A battle ground like no other bred a victor who found himself embraced not in the ceaseless cheers and resounding awe of spectators feasting on a display no one expected some younglings would be capable of providing, but instead, bated breath continued to hold back the audience within its disbelief.
Whether you sat on the stands jeering at the Daumier Hero representing his Class 1F or whistling with fervor over the Human Knight of Class 1A, all found themselves at the foot of the ruined Arena crumbling along with any expectations that they had readied themselves with.
A storm of frustration, confusion, anger, relief, excitement and shock welled up in everyone, but none were gripped so strongly as those that leapt over the stands and through the shattered Ward to land in the maze of crumbling glacier fragments and still warm scorch marks fresh with the scent of cedar wood hung in the air, getting stronger the closer the got to the center of the Arena.
A dozen or so footsteps stomped in opposing directions that grew louder and louder, eventually converging around the weakened victor who could barely in without shallow breath, beside Ms. Yuria, the group that came to a rush met Vauntuss with song and celebrations, as they embraced him and raised him into the air.
"Our victor, the Knight of Knights, no, today he's shown himself to stand above the rest." Raon announced proudly after lifting him into the air.
"He is truly fit to stand as a Knight of Kings, he serves you well Princess Charlotte." His noble blood resigning him to sharing this moment of glory with Charlotte, who could only fuss over her wounded friend with half a mind, while the rest followed the other group.
Vanishing through the destructive scene as quickly as they appeared, Vaceris ran headlong through the smoke towards the ice-rimmed crater nearby.
"Gods above…" Her breath quickened as she came to a stop after meeting the busy figures near its rim. The space was riddled with splotches and paces of frozen dirt, as the rest of the scene smelled of scorched earth with the smoke heavy air rising thick into the air.
Feeling the warmth rising to her cheeks as tears welled up within her lids, the third princess summoned her SoulArm, and with a fierce gust of wind, cast aside what stood in her way, while Tersia rushed to her to help her stand after she stumbled.
They came to a head at the mouth of the crater, finding a group of nurses from the Medical Ward, their uniform took shape after the blinding smoke was parted, preparing to venture into it as well, an unlikely individual stepped out beside them, with a casual stride, the typical expression Reiss was known for was not seen.
While they can be seen discussing something, trying to figure out how to approach his battered body, still wreathed in occasional sputters of emerald flames, Vaceris flew into the crater, the cool winds washed over the battered and torn flesh of the unmoving Erai, hovering at his feet, she raised him out of the hold and back out, landing near the Medical Ward staff, as he slumped over her.
His classmates rushed over, as they heard the sound of muffled sniffles, they arrive to find him in her grasp, held with a fierce grip, while she staunched the bleeding wound right above his liver, she managed to whisper a few coherent words:
"You did it…you can rest now, Erai." Feeling the light pulse run from his chest through to her palm, she pulled her hand away to find faint green wisps that looked like ghostly vines flowing from out of the wound with a strangely soothing sensation to its touch.
Her thoughts were caught in the dance of these emerald tendrils when she felt another light pulse, prompting her to lean over him, with her flushed and wet cheeks held near the tip of nose, she felt a thin cold stream of air against her.
"You're breathing, I can't believe it....your heart, I can feel it again." Stephen came up to Vaceris, helping her to let go of him as he lifted his classmate carrying him over to the nurses prepared him for the return, hoisting him and rushing towards the Arena's gated entrances.
The once impressive obelisks with ornate designs featuring heroes, knights and mages battling all manner of beasts, now stood toppled over or covered in sleet slowly melting with a growing mist creeping across the battleground.
While on the other end, the champion was hoisted into the air with celebrations slowly arising as they approached the rim of the stands.
The rain of streamers, confetti and shimmering flakes of gold and silver as the rest of the staff members descended from their seats to the field wherein upon her foot touching the barren soil, sprouted a evergreen grove covering the once-dead scape.
"Congratulations, Sir Vauntuss of House Strum, you've not just made your class proud, but the entirety of this school and your house." The Headmistress approached him surrounded by a slowly growing garden immersing her bare feet.
