FOR DON PG.

1-77
Giant spikes of metal sprung forth from the earth in every direction. Alex, a nimble
Kitsune, jumped into the air and landed atop one of the spikes as if it was a part of
his daily routine. He had a gleam of humor in his eyes while a loud laugh escaped
from deep within his throat. His face had a large smile as the fight was just
beginning to get interesting. Leaping from the spike, he put his hands together and
a large blast of blue fire shot forth against his opponent. The four-armed giant
simply walked through the flaming burst while the fire just wisped away. His enemy
hardly flinched. It seemed like Alex was playing with his opponent, so it was to no
surprise that fire would be useless against the hardened skin of a ten foot tall, four
armed giant. The metal spike which the Kitsune leapt from suddenly moved fluidly
and wrapped itself around Alexs waist. The giant clenched his fists together
commanding the metal to tighten around the fox humanoid. The smile on the foxs
face didnt fade though, he closed his eyes and in an instant he disappeared.
The crowd watched as the fox reappeared behind the giant. He flipped into the air
and gently kicked his feet into the giants back. A powerful blast of magic struck as
soon as his feet touched and the giant was sent flying across the stadium. The
entire stadium shook as the massive weight slammed into one of its walls. The
giant instantly jumped back up and with each thrust of all four of his hands a large
shard of metal was created and sent flying at the fox. With agility, Alex danced
around the stadium effortlessly dodging each strike. For fun the Kitsune snatched
the last shard with his hands and it began glow bright blue as it turned molten. The
crowd cheered at such power.
The giant, not wanting to be Alexs joke of the day, was hardly amused. With a
serious rage, he charged across the field. The fox let out a laugh knowing that his
opponent took this battle too seriously, while he only viewed it as being a game of
cat and excessively large mouse. The crowd peered closer as they saw the Kitsune
had donned a look of excitement, while his body positioned itself gracefully to react.
Then, as if the fox changed his mind from dodging to a stroke of genius, he put a
hand out and in a swift motion swung it downwards with a purple spirited essence.
Suddenly the pants on the giant became extremely heavy and fell to the floor
sending the giant to greet the stadium ground with his face. The stadium shook
with the giant smashing to the ground, leaving the audience confused as to whether
they should feel bad for the giants humiliation or laugh from such a strategy
created from the clever Kitsune. The majority of the crowd had clearly decided to
erupt in laughter.
That beaming roar of amusement seemed to shake the stadium equal to the giants
fall, causing Alexs laughter to grow even louder. Meanwhile a rage was building
inside the giant that seemed to blaze from his faced down body. The giant slammed
his fists into the earth and his booming voice filled the stadium silencing the crowd
as he yelled, Cmon Alex take this seriously!
1

Unfolding his body upright, the giant then stomped the floor of the stadium. In an
instant nine shards of metal sprung from the earth, faster than the fox could move.
The shards appeared to rip the fox to pieces. The crowd grew silent as they saw
blood splash the floor and spray against the stadiums walls. The giant looked
shocked at the finishing blow but he was still on edge.
Come now Theric, you didnt think this would be over so easily did you? the
Kitsune, Alex, stood behind the giant. As Theric turned around he saw there were
six other Kitsune identical to the fox humanoid. They all tossed their arms out in
unison and summoned forth spikes of ice into the giant. Theric tried to stumble
back as his lower body was encased in ice. The giant flailed his four arms out to
summon metal blades to free himself, while the six duplicates of the Kitsune jumped
into one another and a blurring multitude of figures cleared into one extravagant
Alex with six tails. Alex took this opportunity while his opponent was freeing himself
to wink at the maidens viewing the battle. Whispering filled the crowd, many
females wishing that there were more than one of him at all times so that he could
be coupled with multiple beauties.
Having the boost of ego, the fox smiled and lifted his hands while his tails danced in
the air. A storm of blue fire and lightning swirled about the giant causing the sound
of ripping land like that of an earthquake, to fill the stadium, the sound of Therics
skin beginning to peel off. The giants roar once again shook the arena and a case
of metal surrounded him protecting him from further harm. The Kitsune blazed with
triumph as he laughingly summoned forth a lance of spiritual energy that gleamed
with a fuzz of white and flickering tips of blue. He threw the ethereal lance and it
struck straight through the giants body ignoring the metal armor. Leaving the lance
behind the giant with his heart surrounding its tip. The giant fell to his knees
lifeless.
Seeing the giant fall in defeat caused an eruption of cheers across the stadium
threatening the very structure of the building itself. The Kitsune bowed in all
directions as his tails danced in joys. He showered in the admiration and envy,
blowing a heart melting kiss to all the ladies in the audience. He felt the lustful
gazes of the women in the crowd who so desperately sought his regard. He was on
top of the world and the king of the academy,
As it should be, he whispered to himself.
Two mages in red and white robes entered the stadium. As they surrounded the
giant a white light with green ribbons filled their hands and enveloped the body of
the giant. As the light faded the giants skin was restored and the pierced hole in his
chest was replaced with fresh flesh. The giant stirred again and slammed his fists
into the earth as he realized he had died and lost. Several attendants surrounded
Alex showering him in compliments and using arcane magic to restore his clothing.
The two red and white robed mages healed back his last tail so he was in full glory
2

with seven tails. As the robed mages left the stadium, one of them snapped her
fingers and all the damage done to the building rebuilt itself. It was a brand new
stadium once more and ready for the upcoming battle to take place.
Now that Theric was whole again, he stood up and walked over to the fox. He
towered ten feet tall to a six foot Alex and the attendants about the Kiysune
scurried away from his intimidating presence.
Damn Alex why cant you ever give me a serious battle? he growled in anger.
I did take it seriously, after all I did crush you, Alex rubbed his win in. His smile of
victory further struck Therics ego.
Theric let out a low rumble, You just dance around the stadium like some fairy elf
fox boy this isnt some game!
As Theric yelled, three others joined Alexs side. A short skimpily clad purple
skinned nymphet was at one of his sides. She was underneath a short sleeved
glistening white sheer top that had a baby blue skin tight tube top, exposing a peek
of her belly button. Looking downward she had equally tight black spandex shorts
and a white and blue charm bracelet around one ankle that chimed against her
black and white mixed shoes. On his other side was an elf with long straight blonde
hair that was a deep yellow and had a single braid apart from the rest on one side of
her face. She carried a gnarled wooden staff that had dangling feathers swishing in
the breeze that matched her forest green eyes. They seemed to have hints of
golden sunlight merged in near her pupils. She wore across her tall, slim, curve less
body a tight fitting brown leather vest with white lace peeking out below her
pleated navy-blue short skirt, leading down to her boring brown leather flats. Lastly
a short dark skinned dwarf with purple runes strewn across his body stood in front
of Alex. This abnormally tall dwarf stood at four and a half feet and the top of his
head almost reached Alexs chest. The dwarf hardly covered Therics view of Alex,
the bottom of the dwarfs black robes seemed to slowly levitate an inch above the
ground, showing an immense control of power and the ability to strike at any
second if needed. Alex now felt at home surrounded by his circle.
Youve got something to say Theric? Vynce Sonas, the dark skinned dwarf asked.
Theric didnt feel much like fighting anymore, especially now that Alex was
surrounded by his allies. He grunted and left the stadium with the need to pummel
something. Miredhel, the elf, who stood two inches shorter than Alex congratulated
him on his victory as did Baal the short nymphet. Alex had once again taken the
top position for the title as the Magister. But now he would be greeted as ArchMagister now that he was a fourth year student.

The arena was emptied of participants and the next class competitors came forth.
Each class year had a group of students vying to become the magister for their
class. The third year students now had a tournament to decide on a winner. The
crowd was full of peasants who, after a long summer, looked forward to nothing but
the utter violence found in this stadium. Not only were experienced third and fourth
year students duking it out to prove themselves as top in their class, but several
new students were making their scene today as well.
Of the third year students Alice, The White Mage, and Darkness, The Black Valkyrie,
made it to the end. Alice eventually bested Darkness and took the title as the third
year Magister.
Of the second years it was no surprise that Scar Deathmane made it to the finals.
Scar was a Dragonute which roughly looked like a dragon-man. His body was
covered in magic resistant scales and he could summon very powerful magic on top
of having the strength, speed, and stamina of a dragon. The surprising competitor
was a tiny innocent Kitsune named Erika Hill. Previously Erika seemed to be a
petite, beautiful girl but was written off as weak. Many thought she made her
second year because of her charm and not any actually skill.
Today, however, she was blowing away competition with ease. The crowd was in
utter awe and couldnt take their eyes of the young champion. Even the eyes of the
Arch-Magister were glued to the fellow Kitsune as she entered the arena to face off
against the Dragonute. Scar wielded an iron sword in one hand and had his other
ready to cast magic. Erika entered the battlefield wearing a white flowing loose
fitting short dress rimmed with red silk. She had no weapons present and still
donned a look of innocence. The crowd actually felt bad for the little blonde, from
their view she was about to be crushed by the power of a dragon.
As the ref signaled for the match to begin, Scar used one flap of his wings to dart in
an instant across the battlefield. In one fell swoop he smashed his fist into Erikas
waist. Flying like a bullet straightway into the side of the stadium, her frail body
dropped to the ground with a look of surprise from his speed. While Scar had a look
of unbelief on his face. He was shocked that such a blow actually worked. The
crowd was in awe, the dragon had taken care of the rising champion in his first hit.
Alex laughed to himself and stood up, he was almost cheering for his kindred kind,
but it was to no avail. He was board at this point, then decided to get up and leave.
As Alex reached the aisle of the stadium seats, he heard a gasp come over the
crowd. The foxs gray ears atop his head perked up as he heard her fragile body
moving. She actually stood up despite the devastating blow. Erika wiped blood
away from her mouth and turned towards Scar with a look of vengeance. Scar
smiled, it looked as though he was going to have to earn the title of Magister. Scar
flapped his wings and bolted after her, not wanting to give her another second of
recuperation. That was a mistake he would not repeat. From here on out, she
4

would either have to win or she would die in battle. As Scar reached her though,
she was gone in an instant. He stopped in place and looked around. She was on
the other side of the arena crouched close to the floor with both finger tips and
barefoot toes spread out atop the earth glaring at him. Scar bolted after her again
but once more as he reached her, she blinked away to the other side leaving a faint
chuckle for him to hear.
Scar was a seasoned warrior as well as a magic caster. He was well aware of what
she was doing. She was only using fragments of magic to move across the
battlefield while he was using incredible amounts of energy to move as quickly as
he was. She was smarter than he had given her credit for. Scar had already spent a
year of school with her, he never knew such intelligence laid behind that innocent
faade.
Scar shot his left hand outwards and a stream of fire lunged towards Erika. As she
jumped to the side the fire chased after her and the full stream smashed into her
body. Suddenly the flames which were enveloping her body began to dissolve as
she held her hands spread out widely at arms length. Her eyes closed shut and her
blonde hair slowly glided in the air as if time had frozen, while the fire was being
absorbed into her body. She could cast fire magic as well?
Scar grunted and summoned forth a spear of light. Unlike the white, transparent
spiritual lance which Alex had summoned, this spear was yellow in color and shone
extremely bright like a single hair from the sun itself being pure light. He sent one
spear at Erika while she worked to remove the flames on her body. She had no time
to react by the time she noticed the spear barreling towards her. The spear struck
through her side and took a chunk of flesh with it. She cried out in pain and the
audience seemed to hold their breath like they were about to witness the
slaughtering of a lamb. Erika proceeded to fall to her knees. Scar would be
relentless with his attacks, he had every intention of winning. He wouldnt let some
girl who felt like trying for once overshadow the years of effort he had trained to
make it to this point. In an instant he was on top of her and began to swing his iron
sword down onto her tiny body without hesitation.
In that moment, Alex was the only one who noticed the tiny, but very important
detail which would be a deciding factor in this fight. Each of Erikas five tails was
dancing around as she lay on her knees. She wasnt down in pain or submission but
readying to invoke a surprise attack. As Scar was swinging his blade down, she
sprung forth with speed as fast as lightning and moved quicker than even Alexs
eyes could comprehend. Erica plunged for Scars throat. Blaring orange fire, white
lightning, and wind began to swirl around Scar in a malevolent storm. The massive
energy which rippled around his body as Erikas form turned into the three elements
could be felt from the stadium. The attack was so sudden that Scar couldnt even
scream or react leaving a dead silence except for the tearing of flesh in a deadly
storm. When she landed back on her two feet, she brushed off the stadium dust
5

from her now bloodied and torn dress, leaving a skinless dragon corpse remaining.
She smiled widely, exposing her two little fangs while her five tails gleefully danced
around. Her fist punched the air above her then quickly went to enjoying the
softness of her tails. Victory belonged to the young fox. The title of Magister
belonged to Erika Hill a five-tailed Kitsune.
As it should be... thought Alex. Alex would want no other race to stand in a
Magister position than his own. Besides this would also give Alex time to spend
with the young champion each time there was a Magister Meeting.
The crowd was in utter shock. Scar was a beloved champion of the people and they
couldnt believe his title was stolen by someone like her. Erika was half the size of
Scar and before this day she wasnt even thought of as a top magic caster. As it
truly dawned on the crowd what they had just witnessed though, they began to
stand and cheer. The crowd went wild! A new champion had entered the arena and
she was so cute too! Erika stood aside the dead, bloodied dragon and smiled putting
her hands out in victory. The crowd was instantly won over by her innocent charm.
The healers entered the battlefield to clean up the mess made by Erika and revive
the dragon. It took five of them to undo the damage caused to Scars body and
bring him back to life. Artfully Erica looked back at the corpse and giggled being
very pleased with herself, yet not realizing that Alex had hear her laugh.
The ref tried to gather the crowds attention once more to prepare for the final
tournament. This time the new first year students would be dueling. This was the
first time the first years had a chance to show off their prowess and win over the
crowd. There were four students who really captured the audience. These were the
students who made it to the semi-finals. Xovilaxus was an Eyerlord which looked
like a giant eyeball with wings. For a fresh student, he seemed well versed in magic
and was adept at casting pain and shadow magic. He was to faced off against Crow
Darkhammer, a Human warlock who was also proficient in shadows and demon
magic. Sirin Evella was a Hjartalfar, one of the almost extinct blood elves. She was
adept at casting strong bouts of lightning magic. Lightning magic was one of the
hardest magics to control and for a new student she wielded it with grace and
beauty. Sirin was also a beautiful competitor with her white blonde hair paired with
crystal like white blue eyes. Her body was that of a model, with long legs and yet
large breasts with a rear end to compare, attributes unique for an elf. She entered
like a goddess ascending from heaven and the women in the audience already
hated her. Her looks garnered many cheers from shameless male eyes in the
audience. Her opponent was the equally beautiful Tryjica Holokain. Tryjica Holokain
was the Princess of the Holokai people and had the blood of royalty stirring in her
veins. The Holokai came from the Realm of Muspell and had bodies made of fire.
Tryjica got the crowd stirring when she first entered and her nearly naked body of
flames graced the stadium being introduced with the other three first years. Her
hair was a wild fire that could not be tamed, like her temper as the audience would
soon find out. The flames were brilliant orange with yellow licking the tips. Her body
6

was covered with dark red skin that showed off her toned figure. Bright red flames
seem to cling to her body like vines on a tree, while bright fire veiled over her waist
and flat chest. Tryjicas eyes blared yellow and her claws faded from dark red wrists
to a burning black obsidian that seemed to have cracks of lava glowing through. The
way she held herself made it clear that she was royalty, her nose held upward,
while her arms laid across her flat chest in a defensive pose. She seemed
uncomfortable having all the lowly peasants gawking at her in the stadium seats.
Xovilaxus was extremely confident of his victory as he looked upon his competitors.
The human who stood before him would be an easy match and some female wasnt
going to show him up. Crow and Xovilaxus would face off first which had the crowd
on the verge of boredom. It wasnt that the match didnt have good technical skill
but the crowd was already looking forward to watching the two ladies square off.
Tryjica and Sirin each had many admirers already.
As Crow and Xovilaxus squared off Alex wandered away. He had already seen
enough of the newcomers and was sure of who would end up winning title of Junior
Magister. He was on the hunt after his new prey. He pulled four pieces of paper
from his pocket. He placed each piece between two fingers and the paper glowed
with blue light.
Find her, He whispered to the paper charms. Each paper charm darted in a
different direction. It wouldnt take long before he found what he was looking for.
Whatcha up to boss? Baal hopped down from above.
Nothing just looking for something? Alex replied.
Did the young fox catch your eyes? Baal further pried. Alex chuckled to himself.
He really didnt feel like playing any games.
Go away Baal, Alex ushered her away.
She is in the girls locker room, you may as well give up. She seems to be a saint
and knows the ill intentions which her kind usually harbor. You cant fool her like all
the other girls, Baal taunted further already pretty certain of what he was after,
Well I guess that wouldnt exactly stop you after all
Alex grinned again and place his hand on her head. He stooped down and looked
into her eyes, Is there something you want? Then proceeded to gently push her
head back, laughing as she stumbled backwards like he used all of his force.
Baal continued, You know Miredhel has been looking for you ever since you got up
from your seat. It has been a long summer without you, boss. Dont you think you
could go hunting later? Baal lowered her hands from making quotation marks in
the air when she said hunting in a sarcastic tone.

As the two of them were speaking another voice spoke out in a familiar, annoyingly
loud squeak, Alex!
The elf who stood at his side earlier was running towards the two of them, I was
looking for you and I guess Baal as well, youre going to miss the end of the semifinal match if you dont hurry back.
I blame this one on you, Alex quietly growled into Baals ear, I am going to show
you just how much I missed you later. Turning he braced himself for the elf to drag
him back by his arm.
Baal gulped and slowly laughed with a tinge of fear, Of course it is nice to see you
as well Alex.
Miredhel placed her arms around Alex and pulled him back towards the stadium.
Alexs face showed mild grief and Miredhel acted as though she didnt notice as she
always did in these situations that she created. She also pretended she didnt know
why Alex was sneaking away. As they entered back towards the stadium the ref
was announcing the winner of the first semi-final match: Crow Darkhammer. The
human had managed to best an eyerlord in a duel, an impressive feat.
Alex and Miredhel didnt bother sitting down. They decided to stand and watch the
last two battles. Vynce wandered over to the others and spoke to Alex as they
cleaned up the battlefield.
To think a human beat and eyerlord, Vynce mentioned to Alex.
Well, it was no surprise to me, Alex grinned, the human had fervor and wanted to
win. The eye merely assumed he had the victory and didnt have the same
tenacity.
Sure Easy to guess that, now that the fight is over, Baal teased, Im surprised
that you won since you always assume you are going to win.
Ignoring the comment made by the twerp, Alex continued to say Think about it,
they both cast similar magic, even if base magical strength is considered which the
eyer has well over a human, the real deciding factor was tenacity. Baal rolled her
eyes and laughed at the ever-knowing Alex.
Well who is going to win now then? Baal asked with a challenge in her voice.
Easy, the Elf will win. Once again the royal princess will assume that she has
victory and the elf will have the tenacity to actually pull off victory, Alex assured
his allies.
The two ladies entered the arena. The crowd already had several members cheering
for their favorite lady. Tryjica and Sirin each had a fan club beginning. The fight had
begun and Tryjica flew across the field as a fiery phoenix. Her flaming body
8

smashed into Sirin and knocked her backwards with the smell of burning skin. Sirin
summoned a shield of magic around her to buffer off the flames but Tryica smiled
her flames rose and grew violent. The purple shell which was beginning to ward off
the fire began to fizzle until it dissipated. Sirin at least had a chance to put some
space between her and the enemy with a back spring. Her palms graced the
ground until her front half met up with the movement in a single fluid motion. Sirin
put her hands out and a flash of lightning struck Tryjicas chest. Another blast of
forked lightning smashed her chest again and lifted her into the sky and eventually
smashed her into the ground. As Tryjica jumped up to attack Sirin again, the blood
elf was summoning more lightning. Bolts of lightning kept leaping out and sending
Tryjica back into the earth each time.
See, victory will go to the Elf, Alex grinned in his victory. As usual, Alex was right.
Tryjicas body was beginning to flicker and pieces of her fire seemed to be cooling
off. Unlike humans who took bodily harm, as a Holokai was injured their flames
cooled. The fire would eventually fade out and only an obsidian skeleton would
remain. Tryjica yelled out and suddenly flames erupted over her body again. For a
Holokai their health wasnt determined by damage to flesh but by their spirit. As
long as a Holokai had fire in their heart, they could restore their flames.
Tryjica stood up. The lightning which was leaping out at her began to disappear as it
came close. The heat coming from Tryjicas body increased voraciously. It became
so hot around her that looking directly at her hurt the eyes and a haze covered the
field. Mages on each side of the stadium came forward and put a barrier over the
crowd to prevent any damage to the onlookers. Tryjica walked closer towards the
elf. Sirin frantically summoned bolts of lightning but as each came close to the fire
elemental they would just disappear. Sirin struggled to stand and sweat was
covering her body.
Amazing, Alex whispered to himself, The heat is so strong it can destroy magic
Tryjica put her hands out and giant flames leapt out at Sirins body. The utter
exhaustion from the heat wouldve been enough for Tryjica to eventually win. Sirin
fell to the ground as flames smashed into her, she was defeated.
And Alex was wrong! Baal leapt in joy, What a great way to start the year off!
Alex ignored the comment and was focused on the arena. He was curious to see
Tryjica fight again. Even in her earlier fights, she was not so remarkable. He was
still astonished that the flames echoing from her body were so hot that they were
able to dissolve magic, a phenomenon he had never seen before. On top of that,
she proved him wrong which always piqued his interest.
The next match was between the human with tenacity to win, Crow, and the
princess of flames, Tryjica. Alex eagerly looked forward to the match, although he
9

doubted this would be nearly as exciting. He was already sure that his princess of
fire would win.
Well, who will win here? Vynce asked Alex.
At this point I think the princess has it, her spirit is much stronger than I expected,
Alex surmised, To think her body got so hot it dissipated magic incredible.
Wow two juniors got your eyes already boss Baal teased.
Two juniors your eyes? Miredhel sighed to herself. Alex gave a short glare to
Baal who relished in tormenting him, but then all eyes looked down as the final
match of the evening was beginning.
Crow walked out in his black robe with his grimoire in one hand and a twisted black
wand in the other. His last fight was against an enemy who used the same class of
spells as him. He was able to predict the movements which would summon shadow
magic and he was familiar enough with pain magic to know how to avoid it.
Xovilaxus who was hiding that he could cast curses didnt realize that even Crow
knew how to cast curses. What eventually gave Crow the win was the fact that he
could cast magic other than just dark magic. Crow was a prodigy and could cast
many types of magic and he had spent weeks, no months, of his time learning
magic that would be useful in defeating someone like himself. He could cast light
magic as well which would cause shadows to flee and was able to use negation
magic to nullify curses or pain magic. In fact the spell he used to end Xovilaxus was
a small ray of light to pierce the shadow barrier around his enemy and a torrent of
shadows rushed in to tear Xovilaxus apart.
This battle was unfamiliar territory however. He had fought multiple students to get
to this point but none were as well versed as Tryjica would be. He didnt show it in
his face or demeanor but he was frightened. Her fire magic had made Sirins
lightning useless and caused her shield to fade. His shadows wouldnt be much
help in this battle. Tryjica however didnt have the slightest bit of fear in her, she
was every bit confident that victory was hers.
As she entered the field she summoned forth waves of fire and sent them at Crow.
As Crow summoned a wall of shadows to defend himself, Tryjica blazed across the
arena. Her fist along with a mountain of fire barreled through his wall of shadows.
Crow jumped into shadows and appeared on the other end of the arena. He was
employing a technique he saw earlier in the day hopefully tiring out the princess.
Two large fireballs smashed the side of the arena which he was in. The sheer power
in her magic was overwhelming, how could a new student be so strong? He was
hardly able to recover from the blast of energy and as he tried to formulate a spell,
Tryjica was back on him. She slammed two fiery fists into his body and propelled
him into the side of the arena. A flurry of fire smashed him again and again into the
wall of the stadium only relenting when Tryjica was sure of her victory. Crows
10

charred body slumped onto the ground. Tryjica had taken the title of Junior Magister.
Alex was disappointed that Tryjicas fire field never grew to the point of destroying
magic as it did with Sirin. Crow just wasnt the match that Sirin had been, of course
expecting a human to be on the level of a blood elf was asking too much. Tryjica
kicked some dirt towards Crows ashy body and awaited the flood of people that
wanted to bask in her glory.

