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After class, Towen was resting in his room, when a knock came at the door a bit later. It was his teacher, Yehudiah. Towen saluted him and the man waved his hand dismissively. “Ugh, don't do that. I'm not a knight anymore. I'm just a teacher. So I wanted you to come to the yard and show me what you can do, no holds barred."

Towen blinked but nodded. He and Yehudiah went back out to the training yard. There was another class there, they were training off to the side where Yehudiah and Towen were standing. Yehudiah tossed him a wooden sword and dagger. Yehudiah himself used a staff, no sharp point, no blade, just a blunt staff.

Towen bowed to him and Yehudiah gave the command to start. Towen wasn't sure what to expect. He knew the man had light magic. So he tried something to throw the more experienced man off. He put his hand out and chanted. “Blessing of Aethos, fire within all things. Form in my hand and erupt fireball." Of course, nothing happened, but Yehudiah, rushed forward all the same when Towen started chanting, thinking he was preparing a spell, he was going to alter the trajectory.

Instead, Towen brought his sword in, and his dagger just behind it. Catching the staff and pushing it aside, the dagger placed itself right at the man's throat. Yehudiah blinked and looked at the lionman. His sword was askew to the side, but the dagger's blade was right at his neck. He laughed and took a step back, bowing slightly.

“I didn't expect you to trick me, I had the vague feeling you weren't fire blessed, but the thought you had three blessings caused me to act recklessly." He grinned. “I think you have a bright future ahead of you Towen, of Vrose. I know it'll be hard, the next year or so of training and instruction will test you, but it's important to push you past what you can do, so you can realize what you are truly capable of. I think you already know, however. This all feels like a formality, in light of your innate skill. You and Azile have an upward trajectory beyond the scope of any others here."

Towen bows slowly. “I am unworthy of your praise, sir. But I thank you all the same. I spent a lot of time in the tutelage of Captain Ashfury. He took me under his wing and trained me especially. He wasn't like a father to me, but he could've been a good uncle." Yehudiah nodded his head softly.

“I trained him as well. He had a lot of promise. I'm not surprised he took an interest in you. He did well honing your skills and combat readiness. Your adaptability is incredible, especially for someone who only just joined. I can't imagine he was the cause of all your skill, but I wager he helped you focus it, learn to think quickly, and act on new strategies as soon as you formulated them."

Towen nods. “Yeah. He taught me to always be unpredictable. Never engage in the same tactics if I can help it, always do something different, so I've tried to maintain that. It's not easy after a while, but doing something different makes my opponent change their initial plan too, so I can get them to do what I anticipate, and lead them into a trap of my creation without them realizing."

Yehudiah laughed and nodded. “Yeah, that sounds like Ashfury, he was good at that." The Archas patted Towen's arm. “Go on to your room and rest. You'll be on patrol tonight even though it's your first night here, it is the end of the week."

Towen blinked, patrol?

As Towen settled into the academy, he learned that there were certain things he had to do. The first was to patrol the city with the guards once a week. Of the thirty-some other class members, each had to do this. That typically meant, on any given day, there were four, maybe five extra people on guard duty. Not only did this improve the security of the town and make the people feel more at ease, with more folks on patrol, but this gave newcomers to Macta the benefit of learning the streets, by walking them frequently.

Secondly, they took rank F quests in town, finding a lost animal, helping with simple chores, and delivering things for folks who couldn't do it for themselves. Simple, mostly menial tasks. This had the benefit of getting them a little more money, but also making the guards look better to the townsfolk.

Now, they were only required to do this once a week. Towen took it upon himself to volunteer to do so three times a week, mostly because he wanted to learn the layout of the town as quickly as possible. But also, they got paid for the work, and he wanted extra income. Having extra silver in his pocket was never something he'd turn down. Especially since it was nothing overly complicated. Mostly it was just patrols. Sometimes they'd catch a petty thief, or help a lost child find their parent. Normal stuff for them.

It was one such evening, his first week there that he encountered an odd group, there were about a dozen of them. All of them wearing long black cloaks and walking in two lines of six. The one in front, lifted his head enough so that Towen could see his face. He had white fur with dark features underneath, yellow eyes, and a smile that unnerved the lion.

He didn't know the man personally, but he got the feeling the man was dangerous, all of them were. Something about them just radiated danger. So rather than stop and question any of them, he followed along with his patrol, keeping up and keeping his eye out for any less threatening individuals.

The next few weeks weren't all that difficult. Between classes in the mornings and patrols every other evening, more or less. Towen had essentially proven himself to be the second-best fighter in the class from his first day, and he remained there. He'd rarely strike first, preferring to counter whatever strategy his opponent came up with.

The others grew accustomed to his fighting style, however, and would, when not in class strategize to try and defeat him. This led to them going back and forth quite often, but rarely with Towen taking a loss. More often, he'd just find a new counter to their painstakingly considered strategy and they'd be right back at the beginning again, considering their next attempt.

Azile was the only exception. No matter what strategy Towen came up with, she had a counter to it as quickly as he did for the others. It was frustrating for the lionman, who desperately wanted to stand above the others, but always seemed to hit the ceiling when it came to sparring with her. Towen came to learn that she had three blessings, not just water and ice, but light as well, and was naturally gifted in other ways. But, he didn't give up.

It was after the first week when he suddenly felt….stronger, and more adept. He just thought he'd gotten used to the school, and sparring, he never considered checking his status, not only after nine days. He'd learned in his years, that the status screen didn't change much over time. So he didn't bother checking, if he had, he'd have noticed a new skill.

This was the day, unbeknownst to Towen, that Gurak had met Wukin, and their team had been fully assembled, even if Towen wasn't physically a part of the group. Gurak considered him a dear and close friend, so this somehow translated to the skill being granted to him, although he had no clue at the time. He was sure he hadn't leveled up at least.

From that day on while he didn't win every match, he did start beating Azile from time to time. His spells fire off faster, his mind adapted quicker to the changes in her style. It was still three wins for her, and two for him, out of five, but, it was a stark difference in his never winning the week before. This caused Azile to start adapting and getting more skilled as well. She had to suddenly match his rise in ability.

He did befriend Erth, Qurx, and Cagan rather quickly though. Simply because he and Cagan were from the same area. Erth was from the capital, he'd lived there most of his life. His parents had settled down and become merchants within the city itself, working with caravans to distribute their goods as middlemen.

Cagan was from Rizdrad, and wanted to become a strong chieftain, but that meant getting significantly stronger in his time away. Which he hoped to do. His aunt was a powerful chieftain and he wanted to prove to her he was worthy of succeeding her.

Qurx was from Halfsea, and her older sister was a rather skilled inventor. Obsessed with creating horseless carriages and self-propelled machines. The others in the class hadn't taken a shine to Towen. Seeing him as some prodigy, they disliked him for the challenge he presented overall. So the friend circle Towen accrued was rather small.

Towen didn't mind, however. He'd always been a quality-over-quantity kind of guy. Erth was a large and friendly enough fellow. Cagan was sharp-witted and jovial most of the time. Even Qurx was delightful on her good days, when she wasn't wrapped in the idea of a possible invention.

The four of them bonded rather quickly and formed a small group in itself. Rather than infighting as most of the groups seemed to end up doing. Towen was deadset on them building each other up, making each other stronger, and getting ahead as a group.

He recalled something he'd heard as a child. That if he wanted to go fast, to go alone, but if he wanted to go far, he had to do so with a group.

Towen did try to befriend Azile as well, but she was very standoffish. She barely spoke, and outside of class never spoke to anyone. She didn't even sleep in the dorms with everyone else. She'd finish class and disappear from the academy grounds. No one was sure where she went or why.

Towen considered investigating, following her, and seeing what she was doing. But he didn't want to rustle that bee's nest. She was entitled to her secrets. Besides he had a theory, and if he was right, it would've only made things more difficult for everyone.

