Chapter 64 – Excellence Camp – Duel Hall IV

Ashern City - Reinhart Institute of War, 19th of Brightforge, year 315 UC

Students were gathered around the duel platform while Gloria Reinhart observed from the sidelines, her expression impassive as always. Currently, Leah Martínez and Max Argoon circled each other on the platform, wind and lightning magic crackling between them.

Bryan leaned against the wall, his shoulder pressed against the cool stone, only half-watching the match. His arms were crossed over his chest, one finger tapping a slow rhythm against his bicep. His attention was focused instead on Gloria, studying her.

Since their conversation, he'd been watching her more carefully, looking for any hint about what she might know—about him, about Emilia Valentine, about the holes in his memory that seemed to grow more noticeable with each passing day.

Sadly she revealed nothing. Not even a whisper as to what occurred that night. He had expected that much, but seeing her act indifferent in front of the students made Bryan realize that she could keep a mean poker face.

"They've been going at it for five minutes now."

. She wiped a bead of sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand, her coffee-brown hair slightly disheveled.

"Longer than most of the other matches."

She added, leaning her back against the wall and tilting her head to watch the duel.

Bryan nodded, his white hair shifting slightly with the movement.

"They're well-matched."

He meant it too. Both Leah and Max were decent fighters with neither one of them gaining the upper hand. Leah's wind blade sliced through the air, missing Max by inches as he ducked and rolled away, his lightning spear forming in his hand as he came up in a defensive stance. If Bryan had to make a bet, it would be on Leah as she only had the tiniest of advantages.

That being her wind blade covered a wider area compared to Max's lightning spear. Each time she attacked, Max had to expend more energy dodging, gradually wearing him down.

With the dwindling pool of unmatched students, Bryan knew he'd soon be called up, likely against Lisa Rowe, Ethan Klein, Isabella Thornheart, Sabrina Rigof, or Alexander Silvermark. His eyes scanned the remaining students, assessing their energy levels, their readiness.

Out of them all, he was looking forward to dueling with Isabella. She would provide him with the slightest bit of challenge.

Which was not saying much when last they fought, he punched her in the face, causing her to be very upset at him. Going so far as to tell him he had no manners, hitting a pretty girl like her in the face.

Bryan had no qualms about smacking her around during the duel, and last he knew, all was fair game once they were on the duel platform.

“Who do you think’s going to win? Or will Gloria tell them it’s a tie?”

Sabrina asked as she watched the two of them go at it. She chewed absently on her lower lip, her eyes tracking each movement on the platform.

Bryan shrugged.

“They are both running low on ether with the pace they’ve had, so the fight should be decided soon. I’m assuming Leah has a bit more ether than Max, so she’ll win if she takes it a little slower.”

Bryan replied, his eyes narrowing as he noted Max's movements. The lightning in his hand flickered slightly, a sign of depleting ether reserves.

“Knowing her she’ll try to keep it up if not increase the pace. That girl does not know when to relax after she gets worked up.”

Sabrina commented, crossing her arms and mirroring Bryan's stance. She blew a stray strand of hair from her face with a short puff of air.

“Sounds like someone else I know.”

Bryan said without looking in her direction, his eyes still fixed on the duel. Max had narrowly avoided another wind blade, the edge of it catching his sleeve and tearing the fabric.

The boy wasn't out yet as his Arena Sync Bracelet, or ASB for short, had not registered his arm inert.

He could hear Sabrina snort, the sound sharp and amused.

“I know you’re not talking about me.”

“As a matter of fact I am. Must be why the two of you got put together in the same room.”

Bryan said, the barest hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

After he said that, he could hear Sabrina groan.

“Ugh, don’t remind me. She’s been sneaking away after classes, can you believe it?”

Sabrina looked at him with a raised eyebrow.

“Like, it’s not that serious, is it?”

She tossed her head, her braid swinging with the movement.

Bryan looked at her, confused.

‘What is she talking about?’

“What?”

He asked, turning his head to face her fully for the first time.

Sabrina had a knowing smirk on her face.

“Bryan Blackwood.”

She said his name in an amused tone, drawing out each syllable as if savoring it.

“I know something you don’t? Well, color me surprised.”

She rocked back on her heels, clearly enjoying the moment.

“So, you going to spit it out or just keep it to yourself?”

