[center][h2]Radiant Cathedral[/h2] [h3]Western Gate[/h3][/center] [center]~~~ [@Rune_Alchemist] ~~~[/center] [quote=Seleth Thenri][color=0076a3]"So tell me, Nur. Are you [b]PATHETIC[/b]? Are you a fool? Are you so [b]WEAK[/b] as to act on such impulses? [sub]You endure such insults daily. You are not as weak as you think you are. All you can do is make a promise to yourself.........[/sub]"[/color][/quote] Nur was listening intently at first, inspired by your words, the deadness in her eyes regaining life. But as you continued, she stopped listening. Stopped completely, freezing in place like a statue with her eyes wide. A bloodcurdling scream echoed throughout the shrine. "[color=olivedrab]I'M SORRY!I'M SORRY!I'M SORRY!I'M SORRY!I'M SORRY!I'M SORRY!I'M SORRY!I'M SORRY!I'M SORRY!I'M SORRY!I'M SORRY!I'M SORRY![/color]" Nur screamed, repeating the mantra over and over again. The quiet home of Aylama shattered by one single girl. Try as you might, you could not get her to stop or to respond in any way at all. She only sobbed and apologized. "[color=olivedrab]I'M SORRY I'M WEAK! I'M PATHETIC! I'M SORRY![/color]" Her deranged cries attracted attention from the other patrons of the cathedral. It all happened fast, surreal even, and the next thing you knew, Nur was being escorted out of the holy grounds by a pair of Dark Elves. With that little incident over, the rest of the day went about normally. Well, as normally as it could after witnessing a mental breakdown. [center][h3]--- THE NEXT DAY ---[/h3][/center] [center][h2]Seraph Academy[/h2][/center] [center][h3]Main Arena[/h3][/center] [center]~~~ [@Rune_Alchemist] ~~~[/center] Today was the big day. Thanks to your unexpected victory against Lisianthus, the Princess of Razelia herself, you would be the one to face Varjan instead. Indeed, very few was unsurprised by your win. Some didn't even believe but the results spoke for itself. Your departure from the Cathedral was not quiet. Practically everyone in the Radiant Cathedral had gathered to see you off, offering their supports and prayers for your battle against Varjan. They said that if Aylama had granted you victory against the Razelian Princess herself, she would surely see you through Varjan as well. They even prepared a special carriage for you to take you to Seraph Academy. Being inside the wagon, you could take the time to savor the sights of the final days of the Grand Academy Tournament. Things were livelier than normal in the city square though you could see that most people were heading the same direction as you, toward Seraph Academy. It was no mystery to you that they were going to see the grand finals of the tournament. You soon reach your destination and upon stepping out of your carriage, you were received with much fanfare. As you walked to the main arena, students and teachers alike greeted you and wished you the best of luck. Even from those whom you were certain disliked you. You were told to head to the arena as quickly as possible for Varjan was already there and waiting. But as you entered the main arena, just before you enter the actual field of battle, you were greeted by a familiar face. "[color=6ecff6]We meet again, Dark Elf. I congratulate you for making it this far in the tournament, beating even Lady Lisianthus.[/color]" The Lot Knight with the sleepwear armor motioned you to come closer. In a shallow gap in the wall, somehow a secluded area away from the eyes and ears of the public, the Lot Knight continued. "[color=6ecff6]I am very sorry for this, Dark Elf, but I need to talk to you. You see, your opponent Varjan... He is cheating.[/color]" The Lot Knight revealed. Perhaps you wondered why a prodigy like Varjan would need to cheat. "[color=6ecff6]I saw him using, well snorting... something when I came to see him. I have reason to believe those are enhancing drugs.[/color]" "[color=6ecff6]I know it sounds crazy but you must believe me.[/color]" [center][h2]Luminous Citadel[/h2][/center] [center]~~~ [@smoken] ~~~[/center] Another day, another coin. At least, that was how things were before the Grand Academy Tournament arrived. Then, it was practically work all day. The festivities have increased the burdens of the guardians of Zauberheim but such was their duty. However, a recent incident have drawn the majority of the city guard's attention. An investigation started by Athos, the Court Mage of the royal family, uncovered a crime ring within Zauberheim that ran a profitable operation selling illegal drugs and enhancers. With the Grand Academy Tournament ongoing, the targeted customers was obvious. A small clash in the Southern Gate Town showed that the ring was not just a bunch of schemers, they had dangerous people among them. Dangerous enough to reliably stand up against the authorities. Fortunately, a member of the operation was captured and had spilled everything with strangely little coercion. With the mastermind identified and her whereabouts knows, it was time to deliver the final blow. You were called to assist in the arrest and you would be joining the investigators as well as elements of the city guard. On the way to the rendezvous point, you met up with [url=https://66.media.tumblr.com/d20e0e6ca03027416ae303b457e6d6de/tumblr_ogc6sbcz5A1twprc3o2_540.jpg]a knight-looking person wearing silver armor and the colors of the city guard[/url]. "[color=lightyellow]Ah, Lady Castoran. Well met.[/color]" While he knew you, almost every knight in Zauberheim, maybe even Razelia, knew him. He was the famed Sir Vitalion, a master in both the arts of the sword and the magics of Amalya. He was one of the greatest Arcknights of Razelia, even friends with the King himself. However, one day he suddenly left the Arcknights and signed up as a simple guardsman in Zauberheim. No one knew why but regardless, he was soon made Head Captain as he was better leading guardsmen than serving as a grunt. "[color=lightyellow]I am glad that a knight of your caliber would be joining us. I shall be honest though, the foes we will face have a LOT of tricks up their sleeve. I have no idea what to expect.[/color]" Vitalion said as you and him exited the Luminous Citadel. "[color=lightyellow]I'm sure you have been briefed about our mission but still, do you have any questions? Any thoughts about it?[/color]"