By the third week he was enrolled he was often toe to toe with Azile. In his off-class time, he and the others would sometimes spar so he could show them their flaws, and how to counter their mistakes and improve. In doing so they caught up to him rather quickly. It was once, Azile, Towen, Mazon, Alaric(a wolf beastfolk), and so on, down the class list, there were thirty-two individuals in the class. Towen had fought them all at least once in the last three weeks. Azile was far and above the best, Mazon was the next best, and so forth down the line.

Within the first month, however, about half were expelled, it was to cut costs, but also to only promote the best among the class. Cutting the class in half, down to just sixteen participants. Thankfully, due to Towen's intervention. Erth, Qurx, and Cagan had managed to rise higher in the rankings. Erth was back at the bottom, in 16th place, but, it didn't seem to phase him much. He'd come a long way from being in 32nd place just a few weeks prior.

The next month was met with new challenges. Not only because Yehudiah had taken a step back and this month was focused primarily on magic. Which Towen was excited about. A special instructor from the mage's college had been invited for this month of tutelage. Towen hoped desperately it was his friend, from the caravan who had gone to the mage's college, but he was unfortunately disappointed.

Towen's first class with the female mage was in the evening of the day. Yehudiah had spent the morning drilling the class on melee skills and improving their stances and posture while fighting.

Towen and the rest of the class, the 16 that were left, were led to a new part of the academy, well, at least it was new to them. They were taken into a larger field, where a female beastkin was standing. She had a colorful appearance, and as Towen got closer, he realized she was one of the rarer beastfolk, an avian. She wore a beautiful green robe. The bright colors were her feathers, all of various contrasting colors.

She was waiting for them to come and line up. “Good evening class. I'm sure Yehudiah's taught you quite a bit. But we're going to focus on the magical aspect of things. First, I want you to unleash your most powerful spells." She stomps the ground and quite some distance away, some 16 stones rose from the ground. So she had wind and earth, at least. She might have had a third blessing.

She pointed. “Go on, don't be shy. If you can't reach it from here, get to where you can. I'm not going to belittle you. I just need to see what you are capable of." Towen stood where he had lined up and focused. He didn't have many spells at his disposal. But he knew his wind magic would reach the stone. It was one of the few things he and Rulu used to practice all the time as kids.

He put out his hand and focused intently. “Blessing of Anemabe, power of wind and sky, form a blade, sharp as can be and fast as the gales. Windblade!" He swung his hand and the blade launched, it almost faltered before reaching the target. His blade hit, but it didn't cut through it, it did leave a good-sized slice in the stone though.

Each of the other class members did the same. Likely with their dominant element. After she took notice of each member's distance and damage inflicted. She replaced the stones with another stomp and nodded. “Now, where you are currently standing. Use your other element. Strongest spell you have."

Towen grunts and knows this is likely going to be the outcome, but is hoping against it. He focused intently. “Blessing of Thuellor, spark of lightning, and all of the sky. Empower my spell, let it reach my target….please. Lightning ball!" He tightened it up as much as he could and threw it with all the energy he could muster. It, of course, didn't even make it halfway there before the spell fizzled out. He grunted and sighed. This was the case for everyone but Azile, who managed to destroy the stone both times and at roughly the same distance as Towen had been. She was leagues ahead in her magical development.

The mage walked around, taking note of how everyone failed, except for the human woman. “Do any of you have a third element?" Only Azile's hand raised, and the mage nodded. “Can you reproduce this with the third element? She shook her head.

“My third element is light, ma'am. Primarily for healing." Was Azile's reply, probably the most she'd said the whole of the time Towen had seen her.

The woman nodded. “Mmm, very well. That isn't as adept as combat magic." She pointed to the stones. “Your magic should always be equally powerful. If you can't do the same damage with both elements, you are hindering yourself." The others listened and nodded. She walked over to where Towen was and stomped the ground, another stone erupted out across the field.

She focused and, surprisingly, didn't say a word. Instead, she just pointed and wind shot from her hand, the basic spell, windball. It flew out and connected, shattering the stone. She stomped again and it was rebuilt.

Again her hand raised and not a word came from her beak and a ball of stone formed, then launched. Impacting the target, again, it shattered, leaving the stone she created lodged deep into it. A third time she stomped and the stone rebuilt itself. Her hand held out and this time a ball of fire came into being. Once more, it was launched without a word from the woman, and it melted the stone.

She looked at everyone and she stomped again, another stone arose and she put out her hand. Water coalesced in her hand, a ball like every other, and she launched it as well, it hit the stone and burrowed deep into it before it finally lost its shape and filled the void with the water, before dissipating.

She looks at the class. “I have four blessings. Each is just as powerful as the rest. There is no reason you can't do the same. If I can do it with four elements. You can at least do it with two. Today. You will be using your weaker element" She looks at Azile. “That means light, for you." Then back to the class. “And you will spend the day burning through your mana till you are almost out. You'll know when you are close, you'll feel like passing out. If you do pass out. We luckily have Azile here to heal you." She moves to sit, a stone chair coming from the ground and she sits comfortably. Watching everyone struggle with their secondary elemental affinity.

“When you think you've improved enough come speak to me, but don't expect to achieve this in one day. You may refer to me as Noria when you address me." The woman said as he sat and watched.

The day went on like this, and several days after. As their skill with their less powerful element grew, and by the end of the week, they were able to start connecting with the target, most of them anyway. Each member took the lesson to heart and focused on improving their magical affinities. So, for them, was few and far between. Most folks hoarded it till they needed it for something specific.

By the end of the first week, almost everyone had improved a rank in their respective secondary elements. At the very least, each of them was able to hit the target from their initial starting point. Even Azile, with some instruction, realized the capacity light had for combat. It didn't inflict too much damage, but it was a far cry from her other elements. Which the teacher pointed out. But the fact that she made any improvement delighted the teacher all the same.

They were heading back from class with Noria, where they'd spent the day practicing their lesser elements still. She'd made a big focus on their first weeks of training to improve their secondary affinity. She was deadset on making sure they were improving and, despite their initial complaints, there was growth for most of the class. Some took a little longer than others due to a lack of mana overall. But, each of them showed improvement, whether it was an improved range with their spell, or an affinity increase, unlocking another level of spells for them.

The sun had set a little while ago, and the class was heading back to the dorms when they felt it. It wasn't an earthquake, not quite. It traveled through the air and rippled through everything. Noria was the first to come and check on them, realizing what it was. “Is everyone okay?" She asked. The class members all nodded, they were fine. She looked out over the horizon, where energy had come from. “Something...terrible happened. I can't perceive it, not from here, but, that was magic. Such powerful, uncontained magic, I don't have a word for it. I felt it shoot through me, like nothing I'd ever felt."

Towen had felt it too, the magical energy was something else. If Noria was leagues above him, then whatever this was, had been leagues above even her. He didn't know her power levels, of course. But, despite that, if she couldn't even put it into words, it must've been too much for her to analyze, which she was rather adept at. Especially analyzing the students' spells. She was especially good at that, it's how she helped them improve their casting. She could usually detect what they were lacking. Whether it was mana, focus on the particular spell, or something else.

Hearing she couldn't fathom the output of the spell cast, worried Towen, that was an insane amount of power.

It was a few days later that Towen heard about the tragedy that befell Whetstin. There were rumors of disease spreading in the city suddenly, and the inquisition having been sent to intervene, but then, the whole city was vaporized, not burnt to the ground, but turned to nothing. There were no buildings, no survivors, and not even the inquisition who had been sent were left to report anything back. There was just the claim of disease in the city and then the whole place was a crater.

Now filled with ocean water, leaving a scar upon the land and a loss of hundreds of lives, perhaps over a thousand, depending on how many of the Inquisition had been there. The church covered up their involvement immediately. Saying no such purge of the city was planned, no inquisitors were present, and the cause of the magical explosion was under investigation.

It remained, as rumors for just shy of a week at least before Towen was surprised to have visitors. When he found out he had visitors, he requested the day off, and it was granted, thankfully.

It was Rulu, with two others in tow. A large blue-furred bull with blonde hair, as well as a monkey beastfolk, similar in build to himself, that the lion swore he recognized. He had white fur, with dark furred highlights, it was rather unique.