Bryan asked, his patience wearing thin. On the platform, Leah was pressing her advantage, her wind blades coming faster now as Max struggled to maintain his defense.

“I think I’m going to hold on to this.”

Sabrina smiled, her teeth flashing white against her skin. She tapped her fingers against her arm, the rhythm deliberately irritating.

Bryan shrugged, returning his attention to the match.

“Alright.”

Her smile faltered, clearly disappointed by his lack of curiosity.

“What? Not even going to push to ask? Aren’t you curious?”

She stepped slightly to the side, trying to recapture his attention.

“No. Not really.”

Bryan said flatly, his eyes tracking a particularly close exchange on the platform. Max had nearly caught Leah with a lightning spear, the electricity crackling past her ear as she twisted away.

Sabrina clicked her tongue against her teeth, the sound sharp with disappointment.

“She’s off seeing some boy.”

She muttered, scuffing her boot against the floor.

“I think.”

She added, her voice dropping even lower.

Bryan raised an eyebrow at that, sparing her a brief glance. That information was not the least bit important to him, though he filed it away automatically. Every piece of information, no matter how trivial, could potentially be useful later.

A sudden shout drew his attention back to the platform. Max had landed a solid hit, a lightning spear that caught Leah's shoulder and sent her staggering backward. The electricity crackled visibly across her uniform. Instead of pressing his advantage, however, Max froze, a look of shock crossing his face.

"What the—"

Sabrina began, straightening from her slouch against the wall.

Before she could finish, Leah recovered with surprising speed, her eyes widening as if in revelation. She thrust her hand forward, her fingers splayed wide. Instead of her usual wind blade, a swirling vortex formed around her arm, extending outward with far greater speed and force than her previous attacks.

The unexpected technique caught Max off-guard, slamming into his chest and sending him flying across the platform. He landed hard, sliding several feet before coming to a stop near the edge.

The gymnasium fell silent for a moment, the only sound the heavy breathing of the two duelists. Then both Max and Leah began shouting excitedly, their voices overlapping.

"I did it!"

Max yelled, pumping his fist in the air despite having just been knocked down. He scrambled to his feet, his face alight with excitement despite the loss.

"Did you see that?"

Leah called to her teammates, her face flushed with excitement. She was examining her hand in wonder, turning it over as if seeing it for the first time.

Gloria stepped forward as she approached the platform.

"Enough. The match is concluded. Clear the platform for the next duelists."

Max and Leah practically bounced off the platform, immediately surrounded by curious classmates. Their excited voices created a buzz of conversation that filled the gymnasium. Bryan pushed off the wall, straightening his uniform as he moved closer to hear what had caused such excitement.

"—just felt something click."

Max was explaining to a circle of wide-eyed students.

"Like a door opening in my mind, and suddenly I knew how to form the chain lightning!"

"Same here."

Leah nodded enthusiastically, her eyes bright with excitement. Her usual composure had given way to childlike wonder as she continued to examine her hand.

"One moment I was using my regular wind blade, and the next I could feel this new pattern forming—like my ether pathways realigned themselves."

“They both unlocked new spells?”

Christopher muttered as Bryan approached, his voice low and tinged with envy. He stood with his arms crossed, his expression carefully neutral despite the longing in his eyes.

Even though Christopher himself had two spells unlocked before he even attended the camp, he was still jealous of others developing their own new spells. There was just something special about the moment you added a new spell to your repertoire.

The instructors had mentioned that students might unlock new spells by the end of Excellence Camp, but he'd assumed it was exaggeration to motivate them. Given the increasing intensity of their training, however, perhaps it wasn't so unexpected after all.

"Blackwood, Klein."

Gloria called, her voice cutting through the excited chatter.

"You're next."

Bryan moved toward the platform. Ethan Klein, Team Two's fire mage, was already waiting, bouncing lightly on the balls of his feet. His red hair was slicked back from his forehead, his green eyes focused and determined.

"Begin."

Gloria told them, stepping back from the platform with a sweep of her arm.

Ethan wasted no time, launching a rapid series of fire bursts that forced Bryan to dodge sideways. The flames sizzled through the air, their heat palpable even as Bryan evaded them. The scent of smoke and ozone filled his nostrils as he moved, his body reacting automatically to the threat.

