The morning’s physical training proved just as brutal as the last. The null guardians once again suited up in heavy armor, but instead of a regimen of push-ups, there was a heavy rope awaiting them on the training grounds. Divided into five teams, they squared off in an ongoing tug-of-war challenge. When a team was defeated, they were replaced by the next team in line and sent off to complete a lap as punishment.
Trey successfully won many of his tug-of-war fights, but he did lose occasionally. He was on his fourth lap of the morning when Jeffers made his entrance, ready to transition the class over to martial arts training.
“Get that armor off and line up in front of me!” he shouted. “Hurry! Do not keep me waiting!”
Once the guardians had stripped off their armor and assembled before Jeffers, he scanned the group with an intensity that demanded their full attention.
“Today,” he announced, “we’re going to focus on techniques designed to subdue an opponent quickly and efficiently. In combat, remember that strength is only one part of the equation. Technique and precision can turn the tide in your favor.”
Jeffers called forth one of the trainees, a bulky young squire named Marcus. “Observe closely,” he instructed. The guardian leader squatted into a stance that was low and grounded, knees slightly bent, feet shoulder-width apart. Marcus mirrored him, eager to test his strength against his instructor.
“First,” Jeffers said, “it’s vital to maintain your balance.” He pivoted on his right foot to demonstrate. In a flash, he had launched himself forward, closing the distance between him and his prey. With a swift motion, he extended his right arm, gripping Marcus’s wrist firmly.
“Controlling your opponent's limbs is crucial,” the guardian continued, pausing mid-maneuver. “Remember, it’s not about brute strength; it’s about leverage.” Marcus attempted to take advantage of the lull in action and pull the instructor to the ground. In one smooth movement, Jeffers reversed the momentum, pulling Marcus's arm downward while simultaneously stepping to the side, shifting his weight to unbalance the younger trainee.
Marcus stumbled, but remained standing. He quickly shifted his feet, trying to regain solid footing, but Jeffers capitalized on the swiveling momentum. He dropped low, entering a crouch to bring himself beneath Marcus's center of gravity. With a powerful twist of his hips, he leveraged Marcus’ weight against him, sweeping his leg and sending him sprawling onto the ground.
Jeffers helped Marcus back up to his feet, and then began explaining to the class how to use the different joints in the limbs as leverage against opponents. He more gently demonstrated the beginnings of several moves and then wrapped up the instructive portion.
“Your turn to try,” Jeffers announced. “Guys, pair up with guys. Girls, pair up with girls.”
Trey thought he might have caught a subtle glance thrown his way from the null guardian teacher. With a shrug, he sought out Damien, and the two began wrestling. Trey enjoyed a size advantage over his opponent, but he concentrated on his technique, mindful of the day’s lesson. He quickly grasped it, and managed to pin Damien several times in quick succession. By the end of their match, Damien was grumbling with dissatisfaction, having only managed to take Trey down twice.
After being dismissed from training, Trey took the opportunity to wash up before heading to lunch. He filled up his plate and found a place to sit.
“Hey roommate!” a cheerful blonde blurted out, taking a spot next to him.
Trey snorted. “I take it you’ve spoken with Jeffers?”
“I don’t know what kind of filthy secrets you’re blackmailing him with,” Nora replied, “but you’re spilling them tonight – you know, since we’ll be in the same room?”
“I got it, Nora,” Trey said, “and I’m afraid I’m going to disappoint you. I don’t have any dirt on Jeffers.”
“Hmph! Well, let’s hope you don’t disappoint me in other ways,” she responded with a smirk.
The two of them chatted as they ate lunch together, then headed off to their Intro to Magic class. Professor Mavery started class shortly after their arrival. “I hope everyone did your reading, because we are going to jump right into it. Who can name the six primary affinities?”
Just as it had in the previous class, Skye’s hand shot up first.
“Yes, Skye?”
“Dark, Light, Fire, Water, Air, and Earth.”
