Chapter 53: Academy’s Grove

Chapter 53: Academy’s Grove

Where are we going exactly? Kithina asked.

Loh didnt say, but judging from our direction, I think I have a pretty good idea, Callum answered.

Which is?

Youll see, Callum smiled.

Stryg trailed behind the two, occasionally glancing at the academy buildings around them. He squinted at the harsh light reflecting off the shiny metal bits that decorated the architecture. Spring had finally begun in full swing, which meant slightly warmer weather, bouts of rain, and long days of sunshine. Except it had yet to rain and the sunshine was full throttle. Stryg had grown up in a dense forest where the canopy had shaded him from large amounts of direct sunlight. Now he felt exposed, the sunlight felt like daggers stabbing his eyes.

Thats not an answer Cal, Kithina complained.

Well if Im right, then I havent seen the place yet. Though I hear its beautiful, Callum said.

Thats still not an answer.

Loh had taken the class away from their usual training courtyard and was leading them somewhere else on campus. After a few minutes they arrived in front of tall stone walls and a large metal gate.

I was right, Callum whispered to Kithina.

Listen up you lot, Loh said. Today we will be visiting one of the academy's more unique landmarks. This is just one example of what magic is capable of. Follow me.Updated from novelbIn.(c)om

Loh unlocked the gate and pushed the doors wide open. The open gate revealed an enormous grassy courtyard beyond. What stood out most of all was the large grove in the center.

Woods? Stryg whispered in awe. He hadnt realized how much he missed trees until he saw them.

It really is beautiful, Kithina smiled. I havent seen trees since I was a little girl.

I told you, Callum nudged her.

This is an exclusive grove made by the chromatic green professors and students of the academy. It took them years to make, and chromatic greens still have to maintain the health of the trees, but I think we can all agree that it was worth it. Now follow me, the class has just begun, Loh said.

The students whispered amongst themselves as Loh led them to the tree line. They were all excited to see actual trees. Hollow Shade didnt have any trees, except for the few kept by the great houses. The closest trees were in nearby towns, which was still a several day trip. Most people rarely ventured beyond Hollow Shades safe walls, the students were no exception.

Strygs happiness at seeing the grove was dimmed when he saw Miss Byrel. She was standing near the tree line, holding a small box. A large wooden case, Stryg recognized as their practice weapons from Tauris class, sat next to her.

Professor Noir, I have brought the items you requested, Byrel bowed to Loh.

Great, just sit tight, while I explain the rules to my students, Loh said.

Excuse me, professor Noir, but I have a lot of other work to do still. Could I just leave the box here? Byrel asked.

Your job entails assisting professors in whatever equipment work they need done, yes? Loh asked.

Yes, professor Noir. But-

Then shut up and stand still, Loh said. She turned to the rest of her class, The academic year is soon coming to an end and before your final exam I wanted to give the lot of you a special exercise. And before you ask, yes you will be allowed to enter the grove, Loh began.

First of all, you will all be split into groups of three, based on your Magic Fundamental groups. I have already spoken with professor Rime so dont try to weasel your way into another group. The whole point of Rimes exercise is to promote teamwork, which is something you lot could learn more of. Move, quickly. We dont have all day.

The students shuffled into teams of three, forming seven teams in total.

Im not sure what todays exercise will be, but with you two on my team I think we dont have anything to worry about, Kithina smiled.

I couldnt agree more, Callum said.

Im not so sure about that, Stryg said.

No, Loh said plainly.

What? But, Im a chromatic red. I specialize in potions and Ive just barely begun to learn how to use the wards spell form.

I said no, Loh crossed her arms.

Callum sighed and walked away.

Once the students had grabbed their weapons Loh raised a horn, Ill sound this horn to announce the beginning of the match. Ill sound it one more time to declare the end of the match. Now, everyone, follow me.

Loh led the students around the grove, dropping each team off at different points around the tree line. Clypeus team was dropped off first and Callums was dropped off fourth, meaning they were furthest from each other. Callum guessed Loh didnt want the two strongest groups to meet each other early on.

After they were dropped off, Callum began explaining his plan to his team, but Stryg wasnt listening. Stryg couldnt rely on these two weaklings. They were all still only novices; Stryg doubted their magic would affect that tide of the battle very much. Not to mention neither of his teammates had proved very effective in professor Tauris mock fights. Stryg doubted itd be any different here.

Stryg did you catch that? Callum asked.

Stryg? Kithina asked.

Hm? Stryg looked at them.

Are you serious right now? Callum just spent the last few minutes explaining the plan and you cant even bother listening? This isnt a game, we cant afford to fail here! Kithina chastised him.

The horns blare resounded in the distance. Before Kithina could say anything else Stryg ran into the grove at full speed.

Hey, where are you going!? Dammit, Stryg! Kithina yelled.

She ran after him, but Callum held her back. Dont bother Kithina, we both know how fast he is. Neither of us will be able to catch him.

So, what, were just supposed to fail now because of that stubborn idiot?

Maybe, Callum sighed.

Thats it? Were just supposed to give up? Kithina frowned.

Callum glanced deep into the forest, his mind somewhere else. He checked the time and gripped his necklace. Maybe not.

---

Stryg swiveled between the trees with ease. He had almost forgotten what it was like to feel the grass underneath him. The groves canopy diffused the sunlight, easing the strain on his eyes. He could finally focus without any distractions. It was time for a rematch.

Im coming for you Clypeus, Stryg muttered.

He remembered the direction where Clypeus team had been dropped off. Stryg made a beeline towards their team. After a few minutes he heard the sound of a twig snapping. He slowed his steps and hid behind a tree. He focused on his hearing and sense of smell. Beyond the smell of fresh pine and nearby shrubbery, Stryg caught a whiff of sweat, a humans, by the scent. He could hear his prey moving towards his right. Stryg shuffled between the trees, drawing closer.

Guys? A human voice whispered. Is that you?

Stryg shifted closer until he was standing a few feet behind the ignorant man. The man must have gotten separated from the rest of his team. Stryg dashed at his quarry, without a second thought. The man turned his head in time to meet Strygs fist. The satisfying sound of bone meeting cartilage sang through Strygs ears. The stunned human fell right over. Stryg was on top of him in an instant. He began pummelling his face with abandon, yet Stryg stopped himself after only five or six hits. The humans face was unrecognizable, his teeth shattered, cheeks cut open. His face was a bloody mess, the swelling already apparent.

Stryg slapped the humans face repeatedly, Oi, you alive?

A weak groan left the bloodied mouth.

Stryg sighed in relief. Had he killed the student he would have been expelled. That was something he couldnt afford. Stryg ripped the humans necklace off its clasp with ease. The pendants magestone began to glow a soft red.

Perfect, Stryg smiled.

One point already and it couldnt have been easier. He stood up and kept running, his time was limited. He needed to find Clypeus fast. It was time for a rematch.