By the end of the hour, Riniock had faced the golem six more times, losing each bout. Despite his defeats, every encounter brought him closer to triumph, though his victory remained just out of reach within the allotted time.
Still, the training session was invaluable, sharpening his combat instincts like nothing before. With the golem's relentless attacks and unpredictable tactics, Riniock felt confident that his next encounter with Linry – not that it would come to pass – would play out quite differently.
I don't know who's more powerful or experienced, he mused, but I'm certain I could hold my own against Linry now. As for Rodgut and Frisian…that's another question entirely.
Riniock left the arena with a profound sense of accomplishment. His repeated encounters with the golem had honed his reflexes and instincts, leaving him feeling more attuned to the varied ways an opponent could strike. The progress filled him with a deep sense of satisfaction.
Over the next two days, he diligently attended his lessons, adhering to his schedule. Yet, whenever he found an opening, he returned to the arena, ensuring his training sessions remained private and uninterrupted. In just a few days, he had exhausted most of his funds. However, he deemed the expense worthwhile. Finally, on his last attempt, he managed to defeat the golem – though only by the narrowest of margins.
'I'm ready,' he muttered, clenching his fists. 'You better be ready too.'
On the day of the Martial Magickal Arts lesson, the arena was alive with activity. Acolytes, senior students, several instructors, and even the academy delegation gathered to observe. Seated amongst the audience, Riniock spotted Linry. She was seated with her master and other academics from the academy. He chose not to draw attention to himself, avoiding any gestures that might raise suspicion.
'Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome back,' Professor Evondiel announced as he strode confidently into the arena's centre. 'As you are all aware, duelling is only one aspect of a maegi's combat skills. In real-world scenarios – such as the upcoming expedition – those selected to participate may face threats from all manner of adversaries. Chief among them? Other maegis.'
Evondiel paced the arena, his gaze sweeping across every corner as he spoke with authority. 'Monsters and beasts, while formidable, can be overcome through careful study and preparation. What makes other maegis far more dangerous is their unpredictability – the lack of information about their abilities. In the heat of battle, even a single misstep can prove fatal.'
Riniock nodded inwardly, fully agreeing. Yet his mind was elsewhere, focused on one goal. He wanted the professor to call for volunteers, to invite the acolytes into the arena for combat. That was his chance – a perfect opportunity to challenge one of his assailants to a duel.
'As such,' Evondiel continued, a sly grin spreading across his face, 'today, we will engage in cooperative battles. For now, let us begin with a two-versus-two scenario. Who wishes to try –'
Before the professor could finish, Riniock shot to his feet, his hand raised high. This was a chance unmissable, to fight not one, but two of the ones who wronged him.
To his dismay, he noticed another figure standing for the challenge – Urael.
'Splendid! Mr. Tolgir and Mr. Flonderance shall form one team for this mock battle,' Evondiel announced. 'Now, who among the rest of you wishes to face them?'
The arena fell silent; no one stepped forward.
'If I may, professor,' Riniock said, stepping closer to the centre. 'The last time we had such a challenge, an acolyte from Ikshar Academy extended it to me. Wouldn't it be fair for us to extend the same invitation now?'
Evondiel turned towards the academy delegation, seeking their master's approval. Riniock had spoken boldly, ensuring the challenge was heard by all. The academy couldn't risk tarnishing its reputation by refusing in front of such an audience.
'Irgod. Linry. Step forward and demonstrate the strength of our academy –'
'Forgive my interruption,' Riniock cut in smoothly, his tone respectful but firm. The academy master's irritation was evident, though he masked it behind a stoic facade. 'The last time, your disciple Linry chose her opponent. Would it not be fair for us to do the same this time? What do you think, Urael?'
Urael cast Riniock a wary look, clearly suspicious of his motives. They had never seen eye to eye, but this situation called for a reluctant alliance.
'I agree,' Urael said, his tone guarded yet firm.
The academy master's fury simmered beneath his composed exterior, his cold glare heavy with disdain. Yet, with so many watching, he had no choice but to relent.
'Very well,' he said icily. 'Choose your opponents. It makes no difference to us.'
Riniock feigned deliberation as his eyes scanned the ranks, finally pointing towards his targets with deliberate confidence. 'Those two.'
