CelestialShadow
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Chapter 115 - Heads
🕑 Added 2024-03-12 16:37:01 +0000 UTC“How did she do that?” Ailera asked. “Was that light?”
“It looked like it,” Aiden nodded.
That’s the first time I’ve seen someone with the element of light. I guess it’s not that useless in a fight if you know how to use it.
Adion and his siblings were watching a match between a blonde human girl and an elven boy. It was one of the first fights with students from the gold class.
The girl had managed to catch the boy completely off guard by conjuring light and directing it into his eyes, blinding him temporarily and finishing the fight easily.
It wouldn’t work very well on me though. Maybe even Sell could fight perfectly well with just her senses.
As the second round of fights started, Adion caught a glimpse of the girl that occupied his thoughts most of the day.
“Sell!” Adion called out.
Sell was walking up to the stands along with her sister and looked up at Adion with a smile when she heard him.
“They got here pretty late, didn’t they?” Ailera said.
“The Heads of the top ten Houses will have a chance to talk about their Houses in front of everyone before the diamond class starts their fights. Rellitha probably spent the morning organizing everything,” Aiden said.
“And Sell isn’t very interested in watching the weaker classes fight,” Adion said, “She also wanted to be well-rested before the fights.”
“I guess not everyone can be so lucky to only have to fight once,” Ailera said.
Sell and Rellitha soon reached the three siblings and greeted them. Sell made sure to get the spot next to Adion, leaving Rellitha at the end of the group.
“Nervous about the speech?” Aiden leaned forward and asked Rellitha.
“A little,” Rellitha said, “But we don’t have much time allotted to us, so I will make things quick.”
“Does it change anyone’s mind?” Adion asked, “I’d think most of the talented students have already decided which House to join.”
“Maybe a few,” Rellitha said, “There will always be new students who have already been told which House to join by their family. But there are thousands of students here. Most of them aren’t Nobles and don’t know as much about the different Houses.”
“Have you decided which House you will join, Sell?” Ailera asked.
“Not yet,” Sell shook her head.
“You really should join us as soon as possible,” Rellitha said, “You’ll fall behind if you take too long. That would go for you too, Adion.”
“I’ll think about it,” Adion said.
“Anyway,” Sell said, ignoring her sister, “How does your fighting schedule look, Adion?”
“I got seeded straight to the final,” Adion answered.
“As expected,” Sell said with a small smile.
“Straight to the final?” Rellitha asked, surprised, “I’ve never heard of anything like that before. The Elders must have been really impressed with your Gift.”
“Mm,” Adion nodded, “How about you, Sell?”
“I’ll have to fight four times if I win them all,” Sell said, “So I guess I’ll see you at the final.”
“I’ll have to fight you?” Adion asked.
“You think I’ll lose to Vels?” Sell asked with narrowed eyes.
“No, no,” Adion answered, “I just didn’t think about it before.”
This doesn’t feel very good. I can beat her if I make use of my Authority, but it won’t feel very good.
“What’s with that look?” Sell asked, “I already know you’ll beat me.”
“I guess,” Adion sighed, “You’ll have to beat up that Vels guy for me.”
“Of course,” Sell smiled.
“Look, it’s Lastia Isryn. Isn’t she your roommate, Sell?” Rellitha asked as she pointed down to one of the fights that was just about to begin.
“She is,” Sell nodded.
Adion also spotted the girl he had seen with Felicia the previous day. But the one that really caught his attention was the man she was going up against.
Astor.
“I really haven’t missed that guy,” Adion muttered.
“I hope he doesn’t get very far. Hopefully, Lastia can take him out here,” Sell said.
“Do you know that boy?” Rellitha asked
“His name is Astor Tyllen,” Sell answered, “I was down visiting that family with mother and father almost two years ago. He is very unpleasant.”
“I see,” Rellitha nodded.
The fight between Lastia and Astor soon began, and Adion paid rapt attention, hoping to see Astor get thoroughly beaten. But to his and everyone else’s surprise, the fight never got that far.
“I surrender!” Astor’s loud voice made it all the way up to the stands.
Lastia stopped in her tracks and looked toward Astor in shock.
“He surrendered?” Sell asked.
“Why would he do that?” Ailera questioned.
“It seems like he is really smitten with her,” Adion muttered.
“Poor Lastia,” Sell sighed.
The judge ended the fight at Astor’s surrender and declared Lastia as the winner. She didn’t seem too pleased, though.
