Chapter 38: Arcane Conquest
The late afternoon sun filtered through the thick canopy of trees that lined the outskirts of Elysium Academy. The sprawling courtyard was alive with murmurs of curiosity and anticipation as the students gathered. Argus stood among his fellow nobles, his sharp gaze drifting over the rows of students grouped by dorm—each dorm separated from the others, their collective nerves visible in the way they clung together.
Towering ancient trees surrounded the gathering, their branches seeming to stretch endlessly skyward. The air felt charged with potential, a subtle reminder of the academy's purpose—to forge these young, untrained talents into something far more dangerous. Stone statues of mythical creatures and powerful warriors lined the courtyard's edges, watching over the students like silent sentinels.
Argus, Valerie, and Elara stood together in the Noble Dorm section, watching as the other dorms trickled in—Commoners, Knights, and the Holy Dorm. Argus felt the curious glances from the other students, but none held his attention longer than Thalor, who stood tall and rigid among the Commoners, a smug smirk plastered on his face.
Valerie stretched her arms above her head, her fiery red hair catching the sunlight as she glanced around. "Well, this looks... important," she muttered.
Argus gave a small nod, his mind focused more on what this gathering might reveal. He had met the headmistress earlier, and her words lingered in his thoughts, but now was not the time to dwell on them. Whatever was about to unfold here, it would serve as an introduction to the academy's ways.
Before anyone could speculate further, a figure emerged from the shadows of the trees. Yara Thornwind, the academy's strategy instructor, stepped into the courtyard, her piercing violet eyes scanning the crowd. Her long, dark purple hair flowed down her back like a waterfall, her robes tailored with sharp edges that spoke of discipline and control. She moved with the grace of a seasoned tactician, each step measured, each glance calculated.
"Students," Yara began, her voice carrying effortlessly over the growing silence. "Since classes begin tomorrow, I was kind enough to fill your day with a challenge to keep you occupied." Her lips curled into a faint smile, one that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Unfortunately, I'm not allowed to have you engage in real combat yet. For now, you will compete in a game of strategy—Arcane Conquest."
There was a ripple of murmurs as Yara's words sank in. The students exchanged glances, some excited, others confused. Argus raised an eyebrow but remained silent. A strategy game. This would test them in ways far beyond physical combat.
Yara continued, her tone shifting slightly, carrying both warning and amusement. "This is not just a simple competition. It's your introduction to what life at Elysium Academy will be like. Some of you come from noble families, others from more humble backgrounds—knights, priests, and priestesses. But here, none of that will matter. What will define you is how you rise to challenges."
Argus felt the weight of her words settle over the crowd. It was clear Yara intended to see how they performed under pressure. No one knew what this "Arcane Conquest" entailed, but the students' fates were bound by it now.
Beside him, Elara remained composed, her silver hair glinting in the sunlight. "Strategy, then," she whispered. "This will be... different."
Valerie crossed her arms, a small smirk forming on her lips. "No hitting involved, huh? Guess I'll have to behave." Despite her playful tone, Argus could sense her anticipation.
Yara stepped forward, her hands clasped behind her back as she addressed the students again. "This game will test your coordination, quick thinking, and ability to work as a team. It is not a test of brute strength or raw power, but of your minds."
As she spoke, a shimmering projection appeared in the center of the courtyard. The image shifted and morphed into a vast battlefield—a grand chessboard, but unlike any Argus had ever seen. Towering figures—knights, archers, mages, and beasts—stood as lifelike pieces, their ethereal forms flickering in and out of existence.
Each dorm would control their own set of pieces, with students standing as commanders behind them.
Yara smiled slightly, seeing the awe in the students' faces. "You will work together to claim victory, not with your fists, but with your tactics. Each dorm will have a King, a Queen, and commanders who control the various pieces—knights, archers, and more."
There was a murmur of excitement among the students. Argus glanced at the others in the Noble Dorm, noting the flicker of competitiveness in their eyes.
Yara's voice drew their attention back to her as she addressed the groups again. "The Noble Dorm will face the Knight Dorm first. The Commoner Dorm will face the Holy Dorm."
Argus felt several eyes turning toward him. As the top seat, not just of the Noble Dorm but the academy itself, it was expected that he would be King for his dorm. His calm demeanor reflected his confidence—leading was second nature to him.
