Snake, Scarab, & Sons: Purveyors of Fine T

"Objection!" The voice rang out through the arena as a finger pointed accusingly at Ash.

"What is there to object?" Cyrus frowned and stood between Mage Gorantla and Ash. "He made a potion and used it on the subject. The subject reacted positively, and all of this was done within the designated time limit."

Ash continued to study the thief, looking for any sequela or negative side effect from his potion. "Not only that, but Mage Amini followed directions perfectly, committed only to running and gathering ingredients and remaining on one side of my potion station counter. After he delivered the ingredients, we did not communicate more regarding the potion." He paused and cast the two older mages a knowing look.

Mage Bo and Mage Gorantla bristled.

"We may have talked about it, but only I prepared the potion!" Mage Bo countered.

"Yeah, and it's still dribbling down the side of his face." Ash lifted his chin towards the statue.

Mage Bo became even more flustered as he used the sleeves of his robe to try to wipe the spilled potion off.

"Rather than yell at us, you should focus more on your statue," Cyrus said. "Though you have some time from the initial hour for potion making still available, you only have thirty minutes in addition to that."

Ash gave them a cold smile. "And it doesn't look like the potion will be absorbed any time soon."

"The hour glass," Cyrus said, motioning towards the large object by the judges. "Is slipping."

"Where am I?" The thief who had been curled into a ball on the cart lifted his head and looked around, drawing Ash and Cyrus' attention back to him. Several soldiers had come to surround the cart and he stopped moving. "What's going on?"

"You don't remember?" Ash asked, raising a brow. The thief didn't have any wounds on him and at most, he seemed to be recovering from the fear he'd been left with when he was turned to stone.

"You were turned to stone for entering the inner sanctum of the Three Sisters Shrine," Cyrus told him.

"You are under arrest for trespassing and attempted theft." A stone-faced soldier moved in front of Ash and Cyrus, making the thief shrink back into a ball.

"Trespassing? What are you talking about? Where am I trespassing!"

Cyrus narrowed his eyes. "That's a Dareisol accent," he said. "Does he really not know where he is?"

"Well, considering the spell that made him stone, he was frozen in the moment. Disorientation is common and should be expected in such a case," Ash replied. He craned his neck to look at the man. "Hey, take a look around. Does it look familiar?"

"Familiar? No! Where am I? I was...." He took in a sharp breath as his voice trailed off.

The soldier narrowed his eyes. "You were what?"

The thief swallowed hard. "I...I was at home-"

"Oh, you have Gorgons at home?" Ash cut him off. "That is the most pathetic answer I've heard in a while. I saw you when you were a statue. Your body was twisted and fleeing from something. Something terrifying from the look on your face. The spell freezes you in time and turns you to stone, not erases your memory."

"I am sure you know very well where you were and what you were doing," Cyrus added in a low voice.

"I don't know what you're talking about!" The thief continued to deny it.

Ash raised a brow and lifted his arm. He pointed past him, towards the other cart. The thief squinted and turned his head, almost rolling over on his side to see where Ash was pointing.

He choked as his body seemed to go limp. "Brother!"

"Bernard Petersen, you have been identified by your travel records to the Isle of Gorgades via the passenger ship, Emerald Waters Three," the soldier said. He looked up and gave another soldier a nod. That soldier stepped forward and unhooked the metal cuffs from his belt loop.

"No! What are you doing? I haven't done anything!" Bernard wanted to struggle, but was helpless against the soldier. He looked towards the other statue. "What about my brother? Why is he still stone?"

"See, you do know what happened," Ash said.

Cyrus looked towards the judges. "There is still time left."

"What do you mean time?" Bernard snapped his head towards him.

Ash let out a heavy sigh and crouched down to be at eye level with the man on the cart. "All right...here's what's going on and why you're here." As he gave the thief an explanation, Mage Bo prepared a third vial of potion, however, he didn't look nearly as confident as he did earlier. "Therefore, from the time left, there are still forty minutes until I can step in and administer the potion I used on you on to your brother."

Bernard's mouth was agape as he stared at Ash in disbelief. "That's why you're leaving him as he is? Because of some ridiculous competition!"

