Cursed Explorer of the Arcana

Months have passed since the incident that carved itself into the books of history as the Mythralis Carnival. Despite the horrendous scale of the destruction that went down in that city of wisdom, the news got downplayed to a ridiculous degree.

It was declared an accident, followed by confusion and minor damages to the city…

Since every major nation took part in the plundering, the events were collectively swept under the carpet. They even announced massive donations to aid the rebuild effort and boost their image. Disgusting.

With that said, at least nobody came sniffing around to see who stole the spirit and murdered about ten to sixteen researchers and elite lackeys. We had peace for almost six entire months.

Exams, lectures, training, arguments, duels, bets… They all slowly piled behind me, and life was good. Whenever I found myself bored, there was always something interesting to do or someone ill-tempered to bug.

Nothing major happened, like literally nothing outstanding or even slightly unique. I guess that's life for you when every day consists of the same handful of activities and little to no danger.

We did go adventuring a little with Mom and Dad during the second break of the year, but that was… I've enjoyed it, we all did for sure, but compared to everything else, it was a little underwhelming. Normal, actually…

Things are about to change very soon, though.

"I think we've gone through everything." Melana is right, we did go through everything. Every week for the past two months, as a matter of fact. "We know our opponents, we have the home field advantage, and we know our roles."

It's time to earn our pay. Merely two weeks before the final exams of the year, nations from all over Eborned herd together the best and brightest of the younger generation for a solid entertainment.

Honestly, I've been looking forward to this a little. Some excitement at last…

"As usual, the Federation will be our strongest contender, however…" The wolfish woman drags on her speech like we have all day. "I've heard Turan and White Pearl both bring some serious heavyweights this year, so let's not get complacent."

Yeah, we've heard that as well already. The whole shabang starts tomorrow, so I understand her anxiety, somewhat. If we lose I… I might get my allowance slashed a little, that's all. Will I still fight to win? Hell yeah!

"So we're fighting each other as well in the free-for-all? Are you good with that?" I whisper to Val.

"Want me to go easy on you?" She replies in kind.

"That's against the rules anyway. I just wanted to make sure you don't hold it against me when I send you sniffing the dirt."

"When?" The brute raises an eyebrow. "That's not how I remember things the last time we fought seriously."

Emphasis on seriously. Since then, we have had a few light duels, courtesy of Melana to since our most difficult opponents are… each other basically. I have high mobility and control, she's nigh unkillable and hits like a mammoth, two very aggravating fighting styles.

I'm less worried about the duels, honestly. The environment and factors are much more controlled there, meaning fewer opportunities for mistakes. It's still the main event for some reason, but everyone who ever held a sword should likely understand… The battle against all is the true test.

"Tomorrow is the day of the free-for-alls, starting with the first-years, so please get ample rest. If not for the Academy, for me, or your house, then do your best for yourselves. You've worked hard this entire year, so make yourselves proud!" Melana whips out one of her best motivational speeches so far. "That's it, I'll see all of you in the morning!"

Tomorrow, huh? Today was our last combat training of the year. Every day felt so long because I always found something to keep myself busy, but looking back… One year is quite a short span of time.

My fellow battle trainees begin to vacate the area that's already in the midst of being prepared for the opening ceremony. It never crossed my mind that mages specialized in creating decoration through their magic would exist, but here we are. Not as exquisite as the handcrafted stuff, but it's quick and temporary, just like the event itself.

Besides, the colosseum is already a beauty in and of itself.

"Want one last quick fight to relieve some stress?" Val suggests before heading back.

"Nah, the other parties are already on the island, and I don't want anyone learning more about my abilities than necessary." I answer in a rare display of coolheadedness. "You know, we tend to forget holding back when butting heads."

"Chicken…" She grumbles.

Not gonna work today. "Are your nerves itching already?"

She shrugs. "The idea that I might embarrass myself… I just can't get it out of my head. So many Abyss damned humans will be around, and the idea of them laughing at me behind my back…"

High risk, high reward, that's just how it goes with a grand audience, I guess. Most can only see the fame calling for them from the top. Personally, I'd like to avoid too much attention.

"So, do you want me to lift your spirits, or something? Want a hug?" I ask sarcastically, although she can have her hug whenever she wants one.

Val shakes her head, flashing a secretive smile. "No, just do your usual."

