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 tumor 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 said.

When the cameras went off, Judy 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?" Judy inquired.

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

She said. Judy removed her visitor's tag from her neck and gave it to Luciana.

"You may go ahead. 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,"

"Alright then, follow the directions I've given you, and have a wonderful evening,"

"Certainly do so. Though, if I may say, you don't seem to be having a pleasant evening yourself,"

"What do you mean?" Luciana replied, faking a smile at the end since she realized her glum expression might be misconstrued.

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

Luciana hesitated and Judy could see that, " Is it because of your friend? Nelanian Henfry, that's his name right?"

"No, madam, I'm perfectly alright. If you require anything else, please request it; otherwise, you are obstructing the line, and I would like to provide my services to other visitors," Luciana said, trying hard to avoid any further interaction with her.

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 booze.

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 drinks.

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 interest you 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, 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, because she had 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 correct. Except for a few people, everyone I've met is on edge. 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? Explain to me how two candidates withdrew 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.