Dean Marcus leaned back from his desk as he finished the latest report. They had stopped three attempts of abduction on the Essence Mage but the fourth had slipped through their fingers. The upper tier families were usually a nuisance at best but the arrival of Dante had made them aggressive. The Dean sighed as he sat up in his chair looking across his desk to Senior Instructors Williams and Magnus.

“Any word from the Intelligence Officers?” The Dean asked.

Senior Instructor Williams replied. “No unusual movement in or out the sixteenth district. Most likely it was a student.”

Dean Marcus nodded in agreement. He turned his sapphire eyes towards Magnus. “Any unusual chatter or movement on the grounds to help us discern this student’s identity?”

Senior Instructor Magnus shook her head. “Nothing. He is most likely an older student from the upper-class dorms and works alone. It is a possibility that the upper tier families have discovered my surveillance but it is highly unlikely.”

“We could always lock the boy in his room.” Williams said with a smile.

“Maybe tie him up and leave him on an enchanted trap?” Magnus said a smirk.

Dean Marcus shook his head at the two. “You both are enjoying this aren’t you?”

“Reminds me of our old adventuring days.” Williams said looking at Magnus.

“We hardly receive a decent challenge anymore.” Magnus said with a shrug.

The Dean smiled at the duo. They were his most trusted advisors but they had a habit of looking for trouble. “Let’s keep our eyes open. Are there any Instructors Dante or his team are close to?”

“Instructor Perez is their Field Instructor.” Magnus answered. “He has taken a particular interest in the team since they tend to train on their days off.”

Williams smiled. “The kids work hard. They will be a terror if they survive this year.”

“There is also Instructor Telis.” Magnus continued. “Their orphanage teacher. She has transferred here and her ex-students occasionally go to her for advice.”

The Dean raised his eyebrows. “Their teacher transferred with them?”

“Her request came in months before they even arrived. None of those students are in her class and she is a remarkable Instructor. We didn’t feel the need to dig.” Magnus answered.

Dean Marcus nodded. “Alright. Well let’s bring in Perez and Telis and inform them of the situation and tell Alexandra Louis as well. They can help keep a look out while we prepare for the student tournament.”

“Head Historian Louis, when will we work more on my empath ability?” Dante asked. He had been shifting Essence around him so that they could both understand the protection that his Essence gave him. This was tested by Historian Louis constantly throwing heavier and heavier weights at him and recording the results.

She looked up from the notes she was recording. Dante flinched when her hand settled on one of the larger weights atop her desk. “In order to train your Empathic abilities, you will need to subject yourself to a more stressful environment. Before we can proceed, you need protection and this Essence Armor of yours might be able to provide that.”

“So, I just have to be around more people?” Dante asked.

“Not just people, boy. You need be in a crowd of people searching for intricate details. It’s the only way to hone your ability.” She replied.

“Well I could practice that on my own at least?” Dante offered.

She shook her head. “No. There are complication with that. You need to understand your defensive capabilities first. You should have two broken arms from the pummeling you took. If that Essence can be used as a shield then it is invaluable. You need to be able to use it on instinct.” She hefted a weight into her hand. “Now, where were we?”

Dante gulped.

Jasmi sat across from Miss Telis in her office. Strangely she was alone. Usually Gretta was always at her side.

“What can I help you with Jasmi?” Miss Telis asked.

Jasmi had gained much of her self-confidence back since working with her Magic Instructor but she still felt the blush on her cheeks as she sat across from Miss Telis.

“I want to know how much it cost to commission a personal enchantment.” Jasmi said.

Miss Telis kept the look of worry off her face. Was she also facing problems? Was she attacked like Dante was? “What do you need the enchantment for? Certain enchantments are much harder to create and the components change with every enchantment.”

Jasmi nodded shyly. “It’s for Dante. He was attacked and I thought that maybe there was an enchantment that could offer protection or maybe locate him if he were taken.”

Miss Telis couldn’t hide the smile that touched her lips. “I have been informed of Dante’s…situation and am already constructing enchantments for the whole team.”

The look of relief that flooded through Jasmi pained Miss Telis. She hated that her former students had to deal with such things. She wanted to stay closer to the group in order to watch over them but that might tip off the Academy. When the Dean informed her that there were other attempts that the students hadn’t noticed, it had taken every ounce of self-control not to scream at the man.

“Thank you, Miss Telis.” Jasmi said as she stood. “I should get back to training.”

She hurried out of the office before Miss Telis could reply. “Too many problems for kids so young. Although a locator enchantment is a good idea.” Miss Telis thought to herself. She turned to her work desk and started adding the new idea into the existing protection enchantment. They needed these sooner rather than later.