"It isn't just a competition, it's a mage duel," Ash said, appearing serious. "People can die."

"There is no problem with him remaining as a statue for a little while longer," Cyrus said. "As Guillermo has said, once you look into a Gorgon's eyes and the spell is cast, you will be locked in time as is, as your body turns to stone."

"Besides, those two mages are working really hard to cure your brother." Ash gave him a meaningful look, causing the thief to turn towards the other cart.

Mage Gorantla's hand was reaching into the statue's open mouth. "It's completely stone! The potion isn't going in!"

"Should we drill his throat and create a hole?" Mage Bo asked out loud.

"Won't that cause damage to flesh once he returns to flesh and blood?" the master of ceremonies asked with some concern.

"Wait! Why don't we try using a syringe like he did!" Mage Gorantla's face lit up, as if he'd somehow stumbled across the secret instead of just copying Ash.

Ash pursed his lips, staring at the two mages as they bustled around. Mage Gorantla tried to mimic his earlier actions trying to find a soft spot along the statue's legs and feet while Mage Bo ran back, huffing and puffing, and with sweat trickling down the sides of his face, to his potion station to get a syringe.

Cyrus crossed his arms over his chest and knitted his brows together. "Do you think their potion will work?"

Ash drew his lips inward and bit them before he took a deep breath. "Partially."

"Partially?" Both Cyrus and Bernard, who was sitting on the cart with his arms cuffed behind his back and shackles now on his ankles.

"I was listening to Mage Bo when he was calling out ingredients," Ash replied, sound unbothered, if not disinterested. "If he made what I think he made, the potion would soften the stone and slowly transition it into flesh by trying to reverse the magic. It's not as instant as when I injected you with potion."

"You said that your potion neutralized the magic. Is there a difference?" Cyrus asked.

Ash nodded. "Oh, there is. Reversing magic means a series of counter magic in a spell to undo the actions of the original spell. The energies fight against each other until one wins out. Neutralizing magic means exactly that. It nullifies the original spell energies, essentially making it as if it never happened, and the lingering energy is useless and dissipates naturally. However, very few spells can be neutralized and what neutralizes them can be very complex. But if it does work, it's swift and relatively harmless.

"In addition, the Gorgon's gaze magic which turns humans into stone has two parts. One is, as I mentioned earlier, freezing the victim in time. The second is turning people into stone. Now, if they can get your brother to absorb their potion, as long as it's strong enough, the initial magic will be overwhelmed by the curing magic and stone will turn to flesh." Ash paused as he watched Mage Gorantla appear to find a soft spot on the statue's heel. "Of course...if they didn't address the time freeze, he still won't move."

"What?" The thief shuttered around. "How...how do you even know this?"

"I study multiple magic branches and travel," Ash replied. "The more you see the world, the more you are exposed to things you wouldn't find out about otherwise."

"I didn't know about the time aspect," Cyrus said.

"My brother asked about the recovery liquid and it was explained to us in detail over dinner," Ash replied. He closed his eyes and nodded thoughtfully. "Brother is very intelligent."

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"My brother is going to have the entire Magic Tower after him when this is over," Henry said as he stood behind the two children as they watched the duel below.

"The Second Young Master has already proven his ability to a great degree," one of the imperial guards with them replied with some awe in his voice. "Is he interested in joining the Magic Tower?"

An unexpected incredulous snort came from the suit behind them. Henry looked over his shoulder and saw the Dowager Empress shaking her head.

"There are few people in the world who wish to see the Magic Tower suffer as much as him. And with good reason. If he wished, he could destroy the Magic Tower in an instant," the Dowager Empress said with pride.

"Why hasn't he, Grandma?" Prince Max asked his grandmother.

"He prefers his enemies to be alive and suffering than dead and unbothered," the Dowager Empress replied with a smirk. "He gets that from his great-grandmother." She let out a regretful sigh. "The General was rather no-nonsense, but she was not above making her enemies suffer because of pettiness and spite." She looked at Nera. "I wonder why it skipped you and your mother."

Nera sipped on some fruit juice and lowered her cup before speaking in a dulled voice. "I blame Ashtari men."