As Argus moved to take his place at the head of the group, murmurs began to ripple through the nobles.
Valerie stretched her arms, her fiery hair catching the sunlight. "So, who's gonna be Queen? Not me. I'd rather be on the frontlines, smashing pieces."
Elara, ever composed, glanced at Argus with calm silver eyes, though there was a quiet spark of anticipation. She spoke softly, yet with purpose, "The Queen needs more than brute strength. It's about strategy and foresight."
Nerissa stepped forward, her golden eyes narrowing slightly. Her draconic tail flicked behind her, a subtle indication of her rising tension. "The Queen should be the strongest. Someone who's not afraid to take charge and lead from the front."
Her wings gave a slight twitch, betraying her otherwise stoic expression. She rarely showed emotion, but the way her tail coiled told Argus enough—Nerissa wasn't backing down without a fight.
Before any real argument could escalate, Lysandra's smooth voice cut in, as she stepped forward with her unnerving grace. "Strength alone won't win this game, Nerissa," she purred, her red lips curling into a smile. "The Queen must also be cunning, able to anticipate moves... like a player guiding the pieces." Her crimson eyes flicked toward Argus, their playful glint hiding deeper motives. "It's more than just brute force. You need someone who can see the whole board."
The tension between them was palpable now—Nerissa, with her draconic pride, wasn't one to let a challenge go unanswered. Her tail swayed, and the slightest twitch of her wings betrayed her frustration. She turned her sharp gaze toward Lysandra, eyes gleaming with resolve. "Cunning is worthless without strength to back it up. Someone needs to be able to fight when the time comes."
Lysandra, in contrast, remained perfectly poised, her smile widening ever so slightly as she tilted her head. "True," she conceded, her tone laced with mock agreement. "But it's those with both strength and wit that come out on top, don't you think?"
Argus sighed internally, observing the rising tension between Nerissa and Lysandra. It wasn't explosive yet, but he knew where this was heading. Managing difficult personalities was something he had plenty of experience with, thanks to his mother's possessive and often overwhelming presence. Diffusing tense situations came naturally to him by now.
Stepping in before it could escalate further, Argus raised a hand, his voice calm and authoritative, yet with a playful undercurrent that made it hard for anyone to argue. "We need both, and Elara is the best choice for Queen."
His decision was delivered with quiet confidence, cutting through the tension. Nerissa's tail gave another flick, her frown deepening, but she held back from protesting further.
Argus turned toward her, his voice more relaxed, almost playful. "And about your challenge, Nerissa—I haven't forgotten. We'll settle that tonight, after the competition."
Nerissa's golden eyes met his, her wings twitching slightly. She was silent for a moment, her gaze narrowing just enough to show she wasn't entirely appeased. But then, with a curt nod, she relented. "Fine," she muttered, though her tail still swayed with barely-contained energy.
Lysandra, who had been watching the exchange with amused interest, turned her attention fully to Argus, her expression shifting from subtle defiance to something far more playful. "And where do I fit in this plan of yours, Argus?" she asked, her voice a teasing lilt. "Surely, I'm not just another piece on the board?"
Argus gave her a small smile, catching the mischievous gleam in her eyes. "You'll be on the frontlines, Lysandra. We need someone with sharp instincts, and I know you'll enjoy toying with the other side."
Lysandra raised an eyebrow, a faux-innocent look crossing her face. "Toying with them? What ever do you mean, Argus?" she asked, her voice dripping with mock innocence, as if she had no idea what he was suggesting.
Argus smirked, catching her playful act. "Sure, sure. Just make sure things go our way."
Lysandra's smile widened, the innocence fading into something far more mischievous. "Oh, I'll make sure of that," she replied, her voice smooth as silk, leaving no doubt that she relished the idea.
Valerie laughed, finally breaking the tension between them. "Now that's settled, can we get to the fun part? I'm itching to get started."
Elara, having been named Queen, smiled warmly at Argus. Her calm composure returned, though there was a flicker of gratitude in her gaze. "Thank you, Argus," she said softly, standing by his side. "I'll make sure to live up to the role."
Argus nodded, knowing she would. "I know you will," he replied with a quiet confidence.
As they prepared to face the Knight Dorm, the pieces had fallen into place. But for Argus, the real challenge was not just winning the game—it was navigating the personalities of his dormmates, understanding how to keep the balance between strength, cunning, and leadership.
