin’s glare could have cut glass. “Sorry for assuming you were competent at your job. Trey has been approved by the headmaster himself, so unless you want me to go fetch him from whatever he is doing and drag him down here to stare at that unfortunate combination of genetics you call a face, I suggest you pull that troll dick out of your ass and get the boy settled.”
The man sneered in response, his bravado unwavering. “You got the Grand Oracle on a leash, huh?” he bellowed, then laughed at his own joke. “I’ll have whatever you’re smoking, old man.”
Just then, the sound of determined footsteps stomped behind them, announcing the arrival of another figure. “What’s all the shouting about?” The voice cut through the tension. Its owner’s gaze shifted from the burly man to the apprehensive Trey before finally landing on an agitated Marvin.
The newcomer had a tall and robust build that was fully covered by onyx steel armor, which glimmered with a dark sheen, giving him an almost shadowy presence. His gray eyes carried the wisdom from years of training and combat experience, yet he still appeared youthful – perhaps only ten years Trey’s senior. His expression was calm but serious. A mixture of authority and concern flashed across his face as he took in the tense scene in front of him.
“Nothing, Jeffers,” the man replied, trying to suppress his ill temper. “I think some local drunks got lost and wandered onto campus.”
“I highly doubt that,” Jeffers said, his eyes fixed on the dark mage. “Karl, please go find something to polish before the renowned Marvin Kalo truly loses his patience.”
“Huh?” Karl said with a dumbfounded look. “But—”
“Karl,” Jeffers interjected. “Less talking, more disappearing.”
Karl finally took the hint and scampered out of the wood shack.
“I apologize for whatever interaction you just had,” the armored man said. “We don’t keep Karl around for his manners.”
“I was about to give him a little magic show,” Marvin said with a smirk. “One that he wouldn’t have appreciated. It’s a good thing you stepped in.”
“Jeffers, by the way,” the armor-clad man said, extending a hand. “I oversee the null guardian training program at Windrake. How may I be of service?”
“Just the man I hoped to see,” Marvin said, gesturing to the boy beside him. “Trey here is ready to begin guardian training.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” Jeffers said, “but I’m ashamed to admit this is the first I’m hearing of it. I’m sorry we are not better prepared.”
“It was one of the conditions of my employment here,” Marvin stated. “I bet it completely slipped the old fogey’s mind.”
Jeffers chuckled. “I wish I had the confidence to call the Grand Oracle an ‘old fogey.’ I’ll do my utmost to accommodate Trey’s training. It may take some time to figure out where to put him. The only spare room we had in the Guardian’s Keep was reserved by another latecomer, and while we would normally just put the two of them together, I am afraid Trey is not the right gender.” After a moment of contemplation, Jeffers shrugged. “I have a faculty suite in the Arc. He could sleep on the couch for a couple nights while we get everything sorted out.”
Marvin groaned, prompting Jeffers to glance at him in anticipation. “I’ll be assigned a faculty suite as well,” the old man said. “He may as well stay with me. Promise me it will be a temporary solution, Jeffers.”
Jeffers gave him an amused smile. “You have my word.”
“He has to carry my belongings over there anyway,” Marvin said. “Where should he meet you after we are all settled?”
“Let’s reconvene at lunchtime,” Jeffers suggested. “I’ll be in the cafeteria. We have quite a busy afternoon ahead. Trey will have an introductory magic class right after lunch, and I want to assess his combat skills afterward. Once our other latecomer arrives, I'll fill you both in on what you missed during orientation.”
“Will the Intro to Magic class overlap with the fire magic class?” Trey asked, finally joining the conversation.
“Have you no shame, Trey?” Marvin exclaimed with feigned exasperation. “You leave Miss Bree alone!”
Jeffers chuckled at their banter. “Fire magic became very popular overnight amongst the male population of Windrake.”
“I think Skye was interested in fire magic,” Trey offered defensively.
“She’ll probably attend the beginner’s class,” Marvin said. “I think that’s in the morning.”
“Oh,” Trey responded. To Marvin’s surprise, he sounded more thoughtful than disappointed.
“What happened to your interest in artificing?” Marvin asked, though Trey knew it was rhetorical.
“Can you point me to where I should deposit this luggage?” Trey asked, shifting the focus. “It gets heavy after a while.”
“You missed your physical training this morning because you overslept,” Marvin said. “I just want to ensure I’m not delivering a pudgy pixie to Jeffers here.”
“I woke up before you did!” Trey shot back indignantly.
