Magick, Monsters & Murder

Riniock straightened himself, brushing off the dust and checking for any injuries. Thankfully, when he had announced his surrender, his opponent had swiftly withdrawn her fiery spell, sparing him from further harm.

 This showcased her great control over magick and emotions.

 'You fight well,' she said, her tone both respectful and curious. 'May I ask your name?'

 'My name is Riniock,' he replied, his voice steady. 'And yours?'

 'I'm Linry,' she introduced herself with a nod.

 'I enjoyed this duel,' Riniock said earnestly. 'Thank you.'

 Linry smiled faintly. 'If I may ask, was this your first-ever duel?'

 Riniock hesitated briefly, scratching the back of his head with a sheepish grin. 'It was. I only began learning spellcasting about a week ago.'

 Linry's eyes widened in astonishment. 'Is that so?' she said, her amazement evident. 'Well, in any case, I'm certain you'll be hearing from the academy soon enough.'

 Turning to Professor Evondiel, she inclined her head respectfully. 'Thank you, professor, for granting us this opportunity.'

 Evondiel nodded, his expression a mixture of pride and intrigue as he glanced at Riniock. 'The honour was ours,' he said simply, already anticipating what the future might hold for the young Gorlea acolyte.

 Linry returned to the Ikshar delegation, whilst Riniock made his way back to join Niann in the arena seats.

 As he walked, a flicker of movement caught his eye. Amongst the audience, partially obscured by the crowd, stood Jorian. His gaze locked onto Riniock, unrelenting and unsettling. It was a stare that couldn't be ignored, sharp and deliberate, like a predator studying its prey.

 The Jorian problem was escalating, no longer a vague irritation but a pressing concern. Wherever Riniock went, the staff member seemed to follow, lingering just out of reach yet always present.

 'I need to deal with him…and soon,' Riniock muttered under his breath, a frown shadowing his face.

 'Did you say something?' Niann's cheerful voice interrupted his thoughts, his expression as naïve and carefree as ever.

 'No, nothing,' Riniock replied quickly, forcing a casual tone. 'Just talking to myself.'

 Niann grinned, leaning closer. 'You were amazing out there! Shame you lost to that Ikshar wench, though…speaking of which, when did you learn how to cast spells like that? Or how to inscribe them in the first place?'

 Riniock chuckled nervously, brushing off the question with a playful shrug. 'Can't go around revealing all my secrets, can I?'

 Niann pouted exaggeratedly. 'Aw, come on! At least tell me someday.'

 'We'll see,' Riniock said, his smile masking the unease still lingering in the back of his mind.

 Across the arena, on the opposite side, the delegation from Ikshar Academy welcomed Linry back into their fold. She bowed respectfully before her master, the elder who regarded her with a stern expression.

 'Linry,' the old man began, his voice measured, 'I trust this duel of yours had a purpose beyond spectacle? You know I detest unnecessary theatrics.'

 Rising from her bow, Linry met his gaze steadily. 'Of course, Master. My intention was to assess the strength of their most capable acolyte.'

 The elder arched an eyebrow, his expression sceptical. 'And what led you to believe this Riniock is their strongest?'

 'It was a simple deduction,' she explained. 'When their duelling instructor began the lesson, he explicitly told the students to choose their wands carefully – an implication that most of them, if not all, haven't mastered casting their own spells. That makes Riniock an anomaly.'

 The elder nodded slowly. 'So, he must be the only acolyte with that level of ability.'

 'Exactly,' Linry confirmed.

 One of her peers interjected, scoffing. 'But you defeated him. Doesn't sound like much of a threat to our acolytes.'

 Linry turned to him, raising a finger in quiet rebuttal. 'You clearly didn't pay attention to the duel. I had my doubts about his abilities, but Riniock confirmed them himself.'

 'Doubts?' the peer pressed, leaning forward.

 'If he wasn't lying, that was his very first one-on-one duel,' Linry explained. 'And yet, he managed to perform so well. It also confirms he's likely the only new student capable of casting spells independently.'

 'His first duel?' the peer repeated incredulously. 'That's absurd.'

 'I thought so too, but his movements were largely instinctive, not those of someone with experience,' Linry replied calmly. 'If he is allowed time, his growth would be unimaginable…I'm certain.'

 'This is troubling,' another member of the academy delegation remarked, their tone grim. 'If all their acolytes are as skilled as Riniock, our own might struggle to compete. His achievements in such a short time are nothing short of remarkable.'

 The elder's voice broke the murmurs of agreement. 'Linry, my disciple, your observation is invaluable. Investigate this boy further and ensure his name is added to the list for the expedition.'

 Linry nodded solemnly. 'Yes, Master.'

 Later that day, across Gorlea's sprawling grounds, an announcement appeared on every wall, post, and bulletin board. Its bold letters caught the attention of passersby, and it read:

 Acolytes of Gorlea,

 By the express permission and patronage of your esteemed college's leadership, we are pleased to inform you of an extraordinary opportunity.

 The Ikshar Academy of the North will be conducting an audit to evaluate your skills, talents, and potential. Those who meet the required criteria will earn the prestigious honour of joining a groundbreaking expedition into the Rock Barren Wasteland.

 Best regards,

 The Committee of Ikshar Academy of the North

 Excitement buzzed amongst the Gorlea acolytes as they gathered to read and discuss the announcement, their imaginations alight with the possibilities it promised.

 'Do you think they're only interested in strength?' Niann asked, his voice tinged with worry.

 'Probably not,' Riniock replied, brushing off the concern. 'Stop overthinking it. Just focus on doing your best whenever one of them shows up to observe our lessons.'

 Despite the reassurance, Niann slumped in his seat, his uncertainty written plainly across his face.

 'Expeditions don't just need those who excel at martial magick,' Riniock continued, his tone firm but understanding. 'They'll be looking for people with a broad range of skills, including deep knowledge. It wouldn't make sense to choose only spell casters. You know that, and they know it too.'

 'I know…' Niann murmured, still unconvinced. 'But I can't shake the feeling. What if I can't meet their expectations?'

 Riniock sighed, recognising the weight of his friend's doubts. 'Then prove to yourself first that you can. That's all anyone can do.'

 'You're right…as always,' Niann conceded with a faint smile, though the weight of his earlier worries still lingered.

 As the two made their way to their next lesson, Riniock's thoughts drifted elsewhere, gnawed by doubts of his own. Unlike Niann's concerns, his had little to do with confidence or ability; instead, they revolved around the enigmatic behaviour of Jorian over the past week.

 Was the man onto him? Or was this obsessive stalking part of something larger?

 Riniock couldn't be certain whether he was Jorian's sole target or if others were also under scrutiny. But it no longer mattered. The matter had festered too long, and Riniock had resolved not to let it linger further.

 I'll have to do my own stalking after the lesson, he thought, already piecing together a plan to confront and resolve this growing threat.