With the roles established, Yara continued explaining the rules. The students would control lifelike pieces on the battlefield—knights, archers, warriors, and more—using their strategy and coordination to outmaneuver the opposing dorm.
"The goal," Yara stated, "is simple: eliminate your opponent's King. The battlefield will test not just individual skill but your ability to work as a team."
As the rules were explained, the shimmering projection in the courtyard solidified, revealing a grand, life-sized board. The pieces—knights, archers, mages, and beasts—stood ready, glowing faintly, awaiting commands. The students would issue orders to the pieces using a magical interface projected before them.
Argus observed the board, his sharp mind already working through various strategies. The spoiled nobles in his dorm would likely resist strict direction at first, and he knew forcing them into compliance would only backfire. His leadership had to be subtle, giving them enough space to feel in control while quietly guiding their actions with precision.
As the pieces materialized on the battlefield—spectral warriors, archers, knights, and more—the grand game of Arcane Conquest began. Each student controlled their piece from the sidelines, linked to the ethereal soldiers through glowing bands of light connecting their hands to their respective pieces. The large chess-like battlefield spread out before them, nestled within the enchanted forest, with arcane projections hovering in the air above each side, outlining their moves and strategies.
Kurogane Stormclaw, the 9th seat of the Knight Dorm and a formidable beastman with wolf-like features, stood at the opposite side of the field. His towering, muscular frame exuded raw physical strength, and his golden eyes gleamed with a predatory focus. He might not have the strategic finesse of someone like Argus, but his presence alone gave his team confidence. Argus took note of the challenge before him, understanding that Kurogane's approach would likely be direct and aggressive—a hallmark of the Knight Dorm.
"Let's see what you've got, beastman," Argus muttered under his breath as he issued his first set of commands.
Valerie was controlling an archer, and her fiery enthusiasm was already evident as she positioned her piece on the backlines. Her piece, a lithe figure with a bow drawn, fired sharp, precise shots into the advancing Knight Dorm forces. Valerie's competitive spirit kept her focused, even though Argus could sense she was itching for a more direct fight. Despite her longing for combat, she followed his directions, each of her archer's arrows flying true and finding their marks.
"Just give me something to hit, Argus!" Valerie called out, her grin full of excitement as her archer piece repositioned after each volley.
"Patience," Argus replied smoothly. "We'll break their lines soon."
Luther Varian, the calm and calculated son of the Empire's financial minister, controlled a knight piece. His role was to guard their backline, and Argus noted the subtle yet effective way Luther positioned himself, anticipating Kurogane's more reckless advances. The Knight Dorm's forces were pushing hard, testing their defenses, but Luther's strategic mind kept him one step ahead, blocking each attempt with precision. His stoic demeanor never wavered, even when Kurogane's forces came close to breaking through.
On the left flank, Lysandra Noctis controlled a warrior piece with eerie precision. Her vampiric grace extended into the spectral warrior's movements as it danced through the battlefield with swift strikes and feints, exploiting the overzealous charges of the Knight Dorm. Though her smile never faltered, Argus could sense the calculated nature behind every move she made.
Lysandra's voice drifted over to Argus, smooth and teasing, "Toying with them, am I?"
"Seems to be working," Argus replied, his tone playful but focused.
Nerissa Drakthorn, controlling a heavy knight, pushed aggressively through the center of the battlefield, her draconic features tense as her piece clashed head-on with the opposing forces. Her piece, much like her personality, was relentless, crashing through Kurogane's soldiers without hesitation. Her wings twitched in excitement as her knight shattered through a front-line defender. Despite her desire for direct combat, she followed Argus's commands, trusting him to lead them to victory.
"I'll take care of the strong ones," Nerissa muttered, her golden eyes gleaming as her piece battered through the enemy lines.
Elara, Argus's queen, held the center with unflinching calm. Her spectral queen piece, a regal figure wielding both a sword and shield, moved with perfect precision. Every strike was deliberate, every block timed to perfection. While the rest of the noble dorm acted independently, she followed Argus's directions without question, trusting his insight.
"Now, Elara," Argus said, his voice steady. "Move the Queen."
Elara's queen piece surged forward, cutting through the weakened Knight Dorm forces with precise strikes. Her strategic insight mirrored Argus's, and together, they exploited the weaknesses in Kurogane's formation.