“Perfect,” Professor Mavery replied with a smile. “Mages have specific affinities that dictate how they can use their mana. A fire mage can only wield their mana for fire spells, while an earth mage is limited to earth magic. Sorcerers also have affinities, but they are not as strict. They do not generate their own mana, so they technically have a wider range of spells available to them. However, many sorcerers still specialize in one or two affinities based on their magical aptitude. Their versatility does give them at least one advantage over mages. Do we have any specters in this class?”
One student raised their hand.
The teacher looked over, examining the student. “What are your affinities?”
“Light and Air,” came the reply.
“What an interesting combination,” Professor Mavery commented. “What is your name?”
“Jeremiah,” came the reply.
The teacher nodded and then continued. “A specter is a mage who has multiple affinities. They are rare, but there are a few at Windrake. In fact, our own headmaster may very well be the rarest specter in recorded history. It’s truly an honor to walk the same halls as he does.” The professor paused momentarily, a look of reverence crossing her face. Trey didn’t detect a hint of sarcasm or irony there; indeed, the professor was acting as if she was paying homage to a living legend
“Let’s delve into affinities that extend beyond the primary ones,” she said. “There are various uncommon affinities that connect to the core elements. For instance, there’s an acolyte storm mage here who benefits from attending both water and air magic classes. Similarly, there’s a plant mage who focuses on earth magic. A few years ago, I had a particularly unique blood mage in my class who primarily studied water magic. Additionally, some mages harness their affinities in extraordinary ways that don’t quite qualify as separate affinities. For example, there's a talented water mage in our student body who excels as a healer.
Trey raised his hand, drawing the teacher’s attention. “Are affinities hereditary?”
Professor Mavery let out a chuckle. “What a question! The answer that is most appropriate for an introductory-level class is this: it is commonly believed that a mage's affinities are influenced by those of their parents. However, there are so many exceptions that those exceptions have almost become the rule.”
Another student raised their hand. “What about divination magic?”
“Ah, yes,” Professor Mavery said with a twinkle in her eye. “There are two affinities that always draw the fascination of first-year students – and honestly, everyone else as well. Divination magic and mind magic are arguably the most powerful affinities, albeit remarkably challenging to master and extremely rare. Divination grants the user glimpses of the future that could, for example, significantly alter the outcome of a battle. Meanwhile, mind magic enables a mage to penetrate the subconscious of another, reading their thoughts – perhaps even their most private ones – and, if sufficiently skilled, even manipulating their actions.”
That revelation was met with a low whistle. The professor gave the offending mage a quick scowl before proceeding with her lecture. “Our headmaster, known to the rest of the world as the Grand Oracle, is not only a light and water specter, but also wields both divination and mind affinities. The level of power he possesses is unprecedented, as no one has ever commanded both mind and divination magic.”
Trey listened intently to the lecture, appreciating that Nora was much more engaged and less inclined to grace him with intricate details of chocolate making. Another question came from the class. “Is mind magic considered dark magic?”
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“Until recently,” Professor Mavery answered, “divination magic was linked to light, and mind magic to dark. However, the last three known mind mages did not have the dark magic affinity, challenging that assertion. It's crucial to understand that dark magic does not inherently equate to malevolence. While some dark magic spells are rather vile and some dark mages are despicably heinous, it would be unjust to dismiss an entire branch of magic based solely on the actions of a few.”
“Do we know when the next divination or mind mage might appear?” a student asked.
“There haven’t been any rumors of another divination mage in recent times,” the teacher answered. “There was a mind mage a few years back, but… well, you’ll learn about that in another class.” She swiftly shifted the topic. “At what age do magic users typically awaken their powers and discover their affinities?”
Skye raised her hand again, but another student was called upon. “When we hit puberty,” her peer answered with a snicker.
“That is correct,” the teacher affirmed. “That’s why we admit students at Windrake when they turn seventeen; it gives most teenagers time to discover their powers and grow accustomed to them. Many identify their affinities by experimenting with various spells, but we also have an affinity sphere that can help individuals determine what type of magic they possess.”
