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Arriving back at the city, the friends went straight away to tell the Queens what they had discovered. Upon hearing the news that Nu was attempting to get ultimate power and immortality, they were obviously distressed. The mages were dismissed with the promise that they would create a plan later in the day, after other necessary matters were taken care of, and decided to head down to Lydia's laboratory space to a bit of their own thinking.

"Holy cow!" Algon exclaimed as they walked through the door. "This is impressive!"

"If you think this is cool, you need to see what I've got set up back at the Quintessium."

Last time they had seen it, the room was cluttered, but still relatively normal. Now, the space was packed to the brim with floating sigils and notes. Lydia walked over to a workbench and rummaged around for a minute before finding a pen and began jotting something down in the air.

"So, we need to figure out what we're going to do when we get back to Rioyda," James said.

"Isn't it obvious?" Delta asked. "We stop them!"

"Thanks captain obvious. But how?" Lydia said as she put the finishing touches on an equation and capped the pen. "These aren't normal foes in any way shape or form. Even by themselves, a Celestial Mage and a Mythical Mage are a terrifying duo."

"Hold on," James interrupted. "We don't know for certain if Phanes is against us."

"Then why would he come back to Dorian-5 at such a perfect time?"

James thought for a moment. "Maybe he's trying to stop Nu, in which case he'll be willing to help us."

"That's not a guarantee," Algon said. "What if he's not? They're scary on their own, but together there's no way we are even close to being qualified to fight them."

"And that's not actually everything," Lydia said. "Don't forget about what happened to Aura. Nu is stealing magical power in order to acquire the Reguli. We don't even know how he's doing that, and there's a good chance if we fight or try anything we could get drained and knocked unconscious."

"Isn't there anything you could whip up to prevent that?" Delta asked.

Lydia shook her head. "I don't even know where to start, and even if I did it's the same as the situation with the lantern. I'd need to understand the fundamentals of how the spell works, and that's not something I can do within the next week."

The group lapsed into silence. Lydia sighed and went over to the workbench, picking up an earlier project, while the others tried to think of a solution. James absentmindedly fiddled with his bracelet while he thought about the events that had occurred over the last few days.

"Wait," he thought. "Bracelet?"

He looked down and saw that he was still wearing Lydia's shielding bracelet. It had taken on a scorched appearance from when it had to block Salvor's attack, but surprisingly it was still intact.

"Hey, Lydia. Maybe this will work?"

She turned around to see him holding up his wrist. "That bracelet? How could that help?"

"Take a look at it. It managed to completely block one of Salvor's attacks and still has a bit of energy left. Since it uses the energy from the Ikirians, maybe it's strengthened against Void magic?"

"That is a possibility, but the bracelet only shields against attacks. It'd be useless."

"Couldn't you modify it to activate on a different trigger. Say, when there's no more magic in the surrounding environment?"

Lydia's eyes lit up. "You mean to key it to when the draining spell completely activates? That might work. I'd need to change it to be a localized full body shield though, but that's not very difficult."

"Yeah, I have no idea how any of that works. Good luck!"

Lydia went to work modifying and creating new bracelets, while the others sat down to talk about how they would deal with their much older and more powerful opponent.

"Ok, we have two possibilities," Algon said. "Phanes is working with Nu or he's not. Either way, we're not even remotely able to fight them."

"Well, if Phanes is good then maybe he can help us? He should be able to stand up to the Headmaster," Delta put in.

James shook his head. "There might be a chance that not even he could beat Nu. After all, Nu is aiming to find a very powerful artifact. He's probably taken precautions. We'll need outside help. We'll need to get a message to the Quintessium."

"But they're too far away! And how are we supposed to do that anyway?"

"We can ask Master Geo. He probably has a connection to them. And if we emphasize how important this is, Headmaster Sherru won't take any risks. After all, we're dealing with something from the Void here."

"So then we'll sneak in. Sounds good," Delta said. "With the Ikirians' help, we should be able to get pretty close in the first place. Anyone know where Master Geo was staying?"

James frowned. "I think he was on the floor below our room. But I'm not 100% sure."

"That's a risk we have to take," Algon said.

He turned back around. "Lydia, when will you be finished with the bracelets?"

"They're much easier than I initially thought. You guys go figure things out with the Queens tonight and I'll stay behind. Algon, just make sure they don't do anything stupid."

"HEY!"

After finishing up a couple more details of their plan, the friends went up to Aur's training room. James chose to sit quietly in a corner as he worked on creating water, while Delta and Algon teamed up to practice attacking and defending.

