Xilarion turned and met my eyes. Kegohr and Vesma gaped at the masters upon the field, and I forced off a wave of trepidation as the weight of the guildmaster’s words sank in.
We were about to square off against Radiant Dragon’s most powerful Augmenters.
Chapter Three
I stood up, buckled the Sundered Heart to my side, and secured the Depthless Dream beside the Demure Rebirth on my back. The crowd roared their approval as I stepped down beside Kegohr and Vesma. The pair sat frozen in fear. Vesma’s gaze darted from the masters below, to me, and back again in a panicked rush. Kegohr shook his head and murmured something to himself.
Their fear was infectious, but I couldn’t let it slow me down.
“We’re up, guys,” I said. “It’s time.”
“We can’t fight against them,” Vesma stammered. “They’re too powerful.”
“It’s Guildmaster Xilarion,” Kegohr added. “We’ve seen him in action. There’s no way we can win.”
I fought off my own nerves and laid a hand on both of their shoulders.
“It’s not like we’re fighting for our lives,” I said firmly. “They’re not going to kill us in front of everyone here. Come on, we’ve fought off tidal wyrms, armies of demons, attacked a fucking castle, and defeated an entire guild before.”
Kegohr shifted uncomfortably. “Sure, but it’s not the same. These are our teachers.”
“Which is exactly why we need to show them what we’ve learned,” I argued. “Think back to the Diamond Coast, or Hyng’ohr. You didn’t even blink when it came to a fight.”
“He’s right,” Kumi said. “This is but a test, not a duel to the death.”
Mahrai rolled her eyes. “Stop being a pair of startled cats.”
Vesma gritted her teeth before springing to her feet. Kegohr stood a moment later, and another flash of pride raced through me. No one wanted to be shown up in front of a huge crowd against their teachers, but they were willing to face their fears and risk losing in front of thousands.
“Besides,” I said, “you’ve both taught me a lot about honor. What’s more honorable than the masters allowing us to showcase our skills with a packed-out arena? Let’s show them what we’re made of.”
Kegohr and Vesma shared a look before they nodded to me.
“Lead the way,” Kegohr said. “We’re right behind you.”
I jumped over the wall, landed on the sandy floor of the arena, and heard the others follow me. Adulation spilled from the audience like a tidal wave as we crossed the training ground. Xilarion, Rutmonlir, and Faryn watched us approach.
“Kegohr, you take Rutmonlir,” I said quietly. “Vesma, you handle Faryn. I’ll do my best to keep Xilarion from ending the battle before it gets started.”
“Do you really think we can do this?” Vesma asked.
“I know you can,” I replied confidently. “Don’t be afraid to go all-out. They’ll be pulling their punches, but it doesn’t mean that we need to. They have the advantage of experience and finer control over Augmenting, so we’ll need to give everything we’ve got.”
“Gods above,” Kegohr muttered. “Have you even seen Rutmonlir? They say he’s not a Wild, but he must have some monstrous blood to be so huge.”
“Small fry beside a stone golem,” I countered. “Smarter, sure, but not as strong.”
I wasn’t entirely sure Rutmonlir was weaker than the golem, but I figured a little white lie would help boost Kegohr’s confidence.
“The sooner we’re done,” Vesma said, “the happier I’ll be.”
Vesma came to stand across from Faryn, and the elf master’s expression tightened. Kegohr settled opposite Rutmonlir while I stood in front of Xilarion and met his pleased expression with a smile.
We bowed to the masters as one.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to test ourselves, Masters,” I said.
Xilarion’s smile widened before he turned to face the crowd again, projecting his voice. “The rules of the match are as follows: each Outer Disciple must retain the ability to fight after three minutes of combat. Augmentation, martial prowess, and weapon skills are all permitted. At the sound of the gong, the hourglass will turn, and the bout shall begin.”
“And if we lose?” Kegohr asked.
“Then you’ll stay as Outer Disciples,” Rutmonlir said.
“Forever?” Vesma asked, her mouth gaping.
Rutmonlir grinned. “You scared, missy?”
“Hardly.” All sign of fear had fled from Vesma, and her jaw hardened in determination.
Fire blazed over Kegohr’s fur as he set his shoulders and met the beastmaster’s mocking gaze. Vesma spun her spear, tested the weight, and held it close to her side. I unsheathed the Sundered Heart and lifted the Depthless Dream from its harness on my back.
“We didn’t sit through your bloody classes to remain Outer Disciples,” Kegohr said before adding, “respectfully, Master.”
Rutmonlir bellowed. “You’ve got a lot of spirit, don’t you?” He glanced over my harness. “You’re keeping the leather in good condition.”
I inclined my head. “It’s perfect, Master. It’ll help us kick your asses.” He had made the harness for me after we had returned from Hyng’ohr. I smiled at him. “Respectfully, Master,” I added.
Rutmonlir laughed. “You bunch have made a name for yourselves outside the guild. It’s time you showed the people of Flametongue Valley exactly why.”
“Best of luck,” Faryn said to Vesma.
“With all due respect, Master, I didn’t get this far on luck,” Vesma replied tightly.
Xilarion didn’t speak to me, but his amused expression suggested that he enjoyed the banter. He dropped his hand to the katana at his waist, then lifted his other hand. I tensed like a track runner waiting for the starting gunshot.
The gong echoed over the stadium. Our newest trial began.
I fired an Untamed Torch through the pathways in my legs, and fire spurted from my feet, propelling me toward Xilarion like a bullet train. He stepped aside easily and drew his blade. I jammed my feet into the sand, slid to a halt, and whipped the Depthless Dream around. Crashing Wave surged through my trident and formed into a high-pressure jet of water. Xilarion held up a hand and met my technique with a pencil-thin beam