Kurogane's frustration grew evident as he bellowed orders to his team, but their frontlines were faltering. The Knight Dorm, known for its strength, lacked the coordination necessary to keep up with Argus's calculated plays. Even with the sheer power Kurogane possessed, he couldn't turn the tide alone.
Argus shifted his attention to Silas, another member of the noble dorm controlling a warrior. His piece was stalling, clearly unsure of where to advance. Argus leaned in slightly, his calm tone cutting through the young noble's hesitation.
"Silas, reinforce Nerissa's position. Take their attention off her."
Silas blinked, startled at first, but quickly obeyed. His warrior rushed forward, providing the necessary support for Nerissa to continue her aggressive push. Together, they managed to break through the Knight Dorm's weakening lines, their coordination—however forced—now showing its value.
As the battle raged on, the nobles, though reluctant at first, began to fall in line. Argus's calm, strategic mind was proving itself, and even the more resistant students started following his orders without protest. He had given them the space to operate as they wished, but subtly guided them to move in sync, each piece now contributing to a larger, orchestrated plan.
Kurogane, his frustration mounting, let out a furious growl, his wolf-like features contorting in anger. "Stand and fight, cowards!"
But Argus remained unfazed. The Knight Dorm's strength had been whittled down piece by piece. The heavy-handed tactics of the beastman had exposed their lack of coordination, and now Argus was closing in on victory.
"Luther, hold the line," Argus commanded. "Valerie, keep up the pressure from the back."
Valerie's archer loosed another flurry of arrows, her grin widening as each shot hit its mark. "Just let me know when I can go for the kill."
"Almost there," Argus replied, his eyes scanning the battlefield one last time before issuing his final order.
"Elara," he said, "it's time."
With a swift motion, Elara's Queen piece surged forward, delivering the decisive blow that toppled Kurogane's King piece. The Knight Dorm's defenses shattered, their once-mighty formation crumbling beneath the weight of Argus's strategic prowess.
As Kurogane's piece fell, the battlefield fell into an eerie silence. The projection of the battlefield shimmered before slowly fading, the game concluding with a resounding victory for the Noble Dorm.
Yara watched from the sidelines, her sharp eyes observing every move. As Argus directed the final strike, the Knight Dorm's King fell, their defeat swift and absolute.
With the game won, Yara stepped forward, addressing the Noble Dorm with a sharp, approving look. "Well done. You've shown promise as a team." She then turned her gaze directly to Argus, her violet eyes gleaming with approval. "You led your dorm well, Argus. Loric spoke highly of you, and I see now that his praise was not misplaced."
Argus acknowledged her words with a slight nod, the mention of his childhood strategy tutor not going unnoticed. "Thank you, Instructor."
Yara's smirk deepened slightly. "Don't get too comfortable, though. The games are far from over."
As the students began to disperse, preparing for the next match, Nerissa approached Argus, her tail swaying slightly and her wings twitching in impatience. "And what about our challenge?" she asked, her voice low but steady.
Argus met her gaze with a playful smirk. "Eager, are we? Don't worry, Nerissa. We'll settle it tonight. After the next game."
Nerissa's frown softened just slightly, and she gave a small nod, her draconic features betraying little, but the glint in her eyes showed her anticipation. "Good," she replied simply, her tone flat but satisfied.
With that settled, she stepped back, joining the other noble students as the focus of the academy shifted to the upcoming match. The energy in the air crackled as the remaining dorms prepared to face off—Commoner Dorm against Holy Dorm.
Argus turned back to Valerie and Elara, both of whom were now standing beside him, the weight of their victory bringing a sense of camaraderie. Valerie stretched her arms with a satisfied grin. "Not bad, huh? Let's see how the others fare."
Elara, ever composed, gave a small smile. "That was just the beginning. We'll need to stay sharp."
As the afternoon wore on, the preparations for the next round began, the tension in the air thickening once more. The Commoner Dorm stood ready, with Thalor at the helm, while the Holy Dorm, led by Aya Hoshizora, prepared to meet them on the battlefield. The arcane projection shimmered to life once again, signaling the start of the next game.
But for now, Argus allowed himself a brief moment of respite, the taste of victory still fresh, knowing full well that greater challenges—and more games—awaited.