Kelsi and Gretta looked over the combat formations sketched out in front of them. The book they were using was an advanced guide in combative maneuvers that Kelsi received from Instructor Perez.

“This wedge formation would work in an open area but we would be too spread out if flanked.” Kelsi muttered.

Gretta pointed to a diamond formation. “I think this is our best option. With Ferris in front and Dante at either side. Jasmi would cover the back and you would take the middle leaving me opposite of Dante.”

Kelsi nodded. “For travel I agree but in combat, Ferris and Dante will both be fighting in front.” Kelsi pointed out. “We will have to make adjustments for that.”

Their conversation was interrupted when Ferris entered the common room covered in grass stains and dirt.

“What did you do?!” Kelsi almost shouted.

Ferris stumbled over and sat down. Dirt tumbled from his shoulders landing onto the table. “I tried to improve my Dash ability and lost control.”

“And by lost control you mean?” Gretta asked, an evident twinkle in her violet eyes.

Ferris sighed. “Meaning I tried to switch directions mid dash and ended up tumbling a good ways. Now there’s a thirty-foot long trench in the field which my Instructor has named Ferris’ Fall.”

The girls burst out laughing and Ferris shook his head causing more dirt to fall. Jasmi entered the common room after their laughing had died down.

“What in the tower happened to the field?!” Jasmi asked. This caused another explanation by Ferris which had all three girls laughing with tears in their eyes. Once they had finally settled down, Ferris just scowled at them.

“We should all have a team discussion.” Kelsi said.

“But Dante’s not here.” Ferris replied.

“This is about Dante.” Kelsi explained. “We know that he has a target on his back and we have all trained hard but we need to start figuring out how to handle these situations before they happen again. He has the ability to make weapons at will and that Essence Pulse of his and his empathic ability is a huge advantage, but he was still ambushed. We need a way to help if it happens again and don’t forget, we could be targeted as well.”

“So, what do we do?” Ferris asked.

“I think we need to secretly start arming ourselves.” Kelsi said quietly.

“What??” Ferris said. “How am I supposed to hide a four-foot-long sword on me?”

Gretta rolled her eyes. “Not your actual weapon. Something more subtle.”

Jasmi perked up. “Miss Telis said she is making us a personal enchantment for protection.”

“Really?” Kelsi replied. “Wow, yes that would help a lot. I was thinking along the same lines but with enchantment rings.”

“Can we afford those?” Gretta asked wincing.

Ferris smiled. “Not the ones serious teams use like storage rings. But we can afford the less popular ‘one of’ enchantment rings.”

Kelsi nodded. “Exactly. The second year Enchanters all make ‘one of’ enchantment rings because they are simple and inexpensive. You can store a spell into the ring and use it at a moment’s notice.”

Gretta frowned. “That seems exceptional. Why would those be cheap?”

“They can only be used once, hence the name “One Of”. They also can’t hold any spells that take a large amount of magic.” Ferris explained.

“Exactly.” Kelsi said. “But even with them being as cheap as they are, it will take most of what we have made from requests to purchase them.”

“I’m in.” Jasmi stated. The others agreed as well.

“Remember, the spell should be something you can use in multiple situations.” Kelsi said. “For example, I will be doing a simple healing spell that only stops or minimizes bleeding depending on the wound. It’s not great but it buys us time.”

Ferris grinned. “There is a simple Wind spell called Gust. It’s only meant to teach control and precision to Wind Mages but it can knock a weapon out of someone’s hand if they are not expecting it or at least move their arm causing their strike to miss.”

Gretta laughed. “I have a great tune that can quickly disorient someone. It won’t have the full affect but it can cause them to hesitate allowing us to press for advantage.”

The group looked to Jasmi and she smiled mischievously. “It’s not very effective and a little bit evil, but I can summon a skeleton hand to trip someone up or scare the Essence out of them.”

Ferris and Gretta laughed as Kelsi paled a little. “All right.” Kelsi said. “Let’s get those rings.”

Essence surrounded Dante, constantly shifting like a sentient fog covering his skin. The cold mist like substance reassured him, a constant reminder that he wasn’t alone. Ever since the bond with Essence, Dante had felt safe. Even with the recent attack, his mind calmed quickly, allowing him to think straight. He had spent hours reassuring his friends that he was okay. He knew they worried and he was honestly worried himself during the attack, but soon afterwards, he was oddly enough, feeling just fine.

