PRETENDERS' PARTY

“During last night's interview, shocking truths emerge. More information is needed but based on what we know so far, it appears like two candidates for the champion of Ithea, Nelanian Henfery, and Cecily Ethel, will not participate in the next trials to elect a new champion. Nelanian declined to participate in the trials after learning that he had a brain tumour and that he would be unable to compete in them. Cecily, on the other hand, dropped out of the trials as soon as she learned of Nelanian's illness. She then opted out of the trials as well, making the decision on her own and without consulting her family. As expected, her move has sparked considerable controversy. Her father, who disapproved of her decision and hoped she would come to her senses, had been rooting for her and waiting for her to show off her skills in the trials. The instructors and staff here have praised her as a bright alchemist, possibly the most gifted of the group, and they are devastated to learn of her decision. For Inter-kingdom news, we'll be covering the public viewing of Rhaizen Gale's body here in IAA. I'm Judy Ben Mor, and I'm reporting live,” she says.

When the cameras went off, the reporter straightened her back and ran her fingers over her lovely brown hair. She handed the videographer the microphone and took a notepad and a pen from her bag. “You guys wait here, I'll be back,” she told the cameramen as she walked into the foyer, waving them off. As the rest of the camera crew for other news channels awaited her return, the cameramen stowed their equipment back into their van and brought out their packed food, eating outside in the parking lot.

There was a stringent restriction placed on the school gates that no cameras were allowed into the school grounds, so the camera team had to wait outside in the cold for the ceremony to finish, and only a few journalists were permitted in. Judy Ben Mor, a journalist, was one of the fortunate recipients of the invitation. “Please present your visitor's pass so I may lead you to your appropriate venue,” a gentle faltering voice said as she neared the entrance.

She stretched out her hand to greet Luciana Vonner as she turned to meet her. Judy shook her hand, scarcely feeling Luciana's shaky grip. When she looked at the teen's face, all she saw was despair.

“Are you all right, young lady?” Judy was the one who inquired.

Luciana took an unusually long time to say, "uh, yes.  Sorry for the inconvenience. I'd want to see your visitors pass so that I can direct you to your designated location,”

She said it again. Judy removed her visitors' tag from her neck and gave it to Luciana.

“You may go ahead. Simply follow the walkway to the administration building and turn left into the hall. Will you require valet services?” you will be greeted by an usher who will guide you to the foyer.

“No, thank you, young lady,” I replied. I didn't bring my own car,” 

“All good, then follow the directions I've given you and have a wonderful evening,” 

“I'll certainly do so. Though, if I may say so, you don't appear to be having a pleasant evening yourself,”

“What exactly do you mean?” Luciana replied, faking a smile at the end since she realized her glum expression might be misconstruing.

“Is there something that bothers you? Don't mind me; I'm only a journalist, and my line of work necessitates a lot of questioning.”

“No, madam, I'm perfectly alright. If you require anything else, please request it; otherwise, madam, you are obstructing the line, and I would like to provide my services to other visitors,” Luciana said.

Judy went away suspiciously clutching her purse. Her journalistic senses were tingling, and she sensed something wasn't quite right, something that needed to be investigated.

She walked inside the foyer. Even though the ceremony was supposed to be a solemn event, many noblemen and women, as well as notable guests, had collected in groups and were laughing and getting drunk on overpriced drinks. None of them seemed to understand the significance of the event. Judy was certain that none of them knew where Rhaizen Gale's body was, but that they had memorized the server who was carrying the finest drink. Judy was greeted by a young gentleman dressed sharply in a suit and polished oxfords. He approached her with a tray of wine glasses in hand, offering her one.

“Madame, good evening. Jalon Barr is my name. “Shall I pique your attention with a drink to start the evening?” With the tray tilted towards her, he inquired. She couldn't say no to a glass of fine wine; she was a connoisseur of the finer things in life. It appeared to be her sole flaw.

She said, “Thank you, young man,” as she reached for a drink. She took a sip and a notion occurred to her. Before he went into the swarm of bodies dressed in expensive three-piece suits and scented with excessive perfumes, she yelled out to the young man.

“Did you say your name was Jalon Barr?” “Are you one of Ithea's candidates?” she inquired.

Jalon returned with a little more bounce in his step. He enjoyed being noticed.

“Yes, madam, I am a contender for Ithea's champion. Are you an admirer, that's why you're asking? Perhaps a supporter?” Most people despised his guts and the way he handled himself because of his arrogant tone. Judy didn't seem bothered by his unpleasant nature, owing to the fact that she has dealt with countless people like him in her area of work.

“Certainly not an admirer,"  She said, "You're a little too young for my taste." She could see the break in his smile.

“Is there something going on at school that has everyone on edge?” She inquired, her gaze fixed on Jalon's features.

He took a step back unintentionally. He disliked being frightened by women.

“Well, Rhaizen Gale's body is on school grounds, and I'm very sure it isn't typical for everyone,” 

“You're absolutely correct. Except for a few people, everyone I've met is peaceful. Like Luciana, I met her at the gates of the school and she seemed to be in another world. Then there was that scholarly boy, Norval Greensmith, who was in charge of valet. And now you as well. Something is going on, or rather, has gone on, has it?” 

“I guarantee you, madam, that nothing is taking place. Enjoy the event as I attend to the visitors who need my services,”

“That's amusing. It's exactly what the previous two candidates I met said. Have you all practiced and memorized that phrase? Could you perhaps explain how two candidates were able to withdraw from the trials just a month before they were to begin? This has never happened before, not until now?!”

Jalon couldn't stand the pressure any longer. He walked away, almost dropping the tray, as he turned his body to face the crowd. Judy took out her notebook and pen and started scribbling notes. When she finished, she raised her eyes, only to be confronted with an acrimonious glare from the school director, who was standing on the first-floor balcony, looking down at the guests. While sipping his wine, he appeared to be monitoring the entire encounter. Judy returned the stare with a witty smile as if to embrace the challenge.

A COUPLE OF HOURS BEFORE THE CEREMONY

In his slumber, Nelanian tossed and turned in his bed, breathing deeply and calling out his master's name.

/................................................/

The second swordsman was launched into the air from the gas cloud. His landing was less elegant than the others had anticipated. He hit the tree's bark with his head. Rhaizen Gale waited for the mist to disperse while he stood in the middle of the mist. The lorth magician and the alchemist were the only ones left, and the alchemist had been useless in the fight since it began.

“What dose of mutagen is this? He is more beast than man?!” The lorth mage asked his alchemist.

“I'm not familiar with this elixir; it must be his creation,” the alchemist said.

The lorth mage asked rhetorically, "What are you good for, you moron?" The cloud dissipated, and Rhaizen Gale emerged. His arms had ripped his shirt sleeves and his legs had pulled his trousers apart.

“using a nonreactive gas so that the alchemist won't attack you when you are blindsided battling the swordsmen, that is a pretty deceptive move. And to think I mistook you for a man of honor,” the lorth mage remarked, appreciating the magnitude of his opponent's challenge.

Rhaizen Gale replied, "From what I've heard, men who fight with dignity against dishonorable opponents die as slaves to their pride."

“Smart man, then I shall make sure that your death will be full of honor, so that you may die with pride as your master,” the lorth mage said, pulling out another page from his grimoire.