B4: Chapter 10: Reunions on the Battlefield

Chapter 10: Reunions on the Battlefield

My tendrils carved through another squad of Kingdom soldiers blocking the main corridor, their screams echoing off stone walls as I pressed deeper into the Academy. Blood spattered my midnight robes, though none of it was mine. The invaders had learned to fear the sound of my approach: the whisper of silk against stone, the metallic scrape of weapons emerging from my spine.

The infirmary lay ahead, its heavy oak doors barricaded from within. I could hear voices beyond, tense and frightened. My Mind Sight swept through the walls, revealing a cluster of students and faculty huddled inside. Many bore wounds, some severe enough to threaten their lives.

I knocked gently on the door, mindful of my strength. This is Vardiel. I'm here to help.

Shuffling footsteps approached, followed by hushed arguments. The door cracked open, revealing a young human student whose face went pale at the sight of my towering form. His hand trembled on his sword hilt.

"It's okay!" a familiar voice called from deeper within. "Let her in!"

The door swung wide as Genta pushed past the nervous guard. The goblin girl looked exactly as I remembered (light green skin, dark hair, those distinctive orange spots across her nose) but her stance carried new confidence. She wore the gold trim of a Rank A student across her Academy uniform.

Without hesitation, she rushed forward and wrapped her arms around my waist in an enthusiastic hug. I carefully returned the embrace, acutely aware of the vast difference in our sizes.

"Vardiel!" she exclaimed, pulling back to look up at me. "By the Ancestors! You've gotten way too tall. I practically need a ladder to hug you properly now."

Despite everything happening around us, I found myself smiling. How are you doing, Genta?

She smirked, that familiar expression lighting up her yellow eyes. "Oh, you know, aside from the murderous invasion and all that, things have been going pretty well."

The casual way she delivered the comment drew startled laughter from several nearby students.

"Come on," she continued, gesturing for me to follow. "House Gutter became an official chapter house of the Academy about six months ago. One of the most popular ones, actually. Most of the students guarding this place are our members."

As we moved deeper into the infirmary, I noted the defensive positions the students had established. They'd barricaded windows, positioned archers at key chokepoints, and organized supply stations for weapons and medical materials. Despite their youth, they displayed tactical awareness that would impress seasoned soldiers.

"Vardiel!" Two more familiar voices called out simultaneously.

Patter and Yulios emerged from behind a row of sickbeds, their faces lighting up with genuine joy. Patter had grown even taller, an impressive feat considering she'd already towered over most students. Her muscular frame showed the results of years of training, and she carried herself with the confidence of a seasoned warrior. Yulios had filled out his massive frame, no longer the shy giant I remembered.

I reached out and gently patted each of their shoulders, careful not to use too much force. It's wonderful to see you both.

Activating Analyze, I examined their status screens. Patter had reached level 40, her Spearman class refined through countless battles. Yulios stood at level 38, his Axeman abilities honed to lethal precision. Most impressive of all, Genta had achieved level 44.

Congratulations on reaching such high levels, I told them. You've all grown tremendously.

Genta smacked my arm playfully, though I barely felt the impact. "You're one to talk! I tried using Analyze on you, but I can't even read your levels. The system just shows question marks."

Her expression grew more serious as she leaned closer, lowering her voice to a whisper. "That means what I think it means, doesn't it?"

I gave her a solemn nod.

All three of them stared at me with something approaching awe. Patter's mouth fell open slightly, while Yulios took an unconscious step backward. Genta's yellow eyes widened as the implications sank in.

We'll talk about it later, I assured them. Right now, I need to know about the situation here.

Genta shook herself out of her stunned state, refocusing on the immediate crisis. "Some of the teachers managed to gather students at the library initially. They were forming a proper defense, organizing the different year groups into combat units. But then..." Her expression darkened with anger. "House Swords betrayed them. Led Kingdom troops right to their position."

"The attack was devastating," Patter added, her voice tight with barely controlled fury. "They hit the library from multiple directions simultaneously. The students who survived scattered in complete disarray."

"We got separated from Annes, Copelan, Sven, and Loland when we ran," Yulios continued, his normally gentle demeanor replaced by grim determination. "We tried finding them, but the halls were crawling with too many bad guys."

"So we focused on what we could do," Genta finished. "Gathered up as many students as we could find, especially the injured ones, and led them here to the infirmary. We've been holding this position ever since."

I felt a surge of pride at their resourcefulness and leadership. You've done extraordinarily well, especially under such circumstances. Many lives have been saved because of your actions.

"We learned from the best," Genta replied with a slight smile.

I was about to respond when movement across the infirmary caught my attention. A thin figure moved from sickbed to sickbed, his hands glowing with the soft light of healing magic. Brown hair, simple mustache, familiar nervous energy, though now he seemed more confident than I remembered.

My heart leaped with recognition and joy.

Harke!

I rushed toward him, perhaps too enthusiastically. Before he could react, I had swept him up in a careful but exuberant embrace. Even trying to be gentle, my divine strength was obviously too much for his frail frame.

Harke! I projected mentally, unable to contain my excitement.

