"Again," Cetina ordered.

Anton groaned lightly as he gripped the wooden training sword tight. Blisters covered his hands, even though he wore padded gloves. Cetina's blows were simply too powerful. The coarse dirt from the training grounds was certainly not helping matters.

"I'm not going to be much use if I can barely move." Anton shifted his grip to where it hurt least.

"You'll get used to it." Cetina frowned. "And don't use your healing to get rid of any bruises or blisters." Cetina pointed her wooden sword at Anton. "I don't know how much magic you have but you shouldn't be using it for every little scratch."

"I don't." Anton realised he sounded like a petulant child and let it drop.

Tonight I'm going to focus all my attention onto you. See how well you're moving in the morning.

Rasha loudly huffed, holding her head in both hands. She sat on the edge of the training circle, halberd across her folded legs as she watched them spar with a vague annoyance.

"I want to practice too," Rasha grumbled, idly picking at the short pieces of grass. "I haven't had anyone to spar against since Kristof was called away by Marion."

Rasha placed the halberd to one side and stretched out her legs. Her hooves just stopped shy of the edge of the circle. Pieces of dirt and grass had become embedded in her hooves yet it did not appear to bother her. She leant forward and rubbed her calves underneath her armour.

"Strange that herbivores can become so strong," Anton said softly.

Rasha's ears, long and dangling loose out of her helmet, pricked up slightly.

"I don't know why either." Rasha rubbed the simple armour plates covering her legs. "I've always been like this...Just like the rest of me."

"I'm sure you could just stomp on your opponent’s foot." Anton approached and tapped the underside of Rasha's hoof. "That would easily break their bones and bend steel. Not something someone fighting you would expect. They’d-"

"Please focus." Cetina shook her head, tapping the blunt edge of her sword on her shoulder. "As the captain of your bodyguard’s I want you to take this seriously."

Cetina almost never invoked her title, not that it was something official, but Anton relented. As he moved back to his position Rasha's ears twitched and her head snapped towards the inner Atros gate. Though the training fields were awash with activity no one approached them, a small perimeter had formed around them of empty training circles. Except one, an older man with a small piece of rough paper in his hand.

"More requests from Leo?" Cetina asked softly.

Anton shook his head. "Doubtful. They'd send someone fast, like last time. If anything they'd be faster, since the Centaurs would be attacking the wall."

"I'll see what it is." Cetina placed her wooden sword besides Rasha and took up her normal sword. As she moved towards the slow, hobbling messenger, Rasha rose to her feet and stood by Anton.

"If I am needed to help with the Centaurs." Rasha waited until Anton looked up to her. "Don't hesitate to tell me. But...I might just give things away. What you're doing here."

"Of course." Anton nodded lightly. "Atros's long term survival won't mean much if we're dead, will it?"

Rasha violently shook her head, her red braids slapping her cheeks with every swing. "It wouldn't work without you."

Anton chuckled. "I'm sure it would."

Cetina took the scroll from the man. He gave a polite wave and hobbled back to the inner gate.

"Some Beastkin still look at me oddly." Rasha murmured. "Can't stand a Blue Oni Minotaur, for some reason."

"It's not from Leo." Cetina almost skipped to his side. "Not from anyone from those Communication Pens, actually."

"So where did it come from?" Anton asked as he took the scroll.

On closer inspection, the paper was of far better quality than anything in Atros's possession. The words were also written in ink, not what the communication pens used nor did they have any. Anton realised who it belonged to when he saw the light fingerprint stain in the corner.

Anton sighed, gently shaking his head. "I told you just to come through if you have any problems."

"Is it from..." Rasha tapped her helmet as she searched for the name.

"Mezot." Anton held the scroll open for Rasha. He pointed to the bottom, where Mezot had signed her name. "Ha! She signed as a Master of the Graterious Royal Academy."

Cetina raised her brow. "It is true though."

"I'm just glad she's really accepting her position. Not that she thinks she’s having some weird dream or delusion."

"What does it say?" Rasha leant close. Anton felt the warmth radiating from her skin and breath.

"She...She's having her first official lesson after becoming a Master and she wants me to come..." Anton frowned lightly. "I don't know if Axia wrote this, or just cleaned it up a little. Since it's about magic I get the feeling Mezot might waffle on."

"She's a very strange woman." Cetina chuckled.

"That she is." Anton rolled the piece of paper tight. "But she's the best Principle Mage we've got."

It took Rasha a few moments to fully understand. She smiled awkwardly and glumly nodded.

"Cetina? Do you want to come with me?"

"No Verona or Kal?"

"Not this time. I want them to rest. Besides, we should only be on the Academy grounds so it should be pretty safe, especially with so many mages and those soldiers."

"I'm ready whenever you are, Anton."

---[]---

Anton arrived through the portal to Mezot's room. It looked even tidier than ever, something that brought Anton a little joy. Beyond the open door Mezot carried a small bundle of old paper. She muttered to herself as he leafed through the pages, frowning and shaking her head as her eyes lingered on a particular page.

"Mezot," Anton spoke softly as to not startle her. "How are you?"

Mezot raised her finger to Anton, telling him to wait. Cetina stepped through a moment later. Befuddlement crossed her face as she saw what Mezot was doing.

"Don't tell me she became an arsehole after becoming a Master."

"I think she's just nervous and worrying too much." Anton stepped forward. "Going over her notes so much that she's going backwards, at least mentally."

Cetina pulled as a face as she followed him. Only when Anton was a step away did Mezot realize he was there.

"Anton!" Mezot almost dropped the papers. She crumpled those on the bottom as she caught them. "Sorry. It was like....before. Before you helped me. I-I don't know how long I've been here looking at these pages."

"Just take a deep breath and everything will be fine."