The Essence shifted and Dante felt the dull pressure against his shoulder. The Essence was moving faster, responding to threats with reaction speeds even Dante didn’t have. The pooled Essence dispersed from the point of impact and continued its rhythmic flowing cycles.

The Essences shifted again, quickly to his right thigh. He could almost react but not before the tell-tale pressure of another weight bounced against his Essence Armor. It was not only giving him protection but forewarning. Dante would soon be able to read the flow and react accordingly. The Essence moved to his left forearm and he stepped to the side. He wasn’t quick enough as the weighted ball clipped off his Essence Armor, reducing the pressure significantly, but still turning him around and causing him to fall.

“Very good!” Historian Louis said. “You’re starting to react with your Essence. That will help in your defense.” Once she had checked for bruising, she quickly wrote down a few notes before continuing. “You were correct about feeling your Essence getting denser at the point of impact. No new bruises.”

Dante smiled at the Historian. She rarely praised him but occasionally her mask would slip and she would show him a true measure of her concern.

“Now we will practice something new.” The Historian said excitedly as she vanished into the back room. A few minutes later she arrived rolling out a large target. Setting it up by the wall, she quickly headed to the desk. “Now, what I want you to do is form a dagger and throw it at the target. If the Essence dissipates, do it again and try to feel for a way to hold it together. It might not be possible but if it is it could be a huge advantage offensively.”

Dante nodded and formed a dagger. It was relatively small, the blade only five inches but it would do for the test. The target stood ten feet away, an appropriate distance for throwing. He raised his arm and threw using the motion of his whole body to produce the desired velocity. The moment the blade left his hand, it disappeared.

“Again. Keep it up so we can get some solid data.” The Historian called out. Dante nodded and repeated the process again.

By the time he left Head Historian Louis, he could barely move his arm. He hadn’t been able to throw a dagger without it dissolving as soon as it left his touch. Tired and hungry, Dante headed to the mess hall for another late dinner.

The team slowly moved towards their target. Staying in formation, Kelsi wouldn’t signal the attack until they were within effective range. “Now!” Kelsi shouted. The groups sudden rush was well timed. Ferris used his Dash to attack the lead target. His Wind Armor had been on since they started moving in formation. His sword came from his lower left side and swiped diagonally upwards to the right, effectively knocking his opponent back with the full force of his weight and the velocity his Dash ability had given him.

Dante quickly followed up, slamming Ferris’ target in the back of the knee with his staff. As their opponent fell, Dante completed his turn to face the opponent to the right. He switched his staff for a short sword and shield as he moved for his opponent.

Jasmi, Gretta and Kelsi followed behind. Before Dante had tripped Ferris’ target, Jasmi had sent her three spirits to the opposing team’s healer as Gretta used her violin to cast Dancing Blades, sending sound waves towards the ranged Mage, slashing the Mage twice. Kelsi kept the whole scope of the battle in her view, watching for any physical trauma with Perception and closely watching her team for any disorientation. She did not want her team charmed again.

Jasmi used her newly discovered ability, False Flames at the healer. The dark purple flames felt twice as hot as real flames but did no damage. It was an effective distraction. Gretta used her Dancing Blades once more then hummed the tune Calming Breath to reduce the stress of her teammates.

Once Dante’s opponent fell, Dante rushed towards Ferris as he handled another Melee Mage. Ferris had kept a defensive position, buying time for his teammates to finish off the other members of the team. Once Dante rushed in, he switched his sword and shield to a spear and stabbed low to the fighter’s legs while Dante swung high. The move was well practiced with Dante taking his que off of Ferris and attacking at any openings. The team was finished shortly after.

“Very good!” Instructor Perez bellowed. “Your movement and forms were well balanced. Kelsi, you did a fine job keeping the whole fight in your sights. Information is key to survival.”

The team put their weapons away and looked at their fearless opponents. The training dummies were wooden mannequins and all were laid on the ground. Since the team wouldn’t be fighting any mock battles until the tournament, Kelsi had asked Instructor Perez for an alternative.

“Now more likely than not, real opponents would move around, so you have to be prepared to adapt to that, but the damage you gave these dummies was impressive.” Instructor Perez said. “You all have well rounded skills. They still need work but that will come with experience. Your conditioning however is exemplary. It seems all that training has paid off.”

The team looked at each other in surprise. They hadn’t noticed but none of them were out of breath. The Instructor smiled approvingly at his students. They had done a fine job and would do well in the tournament.