Professor Mavery carried on with her lesson, briefly describing some basic spells from each of the six primary affinities. Upon reaching the time allotted for class, she wrapped things up a bit abruptly; she hadn’t quite given dark magic as much time as the others. “The next class will focus on streaming theory,” she said. “Please ensure you come prepared by completing the assigned reading.”
“Where are you headed to next?” Nora asked Trey.
“I think I‘ll attend the artificing class again,” he responded.
“Do you enjoy being the tallest one in the class?” Nora teased.
“They’re not all dwarves,” he retorted. “Besides, I’m already the tallest one in most of my other classes. Where are you going?”
“I think I’ll check out the light magic class,” Nora said nonchalantly.
Trey gave her a knowing nod before turning to Skye. “What about you? I don’t even know what classes you’re taking.”
“That’s because you’ve been too distracted,” the black-haired sorceress replied while glaring at Nora.
“Hey,” Trey said, playfully booping her on the nose with his finger, “Nora promised to be nice to you. You need to make an effort, too. I have a little bit of time before my next class, now that I know where it is. Do you want to spend it talking about other girls or will you tell me what classes you’re taking?”
Skye rubbed her nose before breaking into a grin. “I got invited to the intermediate water magic class! I only attended the beginners’ class twice before Professor Mullens decided I would fit better in the next class.”
“That’s exciting!” Trey exclaimed. “You always had strong water magic. I’m glad others are recognizing your talent. You were also interested in fire magic, too, right?”
“I’ve attended a couple of fire magic classes,” Skye said, “but I don’t think that’s where my strength is. I plan on dropping soon. I was really only interested because… Eh, we’ll see what happens.”
Trey gave the sorceress a contemplative look, tempted to do something he promised himself he’d never do. “What about your other classes?”
“I have Introduction to Sorcery with Professor Lokia,” she answered. “She’s fantastic! I’m learning so much in that class.”
Trey smiled, genuinely pleased at Skye's enthusiasm. “Windrake seems to be the perfect place for you.”
“I know! I can’t believe Papa got us in!”
“I better go to class,” Trey said, “but I’ll see you tomorrow.” He hurried off to Golium’s Sanctum.
He entered the room with time to spare, and glanced into the corners, trying to find an inconspicuous spot that Braun might overlook. He noticed Kronar sitting along the edge and decided to try his luck next to the dwarf. If luck was on his side, his fellow null guardian might have chosen a different class to visit for his roaming elective anyway.
Unfortunately, moments before Professor Leek started class, Braun’s stupid grin popped into the room. He scanned the seats until he saw Trey, and waved at him as he made his way over. Trey could only groan.
“How’s it going with the busty blonde babe?” Braun asked the moment he plopped down next to Trey.
Trey wasn’t about to tell him about his new roommate situation, so he opted for a more neutral response. “She’s fun to be around.”
“I bet she is,” Braun replied. “I’ve got my sights set on the ice queen.”
“Ice queen?” Kronar asked from the other side of Trey.
“Oh, yeah,” Braun replied, pleased with the invitation to continue. “She comes from a noble family from one of the elven enclaves. She’s supposedly a crazy good water mage, but spoiled rotten and a complete bitch… but, she’s really hot and I guarantee you she is a virgin. I’m going to be the one that breaks in that tight pussy.”
Kronar chortled. “And how do you plan on doing that?”
“Mages love a rugged-looking null guardian,” Braun declared with unwavering confidence. “She just needs a stern hand in her life, and I’ll happily provide that. I’ll bend her over, conquer her, and then find my next challenge.”
Several classmates twisted around in their seats to shoot them disapproving looks, clearly unimpressed with Braun's bravado. Trey shook his head slowly, feeling a mix of frustration and disbelief. Deciding to take matters into his own hands, he decided to practice his mind magic. He planted a suggestion in Braun’s mind: shut the fuck up.
As mental suggestions went, it was both clear and succinct. Luckily, whether the conversation had naturally run its course or the not-so-subtle influence of Trey’s magic, Braun shifted in his seat and turned his attention to Professor Leek as the class began.