Anton laid his hand on Mezot's shoulder as she tried her best to follow his instructions. Her eyes never left his as he chanted another prayer to try and mend her mind, at the very least alleviate some of her confusion. Anton wasn't sure if it worked, some mana left him but not as much as the first time but Mezot calmed significantly.

"I..." Mezot smiled. "Thank you. I feel a bit better. I can think a little clearer now."

"Ready for your first lesson?" Cetina asked.

Just as Mezot was unaware of Anton's presences she did not realize Cetina was standing just behind him. Quite an accomplishment as Cetina wore her bright armour and was almost a head taller than him. For just a moment Mezot's expression soured.

Ah. She was expecting only me to come. No one else was specified in that letter.

"Did...Did you," Anton nodded towards the portal. "Did you just throw the note, your letter rather, through the portal?"

Mezot nodded firmly. "The headaches I received from that lasted some time. And I did not wish to be any further hindered when I try to deliver my first lesson."

"Fair enough." Anton smiled. "So are you ready? Oh, where's Axia?"

"She is undergoing a practical test." A modicum of pride swelled in Mezot's face. "If she does well she might get a scholarship or at the very least some discounted equipment. Maybe even a lower grade fire charm."

Mezot glanced at her own charm, resting against her table. "Despite my ability, hers favours Fire and Earth. She almost has no ability with Ice or Water..."

Mezot shrugged but still appeared a little despondent. Despite everything her daughter had done for her she couldn't impart her knowledge of magic, quite possibly the only thing she had to give.

"That's a shame. But I know your daughter only wants the best for you. Besides, I'm sure you taught her the basics."

Mezot smiled faintly and nodded. She brought the stack of papers close to her chest. "It might have been the only time I've been a decent mother..."

Cetina shifted her legs as an awkward silence fell over them. "Are you ready to teach your class?"

Immediately Mezot's attitude changed. "Yes! That's why I asked you to come. It's very soon and I'm still a little nervous. Unlike those people in your city, they don't listen very well."

"I have a few ideas to fix that." Anton scratched his beard. "If you’re willing to listen."

---[]---

Cetina tapped Anton's leg. "I still don't understand what she's saying but at least I can hear her."

"Even with everyone here too." Anton adjusted himself in his seat. "And they're actually listening too."

Cetina smirked. "I think it’s more shock than being attentive."

As Anton and Cetina were not paying students they sat at the back of the small classroom. What were once disinterested students, idly chatting or playing while Mezot tried to teach, were now fully attentive, their quills and pens writing a furious speed. Anton overheard a group of students wondering if this was some sort of elaborate joke, that Mezot was perfectly capable of teaching well and had simply chosen not to.

Mezot herself stood before the giant blackboard, standing side on rather than facing the board, as she drew large and simple diagrams. She held her chin up and occasionally paused to catch her breath, she was not accustomed to speaking loudly.

"I'm so glad she listened," Anton whispered to Cetina. "She just needed some help. A bit of guidance."

"More than that," Cetina smirked. She placed a hand onto his leg and threw him an odd look until he held hers. There was no one else sitting near them so her actions were hidden. Her smirk, however, was not.

Mezot finished drawing a complicated mathematical diagram, Anton wasn't listening too closely, that appeared to show how mana was funnelled through a Charm to create magic. When Mezot laid down the piece of chalk she looked over the students at Anton. Anton didn't want to derail her radical improvement and simply gave her a thumbs up. The small gesture was more than sufficient to raise her mood even higher, every time she looked away from the board and realized the students were still listening raised it even higher.

Before Mezot could utter another word a gentle chime rang throughout the room. The end of the class. Like the previous time, a line of butlers and servants filed through the door to take the students materials. Unlike before some stayed behind to speak to Mezot. She was caught completely unprepared and began to flounder at something that clearly had never happened before. She looked to Anton for help but there was little he could do. He tried to signal for her to take a deep breath and only speak to one student at a time. Mezot grimaced, gave a curt nod and tried calming the students.

Over the next few minutes Mezot answered the questions as best she could. The students looked happy with what they received and slowly left, their servants waiting patiently by the door with their pages and books.

When only two students remained Anton and Cetina began to descend the raised platform. He smiled as he saw words etched into the wooden benches; names, slurs and drawings. Anton's eyes were drawn to a particular etching, a drawing very similar to the letter S, but Cetina gently pushed him forward.

The two students left with Mezot were very young, around Axia's age. When one turned, hearing their loud footsteps, he recognized them as Axia's classmates, when a student's mistake had cost him his arms and almost killed himself.

"You haven't heard anything about Placus?" A young girl asked. "The Healers aren't saying anything and students can't get into the wards."

"We're very worried." The second student, a boy with very long hair, did not sound as concerned as the girl. "He's a good friend of ours..."

As he looked to the girl his eyes were lacking real empathy while her lips were trembling.

"As a Master, you must have heard something." The girl's voice wavered at the end. She bit her lip, the boy tried to hold her shoulder but she shrugged him off. For a moment Anton saw unrepentant scorn in his eyes.

Swooping in after a tragedy? Very classy.

"I don't know." Mezot's eyes flicked up to Anton. "But I will ask and find out if he is alright."

"Thank you."

The girl was almost in tears as she left. This time the boy managed to hold her shoulder, she even held his hand as she bit onto her closed fist. Anton saw the look of triumph on his face as they left.

"Unbelievable."

"What is?" A faint flush covered Mezot's face. It slowly faded as she held her staff tight and rested her weight upon it. "That was...Stressful. I think I need to sit down."

Mezot staggered to her teachers’ desk and flopped onto the chair. She placed her staff in a small wooden holster, there was even a divot in the floor to prevent the staff from sliding out.

"What did you say, Anton?" Mezot placed her hands onto the table.

"Him." Anton nodded to the door. "Trying to get the girl during a tragedy, when she's emotional and much easier to manipulate."

"Is that what that was?" Mezot held her chin, her eyes lost focus as she contemplated on his words. "I see..."

