Chapter 1
It was a typical day at Ravenwood, School of the Magical Arts. Diviners sat sifting through their decks for the optimal cards, Theurgists tended to their potted plants in the dorms, the odd Conjurer was reviewing summon spells in preparation for a final administered by Professor Cyrus Drake, famous for his impossible standards. One would think it wise to not draw wizards away from what was already an unpopular school of magic, but Professor Drake had a different mindset.
Meanwhile, a small crowd of Thaumaturgists had gathered outside of Professor Greyrose's class, their chatter disrupting the usual tranquility of Ravenwood. But what was most unusual was the object of their fixation: a scrawled note tacked to the entrance door…
"A bounty? What the hell do they think this place is, Skull Island?" a particularly fiery boy shouted.
"If I wanted to kill, I'd study Fire instead."
"Exactly! Why the fuck would this be on our final?"
"Professor Greyrose!" A small girl attempted to open the Ice School's doors, but they seemed frozen shut.
Along the outskirts of the crowd, a shy-looking boy was attempting to steal a peek at the note. However, he had to slip by the more agitated wizards in order to see more clearly. Suddenly, a sharp push sent him stumbling through the mass of wizards.
"Get lost, Aaron. This note obviously wasn't written to you."
Aaron, shaking from the sudden jolt, turned to see Zachary's wolfish face sneering at him. "Only real wizards go up against Wraiths."
Aaron, red faced from his stumble, muttered, "like I haven't met a ghost before." He turned suddenly from Zach to slide in front of a row of people. From here, he could read the note clearly:
Class,
First of all, I'm sorry about postponing instruction today. Something urgent has come up. However, I have begun formulating your final, which will take place both in and outside of class.
On another note, Headmaster Ambrose has made a most peculiar statement: any young wizard who finds (and defeats) a Wraith will receive a reward. As we are very close to finals, I am inclined to consider it towards your grade.
Best wishes,
Lydia Greyrose
Dumbstruck, he backed away from the note. Other wizards pushed him aside, eager to gawk at it another time, as if the words would magically be rewritten and appear even more surprising.
But Zach was right: as Aaron was, he had absolutely no chance of killing a wraith. Wait, aren't Wraiths and such already dead? Wouldn't I have to evaporate it or something- maybe a Wyvern would work?
"I know what you're thinking, and one of your basic-level spells wouldn't do the trick."
Aaron turned, fearing Zach had come back to taunt him, but relaxed when he realized it was only Alia, a friendly Pyromancer. She must have come over out of curiosity; Ice students are usually fairly reserved. Some of them gave her a wide girth.
"But Alia, why do we even have to kill anything before graduation? Wizard City is fairly safe from monsters", he whined, under Alia's warm gaze.
"That may be so for now, but we need to prepare for the real world. I mean, come on, Aaron. We aren't going to be students forever. I know as you are, you wouldn't last a day in Marleybone, let alone Dragonspyre." Let's be honest, even considering school effectiveness, she added. By now, Aaron was feeling very embarrassed.
"Fine! You don't think I can do it, Zach doesn't think I can do it, I'll show the both of you! I may have low resistance for an Ice wizard, but what does it matter? I can do just as much damage as a Diviner with the proper support!" He huffed and puffed, and by now, the whole of the Ice school was feeling embarrassment. Onward he stormed, toward the tunnel to the Commons, feet stomping hard on the pavement.
"I think there are still a few mechanical men left in Golem Court. May be a bit dented, but they should be at your pace!" Zachary's shouts echoed through the tunnel.