A loud pained sigh could be heard, within a twisting place deteriorating in a shade of red' a lone figure sat behind a desk. The shuffling of numerous papers, disorganized maps and files were strewn along the desk in excess scratching his chin Morel couldn't help but lament reading the information with scrutiny. Causing already strained wrinkles to become more prominent with each passing moment, coughing to the side trickles of smoke left his mouth while rubbing his cigar onto the tables edge.

Golden Morel's eyes shifted back and fourth between numerous reports. To think they would've played their hand so openly and without restraint. No longer hiding the crazed desire anymore?.. Tsk, Morel cracked his knuckles. The northern side will be questionable without new blood, I need to speed up operations. Just setting soil on the north isle sets a precedent I can not ignore. The allied church.. Not a notice, their involvement was it orchestrated by the Unified Mages? Those bastards have been biding their time without the annual academies convergence. Letting out another dull sigh Morel searched for elusive answers he couldn't find.

The situation was problematic without the concern of weakness on the north isle.. Winter will soon arise, the already stressed routes will be put in further turmoil. Not merely accounting for the clutching white snow but the Unified Mages bolstering their forces, for a long ally rising troops on the border- It was not something to idly take... Morel pulled out one of the desk's drawers, settling a glass like orb fitted with four stilts onto the desks center. Fixing his posture Morel straightened, put his hand on the orb's top as he uttered a small chant.

Instantly a glowing white light bubbled within the orb, swirling like a vortex, mere seconds later it began to tremble. Rumbling in a low but consistent intensity, releasing it Morel snapped his fingers and at the same stroke a shockwave emanated. With the white flashes encompassing the room it extended out like a wave causing numerous figures to appear along the sides and end in a whitish aura. Translucent these forms resembled more human than anything else, and most tilted their heads to Morel while others nodded in satisfaction, seemingly amongst an ongoing conversation...

"Nice of you to join us. Morel we were starting to think you had forgotten about us.".. Not hiding their clear annoyance a voice at the end spoke out, drawing numerous nods and looks of questioning back at Morel. Slightly apprehensive Morel bit down on the itching anxiety, bowed a nudge. "I sincerely apologize for my absence shall we continue past pleasantries and formality, then continue the concerns of our meeting?".. Mphm, "Prudent then are we, Logistic' officer Morel coming as if you hadn't kept us waiting nearly an hour." A mature voice called out from the right,.. "That's enough. We all have our needs to attend to, Specialist Kane. I'm sure Morel hadn't the intention of wasting our valuable time."

Ahhhg.. Pulling me from the wreckage as a knife is jabbed into my back huh, Morel internally groaned. Simply behind due to a lack of organization- I couldn't say that, "No of course, I'm sure the head of intelligence knows a thing or two about unexpected delays." The man reeled back and huffed his bait without catch...

"Let's begin." A figure at the table's end said quelling all fragments of talk and the fixed gazes towards Morel to be more lax, ending on a pause the shifting figure stood up. "Don't lose sight of why we are here, the information gathered that the allied churches have landed, our dearest ally has seen fit to show us their capability during trying times.' ..."Morel, I'd like your take on the situation in the north with the ongoing onslaught against shadowborne can our units take a direct hit from the allied churches?"

Interest in my thoughts? Morel, couldn't help but wary of what the council leader was up to. Or was it merely a respect given his newfound position in the academy to oversee all logistic operations... "Coming from the council leader, I am grateful for your trust. Our forces are already stripped of their options on a forward advancement, our current objective is to just hold position in a war of attrition against the shadowborne. Unable to feed on our troops and having already cleansed most of the land prior has given that front a favorable turn." Morel Abruptly stopped, with what could only indicate a but in his next segment.

"However.. This is all we can do to a mere single creature of shadow which causes numerous of our men to die.

Even with support of our esteemed mages the knights are falling fast, another player would tear a hole in our defenses... The advent of the newly developed airships were shown ineffective, bigger shadowborne have displayed the ability to fling themselves like walking ballistas." Morel spoke with utmost accuracy as possible, a little anxious, his position and everyone on the council wasn't something long term. It was just borne out of necessity from a common enemy, each member had contributions to be made, and even the leader whose identity had just been that' leader, must've been a powerful individual just like each mage in the council if not moreso.

