Chapter 8

  Bloodline Hunt: Part 5

  There was palpable excitement in the air. Two mages in the advanced classes were going to fight after school. The news had spread throughout the academy. Practically every student looked at the clock anxiously, waiting for the day to end.

  Even the children in the advanced class were eagerly waiting for the bell to ring, All except one person.

  Nandi glanced over at Anna. It was hard to believe the girl deeply engrossed in whatever book she was reading was going to be fighting in a few minutes.

  “Um,” Nandi hesitantly tapped Anna’s shoulder. Anna looked up from the book she was reading. The utter lack of concern on her face momentarily stunned Nandi.

  “You don’t have to fight Caleb. I’m sure he'll leave you alone if I talk to him.” Nandi places a hand on her chest. She could feel her heart beating so fast that it would burst out. It terrified Nandi, but she knew what she had to do. Anna was only in this situation because she stepped in when Caleb was bullying her. If she became his target again, he’d leave Anna alone.

  Nandi balled her hands into tiny fists, determined to find a way to get Caleb back off her new friend.

  “You’re right. I don’t have to fight him, but I want to.”

  “What?” Just as Nandi found her resolve, Anna said something that shook it.

  “I said I want to fight him. He walks around the academy like he owns the place, so I want to see if he has the strength to back that confidence up.”

  Due to his body condition, Abaddon hasn’t had a chance to properly train. To him, Caleb was the perfect practice dummy to test his current strength.

  “But!” Nandi jumped to her feet. Before she could utter another word, a ball of energy flew past her face, harmlessly dissipating into nothing before hitting the wall.

  “Ms. Temul, I understand you're excited about my class, but I would appreciate it if you didn’t disrupt it.”

  “S-Sorry!” Nandi quickly sat down and buried her head in a book to avoid the teacher’s glare. Grish’s gaze fell on the other students in the class.

  “All, you seem to be in a cheery mood today. Is there something you like to share with me?”

  Simultaneously, everyone nervously shook their head. The last thing any of the children wanted was a teacher to stop the fight before it could happen.

  Nandi’s gaze nervously switches between Anna and the clock. There were only a few minutes left before the school day ended, and she had no idea how to help her.

  “No, need to be so worried,” Anna said, her eyes still on her book. “It’s just a stupid fight.”

  “No, it’s not.” Nandi almost shouted. She glanced at the teacher making sure he wasn’t listening before whispering. “Caleb is planning to use you as an example for anyone who dares challenge his position.”

  “Is that so?” Anna’s smile widened. “I’m glad he’s taking this seriously.” Nandi’s mood darkens as she quickly realizes she couldn’t stop Anna. She bit her nail desperately searching for a way to end the fight.

  “!” The bell rang through the school intercom, signaling the end of the class and the end of the school day.

  Nandi watched in horror as Caleb and his group of friends headed straight for Anna's desk.

  “My aren’t you eager?” Anna looked up at the blonde-headed boy.

  “I’m just making sure you don’t run away from our fight.” Anna covers her mouth barely stopping herself from laughing at Caleb’s remark.

  “Oh, you don’t need to worry about me. Honestly, I’m more concerned about you. Seeing as you like to hide behind your family name, I'm afraid you might call your dad for help in the middle of our fight.

  Caleb slams his hands on Anna’s desk. “Outside, now!” He said through gritted teeth.

  Anna shrugged her shoulders and stood up. “Lead the way.”

  “…” Caleb gave the girl a hateful glare before leaving the room. Anna followed behind him three boys trailing her making sure she wouldn’t run away.

  “Anna, I don’t think you understand.” Nandi snuck into the group and whispered in her ears. “Caleb’s father not only holds a high rank in the military, but he’s also the most skilled mage in our class. I wouldn’t be surprised if he receives the rank of Adept in a few years.”

  “Oh, how exciting.” While wearing a bright smile, Anna patted Nandi on the shoulder. “I understand you’re trying to help me, but if you had a chance to test your limit, would you turn it down?”

