Despite still feeling drained, Thain's words made Von smile. He would absolutely love to know how he was able to turn the demon into a giant fish, even more so since it was so effective. Everything he threw at it including dropping it into an incredibly deep hole failed to stop it. Slow it down, yes; stop it, no. Von wasn't prepared at all to fight a demon on his own.
With the immediate threat now passed, the group, including Von, made their way back to the infirmary for a thorough examination. Fortunately, the assessment revealed that Von was in good health, with only his magical energies depleted from the intense battle with the ice demon. Relieved by the news, the group decided to head to the refectory to replenish their strength with some restorative foods.
In the welcoming surroundings of the refectory, they enjoyed a well-deserved respite. The atmosphere was filled with a mix of relief and camaraderie as they shared a meal, discussing the events that had transpired within the enchanted cavern. Von, grateful for the support of his companions, reflected on the challenges faced and the importance of teamwork in overcoming formidable adversaries.
Amidst the savoring of nourishing food in the refectory, a subtle undercurrent of envy rippled through several students. The sight of the two youngsters, treated as equals by the deans and council members of the academy, sparked a twinge of jealousy among their peers. Little did these envious onlookers know that one of the two had faced not one, but two demons on his own, destroying one, and keeping the other at bay long enough for these same elders to defeat the creature.
Unaware of Von's solo confrontation with the ice demon and the previous challenges he had overcome, the envious students speculated about the reasons behind the special treatment accorded to the duo. The perceived favoritism fueled a mix of curiosity and resentment, creating an atmosphere of intrigue within the refectory.
The murmurings and speculations about Von's recent experiences continued to circulate within the academy. A curious apprentice healer shared a tidbit of information, mentioning that the young boy had been in the infirmary overnight a few days ago due to some form of attack. Furthermore, rumors circulated that he had absorbed some sort of focus, though the specifics remained unknown to the girl who relayed the information.
Among the students, opinions diverged. Some dismissed the details as rubbish, skeptical of the significance of Von's experiences. These individuals considered challenging him, thinking he was more like just a wealthy student receiving special treatment due to his having money, thus his association with the elders at the table.
As the whispers and conjectures permeated the refectory, the atmosphere remained charged with curiosity and intrigue. The complexities of Von's background and the mysteries surrounding his recent challenges added an additional layer of complexity to the already dynamic social landscape of the academy.
Within the refectory, a web of intrigue and gossip unfolded, with various students holding different pieces of information about Von's capabilities and achievements. Notably, the students from the choromancy school chose to remain silent. They were aware of Von's impressive feat in passing the journeyman test with exceptional speed, leaving even their Archmage Alendoria impressed with the boy's talent for spatial magics. Secretly though, many of them hoped one of the jealous elementalists would be foolish enough to challenge him, knowing the potential consequences.
At a distant table, in the geomancy end of the elemental table, Daegel discreetly shared with his companions the knowledge of Von's chronomancy focus and the fact he personally witnessed the boy absorb a geomancy focus. This revelation quelled the hostility within his group, but it only fueled the curiosity of others who lacked this critical information. The question of whether Von truly deserved the attention of the elders lingered in the minds of many students.
Meanwhile, Sam, the handsome redheaded boy from the Temporal Spire, traversed the dining area, absorbing the growing jealousy directed at Von. He entertained the idea of instigating a challenge against the boy who embarrassed him but hesitated, recognizing the boy's potential based on his firsthand observation of Von's weaving prowess.
As Sam joined Cat and others from his class, he overheard the tense conversation between Cat and an older student. Cat, warning against challenging Von, emphasizing it would not turn out in the older girl's favor. The older student, expressing disdain with a snort, believed Von to be too young to be worthy of associating with the academy's elders. Additionally, she found the idea of testing the boy's mettle intriguing, relishing the opportunity to put him in his place.
Seizing the moment, the journeyman chronomancer and several others walked to stand near the elders. Almost simultaneously, several challenges were issued, each fueled by jealousy and a desire to test Von's magical abilities.
The girl, Felicia Becker, proclaimed, "I, Felicia Becker, hereby challenge the boy in a contest of magic." Raymond Terrot followed suit, stating, "I, Raymond Terrot, challenge the boy there to magical combat." Kashmel Dominick chimed in, "I, Kashmel Dominick, wish to challenge the young magician as well."
More names and challenges echoed through the dining area as the jealous students sought to assert their superiority and test Von's abilities. The air crackled with anticipation, and the elders observed with a mix of interest and concern as the challenges unfolded.
Von, while inclined towards combat but still feeling the effects of the recent ordeal, initially contemplated turning down these challenges. Firstly, he needed to recharge his magical batteries, and secondly, after his struggle today, he harbored doubts about facing a horde of challengers. Before he could voice his decision, Thain intervened with a mischievous grin.
"Von, here will accept all challenges by those in the immediate area," Thain announced, "however, he will need to sleep for the night. Tomorrow, at the nexus, at an hour before midday he will begin the challenges. The instructors here will act as witnesses and ensure no deaths occur. Now, all challengers, please form a queue and sign your name on the parchment below."
Thain's declaration sparked a mixture of reactions among the challengers. Some looked pleased with the opportunity to face Von in the magical contests, while others exchanged uncertain glances since the crazy master of transformation accepted on the boy's behalf. Von, while feeling a sense of relief at the prospect of some rest, felt concerned knowing a series of challenging magical contests awaited him on the morrow.
A wave of excitement swept through those in attendance as Master Thain accepted all challenges for the boy named "Von." This unprecedented event sparked speculation and rumors among the students, who couldn't believe that anyone, especially a novice, would be able to handle multiple duels in a row.
Word spread quickly, with discussions about how many challenges Von could endure and whether he would end up in the infirmary after facing a journeyman. Bets were placed on these speculations, seeking to capitalize on the impending challenges.
Thain, overhearing talk of bets, approached to see the current odds and terms. Considering the training he planned to give Von in the morning, Thain placed a bet himself. To further prepare, he requested a drop of Von's blood to examine for affinities. Von, willing to comply, provided a drop, which Thain examined closely. The dwarf walked through the crowd disappearing from view., and once students stopped signing the parchment, it hovered in the air before flying around the grand hall. More students raised their hands and signed as the paper made three patterns through the building. It then split into several identical pieces, with the original flying to the ancient tortoise archmage while the others dispersed to various locations within and outside the academy's buildings.
With the bans posted, students gathered to read who would challenge the seemingly unassuming boy. Those in the know speculated that if the challenges progressed from weakest to strongest, Von might be able to hold his own for a dozen or more battles.
As the buzz of the challenges continued to circulate, Von seized the opportunity to bid his good evenings and teleported himself and Monica back to the Flooded Haven for a well-deserved night's rest. The academy, now abuzz with anticipation, awaited the unfolding magical contests that would take place at the nexus on the morrow.
After the events at the academy and the looming challenges awaiting him, Von decided to indulge in a luxurious and hot bath. The warm water provided a soothing sensation, helping him to relax and unwind. Despite the comforting ambiance, he couldn't shake off the lingering anxiety about the upcoming magical contests.
As Von prepared for bed, the weight of anticipation lingered in his mind, making it challenging for him to easily drift into sleep. Despite the relaxing bath, it took him nearly an hour to overcome the restlessness and finally fall into a deep slumber. Dreams, filled with magical weaves and the echoes of the demonic attack in the cavern of darkness, played out in his subconscious as the night unfolded. The prospect of the challenges ahead left him worried. The fact he had additional lessons with Thain which would begin the day by using his magical power added to his worries of tomorrow. What would tomorrow bring. These thoughts ran rampant through his dreams.