As she stopped just shy of the crowd that was still cheering him on. Being settled before her, Vauntuss gave the Headmistress a bow until he told him to rise.
"I know what you all must be thinking and yes, you will be receiving your prize. But for now, let us leave the Arena so that they can begin the repairs. We will all reconvene at the foot of the Assembly in an hour. For now, celebrate and enjoy your victory, Class 1A."
Her voice filled the stadium with a clear and melodious tune that invited uproarious shouts and cheers after she had spoken. Leaving just as soon as she arrived, Salazar joined her while the excited students gathered around Ulrich.
Looking upon his resolute face, Vauntuss's collected form was quickly copied by the rest of the rowdy bunch.
"Excellent work, all of you. Some of you demonstrated skills and talent above what was expected of you today and for that you have made quite the impression. Expect to hear from the Headmistress in the coming days, for today, take pride in the work you've accomplished." The students held onto each word before watching him step away, following the other educators after they took the time to congratulate Vauntuss.
Soon, the fireworks streamed the sky and the parades beyond the stands of the Arena took the liberty of beginning the festivities as everyone began their excited marches and chants towards the heart of the parades, opening the path for the victorious class embraced in the continued show gold, white and black confetti.
Even the battered Vauntuss could not hold his stern expression amidst all the pride and valor he had brought upon himself.
"It will not kill you to smile, Vauntuss?" The young princess teased after joining him at his side, hoisted upon the excitable Vetmier Raon's shoulders, doing his best not to shake with her in his hands.
"Princess Herce, I–"
"I don't want to hear it, no sulking or brooding. Knowing you, you're probably thinking about how you could have done better or that you should have been strong enough to end that fight sooner, but right now, I only want to see you having fun, even if I have to order you to do so."
"Rill, you'll make sure of it right?"
"He is welcome to accompany us to the Red Drift Games. They should be Sky Racing the Ryokin above the parade, I'm told it's quite fun." He informed the princess with his usual unassuming charm, a favored trait of the Troscian men.
"I can only imagine the view from the spectators perspective being where all the fun is had after having had our own time in the sky with those beasts." Said Vauntuss, soothing the persistent ache in his shoulder.
"Us…" Charlotte wondered with a curious look about her.
"Yes, Ms. Faireway and Ms. Fairosee of Class 1C, Ms. Winter of Class 1D, Ms. Miyuu of Class 1E claimed they enjoyed my performance in the Carnival, however short-lived it may be, and so propositioned me to accompany them and their companions."
"Well aren't you a silver tongued devil, Rill. I have yet to understand the commoners' love of your family but it seems harmless enough. Well then it's settled, Vauntuss will join you as you accompany the young ladies, all I ask is that you gentlemen behave yourselves until the prize giving ceremony."
"You know, milady, if Sir Strum is interested, he could join me and the other nobles of our Class at the after party we organized. I could also ensure that your honorable protector arrives on time."
The immense weight of her disapproving gaze warned him to remain silent,
"I think Heimrill is well equipped to do so, your services will not be required."
"If that is the case, then I understand. That being said, since you are to be without your defender, how about I accompany you through the parade?" Persistent in his desire to remain close to the princess, she found herself growing more drained by the exchange.
"If you wish, however, I have somewhere else to be before enjoying the festivities. If you are still so inclined to join me then–"
"I shall accompany you, Princess!" Raon answered without any hesitation, leaving his companions stumped but quickly sending them on their way was more than enough for the excitable nobles to get started without him.
After getting Raon to put her down, Charlotte made her way to the Medical Ward, joined by Raon questioning the reason behind her decision for this, remarking that all of their classmates had already received treatment.
His desire for understanding had him pushing against a wall of silence, until they came across Vaceris, waiting in the halls outside the Medical Ward. Despite being a member of the lowest class, Raon still honored her standing as royalty by greeting her with all the necessary honorifics.
"Herce, what's going on? Shouldn't you be at the parade…" Her low voice was interrupted by the princess's embrace, understanding her pain from the wounded look in her eye.