"It's not just boys though." Cetina clicked her tongue. "Women can be just as vile."

"I think the answer is that anyone can be shit." Anton shook his head. "On a lighter note, how do you think it went?"

"It went fantastically!" Mezot shot out of her chair. "They listened. They actually listened! I...I've never seen all my students writing at the same time." Mezot grimaced. "Usually they're chatting to each other, if I even notice they're there."

"But not anymore." Anton smiled as he sat on a clear corner of the desk. "You'll be very busy once spring rolls around and everyone's back."

"How full are the classes then?" Cetina asked. "There are still quite a few students now."

"Do they get extra credit if they stay during the winter?" Anton asked. "Stops the teachers from getting dull, even if you are under a reduced workload."

"Most classes are full." Mezot softly replied. "Even mine. At least the compulsory classes. I think the Academy was considering expanding."

"They should probably renovate what they have first." Anton folded his arms. "The buildings near where you live need some serious work. Not to mention I saw a whole bunch that are just abandoned near the Academy walls."

Someone knocked softly on the door. A slightly stooped elderly man waited patiently near the door. The Head Master of the Royal Academy, whose name Anton had yet to learn.

"Renovations will be starting at the beginning of summer." The Head Master slowly trotted in. "That is the soonest the Imperial family will grant us the money. And...Many of the builders are currently expanding the city walls and infrastructure. They cannot be spared for us while we can still make do."

"It's better to get ahead of the problem rather than let it catch up to you." Anton slid off Mezot's desk. "Surely there are people in Boreana that are in need of work."

The Head Master smiled. "There are. But we don't employ just anyone we find on the street."

"Head Master Pellio." Mezot bowed her head. "I did not think you would come here."

Pellio stopped a meter from the table. His charm was larger than Mezot's, more ornately decorated and held larger gemstones, but his covered the entire spectrum of colour. Anton wanted to know what he specialised in but this was Mezot's time, not his.

"I hope this change is permanent." Pellio frowned. "Students are signing for your classes on Ice and Water magic."

Mezot beamed with pride. "T-Thank you. I wouldn't be like this without Anton."

"Yes..." Pellio scrutinized Anton. "What did you do?"

"It's amazing what you can accomplish when you just talk to them," Anton spoke calmly but he wished to speak far more firmly. Pellio, as the Head Master, should not have allowed Mezot's talent and skill to languish due to her difficulties, if not for her sake but for the efficiency of the Academy.

"I see..." Pellio softly sighed. "Mezot. We have a meeting tomorrow morning, in the main office. We will be discussing resource and student allocation as well as reviewing student applications."

"I..." Mezot failed to find the words.

"As a Master of the Royal Academy you are expected to attend." Pellio smiled faintly. "At least before you did not have to deal with bureaucracy."

Because dealing with paperwork is so much harder than being thrown out onto the street.

"I understand." Mezot quickly bowed her head.

"Keep up the good work." Pellio tapped his staff on the floor. "I'm glad to see you finally starting to reach your potential."

If only you'd done something like that before, you old goat.

Anton shared a glance with Cetina. Her thoughts were likely worse than his. Pellio gave a final wave with his bony hands and left without a further word. Mezot whimpered and fell into her chair.

"I've never been told that I've been doing a good job before."

“Mezot.” Anton frowned. “Please don't let a little bit of niceness make you forget everything they've put you through."

Cetina bit her lip and gently nodded. Mezot did not understand and looked very confused.

"They're only nice now because you have some worth." Cetina gently tapped the edge of the desk. "And now they expect you to be thankful to them now that you are accepted. That what they did to you, underpaying you, keeping you in a run-down building far from the others and abusing your skills and time is justified. In their eyes everything they did to you was the right thing."

"I..." Mezot frowned at Cetina. "That sounds very…real."

"It was," Cetina mumbled.

Mezot turned to Anton in panic, fearing that Cetina's slump was her fault.

"It's alright." Anton's words had little effect. "Now-"

"-I wanted to know that I could be a good teacher." Mezot blurted out at once. When she knew that she wasn't about to be admonished for interrupting Anton her breathing and speech calmed. "So that I can help you properly. The students here already have a basic understanding but your...Um, people, do not."

"Only that magic exists."

Mezot's face grew more stern. "I would like to gather supplies, but I need to leave the Academy to get them. If I were to try and buy them from the Academy they would know something is wrong and investigate me. And if they search my room..."

"That won’t be a problem." Anton smiled. "I remember, as we were approaching the Academy there were many stores selling books and other academic supplies."

"Yes!" Mezot rose from her desk, her fingers hesitated to take her staff. "But there would be a lot. And...And I'm still a bit nervous to leave the Academy. Especially during the day. There are so many people on the streets."

Last time we went out you could have been the victim of a serious beating or a murder. I wonder if that kid is wondering where those thugs are? Or if they've been found? I'm not with Verona so they probably won't think I'm the same person.

"I didn’t think of sending you out by yourself.” Anton chuckled. “Of course we’ll help. Now, what equipment did you need?”

---[]---

“How will this help?” Anton held a small box aloft. Mezot raced to his side and ensured the box was held level. “What?”

“It is filled with ink wells.” Mezot nearly snatched the fine wooden box from his hands. “If you tilt it the ink will run everywhere.”

“Not that you’d know anything about that, right?”

Anton pointed to Mezot’s fingertips. The very tips were slightly darker than the rest, no amount of scrubbing could remove all of the ink without rubbing the skin raw. Mezot flushed and looked away. She held the ear facing him in an attempt to hide the redness.

“I have.” Mezot almost grumbled. “But not for…A few days.”

“Is that everything?” A voice called from the counter of the store. “Or am I going to have to listen to you two drivel on until dusk.”

A sultry woman lounged at the counter of the store, smoking a finely ground orange leaf through a long pipe, as she watched them in a mixture of amusement and boredom. They were the only customers so there was little else for her to focus on.