Bryan evaded easily, his body augmentation allowing him to move faster than Ethan's attacks. The fire bursts hit the protective barrier around the platform, dissipating in flashes of orange and red that reflected off the polished floor.

Ethan was growing frustrated that his attacks weren't landing, Bryan could tell that much even with the distance between them. The fire mage's brow was furrowed in concentration, sweat beginning to bead on his forehead as he prepared another attack.

He didn’t plan on using his spell; he didn’t need to.

Instead of wasting time playing around with Ethan to see what he could do like he did previously against Victor Ashwood and Julius Reinhart, Bryan would end the duel as quickly as possible. His eyes narrowed, calculating distance and timing in an instant.

Pushing off the ground, he charged forward, his body propelled by the sudden force. Using the delay in Ethan's ranged attacks to punish him, Bryan closed the distance in a blur of movement.

One moment Bryan was fifteen feet away, the next he was right in front of Ethan's face. The shock in Ethan's eyes was evident as he realized his danger too late.

A red shield flickered to life in front of Ethan as he panicked, the barrier forming hastily between them. The translucent energy glowed with Ethan's magic, creating a ruddy haze between them.

‘They just never learn.’

Bryan thought, his lips curving in a slight smile.

Bryan punched Ethan in the face, his fist bypassing the barrier that Ethan conjured as if it weren't there. The shield only blocked magical attacks, a fundamental oversight in Ethan's defense. His knuckles connected with Ethan's jaw with a satisfying impact.

Ethan tried to lean back, but it didn’t work and instead he fell flat on his ass. The shield dissipated as his concentration broke.

Putting his weight on Ethan's leg, Bryan looked down at the boy. Ethan's eyes were wide with surprise, a red mark already forming on his jaw where Bryan's fist had connected.

"Yield."

Bryan told him, increasing the pressure on Ethan's leg slightly. The message was clear.

There was no point in Ethan even trying. Bryan could break his leg from his position simply by applying more weight. He could also summon his crescent blades to finish Ethan off.

While Ethan could fire more projectiles at Bryan, he doubted they would land. He would put up his own shield the moment he saw Ethan's hand twitch, or simply dodge at this close range.

Ethan's shoulders slumped in defeat, his palms flat against the platform in a gesture of surrender.

"I yield."

He said, his voice slightly muffled from the blow to his jaw.

"Match concluded."

Gloria announced.

"Blackwood wins."

As they left the platform, Bryan caught Gloria watching him with that same inscrutable expression.

The remaining few matches proceeded without much fanfare. Students paired off, demonstrated their abilities, and either won or lost without any surprises like the ones Max and Leah had shown.

When Alexander's turn came against Sabrina, Bryan watched. Alexander had seemed better today—more focused, less jittery than during their study session two days ago. His initial performance was promising, his water bubble spell successfully offsetting Sabrina's first magma burst. The water hissed into steam as it met the molten attack, creating a momentary fog that shrouded the platform.

"Look at that, he’s improved."

Farrah murmured, coming to stand beside Bryan. Her dark curls were tied back today, revealing the elegant line of her neck as she tilted her head to watch the match.

Indeed, Alexander's control seemed sharper than in previous matches. The water bubble maintained its integrity longer, its surface more stable as it floated before him. But as the match progressed, familiar signs of strain appeared—subtle tremors in his hands as he formed another bubble, delayed reactions as Sabrina pressed her advantage, concentration lapses that allowed her magma to get dangerously close.

“If you consider that improvement, then yeah, he’s improved.”

Bryan commented, his eyes tracking the slight shake in Alexander's extended hand.

“Give him some credit, he’s come a long way from the start.”

Farrah told him, nudging his arm gently with her elbow. Her green eyes were fixed on the match, but her words were clearly meant for Bryan alone.

“You think I’m the kind of person to praise others? If so, then you’re seeing me in the wrong light.”

Bryan glanced over at her and she turned to look at him at the same time. Their eyes met briefly.

She smiled before giggling a little bit.

“I mean, no. You’re not the type to do that, but you have to admit that it would do him wonders. Hearing it from you that he’s improving, doing better than before. It might just be what he needs to hear.”

Farrah suggested, her hand lifting to tuck a stray curl behind her ear.

Bryan played with the thought in his head. He did tell Alexander he was improving, didn't he? He frowned slightly, trying to recall their conversations.

