"Archmages, as a collective, we were wondering if it is truly fair to continue to let these challenges go on. The young boy has already proven himself to be a master in arithmancy, myalomancy, and since he defeated the gemini adepts who fight as well as four adepts, it would be safe to suggest, he may be a master chronomancer. This would mean, despite his age, he too would be an archmage. Is it fair to allow these challengers to attempt to defeat an archmage?" She waved her hand indicating the remaining seventeen challengers as the other elders nodded to the two beings.
The elder archmages listened to the concerns raised by their collective, nodding in understanding as they considered the implications of Von's exceptional abilities. After a moment of contemplation, one of the elders spoke up, her voice carrying the weight of authority.
As the elder waved indicating them, those challengers at the front of the line who were trying to subtly eavesdrop on the group of elders, quickly averted their gazes not certain if they had been caught and moved back from the group. One looked at the boy beneath the tree and the girl who had been taking the numbers and who had cast the randomizing spell on the numbers and asked, "Do you think he's really an archmage?"
"We can't beat an archmage. Maybe that's the reason he was sitting at the table with the others. They were having a discussion about magic well beyond out level of comprehension," said another.
From several places back in line, a female voice could be heard. "The boy is an archmage." The entire line became abuzz with chatter about how lucky the last two groups of challengers were. "If he wanted to, he could have killed them." The line quickly formed several small groups as they discussed what challenge they should try for and what the likelihood of beating the archmage really was.
As the archmages continued to deliberate, the atmosphere among the challengers shifted significantly. The realization that they were potentially facing an archmage dampened their enthusiasm and raised doubts about their chances of success. Without further hesitation, two chose to withdraw from the challenges altogether, unwilling to risk facing such a formidable opponent. Yet most of their number remained.
Two older women in their early thirties declared there was no way the boy could be an archmage. Yet the others had seen his abilities. He beat two gemini adept chronomancers. As apprentices, they had been beating low rank experts, and he beat them as adepts. Rank seven adepts at that. That would mean he had to have three masteries.
Meanwhile, those who remained in line exchanged nervous glances, their confidence waning in the face of the daunting prospect ahead. Yet, there were still a few determined individuals who refused to back down, their resolve bolstered by the prospect of testing their skills against an archmage.
They pondered their situation as one of the two thirty somethings, a graceful, fair-skinned white-haired woman, snarled and stated, "I have only one primary affinity and I am an expert with it. I know he and the girl have studied with Mistress Hellyne, so he may have the same one. I will see if he can beat me!"
The younger girl at the front of the line pulled out her number and handed it to the older woman. "I don't wish to risk it. I am a transformation specialist and heard over dinner, he trapped an entire class and forced them to return to their natural form at the same time. I heard he was even able to trap the nature spirit in the woods and Master Ironthrone. Even the yaksha complimented him on his power. I'm out."
Hearing these words, several others passed their numbers to those behind them causing a cascading effect leaving four people in line. The two thirty somethings and two fool-hardy boys who thought themselves invincible. The others had placed their numbered balls in the magical container and joined the spectators.
The elders finished their deliberations and turning to see there were only four challengers remaining turned back to their discussion for a few more minutes. The group decided he could face the four challengers as in his exhausted state, he was unlikely to cause significant harm.
As the four remaining challengers stood in line, their anticipation mingled with a sense of trepidation. The realization that they were among the few who dared to face an opponent rumored to be an archmage weighed heavily on their minds. Despite their bravado, there was an underlying unease that gnawed at their confidence.
Meanwhile, the elder archmages continued their discussion, their voices low as they debated the best course of action. It was clear that Von's unprecedented display of mastery had presented them with a unique challenge, one that required careful consideration.
After a few minutes of deliberation, the elders reached a decision and turned their attention back to the challengers. Alden stepped forward; his expression solemn yet resolute. Poralis brought Von to stand near the group.
The remaining challengers were called forth, the remaining four individuals standing before the elders with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. Von, though exhausted, stood resolute, his determination unwavering despite his weariness.
