“The subjects were divided into two groups, both were equal in talent, upbringing and access to resources. Group A were subjected to intense training, rigorous practice and instruction by experienced tutors. Overall, they were sheltered from real combat. Group B were thrown into the meat grinder of war, exposed to the front lines during a Nightfall raid. After 6 months, the survivors (only 20% of the initial test group) of Group B were assessed against Group A. The results were so overwhelmingly one sided that combat experience became an essential training requirement.

“Training Doctrine, Illyrian Imperial Academy.” Rev. 3, 50 IC.

Chapter 3

“How dare you! I’ll… You…When my father hears of this, he’ll…” Jameson sputtered, almost incoherent with rage.

“Yes, yes, I’m sure he’ll want to have me flayed, or some other interesting form of torture.” Wil laughed. “Miss April, how wonderful to see you again.” Wil turned towards the young woman dressed in a light pink dress. Dark haired and beautiful, she had a cold and indifferent expression on her face.

“Is it? I thought you were too busy with your drinking and debauchery to remember me, lecher?”

“Slander! I may have had too much wine yesterday evening, but it was because I was depressed over your continued refusal to go out with me!” Wil exclaimed, before sidling closer to her casually.

“Hmpf, drowning your sorrows? Do us all a favor and drown yourself next time!” She angrily retorted. Face flushed with a mix of anger and embarrassment. She grabbed a hold of her brother, Jameson, and began to drag him away.

“I’ll see you later my sweet!” Wil called as she left.

Turning, Wil continued down the hallway and quickly ducked into an unused classroom. Exhaling a shaky breath, Wil attempted to calm himself and stop his hands from shaking. Out of the sight of others, he could finally let his calm and indifferent façade drop. He tightened his hands into fists to stop them from shaking and took long, calming breaths.

“Just forget it, it’s over. You didn’t embarrass yourself and you don’t have to worry about them” Wil repeated softly into the empty classroom. Wi began to slowly calm down, and his breathing evened out.

He hated confrontation, he hated how the fear that he kept trapped deep inside him would make his body tremble. It took all his effort to keep calm and appear normal on the outside. It would be terrible for his family’s reputation if his secret was ever exposed.

Wilhelm Brookmoor was a coward. He was afraid of his father, his brother, his classmates. He was terrified of failing, of appearing weak. Not because he cared about his reputation, but because his family did. If he threatened their social standing, his future would not be kind. So, he created a persona he could present to the public, an arrogant young nobleman, who didn’t care about his schooling or responsibilities.

Taking one last deep breath and looking around the empty room, Wil turned to the door and exited the classroom. Walking down the hallway, and up the stairwell to the second floor, Wil continued through the maze of corridors, study areas and the small gatherings of his fellow students. He finally arrived at his second class of the afternoon, and one that he secretly looked forward to.

History of the Illyrian Empire was a required course at the Academy, and to most students it was their least favorite. It was dry, boring and the instructor spoke in a monotone manner. It was an opportunity for most to sleep, or work on other projects.

To Wil, it was the one class of his where expectations on him were low, therefore he could relax in class. It was also a subject that he held a genuine interest in, the History of Illyria was fascinating.

Entering the classroom late, Wil took one of the few remaining desks at the front of the classroom. The instructor, Magus Dhalgren, was just beginning to take out his notes for class. Dhalgren was an ancient man, with a long white beard and black robes.

“Today, we will be discussing the first recorded eclipse.” The Magus began.

Wilhelm, who had only briefly read about the first eclipse in one of his family’s history books, perked up slightly in interest.

“As you all know, once every thirty days, the yellow sun Primaris and the blue sun Secundus are blocked by the Black Moon, resulting in a period of darkness, an eclipse known as Nightfall that will last 7 days. During this period, beasts and monsters become more active, leaving their lairs and dens.”

The display crystal next to the podium glowed, and in the air a simulation of the cycle of light and dark was displayed. The world, a large blue and green orb, had the yellow and blue suns moving in alternating order above it. A third shape, a dark circular void, the Black Moon, slowly made its way over from the lower side of the planet. Finally, the dark circle filled the sky above the planet, blocking the light of the twin suns.

“From ancient writings, we can infer that prior to the first eclipse, the world was quite different. In fact, the writings suggest that there was only one sun, a great white light that would fill the sky for only a short period of time during the day, followed by an even shorter period of night. The world also had a moon, but it was described as a pale white sphere that would be visible in the sky only during the night.”

Wil had read some of the ancient stories as a child, fanciful tales of a man living on the pale moon, or of one great sun that was pulled across the sky by a god in a chariot.

“What we know for fact is that nearly ten thousand years ago, a Great War had changed our world, ripping the sun and moon from the sky. Gods of both light and dark were born, creating the twin suns and the dark moon.”

“Details of the Great War are sparse, we only have some ancient ruins as evidence of a time from before the war and writings from authors who heard tales, passed down through the ages as stories and myths. However, we do know that mana first emerged in our world during this time, being described as a gift from the heavens to protect mankind from the darkness.”

The class ended after further discussion on the various records of the first eclipse and some of the great figures that helped shepherd the Illyrian Empire through the turmoil. Wil gathered his books and satchel, making his way out of the classroom, this time without incident.

Wil left the building through the main foyer, walking past the well-tended lawns towards the front gate and his waiting carriage. Secundus was sinking towards the west, dying the building in a darker blue than when he arrived. The sky was a deep indigo, and in the distance to the east, Wil could faintly make out the dark moon, making its slow way in the sky and heralding the coming eclipse.

Having some time to spare, knowing from experience that the traffic at the front gate would delay his carriage's arrival, Wil made his way around some of the shops near the front entrance. Ignoring the stalls, he made his way to one of the larger shops with a sign saying ‘Flemington’s Rare Goods and Ingredients.’

The shop was rather large, with a clear space in the middle, ringed by glass counters and shelving. On the left, Wil saw weapons of all shapes and sizes, to his right were potions and ingredients. Directly ahead of him were miscellaneous items.

Wil started to his left, eyeing the weapons and armor pieces. Nothing stood out to him, aside from a massive great sword, 6 feet tall, engraved with runes that Wil recognized for durability and strength enhancement. It was an oddity, since Wil didn’t think anyone in the Academy would be able to lift it, let alone use it in a fight.

Wil continued through the shop, looking not only at the items, but his fellow patrons. Men and women, all clearly students by both their age and belongings, were gathered around one counter, jostling each other for space. Curious, Wil made his way over to join them.

Looking over the shoulder of a student in front of him, Wil saw a collection of charms and talismans. In a variety of shapes and sizes, they looked like miniature suns, moons, stars, snowflakes and other shapes. A salesperson was standing behind the counter, dressed in a blue robe with the Flemington house symbol on the front of three falling coins.

“Single use talismans and charms, these small charms can hold spells up to the 3rd tier. Starting at 2000 gold pieces, only at Flemington’s!” The employee said, repeating it as new people entered the shop.

“Nice enchanting work on these” Wil said to himself, idly thinking how much House Flemington will make off these new items.

Leaving the shop without purchasing anything, Wil left the Academy and entered his waiting carriage, heading home. Arriving at his family’s manor, Myles stood waiting near the entrance.

“Lord, your father is here. He has ordered that you be brought to him immediately.” Myles showed concern on his face. He knew that interactions between father and son were never cheerful, and the young master would be in a terrible mood afterwards.

In fact, the young lord’s drinking yesterday was a result of the news that his father would be arriving today.

“Very well, let’s get this over with.” Wil sighed deeply. He steeled himself and made his way inside.