"Serene, wait!" Lavaria Sensei called me as I was about to leave. I stopped and waited for everyone to leave. "We will wait for you before starting the group discussion," Ayrden whispered before leaving.
After everyone was gone Lavaria Sensei looked at me with a serious expression: "We had a meeting and I wanted to fill you in on a few details. The rest will be covered by Artins as soon as he will have more answers. But, for now, we believe that if the spell sealing off the Dark Realm is broken in the future, you might be the key to it."
A sudden wave of fear ran through me. My hands and feet went numb and for a second I felt like I couldn't breathe.
"Ummm, but why me?" I stammered. "We don't know anything with certainty but for now we would like you to stay away from the wall and train hard with others. If the worst-case scenario occurs, we all need to be ready for it. That's exactly the reason I chose Schlangto to be your next assignment." He replied.
I just lowered my head and stood there. I wanted to cry but I knew I had to be strong, crying is not gonna fix anything.
"Serene, don't ever think you are alone or abandoned. We are all with you and whatever happens, we will always stand with you. Nothing is your fault. So, heads up and be prepared for what's to come." He smiled reassuringly at me.
His words gave me a lot of courage, at least they didn't see me as something evil.
"You can head back to your team but remember not to disclose any information to any other novice. We need to be certain before making any assumptions."
"Yes, Sensei," I replied and headed out.
Ayrden, Zeph, Arlo, and Mikasim were sitting together at a table. Ayrden waved at me and I headed towards them and slipped into a seat beside her. Zeph had already taken a book and was reading it. Arlo was doodling in his notebook. Mikasim was trying to look at what others were doing.
"So we need to figure out our strategy on how we are going to fight a 25-30 meter monster," Ayrden spoke up.
"Firstly, we should try to gather as much information about it as possible, find out its weaknesses, anything particular we can use against it. Then, we should write our essay and from there we should lay out our battle plan against it." Zeph declared.
"We should be aware of each other's powers as well. So, today after we get free we should have a small training session to get familiarised with one another." Mikasim added.
Everyone was on the same page regarding all the points for now. So, we decided to start by reading about it. Mikasim and Arlo grabbed another book called: "Creatures of The Dark Realm" while I brought "All we need to know about Monsters" and began to read it. Ayrden was ready with a pen to take notes.
Zeph discovered they had a weak spot near the neck and I came to know that they paralyze their victims by excreting a special toxin from their claws. We began to gather all the points we could find.
Soon it was time for "Combat class" then we had lunch which was followed by "Concoctions and Elixirs". Mariela asked me to prepare "The Strengthing Concoction" as I had missed the previous class. It wasn't very difficult to make and I was done in twenty minutes. She looked impressed with the results and gave me a vial to save it.
We also learnt to make "Sleeping powder", it took us some time to get the hang of it. Ralph was the first one to make it and looked smug about it. Mariela told us about a special poison which can no longer be made. The reason is the basic ingredient used comes from Schlangto's toxin. Since the sealing of the Dark Realm, it became a rare commodity. This special poison was called "Haridos" and was known to cause hallucinations and insomnia. If left untreated, it could lead to death.
After the class, we decided to head towards the practising ground to familiarise ourselves with each other's powers because Zeph and Mikasim were still unaware of ours. We had already taken permission from Artins Sensei to use our powers on training grounds.
As I was leaving the class Ralph called me: "Heya! Serene. How are you? You weren't in the class yesterday. Are you alright?" He asked me in his cheerful voice.
He was the second person to ask me after Arlo and it made my heart swell with happiness that someone cared.
"Heya! Ralph. I had a bad headache yesterday but I am quite better now. How are you?"
"Well, I am glad you are feeling better and I am awesome as always." He winked at me while I couldn't hold back my laughter.
"If you two are done about the petty headache, can we head to the ground now?" Zeph who was standing nearby waiting for Ralph suddenly spoke in a poignant tone.
"You are such a mood dampener Zeph, don't be so rude now." Ralph tried to cheer up his friend.
"I don't have time for making pleasantries. We have a lot to do. So, Miss Princess will you hurry up?" He glared at me.
What was his problem? I still couldn't figure it out.
"I am coming, no need to be rude." I glared at him. "Whatever," he shrugged and left.