With the competition over, people began to leave the stadium and students were
heading back to their dorms. Alexs paper charms had found his primary prey and
he would worry about the princess of fire later. For now he had a girl he wanted to
meet. First he would have to break away from his circle of friends. As the aisles
around them filled with people heading out of the stadium, he began to sneak away
in the mob of people. He could hear Miredhel struggling to keep up but ignored her.
When there was sufficient space between them, he used magic to teleport away.
They would just assume he was lost in the mob of people.
Everyone except one annoying twerp would at least, Alex thought to himself as he
looked out at the night sky.
Thought you could get away, sneered Baal who had used her mimicry to copy his
teleportation spell and follow him.
No, I had a feeling you would do this, and I had a promise to keep, Alex smiled as
he waited for Baals surroundings to sink in. Before long Baal looked around and it
occurred to her that she was atop the tower of the castle. She was over a couple
hundred feet in the air.
I told you I wanted to show you just how much I missed you, Alex smiled in
victory, Have a goodnight now.
Wait Alex, you arent leaving me up here are you? Baal asked in genuine fear.
Getting down from this tower would be easy for Alex. Alex had the physical
strength and acrobatics to do it without magic. Baal on the other hand would have
no chance of getting off this tower without falling to her death. Baal used
mimicking magic and could copy spells of others but she couldnt cast magic on her
very well. She especially couldnt cast a teleportation spell to get her back down.
Baal leapt towards Alex to cling onto him but he was significantly faster than she
was.
Cmon Alex it is freezing up here, Baal pleaded, I get it, Ill leave you alone talk
to any girl you want I wont bother you about it anymore!
You really should wear more appropriate clothing, Alex teased. He smiled in
victory as he began to dance on down the tower. His legs ran along the walls and
before reaching the bottom castle roof he gracefully landed on his two feet. He
11

gave her a parting wave and was off. From this distance he could only hear faint
squeaks that resembled pleas from Baal.
ALEX!! Baal yelled out as she saw him running into the night.

Alex could sense where the charms would lead him. He took his sweet time walking
to the location of his prey, basking in the moon light with his eyes closed letting his
feet take the lead. He was letting the excitement build up within him. Few students
or people were outside at this point. Tomorrow would be the first official day of
school and orientation would consume most of it. Everyone was unpacking their
stuff in their dorms and looking forward to the school year.
Alex peered from the edge of the garden and saw a figure in a cream dress that
showed the bodys silhouette. He knew it was Erika. A braid of navy blue lined her
lower rib cage and twisted upwards between her perfectly shaped breasts. Leaning
over the flowers as to absorb their scent, she played with a silver chain-link
necklace with an hour glass at its end. She had changed from her earlier battle
attire if you could even call it that. Alex watched as Erika wandered through the
garden and looked at the harvest flowers.
She {Erika} was certainly beautiful putting the multitude of flowers around her to
shame. She had five bushy tails of fine silk glistening in the moonlight which
dwarfed her petite body. Atop her head was a pair of fox ears with the same silky
white fur as her tails which had orange tips. Her dress flowed in the light breeze and
revealed the soft delicate skin of her legs. Her large blue eyes were like glistening
sapphires that seemed to cool the air around them. {in the crisp evening air.}
Alexs hesitation wasnt because he was nervous or shy; he merely wanted to
observe her before he began his pursuit. Alex wanted to make sure she was worth
it before acting.
She seems to be swimming in a sea of color, it is about time I rescued her, he
thought.

12

As soon as Alex stepped into the cool grass of the garden, Erika glanced his way
and went back to analyzing the fireworks of color before her. Her ears were just as
sensitive to sound as {were} Alexs. Alex also let himself be heard as to not
frighten her. There was no fun in shocking a deer if you plan to catch it.
Hey, Alex nonchalantly said as he stepped closer with his hands clasped behind
his back.
Erika looked up coyly and upon seeing his fox ears she twirled her tails in front of
herself. Erika knew of Alex the Blue Fox and since they were the same kind, had no
qualms about showing them off. She politely responded with a good evening. Alex
took it as a welcome hello and an invitation into conversation. He once more
glanced from her toes to her fox ears that graced her head, such a delicate beauty
before him. Taking a small step forward as to admire her swirling tails cautiously.
So the young champion makes a scene? Alex started some small talk everting his
eyes from exploring her physique.
I dont have any idea what you are referring to? Erika shyly responded. Her mind
was quickly trying to figure out why he was here. Even though she was just
beginning her second year at the academy, she knew of The Blue Foxs reputation.
In fact every girl seemed to know him very well, they always talked about his ashy
black hair that slightly covered his handsome face. His legendary eyes that strutted
a deep green with rimes of ocean blue. She was not surprised that he was gorgeous,
it was a common thing for Kitsune to be god-like. She well knew that she possessed
them herself.
How sad another guy was going to fail in his attempts, I had seen that look before
and was no stranger to flirtatious body language, Erika thought grinning, He
probably thinks he is being smooth.
He took her grin as an invite to creep closer.
Alex was a seven-tailed Kitsune who led a group of four students known as The
Elect. The group of four was extremely powerful and throughout their time at the
academy were frequent winners of class competitions and battles. Alex was
arguably the strongest student at the school behind Korphas the dragon. He wasnt
only a powerful grandmaster magician but he was adept at physical combat and
was extremely clever. Alex had many, many female admirers of all ages and even
made some of the female teachers swoon. Power, charisma, and attractive good
looks werent the only attributes which allured admirers, but he also came from a
wealthy, influential family of Kitsune as if he needed wealth in addition. The Inari
family was generally regarded as the royal family of Kitsune and not only had
authority over the fox-humanoids, but also held influence in the Magic Council. As
all of these facts about Alex stirred in Erikas head, she tried to figure out why he
was here talking with her.
13

Alex smiled at seeing that she was shy, I wanted to congratulate you on your
victory today Magister.
You as well, {you became} Arch-Magister {today}, Erika congratulated back.
Since we both became Magisters of our classes {today}, that will give us plenty of
time to see each other, Alex smiled and came closer to her. Behind Erika was a
bushel of thorns, the roses wouldnt grow in until next spring. She felt the prick of
tiny knives on her legs as she slowly backed away from him, not realizing that he
was inching closer with conversation.
Oh, thats cool, Erika brushed off his comment, Well it is getting late, guess Ill
see you around. She gracefully slid away from him in one fluid motion, waving her
hand at him with a cute smile.
Thats cool? See me around? Alex scoffed in his thoughts.
It is nice to see another Kitsune take a Magister position, Alex continued to speak.
Erika didnt care for his compliments and she saw Alex as some snake. She never
really cared for her kind in general, most Kitsune were conniving and clever. Alex
was probably only here to leverage the fact that they are both Kitsune during
council votes. Alex was extremely intelligent, if he was here, there was a reason.
Although he didnt seem to take her clear hint for wanting to part, so maybe he
wasnt as smart as she was giving him credit.
Alex decided to continue speaking in Erikas silence, Especially one as beautiful as
you Alex unleashed his full charm and smile. There was no way this girl wouldnt
be swooning in his arms.
Erika on the other hand changed the subject, I hear the Junior-Magister is really
pretty as well, apparently she is a Holokai and they are naked fire elementals.
Alexs thoughts trailed for a moment as he remembered Tryjica dueling earlier,
certainly she was beautiful. It was only for a moment that he paused but Erika
sensed it.
She saw her escape and started slowly walking backwards out of the garden silently.
Erika was smiling at her inner thoughts, she knew male Kitsune were distracted so
easily and she was growing tired of his presence.
Wait, what are talking about, she isnt anything compared to you, Alex spat out
words out searching for where Erika had went, I didnt even bother watching her
fight, honestly it was indecent of her to duel like that. Alex was trying to recover
the damage he had already done.
Erika in defeat saw that his eyes were upon her again. She had paused, proud of her
escape plan, but now cursed herself for not sneaking away when she had the

14

chance. It was frustrating that he slithered back over to her side, but she decided it
would probably be best to be polite.
It isnt her fault thats just how the Holokai are You shouldnt be staring, Erika
retorted not noticing how it was laced with harsh frustration.
So much for being nice, Erika thought after speaking.
Sounds like she is getting jealous, Alex chimed in his thoughts. He was pleased
that he was getting under skin. His cheerful smile faded however, when he realized
she was the one who had even brought up Tryjica in the first place. He wasnt even
trying to make her jealous.
Was there no winning with her? Alex smiled again, a charm which had worked so
many times before. Erika twirled around showing her slim back and let a single tail
brush against his face. The beautiful scent of flowers was on her fur. As Alex
relished in the scent. Erika blinked away knowing that the fresh scent would distract
anyone. She wouldnt be caught this time. Once Alex gathered his immoral
thoughts of Erikas soft white skin and fur emitting such a pure scent of the garden
he looked up and Erika was gone. She had blinked away. Her scent lingered on his
nose
Perhaps I am just a little rusty, after all it is only the first day back, Alex thought
as he walked around the garden. He focused for a moment on his paper charms
from earlier and they appeared before him again. For the second time gave them a
command.
Maybe I need someone to warm up with, he thought as he whispered to his
charms, Find any female nearby that isnt Erika. Each charm, lit in blue essence,
flew off into the night and dispersed in all directions. It didnt take long before one
of them found a maiden.
Alex leapt into the night. He was a silent shadow unseen by the few guys he passed
by. He appeared from the thin air in front of a lantern. A new first year student was
standing by. He looked down past her long black hair and saw a map in her hands.
Through strands of her dark hair, he could see a round face that held uniquely red
eyes. Before stepping forward, he looked over the maiden and saw she was
average height wearing a coral jacket with a white button up shirt and a plaid skirt
that tied the colors together. The student seemed to be lost and was struggling to
find her way to the student dorms. She paused as she saw a shadow hover over her
map.
Lost? Alex interrupted with a large charming smile.
U-Uh the poor first year was in a stunned state as she saw the magnificent man
standing before her. Alex merely wanted to reassure himself of his charm and didnt
15

really have any intention of staying around afterwards. Though, seeing her in such
disarray inflated his ego too much and he decided to continue toying with her.
Need some help darling, Alexs words were soft and gentle trying to give the girl a
chance to come to her senses.
Y-Yeah um where is the school, I mean, student dorms? She stuttered out.
Alex gleefully laughed inside, he was absolutely sure now that he had the charm of
a god.
I can help you with that but why you dont you tell me your name first? Alex
crept closer and placed his hand on hers. He pushed the map between them to the
side and came very close to her. Laughs continued to rise inside as he saw her
cheeks fill with blood, much the same color as her crimson eyes. Suddenly the red
in her cheeks was replaced with paleness as her eyes rolled back. Alex couldnt
withhold the laughter this time; actual chuckles escaped his lips as he watched the
girl faint. He caught her in his arms and held her.
My charm is a serious hazard for poor women, he thought with another chuckle.
He was slightly annoyed however, now that he was responsible for taking her to her
dorm. He couldnt just leave a casualty of his godliness laying outside all night.
Blue light lit around the map which had fallen to the floor. It floated upwards in
front of his eyes and he saw the mark on the map which was the dorm she belonged
in. His focus on the map intensified until the blue light around it increased. The
map now floated ahead of him and led him to the location in which it was marked. It
didnt take long before the girl in his arms began to stir. Alex looked down when he
felt a pair of rubies looking up at him.
Sorry, you fainted, I was only going to help you to your dorm, Alex assured her.
This time even though her cheeks were flushed red in embarrassment, she didnt
faint. Once he was sure she could stand on her two feet, he walked her back to her
dorm. She was silent and played with her hair as she walked beside him. Alex
could feel the nervousness echoing off of her.
Well, are you going to tell me your name? Alex asked again.
O-Oh, they call me Momoke... she mumbled before speaking a little louder, MMomoke Terrinkal. Terrinkal? Interesting, Alex had heard the family name before
but wasnt sure who it belonged to. It mustve belonged to a previous upper
classmen.
I am Alex Inari, the charming fox responded, Also known as The Blue Fox. I think
I will call you Momo. Alex patted the top of her head gently. The black hair was
smooth and straight without a single tangle despite the long length. He could once
again feel the heat rising in her cheeks as they grew rosy {filled with blood}. His
ears twitched as they heard her heart rate steadily increase. He was sadistically
16

enjoying this and she was far too embarrassed and nervous to speak again. When
they reached her dorm, Alex instructed her how to get to the second floor and he
bid her goodnight. Alex smiled to himself as he walked away {back into the night}.
His charms were as infallible as ever, now if only he could get Erika to melt in his
arms like Momo did.
Alex was ready to call it a night but before heading to his room to get rest, he
figured he would show some generosity to a certain twerp. The evening hadnt gone
as planned but after his last endeavor his spirits were high. While he was having
adventures, he hadnt failed to notice the small flickering light which had started on
the tower shortly after he left.
Teleporting back to the tower, Alex crouched behind Baal who had failed to notice
him appear. A small fireball was in her hands which she was using to keep herself
warm. She could at least cast some basic magic. Alex didnt want to torture his
disciple, merely remind her of her place. As Alex focused on the fireball in Baals
purple hands, suddenly the fire turned blue and began to grow in size. Baal looked
up behind her and with a gleeful smile saw Alex.
Alex! Buddy ole pal! Baal gave a large smile.
Learned your lesson? Alex asked.
Before answering Baal jumped up and grabbed Alexs waist, Absolutely not! She
laughed playfully as Alex rolled his eyes. Alex blinked down to the earth below
having toyed with her long enough. He already knew she would never learn her
lesson and he was pretty sure he somewhat enjoyed the nuisance.
Freedom! Yes! Baal playfully hugged the ground, happy to no longer be stuck in
the air. Alex smiled as he saw her dance around like a fool. He knew she had extra
energy tonight of all nights, it was a full moon.
Baal was of the purple skinned Stheno race. The Stheno were petite and their
magic charm attracted male eyes. Wild Stheno lived in the woods were they lured
male travelers or villagers into the deep revealing their sinister nature. During
battle, their eyes would turn pure black and long, pointed nails sprung forth. They
bared their multiple rows of large spiked teeth and proceeded to devour their prey.
On full moons, the Stheno were full of extra energy and especially looked forward to
killing prey. Young Stheno who couldnt control themselves would be overtaken in
bloodlust going on rampages and often getting killed before the end of the night.
A civilized Stheno had even greater control of themselves and refrained from
hunting or killing mortals. One which attended this academy especially was
forbidden from hunting. Although Alex wouldnt use a word like civilized when
referring to Baal, she at least followed that rule. In fact, Baal didnt even really
care for the killing of mortals and rather just got really energetic when the
17

moonlight was out. Making it the perfect night to torment her by leaving her on top
of a small roof.
Cmon Baal lets get some rest, tomorrows a big day, Alex called to her as she
was no longer dancing but running around in circles with her arms spread wide
above her head.
Alright fine! But tell me how your hunt went, Baal pried. Unlike the Stheno who
hunted mortals to devour, hunting for Alex was seeking out female admirers for
various purposes. Alex didnt always have carnal desire when seeking out a female,
sometimes he just enjoyed knowing that he could make a girl fall for him. Alex told
Baal of his frustration over Erika but also told her of his victory over the young first
year. Baal of course enjoyed every opportunity which Alex gave her to tease him.

18

The sound of chirping birds stirred the stillness of the night as the sun rose. Alex
wouldve slowly awoke to the peaceful sound before getting ready for orientation
but a large crashing sound caused him to jump out of bed. Standing in a doorway
which once had
a door on its hinges was a tall four armed giant. Theric ducked
his head and filled a good portion of Alexs tiny dorm.
Not so many of you makes this much easier, Theric taunted Alex.
You know Theric, I still did beat you one on one in the arena without my friends
around, Alex retorted as he put his hands up. Each of his tails flared up readying
themselves as well to aid in his magic casting.
The difference here is that I have my allies, Theric sneered as he crept closer to
Alex. As Alexs hands glowed blue to cast a spell he suddenly grabbed his ears. An
enormous humming sound filled his mind, a sound so disturbing he couldnt think of
anything except the pain in his mind. Alex knew of the magic which was at work
but was helpless to its effects. He was paralyzed in subjugation to Umunds spell.
Umund was the leader of the Library Club and a close friend of Therics. Alex
silently pleaded that Vynce would hear the commotion and come to his aide. Alex
may have been a favorite of the ladies but his lack of seriousness and his string of
broken hearted lovers granted him many enemies. Theric was perhaps at the top of
that list and he definitely wasnt over the humiliation he had suffered.
The position of Arch-Magister belongs to someone with more seriousness than a
clown such as yourself, Theric growled in anger. He towered over the wincing fox
who was now on his knees.
Those are some big words from a dim-witted giant, did Umund make you a script?
Alex taunted. Alex never showed weakness!
Theric slammed one of his fists into Alexs back and Alex laid flat onto the earth.
Alex had a well-toned body for a Kitsune but was delicate when lined up next to a
four armed giant. Theric may have had more muscle in one arm than Alex did in his
entire body. Alex relied on his speed and wit to win a battle, being cornered like this
was a good way to catch a fox. As Theric laid another punch into Alexs back, a
grunt escaped Alexs lips. Alex was never very good at taking hits, he rarely got
harmed in most battles. Alex closed his eyes ignoring the trolling giant above him.
In his current state, he couldnt do anything about Theric, he first had to overcome
the paralyzing sound numbing his thoughts.
In a split second of clarity as he meditated he blinked from below the giants fist.
Therics pummel smashed into the wooden floors of the dorm and splinters were
sent flying. Alex was used to the humming now, he couldnt focus completely but
enough to take care of the problem in front of himself.

19

You think you can focus now? a voice whispered into his mind. The humming
intensified to a point of pain Alex did not know existed. Alex cried out as he
struggled to stand. Theric put his full force into his punch and smashed Alex
through the wall of the room. Alex felt splinters of wood dig into his skin and felt
bones snapping as he landed in the room next to his. The room was dark and
empty, there was no help here. Theric smashed a hole big enough in the wall to
enter and continued his onslaught on the small fox. Four fists came smashing down
on the kitsune. Alex only saw black
The sound of chirping birds stirred the stillness of the night as the sun rose. Alex
wouldve slowly awoke to the peaceful sound before getting ready for orientation
but a poke to the face disturbed his sleep.
Boss, you alright? the voice of a twerp ruined his slumber his slumber? Wait
what had just happened was a dream?
Alex jumped up and looked around his room. The damage that Theric had
committed was no longer present. The door still stood on its hinges and there was
no hole in his wall. As he looked around he saw a small body resting against his.
Baals petite body was snuggled against his.
Get off, Alex pushed Baal onto the floor of his dorm.
Bad nightmare? Baal asked, scrambling to her feet.
What are you even doing here? Alex asked still trying to calm his racing heart.
Well I got lost going back to my dorm and couldnt find my way so I thought I would
just jump into your arms and have you carry me there, Baal stirred Alexs
memories from the night before. Alex chuckled to himself. He rubbed his head still
confused by how realistic his nightmare had been. He reassured himself that
everything was fine now.
Being a fourth year meant that I didnt have a roommate, otherwise Baal would
be the real queen of torment Alex thought, realizing she was sleeping next to him
while he was only in boxers. Baal was the one girl that would never be on his
hunting list.
Baal get dressed, Alex ordered as he summoned clothes from thin air onto his
body. He now wore a long sleeved dark gray button up dress shirt, paired with black
slim fit slacks and black leather dress shoes. Around his neck was a long chained
necklace that held his family crest. Baal twirled over in front of Alex just wear
undergarments, Alex could see the small size of her body.
Nope, not interested in the slightest, Alex teased.

20

J-Jerk, Baal stammered as she mimicked Alexs spell and summoned clothes
around herself. She loved male attention and got plenty of it from her other
classmates. She just liked to make Alex squirm. Similarly to Alex, Baal was also
very attractive looking, but at least Alex had charm that covered his personality.
Alex blinked from the dorm to outside expecting Baal to follow suit and avoid being
seen by anyone else. He didnt want any rumors going around about him with Baal
all night, even though most guys would see it as a triumph.
As expected immediately after he felt the sunshine on his face, Baal spoke, You
know starting your day with a nightmare is bound to bring bad luck. Perhaps we
should go back to your room and I can make your dreams come true? Baal winked
at Alex as she crept closer in a joking manner.
You really are a {desperate} creep you know, Alex scoffed as he began to walk
towards the Great Hall.
Coming from the guy who sneaks up on young maidens and carries them into the
night, Baal gleefully responded.
S-Shut up, Alex was at a loss of words at that response and couldnt help but join
Baal in laughter.
You were out quick this morning, Vynces voice came from behind them. Alex and
Baal turned to see Vynce and Miredhel walking up.
And I didnt see you this morning Baal? Miredhel asked.
Oh, me and boss spent a wonderful night together, Baal put her hands together
and looked up as she recounted the night before and events which never happened.
He said he wanted to show me how much he missed me, Baal added while
putting her hands on her cheeks, And he sure showed me! She could not stop
herself from bursting into laughter leading up to tears in her eyes, showing how
funny she really thought this whole scenario was.
Wait you two night together? Miredhel was stammered in confusion. Her
face may have grown a bit pale as she went still as a statue.
You know I think you just broke her, Alex quietly whispered to Baal.
Miredhel, I was kidding I was out all night enjoying my full moon, Baal quickly
amended before causing any more damage.
Oh of course, just a joke, Miredhel rubbed the back of her head and awkwardly
laughed before sighing.

21

Perhaps we should go? Vynce questioned the group breaking the silence which
had formed.

