Kendell stood in the library, heart pounding, as the spectral form of Azmoth materialized before him. Azmoth's presence was chilling, his figure emanating an aura of malevolence. Towering over Kendell, Azmoth was cloaked in shadows, his form shifting and undulating like smoke. His eyes glowed a deep, blood-red, piercing through the dim light of the library. Twisted horns curled from his temples, adding to his menacing appearance.
Azmoth's face, though partially obscured by the dark mist that surrounded him, bore an expression of wicked delight. His grin revealed sharp, jagged teeth, creating a stark contrast against his dark, ethereal form. His hands, long and bony, ended in claw-like fingers that flickered in and out of visibility, enhancing the sense of otherworldly power he exuded.
As Azmoth stared down at Kendell, his voice, echoing in Kendell's mind, was a mix of charm and danger, "With this much energy, I can cast an illusion on those pursuing you to make it as if you do not exist. Would you like me to do so?", a sinister grin stretching across his ethereal face.
"Yes," Kendell mentally responded, desperation clear in his thoughts.
Azmoth's grin widened as both he and the jaws vanished into thin air, leaving Kendell alone in the aisle. The sounds of the security guards and librarian grew louder till they were right next to him, but their shouts were filled with confusion as they tried to locate him. Kendell held his breath but they seemed completely oblivious to his existence!
Seizing the moment, Kendell raced down the stairs, his heart racing. The library's first floor was still bustling with students, none of whom paid him any attention. He walked out of the library as casually as he could, trying to mask the turmoil churning within him.
Once outside in the hallway, a wave of exhaustion hit Kendell like a freight train. His vision blurred, his legs gave way, and he collapsed to the floor, consciousness slipping away as a pair of jaws opened above him and sucked out all remaining energy that he had...
Kendell's eyes fluttered open, greeted by the familiar yet imposing interior of Vice Headmaster Jania's office. Confused and disoriented, he tried to sit up, only to find his body weak and unresponsive.
"Ah, you're awake," Jania's voice, tinged with both concern and sternness, filled the room. "Care to explain why you were out so late, Mr. Hecrule?"
Kendell's mind raced as he tried to piece together a response. "I... I was just studying in the library," he managed, his voice weak.
Jania raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. "Studying, you say? Our records show you triggered a security ward on the second floor – a place you shouldn't have been at all. What were you really doing, Kendell?"
Kendell hesitated, aware that any lie might worsen his situation. He decided to tell a partial truth. "I was looking for advanced materials on Devil Contracting," he admitted, avoiding any mention of Azmoth or the illegal ritual tattoo.
Jania sighed, her expression softening slightly. "Kendell, you have great potential, but reckless actions like these put your future at the academy at risk. You must understand that rules are in place for a reason."
"I understand, Vice Headmaster," Kendell replied, feeling a mix of relief and guilt.
Jania stood up, walking over to Kendell. "I'll overlook this incident, but consider this your one and only warning. Stick to your curriculum and avoid such risks. You're already in a unique position with our earlier agreement, don't push it."
Kendell nodded, grateful for her leniency. "Thank you, Vice Headmaster. It won't happen again."
"As for your current state," Jania continued, her tone shifting to one of concern, "using a devil's power, especially one you're not yet equipped to handle, can drain you significantly. Rest up and take better care of yourself."
Kendell felt a pang of fear at her words. The consequences of his actions were more serious than he had realized. Jania gave him a small vial. "Drink this; it will help restore some of your strength."
Kendell accepted the vial, drinking its contents. A warm sensation spread through his body, revitalizing him slightly.
"You may go back to your dormitory. And Kendell," Jania added, "be more cautious. Power always comes with a price when you play with devils, and that includes me. I will be adding more to our deal thanks to your thoughtlessness."
Her eyes then lit up and she looked at Kendell, "Have you heard of the duels we host here at the academy? It's different from those at the Rally, but the concept is the same." Kendell just shook his head, too exhausted to speak.
"Oh well in that case I will tell you, we host duels twice a year for the pupils of each professor. Typically the professors will take a student of each year under their wing and guide them, and this friendly competition is mostly for bragging rights- however, to keep the students trying their best they win one favor from the faculty if they win. Including special trips to higher levels of the library..."
She looked at him expectantly as his eyes lit up at the opportunity to imprint higher level rituals, "Kekeke I thought as much, that offer seems intriguing to you. In that case, you will come out as my pupil much sooner than the rally. In four months the winter duel tournament will be held, and I am expecting you to get first place. Should you fail, then this little incident might come to light and you will be expelled, and as such if you try and mention how we met to anyone it will seem like petty revenge."
As Kendell heard this he grinned, causing him to double over in pain. 'The pain is worth it, this tournament will let me see other student styles and test out the capabilities of my new rituals! And my record will be wiped clean, I couldn't have asked for a better opportunity!'
He looked up at her and smiled, "Agreed."