Actually, now that he was thinking about it that was not the case. He never once mentioned to Alexander that he was improving.

It was hard to tell that to a person who was so bad just two days ago. His performance during that morning's physical conditioning was all that needed to be said about Alexander. The previous fights over the weeks also proved that he was improving in some areas, but the main one he had to improve, his proficiency, was lacking.

Did Farrah want him to lie just to boost Alexander's confidence? Bryan's frown deepened as he considered this.

“What makes you think that?”

Bryan asked her, his eyes returning to the match briefly. Sabrina was pressing her advantage now, her magma burst growing in intensity as Alexander struggled to maintain his barrier.

Farrah shrugged, the movement causing her shoulder to brush against his arm briefly.

“Just a feeling is all.”

Bryan looked away from her, those green eyes were a bit distracting.

He did not know how or why, but they seemed to pull him in. He felt uncomfortable by that.

“I’ll think about it.”

He told her as he turned his focus back towards the match.

Farrah bumped his shoulder lightly.

“That’s all I’m asking.”

Sabrina moved, taking advantage of the fact that Alexander's control was weakening. Her magma burst struck just as Alexander's bubble began to falter. The bubble collapsed with a hiss of steam, and Sabrina's follow-up attack caught Alexander in the chest, sending him staggering backward. The impact wasn't full force—she had clearly pulled the attack at the last moment—but it was enough to end the match.

"He started well."

Bryan noted as Alexander left the platform, looking disappointed but not defeated.

"He did.”

Farrah agreed, her arms crossed loosely over her chest.

“Don’t forget to give him some praise, cheer him up. Do that, and I’ll give you a reward later.”

She teased him in a playful tone that made his hand twitch slightly, the suggestion catching him off guard. Her eyes sparkled with mischief, a side of her he rarely saw.

Bryan looked at her and snorted, something he never did before. The sound surprised even him.

“What am I, your dog?”

Farrah smiled and walked away without saying anything, leaving Bryan to his thoughts and imagination. Her dark curls bounced with each step, catching the gymnasium's light.

Why was he even picturing the different possibilities of this 'reward' of hers? The thought was distracting, unnecessary, and potentially dangerous. He pushed it aside, focusing instead on the final matches of the day.

After the final match concluded, Gloria called the students to gather around the platform. They formed a loose semicircle, their faces expectant. Some still breathed heavily from their exertions, while others showed signs of disappointment or triumph from their matches.

“Congratulations to you both on the breakthroughs. Keep pushing yourselves to new heights.”

Gloria said as she looked at Max and Leah, both of whom were still eager about their new spells. Max couldn't seem to stop forming small chains of lightning between his fingers, the tiny sparks dancing across his skin.

“As for the rest of you don’t falter for a moment. These two are only the beginning and soon many more will join them in unlocking their potential. Until then, keep up with the training, and I look forward to when I can tell you how great of a job you’ve done as well.”

She paused, her gaze sweeping across the assembled students. Her blue eyes seemed to assess each of them individually, weighing their potential.

"Now, an announcement. Next week, you will face your final Excellence Camp challenge: the Forest Trial."

Alessia had mentioned rumors of such a trial during their outing, but now it was confirmed. This gained his interest as she had his full attention.

"For three days, your teams will navigate the Veiled Forest outside Ashern City. This is a training ground created specifically for this purpose, containing various challenges and monsters for you to overcome."

"You will be evaluated on multiple objectives, some obvious, others less so. Everything you've learned in your survival training with Instructor Walker will be tested."

Several students exchanged nervous glances at this. Alan Walker's survival training had been particularly grueling, with many students still sporting bruises from his "practical demonstrations."

"No instructors will accompany you."

Gloria added, her tone making it clear this was non-negotiable. She raised her hand to silence the immediate whispers that broke out.

"You will rely solely on your team and your training."

The implications of this hung in the air. No safety net, no immediate rescue if things went wrong. Just their own abilities and those of their teammates.

"The top-performing team will receive 1,500 academic credits for each member. Additionally, the three highest-scoring individuals will receive a private training session with Instructor Ironforge."

This announcement caused another wave of murmurs. A private session with any instructor would greatly accelerate a student's potential.

