Cyrus raised his staff as soon as the battle had started properly, and his initial action was to slash his staff in the direction of Russell. Ophilia followed up with a similar strike, though it was clear that neither one of them had been able to do significant damage with the attacks. It was going to take more than that for them to defeat their foe.
One of the icy wisps that Russell had summoned hit Ophilia next, and she felt cold mount around her body. She managed to break free before she could sustain too much damage, and she concentrated on utilizing the cold that had been sent in her direction. After a few moments of contemplation, Ophilia allowed the energy to burst forth from her fingertips towards Russell and the wisps.
Even though the magical wisps weren't all that impacted by having their own poison used against them, Russell certainly felt the sting of it, and he stumbled backwards thanks to the icy power. He pushed out a fire attack a moment later, but Cyrus managed to jump backwards before he could be hit. When he retaliated with a heated attack of his own, Cyrus watched as the wisps contorted under the effort that he had expelled.
"The wisps of ice magic are vulnerable to fire magic. Russell is weak to ice magic and staves," Cyrus told Ophilia as soon as she was close enough to hear him. She nodded in response before unleashing another attack of fire magic. The wisps struggled thanks to her strike, and Ophilia allowed this momentum to carry her into an icy blast in Russell's direction. She could tell that they were all starting to feel the weight of the attacks from Ophilia and Cyrus.
Both of the icy wisps attacked Ophilia, and she threw up her arms in a last ditch effort to defend herself. She ultimately took damage from the strike, and Cyrus was sent stumbling backwards when Russell reached for a book on the nearby table and threw it in his direction. Cyrus was careful to ensure that the tome was out of the line of fire before he whispered something under his breath and unveiled a strike of ice magic that hit Russell. Ophilia followed up with an attack of fire as soon as she was able to gather her bearings enough to fight back.
This combination of attacks left both the wisps and Russell vulnerable and struggling to find their composure. Cyrus closed his eyes and concentrated his energy enough to cast a spell of his own, and after a few whispered words, he was able to release an attack of ice. This time around though, there was something more to it, and every part of the room seemed to bow to Cyrus for a few precious moments, almost as if the space accepted that he was its master
A duo of icy attacks crept across the ground towards Russell, hitting the mage hard. Ophilia closed her eyes and pulled together the magic that she knew better than anything: light. Three columns of bright white illumination formed from nowhere before striking at the wisps and Russell, creating an explosion of sound. "O, sacred light!" Ophilia cried out above the chaos, and the Ember seemed to sing in response.
By the time that Cyrus had managed to shove a plum in his mouth to replenish the magical energy that was lost in the process of attacking Russell with so much energy, both Russell and the wisps had managed to recover. Russell threw a book at Ophilia this time, and she nearly slipped onto the rocks below. She pulled a plum and a grape from her bag at the same time before forcing herself to eat both at once. The tastes combined into something strange, but Ophilia knew that she didn't have time to linger on it.
"He's getting ready to charge up for a stronger attack!" Cyrus exclaimed as Ophilia gathered her bearings once again. Both Cyrus and Ophilia locked their eyes onto Russell, and Ophilia could feel the arcane energies slipping under Russell's influence. He was trying to get the power of the room under his control again after Cyrus' attack, but he wasn't anywhere near as Cyrus was where spell casting was concerned, and it was going to get all of them hurt if he wasn't careful. Russell was a specialist in fire magic as far as Ophilia could tell, and the last thing she wanted was for those flames to cause a catastrophe beneath Atlasdam.
Ophilia turned her attention to lashing out at Russell with ice before following up with a few harsh blows of her staff. Cyrus, on the other hand, seemed to come to life with a new type of energy, and a barrage of lightning spiraled free of his palms towards the wisps of icy magic. This shock was more than enough to leave them dazed.
Russell had more than enough of Ophilia's constant attacks against him, and he attempted to lash out with a strike of fire in her direction. She took in a deep breath before countering his spell with an ice blast of her own, and the two attacks canceled one another out with a resounding clap. The slamming effect was enough to send Russell sliding backwards across the ground, and his back hit the wall a moment later. Ophilia's boots skidded against the stones below, but she managed to catch herself before she tripped on anything.
