"Engrave this lesson deep within your very soul: Never lower your guard; always assume a blade is already at your neck, this is now the path you're treading." Nuu's words resounded in the heart of his apprentices.
"I must admit, it was a good plan brat. Gu Gu Gu," Nuu's laughter jolted his apprentices from their stupor.
In a distant Archipelago, an ear-splitting cry shattered the serenity, sending shockwaves rippling through the air and reverberating across nearby buildings and islands. The force of this sound resembled a volcanic eruption, its devastating fury unleashed upon the unsuspecting city.
The Acolytes and Knights stood frozen in terror, mere witnesses to the unimaginable spectacle unfolding before their eyes: a feminine figure defying gravity, soaring into the heavens like a malevolent spirit, leaving behind a fiery trail.
Emerging from Murdock Academy's laboratory with a disheveled appearance and a contorted face of anger, a man named Kroft was greeted by Dorothea with surprise, "Haven't seen you in a while, Kroft."
"And you won't see me again for another century, so what got Yvette riled up?" Kroft inquired, his gaze fixed upon the blazing skyline.
A response came not from Dorothea, but from another nearby professor named Lester, who sneered, "What else could it be? I reckon her favorite pet got herself killed!"
"Do not jest, Lester. You should know our Creed. I doubt there's any fool that still remains daring to act against our Academy," Dorothea stated proudly.
A voice tinged with skepticism chimed in. "I highly doubt Junior Sister would go without a life-saving pendant," said Shae.
Lester simply shrugged, seemingly unbothered, and retreated to his lecture on runic crafting.
"It looks like it's time we say goodbye to another outstanding talent. So, what do you plan to do after graduation, Shae?" Kroft interjected, remembering the time when Shae was just a wet-behind-the-ear 13-year-old lass. Now she is a blossom flower ready to take the world on.
"I heard the Grotto of Shadows will open soon, so I might head there for an opportunity," the 19-year-old Shae replied, her voice filled with curiosity and ambition.
But Kroft, with a confident glint in his eye, interjected with a more intriguing proposition. "I have a better idea.
Why don't you become my Apprentice Assistance for two years, gaining experience and pocket change? Afterward, you can set a course for the Grotto of Shadows. It wouldn't be too late," he said, his beguiling smile conveying the allure of his suggestion.
The thought of staying and acquiring both experience and wealth was appealing to Shae. "Let me think about it," she replied, her mind now caught in the midst of a dilemma.
"Professor Dorethea, what seems to trouble you?" Shae inquire
"I'm just a little worried about what Lester said. If there's any truth to it, then we need to back up Yvette."
"Aah, you're thinking too much, Dorethea," Kroft said in a dismissive tone
"Maybe, you're right!"
For a moment, silence hung in the air, and Magus Yvette's absence was keenly felt. Soon, a chorus of complaints and curses spread throughout the surrounding Island that hosted over a thousand Academies.
A few Islands over, in the territory of Blood Coven, Magus Bhūta voiced her frustration, "It's always one thing or another from those Murdock bastards! For an Academy that hasn't been around for more than a few centuries, they simply lack decorum."
"Should I go over there and teach them their place!" Morant asked expectantly, only to be dismissed by Bhūta, "Worry about meeting this month's quarter." And with that, she vanished like a specter.
"Return to your lectures; there's nothing to see here," Morant ordered the curious students wandering the halls.
Excitement gleamed in his eyes as Morant turned to his colleague, Yerlin, and inquired about the rumored genius who could rival Jocelyn.
"You mean the dark elf, lad?" Yerlin replied.
"Yes, Edgar was his name. How about I take him from your care, Yerlin?"
"Don't even think about it. Besides, his aptitude doesn't even match your Curse Department," the two old friends bantered back and forth.
"What can I do? These brats nowadays aren't interested in Curses. They'd rather join the Department of Potioneering and Shadows."
Sigh.
Half an hour later, shocking news spread through Murdock Academy.
Meanwhile, deep within the remote back mountain of Hillside
The brutal image of Jocelyn impaled onto the rock caught Xena off guard, leaving her with little time to stop it.
"What in the world have you done?" Xena managed to gather her composure, but her voice trembled with a mix of horror and disbelief. She was like a tempest on the verge of breaking loose, her body crackling with electrical discharge.
Nuu, with an air of callous indifference, replied, "I merely silenced a brazen wench. If her fate burdens your conscience, I can swiftly send you on the first boat!"