A perfect opportunity for Bryan, since he was looking forward to having a new challenge, as he felt the holograms would only get him so far. With a real person to train with, a stronger person than himself…

How far could he push himself? How much would he learn? His fingers flexed unconsciously at his sides, already imagining the possibilities.

That was a reward better than any number of academic credits they would give out. And he would take full advantage of the trial to make sure he scored as high as possible. His mind was already cataloging what he supplies they might need, and what strategies would be most effective.

"You have one week. Dismissed."

Gloria concluded, turning away from the students.

As the students dispersed, heading toward the locker rooms with excited chatter filling the air, Bryan considered the implications of the trial. This would be a true test, not just of individual abilities but of their function as a team.

"Thoughts?"

Farrah asked as they left the gymnasium together.

"It's a good opportunity."

Bryan replied simply. He kept his voice low, aware of the many ears around them.

"For?"

Farrah pressed, adjusting her uniform sleeve as they walked. A strand of dark hair had escaped her tie, curling against her cheek.

“To get a private training session of course.”

Bryan said, his eyes forward, scanning the corridor ahead.

Farrah studied him for a moment.

"You don't seem concerned."

"Should I be?"

Bryan asked, sidestepping a group of students who had stopped to chat in the middle of the hallway.

"Three days in a forest with unknown challenges? Most people would be at least a little worried."

Farrah pointed out, her fingers brushing against her hair tie to secure the loose strand.

Bryan shrugged.

"Worry doesn't improve performance."

Farrah shook her head, a small smile playing at her lips.

"Sometimes I forget who I'm talking to."

As they walked, Bryan noticed Alexander huddled in conversation with Marcellus near the corridor junction. The two stood close together, their heads bent, voices too low to be heard from this distance. Marcellus appeared to be refusing something, his head shaking firmly, one hand raised in a stopping gesture.

"Go ahead, I need to check something."

Bryan told Farrah, already altering his course.

Before she could respond, he moved away. He approached Alexander and Marcellus from an angle that kept him partially concealed behind a group of taller students, maintaining enough distance to avoid immediate detection. Their voices were low, but Bryan's enhanced hearing caught fragments.

"—told you it's too risky."

Marcellus was saying.

"You're already taking too much."

"I need it. You saw what happened in there. I was so close, but then it slipped away. With the Forest Trial coming—"

Alexander was insisting, his fingers plucking at the sleeve of his uniform.

Marcellus cut him off with a sharp motion of his hand, his voice dropping even lower.

"That's exactly why you should stop now. Three days in the forest while dependent on—"

Alexander noticed Bryan approaching and immediately fell silent, his expression shifting to forced casualness. He stepped back from Marcellus, creating distance between them as if they'd been discussing nothing more important than the weather.

"Bryan."

He acknowledged, a hint of nervousness in his voice. His hands dropped to his sides, then rose again to adjust his collar unnecessarily.

"Did you need something?"

"Just wondering if you're free to review those control exercises later."

Bryan replied, as if he hadn't noticed their conversation.

Alexander nodded quickly, relief visible in the loosening of his shoulders.

"Yes, definitely. I'll... I'll find you later, okay?"

"Sure, whenever you’re ready."

Bryan agreed, noting the relief in Alexander's expression at the easy exit.

As Alexander hurried away, his steps just a bit too quick to be casual, Marcellus's eyes fixed on Bryan.

"Blackwood."

He acknowledged coolly.

"Throne."

Bryan returned evenly, meeting the other student's gaze without flinching.

Marcellus was an interesting person that Bryan wanted to keep note of. He only lost to a few people, but his duel record was one to keep an eye on. The other students still had a hard time matching his pace during fights.

"Interesting matches today."

Bryan said.

"Indeed. Congratulations on your victory."

Marcellus replied, his fingers adjusting the cuff of his uniform.

"Thank you. Your shadow magic is impressive as well. I noticed your improved range during your match with Kevin."

Bryan observed, watching carefully for Marcellus's reaction.

Marcellus seemed caught off guard by his reply as Bryan noticed his eyes widen for only a split second, a micro-expression quickly masked by a return to neutral.

"Observant of you."

"I pay attention."

Bryan replied simply.

A moment of awkward silence stretched between them, filled only by the passing conversations of other students and the distant sound of doors closing.

"Alexander seems stressed about the upcoming trial."

