The Arch-Maegi

The hall was transformed beyond recognition. As Riniock and Niann stepped through the grand, oversized doors, a breathtaking sight unfolded before them. The vast chamber, which had seemed austere just days ago, now radiated warmth and festivity.

 Rows upon rows of dining tables stretched across the length of the hall, each draped in elegant cloth and laden with an abundance of sumptuous dishes. The scent of roasted meats, fresh bread, and spiced delicacies mingled in the air, making Niann's stomach growl. Candles floated gracefully overhead, their golden flames swaying gently, casting a soft glow across the scene.

 Even the carpets had changed – plush and richly coloured, they felt inviting and luxurious compared to the stark, utilitarian rugs from the day of the test. The imposing, throne-like chair where Professor Bhallen had once sat with his ledger was gone. In its place stood an exceptionally long table, stretching across the width of the hall, reserved for the college's professors.

 But it wasn't just the decor that had shifted. The atmosphere buzzed with the presence of the entire student body. If Riniock's count was accurate, nearly a thousand maegis filled the chamber, their voices a lively hum of excitement and curiosity.

 'Acolytes seem to be seated over there,' Niann said, nodding towards a cluster of tables set to the far left of the hall.

 Riniock took a deep breath, taking in the grand scene. This was more than just a feast – it was a rare gathering of power and potential, and he felt both humbled and invigorated to be a part of it.

 'That's Jorian over there,' Niann whispered, nudging Riniock's arm and directing his gaze towards the professors' table.

 A man stood beside it, his back to them, engaged in a quiet conversation with a professor. Dark-haired and rigid in posture, Jorian exuded a cold, stoic presence that was hard to ignore.

 'Jorian, huh…' Riniock muttered, a surge of anger stirring within him. The urge to snuff the investigator boiled beneath his composed exterior. If Jorian stopped prying, perhaps the dangerous truth would stay buried.

 The professor Jorian conversed with caught Riniock's attention as well.

 'Do you know who that is?' he asked, curiosity tempered by caution.

 Niann squinted, leaning slightly forward. 'Oh, that's Professor Idrass. He's well-known within the college.'

 'The alchemy professor?' Riniock's voice carried a mocking edge. 'So…potions?'

 Niann shot him a sideways glance. 'Alchemy's more than just mixing potions. You'd be surprised what a skilled alchemist can do.' His tone held a note of seriousness, as if reminding Riniock not to underestimate things he didn't fully understand.

 Riniock's eyes returned to Jorian, suspicion clouding his thoughts. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm. This was not the place to act rashly. Not yet.

 Their conversation ended abruptly when Professor Idrass handed Jorian a small object. From their distance, Riniock could barely make out the item: a slender phial filled with a swirling, nascent blue liquid.

 'What's that?' Riniock whispered, worry seeping into his voice.

 Jorian's eyes darted around the hall, scanning for any unwanted attention. Riniock and Niann quickly feigned disinterest, their gazes shifting to the floor, hands fidgeting with nought in particular.

 Satisfied that no one was watching, Jorian pocketed the phial, his expression unreadable. He slipped away from the table just as the atmosphere shifted, an oppressive weight settling over the hall.

 The arch-maegi had arrived.

 He was a presence that commanded the room with silent authority. Tall and regal in his black robes traced with gleaming gold stripes, he moved with a grace that masked the sheer power radiating from him. To the stronger maegi, his energy was likely overwhelming. To acolytes like Riniock, it was a chill that prickled the skin – a gnawing sense of insignificance due to their inexperience.

 The arch-maegi stepped to the podium, his hands clasped behind his back. The moment his fingers flexed slightly, the room fell into an unnerving silence.

 'Good evening to you all,' he said softly. His voice, though quiet, rippled effortlessly to every corner of the hall. 'I trust you have all been diligent in your studies. Remember, your academic pursuits are paramount. All else follows naturally through the years.'

 The silence thickened, every person holding their breath.

 'This year, we welcome a new batch of acolytes.' His gaze swept across the tables on the left, lingering briefly. 'If the reports are correct, save for one insignificant casualty during the admission test, all applicants have successfully joined our ranks. I expect nothing less than excellence from each of you. Strive for greatness. Disappointment is not a luxury we afford here.'

 From the line of professors, Gieller emerged, his footsteps soft yet purposeful. He leaned towards the arch-maegi, whispering something, his lips moving with careful precision.

 A cold wave shivered through Riniock's body. He was almost certain he saw his own name form on Gieller's lips.

 'Is that so?' The arch-maegi's brows lifted in mild surprise. 'Professor Gieller informs me that one amongst you has already shown remarkable progress. Not a week has passed, and this acolyte has managed to unlock their vessel.'

 Riniock's stomach sank. He slid lower in his seat, as if the shadows might swallow him whole.

 A low murmur buzzed through the hall. Some students gasped in genuine amazement, others scoffed in disbelief, their voices tinged with jealousy or scepticism.

 'And what was this acolyte's name again, professor?' the arch-maegi asked, his tone calm but probing.

 Riniock flinched, his pulse pounding in his ears. The spotlight was the last place he wanted to be, especially now – with Jorian's gaze no doubt lurking somewhere in the shadows, hunting for a clue.

 'Riniock Ev Tolgir. Would you join me here, please?'

 Riniock froze, his pulse thundering in his ears. He gripped the edge of the table, his fingers white with tension. If he stayed still enough, perhaps the arch-maegi's curiosity would wane, and this unwanted attention would pass.

 A pause stretched disturbingly.

 'Professor Gieller,' the arch-maegi's voice broke the silence, 'our student seems to suffer from stage fright. Would you be so kind as to point the young man out?'

 'Certainly.' Gieller's finger lifted, a tendril of energy slithering forward like a serpent. The ethereal glow wrapped around Riniock, a binding mark that made him stand out amongst the sea of acolytes.

 Before he could protest or flee, the arch-maegi flicked his wrist. A surge of invisible force yanked Riniock into the air, his feet dangling helplessly. A gasp rippled through the hall as he floated forward, suspended like a marionette.

 'How nice of you to join us at this time!' The arch-maegi's voice was laced with a hint of amusement, but the weight of authority was undeniable.

 Riniock's throat tightened. He swallowed hard, his voice barely escaping.

 'Y-Yes…'

 He landed gently before the arch-maegi, his legs trembling as they touched the polished floor. The eyes of the entire hall bore into him – curious, envious, suspicious. He dared not meet their gaze.

 'Now,' the arch-maegi said, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly, 'let's see what makes you so special.'