“Ahem.” Instructor Perez signaled. The group lined up quickly. “This will be the last practice we have before the tournament so I can divulge a little information.” That caught the team’s attention. “Prizes for the tournament go as follows. Third place receives 250 Student Credits per teammate and one Enchanted Ring of Healing a piece. Second place receives 500 Student Credits per teammate, one Enchanted Healing Ring a piece and an Essence Potion. First Place receives 1000 Student Credits a piece and one Enchanted Storage Ring a piece.”

The team was stunned. An Enchanted Healing Ring could heal the wearers minor wounds no matter what affinity they were. At the Academy Workshop they sold for 800 Student Credits and that was at a discount. It would cost over 8 gold coins in any regular enchantment shop. The Essence Potion could fully restore a Mages Essence at four times the usual speed and usually cost 25 silver a piece at an Alchemy Shop. The Enchanted Storage Ring, however, was an amazing prize. Every Adventurer carried at least one Storage Ring. It used an extra dimensional enchantment that allowed small objects such as potions or throwing daggers to be stored and retrieved at a moment’s notice. It wouldn’t hold much but the ability to have a Potion of Healing or Essence on hand could be the difference between life and death. One ring went for 500 gold coins at any Enchantment shop.

Instructor Perez waited a moment before pulling the team out of their stupor. “Alright, you have had your chance to day dream! Now remember, there are dangers inside and outside the tournament.” That caught the groups attention. “Prepare well, think smart and don’t drop your guard.” With a stern nod at the students, he turned and left them on the training field.

Kelsi turned to the team. “You heard him. Just another week until the tournament. We will learn what we can and improve through sheer stubbornness if we have to.”

The group grinned.

Teron sat at the head of the table, quietly waiting for their guest to arrive. It was unbecoming to show impatience. As the heir to the Atahchi family, he had been taught such things by his Grandfather. He had been groomed to perfection and would not waste those years to simple fits of unrestrained desire. His desire wanted him to rip the messenger in half for being late but he tempered those feelings. It would be wasteful and the Atahchi family was not wasteful.

Lani sat to his left. The girl’s black hair was held into a bun with two finally carved wooden sticks holding the bun in place. To any other observer, they would merely be decoration but to the Life Mage, it was a last resort. Manipulation of plants was a very delicate ability and this particular wood was harvested from the branches of the Lotus Rose. The flower was deadly to the touch but the thorns of the plant were tipped in a poison that could cause a person to be paralyzed with pain. Just a touch of her Magic and the thorns would grow back from where they were sheared. She winked at Teron as she played with the seeds before her, slowly growing them and then pulling them back into their pods. Teron wondered what nasty little beauties she was playing with now.

Mavis sat next to Lani. Her pale skin and sharp features were rare among those in the tower, giving her an exotic look that many young men would be drawn to. Her malicious pink eyes were always a little too telling for Teron though. He preferred a little subtly and Mavis was direct as could be. Her magic was powerful however and she was a useful tool. Her glare was focused on the two brothers across from her. Where Mavis was silent and imposing, Harold and Hector were obnoxiously still. The boys sat like stone pillars, just waiting for someone to challenge them.

The door quickly opened as a third-year student quickly entered the room. His jade eyes scanned the room as he quickly brushed his dark brown hair out of his eye. He moved to the end of the table holding out a scroll.

“Why, good evening Collin.” Teron said casually. “So good of you to join us.”

“About time.” Lani said as she smiled at the boy. “You wouldn’t still be troubled by that little stab wound you were given, would you?”

Collin visibly paled. He wasn’t sure what felt worse, being stabbed or being healed by Lani. His attempt on abducting Dante went poorly but it was a moment of opportunity, not planned. It was a rash attempt but the boy’s greed had gotten the better of him. The bounty placed on the Essence Mage was exceptional after all.

“No trouble at all.” Collin quickly said. Turning to face Teron, he held out the scroll. Hector took the scroll, passing it to Teron. He read through the messenger’s report of Dante and his teams’ practice earlier that day.

“Very interesting.” Teron said as he smiled widely. “It seems Dante has the ability to form weapons at will. Their freckled face bard can slash at opponents from range with her violin. And our poor lost little Jasmi can use spirits. Oh, this will be very entertaining.”

Lani held her breath at the name Teron uttered. She hated Teron’s former betrothed and she felt pangs of jealousy tear through her. She would rip the memory of that girl from the Tower itself.

Teron looked at Lani and smiled. He loved to manipulate the girl. It was delicious irony that sated him. He reached out covering her hand with his and watched as she quickly calmed down.

“Report this to my Grandfather, Collin. And do be quick.” Teron said to the messenger. Collin nodded and quickly left the group as he cursed himself. His greed went far but if he had known what working for the Atahchi family would truly cost him, he would have never signed up.