“The other places weren’t like this,” Anton said.

“Arakia’s Emporium is the best place to get cheap materials,” Mezot said softly. “I…Sometimes more daughter comes here to collect supplies.”

“Axia’s a great kid.” The woman blew another lungful of smoke into the air, dragging out the action as long as possible. “She’s always willing to have a laugh.”

Ah. Well, at least I know where she gained her ‘Verona’ traits.

The woman sighed and rocked back into her chair. Unlike Mezot she was far more womanly; long and near perfectly straight black hair, soft eyes and long lashes, a tight robe around her generous chest and long shapely legs to boot. Anton had seen her walking around the store, restocking the shelves while muttering something to herself, so he knew that she deliberately put more sway into her hips when she walked as well.

“Something wrong?” She raised a brow, tapping her long pipe on a small ashtray.

“No,” Anton replied. In his peripheries, he could see Mezot glaring at him. “I am curious if you’re a Principle Mage or if you just run this store.”

The woman smiled bitterly. “I was once a mage.”

Mezot tugged weakly at his sleeve. She tried to pull him away but she lacked the strength or conviction.

“But a spell burned out all of my mana.” She shrugged as she rolled her free hand in the air. “Not burned it out, but stopped me from using it. A random person walking by has more mana than me.”

“But you’re still in the business of selling to those that can?”

The woman smiled. “I have to still make money. And I know what students actually need.” She scoffed as she nodded out the window, to a large building across the busy street.

The building was far more furnished with an expensive interior and, judging by the prices displayed in the windows, the prices matched.

“Ink and paper is the exact same.” The woman rested her chest onto the counter. Mezot’s eye twitched when she realised her torso wouldn’t lie flat. “And gemstones and silver of the same quality should cost the same, no-”

“I have them!” Another voice echoed throughout the building. A young boy emerged from a back room, carrying a large crate, a crate filled with Charm maintenance equipment, if the label was to be believed. “Sorry it took so long.”

“About time.” The woman rose from her slumped position and walked towards the boy.

Though Anton couldn’t help himself but glance at her walking out of his peripheries, Mezot did as well, something was wrong with her. Something along her back was off. A portion was missing, right where her right kidney would normally lie, but it hadn’t been surgically removed, more like everything around had been ripped out as well.

“It was right at the back.” The boy smiled at the woman. “Underneath-”

She tapped him hard on the head with her pipe, spattering his head with tiny embers. He shrieked as she shook his head.

“Arakia. What was that for?” He pouted, holding the crate tight to his body.

“Because you took too long.” A wicked smile crept over her face. She leant down, the boy failed to keep his eyes locked with hers, and kissed his forehead. “And I like to hear that little voice of yours.”

Oh. She’s like that, huh?

Mezot did not understand and appeared worried that she was abusing her employee. It technically was but relationships were weird at the best of times. And Anton was in no position to criticise anyone.

“Come on.” She gently ruffled his short brown hair and pushed him towards the counter. “These people surely need to head home.” She smiled at Mezot. “Seems like one of our customers is about to have an interesting night.”

The boy’s ears turned red in an instant and followed the woman. Mezot did not understand, she looked to Anton for help but he wasn't about to give it. Instead his eyes were drawn to the boy's leg and his distinctive limp. It was quite severe, he dropped several inches with each step.

"Did he suffer an accident as well?" Anton asked.

"He did." The woman bitterly smiled. The boy focused himself on his task but Anton saw his lips quiver. "His first attempt too. It got out of control and created an Abomination. Took his leg before anyone could stop it. And healing can't restore it."

"It's alright." The boy pushed the crate onto the counter. "I never would have met Miss ¥ without it."

Arakia lightly slapped him on the head, smiling as she pulled him close.

"I've never seen one myself," Anton said softly. "I was almost a witness, but, thankfully, it wasn't...born."

Arakia grimaced. "It's not a pretty sight." She sat behind the counter, taking a long draw on her pipe. "Is there anything else you want to purchase today?"

"That is everything we need," Mezot said. "At least for now."

"Mezot? Can the mages of Boreana tell if you're using magic inside the city? I remember the city guards telling us not to, or at the very least to be careful..."

"They can," Arakia smirked. "Especially Fire Mages. With so many tightly packed wooden buildings...Well, it's a surprise it hasn't gone up already."

"I'm sure you could do it." Anton nudged Mezot's side. "As a Master of the Royal Academy."

"Oh, so you did make it?" Arakia smiled. "Your daughter was so nervous that you wouldn't. But...Well," She leant closer, her eyes focusing on the small golden pin on Mezot's collar. "Look at you now."

"Thank you." Mezot smiled proudly. "I didn't think I would...Anton? Why did you want to know if I could use magic in the city?"

So I can see if I can heal them. I might not be able to restore their ability to use magic but perhaps I can fix their bodies.

Anton's eyes flicked down to his wrist, to his waist and the tightly bound tail.

Unless it's something like that.

"I was just curious." Anton smiled.

"Trying to impress a Master with your magic?" Arakia smirked. "I like your enthusiasm but don't do it in my store."

"I wouldn't dream of it." Anton reached into his hidden coin pockets and produced several gold coins. "I'm sure this is enough to cover it all."

Arakia bit her lip, the boy looked on in surprise, as she inspected the coins.

"I've never seen these markings before...But it appears genuine." Arakia opened a small locker container, Anton saw a brief flash of light as the lock clicked open. "Here's your change."

Anton took the silver and copper coins and plates with a smile. The boy pushed the multiple crates for Anton to easily pick up.

"Thanks." Anton lifted the surprisingly heavy containers. "Make sure you treat Arakia well. She seems like a good person to work for."

Arakia scoffed, dragging on her pipe harshly. "The day that happens is the day I marry him."

