When the next morning arrived, Riniock found himself in an unfamiliar classroom – an expansive arena surrounded by rows upon rows of seating. Unlike the usual lecture halls, this space buzzed with an electric anticipation, the air charged with excitement.
He scanned the room, noting how his peers settled in, eager for the lesson to begin. If there was one subject that universally thrilled the students, it was this one.
'The arena's packed,' Niann remarked as he approached and took a seat beside Riniock.
'That's because the guests from Ikshar Academy will be here to observe,' Riniock explained, nodding his head in the direction of a group lingering in the centre of the arena.
'Oh!' Niann's eyes lit up with interest. 'I hope I can make a good impression.'
'Why's that?' Riniock asked, his curiosity piqued.
Niann glanced around cautiously before leaning in. 'I heard a rumour – they're selecting students for an expedition beyond the college grounds. Only the most qualified will be chosen.'
'An expedition, huh…' Riniock stroked his chin thoughtfully, his interest sharpening.
Until now, he had planned to keep his abilities under wraps, focusing on refining his techniques through practice. But with this new information, his strategy shifted. This was an opportunity he couldn't afford to miss – and he was determined to seize it.
Riniock's fingers tapped thoughtfully on the edge of his seat as he absorbed Niann's words. A journey outside the college grounds – such an opportunity was rare and not one to be missed. The chance to gain real-world experience, test his abilities beyond the confines of Gorlea, and perhaps even uncover new magickal knowledge was too tantalizing to pass up.
The arena buzzed with excitement as even senior students settled in. Conversations overlapped, speculation ran wild, and glances darted towards the arena floor where the lesson would soon commence. The presence of Ikshar Academy's guests added an extra layer of tension. These were renowned scholars and skilled practitioners, individuals whose approval could open doors to even greater opportunities.
Riniock felt a fire kindle within him. This was the moment.
He turned to Niann, his voice low but firm. 'If there's a chance for us to be chosen for that expedition, we need to stand out today.'
Niann's eyes lit up with determination but then just as quickly it faded. 'Well, I'm not very confident in this. Perhaps I best leave this to you.'
A hush fell over the arena as a professor spoke, followed by the group of distinguished-looking visitors clad in the beige and brown robes of Ikshar Academy. Their eyes swept over the seated students, assessing, appraising, measuring potential, moving to join the rest of the audience upon the seats. Riniock felt the weight of their gaze and steeled himself. He wasn't just another acolyte; he was prepared to prove it.
The professor's voice cut through the silence like a blade. 'Welcome, everyone, to your first lesson in Martial Magickal Arts. I am Professor Evondiel, and I'll be guiding you through this subject for the rest of the year. Many of you likely had hands-on experience with a wand during your admission test – facing beasts. But the real challenges come when you confront fellow maegi, opponents whose skill and strategies may match, or even surpass, your own.'
Professor Evondiel stood in the centre of the arena, his eyes gleaming as he scanned the sea of eager faces. 'Well then, shall we begin with one-on-one duels?'
A surge of excitement swept through the students – this was what they had been waiting for.
Riniock's heart pounded, not with anxiety, but with exhilaration. The countless hours he had spent training with Lazrus, refining his spell inscriptions, and honing his technique were about to be put to the test. He was ready. This was his moment to prove himself.
As the professor called for volunteers, hands shot up eagerly. Evondiel's eyes roved over the crowd before selecting two acolytes.
The chosen pair – both young men – stood from their seats and made their way to the battleground below. The anticipation in the air was palpable, each student on the edge of their seat, awaiting the clash of spells and strategy.
Riniock leaned forward, his resolve hardening. When his turn came, he would make sure his performance left a lasting impression – on the arena, and on those who watched.
'Choose your wands carefully – stand a few coigns apart – and await my mark!' Professor Evondiel commanded.
The two acolytes followed his instructions, positioning themselves in the arena with tense anticipation. Once they were ready, the professor took a step back, raised his hand, and gave the signal to begin.
By chance, the two opponents had chosen wands imbued with opposing elements – fire and ice. As their first spells flew through the air, a blazing fireball and a jagged spike of ice collided, exploding in a burst of steam and sparks.
'Very good! Both of you have excellent reflexes!' Evondiel praised.
The duellists hesitated, their wands still raised and pointed at each other. Uncertainty flickered across their faces, each unsure of the next move.
'Don't hesitate!' Evondiel urged, his voice firm. 'Maintain the pressure on your opponent. The more pressure you apply, the greater your chance of victory. Don't give your adversary a moment's respite. As long as it's safe and feasible, keep casting spells and keep them on the defensive.'
The tension in the arena thickened as the two acolytes tightened their grips on their wands, determination hardening their expressions. The duel was far from over, and now they knew – hesitation could be their undoing.
The duel continued with both maegi hurling spells in rapid succession, their movements sharp and precise. For a time, the fire-wielding maegi dominated the exchange, relentlessly launching blazing projectiles and keeping his opponent on the defensive. Fiery arcs streaked through the air, forcing the other to dodge and deflect.
But then, the tide began to shift.
In the final moments, the ice-wielding maegi steadied his stance and focused, his spells gaining accuracy and confidence. A well-aimed shard of ice grazed his opponent's shoulder, and another struck his leg, slowing his movements. Seizing the opportunity, he launched a flurry of frost spells that chilled the air and forced his opponent back.
With one decisive strike, he froze his opponent's limbs, locking them in place with a coating of ice. The fire maegi struggled, his eyes narrowing in frustration, before finally conceding defeat with a begrudging nod.
The crowd erupted into applause, the lesson clear: resilience and composure could turn the tide of battle, no matter how fierce the onslaught.
'Well done,' Professor Evondiel said, stepping forward to ensure the duel truly concluded with surrender. 'This was a promising match, but there are a few points that need addressing.'
He methodically explained each maegi's mistakes, offering clear, constructive advice on how to improve their techniques and tactics. His tone was firm but encouraging, reinforcing the idea that growth came from learning and practice.
'Overall, a commendable effort for your first duel,' he concluded. 'Train diligently, and you'll progress well. Now then – who's next?'
A sea of hands shot up eagerly, the students' enthusiasm palpable. But Evondiel's sharp gaze settled on one figure in particular. The acolyte who had already unlocked his vessel and conduits. The one who returned from the glades with spoils others hadn't managed to claim. The same who had endured humiliation in the main hall and yet remained undeterred.
'You,' Evondiel said, his finger pointing directly at Riniock.
A ripple of anticipation spread through the arena.
'And you,' the professor continued, selecting another student from the crowd.
Riniock rose from his seat, his pulse quickening. He felt the eyes of his peers and the visitors from Ikshar Academy settle on him, measuring, judging. The moment he had prepared for had arrived.
He stepped down into the arena, his resolve unwavering. It was time to show them all exactly what he was capable of.