Over the following days, Tharn and his group returned to their usual routine in preparation for the next round of the National Tournament.
Going on Quests or fighting in the afternoon at the Guild; celebrating, breeding, and relaxing at night and in the morning; training or Quests again in the afternoon.
With that, another week went by, and the day for the second round arrived.
Tharn and his big group landed again in front of the City's main gates, and he asked his Pegasus to wait next to the Gate Guards together with Istar's flying lions, and he said to the Guards that if they needed, they could ask the flying Elementals to help guard the gates. He entered the City in silence, with Istar by his side and Iris on his right shoulder. A few metres behind, Mariam was next to Synesia, and she asked in a low voice, "Why does he look so angry? I didn't see him like that when he was in Ulsleve. He looks kind of scary." "He is scary, but most of the time he looks like a carefree guy that is only having fun, when in fact he always has a lot on his mind. He will return to his usual self eventually, or when Istar talks with him. She has a gift for easing his worries, and she always manages to make him laugh, even when something weird happens. I wasn't expecting our Principal to set a trap for us. I bet he was desperate because the moment he found out we won the first
Tharn shrugged and answered, "It was just an idea that came to my mind because he was annoying me. But I will make sure that he quits or loses his job. As for those dumb Teachers, that School would be far better if they weren't there. They all think too much about themselves, and they don't accept different ideas from their wrong misconceptions about Magic. Istar asked me some time ago if I didn't want to be a Teacher to help spread my knowledge, but I didn't give too much thought to that idea. I don't need to work as a Teacher, as a Principal, or even as an Adventurer with all the money I already have from my side jobs, but I could be one just for a couple of months to see if I liked it or not." "You would do great, I am sure of it. And as a Principal, you could make sure to hire better Teachers. I don't want to work as one because I have other ideas for my future, like investing my money in my family business, but maybe the others want to be. Muranu could be a very good Teacher with
When Istar and her group were at the Inn together with her family and waiting for dinner, Mariam and her Party arrived, smiling all the way to their table.They sat, and Sophie said, "I made my Familiar lizard a tiny bit too good! He can smell prey from a long distance! It was so easy to find four deer to finish our Quest! We already got paid by the Guild and arrived in time for dinner, just like we wanted!"Tharn grimaced and said, "But why did you make him look like that? That thing is ugly!"
As they were walking along the busy street to get to the back gates, Tharn and the others kept looking around, in search of someone that could look suspicious. Mostly, a Mage with a hood over his head, covering his face.They hadn't seen anyone with that description ever since they arrived in Vaeggerlose, but that didn't mean he wasn't there. Or someone working for him.Because of that, Tharn was walking in the middle of his big group with his hood over his head to hide. He even wrapped his sword's hilt with a white rag to disguise
Before the announcer gave the order to start, the girl mumbled a chant.As soon as she started, Istar already had her white rabbit in front of her, and she said to him, "Slapp, ice blades. You remember her, right? Cut her into pieces, starting with the arms, then the legs, then the head. And in the end, slice her into tiny pieces. Go."The ball of Magic that appeared in front of the girl was growing, and Slapp ran around it, going straight at the dumbfounded girl.
Everyone was silent, with Tharn whispering to his sword and hearing the report, "She is now an Abjurer of Level 83, Master. I also sense that her Magic is out of control, and her mind seems uneasy. Be careful."Tharn increased the speed of his steps, held Istar's left arm, and spoke in a low voice, "Close your eyes, take a slow deep breath, and disperse your Magic.""Why? My Magic is not-"
It was past lunchtime when Tharn and Istar walked down the stairs, holding hands.The others were in the main room, already finishing their lunch, and they all looked at the couple, who seemed peaceful and at ease.Tharn pulled a chair for Istar, and he then sat right next to her, while everyone waited in expectation.Iris stopped eating and asked, glowing with Magic, "I sense a strange calm in you, Tharn. Do I need to be worried?"&nbs
Before the enormous group arrived at Elkenore, Iris left. She had a very specific mission: to gather as many Fairies as she could, and bring them with her to fulfill Tharn's plan.As soon as they made their final approach to the Guild's backyard, Herensuge raised his head. He was having a nap in the backyard, and the noise of wings flapping called his attention.Minutes later, he was taking off in search of Dragons that could help with the