  “…” Nandi fell silent. She understood Anna was frustrated that she couldn’t train like everyone else. But she knew this was more than just a simple fight. The boiling rage emanating from Caleb made it clear that he would do everything he could to hurt Anna.

  A large crowd gathered and followed the small group, eager to see the fight. At some point during the march, Aaron managed to slip through the crowd and catch up to his sister.

  “Aaron, Aaron! Please tell your sister this is a bad idea!” Nandi shouted as she violently shook the little boy.

  “That isn’t possible. Mom told me Sis is hard-headed. Once she decides to do something, she’ll do it.” Aaron looks at his sister. Happy to see that despite how distant she had been recently; she was still the same.

  “This is your last chance to back out now.” Caleb stopped in the center of the track field. The crowd spread out, giving both Anna and Caleb a wide enough space to fight.

  “Sis.” Aaron tugs on his sister’s dress. “Please don’t overdo it.” While Aaron was glad that his sister hadn’t changed. That stubbornness of hers he was proud of often hurt her. Like the time when she chases a couple of boys away that were bullying him, which results in her collapsing on the ground, unable to breathe.

  Anna pats Aaron on the head. “Save your worries for the person facing me.”

  A bolt of energy flew across the field, smacking Anna on the side of the head. Caleb raises eyebrows. The projectile he fired should’ve knocked her off her feet, but it barely tilted her head.

  “I guess you’re not all talk.” Caleb mockingly clapped his hand

  Anna gently shoos Aaron away before turning her attention back to Caleb. “I appreciate the compliment, but all I did was use shell. Don’t tell me you're incapable of casting such a simple spell?”

  Shell is an ancient adjuration spell that Anna casts every morning to protect herself from surprise attacks and assassination attempts. The spell uses the surplus mana that gathers around mages turning it into natural body amour. Normally, it’s one of the first spells a mage learns due to how incredibly easy it is to cast and costs almost zero mana to maintain as the spell used mana from the leyline. The only downside to this spell and all abjuration spells that focus on creating protective barriers is it cuts the caster off from the leyline thus making it impossible for the mage to regain mana while the spell is active.

  “Ha!” Caleb laughed harshly as he pressed his two fists together. The air around him suddenly grew heavier. “Of course, I can use such a trivial spell.”

  “Good, show me what else you’re capable of,” Anna said as she started marching towards Caleb.

  “Very well. Just don’t start crying like a baby when I hurt you.” Caleb pressed his fingers together in preparation to cast a spell.

  Evocation: Dancing Light.

  A dozen orbs of light manifest one after another around Caleb. Wearing a smug grin, Caleb points a finger at One of the orbs rocketed towards Anna, who tilted her head out of its way. Caleb fired two more projectiles at Anna. She grabbed the energy orbs as if they were solid objects and flung them back at the wide-eyed boy. Utterly shocked, Caleb barely manages to duck. The orbs soared over him slamming into one of the children behind in the crowd.

  Anna stops and cocks her head “Anything you want to show me?”

  “Don’t get cocky!” Caleb screams as he fires his remaining projectiles.

  “More of the same? How boring.” Anna raised her hand to grab the spell, but the orbs suddenly changed trajectory and curved upwards.

  Conjuration… Caleb presses his palms together. The orbs merge together forming into a massive fist.

  “Oh, that’s-“The fist slammed into Anna. The force of the impact created blew away the snow, obscuring everyone’s vision.

  “Do you get it now? I’m the strongest!”

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  “Oh, I get it. I understand why you’re so cocky now.” Caleb’s eyes darted around, searching for Anna’s disembodied voice. “Conjuration is quite a complicated school to learn. But you shouldn’t get ahead of yourself…”

  A hand tapped Caleb on the shoulder. He reflexively swung his arm in a wide arc, hitting only air. He looked down at his shoulder just in time to see a floating hand disappear. A fist emerges from the mist striking the boy's jaw, the impact knocking him off his feet.