The Dowager Empress let out a boisterous laugh, ignoring the cold regal demeanor she wore in public. "Did you hear that, Henry? Your Aunt blames Ashtari men."

"I blame Ashtari men, too," Henry replied without looking back. After all, his problems were all caused by Ashtari men, even if he technically was also an Ashtari man.

"By the way, did you hear who has finally taken the position of Prime Minister in Ashtar?" The Dowager Empress leaned forward, as if telling a secret to Nera. Henry looked over his shoulder, also curious.

Nera raised a brow. "Old Man Heinassus."

The Dowager Empress' eyes lit up with excitement at the fact that Nera didn't know. "It's now Prime Minister Heigoren."

Nera lowered her glass on the table and frowned. "He's in his sixties now! Why would he take the position once again? That's too much for an old man. He should be enjoying his retirement." She was concerned now, but hadn't been concerned about the other old man. It was clear who she favored.

The Dowager Empress shook her head. "It's not former Prime Minister Heigoren. It's his son." Henry caught Nera's hands tightening around the glass despite her face not betraying her emotions. "Enroshan Heigoren."

Both the Dowager Empress and Henry watched Nera carefully, trying to notice any reaction to the name.

"Oh." It was a disappointing single sentence. "So...he did end up becoming Prime Minister."

Henry let out a heavy breath and slumped his shoulders.

The Dowager Empress looked much more disappointed. "That's it? An 'oh'?"

Nera gave her a helpless, bitter smile. "What else am I supposed to say about the man who broke our engagement and married my half-sister?"

Henry slowly turned his attention back to the arena floor. At this point, it seemed that everyone was waiting for the time to run out in the challenge. Ash and Cyrus were both sitting on the edge of the cart, next to the thief who was cuffed and shackled. All three were watching the other two mages struggle to try to turn the other statue back into a human.

It was a boring scene, and Henry's mind began to cloud over with other thoughts.

He knew the name Enroshan Heigoren. When they left, Enroshan's father had been demoted to a common minister and Prime Minister Heinassus took his place. Prime Minister Heinassus supported the Emperor, or more specifically, the Emperor's bastard son who'd appeared out of thin air after several years.

Former Prime Minister Heigoren claimed to be neutral, but Henry always believed that he supported him because of Nera's connection to the Heigoren Clan. Nera never mentioned them being supportive, nor did she seem to ever entertain the thought, but Henry knew their relationship.

He believed the Heigoren Clan felt guilty because Former Prime Minister Heigoren's second son, Enroshan, was engaged to Nera. It wasn't an arranged marriage, either. The two had met outside of Ashtar, at the West Wind Abbey, and fell in love. Enroshan was the second son, but after the death of his elder brother, he had to return to support his parents and nephew.

Who did he bring with him, but Nera, who he planned to marry. From what Henry was told by his mother, the Heigoren Clan loved Nera. They were ready to make her the next madam of the clan upon marrying Enroshan, but out of nowhere, one day, Nera was drugged and when she finally regained some sanity, she found out her fiancé had married her half-sister instead.

And Nera was then forced to marry the Emperor. There was foul play; it was obvious, but at the time, nothing could be done. Nera was kept in a weakened and dazed state until the Emperor grew tired of her. Enroshan, who was following his father's political footsteps, had suddenly faded out of the public eye.

Henry didn't know what was going through Enroshan's head, but he was fairly sure he was forced to marry Nera's half-sister, to whom she was indifferent. Considering how her mother was killed, he wouldn't blame her for hating her half-sister.

Still, he never heard of Enroshan being affectionate to, honoring, or even speaking of the woman who became his wife. No one seemed to speak of her. Henry didn't even know her name, not that he cared to.

"I heard he and his wife are separated...." The Dowager Empress prodded. She wasn't saying this to antagonize Nera. It was just that the old woman liked to gossip.

"Great-Aunt," Nera said with a tired sigh, addressing the retired monarch familiarly. "He and I are nothing. I don't care what he does."

"But at least care about what he's doing now." The Dowager Empress' voice softened. "You may need an ally." She glanced in Henry's direction and Henry lowered his eyes.

