Chapter 62 – Excellence Camp – Duel Hall II

Ashern City - Reinhart Institute of War, 16th of Brightforge, year 315 UC

Farrah closed her door, leaning against it with a smile playing on her lips. A team outing. With Bryan. Not exactly what she'd been hoping for when he'd approached her, but still—it was something.

"Hmm, what to wear..."

She murmured, moving to her closet. Even though they'd be in uniform, she could still look her best. Her fingers trailed over the various outfits hanging neatly inside, bypassing the required academy uniform for the moment.

A light blue dress caught her eye, the color complementing her dark skin perfectly. She pulled it out, holding it against herself as she turned to the mirror.

"Maybe this one?"

The dress hugged her figure elegantly, highlighting her curves without being too obvious. She tilted her head, considering. Perfect for a stroll through the city... if she were allowed to wear it.

With a sigh, she replaced it and pulled out a deep green ensemble with gold accents. The color made her eyes pop, and the cut was both sophisticated and comfortable.

"This could work too..."

She held it up, turning from side to side. Another excellent choice, if only the academy didn't insist on those blasted uniforms.

Two more outfits followed—a burgundy jumpsuit that gave her a confident, powerful silhouette, and a flowing lavender dress that made her look sexy and mysterious.

Farrah groaned, flopping backward onto her bed.

"I'd look cute in all of these."

She stared at the ceiling for a moment before reality set in. Sitting up abruptly, she glared at the black and gold uniform hanging in her closet.

"Right. Those."

She approached the uniform with obvious distaste, fingering the black fabric with a grimace.

"I should burn them all."

Black was not her color. It made her look severe, washing out the warmth in her complexion. The gold accents helped somewhat, but still—whoever designed these clearly hadn't considered how they would look on a variety of skin tones.

"Accessories it is, then."

Farrah moved to her jewelry box, rifling through her collection. If she had to wear the uniform, she could at least personalize it. A silver hairband caught her eye—simple but elegant. She placed it on her dressing table, then selected a pair of matching earrings with small emerald studs.

"And maybe..."

She opened her drawer of perfumes, selecting a small crystal vial of floral scent. Not too strong—just enough to be noticed when standing close. She dabbed a little behind each ear and on her wrists.

As she slipped into the uniform, she couldn't help but wonder if Bryan would notice the effort. Probably not. He didn't seem the type to pay attention to such details. Still, it didn't hurt to try.

Farrah was just securing the silver hairband when a knock sounded at her door. Her heart skipped a beat.

'Could it be...?'

She smoothed her uniform, checked her reflection once more, and moved to the door. Opening it revealed not white hair and red eyes, but Lisa Rowe and Sarah Evans standing in the hallway.

"Oh."

She couldn't quite keep the disappointment from her voice.

Lisa's eyes widened slightly.

"Sorry for bothering you, Farrah. Your hairband and earrings look really pretty."

"Thanks."

Farrah replied, one hand unconsciously reaching up to touch her earring.

Lisa glanced at her outfit, a knowing smile forming.

"Are you going on a date or something?"

Farrah brushed a lock of hair behind her ear, hoping the warmth she felt in her cheeks wasn't visible.

"No, just a team outing."

"Oh, sorry for interrupting then."

Lisa said, already turning to leave with Sarah in tow.

"Hold on."

Farrah called, curiosity overcoming her disappointment.

"Did you need something?"

Lisa hesitated.

"Yes, but it's not important."

"If I can help, I'll try."

Farrah offered, her natural inclination to assist others taking over.

Lisa nodded gratefully.

"Sarah is having a bit of a hard time understanding the ether pathways inside the body. And we're both having difficulty with combat positioning when the mage is vulnerable. Our teammates push out too far, but we still have to play our role as mages. It seems impossible. It's a question from Lock's class that's been stumping us."

"Oh, that's easy."

Farrah said, stepping aside to welcome them in.

"I can help with that."

Sarah looked uncertain.

"Are you sure? We don't want to impose."

"Yeah, it's fine. We aren't supposed to leave until later."

Farrah gestured for them to enter, closing the door behind them. As she turned to face her unexpected guests, she pushed thoughts of Bryan and their outing to the back of her mind. She could daydream later—right now, she had knowledge to share.