"This is our chance!" Cyrus exclaimed. He took in a grounding breath before pushing out a strike of fire that hit the wisps hard. The icy beings were immediately consumed by the flare, and when the controlled smoke cleared, there was little left behind aside from a pair of snowflakes that quickly faded away due to the heat of the room. By some stroke of a miracle, Cyrus had managed to defeat the wisps of ice, meaning that Russell was the only one left for them to defeat.
Ophilia allowed the remembered chill of the Frostlands to seep into her bones, leaving her frozen inside and out. The magic that flew free of her fingers, while lacking the same refined and practiced grace of Cyrus' attacks, hit Russell head on. He was barely able to move since the ice was pinning him up against the wall.
Cyrus took a grounding breath before lashing out with an icy attack of his own. Two strikes flew free, piercing the air and aiding to Ophilia's previous lashing. Russell could barely move from his place pinned against the wall, and when he tried to move his hand to cast a flaming spell, nothing appeared aside from a sad pair of sparks that died out a moment later. The slump of Russell's body that followed immediately after showed that he was fully surrendering, and after a heavy moment where nobody dared to move, Ophilia allowed herself the chance to breathe. The air was so cold compared to the rest of the Flatlands, and had Ophilia not been used to it, the sensation would have been scathing.
Cyrus didn't seem to mind the chill either, and he held an aura of dignity that was impossible to replicate as he made his way towards Russell. His shoes clicked against the rocks below, and the edges of the stones had started to frost over from the chill. The fire in the hearth was on the verge of flickering out of existence as well. There was a small note of pride to Cyrus' gaze, though Ophilia knew that it was more related to finding the truth than being forced to fight against a colleague.
"I swear, I never meant to...! I just needed the money!" Russell cried out as Cyrus closed the distance between them. He continued to fight back desperately against his restraints despite understanding that he was no longer at risk of being attacked.
"That tome would fetch a small fortune. This is true," Cyrus told him with a hum. "And yet, did you not for a moment consider the consequences? In stealing that tome, you would steal from our students something more valuable than all the realm's riches. A grave crime no matter who would perpetrate it, but all the more unforgivable when committed by one who calls himself a scholar." He reached out towards the nearby table, and he picked up the book that had started all of this in the first place. "I had best not be hearing that you have done something of this nature again. Do you understand?"
When Russell responded with a nod and sorrowful, weary eyes, Cyrus exhaled carefully. The ice magic began to recede, and Russell fell to his hands and knees. Cyrus began to move around the study, gathering the other tomes that had been stolen but not yet sold. Most of them were rarely utilized from the main segment of the Royal Library, not valuable enough to be considered for safekeeping within the archives themselves. Ophilia watched Russell carefully, and he stared at her in return. She hid the Ember and Lanthorn under her cape against his critical gaze.
"Until we meet again," Cyrus told Russell. He walked for the exit of the study, and Ophilia trailed after him. She had a strange feeling that Russell wasn't going to be doing anything of this nature again, and though she had no solid evidence of such a suspicion, her instinct remained intact. She allowed it to push her onwards as she and Cyrus navigated their way out of the study.
When Cyrus and Ophilia finally arrived above ground, they looked to one another before letting out a shared sigh. "And so the case is resolved," Cyrus told Ophilia with a grand smile.
"I'm glad that we were able to take care of that before it could become an even larger issue," Ophlia said. The two of them began to walk into the lower part of town, and Ophilia reached into her bag to feel around for a healing grape. When her fingers closed around only two fruit, she realized why it was that Cyrus had guided her in this direction.
"All that remains is to return this tome to the library," Cyrus murmured. When they arrived at the store, Cyrus reached for leaves in his pocket before handing them to the clerk behind the counter. After a brief exchange, Cyrus thanked the cashier with a jovial smile as he placed the grapes within his own bag. He handed an extra two to Ophilia, and she gave him a grateful nod in response.
With their business in the lower area of town taken care of, the pair began to move back towards the library. Neither one of them spoke, instead allowing their casual pace to replenish their energy in the aftermath of the battle. Atlasdam was just as bustling as ever, and it didn't even seem to have noticed their absence in the first place.