"I can do that."

***

I tried to act cool and nonchalant, but in reality, I did have my own reservations. The day passed torturously slow, and all I had on my mind was the potential opponents I might face and tricks they might pull on me.

It's good to be prepared, but overthinking it is a completely different story. Eating did help, eating a lot, and eating fine – especially sweets. I'm part elf, so gaining weight is like a bad joke for me.

But alas, when it came to returning to my room and lying in my bed awaiting slumber, I did come across some headaches. Val and I both.

So we just sat down on the couch and talked. We talked about small stuff, so insignificant and frivolous that most of the time I'd just dismiss it as a waste of time. We talked about the past, our two years side by side, the first time we met, and how we secretly planned to kill the other if necessary.

I don't think we got to discussing our small plans, the tiny hopes we shelter for the future. That's because we simply fell asleep, sitting there in pajamas, under a small light, just like back in the old days.

"Val, if you roll onto my ear again, I'll gouge out your eyes!" I mumble, falling back to sleep the moment those words leave my mouth.

Or at least I try to, but something angry, cold, and quite sharp pecks my toe. A relentless assault that jolts me awake through the painful sting. Awli hoots victoriously and keeps pecking.

"Okay, okay, fuck!" I groan and send a gentle breeze to flick her away. "Why can't you bug Valka?"

Maybe because she can't really feel it, in hindsight.

It's already bright outside, early in the morning, probably around breakfast time if I had to guess. That's usually when Alwi gets pushy.

"Val, today is the day!" I attempt to wake her through words one last time.

When that doesn't work, comes the ice-cold touch to the back of her neck.

"You motherfuc- Again!?" She snaps, raising her hand furiously.

It's not a smooth start to the morning, but we'll manage.

Despite the questionable quality of our sleep, we swiftly swing into our morning routine and even put some extra effort into making ourselves look pretty. That entails extra hair brushing and little else, really, because fighting is a messy type of sport.

When arriving at the cafeteria, I feel an outstanding number of gazes follow my every move, even more than the usual, but I just need to get used to it. This is nothing compared to the actual show, although it does sour the taste of the jam a little.

Not that I have too much of an appetite.

Next stop, the arena. How come? Because all the effort is going into making it look even more splendid is solely for the opening ceremony. It's far too small for a proper chaotic battle with about sixty participants from all over the continent. The actual event takes place somewhere much more interesting…

An entire damn temporary island newly raised beside the Academy, tailor-made for our events. I've heard bringing over an entire scenery, hills, forests, ruins, and everything was also on the table, but they deemed it too unbalanced.

The craziest waste of resources I've ever seen.

Anyway, arena, last arrangements, and our new, super-fancy combat uniforms. The veritable flood of people moving in the same direction makes it impossible to miss, even though the event doesn't start for at least another hour.

This gives us ample time to waddle through the bodies, receive some sweet preferential treatment from the staff, and arrive before most others.

"You're here, good!" Melena welcomes us, looking oddly aloof. "Your gear is in the waiting room. Get dressed and look pretty, the ceremonies will begin shortly! Oh, and don't forget to wear the necklaces! If it helps anything, you won't be the only ones with those types of shitty accessories."

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

Is that supposed to be reassuring? The fact that they've arranged someone older as a participant and accepted the burden of that crap means that someone is either strong or like us… Not exactly reassuring, but it definitely piqued my interest.

They're making us work hard for that first place.

And so we get dressed, again. Our new battle attire is not much different from the regular training clothes we usually wear for Melana's sessions. The color is white and blue, as is to be expected, offering some extra protection for our vital organs and boasting minimal pomp. It's supposed to be functional and not a fashion show.

"Sid!" I find the boy already dressed and waiting among the other six of our fighters. "Ready to kick some ass?"

The lanky boy locks his hands behind his back. They are shaking, but it's only to be expected. "It is more beneficial to avoid attention and let the others tire each other out." He offers some advice. "But you're more than welcome to go and shine as bright as you like."

"Not gonna make your job easier!" Val huffs, already well aware of how real combat works. "Still, we're meant to put on a splendid show. Winning like cowards won't earn us any praise."

"True."