Besides, helping others always lifted her spirits. And maybe, just maybe, the time would pass more quickly until she could see if Bryan noticed her perfume after all.

***

Ashern City - Reinhart Institute of War, 16th of Brightforge, year 315 UC

Bryan waited by the main gate of the academy. Despite the weekend, all students were required to wear the academy uniforms when using their day passes—the black and gold of the Reinhart Institute marking them as students.

"Not even a single accessory?"

Sabrina approached. She'd styled her coffee-brown hair in an elaborate braid, small amber pins catching the light as she moved. She added subtle touches to her uniform—a thin bracelet visible beneath her sleeve, her collar adjusted to sit more comfortably.

"What's the point?"

Bryan replied, his hands clasped behind his back

Sabrina rolled her eyes, her lips curving into a smirk as she stood beside him.

"Of course. Heaven forbid you actually enjoy yourself."

"I enjoy myself."

He told her.

There was training. Which was the best kind of enjoyment.

"Ew."

Sabrina said before she broke out into laughter.

"Not the kind of enjoyment I was referring to."

Before he could respond, Alexander and Christopher appeared, walking side by side from the direction of the library, deep in conversation. Christopher wore his uniform exactly as required, while Alexander had added a silver chain at his collar and styled his blonde hair with more care than usual.

"—just don't understand why we need another to know about an A-ranked monster when we've already—"

Alexander cut himself off when he noticed Bryan.

"Bryan! We were just discussing tomorrow's training schedule."

Bryan nodded once.

Christopher glanced between them, his hands tucked into his pockets, shoulders slightly hunched.

"Is this really happening? A team outing that wasn't mandated by Alan?"

"Believe it or not, it was Bryan's idea."

Sabrina said, the surprise still evident in her voice. She leaned her weight onto one leg, hip cocked slightly.

"Figured it wouldn't be a bad idea for you all."

Bryan stated.

Although this was his way of killing multiple birds with one stone.

"And don't think I forgot what you said earlier."

"Right. It's okay, no need to be embarrassed about it."

He couldn't really tell if Sabrina was being serious or not by the way she said it. Sabrina didn't even glance at him either; instead, she brushed an imaginary speck from her sleeve.

Bryan could even see the confused looks on Christopher and Alexander's faces. They wanted to know what the two of them were talking about, but he was not going to tell them anything. Lest they join in on her teasing.

Farrah arrived next, her dark curls framed with a simple silver hairband, a subtle floral perfume noticeable as she approached. Despite the uniform requirements, she'd managed to make the academy attire look elegant.

She looked good, really good. And Bryan thought that she put on a little makeup to her already perfect face.

"Sorry I'm late."

She said, slightly breathless, one hand smoothing down her skirt.

"I was helping Sarah with her notes."

Bryan noted the slight flush on her cheeks, the way her eyes darted to him before addressing the group. Their conversation yesterday had shifted something between them, creating a connection he wasn't entirely comfortable with but couldn't deny.

"Where's Alessia?"

Christopher asked, looking around.

"Here."

Alessia's voice came from behind them startling Christopher he nearly leapt out of his skin.

"Everyone's here then, let's go."

Bryan stepped forward, leading the group toward the gate without waiting for acknowledgment.

***

Ashern City's second ring bustled with weekend activity. Street vendors called out their wares, music drifted from open tavern doors, and citizens of all ranks mingled in the thoroughfares.

"Where to first?"

Alexander asked, his eyes darting around with barely contained excitement. Despite his family's merchant status, Bryan recalled that Alexander had mentioned never visiting the capital before attending the academy.

"There's a good tea house down this way."

Farrah suggested, pointing down a side street lined with smaller shops. Her hand moved gracefully through the air as she indicated the direction.

"They have excellent pastries too."

Bryan was not feeling up for tea, but he'd oblige if that's what everyone else wanted. This trip out into the city was more so for Alessia to have her little celebration, while he was hopefully able to gain some information about Emilia Valentine.

"I could use something sweet."

Christopher admitted, his usually stoic expression softening slightly. He rolled his shoulders as if they were tense.

"Training's been brutal lately."

Bryan observed the way Christopher and Alexander walked next to one another. Sabrina walked slightly ahead, while Farrah remained close to Bryan's side, occasionally pointing out interesting shops, her hand sometimes rising to gesture but never quite touching him.