Letting out a sigh, before she spoke,
"It was hard enough rooting for Vauntuss and wishing for his safety, I couldn't imagine what that was like watching them both. Honestly, I may grow to despise you 'classmates' with all the suffering they seem to always put you through."
"It's not that. I'm just relieved. For a moment…during that fight, it seemed as though he really tried to hurt Vauntuss like he became another person, and all I could do was watch. Watch! Because I knew had I stepped in they would have never forgiven me."
"I wonder sometimes…if it's just as hard for them to see us in pain as it is for us. I don't want this to always be me, someone that watches the people around them hurt themselves unable to do anything about it."
Sitting on the bench in the corridor, her head hung low, as the curtain of flowing golden hair hid her solemn expression.
"Sounds like you have come to care for your classmates deeply, as have I for my own." Her words caused Vaceris to sit up and look her in the eye.
"Your words aren't simply the result of worry or frustration, you have no wish to let them down…and I believe that they all feel the same way."
"You haven't let them down. You have stood by them because that is what they have done for you, and from the looks of it." Taking a hold of her hand.
"You are on your way to doing great things."
With the sound of energetic banter echoing from the room, Charlotte was ready to take off, but before she did she left her with one last reminder,
"As far as I can tell, you are all the better for it."
"For what?"
"Saving each other, you're as much his hero as he is yours, don't you think?" She said with a sly smile that had her soft face beet-red with surprise.
Atop one of the four towers surrounding the Administrative Building of the Academy, the dark cloaks of shadowy figures fluttered with a mystery that would vanish as quickly as smoke into the air if any wandering eye caught a glimpse of them.
One moment perched on the spires to the next on the bridge leading to the Headmistress's office.
Their silent footsteps alerted none of the educators below, reaching a stain-glass window depicting the school's crest.
With a simple touch, they vanished into a brilliant spark and instantly appeared in front of a closed door. The edges of the door glowed with a mystery that was not magical in nature but still possessed a strange power.
Once the glow had disappeared, the door opened into the office of the Headmistress.
Finding her in quiet discussion with another, the pair fell silent once the presence of the shadows was felt.
Salazar, having not seen these disguised individuals in quite some time tried to engage with them but they held their tongue, only speaking once spoken to by the Headmistress.
Bowing earnestly at her approach, they quickly knelt before her, before giving their report.
Relaying details regarding the Seven Branches Church's investigations in Whitewater Port, and implying that they had previously underestimated the danger regarding the matter,
The magic formula used in Whitewater Port for the purpose of reviving the Northern Calamity was of Ageless design, though the formula involved was quite different, an observation supported by the investigations from Mort Acysis, there had been some alterations done to the initial seal implying someone else was working with Alistair, someone that wasn't a Trismegistus.
The attack on Whitewater Port began from the west, as the reports for aid came from the shipwrecked vessels all the way from the Sword Isles, implying whatever attacked them was coming from specifically around the Eastern Edge of Krehmatt.
The Nycerii forces however were all native to Melodoria, radicals and fanatics that took to the words of the Forsaken Mage, Alistair and their promise of power. The Church had ways of getting the truth out of them.
Salazar's first concern was the danger they had sent one of their students into, but he is quickly assured that Jaret is quite capable of protecting himself, but that they should still have him return so that they can strategize with the new information that they have on hand.
She gave the order for them to retrieve Jaret. The shadows left at once, vanishing in the same brilliant light that disappeared instantly in a vibrant flash.
"Until we are certain of what or who we are up against, this matter will only continue to escalate in danger. I cannot allow that to be the case, if it means endangering our students."
"Eva, if they were coming from the Eastern Lands, should we still proceed with our plans for the second term, perhaps we could find somewhere else?"
"It is a reasonable thought, however we made that choice because we need to better prepare them."
"What about their parents, or the other teachers?"
"I don't believe it'll take much to convince them."
"I…understand. It's just that we've already put them through so much with their entrance exams, and even the Configuration. Some families, powerful families, still haven't forgiven us for the decisions we took."
"We do not require their forgiveness, their secured livelihoods and ability to enjoy their peaceful lives is thanks enough. They may have their misgivings, but the show of potential those students have put on has made one thing certain, that the people of Aria are to start looking at them as what they truly are, their future protectors."