The elders addressed the challengers, their voices carrying with authority and wisdom. "You have all shown great courage in stepping forward to challenger this young man," one of the elders began, her tone solemn yet encouraging. "However, we must caution you, the opponent you face is no ordinary contestant. Von has proven himself to be a master in multiple fields of magic, and it is with great caution we allow these final challenges to proceed."
The two boys exchanged wary glances, realizing the magnitude of the task ahead. Despite their bravado, they couldn't ignore the weight of the elders' words or the gravity of the situation. The two women scoffed at the warning.
"We ask that you approach these challenges with humility and respect," another elder added, her voice carrying a note of solemnity. "Remember, the goal is not merely to defeat your opponent, but to learn and grow from the experience. Win or lose, each challenge offers an opportunity for personal growth and development."
With those words, the two teen boys nodded in understanding, steeling themselves for what lay ahead. Von, though fatigued, met their gaze with a sense of determination, ready to face whatever challenges awaited him. The two women laughed as they knew the boy had never faced their like.
With the stage set and the challengers prepared, the elder declared Von the winner over the gemini and declared the challengers could continue.
The white-haired woman at the front of the line looked very dexterous to Von. There was a certain grace in the way she moved. He was wondering if she was one of the physical adepts her heard about. Those healing adepts could use magic to bolster their bodies and improve their abilities as well as utilizing other affinities in combat. If so, he wondered what her other abilities might be as he could not fight a woman over four times his age in physical combat. He couldn't even beat his best friend, let alone this woman.
As he was considering this Alden used his hand to indicate the woman to Von. "This is your next challenger, Eira. Eira, this is Von. You have two minutes to decide your challenge."
As before, he sent his aura out to attempt to discern his opponent's affinities, but her shielding seemed to hold his weakened aura at bay. He struggled for nearly a minute before asking his system, can you analyze her?
Analyze please.
Age: 33 Race: Homovorus, aima Abilities: tier three adept aimamancer, tier two expert combat - claws, tier two apprentice healer, tier one apprentice agnomancer, tier four beginner illusionist, natural shapeshifter. Hit Points: 500.> What is a homovorus? And aima? Are you saying she's a vampire? Von swiftly read over her abilities again and realize, he could only challenge her in combat or blood magic. Knowing there was no way he could beat her in physical combat, he blurted out, "aimamancy." Shocked the boy recognized her affinity so quickly, she gave him a nod of respect. "Very good, I'm impressed. Have you met one of our kind before?" "No, I was guessing from your skin and the fact your blood vessels are so far from the surface," he responded. With one eyebrow raised, she eyed the boy, "Very observant. It will make your challenge a little harder for you." Saying this, she gave him a grin. The two moved to the center of the nexus standing a dozen paces from the other. Once both had turned to watch the ancient tortoise, he raised then lowered his arm. "Begin!" Von bit his lip allowing just enough blood to come out to begin a sanguine shield as he had done when facing Hellyne while Eira created a mass of darts from blood in an attempt to pierce his skin. Each dart was deflected harmlessly away from his shield but before they could be retrieved, Von reached out and drew the essence from them and pulled it into his aura and body with the use of hemalurgy. A wave of bliss passed through him as the immense power of a vampire flooded through him removing all exhaustion and providing strength at the same time. Drawing on his newfound strength, Von focused his mind, preparing to counterattack. With a swift motion, he extended his hand towards Eira, channeling the energy he had absorbed from her attacks. A burst of crimson energy erupted from his fingertips, manifesting as tendrils of blood magic that surged towards his opponent. Eira, caught off guard by Von's sudden counterattack, hastily erected a barrier of her own blood magic to deflect his assault. However, Von's mastery over hemalurgy allowed him to bypass her defenses, the tendrils of energy snaking through the gaps in her shield and striking her directly. Despite her best efforts to resist, Eira felt her strength waning as Von's blood magic sapped her vitality. With each passing moment, the crimson tendrils tightened their grip, draining her energy and weakening her resolve. Realizing that she was quickly being overpowered, Eira made a desperate attempt to retaliate, unleashing a barrage of blood magic