Alessia walked slightly apart from the group, her eyes scanning their surroundings. Bryan noted the behavior—similar to his own usual vigilance, though he was making an effort to appear more casual today.

"So…"

Farrah said quietly as they walked, her voice pitched just for him beneath the market noise.

"This is unexpected."

"What is?"

Bryan asked, keeping his gaze forward, tracking the movement of a city guard across the square.

"You. Organizing a team outing. Being... social."

Her tone was light, as if she found this amusing. She tucked a strand of dark hair behind her ear, her earring catching the sunlight.

"As I told Sabrina, you could all use it."

He glanced over at her, seeing her green eyes staring at him. They matched her earrings.

"They look nice."

Bryan said without even realizing.

Farrah's lips curved into a small smile and he thought he saw the slightest twitch of her long ears.

The tea house Farrah had suggested was a modest establishment with large windows and small round tables. Warm light filtered through stained glass accents, casting colored patterns across the polished wooden floor. The scent of brewing tea and baked goods filled the air as they entered, the bell above the door announcing their arrival.

"This is perfect."

Sabrina declared, claiming a table by the window. She pulled out a chair and dropped into it, stretching her legs.

"I haven't had decent tea since leaving Vale."

They settled around the table, the wooden chairs creaking slightly as they arranged themselves. As Bryan began to wonder if everyone enjoyed tea, or if it was just the few people present currently. He positioned himself with his back to the wall, ensuring he could observe both the entrance and the other patrons. A server approached with menus, which they studied silently for a moment before ordering a variety of teas and pastries.

He chose a simple black tea, observing as the others selected more complex options. Alexander, he noted, seemed particularly interested in the energizing blends, asking detailed questions about their effects. His fingers tapped rapidly against the table edge, a nervous energy evident in every movement.

"So, what prompted this sudden interest in team bonding?"

Christopher asked once their orders had arrived. He cradled his teacup in both hands, the steam rising between his fingers.

Bryan took a deliberate sip of his tea before answering, setting the cup down on its saucer.

Was it that out of the ordinary for him to initiate a team outing? They've gotten together before, this was no different.

Now that he was captain he had to take some initiative. There was little chance he would leave everything up to Alexander.

"We've been training together for over two weeks, thought it might be good to have a celebration. We're halfway through, and you're all better than you were when we started."

"That's putting it mildly."

Sabrina muttered, breaking off a piece of pastry. Flakes of the delicate crust scattered across her plate.

"I heard a rumor."

Alessia said, setting down her teacup.

"That there might be some kind of wilderness trial soon."

"Wilderness trial?"

Alexander's brow furrowed, his hand freezing halfway to his mouth.

"What kind of trial?"

"Julius mentioned it, which he no doubt heard from his mother."

Alessia paused as she was not used to so many eyes focusing on her without fear.

"The details are still being worked out, it seems, but our teams might be sent out to survive for several days."

"That sounds... intense."

Christopher said, frowning slightly.

"It's just a rumor."

Alessia clarified, her gloved fingers adjusting the position of her teacup.

"But if it's true, we should be prepared."

"Which means we should pay more attention to Alan's lectures on survival."

Sabrina groaned, dropping her head dramatically onto her hand.

"Great."

Christopher sighed.

"More survival training. Might as well have an entire day with Alan talking about the keys to surviving and staying alive. I swear he's like an apostle sent by one of the gods with the way he preaches."

"If it happens, we'd be on our own, without instructors watching over us."

Farrah pointed out as she broke an oatmeal cookie in half.

Alexander fidgeted with his teacup, his movements slightly jittery.

"So what are we going to do?"

He asked as he looked around the group.

"Don't dwell on it. Like Alessia said, it's just a rumor. We should take this time to enjoy ourselves."

Bryan said, surprising himself with the words. He couldn't help but glance at the black tea he ordered, wondering if someone drugged him with some Calamine Tea. That had to have been the only explanation as to why he would say those words.

Sabrina nearly choked on her tea, coughing into her napkin.

"Did those words actually just come out of your mouth? 'Enjoy ourselves'?"

A flicker of amusement crossed Bryan's face.

"Contrary to popular belief, I'm not completely opposed to the concept."

He decided to play along, earning a laugh from the group, the sound filling their corner of the tea house. Even Christopher's usually stoic expression cracked into a smile, his shoulders relaxing as he leaned back in his chair.

