Rise of the Strongest Soul Mage

Chapter 9 A Soul Eater in the Ivy

The Ivy Hall was massive. Sora had only been in twice. The first was when all new intakes were made to seat in the hall upon entry for the Masters' welcoming and a rundown of obligations, rules, and regulations.

The second and last time was during Ryo's selection ceremony a year ago. It should have been his too, but having no powers automatically meant he would not be selected into any faction.

The Hall was built as an auditorium with space to accommodate at least a thousand people and a podium, which the Ivy Masters were already seated on with blank expressions on their faces.

Ryo moved closer to Sora. "I have to join the Hunters. You can find a seat for yourself."

Sora nodded in return.

"I'll find you after. Just wait at the entrance."

Ryo left to find the Hunters and Sora took a seat at the back of the Hall and put his hood up. The last thing he wanted to do now was, garner attention.

About ten Hunters were lined up horizontally behind the masters. They had to be the best Hunters there were because most of them had level three badges on their specially tailored uniforms.

More Hunters were seated to the right in the audience and the rest were stationed at several entrances to the Hall.

Healers also sat to the left, leaving the Masters in the middle. The air in the room seemed too serious.

When almost everyone had settled, The Ivy Master, Vorak, took the stage. Vorak was a level three mage. Some said he was the strongest Master there was. It was hard to debate because his entire aura channeled great authority and strength.

Sora had met him once. He had been taken to him when the masters were worried about his inability to channel mage energy.

It was he who shared his energy torrent with Sora in an attempt to force out his own energy, but it didn't work. When the strongest master shares his energy with you and nothing happens, then nothing else can be done. They had all given up on finding a solution after that.

Master Vorak waved his hand, and the entire hall became silent. "Good evening everyone." His voice exuded authority.

"I know this meeting must have caught you off guard and I apologize for any inconvenience, especially to our healers who had to abandon the infirmary."

He nodded his apology to the Healers before continuing.

"What I am about to tell you is not to instill fear, but to ensure that we are all informed and prepared for all eventualities." He paused. "There have been reports of sightings of Soul Eaters by the Hunters."

Gasps followed by loud murmuring filled the Halls immediately.

One more wave with mage energy and the hall became silent again.

"I know it comes as a shock and this might frighten you, but I want you to take this in all seriousness. You are advised to apply every safety measure. Henceforth, evening trainings are put on hold."

Few murmurings ensued

"No mage is allowed to wander into the woods and all training will have Hunters on standby at all times. Take your time to fully understand and digest all that has been said and, please, adhere to all instructions."

Vorak looked to both sides of the podium where the leaders of the Hunters and Healers sat, both of them nodded. He turned back to face his audience.

"There's nothing left to address. You may retire to your dorms."

Immediately, everyone got up and headed for the entrances.

Sora met Ryo outside the Hall and they walked together.

"It's impossible. Did you hear it?

"I did."

"This is the Ivy Academy! This Academy is basically a death trap for any soul eater!"

"Indeed it is."

"But why would they be so bold as to come here?"

"No idea."

Sora noticed Ryo's responses were vague. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"

Ryo waited until they had gotten a good distance from the Hall before speaking. "The Masters did not give the full report. There have been two killings."

Sora's eyes widened at the statement;

"Two? Why would they omit that detail?"

"I don't know, but all the Hunters know. Some Healers should know too. They healed a Hunter that got hurt during an attack. He was present when the second mage was attacked."

"It's not a common soul eater. It has to be at least a coven leader.

"How do you know this?"

"Because it took the form of a human. Common soul eaters only take souls. The Hunter that survived confirmed that he came in form of the first mage he killed."

Sora was completely dumbfounded. This could not be happening. There had never been an attack in the Ivy much less by a soul eater so powerful.

"So the soul eater has now taken the form of the mage it killed?"

"At that time, yes, but there's no way to be sure now. It could have taken another form.''

"This is crazy."

"I know. I should walk you to your room."

"It's alright Ryo. I'll be fine."

"I insist."

Ryo was like that. Once his mind was set on something, nothing could change his mind, especially with the news, he was not going to let him be.

Sora knew there was no changing his mind, so he gave up. "Fine."

It was a cold night and Sora put his hood up. They walked side by side until they reached the dorms.

"You know you didn't have to follow me here."

"I know. I wanted to."

"I'm sure soul eaters wouldn't be interested in a mage with no powers. If it's as powerful as you say, I'm sure it can easily notice my lack of energy. I guess being powerless has its advantages, too." Sora let out a soft chuckle, and he ran his hand through his hair.

Ryo noticed his scar again and closed his fist. "I care about you being safe at all times."

"Good night Ryo and thanks for today."

"Stay out of trouble," Ryo spoke and headed for his room.