The Great Hall was second in size to the main castle. The hall was used for events,
announcements, and acted as a cafeteria for lunch. All of the students and
teachers attended the orientation as well as several overbearing parents and a few
ministers from the Magic Council. Before entering the hall Alex stretched his arms
and tails out.
The hall was loud with well over a hundred people inside. Alex and his group turned
heads as they walked to the middle table with the other four year students. Alexs
eyes searched the second year tables for Erika. The white fur of her fox ears
peeked from amongst the other students heads, drawing his attention. He leaned
slightly around the others to look at the beautiful, young student. She was wearing
a blue sun dress that rested its ends at her knees. Her blonde hair was fashioned
into two low pigtails that met her face with natural loose curls. She was talking with
another female student. Alexs eyes returned in front of him as he sat at the head
of the table with the rest of his class. There were eleven students, each of them
would be his competition for the year, so he tried not to get too distracted.
Even though his Elect were his allies and wished the best for their leader, even they
would be competition. Unlike previous years at the academy, during your senior
year there was only a single class which focused on individual performance.
Previous years had multiple classes which would often face off against each other
with only a few individual events. He knew each of these students well; he had
been attending this academy for three years with them.
Jezzebel was a Svartalfar, an elven race even rarer than a blood elf. The Svartalfar
were the Midnight Elves, a malevolent and nefarious race which had once corrupted
realms with dark magic. They earned their name as the Midnight Elves when they
actually used powerful ancient magic to swallow the sun of their realm and place it
into eternal night. Jezzebel was adept at controling dark magic and the emotions of
her enemies.
As he looked further down the table he saw Theric and Umund next. Theric was a
four armed brute who was one of few individuals who could wield metal as an
element. Not only was it his skill in ironmancy which had taken him this far, but his
prowess in physical combat as well. Theric was head of the Battleborn club and
oversaw all sparring matches at the school. Umund, his close friend, couldnt have
been any more of a contrast to the thug giant. Umund was a Triclops having three
eyes and a slender body similar to a human. Unlike their cousin Cyclops, Triclops
were extremely intelligent and adept at using mind magic. In Alexs dream, it was
that psionic hum which had paralyzed him. Neither Umund nor Theric paid any
22

mind to Alexs wandering eyes. They were both talking amongst themselves.
Surely they had nothing to do with his nightmare
Alexs thoughts were interrupted by a booming, May I have your attention please!
Silence fell over the crowd as they looked up towards the front of the hall. On a
wooden platform beneath a statue of the Creator was a man in an azure robe. This
man was one of the greatest wizards of all time and he was the head of this
academy. His aura of authority could not be mistaken and power could be felt
emanating from him. Ages of wisdom could be seen behind his dark gray eyes and
every wrinkle on his face hid years of experience. His solemn expression changed
to a smile as he held his hands out over the crowd and looked over his students.
Welcome students to another year at this academy. It warms my heart to see so
many returning students as well as many new faces, he spoke like a father over
the children. We will begin with orientation shortly, but to my honor Vice-Minister
Longaster has graced our academy and would like to say a few words.
Jonas Longaster was the Vice-Minister and the second highest position on the Magic
Council. His authority had standing across most of the realms and he was one of
the most influential beings across the cosmos. Although this visit would seem to be
a special honor, Jonas had been attending the orientation of this academy for the
last decade. Since the majority of agents and detectives who served for the
ministry came from this academy, he was really acting like more of a talent scout
today. He made it a point to attend the orientation and the final Magisters
tournament at the end of the school year.
Jonas Longaster was unlike the principal of the academy in many ways. His eyes
were a bright blue and shone on his pale face of grey hair. Longaster had not
achieved his ranking through looks or charm but dedication and effort. He worked
tirelessly for the betterment of multiple realms and spent little time taking care of
himself. His oversized belly and disheveled beard could have caused him to be
mistaken for a vagabond if it was not for his exquisite ministers robe. His white
robe however only enhanced the paleness of his face and the white streaks in his
hair. Jonas gave some awkward words of encouragement to the students at the
school who would one day likely become candidates for the Ministrys ranks.
After which orientation began. Orientation was an important event to start the year
off. It was a ceremony which included all the students not just the first years. The
Magic Academy was the only school which housed so many different races across
the cosmos. It was the top prestigious academy which only accepted the finest
magic casters and those who paid considerably to make up for difference in magical
aptitude. Few scholarships were granted and only to extremely inept students with
prodigious skill. Many royal heirs attended the academy, in addition to uniquely
powerful beings. A single student at this academy was usually the strongest of
adolescents for their given race. As such the population of the school consisted of
23

multiple types of elves, dragons, elementals, demons, orc-kin, rare magical beings,
and every year a couple strong human mages were accepted as well.
The challenge of housing such a diverse population and getting a class of eight
students to fit in a reasonably sized room was one which took several years to
solve. There were many criticisms against the solution which was decided on but
over the years it had significantly reduced the cost, size, and incidental damage to
the academy. A rune known as the Mark of Mithaniel was created by the Principal
which served two purposes.
The rune would reduce the magical abilities of the bearer as well as change their
form into that of a human. The rune allowed the school to house a population with
relatively the same size, appetite, and one which wasnt as dangerous. The rune
would deactivate if the bearer was in danger or during duels. For the majority of
students attending the school it worked well and it only took a while for the bearer
to get used to its effects. During classes and student activities all the students were
roughly human and only during duels were they their true or magical form.
Attributes from their magical forms carried over to their human form. For
example, once the rune was placed on Theric, he was no longer a ten foot tall and
four-armed giant but a seven foot tall towering human strewn in unnatural muscle.
Criticism surrounded this practice over the fact that everyone looked like a human.
Elementals and magical races felt prejudiced as if something was wrong with the
way they looked. Some races had understood such as the fire elementals that had
almost burned the school down on more than one occasion. Some races decided to
boycott the academy and stop sending students. Since Elves were already about
the same form as humans, an exception was applied were they only needed to use
a rune to weaken their magic power.
The rune required a large amount of magical energy to cast and even so it would
only last a single year. The principal use to be the one who applied the rune each
year but a few decades ago a cauldron was created which when filled with a special
formula would cause those who dipped their hands in to it gain the Rune of
Mithaniel. The formula required a large amount of mana crystals but it was much
easier than having a wizard drinking ample amounts of elixir to cast the rune all
day.
Students, one at a time, were called to the platform were they would show off their
magical form one more time before receiving the mark. Korphas was the first
student up. He was also the only student not current sitting at the table. As he was
called to the front, a large dragon swooped over the students and hovered to the
center of the Great Hall. Korphas the Dragon was not a nickname, he literally was a
dragon. More specifically, he was an Arcane Dragon with brilliant dark purple
scales across his body. Arcane Dragons were one of the smaller species of dragon
and instead of brute strength, they relied on powerful magic. Gasps of amazement
24

could be heard from the first year students who had never witnessed the majesty of
a dragon.
Korphas who was so large in size he needed a tremendous amount of magical
energy repressed. It required four wizards. A foggy mist surrounded the dragons
form as the wizards began to chant the spell. It eventually enveloped the entirety
of the dragon {and became too blinding to look at}. As students impatiently waited
for the mist to fizzle away, they heard small movements from a dragon turn into
grunts from a human. There was no longer a dragon, in its place was a tall,
handsome, dark skinned student with long black hair reaching down to his waist.
His skin was marked with a white rune that traced around his entire body making
his purple eyes remarkably entrancing. For most students, the rune laid atop the
skin, swirling around their fingers to the surface of their hand, ending with the
intricate design on their wrist. To retain the massive power which lied in a dragon, a
full body rune was required.
Alex rolled his eyes as he watched the dramatic display of the students ceremony.
Alex knew that if Korphas had a personality which was even slightly social-able,
then he wouldnt be King of the School. The Dragon had immense power and when
he dueled to his full strength, he had never lost. Korphas was a recluse who kept to
himself and ignored any social events. In fact unless the dueling tournament
applied to your final grade, Korphas wouldnt even participate. Korphas had an ego
many times larger than Alexs and felt it was beneath him to ever have to duel a
commoner. Even Alex stood little resistance to the dragon who could rip him apart
with time magic. Luckily for Alex though, Korphas didnt participate often and
merely wanted to graduate from the school. Korphas also avoided people and may
have only spoken a few sentences before in his time at the school. After having his
rune complete, he walked out of the Great Hall. Orientation continued without him.
Alex was the second student to receive the Mark of Mithaniel. Alex waltzed up to
the wooden platform in front of all the students in his full glory and smiled to the
ladies of the school. This crowd didnt have as many people as the coliseum or
people quite as desperate, but Alex could certainly feel a wave of attraction fall over
of the women and envy from the men. After absorbing the boost to his ego, he
placed his hand in the cauldron and a fog crawled over his body. As the fog faded,
his tails and ears were gone. Not much was different from before except Alex could
feel his power and magic was restrained. Now he had a swirling black mark. It
reached past his wrist up to his elbow showing that he needed a slight bit more of
his power concealed then the average student. Pleased Alex turned back to the
crowd, he could still feel that he had the same level of enchantment over the crowd.
Alex smiled and sat back at his table.
Students each went up one at a time and received the mark, some varied in length
while most just ended at the wrist. As the students walked up the platform it gave
everyone a chance to see their magical form. Since the times you showed your true
25

form were in battle, there were no surprises as to who you would be dueling if you
could remember which magic form went with each human shell. Some students
were magnificent magical creatures with skin of gold, bodies made of lightning, or
monstrous orcs with skin of stone, while others were plain humans with prodigious
birth or a lot of wealth backing them. The humans still received the mark like the
elves did, simply to repress their magic like the rest of the students. Though all the
students could still use defensive magic and weak spells with the mark on.
Alex didnt watch the students to check out competition, he was looking for
beautiful women who could use some of his affections. Most of the students who
made it to successive years were previous year students, rarely did a student
transfer or jump into a higher grade. That meant that most of the girls who
attended the school had already had a taste of Alexs intentions. Some of the girls
just simply didnt grab his attention in previous years, Erika being one of them. She
always seemed to hide in the library and for some reason she decided to come out
this year.
Alex didnt seem to mind, Land not seen is land not explored he thought as Erika
got up from her table.
Erika in a swaying sun dress slowly got up from her seat. This dress had a deep V
that uncovered the soft, tantalizing skin of her back, it was like an arrow pointing to
her charming five tails. As she walked up to the platform her dress seemed to
marginally bounce, showing her well-shaped legs. Alex couldnt help but fantasize
about her beauty; she was perfect in so many ways. Alex knew that he would have
to make amends for yesterday and try his charms once again. With curiosity he
watched as the mist shrouded her silhouette. What would she look like now that
she had a humans form? As the fog faded from its host, a beautiful girl remained.
Alexs eyes quickly looked over her body, looking for differences. Her hair was still a
light blonde, her body was still small with average height, and her three tails were
still swaying with her body wait tails? Alex stared harder and rubbed his eyes.
Three tails hadnt vanished with the spell, she still had fox ears and Alex saw the
mark shot up to her shoulder. The spell had failed to conceal her magic completely.
Impossible
Alex was even more interested now. His tails had vanished with no problem and he
was beaming with magical energy. How could some second year student have more
power than the Mark of Mithaniel could hide? His interest quickly turned into anger.
What kind of trick was this?
Seems like someone may be even stronger than you, Baal whispered into Alexs
ear.
Thats impossible, I am the King of this School, and especially over some junior
kitsune, Alex muttered under his breath as he unknowingly glared at Erika.
26

As Erika recovered from the strong magic that had been cast on her, she turned
towards the crowd. The crowd seemed shocked, more shocked than they were
when she first came on stage. She knew she was catching gazes with her outfit, it
was part of the reason why she wore a dress that showed her perfect legs and tight
enough to show her figure. But these gazes didnt seem to be of attraction but
rather pure amazement. Erikas ears twitched in nervousness, she felt her fox ears
begin to coil downwards in confusion.
Fox ears Erika thought briefly before realizing. She placed her hands on her
head and felt two big fox ears. At the same time it occurred to her that three of her
tails hadnt vanished. Her tails instinctively swung in front of her in a defensive
posture. Erika was confused, this hadnt happened the year before. Was this
because she had grown stronger?
Wow, thats a rare event, a wizard in a black robe with a green eye on it stood up
and came onto the wooden platform, Seems like the rune was unable to take full
effect. Here, let me help, hold still for me. Sometimes for unique students it takes
two doses of the rune to work. With that said, the wizard chanted and covered her
body with magic for the second time. But this time when she reappeared she still
had the ears atop her head and a single tail remaining. The Mark of Mithaniel spread
to her collarbones and neck, it had turned pearl white as the magic linked together
like Korphass did.
Erika stood in place as the mark slowly cooled and she still had a tail and fox ears.
She did not know how to react. In one way she was surprised that she could be so
strong, while in another way she wanted to run to the library and hide, breaking the
promise she made to herself. The stares from the crowd intensified and Erika felt
like each set of eyes were daggers.
Erika placed a hend in her blonde hair and turned to the wizard, Guess that didnt
work
Even the wizard was shocked. The only student who had required more than the
Mark of Mithaniel was Korphas the Dragon. Even Scar, a dragonute with dragons
blood and scales, only needed a single enlarged mark to appear as a human. The
wizard looked over at the other three from earlier who had helped seal Korphas
form. Would they need to perform such a ceremony on Erika? If they did, Erikas
entire body would have a tattoo running across it.
There is no need to go any further, a gentle but loud voice spoke. The Principal
entered the stage and continued, It is always amazing when I see students of a
unique nature such as yourself. Kitsune already look similar enough to humans, I
dont think a pair of fox ears and a {bushy} tail are going to be a problem.
The wizard shook his head as he left the stage dumbfounded. The principal
ushered the event on so it could be done before it got too late in the day. Erika
27

walked off the stage and felt a pair of eyes that seemed sharper than anyone elses.
She looked and saw Alex glaring in anger at her. Erika laughed to herself but
remembered what she had done the night before. Was he mad about last night?
She wasnt interested in him but she didnt want to make any enemies. Erika
walked by Alex as she went back to her seat. His glare didnt let up as she got
closer. She decided to stroke her tail on his shoulder as she walked by, she did it
gently and quickly so no one else would see, but she knew he would feel it.
As Alex sat there glaring at her in jealousy and envy, he failed to realize his
expression turned angrier and angrier. The principals words stung his ego, he was
a student with unique nature, not this puny fox girl. Alex was the most unique of all
students! He was the strongest student in the school, his aura attracted hordes of
admirers, and he was Grand Magister. Alexs bitter thoughts suddenly vanished
when he felt the gentle touch of Erikas tail.
Alex let her tail graze against his shoulder blades, thinking So she couldnt resist
me after all. Alexs head turned and his eyes were glued on the Kitsune as she
glided away. Alexs eyes surveyed the gentle curve of her back and as her eyes
peeked over her shoulder cutely. Who was this girl? Erikas unique scent lingered on
his shoulders and danced in in the air mixing with his aura. As Alex was captivated
by his juniors beauty he felt a sharp kick to his leg.
Alex winced and turned back to see his perpetrator. Miredhel had an expression of
innocence on her face. Then she quickly waved her hands in apology finding that
she couldnt get away with it. When Alex looked back over his shoulder, Erika had
already sat back down. He looked down at his partner in crime and saw Baal was
deep in thought.
Guess neither of us expected that Alex thought to himself as he felt like the
prey for once, Alright I got to get back on my game I think it is time Erika became
the hunted again.
Other than Erika who had failed to catch his eye last year, few returning students
really got Alexs interest. The only other students who grabbed his attention were
the first year students. Only half of the first years battled yesterday for a Magister
position. Many chose not to participate to hide their abilities or because they knew
they wouldnt win and didnt want to face embarrassing defeat.
Of course Sirin had many head turns as she entered the platform. Even Alex had to
admit she was bombshell. Her curvaceous body was unlike that of many of the
students here and was extremely unique for Elven kind. She had a lot going for her,
she was smart, powerful, and gorgeous. Sirin dipped her hand into the cauldron
but nothing happened. Now fog or mist came over her body and no mark was
imprinted on her skin. Some mumbling could be heard through the crowd.

28

The same wizard who had helped Erika came forward, Well sometimes it requires a
wizard to place the mark. He lifted his hands and chanted for several seconds but
nothing happened. Sirin grinned at her ability and several guys in the crowd could
be heard gasping. The principal stepped forward and said that Sirin had a rare
ability which an attending student would have ever couple decades. Her skin was
special in that it could not be marked or imprinted by magic. This not only meant
that the Rune of Mithaniel wouldnt work but also in duels an opponent couldnt use
runes against her. He warned her against using offensive magic outside of battle
and let her go without having her magic restrained.
When Tryjica was called to come forward the mass of student stirred. The men were
happy to see the red skinned princess glide to the platform. Flames danced around
the fire elementals body and caressed her body as a veil. A crown of yellow flames
was on her head in the shape of a tiara.
So I just stick my hand in that? Tryjica asked the wizard in black.
Yes, dont worry it wont hurt your flames, he reassured her, Many elementals
have used it without harm.
Tryjica placed her hand in the cauldron and the liquid boiled for a second before a
mist poured over her. As the steamy mist dissolved around her. The crowd watched
as they saw wild red hair flowing over tan skinned shoulders onto her flat chest.
Excitement escaped from every mans lips as her body was revealed. Tryjicas bare
body stood before the crowd exposing the tight skin surrounding her well-toned
figure. It was only for a second before one of the wizards through a robe over her,
but that memory would be with the guys forever.
Oh. Guess I have to wear these things now, Tryjica looked at the silk robe that was
placed around her in disgust. Holokai only used fire to cover their bodies and even
if they had tried wearing clothes, they would only turn to ash. Annoyance came
over the women in the crowd at Tryjicas promiscuity.
Ooh, shes good, Baal commented, Thats one way to get male attention.
She sure got mine Alex replied. Theric glared at Alexs unnecessary comment.
The last person Alex recognized was Momo. Momo still had long fluid hair reaching
below her waist even as a human. While she was heading back to her seat, her
eyes locked with his and her cheeks changed color as they did the night before.
The orientation wasnt much longer after that and soon ended. Alex and his group
exited the hall and went to the open courtyard.
What the hell was that? Alex picked up from where his thoughts left off just a few
moments ago, growling in obvious envy.

29

Sounds like you are awfully jealous boss, Baal had been waiting to tease Alex
about this since the middle of the ceremony, I mean she is younger than you. On
top of that she fails to accept your advances, and now she is even stronger than
you.
Baal Alex growled as he put his hand to his forehead. His temper was short
today, especially after his disruptive sleep. He was in no mood to be taunted.
She isnt even of the royal family, just some mutt, Baal continued to chime insults
at Alex.
Alex leaped over and placed his hands under Baals arms. He lifted her in the air as
he glowered. Most were used to Baal and Alexs bickering but new students looked
surprise at the commotion.
Stop, I dont need the taunting right now, Alex said with finality. She knew she
had pushed it and apologized. Alex asked to be left alone. The sun was beginning
to set and people were already heading back to their dorms. Tomorrow would be
the first time everyone actually went to class. Alex needed the cool air to
counteract his temper, he decided to blink onto the roof tops and catch a stronger
breeze.
From the top of the castle tower, you could see past the entire school and see the
large green expanse of the Black Forest. In the distance, past the clouds, you could
see the Iceron Mountain range. Somewhere hidden in the mass of trees was a large
lake known as Goryo Lake. Alex watched the scenery around him and the ant-sized
people below. He saw groups of ants talking and other scurrying back to their holes.
It crossed his mind for a moment as he wondered where Erika could be right now
but he quickly hid those thoughts. He didnt care where she was.
Alex had already made up his mind that he was going to show Erika just how strong
of a Kitsune he was. If she wanted to play games and try to one up his reputation
then he would just have to crush her. It would still be a while before he had a
chance to duel in a tournament again but he did have a chance to show her who
was more prestigious at the Welcoming Ceremony this weekend. The Welcoming
Ceremony was a large event where most of the same guests to the orientation
visited such as nosy ministers and overbearing parents. There was a ball were the
students could dance and it was the first time that the King and Queen of the school
were decided on. Alex was named King the last two years and this would be his
third. He just had to make sure Erika wasnt elected and that would show her who is
better.
Alex, excited with his idea to show up Erika, teleported back to the academy
grounds and headed to his dorm. At least this night he got a peaceful rest without
any nightmares.

30

As the sun began to peek its way over the mountainous range, life began to stir in
the academy. People were getting up and dressed. Today everyone would be
assigned to classes and meet their teachers for the first time. Wearing the formal
school uniform, students hurried off to their classes. The uniforms had a gray blazer
with the school symbol in red on one side, a white dress shirt and black leather
shoes. Both genders had the option to wear summer clothes on days it was warm.
Girls could wear a red cardigan with the school symbol on it in gray and guys could
wear a white short-sleeved collared shirt with the school symbol in gray. The men
had matching gray dress pants, with the option of wearing the matching red tie or
bow tie. The female students had a long gray skirt or short red skirt depending on
the weather or the wearers convenience. Many girls liked to add accessories such
as bows and jewelry. They also could wear a red tie or silk bow underneath their
collars.
All students except fourth years had to go to the middle of the school grounds to
see their class assignments. There was only one fourth year teacher, Lord Byron,
and he was the strongest and strictest of teachers.
Alexs eyes were closed in peaceful bliss. What wonderful sleep he was having.
The ringing of the bell tower was loud enough to disrupt the {this} serenity that
Alex was in {though}. Alex groggily opened his eyes, as he got up and stretched
his arms it occurred to him what the ringing bell was. It was the sound of class
starting!
Alex jumped up out of bed but his legs were caught in the tangle of blankets, so he
fell onto the wooden floor palms first. He fought with the blankets till he flipped
over and got his legs free. He could still blink to class and get there before the bells
stopped ringing. He had to be fast though.
How could he sleep in on today of all days? He had never been late to class
before Lord Byron was going to kill him. Alex motioned his hands at his school
uniform to have the clothes appear on his body but instead they flew at his face as
a ball of force. Alex got back up and decided to just throw them on. He slipped his
pants on and began to button up the shirt, as he was throwing his jacket on himself,
he teleported to class. Unfortunately for Alex he stumbled back as his body
slammed right into his dorm door. His teleportation spell had failed.
Crap, I must be too scatterbrained right now, Alex thought, I should just run to
class
Alex swung open the door and ran down the hall way clumsily. As he jumped down
the stairs to the first floor, he ran out the door. At this point he was late, but if he
31

hurried it wouldnt be so bad. As he ran out into the light of day, he saw the empty
school grounds. He seemed to be the only student out at this point. He put extra
effort into his movement and blazed down the school trail towards the classes. As
he was running he looked up and saw that there was someone else who was
running late. So he wasnt the only one at least.
I mean everyone has bad days after all, Alex reassured himself.
Alex looked towards the other student in curiosity. As the figures silhouette
became clearer he realized that the person had a fox tail. It was none other than
Erika!
Erika was hurrying to class at a brisk pace. Irritation was fuming inside her. This
damn tail was the whole reason she had been late. She had to cut a hole in her
skirt so her tail had a place to come out. Even though her magic wasnt fully
restrained she was unable to teleport but a few feet at a time. She knew her
teacher was going to say something to her about not getting special treatment just
because she was unique. Erikas thoughts were stopped as she looked up and
saw a man in bedraggled clothes and scruffy hair.
No way, Erika laughed to herself as she realized this mess of a man was Alex, He
is late to class and he looks like that, this couldnt be any more perfect.
Their eyes locked and Alex watched in horror as she began to turn sideways.
Sideways? Alexs face hugged the stone ground as he tripped right in front of her.
Alex was on the ground and he could feel embarrassment begin to rise inside.
Without getting up from the floor he teleported away that was the last place he
wanted to be.
Erika looked down and only saw a small spot of blood on the ground from where
Alexs face had landed. A spot of pity for him rose in her heart, but it was soon
overcome with laughter, even though she may have gone too far this time. Her
morning was already much better.
The room which Alex landed in was dark and dank. A shiver ran up one of his legs
as he realized it was wet. He lifted his leg out of a bucket of musty water. As he
stumbled around the dark room he knocked over mops and brooms. It occurred to
him now that he was in the janitors closet. His magic was haywire today, he
needed to get his thoughts straight. At least this was a closet he had made
memories in before with multiple female students so he knew where he was. He
busted open the door and ran down the hall to class. Unfortunately Alex was in too
much of a hurry to realize how he looked.
Baal played with her pencil as their teacher Lord Byron spoke. He was going over
the syllabus and their goals for the school year. Baal mostly toned him out as she
looked at the empty seat in front of her. She was still disappointed in Vynce for not
32

checking on Alex this morning. Granted, Alex and she did leave early the day
before. It seemed like everyone else was ignoring the empty seat.
Suddenly in the middle of Lord Byrons monologue, the door to the class was
slammed open. In the doorway to the class stood a monstrous sight Alexs hair
was a disheveled mess, his nose had blood dried in his nostril, his clothes were
wrinkled and the buttons were messed up, his shirt was partially tucked in, his gray
pants had dirt on them, and one of his legs was soaking wet.
Ahem, Lord Byron was not amused. The teacher wasnt a tall man, but he had a
commanding presence. He was the only teacher who was referred to as Lord or
Master and it was a title well earned. He was the Principals personal apprentice
decades ago and had even beaten the principal on a single occasion. Byron wore a
deep blue cloak that hung low over his face, his eyes were like two frothy white
spheres and that was all students could see of his face. A sash was strung across his
nose and mouth. His leather vest matched his cloak and underneath was a tight
fitting black top that covered all of his skin. He had on tight black pants with large
heavy looking boots that came up almost to his knees. The teacher always wore
leather gloves that hung loose at his wrist. None of the students knew what he
really was, some thought he was a necromancer just because he looked scary, while
others who had not seen him in action saw his as a human trying to compensate for
something. As the Master took steps towards Alex, the class grew silent.
Alex had never been late, he was always a favorite of the teachers. He was
extremely smart and although he never placed as valedictorian, teachers never had
to spend any extra time teaching him although some tried. He was a strong
duelist who usually placed in the top three in events so the teachers score for their
class rose. Plus, Alex was charming and few people could not like him.
So, you must be Alex Inari, Master Byron let the words slip out like venom as he
stood in front of him. Alex was taller than Byron so he had to look up to speak to
him, something that secretly irritated the strange teacher.
I am going to ignore the fact that you have arrived to my class late for now, Byron
spoke with generosity. Alex sighed, perhaps this teacher wasnt as bad as rumors
had alluded to.
The teacher continued as he placed his hand on Alexs dirty shirt, Oh my, it seems
you have already got your uniform dirty. Your tie seems to be non-existent, also your
leg seems to be the only part of you that showered this morning. This just wont do,
why dont you go and change, get yourself cleaned up, and come back when you
are ready?
Alex now felt as though he was being mocked, he knew this wasnt going to go well.
He tried to appease the teacher and swallowed some pride, Im sorry Im late, I
wont let it happen again.
33

