Nero opened his eyes,
disoriented. He was used to losing consciousness, most of the few classmates
who got along with him tended to experiment at dangerously extreme levels.
He was lying on a cold
bench covered in yellow dust. He rubbed it off and brought his fingers to his
nose. Sulfur. From where he lay, he could see two figures with their
backs turned, both female, both wearing the academy uniform. They were busy,
surrounded by books, flasks, beakers, and all kinds of equipment for chemical
and magical experiments.
He was in the
laboratory of Raven’s Order Academy, a place where he spent far more time than
he liked to admit, though far less than he wished. It was almost his sanctuary,
one of the few places in the academy where no one looked down on him and his
demonic blood didn’t make him an outcast. In here, it was science, not magic, that
ruled. And he was an expert in both.
As he wiped his hand
on his robe to get rid of the sulfur, a wild creature attacked him, moving
unpredictably and licking his face from top to bottom.
—Hollow! Stop, that
tickles! —Nero said, laughing. The little creature was a magical lifeform he
and his lab partners had accidentally created. He lifted it up in one hand,
amused. Around Hollow, blue ripples formed in the air—magical, like the ones
water makes when a droplet breaks the surface tension of a pond.
—He's more playful
than usual today. Him and his sixteen reflections —said one of the girls,
pointing to a corner table in the lab. There were a dozen more Hollow-like
creatures there, magical projections of the original—physical forms, but
without will. All of them were different, and all of them were Hollow.
—Oh, Hollow. Show me
the real you, not a reflection —Nero said, smiling at his friend. The creature
stretched its tongue further than seemed possible and licked his face again.
The most peculiar thing about Hollow was that he could change his entire body
at will—even perfectly imitate a person’s appearance. None of them believed
they had ever seen Hollow’s true form, though that was just a hypothesis.
Nero glanced at the
window. It was still daylight. The sky outside was clear and beautiful, and
completely fake. He reached for his wand to dispel the glyph that altered the
scenery visible through the window, but it wasn’t where it should be. Alarmed,
he stood up and patted himself down.
It was gone.
—If you’re looking for
this —said the same girl from before, raising a hand to her hair and pulling
Nero’s wand from her bun. Her hair fell into two neatly tied pigtails— I took
it before the professors arrived. They were going to confiscate it and expel
you from the academy, but they turned a blind eye since you’re about to
graduate. What the hell happened up there? The principal is fuming.
Nero frowned and took
his wand. It was intact.
—I didn’t do anything
—Nero said.
—You don’t sound very
convincing —the girl replied as she turned around. It was Caelth. Her
intoxicating blonde hair smelled of roses, with a faint trace of sweat beneath
the floral scent.
—He doesn’t. I spoke
with Larinca. Nero took on the king of the academy —said the other girl. She
didn’t turn around. Ezold wasn’t as friendly as Caelth, and her robe always
smelled of blood.
—Did I? —Nero
shrugged.
—That’s what
everyone’s saying. Apparently it was impressive. You brought the principal’s
son to his knees, humiliated him —said Caelth—. Miss Perfect even had to
intervene.
—Siphone? —Ezold said,
turning around at the mention of her name. She was stained red from the waist
up, face included. She wore protective goggles so she could see clearly, and
her expression was filled with obsession—Did she use magic without her wand again?
—That’s the one. Yes,
apparently she did. Yeah, yeah, I know: she’s a prodigy —Caelth said, rolling
her eyes—. Anyway, Larinca brought you here and then left. She was really
shaken up. You should talk to her, Nero, especially since she’s your partner
for the descent into the catacombs.
He nodded. He had
gotten enraged when Valentio insulted his friend, in a way he had never felt
before. He placed a hand on his chest. His heart was racing, but at its usual
speed. However, his magic… something had changed. He felt more powerful,
lighter. As if some inner blockage had finally been lifted.
Something was changing
inside him. And that something frightened him, but also made him feel something
else.
Alive.
—I’m not going to
graduate, girls —Nero said, sighing. Despite everything new he was feeling,
reality came crashing back.
—That’s nonsense.
Killing is way easier than it seems. We’ve done it a thousand times during
practicals —Ezold said with a shrug.