“Come on,” Marvin chided with a grin. “A little more exercise will do you good.”
***
After locating Marvin’s accommodations and unloading their belongings, the pair of late arrivals ventured down to the cafeteria, engaged in conversation along the way.
“Well, that could have gone worse,” Trey said, a hint of optimism in his voice.
“What are you talking about?” Marvin retorted with a scoff. “I don’t want you living with me. That was one of the perks of teaching here.”
“Knowing you,” Trey pressed on, ignoring the old man’s complaining, “you didn’t give any details about me to the Grand Oracle, so it’s no wonder they didn’t know I was coming. Besides, I know you wouldn’t have flagged down the headmaster to come sort it out. You don’t want that kind of attention on the first day.”
Marvin muttered something unintelligible under his breath, clearly annoyed but unable to find a good comeback.
As they entered the cafeteria, the sounds of clinking silverware and cheerful chatter blended together with the distinct aroma of culinary concoctions. The cafeteria was spacious, its high ceilings adorned with floating chandeliers that shimmered like stars. A large mural on one wall depicted scenes from the academy's storied history – a mixture of pivotal battles and mystical discoveries.
Long wooden tables filled the main area, and students of various disciplines and backgrounds were scattered throughout, some laughing with friends while others huddled over study material, deep in discussion. The communal seating was bustling with a variety of activities, with some students sharing friendly anecdotes and others trying to soak in additional magical knowledge. The overall atmosphere fostered a sense of camaraderie amongst the patrons, each eager to build connections and further develop their skills.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
At the far end of the room, an impressive buffet awaited them. Platters brimmed with colorful fruits, roasted meats, and an assortment of side dishes that sparkled with hints of magic. A large cauldron bubbled gently in one corner, serving up a selection of steaming soups, their superficially disparate scents mingling in a fragrant symphony.
Trey beat Marvin to the food, his eyes wide as he dished up several scoops of whatever he could get his hands on. By the time he was ready to search for a place to sit, keeping the tower of food on his plate as he walked posed a reasonable challenge.
Spotting a familiar figure at a nearby table, Trey made his way over to Jeffers. The null guardian leader was surrounded by a group of fellow guardians, their presence as striking as the intricate designs on their matching, official-looking tunics. Crafted from a dark charcoal-gray fabric that shimmered subtly with each movement, the garments hinted at an enchantment woven into their cloth. Each tunic featured a detailed silver insignia embroidered over the heart – a classic shield emblazoned with six interlocking rings forming a circular pattern at its center.
“Trey!” Jeffers called out as he spotted the approaching boy. “Come join us! I want to introduce you to some of the other new guardians.”
Trey found an empty seat at the table, and Marvin plopped down beside him a moment later.
Jeffers started pointing out different people at the table. “Braun is on the end there, then you got Nico, Gerald, Patrick, and Lizzie. Damien and Lora have already finished eating and aren’t here. Jakob should be here. I’ve known him for a day and I wouldn't be surprised if he got lost.”
The man sitting next to Jeffers snorted in amusement.
Jeffers patted his neighbor. “This is Frye. He leads the physical training in the morning.”
“So don’t piss him off?” Trey asked.
“Smart boy,” Frye said with a smirk.
“Everyone, meet Trey. He’s the newest addition to the guardians, and next to him is Professor Kalo, our new dark magic teacher.”
The latter introduction triggered a ripple of unease across the table, causing several occupants to pause mid-bite and glance curiously at the dark mage. “Don’t let me kill the vibe,” Marvin responded with a playful grin. “Otherwise I’ll have to go sit near the light mages, and that’ll really cause a stir.”
“You can’t be worse than the last dark magic teacher,” Frye quipped.
“Oh, the whole traitorous rampage act didn’t win you over?” That earned Marvin a few chuckles.
“I didn’t care too much for Professor Greene,” Jeffers admitted. “He didn’t have much respect for null guardians.”
“To be honest, I don’t mind people with that mindset,” Marvin said, causing many of the eyebrows at the table to rise. “Mages who underestimate null guardians don’t live long enough to become a problem. I know you preach honor and duty, but the way I see it, the best time to prove your strength to someone is when you need to kill them.”
Jeffers let out a low whistle, then glanced at Trey. “Is he always like this?”
“He’s intimidating at first,” Trey admitted, “but I’ve seen him talk to his vegetable plants in a voice that would put a doting grandma to shame.”
The table roared in laughter as Marvin glared at his young accomplice.