The academy of Frewyn has more like a government institution than anything resembling a place of school which assets wouldn't encompass officials and armies of knights, truly speaking that's why its existence was as of till now impervious to local churches influence. It wouldn't be wrong for one to assume this to be peculiar, to be precise it was probably one of the only establishments set in such a way, out in the middle of nowhere had its upsides..

...

The whitish forms faces were hard to make, it was the best visage for courting glances or crooked smiles.. Momentary silence dwelled after Morel's examination of the situation, "So we need to reevaluate our strategic deployment.." A voice from the left spoke, drawing some glances-"Without adjustment our men will falter and cave in, any advisement's strategic commander Elencof?" ... "A more adaptable and reactive front could be established, feigning weakness of attrition in front of shrouded fortifications... But. This won't be easy,

a large pool of manpower is needed, more than mere knights will win the tide. We'll have to divide our forces either way.. A large scale change in supply lines and logistics would have to be addressed. What is the feasibility of this, in the short term for our supply up north?"

Mmm.. "It is feasible, but a major reorganization of assets would stress the current deployment. A temporary gap in supplies would erupt more discontent in the front, which has been aptly referred to as an 'open casket' battle. Considering morale, it would be a tight fit they need rest.. And we need to address the issues of lacking magical support." Morel spited himself as he spoke, the conversation kept leading back to him, it was normal for one in his position being the backbone of any deployment achievability- But still something seemed wrong Morel couldn't shake the feeling...

Kane interrupted, "We can't forget the unified mages. The mobilization on our border, we don't have a proper defensive line. Nor the capacity stationed, if those bastards make their move.. They'll take the eastern side, leaving our backsides exposed." .."No.. I hypothesize it being a declaration of that they can than the actual intention.." .."How do you conclude that Elencof?" Kane perked up as he spoke, ... Elencof inwardly sighed, what fools am I working with? Each goating with another question, and long winded responses, it was painfully obvious that their mobilization was just a front and nothing more.

"Despite the name the unified mages are far from an organized enemy, they are severely lacking in fodder and wouldn't stand to fight a pointless war..." Elencof breathed deeply keeping attention of the table as he continued, "They are a mainly import region, the offensive would be repelled eventually. In essence they are a elephant on stilts. I wager it's more of a political stunt, though to which aims... I couldn't say." ..Morel could feel the assurance in those statements, but.. Their movements weren't for nothing. "We can't doubt the possibility the display of power for our unwelcome guests up north."

"Have our dearest friends been playing ball in another court?" Morel asked questioningly, erupting murmuring as the head's of intelligence quietly spoke. "It's unknown.." It was a flat response and unexpected. Our intelligence had deemed them not a threat? It was idiotic but such was the nature of the beast, everyone here wasn't truly for the cause of Frewyn, just bidding time till one of us falter rising their rank among the council.. Why should the intelligence waste pawns on some fruitless 'ally' that just dealt its hand when the mage forces can just act accordingly- Blowing and tearing through our member's assets.

Morel couldn't help but grumble however two-faced it might be, if our members were more forthcoming...

Well we wouldn't be at a stalemate with mere annoyances as shadowborne. Mindless beasts without any magical capacity, despite the rumor..

...

"So that's it then' leader spoke breaking the ice' Our men need more blood, at least capable ones who can hold their own. More troops on the ground would give us everything we lack. Time and quantity, and.. Esteemed members of the council, Kane I believe you know such a course of action?" Leader spoke laying an iron gauntlet on the conversation directing all focus. It was hard to notice but.. Most if not all of those bastardy white forms seemed to relax at that statement. Morel hairs rose fumbling at to what it meant, was something readily apparent he failed to realize?

Leaning forward Kane slowly turned his gaze to Morel, "Some things have come to light, sources tell that there is something you'd like too share.".. The smug words couldn't mask the malice as they struck. Stunned Morel wanted to reel back but slimy stopped himself, what? was that why? "My pardon Kane what do you allude?" Barely keeping his voice from rising Morel only uttered briefly. Had this entire discussion been puppeteered to my special project? No it had to be something else...