—I’ve never killed
anything that wasn’t a demon. It’s not the same —Nero replied.
—I’m with Nero on this
one. It’s true: it’s not the same —said Caelth, sitting beside Nero with her
arms crossed.
—See? There are a lot
more implications, not just ethical, but moral too —Nero added.
—What are you talking
about? I meant it’s easier. Demons are tough. People… are squishier —Caelth
said, poking Nero with her finger and sticking her tongue out.
—Sometimes you two
really scare me. Seriously. By the way, do you already know who’ll be joining
you on the descent? —Nero asked.
One pointed to the
other and they both made a circular motion with their wands. Professor
Morgana’s linking glyph lit up, binding them together. They were partners.
They both had the same
mission: to kill their friend.
—That’s… horrible —Nero
said, turning pale.
—It’s what we
expected. Don’t worry: we don’t plan on dying —Ezold said.
—Exactly. Killing each
other will be a formality. We still have a lot to live for, a lot to
experience, you know? —said Caelth. She took out a small vial from her pocket
and looked at it fondly.
—What are you going to
do? I can’t imagine you two failing the graduation —Nero asked.
—We’ve got a plan. A
crazy one —Caelth said, standing up and dusting off her uniform—. You should
make one too. Larinca is going to graduate, no matter what.
Nero shrugged. He
wasn’t going to kill his best friend, even if she sometimes drove him crazy.
He’d fail. He’d figure out what to do afterward.
—I’ve got one too —Nero
said, getting to his feet. Hollow wrapped around one of his legs, shifting into
the form of a round-headed cat.
—You’re a terrible liar, Nero. We should play cards more often: I’d catch all your
bluffs —Ezold said, focusing back on her experiment.
—Are you going to talk
to your mom about the graduation? I’m worried you’ll just let yourself be
killed without fighting back. You’re an idiot, but I like you —Caelth said.
—Thanks. No. My
mother… I don’t think she’s interested in how I’m doing —Nero replied.
—Have you thought
about using her as your sacrifice? —Caelth said without changing expression.
Nero shook his head.
Was he the only one in the entire academy who felt guilty at the thought of
killing someone? Everyone else seemed to be fine with it. A knot formed in his
throat. He knew his classmates were extreme, and he understood King Valgott’s policy
about joining Sylthmir’s army, but he hadn’t realized how cruel everyone around
him was until they were told their future depended on cold-blooded murder.
—I don’t care about
her enough. It wouldn’t work —Nero said, trying not to let his voice betray his
nerves.
Of course he loved his
mother, even if she didn’t return the sentiment. When he was little, she had
tried to file down his horns multiple times, and when she failed, instead of
defending her son from others’ insults, she distanced herself from him. They were
strangers under the same roof, so when Nero moved into the Raven’s Order
Academy dorms, his quality of life had drastically improved, though his heart
remained broken.
—Finally starting to
think logically! —Caelth said—. I’m going back to work. Today’s the last day
we’ll be in the lab before the descent. See you in a few days.
She gave him a hug and
placed a small vial of red liquid in his hand. Nero didn’t know what it was,
but he understood perfectly the physical reaction it would provoke in anyone
who drank it. Caelth put a finger to her lips and winked before walking away.
Without a word, Nero stroked Hollow goodbye and left the lab.
He had a lot to
prepare before the descent.
Time passed faster than
usual, and finally, the long-awaited day of the descent arrived. Nero hadn’t
slept all night, checking his gear again and again. His backpack was massive: he’d
filled it with supplies for every possible scenario. He had also reviewed every
map of the catacombs.
And he hadn’t liked
anything he saw.
They had four options:
First, the Fumaroles of Infernal Bloodlava, a labyrinth of magma and searing
rock that stretched on for miles, with no safe ground to walk. Second, Tar
Swamp, also called the Petrified Statue Garden. There was no water there, only
tar. The area was infested with demons that could turn you to stone with a
glance. Third, Eternal Infestation: the Fungal Caves. In these caves, the air
was nearly unbreathable due to the sheer volume of floating spores. A fungal
hell, colorful and beautiful, but deadly and alluring. Lastly, the Abyssal Pit:
Maw of the Void, a gargantuan chasm that plunged toward the center of
Yomidgard, with no one certain where it ended. The surrounding tunnels formed a
network of downward passages, leading into endless darkness.