Farrah facilitated conversation effortlessly, drawing out stories and connections between team members. Bryan found himself appreciating her skill, the way she created bridges between their different personalities.

Alessia remained somewhat reserved, though she engaged when addressed directly. Bryan caught her studying him several times.

He couldn't help but wonder why. Was it the questions he brought up, or did he have something on his face?

"What about you, Bryan?"

Alexander asked suddenly, leaning forward across the table. His teacup rattled as his elbow bumped it.

"We've all shared something about our childhood. What was yours like?"

The question sent a familiar throb of pain through his temple. Images flashed—a woman's gentle hands, the smell of fresh bread—before dissolving into nothingness. The pain intensified, then receded, leaving a hollow emptiness.

Before Bryan could respond, Farrah interjected, her hand moving to rest briefly on the table near his.

"Bryan was just telling me yesterday he spent most of his time training. Not much time for childhood adventures, right?"

Bryan met her gaze briefly, recognizing her intervention for what it was. She remembered his mention of the orphanage, and it would seem she didn't want to put him in a position to share when he wasn't ready. The realization that she had paid such close attention to their conversation—that she cared enough to shield him—was unexpected.

"It wasn't anything special."

He added.

"Just a lot of training."

Alexander looked slightly disappointed by the answer.

"That's it? No exciting stories?"

"Not everyone has stories worth sharing."

Bryan replied as he lifted his teacup again.

Even if he wanted to tell them of his childhood, he was forbidden to by the rules of the Inquisition. Any hint or mention of it was punishable.

Besides, no one really wanted to listen to how he was stuck in a white room for majority of the day. Even he knew that would bring down the mood.

Christopher studied him for a moment.

"Sometimes the lack of stories tells its own tale."

Their eyes met briefly in understanding before Bryan looked away.

"We should visit the market next."

Farrah suggested, smoothly changing the subject.

"They have the most amazing fabric stalls."

As they finished their tea and prepared to leave, Bryan noticed Julius entering the tea house with other students from Team 4. Their eyes met briefly, Julius's expression shifting from surprise to interest.

"Team 3."

Julius acknowledged with a slight nod as he approached their table.

"Enjoying your weekend?"

"We are, and you?"

Farrah answered pleasantly.

"Taking a brief respite before tomorrow's training."

Julius replied as his gaze settled on Bryan.

"I'm surprised to see you here, Bryan. You've never struck me as the social type."

"People can surprise you."

Bryan said from his seat.

Julius's lips curved in a smile.

"Indeed, they can."

He glanced at Alessia.

"Alessia. Feeling better after yesterday's training session?"

She straightened as she raised her chin.

"Much, thank you."

"Good."

Julius turned his attention back to Bryan.

"I've been meaning to speak with you, actually. About our match. I'd like a rematch. We can mix and match members of our teams to compare notes if you will."

Bryan recognized the offer for what it was—an attempt to gather information. But it also presented an opportunity.

"I'd be interested in that, not sure about the others."

Bryan turned to look at the other members of his team.

Farrah grinned and gave him a nod, while Sabrina was beaming, practically bouncing in her seat. After a moment, Christopher also seemed to approve with a short nod, but Alexander hesitated, his fingers tightening around his empty teacup.

"Seems that most of your team is delighted, so let's set a date? It would have to be after classes are done and over with."

Julius said with both his hands behind his back as if they were soldiers in the military.

"Saturday sounds good to me."

Bryan offered.

Julius looked over his shoulder and nodded once after Isabella said something to him, her voice too low for Bryan to catch.

"That works for us as well, but Isabella wants to do it at the duel hall in town. Do you know of it?"

Bryan had not heard of the duel hall before. He got a general idea of what it was from the name alone.

This was his fault for not doing much research on Ashern city.

"Why there?"

Sabrina asked, leaning forward in her chair, her braid sliding over her shoulder.

"There will be a small festival happening around that time, bringing with it a lot of spectators. It would be good to show off what the students of the academy can do."

Julius paused for a moment before he gave them a grin.

"As well as the rest of the incoming students and their families. Why don't we put on a show for them, to show them what they've missed? I'm sure they'd be dying to find out what the top-ranked members can do."