Oh no, please dont let my schedule interfere with yours Mr. Inari, Byron pleaded
sarcastically. Alex sighed in defeat, great the teacher already didnt like him. He
tried to step past the teacher to just sit down but felt a hand stop his movements.
Mr. Inari, you will not enter this classroom looking like that, Byron spoke with
certitude, Now Mr. Inari you will leave this class and try again tomorrow. You will
arrive on time and you will make sure that you have clean clothes on. Do you
understand Grand Magister?
Alex nodded. He knew he was in so much trouble. As he walked out of the class,
Baal, Miredhel, and Vynce felt sorrow for their leader. Class continued until midday
with his seat remaining empty. As the three walked out to the field, they saw Alex
sitting on a bench. Alex had been pondering about todays event as he sat there.
Now that he had a chance to think, he couldnt believe that his magic had failed
him. Three things which had never happened before had occurred today his
magic wasnt working, he was clumsy and he was late to class. Alex couldnt help
but feel like some dark god somewhere was toying with him. Some level of comfort
came when he saw his friends.
Awh Boss, what happened today, I missed you, Baal sat at his side and hugged
her face into his chest.
Alex patted her head and looked at the twerp with some doubt, That is so unlike
you Baal?
Youre right, Im dying on the inside to make fun of you right now but I know your
day mustve been rough Baal admitted.
At least you look to be the Alex we know, Vynce spoke. It took a while for Alex to
get his uniform clean, he kept tripping and spilling soap everywhere. He was glad
everyone was in class and couldnt see him being such a clumsy mess. His spells
were not working for some reason, most students knew the spell to renew their
clothes. Alex couldnt remember where the laundry room even was or the last time
he had to clean his clothes this way. But he eventually figured things out. He had
changed clothes and looked clean and crisp as always. He was his usual handsome
self and could charm a crowd of admirers if it wasnt for the sullen look of
helplessness on his face. His group rarely saw Alex like this, they were kind of lost
without their leader in full confidence.
Oh Alex, itll be alright, Im pretty sure Master Byron doesnt hate you or anything,
it is only the first day, Miredhel consoled.
I dont think you are really helping Miredhel Youre just stirring up bad
memories Baal teased.
Miredhel frowned in confusion as the words sunk in, Oh no Alex, Im sorry! Alex
chuckled to himself and he pried Baal from off his chest. Baal looked up at him
34

and saw he had a smile on his face. The group was relieved to see some measure
life return to him.
Guys lets go kill something! Alex directed with his confidence rising.
The school was walled all around to keep students out of the dangerous Black Forest
and to keep anything from coming in. At evening the main gate of the grounds was
closed but a few students knew of ways around. The Elect were at one of the
southern walls and their blood was pumped up ready to sneak out and fight
something.
Finally we are doing something fun! Baals eyes were laced with bloodlust,
turning into a cloudy dark red.
I agree, a chance to sharpen our skills, Vynce said as he raised his hands. Alexs
group didnt know of secret passages around the walls but Vynces magic could
easily handle making a way out. Vynce was a Voidmancer. His magic was
associated with creating voids to absorb life, magic, or matter. A skilled voidmancer
could not only cause those things to disappear but also cause them to reappear.
Vynces hands glowed in a black haze and a small space on the walls was
surrounded in black shadows before disappearing. The group ran through the small
space formed and Vynce caused the wall to appear back.
The Black Forest was a dangerous place full of deadly magical creatures and people.
It housed creatures as dangerous as wyrms and savage Orcs. Some monsters were
known to have camps inside the woods. Students were only allowed in the forest on
group trip supervised by a teacher who could handle any possible threats. The
Principal however was not unaware of students sneaking out to test their skills and
allowed the practice for those students brave or stupid enough to go out. Another
feature of the Mark of Mithaniel is that it only functioned inside of the school
bounds. While you were outside school bounds, your magical form was freed as
well as your magical power.
Baal back-flipped up onto the tree tops above and looked out. As she scouted the
surroundings she asked, So where to boss?
Why dont we visit the camp of Garreth? Alex said with a smile. A tribe of savage
Orcs and Satyrs had a village with a leader name Garreth. The Orcs and Satyrs
here attacked villagers and travelers in the city nearest the academy. They were
the strongest of the Orc tribes and while questing in the woods the year before The
Elect learned of their location. Summer had come too fast and the group never had
a chance to remove the Orc village. Vynce was surprised that Alex still remembered
the quest they had left unfinished the year before.
Vynce had another idea though, Lets visit the graveyard Alex?

35

Why not finish our goal from last year? Alex inquired as he began to walk in the
direction of the camp. Alex had taken a small map out from his pocket and it was
glowing blue ahead of them. A spell which the Kitsune had perfected over summer
allowed him to take a map or directions and have the paper lead him to the
destination. The map was the clue that they had gotten for the location of the
Garreth camp the year before, but with his new spell it made finding the camp
easy.
You learned it! Miredhel said in amazement, Father Gremory said that was a
grandmaster spell!
Father Gremory was the groups third year teacher. He had told Alex such a spell
existed the year before but told him that it was an extremely difficult spell to learn
nonetheless find a spell manual to teach you how to cast it. Alex was able to teach
himself the spell over break while back at home. He cobbled together the
knowledge he had of other spells and some personal ingenuity to finally master the
spell.
Well thats what makes me a Grand Magister, Alex proudly boasted.
Oh please, I could mimic that spell if I really wanted to Baal said before sticking
her tongue out at Alex.
Vynce urged Alex again, Alex why dont why we practice at the graveyard first, it
has been a few months since we fought as a team.
Aah Vynce it sounds like youre getting scared? Baal jumped down from above
landing effortlessly in front of Vynce.
Before giving the Duergar a chance to speak, Alex ordered, Well for Vynces sake
we will go to the graveyard to practice first.
Vynce rolled his eyes but was relieved to get some practice in. The Garreth Tribe
was the strongest tribe in these woods and a group of four confronting the tribe
would be quite a challenge. Surprisingly, The Elect had cleared out smaller tribes
even while being vastly outnumbered.
The graveyard was a section of the Black Forest, it was a city where a large
massacre occurred centuries ago. A tribe of Elves were brutally murdered by the
savage Orcs of the age. During the pillaging of the village, the Orcs blew one of the
Arcane Pylons apart which caused magical energy to tear the city apart. The
massive amount of magic energy and corpses caused a lot of undead to rise. The
skeletons and wraiths which roamed the city were not very difficult to fight but they
were large in number. Since the magical energy was so thick in the area, the
undead rose each night whether they were destroyed the night before or not. This
made it a good training ground for students since it offered limitless mobs for
experience.
36

The graveyard may have offered the easiest enemies in the Black Forest so it
wouldnt offer much of a challenge to the group but it did give them a chance to
learn how to be an effective team again. Alex was only seeking a place to reassure
himself of his strength now that he seemed to have control over his magic and
grace again; it didnt really matter who he was fighting. The group headed out on a
trail which had been engrained in the earth from the multiple students who had
trekked out to the graveyard.
The group looked ahead and saw several undead roaming around. Instead of
spending a bunch of time strategizing Alex offered, Hey guys lets just go and fight.
It wont take long before we learn how to fight as a team again.
Alright Captain! Baal shouted as she jumped ahead. Several undead skeletons in
iron armor turned to the sound and charged at the small nymphet. When Baal was
not copying someone elses spells she relied on her speed. She jetted forward at full
force, jumped up with both arms and legs spread out like a star and full body
hugged one of the skeletons faces. The brute force caused the undead to fall
backwards as its head along with Baal popped off and they rolled together like a
ball. One down! she yelled as she sprang up laughing while running arms above
her head to the next victim. The whole group laughed at her child like fighting style
and joined in the massacre.
A black glow grew around another skeleton as its waist suddenly blew apart into
pieces. What made Vynce very unique for a voidmancer was how he stored and
used his magic. He had what seemed like limitless supplies of multiple elements
such as fire, water, earth, and even something like air which he could summon out
of a void. In a way this would allow him to summon something simple like a fireball
or he could summon rapid explosive amounts of air which would blow an enemy
apart. This was precisely how he defeated the skeleton.
With a few of their kind down, a horde of skeletal knights charged the group. A
flurry of icicles rained down on the group of enemies as Miredhel placed her hands
in the air. Miredhel was an elemental magus, and while most magus specialized in
one element, Mirdehel could cast all elements. Ice just happened to be her favorite.
The ice rose around the legs of the horde to prevent further movement. Alex
summoned forth a large blast of blue flames which tore the skeletons bodies in half.
Watch out Baal! Miredhel shouted as another group of skeletons rushed towards
the nymphet who had strayed away to the edge of the group.
Baal jumped into the air and pumped her arms out in front of herself. Blasts of blue
fire rushed at the oncoming enemies with each punch of her fists and tore them to
shreds as she mimicked Alexs spell. Baal put her hand up in victory. The group
continued fighting off enemies. This wasnt the first time the group had fought
here, in fact they had been through the graveyard so many times they made it a
contest to see how quickly they could clear out the place.
37

Next we have to try this blind folded! Baal said through her battle laughter. The
rest of the group just gave looked at her and shook their heads.
As wraiths came closer, things got a bit more challenging. Wraiths were bodies
which had consumed a massive amount of chaotic energy. They were faster,
stronger, and harder to kill than their fellow skeletons. A pair of wraiths charged
their way at Miredhel ignoring the cones of ice she mustered. Miredhel cried out as
one wraith knocked her to the ground. Alex blinked over and quickly grabbed one
wraiths arm before it could swing down with its axe. A torrent of blue flames turned
the enemies to ash as one wraith bit into Miredhels shoulder. With speed she cast
an earth spell that smashed the creature that bit her into a tree.
Alex looked down at Miredhel who had blood pouring from her shoulder. He wasnt
really worried knowing she could heal the injury but still asked, You alright?
Miredhel looked up at Alex with shimmering eyes her hero. Miredhel nodded as
she placed her hand on her shoulder and healed the wound. In a flash of green
light, the once torn flesh was now made whole. Miredhel like a damsel being saved
from distress stuck out her hand showing her creamy soft skin for Alex to help her
up. Alex aware of how Miredhel felt about him simply walked away. Alex had played
enough with her emotions in the past and wanted her to just be a stable rock in his
Elect. As they made their way closer to the center of the dead city, they had more
wraiths to face and fewer skeletons. The very center of the graveyard was were the
pylon had exploded, and contained the most magical energy.
Vynce was pretty good at fighting by himself since enemies who came near him
were either blown apart or disappeared to an empty dimension as he was swallowed
them into a void. A void couldnt straight out consume a person, it started by
draining their magical energy or barriers and once the victim no longer had
anything left, they were swallowed into the nether region. This made undead easy
targets for the caster because as their magical energy was swallowed they became
much weaker. Vynce, one by one, watched as each enemys body stretched into his
black voids trying not to show joy on his face. He always tried to be the serious one
out of his friends, only because someone had to be. It used to be Miredhel before
she fell head over heels for Alex.
Baal was the first to notice as they got closer to the center. She was always keen
to her surroundings looking for an opportunity to tease others. She went ahead
seeing that they had things under control, giving her time to think of how she could
tease Miredhel later for acting like she was in was some helpless girl.
The center of the city was different things were unlike than they had ever been
before. Baal began to head back closer to Alex as worry began to consume her
normally care-free thoughts.

38

Just where do you think youre going? An angry voice of a female echoed in the
Sthenos mind. Baal knew it was too late and let out a scream that was cut short.
In an instant Alex had blinked over and saw Baal was no longer where he heard her
scream. Vynce and Miredhel ran over to Alexs side.
Wheres Baal? Miredhel asked in a frightened tone.
A large quake shook the ground awakening Alex to the differences Baal had seen,
Somethings not right here.
The earth shook violently in all four directions something was coming closer, no
multiple somethings were coming closer. Alex readied his magic and his seven
tailed glowed in blue fury. He wasnt sure where Baal had been taken but he had
every intention of taking some rage out on the giant earth shaking enemies
approaching.
Simple skeletons and wraiths is that all you thought you would find here? A faint
voice teased Alexs mind. From the fog of the destroyed city came four large giants
cobbled together with flesh. These giants were called Mekurabe literally flesh
golems. The wizard who had created these could use flesh and blood as an element
and summoned these monstrosities. They each were twice the size of Alex but the
enraged Kitsune blinked into the air and landed above the Mekurabe. As his feet
gently grazed the back of one of the massive creatures a powerful blast propelled it
forward. It came apart showering individual corpses that were scattered along the
graveyard floor. The air filled with a toxic sent of death, one of the other beasts
slipped on a fallen dead body and crashed to the ground coming apart as a wave of
bloody victims.
Miredhel summoned a blast of ice and wind at the legs of another giant. The cutting
blast ripped the legs of the beast causing bodies to fly backwards like a handful of
dice being thrown onto a table. Vynce merely placed voids at the knees of the last
Mekurabe which caused it legs to break and buckle as corpses disappeared to an
empty realm. The top of the Mekurabe met the earth and spilled bodies to the
ground as a glass of water would.
Charm of Dissonance, Alex whispered to four paper charms which glowed in
raging navy blue light. Each charm flew forward onto the golems that had fallen.
As they landed on the heaping mess, a deep blue {red} fuzzy light rippled through
them. Suddenly the magic which had pieced the monstrosities together faded and
they crumpled back to flesh, blood, and corpses. It now looked like a large battle
had taken place in the graveyard city.
Miredhel and Vynce came back to Alexs side. Miredhel confessed, Alex Im
worried, these are real bodies. Your charm shouldve made them disappear if they
were created from magic.

39

They are real it wouldnt be fun if they werent, A dark voice whispered into
Miredhels mind.
Miredhel squeaked and grabbed onto Alexs arm in fear, Alex!
A malicious laughter rung through the old forgotten town square as a cloaked being
came from the fog. Chills ran down Alexs back as he recognized the laughter. It
belonged to none other than a cherished twerp.
Baal came before the group with skin white in color. On her wrists and ankles were
charms made of bone that glowed in purple cloud. A large black cloak floated
around her cupping her bare breasts splitting down the middle revealing her
otherwise naked body. Hovering in front of Baals waist was a bulky black grimoire
with a skull on its cover. Lastly Alex noticed a large black rune which ran up the pale
white skin of her thigh. A dark smile came over the once childish nymphet.
Begone trespassers or I shall take each of your lives, Baals voice was like cold
ice.
Alex was boiling within at the thought that someone did this to his closest friend.
With all the rage he could muster he demanded at the empty air surrounding them
to release her.
Malevolent laughter escaped again, You think this is a game? You have entered my
home; prepare to pay for that with your lives! Baal lifted her hand as if to cast
magic but only a small puff of flames sprayed at Alex. The mere sparks werent
even enough to cause him to flinch.
Of all the bodies to possess in the group the spirit had taken the body of one
which couldnt cast magic well. Unless Baal was mimicking magic, she wasnt too
powerful. Alex laughed outloud at this realization. If Vynce or he had been
possessed then there may have been problems for the group, but Baal
As Alex laughed he suddenly felt a strange feeling inside. A feeling as if something
was stolen from inside of him a small amount of energy escaped his body and he
froze. As he looked back to the small, ashen body of his friend he saw a massive
blast of blue flames strike him backwards. Alex was launched into outcropping of
blackened rocks and felt the blue fire pricking at his flesh. Alex focused and
absorbed the flames which wouldve otherwise turned him to ash.
Vynce charged at the possessed nymphet but suddenly a black void was summoned
in front of him. Vynce side stepped the vortex, just to run full force into spike of
sharp ice that pierced through his hip and slowly began to consume his body in ice
as he yelled in pain. Miredhel sprinted to free and heal Vynce. She dodged blue fire
blasts leaping, ducking and rolling only feeling their warmth as they brushed by.

40

Hold still! Baal roared in rage. Miredhel was able to get one of the blasts to melt
the ice starting to hold Vynce. She was able to pull him free and heal him before he
hit the floor unconscious.
Miredhel then turned back to the demoniac Baal and summoned icicles. As ice
began to rain, a shell of fire cloaked Baal as she bull-rushed into Miredhels chest
propelling her into Alex. The Kitsune who was just starting to get up lifted Miredhel
off of him. Alex was shocked; this spirit used Baal body better than Baal had ever
used it. Alex felt another wave of his energy slip from him.
Too slow fox-boy, A chilling voice spoke in his ear. Alex turned to react but felt
himself lifted by one of his tails. Baal spun Alex overhead and slammed into
another large bolder. Alex whimpered in pain not only because he had taken
another hard hit but because his tails were one of the most sensitive part of his
body. At the same time Baal cried out in pain and she fell to the ground onto her
knees. Alex smiled back at her with some level of victory in his expression. Alex
sprung back up and charged the small girl while Miredhel struggled to get up feeling
weakened by the escaping of some more of her mana.
Baal lifted her hands to summon forth a large cylinder of lightning. As the barrage
of electric current struck Alex, Baal screamed in pain. Alex was also knocked back
and in pain but he made sure not show it on his face as he stood back up sluggishly.
The white colored nymphet held her chest that had electrical burn marks, as she
looked up at Alex standing above her.
What is this! she screamed in bitter furor. Alex stooped down and locked his eyes
into her pale gray ones.
You touched one of my tails and I have inflicted a curse upon you. Whenever you
try to harm me, you receive the damage instead, Alex smiled in triumph only
partially lying. Kitsune had the ability to inflict curses on those who touched their
tails. Each curse was different depending on the Kitsune and some Kitsune could
even inflict multiple curses that went through each individual tail. Alex was able to
cast the Curse of Mirrored Pain. Any damage he received or pain he felt was felt by
the bearer. So he felt the full damage and pain of the lightning but acted as if the
pain was only felt by the spirit.
Now imagine how it will feel when that pain is multiplied by seven! Alex shouted
as his seven tails ran over Baals body. As Alex was letting his tails brush over
Baals body suddenly laughter began to cry out.
Alex stop it! Baal laughed as she was being tickled. Alex moved his tails and saw
that Baal was back to normal. Her skin was no longer a pale white and back to its
normal purple hue. The bone charms which had been on her before had
disappeared as well as the cloak. The black grimoire had vanished soon after.

41

Miredhel got up and looked over at the two. She saw Alex was crouched over Baal
and saw she was back to her old self. Miredhel breathed a sigh of relief and walked
hastily over to her two friends. Baal clothes had returned with the old possession
garments removed. Baal stood up and brushed the dirt off of her.
So what happened exactly? Baal asked the group.
It seems you were possessed by a powerful spirit, Vynce said as he joined the
group.
Alex was quiet as he observed The Elect members. They had never faced or heard
of such a being existing in this city of the dead. Countless students had explored
this area before and never had such an encounter. If a weaker group of students
had faced that spirit then they would have died.
Cmon guys lets head back, Alex urged glancing behind them.
So did we beat our old record? Baal asked referencing the eight six minute best
time they achieved at emptying the graveyard. With the shambled way of their
working together and the new encounter which possessed Baal they had been at
the graveyard for one hundred twenty six minutes. Baal was disappointed in the
news until it occurred to her, So you mean Boss Baal was the reason you couldnt
beat your time Awesome!
The group began to head back out of the woods leaving the graveyard-like city. It
was late in the night and they were exhausted. Alex was deep in thought and the
group was pretty quiet as they walked through the moon light. He was still curious
as to who their mystery enemy was His eyes were also glued on Baal. No one
knew how worried he truly was when she disappeared. He was so relieved to have
her back in one piece. Baal felt Alex staring at her and felt at peace knowing he
was worried about her. She was really scared when she felt herself becoming
possessed but knew Alex would save her somehow.
My hero! Happy to have you back in high spirits boss! she said in a sarcastic tone
laced with gratitude.
A bright glowing orange light got the groups eyes ahead of them. It seemed like a
large fire, perhaps even a bonfire. The group was already tired from the earlier
battles and wasnt looking forward to another enemy but this one lied between
them and the school. Magic readied for each of them, they crept forward. As the
enemy came closer into view Alex realized it was Tryjica.
The exhaustion and weariness faded as Alex saw an opportunity with the fair
princess. Alex turned to the others not even trying to conceal his captivating smile,
Dont worry guys I got this. I will make sure the first year makes it back safely.

