A sudden, piercing noise echoed in Kendell's ears. It was a buzzing sound that seemed to resonate directly in his mind, growing more intense as they walked.
"What's that noise?" Kendell muttered, wincing slightly.
Celia and Coli exchanged puzzled glances. "What noise?" Coli asked, looking around. "I don't hear anything unusual."
Kendell paused, realizing the sound was not audible to others. It felt as though it was beckoning him, pulling him in a specific direction. "I... I think I need to check something. Go ahead without me," he said, a sense of urgency in his voice.
Concerned but respecting his privacy, Celia and Coli nodded and continued on, leaving Kendell to follow the mysterious summons.
The buzzing led Kendell through the winding corridors of Tilanaz, each step intensifying the sound until he stood before the Vice Headmaster's office. Taking a deep breath, he knocked and entered.
Vice Headmaster Jania looked up, her expression shifting from surprise to a sly grin. "Ah, Kendell, I was expecting you, though not so soon."
Kendell, still confused about the noise, began, "Vice Headmaster, there's this buzzing in my head leading me here. Do you know anything about it?"
Her grin only grew larger, "Why of course! I'm the one causing it after all." With a snap of her fingers the buzzing left Kendell's brain and he collapsed in relief.
"Now I want you to show me the tattoo I gave you when you first walked in, it's time you learned what it does…" She grabbed his hand and showed the intricate pattern on his skin, "Didn't you wonder why no one asked you about having a ritual tattoo as a first year?"
'Wow I didn't even think of that, it would've caused a lot of questions why didn't they?' his eyes narrowed, "I hadn't considered it before but you make a good point, can others not see it?"
The Vice-Headmaster beamed at him and nodded at his perceptive comment, "Precisely! This is the new type of tattoo I was trying to create, one where only those who created or have the tattoo can see it. Do you understand what advantages this has?"
As she gazed at him with an expecting glare Kendell's wheels began to spin, 'Hmmm based off any games I have played before the only advantage to having your magic hidden would be… ah ha!'- "my enemies wouldn't know what I am casting!" he blurted out midthought.
"Hahaha as expected you are in fact quite sharp, yes that is the greatest benefit- especially going into the second year games. Your upper body must be exposed when fighting to show what spells you are using to you opponent, however they will never see this one coming… go ahead and give it a shot for me."
Kendell blanked and stared at her in confusion, "I have no idea how to cast a ritual I just saw my first one performed today!"
Jania rolled her eyes at the first years inexperience, "Just focus on the tattoo and urge the energy you feel around you to flow into the tattoo and as you feel it come to life push with your spirit. I know that's a lot especially for a first timer, but I embued that tattoo into you knowing this so it will pull energy easier and will flow with minimal ritual spirit flow. Just give it a try."
Kendell sighed and closed his eyes, 'Worth a shot at least' He began to focus on the tattoo on his hand and try and pull all the energy around into it, as he felt the flow around him strengthen he tried to trace the symbol on his hand and push the energy through its intricate weaving. As he opened his eyes a black glow enveloped his hands and a small black ball was formed in front of him. Janis's eyes went wide with panic.
"Stop stop! Pull that energy back and let it go, what else do you have on you? The spell show don't react to anything since you are devoid of tattoos!"
Kendell did as he was asked and sheepishly looked down, knowing he had that third year spell on his back. It felt like his secret had already been revealed, what was going to happen to him he just began finding his place in this world!
Jania's eyes narrowed, "Show me your tattoos. All of them."
Hesitantly, Kendell revealed the Shadow Gate tattoo he had synced with earlier. Jania's eyes widened in realization. "I see you've already discovered one of the academy's hidden circles. Who gave that tattoo to you," she said, her tone turning serious.
She shook her head, "Ok ok before you explain, this tattoo," Jania revealed as she picked up his hand, "is a prototype, my latest creation. It's designed to release a concentrated space of energy based upon your natural magical abilities as well as those imprinted onto you. The goal is to grant you energy of your specific affiliation and be able to wield it based on your situation, it's power does not come from its strength but it's utility. You should be able to form shields, attacks, and other forms with this energy which will all get stronger the more you grow. Unfortunately it seems to have a synchronizing effect with other magical entities, like the Shadow Gate. You would be targeted right away as a demonic summoner if this energy was felt by other magic users so until you learn to separate the Shadow Gates energy and pure ritual energy do not show this to others."
Kendell absorbed her words, the reality of his situation sinking in. Jania, noticing his concern, reassured him, "Don't worry, I'll help you mask it. But tell me, how did you come by the Shadow Gate tattoo so early?"
Kendell hesitated, then recounted a harrowing story. He made a tale of how his father, in an effort to help him get into the elite force like him, imprinted this tattoo on him before he left for the academy. He was told that when the time came having this on him would give him a distinct advantage. He acted helpless, pleading to the Vice-Headmaster not to reveal his secret not only for him, but for his fathers who's honor would
be ruined by this new breaking to the public. Jania listened intently, nodding as he spoke.
After he finished, Jania took a moment, then spoke softly, "Kendell, you have a rare gift. But you must be cautious. Luckily for you we already have a deal involving secrecy but I would not show this to another soul. I am helping you out to greatly now for our previous deal so let me think of terms that benefit me more and I will get back to you on how you can buy my silence… for now however," she moved her hand over the Shadow Gate tattoo, muttering an incantation. The tattoo shimmered briefly, its visibility fading. "There, it's masked for now. But be careful, and come to me if you need anything- the buzzing will call you again when I decide the fate of our deal."
Kendell nodded, a mix of gratitude, awe, and terror in his heart. "Thank you, Vice Headmaster. I'll be careful."
As he left her office, the buzzing in his head had ceased. Kendell felt a newfound respect for the Vice Headmaster and an even deeper fear as to what these magic freaks were capable of.