Rulu looked worn out, and emotionally drained.

Towen invited the three into his room, where they had relative privacy and could talk.

Rulu was first to speak up, as soon as he tried to speak, however, he only burst into tears. Wrapping his arms around Towen and holding him as he cried loud and hard. The lion hadn't seen Rulu act this way since his parents died nearly fifteen years prior. Seeing as how Gurak wasn't here….he let out a soft sigh, and hugged Rulu, figuring out the news all on his own.

He didn't say anything, just hugged and held Rulu.

The older bull was the one to speak up first. “Gurak is lost." That is all the bull said at first. Giving a few moments to collect his thoughts. “We don't think he is dead. Since he gave us a boon by being in a party with us." He opens his palm and speaks softly. “Status."

He points to something on the screen. Only he could read it, but, it seemed to the bull to be evidence enough. “My companion skill is still here, still active. Gurak isn't dead. He's simply…..lost."

Rulu hugs and holds onto Towen tighter, squeezing the smaller lizardman gently. “I'm afraid I can't help you, right now." The lionman says. “I'm in the middle of the knights academy. This is my one shot at becoming a captain."

The bull nods. “We weren't here to seek your aid or pull you from your journey. We just wanted to let you know the truth."

The bull sat down in the chair nearby. “Wukin, can you go check your place, and gather anything of value before coming back? Practice the utmost of safety." The monkey nods and slips out the door quietly.

The bull then looks back to Towen. “First of all, my name is Zamdor, I'm an ex-teacher at the mage's college. I met Gurak just after he'd left Rizdrad. We journeyed from that point forward." He shakes his head softly. “But, anyways, he was in Whetstin. They were purging the city."

Towen's face changed significantly. “But those were only rumors."

The bull shakes his head. “It wasn't. Gurak discovered the secret to enchanting two elements to a weapon. He shared this information with a beastfolk man named Darion. A man who'd been reincarnated here, from a place called Earth."

The lionman took it in quietly, nodding his head. “Gurak heard about the purge, how it was his fault. Using the claim of creeping death to wipe out the city. Gurak….his heart hurt too much, he'd lost so much already, his family. Everyone he knew in Drugkar. He refused to let it happen anymore. Wukin, our friend you just met, followed Gurak as best he could. He was miles from Whetstin when he saw the explosion. We still don't know what happened, not really."

Zamdor looks at his feet with a sigh. “Wukin came back, hours later, completely exhausted, he passed out immediately, and slept for almost two days before telling us what he witnessed. After that, we came here, to talk to you. We first went to Vrose, but, found out you'd been transferred here. So we had to come here. It took a few days longer than we expected, but it'll be fine. Rulu wanted to see you. That's all that was important."

Towen nodded and continued to hold Rulu gently. “He was just like this when his parents died too."

Zamdor let out a soft grunt. “Ahh, about that…" He looks to Rulu. “Do you want to tell him, or...should I just keep going."

Rulu shook his head and hugged Towen tightly again, waving his hand at the bull. Nuzzling his face into Towen's mane the lionman just hugged him tighter.

Zamdor nodded and sighed. “His parents, it seems...did not die." He said softly. “We found his mother, alive and well in Halfsea. She's made something of a name for herself and while Rulu's father's health is poor, he is alive. Though no magic seems able to cure what ails the poor man. But both live, at least."

Towen nodded his head, moving his hand up to rub the back of Rulu's head as he smiled. “So you're not alone anymore, after all." He smiles. “See, I told you they were fine."

Rulu grunts at Towen and punches him, albeit with no strength behind it, in the chest. “You just always had to be right, didn't you? Even changed fate, rather than be wrong."

Towen grins. “What a weird way to say thank you, big bro."

Rulu smiles softly and nods. “Thank you. Big bro, for always believing they were okay."

He presses his face back in against Towen's mane again. The lionman spoke again. “I bet Gurak is fine too. He's just busy somewhere else, right now. As soon as he's able to, I'm sure he'll come back. The first thing he'll do is look for you Rulu." He smiles and kisses the top of his brother's head. “So you just need to wait for him to come find you." He nods his head softly. “Since the last place he saw you, was Halfsea, I bet that's where he'll come looking for you."

Rulu sat up suddenly and blinked. “You're right."

Zamdor smiled, he'd been saying the same for days, but, Rulu didn't want to hear it from him. Only Towen, being the big brother could alleviate the lizardman's fears.

Towen smiles and holds the lizardman gently. “So what was that, about a skill?" He asked Zamdor.

The bull blinked and oh'd softly, he smiled. “Back when Wukin joined us, or at least, thereabouts, we noticed we all had a new skill, called companion. Gurak had one called team leader, I think he said." He shrugs softly. “I can't verify the truth of it, but, it seemingly tripled our stats. Made us ridiculously powerful, practically overnight. I took out a group of myshroomids by myself almost. It was insane."

The lion nods and chuckles. “I can imagine. I…." He blinks and thinks about it. “About when did you say that was?"

The bull tilts his head. “A few weeks ago. Two, maybe three?"

Towen furrows his eyebrows and opens his palm, speaking softly. “Status."

Rulu turned to look, even though he couldn't read a thing on the screen, he was curious all the same.

Towen moved his hand slowly, and his eyebrows raised. “I'll be damned…" He looks to Zamdor. “Companion, right?"

The bull nods his head. “Aye, that's what it was called."

The lion points to something on the screen. “Right there. Companion." He scrolls up and blinks in surprise. “Tripled, huh?" He points to the screen. “They're all definitely higher. I dunno if they tripled or not though. I hadn't checked this since the last time I leveled up a year or so ago. They seem significantly higher than the last I checked though. No doubt about that."

He closed his status screen and Zamdor did as well. Towen didn't know the orc considered him a companion like that, but, it made the lion man feel good knowing that he did. It didn't hurt his feelings none that his stats were vastly improved either. That'd explain his suddenly getting better and matching Azile in combat the last few weeks.

Towen comforted Rulu for a bit longer. Before the lizardman pulled away. “So you think he's okay?"

The lionman nods. “I dunno how skills work, of course. But, I know that they can come and go just as easily as anything else. So if something happened to him. We wouldn't still be considered his companions, right? He's just out there, trying to find his way back right now." He smiles and pats Rulu's cheek gently. “Are you gonna go back to Halfsea?"

The lizardman nods. “Yeah. My mom and dad are there. I wanna spend time with them. Mom says she wants to get to know who I grew up to be." He didn't tell Towen all the details of it. Just that his family was alive. He didn't want to sour the mood any more than had already been done. “So, I'm gonna go back there and be with them. See if I can help nurse my dad back to health too."

“Me, Zam, and Wukin are probably all gonna head back there. Wukin's gonna stay with me, and my parents. He's pretty good at sneaking into places." He put his hand on Towen's mouth before he could say something. “I know, I know, you're a guard, it's bad." He huffs gently. “Sometimes, you gotta slip under the radar to catch the really bad people. I convinced Wukin to work with us to take down worse folks." Towen grumbled quietly.

“Just...keep any details to yourself. You know I'll have to report anything illegal you say to me." The lionman said.

“As long as it's for the greater good, right big bro?" Rulu says with a smile. Towen huffed at the lizardman. “And, Zamdor here is gonna work with our new friend Brun, in the meantime."

Towen's eyebrows raised. “Brun of Adamant Company?" Rulu nods his head lightly.

Towen recognized the name and could swear he might have met the man, but, it was early in his career as a guard in Vrose.

“He's an upstanding guy, I hope it works out for you." He says as he looks to Zamdor.

“How about we get a meal today before you guys head back to Halfsea? I know a safe inn here and a really good restaurant. There is a fella here who was reincarnated from Earth, like that Darion fella you mentioned, he made the most amazing food when I went a few weeks back."

Rulu was both excited, but also saddened, thinking about Darion, a man who had done nothing wrong, taken from the world for knowing something. Darion wasn't someone that he'd spent long getting to know, but, he'd seemed so kind

and friendly.