In vain trickles of delusion Morel hurriedly fixed his posture, trying to piece what Kane meant. Breaking the strained silence Kane huffed, "Information has recently come to light of your doings with some rouge fugitive, dealing in human experimentation who are rumored to have strange abilities is this true?" They knew.. Morel internally cursed himself, if they asked that redundancy it was beyond doubt of it, Tsk. "I have been in contact with the person in question that is true." "So-. "As suspected then. As members of the council we do not interfere with matters partaking to your own legal admission of the issue.. Of-course, your dealings with this fugitive and those rumored subjects are also true. As logistics officer you know the value in such units, we would like them." Interrupting Kane, Leader spoke abrupt.

Morel flustered, he couldn't shake it 'that bastard... He must've planned this from the start..' What to do? I can't give them away. "Anything for the protection of our land Leader but I'll need time. Two months at least you see they are far from perfect, surely any rumor is rooted in extravagance.." Eating those words as to not wedge himself further, sweat ran down Morel at the suspense. Two months would be the earliest he could manage to find something of equal-like measure, at least in the surface level.. "Mm.. Two months. That's all you have, don't disappoint me." Standing up Morel instantly bowed, "I will not."

As he said that the whitish aura quickly faded retreating back into the orb, returning the room to its reddish state. "F-D..-." Muffled cursing erupted as Morel smashed the side of his desk in frustration releasing his pent up anger, "I need to come up with something and quickly.." How the hell did they find out? Was it someone from my side or that pudgy shit?

...

Just what did this world await me? It wasn't long since Beth and Travis had left, making their ways to each designated area it would be foolish to make plans according to their success.. Were they special? Hmph, anyone here could be leagues beyond me let alone them, my path should be according to one without the unknown variable of their survival; hoping in vain to some shimmering mirage wasn't any means what I wanted to do.. They better return alive nothing should go to waste. This body I possess it can't go to waste either, this academy will be my chance to grow. I should attempt and find remnants of my past, Elrax.. This abomination will make it difficult. "Not to mention that dwarf.."

If's were persistently common now, if I hadn't been sealed and if I had corrected other numerous mistakes but they are no fault but my own ineptitude. That dealing with the dwarf was rather unexpected, not meaning entirely it was my misdoing my choices was to die there or live with consequences. Yet the thought still weighs heavy my ambition had the best of me. It was the same with my newfound guest too. Of course it wouldn't accept me considering I am in the body of a mere teenager without any power.

...Trailing thoughts scurried through Ceron as he raced to any far conclusion he could grasp. The road barely started, the journey to discovering this world and restoring former power would be long.. For now I have to survive this entry exam. Fourth bracket, if memory serves and my distribution of mana is any indication lower concentrations are higher with more dense lower making my range average or slightly above. Was it merely based on that? Ceron grimaced, one's factor of potency should also play a role after all quality versus quantity.. Though it may be frivolous so long as I am handicapped- Ceron rubbed his side tensing with a bubbling anger and anxiety.

Questions flooded, the rushing of emotion incurred an intense ringing, as Ceron watched groups of people pass by. "KiLL..ThEM." Head splitting, internally cursing Ceron tried to quell his frustration.

"It'S.. NO. USE RESISTING"- Shut up you piece of shit! The scream quickly faded as Ceron breathed deeply, collecting the seconds that passed in a dull gaze. Ahh... The crippling annoyance is just icing on the cake there is no doubt I'll need to be extra cautious. Elrax seemed to feed off of emotion, and any magical energy I would exert. Except for course the light energy.

Knowing the irony in such Ceron facepalmed with a groan, to think my only avenue would be a path I had never explored, casting aside the worrisome thoughts the ruins entrance laid in view. Most parties had ventured onward onto their own respective chambers... Closer inspection of the surroundings had shown an inch of grime and decay yet these 'ruins' stood against time, fueled by some unseen mechanisms. My curious side couldn't ignore the carved symbols and markings that begged to be looked over, lining the floor to gaudy pillars- Forming a archway door that dripped with the unknown. If anything at all I would have liked to study them, being a blend of runes I had never encountered post my ensealment, an otherworldly application perhaps?