"Okay, kids, you know the drill. Look splendid, stay quiet, endure this farce, and then we'll move on to the island. Don't be in a hurry to gather the pins to cross the layers and don't expose yourselves too much!" Melana shares her final instructions.

Because, of course, without any mandatory objectives, this kind of the hill would quickly turn into a hide and seek. It takes three, six, and nine pins, respectively, to cross each layer. Whoever fails to accomplish these goals every half an hour… well, it's easy to guess.

The wolfish lady continues. "Today, we have eleven minor and major royalty present, the heads of seven states, and anyone with a smidgen of influence from the east. No pressure."

Yeah, no pressure.

Things progress just as she said. I switch into puppet mode and keep to myself, doing only the bare minimum to stay alive and not embarrass myself. Soon we emerge into the open, surrounded by stands filled to the brim and crowds cheering each their own favorites.

A dozen countries and about thrice as many institutions participate to prove their worth, inflating the number of students present on the area grounds to over seventy. The competition will be harsh, and the chaos factor is major.

Then comes speeches… Lots of speeches and traditions. I tune them out and instead keep my gaze on the competition. There's not a single race absent from the horde of kids rearing to duke it out amongst themselves. There's even an orc, large, green, and not quite as ugly as Mom had depicted them. However, it is the girl beside the green Valka lookalike who catches my eye.

"Glassy girl…" I whisper under my breath, just loud enough for only Valka to hear.

"Surprised to see her?" My friend's voice reaches my sharp ears.

"Happy, rather."

We have unfinished business, and I neither forgive nor forget. Never in my life have I seen anyone else use glass in their magic, despite already coming across spatial fire and umbral water. Let's just hope she can last long enough.

"And now, for his royal Highness, the crown prince,e to open the events!" Our chancellor confers the guest of honor at last.

The emperor is not present himself. As a matter of fact, he hasn't appeared in public for quite a while now. With that said, we'll make do with this one since neither of them weighs much into the outcome.

Prince Kastor… The man who might be responsible for the Mythralis Carnival.

"Dear guests, teachers, and students. I won't waste words and bore this esteemed crowd, however, I'd love to remind us of how fortunate we are." The prince speaks, his voice echoing far. "We live in times of peace and enjoy a prosperous life, all thanks to the cooperation of our great nations. Let us never forget the hardships of the past, and let us always strive for a better tomorrow. A world without wars…"

A world without wars? What a graceful lie, and what a narrow definition of war. A fine speech, I won't deny it, but it's just so ironic…

"Now that all has been said, let the games begin!" He spread his arms and wore his public face. "To the new Forest of Last Stand!"

It's only we, the actual participants, who move even a step. The rest stay here and will enjoy the show through light projections from a safe distance. We're led to the edge of the island by a band of dutiful escorts before walking across the water and onto the second island nearby, easily as enormous as the Academy's home.

At the edge of the new island, a person I absolutely did not expect to see today meets us.

"Follow the wisp assigned each of you." Magnus opens his palm, and tiny sparks spring forth like an army of flies. "It'll lead you to your designated spot where you'll attach your pin, and await the signal! Good luck to you all!" He says that without lifting his gaze from me, all too often. "Be entertaining!"

Is it an entertaining performance you want, old? Ask and you shall receive!

The tension in the air lessens slightly when everyone splits off, yet I still feel the eyes on me burning with anticipation for the upcoming battle. I dash after my speck of light, keeping a steady pace and examining my environment along the way.

The island is huge, and each of us is only able to observe only a slight portion of what is about to become a battlezone really soon. Good thing I had to fight my way through Mythralis back then. This won't be too different, expect this time, I won't be the prey on the run.

The forest is thick, and I think I spot a few abandoned-looking structures on the move. A few stilted towers, decaying shacks, one large hill in the distance, and plenty of hidey holes everywhere.

In a real battle for blood, this would be a nightmare against guerrillas.

At last, the seemingly sentient wisp comes to a halt and sinks into an intricate metal star lying on the ground. The thing is brimming with mana, and at a closer look, is somehow connected to the ground, its link running deep below the surface.

"A tracking mechanism, mana supply, or safety net, perhaps?" My artisan mind spins with questions as I pin the pretty thing onto my chest. "Or perhaps that barrier entry mechanism…"

A moment later, mana runs through my body. The invasive feeling runs through my entire being, making my hair stand on end and my stomach churn.