Towen put his gear up and got dressed to go out with his brother and friends. While walking through town, Towen asked Rulu. “What about the monkey fella, will he be able to find us?"

Rulu nodded his head. “Yeah, he used to live here in Macta, so he knows his way around, I'm sure he'll find us in no time." Towen canted his head slightly. Unknown to Towen, Rulu had put up a wind barrier around himself, so that when Wukin went looking for them, he simply had to locate the big wind globe.

“He used to live here?" He asked.

Rulu nodded lightly. “Yeah. Uh….without getting too deep into it. He worked here. But his place of employment was shut down. Everyone was….fired." He nods and smiles.

Towen squints at his brother. “Uh huh. Well, at least he has you guys." He smiles some, and Rulu nods in agreement.

Towen led the group to the restaurant he'd been to before and enjoyed. It was pretty busy when they got there. So it was a little while before they sat down. The lionman ordered himself some water before any food was ordered, they only waited a few moments, Wukin came in the door and joined them. Rulu and Zamdor ordered some light ale, Wukin, once he joined them got water as well, he'd learned he didn't much care for the hangover that came after alcohol.

Towen was honestly pretty surprised Wukin found them so fast. After the drinks were ordered and they'd had a little time to look at the menus, the waiter came over, asking for their meal order. Towen ordered the burger again and mentioned to the others to try it. Zamdor politely declined as he wasn't big on meat, but he was excited to try the fried spud sticks with some pan-fried vegetables. It was similar to something Gurak had made for him a few weeks back.

They waited some time and spent that time talking about how things were going. Rulu was working on reconciliation with his family. Zamdor was working on fitting into Brun's group. He was a good fit, but he had so many years of experience as a mage, that Brun wanted him to take on a more mentoring role and teach the guys how to use their magic better. So when they weren't on a mission, he spent his days training the guys in Brun's squad.

Wukin was training the men under Rulu's mother. Towen wasn't sure what that meant, but, he didn't want to delve too deeply into their business, as a knight he had to report any crimes, even if it was his family. So they all were cautious about any details.

Towen told them about his training, and how he was second in class, also the magic tutor that had come to train them this month. A woman named Noira, which made Zamdor make a face. He didn't specify anything about her he disliked, but his reaction to her name said a lot.

Once the food arrived, the conversation dried up and they ate, quite voraciously. Towen most of all, the first time he'd had a burger it had sparked a sudden, and hard-to-hide taste for meat he hadn't known before. Something about this unique preparation made it especially appetizing. He made it a matter of necessity to eat at the restaurant at least once a week since moving to Macta.

Rulu and Wukin dug into their burgers as well. The unique presentation made it rather delicious, in a way that meat hadn't often been in the past. Zamdor dug into the vegetables, the fried spuds were especially delicious, a hint of salt and they were practically flawless.

But they were served with something, a red paste that was a little sour. It was a tomato-based dipping sauce, Towen hadn't had it before, they hadn't had any in stock. So they all tried it one after the other and were pleasantly shocked at how well it matched the fried spuds.

The waiter told them the chef called it 'catch up' though he didn't understand why.

They spent the last bit talking about Rulu and his parents. How his dad was sick and bedridden. How his mom had been working to get power and influence in Halfsea and really, Otrad as a whole. Towen wasn't sure what purpose she had, but it was certainly something she worked hard at. He did feel there was a nefarious undertone to it all, but he didn't want to pry.

After the meal, Towen led them to the inn he walked by often. Most of the patrols he took walked a similar route. So this is the place he'd seen the most. Also, there had never been any disturbances while he was on duty at this place, so he felt it was pretty safe.

The others all thanked him and went inside to get a room. Rulu and Towen hugged tightly. “I'll be in class when you get up and head out probably. So make sure you travel safely." Rulu nods and smiles. Nuzzling into his brother's mane.

“I will. And we'll keep looking for Gurak. I think you're right. The skill he gave us is still active, which means he has to still be out there somewhere." Towen smiled at his brother and nodded. He might have grown a bit in the last month, traveling with Gurak but he was still that nervous little brother the lion knew as a kid.

Towen headed back to the academy and his room there. Towen sat in his room quietly for a little while. A knock at his door took him out of his thoughts. He stood up and walked to the door, opening it, and seeing Wukin, he tilted his head. “I...didn't expect to see you, how did you even get on the premises?" Towen knew they locked the front gates and only opened them when students returned from patrols in the evening. He'd made it just before they were locking the gates, thankfully. So anyone after him couldn't have come conventionally.

Wukin smiled. “Oh, I have my means of getting around." He stepped forward and hugged Towen suddenly. The lionman was confused but patted the monkey's back.

Wukin stepped back and smiled at Towen. “Rulu has been so...inconsolable this last week. When he asked to come see you, we were hesitant at first. Worried about what might happen. But, you helped him. I just wanted to say thank you."

Towen shook his head softly. “It's okay. That's what big brothers do." The lion smiles softly.

Wukin nods his head. “I also.." He pulled out a dagger. Towen took a defensive position and jumped back, pulling a dagger from its sheath on his table.

Wukin blinked and shook his head. He held it out, flat, in a sheath and offered it to the lionman, handle first. “Gurak made some weapons before he...disappeared. I thought you might like one, to remember him by. He made five of them." He looks to Towen. “Counting you, that would have been one for each of us." He smiles softly.

Towen looks at the weapon. It was made of iron, but it was fairly ornate. There was a complicated design and slots for little gems that twinkled in the low candlelight.

“What are these?" He asked looking at the gems, there were two set into the blade. One red, one dark blue.

Wukin smiles. “Mana crysts. It's what led to Whetstin being destroyed. Something as simple as this. We can't sell them anywhere, we can't give them to the guilds. You didn't see what happened in Whetstin, I was there." Wukin said softly.

Towen blinks. “I know, Rulu said something about that."

Wukin shook his head. “I...wasn't close enough to see Gurak, but, I saw the city and then the blast….All that was left was Gurak's staff., the water from the ocean rushing in and just...swallowing up the crater...it was hard to watch. I didn't touch anything, I didn't have the heart."

Towen bowed his head with a soft sigh. “He's okay," Towen said again. Then he looked up at Wukin, a smile on his face. “I know it doesn't feel like it, right now." He stepped forward and took the dagger. He put his hand on the monkey's chest gently. “But you feel it, in here don't you? He's out there. He's not dead."

Wukin put his hand on Towens, giving it a faint squeeze. “I want to believe it. I do." His other hand comes up and wipes a tear from his face. Towen steps forward and hugs the monkey gently.

“He's alive Wukin." He whispers. “And he'll be expecting you to hug him, just like this when he comes back. So you better be there when he comes home." He steps back and gently fist-bumps the monkey's shoulder.

Wukin nods his head. He'd been having the hardest time with Gurak's loss, he'd given up everything to be with the orc, only for him to disappear only two weeks later. Wukin had kept it all to himself, however. He didn't want to add to Zamdor's burden, nor let Rulu believe that anything had happened to Gurak, so he had to push it all down. Towen's words, much like they had reaffirmed Rulu, had done the same for Wukin. “You're sure?"

Towen nods his head and smiles. “Absolutely. Do you think something like that could kill Gurak? The guy's unstoppable, even on his worst day. You weren't there when he went into the Slaver fort. I was wounded and scared out of my mind, but I was going to go find Rulu. Gurak convinced me to stay behind and he took out a whole fort, probably a hundred men. Killed every one of them. Saved every one of the people kidnapped and being sold off. We got them all home a few days later. Well, within reason anyway. Some towns were further away of course but, we got everyone home, because of Gurak. If he can take out a whole slaver operation the day I met him. I have no doubt he took out all of the inquisition and he's just recuperating right now."

Wukin did recall hearing how when he'd overused his void magic against Gar'Sha, he'd gone into a coma for a few days, just before he'd met Wukin. With that level of magic being used, it's possible he was just asleep, somewhere.

Wukin nods his head. He'd heard the story sure. But Towen had been there. Seen what Gurak was capable of, and the Gurak Wukin met was stronger yet. Wukin nods and bows his head. “Thank you, Towen."