Bryan commented finally, watching for any reaction.

“I don’t blame him. Hearing about challenges and monsters. Real monsters. Yeah, I can see how he’s nervous.”

Marcellus said with a small shake of his head.

“You nervous?”

Bryan asked him.

“Me? No. I’m hoping I can compete in the individual rankings. I doubt my team will score high. But if I can get some personal training, then I’ll be happy to have it.”

Marcellus replied, his confidence seeming genuine.

“You think you'll make the cut? There are only three spots for that personal training. Might be a bit of a challenge if everyone is aiming for it. Unless you have some way to boost your capabilities.”

Marcellus's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Is there something specific you wanted to discuss, Blackwood?"

Bryan shook his head slightly.

"Just making conversation."

"Of course."

Marcellus replied, clearly not believing him.

"If you'll excuse me, I have training to complete before dinner."

As Marcellus walked away, Bryan considered what he'd overheard. Alexander was clearly taking something, likely the same substance, causing his erratic performance patterns. And Marcellus was his supplier, though apparently reluctant to provide more.

While Farrah wanted him to praise Alexander, this just wasn't something he could condone. If Alexander wanted to ruin his life, that was his problem. But if it affected team performance, especially during the Forest Trial, it would become Bryan's problem as well.

Bryan watched Marcellus disappear around a corner, his mind already working through the implications and possible actions.

***

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

Marcellus rounded the corner, his polite expression fading into something darker the moment he was out of Bryan's sight. His eyes narrowed as he considered their conversation. His eyes narrowed as he considered their conversation, fingers clenching briefly into a fist before relaxing.

Too observant for his own good.

Blackwood was becoming a problem. First Alexander, now this. He'd have to be more careful moving forward. His steps quickened slightly as he moved through the hallway.

He was Marcellus Throne. The Marcellus Throne.

People would crawl beneath his legs if he wanted them to, just so they could get a slightly higher position in his family's growing empire.

And he had to admit, it was enjoyable watching those desperate enough to cling to the slightest hope.

There was just something special about seeing people fall into despair.

Ahead, he spotted Max excitedly demonstrating his new lightning technique to Ethan and Rosemary in the corridor. The boy was practically bouncing, electricity crackling between his fingers as he described the sensation of unlocking the spell.

Rosemary nodded politely while Ethan clapped him on the back. A moment later, Max excused himself, heading down a side corridor—likely toward the training rooms to practice his new spell.

'Perfect.'

Marcellus followed at a distance, waiting until Max was well away from the others. As Max rounded a corner into a less-traveled hallway, Marcellus quickened his pace.

In one fluid motion, he grabbed Max by his training shirt and shoved him against the wall, out of sight from any passersby. The impact was hard enough to knock the breath from Max's lungs, his eyes widening in shock.

"What the—"

Max struggled, trying to break free before recognizing his assailant. His hands grasped at Marcellus's wrists.

"Marcellus?"

Confusion and fear mingled in his voice.

Marcellus backhanded him across the face, the sharp sound echoing in the empty corridor. The force of the blow snapped Max's head to the side, leaving a red mark blooming across his cheek.

"Happy now?"

His fingers tightened in Max's shirt, twisting the fabric.

Max looked down, one hand rising to his reddening cheek.

Marcellus grabbed his chin, forcing his head up.

"Look at me when I'm talking to you."

Max raised his eyes but looked away, unable to meet Marcellus's gaze directly. His lower lip trembled slightly before he bit it.

Marcellus clicked his tongue, releasing Max's chin with a small shove.

"So you unlock one spell and think you're hot shit now, huh?"

"N-no, of course not."

Max stuttered, shoulders hunching as if trying to make himself smaller against the wall. His earlier excitement had vanished completely, replaced by a familiar fear.

"You better not be."

Marcellus leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper

"How's it coming with Alexander?"

"It's going."

Max mumbled, eyes fixed on a point over Marcellus's shoulder.

Marcellus snapped his fingers directly in front of Max's face, making him flinch.

"Speak up."

"It's coming along just fine."

Max said more clearly, a hint of defiance entering his voice.

"Why are you so interested in that backwater commoner anyway?"

Marcellus tilted his head, confusion crossing his features. The movement was almost predatory, like a wolf considering its prey.

"But you're a backwater commoner."

