The First War Mage: Skyline Trials

It was amazing how restful sleep could truly be after spending an entire twenty four hours awake. Even if dreams didn't find me, the pleasant darkness that soothed my mind was just nice.

The bed I lay on began lurching several times, shifting back and forth. I felt myself starting to wake. It wasn't much—Just enough to make me roll over, pressing my cheek into such a comfortable pillow.

Only when I heard the faint giggling did my eyes open. It was slow at first, my eyes hesitating to take in the bright early morning lights. But, when I focused a little bit, seeing and remembering where I was, I snapped well and fully awake.

Tulip's lap had no right to be as comfortable as it was. It was in fact, so comfortable that I couldn't bring myself to do much more than roll onto my back again. Staring up at Tulip, I couldn't help but feel another small pang of jealousy.

Tulip really was just more filled in than I was, sure, my legs weren't things, but they weren't like Tulip's either. Let alone her chest, which from this angle blocked the view of her chin—Something I could've only achieved by leaning forwards.

"Sleep well?" Tulip asked when our eyes met, her lips curved with a soft smile.

"You have no right to be this comfortable." I grumbled in annoyance, wishing to close my eyes again.

The sun was up now, shimmering in through the translucent walls of the carriage. It was still early in the morning, perhaps only an hour past sunrise—But people were already flitting in and out around the city.the streets from what I could tell were already bustling.

I could also recognize where we were, even from my disadvantageous angle.

The heart of Arcadia was shaped like a bowl, built around the lowest point in the center. A massive, hollowed out arena. The roof of it was a massive, stained glass dome—Its shimmering lights flickering like a mirage in the early morning sunlight.

"Aw, not gonna get embarrassed?" Tulip teased, leaning forwards so that she could give a slightly smug grin.

"Embarrassment is second to comfort." I retorted with a slightly raised chin. With a soft sigh I did finally pull myself to sit up, yawning with my arms outstretched clear above my head.

"How long have we been here?" I asked as my arms dropped to my sides.

"Just stopped a minute ago." Tulip answered. She stood up, smiling softly at me while gesturing to the side wall. "Carmine and Darek are coming around, so, good thing you got up when you did." Tulip said calmly.

I turned my gaze, following her gestures—I indeed did see Carmine and Darek walking around to the rear of the carriage. So, following Tulip's lead I brought myself to stand. I also made sure to straighten out my top, fixing the few wrinkles that formed from my impromptu nap as well as I could before the door opened.

"I hope—Ah, good, you're ready." Carmine looked a little surprised when she saw Tulip and I both standing and waiting for her.

"I wouldn't say ready," I said, anxiety filling my tone. "But I don't think I can be more ready…" I added with a low sigh.

"You still have the rest of the day to get ready, Kirin," Darek said with a soft chuckle, his heading peaking in from just behind Carmine. "Now, let's go and start getting you ready, yes?" Darek said, waving emphatically while practically forcing Carmine back.

A sort of tension sat in the air between them, one which I couldn't read, but I could more than feel. It was like both sides despised each other, only not coming to blows because of a mutual want to help… Me.

I had to blink a little at that realization, but I didn't have much time to ponder it when Tulip gave me a slight nudge forwards.

With a surprised cough I moved, Akemi hopping from the seat up to my shoulders as I stepped out. I once again had to blink in surprise, this time it was because Darek proffered a hand, gently taking mine as he helped me down the stairs. He did the same for Tulip as soon as I was on the ground—So, I rather quickly assumed it was just something he did.

"What am I even going to do for an entire day that doesn't involve either exhausting myself, or broiling in anxiety?" I asked, turning to face Carmine and Darek both.

"Warm up, practice lightly and maybe a few more things." Carmine answered. With a gesture she turned, waving for us to follow her.

"For an entire day?" I asked, slightly exasperated.

"Kendrick will be doing the same," Carmine said, her hand reaching forwards over what looked like empty ground. "And he frankly has you outclassed, Kirin. He's a more powerful mage, one with an element which naturally counters you." Carmine's hand flexed, a small wave of mana leaving her palm before sinking into the ground.