  “…As you can see, I can do it too.”

  The mist slowly faded away, allowing everyone to see Anna standing victoriously over the most talented kid in their grade.

  Caleb’s face was beet red, embarrassed that others saw him in such a pitiful state. In a fit of rage, he lunged at Anna. His bloodcurdling scream turned into a cry of pain as Anna’s knees sank into his gut. The blow sap Caleb of his strength. He wrapped his arm around Anna, desperate to keep himself upright.

  “Hey, isn’t he supposed to be the strongest?” The crowd muttered to themselves. Just a moment ago, they were all staring at Caleb wide-eyed like he was a celebrity; now, there was nothing but disappointment in their eyes.

  “Hey, are you going to fight back? It started to feel like I'm the bully here.” Anna’s cold breath tickled Caleb’s ear, her words echoing through his foggy mind. An image of his father looking down at him disapprovingly snapped him awake. He pushes himself away from her and clasps his hands together.

  Element….

  Caleb thrust his palm at Anna. The rage in his eyes made it clear that this was no longer a fight. The mana gathering around Caleb’s arm erupted into a raging fire.

  “That’s quite a spell.” Anna grabs Caleb’s hand, interlocking her fingers with his. His eyes widen in disbelief. The flame that licked his arm vanished, and the spell he was about to cast wouldn’t come out. “You looked surprised. I guess even all after this time, none of you still can't see what I see.” Anna’s eyes glowed a bright red.

  “To me, every single one of you so-called mages are like children, waving your hands in the dark, utterly clueless as to what you’re reaching for.

  Caleb’s mana flowed straight to Anna’s hand, igniting a raging fire. “H-How?!” Caleb dropped to his knees, unable to comprehend what he was seeing. Not only did Anna somehow stop his spell, but she even managed to steal it.

  “Fret not, boy; you’re not weak; I'm just better.” The fire grew bigger, threatening to consume both Anna and Caleb.

  “I surrender! I Give up! Please don’t hurt me!!” Caleb screamed. There was no longer a hint of the arrogant boy. The ball of fire suddenly vanishes. If it wasn’t for the scorching heat that persisted even after Anna canceled the spell. Most would’ve thought it was just an illusion.

  Caleb’s shoulder dropped as relief washed over him, sapping him of his remaining strength. Almost immediately after his body began to relax, he realized that he had begged for his life in front of an entire crowd. His vision became blurry with tears. He buried his head in his arms to hide his shame. Anna patted his back as if comforting a toddler after they threw a tantrum.

  “Don’t worry; I have no intention of taking your little throne. The seat I’m aiming for is much higher.”

  “Ah, crap! It’s a teacher!” The crowd, who were silently watching the fight, erupted into a panic. A middle-aged man in a military uniform raced across the field. His beet-red face made him look like a demon hunting for his next meal.

  “Everyone! Scatter! He can’t catch us all!” One of the kids shouted.

  “We’ll see about that.” Grish suddenly stopped and pressed both his hands to the ground.

  The entire track field began to melt. The fleeing children’s feet sank into a mud-like substance.

  “We didn’t do anything wrong; we were just watching the fight!” A young girl cried out; half her body stuck in the mud.

  “And who exactly was fighting?” Instantly, over a dozen fingers pointed at Anna and Caleb. Grish winches when he realizes the two kids in his classes are behind the commotion.

  “You mind explaining to me what you two were doing?” The teacher easily walked through the thick mud he created toward the two troublemakers.

  “I was just showing a kid his place,” Anna said in a matter-of-fact tone.

  “…” Caleb kept his eyes on the ground. Too ashamed to look the teacher or anyone in the eyes.

  “If you’re so embarrassed, we can talk inside.” Grish pulls the two kids out of the mud and carries them to the academy “Oh.” The teacher stopped and looked at the other children, still stuck in his spell. “Don’t think any of you is off the hook. All of you are in just as much trouble.”

