Part 1 - The Mask, Dress & The Enlistment
The morning sun cast a golden glow over the bustling streets of Ethril. Merchants called out their wares, and the chatter of townsfolk filled the air. Above this lively scene, the towering black-stone building that housed Rura's workshop stood in striking contrast, its sleek design exuding mystery and power.
Ikaru approached the entrance, his steps purposeful and his demeanor calm. The guards at the door nodded respectfully as he entered, recognizing him as one of Rura's esteemed associates. Inside, the building hummed with quiet efficiency. Enchanted lamps illuminated the corridors, and the faint sound of machinery echoed from distant rooms.
Rura was waiting in her private chamber, a room filled with blueprints, enchanted fabrics, and magical artifacts. She was seated at her desk, inspecting a finely woven black fabric that shimmered faintly as it caught the light.
"Ikaru," she greeted, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "I assume you're here for your new identity?"
Ikaru nodded, stepping closer. "Is it ready?"
Rura stood, gesturing to a mannequin beside her. Draped over it was a sleek, jet-black outfit, intricately designed with shadow-enchanted threads. The material was lightweight yet durable, exuding an aura of mystery and elegance. Beside it lay a mask—simple yet striking, covering the upper half of the face with sharp contours and slitted eye openings that glowed faintly with a dark purple hue.
---
"This," Rura began, running her fingers along the fabric, "is not just a suit. It's a statement. The shadow threads are enchanted to absorb light, making you harder to detect in dim settings. The mask, on the other hand, has a minor enchantment to distort your voice slightly. Together, they create the perfect disguise."
Ikaru stepped forward, his gaze fixed on the ensemble. Without hesitation, he removed his coat and began donning the outfit. The material fit him perfectly, wrapping around him like a second skin. Once he was fully dressed, he picked up the mask and slid it over his face.
Rura observed him with a critical eye, nodding in approval. "It suits you," she said. "What do you think?"
Ikaru turned to a full-length mirror, examining his reflection. The dark outfit and mask transformed his appearance entirely. He looked both imposing and enigmatic—a figure that demanded attention yet evoked unease.
"It's perfect," he said, his voice now slightly deeper and more resonant due to the mask's enchantment.
---
Rura crossed her arms, her smile widening. "Now, let's see how it handles in action."
She pressed a button on her desk, and a section of the floor slid open to reveal a hidden training arena. The room was dimly lit, with various obstacles and targets scattered around.
"Give it a test," Rura said.
Ikaru stepped into the arena, his movements fluid and silent. He activated the suit's enchantment, melding into the shadows as he maneuvered through the course. Targets popped up sporadically, but Ikaru dispatched them with precision, using a combination of agility and shadow magic.
Rura watched from above, impressed. "You've mastered it already. Not that I'm surprised."
After completing the course, Ikaru returned to the main chamber, his breathing steady and his movements calm. "This will do," he said simply.
---
As he prepared to leave, Rura handed him a small box. "Inside, you'll find a crest I designed. It's a symbol of your new identity. Use it wisely."
Ikaru opened the box to reveal a small, circular emblem etched with intricate patterns resembling swirling shadows. He nodded in acknowledgment before tucking it away.
"Thank you," he said, turning to leave.
"Good luck in the tournament," Rura called after him. "Or should I say... Void?"
Ikaru paused at the doorway, glancing over his shoulder. "Void," he repeated, the name rolling off his tongue with an air of finality. Then, without another word, he disappeared into the bustling streets, ready to set his plan into motion.
-------------------------------------------
The sun hung high in the sky, casting its golden rays over the sprawling courtyard of Ethril Academy. The air was abuzz with excitement as students gathered near the central registration pavilion. Banners announcing the Tournament of Ethril fluttered in the gentle breeze, their bold colors reflecting the grandeur of the event.
Booths lined the courtyard, manned by academy staff who diligently processed the endless stream of participants. The sound of chatter, laughter, and the occasional boast echoed through the air. Some students stood confidently, declaring their intent to win, while others whispered nervously among themselves, unsure of their chances.
---
Among the throng of students, a figure moved silently and deliberately through the crowd—a man clad in jet-black attire, his face concealed by a mask that exuded mystery. The name "Void" was etched in his mind, and his every step was calculated.
Ikaru, now unrecognizable to all, approached the pavilion. His masked appearance drew curious glances and hushed whispers.
"Who's that?"
"Is he from another Year?"
"He looks... intimidating."
The comments brought a faint smirk to Ikaru's lips beneath the mask. It was exactly the reaction he had hoped for.
---
As he reached the counter, a clerk looked up, momentarily startled by his imposing presence. "Name?" the clerk asked, her tone wavering slightly.
"Void," Ikaru replied, his voice distorted by the enchantment in his mask.
The clerk quickly recovered and handed him a registration form. Ikaru took it without a word, stepping aside to fill it out. He wrote his alias with deliberate precision and handed the form back.
"Thank you," the clerk said, stamping the form with the academy's seal. "You're all set."
Ikaru nodded and moved to the side, observing the rest of the courtyard.
---
As he scanned the crowd, his sharp eyes caught sight of a group approaching the registration booth—his friends. Drenor, with his usual confident stride, led the way, followed by Vylis, who looked a mix of nervous and determined.
Ikaru's smirk widened as he watched them. Drenor handed his form to the clerk, announcing his name loudly. "Drenor Veylis. Remember that name—I'll be in the finals."
Vylis hesitated before stepping forward and quietly giving her name. "Vylis Areth..."
The clerk processed their forms and waved them aside. As they turned to leave, they walked directly past Ikaru.
"Look at all these people," Drenor muttered. "This tournament's going to be a real challenge."
"You think we'll make it far?" Vylis asked hesitantly.
"Of course!" Drenor replied confidently. "We've trained for this."
Ikaru stood silently, letting them pass mere inches away. Neither of them so much as glanced in his direction. His disguise had worked flawlessly.
---
As they walked away, Ikaru allowed himself a small, satisfied smile beneath his mask. Everything was proceeding exactly as he had envisioned. His presence in the tournament as Void would not only keep his true identity hidden but also serve to test the waters for the greater plans of his Essence of Shadow organization.
He lingered a moment longer, taking in the atmosphere of the courtyard. The energy of the students, the anticipation in the air, and the sheer scale of the event—all of it was exhilarating.
With a final glance at the registration booth, Ikaru turned and melted back into the crowd, a shadow among the masses, ready to make his mark on the Tournament of Ethril.