'So, a not-so-simple offer then. Showing off to the others, while potentially humiliating a few within the group.'

Bryan could see where Julius was going with this, but it didn't look as if it was his idea. More so Isabella's than anything else, based on her satisfied expression behind Julius.

He was not worried about Farrah or Sabrina. While Sabrina might lose, she would not humiliate herself. His concern was elsewhere.

If Alexander participated, he would make a fool of himself in front of a large crowd. Given his understanding of him, Bryan figured Alexander would not recover from such an incident. Even now, Alexander's face had paled slightly, his hands gripping the edge of the table.

He could even feel Farrah eyeing him without looking.

"Well then, why not make it more interesting and invite everyone from the camp. Wouldn't be worth it if only a few of us showed up."

Bryan countered the offer he received.

Julius raised an eyebrow at that.

"You're right. I'll mention it to the others, but make sure everyone brings their equipment. It's better to go out with a bang than leave any regrets behind."

Bryan nodded.

"Perfect! Let's meet up tomorrow to go over the details."

Julius said before departing.

"That was unexpected."

Sabrina remarked once Julius was out of earshot. She leaned back in her chair, stretching her arms above her head.

"He must be confident if he wants a rematch. You sure you'll be okay?"

Christopher asked.

Sabrina slapped Christopher on the back, the impact causing him to jolt forward.

"Of course he'll be fine!"

She rubbed her hands together and had a smile on her face that Bryan was not used to seeing.

"Imagine the money we'd earn from the betting hall. Ha! Momma's going to get herself some extra shopping money."

"Betting hall?"

Alexander asked as he leaned forward, his teacup forgotten. His face had regained some color, but his fingers still trembled slightly.

"You've never been to a duel hall before!?"

Sabrina asked, her eyebrows rising in surprise.

Alexander shook his head.

"Well, it's basically a large fighting pit with seats that reach into the tens of thousands, depending on the location. Fights happen there on a regular schedule, usually between mages, but there are still those who perform as a blood sport. You know the kind where they enter, but only one person leaves type of deal. It's a popular location in Vale, is it not one in your town?"

Sabrina asked.

"Nope, never even heard of it before. My hometown is more of a paradise for fishermen than anything else. Is that even legal? Fighting to the death?"

Alexander asked.

Christopher sat his cup down and crossed his arms.

"Yeah, it is. It's not only normal people who do that type of thing, either. Some mages risk their lives in fights to the death. There's a whole ranking and everything for it, too."

He looked over at the window, watching the people go by.

"It's a way to increase your combat abilities. You'd be surprised how many people do it in order to unlock new spells. There's a rumor that hasn't been disproven yet, that risking your life in fights causes you to unlock spells faster. Why that's the case, no one knows."

Alexander looked shocked by the information, his mouth slightly open.

"It's barbaric, is what it is."

Alessia commented, causing the others to look in her direction.

"My father took our family to those events when I was younger. I never saw the appeal, but in Evergreen, it's also used for criminals to fight for their freedom. Trial by combat, where they can petition for their accuser to face them. And if they win, then…"

She shrugged, leaving the rest unspoken.

"That's crazy."

Alexander said, shaking his head.

Honestly, it didn't sound too crazy to Bryan. People have been fighting for years, and if you could make money off of it, then someone would. These types of fights would happen legally or illegally, that was a fact.

At least having them sanctioned provided people with entertainment, a way to vent, and for the kingdom to have another source of income.

"We're not fighting to the death are we?"

Alexander asked.

Sabrina snorted, flicking a pastry crumb across the table.

"No. We're students for one, so it wouldn't be allowed unless the owner is crooked. There will be protections in place, but not like the ones here at the academy. If you're not careful, you can find yourself crippled or worse."

Sabrina answered.

"So, why do it? What's the point?"

"Influence."

Alessia replied.

"Fun."

Christopher added with a shrug.

"Money."

Sabrina said as she grinned.

"You know you don't have to fight, right?"

Bryan asked as he looked over at Alexander.

"Yeah… I was just asking. I'm not going to fight."

"Good."

"Well, this has been fun and all, but how about we head out?"

Farrah suggested as she looked around at the rest of the group. She stood, smoothing down her uniform skirt.

As they left the tea house and headed toward the market district, Bryan felt Farrah walk beside him again.