He gasped and cringed as I held him, his breathing becoming labored. Realizing my mistake, I quickly set him down and stepped back, giving him space to recover.

After catching his breath, he looked up at me with wonder and amazement. No Eyes? Is that really you?

The mental voice startled me. Harke was using Mind Speech, something I hadn't expected. I recalled the injuries he'd suffered when Lyman Redflight's thugs had abducted him, most notably his severed tongue.

I nodded confirmation.

Oh, but you're going by Vardiel now, aren't you? he continued. Your friends told me everything. I'm so glad that you've recovered your memories.

I'm sorry I wasn't there when you woke up, I replied, guilt creeping into my mental voice.

Harke just laughed, a sound I could hear both aloud and through our mental connection. As I said, your friends explained everything. I understood the importance of your leaving. You had greater responsibilities to attend to.

I didn't know you had learned Mind Speech.

He shrugged, a gesture that seemed more confident than his old nervous mannerisms. Without a tongue, I couldn't speak. And without speaking, I couldn't be a decent healer. Patients need reassurance, instruction, communication during treatment.

How did you manage to learn it?

I took what I knew of your ability for mental speech and practiced relentlessly. It took months of meditation, mental exercises, trial and error. But it was well worth the effort. His mental voice carried a note of pride. The best part is that I don't stutter anymore.

The self-deprecating joke caught me completely off guard. I burst out laughing uproariously, the sound like musical chimes that filled the entire infirmary. Students and faculty throughout the room turned to stare at the source of the unusual noise. I quickly stifled my mirth, though I couldn't suppress my wide smile.

I'm so happy to see you again, Harke. You were my first friend in this world, and I will always regard you dearly.

His face softened with genuine warmth. I never got to properly thank you for saving me from Lyman's thugs. For everything you did.

Thanks aren't necessary. After all, you saved me first during our time in Qordos.

I looked around the infirmary, taking in the full scope of injured students. Many bore serious wounds: deep gashes, broken bones, burns from magical attacks. The sight filled me with cold rage toward the Kingdom forces responsible.

I hate to cut our reunion short, but I have something urgent to take care of.

Harke nodded with understanding. You're going to stop the invasion.

I am.

Good, he replied firmly. There are many good people in this Academy who don't deserve to suffer for political games.

You're a student here now?

His expression brightened slightly. Technically, yes. Headmaster Harmony named me an Honorary Student due to my relationship with you, the now-legendary Widow of the Academy. I don't know how, but for some reason my advancement in levels has skyrocketed since I've been here. I'm now a level 29 Healer.

I grinned, understanding immediately. I'll explain that later.

Harke nodded, then turned to look at Genta, Patter, and Yulios, who had been watching our reunion with interest and patience.

I understand, he continued. You're a protector by nature. You protected the slaves of Qordos, the villagers of Weath. It's no surprise that you're now protecting the students of the War Academy.

He reached out and patted my hand with gentle affection. Go do what you need to do. I pity all the enemies who stand against you.

Keep everyone safe, old friend.

Always, he replied with conviction.

As I turned to leave, Genta, Patter, and Yulios fell into step beside me. The goblin girl looked up at me with determination blazing in her yellow eyes.

"Where do you need us?" she asked simply.

The fierce determination in Genta's yellow eyes almost made me reconsider, but I shook my head.

I need you three to stay here, I said firmly. You're the highest-level students in this group. Without you, the infirmary becomes defenseless.

Patter's grip tightened on her spear. "We can handle ourselves in a fight. You know that."

I do know that. Which is exactly why you're staying here. I gestured toward the wounded students scattered throughout the infirmary. These people can't protect themselves. If Kingdom soldiers break through, you three are their only hope.

Yulios shifted his massive frame, clearly torn between duty and desire to fight alongside me. "But Vardiel, you shouldn't face them alone-"

I won't be alone for long, I interrupted. Captain Marca is gathering combat students at the southern arena. But until then, someone needs to hold the critical positions. The infirmary is one of them.

Genta's expression softened with understanding, though frustration still flickered in her features. "You're right. We'll keep them safe."

I know you will. I placed a hand on her shoulder, feeling the weight of leadership she'd grown into. Besides, if things go badly, you three are the ones I trust to organize an evacuation.

Patter nodded grimly. "We won't let you down."

You never have.

With that settled, I strode from the infirmary, my silk robes billowing as I emerged into the corridor. The absence of my friends felt strange after our reunion, but I pushed the sentiment aside. They had their mission; I had mine.

The hallways stretched before me like arteries through the Academy's body, and I extended my Mind Sight to its fullest range. The ability swept through walls and floors, mapping every room, every corridor, every hiding place within my perception. Empty lecture halls. Abandoned dormitories. Storage rooms where terrified students huddled in darkness.

And soldiers. Always more soldiers.

I moved through the Academy like a predator stalking prey, my enhanced speed carrying me silently across stone floors. When my Mind Sight detected a patrol of Kingdom troops, I would appear behind them like death incarnate. My tendrils would emerge from my robes, dragon heads snapping and tearing through armor as if it were parchment. Some soldiers managed screams before they died. Most didn't get the chance.