"Arakia!" The boy frantically waved his hands towards Arakia, his face has already turned beet red and it was quickly running down his neck. "You promised not to tell anyone that!"

That was your promise? Your condition to get married? Well...Whatever works.

Arakia grabbed his hand and laid a gentle kiss upon the back.

"That wasn't it though, was it?"

Arakia leant into his ear and whispered something. The boy's face turned even brighter and was having difficulty standing straight and still. There was also the small issue that he was furiously trying to flatten the front of his pants with no success.

"We'll see you another time." Anton motioned for Mezot to open the other door. "I'm sure we'll become a regular customer."

Arakia sweetly waved and lightly tapped on the boy's shoulder, pushing for him to follow. Mezot pushed the door open, heaving will all of her might and into the busy streets beyond. Cetina waited just outside, guarding their rented wagon and horse. The man driving the horse was sound asleep. His eyes slowly blinked open as he heard the door open. How he could catch any sleep yet be awoken by the sound of a door was a complete mystery. Cetina took the crates from his hands and laid them in the back of an already full wagon. Anton was thankful that Balefire mine would soon be producing silver.

"Thank you for your patronage." The boy bowed deeply and closed the door. Behind the glass a small sign flipped, indicating the store was close. Anton saw the boy run towards a set of stairs leading up, Arakia was already at the top, waiting for him.

"If it was the other way around people would be calling for his head." Anton mused, gently shaking his head. "But so long as it's this way it's acceptable."

"What are you talking about?" Cetina ensured the cargo was properly secured.

"Don't worry." When Anton looked back both were already gone. "Just some illicit fun."

Cetina's eye flicked to Mezot. She immediately understood that it was extremely unlikely that it was her and dropped the thought.

“Regardless,” Cetina tapped the hilt of her sword when she saw someone veering too close to their cart, thinking that Cetina could not see. They veered back into the crowd, cursing under their breath that their attempt at theft was thwarted. “If we’ve gathered everything we need we should head back to The Royal Academy. It’s much safer there than the city streets.”

“It actually seems pretty safe.” Anton quickly raised his hand as Cetina frowned deeply. “Despite that little incident the other night.”

“Right…”

“This should be a good start.” Mezot looked over the full cart. “We might need some more later but I should be able to start teaching your people.”

Mezot opened her mouth to speak but only a terrible rumble emanated. She pursed her lips and looked away, holding a hand over her stomach.

“How about we get something to eat?” Anton looked along the streets. Unlike at night there were many small stalls, desperately trying to hawk their wares. Most were food, the smells and smokes rising into the air in great plumes.

“And him?” Cetina nodded to the silent cart driver.

“If you’re from the Academy,” The driver nodded towards the white spires looming over the city. “I can head there and wait for you. You’re not the first people that have wanted to bring in cheap stuff.”

“An educational institution charging ridiculous amounts for equipment.” Anton scoffed. “Perish the thought.”

Mezot and Cetina shared a glance. Neither knew of some of the predatory practices of Earth.

“Let’s get something to eat.” Anton pulled out the silver and copper plates. “My treat today. So go wild.”

---[]---

“Here you go, love!” The stall owner passed over the greasy food. “A little extra onions for you. Looks like you could use it!”

The large man laughed a hearty laugh, his entire large stomach jiggling with every breath, wiped away the sweat forming on his brow and continued working over the hot stove. Anton smiled and stepped back to Cetina and Mezot, standing a few paces back to avoid the bustling and barging crowds.

Anton held the food close and pushed through the crowds. He held the food like it was a hard-earned prize.

“People are always such savages when they get hungry,” Anton said as Cetina took a step forward. “The moment they get hungry they become nothing more than wild animals.”

“What is it?” Mezot peered closely at Anton’s chest, like she was inspecting the Beast-kin.

“Beef in flatbread.” Anton passed one to Cetina. “And this one’s yours. Lots of onions.” He nodded backwards with his head. “That man thinks you’re not eating well.”

“I…” Mezot took her food and frowned at the meat, her eyes losing themselves in the hot, glistening juices slowly running down the thick piece of meat. “I normally wouldn’t eat this much meat in ten days.”

“You must still eat a fair amount,” Cetina mumbled through her food.

“Why?” Anton asked.

Cetina waited until Mezot was eating and thoroughly distracted before nodding to Mezot’s rather generous rear.

“To be fair,” Anton took a bite of his food. Despite the food vendor being rather cheap and on the city streets the meat and onions burst with flavour, even the bread had a pleasant taste as it absorbed the juices. “This is really good. Sorry. To be fair, Rasha doesn’t eat anything other than vegetables and fruit, and she’s bigger than all of us.”

Cetina chuckled. “That she is.”

A small crowd broke away from the passing crowds and descended upon the man’s shop. It was nearing lunch and the shop obviously had a good reputation. Cetina glared at those getting too close, they were somewhat off-put by such a brightly coloured and armoured woman, but the sheer number of people pushed them ever closer.

“Come on.” Anton lightly nudged a distracted Mezot forward. “I don’t want to see you two trampled.”

Anton directed them back to the main street and re-joined the foot traffic towards The Royal Academy.

“This is really good.” Mezot continued to nibble at her food. “Really good!”

“We have stuff like this in Atros.” Anton only received a beaming smile. “It’s actually rare…” Anton wrapped his free hand around Mezot and grabbed Cetina’s arm. “This way, you two. Cetina? Pull your cloak tighter.”

“Why?” Cetina still did as she was bid.

Anton led them off the street and to the window of a store. Cetina and Mezot threw him odd looks, Mezot refused to lower her food nor wonder why Anton still held her shoulder close.

“What’s happening?” Cetina adjusted her cloak to cover her bright armour. “You didn’t use magic, did you?”

“No.” Anton nodded across the street. “But that might actually be a good idea.”