"Don't mind him, please. He is all bark, he doesn't mean most of the stuff he says." Ralph tried to cheer me up.
"It's alright, Ralph. I should get going. See you around." I waved at him and left for the training ground.
As I reached the ground everyone was already there. Zeph was staring at me with those charcoal eyes of his and a bitter expression on his face. I ignored him and stood with Ayrden.
Mikasim began: "So you all know I can transform into a werewolf and I have super strength. My claws are pretty sharp and I am sure I can pierce its hard shell."
"And if it touches you with that toxin. You can be paralyzed in seconds. We have to avoid close contact, we need far-range attacks for it. Arlo, what are your powers?" Zeph asked.
"I will show you but I don't think they will come much in handy," Arlo replied.
He showed his power of eternal darkness as he had done with us. But, as Schlangto was a creature of darkness and dwelled underground, we were sure it was well-equipped to see in the dark.
" Ayrden, how about you? " Zeph asked. "My basic power is healing, I can heal all kinds of wounds during a battle. Other than that I can control birds of every kind. They bring me information and can also assist me during combat." She added.
"So basically you are also kind of useless against a Schlangto." Zeph's remark was rather resentful. Ayrden blushed with embarrassment.
"That's not very nice of you," I spoke up. "Well, we don't have time to play nice. With this group and the powers you guys have. We are looking pretty disappointing as a team. Unless you have something useful to add."
I pulled out my bow from my backpack and pointed it towards him and without a warning shouted: "Arrow of sadness," an icy blue arrow formed and hit him straight in the chest.
Tears welled up in his eyes as he began to cry. Everyone jumped at my sudden movement while Zeph was looking at the sky. "The sky is so beautiful today, I wish it would rain. Why doesn't it rain you guys?" He asked us and then began to sob loudly.
"Serene, what have you done? " Mikasim stared at me in shock. "Nothing, just gave him a real reason to cry, since he was dying for it. Don't worry he will be back to normal real soon. This is my power, I can conjure arrows based on feelings, emotions and abstract things." I told him.
"Ohh! I see." He was astonished. Arlo seemed to be enjoying himself while Ayrden was double-minded.
"You didn't have to do that," Ayrden told me. "Well, he wanted to see if my powers were useful and someone had to teach him a lesson for being a jerk." I shrugged my shoulders and all three laughed while Zeph was pouting with tears in his eyes.
It took him about 10 minutes to return to normal. He was so furious with me that his eyes and cheeks looked red. "How dare you do that to me?" He shouted at me. "Well, you wanted to know if I have something useful, now you can decide." I smiled at him rather sarcastically.
"Guys, we shouldn't be fighting with each other. We are a team and we need to work together." Ayrden pipped in with a meek voice.
"Yes, let's put our differences aside and come up with a strategy so we all can face the enemy together," Mikasim added.
Zeph gave us all an angry stare but didn't say anything which meant he was on board. We all sat down and began to strategize. We were determined to defeat it.
Zeph's POV
A week had passed and today was the day we will be facing Schlangto. We had a set plan which we needed to set in motion. I woke up first and got ready. I wore my waist bag which contained all the potions we had made in the last week. Finally, I wore my sword.
I woke up Mikasim while Arlo was already up. "We are going to win, today," Mikasim told me with a smile.
"Let's hope so, we will give our best and work according to our strategy," I replied.
They both got changed and we headed down to meet up with the girls. Dining Hall was buzzing with activity today. Everyone was excited and huddled up in groups, making last-minute arrangements for their plans. Ralph saw me and rushed over. "Good morning! Are you, all set? " He asked.
"Morning! I guess so."
"Let's get something to eat, we have a big day ahead." As we headed towards the table. I was too nervous to eat so I just grabbed some Jamin juice. It's purple in colour and rich in nutrients. It's made with small purple fruits which grow on trees. Arlo grabbed a bottle of blood and took it outside. I had never seen him drink. He was always very discreet about it. Mikasim on the other hand was having a hearty breakfast.
Meanwhile, girls had joined us too. "Remember the plan everyone and if anything goes wrong switch to plan 2. And, do check all your potions and weapons." I reminded them.