Xena averted her gaze, unable to withstand the intensity of Nuu's hazel eyes that seemed to drill into her very soul, putting immense pressure on her Sea of Conscience.
Desperate to create some distance between herself and the heartless man, Xena attempted to move away, but her hope was dashed when Nuu's firm hand closed tightly around her neck.
The grip was suffocating, but not enough to kill, leaving Xena with no choice but to comply meekly, feeling like a helpless child.
'Why must fate entwine me with this loathsome soul?' Xena lamented within herself. Throughout her life, she had strived to evade the curse of encountering men like Nuu—those who exuded a strong overpowering presence.
Nuu's condescending attitude only added to her discomfort. With every belittling word he spoke, her chest tightened, and her heart raced, and even the cloak she wore seemed to tighten around her curves as if mirroring her darkest desire.
"Nec—"
Her voice and thoughts were drowned out by Nuu's own inner monologue, 'Could it be the Baron?' the idea of the foolish noble committing such a blunder seemed inconceivable.
'Unless, of course, he didn't learn his lesson.' Furthermore, from the little news he acquired, there was the matter of the Royal Succession, as Roslin no longer held any power in Durk Town with the arrival of the 4th Prince Uoe.
Once his thoughts and deductions ended, his cold gaze once more landed on these captives. In no time the information he require was given, by none other than weasel face.
The connection of the bounty led to a man called the Royal Leech, what he have a gatherer, this Royal Leech was apparently in Durk Town when he was there, so when he returned to the capital, he posted the bounty to all respected organizations, even the Academy on the Archipelago has it on their mission board.
Now, Nuu contemplated what to do with these individuals; executing them would be a wasted opportunity.
There might also be some talented individuals he could use for their land reform. After so many years he didn't doubt the area became a jungle with its own ecosystem.
"Does any among you know how to concoct potions or has an affinity for plant manipulation?" Nuu inquired
A great silence fell.
"Let me rephrase this: within ten seconds, if none of you answer, everyone here will die!" Nuu's urgency sent panic rippling through the group.
"Your Lordship," Splinter addressed with profound respect, "Acolyte Felicity seems to possess exceptional talent in plant manipulation." There was no hint of shame in his revelation, as it should be. Splinter's Aptitude stood at Grade 2, making the attainment of the Magus title an unattainable dream.
The highest peak he could hope to climb, without a fortuitous encounter, would be that of a Rank 2 Acolyte, and even that seemed immensely challenging.
In a world where the pursuit of power and recognition reigned supreme, the loss of a Grade 5 talent, like the one that had just occurred, barely left a ripple of concern.
Splinter's heart felt heavy, contemplating his own insignificance. If fate were to claim him here and now, he wondered, would anyone even care? With his laughable Grade 2 talent, it seemed he had little to lose.
But amidst these haunting thoughts, something inside him refused to surrender to despair. His instincts, honed from an early age, were rarely wrong, and they whispered to him that there was something special about this man before him
Felicity's eyes burned with hatred as she locked her gaze onto Splinter, silently seething with anger and frustration.
A glimmer of excitement illuminated Nuu's countenance. His gaze fell upon Felicity, whose copper skin radiated an exceptional attractiveness. 'She must be a native of the Outland' Nuu muse.
[In the vast expanse of Outland, a stretch of land that borders the Khan and Ordric Federation, lies the only sovereign territory bestowed upon the original natives of both Empires. This remarkable land is often referred to as the "Savages' Paradise," owing to its untamed and enigmatic nature. ]
"Well done, Weasel," Nuu praised.
"It's Splinter, Milord."
Felicity's sighed, "after all these years, it seems you still lack a backbone, and nothing has changed." Time and time again, Splinter went out of his way to undermine her.
In a tense moment, Splinter questioned, "Would having a backbone change my situation? Or have you forgotten how I helped you when you got expelled from the Academy?"
"Help? You were the main culprit behind my expulsion. Even this job we have now, everything you touch turns to shit," Felicity sneered.
Undeterred, Splinter replied, "So what? At least I think of us," he murmured, and continued, "Do you believe you would have reached this rank without my assistance? I may never become a Magus or even reach the esteemed rank of a Rank 3 Acolyte, but why shouldn't I dare to dream of a better life with you? I have never denied resources from you... If you make it, doesn't that mean I make it as well?" His words silenced Felicity momentarily.