Cetina and Mezot looked confused as Anton nodded across the street. Though the passing people they realised they were across the alleyway where they had lured the thugs and Cetina had promptly beaten to a bloody pulp. A line of thugs, dressed almost identically to those Anton had killed, prevented anyone from entering, all trying their best to look intimidating to the uncaring crowds.

“They’ve found the bodies.” Anton mused. “Don’t know why it took them so long. Surely the smell would be terrible by now.”

“Bodies?” Mezot looked up from her food. “What bodies?”

“Don’t worry.” Anton smiled and gently stroked her head. Mezot didn’t inquire further but wasn’t entirely satisfied, even when she went back to nibbling. “But we should leave before they notice.”

They swiftly re-joined the crowds and left. Anton dared not look back, just in case the thugs notice them or realised Mezot was with them, and only began to relax when they neared the gates of The Royal Academy. His heart sunk when he saw a group waiting just outside, watched closely by the heavily armoured guards. He recognised only one, the student who had almost thrown a stone at Mezot’s head because she had the temerity to ask them to not take up the entire pathway. He stood surrounded by better armoured thugs and an older butler standing just behind him.

Certainly related.

“Just keep your head down,” Anton said, not that Cetina needed such instruction. “Don’t draw attention to yourselves and let’s just head through.”

“What did you do?” Mezot only had a tiny morsel of food left, yet was drawing it out as long as possible.

“What if they keep going after her?” Cetina asked.

“What did you do?!” Mezot raised her voice, something that she was even unaccustomed to.

Anton gently sighed. “We dealt with those thugs that tried to beat and quite possibly murder you. If we let them go they would have only made things much worse.”

Mezot’s face and shoulders dropped.

“Wouldn’t you be using magic against people?” Cetina asked. “You used them against Goblins without hesitation.”

“It’s different.” Mezot finished what was left of her food. “It’s different.”

“We weren’t chastising you.” Anton offered Mezot a small piece of cloth, which she took to wipe her lips. “Just curious…Never mind. Let’s just get inside.”

But it does make things more difficult. They know who they sent the thugs after, maybe…I don’t know.

“Hey!” A voice cried out.

Anton tried to ignore it but the voice persisted.

“Hey!”

Anton forced his face to stay flat as he stopped and turned to the source. Unsurprisingly it was the young student, closely followed by his thug bodyguards and his butler.

Cetina could take all of them, even without her sword.

“Is something the matter?” Anton asked softly. He manoeuvred himself so Mezot was shielded slightly from view, not that she fully understood what was happening yet.

For all his bluster the young man didn’t know what to say. Anton wasn’t sure if he came from an environment where every whim and query was answered immediately but the young man did not speak a word.

“Well...We need to be going.” Anton gently pushed Mezot forward.

“Some of our companions are missing.” One of the thugs began. “You wouldn’t-”

“It would be awful if they got themselves into trouble after trying to attack a Master of the Royal Academy,” Anton said loudly, loud enough for the Academy guards to hear. “All because someone didn’t like a lecturer politely asking them to not take up the entire pathway.”

“What?” The young man appeared genuinely confused. “What are you talking about?”

“Your acting’s pretty good.” Anton made sure the thugs wouldn’t try to surround them, not much of a threat to him but it was doing Mezot no good. The Academy guards had clearly taken a great interest and were casually moving towards them. So far nothing untoward had happened but that could change at a moment's notice. “But you really need to stop taking things so personally. If you tried to threaten the lives of everyone that wronged you, you’re not going to live for very long. No matter how connected or powerful your family might be.”

“What are you talking about?” He looked to his older butler. “I was told that you might know something about them going missing. They were in the same place you were when they went missing.”

“How do you know that if they’re all missing?” Cetina asked softly.

Something clicked in the young man’s head. He glared at his older butler. “How...How would…”

“I think this was all an unfortunate misunderstanding.” The butler gently tried to pull the young man back. “Perhaps...Perhaps someone misspoke and set this whole thing into motion.”

“It’s an honourable thing to stand up for your charge.” Cetina’s eye glanced between the thugs before resting on the older butler. “But not by attacking a defenceless woman.”

The butler pulled away the young man who was already angrily questioning him about the disappearance.

He genuinely doesn’t know. Must have mentioned it offhandedly and his butler decided to take matters into his own hands.

The thugs began to disperse only when the Academy guards were a few feet away.

I think that’ll be the last time we’ll hear about this.

“Come on.” Anton beckoned them towards the entrance, towards their driver, dozing along with his horse. “We’re done here.”

---[]---

“That’s all of them.” Anton dusted his gloves free of the tiny splinters from the crates and chests of supplies. “But I’m guessing that you can’t come today?”

Mezot sat at her desk, Cetina by her side resting on the table. Mezot poured over the book before her, again bound with a light blue cover, but quickly raised her head when she realised Anton was speaking.

“I could…But I want to do something that I haven’t since I’ve become a Master.”

“Oh?” Anton stepped into Mezot’s study. “And what could that possibly be?”

Mezot grew slightly nervous. “I want to go to the library.”

“Okay…” Anton waited for further information but Mezot remained tight-lipped. He crouched next to Mezot. “So why is that…Something that makes you make that kind of face?”

“Masters are allowed into deeper sections of the library.” Mezot picked at her fingers. “And there are many books that normal people can’t get. I…I thought that we could go there and have a look. You wanted to know about the Beast-kin. I…Understand why you wanted to know about them. I’m certain there are more books in there, hidden in the locked areas.”

“That’s a great idea.” Anton smiled, he stood up. “I want to know more about The Burning Light. Either it created the Beast-kin or brought them to this world, like the soldiers from my world.”

Mezot frowned again.

“I’m sure there are many things that you’d like to read as well.”

“Yes!” Mezot was beside herself with glee. “I like to read about history. And these contain records beyond anything most people ever see, maybe even times before the United Empire. Not that those times are forbidden to know, but maybe there are things that the Graterious Empire doesn’t want to know.”