Or simply lost by the passage of time.. It was a verified and indisputable truth that this world didn't revolve around me, the world had moved on without my influence and even now I still don't have luxury of it to ponder on these ruins incessantly. Despite how I felt about it this place wasn't designed in the slightest for me. And taking unto question of these trials the guides, proctors or whatever name they deemed themselves' what they had cooked up wouldn't be anything of face value. Guided on that principle

I reached for the door.

...

In a measured pull Ceron passed though the door, instantly the air had shifted. Some type of invisible film spread across only felt by the rising of hairs and an odd passing of weight, a magical ward or detection? Either or regardless of it Ceron huffed whatever the intention it probably wasn't following any measures of privacy. I hope my measurements are too your satisfaction... Ceron Haplessly thought, unwanting of any intruding eyes but he hadn't the power to refuse.

I'm certain.. Just moments before people had entered and contrary to that notion which defied my expectation, the room filling view was absent of life. The shifting air had settled, in-front nesting but cold brick and dried vine that seemed law of the room. Instantly Ceron turned looking back.. "The door vanished..." Was it teleportation then? Illusion? Sweat dropped Ceron lightly rubbed against brick where the door should've been causing minute worn stone to flake.

Ceron calmed regaining his composure from the sudden shock, leaning off the wall and towards the room... The brick didn't feel fake but any high tier spell and I would be clueless nonetheless-"No.." Ceron sighed, should I be worried that I had been teleported or worried that I couldn't sense it?.. Mphm regardless I must continue under the assumption this still in very well is the test. Those bastards weren't descriptive in the slightest anything could happen.

The room was small, in a state of disarray from first glance. An ambient light shone from a door on the left, unlike the opposite on the right still it wasn't exactly bright enough to clearly see. Standing in place for brief moments Ceron tried to gauge the room remaining silent, human sight was far from great particularly in the dark were shadows seemingly moved. A stale and dusty smell? Hmm, just where have I been taken too.. Pulling out a dagger from inside his Coat Ceron slowly walked forward keen at each step. No wire or mishappen bricks had laid traps so far..

While Ceron kept his train of thought the room gradually became visible as his eyes adjusted. Still it was not the best, stuck on that Ceron hesitated as he opened his bag and closed it again stopping himself. Wanting to pull out a torch.. It would defiantly be easier but there could be flammable gasses in here, judging from that skeleton he'd prob get kicks out of that. Ceron groaned, noting not only that but was it even safe to breathe in here? Stuck in a paranoid tangent that most likely fringed on obsessive Ceron pulled out a dirtied looking rag from his satchel.

It seemingly was no mere cloth, scrutinizing further one would see it to have been scrubbed with some grayish residue. Exhaling and in a swift motion Ceron tied the rag like a mask around his mouth and nose.. "This'll at least mitigate anything nonmagial to a degree.." Realizing the fact he had been talking to an empty room Ceron rubbed his forehead, the stress is getting to me... The state was dilapidated to put it lightly, once pristine shelving and wooden boards had long rotted. A mangled corpse laid at one of the corners wearing shredded leather, approaching the deceased Ceron trifled though the belongings.

The skeletal remains weren't human, small bumps and spikes protruded out from the skull.. Some type of horned biped, giving it no more thought whatever they had would be no use to them now. Ceron flipped over the corpse exposing rusted coin and a split spear. Some might just discard the coin truth was rust could be easily removed not to mention the raw value of materials the coin was made out off. Pocketing the coin Ceron threw away the spear's wood and stuffed the tip into his satchel. Exposed by the deceased waist was bundled cloth, unwrapping it Ceron held a series of parchment.

Intertwined with leather straps, it resembled that of a makeshift book it probably was. The front labeling was faded and unintelligible prying open the seams the pages were few but dotted with detailed accounts.. Ceron huffed resisting the urge to toss the "book" aside. It was no more than a emotional diary in orcish writing, I have no use for it.. Ceron spat as he read over the latest page, the dead sure tell no tale any worth listening too. Couldn't they have written about this place?