“Speaking of doting grandparents,” Jeffers said, “what’s the relationship here?” He gestured towards the unlikely pair.
“His parents passed away a while ago,” Marvin answered, “and I thought he couldn't be that big of a pain in the ass. Well, he sure fooled me. He used to call me ‘Papa’ until about a year ago when he decided he was too cool for that. I’ve got another adopted kid around here somewhere, too – a sorceress in her first year.”
Jeffers raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “So you vanished for twenty years to raise two orphans?”
“There wasn’t much else to do after… Well, I enjoyed the break.”
“Is it true that you defeated the Verdants single-handedly during the Burning Covenant?” The question had burst from Frye before he could stop himself. He snapped his jaw shut and widened his eyes. “I'm sorry. You don’t have to answer that.”
The dark mage paused, weighing his response. “I don’t mind, though one lunch hour is not sufficient to tell that story.”
Marvin’s reply prompted Jeffers to glance at the clock on the wall. “Alright, time to wrap things up,” he announced. “Trey, you need to head to class. It's Intro to Magic with Professor Mavery. The classroom is two floors up in room three-twelve.”
Trey stood up and shot a quick look at Marvin before turning the Jeffers. “Thanks for the introduction. It was nice to meet everyone.” He exited the cafeteria, the buzz of conversation fading behind him. Navigating the hallways, he tracked down a staircase and climbed to the third floor. After a few moments of searching, he found his classroom.
As he stepped into the room, his senses were immediately assaulted by the chatter of students, their voices mingling in animated exchanges. The walls were adorned with posters depicting various magical phenomena, the instructive graphics standing out against the pale stone. Trey swept his gaze across the classroom, scanning for an open seat.
“Trey!” a cheerful voice called out, breaking through the din. He turned to see a girl with silky black hair and sparkling hazel eyes waving him over.
Trey shuffled over to an open seat next to the excited girl, a grin spreading across his face. “Hey, Skye! Did you miss me?”
“Yes! I can’t believe Papa didn’t let you come to orientation. Why was it so important to stick around another day to harvest vegetables?”
“You know what a stickler he is about his garden,” Trey responded.
“Skye, who’s this?” came a flirty voice from the other side of her. A blonde girl leaned around Skye, her inquisitive blue eyes sizing him up. “Is this a new friend?”
“Yes,” Skye answered with a mischievous smile, “and he’s already claimed.” She looped her arm through his, pulling him in closer.
Trey stifled a laugh. “Claimed?”
“Shush!” Skye pouted slightly, a teasing spark in her eyes. “I get you for at least one day before you start flirting with other girls. At least we have this class together.”
“My name is Kayla,” the blonde said, hoping not to be forgotten.
“Pleasure meeting you,” Trey politely responded while Skye snuggled into his shoulder.
At that moment, the classroom door swung open with a slight creak, and in walked Professor Mavery. She moved with an air of authority despite being slightly overweight. Her silvery hair cascaded around her shoulders, framing a face that carried both wisdom and mastery.
“Greetings, students!” she exclaimed, her welcoming voice inviting a warm and friendly vibe into the room. “I am Professor Mavery, your guide in this enchanting world of magic.”
A hush fell over the classroom, the students captivated by her presence. “Magic is a boundless journey, and each of you carries unique gifts within you. My purpose is to help you understand those gifts and explore the mysteries that lie ahead.” Her gaze swept over her eager audience. “There’s no reason to delay. Let’s jump right in. Who can tell me the four classifications of students here at Windrake Academy?”
Skye’s hand shot up before anyone else's.
“Yes, dear?”
“There’s mages, sorcerers, artificers, and null guardians,” she answered.
“Perfect,” Mavery said. “What is your name, dear?”
“Skye,” the girl replied with a beaming smile.
“And what classification are you?” the teacher asked.
“I’m a sorceress,” she stated proudly.
“Let’s start there,” Professor Mavery said. “Who can tell me what makes someone a sorcerer or sorceress?”
Another student raised their hand. “They steal life and use it in their magic.”
The professor’s expression shifted; she radiated a soft disappointment, leavened by understanding. “Words oft repeated and seldom understood – and quite damaging to the reputation of an intricate and beautiful art. While sorcerers do not generate mana on their own, they possess the ability to draw it from various external sources to fuel their spells. A sorcerer's power hinges on both their speed and efficiency in absorbing energy, transmuting it into mana, and finally using that mana to cast the desired spell. A dedicated sorcerer can learn the same spells as mages, and can even come close to rivaling their power.”