This time he wasn't as bothered by it. In fact, he more than welcomed the extra company.

"You're planning something."

She observed, her voice low enough that only he could hear.

"I'm always planning something."

He replied, although he was a bit startled by what she said. Bryan thought she was going to talk about the day or something else.

He should have figured she would be interested in what was going on between him and Julius Reinhart.

Farrah studied him for a moment.

"Julius isn't just interested in your fighting technique, is he?"

"No."

Bryan admitted, stepping slightly to the side to avoid a rushing messenger.

"And you're not just interested in his."

Bryan glanced at her.

"You're very observant today."

"So are you."

She replied as a small smile played on her lips.

Before Bryan could respond, Alexander called out from ahead, pointing excitedly at a street performer manipulating small lightning constructs.

"That's amazing!"

"It's magitech."

Christopher explained.

"Those gloves, they're probably inscribed with lightning patterns."

As the group gathered to watch the performance, Bryan hung back slightly, his mind working through the implications of Julius's approach and how to best use it to his advantage.

The afternoon continued with visits to various shops and stalls. Bryan maintained his observation of the team, noting how Alexander's energy seemed to flag after about an hour, how he excused himself briefly and returned with renewed vigor.

At Alessia's suggestion, they visited a small bookshop tucked away on a side street. The shop was quiet, filled with floor-to-ceiling shelves and the comforting smell of old paper and leather bindings. While the others browsed—Sabrina immediately heading for the adventure section, Christopher examining tactical manuals, Alexander flipping through an illustrated guide to water magic—Alessia approached Bryan in a quiet corner near ancient history texts.

"I've sent a message to my father's contacts."

She murmured, pretending to examine a book on magical theory.

"Asking about the name you mentioned."

Bryan nodded slightly, pulling a book halfway from the shelf before replacing it.

"It might take time to get a response. The name isn't familiar to our household."

"I understand."

Bryan said as he placed a book back on the shelf.

"So, are you enjoying yourself?"

He asked her as he took a quick glance in her direction.

"More so than I'd care to admit. I do find it interesting, the people you associate yourself with."

Alessia said as she looked over to where Alexander was showing Sabrina something.

"They are something, yes."

His teammates were something, a bit irritating, talkative, lacking in various aspects, but they didn't seem to mind him much. Which was nice for a change.

As afternoon faded into evening, they found themselves at a small restaurant that Sabrina insisted served "the best northern cuisine outside of Vale." The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with low lighting from iron chandeliers and private booths lined with plush red cushions. The walls were decorated with paintings of northern landscapes—snow-capped mountains and vast forests.

"This was... unexpectedly pleasant."

Christopher admitted as they settled around their table.

"I can't remember the last time I've been able to hang out with friends."

"We should do it more often."

Alexander suggested, his earlier energy somewhat dimmed but his smile genuine.

"Let's not get carried away."

Bryan said.

Sabrina laughed.

"Look at that—Bryan Blackwood might actually be developing social skills."

"Miracles do happen."

Farrah added with a smile, her eyes meeting his own from across the table.

As their food arrived—hearty northern dishes with rich sauces and warm spices—Bryan found himself relaxing slightly.

"A toast to progress."

Alessia suggested suddenly, raising her glass.

The others looked surprised at her initiative but raised their glasses.

"To progress."

They echoed, the glasses clinking together in the center of the table.

As Bryan raised his glass, his gaze met Farrah's across the table. There was something in her eyes—warmth, curiosity, and something else he couldn't quite identify.

For a moment, just a moment, he allowed himself to wonder what it would be like if all of this were real. If these people were truly his teammates, not potential props in some elaborate setup.

The thought brought both comfort and pain. His fingers tightened slightly around his glass before he took a sip.

As they finished their meal and prepared to return to the academy, the evening air cool against their skin, Bryan found himself walking beside Farrah once more. The streets had quieted somewhat, though music and laughter still spilled from taverns. The first stars had appeared in the darkening sky above the city walls.

"Thank you."

She said quietly.

"For what?"

"For trying. For organizing this. I know it wasn't easy for you."

Farrah replied. Her silver hairband caught the light of a passing street lamp, creating a momentary halo effect.

Bryan considered her words.

"It was... educational."

Farrah smiled, tucking her hands into her own pockets against the evening chill.

"High praise indeed, coming from you."