Chapter 25: The Arcane Council

Time passed swiftly; before anyone realized it, three months had slipped away. For the first-year students, the unfamiliarity of the academy had given way to a gradual understanding of its rules. Among the many faces in the academy, there was one person none could ignore—Borne Iolum!

Especially those hundred or so newcomers who had witnessed Borne’s legendary battle against the top student—there was no need to ask around; Borne’s brilliant feats from the past two or three years reached every ear through countless channels. For many, he had become an idol.

An idol is like a weather vane; the young are naturally competitive, and on the continent of Faerûn, strength is revered above all. The academy held two ranking competitions each year, but since Borne had set a precedent, private duels had become impossible to eradicate.

Not every year brought forth prodigies like Borne or Rayleigh. Students entered together, learned together; by the third or fourth year, the gap in abilities was clear, but among first- and second-years, the skill difference was never vast. As a result, those ranked in the top three were constantly challenged by their peers—whether they accepted or not, challengers would often force a duel. The first-place spot changed hands frequently.

“Borne! I knew you’d be here. I have something to discuss—would you mind stepping over to the lounge for a moment?”

A young, striking woman approached Borne. Her fiery red hair was tied in a ponytail, her skin was smooth, her amber eyes gleamed, and her form-fitting robe lent her an air of brisk efficiency.

“What a spirited girl,” Borne thought to himself, though he could not immediately recall her name. Thankfully, a prompt from his chip provided it.

“Of course, it would be my honor, President Lisper!”

Lisper, a mid-level sorceress, was president of the Arcane Society at Giles Academy. Borne could sense the swirling fire elemental magic around her.

As they walked to the lounge, their commanding presence drew countless glances. The public library was usually frequented only by lower-year students; Borne’s three-month residency there had already surprised many—now the president of the Arcane Society had come as well.

The library had private lounges for conversation, complete with soft sofas and an assortment of snacks—though these came at a price.

“I’m curious, President, what brings you to me amidst your busy schedule?” Borne asked directly, settling onto a sofa.

“I don’t recall having any recent dealings with the disciplinary squad.”

He had only interacted with the Arcane Society three times, counting this one. The first two encounters had not ended well.

The first time, he’d been invited to join the Arcane Society, but had refused without a second thought. The minister—he couldn’t recall the name—had left with a face like thunder. The second time had been during his challenge to the top student, who was then the president of the Arcane Society, with Lisper present. After Borne defeated the top student, the disciplinary squad had jumped in, and Borne had casually flattened the entire squad. The incident had shaken the academy.

At the mention of the disciplinary squad, President Lisper’s expression flickered, but she quickly concealed it. She placed a sheet of paper before Borne.

He glanced at it—it was a record.

“These are the records of unauthorized duels over the past three months: 135 incidents, resulting in 73 minor injuries, 31 serious injuries, and three near-fatalities from direct magic attacks. Here are the names of the injured and the compensation list.”

Lisper summarized, then produced another sheet. “This is the academy’s record of rule violations over the past ten years—combined, they don’t exceed these last three months!”

Borne immediately understood—she was here to confront him. He folded his arms.

“And what does this have to do with me? I didn’t incite any of it.”

“I know. I simply wished to bring it to your attention.” Lisper took the papers and, with a slight wave, set them alight.

Borne’s eyes lit up at her deft elemental control.

“I’d like to invite you to join the Arcane Society,” Lisper said solemnly.

Borne almost laughed, ready to retort, but before he could speak, Lisper added, “You’ll be granted access to the Society’s research chamber.”

The Arcane Society’s research chamber was, in truth, the private archive of successive presidents. Wizards were creatures of habit, always recording their research. Each president, usually the top student, left a copy of their research for their successor—a tradition dating back to the first president.

Members of the Arcane Society could access the chamber for varying lengths of time, depending on their contributions. Because the chamber was technically private, entry required no points—only the president’s permission.

This was why so many vied to join the Arcane Society; not everyone could amass enough points for the Mage Tower library.

Borne, socially awkward and possessing an adult’s mindset, was indifferent to the squabbles of children and ignorant of such “common knowledge.” He only learned of the research chamber in his fourth year—by which time he had already fallen out with the Society, to the point of enmity.

Borne paused. “What’s the price?”

Lisper smiled; she preferred dealing with the clever.

“All you need to do is join our team for the upcoming mission in a month.”

Each year, the academy assigned a mandatory mission for practical learning; in past years, Borne had simply used his points to opt out.

“What’s the mission?”

“To investigate a tribe of lizardfolk and uncover the reason for their migration.”

At the mention of an outside mission, Borne’s first instinct was to refuse. The outside world was too dangerous—metallic dragons often disguised themselves as humans and other races, crusading for justice. Moreover, many lizardfolk worshipped nature spirits, who, by absorbing faith, could attain a form of divinity.

Such beings could be called demigods, though the term was broad—some divine avatars could not be defeated even by powerful deities, while weaker ones might fall to a few fireballs.

Too many unknowns.

He hesitated.

But the research chamber’s allure was strong.

After some deliberation, Borne decided to refuse. He began to rise.

“One opportunity to borrow a Nether Scroll.”

At that, Borne’s movement shifted from standing to extending his right hand.

“President, I look forward to working with you!”

Lisper: ...

That very afternoon, Borne strode with President Lisper straight into the Arcane Society headquarters. Under the astonished gazes of its members, he filled out the membership form.

If Lisper herself had not welcomed him, many would have suspected an imposter disguised as Borne.

That afternoon, Borne finally entered the legendary president’s research chamber.

Within ten minutes, news of Borne Iolum’s induction into the Arcane Society swept through the academy.

The initial reaction for most was laughter—until too many witnesses confirmed seeing Lisper and Borne together in the library, and then at the Society, and many had watched Borne fill out the application form himself.

Those selected for invitation were always the top students; none would play such a childish prank. The only explanation: the news was true.

Rumors then erupted:

Borne Iolum had fallen for the president’s charms.

The Arcane Society’s president had seduced the genius youth with her beauty...

Bang!

The Arcane Society president’s office door was violently flung open.

A figure in the uniform of the disciplinary squad strode in—the captain, Anderson.

Lisper frowned and glanced up.

Smack!

“Ellie, did you really let Borne Iolum join the Arcane Society?” Anderson nearly shouted, barely restraining his fury.

“Out! Have you forgotten to knock? And call me President—since when do you use my given name?” Her face darkened.

“How could you let that bastard join the Society? He’s our—”

Anderson seemed not to hear her, venting his emotions until suddenly he fell silent.

Silence spell.

“Get. Out. Now.”

Lisper’s face was grim, magic swirling violently about her.

Only then did Anderson realize the gravity of the situation. Mute, shamed, and furious, he turned on his heel and stormed out.

…