Chapter 7-8: Shining Stars

Once all students were seated, Battlemage Auria spoke.

"Your next exercise will take you farther than the last one. You will be split in two groups and each group will be given a mission. You will complete your respective missions and return to Arkon before dawn."

She looked at each of the students. "As you know, this year's culling took place at the same time as your last exercise. Which means, there aren't going to be many local animals and creatures. That, of course, doesn't mean you can let your guards down." Her cold, commanding voice sent a shiver down Ren's spine.

"Two teams." She continued. "The first team consists of Aiden Condor, Lena Nirei, Mirielle Farshow. Your mission is to gather fifteen arcane cores. The area of your mission is south of Arkon – a map will be provided to you later."

"Fifteen!" Lena cried out. She seemed shocked, which wasn't all that surprising. "Just the three of us?"

"All three of you are strong enough, this is not a mission you can not accomplish." Battlemage Auria turned her gaze to Princess Iris. "The second team consists of Iris Londe Andor, Persephone Ashthorn, Ophelia Ashthorn and Ren."

"Your mission is to gather twenty arcane cores. Remember to always be weary of your surroundings. Your mission area is north of Arkon, a map will be provided to you later today."

"Yes ma'am." Persephone said. She didn't seem surprised, though she never really showed her emotions anyways. Ren's gaze met with the Battlemage's. The Seventh's lips formed a faint smile, then she turned away.

"You will set off tomorrow, fifteen minutes after dusk. Even if you can not gather enough arcane cores, make sure you return before dawn, lest death awaits you." She glanced at the door. "Instructor Fiora will fill you in on the rest."

With that, she left the study hall. Before long, Ren sensed the mana of Battlemage Fiora. The Eighth stepped inside and immediately fixed her gaze on him. She looked almost hostile.

"Now," She said with a cold, harsh tone. "There are several things you need to know before this exercise begins."

With that, the evening class truly began. Battlemage Fiora made sure to drill everything into their heads, constantly reminding them how easily they could die out there. Hours later, seven tired students returned to the dormitory.

"I didn't expect them to rush this." Aiden said as they all sat in the common room's couches. "I was under the impression that we'd be taught much more before we even set foot outside the barrier. I didn't think they'd tell us to fight out there."

Ren shrugged. "Arkon's military is exhausted. They need us to get stronger, as fast as possible."

Iris nodded. "Indeed. Arkon's military is spread rather thin. It will soon fall to us to protect the city. We must be prepared."

The Ashthorn sisters nodded.

"Ren." A cold voice sounded from the entrance. The young man quickly raised his head to see Battlemage Warthorn standing there. "A word."

Ren quickly got up and rushed to the battlemage. "My respects to the Tenth." He said with a bow.

"Yeah, yeah. Follow me." Battlemage Warthorn said as he rolled his eyes. They left the dorms and headed to the northern courtyard. As they passed through the trees, Ren couldn't help but notice the intense silence.

"What's wrong?" Warthorn asked after a short while.

"It's silent. I hadn't noticed it before but… It wasn't so silent the night before. Outside, it was much more alive." Ren said, choosing his words carefully. He missed the sound of birds chirping, crickets and, most importantly, the wind. He missed feeling the wind on his skin.

"It is." Warthorn said with a faint smile. "Remember – when you hear nothing but silence out there, run." His smile faded, leaving only a harsh expression behind.

"Anyways," He said as they arrived. Battlemages Fiora and Auria waited for them there.

"My respects," Ren said with a bow. The air was heavy, it crackled with power. He could sense – see, feel, smell – their mana. While they all took care to avoid touching him, they had surrounded him with their mana. He couldn't help but feel trapped.

"As you know," Battlemage Auria spoke. "You are to accompany Princess Iris during this mission. I'm sure I don't need to tell you this, but I will anyways. Protect Princess Iris with your life. The Crown Princess can not be lost."

"Yes ma'am." Ren said. He knew that already – even if they hadn't ordered him to, he would have protected her with his life.

"One more thing, Ren." Battlemage Fiora stepped forward and gave him a letter. "It's from the First. Take care to keep its contents hidden."

"Yes ma'am." He said as he took the envelope, his heart racing as he did so.

"Go back to the dorms and rest." Warthorn said after a moment of silence. "Do not let your guard down tomorrow, do not take any unnecessary risks."

With that, they let him go. Ren walked back to the dorms, thoughts racing in his head. What did Yu want to tell him?

"Ren!" Mirielle called his name as he stepped inside. "What was that about?"

"It's nothing," He replied. "I'll head to my room and sleep. Good night." He said with a fake smile. Mirielle nodded and waved as he made his way up the stairs.

He pushed the door to his room open and stepped inside. He closed it, locked the door, and sat on his bed. He folded his legs and carefully opened the letter.

His heart raced as he took the folded paper and slowly opened it. Yu's handwriting was perfect, as always. His gaze followed the text as a faint smile appeared on his lips. It wasn't a long letter. It took him less than a minute to read. By the end of it, he smiled and whispered. "I promise."