Between kills, I guided frightened students toward safer areas, directing them to join larger groups or make their way to the southern arena. A cluster of first-years hiding in a supply closet. Two injured third-years who'd barricaded themselves in a professor's office. Each rescue reminded me why I fought; these weren't just students, they were young people trying to survive a war they never asked for.

As I passed through a hallway lined with lecture rooms, my Mind Sight caught movement on the third floor above. One figure raced through the corridors while a group of armored shapes pursued with deadly intent. The runner's short stature and distinctive reptilian features made identification immediate.

Loland.

Without hesitation, I launched myself forward, my Flight ability carrying me through the building's hallways. I shot toward the third floor, my speed leaving reality blurred in my wake.

I arrived just as Loland reached what appeared to be a dead end, Kingdom soldiers closing in with weapons drawn. The kobold's copper scales gleamed with sweat, but his posture remained defiant rather than desperate.

"Now!" he shouted.

Classroom doors burst open in perfect synchronization. Black-uniformed combat students poured into the hallway like a flood of death. Archers drew and released in one fluid motion, their arrows finding gaps in armor with practiced precision. Mages unleashed bolts of fire and ice that sent soldiers screaming or freezing mid-charge. The air filled with the sounds of combat; steel on steel, magical explosions, dying screams.

Close-quarters fighters surged forward to finish what the ranged attackers had started. Swords, spears, and axes rose and fell with brutal efficiency until not a single Kingdom soldier drew breath.

The students erupted in cheers, their voices echoing through the blood-splattered corridor. Loland stood in the center of the carnage, looking thoroughly pleased with himself as he congratulated his impromptu army.

"Excellent work, everyone! Textbook execution of a tactical retreat and ambush!"

A familiar figure approached from the group: Parker Sathos, the former House Swords captain I remembered from the tournament.

"You ran well, Loland," Parker said with mock solemnity. "Like a proper coward."

"And you hid expertly, Parker," Loland replied without missing a beat. "Like a proper cur."

The two continued their exchange of genteel insults, clearly having developed an unlikely friendship forged in combat. Their banter was interrupted when another student pointed in my direction.

"Uh, guys? We have company."

Every head turned toward me. Loland's reptilian features lit up with recognition and something that might have been relief.

"Vardiel!" he called out, his voice carrying its usual pompous authority. "About time you arrived! What took you so long?"

I would have rolled my eyes if I still possessed any.

I surveyed the scattered remains of Kingdom soldiers with swift precision before focusing on the familiar form of Parker Sathos. House Swords' prodigal son stood amidst the chaotic triumph wearing an almost absurdly polished grin. Curiosity edged into my thoughts, tugging at an unspoken question about his unexpected presence in this particular corridor.

Why was Parker here, away from his old allegiances? I couldn't help but let the curiosity spill into words, one hand gesturing toward him with unspoken inquiry.

Holding back the trickle of laughter that threatened to burst forth, Loland glanced at his friend before surrendering to mirth. "Ah yes, Parker," Loland began with the exaggerated pomp that somehow suited him, "our favorite fashion victim turned soldier of fortune. He's abandoned House Swords, flocking to us in House Gutter like some trend-chasing New Money sycophant."

Parker let out a derisive snort, brushing imaginary lint from his sleeve with exaggerated elegance. "Oh please, Loland," he countered. "I joined Gutter House because, unlike you, I happen to enjoy being in a rising star of the Academy, not that it was ever meant to serve as a puddle of mediocrity. Consider mine a noble quest to inject a much-needed dose of sophistication since your chapter house so clearly lacks it."

Their playful taunts continued in a volley, the corridor momentarily filling with laughter instead of bloodshed and terror. Refusing to be further sidetracked, I smoothly inserted myself between their exchanges, my intent clear. Have either of you seen the others?

Loland's scales gleamed under the dim corridor lights. He smirked as if holding some promising secret. "No need for concern, Vardiel; the others are fine. We'll all be pleased to have you join us soon enough." Turning to his comrades, he barked an order, his leadership as solid and unyielding as the Academy stones. "Time to move! House Gutter HQ, and make it snappy!"

As the students mobilized, Loland directed his gaze at me, conspiratorial amusement etching his expression. "We've still got one surprise left for you, Vardiel. You'll be meeting 'The General.'"

The General? There was time for pondering later. For now, the imperative was clear: secure whatever new allies House Gutter had cultivated in this unusual alliance.

Following their retreat, I navigated the Academy's winding passages, each step driven by an instinctive awareness of strategy. My tendrils sensed minute vibrations in the air, a mere ripple in the chaotic current, that indicated something promising ahead.

Within the designated headquarters, Loland led our interwoven troop into a realm thrumming with energy and precision. Plans and diagrams sprawled across makeshift tables, the domain animated by student artisans refining both strategy and improvised weaponry. A tableau painted with calculated chaos.

At its heart stood a figure surrounded by a small conclave of attentive students, a presence both authoritative and brimming with possibility. The General.

Copelan Greye looked up from the numerous papers on the desk and met my gaze. An expression of deep relief washed over his features as he exclaimed, "Oh, thank the gods!"