42

No one in the group was unaware of his intentions but Miredhel was the one who
voiced concern, Alex it has already been a long night, perhaps we just leave her
alone. Miredhel was used to her unrequited love of Alex but she couldnt just let
him go after some other girl right in front of her.
If the four of us come upon her, it is going to frighten her. It is best that I do it
since I am the most personable of us, Alex reasoned. Miredhel pouted and the air
around the group grew cold. A freezing invisible aura surrounded Miredhel and she
stomped away towards the wall of the school. Vynce chased after her after he
shook his head at Alex.
Well guess I better follow after them, good luck, Baal winked as she left Alex
alone.
Or I could always stay behind and keep you guys company, she backed away
slowly with a smile, when she saw Alex playing with a fire ball looking at her.
Alex with stealth crept towards Tryjica. She was sitting on a rock in the middle of
the glade. Amazingly even though her fire was grazing over plants and trees they
werent catching fire or even charring. Tryjica was slender and dark-skinned with
beautiful colors of fire veiling her body. She sat with her legs crossed and was
looking up to the sky watching sparks and wisps of fire dance off her body.
A blue fireball appeared in front of her. Unlike the raging, violent flames which
surrounded the princess, this fire was calm and collected. It moved fluidly sending
sparks and wisps of flame in the air. Tryjica tilted her head in curiosity and floated
over to the blue fire. She touched the azure fire with her hand and it disappeared.
Pretty isnt it? Alex spoke as he leaned against a tree on the outskirt of the glade.
Tryjica looked up at him, Who are you?
A small dash on his ego How did she not know who he was? How many seven
tailed Kitsune did a person meet?
You dont remember the seven-tailed Kitsune from orientation? Alex inquired,
knowing that would be enough to stir her memory.
Hmm, Tryjica placed her hand to her chin as she thought Nope, I wasnt really
paying attention to anyone.
Well Alex began, then moving on, I would be Alex Inari, the heir to the Inari
Family.
Inari Family? Tryjica questioned, Are they royalty?
Alex swallowed his pride again and continued with the conversation, Yes in a
way, we are the royal family of Kitsune.
43

So youre a Prince then, Tryjica stated as she came closer. Alex enjoyed getting a
closer look at her beauty but could feel the brilliant heat her aura echoed.
I guess you could say that, Alex lied. Literally speaking the Kitsune race didnt
have Kings or Queens. The Inari family just happened to be the most influential and
wealthy of their kind.
Hmm, well I wouldnt waste my time with some commoner, Tryjica said as she
brushed her hand through her flaming orange hair. Alex was surprised, she certainly
didnt have the tact he thought a fair princess should have.
That blue fire trick was pretty cool, Tryjica spoke with amazement, Can you do it
again?
Alex chuckled. Using blue fire was something he had done since he was a little kid
at the manor. He was a wizard of several different classes of magic. He was adept
at casting paper charms, arcane, spirit, and fire magic. His strongest skills were
spirit and fire, although he did teleport around often using arcane magic. It was his
affinity for spirit magic that dyed his flames blue. His fire was exceptionally
stronger than regular fire magic, in that it would viciously destroyed enemies. It
struck tearing them apart into pieces, leaving a pile of ash. Despite its aggressive
nature, Alex controlled it exceptionally well and wielded it fluidly like water.
A blue glow shrouded his body and his tails whirled. Azure flames erupted around
Tryjica. The intense blue fire lashed itself forward seeming to have life. The flames
ran around her body as it attempted to destroy her. For Tryjica it simply felt like
tickles on her skin. She giggled and let the blue fire run over her body. Being a fire
elemental, Tryjica felt the essence along with the life of the blue flames as it whirled
around her. Once she had enough she placed her hand out and in an instant the
blue flames vanished as red and orange swallowed them.
She looked at Alex with a smile, he was speaking to her in a language she
understood fire.
My turn? Tryjica let her face come closer to Alexs and he could feel sweat forming
on his brow.
Wow shes really hot! Alex thought to himself.
Tryjica jumped at him in an attempt to hug him as a tinge of fear rose in Alex.
Tryjicas body was made of literal flames she was going to fry him if she caught him.
Alex blinked across the glade in the moment and avoided the deadly touch. She
stumbled forward without the impact of his body finishing the hug.
Whats the matter fox? Tryjica teased.

44

Id rather not be a fried fox, Alex joked as he looked over his chest to make sure
no damage was done.
You really think I am so inexperienced? Tryjica queried.
Inexperienced? Alex was confused now.
Hmm you dont know much about Holokai do you, Tryjica stated with some
disappointment.
Alex came closer expecting that there was something he was missing. He reached
his hand out towards her shoulder. He felt the heat of her blazing flames but
figured she was going to do something to prevent injury, plus he figured he would
look pathetic if he kept running away. She didnt seem to want to hurt him.
Dont be so timid, its ok, Tryjica grabbed his hand and placed it on her shoulder.
Surprisingly even though he could still feel the heat, his hand didnt burn or catch
on fire. It was still warm and already began to make him sweat but she wasnt too
hot to touch.
Experienced Holokai can control the temperature of their flames and keep their
surroundings from burning, she said as she turned facing him with his hand still on
her shoulder. Our body temperature is always above a normal human, but this isnt
so bad is it? Alex was amazed at the information. While his hand still touched her
warm skin he felt arousal rising.
Seeing his reaction, she smiled deviously and said Just be careful, at any moment I
could flash my temperature to a point where I could kill you.
Alex gulped and took a step back and thought, Ok the fair princess is a little
sadistic.
So what are you doing out here anyways? Alex asked as he saw the corpses of
two dead dire wolves were on the other side of the rock she was sitting on. Their
bodies were charred and little remained of their flesh, revealing blackened bones.
He was pretty sure she hadnt come out here just because she wanted to look at
stars and kill wolves.
Tryjica thought to herself wondering if she should tell him the truth. Putting her
fingers together nervously she began to confess, Well to be honest I am not really
getting used to being human so I snuck out to be myself for the night.
Some students had difficulty with the transition to their new body. It wasnt that big
of a shock. Alex decided to comfort her, What part of being human is difficult?
I just dont see how humans deal with this pain in their throats. I mean at first it
wasnt so bad and I thought I would be fine with the change but as the day went on
my throat felt scratchy? She revealed.
45

Alex couldnt help but chuckle at the nave princess, You mean you were thirsty?
Thirsty? she quizzically asked. Alex couldnt believe that she was too ignorant to
know that humans needed to drink water to survive.
Follow me, Alex instructed. She followed behind him as they both headed back to
the school grounds.
Do Holokai eat? Alex asked.
Dont be foolish, of course we do. Our favorite foods include fried cockatrice and
seasoned flame knucker, Tryjica laughed as she spoke, Everyone has to eat.
Alex sighed as they walked, shaking his head thinking, Im the foolish one... As
they were getting close to the school walls it occurred to Alex that without Vynce he
wouldnt have a way to get back into the castle.
Hey Tryjica how exactly did you get out Alexs words trailed off as he saw a
giant hole in the wall of the castle.
I just made a hole in the wall, Tryjica grinned, It was in my way and I wanted to
be myself again so the wall lost.
I can see that Alex still stunned at the massive damage she had caused. These
walls werent just lined with stone that cancelled magic; they were also lined with a
magical barrier that prevented magic from going through them. This was why Alex
couldnt simply teleport inside the castle. Her fire blast had blown the stone and
magic barrier away some first year. If her magic had been strong enough to
dissipate lightning during the duel with Sirin then perhaps it wasnt surprising if she
wanted to get out that badly. He just didnt see how she could had done this while
being in her human form with restrained magic. Alex clearly didnt see how truly
powerful she was.
He had only realized that he was staring at her when Tryjicas alluring voice asked,
Do you like what you see?
Clearing his throat, Well continue to follow me. Alex instructed again not
wanting to get distracted at the thought of being alone with her practically naked in
the woods. As Alex walked onto the school grounds a hazy mist surrounded him
and he felt his ears and tails disappear. He took a few steps forward and saw a pair
of clothes lying on the ground with a note.
He lifted the note up and read it to himself, For your naked princess from Baal.
It occurred to Alex as he held the clothes that Tryjica also just turned back into a
human which meant she wasnt wearing any clothes and was now fully naked. He
swallowed back the thoughts which entered into his mind and decided to be a
46

gentleman. He looked down and saw her tan legs in the light of the moon. He
resisted the urge to look any higher and held his arms out with the clothes.
Oh yeah, I have to wear those things Tryjica grumbled in revulsion. Once again
Alex ignored the naughty ideas swirling in his head to tell her otherwise.
What happened to your old clothes by the way? Alex inquired.
She grumbled, Well I guess when I turned into a fire elemental they were burned
up.
Alex still had his back to her as he asked if it was ok to turn around. She just
grunted cutely and he took that as a yes.
When he turned he saw Tryjica unhappily dressed in dark gray sleep shorts and a
plain black t-shirt. The shirt would have fit her perfectly if it was longer but instead
her slim toned stomach was unprotected from the night air. Alex couldnt help but
smile as he told her that his very small friend must have let her borrow her clothes.
Baal and Tryjica were about the same size when it came to slimness but Baal was
delusional if she thought they were the same height. Tryjica was only a little shorter
than Alex. He was grateful for the mistake, he still got to observe her body without
too much imagination.
You look good, now all I need is your beautiful smile to complete this perfect vision
in front of me, Alex said with charm. She couldnt help but smile, he was very
handsome.
The couple made their way to the center of the school in the courtyard. The gray
castle walls were bathed in the white glow of the moon. The early forming dew
reflected the dim light {of the moon} and crickets could be heard throughout the
grounds. Alex walked Tryjica over to a fountain. The peaceful babbling of the
waters streams echoed around the courtyard.
Alex told her to wait a second as he disappeared blinking to his room. He was back
in an instant she smiled in amazement. He now held a silver cup in his hands. He
dipped it into the water and turned back to Tryjica only to find that she wasnt
there anymore.
Tryjica? He called out.
What is that for? Tryjica said with a twinge of fear from behind a bush. Her eyes
were peeking over the bush looking towards Alex. Alex put his hand to his head.
Whats wrong? he said in disbelief.
Tryjica shook her head, No! Water is bad!

47

Youve got to be kidding me, Alex lamented, Look princess, drink this and you will
feel better I promise.
Tryjica shook her head again in refusal. Alex disappeared before her eyes and was
behind her in an instant. He gently placed his hand on her shoulder. She flipped
around in fear and knocked the cup out of his hands. The cup jumped up and
splashed water over both of them. Tryjica yelled out as water came onto her
clothes and she winced as she expected to feel pain. Alex chuckled as he tried his
best to get the water off his clothes.
See no harm, Alex reassured.
No harm Tryjica mumbled to herself she touched the water on her skin. It was
cool and wet something she had never felt before. She didnt really care for the
feeling but still stared at the drops of water in wonder.
Here I was thinking that Tess was trying to kill me with that thing called a shower,
she said with her head tilted. Tess was Tryjicas room-mate and actually a close
friend just trying to help.
I can always show you how showers work, Alex offered with a devious smile.
Tryjica was pretty sure Alex had a hidden meaning to what he was saying and
decided just to smile back.
Alex came back over after refilling the goblet with the spring water of the fountain,
Here drink this.
Tryjica still looked unsure as she stared at the very thing that threatens her race.
Water was an element which injured fire elements and caused severe damage.
You trust me right? Alex reassured as he gave her a charming smile. He was close
enough to get a real good look into her eyes. There were sunbursts of yellow and
orange surrounding her pupils which made them seem like drops of sunlight. Alex
felt some color come over his cheeks as he stared at the beautiful set of eyes.
Tryjicas hair was usually a deep orange, but Alex saw as her cheeks also blushed
that her hair turned a few shades lighter into a calm pink.
Thats really cute, He thought to himself with smile.
Tryjica reached forward and took the cup from his hands and summoning bravery
forth, she drank the water. Her eyes lit up again as her throat and body felt grateful
for the dose of refreshment. She jumped up and ran over to the fountain with glee.
She had three other glasses of water until she was satisfied.
Better? Alex asked smiling.
Tryjica smiled back, Yes so much better. The two hung out for a while longer then
decided they would meet back at the fountain the next day.
48

Alex was happy at how well things had proceeded and was sure the princess was
already falling for him. When he got to his room he collapsed from exhaustion,
falling asleep without changing out of his clothes. Tryjica made sure she kept the
silver cup that Alex had gotten for her. She placed it on her nightstand and looked
at it before sleeping.

The next day Alex awoke an hour early and arrived at class before anyone else did.
He made sure to look his best and wanted to look extra dashing today. He was sure
handsome looks wouldnt be enough to win over Master Byron but at least there
was nothing wrong with his attire to be picked on. Theric was the second student to
arrive at the classroom.
So the fox is on time today, Theric grunted as he sat down and looked over at
Alex, It really is embarrassing to have a Grand Magister who cant make it to class
on time.
Silence brute, Alex chimed back.
Thats what happens when you dont think things seriously, Theric lectured.
Hey look the big meathead can say words now! Thats amazing Alex how did you
teach him that? Baal teased as she entered the class. She winked at Theric as she
walked by him to her desk behind Alex. Alex couldnt help but laugh as tiny, little
Baal poked fun at a giant. Behind her were the other two members of The Elect.
Theric sighed and ignored her comments like she was nothing but a fly. He knew
that his slow wit was no match for Baal who held the crown of sarcasm. The rest of
the students filed in several minutes before Master Byron finally entered. As he
entered everyone stood up and bowed before taking their seats again.
Good morning class, good to see we have everyone here, Byron stated as he
walked up to the chalkboard. He wrote on the board Magic in large print.
As he turned back to the students he asked, What is Magic?
The class was silent as they looked at Byron not really sure if the open ended
question was rhetorical. Gazing over their blank stares the teacher added, This is
the class participation part. If I ask a question I need to see hands go up. Now
Alex please answer the question.
Alex had a feeling he might be singled out and was pretty sure regardless of how
answered that the teacher would turn it into the wrong one. He attempted an
answer though, Magic is a powerful tool which uses mana and allows a mage to
perform supernatural feats otherwise seen as impossible.

49

Pathetic Byron sighed as he paced in the front of the class, So textbook, you
have been at this school for three years and dont know what magic is...
Alex resisted the urge to roll his eyes and let the teacher continue, Well do any
other students wish to answer? The students were silent, no one felt like receiving
the reprimand Alex had just received.
Magic is not a tool. It is a gift, an offering given to us by the cosmos. It is the most
powerful entity known and everything we see around us is influenced by it. Each
time you lift your hands, chant a phrase of words, or even begin to think of casting a
spell you are humbly approaching the universe and asking for its permission to do
something on your behalf. At no point should you ever feel like you own the magic
you are casting {or that you are spouting out commands}, Byron lectured.
Now who here feels that they are a good wizard? Byron challenged but the class
was silent. Byron sighed and spoke again with a tone of anger, Class I do not like
repeating myself. When I ask a question each of you should be raising your hands.
The class as a whole seemed to hold their breath, as if Byrons tone alone had just
whipped them.
So once again, who here feels they are a good wizard? the teachers sharpness
rung through the class. Alex was the first to raise his hand and reluctantly the rest
of the class followed suit. Byron stood with his arms crossed and looked out at the
student body, Good...
The pleased teacher grabbed his long staff made of trinium and instructed them to
follow. Trinium was a rare material with a glassy aquamarine color. It greatly
strengthened the magic of its wielder and it was able to absorb magic it touched
and allowed the user to call on it later. The otherwise glass staff had captured what
looked like black and red lightning running through the center. The staff glowed and
flickered continuously, but remained silent cancelling the thunderous sound. Rumors
said during his duel with the Principal that it was a spell he had absorbed and held
onto since.
He led his students out to the coliseum and order, Alright good wizards line up.
The eleven students lined up in a row. As they stood in the warm sun of the day in
full uniform sweating and dress shoes in the sandy ground of the coliseum, Byron
began to lecture. Alex greatly suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. Korphas did not
have such a filter and took an audible sigh. As Byron stopped in the middle of his
lecture he looked over and saw Korphas obviously not paying attention with his
arms crossed over his chest.
Mr. Arcandelis, is something the matter? the teacher spoke as he began to step
towards the tall dark skinned student. Korphas looked down on the teacher with

50

arrogance. He didnt speak, he never spoke words, but his look was enough to cast
disrespect.
Perhaps it is time I show you students why I brought you out here, Korphas has
volunteered to go first, the teacher revealed. He went over to one end of the
arena and turned back to the row of students, Alright Korphas you are said to be
the strongest student in {the} this school. Show me your strongest spell possible.
What makes you a good wizard? I heard the rumor you won a duel in a single strike,
show me that skill. Kill me if possible.
Korphas lazily walked further into the arena and just stood there like he couldnt
even be hurt by the teacher. Byron seeing that Korphas looked at this like a joke
shouted across the field, What can a dragon just stare his enemies to death?
Korphas scoffed at the thought and continued to stand there cleaning his nails.
Byron made Korphass head heavy and laughed loudly as his face slapped the floor.
Korphas did not wait for Byron to continue with taunts, in a flash he turned into a
full bodied dragon and made the teachers legs heavy as if to kneel before the
dragon. Lifting his serpentine neck a blast of white swirls surrounded his mouth and
the charged energy was unleashed upon the teacher. Korphas used time magic and
as he charged his dragons breathe with the white glow it made it so the receiver of
such an attack would instantly age hundreds of year. A blow wouldnt only turn
clothes and armor to dust but would also cause a person to becoming a pile of dusty
bones. Byron just kneeled there and let the white glow overcome him, only in the
last instant did his staff swing out from the ground and deflect the blow to the earth.
The teacher shrugged off the heaviness spell easily in time to divert the blow.
Smugly he turned his back to the dragon, If that was it
Anger flashed in the dragons eyes and a purple glow surrounded the teacher.
Korphas was an arcane dragon and using arcane magic was second nature. Casting
a spell which made the teachers body so heavy it could not move, Korphas
unleashed the blast of energy again. Alex and Baal couldnt help but cheer at the
teachers demise. As the dust cleared from the horrendous blast nothing remained
but a cloud of dust.
Now, now, that was rude, Byron voice spoke behind them. Baal yelped and
looked behind to see the teacher unharmed still glowing in purple behind them. The
dragon roared and turned his head back towards the students to see the teacher
was standing amongst them. The dragon flew forward and powered a blast of time
magic. Some students screamed out as they saw the deathblow approaching. In a
split second, Byron moved the students that did not react fast enough out of the
way to the edge of the coliseum, leaving no one in harms way when the blast
struck.

51

Korphas, your spell of feather has only allowed me to move like lightning, youre
never going to hit me, Byrons taunting tone only enraged the hulking purple
dragon further. Byron had gained the title master because he had mastered an
ability which let him manipulate the magic of his foes. When Korphas tried to cast a
spell which made the target so heavy it couldnt move, the teacher changed it to a
spell which made him so light he moved like lightning. This was a pretty much
invincible ability to best and Byron still only had one person who could beat him, the
principal.
Instead of letting Korphas think about how he had done it, Byron moved about the
dragon with extreme speed and dexterity. With each blow of his staff a thunderous
clap of force struck sending the dragon back and forth between walls of the
stadium. With a seventh hit, the dragon no longer moved and his body flashed back
to that of a human. As he was beginning to stand up the teacher walked over and
stood above him.
You will have to earn the right to show disrespect to me, Byron spoke with finality.
Korphas nodded and bowed in reverence. For the first time in the dragons life, he
had lost. Korphas never willingly went into battle merely because he didnt want to
waste time and energy when he knew he would win. Now the teacher had humbled
him and he respected that a teacher at this school could actually teach him a thing
or two.
At this point no one felt like going up against the teacher, it was pretty evident he
was only going to show that he was stronger than them and teach them so humility.
Ellucian was the next student called. Ellucian was a Gudalfar, the prideful High
Elves. He was one of the finest duelist at the school and if it wasnt for weaknesses
in speed and physical combat he may have been the top student. In a pure duel of
magic, he probably couldnt be bested. He was skilled in reflecting magic,
mimicking spells, and could cast a wide assortment of spells. He was the leader of
the Elves at the school and had many young Elves as admirers and followers. High
elves are very attractive but Ellucian had the personality of a bullfrog so Alex wasnt
too worried about him as competition
Ellucian began the challenge by casting several blasts of earth at the teacher. The
stadium ground shook at the casting, but the teacher seemed to hold his balance
fairly well. As each boulder neared the teacher they turned to mud and splashed the
ground before him. The elements are not yours to control, Byron laughed.
Ellucian was best at counter attacks and needed to get the teacher on the offensive
so he could look for an opening to strike. A golem of fire was summoned behind the
teacher and spikes of crystalline nature shot from the earth in front of him. The
teacher seemingly trapped turned the spikes into water and whirled it behind him
into the golem. In the moment while the teacher was turned towards the golem,
Ellucian sent a bolt of yellow lightning into the teachers shoulder. The bolt landed
52

and knocked the teacher back. The golem was washed away from the water but a
hit had finally connected!
Ellucian had no intentions of giving the teacher a chance to stand back up and
continued his rally. The earth around the teacher swallowed him and large shadowy
spires were summoned above the encased Byron. They plunged into the earth
striking the target trapped below. Ellucian smiled in victory. Those spikes were
large enough to tear holes in Therics giant form.
You handed me an exit, an apprentices mistake, Byrons voice sounded from the
edge of the arena. The class groaned as they looked over and saw Byron
unharmed. The teacher did compliment, I will say at least you managed to get one
hit on me and get some dirt on my clothes.
It only took a few seconds for Ellucian to realize his mistake. Using shadows to
injury the target only gave the teacher a portal to teleport through. Byron used the
shadowy spire to teleport to the edge of the arena in another shadow. Ellucian
mainly used elements like Miredhel and counter-attack magic. From an offensive
point there was little he could do to the teacher. Byron was already toying around
with his magic. Ellucian decided to try a tactic he generally regarded as below him.
Whats the matter Byron, you cant cast any magic yourself? Ellucian taunted.
The master smiled knowing full well what Ellucian was hoping to accomplish. Lord
Byron was not only strong because he could manipulate his foes magic; he was an
extremely adept wizard in multiple schools of magic. A purple bolt of lightning
lashed out at the High Elf and before he could even comprehend a counter attack
he was knocked to his knees. As the Gudalfar readied himself to jump back up, the
teacher was behind him. Placing his staff on the Elfs back, the teacher absorbed all
the magical energy the high elf had and watched him crumple down to his knees.
Ellucian had no mana left and sadly lost to the teachers staff.
And I thought you were called a master duelist for your skill in deflecting magic,
the teacher mocked, You as well have much to learn before you can earn that the
title master duelist. Ellucian nodded from the floor before getting up. He joined
Korphas in the seats of the arena. The pair watched as the teacher continued his
teachings to the remaining classmates. For each student the teacher took what
they held dear to them as a wizard and showed them how little they really knew.
For Vynce he turned the very voids which he thought he controlled and turned them
against him. Vynce was thrown around the stadium from his own vortexes and his
own elements spewed from the dark nether at their master. Realizing he had little
control of the magic he thought he once owned, Vynce bowed in reverence. Alex
held back vomit seeing a member of his Elect bowing to the asinine teacher.