“I have much that I need to get through today,”the professor announced. “I will be demonstrating how to craft a muffling candle. Pay attention, because you will be doing this tomorrow. I will start by reviewing the materials that will be used in the process. You will need ample amounts of beeswax. There’s nothing special about this wax, but I find it beneficial to purify it – by dipping it in a purifying potion, of course; put your hand down – before working with it. This will allow the wax to hold more skivel bean oil. The skivel bean oil, on the other hand, needs to be properly prepared with the first enchantment of this project…”
Professor Leek meticulously walked through every step, diving deep into the different properties of the various materials. For the most part, Trey paid attention, though there were times when his mind wandered to a particular fire magic teacher and the classes he’d been promised with her. Eventually, the lesson came to a close, marked by the professor waving a fan across the final product. “We must wait for the candle to cure, but I will demonstrate its effectiveness tomorrow in class, after which, you will be making your own.”
Before Trey could move from his seat, Braun leaned over and patted him on the shoulder. “Hey, if you ever need advice on how to woo your blonde friend, just let me know. I got your back.” With that, the brash null guardian vacated his seat and walked toward the classroom exit.
“Friend of yours?” Kronar asked with a chuckle.
“Maybe if this ice queen whips him into shape,” Trey replied.
“Do you know where the onyx steel forge is?” the dwarf asked.
“Yes,” Trey answered. “It’s in Guardian's Keep. Do you want me to show you?”
“Oh, no,” the dwarf responded with a shrug and a wave of his hand. “I don’t want to impose.”
“It’s no trouble,” Trey assured him. “I’m heading over there anyway. I think I’m moving into a new room.”
***
After showing Kronar the forge and checking in with Jeffers, Trey began transferring his belongings out of Marvin’s suite and into Nora’s room. Halfway through the process, Nora showed up and proved to be not the least bit helpful.
“So,” she said as she watched Trey unpack, “do you snore? What if I got a puppy? Would you snitch on me? Is it okay if I use your bed for naps? I can’t sleep and nap in the same bed.”
Despite the loud and eye-catching distraction lounging on the other side of the room, Trey finally finished settling in right before dinner. He and Nora made their way to the cafeteria to enjoy their evening meal.
“How would you smuggle food to our room for this supposed puppy?” Trey asked playfully as they waited in the buffet line.
Nora grinned mischievously. “I’d get you proper clothing with big pockets, obviously. You need some serious help with your wardrobe anyway, and I’d be more than happy to offer my expertise.”
“What’s wrong with my wardrobe?” Trey shot back defensively, crossing his arms.
Nora raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Oh, come on! Your classic broke-eighteen-year-old-boy wardrobe? Need I say more?”
The pair of them found some seats and began digging in. Trey managed to clear his plate before Jeffers approached him.
“Professor Kalo would like to see you in his office,” he said, indicating to Trey.
Nora gave Trey a slight frown. “Why does the dark magic teacher want to see you?”
“I don’t know,” Trey said. “Maybe he wants me to help move something. You know how old men are.” He quickly left the curious blonde behind, climbing up to the fourth floor to Marvin’s door.
“You’re using Jeffers to summon me now?” Trey griped as he opened the door and entered.
“What of it?” Marvin retorted. “I ran into him before I ran into you. Now, tell me why you made me look like an absolute fool today?”
Trey frowned. “You don’t need my help to do that.”
The dark magic teacher glowered at the young man. “I left campus today and gathered some intelligence in Greshelm.” He pulled out some written notes and slammed them on his desk, not bothering to read them as he stared at Trey. “Darius Schallevon, husband of light mage Paula, and father of Nora and Hazel. Owner of Schallevon’s Extraordinary Artifacts, a store located in the city of Goltenberg. Last seen on a trip to Greshlem where he dropped off his daughter at Windrake Academy, looking very spry, and not the least bit dead.”
Trey’s brow furrowed as he took in the information. “I don’t understand.”
Marvin examined the confused boy carefully. “Well, I’m glad this is not some childish, misguided prank. Unfortunately, I think your mind magic needs some practice – speaking of which, I have another job for you.”