After opening the door for them both, Cyrus entered the library and approached Mercedes' desk. Ophilia elected to stand nearby, not wanting to intrude on Cyrus' conversation with Mercedes. He sat the tomes down atop the desk and slowly slid them across the surface towards Mercedes.
"Well, I'll be! You actually did crack the case of the stolen book!" Mercedes cried out in surprise, lowering her voice as soon as she realized how loud she had been. She noticed that there were multiple volumes soon afterwards, and her shock seemed to keep her from asking any further questions on the matter.
"That I did. And yet, I fear this may not be the only volume our friend has purloined," Cyrus told her, addressing the other books in the stack.
"Russell has already confessed to the full extent of his crimes and revealed the names of his business associates. We need only track down the books and purchase them back," Mercedes replied, a grin on her face. "I'll speak to the guards and see that we redouble the security of the archives." Cyrus was left to wonder just how long it had taken for him and Ophilia to make their way through Atlasdam before returning to the library, but he ultimately cast the thought aside. The issue had been resolved, and that was what mattered.
As Mercedes began to check off the books that had been returned, Cyrus frowned. She was looking at a register of the tomes that had gone missing, and there was still one that she had yet to mark as having come back to the library. "What's this? It says that there's another book still missing. Did that scoundrel of a scholar steal this one as well?" he questioned.
Mercedes' eyes scanned across the page. "Ah, From the Far Reaches of Hell. No, I can assure you that he did not," she told him. "It's been missing some fifteen years now. Russell's aggressive borrowing only extends some two years back."
"I see... So this volume was lost-or stolen-long before that," Cyrus murmured, more to himself than Mercedes. His hand managed to find a home against his chin, a regularity sign of his curiosity manifesting.
Mercedes nodded her confirmation. "Right as always, Professor," she said, unwilling to interfere with Cyrus' moment of self-indulgence. Nothing could get through to him when he had such a moment.
However, much to Mercedes' surprise, this phase didn't last long. After a moment of contemplation, Cyrus pressed his shoulders back. "Pray tell me more about From the Far Reaches of Hell,"he requested.
Mercedes closed her eyes before responding. "According to our records, it would seem to be a compendium of ancient rites and long-lost magics. If I am not mistaken, it was the single oldest volume housed in our archives. Needless to say, it was a tremendous loss."
Cyrus perked up at her words. "Oho! Yet another mystery, it would seem..."
Before either one of them had a chance to continue their conversation, the door to the library opened, and Ophilia nearly jumped out of her skin. Lucia walked inside, casting a judgmental gaze in Ophilia's direction. A moment later, her mercurial gaze returned to Cyrus. "Professor Albright. The headmaster would speak with you at once," she told him, her voice lacking in anything resembling emotion.
"Again? What could it be this time?" Cyrus questioned. Lucia didn't dignify him with a response, instead leaving the library with the same long glance at Ophilia that she had offered previously.
"Perhaps he plans to commend you for your role in apprehending the library thief," Mercedes offered, though it was clear by the half-hearted way she provided the commentary that she didn't fully believe in her words either.
Cyrus shook his head. "I have no interest in accolades. But if he insists..." he muttered. He began to follow Lucia out of the library, and Ophilia started to follow him. He allowed her to trail after him, and while she was lacking in comprehension as to the full situation, she remained ever at his side, not believing this to be the best time for a farewell.
After they were out in the square, Cyrus turned to Ophilia. "You should stay here. The Royal Academy may not take kindly to your arrival, Flamebearer or otherwise," he told her carefully, his previous frustration melting away. "I'll reunite with you here shortly."
Ophilia nodded, and Cyrus followed in Lucia's footsteps towards the Royal Academy. His mind was racing with a lack of understanding, and before he knew it, he had arrived outside the door to Yvon's office. In his opinion, he had reached his destination all too soon. Cyrus felt as if there was something wrong that he hadn't yet been made aware of, and he hated the way his stomach was already starting to twist with nerves.
Lucia was waiting for him already, and she knocked her fist gently against the door. "I've brought Professor Albright as asked, sir," she said in her typical monotone voice. She refused to meet Cyrus' eyes.
"Good. Enter."