Of all the options,
Nero feared Eternal Infestation the most. He was terrified of the spores
latching onto his lungs and turning him into just another fungal demon.
But he wouldn’t be the
one choosing the path: they’d decide as a group. While he waited at the top of
the descent stairs, more and more student groups began to gather, just like he
had.
The first ones he
recognized were Ezold and Caelth. The two girls looked a bit lost outside the
lab, but their expressions radiated confidence. Then came Siphone, accompanied
by her younger sister, Iris. Only Siphone was old enough to attempt graduation,
so her sister was likely just there for emotional support. More students
arrived: Threvn and Daomr, the Dragonoid brothers. Noihs and Dripla, the
academy’s infamous divas. Three more pairs came before Valentio finally
appeared, trailed by his loyal entourage.
Then, Professor
Morgana’s linking glyph activated, and a beam of red light connected Siphone
and Valentio, drawing shocked gasps from the room.
—You shouldn’t be
surprised. We’re the representatives of the two best classes in the academy,
after all —Siphone said, positioning herself beside Valentio. Neither spoke to
the other. They simply ignored each other, but very closely.
The next to arrive was
Professor Morgana. She walked slowly, dragging a massive bag that was too heavy
to lift. It was full of mannequins, none taller than fifty centimeters.
—If all the aspirants
are here, it’s time to begin —Professor Morgana said.
Nero raised his hand.
His backpack tumbled to the ground. Everyone laughed, except for Siphone,
Ezold, and Caelth. The professor looked at him indifferently and nodded for him
to speak.
—Larinca isn’t here
yet —Nero said.
—This is no time for
jokes. I understand you may be nervous, but we must proceed —said Professor
Morgana.
—But… —Nero tried to
protest, but she pointed her wand to his left.
There, holding a paper
bag overflowing with fruit and bread, munching on an apple, stood Larinca. She
waved at him—shy and sweet.
—When did you get
here? —Nero asked.
—I’ve been here the
whole time —she replied, smiling.
—But… —Nero began.
Professor Morgana
cleared her throat. Nero fell silent, still stunned that he hadn’t noticed his
friend arrive.
—The most thrilling
moment of your precarious magical education has arrived. Today, you will begin
your descent into the Raven’s Catacombs. I have watched you grow during your
time here. Honestly, I didn’t expect any of you to succeed. And in the same breath,
I don’t expect any of you to return. However, His Majesty, King Valgott,
entrusted me with the task of overseeing your training and preparing you to
become part of Sylthmir’s great army of Warlocks. So here we are —said
Professor Morgana.
Six glyphs appeared on
the floor, surrounding the students. One by one, in bursts of flame, vapor,
screams, or smoke, the other final-year professors materialized upon the
glyphs: Professor Drombe, Professor P’Zain, Professor Kaxtrid, Professore
Alette, and last to appear, Principal Valion.
—Morgana —said Principal
Valion with a slight nod.
—Principal. We are
finalizing preparations for the departure of the students. Would you like to
say a few words? —asked Professor Morgana.
—No. How many students
are attempting the descent this year? —asked Principal Valion.
—Thirty-eight —answered
Professor Kaxtrid. She was the only Dragonoid among the faculty, and her
pronunciation of the common tongue was harsh and rough.
—An imperfect number.
Ideal for our students' purposes —said Professore Alette. Them raised their
wand and cast a revealing spell on one of the female students Nero only vaguely
recognized. Several wands lit up beneath the girl’s uniform—. Miss, cheating is
permitted, but only during the descent. Here, it is a serious offense.
Immediately after,
Professore Alette stripped the student of all but one wand, making the rest
vanish with a flick of their wrist.
—Let’s proceed. Each
professor will accompany one student pair during the descent. The professor
will remain at a distance and will not intervene, no matter what, unless one of
the few rules of the descent is broken. These rules are as follows:
»Taking your own life
to prevent being killed, thereby blocking another student from forming a demon
pact.
»Attempting to destroy a demon that could otherwise be bound by pact. There is
one exception: if the demon tries to kill you, you may defend yourselves. But
if a pact is offered, you may only accept or decline.
