บท 15: The Mage Training Grounds
I looked around in wonder at the sight of dozens of mages all casting spells at once. Selena smiled beside me, giving me a second to take it all in. So far, the most magic I'd experienced was the glow rocks in buildings and the attacks of the Inquisitor. This was far more overwhelming.
Countless spells blasted around the clearing, striking training dummies or blasting into the open sky. Not all seemed destructive by nature, either, as mages cast spells on themselves or each other, creating shimmering auras or bubble-like shields. The whole place seemed almost underwater, as the sheer amount of runes and magic circles distorted the light passing through.
"This place is where we refine our magical skills," Selena said, "while those martial meatheads whack sticks together, we master the arts. I assume you are a novice?"
While I had no clue what kind of levels mages were divided in, I shook my head. "Never even used magic before."
I jumped, startled, as the elf patted my shoulder. Her ever-hard expression softened at my reaction and she gave me a bit of space. "Things haven't been easy, have they. But if you are to stand by our Hero's side, you need to stop making excuses. I'm going to teach you magic, but how far you take that talent of yours is up to you."
Excuses? My tail twitched uncertainly at the thought. I wasn't even aware I was making excuses...
Pushing the thought away, I took a deep breath and resolved myself. "I'm ready."
"Good. Let me introduce you, and we can get started. Bare in mind that while I'll pay special attention to you, this entire group is my responsibility." She waved her hand and raised her voice, disrupting the casting mages and drawing their attention. "This Demonkin is Xiviyah. She's a newly awakened hero, and will be joining us during training."
I flinched a bit. It'd be nice if their first impression didn't come from the world "Demonkin." As expected, trouble came.
A younger mage, perhaps 18, shouldered his way to the front. Judging by the way everyone moved respectfully, he should be someone important. I shivered as he glared at me, his eyes smoldering with unmitigated hostility.
"Is that a slave crest? You expect me to train with a slave? Just the sort of thing I'd expect from an elf."
Selena frowned, but seemed resigned to the challenge. "She's the Sun Hero's slave. The ceremony was completed this morning."
A glint of recognition flashed in the man's eyes, but it quickly disappeared within a scowl. "So that's what all the fuss was about. Does she even know how to use magic?"
The elf hesitated and shook her head. "Not yet. That's why we're all training, isn't it?"
The mage smirked and folded his arms. When Selena opened her mouth, about to say something more, he cut her off.
"I refuse. One of my standing shouldn't be subject to this humiliation."
From the looks the other mages gave, I could discern two things. The first was that this wasn't his first time acting out. Second, most of the other mages agreed with him.
"I am the instructor here," Selena said icily. "Do I need to remind you of that?"
"And I am the second prince. For an elf, you're awfully arrogant, aren't you."
Selena scowled and gripped her staff tightly. It was clear the provocation got to her, and she took a deep breath before responding. "If you cannot bring yourself to train with the Fate hero, you may leave."
Terrifying auras erupted from both of them, clashing together and emitting a powerful pressure. I gasped for breath as the air grew heavy. Many of the other mages looked pale and shaky, with glints of fear in their eyes. A few hours ago, I would have been the same, but this was nothing compared to the Pope.
Selena pounded her staff against the ground and the pressure vanished as quickly as it appeared. "I'll be speaking with your father about this."
"Don't bother," the man retorted. "I'll see him first. Don't expect things to go as well as they have in the past. Hero or not, she's still a demon."
He turned and strode away, going to the far corner of the training field. Selena slumped, a look of relief spreading across her face. Although he was technically the trainee, it was obvious who had more power.
I took a deep breath, shaking off the last vestiges of their clash. "You didn't have to do that. It's…supposed to happen."
"Just because you have a name doesn't mean you need to live up to it!" she said through grit teeth. "That young man's name is Vorinth Nesturo, the second son of King Roann. He's able to cast fifth circle spells already, despite being just 20, and abuses his power to no end. I pray for your sake he leaves the matter here."
Honestly, the idea of being bullied by some prince didn't really phase me. This might even be an opportunity to help the hero. If the leaders were seen mocking demons, then my job was half done. I would...wait, what was I even thinking?
Something must have shown on my face, because Selena gave me a soft smile. "Cheer up for now. I doubt you need to expect any trouble for the time being."
Although Vorinth had retreated, he continued to look our way. Instead of the anger and disgust from before, he seemed more curious. The instant he saw me looking at him, a furious glare took over and he spat on the ground. He didn't look over after that.
"Let's put that aside for now. What do you know about magic?" Selena asked.
I shook my head. "I've seen it a few times, but that's about it."
"I see. Then watch closely."
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