in a last-ditch effort to turn the tide of the battle. However, Von, fueled by the power he had absorbed, easily countered her attacks, absorbing them into himself with ease. Each blood-based attack she made only added to his strength. With a surge of determination, Von unleashed a concentrated burst of blood magic, directed straight towards Eira. The powerful onslaught overwhelmed her weakened defenses, enveloping her in a torrent of crimson energy and finally piercing her skin to the vessels far below. As she began a healing weave, he drew out her blood as fast as her heart could pump it while throwing additional darts of her own blood into her neck and legs providing additional locations for him to draw strength from the vampire. With a gasp of defeat, Eira collapsed to the ground, her blood drained and her body battered. Von stood victorious, now many times stronger than he had ever been due to his mastery of aimamancy and the power of her own blood. The other woman in the line leapt forward throwing a fireball and blood spikes at Von as she rushed to Eira's side. "I will kill you!" She made a slice into her wrist dropping several drops of blood while throwing attack after attack at Von. Against her blood magic he was impervious as each attack only served to make him stronger against the various elemental attacks, he created an elemental shield between them to prevent anything from getting through. The elders moved forward starting weaves of their own to subdue the woman. In a fit of anger, she transformed into a menacing creature seven feet high covered in tight black skin with menacing claws. As the elders unleashed their spells against the creature, they seemed to have little effect against this new form. Poralis stepped closer as he froze time around the woman causing the threat to stop in its tracks. A half-elven mage with golden hair ran forward out of the crowd and concentrated a globe of near blinding light to surround the ebony-skinned beast. Poralis released the time bubble and the beast tried to shy away from all sides of the luminous globe surrounding it while howling in agony. The beast again returned to its human-like form who did her best of cover herself with a ball of stone. Poralis turned to the half-elf. "Thank you, Ferandor. I am thankful you were watching." Ferandor just laughed. "I can't let him die, I haven't had my turn to instruct him yet." Alden called out to Hellyne asking, "Are those two your students?" "Not mine. I have eight pupils at the moment, and neither of those two are among their number." Three of the elders began searching the original challenger for any indication she belonged. Finding none, they asked the now assembled instructors if any of them recognized the two women. With all of them looking puzzled, the diaphanous woman of the forest walked into the nexus to examine the women. She declared in a very sensual whisper which was somehow heard by everyone, "these are those who broke through the barrier as we shifted through time. They were already in the time at the location when the town moved. As I'm sure Hellyne can attest, they are demon blooded and an enemy to all." Reaching through the ball of light and shattering the elemental shield, she looked to Ferandor, "if you would, please." The half-elf increased the brightness of the sphere until the heat turned the body to ash. He then moved to the second woman repeating the process. "Thank you, Myra." The woman floated over to Von and ruffled his hair. "You continue to show your value." The yaksha then disappeared from even his magical sight. The crowd watched in a mix of shock and awe as the situation unfolded before them. The sudden violence and ferocity of the attack had caught everyone off guard, and now, with the threat neutralized, they breathed a collective sigh of relief. Von, still reeling from the intensity of the confrontation, stood frozen in place, his mind racing to process the events that had just transpired. The revelation that his attackers were demon-blooded enemies sent a shiver down his spine, reminding him of the dangers that lurked in the shadows of the world. As the ashes of the assailants drifted away on the gentle breeze, the tension in the air began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of somber reflection. The elders conferred amongst themselves, discussing the implications of the incident and what steps needed to be taken to prevent such occurrences in the future. Meanwhile, Von's friends and supporters gathered around him, offering words of encouragement and support. Monica, in particular, stood by his side, her unwavering presence serving as a source of comfort in the aftermath of the chaos. With the immediate threat dealt with, the focus now shifted back to Von and his upcoming challenges. Despite the harrowing ordeal he had just faced, there was a newfound determination in his eyes, a resolve to overcome whatever obstacles stood in his path.