The old woman wasn't wrong. To avoid drowning Ashtar's people in a war of succession, and its inevitable chaotic aftermath, he needed allies in the court. Still, he didn't want allies who hurt his beloved aunt.

"I think they're going to give up soon," Effie was leaning against the balcony, her arms folded in front of her and her chin resting on them. "Do you think the short mage is going to cry?"

"He looks like he's going to," Prince Max replied. "I pity them."

"They started it," Effie told him with a pout. "As one of Hana's friends said, don't start none, won't be none."

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"None what?"

"Problems, I think. I'm not a hundred percent sure."

Henry lost count of the amount of potion vials the Magic Tower mages had made, poured, and spilled. When they resorted to a syringe, they had multiple attempts, with the first one causing the syringe's needle point to break. They went to get another one and tried again, but couldn't seem to find the right spot to inject the potion into.

Finally, they seemed to find a portion of the statue that hadn't completely turned to stone and managed to inject the potion into the statue.

"Oh! The color is changing!" Prince Max stood up straight and Effie gasped.

Similar to what Ash's potion had done, the color of flesh and fabric reappeared as the gray-white stone marbling faded. While it was noticeably slower than the first statue, it didn't take long.

"Boo...!" Effie scrunched her face once more. "I thought they wouldn't make time."

"They have sixteen minutes left," Prince Max said. "Do you think the judges will count the total time since your brother's potion took effect or from the hour mark?"

"Whichever time will deduct the least amount of points from them," Effie replied. "So, from the hour mark."

"You don't have confidence in the judges, Young Miss?" one of the guards asked with a chuckle.

"They had to change rules for the old mages before the last round," Effie told him, exasperated. "They're going to definitely try to adjust the score so it is as much in favor of the old mages as possible."

Henry believed her and thought the same. He did the math in his head. Even if the second statue wasn't moving, he'd returned to human form with sixteen minutes to spare. No doubt that the judges would count that, as the challenge only mentioned changing them back to humans. Considering the thirty-minute window, which was fourteen minutes or seventy points deducted from the total score.

"Winner of this match, Mage von Sails and Mage Amini, with 300 points, bringing them up to 763 points!"

Effie, Prince Max, and the guards yelled and clapped at this.

"Within the thirty-minute time frame, fourteen minutes are deducted from Mage Bo and Mage Gorantla, subtracting seventy points from 300, giving them 230 points for this round, bringing them to a total of 441!"

Nera let out a small scoff. "I knew they'd count after the hour of potion making time."

"Well, I'm sure they can't let the Magic Tower lose too much face," the Dowager Empress said with a chuckle.

No matter what, Ash and Cyrus still won the round, but it was still a bit annoying to think the judges didn't count the time between the completion of the potion and the end of the hour.

"What's next?" Effie asked.

"Elemental challenge," Henry said, remembering the challenge letter Ash had received at the tea house. "I believe it's 500 points."

Nera narrowed her eyes. "It'll be winner takes all."

The Dowager Empress looked at her with question. "How are you so sure?"

"If the winner takes all, they just need to score one more point than Ash and Cyrus, then they can take all the points," Nera said. "It's the only way they can get a secure win without worrying about Ash and Cyrus gaining more points to add to their total."

"Don't worry, Madam," the Dowager Empress' head attendant said reassuringly. "We are all confident with the Second Young Master's abilities." Several people nodded around them, but Nera shook her head once, her eyes staring down at the field as Ash and Cyrus returned to the waiting area.

"Ash won't be the one doing the challenge."

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"The next round is 500 points," Ash said. "If we fail, they'd need to get a perfect score, but even if we manage to get a handful of points, we'd still lead and can pick the duel style of the final section."

"Suppression or causing them to lose consciousness is our best option," Cyrus said. "Though a death in a duel isn't considered punishable, I'd still rather not kill unless my own life was threatened."

"Hmmm...hold on to that thought, because there is nothing to ensure that they won't try to threaten it," Ash replied.

Cyrus raised a brow. "Do you think they'll go that far?"

"Well, we pissed them off quite a bit. At least I have," Ash said with a helpless shrug. He looked at Cyrus. "I predict that in the next round, they will make you do it."