Finally dropping it to the side Ceron got glancing over the room oncemore there was nothing much of worth in here.. Resting numerous pondering Ceron drew to the only other avenue besides the light, chains and locks suffocated a reinforced door.. It was barred keeping a hole to see though not as if it mattered only darkness seeped out. There was no need to endlessly pick this place apart Ceron measured the chain in his hand, and even so.. "Smashing the metal could produce sparks.. Making my worry of the torch be in vain."

..

Ceron headed for the door intent on leaving with dagger in hand, it stands to reason this corpse didn't die a natural death. Obvious made from the torn armor and fractured bone though death was not recent, yet something must've killed it. And given this door is the only way in or out.. A high risk of danger undoubtedly lays beyond. But much wasn't a question a test devised by the academy as their methods shown are not adverse a bloody frame.

Nearing the door it became evident, the rays of light easily shone birthing from numerous cracks and holes. On the pretense of caution merely opening the door without a second thought would be a mistake. If one thing can be taken from such a notion fool-hearty hero's are the ones who die first. Ceron bent down peering into one of the cracks.. The bright change briefly blinded inducing a involuntary reflex as Ceron recoiled protecting his eyes, sighing Ceron looked again. Intently looking though the gaps, a long hallway revealed itself worn brick on either side, the ceiling had caved causing the light to seep in. Lanky roots of what seemed to be a tree were entangled from the ceiling reaching to the floor swamped in vine and clumps of flora, shroom.

The ground and all around looked to be clear of any traps or ill intent. However Ceron did not exhale a sigh of relief still meaning to open the door from it's side. Judging this far from any easy conclusion, what if the sight was merely facade manifested by magic? I'd be unable to tell. light gushed into the room as Ceron pulled the door from the side, the stagnant air was pushed to the point of kicking up dust and grime.

...

I stood, measuring the room with keen precision- More time had passed and I kept my composure not unlike an enraptured sailor gazing at sirens, surely one could say that if they had seen my unblinking consistent stare. To my surprise the plumes of dust just slowly settled as if nothing had happened in the least it was merely an opening of a door. It was the upmost of ordinary tasks' but nothing should be considered such in a test devised by masochists. Right?.. My increasing state of precaution and worry surely hadn't been unwarranted no, any sensible person would wait over twenty..forty? Minutes waiting. It was a logical thing!

The silence had carried merit, as my eyes grew weary I realized it was time to leave. Looking down the hallway it hadn't changed being the same, except now I had a wider view and grasp of it's entirety. Rocks and debris had filled the end, most likely the ceiling had collapsed. But it was of no matter gauging my size I would be able to climb up the tree roots towards the light. That would be the next choice but I'd better be safe...

I am still not fully convinced, on that note the room was full of moldy wood but it had its use even now, leaning down I picked up a stray board it was unexpectedly light.' All considering the caked gunk and bent nails pilling at one of the ends.

In an untimely sniff, I nearly hurled. A foul stench invaded crawling out from the board my mask doing very little if anything. Caring not to be its company any longer I motioned to the doorway throwing it forward, in high pitched slap it hit the ground causing pieces to splinter at the sides. Just the same- ..Had my pondering been unnecessary? Any simple trap or magic would have been lured either by the presence or weight but, none of it had occurred. Whatever this place was still remained mystery if it had been created by the academy or merely used by them, or a other unfortunate occurrence I dared not want to ponder, if just giving it the possibility to become reality.

I waited in bated breath, the complacentness and perhaps dullness of this rooms atmosphere still was a fickle beast not bearing any change or fang, spite of my prodding I had to accept it. Not a rat, speck or anything really had shown worth as I peered down the hallway, not that I was daringly running down it without a care however. The current vicinity was clear sure, the board had landed unwavering and not triggering any mechanism to go the same fate, I hopped onto the board not once touching the floor or walls. It was a perfect distance and just below the fallen ceiling...

Gazing up like I had been wrily prying at someones skirt, a familiar scene filled view. Sweat dropped of relief, self pity or..-Fuck, blotchy and obscuring whitish fog and that bright light I had o' so merrily hoped to be sunlight was no more than some crystal like appendage, spouted from the tree trunk. Regrettably that fog was unmistakable, I was still inside the astral plane, teleportation then..Most likely, one probable answer to a dozen or so unknown questions if it is the case..

Did the test still have protection of flame or like barriers? Probably not or something akin to the market facade..