The ground suddenly folded away, revealing a completely hidden stairway into the depths of the arena. Carmine ushered us in, forcing us down ahead of her before the covering folded back overtop of us once she entered.

"Just point out all my flaws why don't you—And why do we need to use a hidden entrance, put in the middle of the main square of the city? Won't someone just see the carriage?" I was at the front of the group, so I couldn't exactly stop or turn back to talk at Carmine. Instead I just had to try speaking loud enough to be heard despite the echo.

"It's the only entrance to the section we're going to that doesn't go through the arena floor," Carmine answered with a sigh. "And they aren't flaws, they're your weak points. Plus the entrance isnt meant to be hidden, only private." Once Carmine finished the procession fell silent. It wasn't a particularly long walk down the stairs, only perhaps three floors worth before it smoothed out into a passage wide enough for us to walk two at a time.

I only let out a soft huff in reply to Carmine. I was still in the lead, Tulip walking by my side all the way until we reached the only door in the entire hall. I glanced back, seeing a soft nod from Carmine, I reached forwards and opened it.

The room on the other end of the door was large, shaped in a circular fashion with a lot packed into the space.

On one end there was a number of weapon racks, selections of light armors, weights and different equipment one could use for general strength training.

In the center was a sand-filled circle, clearly acting as a training spot for sparring and warming up.

Lastly, on the end opposite of the equipment and nearest to the door, was a lounge. A lounge that was filled with five figures—Only two of which I could recognize.

Daedrik sat with an amused smile on his face, separated from the four others. Panna was on her knees, her soft pink hair being brushed by a massive woman who sat behind her. I didn't even have time to question Panna being here, let alone the fact that she was in a maid's uniform—Not when the girl behind her shot to her feet with a grin on her face.

"HIIIII!—" The girl basically screamed, her arms throwing themsevles wide to her sides. She was easily the same height as Levi, nearly the same level of muscular and far too excited.

Frankly, the only thing that stood out more than her obscene build was her hair—Which quite literally looked like it was made of solid metal thanks to the grey shade it had.

"Lillicia…" One of the two others—Both young men—The older of which spoke, his tone reflecting exhaustion in his voice. He was between my and Tulip's heights, built thin and honestly just looking shady. His black hair and nearly same colored eyes doing little to help that regard.

"Oh my god! You're so cute!" Lillicia cried out as she quickly moved away from the now very confused Panna, straight at me—And then past me. "And your hair! That silver color, red eyes, you must be Kirin, right?!" She said as she stopped in front of Tulip.

Tulip looked somewhere between shocked and confused, her face growing red when Lillicia without warning started playing with her hair.

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"It's so soft! You have to tell me how you take care of it! Lillicia had gently taking Tulip's ponytail in hand, caressing it softly.

The room was deathly silent, so silent in fact that Lillicia slowly let go of Tulip's hair and looked back to who I assumed to be her friends.

"Why is everyone so quiet?" Lillicia asked, sounding nervous now. Her friends both looked at her, utterly mortified, yet not to be outdone by the outright petrified Panna.

I, meanwhile, couldn't hold back my laughter for another second. Tulip's face was a beat red color, but she smiled all the same in good fun.

"Lillicia," The older of the two began again, his face contorted into a slight smirk. "That's the crown heiress, Tulip Berini. Next to her is Kirin." He was chuckling lightly as he spoke, continuing to do so even as he stood up.

"Wait! Why didn't you tell me that sooner!" Lillicia cried out, stepping back from Tulip with a mortified expression. "Oh no! She's going to punish me now!" Lillicia brought her hands to her face, looking nearly ready to start crying.

"You're fine!" Tulip said through her attempts of stifling her giggles. "I can share the soaps I use—But they're a bit expensive." Tulip added with more giggling.

"Really?!" Lillicia immediately perked up, her momentary fear turning into joyous, surprised shock.

"Yes, yes. Calm down now, please?" Tulip pleaded, stepping back with her hands raised cautiously.