Max rubbed the back of his neck.

'Pathetic.'

Marcellus thought, watching Max shrink under his gaze. It was always the same—everyone bent under money. Money and influence, the two things everyone wanted, and he had them both.

He could tell Max was afraid, but that wasn't right. Why was he afraid of him? They've known one another for years, so there should be no reason why Max looked the way he did.

His expression shifted, a smile replacing the cold contempt.

"Hey, hey, what am I, some kind of monster?"

He patted Max's shoulder in a show of camaraderie.

"Don't look so down. We're friends, right?"

His voice softened to something almost kind.

"Yeah."

Max agreed weakly.

"Exactly."

Marcellus nodded, his hand still resting on Max's shoulder. He squeezed slightly, the pressure just short of painful.

"So, what's a little entertainment? I'm bored, and Alexander provides the perfect entertainment."

Marcellus laughed lightly, the sound echoing in the corridor.

A beat later, Max joined in with a nervous chuckle.

He didn't like that. Max was ruining the mood with his fake laughter. If he was going to chuckle, at least make it believable.

Marcellus's laughter cut off abruptly.

"Did I ask you to laugh?"

Max went silent immediately, pressing himself back against the wall as if trying to disappear into the stone.

Marcellus held his stern expression for a moment before breaking into a grin.

"I'm just playing, man. Relax."

He squeezed Max's shoulder, a little too hard to be friendly. His fingernails dug into the fabric of Max's training shirt.

"How's your dad? Enjoying his new position?"

Marcellus asked as he suddenly recalled the image of Max's father. His old man worked as a lowly construction worker but accumulated a lot of debt trying to manage his business.

Lucky for him, Marcellus's father—Maximus—was a gracious man and solved the debt problem for him.

He could still remember that day five years ago when he gained a new slave. It was good timing, too, as the servants and a couple of his cousins left him alone after a few interactions.

Those servants were dealt with personally as he had his bodyguard whip them into obedience. While those cousins of his got off scot free.

But then, Max came into his life, and he had a new toy, a better one.

"Thanks for that."

Max said quietly, his gaze fixed on the floor.

"No problem, it's what friends are for."

Marcellus shrugged.

"Your dad needs to take care of you, and his new position comes with a larger pay."

Max remained silent, his gaze fixed on the floor.

"I feel like my entertainment has been lacking lately."

Marcellus patted Max's shoulder again.

"So you know what to do, right?"

Max nodded, still not looking up. His blonde hair fell forward, hiding his expression.

"Great!"

Marcellus stepped back, straightening his uniform.

"You're doing good work. Keep it up."

He turned to leave, then paused, glancing back over his shoulder.

"Oh, and congratulations on the spell. You really deserve it."

His smile didn't reach his eyes.

"And if you prove useful, your dad might even get a bigger promotion."

With that, Marcellus walked away, his posture relaxed and confident. By the time he reached the main corridor, his expression had returned to the pleasant mask he wore for the rest of the academy. He nodded politely to a passing instructor.

I wonder if Blackwood would provide better entertainment.

Marcellus chuckled at the idea.

This was going to be the most fun he had had in a long while.

***

Ashern City - Reinhart Institute of War, 19th of Brightforge, year 315 UC

The library was nearly empty this late in the evening, most students having retreated to their dormitories to prepare for the next day's classes.

Bryan sat alone at a corner table, surrounded by books on forest survival and regional monster classifications. His white hair gleamed in the lamplight as he bent over a detailed map of the Veiled Forest, committing its features to memory. His finger traced possible routes, pausing at marked danger zones and water sources.

It was always nice to prepare for a mission ahead of time. And lucky for him, there was information here about the Veiled Forest.

A soft footstep made him look up. Farrah approached his table, a stack of books balanced in her arms. Her dark curls were tied back in a simple knot, revealing the elegant line of her neck.

"I thought I might find you here."

She said, setting her books beside his map.

"Planning already?"

Bryan nodded, returning his attention to the map.

Farrah pulled out a chair across from him, the legs scraping quietly against the floor.

"I brought some additional references. Regional flora and fauna guides."

She opened the top book, revealing detailed illustrations of plants with their properties listed in neat columns.

"Useful."

Bryan acknowledged, glancing at the open page. His finger tapped thoughtfully against the table.

"Have you seen Alexander tonight?"