Wukin looked at Towen and pressed in close. He pressed a kiss to the lion's lips, short, and tender.

Towen blinked and stood still, he didn't pull away and just looked at Wukin forn a moment. Unsure of what to say, it was unexpected, and, something he'd kind of enjoyed. But, now wasn't a good time, for either of them.

Towen smiled a little and then patted Wukin's arm. “You should get back before Rulu and Zamdor notice you've slipped out." The monkey nods his head. He wasn't rejected, he saw how much the lion enjoyed the momentary affection, but he was missing Gurak, both of them were and it was likely what urged that sudden onset of affection in the monkey.

“S-sorry about that. Yeah, you're probably right. Thank you again Towen. Use that dagger in his honor. Till he comes back."

Towen nods and smiles. “Till he comes back," Towen repeats. Wukin nods as well and slips back through the halls of the academy. Soon slipping into the shadow, and back into the room with a sleeping Rulu and Zamdor. The lizardman wrapped up in the bull's arms. Wukin undressed and got into bed as well. Zamdor put his arm around Wukin and pulled him in close as well. Letting the monkey know he might not have Gurak, but that didn't mean he was alone.

Rulu and Towen kept in touch. Often by letters sent back and forth, sometimes delivered by Wukin, the guy had an uncanny ability to slip in and out of the academy that slightly unnerved Towen, but it also made the lion feel at ease, knowing such a skilled person was beside Rulu. Given Gurak's absence.

The more Wukin visited, the more they'd get to know one another, and sometimes talk. They'd even cuddled a few times as well. It was nice holding someone, or being held and it was something they could do for each other. They hadn't done anything since the kiss, but Wukin was friendly and happy to cuddle with the lion. He never pushed the lion or made any aggressive advances. He'd just show up, deliver a letter and if the lion motioned him over, they'd lay in Towen's bed and hold each other.

Towen stayed in the academy for several months. Spending each day honing his skills in both magic and the martial arts. The class had 16 class members. One month they'd be with Yehudiah, and the next with a new mage teacher, that changed every other month. First, they had Noira, then they had an elven man, then the next month a dwarven man. Each had their unique way of teaching and each helped the students refine their magic further and further in different ways.

Months turned into a year. Wukin was visiting almost every two weeks now. Exchanging letters between Towen and Rulu. Cuddling with Towen in the evenings he didn't have magical classes after martial class. There wasn't much in the way of book education. Maybe once a month they'd talk about something in history and delve deep into it. But, for the most part, their training was completely physical and magical.

The months ticked by. Wukin's presence was really helpful for him in these times. With their classes getting harder as time went on. Cagan, Erth, and Qurx didn't have as much free time as before. They often spent more time on patrols in town for extra money, they'd been upgrading their gear. Piece by piece, so their time spent together was less and less. They still got dinner together, at least once a week though, so it wasn't all loneliness, but the time spent together was diminished.

Their final exam was coming up, it was just a few weeks away, and it had been especially difficult. Yehudiah was pushing them to their limits with training. They'd improved by leaps and bounds in the last year, but it wasn't enough for the archas, he wanted them to improve even more. In the final exam, they had no idea what it was. But every time it was mentioned, Yehudiah smiled an almost cruel grin.

They had no idea what the final exam was, there was no hint, no clue given. Just that it was upcoming, and would be within the next few weeks. Towen spent the next weeks steeling himself for what was to come. He put in more hours in the patrols as well. So he could have better armor, and a shield if he needed it. He didn't replace his sword or dagger, the sword was nice and he liked it, and the dagger had so much sentimental value, even more so, now that he knew Gurak was missing. The second dagger, the one Wukin gave him was always sheathed at his hip. He never wielded it, but kept it close.

The other dagger, the one he'd bought from the guild in Vrose, he recognized, once he had the dagger from Wukin, it was Gurak's work as well. Something about the design was just...unique and he could see it when he held them side by side. There were little differences, but it was more of an evolution, he could see how Gurak improved from one piece to the next.

Wukin could tell that Towen was getting more and more anxious with each visit. When he visited the most recent time, the monkey asked him what was bothering him so much. The lion was honest and told him that the final exams were approaching. Wukin nodded and pulled the lion into a hug, holding him gently.

Towen finally asked. “Why do you do that?" His voice was soft when he spoke. Towen didn't try to pull away, or push Wukin away.

Wukin replied quietly. “I...don't know. I got the feeling, you needed me. Like...Gurak whispered it in my ear that first night we met. It was like his hand was on my shoulder and he pushed me forward till I was suddenly kissing you."

Towen laughs. He rests his head on the monkey's shoulder and nuzzles into his neck. “That sounds like something he'd do. He was always so confident. I want to be so much like him."

Wukin nodded and nuzzled against the lion's head gently. “I feel that way as well. When I met him, I underestimated him and he could have killed me, had every reason to. But he didn't. I felt this….affection for him, deep, in my gut, my soul...it told me everything I was lacking, missing in life, this orc could provide."

Towen nodded his head and chuckled. “He had that air about him, didn't he? Like, no matter what, you knew he'd figure it out. In the next breath, he'd solve the problem, and we'd all go home after everything."

Wukin nods, grinning. “Yeah." He turns and looks to Towen. “I can tell you are tense, and you need something to help you relax." Wukin leans in and rumbles into the lion's ear. “Allow me this. I'll take care of you." He whispers.

Towen's ears got red, and, despite himself, he felt his arousal firm up. He looks aside. “I appreciate the offer, but...I'm Guraks. Body and soul"

Wukin smiles, and nods. “I know. I am too." He says gently. “I'd never do anything to dishonor him. I know he claimed you first, before any of us."

Towen's ears were deeper red. “H-how?"

Wukin grins. “Rulu, he was a bit drunk one night and he said he was a little jealous you got to Gurak first." Wukin's hand slowly moved to touch Towen's groin, he felt the firmness and gave it a gentle squeeze. The lion man moaned and tensed up.

The monkey nods and smiles. “I'll stop, and go back to Halfsea if you want." He leans his head down and nuzzles the lion gently. “But, I'd much rather stay here with you, and alleviate that tension you're carrying around."

Towen's ears were red, and he wanted to argue it. Deep down, part of him did. But the louder part, the part that when the monkey squeezed him and made him moan, wanted this more than anything else at that moment.

Towen turned his head and nuzzled in against Wukin. The hints of it were faint, but the lion could smell just a hint of Gurak still on Wukin. As if the monkey used the orcs pillow, or held his shirt sometimes and the remnants of that scent stuck to the monkey's fur.

Towen gave a gentle lick to the monkey's cheek. “Okay. But only because it's you." He whispers. “Something about you makes my fur stand on end sometimes, but, it also makes me feel safe when we hold one another."

The monkey smiles and nods. “I can tell you about it, if you want, later, perhaps." His hand squeezed the hidden arousal once more, making Towen groan and press his hips forward needfully.

Towen nods softly. The monkey grins and rubs the lion's sides gently. “For now, let's undress and get into your bed. I can tell that you've not used it for anything but sleeping since you arrived." The monkey rumbles out quietly. “Meaning, either you bed others elsewhere, or you've not bed anyone at all."

Towen's ears flattened to his head, and Wukin just smiled. “No shame in either." He whispers and hugs the lion gently. He was just a few scant inches taller. Giving him perfect reach to kiss the lion's forehead. “We are Guraks, heart and soul, body and mind." He rumbles out and grins at the lion. “Even sharing a bed with another, all we think about is him, it's the same for you, I wager."

Towen nods his head. Nuzzling into the monkey's neck a little more, before he pulls away. “Ever since I met him." The lion says as he starts to undress. His shoes kicked off easily enough, and the shirt he wore pulled over his head and tossed haphazardly towards the chair in the room. His pants were next, a simple leather belt held them in place, which made a louder thunk as it hit the floor when his aim missed the chair entirely.