53

Umund the Triclops psion who wielded mind magic found the voices and hums
which he used to paralyze foes ringing through his own mind. Even delusions
lashed out at Umund. The Triclops eventually ran into the walls of the stadium in
mad insanity. Therics fist tightened seeing his close friend brought to such
madness. The student realized the horror he inflicted on his enemies and felt some
remorse but most of all realized he had only a piece of all the knowledge he could
learn about psionism.
Alex felt worry tighten in his chest when Miredhel was called up. In much the same
display as Ellucian. Miredhel watched as each of the elements she once controlled
turned against her. She was brought to desperation as she watched the ice magic
she held dear turn back to her as deadly knives. Realizing she was useless against
the teacher she held her hands up in surrender. The teacher unsatisfied with her
early submission knocked her to the ground as he did with the High Elf. Rage grew
in Alexs heart seeing the unwarranted attack but Baal placed a hand on Alexs to
console him from a regrettable action.
Jezzebel the Svartalfar wielded dark magic and the ability to control the emotions of
her enemies. She was shocked when tears suddenly burst from her face followed
by the fear one felt as imminent doom met them. Paralyzed in the winding
emotional storm which played on her heart, the teacher proceeded to end the battle
swiftly.
Astrid was an Asteriae. A Light Elemental with a body made of pure light energy.
She was the leader of the Alchemy Club and a noble member of the school held in
high regard. She had placed as valedictorian for her class each year and was one of
the few girls that never fell for Alexs charms. Astrid was extremely intelligent and
hadnt made it to her fourth year because of her magical aptitude, but she could
wield the little magic she had better than most of those with greater power.
She tried a different strategy and instead of using magic against the teacher she
decided to rely on her secondary skill: Alchemy. Astrid cast a spell of speed on
herself, hurled an explosive concoction at the teacher and followed it by a flurry of
other detonating potions. The teacher jumped back and danced around the fire
which blared around him. The teacher smirked realizing what she was attempting.
A potion which held the windy torrents of a tornado and a metal encased bomb
holding enough mana to blow apart half the stadium were launched at the teacher.
Byron was never interested in Alchemy and knew he didnt know what was coming
his way. Astrid had a unique ability which only a few wizards were ever blessed
with, known as Magic Sensing. She could sense magic around her and the magic
which her opponent was about to cast. She held a bottle of dragons fire in her
other hand so if the teacher blinked to another location she would be ready.
When she felt where he was going to teleport to she lifted her hand to throw but
suddenly a blaring amount of sensory information overcame her. It felt like the
54

teacher was going to teleport everywhere at once. She shook her head in multiple
directions unable to place it.
Nice try, but we all end up relying on magic, Byrons voice spoke behind her. His
staff tapped the explosive bottle in her hand and caused dragons fire to envelope
the Asteriae. Another student down
He called on Purity next. Purity was a member of a rare magical race known as the
Kourai Khryseai. Literally known as the Maidens of Midas, they were like beautiful
statues made with perfect chiseled bodies. They had skin of gold and undying
beauty. Few Kourai Khryseai left the palace of Midas but Purity left as a teenager
and became a member of the Creators Church. Since leaving behind the hedonism
and sinful nature of her home palace she had become a powerful vindicator of
justice and righteousness. She would have been the leader of the church group at
the academy if it wasnt for her nave nature. She wasnt as nave as Tryjica of the
world around her but she wasnt far ahead of her either.
Purity was a Justicar in class. She used two daggers to cast her magic instead of a
wand or staff. She gracefully moved with speed and agility. She could cast holy
magic to destroy foes with wrathful fire or distract them with blinding light. Not only
could she use light as a distraction, she had a body the gods would fight over so
often male enemies were stunned. Of course Alex had tasted of the beautiful
goddess long before but since then the church warned Purity of Alexs sinful ways
and kept them apart.
Purity charged across the battlefield at the teacher trying to match Astrids resolve.
She had seen multiple students before her fail to wield their magic to any extent
against the teacher and decided she would rely solely on her fighting prowess. The
twirling flurry of blades surprised Byron. He leapt back and narrowly dodged the
initial storm. Byron use to be adept at using a sword in his other hand but with his
age, he had given up on the practice and solely relied on using magic. His staff
blocked one dagger and to his surprise the other dagger went right into his side.
Purity left the dagger in his body and back flipped off the teacher. Her feet sent the
teacher reeling onto the floor.
Byron yelled out in pain as he laid on the ground. The dagger which still remained
in his side was glowing in white fire. The teacher reached to pull the searing thorn
out {but the flames intensified and the blade seemed to slide in deeper like a
repelling magnet from his hand. The dagger could not be removed.
This isnt magic! Byron yelled losing his cool temper. Purity had a legendary set
of dagger known as Adonais Destruction. The dagger glowed white hot burning the
flesh of their victims and when an enemy attempted to remove them, they only
intensified and shied away from removal. They were unique in nature and not
magic based, scholars believed that they were made of a special ore not found
anywhere else in the cosmos.
55

You actually have the legendary artifact! the teacher yelled in disbelief. He had
been so sure that she was using magic or trickery to make it appear as if she had
the ancient daggers {artifact}. He never actually believed her to wield the real
thing. He never paid too much attention to lower class student, he only focused on
those in his class. Purity smiled gleefully, she had made it further than any of her
fellow students.
Byron took a deep breath and collected himself. It wasnt normal for him to lose his
temper in battle but the shock caught him off guard. He focused and ignored the
growing pain in his side. It wasnt magic so he couldnt control or manipulate it but
he was still stronger than his student and if his student was choosing not to use
magic against him then this would still be easy. Byrons body glowed in purple light
again as he cast a spell to increase his speed.
Faster than the eye could comprehend he attacked the student. His staff quickly
tapped her shoulder, when she spun around to attack the teacher was gone. In an
instant Purity roared in pain as a terrifying sound ripped through the stadium. Her
shoulder caved in on itself as it was completely smashed in. She had skin hard as
stone and could deal with quite a bit of punishment before giving in but this was a
pain she had never felt before. Byron added his signature spell of force to obliterate
her gold skin. The teacher did not relent, as each of his blows struck the sound of
cracking rang through the arena. It was then that the Justicar relented and decided
to use magic. She attempted to teleport away and instead of making it any
distance away she was teleported with half of her body in the earth and the other
half sticking above. She couldnt move.
You got me, She admitted with obvious pain. Byron realizedhis anger from early
was out of character for a teacher and decided not add any more attacks at this
point. He helped her up ending the duel. She respectfully bowed after her body
was fully healed. She removed the dagger from his side and he smiled, Dont
expect to make it far in my class relying on an artifact. You will need to learn to
trust and use magic.
Theric was up next and Alex approached the giant, Theric pummel that guy.
Theric nodded in agreement, perhaps the first time they had ever agreed. Byron
was pretty sure Theric would be the most challenging of his students. Ironmancy
could only be practiced by a few and those were born with the ability. In addition,
iron was extremely resistant to magic and he was unable to manipulate it. Theric
stepped forward and prepared to fight the teacher knowing full well that his
ironmancy skills could not be tampered with.
Byron spent no time waiting to counter attack and instantly went on the offensive.
In a flash the teacher struck the chest of the giant. A fissure formed on the Therics
chest from the impact. The giant stumbled back but unlike Alex, Theric knew how
to take a hit. He had been in the Battleborn club physically sparring since he was a
56

first year. He led the group and regularly took on multiple students. Being hurt no
longer caused hesitation or fear. A spire of metal leapt from the earth at the
master. Byron narrowly spun out of the way and was met with a wall of metal
behind him which trapped him in close quarters with the giant. The group of
students whined that they could not see the fight now, they could only hear small
noises from the solid iron bubble. One of the four giants fist swung forward at the
teacher and knocked the breath from him. A crude iron sword formed from thin air
out of Therics other hand and came down on the trapped teacher. Of course it
didnt surprise Theric when the teacher disappeared.
Behind you! a ladys voice yelled from the stands. Astrid had always had a crush
on the Theric and was helping him out with her ability. Even though she could not
see the fight she could sense where the teacher was going to be. She had done so
before when he was fighting with Alex outside of sanctioned tournaments. During a
sanctioned tournament not only was it too loud for her to be heard, it would be
grounds for disqualification. Theric relied on his friend and summoned a spike of
metal directly behind him.
The teacher appeared and felt the metal through his chest. He felt the metallic
taste of blood in his mouth and coughed it out onto the dusty ground of the
stadium.
Alex couldnt help but shout out, Yes! Go Theric! when he had smelled the scent
of blood and hearing the teacher make a horrible coughing sound.
Byron realized his fault as he stood there impaled. The Asteriae mustve helped her
friend and warned him where he was going. He was being clumsy but it wouldnt
happen again. This injury wasnt one which would end the fight; he had more
resolve than that. The same effect he did before made it so Astrid couldnt guess
where he was teleporting. He made the intention to teleport in every direction
possible and went to the other end of the field despite the iron trap being difficult to
move through. Theric was already propelling the metal from his make shift cage
and sending it at the teacher.
Byron knew he could end this now but decide to give the giant a few more rounds
of hope. Blasts of metal flew at the teacher who put up walls of earth to catch the
projectiles. Theric summoned a large boulder of solid iron which blasted through
the wall of earth and knocked the teacher over. Theric grinned; this was an easier
fight than Alex.
Byrons body once again glowed in purple as he moved. Speed was an easy way to
defeat a giant. A multitude of attacks smashed Theric with a reckoning force strong
enough to cause rips in his skin. Theric roared as he stomped his feet and covered
his body in an iron shell. The teacher swung his staff with all of his force into the
giants side. A sonic blast echoed around the arena from the force of such a blow
57

laced with the teachers force magic. Theric stood with his fists together and
managed to withstand the attack.
Remarkable, Byron complimented his student, the only one to receive a real hit
and completely withstand it, It will take more than that to keep up with me
though.
A strange sensation came over the giant and he was unable to move. It felt like a
crushing force was all around him. Theric used all his strength but he still couldnt
move. The crushing pressure around him increased even more and he could feel
the metal around his body beginning to crush his {stone} body. He couldnt even
move his mouth to let out a roar. The force only intensified as Byron took a step
back.
Your metal against my force magic, Byron challenged, Lets see who wins.
Theric could feel his legs buckling and couldnt breathe. He knew he wouldnt be
able to stand much longer. He relied on Byrons mana exhausting from casting such
a powerful spell but such relief never came. Eventually as his body reached
exhaustion the metal around him screeched as it imploded around. The giant fell to
the ground in a horrendous crumpled ball of flesh covered in blood. Byron dusted
himself off and reformed the giant. Theric could feel the massive fatigue in his body
from dying again so soon.
Byron helped Theric up and congratulated him, You did well student you are
certainly one of my strongest pupils. With your drive and skill you wouldve made a
great Grand Magister.
Alex felt anger build from the teachers comment but it was soon overwhelmed with
worry as Baal was called. The tiny purple nymphet walked out across from Byron
and just stared at him. Her hands were up and she was ready to react. Baal was a
master at counter attacking in fact that was pretty much all she ever did in a
fight. On her own she wasnt a very skilled magic caster but she could mimic her
enemys spells well and was skilled in negating magic.
Well? Byron asked as he waited across from her, Are you going to do something?
Are you? Baal challenged back waiting for him to do something amazing so she
could mimic him.
Youre not testing me; this is your chance to show me your power you are a
fourth year correct, The teacher taunted. He knew of Baal and what her abilities
were he also thought it was a joke she had made it this far. Neither Baal nor Alex
took any of this seriously and he was ready to change that.
I dont cast magic like that I mimic magic, Baal told him.

58

What you cant cast any real magic of your own? Byron challenged back.
That is my magic! Baal said in frustration. Of course it had always bothered her
that she could only copy others but she had made good use of it and obviously had
shown she could use others magic better than they could.
That is just some trick show me real magic! Byron pushed further.
Baal in distress put her hands up and small sparks of fire spewed forth like throwing
a hand full of sparkles. Most novice wizards could cast a fireball better than that.
Byron couldnt hold back laughter, A fourth year who cant cast magic pathetic.
Baal crossed her arms and pouted, Fine whatever I quit Im done with this.
Byron had no intentions of letting her surrender like Miredhel had. He thought to
himself angrily, They call themselves The Elect they are considered the Top Four
and they are giving up on me what a joke.
Byron blinked instantly and before Baal could even mimic the spell to move Byron
was behind her, his hand ready to use force magic to blast her into the ground of
the stadium. To Byrons surprise though, a hand was on his wrist. This was a first
for the teacher.
Alex stood between the two and had placed his hand on the masters wrist, I wont
let you hurt her. The Kitsune leader spoke with bravery and locked eyes with the
teacher. Vynce and Miredhel smiled from the stadium. Neither wanted to see Baal
harmed like that such a powerful blow on her wouldve killed her instantly and she
wasnt even putting up a fight. It would be too cruel to watch such a thing happen.
Mr. Inari do you understand what you are doing right now? Byron carefully
questioned his student.
Ive watched you hurt each of my allies, it is my turn now, Alex spoke with
confidence. His tails danced and his body glowed in an azure hue. In an instant
Alex split into seven single-tailed Kitsune. One of the Kitsune lifted Baal up and
teleported her to the stadium seats with Vynce and Miredhel.
Thanks Alex, Baal said as the grey fox vanished back to the arena floor. The
arena no longer had any other people except seven single tailed Kitsune and Master
Byron.
You will learn to respect me, the teacher demanded as he lifted his staff. He had
every intention of putting the jester in front of him to tremendous shame.
Each of Alexs clones lifted a paper charm to their chest. The charm violently shone
in blue light and an azure hue once again covered each clone. Byron watched with
curiosity as he turned and saw each fox was divided once more. Instantaneously
there was now fourteen clones of Alex, they all had fire in their eyes ready to attack.
59

You think even fourteen of you will beat me? Byron questioned as he thrust his
staff into the chest of one of the foxes. The fox he hit blew apart into pieces of
paper. Byron realized even with his magic sensing he couldnt tell which to be
magical and which to be the real ones.
Alex spent no time taunting or jesting he really wanted to beat this thug. Each of
the foxes circled the teacher and lifted a hand and sent blue fire at their opponent.
Byron lifted his staff to repel the blue fire and quickly realized his folly. While he had
the focus to redirect three or four spells at once, he couldnt redirect all thirteen
spells at once. Several blasts of blue fire smashed the teacher from all directions.
The teacher blinked out of the way and used his hand to the remove the raging fire
on his skin.
The Kitsune hoard did not relent they all blinked at once and surrounded the teacher
once again. Byron redirected some of the Kitsune away but found himself once
again overwhelmed by {the} foxes. Streams of blue fire once again chased after
the teacher. The teacher put his hands up and a wall of earth surrounded him.
Several Kitsune summoned a lance of spirit energy and propelled the deadly force
through the stone. Byron sensed the trap in time and blinked away.
The Kitsune which did not release their lances yet fired at Byron as he reappeared.
Byron felt the deadly pain rush his body as he opened his eyes. The foxes were
back on him. Purple light covered the skin of each fox as they moved with extreme
speed. The foxes mobbed Byron from every direction. Some kicked the teacher,
some grabbed his legs sending him to the floor, and others held on to him so when
he teleported they followed. The army of Alex clones moved in fluid motion and
with dangerous accuracy. With the exception of the first paper clone Byron had
defeated, he hadnt managed to harm another one. He was on the evasive and was
losing. With angry frustration, he realized it too.
Byron focused, despite the sharp blows all around him and let the air around his
body grow dense. The Kitsune near him slowed in the air and he took the
opportunity to smash the four which were next to him with his staff. He had created
a field around his body which slowed down anything which entered it greatly. He
still moved with his usual speed. The spell was incredibly draining but if he could
take care of some of these clones then Alex would be easy.
The four clones he had managed to smash each turned to shreds of paper and
anger erupted from the teacher, Seriously! He still hadnt managed to get a
single hit on his student.
Come on Byron, did you think the Grand Magister would be such an easy fight?
Alex spoke from the other side of the stadium. As Byron looked he saw that this
Alex had seven tails. Had Alex been there the whole time? Was he only challenging
paper clones? Boiling rage grew in the teachers heart. With a single swing of his
staff a deafening wave of force rocketed at the Kitsune. The seven tailed fox was
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smashed to pieces from the eruptive blast. Byron blinked to continue his onslaught
and to his horror only paper shreds laid on the ground.
Alex had put some good thought into his plan and it was executing well. The
Kitsune was extremely intelligent despite his joking personality. His opponent had
some flaws in his strategy. Byron was very good at manipulating magic but like he
did to Astrid in making her magic sensing haywire, Alex could achieve with many
clones. The teacher also had a temper and got upset really easy. He, like Alex,
couldnt take a hit very well. Alex had turned into seven foxes that each made a
duplicate to attack the teacher. Even though Byron destroyed one paper clone, the
other six chased Byron around relentlessly. Alex reformed back to a single seventailed fox and had been watching Byron. He then made a duplicate paper clone of
his seven tailed self just to enrage the teacher even more. Alex watched as Byron
used the earth shattering force spell to destroy the seven-tailed copy and prepared
to counter-attack as soon as Byron blinked to the find the copy in pieces of paper.
Byron watched in horror as he realized the trap he had entered. Once again, his
student had gotten the best of him. He couldnt move fast enough or even
manipulate the spell which came upon him next. Alex summoned a blast of blue
fire larger than he had ever before. The teacher was engulfed in the angry spirit fire
which quickly charged around his flesh to consume him. Byron felt his skin peeling
back and teleported away as quickly as he could to recover from the devastating
blow. Alex knew the teacher would get away but that was a near fatal hit.
Byron stood on the other end of the field and brushed the remaining spirit fire of his
skin. His cloak was burned to ash and large patches of his armor were gone
showing charred skin beneath. Byron didnt even have his face covered all the way
any longer. Byron breathed heavily as he fought off the shock his body was ready
to enter. He struggled to stand but didnt show the weakness to his student. The
master still had no intentions of losing. Alex had gotten under his skin; he was
getting clumsy and had fallen into too many traps. His students were up in the
stadium not watching him put the Kitsune in place but lose miserably.
Alex was exhausted as well. He had exhumed most of his mana in that last blast.
An attack of that nature wouldve been enough to finish anyone else off in the class.
This teacher was damn near invincible. Alex struggled to stay up as he felt his
chest ready to implode. As a wizard expelled more mana than they had, they
entered a point known as mana-burn. This was literally their body using their lifeforce in place of actual mana. Alex couldnt cast another spell at this point and he
could hardly move. If he had been able to charge the teacher again he may have
won but his hesitation ended the fight. To Alexs horror he saw black cover his eyes
as he fainted.
Byron breathing heavily saw the student fall to the ground and smiled. Alex had
exhausted himself to the end. The teacher lifted his charred arm and placed it over
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himself to begin healing his wounds. The fox wasnt moving and gave the teacher
all the time in the world to heal himself. Baal was on the edge of her seat and kept
whispering, Get up Alex get up!
Byrons wounds were healed enough that he could move again. He began to walk
over to Alex who was lying unconscious.
Alright the fights over! Baal yelled as she came running onto the arena. Byron
rolled his eyes as he saw the twerp running towards him. What could she possibly
do? He had every intention of being the one who ended Alex. He still hadnt
managed to land a hit on the fox.
This fight isnt over until I say it is, Byron barked.
He is on the ground unconscious, what are you going to do? Beat on an
unconscious student? Isnt it fair to say you have won! Baal yelled back.
Byron grimaced at the small nymphet before him and challenged her, What would
you do about it?
That spell Alex just cast which nearly defeated you, I will cast it again on you, over
and over again, Baal had her hands up and they were glowing in white light, You
could hardly stand just taking a single blow, want to take multiple hits? She
challenged.
You couldnt copy his spell now, Byron knew that her ability had a limit. After
several seconds if she hadnt mimicked the magic of her enemy then she was
unable to do so.
Want to try me? Baal grinned in confidence, Just call this off. You win and you
dont have to risk losing to me.
Byron thought about his odds and looked past the Stheno and saw that Alex was
still lying unconscious. His mind was much clearer at this point as well. He was
probably pushing it to attack a student already clearly out. He put the staff to his
side and told Baal, It is over.

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Baal Im fine please stop, Alex pleaded as Baal placed another bandage on his
head. Alex was resting in his bed from the fight before and his body was well
covered in bandages. Baal had applied several of them while he was still
unconscious but had continued. Alex added, I wasnt even hit once, I dont see
what wounds you are trying to cover right now.
Baal had Theric carry Alex to his dorm room. Theric was happy to see Alex take a
fight seriously. He was also disappointed that he had never seen Alex go to such
lengths to defeat him before. Alex used strategy and power and didnt make
jokes the entire time. He was a true master when he wanted to be Theric wanted
to face that Alex one day, no he wanted to beat that Alex one day.
Vynce and Miredhel also sat in the room. They had both been watching as Baal
was taking linen bandages and wrapping Alex in them for the last half hour. Alex
had only recently woken up, displeased in the weight and heat of the bandages all
over.
I was worried okay, Baal said and hugged him. The bandages she held dropped to
the floor.
Alex patted her head and sat himself up. He could still feel weakness in his chest
and knew he had pushed it. Using your life-force in place of mana was a good way
to kill yourself. He hid the pain he was feeling and summoned his usual bravado.
Well did I win? Alex asked his allies.
Your last attack had Byron on the edge and you probably wouldve won if it wasnt
for you hitting your limit. Byron ended the fight after you fell, Vynce partially lied.
Baal made Vynce and Miredhel swear to secrecy about what she had done in
defending Alex. She knew he would take it as a blow to his pride.
Damn I was so close, Alex grinned to himself as he rested his back against
pillows, That bastard.
You did really good Alex, you were amazing, Miredhel complimented.
Thanks Miri, Alex sighed as he thought over the battle in his head. He had never
put so much effort into a battle before and he still lost. He had to give Byron
some credit he wasnt a bad wizard.
Well hey, he never did place a hit on you, Baal added, After all you were the one
who took yourself out. No one else could take the Blue Fox.
Alex grinned and laughed, Good point, only I could take myself out.
Are you okay? a small voice spoke from the doorway to his room. The group
looked up to see a tall slender red-headed junior standing in the entrance. Tryjica
had heard about the vicious fight and figured that was why he never showed up to
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the courtyard that evening. With the prospect of a lady on his mind, Alexs attitude
shifted instantly.
One second, Alex blinked up to the door and closed it. In a flash he removed the
bandages on his body and used magic to replace his torn uniform from battle earlier
with a clean set. Alex could feel the tugging in his chest from using magic again but
his drive pushed past it. He looked back at his group sitting around his room.
It will be an hour at the most, he promised, I do want to talk some more.
Miredhel crossed her arms and looked away obviously upset as she studied the tips
of her blonde hair. Baal gave him a thumbs-up and Vynce just nodded in
acknowledgment that they would meet up later. Alex opened the door and walked
out. Tryjica looked at him quizzically, Werent you just covered in bandages? Are
you hurt?
No I am fine, Alex reassured her. He walked with her out to the courtyard.
Who were the others in your room? She asked as they entered the cool air of
evening. The sun was mostly set, lingering with beautiful colors in the sky as the
moon started to push through. The school grounds were bathed in an orange pink
haze.
Those are my friends from my class, Alex told her.
Those must be The Elect then? She asked him. She had asked some friends about
the Blue Fox since their last meeting and had found out some information. She
heard The Elect were the strongest four students in the academy and they led the
school as its top duelists. That was also when she heard how Master Byron had
beaten each of them despite Alex putting up a challenging fight. She was amazed
that they even stood against a teacher in the first place.
Yes they are, seems like you have been asking around about me, he turned to her.
Her arms were crossed and her skin showed goose bumps. Alex asked her, Cold?
Tryjica smiled, Well these human bodies just dont take the elements as well as
Holokai would.
Well humans take water better than a Holokai would, Alex said and they both
laughed.
You just need to make sure you wear a jacket, Alex teased as he removed his
school blazer and placed it on her shoulders.
Why do I need to? I have you for that, She said as she pulled it over herself.
So what if I have been asking about you Blue Fox, she inquired.