“At least, this gives her a chance of advancing a class,” Sell said.
“Mm,” Adion nodded.
Didn’t take Astor as the sort of guy to surrender an important fight like this because of a girl he likes. Thank Ganta that he moved on from Sell.
The fights continued, and there was a noticeable difference between when the gold class fought and the other classes. Adion himself was unsure how he would fair without being able to rely on his Authority if he had to go up against those students.
“That’s the end of the line for Lastia it seems,” Sell commented as the judge in Lastia’s current fight intervened and judged her opponent as the winner.
“There are always the challenges tomorrow,” Adion said.
“Mm,” Sell nodded.
“I need to go get ready,” Rellitha said, “Do you want to come with me, Sell? You need to start preparing soon.”
“I’ll stay a while longer,” Sell said.
“Okay,” Rellitha nodded, her eyes lingering slightly on Adion before turning to walk away.
“A shame she had to leave when things are getting so exciting,” Ailera said.
“Were the fights earlier boring?” Sell asked.
“Not boring,” Ailera said hesitantly, “Well, maybe a little boring. But it’s also because we don’t know anyone fighting. Except for two of Adion’s roommates that we could cheer on.”
“Oh? How did they do?” Sell asked.
“One of them, Sokken, actually won the final match of the iron class,” Adion said, “But Heso, my other roommate, didn’t make it very far. I think he placed near the bottom.”
“I see,” Sell said, “That Sokken will probably advance a class then. It is pretty unlikely that he won’t win the fight against the bottom-ranked in bronze class.”
“Yeah,” Adion nodded.
It didn’t take much longer before all the students in the gold class had finished fighting. The winner was someone Adion didn’t know, but he suspected he would advance to the diamond class after issuing a challenge.
“Will you stay here and listen to the Head’s speeches? Or do you need to go prepare?” Adion asked.
“I’ll stay. My fight won’t be one of the first ones anyway,” Sell said.
“Remember that it will be a lot quicker with your class,” Aiden said, “You are only 100 students, after all.”
“I’ll leave as soon as they’re finished talking,” Sell nodded.
Soon, a huge metal platform was raised from under the fighting pit, bringing everyone’s attention to the spectacle.
“Are the metal mages responsible for this? But isn’t that too much metal?” Adion asked.
“It’s not mages. It’s runes,” Aiden answered with a small smile.
“They have runes capable of doing that?” Adion asked.
“They have runes for everything here,” Aiden said.
“Even we have similar runes in Amyss,” Sell said, “It’s nothing complicated. It just takes a lot of mana.”
“I see,” Adion nodded.
The platform soon came to a halt, and Dean Lukas walked up to a podium already placed in the middle of the platform.
“I know you all want to see what the best of the first-years have to offer,” Dean Lukas's voice rang out across the arena, “But first, we will listen to a few words from the Heads of the top 10 Houses in the Academy. It is a privilege only afforded to the strongest Houses. I hope all you first-years will listen carefully, as joining the right House can make or break your future here at the Academy.
“Well, without further ado. Please welcome up the stage, rank 10 of all Houses at the Academy, Head of the Perillians, Silona Quath!”
As soon Dean Lukas finished speaking, a beautiful blonde elven girl walked up the platform, smiling and waving to the people around the arena who were loudly cheering for her.
“Quath? Is it the same family as Felicia?” Adion turned to Sell and asked.
“Yeah, it is a very big Noble family,” Sell said, “Solina is the daughter of the future patriarch. Felicia is her cousin.”
“I see. Do you know her, Ailera?” Adion asked his sister.
“Somewhat,” Ailera answered, “I’ve met her plenty of times, but I can’t say we are close. There are many girls more talented than me in our House. But every time we do talk, she is extremely nice and caring.”
“She is pretty famous in Iitha,” Sell said, “She is said to be not only the most beautiful girl in all of Iitha, but as gentle as a saint as well.”
“You must really be avoiding public appearances then,” Adion said.
“You-” Sell looked up at Adion with a blush, causing Adion to grin widely.
“We’re also here, you know,” Ailera said, staring at Adion with a plain expression.
Adion coughed and looked to the platform, “Stop talking so much. Let’s listen.”
“...And this year, we will go further than ever before. All talented girls with the determination to grow are welcome. Thank you all for listening.” Solina finished her speech and walked off the stage.
Guess the speeches aren’t very long.