Wukin did the same, though with a little more care for his things. They were set gently onto the chair, the low candlelight kept the mood somewhat mysterious and some things hidden. Towen could see that Wukin was naked, but the finer details were hidden till he got closer to the bed where Towen moved to sit, his underclothes the last thing removed and his arousal fully on display with the candlelight to the left of him, as it sat on the table just beside the top of his bed.

As Wukin approached, the light revealed more of the monkey, and the light fur with dark patches was more visible to the lion. Wukin was visibly aroused as well. A hand on the lion's chest pushed him to lay back slowly, and Wukin leaned over the top of him. The monkey laid against him and nuzzled against his face. Their arousals touched and ground together lightly, causing both to moan quietly. Wukin moved his hand slowly between them, and gripped the pair, making both men moan.

Wukin's hips moved slowly and he thrust into his hand and ground his arousal against Towen's own, making the lion's arms tighten around him and the pair huff and moan together. Towen eventually started rocking his hips as well, the pair grinding together, with the monkey's hand stroking them slowly.

Towen's hands rubbed up and down the monkey's back as their bodies rocked and ground their arousals within the small confines of his grip. Towen's arousal was leaking rather copiously, the slick liquid matting down the lion's belly fur as they moved their bodies.

Towen rumbled out quietly and huffed into Wukin's ear. “S...stop for a moment."

Wukin blinked and stopped. Leaning back to look at the lion, thinking he'd done something wrong.

Towen smiled up at the monkey and moved his hands up, gripping the monkey's shoulders and he shifted their weight, so Wukin was suddenly flat on his back, near the foot of the bed. Wukin didn't resist, not thinking the lion intended any harm. Towen then moved slowly, scooting back and off the bed, only to come in close to that groin. The lion's nose brushed the monkey's thigh, and then a curious lick across it. Then again against the monkey's balls. Making Wukin moan softly at the feeling of his jewels polished ever so gently.

The next thing Towen did surprised Wukin, though, it shouldn't have been too shocking that that was the next thing Towen did, and that was to wrap his lips around the monkey's arousal. Towen's lips sealed around the tip of that length as he pushed his head down slowly, letting his tongue undulate along the underside, and while his tongue didn't have all the inherent traits of a feline, some vestiges remained, like the little spines on a cats tongue, that made that tongue's movements feel rather pleasant.

Wukin didn't move as he watched Towen, and he let out a deeper, throatier groan when he felt that muzzle slip around his arousal. He'd seen Rulu and Zamdor do it to each other quite often the last few months and weeks, he'd watch from a distance, but, since Gurak wasn't there he didn't feel like being as deeply involved between the pair. But he did pleasure himself and watch as they did such things to each other. It had been some time since he'd felt anyone touch him this intimately. Over a year now, at least.

Towen, of course, was unaware of this but was ever eager to cause pleasure in his partner. So he pushed his muzzle down, taking the monkey as deeply as he could before he withdrew and started to bob his head nice and slow. His tongue worked along the underside, and around the tip when his reach allowed it.

Wukin was unaccustomed to such pleasures, both in general and recently. His hand moved to stroke the top of the lion's head as he wiggled just a little, and that spurred the lion to bob his head faster. Move his leonine hands to stroke the monkey's inner thigh or use his fingers to massage the heavy orbs just beneath that monkey dick.

Towen kept up this slow, intentional pace of bobbing his head and suckling for some time. Minutes felt like hours as the monkey's pleasure centers were touched upon repeatedly. Wukin's thighs spread as he moaned a little louder now and then, his length giving a twitch between those lips and a little dollop of sweet monkey precum, lost in the mix of hungry lion saliva.

Wukin felt that familiar burn in his stomach and the rise of pressure inside of him. He rubs the top of Towen's head and huffs. “I feel it coming." He whispers as a warning. Towen nods his head slowly and pulls back, kissing along the length and licking it nice and slow once.

“What do you want to do about it?" He asks as he stands up slowly and leans over the monkey, their arousals grinding together again as he does, and his lips, a hint of the monkey's taste on his breath as he kisses Wukin tenderly a few times.

The monkey smiles. “I have no complaints with depositing it where it was moments ago. I could return the favor, if you like, or, we could finish like this." His hands move to stroke the lion's sides as he grinds upward. “I would wear it with honor, till I bathed in the morning, at least."

Towen's ears were deep red hearing that, chuckling and thinking of Rulu smelling his cum on Wukin like he had Gurak the night they'd shared a bed.

“I enjoy the idea of that, truly." He whispers and laughs. “But I have no doubt Rulu would notice, almost immediately." His ears were red as he chuckled. “Mayhaps, in your mouth would be the safer option, less noticeable, at least."

Wukin laughed softly and nodded. He sat up slowly and put his arms around Towen, hugging him and kissing him gently. “Then I suppose, who goes first?" He asks quietly.

Towen smiles and moves to sit beside Wukin. “Well, I almost finished you off, so, how about you finish me off, since I don't think I'd honestly last much longer, just sucking on you had me twitching like crazy."

Wukin chuckles and nods. He pushes Towen to lay on his back and leans over. Rather than getting his knees on the floor, he just leans over and takes Towen between his lips while sitting beside him. Towen's hand came to rest on the monkey's back and he rubbed it as Wukin worked his mouth quickly over the lion's length.

Towen's hips raised, thrusting eagerly into that maw, as he groans and grunts softly. The monkey smiled around the length, he didn't think the lion was lying, but he was surprised at how eager and quick the lion was to release. He bobs his head a bit more, and grins, as an idea comes to mind.

He slips off the bed and pulls his lips from the lion's arousal. He leans over and grinds their dicks together, just like before, then rapidly strokes the pair, the lion, not expecting this so suddenly, groans and whimpers. Wukin's lips were just an inch or so from the lion's ears.

“Cum for me, Towen, give me your seed, hold nothing back." He almost growls out, making Towen's ears flatten to his head and his legs lift submissively. If Wukin were inclined he could've leaned back and mounted the lion, however, he knew Gurak would likely be upset at such a thing. So he kept his urge in check, at least, but the thought lingered.

Towen, unable to hold himself back groans as his cock throbs and shoots lion seed across his chest. Streaks of white covered the lion's brown fur and even hitting his red mane near his chin. Wukin leans back and strokes both lengths still, as he grunts and groans, huffing as his orgasm approaches rapidly, feeling Towen's throb against his own had exchanged his passive desire for an orgasm with a burning need for it.

Moments later, monkey seed streaked across the lion's chest and face, from ear to chin. The lion licking his face as best he could to get the part around his lips, at least. Wukin pants and shudders over him.

Towen rumbles and slumps lightly, panting. “That was…. exhilarating." The lion rumbled out.

Wukin nods and laughs. “It was. And, you clearly miss Gurak." He whispers as he scoots back just a little, using his hand to reach down and teasingly stroke his finger against the lion's exposed tailring.

Towen's ears got red and flattened to his head. “Y-yeah." That is all he said.

Wukin grins and nods. “The position you took, it looked like instinct. I miss him too." He whispers. Towen lowers his legs lightly and the monkey licks the seed from Towen's face, till he is at least presentable in public.

Wukin then stood up and grinned down at the lion. “At least this way, Rulu won't smell it on me. But you'll have a hard time covering it up." The monkey laughs and grins. Towen's ears were still flat to his head, but he smiled.

“Thank you, Wukin. Not just for….this but, for the last several months of visits." He rumbles out.

Wukin shook his head softly. “I'm just doing what I know Gurak would have done if he were here."

Towen nods his head slightly and smiles. “Maybe so, but, regardless, I appreciate it. The moment you guys get the word, I want you to contact me. I should be finished with my exam this week, so I should be back in Vrose in no time after that, and as a captain, I'd have much more leniency with how I spent my time. If I even wanted to remain in the knights longer, or I wanted to spend some time abroad."

Wukin nods and strokes the lion's cheek with his hand. “I will. I'll even escort you to Halfsea, personally."

Towen smiles, blushing just a twinge on his face now, not just his ears. “I'll look forward to it."