The corner of Cyrus' lip curled up in a dull smile. "Let me guess, the maximum a challenger can be the primary participant in is three times?"

Ash beamed. "Convenient, right?"

"Very."

The stage, the ingredients cabinet, and the counters were taken apart, collected on large, flat carts, and rolled back under the arena. Attendants raked the ground flat once more in preparation for the next round.

All the competitors could do was sit and wait, as well as watch. Ash shifted in his seat. He couldn't help but think that he was overlooking something.

Cyrus looked over and raised a brow. "Are you all right?"

"They're planning another trick, I know it. I just don't know what," Ash answered with narrowed, suspicious eyes.

"We're far ahead in points," Cyrus said. "Even if I don't make as many points as them, we'll be ahead."

Ash nodded and put on a reassuring smile. "Just do what you can. Whatever happens, happens. And no matter what, I know you'll do well. I've seen you fight."

Cyrus chuckled. "Thank you."

On the arena grounds, four oxen pulled two square slabs of stone. Ash narrowed his eyes and let out a low whistle. "Well...they're certainly investing a lot in this mage duel. Any chance they get to have their mages show off, I suppose."

Cyrus nodded. "I've never seen those before."

"Neither have I."

Attendants and mages in purple robes began to raise wood beams with pulleys and ropes to lift the slabs upright. Each individual slab was at least twice as tall and wide as Ash's height. He narrowed his eyes and found that there were honeycomb patterns all across the square, surrounding a large square in the center.

Once the slabs were upright and secured in place, the wood scaffolding and rigs were removed and pulled away on carts to be parked at the side.

The master of ceremonies approached the slabs, looking up at them in awe as he walked between them. He nodded to himself and then raised his arms. The drums around the arena began to echo once more, drawing the audience's attention back to him.

"For the last match of the first half, the Magic Tower has provided elemental training panels that novice mages at the Magic Tower use to practice energy control on!"

Immediately, Ash's frown deepened. "What a way to give your own people an advantage...."

"In this match, the challenger on each team that has participated in the least amount of rounds will take on the challenge!"

Cyrus nodded. "You called it."

"Well, we were ready for it, so at least it's not shocking," Ash replied.

The master of ceremonies continued. "In addition, this round will be all or nothing. Only the challenger who earns the most points will get the full 500! Even if the second challenger gets a single point less, they will receive no points."

"What?" Both Ash and Cyrus nearly jumped out of their seats as they heard. Ash balked in place. "I knew they were planning something underhanded!"

"It's not so much underhanded as blatantly favoring the other side," Cyrus said in a low voice. He narrowed his eyes. "We shouldn't be surprised, either."

Ash gritted his teeth, but nodded.

"Will Mage Gorantla and Mage Amini approach the center of the arena!"

Ash looked at Cyrus and patted his shoulder once more. "Good luck, and don't put too much pressure on yourself."

"I won't lose without a fight," Cyrus said as he gave Ash a nod and stepped out of the waiting area. "I'll make sure it's close enough to make them uncomfortable."

He walked across the arena, while Ash stood at the entrance of the waiting area with his arms crossed. The two mages reached the front of the stone slabs and stood where they were instructed.

"Mage Amini, are you familiar with this training panel?" the master of ceremonies asked with a bright smile.

"I am not," Cyrus replied. "I trust that it will be properly explained." His eyes bore into the master of ceremonies, whose eyes twitched.

"Yes, of course!" He turned towards the Mage Gorantla with a wide smile. "Please explain to Mage Amini and the audience how this training panel works!"

Mage Gorantla stood upright with a look of pride on his face. He gave the master of ceremonies a small nod.

"This training panel was built specifically for the Magic Tower's young and novice mages. Each honeycomb space will light up with a magi-archea elemental symbol. The mage must respond by sending the corresponding element to the honeycomb that lit up. At first, it will be one, then two, then transition into a sequence that must be replicated in order for it to count. You must wait until the sequence is complete before replicating it, and when a honeycomb is hit out of sequence, it will turn red, reset the sequence, and you'll need to start over." Mage Gorantla looked at Cyrus. "The purpose of this is for reaction time, memory, and endurance, as the panel will continue for a set time, with no breaks."