Yvon's words cued Lucia to open the door, and Cyrus followed her quietly. Yvon was standing in front of his desk, and somehow, that was a worse sign than seeing him behind the wooden structure. "Thank you, Lucia," he said, voice startlingly even.
Cyrus dared to venture a step forward. "Yes, Headmaster? What can I do for you?" When Yvon responded by clearing his throat, Cyrus felt his stomach sink into his feet. This wasn't about respect or commendation at all. There was something far more serious at play, and he didn't know if he wanted to know what it was.
"Professor Albright, a most troubling report has reached my ears," Yvon began. His voice was a slow drawl that made it clear that there was more to this than met the eye.
"A report, sir?" Cyrus questioned cautiously, suddenly incredibly aware of how loud his heartbeat sounded in his ears. He pleaded with his body to quiet the siren of his darkest nightmares.
When Yvon walked towards Cyrus, he began to speak, his frustration mounting with each passing word. "An anonymous source claims that you have abused your prestigious position to enter into an illicit relationship with Her Highness the Princess," he said, his crimson eyes gleaming.
Cyrus stumbled backwards by a foot or so in his surprise. "And you believed this report, sir?" he asked, unwilling to believe that this was the case. He knew that the report was false, but that didn't stop him from feeling the sickening claws of paranoia dig into his mind and body.
"If it is untrue, then say so," Yvon instructed of him, eyes narrowing. His words were beyond critical, the phrase jagged and harsh beyond explanation. His previous animosity towards Cyrus had only been magnified by these words, it seemed.
Cyrus' anguish began to mount before releasing itself as an exclamation. He couldn't tell if he was more upset with the one who had started the rumor or Yvon himself for believing that he would ever stoop to such lows as abuse of authority. "Why it is unfounded, unsubstantiated balderdash of the highest order!"
Yvon began to walk towards the window, his gaze uncaring as to Cyrus' please. "I would like to take your words at face value, Professor, but I fear the situation is not so simple," he said. "A rumor about the royal family, even an 'unsubstantiated' one such as this, is sure to spread quickly." The way that he highlighted Cyrus' word was almost sickening, and it seemed as if he enjoyed saying it much more than he had any right to. "If we do not take swift action, Princess Mary's good name could be forever sullied. That is something that simply cannot be allowed to happen. Surely, you understand."
"And so what do you intend to do with me, sir?" Cyrus asked, hating the way that his voice was starting to rise in rage and panic. Yvon's words made it clear that he couldn't remain in Atlasdam, and the idea felt like a punch to the stomach in his moment of anguish.
"It is not an easy decision to make," Yvon replied nonchalantly, ultimately uncaring as to Cyrus' plight. He walked towards the scholar, his eyes unreadable with something critical. "Dismissing you outright would be tantamount to an admission of guilt."
Lucia took a step towards them, her skirt swishing along the way. "If I may be so bold, Headmaster... How about a sabbatical? Professor Albright is put on extended leave while official accounts state that he's doing fieldwork in a distant land."
Yvon turned to Cyrus. "What say you, Cyrus? This way, both the academy's reputation and your own will remain intact." His tone was as uncaring as always, making it clear that he thought of Lucia's words as simply a convenience more than anything else.
Cyrus' hands clenched into fists as he looked up to Yvon with anger boiling over. "My reputation?" he echoed.
"Do we have a problem, Professor?" Yvon asked immediately, making it clear that he wouldn't be taking any objections or criticism. A glare manifested in his eyes as he watched Cyrus critically.
Cyrus allowed himself a smile, his pragmatism taking full effect. Perhaps his wish to spite Yvon was a factor in it, but Cyrus would have never admitted this aloud. He had to remain professional, especially given the claims leveled against him. However, Cyrus didn't dare to say any of this. "Not at all, Headmaster. On the contrary, this might prove the perfect opportunity," he said instead.
"Opportunity?" Yvon scoffed. "For what?"
"As a matter of fact, there is a subject which has piqued my interest as of late," Cyrus told his superior. "I was just wondering when I might find the time to do a bit of research in the field. I think I will set forth on a journey." Cyrus left out the part about how he was searching for the tome that had disappeared fifteen years prior, and he was certain to not mention that this would involve joining Ophilia on the Kindling. She had wished to keep this information quiet, and he was more than glad to follow her wishes. As a bonus, Cyrus knew that this would be the only way that he would be able to share his findings with the public given Yvon's obsession with knowledge, power, and everything that bridged the two.