Before long, the sky turned to twilight and an Ikirian guard came to fetch them. The Queens and Aur were waiting in the central hall.

"With what you have told us, we do not know how to proceed," the Queen admitted after they sat down. "However, it is apparent that Nu must be stopped."

The friends looked at each other.

"We think we have a plan," James said. "If we can get back into Rioyda, then we can contact the Arcane Quintessium and ask them to send reinforcements. Headmaster Sherru won't take the matter of the Void lightly."

"The Ikirian can get you as far as the gates of the school," Aur said. "But the Queens and I have been talking; after that, you must continue on your own. If Nu is alerted to our presence, he will know beyond all doubt that we are trying to stop him. As such, you will be on your own."

"We figured as much," Algon said. "Lydia's working right now to fix the issue of losing our magic, and we're not going to take any unnecessary risks."

"That may work," the Queen said. She held out a small gemstone that glowed brightly. "Take this. It will allow you to remain in contact with us."

James took the gem and put it inside of his amulet.

"When would you like to return?"

The friends shared a look.

"Tonight. We need to move before Nu has any more chances to prepare."

"Aur and his squad will return you to your original spot outside of the school. Be warned; the jungles are still dangerous."

"Understood," James said.

"WIll Aura be ready to come back as well?" Delta asked eagerly.

The Queens nodded. "She has recovered well. But be warned: she was harmed in the first place because her small magical reserves could not handle the drain of the Void. Take extra precaution or she will be injured again."

"Understood. Like I said before, we won't take any risks."

"Then prepare yourselves. Use the gem to tell Aur when you are ready to leave."

The group returned to Lydia's lab after packing up their small amount of things into their amulets. James thought for a moment before finding a piece of string and hanging the divine seal around his neck. It didn't hurt to have a couple of additional good luck charms.

The Weird was finished up as they walked through the door. She looked over and put down her tools.

"How'd it go?"

"The Queens are onboard," James said. "Can we leave tonight?"

"So soon?" Lydia looked down at her workbench and furrowed her brow. "I'll be done by then, and I guess we should leave as early as possible."

"We need an extra bracelet for Aura by the way," Delta said. "She's coming back with us."

"That shouldn't be too hard. Oh, and I've got something extra for you."

She walked over to a shelf and pulled out a plate of metal with several inscribed sigils.

"Here."

"Thanks. What is it exactly?"

"In practically every fight we've had, you've run out of ammo. So here's a rudimentary solution. This thing can clip onto your arm. When you channel magic into it, it'll suck all of your bullets back into a special storage seal so you can reuse them."

"Nice!"

"Just be careful. It uses a lot of magic."

"Don't worry about that! It'll work great!"

"Alright, let's go play with your new toy," Algon grumbled and dragged Delta out of the room.

James followed. "We'll stay out of your hair. The Ikirians are waiting for our signal, so let us know when you finish up."

"Will do!"

True to what she had said, the bracelets were finished as the moon fully appeared in the sky. The friends were summoned to the central lab by way of an amulet message and, once there, met Lydia along with Aur and his squadron.

"As the Queens told you earlier, the jungle is still infested with the energies of the Void. We Ikirian will not be able to stay for long, and neither will you unless you wish for a repeat of last time."

"Understood," James said. "Anyone got anything else to take care of before we leave?"

Everyone shook their head and the group took off, flying quickly through the dark trees.

"What happened last time?" Aura whispered to Delta.

"Oh, yeah," he said. "You weren't awake. Basically, the Void tried to kill us and it was only thanks to the Ikirian that we got out alive. That's why the Captain told us to move to Rioyda as quickly as possible."

"We're nearing the clearing," Aur said. "No signs of activity yet, but be ready."

The friends all visibly tensed. Algon absently snapped his fingers, sending sparks flying into the air, and Aura was fiddling with her wrist guard. It was now glowing brightly, having been fully recharged.

"Here we are. Landing."

The group dropped down into the dark clearing. Just like before, it was very dark around the edges, with the trees appearing sinister and threatening.

Lydia shivered. "It's absolutely silent. Are we going to be attacked?"

James pointed. "I don't think so; the path's still visible."

"Then hurry," Aur said. "It would be a blessing not to have to deal with the Void tonight."

The friends jogged towards the opening in the trees that led back to the school. Behind them, the Ikirians spread their wings in preparation for takeoff.

"Remember, do not hesitate to contact us. The Ikirian will be waiting."

"Thanks, captain," James said with a wave, and then turned and ran to follow his friends.