"And what is that set time?" Cyrus asked.

"Fifteen minutes." Mage Gorantla smirked. "Even novice mages can do as much."

The corner of Cyrus' lip curled up. "That must be reassuring for you."

The smug look disappeared from Mage Gorantla.

Ash chuckled to himself, and the master of ceremonies rushed to have Mage Gorantla give an example. The grooves of the stone slab lit up and one light glowed with a white symbol. Each honeycomb looked to be as small as a fist. It was a small target.

Mage Gorantla sent a steady stream of lightning to the light before it dimmed. Then three more lit up in succession and he sent fire, light, and water energy to each honeycomb, following the pattern. The center square lit up with the number four.

At this point, the process was set. It was up to the challengers.

Both slabs were cleared, the grooves were lit up, and the master of ceremonies stepped back.

"Ready! Set!" He threw his arms down and the drumming sounded around the arena. By the judges, the hour glass was flipped. The honeycombs began to light up, slowly at first, and then quickening as the sequences became longer.

Ash moved his fingers at his sides. It looked fun for what it was.

Cyrus picked it up easily, but stumbled a few times when he made sequencing mistakes. He also started with some dead time wasted, as he wasn't sure when the sequence was complete and he could replicate it.

Ash had to admit that Mage Gorantla was more skilled when it came to elemental combinations. His reaction time was faster. His response to the panel was familiar, so it was likely that this was something common in the Mage Tower, though Ash hadn't seen it before.

For Cyrus, who had never encountered such a task previous, his reaction time was impressive. He was only a beat behind Mage Gorantla, but considering that only the winner would get the full 500 points, Ash knew they weren't going to be able to pick the final round's battle.

He pursed his lips, but settled back against his seat.

He wasn't surprised that the scoring was different and that it would accommodate their opponents due to the nature of the challenge.

The sound of drums filled the air, signaling the end of the fifteen-minute-long challenge. To continuously use magic for that long, and shift from one element to another, was a test of endurance.

Even Mage Gorantla, who was familiar with the panels, was flushed and had a sheen of sweat over his face.

Cyrus was frowning, but maintained his proud, composed posture without showing any sign of defeat. He merely nodded in acknowledgement with the judges called the score in favor of the opposing mages.

Ash's lips pulled into a wry smile as he shook his head. The center square of the panel glowed with total correct responses, minus the deductions for incorrect ones. Mage Gorantla had 423. Cyrus had 382.

The crowds clapped, but not with the same enthusiasm as previous rounds. Cyrus accepted his score and as he turned, he raised his arm and waved at the crowds, offering them a reassuring nod, as if to say that he also thought the situation was ridiculous.

As he waved, the cheering grew louder.

Ash clapped his hands together and began shouting 'Amini', with each syllable as a clap. He walked out, stopping about three steps from the waiting area, and shouted his fellow mage's name. His chanting and clapping caught on quickly, first by the audience closest to their waiting area, then spreading through the sections like a ripple.

By the time Cyrus was almost near him, the entire arena was chanting his name. His eyes reddened and his smile grew wider. He waved at the crowds once more, pausing in front of Ash and turning a circle to wave and bow his head in gratitude at their show of support.

It wouldn't change the judge's decision, but it would tell them that everyone knew they weren't playing fair.

"You did an amazing job," Ash said, patting Cyrus on the back as he ushered him into the waiting area. "I've never seen that panel before. I don't think I could've done any better." He was telling the truth. Strength and endurance, he was confident in, but a skill learned on a foreign system he'd never used before would take time to become accustomed to. He certainly wasted time in the beginning.

"If it's something that was created for mages to train with at the Magic Tower, it would of course be foreign to us outsiders," Cyrus replied. "I didn't think that was how they'd test us."

"I didn't either," Ash told him. "But you didn't give up. You maintained your concentration and continuously improved. From a few beats behind to almost matching Mage Gorantla in a single fifteen-minute round. The points difference was minuscule if you consider the gap in experience with the panel."