"Oh~ Yes Ma'am!" Lillicia stepped back, going through a saluting motion that made Tulip sigh.

"Ehem," Carmine cleared her throat, gathering everyone's attention once she stepped through the door frame. "Daedrik, do you mind telling me what you and the Skyliners are doing here?" She crossed her arms, her gaze flowing across them smoothly.

Daedrik stood up when he was mentioned, his gaze traveling to our group. He looked across us for a few moments, staring at Darek for several moments before he looked back to Carmine and answered.

"Oh, I just wanted to get Kirin introduced to the people she could be spending her next few years working with," Deadrik said with a honey-sweet smile. "As you've met Lillicia Meran, she's the second most recent victor here. Alexander Vonstrova is currently elsewhere," Deadrik turned his gaze to me before gesturing back to the duo behind him.

"The eldest Skyliner you need to worry about is Samuel Evergreen," He waved to the elder of the two boys. He was definitely into his twenties now that I looked at him—He was taller, not as tall as Lillicia, but tall still. His brown hair and blue eyes doing very little to make him stand out in any way. "And then there's Lucille Meran."

I had to blink a few times when I looked at the last boy—And really, boy seemed apt to describe him. He looked younger than me despite clearly having to be older to some extent. His deep black hair made him look even shorter, he was shorter than me. However, his green eyes were nearly identical to Lillicia's, they all but screamed that they were siblings.

"Don't let Lucille's stature confuse you, Kirin," Deadrik said with a grin. "He's the deadliest Skyliner we have right now." He trailed off with a chuckle, waving calmly at the trio of skyliners.

"It's nice to meet the upstart finally," Samuel was the first to speak. He stood up calmly, a gentle smile crossing his face. "Kirin Vulender, I hope to make your acquaintance within our ranks. I believe all of us share that hope, bar Alexander." He chuckled a little as he trailed off, receiving a round of nods from the others.

"Shouldn't there be five?—" I asked with a tilted head. "If new Skyliners are first year students, and there's five years of education here, shouldn't there be five Skyliners?" I added, turning my smile away from Samuel and towards Daedrik with an intrigued gaze.

"The eldest Skyliner is also elsewhere. However, he is nearly graduated and doing things far above your pay-grade to know, Kirin." Daedrik answered.

"Now, you'll all have more time to get acquainted later, but let's go so that she may get prepared, yes?" Deadrik said, his arms gesturing emphatically to collect the Skyliners like lost ducklings.

"Good luck," Samuel whispered as he walked by.

"You got it!" Lillicia mirrored with far too much energy. Lucille just nodded, keeping his gaze down as he walked out.

I let out a sigh when the door closed behind them, leaving just the five of us in here.

"Right, there's five now." I thought to myself, looking at Panna, then towards Carmine. There was a reason Panna was in a maid's uniform, and I'd like to know why.

"Care to explain?" I asked, gesturing at Panna. The poor girl flinched back almost like she was trying to hide from me.

"Well, it was supposed to be a surprise for afterwards," Carmine sighed. "It was the easiest way to get Panna off the street, and gives you something you'll need when you win." She answered with a shrug.

"And why do I need a maid?" I inquired, raising an inquisitive eyebrow towards her.

"That…" Carmine looked away from me, her gaze landing on Darek. He just shook his head and turned, his hand reaching for the door.

"This is your mess, Carmine. Fix it yourself." Darek said over his shoulder before quickly leaving the room.

I reached a hand out towards the door, but he left too quickly for me to even say anything. I couldn't say goodbye, he didn't even have a chance to wish me good luck. A deep sigh left me, my reluctant gaze turning towards Carmine again.

"Kirin, what do you know about your family?" Carmine asked. As she spoke she turned towards the couches, walking while expecting me and Tulip to follow.

With yet another half hearted sigh I followed behind her, my patience slowly growing thin. Tulip followed only a few steps behind me, moving to sit a few cushions over from me on the same couch.

"Is this about my mother's name?" I asked, my mind going to the pendant hidden within my ring while my eyes met Carmine's.

"Do you know it?" Carmine asked softly. I just nodded softly. "And your father's name?" She asked a moment later.