"How are we supposed to get back into the school?" Aura asked.

"There's a gate that leads back in. This was normally a training space, so it isn't completely closed off."

Cold air rushed past from behind and the jungle groaned. James spun around to see white mist seeping out of the trees.

"OK, TIME TO GO!"

Algon waved his hand and a wall of fire sprung up. "That won't hold for long!"

The group blasted through the pathway, the trees rumbling and twisting beside them. A moan began to echo from the depths of the jungle.

Aura waved her arm and spatial barriers appeared, blocking some vines that shot out of the jungle. More whipped forward, but they were blasted to pieces with precise shots from Delta's pistols.

"There's the school!"

The friends emerged from the jungle, only to see the sight of a closed gate. Delta raced up and tugged frantically, but it did no good.

"Move!" James said, and raised his hands. He gritted his teeth and ten sigils formed. With a grunt, he cast his spell and pillars of earth shot up, forming a staircase to the top of the gate.

"Up you go!"

Lydia led the way, followed quickly by Aura and Delta. They helped the last two up, and then James turned around to shatter the pillars. As he turned back, he saw that the mist was just barely visible through the trees, and was currently retreating.

"I guess the energies still don't dare to get near the school," Lydia said, seeing the same thing. "I wonder why."

"Could be any reason."

James silently created another staircase and they all hopped down into the peaceful world of Rioyda. The streets and buildings were silent, with everyone having gone to bed.

"Where are the guards?" Delta whispered. "You'd think they'd have more people guarding the school."

"I don't know, but let's be careful. We have to get to the dorms to find Master Geo. Everyone, stay close."

They snuck around the cafeteria and made their way towards the dorms. Unfortunately, there were no open windows, so they'd have to enter through the front of the building.

"Dang it, the door's in the light," James said.

"I'll get it," Delta said.

"Don't wait for us. Just go and find Master Geo."

Delta nodded and flashed over to the building. He slipped inside, the only sound a small click as door shut.

"Now, we wait and pray that Delta doesn't get caught."

"And what might you be caught doing, eh?"

The group spun around to see a group of guards emerging from the shadows. From James' estimation, they were all at least as powerful as the three they had fought earlier.

"Apprehend them," the guard said to his subordinates. "And go pick up the one inside the building."

"Yes, sir!"

The friends all shared a glance. As long as Delta got the message spread, it wouldn't matter if they were caught.

Soon, the fish-boy was literally carried out, flailing as the guard hauled him up by the back of his suit. Upon catching sight of James and the others, he shook his head slightly.

"Dang it," James cursed silently. "We're screwed."

"Everyone in custody, sir! What now?"

The guard in charge smiled. "I believe that the Headmaster may want to speak with them. If I remember his orders, he said to bring any suspicious individual straight to his office."

"And this just went from bad to worse," James thought with a gulp.

The group was led up the center street to the administration building. The entrance loomed ahead, dark and menacing. As of that moment, there was no way to escape.

The guards opened the door and ushered the group inside. They led them towards Nu's office, James remembering the way from when he had gone to ask for a sword. However, as they were rounding the corner to the stairs up, they were stopped by a small feathered body.

"Thank you, gentlemen, but I'll take it from here."

"What?" James thought in shock. The others were also stunned, as they recognized the person blocking their way as Chancellor Phanes.

"I can't do that," the guard growled. "I am under specific orders from the Headmaster..."

"Yes, but I am still able to assume the responsibilities and powers of the headmaster if so required. After all, I am still a founder of this institute."

The guard's face twitched and his eyes narrowed. "We will need permission from the Headmaster."

"I will pass on a message explaining the situation, and will also ensure that you receive rewards. Return to your station, and thank you for your work."

Not seeing any other options, the guards left. As soon as they vanished, Phanes let out a sigh and dropped the pleasant smile he had been holding.

"That's a relief. It is getting harder and harder to exercise control with Nu's actions. Soon, I fear they will not listen to me at all."

He turned to face the friends. "Now, let's get ourselves to a better location, shall we? The last thing I want is for Nu to find out about this."

"Wait, so you're..."

"Eh, not now," Phanes said, holding up a talon. "Questions after we are settled, please."

He led them all over to a restricted section of the administration building, accessible only with a special sigil. Guiding them into a room, he looked up and down the hall before shutting and sealing it tightly.

"Alright, this is my personal quarters. I can assure you all that anything we say here is safe. Take a seat, and hold your questions for a moment longer. I believe that some snacks are in order at such a late hour."