"Even so, we lost the first half." Cyrus took a seat and ran his hand down his face as he leaned forward. "They have the advantage of choosing the final duel."

"No matter what it is, our end goals remain suppression or loss of consciousness," Ash said as he took a seat beside him. "No matter what, they can't change it to a mandatory death match." Death could happen, and often did in a mage duel, but it couldn't be forced. It all depended on the will of the challengers.

On the arena floor, the chanting of Cyrus' name died down as the attendants returned to the field to cart the stone panels back. The floor was prepared once more and a few attendants went around to check the strength of the protective barrier.

It seemed they were preparing for a powerful, volatile match.

Ash watched them carefully, assessing with his own eyes that the barrier was working. He doubted the Magic Tower would tamper with the protective barrier, as there were plenty of prospective customers in the audience. No need to put them in danger.

Once the barriers were secured, the attendants left the field.

Ash saw the master of ceremonies step out. The drums began to sound once more, acting as a cue for the challengers to go back outside. Cyrus closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly. He opened his eyes, looking ahead of him with determination, and rose to his feet.

Ash rolled his shoulders back, then rolled his head on his neck. He stood up, stretching his arms across his body as he bounced on his heels place for a moment, warming himself up.

"All right, let's go."

The two began their walk towards the center of the arena. The master of ceremonies awaited them while from the other side, Mage Bo and Mage Gorantla approached. Their heads were held high and they walked with a confident gait.

Both pairs stopped just two paces from the master of ceremonies. The man in the center raised his arms and the drums that were filling the arena stopped.

"Now, we will begin our last challenge of the mage duel! As the winners of the first half of the competition, Mage Bo and Mage Gorantla will have the choice of battle!" The master of ceremonies stepped back and looked towards the two older men in purple robes. "Mage Bo and Mage Gorantla, what is your choice?"

Mage Gorantla stepped forward. "Magical weapons."

Ash raised a brow at this. He was fairly certain that due to the nature of their jobs, they would be familiar with weapons, but magic weapons? That didn't only require basic knowledge on using a weapon, but also controlling the energy channeled through it. Perhaps he underestimated the old men.

"Interesting choice...." he heard Cyrus say beside him.

The master of ceremonies' brows shot up, but a glint of interest crossed his eyes. "A magical weapons battle! How will the weapons be selected!"

"To be clear, mages classify magic weapons as objects that can be used for attack that can not only channel energy, but are a source of energy, which would allow non-mages to control the energy coming from the object. Is this acceptable, Mages von Sails and Amini?"

"That is the literal classification, so yes," Ash replied with a roll of his eyes.

"Good. Then each challenger has fifteen minutes to acquire a magic weapon of their choosing. They can be borrowed, purchased, or already owned, but they must provide their own weapon," Mage Gorantla said in a loud voice.

"What if they cannot find a weapon?" the master of ceremonies asked, glancing at Ash and Cyrus. Ash squinted. Did he think they didn't have weapons?

There were few things in life Ash lacked, but weapons were not one of them.

"Then we can lend them wands," Mage Bo said with a smug smile. "The ancients used wands as weapons for magic, not just as tools. If our opponents are lacking, we can lend them wands for mage students."

Ash gave a sarcastic look. "How generous."

"Then, a mage duel with magic weapons will be held! All four challengers will be allowed to battle at the same time. In order to win, both mages of one party must be either subdued and unable to use magic, unconscious, or dead. Mages can also choose to surrender, should they need to. However, both mages must meet one of these conditions to be at a loss. If one mage from one team remains standing, no matter what length of time has passed, the duel continues! Bodily harm is permissible. Verbal antagonizing is permissible. Breaks are not. One started, no challenger shall leave this arena grounds until the duel is completed. No portals or gateways of any kind shall be used. No use of light or sound that can carry over to the audience. If a mage is unconscious, is subdued, or surrenders, they will not be harmed further," the master of ceremonies shouted. He looked from one side to the other. "Do the parties accept! Note that refusal to accept is an automatic forfeit!"

"We accept." Both Mage Bo and Mage Gorantla spoke at once.

"We accept." Ash and Cyrus didn't hesitate, either.