"We are ready to bring that Schlangto down." Serene pipped in and everyone cheered.
Ralph was like a sixth member of our team. He mostly dined with us now and due to his friendly nature, Serene, Ayrden, and Mikasim liked him too. The only person who seemed unhappy about it was Tanzil, who was giving us bloody looks.
"Ralph, can you come back here? We need to discuss something privately." She finally came over and stood with her hands on Mikasim and Ralph's shoulders, staring directly at Serene.
"Yes, yes I will be there in five minutes." He told her.
"Mikasim darling, do your best today. Make me proud," and she began to smooch his mouth full of food."
Disgusting, I couldn't bear her anymore so I walked away and was about to step outside the hall.
"So, you can't stand her as well." Arlo was standing there looking at our table.
"She just annoys me with her possessiveness. She needs to let Mikasim breathe and be his own self, " I told him.
"Hmm, and what about Serene? Do you really hate her as much as you show or it's a defence mechanism?" He looked directly into my eyes.
"What was that supposed to mean?" I probed.
"Just that she is a good person who doesn't deserve your prejudice and hate. We are a team and we can become unstoppable if you can accept her as a person instead of looking at her as royalty. I don't know your reasons to hate royals but you need to give her a chance, she is different. Be kind to her." He walked away before I could answer.
How did he know I wasn't a fan of royals and why was he lecturing me about Serene? It was true that I was prejudiced against her just like Tanzil was. Did that mean I had fallen to her level? Absolutely not, I needed to do better. Then why do I try to avoid her? What was I afraid of? I was lost in thoughts when Mikasim came and grabbed me from the back and lifted me.
"Put me down, idiot," I yelled. I heard giggles and turned around to find Ayrden and Serene standing right next to him. Great, I began to pout. The final bell for us to gather in the training ground sounded so we began to head towards it.
The training ground has been transformed. In the centre, there were about 200 meters of dark patches of mud. Which was surrounded by what seemed like a magical barrier of blue colour. On the left side Wooden benches have been placed and second-year students were gathering there. There was also a podium present which meant someone was about to give a speech.
All the teachers had gathered so we made teams and went on to stand with our Senseis. Artins Sensei inquired if we were fully prepared for the task at hand: "I hope you people will give it your best shot. I am looking forward to what type of plan you people have formalized. Best of luck."
Meanwhile, there was a commotion as a tall figure made its way toward the podium. It was Alexis Drugh. As he took the stand, everyone went silent. He looked like an older version of Artins, same hair, the same eyes, the same figure and the same complexion just more grey hair and a bit of wrinkle.
"Good Morning! everyone. I hope all of you are in fine health. We have been blessed with fine weather today. Firstly, I would like to apologize for my absence as I had been away on urgent business and couldn't welcome the Novices this year. I am here now and I am pleased to see you people have already made so much progress in so little time. Today, you people will be tested mentally, physically, psychologically and subjectively. This test will also reveal how effective your teamwork is. I am looking forward to seeing some thrilling performances from all of you. Let's not waste any further time and get started. Good luck with your fights." He finished his speech and everyone clapped.
Artins Sensei left our side and went to talk to his father. They were urgently murmuring about something. Zilver and Alvene came to wish us the best of luck as well.
Shumal Sensei had taken the podium and announced: "Amethyst Strikers will be the first team to fight. You have to contain your fight within the magic barrier. The fight will be over when you will kill The Schlangto, if you are unable to kill it and feel like you can't continue, signal to your Sensei and we will stop the fight. Also, if we will feel like that you people get serious injuries and can't continue the fight. We will step in and stop it. Good luck with your battles."
Mariela Sensei gathered her team and gave them final bits of advice. Frela was their team leader, they had two werewolves, one vampire, and Paul; one of the guys from our team back when we had defeated Khidal.
They stepped inside the magic barrier and waited patiently. Mariela moved her wand and pointed it toward the ground. Suddenly, the ground began to tremble as if a quake was coming. All of them stepped back and the ground from the centre split open as The Schlangto popped its head out and fixated his ugly eyes on them who looked like tiny objects in front of him. Someone shrieked while others let out " Woah " sounds. And, as suddenly as that it opened its mouth and headed straight towards the Amethyst Strikers as if to devour them.
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