  Dozens of golems made of mud crawled out of the quagmire. The children groan in disappointment as they are carried to the principal’s office by the golems while Anna and Caleb are dragged back to their classroom.

  “I’m very disappointed in you two. Both of you are mages in the advanced classes. You should be setting an example for the other kids, not getting into a petty squabble. So why were you two fighting anyway?”

  “…” The two students said nothing, letting heavy silence fall over the classroom. Caleb kept his head on his desk while Anna looked out the window.

  “Anna, tell me what happened.”

  “I already told you, and I don’t like repeating myself. Ask that boy over there if you want to know more.” Anna said without ever taking her eyes off the window. Grish rubbed his temple to keep himself calm. Anna’s haughty attitude and lack of remorse was starting to get to him. Knowing his anger would boil over if he kept talking to her, he turned to Caleb, still looking down at his desk in shock.

  “I guess I’ll just have to talk to your parents.”

  “What, why?!” Caleb jumped to his feet, nearly knocking his chair down. Grish looked at the boy, barely stopping himself from saying, “Oh, so you can talk.”

  “Someone has to tell them what happened, and since I’m your homeroom teacher, it's best if I did it.”

  “Could you please not tell my dad what happened.” Grish would’ve normally turned him down, but seeing fear in his eyes and how badly he was trembling, it looked like the kid was pleading for his life. It didn’t help that Grish knew how obsessive Callen was over maintaining his family image. He couldn’t imagine how he would react when he found out that his son got into a fight and lost it too.

  “Listen.” Grish ran his hand through his thinning hair, thinking of how to respond to the terrified boy. “Even if I don’t say anything, over a hundred people saw that fight; he's going to find out. Don’t you think it's best he heard what happened from your mouth instead of someone else?”

  “…” Caleb couldn’t answer the question. The little boy staggered backward, falling into his chair. Anna, who was silently watching the exchange, spoke up. “Do you have a way of contacting Aiden?”

  Grish cringes when Anna calls her father by his name. But it didn’t surprise him. Grish didn’t know much about Aiden, but from what he heard from others, he was a man who cared more about his career than his family.

  “Yes, I do,” Grish spoke slowly, waiting for Anna to plead like Caleb. But to his surprise, she looked back out the window and said, “Proceed then.”

  Grish stared at the girl unable to figure out what was going through her head. The anger he felt vanished early. Instead, he started to feel pity for the two kids. Both of their fathers care more about their status and jobs than their children.

  At least they have parents. Grish thought. Most children in the academy were snatched from their families and forced to learn magic.

  "Anything for our blessed Lady in Jade." The teacher muttered to himself to steel his wavering resolve. He stepped outside the classroom and pulled out his phone. The two kids sat silently, listening to the teacher talking to someone just beyond the door.

  After a few minutes had passed, Grish stepped back into the room. “Your parents will be here shortly.”

  “Really?” Anna's eyes widened. After trying to reach Aiden for days, she didn’t think he would come or even care. Her surprise melted into a soft smile which caught Grish off guard.

  The blue sky turned a pinkish orange. Anna watched with disinterest as teachers and students scattered away from the school like ants fleeing from a destroyed colony.

  As she idly wondered what she should ask Aiden. Someone lightly rapt on the door. Anna’s eyes shot towards it, expecting it to be Aiden. Instead, to her disappointment, it was a man with platinum blonde hair and far too many facial piercings.

  “What’s with that look?” Z took a step back, disturbed by the utter disappointment on Anna’s face.

  “You’re not the man I wanted to see.” Her words were icy cold. Z froze in place; a single tear fell as a memory of a girl rejecting him the same way resurfaced in his mind.

  “That, that really hurt.” He said to Anna, only to realize she had already left the room, her footsteps echoing down the empty hall. Z turned to chase after her but stopped when his phone started vibrating.

  When are you coming home? We need to talk.