»And finally, the most important rule: you may not return to the academy
without a pact. Any student who attempts to return empty-handed will be
executed on the spot. Furthermore, if twenty days pass and a student has still
not formed a pact, their assigned professor will be obligated to execute them, unless
the deadline occurs during the formalization of said pact.
These rules weren’t
designed to protect the students’ lives, but rather to safeguard the academy’s
institutional pride, maintaining a façade of success and perfection. For those
born in Sylthmir, there were no alternatives: either become a Warlock through
the academy or work in mundane roles with no magical value.
—If anyone has any
questions, now is not the time to ask them. You’ve had more than enough time.
Your accompanying professors will now be assigned —said Principal Valion.
All professors except
Morgana moved to stand beside a pair of students. Morgana raised her wand and
scattered the small mannequins across the ground. One by one, they stood
upright. Then she placed the wand’s tip against her chest, spoke a few words,
and a glyph Nero had never seen appeared on her sternum. The same glyph then
appeared on each mannequin’s forehead, and they all stretched upward, as if
being lifted by invisible hooks.
They transformed into
identical miniature versions of Professor Morgana—only fifty centimeters tall,
plushy-looking and chibi-styled, completely unlike her stern self. Many
students gasped and squealed as the plushies came to life.
—These are copies of
myself and will accompany each pair during the descent. At any moment, I can do
this— said Professor Morgana. With a flick of her wand, she swapped places with
one of the plush versions instantly—. This is how I will be with all groups at
once. Feel honored: you’ve just witnessed one of the rarest runes in existence:
Runic Possession.
Each plush Morgana
took its place beside a student pair. The real Morgana turned and walked away
without looking back, a strange smile on her lips. With that, all preparations
were complete. Now, only the descent itself remained, students could begin in
any order.
—You are the pride of
the Raven’s Order Academy —said Principal Valion, the only teacher not assigned
to any student pair, not even his own son’s—. I expect great things from each
of you. Return as warlocks… or do not return at all. It’s time. Begin the
descent.
Before them, four
enormous holes opened in the ground, each with massive stone stairs descending
deep into the heart of Axbryn. Nero swallowed hard. The moment he had dreaded
had finally come.
—Are you ready? —asked
Larinca.
—I don’t know —Nero
answered, hesitant.
—You’ll do great. Come
on —she said, offering him her hand.
—We haven’t decided
which path to take yet —Nero said, watching as their classmates began to
descend. The two class representatives, Siphone and Valentio, headed toward Eternal
Infestation. His lab partners, without hesitation, started down into Tar
Swamp. All four paths looked horrific.
—Our destination is
the Fumaroles of Infernal Bloodlava —said Larinca, pointing toward the
stairs bathed in a dim but warm reddish glow.
—That one? —Nero
gulped. It was the one he liked least.
—My cook’s instinct
tells me: the hotter, the better. Besides, what’s a little heat to us? We’re
future Warlocks —Larinca said, clenching her small fist beside her face.
—Are you sure about
this? —Nero asked.
—You need to be
bolder, Nero. Do you trust me? —she asked.
—Yes —he said, meeting
her gaze.
The sincerity in his
voice made both of them blush.
—That’s not what I… never
mind. Let’s go —she said, reaching into her paper bag and pulling out a loaf of
bread, taking a bite.
—That’s all you
brought? —Nero asked, hoisting his heavy backpack again.
—Everything I need is
in here —Larinca said, hugging the paper bag.
—Everything? Clothes?
Sleeping bag? Food? Medicine? Wand? Magic books? —Nero asked.
—You brought all that?
—Larinca said, eyes wide.
—You’ve got to be
prepared for anything —Nero replied.
—See? You overthink
things too much. But it doesn’t matter: my bag is magical, don’t worry. It’s
bigger on the inside —Larinca patted the bag—. And I bet it’s way lighter than
that backpack you’re lugging around.
Nero nodded. She was
right. He did overthink everything, limiting his own actions. He placed
one foot on the stairs and felt the heat radiating up from the Fumaroles of
Infernal Bloodlava. Gripping the straps of his backpack tightly, and with
Larinca at his side, they began the descent.