Several minutes later, each holding a small plate of treats, the friends all pulled up chairs. The Chancellor sat down as well with a weary groan and poured himself a cup of tea.

"Now that we are relaxed, what do you wish to know?"

James looked at the others before speaking. "First things first, I'd assume that you're working against Nu?"

Phanes sighed and put down his cup. "Straight to the point as expected. But you deserve an honest answer. Yes, I am fighting my former friend. How things have changed. By your question, I gather that you all understand the present situation? How did you manage that?"

"The Ikirian helped us," Lydia said after a pause.

"Lydia!"

"What? We have to trust someone, and he did save us from having to meet Nu, so that's got to count for something."

She turned to Phanes. "Like I said, we met the Ikirian. They needed our help to determine the source of the Void energies emanating from the school."

"The Ikirian," the Chancellor said with a sigh, his expression sorrowful. "It has been such a long time. How I wish that I could undo my actions."

He closed his eyes and was quiet for a moment.

"They must have cured Aura. And you must have visited the temples. Would I be correct in stating that you know what Nu is after then?"

James nodded. "The Reguli."

"Yes. A most dangerous artifact. If he successfully wields its power, nothing in this universe could stop him."

"Then we have to do something!" Lydia said.

"The young miss is indeed right. Tell me, what was your original plan when you returned?"

"We were planning to talk to Master Geo and get him to send a message to the Quintessium for reinforcements."

"So then you understand that Nu is not someone you can face. It is nice to see members of the younger generation that can plan for the future instead of charging in recklessly. However, your strategizing is unnecessary, simply for the fact that I was already going to request assistance myself. It seems we are of a like mind."

"Hold on," Algon said. "Does that mean that even you can't fight Nu by yourself?"

"Sadly, that is the case. Even though I am an incredibly strong Mythical mage, I am running out of options to curb his actions."

The group sat silently for a while after that, snacking in silent contemplation. Finally, the Chancellor finished off his tea and stood up.

"Well, I think that with everything that's happened today, we should all get some much-needed rest. I believe that the best course of action would be for all of you to remain here. Most likely, Nu has already discovered news of your return, and I will not be able to ensure your safety in any other way."

"That sounds good," James said, nodding.

"Feel free to take whatever room you wish. We'll contact the Quintessium in the morning."

Phanes' quarters were very expansive, allowing each friend to have their own room. Compared to the small quarters they had used during their stay with Ikirians, these were very comfortable and all five mages quickly drifted off to sleep. The Chancellor stayed awake for a bit longer, gazing out the window at the school below him, and then retired as well.

---

"Wake up! Hurry!"

"What?" James groaned and opened his eyes to see Lydia shaking him awake. "What's going on?"

"The Chancellor just rushed in and woke me up. He told me that Nu had pushed his plan faster than he had ever suspected and that I should wake everyone else up right away. We're supposed to meet him in a laboratory down the street as soon as possible."

James rolled out of bed and threw on his robes in a hurry. Running out of his room, he found Delta buckling on his suit while Algon grabbed a couple of snacks.

"Where's Aura?"

"She was already awake, so she went with Chancellor Phanes. Delta, are you finished yet?"

"Just holstering my pistols. Alright, let's dash!"

The friends had been prepared to sneak out of the building, but there was no need. The streets were packed with students, all bustling about in a hurry. Pushing through the dense crowd, Lydia led them to the lab Phanes had indicated and held the door. Inside, they ran up several stairs to find a spell formation inscribed on the floor. It was glowing a dense purplish-blue, and there were more covering each wall. The Chancellor was standing in the middle, his eyes crackling with energy as his talons wrote symbols of energy in the air.

"What's going on?" James said.

"Nu's accelerated his plan. He knows we're going to get reinforcements and wants to summon the Reguli sooner than anticipated."

"How's he going to do that?"

"Remember the tournament and what happened with Aura?"

The group nodded.

"It's exactly like that. Nu will restart the tournament later today, and siphon the energy from each of the competitors in order to power his spell. By my calculations, he will be finished by tomorrow at the earliest, so we need reinforcements now!"

"So then this is a communications spell," Lydia said in awe as she examined the floor. "Wow, this is complex."

"I am a Mythical mage," Phanes said with a small smile. "It would not do my brethren justice I was unable to perform even this simple task. Now, stand back everyone."

The Chancellor spread his arms, sending power through the sigil. A large hologram made out of pure energy took form, eventually condensing into Headmaster Sherru. Seeing the centaur turn his head to look at them, James realized that this was a two-way call.