"Is that so?" Yvon questioned carefully. His eyes crossed in a seamless motion that showed his true power over Cyrus, a strength that was disintegrating with each passing moment. "Do tell, Professor. What is it that you intend to investigate?"
"As regards a certain tome. Now, if you will forgive me, I must begin packing for my journey," Cyrus told him. "Good day to you, Headmaster." With a pivot on his heel and a swish of his cape, Cyrus left the room. The door closed behind him with a flourish.
Yvon waited until Cyrus was gone before shaking his head. "An enigma as ever, that one," he muttered. Lucia only hummed her response before silence fell upon the room, the weight of the agreement hanging heavily in the air.
It wasn't until after Cyrus had arrived out in the square once again that he saw anyone else of note. Ophilia, who had been waiting for him on a bench, got to her feet. "You're back!" she cried out.
"I have good news for you, Ophilia," Cyrus told her, a smile spreading across his face. Even when accused of such dreadful acts, he managed to find the best of the situations around him. "I will be joining you on the Kindling after all. Let us simply say that I have been given reason to depart from Atlasdam."
Ophilia's eyes shot up in surprise, and she was on the verge of asking him for the truth when a voice cried out Cyrus' title. Both Ophilia and Cyrus perked up, and when they turned their heads, they could see Therese navigating through the crowd towards them. Ophilia took a respectful step back, allowing Therese to move closer to Cyrus.
"Oh, Therese," Cyrus said simply. "What is it?" Anyone could see that he was distracted with his plan to explain their departure to Ophilia, but he did his best to concentrate on the conversation at hand.
"I... I heard that you were leaving the academy," Therese told him, and Ophilia let out a silent gasp, surprised but unwilling to interrupt. Given Cyrus' previous attachment to the academy, this was the last thing she expected.
Cyrus arched an eyebrow, curious as to how she had managed to acquire such information so quickly. "Then you heard true," he told her, refusing to voice his suspicion openly quite yet.
Therese gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. "P-Professor... I... I'm so sorry!" she cried out after spending a few moments fumbling for words.
Realization dawned on Cyrus' face. Suddenly, Therese knowing the truth so soon made much more sense. "I see. So you were the source of the rumor."
Ophilia's eyes flickered back and forth between the two as Therese continued. "You... You knew?" Therese squeaked in fear, her eyes a shadow of their former bright selves.
"Not until just this moment, when you apologized," Cyrus replied. His eyes slipped into something that resembled deep hurt and disappointment, enough to break anyone's heart. "And yet, I cannot fathom your motive. Why would you tell such a terrible lie?"
Therese took a step back, her eyes falling to the ground as she refused to meet his gaze. "You're always helping Her Highness. Answering her every question, doing whatever she needs... I just wanted you to pay more attention to me," she confessed.
"And that's why you went to the headmaster?" Cyrus questioned.
Therese nodded hesitantly. "Y-Yes... But I... I just wanted to get you in a little trouble..." she murmured. "I didn't think they would... I am so sorry, Professor. Can you ever forgive me?"
Cyrus shook his head with a comforting smile. "Worry not, my dear. It just so happens that I was looking for a good excuse to go on a journey," he assured her. He cast a brief glance in Ophilia's direction, and the cleric forced her mouth shut upon realizing that she had been staring slack jawed.
"You were?" Therese asked in disbelief.
"For some time now, I've wanted to travel the realm and see what can be learned beyond these halls," Cyrus explained. "I daresay the timing couldn't have been better. You see, there are certain matters that I simply can't wait to investigate. So fret not, my girl. If anything, you've done me a favor. Besides... I am not entirely without fault in the matter."
Therese tilted her head to the side, prompting Cyrus to continue. "Indeed, I have not been as attentive to you as I should. Had I realized your true intentions sooner, I would not be in this position," he elaborated.
Therese's hand covered her mouth, and her cheeks went pink with blush. "P-Professor... Whatever do you-"
"If only I had realized how devoted you are to your studies, my dear girl!" Cyrus exclaimed.