"Holy… Victor did warn me it might feel unsettling, but this is way worse." I shudder and feel another layer envelop my body.

What happened was that some fiendish inscription just tested my body, especially its mana density and structure, to determine how much force it'd take to kill me. Then my protective barrier is adjusted accordingly, and signals my end when the damage threshold is reached.

Or one can opt out of this mechanism by simply tapping their badge twice. Morons such as Valka… The same risk can't be taken when it comes to all the highborn scions and the likes.

"Alright, and now we wait, I guess?" I sigh, stretching and keeping my eyes peeled. "More importantly… what should I do?"

To hunt or not to hunt, that is the question. The risks far outweigh the rewards because eliminating an opponent earns me only their pin, and I'm not in a hurry to hoard those. On the other hand, taking the low-risk approach might be seen as cowardly and despicable.

I don't get much time to contemplate. After less than a minute of finding my pin, the sky flashes red, and the sharp scream of a whistle announces the start of this year's first event.

"Ah, screw it, I'll just do it quietly and in moderation." I sigh, and lines crawl forth from my shadow, right onto my skin.

Agility, Silence, and a mana cloak, commonly used to mask inscriptions.

My legs coil, and a moment later, I turn into but a breeze across the woods, leaping between the branches. I'm silent and laughably fast. My mana signature, on the other hand, should be like that of a light tower, which is greatly dampened by the obscuring cloak layered on the top.

There's barely any skin visible under the black ink embracing my body, meaning this is the limit of my ability. But it's still devilish. I've worked hard for it, so it's only to be expected…

I've worked diligently, gotten another year older, and even discarded Merciless Scrutiny for a brand new Skill that aids my creations take shape a little faster. It's the result of many months of work with that bastard Pierre, who proved more picky than a gnome and offered guidance always in the form of dumb questions.

Did they lead me to the desired result? Yes. Did I slightly set fire to his show once? Also, yes, but he deserved that, and most of the results are proof of my hard work, nothing else.

My instant grumbling session is interrupted when my gaze spots movement nearby. A boy walking through the woods. He's clearly on alert and holding, but there doesn't seem to be any greater motive behind his steps.

It's like he's begging to be ambushed.

Mana Perception confirms something similar, since his body is made entirely out of light magic, and even grass doesn't bend under his steps. Sloppy work, although I guess I should applaud him for the effort…

"I don't really feel like looking for him." The illusion might be amateurish, but he's hiding well.

So instead, I just hop down and have a claw of dirt tear him to shreds. Putting on a proper act, baffled expression and all, is simply too much effort, but I get the desired results anyway.

From behind the tree I just descended from, emerges a figure swinging his sword for my throat. He's quick and precise, and this turn of events catches even me off guard ever so slightly.

Martial Instincts helps me move like a seasoned veteran. I crouch and let the swing sail overhead, with much more agility than a Mage is supposed to possess, and counterattack. I slap his ankle, accompanied by a concentrated burst of air. The force sends him spinning, doing almost a complete 360, before hitting the ground hard.

To finish him off, I step on his back and deliver enough electricity to kill even a bear. The pin's safety mechanism triggers at last with a powerful pulse to free the eliminated participant.

I'd love to see how that specific inscription works…

"Colors of purple and silver… Ittana?" I make an educated guess, based on what I've learned about the tiny republic. "Pin, please!"

"Bingo." The boy sits up and throws me my prize, the shadow of defeat visible on his face. "And you are… Valeria, an elf, a Mage. Fuck, I just had to meet the Tyrant right from the start!"

"Tyrant?" I raise an eyebrow. We aren't supposed to do this little chit-chat. He's dead, and I have places to be, but he still piqued my interest.

"No other mage can fight to their fullest around you, and all mana is utterly oppressed. Yeah, the Tyrant of Magic." He chuckles and leaves without another word.

"It does have a nice ring…" I talk under my breath. "But why have I not heard this before? Some little snakes were whispering behind my back again, perhaps, and it didn't turn out as they imagined. Maybe I should thank them…" I turn back to the boy. "How will you-"

Not even ten nine seconds after losing the battle as well as his pin, the ground simply opens up underneath him and swallows the entire person in a blink.

"Oh hell no!" I take a few steps back. "Now I definitely don't want to lose!"