Professor Mavery scanned the room for questions before moving on. “Let’s discuss artificers next, since their magic is most similar to sorcerers’. Like sorcerers, artificers draw mana from external sources; however, their unique skill lies in infusing and enchanting physical artifacts with that magic. Successful artificers typically excel in hands-on crafts and possess analytical minds. One might say that they are the bridge between the magical and the mundane.”
Professor Mavery took a deep breath, preparing for the next section. “Now, who are the mages in the class?” Several hands shot up, and someone let out a loud cheer. The professor only noted the outburst with another small measure of soft disappointment. “Mages possess the innate ability to generate their own mana, cultivating internal reservoirs that, with talent and training, they can utilize as they see fit – explosively, and all at once, for example. The sheer raw magical power that a seasoned mage can unleash in short order is nothing short of awe-inspiring – or even terrifying.”
“Don’t mess with us mages,” an obnoxious student interjected.
The teacher smiled despite the interruption. “Do you know who specializes in both defending and defeating mages?”
After no response from the class, Professor Mavery continued. “Null guardians, while possessing no magic of their own, have one of the most rigorous training regimens here at Windrake. They master elite combat techniques and wield unique artifacts to address vulnerabilities that we magic users often overlook. With the right assortment of magic-nullifying or otherwise magic-resistant items, mages can be surprisingly easy targets for ambushes, particularly when their overconfidence gets the better of them. I can personally attest to the importance of null guardians; I owe my life to one of them.”
The professor paused, hoping at least a few of her firebrands would heed those words. “I’m optimistic that no magic user in my class will ever look down on a guardian,” she warned. “It’s a grievous mistake to underestimate them. At Windrake, we hold the belief that every classification contributes its own unique strengths, which is why every capture-the-flag team must include at least one member from each group. So for the remainder of today's class, your assignment is to mingle with classmates who belong to classifications different from your own.”
The murmurs from the audience grew as the teacher concluded her lecture. Trey arose with Skye and Kayla to begin their free roam. “Kayla is a mage in my water magic class by the way,” Skye told Trey. “So we just need an artificer to complete the assignment.”
“I think we can meet more than one in each classification,” Trey suggested.
“Sure,” Skye said, “but I want to finish the assignment first.”
Trey held back a grin as Skye’s determined eyes scoured the crowd for an artificer. “Aren’t dwarves usually artificers?” she asked.
“I think that’s just a stereotype,” Kayla replied.
“Really?” Skye asked, not looking convinced. Just then, her gaze landed on a stout figure standing a little further away. She squinted, confirming she had found a dwarf by his features: a broad frame, short stature, burly eyebrows, and a beard that would make a young human boy look decades older. She led Trey and Kayla over. “Hi, are you an artificer?”
“Are you assuming I’m an artificer because I’m a dwarf?” he responded, cocking an eyebrow.
Skye’s eyes widened and then hastily searched for a way out of the awkward situation. “My friend Trey said that all dwarves are artificers.”
“What?!” Trey protested. “I—”
The dwarf began laughing. “I’m messing with you. I do happen to be an artificer. My name is Kronar.”
“Nice to meet you, Kronar!” Skye exclaimed, her voice brightening as the tension faded. “I’m Skye, and these are my friends, Trey and Kayla.”
“What kind of creations have you worked on?” Trey asked, his curiosity piqued.
“Obviously I’m here to learn more and perfect my craft,” Kronar answered, “but I’ve made simple stuff, like magical locks and goblin wards.”
“Do you know what you want to specialize in?” Trey inquired.
“I would love to work with onyx steel,” the dwarf replied. “You know, make armor and weapons for null guardians.”
“Really?!” Skye exclaimed. “Trey is going to be a null guardian.”
Kronar’s eyes angled up to the top of Trey’s brow. “I would hate to be the bloke that has to fight you.”
Kayla laughed and took the opportunity to place her hands on Trey’s arms, rubbing them up and down. “Yeah, I can feel the strength in these muscles.” Her antics earned her a death glare from Skye.
The trio spoke with Kronar for a few minutes and then moved on, meeting some of their other classmates. Eventually, Professor Mavery announced the end of class. “Make sure to do your reading! We will be covering affinities in the next class.”
Out in the hallway, Trey said his farewells to Skye and Kayla. He raced down the stairs to the ground floor and looked for an exit. He had a sparring appointment with Jeffers.