"Chancellor Phanes, it's been too long. How has everything been?"

"Well, Headmaster, but I'm afraid that such pleasantries will have to wait. We are in urgent need of your assistance."

"We?" Sherru raised his gaze to see James and the others standing behind the Gryphon. "My boy, good to see you once again. What is troubling you?"

"Headmaster, we have a very big disaster right now. Headmaster Nu is planning to summon a long-lost Void artifact to gain immortality and infinite power. Without trying to sound rude, we need reinforcements now!"

The moment James explained the situation, a look of shock appeared on Sherru's face.

"A Void artifact? Are you sure?"

Chancellor Phanes nodded. "We are positive. Furthermore, it was something that was reportedly meant to be used by Lord Iter himself."

"You are correct in saying that this is bad," Sherru stated as he began to pace in a circle. "How long do you have?"

"By this mage's estimation," Phanes said. "One day from now."

The Headmaster froze at his statement, his expression becoming closed as he considered the options. "Normally, I would send the Masters from the Quintessium, but there is no time. The systems nearby may be able to send help, but it would be nothing if this artifact is as powerful as you believe."

He lapsed into silence, still pacing. The others also began to rack their brains for a solution.

"Wait a minute," Algon said. "James, you've personally met Lord Eternius before, and this is a matter relating directly to the Void, something that has to be taken seriously. Could he come and help?"

Sherru shook his head. "Although he would be willing, he and the other Primes are dealing with a demon incursion on the other side of Reality. For the foreseeable future, that must take precedence. Even the dragons were summoned for assistance."

"Wait!" Lydia said. "That might be it."

She looked up at the Headmaster. "Could you have a couple of dragons come? They're tremendously strong, and would be able to help greatly."

"The dragons... Hm. I do not possess the qualifications to order them into battle, only to ask for their aid. I will contact them, but do not hold out hopes."

Sherru turned to leave his office, but James called out.

"Headmaster, see if you can get in contact with Dragon General Strike. He seemed to like me when we met back at the tournament, and he might still remember me."

"I will do my best. Until then, stay safe."

The spell cut off and the sigils disappeared from the walls and floor. Chancellor Phanes sighed.

"That is the most we can hope for."

He turned back to the friends.

"The tournament will restart this afternoon. James, if I remember correctly, you have a match. I would advise that you attend. With his current power level, Nu will not dare touch you in public, and refusing to show would provide him grounds to investigate."

James nodded. "Then I'll have to go. You guys can stay behind if you want."

"Not going to happen," Delta said. "I want to see you fight! During all of our other battles, I've been too distracted to see your true strength. And besides, do you think we'd leave you to Nu alone?"

"He's not going to do anything," James said, rolling his eyes.

"Don't care, still going!"

"Fine. But before that happens, let's head back to the dorms. I just realized that I've been wearing the same clothes for the past couple of days, and even though they're magically cleaned, it still feels wrong."

The group snuck out and headed in the direction of the dorms. Phanes watched them leave as he dissolved the last remaining remnants of his work.

"What infections attitudes. Even in such dire circumstances, they can still be happy and carefree. I could learn something from them."

---

The Librarian of the Arcane Quintessium was quietly dusting and reshelving books, little Glows flitting happily around his head as he worked. Finishing his task, he walked back through the empty halls, his footsteps echoing through the vast rooms. Suddenly, he stopped, sensing a presence to his left emerge from behind several bookcases.

"It's been a while, hasn't it?" the tall man asked with a smile.

Another man stepped into the light. James would be shocked, as it was the same person who he had talked with on Dorian-5.

"Yes, Celtis. It has been a long time. My apologies."

The Librarian, Celtis, laughed. "You have no reason to apologize. How may I be of service?"

"I need you to send this to Dragon General Strike." The mysterious man passed over a small folded note, stamped with a small sigil. The Librarian took it and tucked it away into his robes, not bothering to investigate further.

"If I may ask, why are you not going to deliver it yourself?"

The man chuckled. "I have other things to take care of. It won't matter. Either way, Strike will know it's from me."

"Very well. I shall do as instructed. Pleasant travels as always."

The mysterious man nodded and smiled. He then reached over and grabbed a book off the shelf. Flipping it open, he leaned back against the bookcase. The Librarian looked on with a calm gaze as the man studied a passage in a particular chapter before vanishing completely with a glimmer of light. Seeing the man had left, the Librarian checked to make sure that the letter was secure, before going back to his work. This time, however, he wore a deeply thoughtful expression.