Farrah shook her head, a strand of hair escaping its confinement to curl against her cheek.

"Not since the duels. Christopher mentioned he seemed tired at dinner."

Bryan's eyes narrowed slightly.

"What did you make of his match today?"

He asked.

Farrah's fingers absently turned a page in her book.

"He started strong but couldn't maintain it. His control seems... inconsistent lately."

"You've noticed too, then."

Bryan said, sitting back in his chair.

"It would be hard not to."

Farrah replied. She hesitated, then leaned forward, lowering her voice.

"I'm worried about him, especially with the trial coming up. If he can't keep it together in a controlled environment..."

She left the thought unfinished, but the implication was clear. In the forest, with real dangers, Alexander's inconsistency could be dangerous for all of them.

Was it possible she wasn't part of whatever game was being played? That her worry for their teammate was real?

"I overheard him talking to Marcellus after the duels."

Bryan said finally, deciding to share what he'd learned.

"It sounded like Alexander's been taking something. Something Marcellus provides."

Farrah's eyes widened slightly, her hand stilling on the page.

"You think he's using enhancement substances?"

Bryan nodded.

"It would explain the pattern we've been seeing. The bursts of energy followed by crashes. The trembling. The dilated pupils."

"But why?"

Farrah asked, her brow furrowing.

"Alexander is talented naturally. He doesn't need—"

"Pressure."

Bryan interrupted.

"He feels it more than most. The need to prove himself, to keep up."

He remembered Alexander's desperation during their study session, his fixation on spell breakthroughs.

Farrah was quiet for a moment. Her fingers traced the edge of a plant illustration absently.

"What should we do?"

The question caught Bryan off guard. Not because of its content, but because of the implication that they would act together.

As captain, he did have a responsibility to make sure his team members were being taken care of. However, he wanted to hold off on making any moves right now.

"Confront him directly, and he'll just deny it. We need more information."

He said after a moment's consideration.

Farrah nodded.

"And Marcellus? He's not just doing this out of the goodness of his heart."

"No."

Bryan agreed, his eyes returning to the map before him.

"Marcellus wants something. I'm just not sure what yet."

They fell into a companionable silence, each returning to their research.

"About that reward…"

Farrah said suddenly, breaking the silence. A small smile played at her lips as she looked up from her book.

Bryan raised an eyebrow.

"I didn't praise Alexander."

"No."

She agreed, her smile widening slightly.

"But you did something better. You showed genuine concern for his welfare."

Bryan wasn't sure how to respond to that. Concern wasn't something he was accustomed to acknowledging, much less being praised for.

"It's getting late."

He said instead, gathering his notes.

"We should continue this tomorrow."

Farrah closed her book, seeming surprised by his sudden shift.

"Of course."

She stood, collecting her materials.

As they walked toward the exit, Bryan found himself unusually aware of her presence beside him. The scent of her perfume, the sound of her breathing, the way the light caught in her dark curls.

"Bryan."

She said as they reached the door.

"You're growing into your position as captain. I'm glad."

She said as she turned to look at him.

Bryan watched her, unable to form a sentence.

Why was she glad? Did she think he was going to ruin the role Alan assigned him? Did the others?

"Why are you glad?"

He asked as he felt it was the quickest way to get the answer.

Farrah shrugged.

"Because when we met you were a lone wolf, always trying to do everything alone."

She covered her mouth with one hand as she giggled.

"I don't need any help. Useless. Oh, or how about this…"

Farrah tried and failed to imitate his voice, but turned to look at him with a super serious expression that didn't match her looks.

Bryan rolled his eyes.

"I don't even sound like that."

"You most definitely do!"

Farrah giggled again, pausing in her steps as if it was just too funny to continue.

Bryan stopped and looked at her for a moment before he turned away and kept walking.

'If she wants to stay there, then she can.'

Farrah caught up to him and smiled.

"Anyway…"

She spun on her heels before nearly crashing into a pillar on the ground.

Bryan caught her before she did, pulling her close.

Her green eyes stared into his own as she smiled that stupid-looking smile of hers.

She reached out, her fingers brushing his arm briefly.

"Goodnight, Bryan."

As she walked away, her form gradually disappearing into the darkened hallway, Bryan remained at the library entrance. The touch of her fingers lingered on his arm.