“I might be able to help a bit.” Cetina bumped Mezot’s shoulder. “I’ve learnt how to read, at least simple words.”

“Let’s just be nice to those old ladies.” Anton smiled. “Being polite can open a lot of doors.”

---[]---

“A Master?” The librarian chuckled, cracking her gnarled knuckles. “Haven’t you done well for yourself?”

“Thank you.” Mezot bowed her head. She glanced at the small golden medallion. “It took me a long time-”

“Far too long.” The librarian dismissively waved her hand. “Now, do you want something from us? I never guessed you were the type of person to gloat.”

“I…” Mezot didn’t know what to say next. She looked at Anton for help.

“We are looking for more information about The Burning Light,” Anton said. The Librarian’s eyes narrowed. “And last time we were here you told us it was off-limits to normal people.”

“I did.” The Librarian nodded once. “But is this what you want, a stranger, or Mezot? A Master of the Royal Academy?”

“I want to know,” Mezot said firmly. “Where are the books kept?”

The Librarian ruffled around her hidden benches and produced a small piece of paper, fresh ink staining the pages.

“Show this to the guard on the lowest level. He’ll let you through.” The Librarian returned to her tasks. “Follow the instructions and you’ll find what you’re looking for.”

“Thank you.” Mezot bowed deeply once more. The Librarian offered a coy smile then completely absorbed herself in her work.

Mezot skipped to Anton, presenting it like a proud child. “I’ve never received anything like this. Only Masters get them!”

“Get used to it.” Anton nudged her forward.

Mezot led the way forward, uncharacteristically happy in her stride, drawing some attention from those that would have known Mezot from before her promotion. Cetina drew attention as well but for completely different reasons. Many of the women were quite frail in comparison and did not move with the same measure of confidence, confidence that welled from her strength and skill as a soldier and not from a clique of sycophantic followers.

At this time of day the library was much busier, even at the lower levels. Some students were still using it as a place to sleep or rendezvous for a secret tryst, uncaring they were being watched by the guards placed on every level. Anton ignored all of them. Their prize waited near the bottom of the library.

“I wonder if there is actually a spell on how to create a volcano.” Anton wondered aloud. “Or if those Librarians were just trying to be funny.”

“I believe that would be an incredibly powerful magic,” Mezot replied. “Multiple mages working together can create large magics.”

“Can Principle and Glyph magic be used together?” Cetina sighed as she spied a couple engaging in a very passionate act while trying to act as surreptitious as possible. “They…They need to get a room. Certainly not in public.”

Mezot tried to slow and watch but Anton gently pushed her forward. A guard was already on his way to tell them to stop, he didn’t want to hear an incredibly awkward conversation.

By the time they reached the bottommost level normal people could access the only person present was a sleeping guard. He dozed next to the sealed entrance to the lower levels, his head resting against his chest.

A great place to have a nap, not so much the walk back up. But Cetina’s not worried about her armour so it might not be that bad. Then again Cetina wouldn’t say anything until she started to stumble. And even then…

“W-Who’s there?” The guard forced his eyes open, suppressing a giant yawn. “Oh. Right. I heard there was a new Master. Right.”

“We have this?” Anton showed the guard the piece of paper.

The guard nodded. “No need to explain yourself further. Not many Masters come down here but those that do love to flaunt their power and authority.”

Anton wanted to say something but he kept his mouth shut. There was nothing to gain by being snide.

The guard unlocked the metal chains and stepped to the side.

“Hope you find what you’re looking for.” The guard returned to his chair. “Just let me know when you’re done.”

Anton gave a curt nod as they began to descend. He passed the piece of paper to Mezot, she would understand the arrangement of the library better than him. Mezot’s stride became happier with every step. By the time she reached the next level she was practically dancing, like a child let loose in a candy store. After a few steps she stopped, hands frozen sticking out of her side and groaned. She glanced back and took a deep breath.

“I’ve never been so far down.” Mezot cracked a smile. “I’ve only seen these books from above. I’ve always wondered what they are…And…” Mezot’s smile faded. “I thought they would be more interesting.”

Cetina stopped by the first book. “The life of…Malso?” Her head twitched. “What is this?”

“I have no idea.” Mezot continued walking along the central corridor. “I will need time to study these.”

“You’re actually going to read all of these?” Anton asked, perusing the books. “Just don’t get lost down here.”

“I…I won’t.” Mezot gripped her hands tight. “I’m not the same woman I used to be.”

Mezot stopped abruptly. She pointed high on the bookcase, a black and gold bound book with the simple emblem of the United Empire emblazoned at the top. The books surrounding were old and rotten, some nothing more than piles of dust and eaten by tiny insects.

“That’s the one?”

Mezot nodded silently.

You’re still slipping from time to time. Nowhere near as bad…

Anton searched for a ladder but couldn’t find any. The hinges remained, as did a broken handle, but the broken ladder was nowhere to be found.

“Alright.” Anton rubbed his hands. “Cetina? Just make sure that I don’t fall.”

“Y-You’re going to climb that?” Cetina tapped the wood. “Alright…Just don’t jump on me without saying anything.”

I’m sure my dragonoid feet would make this easy. I wonder what Mezot will say when she sees them. I shouldn’t keep that from her forever.

Anton carefully climbed up the staircase, using the levels as steps. Cetina’s hand held the back of his leg as he clambered up. Mezot came close and lightly held his other leg, not that she would have the strength to hold him in any way. He reached and pulled the book free. It wasn’t a gold coating but rather an actual thin bar of gold, and gold is extremely heavy. For a moment his foot wobbled. Two hands gripped his legs tight but it wasn’t needed. When Anton looked down he saw Cetina getting ready to catch him, Mezot scrunching her eyes tight and holding out her other hand in readiness.