The master of ceremonies looked satisfied. "Both parties have accepted the terms of engagement! Let the time for acquiring a weapon start...now!" He looked towards the judge's desk and the hourglass for the allotted amount of time was turned upside down.

At this, the older mages turned and headed back to their waiting areas.

Cyrus looked at Ash, who was scanning the audience. "Do you have a magic weapon?"

"Magic weapons don't necessarily have to be a magic sword or knife," Ash said. He raised his arms and waved towards the imperial family's viewing booth. "Ancients used wands with magic properties, some used stones that had natural magic energy. Whatever is imbued with magic and can use energy is acceptable, isn't it?"

"Then, can you use your slips?" Cyrus asked. Ash shook his head and began walking to their waiting area. Henry would come with his space preservation bag.

"No, they don't contain magic. They're just paper that require my magic to activate and be used. Ones that others can use would need my magic energy applied and dormant until ready for use," Ash replied as they walked. "They're more a tool in that sense and don't meet the requirement of containing magic energy that can be used as a source."

"Then what are you going to use?" Cyrus asked.

"Guillermo von Sails is a simple young man," Ash said with a slight smile. "He's an unknown, unaffiliated mage who needs to work to put food on the table. His weapon can't be anything too showy. Nothing immensely powerful. Nothing too rare."

Cyrus began to look a bit worried. Ash Atractas would have many weapons, but Guillermo von Sails? Not so much. What did Guillermo von Sails have?

"Do you want to borrow one of my weapons?" Cyrus asked. "I have some swords, daggers, a buckler that reflects attacks.... Jasper will likely come with the sword I usually use. I can send him to get another."

"It's fine, Cyrus," Ash said with a reassuring smile. "I already know what I, Guillermo von Sails, am going to use. Besides, I don't think Jasper will have time to run back and return with another weapon." He saw Cyrus holding his breath.

They reached their waiting area and attendants were waiting by the entrance. The woman who was overseeing the waiting area motioned towards the open entrance.

"Mage Amini, Mage von Sails, you may leave and return, but you must return within the allotted time, else we cannot let you in and you will forfeit the match," she told them.

Ash sighed. "How many things are they going to instill to try to get us to forfeit the match?"

Cyrus gave the woman a dismissive shake of his head. "Our people are coming."

"And don't try to stop them," Ash said before crossing his arms. "Because you can't." For one thing, they'd be escorted by imperial guards or Pheris guards. The woman didn't say anything, but remained standing at her station.

It took a few minutes, but Jasper arrived with the expected Pheris guards escorting him, and presented Cyrus with a sword. Ash could feel the magic energy radiating from it.

"Ooh...energy absorption and return. You've been holding out on me, Cyrus," Ash said with a grin.

Jasper looked at Ash and unsheathed the sword at his waist, handing it to him.

"I don't know if you have a suitable weapon, but you may use mine if needed," he said with a firm look encouraging him to take it.

For warriors, their weapons were a part of them. They didn't lend it to anyone so easily. Ash was honored he could be trusted. He gave Jasper a small bow of his head, but did not reach out to take it.

"Thank you, Jasper. The sword of thunder is an amazing and powerful magic weapon, but I cannot accept it," Ash said. "I won't risk damaging it."

"I insist." Jasper pushed the sword towards him again.

"It's all right. I have a weapon," Ash assured him. Doubt remained on Jasper's face. He looked to Cyrus, who nodded.

Jasper let out a low breath and marching was heard coming down the hall. Several eyes turned towards the entrance as Henry appeared, flanked by four imperial guards. When he was close enough, he tossed Ash's space preservation bag to him.

"Be humble," Henry told him. It was a reminder that he was dueling as Guillermo, not Ash.

Ash held the bag with one hand as the other reached in. He snorted at his brother. "I know what I'm doing."

A moment later, Ash pulled out a thin, tapered metal object as long as his hand from fingertip to wrist. There were five colored pearls within a metal cage design inside one end of the object as a decoration.

Henry's brows shot up. "Are you serious?"

"Yep." Ash tossed him his space preservation bag and then twirled the woman's ornamental hairpin in his hand. "It was my master's."