Wukin helped Towen clean up with some of his dirty clothes, wiping off the mess they'd made and the pair cuddled in bed together naked. Wukin, naturally got a bit stiff since he was the big spoon of the pair, but he behaved himself, and only cuddled the handsome lion till daylight peaked through the glass-covered window.

Wukin begrudgingly got up and kissed Towen lightly, before he dressed and slipped out the door, and made his way back to Halfsea.

Towen never understood how the monkey was able to travel so quickly. It took days by horse or longer by carriage. It felt like Wukin made the journey in just a few hours.

Towen got up as well, got his clothing, and headed to the male's bathing area. There were dorms for males and females, and most of the academy students stayed in the academy, so it wasn't uncommon to see each other on the way to, or in the bathing area, he often would admire Erth or Cagan, if they were in the room, he'd never made a move on either, fear of the repercussions kept his libido at bay, but that didn't stop his eyes from wandering.

Cagan was an orc, like Gurak, after all, and that was always delightful to admire.

Towen bathed himself in the tub he normally did, the place had indoor plumbing for the most part. Many nobles and upper-class places tended to. Even most restaurants, like the one Towen liked to frequent, an invention of Halfsea's goblin engineering, but, it wasn't a staple in every city. Vrose, for example, had no such luxuries. There was still a modicum of plumbing and sewers, but it wasn't quite as advanced as anything Halfsea or the capital had.

Towen, now dressed in clean clothing returned to his dorm. Put his sullied clothing into the bin for them and got his things for the upcoming class. His stomach was still a little tight from anxiety, but a lot of his pent-up tension was released, Wukin had helped him immensely, in that regard.

Towen arrived to class a bit early, most of the students were already there. Only one was notably absent, and that was Azile, who was almost always early.

The others all waited, expecting either Azile to show up late, or even Yehudiah who was never late, neither of which showed up on time today.

Some time passed, and the students got anxious. They sent half the class to go check the training yard, perhaps Yehudiah had forgotten to tell them to meet there, they returned a short time later, saying no one was in the training area either.

As soon as the others left, Towen felt a chill, a wave of magic filling the area, mana he'd never felt before, and almost imperceptible if he hadn't been on edge. Something was going on outside, perhaps in the academy as a whole, or even the town.

Mere minutes after the others returned, the door to the classroom opened, and several hooded figures came inside. Eight in total, each was completely obscured under a cloak, but each brandished a weapon. The last one in closed and locked the door, before they lept at the class.

Towen wasn't expecting an attack, not at school, not like this, so his reaction was a little slow, but he managed to deflect the attack meant for him. The dagger Wukin had given him, the one made with mana crysts being the one used to deflect the attack and released a sudden gout of flame in response to the block, singing the attacker's cloak unexpectedly. Causing the attacker to jump backward and take a defensive stance.

It was a test, he felt in his heart, in his head, but as he looked to his side, and saw a blade piercing through one of the other classmates completely, blood dripping from the wound onto the floor, the scent of coppery blood filling the lion's nose. He didn't think it could have been. This wasn't a test, they were going to kill them.

He grunted and shouted, most of the class hadn't been remotely prepared for combat. They all carried and wore their normal gear, of course, however, there was never, before this morning, a need for it. “Blades up, eyes forward. Magic heavy fighters behind melee." Towen shouted out as everyone tried to get their wits back about them.

Everyone was stunned at first, but Towen's shout roused them, and the group amidst the struggle set about getting into formation. They took up positions at the bottom of the classroom. Around the teacher's desk while the eight attackers stood on the bottom ring of the classroom.

Seven in front, seven behind, the melee fighters covering the mages. Only the one student who'd been impaled wasn't lined up with them, he was lying back flat on a desk, his lifeblood spilling onto it and the floor.

Towen let out a sudden roar, as he, Erth, Cagan, and Qurx worked together to push the line forward. Mazon was there as well. They got to where the student was wounded, thankfully the wound wasn't fatal, it had missed any important internals, and the melee-centric warriors focused on holding the line against the unknown assailants as the only healer the class had, Alaric, the wolf, was the only member who had light magic besides Azile.

Once the student's wounds were healed. Towen grunted. “You see an opening, take it. Magic users support melee. Disable if you can, kill if you must."

It took a bit, but, one by one the assailants were defeated. Either a blade in them deep enough to stop their movement, or wounds severe enough that they were caught and tied up.

As soon as the last attacker was bested, the door flew open, which Towen considered odd since it was locked just moments before.

Yehudiah stood in the doorway and smiled. Each of the bested fighters in cloaks then slowly took their cloaks off, revealing themselves to be the other teachers of other classes. Whatever was used to tie them up, almost immediately went slack and they were free.

Even the ones who had a weapon through their chest pulled it free with no concern, as blood seemingly poured from the wound, it immediately dissipated when Yehudiah clapped his hands once. Even the classmate who had been struggling with his wound from earlier was suddenly, completely, and fully healed, only the tears in their clothing remained as proof of the attack.

Yehudiah smiled at the class. “Marvelous. Absolutely marvelous. Towen, you immediately took charge." The archas looked so proud, but the lion didn't feel the same way.

Towen growled and pointed his sword at his teacher of the last nearly two years. “Have you lost your mind!?"

Yehudiah shook his head softly. “What? Oh." He laughs softly. “Forgive me. This was your exam. All but Femed have passed." He gestures to the one who had been injured and they had rescued. Towen didn't seem convinced and the Archas laughed. “None of you were in real danger of death. Didn't you think it odd as much blood as Femed lost, he didn't die?"

Towen did notice there was an….exceptional amount of blood on the floor where he'd been stabbed.

“A higher tier light spell, Archangels Mausuleam. No matter the harm inflicted, it is all undone and the blood loss is merely simulated. It'll all dissipate in a few minutes, once my mana's left the area. It's like a mana domain, I flood an area with my mana, and it can alter the area somewhat. I can alter some aspects of reality within it. Like wounds." He shrugs gently. "But it must be cast before the wounds are inflicted. I have no doubt all of you could achieve similar results with your unique talents."

Towen lowered his sword slowly. “Was Azile spared this test?"

Yehudiah nodded his head. “Ahh, yes, somewhat. Her circumstances came to light and she was not allowed to finish the class, her other duties took precedence."

Towen squinted at Yehudiah but nodded softly. “So this was the test? Trying to kill us?"

The other students seemed upset, but Yehudiah nodded. “It was. You shouldn't be complacent, nor feel you can let your guard down anywhere. Captain Ashbury paid with his life for underestimating a simple band of thugs." He looked to Towen. “I make it a point to drill these important lessons into my students. So that you don't meet the same fate someday."

Towen's ears flattened to his head, hearing the name of his former captain. He sheathed his blade though and nodded. “Sorry. I didn't know what to expect, but it wasn't this."

Yehudiah nods slowly. “It wouldn't be much of a test if you did. You took charge, however. I'm proud of you. All of you performed admirably. Femed, you may want to consider a different career path if you can't react to an ambush so quickly." The human grumbled and cursed quietly, crossing his arms over his chest.

Yehudiah came down and patted Towen on the shoulder. “We will speak later if you'd like." Towen nodded his head a little.

The class was unceremoniously ended. Yehudiah called each of the class members up and pinned a medal to their chest carefully. Each was promoted to captain. When it was Towen's turn, however, he wasn't just granted a medal, but one with a different symbol, similar to the others, but distinctly different. “As head of the class, you are given the distinction of exemplary knighthood and the rank of captain. Captain, first class." Towen wasn't sure what the difference was, it seemed arbitrary to him.

Towen's ears were red but he smiled, proud as could be of the distinction. He saluted Yehudiah, who saluted him back as did all the other teachers.

The rest of the day was spent in merriment. The teachers took turns each day, giving their class the exam, in which Yehudiah used Sanctified Prison before the assault, and as the spell took a lot out of him, it was only used once per day. It just happened to be Towen's class being tested today.

After their test they were allowed to celebrate in the classroom, food and drinks were provided, and even the headmaster, Elmasli attended, she spent most of the time congratulating those who passed, and advising about any who had failed. Whether to try again another time or urge them to seek out their true calling. Femed had considered his options and wanted to go back home to his family's farm in Rolwood.