"Alexander Vulender, right?" I was pretty sure that was his name, but it never hurt to be certain.

"Correct." Carmine said. She inhaled deeply through her nose, letting the breath linger for several moments before exhaling slowly.

"So, I'm the daughter of Lady Empyrean Hibiscus Berna and Alexander Vulender," I stated, meeting Carmine's gaze as I did. Panna raised her hands to her mouth quickly, stifling a gasp. "You chose me out of the blue as some debt to my father, didn't you?" I asked softly. My chest hurt just to think about it, just to think about what could have been.

"I was the reason he was found, I was the one to kill him," Carmine's own gaze fell down as she spoke, her shoulders sagging in a rare sign of weakness from her. "But I also owe much more to your mother." She said lowly.

I was a little surprised to hear that—Had she known my mother?

"How did you know her?" I asked quickly.

"I can't say that—" Carmine looked at Tulip, her gaze asking a question I already knew.

"I told her about Father's magic," Tulip answered, her own gaze torn by that statement. "He really has you too?" Tulip asked in surprise.

"Not too thoroughly that I can't find a way through," As Carmine spoke she stood up, an old leather journal—One I had seen her work on more than a few times—Appeared in her hands. She stood up, reaching over and handing it towards me. "I've transcribed your father's personal journal, Kirin. But, we should start getting ready." Carmine took in another deep breath, forcing a smile to her face in order to chase away her grim look.

"Now, I'll ask once again, have you noticed anything strange about your magic?" She asked.

I closed my eyes when she did, my father's journal—I desperately wanted to jump straight into it, but I couldn't—Disappeared into my ring.

Anxiety, fear, stress, regret—They all raced through my body. But I had to pause for a moment, focusing on those emotions again, thinking over them slowly. It didn't feel right, not when I thought about it.

Anxiety, I could chase that down easily. I was anxious about the fight, anxious to get in there and get it over with. I was scared of the fight too, Kendrick might actually try and kill me. He probably would try and kill me.

Both of those things obviously were making me feel stressed, so why did I feel regret?

I had to think about it for several moments, several moments that ended when Carmine cleared her throat.

"I… Actually, I think I do." I said slowly, bringing Carmine to perk up.

"We… Might have a lot more of a chance then," Carmine said, her face twisting into a hopeful smile. I couldn't help it and I mirrored it the same. "Are you ready to go show everyone something impossible again?" Carmine asked.

"I don't think I have a choice." I let out a shaking breath, pushing myself to stand. Carmine was quick to get me to work.

Darek sighed heavily when the door closed behind him. His heart, his body, they all ached the same anymore. Especially whenever he was near that girl… So close, yet, so far from being able to tell her anything.

"I'm too old for this…" He grumbled as he walked down the hall. Without much thought his hand raised to his bad eye, his palm rubbing the scar over his eyelid gently.

"Indeed you are far too old for this, old bastard." Darek looked up, meeting Daedrik's gleaming, nearly youthful eyes with a dry chuckle. He had flitted out from the ground, rising like a spiraling flame from the stone tiles underfoot.

"To think that my problem student would have gotten so far." Darek said with a smirk.

"Hmm, wasn't it you that said; 'People who make problems are the best at fixing them?'" Deadrik smiled back. "How are you, ya old bastard." He asked with a softer tone now.

"Feeling my age far more than I'd like to," Darek answered with a shake of his head. "Especially around her." He added slowly.

"I'll be taking care of her soon enough, Darek," Deadrik said. "Go and rest those old bones, gods know we're going to need them soon." He chuckled, almost sounding anxious.

"Archimedes?" Darek asked simply.

"Still refuses to believe the signs, forces silence on everyone who does." Daedrik answered with a grating sigh.

"That idiot and those fanatics will be the death of us," Darek grumbled, turning to face down the hall. "I know I trusted the right person, Daedrik. I wish you the best of luck." He added as he began down the hall.

"Maybe he will, or maybe he'll be a catalyst." Daedrik said, his body quickly fading into flames.