After Solina left the stage, Dean Lukas introduced the next speaker, the Head of the Alchemists, ranked 9th of all Houses at the Academy.
Adion wasn’t uninterested in alchemy. It was just that he didn’t think he would have any time for it. He had to prioritize other things. But listening to the Head of the Alchemists talking about it, Adion had to admit that he was questioning not spending at least some of his time studying alchemy.
“Ailera, do you think you can teach me some alchemy someday?” Adion asked his sister.
“Sure,” Ailera smiled, “But you know you’ll have to work hard on your concepts, right? The concepts used for alchemy are very different than the ones used for fighting.”
“I suppose that might be difficult,” Adion nodded, “But it’s fine if it takes some time.”
“When do you want to start? Tomorrow after the tournament finishes?” Ailera asked excitedly.
“No, no, no,” Adion shook his head, “I’ll have to get settled in first. I’ll ask you about it when I feel like I can take on something like that.”
“Oh,” Ailera said, “I guess that makes sense. Well, just let me know.”
“Mm,” Adion nodded.
After the Alchemists, the Head of Senkan, ranked 8th, made his way to the podium and introduced himself.
“My name is Shome,” The black-haired and black-clothed man said, “I am the Head of Senkan. Senkan, for those of you who are not familiar with Shiorin, means ‘All.’
A House created for those of us who refuse to just focus on a single aspect of power. We don’t have specific alchemists, runesmiths, scholars, and fighters. We all strive to improve in all those aspects and more.
“If you also feel like you would be limited in the other Houses, that you want to make the most of yourself. I welcome you to come to our House and show us what you got.”
That doesn’t sound so bad. I would assume that focusing on so many different things would make it impossible to fight at the top. But they are ranked 8th, so they are clearly doing something right.
After the Head of Senkan finished speaking, the Head of the Runesmiths, ranked 7th, arrived at the platform and began his speech. Once again, the speech ignited Adion’s curiosity. He was made even more sure of his choice to make one of his classes about runes.
The Head of the Outskirters was next up the stage, making his speech about the Outskirts and the mysteries still hidden within the Endless Forest, sparking great interest not only in Adion but many other students there.
I can see how the Outskirt Guild has managed to reach the point it has. It really does seem like the perfect House to join for those who are undecided about their future. And with a constant flow of talented graduates from the Academy, the Guild could only do better and better with time.
After the Head of the Outskirters finished, a muscular man carrying a big axe on his back made his way to the podium and started speaking.
“I am Hanque, the Head of the Raindrops.” Hanque started speaking in a gruff voice, “Do not let the name fool you. Even if our House started out as one for water mages, we now accept mages of all elements. We only care about one thing: that you can fight. If you have enjoyed the tournament so far, you will love our House. We will make great fighters of you all!”
“Not what I expected the Head of a House named ‘Raindrops’ to look like,” Adion commented.
“They’re all crazy,” Aiden said, “Battle maniacs that are always looking for a fight. Even if someone calm and collected joins them, it only takes a few months before they are changed forever. It is probably the House I fear the most.”
“Seriously?” Adion asked.
“Mm,” Aiden nodded slowly.
After Hanque left the stage, Dean Lukas presented the next Head, but it was not their only title.
“Please welcome, the Head of the Scrolls, Scholar Dorsia Tryelli!” Dean Lukas announced. And soon a modest-looking girl with curly brown hair appeared on the platform, smiling and waving at the audience around the arena.
“Scholar?” Adion questioned.
“Mm,” Aiden nodded, “She is one of the very few people who have managed to earn that title before even graduating. Most people struggle to earn the title of scholar even when they have a lifetime. She’s a genius.”
Impressive.
Listening to Dorsia’s speech, Adion’s curiosity was piqued once again. And his desire for the knowledge only available at the Academy made him somewhat regret not choosing more classes.
It’s fine. It’s only my first year here. If I notice I have the time, I can pick up more classes next time.
After Dorsia finished talking, Adion saw a familiar face appear on stage.
“That’s Temev,” Adion said in a low voice to Sell, “He’s the Head of Eternal Fire, Aiden’s House.”
“Haha,” Sell laughed and smiled at Adion, “I know. But thanks.”
“Oh, right,” Adion said, a little embarrassed.
“With the Fire Phoenix’s return, we fire mages are stronger than ever. If your fire burns hot enough, you are welcome to join us at Eternal Fire. Let’s show everyone why fire is the strongest element!” Temev finished his speech.