"Then why did you do it?" Felicity whispered so only Splinter could hear.
"Are you seriously asking me? Professor Kroft was playing you! Did you really believe his promise to make you his Apprentice Assistant?"
"Why wouldn't he? I have a Grade 4 talent and an affinity for Plants, which fits perfectly into his Enchanted Fruit Department."
"The only thing you'll be an assistant to is his cock, like a dumb bitch. Do you really know why that bastard takes such prolonged rest? He harvests the 'youth' from his Apprentices, delaying his decrepit life."
"You–" Felicity was left once more speechless.
Splinter had always had the habit of digging around like a little rat, scheming and finding little holes where he could fit. It had taken a lot of Aether out of his savings to gain this information. The irritation in Splinter's voice was evident to everyone.
As for Xena, she remained silent. Of course, she knew about the old fellow's disgusting habits, but she had signed a contract that could not be violated. Xena simply couldn't disclose information or things other Professors did behind closed doors, including her own mentor Yvette.
Harold, the knight, could no longer hold his tongue. "Watch what you say about Professor Kroft," he warned.
"..."
"I'm strongly warning you now, do not continue to call Lady Felicity a bitch, or else," Harold followed up.
Bewildered, Felicity thought, 'We only shared a glass and an awkward kiss, what's gotten into him?'
Splinter snarled, "Birds of a feather truly fly together. Don't even try using her as a cover. I know all too well about your preference."
Enraged, Harold was held back by Harrison as he quickly defended his cousin. "The hell did you say, rat-faced? If my cousin says watch your words, all you need to say is, 'I understand, Sir.'
A lowly Rank 1 Acolyte shouldn't be talking about his superior. Or have you forgotten your status? A filthy street urchin born to a common whore. We're of noble blood, so choose your words wisely."
"Oh my… always playing that card, huh? Bite my ass, you entitled bitch! This street urchin made it without mommy and daddy's wealth, crawling out of the damn slump with the shirt on my back.
What have you done for yourself, besides being a sick pervert? Your sole purpose in life seems to be preying on underage girls, no wonder you will defend that sick fuck!" Splinter shot back.
"You dare say that again?" Harrison launch at Splinter, only to be kicked right to the ground by Nuu.
"I heard enough. You three idiots, don't be so engrossed in their story, what if it was all a ruse to lower your guard?" Nuu glared at his apprentices.
As the tension subsided a few minutes later, Nuu addressed Splinter, "I have a few plans that may require your assistance, Weasel. Are you willing to devote your life to House Thornbrick?"
"Of course, Milord, but it's Splinter!"
Nuu's lips twisted into a slight smile, 'Such a wonderful seed.'
"Then I welcome you, Weasel, Amin remove his restraint."
"..."
Nuu's gaze shifted from Splinter to a man standing on the far right. "And what about you?" he inquired, pointing in the man's direction.
A faint plea echoed from below, "Sir Nuu, my neck," Xena whispered, her voice barely audible.
Realizing his hand was still gripping Xena's neck
Nuu grip loosen ever so slightly, as Xena gasped for air. But her relief was short-lived.
Once again, Xena's fair neck was at his mercy.
Nuu turned his attention back to the man before him and inquired, "Name, Aptitude, and Rank?"
Reluctantly, the man responded, "I am Fabian, the illegitimate son of the late Emperor."
"Eeeh?" Nuu's surprise, along with everyone else's, was evident.
"Lord Nuu, you can just ignore him; he's talking nonsense," Tessa quickly interjected
Nuu took a brief moment to see the owner of the voice. A lithe maiden, and quite the looker.
"Fabian, is it true what you have said?" Nuu questioned a glint of curiosity in his eyes.
Fabian hesitated before continuing, "Well, Mother told me, Father lives in the Royal Palace, so he couldn't stay with us, but they occasionally meet up whenever he had time…"
The excitement drained from Nuu's face as quickly as it had appeared. He remained silent, trying to process the revelation.
"Maybe you think I'm here for jesting around."
Fabian's voice wavered under the looming threat of Nuu's blade, which was just inches from his neck.
"Hold on, wait dammit… I also have a Grade 4 Aptitude!" Fabian shouted, causing Nuu to pause.
Harrison's interruption was swift, his brow furrowing with disbelief. "That doesn't even make sense," he interjected, his voice laced with incredulity. "How can you have a Grade 4 Aptitude and only be a Rank 2?"