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Ill just say dont believe everything you hear? Alex winked.
Tryjica rolled her eyes, People say things about me all the time because they are
jealous of my looks or that I am royalty. I understand.
Alex smiled to himself. Tryjica certainly seemed to be falling for him and if she was
going to ignore the bad rumors about him than that just made things easier.
Did you drink plenty of water today? Alex teased.
Yeah, you probably wont ever let that one go will you, She playfully hit him. Alex
took her hand into his and she froze. Her hair turned a few shades lighter into a
light pink and her eyes calmed from their fiery red to hues of swirling shades of
pinks and yellows. Alex still found that incredibly cute; he didnt have to guess how
she felt, she simply displayed it unintentionally. It was like a full body blush for a
fire princess it seemed. Alex could feel that Tryjicas hand was considerably warmer
than his; even as a human her body was really hot. Alex kept her hand in his and
started walking again. Tryjica brushed her other hand through her hair and calmed
herself. Alex saw the princess fire return.
Let me walk you back to your dorm, Alex offered.
Awh you have to go already? Tryjica pouted.
Alex shrugged as he apologized, Sorry princess I got some business I have to take
care of.
Tryjica figured that Alex was in the middle of something with his friends. She was at
least happy he had taken some time with her. The fact that he stopped in the
middle of whatever business he was doing to see her had to mean something.
Tryjica was pretty sure that Alex liked her at this point
Why wouldnt he after all? Any guy lucky enough to spend time with me would fall
for me, Tryjica thought. Alex walked Tryjica back to her dorm and the two
awkwardly stood outside the door. Alex didnt really want to go but he knew he had
a promise to keep.
Hey princess, Alex spoke suddenly, Are you going to the Welcoming Ceremony?
Tryjicas eyes softened as she nodded, she could feel her heart rate increasing and
knew her hair was probably becoming lighter. She had a feeling he might ask but
still was surprised that it was happening this soon.
Would you go to the Welcoming Ball as my date? The Blue Fox asked. Tryjica
nodded. She was beaming with happiness inside. She just had the top guy in the
school ask her to the ball. There was a good chance she just became Queen of the
School with Alex at her side.
65

I mean, yeah I guess I was planning on going to that, Tryjica tried to act cool.
Alex leaned close to her and could hear heart rate increasing, Hey youre a
princess of fire, acting cool isnt really your thing. As the words left his mouth he
leaned over and kissed her delicate lips. Tryjica fell into his arms as they continued
what started out to be a soft kiss. Her lips were hot against his and her breathe
sent a wave of warmth across his cheeks and neck. Despite the growing excitement
inside of him and the yearning he had to break his earlier promise of meeting back
up with his friends. He kept the kissing to a minimum. Swallowing back desire he
parted from her. Staring one last time into her eyes of sunlight he whispered
goodnight.
Alex blinked away in an instant back to the dorm. He knew he wouldnt be able to
control himself trying to walk home. He would have just turned back to Tryjica. At
least now his friends would occupy his attention.
As Tryjica entered the dorm and walked back up to her room she couldnt restrain
the excitement inside of herself. Not only was her heart racing from his sudden kiss
but she still couldnt get over the King of the school asking her to the ball.
Someone looks happy, Baal prodded as Alex reappeared on his bed, And just
where is your jacket?
Miredhel made an audible huff still with her arms crossed. Alex wasnt sure if
Miredhel had even moved from her position since he left. Miredhel was use to Alex
chasing other girls and this wasnt news to her but it still hurt seeing him running so
eagerly after others when she was right here in front of him.
Vynce broke the silence, Well Byron seems to still be angry at how well you
fought.
Guys I am sorry Byron was such a jerk today. I know you two are fine but I dont
like seeing you guys get pushed around, Alex admitted to Miredhel and Vynce.
Baal put her hands on her hips and stood up.
And what about me! She proclaimed loudly. Her hands pulled at his cheeks as she
continued, You dont think I could take care of myself! As soon as that bastard
casted his force magic crap I had every intention of using it right back at him. I
wanted to show him I am strong too!
Alex put his hands on hers and pulled them away, Baal
You know Im not some little girl I can take care of myself just fine! Baal was
irritated by his earlier intrusion. She knew he meant well and of course she enjoyed
having him worry over her but it also made her feel like she was as weak as she felt.
If he didnt believe in her then who else did? She already thought she was a
terrible magic caster and if it wasnt for Alex she wouldnt be where she was
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Baal I know you could. I am sorry for interfering. It had nothing to do with you.
It was just that after watching Vynce get defeated and then Byron attacking
Miredhel without warrant I couldnt hold myself back anymore, Alex consoled.
The Kitsune really did have a special place in his heart for Baal and knew he
wouldve stepped in regardless. Baal was his closest friend and he would never let
her face harm if he could prevent it.
Fine fine Baal calmed down, But you owe me.
Owe you? What in the seven underworlds do I owe you, Alex jested.
Promise to never place me on the tower again, Baals arms were crossed and
inside she held back laughter at the fruitless promise. She wasnt going to get that
upset over Alexs intrusion, in truth she was just happy the whole thing was over.
I promise, Alex answered with seriousness.
The group went separate ways from there. Vynce headed back to his room,
Miredhel and Baal both walked back to their dorms. Alex waited about half an hour
thinking over the events of his day before he blinked from his room. In the next
instant he stood in a dorm filled with clutter and messes everywhere. Unlike Alexs
well-kept room without a piece of laundry on the floor or trash to be seen, this room
had clothes laid everywhere and books knocked over in piles.
Oh Baal youre such a mess, Alex thought to himself as he laid on her bed. The
light to her bathroom was on. He could hear her singing awkwardly while brushing
her teeth. Alex held back laughter and let her finish getting ready for bed. He had
something he wanted to talk to her in private about. With Tryjica now vying for his
attention along with Miredhel and Vynce he figured this would be the best time.
Soon enough the small nymphet opened the door to her washroom whistling and
walked out. She was dressed in pajamas with bears on them. They were a comfy
fleece that would keep her warm.
And you say you arent a kid? Alex teased from the darkness.
Baal squeaked and jumped back behind the door of her bathroom. Her eyes
peeked out and scanned the darkness. A voice spoke from behind her, Boo!
Baal screamed and jumped out into her room onto her bed. She twirled and
readied herself to attack the intruder. She saw Alex standing in the open.
Are those bears? he earnestly inquired of her pajamas.
CREEP. I thought you were one of my stalkers! What in Hades are you doing here,
Baal cried out. Embarrassment filled her as she remembered the fleece pajamas
she was wearing made for young kids. Baal grimaced as she sat down on her bed.

67

I wanted to talk privately, Alex revealed as he took a seat on one of her piles of
her books seeing that her desk chair had a mix of dirty clothes and trash on it, You
see Baal it is very unbecoming of a top member of the school to wear... bear
pajamas
Baal blushed in embarrassment, still filled with petulant annoyance, Shut up,
seriously why you here?
Alex began to speak about the reason he had come in the first place, Remember
the fight with the spirit in the graveyard?
Well not really, you guys just told me that was what happened, Baal answered.
Right, right well something weird happened when it possessed you that I wanted
to talk to you about, Alex continued.
Baal put her hand behind her head and awkwardly laughed, What did I do?
Well its really weird, you hmm you were all over Vynce trying to make out with
him and saying you loved him Alex lied as Baals face turned stoic, And I think
Vynce liked it
Youre kidding right Baal couldnt fathom what she was being told. She secretly
thought Vynce was really creepy she didnt want him to think she liked him or
anything or to think her lips were on his Baal could feel nausea rising.
Of course I am, Alex stated bluntly, But with reaction did I stumble upon secret
feelings?
Die.
Alex laughed to himself, Oh cmon Baal just admit it I got you good.
Die.
Alex cleared his throat and with seriousness spoke again, Well, while you were
possessed the spirit tried casting magic and just made the sparks of fire like you do
when you try. At first I thought the spirit would be easy to beat since the three of us
could take it on just not using magic.
Be careful there, I think I could take you if you didnt use magic, the small
nymphet teasingly challenged.
But then I felt a weird sensation as the spirit stole energy from me and you were
able to cast my spirit fire blast. You did the same to Vynce and Miredhel. You were
able to steal their energy and use their spells, Alex told her.
So what? The spirit had special powers, isnt that why Boss Baal ruined our best
time? Baal clearly not getting the point.
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No, Baal you dont get it. The spirit was using your body and if it casted magic like
you did then I think it was limited to using your bodys powers, Alex explained.
Yeah but Alex I cant steal spells and mana, Baal bluntly replied.
Alex sighed before speaking, But Baal what if it was an ability you didnt know of?
Like the spirit was able to use your body to its full power?
Baal thought about it in silence. She had never heard of such a power before. She
was able to negate magic and mimic spells. She hadnt ever stolen mana and just
used someones knowledge to cast spells. That would certainly be a strong ability
it would give her even more versatility in battle. After all the spirit which had
commanded her body nearly beat her three friends using such a skill.
Ok lets say that it is true Baal spoke.
What if we find a way of unlocking that ability? Alex asked.
Well how would we do that? Baal asked in curiosity.
Alex put his hand to his face and thought deeply. He had no clue.
What if we just try it? Alex offered. In the next few minutes the two of them snuck
out to the fields. Baal had changed her clothes to something she could be seen in
public with and Alex teleported them to the outskirts of the school. The pair was
across from each other and Alex urged Baal to just try it. Baal wasnt really sure
what it was. Baal tried to focus on Alex She tried to focus on stealing his
mana she tried to focus on stealing his spells Nothing seemed to work.
Finally after several hours of frustration the two gave up. Baal was unable to cast
any such ability that stole mana or spells. In bitter defeat she told Alex, I cant do
it Alex Im sorry
Alex felt bad. He had brought the whole idea up and now Baal seemed lower than
before. He really wanted to help her get stronger and knew that if she wielded her
body as the spirit did than Baal would be a reckoning force. In the end, the effort
was for nothing the two couldnt figure out what the spirit had done. Alex gave
Baal a sincere hug goodnight and patted her head. He left her to the darkness of
her room alone.

69

Alex woke up early despite his utter exhaustion, he had given Tryjica his school
blazer the evening before. He blinked to her dorm room door and knocked. She
sluggishly rolled out of bed.
Who in the world thinks it is okay to wake me up so early? she half-yelled, halfyawned. The princess swung the door open with a minimal amount of rage and
rubbed her eyes.
What do you want? she groaned, not realizing it was Alex until she stopped
rubbing her eyes. She went pale and her hair turned white, she froze.
Alex felt a smile form on his face as the princess had opened the door and was
rubbing her eyes. He leaned against his arm that he placed on the wall and just
absorbed the sight of her. She had on a sheer white night gown, he could see
everything down to her white lace underwear. He was so engrossed in memorizing
the vision that he had barely heard her ask what he had wanted. Her orange hair
was tousled and messy, rolling down her bare shoulders and surrounding her
beautiful face. Then out of nowhere the vision turned into a door slamming. Tryjica
did not know what she looked like and grabbed her chest as if her heart just
stopped.
Ouch! Alex put his hand to his cheek were the door had slapped him. Hey Tryjica,
sorry to bother you so early. I didnt mean to surprise you, I need my jacket for class
today. He heard scurrying in the room. The door peeked open and his jacket flew
out.
Here! See you later on, she squeaked out, obviously embarrassed. Alex put his
blazer on and pressed against her door, feeling her bodys extreme heat even with
the door in-between them. Tryjica was so embarrassed, stupid humans needed to
brush their hair. She tried to use her fingers to comb out some of the rats nest on
her head but squeaked when they got stuck. She could die from humiliation. Tryjica
never had to worry about her hair before and she felt sick at the thought that Alex
had just seen the mess on top of her head. Then she heard Alex against the door
and held her breath.
How did I get so lucky to see such beauty in the morning? I have the hottest date
to the welcoming ball, he heard some movement on the other end of the door.
He had whispered how lucky he was to see her beauty and that he had the hottest
date to the dance? She smiled wildly as she felt her confidence and thought, Yeah
you do. Instead of going back to bed, she went to the bathroom to painfully brush
her hair out. Alex pictured in his head her hair and eyes lightening to that soft pink,
he smiled and blinked away.
Mr. Byron began class with a few words on the board, Go to the Coliseum dont
be late. The students groaned one by one as they entered and they headed to the
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arena a second day in a row. Baal and Alex were both rubbing their eyes and
yawning, they had been up late practicing. At least Alex could feel his mana
restored inside of himself again, although he wasnt up to fighting the master today.
Yesterday was exhausting enough.
The Elect had walked together to the coliseum and as they entered the sandy floor
of the arena they saw eight students across the way. Alexs eyes quickly scanned
over the other students and lingered when he saw Erika standing there in her
uniform. What was she doing here? Erika had the same thoughts as she saw the
Blue Fox entering with his allies. Erikas class was a bunch of second years, what
business would they have with a fourth year class?
Welcome, Byron began as his students were all accounted for, Our lesson today
will be one of persistence. You were all kind enough to show me your power
yesterday and while it is true none of you are masters yet, most of you show
promise. Today Mr. Ark has asked that we show his class the definition of power.
Alexs eyes wandered over and watched Erika. Her eyes seemed to be on him too
except that she turned away when she saw him looking over.
Mr. Inari, please pay attention, Mr. Byron interrupted Alexs day dreaming before
continuing, As I was saying second years are on the cusp of either being grand
wizards or just ordinary mages. Today we will show the class our strongest power
possible and show them what it means to be a student capable of making it their
fourth year. Since this is our chance to show off our skills, I will ask our Grand
Magister to do this for us. Now Alexs ear perked up and he looked over in
surprise. Mr. Byron was picking him to show off skill? Did the teacher grow some
respect for him yesterday?
Mr. Inari, you will face off against the entire second year class alone, the master
stated coldly.
He was facing off against all eight students from the second year class alone? He
now scoped out the competition. Of course Erika was a good fighter and mage but
she was still outclassed by Alex. Her competitor from the Magister tournament was
here as well, Scar Deathmane. He was a dragonute and specialized in physical
combat so he would be easy like Theric. Lets see two elves a vampire an
ogre a werewolf and an air elemental I got this.
Alex in his full bravado turned back to Byron accepting the challenge, Not a
problem. Alexs allies smiled in encouragement at their leader. Alex knew he was
still recovering from yesterday and his muscles continued to ached but eight fresh
second years wouldnt be a challenge. He had managed to take Byron to what he
was considering a tie so this wouldnt be difficult compared to that feat. More than
anything though, this would give Alex an opportunity to take on Erika and show her
just how powerful of a Kitsune he was. He would earn her respect today.
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As Byron was telling his class the purpose of being there, Mr. Ark was telling his. Mr.
Ark wore all black and had a tie on with the school symbol. He had one eye missing
on his rugged face but he was actually slender in body type. He was a pure arcane
wizard and wielded it very well. He notified his class that they would be facing
against a single fourth year today all eight of them. If they won then they would
be given a weeks vacation from going to class at their choosing, though not
conflicting with test schedules. His class was excited at the prospect of a break and
looked to their class leader Erika for direction.
Curiosity was rising inside the young fox rapidly as she looked over the eleven
seniors. Theric was a four-armed giant and used ironmancy if they faced off
against him could they even break his iron barrier? Jezzebel controlled emotions so
she could turn them on each other which made her a difficult fight in numbers.
Even Baal mimicked magic so she would be able to use all eight of the younger
wizards magic against the group then again Scar could just face her using no
magic, so that might not actually be a challenge. Erika did not want to believe that
fate would be cruel enough to make them actually face off against the Blue Fox.
Of course Erika rolled her eyes as the field cleared of non-contestants and only Alex
remained on the other end. The young Kitsune gathered her classmates and doled
out a basic strategy. She knew Alex could blink around and make duplicates of
himself. Erika was also pretty confident in his weakness of not being able to take a
hit and she was going to exploit that to her advantage. If she could lead her class
to victory then they would see her as leader and not just a pretty face blessed with
power. Selene was a werewolf with incredible speed and strength which meant a
single blow by her may take the fox out for good. Scar had the power of a dragon in
his muscles and he would be essential to victory. Zezzick was a large ogre but he
didnt fight physical combat well he was all caster based so she couldnt rely on
his strength. She instructed her two warriors to charge in on him and the other five
casters to distract him long enough so they could get a hit on him. Erika would try
her best to lead the group during the frantic battle.
Alex didnt really spend any time strategizing. He had come up with a plan from the
beginning so he just stood and watched Erika from afar. Her face was full of
confidence and she was trying to lead her group. He watched her short red uniform
skirt swaying in the wind and her single tail twitching back and forth as she came
up with a plan.
At the very start of the battle all the student participating transformed into their
natural forms. Right as their transformations were complete, Selene and Scar bolted
to take out the Blue Fox. As for Erika who had blinked to keep Alex in place, he
placed a single paper charm onto her forehead. Before Erika could react to move
out of the way of the glowing blue note, she blacked out at full speed. Her limp body
skid across the dirt floor. Erika was put to sleep. Alex was a little surprised such a

72

trick had worked, he half expected her to overcome the charm. He also felt bad that
her face had just skid against the floor That mustve of hurt.
Each individual Alex took on an individual student from the class. He would deal
with Erika later alone. Scar was stopped in his tracks as his body was lit in purple
light. He smashed into the grounds of the stadium and his body felt incredibly
heavy to move. As for Selene, a Kitsune summoned shards of ice in her path
causing her to reel backwards to avoid the fatal stabs.
The other students quickly found a single tailed Kitsune after them as well. Forthas
was a Gudalfar, one of the high elves, and he specialized in making runes. Before
he could even finish constructing a rune to place a barrier around himself, he felt a
powerful kick in his back. Then the fox tripped the elf to the earth. Stepping onto
the Elfs chest he summoned a powerful blast of blue fire. The young High Elf
wizard was finished one down seven more to go.
The other Elf named Krista wielded a large hammer and was a Fjellalfar, the
Mountain Elves. She was a member of Battleborn and used her hammer to create
powerful blasts of magic where it landed. She swung once for the fox on her but
dreadfully missed. She screamed out as a spirt spire went through her heart as her
back was turned to the clone.
The Ogre focused on using enchantments and as he made his skin hard as stone he
was met with a vicious kick to his chest which still knocked him down. As he looked
up to cast a spell he was put down by a large icicle pinning him to the floor. The
vampire, called Melukir, was a master of shadow magic and already had the title
Prince of Darkness. He summoned a powerful gale of shadows which blasted one of
the Kitsune down. The Prince made two large lances of shadow and found two other
Kitsune belting him down onto the ground. With students already fallen, it gave
Alex a few Kitsune per each remaining. The vampire teleported into the darkness
but as he rose on the other end of the field Kitsune were waiting for him
The werewolf jumped back up to be met by a flurry of blows each laced in blue fire.
As each hit connected it singed the flesh of the large beast. The werewolf swung
with ferocity but by the time it had seen a fox it had already moved. Finally the
beast howled and fell to the earth in defeat. Six Kitsune charged after the nearly
frozen Dragonute. Scar let out a roar of fury and shook the purple light off his skin.
Such an ability was unknown to Alex and one of the dancing Kitsune tasted blood as
a sword was cleaved into its chest. Scar did not end there, before another Kitsune
could jump to their brothers aide, Scar sliced the fox in half. Now there were only
five Alex clones in total. The dragon-mans sword grew extremely heavy as it turned
purple. Scar could shake magic off of himself but not his gear.
Scar gave up on the blade and charged at the three Kitsune closest to him. As he
came near he swung his wings out and spun to knock the three Kitsune in to the
ground in front of himself. He was quick to recover from the tackle and slammed his
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fist into one of the clones. As the fist met the foxs slender body it exploded into
red flames. Scar could also coat his fists in dragons flame as he punched. The fox
winced in pain and tried to blink away. To the Kitsunes horror it realized it could not
teleport while in the dragons grasp. Scar began to pull the clone to pieces. Three
Kitsune surrounded Scar each letting out a blast of savage blue fire that engulfed
the Dragonute. The violent flames spun around fiercely as it ripped into the dragonmans flesh. Scar eventually let out a last cry knowing that his scales could not
withstand spirt magic.
While three clones were going against Scar the last Alex took on the air elemental.
To Alexs surprise, she put her hands up in surrender when he came near. She knew
she would be out with one spirit spell and had no intention of even trying. The fox
bowed in respect and met with its other brothers.
The four remaining Kitsune formed back into a single Alex. Alex frowned as he
looked behind him and only saw four tails. He was disappointed that the dragonman had actually managed to take out two of him. Well I guess this will make it
four tails on five tails, he thought as he removed the sleeping charm from Erikas
body. Erikas eyes flashed open as adrenaline rushed through her body. She felt
pain on her face as it stung like road rash. She then refocused and saw Alex was
standing above her. She jumped up with a fist which Alex easily dodged. Erika
could tell something was off she felt as if she had fainted.
Erikas eyes quickly analyzed the situation in front of her. Alex only had four tails
moving around him, what had happened to the other three? Then in horror she saw
the body of one of her classmates lying defeated on the ground. Her eyes jumped
around the field as she saw classmate after classmate already defeated. In the
corner of the stadium she saw Nala, the air elemental, just sitting. Nala waved and
mouthed the words good luck.
Erika turned back to Alex with tears of frustration and anger in her eyes. She
figured that blue paper he had put on her mustve put her to sleep or caused her to
become unconscious hence the patch on her face full of dirt. Alexs smug look only
fueled her rage. How could her classmates ever respect her if she just took a nap in
the middle of a battlefield? Alex did this on purpose; he purposely had saved her
for last.
Erikas body was surrounded in a red glow, she punched and kicked at her target
but never connected. The Blue Fox just stood there diverting blows that she swung
at him, he yawned. Alex blinked away in his boredom. Erika punched the empty air
and looked to see where her senior had run off to. She saw he was on the other
side of the field. As expected when she blinked to the other side he teleported
away again. Was he just going to dodge the whole time? Erika couldnt do that
thing Alex did to split herself into multiples if she could then she could be in each
corner of the stadium.
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Cmon going to run all day? Erika taunted.

Seriously this is getting boring Mr. Byron shouted out to the arena.
Alex smirked and prepared to go on the offensive. His tails began to cast magic and
his body lit up in a purple glow. With whirlwind speed, he bolted at the young
Kitsune. Erika knew she stood no chance at dodging him now, so she blinked out of
his way. Alex couldnt stop his bull rush and his body crashed into the wall of the
stadium. Erika giggled from across the battlefield.
I thought we were done teleporting, Alex grumbled as he slapped the wall with
frustration. The Blue Fox agreed with Byron, if he didnt end this quickly it was
going to appear as if Erika actually stood a chance against him. Alex charged at
Erika and summoned a large stream of blue fire. The young Kitsune sent a gale of
wind to deflect the flames. Alex sent another stream of fire and as Erika prepared
to block this one, he summoned spikes of ice from below her. The ice ripped
through her uniform and caused blood to coat the sandy floor. Erika quickly
surrounded herself in yellow flames to dissipate the ice. Then the fire was launched
at Alex who jumped through them coated in blue flame. He tripped Erika knocking
her to the floor. His body was surrounded in blue fire and a purple light shone from
beneath. Alex had increased his speed again but also greatly increased his
strength.
Erika tried to teleport away from Alex but he was close enough that he was able to
follow her magic. As she reappeared on the other end of the arena, he was already
there with a paper charm in his hand. She was too slow to dodge the charm. As it
landed on her shoulder she felt a sudden tickle surge through her body and fell to
the floor in laughter. Alex stood above smirking as he watched her writhe on the
floor in uncontrollable hilarity. When Alex thought she had enough, he let her go.
While such a spell seemed useless Erika realized she was breathless and respired
heavily as she laid on the floor. Her eyes sent daggers at the Alex as she looked up
at his asinine smirk.
The young Kitsune was nearing the edge of exhaustion. In a last attempt of furor,
she put all her energy into a final blow. Alex watched as his hand went out to help
her up, that each of Erikas tails were twirling. Alex blinked in time to Erikas body
turning into a mix of fire, wind, and lightning. Moving faster than eyes could even
see, the furious storm crashed around what Erika thought was Alexs body.
Alex felt the powerful magic ripping through the stadium, he was pleased that he
escaped in time, knowing that even he would have been destroyed from such an
attack. The power was indescribable and the pain he would have felt would have
been enough to drive a person to insanity. Alex would never forget that she had
such incredible power.