A lot of people cheered at the words, but even more people booed loudly, and some even yelled curses.
“Hahaha!” Temev laughed happily, “Let’s show these weaklings that their complaints mean nothing in the face of our flames!”
Dean Lukas hurriedly ushered Temev off the platform while shaking his head at the commotion.
“Haaah,” Aiden sighed with his head in his hands, “I told him not to do that.”
“I think he did pretty well,” Adion said, “I’m sure he managed to convince a lot of fire mages.”
“But all the other students will hate you,” Ailera said with a teasing smile.
“Alright, settle down, everyone, settle down,” Dean Lukas said calmly, trying to quiet down the rowdy crowd. There were a lot of heated discussions going on all over the arena, though, so his words didn’t have much of an impact. “What are you all so upset about!?” Dean Lukas's loud voice resounded through the arena, “What good are your words? They prove nothing. If you disagree with Head Temev’s words, show it with your strength. I will approve every challenge issued to him.”
The crowd finally quieted down. Some quiet murmurs were all that could be heard.
“Now that that’s settled, I will introduce the penultimate speaker, the Head of the Soaring Souls, ranked second of all Houses at the Academy, crown princess Rellitha Amyss.” Dean Lukas introduced and made space for Sell’s sister as she walked towards the podium, not smiling and waving like the two other girls but with a serious expression on her face.
“My name is Rellitha Amyss. I am the Head of Soaring Souls,” Rellitha began, “We only accept the absolute strongest students into our House, those with a firm determination to reach the Soul stages, and perhaps even higher. Although we are ranked second, that will change this year. We will take the top spot from the Shields. If you want to be part of the House that will, from now on, always be seen as the undisputed top power of this continent, I welcome you to join us. You will become part of an elite group of Soul mages in the future.
“However, If you are more interested in subordinating yourself to Nobles of higher status. If you want to be part of a House losing its number one spot for the first time in centuries, I suggest you listen carefully to the final speaker of the day.”
With those words, Rellitha turned away from the podium and walked off the platform to loud cheers all over the arena.
“I didn’t think your sister would be so aggressive,” Adion said.
“Me neither,” Sell said.
“She has been determined to take down the Shields ever since she joined the Academy,” Aiden said, “And I think that speech managed to persuade several people who were thinking about joining the Shields.”
“Yeah,” Adion nodded, “It would be fine joining the second-ranked House even if they didn’t climb, but with that prospect, it seems very enticing. The Shields, on the other hand, have nothing to gain, only something to lose.”
“It will be interesting to hear what Magvem has to say,” Aiden said with a smirk.
And it wasn’t long before the final speaker arrived at the podium; a blonde and handsome man with a light smile, looking out over the crowd silently.
“My name is Magvem Veloria,” Magvem finally began in a gentle voice, “I am the Head of the Shields. The Head of Soaring Souls just made some extravagant remarks that I can’t help but comment on.
“It is far from the first time someone like her has gotten the idea to dethrone our House in order to increase her reputation. But who could have guessed that focusing on something impossible like that never ends well? It is Rellitha Amyss’s last year. She has nothing to lose and everything to gain by going to war with us. But it is a war she will lose, and she will throw all the resources of her House at a lost cause, not caring for the damage done to the House and the consequences of her actions after she is gone.
“If you want to spend your first year fighting a useless fight, falling behind in both your studies and advancement, go ahead and join her. If you want to spend the next four years seeing your House decline, dropping in ranks with each passing year, with no resources to become stronger, go ahead and join her. If you want to start your time here at the Academy making enemies instead of friends, go ahead and join her.
“But if you don’t find that idea appealing, you are welcome to join the Shields. I am unfortunately out of time, so I will simply leave you with this: if you are aiming for the top, come join us at the top.”
With those words, Magvem left the platform.
“That wasn’t very good for Rellitha, was it?” Ailera asked worriedly.
“No,” Aiden shook his head seriously.
“I think he sounded scared,” Adion said.
“Scared?” Ailera asked.
“At least I only got the feeling of wanting to prove him wrong. Even if I had wanted to join the Shields before this, his speech would have made me feel like a coward if I went through with it.” Adion said.
“Let’s hope there are more people like you then,” Aiden said with a small smile.
Comments
Jeremy
Always.. want.. more…
Anthony John
Need.. my.. daylie.. fix...