Therese's face fell. "My... Studies."
"I have always striven to treat all my students equally. And yet, Her Highness was always eager to ask questions, and I was all too eager to answer them. In doing so, I may have given the impression that I favored her above you and my other students. This was not my intention, but I am at fault all the same," Cyrus said. He looked down with a light smile. "Yes... If only I had seen you for the ardent and devoted young scholar you are!"
Therese was silent for a long moment before she spoke once more. "Um... Professor?" When he inclined his head in her direction. "Perhaps you're not quite as sharp as I thought you were..." Cyrus expressed confusion for a moment before she shook her head. "Never mind."
"In that case, I should be off. Pray do not shirk your studies, my girl!" Cyrus proclaimed grandly.
"Yes, Professor..." Therese nodded. Her gaze found Ophilia, and a twinge of jealousy manifested in her pale irises before she forced herself to concentrate on Cyrus once again. "Will... Will I ever see you again?"
"I do not see why not," Cyrus chuckled. "Provided we both still live." He waved to her before walking into the lower segment of Atlasdam, and Ophilia risked a brief glance at Therese before following him.
Therese took a few steps in the direction of Cyrus and Ophilia, one hand reaching out for Cyrus. After a few moments, she retreated, her eyes falling to the ground. She stared at the last place that she had seen Cyrus for a long while, simply letting the crowd move around her. Time was forgotten, and after a handful of lengthy seconds, tears began to hit the cobbled ground at her feet.
It wasn't until after Cyrus had packed that he and Ophilia found themselves at the gates of Atlasdam. The full story had been shared with Ophilia, and she watched him carefully with wide blue eyes. "Are you sure that you want to come with me?" she questioned. "The Kindling isn't going to be an easy journey..."
"We're already acquainted, aren't we?" Cyrus asked. "I've always wanted to see the Kindling for myself, and while we are together, I can search for the missing tome that I mentioned previously. We can work together, and perhaps I can teach you more about magic along the way. I'll be looking forward to getting to know you better."
"Alright," Ophilia said with a nod. "We should make for Rippletide next. If all goes well, we can arrive by nightfall... Where is it that you will be going next? Do you have any leads as to where this tome can be found?"
"My former colleague, Odette, knows more about the arcane than any other person I have met. She currently resides in Quarrycrest," Cyrus replied. "If we just so happen to find ourselves in the Cliftlands, we can pay her a visit. For the time being, let us set out for Rippletide."
Ophilia smiled in his direction, and the two began to walk through the gates of Atlasdam and into the unknown. The red banners of Atlasdam's bridge flapped in the wind, a beacon of pride and new beginnings. The Flatlands stretched out before them, and Cyrus and Ophilia prepared to brace the world together.
However, unbeknownst to them both, a figure lived in the shadows watching their journey's earliest stages unfold. Darkness seemed to cling to their cape, and when they were certain that they had not been seen, they continued to walk forward. Their intentions were unknown to all, and Cyrus and Ophilia pressed on, ignorant as to the potential danger that thrived behind them. All that mattered was moving onwards together, creating a team that they hadn't expected but loved regardless. Their adventure was beginning anew then and there, and both of them were in love with the mere concept.
And so ends Cyrus' first chapter! Hell yeah! I told you guys that I would be updating again this week!
Here's the part where Yvon's suspicious behavior during Cyrus' investigation makes sense. Plus, we're able to see some of the integration of the other characters into dialogue. There wasn't much of it given that Ophilia is shy and doesn't want to interrupt (plus she didn't need to be there for a lot of the content), but there will be more in future chapters.
In all honesty, this chapter primarily speaks for itself, and I loved writing the extra tidbits of Ophilia and Cyrus between all of the action. They've got a nice dynamic that feels a lot like a student and a teacher, fitting given Cyrus' occupation. They're a great magical duo, to say the least.
However, they won't be a duo for much longer, as next time, we'll be getting into Tressa's first chapter! Until that time comes, I hope you've enjoyed this chapter. Feedback is always appreciated. Have a nice day, everyone! I'm off to bed since it's, once again, four in the morning, and I need some sleep. Until we meet again!
-Digital