[1]
"Didn't you go too hard on Tsuki?" I asked, glancing at Kerfern as we both ran toward her."..." Kerfern's pride kept him silent. He knew Tsuki Ernie had intentionally lost their practice match, despite her superior skills. They had no duo to train with, so they fought each other to prepare for the upcoming Inter-Academy Mage Tournament. Now, they followed the trail of smoke from Tsuki's explosive retreat, her tears reflecting her pain from Kerfern Karshatsuha's unintended aggression.
"Huff-huff, just how far did she go with those explosions? Damn it, even after our match, she showed no sign of exhaustion."
"Of course, because a fight with me is nothing more than a warm-up for her," Kerfern replied, his tone bitter as if I had poured oil on the fire.
[2]
"Here, the trail ends. What is this place?"
Before us lay an abandoned swimming pool, overtaken by nature. Moss and grass sprouted from the cracks in the empty basin, evidence of its long neglect. Amid the desolation stood Tsuki, crying, blending into the forgotten landscape.
I nudged Kerfern with my elbow, urging him to make amends. He leaped into the deep, vast pool and walked towards Tsuki, who hid her face in her hands. I followed once he reached her. Imeki, who couldn't run as fast, caught up with us, having insisted earlier that we go ahead without her.
"My bad, Tsuki. I'm weak, and I couldn't accept it," Kerfern confessed, his voice heavy with regret as she was just thinking of not harming Kerfern during battle.
Tsuki shook her head, still trembling.
"Well, if you don't mind, do you still want to be my duo?" he asked.
She wiped her tears, her voice quivering. "I'm afraid of my magic."
"Afraid of magic?" Arnes echoed, surprised by her admission.
She paused, then continued. "I killed my own parents with my explosion. I didn't know how to control it back then. I was nine back then when I discovered my explosive magic. I wanted to show off a small explosion to my parents, but I lost control and blew up the entire house. I was the only one who survived. I've been suffering from this magic ever since."
We listened in silence, her words revealing a side of Tsuki we had never seen—a cheerful girl masking deep pain.
"...Even today, when I used explosion magic in the ring, I accidentally infused too much mana. For the first time, someone blocked it... but I didn't want to hurt my friends. That's why I lost intentionally. I'm sorry... I can't be your duo, Kerfern. And Arnes, let's pretend we don't know each other... I'll miss you too, Imeki." Tsuki's drop rolled down with a *tip* on the swimming tile.
Kerfern slapped her. "Huh?... Kerfern... what's with that slap, bastard!" I moved to punch him, but he blocked me effortlessly and ignored my rant.
"Tsuki, you're foolish. Remember, I managed to defend against your explosions. Arnes and Imeki blocked them too is what I have heard from you. Your friends aren't weak. Use your magic; I will defend myself without a scratch. So, I want you to show your real magic. Thanks for caring about me, but I'll keep asking you to be my duo. Otherwise, I won't participate in the tournament."
I handed Tsuki my handkerchief. "You may be scared of your magic, but we aren't." I feel the same about my necromancy—it brought misfortune into my life, just like your magic did for you.
Arnes could relate himself on her. His feeling a deep kinship with Tsuki, couldn't speak much, hating himself for his own weakness.
"I wish magic never existed," Arnes thought, biting his lips to snap out of his thoughts.
"Tsuki, remember when we first met? You noticed I was holding back, right?" She nodded to my words.
"Yes, you were powerful, but that's not what I meant--" she began to speak.
Arnes interrupted. "So shut up and participate in the tournament with Kerf. I swear, Imeki and I will rank in the top 10. Fight me with your true strength during the tournament. There's only one winner, and we will face each other at least in the quarter-finals. You can't kill me I guarantee you."
[3]
Our friendship and trust solidified in that moment. Imeki, usually expressionless, grinned—a rare sight. She stepped forward, pointing at me. I felt a sudden bloodlust from her, like from reminiscent of Urn Berthold's tournament. Arnes, sensing danger, drew his hidden dagger. Kerf and Tsuki prepared their magic.
"Stop, I am the real Imeki. I won't harm anyone, especially my master. Come near me, master," she ordered, a shocking act of defiance for a puppet.
"Who are you?" we three asked in unison, still on guard.
"I am Imeki. I regret deceiving you, master, but I've had enough of hiding my true self."
"How can we trust you?....you aren't the real Imeki..." Tsuki demanded.
Imeki explained her act was to conceal her power, but now she decided to reveal her true self.
Kerfern and I remained wary.
"Prove it," I challenged. "Show your real magic." Arnes thought she would create magic circles mid air like before which was already powerful enough for her real strength, but little did he knew she was actually hiding her real strength.
Imeki nodded. "Sure, master. But come near me as we proceed to our pact evolution."
"Pact evolution? What's that nonsense?" I stepped forward.
*Gushung*
"Huh?" I gasped as Imeki's sword, summoned from thin air, stabbed directly towards my stomach ripping my flesh. It was a fatal blow, leaving Kerfern and Tsuki in shock.
"Is this the end for me?" I thought. "Cursed necromancy, betrayed by my own puppet."
To Be Continued...
Note from Author - Inter-Academy Mage tournament arc is coming soon, trust me it will be banger. Thanks for continuing and reaching chapter 11 [*] you have received the checkpoint headpats hehe. The MC will unleash his real power in the upcoming tournament arc, and more depth will be added to his past during his prison days and the unknown master. Also, don't forget about the crimson-haired, body-controlling girl, she will make her presence.