  “Goddamnit, Aiden, you owe me one seriously.” Z silently curses himself as he reads the message on his phone. Reluctantly, he put it away and chased after Anna.

  “Anna, wait!” Z grabbed her shoulder; and held her in place. “I know you want to see your father, but he’s busy right now.”

  “Oh, I’m sure he is,” Anna said, not even bothering to hide her frustration.

  “Listen, I’ve known your father for a while, in fact, we even went to the same academy.

  “And? What does his past have to do with anything?”

  “Because he’s a lot like you!” Z exclaims. Just like you, your father used to get into a lot of fights. And just like you, everyone looked down on him because of his bloodline. You don’t see your father because he is constantly risking his life and taking on dangerous missions to right the wrong his ancestor did a thousand years ago. He does all this so that you can live a normal life.”

  Anna chuckles amused by the exposition Z vomited. “He’s doing all this just so we can live a better life? I wonder about that.” Anna stared through Z, gazing at the distance past.

  “My Lord!” A woman rushes down the marble hallway toward the emperor. “My lord! My lord!” The woman cried out. She threw herself at Abaddon tightly wrapping her arms around him. Her breathing was haggard, and her reddened eyes were moist with tears.

  It was strange; The woman’s voice rang so clearly in Anna's head yet she couldn’t remember what the woman looked like or even her name.

  “Our son! He’s been gravely injured in battle!”

  “I see.” Abaddon looked towards the double doors ahead of him. Caring more about the upcoming meeting than whatever she was saying. He freed himself from her grip, but she quickly latched onto his cloak.

  “Please! “She begged. “I’m sure he’ll recover if you talk to him!” Abaddon sigh. He could’ve easily pushed her away or called some of his guards to take care of her. But he felt that would only make her more annoying to deal with later.

  “Fine. I’ll visit him after the meeting.”

  “Really?” The woman releases her grip, her vision becoming blurry from the new tears forming.

  “Sure.” Was all Abaddon said as he continued towards the meeting.

  Anna couldn’t remember what happened after that, but she assumed she didn’t keep her promise as she couldn’t even remember what her son looked like.

  “Do you see Aiden as a friend?” Anna asks as she refocuses her gaze on the man in front of her.

  “My best friend!” Z proudly pounded his chest with his fist.

  “Then tread carefully. If he’s anything like me, like you said he is then…” Anna’s voice trails off. She continues to walk down the hall, her warning echoing in her head.

  If he’s anything like me, he only sees his ambition. Everything else is either an obstacle or a tool to be exploited.

  .

  .

  .

  Caleb watches as night slowly envelops the city, his ears tormented by his teacher’s obnoxious snoring. It didn’t surprise him his father hadn’t come yet. He always prioritizes his career over his family. And for the first time, Caleb was glad he did.

  How could I lose to a sick girl? The question tormented Caleb for hours. She must’ve cheated; how else could she have won?

  The door to the classroom suddenly opened slightly. Caleb’s heartbeat quickens, afraid it's his father. Instead, it was the head of a brunette woman he never met before. The woman’s eyes scanned the room, eventually locking onto the sleeping teacher.

  “Who are- “

  “Shh?” She placed her finger on her lips. Wearing a mischievous grin, she slips out of her heels and tiptoes into the room. It was a strange sight; the woman exuded a mature aura from her well-endowed chest to her black skirt, which showed off her long legs. Yet she was sneaking around like a kid, trying not to wake her parents up.

  The woman's hips smack into a chair. Caleb freezes in place as he watches the chair fall to the ground. The noise echoed throughout the room; thankfully, Grish’s snoring drowned out the noise. As he relaxed, it dawned on him that somehow, he got sucked into the woman’s antics.

  “I guess nothing can wake him up.” The woman chuckles. “Caleb, right?”

  “Y-yea, who are you?”

  The woman simply smiles at the nervous boy. “My name is Jeze. There are a few things I like to ask you.”