After all was said and done. They were sent back to their dorms, and after some time, called to the headmaster's office to discuss their future after the academy.

The four friends all met in the halls however, only Towen hadn't been seen by headmistress Marblerock, he was likely to be last seen since he was the head of the class now. Erth was going to go back to his family in Macta with his new rank and improved skill, he wouldn't replace Fenian, but he'd at least be able to pitch in when needed, unless he wanted to transfer. He'd make an exceptional guard for the city. An unstoppable warrior when they needed one.

Cagan was eager to return home as well. He'd worked hard to improve his weapon skill, and of the class, his improvement was the quickest, but that was expected of an orc whose skill with weapons was frequently the stuff of legends, after all. Even if they were often vilified in history. He was sure his aunt would recognize his accomplishments and maybe train him to be the next chieftain when she retired.

Qurx was going to head back to Halfsea to see her sister, and

maybe see about working as an adventurer there. Her improved skill and tinkering prowess would likely make for an impressive adventurer.

After they all hugged briefly, a messenger was sent to collect Towen, he waved to his friends as they headed back to their dorms, likely to pack up and get ready for their journey home.

Towen was led to the headmaster's room. Inside was Yehudiah, Headmaster Marble Rock, and, surprisingly, Captain Fenian, the elven captain he'd met when he'd first arrived in the capital.

The three of them sat behind the desk, and Towen came to sit in front of them.

Headmistress Marblerock was the first to speak up. “Towen of Vrose, you've made a name for yourself here. The head of your class, took charge during the exam, and even stood up to Yehudiah after the exam." She grinned, her face beaming with pride. “Just what is expected of a captain. So, it's with full honors and signature of all three of us, that you are granted this promotion. Then we follow up with, what are your goals after this?"

Towen looks thoughtful for a moment. “Well, a friend of mine went missing while I was here. It's honestly been really hard to not run off and look for him after he disappeared."

He looks to the three. “Can I be candid with you?" The lion watched all three carefully.

Fenian looks to the other two and they nod, the elf putting his hand against the wall and concentrating quietly, ice comes from his fingertips and engulfs the room, every wall covered in frost. “Blessing of Kruos, frost of the north, expand my mana and block out any spying ears. Glacial Domain, Elven Citadel. There. I've sealed the room from scrying or spying. My mana is the only man in the room." Towen wasn't sure what he just witnessed, but that familiar feeling of mana, like when Yehudiah had used the archangel's mausoleum.

The headmistress then nods to Towen. “You may speak candidly, without judgment and, barring any crimes admitted to, without repercussion." She said softly, they didn't allow for any corruption, it was rooted out immediately and without mercy, even omission was seen as a punishable offense.

Towen nods his head a little. “My friend, Gurak, was at Whetstin." Fenian's eyes got big for just a split second, and he glanced at the other two. The headmistress and Yehudiah didn't react. Towen continued. “It wasn't a rumor. The inquisition was there. I can't tell you how I know, I'm sworn to secrecy, however, they were there. That is why he was there."

The others nod silently, Towen continued. “He'd learned the secret to dual enchantments in weapons and armor. I can't vouch for the validity of this. I wasn't there. Just what I've been told. He shared his secrets with a beastfolk who had settled there, a man named Darion." Elmasli nodded her head softly.

Towen continued still. “Somehow, the Inquisition got word of this. They've long held the secret to creating dual enchanted gear, albeit, it is only the one sword they house in their vaults, but it's a secret only they had, until recently."

Fenian nods his head. “It's closely guarded and only the highest ranking in the church know of the secret. What makes you so sure it was accurately reproduced."

Towen shakes his head. “I don't, however, I know Gurak. If there was anyone on this continent that could figure it out, it would have been him. I only knew him a few days but he performed more miracles in person than I've ever read about in books."

Yehudiah spoke up next. “You don't believe the rumors of a plague, or some magical experiment gone awry?" Towen hadn't heard that second rumor until now.

Towen shakes his head. “I have heard firsthand account, someone just miles from the city, where they said they followed Gurak to. The only remnant of Gurak's being there was the staff he often used in battle, the two axe heads were missing. Either washed away or disintegrated with everything else."

The headmistress spoke up next. “And you believe this account?"

Towen nods. “Wholeheartedly."

The nods and sighs. “Well, I appreciate this report, but we already knew." She said softly. “We knew of Gurak's involvement, of the inquisition, and Gurak's friends."

Towen looked concerned, his hand went to his blade hilt.

She put up her hand and shook her head. “Do not misunderstand. We are not on the side of the church. Fenian renounced them, publicly. Or he wouldn't be sitting in the room with us." Towen's eyes look to him and the elf nods.

“It's nice to hear corroboration, however. We had people investigate after the fact. They couldn't piece every detail together, but, we could tell the Inquisition was purging the city, letters mailed out from the place were intercepted, and we intercepted the Inquisition's thieves, there was no record of them, however. Hard to miss someone if they didn't exist, so the Inquisition never investigated us, at least not publicly."

“We had an inquisitor investigate the academy, you might recall the elven mage one month, that we had. Thankfully, no students roused suspicion, none that they made us aware of, at least."

Towen nods. “Is there anything to be done?"

The woman shook her head gently. “Even myself, in my position, can do nothing. I passed the reports up the chain of command, and unless the royal family makes it a priority, that's the end of it. The powers that be are aware." She sighed, obviously displeased with this turn of events, but she only had so much power. She couldn't defy royal decrees.

Towen sighs softly. “Well, I want to investigate the church." He states plainly. Looking the headmistress in the eye. “That's what my goal is now. To take down the inquisition." Towen said it with no hesitation, or fear in his heart.

The headmistress sat up and crossed her hands in front of yer. “That is no small goal."

Towen nods. “Nothing worth doing is ever easy."

The headmistress nodded her head softly. “Very well." She turned her head to look at the elven man. "Fenian. I can't authorize you to do anything. However, it is my recommendation, that Towen here is given special investigative authority. Only the Commander of the guard here in Macta can make such a special appointment."

Fenian nodded his head. “I feel I agree. So, as of this moment, Captain Towen. You are authorized, by the commander of Macta, to investigate the inquisition to the utmost of your ability. You will receive special dispensation and authority of captain first class, a rank above captain, giving you authority over captains in other cities on Otrad. You report solely and directly to me, do you understand?"

Towen didn't understand before, but he understood now. A captain was in charge of a city, but a captain first class was above that. Meaning he had higher authority than the other classmates he graduated with. The only one who was higher ranked was the commander. Or the nobles above that.

Towen blinked, then nodded. “Yes sir."

Fenian then looked to the other two, they nodded and he sighed. “Very well then. Your first assignment is already decided."

The lion looked at the three, tilting his head. “Already?" The elf nodded, it had been decided before he even came in the room, most likely. It was just a matter of getting to that point of the conversation. Regardless of his opinion of the church, he was going to be captain first class, Yehudiah had already named him as such in the classroom earlier that day.

The elf nods his head. “Your first assignment is the investigation, of the disappearance of the Princess of Macta, heir to the throne of Otrad, lady Elizabeth Macta." He watches the lion's face, then continues. “You might recall her has Azile, the swordswoman whom you often crossed blades with." The name meant nothing to Towen, at first.

Towen's facial expression changed immediately. Azile was the crown princess of Macta? She had been in class with him for almost 2 years and she was going to rule the country. She was hands down the best fighter he'd ever seen, up until he became Gurak's companion and his skills were boosted to match that. She was missing? A woman of her talent?

“You will pack your things, meet me at the barracks tomorrow morning, and then begin your investigation afterward," Fenian said.

Towen nodded his head, Fenian dispersed the magical ice barrier around the room and left quietly. His mind was racing. He'd shared a secret that shook his whole world, and then they'd dropped a bigger secret on him, Azile, the platinum-haired woman without equal was the princess of Macta and on top of everything, was missing. That's why she wasn't in class today.