"Fret not. Come, we are needed elsewhere, the prize giving ceremony should be starting soon."
The prizes awarded to the winners of the Carnival have followed a long-standing tradition that was started with the beginning of the Academy's career. Just like how the tournament is open to the citizens of the Kingdom to show their support of the kin and to also drum up awareness and investment for the Kingdom's future protectors.
Ultimately, it's a showcase of what the Academy has done with all its resources to craft the next generation of heroes, mages and knights, and to justify future support for the Academy's students. Since a lot of infamous and noble families have their children attending Trinity Cross Academy.
As such, a tradition of getting suggestions for not only the events, but the rewards offered in the Carnival from a combination of the non-competing students, the educators of non-competing classes and the attending spectators for the competition took root.
What was decided for the 120th Carnival in the fifteen-hundred year long history of the Academy is the following,
Events
Scavenger Hunter
To retrieve a treasure chest while avoiding the dangers scattered across the chosen arena, the Tuning Lake beneath the Treble Falls of High City.
Ryokin Race
Using the reins contained in the chests to mount their respective Ryokin breeds and race across of Aria and arriving at the finishing line found on the Academy grounds.
Cross Gardens Tournament
A combat tournament between the classes that arrived first during the Ryokin Race.
Within the Auditorium, Ms. Yuria stood in the middle of the stage, while the students filled its vast hall, the bustle of intrigued and fed younglings prompted Mr. Colt to establish order within, reminding them all that the proceedings were being broadcast to the spectators outside.
Among the final few to arrive were the Headmistress and Salazar, with the former joining Ms. Yuria on the stage, though the lights above cast no glow atop her, instead she stood waiting beside the podium erected beside her.
Once all were in attendance, with the exception of the members of Class 1F, the doors were shut and the students fell silent at the command of Mr. Colt, before seating himself in the first row alongside the other educators.
"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed teachers, and our incredibly talented First-year students."
"I stand before you today, alongside our Headmistress, filled with immense pride and admiration for what we have witnessed here in the grand Auditorium of Trinity Cross Academy. The 120th Carnival has been nothing short of extraordinary, a testament to the dedication and creativity of our students."
"To see all of our First-year classes come together to participate in this event is truly heartwarming. Your enthusiasm, commitment, and the promise you have shown throughout the entire event have left us deeply impressed. It is a reflection of the vibrant spirit that defines our academy."
"And so it is only fair that the most exceptional of you are rewarded."
120th Carnival Rewards
First Place - Vauntuss Strum: Class 1A
- Studying under Sir Johanne Fiore at the Edelfrei Swordschool.
- Mystic Arc, custom-made by the Academy Warsmith.
- Stormholds Cloak.
- 100 000 uld.
Second Place - Shynerai Astrapordt: Class 1F
- Mystic Arc: Voidstalkers Harness
- 50 000 uld.
Third Place - Ren Gladiolus: Class 1B
- 25 000 uld.
"We thank you for your unwavering efforts, your determination to make this Carnival a resounding success, and your willingness to showcase your talents to the entire school community."
"I also want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated teachers, who have tirelessly mentored and guided our students, nurturing their talents and helping them shine today. Your support and hard work have not gone unnoticed, and we are immensely grateful for your contributions to our school's success."
"As we look upon this impressive spectacle, we are filled with hope and excitement for the future of Trinity Cross Academy. The creativity, passion, and unity displayed today give us every reason to believe that our institution will continue to flourish, producing generations of exceptional individuals."
"In closing, I would like to invite you all to enjoy the remaining festivities, games, and celebrations that await. Let the joy and camaraderie of this day linger as we step out into the cool embrace of the setting sun."
" Its golden light, joined by the warm glow of our Academy's lanterns, paints a picture of an evening filled with wonder and enchantment. Thank you, one and all, for making this Carnival a memorable occasion."
"Now, let the cheers and excitement echo through these halls as we disperse to revel in the magic of Trinity Cross Academy. Enjoy, everyone!"