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The small Kitsune landed on her feet and looked aimlessly around for the destroyed
Alex corpse, but found nothing. Erika grinned as she fell to the ground in
exhaustion. Alex walked over from the corner of the stadium and stood above her.
Several thoughts ran through his mind
How could a second year cast such a tremendously powerful spell? This was the
same spell which skinned a dragon it was insane that she held so much power in
her tiny frame. The more he thought about it, the anger and jealousy returned. A
second year needed two doses of the rune to restrain her magic and even still she
had a tail showing while in human form. He had wanted to destroy her show her
true power make her realize he was King of the school but the thought of
attacking her now that she was on the ground only made him seem like Byron from
the day before.
As Alex stood above her, Erika looked at the ground defeated. He had gotten her.
She had exhumed all of her power at once and she had wasted it. Erika knew that
Alex was a top duelist for a reason and deep down knew she stood little chance
against him but she felt irritation rising as he just stood above her.
Alex decided he would be nice and just compliment the junior. After all that was
what he wouldve wanted from Master Byron after their duel. As Alex opened his
mouth to speak, Erika stood up and slapped him, taking Alex by surprise.
Erika huffed and turned away as she spat, Fine. I get it you win.
Alex watched in utter disbelief as the young Kitsune walked away, her single tail
brushing against his leg as she turned. Erika used a tiny amount of mana to restore
her clothing and she stomped off the arena floor. The Blue Fox held his chin and
was once again at a loss of words damn this girl.
What a pathetic victory Byron cried as he stood up, Guess that is all class
As words and thoughts came back to Alex he realized that in the end Erika ended up
showing him up. She had a chance to show her awesome display of magic while he
only fooled around. Then Erika was the one who called it over and stormed away, he
never even had a chance to finish her off. He was planning on just complimenting
her and helping her up but instead he got a slapped
He put his hand back on his cheek as angry thoughts crawled around his head, I
shouldve just covered her in blue flames
Still thinking about your defeat to Erika? Baal teased. His allies were walking
with him to the outskirts of the school. The Elect were heading out to the Black
Forest. Alex wanted to scout out the Camp of Garreth at least figure out how far it
was. Vynce felt comfortable now that they had some practice together, plus the
fighting with Byron helped sharpen some skills. Alex knew tomorrow night would be
the day before the ball and he wanted to spend it with Tryjica.
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He had sent a paper charm to notify her that he was busy again but all hers the
next day also reminding her to drink lots of water. Tomorrow was the Placement
Exam in the Great Hall. It was a test which basically asked you questions on last
years material to see how much was retained. Alex had no intentions of studying.
Baal was taking the test tomorrow night and was going to spend the morning and
afternoon studying with Miredhel. Vynce said he was going to be busy tomorrow
taking care of some errands.
I won, Alex growled in response to the twerps teasing. He wasnt even sure he
deserved the title of winner. His fists clenched together he really wanted to find
the Camp of Garreth. He really wanted to beat something up. His anger seemed to
fuel his body even though the last couple of days had been exhausting.
The group made it out to the woods and Alex unfolded the map they had looted off
a savage Orc last year. It had an X where the camp was and Alex held it up. It
glowed in blue light and led the group towards the camp.
It was still amazing how quickly you took care of the other seven? Miredhel
complimented.
Yeah second years, Baal bluntly remarked, Lets not forget they were second
years.
Still the power of her last attack is outstanding. Such violent force was
summoned and did you notice that although her mana was exhausted from the
furious storm, her skin and body had been healed? Vynce was in awe of the young
junior. Alex hadnt realized it up until now but Vynce was right, Erika looked
unharmed as she left the stadium. Her mana was dry but her body didnt have a
mark on it. When the battle ended all the other students were automatically
restored but Erika healed before that.
What kind of magic is that Vynce? Alex questioned. Vynce practiced voidmancy
which was a rare form of magic and while looking for spell manuals on how to cast
it, he had learned a lot about other rare magics.
Vynce pondered aloud, I wonder while the spell had fire, wind, and lightning it
certainly didnt act like an elemental spell. Plus her body became the elements
And she was healed in the process Hmm It must be some ancient spell. Let me
look into Alex.
Before Alex could thank Vynce a sharp pain erupted through the Kitsunes shoulder.
The Blue Fox was lifted off his feet and his body slammed into a tree. Alex took the
time he was being thrown to try and analyze the situation. A metal hook was in his
shoulder and where it had struck him {it} was glowing red.
Alex! Baal screamed as she jumped to where he landed. Pain ripped through his
body as he felt himself being pulled by the hook. He attempted to teleport away
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but no matter how many times he tried the spell, it wouldnt cast. Thinking quickly
he grabbed onto the tree he was next to and felt the chain go taut as it tried pulling
him into the dark. Alex tried summoning blue fire to destroy the chain and free
himself from the incredible pain. As he lifted his hand he saw the Mark of Mithaniel
on his hand was glowing in a black haze. Fire couldnt be summoned by his hands
either. Alex held onto tree to prevent being dragged away but the pain intensified
in his shoulder.
Why was he in human form outside of the school? Alex thought through the pain.
Baal was attempting to break the chain but her small amount of strength couldnt
break regular iron. She called out to Vynce who was looking out into the shadows
trying to find the perpetrator, Vynce use a void to break this chain.
As Vynce turned to cast the spell a chain propelled from the shadows of the woods
and wrapped around Vynces chest. It glowed red and Alex saw Vynces mark glow
a black haze as well. Miredhel didnt wait to be targeted next and summoned a
sphere of molten magma. She poured it on the chain holding Alex to free him. As
the chain snapped Alex felt relief from the excruciating pain. He saw the black
haze over his hand was gone. He teleported a short distance and let the remainder
of the chain fall from his shoulder. Miredhel ran to Alexs shoulder to heal it but Alex
grabbed each of allies and blinked to safety. He knew if they waited much longer
then they would be targeted again. When he grabbed Vynce and blinked away the
chain holding Vynce fell to the ground releasing its bind. Before making their
escape back to the school Alex was sure to grab his floating map.
When he blinked back to where they had been ambushed he saw the blue lit map
floating in space. He grabbed it and looked into the shadows. He couldnt tell from
where the attack had come from, it seemed to come from multiple directions. As
soon as the he heard the clink of metal he blinked away to avoid being caught. The
allies returned to the safety of the school grounds without saying a word. Miredhel
healed Alexs shoulder before they proceeded to go to their dorms.
Breathing heavily they walked into the dew laden grass of the fields behind the
castle. Alex wasnt sure why but for once he felt his life was truly in danger. He had
never lost his ability to cast magic like that before. He looked down at the mark on
his hand and wondered why it had glowed like that. Was that the cause of his
magic loss?
Hey Vynce, while you are looking into Erikas spell find out what happened back
there, Alex ordered, Also no one is allowed into the Black Forest without the
whole group going. I dont know why but that last fight has me worried okay?
Alex rarely gave orders but when he did, they were to be followed. In unison his
group nodded. Alex looked back out at the school wall and imagined the dark
woods beyond it. What the Hades had attacked them? Was this because they were
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heading towards the Camp of Garreth? The sense of an adventure perked

excitement in the fox, perhaps the camp offered more of a challenge than he
expected. He would need to be better prepared next time but he had every
intention of one day rooting out the Garreth camp.
Alex had told Tryjica to take her test early in the morning so that they had most of
the day together. He was planning on taking her out to the village. Alex beat her
out to the Great Hall and figured he would get a head start on his exam. He felt
energetic and his body was relaxed. No fights today only time with a girl. This
was when Alex felt his best.
He entered the hall and got handed a test from Ms. Costelas. Ms. Costelas was the
secretary, administrator, treasurer, admissions officer, and many other things to this
school. She pretty much ran the office and helped the Principal of the school with
every aspect of the academy. The two of them ran ninety percent of the school with
the exception of teaching. She was assigning placement exams today and making
sure no students cheated. In a school of magic, with several spells which could be
used to ace a test, monitoring against cheating was not easy. If however, you were
caught cheating, youd be expelled so there was a huge deterrent to doing so.
Alex had no need to cheat, he always did well on his tests. In fact everyone who
had made it to their fourth year was good at academics except Baal and Theric. If
it wasnt for Baals dueling performance then she wouldve failed out of the
school Alex had tried to teach Baal before but they always ended up getting
distracted onto something else. The Blue Fox never studied so he wasnt very good
at teaching anyway, the answers just came to him. He just seemed to get it when
the teacher spoke.
Alex breezed through the test. As usual when he read the question, the answer just
came to him.
What are the three main types of mana? was the first question on the test.
Easy, Alex thought, Bad, Good, Great.
What are the four colleges of magic?
Alex answered with Hocus Pocus, Alakazam, Open Sesame, and Abra Cadabra.
Alexs infallible answers continued
Since they were at a magic academy, grading tests was done with magic. As soon
as the student returned the test to Ms. Costelas, she put her hand over the paper
and the spell would grade the test. When she used her magic, unlike Alexs blue
glow; hers was a green. The paper glowed in green light as her magic corrected the
paper. As the light faded, a number was written at the top of the paper showing his
score. She handed it back to Alex. She knew Alex was a good student and didnt
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even bother going over it with him. She also thought Alex was incredibly good
looking and struggled making sentences while looking at him.
Alex looked at his score out of curiosity, not that it would matter. He would place in
top few people of his class and nothing would change. His mouth mustve hit the
floor when he saw his score {though} because Ms. Costelas looked up at him and
stuttered, Is everything ok?
Alexs face was pale as he stared in disbelief at his grade it said zero correct.
That was unheard of especially for a fourth year. A fourth year shouldve been able
to answer at least ninety of the questions correctly He didnt even get a remedial
question correct. Alex shook his head and with a charming grin told Ms. Costelas,
Your magic must be off today.
Ms. Costelas blushed in embarrassment that was rather direct. She questioned
the student, E-Excuse me my magic?
This says I got a zero, Alex challenged and leaned over the desk looking at her.
Even she was shocked at his words that wasnt possible. She looked at her hand
as if it had wronged her. Did her magic mess up? She casted a spell on her eyes
which allowed her to read extremely fast and looked over the test quickly. Alex saw
a frown forming as she went through the test. Ms. Costelas shook her head when
she finished Alex this score stands You got a zero.
Alexs heart sank at the words He failed? No, he didnt just fail he got a zero.
Alex walked away out of the Great Hall in a daze. How did that happen? He was so
sure of everything too The three types of mana were Bad, Good, Great werent
they? Just what were they? Alex scratched his head but he couldnt figure it out for
some reason Man, none right out of a hundred Byron was going to kill him
As Alexs thoughts scattered around in confusion he felt a tap on his shoulder. He
turned to see a beautiful red headed princess standing behind him. Tryjica smiled,
happy to see her well what exactly did she call him? They were going to the ball
together and he kissed her so that meant they were seeing each other right? She
had heard rumors of The Blue Fox and his passion for women was she just one of
many? Tryjica decided to ignore those thoughts and figured he wanted to spend a
whole day with her, she would just see where it would go.
Howd you do Alex? Tryjica asked.
Alex stumbled over words, Oh howd I do? Well Alex chuckled and thought
about whether to lie of course grades were posted the next week and she would
see or hear about it It was a joke you?
I think I did pretty well, to be honest, Tryjica said with excitement, I had the best
tutors in Muspell so I was pretty well studied before coming here.
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Clearly not about water Alex snidely thought.

Hey Tryjica, what are the three main types of mana? Alex decided to ask her as it
still bothered him.
Tryjica giggled, Of course I know that one Blue, Green, and Purple. Thats an
easy one, try something harder. Alex felt stupid he felt really stupid. Of course
it was Alex was still so confused, how did he forget something so obvious?
Hey Alex if you cant remember another question forget it, what did you have
planned for today anyways? Tryjica was happy and you could hear it in her voice.
She held onto Alexs arm and pulled him forward towards the courtyard.
Oh and about the other day sorry you had to see my hair like that to be honest
it really was embarrassing for me. Tryjica said looking off in the distance.
Alexs laughter caught her attention, You were embarrassed about your hair?
So she wasnt embarrassed about her sheer sleeping attire? Alex thought.
Yeah why is that so funny? she asked looking a little mad that he had laughed at
her. He feel the heat in the air rise and turned to see her glaring.
Oh I mean... you were just so beautiful that I didnt even notice, he stammered
hoping to calm her emotional fire. All Tryjica said was Oh as she started to turn
left.
Wrong way princess, Alex told her, We are going to the Village today. The village
was about three miles away from the magic academy. Traders for the school often
stayed there. The village wasnt very large, in fact the school was bigger, but it had
many curio shops and merchant goods. The village also housed a famous chef who
made some of the most exquisite food in the area. Alex was going to take her to
the shops around to show her some of the strange and cool things found across the
cosmos. He would end with a romantic dinner and walk her back in the moon light
to the school. This was a routine he had done many times before and it always
worked.
Miredhel knocked on Baals door in the middle of the day. She was planning on
helping Baal study today but the nymphet never showed up at the Library like they
planned. She knocked a second time while thinking, Geez Baal I cant believe
youve slept in this late
Baal opened the door and looked up at the tall Elf. She was wearing a light purple
top with ruffles that showed the skin of her belly and black tight shorts. Her hair was
the same shade of purple as her top and it was up in a messy bun with curly stray
hairs falling down the sides of her face. The nymphet looked adorablely cute in an

81

adult way, something which irked Miredhel inside. She was also shocked to see the
Stheno was so dressed up just to study
Baal whats going on? Miredhel was confused, I waited all morning in the Library
for you but you never showed up
Sorry Miri, I was taking my exam, Baal revealed.
Wait you already took it? Werent we going to study together? Miredhel
questioned.
Baal crossed her arms, I didnt do well, and a few hours of study werent going to
change that. I figured Id get it out of the way and move on. Baals tone was
sharp and her body language told Miredhel she didnt want to be bothered. Why
was she all dressed-up though?
Baal whats with the clothes? Are you going somewhere? Miredhel pried still
trying to figure out what was going on. Baal and Alex were best of friends and the
closest of anyone in The Elect, but the rest of them had become friends over their
three years together. They had fought in the Black Forest, won competitions, lost in
battles, laughed, cried, and had fun together. Miredhel couldnt figure out why Baal
was being rude and it bothered her.
Miri, I am getting myself a date for the ball tomorrow. You may be obsessed with
Alex and okay with going alone but I would like a guy, Baals words stung.
Miredhel noticed Baals ancient looking necklace, it had an intricate design that
concealed a trinium crystal. Miredhel was confused as she watched the nymphet
storm off down the hall. The Elf felt tears well up around her eyes.
Youre a jerk Baal, Miredhel cried as she ran to her room.
Baal sighed as she walked away. Perhaps she had gone too far. At least this would
keep Miredhel out of her hair for the day. Baal had her own plans and with Alex at
the village, Miredhel would have been the one watching over her. But now that
Miredhel was probably crying in her room, she was free of any nosy eyes. Of course
she felt bad for being so mean, but Miredhel wouldnt simply let her run off if she
was nice to her.
Baal walked out of the dorms and went towards the Arcane Lab. The Arcane Lab
was where students could practice and perfect their spells. The large reinforced
room had several separate cubicles and allowed the students to go all out with their
magic to practice. If a student got low on mana, they could recharge at one of the
several mana fonts there. The Arcane Lab was one of the most popular rooms in
the school and several students always seemed to be occupying it. Baal also knew
she would find who she was looking for there.

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Baal entered and the purple glow of the mana fonts shone across the dimly lit
room. Students were across the practicing floor testing their magic. She walked by
a student wearing red robes, he had several other students watching him in a half
circle. He summoned black shadowy bolts at a target dummy. The cloth body of
the fake opponent wrinkled onto the floor and flew against the wall. It violently
shook as the black continually pierced it against the stone. Baal smirked as she
passed by, The first years always think pain magic is so cool
She walked to the end of the room where a single student wielding a white spear
was attacking a dummy. He had very dark skin and a head of white hair that ended
at the base of his neck. His ears were pointed meaning he was an Elf and only had
the Mark of Mithaniel to restrain his magic, not that it mattered in this building.
While in the confines of the lab, your magic was no longer restrained. As his spear
struck the dummy it flashed in an overwhelming white light that turned into spirits.
This student was a Dokkalfar, the Dark Elves, and he practiced spirit magic.
Specifically he was a Spiritblade or in this case, a Spiritspear.
Hey Nichye, Baal said as she walked up. Nichye Sergonus was a third year
student who had shown interest in her throughout their years at school together.
Nichye was in the middle of a strike for the center of the dummy but Baals sudden
hello caught him off guard and he stumbled forward from the mid swing. The little
Stheno laughed at his folly. He straightened himself up and turned to the purpleskinned nymphet. Despite having dark skin, Baal could see color flush his cheeks
as he looked at her in awe. She had made sure to look her best before coming. Her
outfit may have been showing off too much skin, but then again that was the
point
He put his hand behind his head and tried walking over acting cool, Sup
The Dark Elf wasnt as tall as Alex but he was still a couple feet taller than Baal so
she had to look up when speaking to him. Baals purple eyes had dashes of little
blue in them and were remarkable to look into. Her large eyes looked up at the
Dark Elf. His cheeks blushed as he stared at her He wasnt exactly sure what she
was doing here but he certainly did enjoy her company.
You havent said hello yet, Baal stated suddenly acting offended, Here you are
practicing the whole time, completely ignoring me. Baal crossed her arms and
looked away from him. His body ached to look into her eyes again and his body
followed after hers.
Here I thought maybe something had happened to him and that was why he hadnt
said anything to me, but nope you seem perfectly fine, Baal brushed past him as
she started towards the exit. When she heard his footsteps chasing after her, she
smirked. He followed after her as she had planned.

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Baal wait, I have just been busy, He stuttered out watching his attractive senior
leaving.
Baal spun around and playfully glared at him, Too busy for me? She lifted her
chin up not taking the excuse and petulantly continued out of the lab.
I I didnt mean it like that Baal it is nice to see you again Nichye followed
her back out into the light of the afternoon. His eyes stared as he watched how the
sunlight danced on her beautiful purple skin. Baal could feel his eyes on her and
knew she had him hooked as always.
He frantically chased after the fleeing nymphet, Baal cmon dont be upset
Baal stopped walking and put her hand to her chin. Her eyebrows arched as she
was thinking. Nichye always found it cute how her facial expressions were so
dramatic.
Hmm alright Ill forgive you but you have to make it up to me, Baal offered
her junior.
He smiled and took the offer, Alright, what would that be? Nichye was playing
along but he had a feeling she had visited him because she wanted something. He
considered them to be friends but Baal was a member of The Elect and rarely had
time for him. She was always at Alexs side. In the past the two would only hang
out when Baal was looking for something.
I need your help, Baal began to ask. She felt nervousness as she continued. She
knew the words she was going to say were betraying her best friend but she felt she
had no choice.
I need you to accompany me into the Black Forest.

Alex was walking around Mad Mathers Oddity Shop with Tryjica. They were
laughing at the various useless magical items which existed. A tiny dragon made of
pewter played around an iron cage. The toy seemed so alive; the magic rune which
was placed on it was so small it was hard to tell it wasnt just a fake. There was a
tea pot which was always hot so water could be poured and tea leaves added. Of
course, the pot was so hot, it was hard to handle or store. There was a stand which
was selling Wenders Toad Remover. It was a bottle of black liquid which when
added to a pond would only kill the toads. As Alex joked around with her and
showed her the knick knacks he was unaware that Baal was currently sneaking off
the school grounds into the forbidden Black Forest.
Baals thoughts were racing around her head as Nichye and she stepped into the
forest. Nichye was a strong spirit caster and was able to turn their bodies ethereal
as to pass right through the magic barrier and stone wall of the school. She knew
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she was breaking Alexs order and he would be furious if he found out about her
trespass but she needed to go back to the graveyard. She needed to know how the
spirit was able to cast such powerful magic through her body. If such a gift was
hidden in her, she wanted to learn how to use it.
The day before she watched as Alex had his magic stripped from him with that hook
and she stood helplessly unable to do anything about it. Before that she had her
fight with Byron where she couldnt do anything but surrender to the teacher. Once
again, Alex had to step in to protect her. Baal had always felt like a second rate
magic caster and thought it would always be that way. She thought her skill would
forever rely on others talents. But now she had hope of gaining a feat which would
make her strong enough to take on Alex, Vynce, and Miredhel all at once. She
would become the strongest one!
Since speaking with Alex that night, it had been gnawing at her mind to just go and
sneak out and ask the spirit. Of course she wasnt so dull as to think a spirit would
just openly tell her anything so she brought a master of spirits with her. Nichye was
strong enough he could contain the spirit and she could speak with it. In return for
telling her how it used such strong magic, she would let it go {again}.
Nichye still wasnt filled in on all the details; he just knew they were heading to the
graveyard. Baal was pretty sure the pair would be okay in defending themselves.
After all, the graveyard was only a challenge for first years.
The only worrisome thing that kept crawling back into Baals mind was whatever
ambushed them the day before. If it attacked again, would the two be able to get
away? If Nichye was immobilized, she couldnt do anything She told herself that
they were only attacked for heading to the camp of Garreth and going to the
graveyard would be fine.
So whats at the graveyard? Nichye pried. He didnt have a problem spending
time with Baal, he was just merely curious.
Baal ignored his question as her eyes darted at every sound in the woods. The
forest was cool and a light breeze shook the leaves off the ground. The wind
pricked at the nymphets skin which was a bit annoying but most of all it was
making a lot of noise. Each time a brush of leaves sounded Baals eyes jumped to
it. The sun lit the forest through the shade of the leaves and you could see far
around you. Baal knew she didnt see anything close to them but she was still
worrying.
You alright Baal? Nichye asked, trying to start conversation. He had been
watching her head dart around wildly and sensed her worry. He was on edge just
because she was.

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In the silence of rustling leaves the pair made their way to the graveyard. During
the day, the undead here were less active. Nichye offered to cloak them to make
them appear invisible to get past the undead. If Baal didnt have a reason to fight
them, there wasnt really a need to. She agreed and the couple snuck past the
outer sentry of skeletons. As they entered near the center of the city, Baal could
feel the change in the air. Whatever had disturbed these ruins was still here, so
hopefully that meant the spirit which possessed her hadnt left.
So you defile this place once more fools, Baal felt the icy chill of the voice run
across her skin. Despite being invisible the presence had sensed them. Nichye
readied his spear, he had heard the voice as well. Nichye was in tune with spirits
but with this one he couldnt quite tell what or where it was.
Baal thought in her mind trying to reach out to the spirit which had possessed her,
I want to talk.
Talk? With me? Why? The spirit seemed confused.
I want to understand the ability you used when you possessed me, I want to learn
how to fight like that, Baal thought in her mind pleadingly back to the spirit. She
could almost sense the spirit smirking. A sudden gale of wind knocked the pair
down and they fell onto the dark, charred earth. They both looked up to see a
white, wispy phantom in front of them. Baal saw that Nichyes hand was up and
glowing. The spirit was frozen in place.
Is this what you came here for? Nichye asked as he struggled to keep the shade in
place.
Fools! Let me go! A piercing cry rang through each of their heads and the spirit
struggled to free itself.

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