The academy master sneered, unshaken by the selection. 'Very well. Rodgut. Frisian. Enter the arena.'
'Master –' Rodgut began, but the man cut him off sharply.
'Silence! Go down there this instant,' he barked, his voice echoing across the arena. Then, in a low, venomous tone, he added, 'Make sure to crush that insolent acolyte. Maim him, kill him – it doesn't matter. I'll handle the consequences.'
The two hesitated briefly before nodding and descending to the arena floor, their steps heavy with reluctance.
Linry, close enough to overhear her master's chilling command, felt a surge of dread. She recalled Riniock's recent probing questions about Rodgut and Frisian. Had this all been a calculated setup for some kind of revenge?
Riniock, don't let it come to this, she thought, clutching her hands tightly near her chest. Please, don't do something you'll regret.
The combatants took their positions, standing on opposite ends of the arena. The sight was striking – no wands, no staves, just raw skill and elemental prowess.
'You finally learned to cast without help?' Riniock teased Urael, his supposed teammate.
'Funny. When you've got access to my father's resources, it would be pathetic if I hadn't,' Urael shot back.
'That's equally sad,' Riniock quipped. 'What's your affinity?'
'Frost,' Urael replied tersely. 'I can start with a lesser blizzard spell. That work for you?'
Riniock nodded. 'How quickly can you cast it?'
Urael's glare said it all: Fast enough.
'Can you freeze their movements? Pin them down?'
'I can,' Urael confirmed. 'You've got a plan, I assume?'
'I do. Cast your spells in succession and land them. Leave the rest to me.'
Urael chuckled dryly. 'That's your brilliant strategy? I'll enjoy watching you fail. And when you do, I'll make sure everyone remembers who turned the tide.'
Riniock didn't reply, but a sly smile hinted at his confidence.
Professor Evondiel stepped between the teams, his authoritative voice cutting through the arena. 'Left side, ready?'
Rodgut and Frisian responded with gestures of bravado – Rodgut pounding his fist into his palm, Frisian stomping hard on the arena floor. Riniock smiled; he now had no doubt who had restrained him and who had delivered the kicks that haunted his memory.
'Right side, ready?'
'Ready, professor!' Riniock and Urael called out in unison, both assuming stances.
'Commence!'
The professor's voice reverberated as he stepped aside, and the battle erupted. Rodgut and Frisian wasted no time, launching a wall of flames towards their opponents.
Urael reacted just as swiftly, summoning a lesser blizzard. The icy winds extinguished the flames and blanketed the arena in a thick veil of frost and snow, obscuring the acolytes' vision.
Riniock moved into the swirling cold, trusting Urael to follow through with the next phase. As expected, Urael conjured a carpet of ice, freezing their enemies in place and rendering them vulnerable.
Seizing the moment, Riniock closed the distance, targeting Frisian first. The pair had begun melting the ice with bursts of fire, but they were too late.
'Behind you!' Rodgut shouted, but his warning came too late. With precision and speed, Riniock formed a blade of wind in his palm and struck Frisian's leg, severing it cleanly.
The acolyte fell harshly on the ground, his severed leg horrifyingly resting beside him.
Frisian's scream was swallowed by the roaring blizzard, whilst Rodgut's cry of rage pierced through the chaos.
'Come out, coward! Face me head-on!' Rodgut bellowed.
Riniock emerged from the icy storm, his expression cold and unyielding. 'Head-on? Like the two of you did that night?'
'Shut up!' Rodgut snarled, attempting to bait Riniock closer. 'That was different.'
'This is the same,' Riniock replied, his tone razor-sharp. 'Except this time, I came prepared.'
With a guttural roar, Rodgut raised his arms in the air and summoned a spiralling inferno, aiming to engulf Riniock entirely. But Riniock was faster. With a snap of his hand, a razor-thin gust of wind cut through the air.
Rodgut froze, his eyes wide with shock, with disbelief. Blood cascaded from his shoulders as both arms fell to the ground, severed cleanly at the elbows.
He collapsed to his knees, too shocked to scream.
Riniock crouched beside him, his voice low and deliberate as he leaned in close. Echoing Rodgut's own words back to him, he whispered, 'You never should have crossed me. If you come near me again, today will seem merciful.'