“I’m not that bad.” Anton slowly clambered down, holding the heavy book close to his chest. “But I might have been easier if I took off my boots.”

“Umm…” Cetina glanced at Mezot.

“No one comes down here.” Anton moved to the nearby desk. “Right?”

Mezot nodded. “Only Masters and higher can come here. Even the guards.”

“I haven’t seen anyone down here.” Cetina mused. She stepped ahead and cleared the dusty books from the table. A cover dropped free and crashed onto the ground. “Shit.”

Mezot sighed and picked up the book. “So much is neglected down here…So much knowledge…”

Cetina placed the old books down and took the cover from Mezot. Anton winced at the slight groan from the table when the book made contact.

“Since we’ve found what we need, well, what I want to know, there’s something I think you should see.” Anton faintly smiled. “Since you’re going to be doing so much for us.”

“Are…” Cetina scratched her neck. “I’m sure that it’ll be fine. She didn’t freak out when she saw Kal and Ulyaa.”

Anton chuckled. “Really the other way around.”

“What are you talking about?” Mezot frowned. “You aren’t a Beast-kin. Not even a…Half-Breed, like Kal. I hope it’s alright to call her that. It’s probably not the best word.”

“She’s been called much worse.” Anton sat on the chair and raised his boot. “Please don’t shout or scream when you see it.”

“Did you hurt yourself with your magic?” Mezot’s fingers searched for her staff, they instead gripped the hem of her robe. “Like that young boy? Your legs are damaged and warped by magic?”

“Not that sort of magic,” Anton grunted as the buckles came free. “Not mine or yours but something else.”

“Let me give you a hand.” Cetina placed her sword on the table before kneeling and helping him. Cetina grunted and pulled down harshly on his boot. Mezot winced as Anton pulled a face. Getting his boots on and off was not an entirely pleasant experience.

With a small heave, Cetina pulled his boot free. Mezot gasped, covering her mouth with her hand. She remained transfixed on Anton’s dragonoid feet. Anton flexed the stiff toes, Cetina began to massage them to restore feeling and proper blood flow.

“Thanks, Cetina.”

“Getting them on is the problem,” Cetina mumbled.

“How did this happen?” Mezot’s curiosity took hold as she knelt next to Cetina. “What magic caused this?”

Her slender hands touched the spines rising out of his scales. Her breathing steadied as she began to inspect his foot, twisting and prodding at every part, uncaring that only a few moments ago she had thought he was deformed. Just as with Kal she focused on the claws, pinching the base hard as she moved it from side to side. Anton had already determined that the claws were firmly embedded into his body, not that Mezot would have accepted the explanation. She lightly pulled on the carapace, scratching it with her fingernail and surprised with its strength. Cetina threw Anton a knowing look as Mezot’s hands travelled up his leg, to the point where the two types of skin merged.

“A near-perfect merging of both types of skin.” Mezot mused. “Normally the skin is inflamed and sickly, weeping puss and blood-”

“That’s a relief,” Anton said softly.

“Yet there is nothing.” Mezot picked at the isolated scales. “The skin and scales are perfectly…”

“Do you know much about medicine?” Cetina asked, still kneeling beside her.

Mezot took a few seconds before she answered. “No. Only what I can see.” She let her hands drop to her knees. “What did you try to do to cause this?”

“I actually have a tail.” Anton raised his shirt.

Mezot’s eyes widened at seeing the tail bound around his waist. Either that or she was surprised at witnessing his exposed chest. Anton did not think that Mezot would have seen many men topless in a long time, and thanks to Cetina’s rigorous training he had more than a decent build.

“Can you…”

Anton lowered his shirt. “I just didn’t want you to freak out when you found out that I had a tail as well. You can imagine that it’s not something that I just show to anyone, nor let anyone know about lest they think that I’m a Beast-kin. Especially in my dealings with Seocuria.”

“So what did you do?” Mezot was already once again calm.

Anton and Cetina recounted the brief story, Anton adding his time in the White Realm. Mezot listened in perfect silence. At first her eyes narrowed, thinking they were joking but as the story continued she realised they were speaking the truth.

“So…Have you heard of anything like that?”

“No.” Mezot shook her head. She looked to the dusty books surrounding them. “I’ve never read anything like that. Maybe one of these books has some idea, but I’ve never heard of anything so…Especially that place you visited. I have no idea.”

“It was worth a shot.” Anton slowly put his boot back on. “There’s not many people I can show this to. Less than a dozen know, well…Not exactly. But not many.”

“They would certainly want to experiment with you.” Mezot’s eyes flashed with understanding. “Is that why you want to know about the Beast-Kin? You think it’s related?”

“The Dark Elves were conquered by the United Empire.” Anton motioned for both to rise. “During the conquest they only used humans. But after that Beast-kin were used by the United Empire. So something happened…I don’t think it’s what’s happening to me but there might be some clues.” Anton turned to the book. “Maybe this Burning Light had the first Beast-kin visit the White Realm when they were created, or whatever. Even if it’s not I’m very interested in the truth.”

“You’re going to have to speak out loud for me.” Cetina searched for more chairs, or a substitute stack of books. “Otherwise we’ll be thrown out before I’ve read more than a dozen pages.”

Cetina returned with two dusty chairs and placed them by Anton’s side. Anton opened the book, the heavy cover thudding loudly on the table. While the exterior held nothing but the symbol of the United Empire the first page was a different story.

“The History of the Burning Light.” Anton followed the beautiful calligraphy. “A historical novel by Waltheof Pavlovna, Chronicler of the United Empire.” Anton tapped the page. “So it’s a retelling of what happened. Might not be perfectly accurate but it’s going to be a good start…Unless they shift all the blame to the Beast-kin.”

“Possible.” Cetina mused. She shuffled closer, Mezot copied and leant over his other shoulder. “So what does it say?”

Anton cleared his throat and began to read.