Elemental Blitz

5

Rael watched the woman disappear into the shadows, her words still playing in his mind. Whatever game was being played, it was bigger than anything he’d encountered at the academy so far. And bigger usually meant more dangerous. But he wasn’t the type to shy away from danger, even if it came wrapped in mystery and cryptic promises.

He made his way back to his quarters, replaying the events of the night in his head. The nobles had come for him, predictably. They’d failed, also predictably. But this new development—the approach from the woman in dark robes—was something else entirely. She hadn’t given him a name, just a proposition. Powerful allies? Hidden factions? He needed more information before making any decisions.

As he lay down on the thin mattress in his quarters, Rael wondered how deep the rabbit hole went. There were already enough politics and bullshit in the academy; adding another layer wasn’t going to make things any simpler.

The next morning, Rael found himself at the center of attention again, this time in the mess hall. The same group of nobles who had attacked him last night were conspicuously absent. Whispers traveled quickly through the academy, and it didn’t take long for people to connect the dots. Rael was no longer just the “country boy” who showed up the nobles during the trials—he was a threat.

A heavy-set recruit named Vynn plopped down beside him, his plate overloaded with food. “Heard about what happened last night,” Vynn said through a mouthful of bread. “Some others saw your fight. They’re calling you ‘Lightning Tamer’ now.”

Rael raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t tame s**t. I redirected it.”

Vynn shrugged. “Details. Word’s out now. You’ve got enemies, but you’ve also got fans. Some of the commoners are saying you’re the real deal, and that pisses off the nobles even more.”

“Great,” Rael muttered. “Just what I need.”

Vynn chuckled, shoveling more food into his mouth. “You might want to watch your back, though. I hear they’re planning something bigger. You embarrassed them, and that doesn’t go away easy.”

Rael sighed. “Of course they are.”

Before he could finish his meal, Captain Olysia strode into the hall, her eyes scanning the crowd. When they landed on Rael, she made a beeline for his table.

“Phaze, up. Now.”

Rael stood, his mood darkening. “What’s this about?”

“You’re being summoned,” Olysia said. “Baron Hargath wants to see you. Now.”

Vynn gave him a sympathetic look, but Rael just nodded and followed Olysia out of the hall. As they walked through the academy’s stone corridors, Olysia leaned in slightly. “You’ve stirred up quite the hornet’s nest. Hargath’s been getting pressure from the noble houses. They don’t like seeing one of their own taken down by an outsider.”

“I didn’t take them down,” Rael said, frustrated. “They came at me.”

“I know,” she replied. “But that’s not how they’re spinning it. Just keep your head on straight in there. Hargath might not be your biggest fan, but he’s not stupid.”

They arrived at the Baron’s office, and Olysia knocked before pushing the door open. Inside, Baron Tyme Hargath sat behind an imposing wooden desk, his fingers steepled in front of him. He didn’t look pleased.

“Phaze,” he said, not bothering with pleasantries. “Take a seat.”

Rael complied, his expression neutral. Olysia remained by the door, watching the exchange closely.

“I’ve received several complaints,” Hargath said, his voice calm but with an edge of irritation. “Apparently, you’ve been involved in an altercation with some of the other recruits.”

Rael shrugged. “They attacked me.”

Hargath leaned back, eyes narrowing. “That’s not what their families are saying. They claim you provoked them, and now I’ve got nobles breathing down my neck, demanding consequences.”

Rael stared back, unimpressed. “What do you want me to say? They came for me, and I handled it. If they can’t take a hit, they shouldn’t be throwing punches.”

Hargath sighed, rubbing his temples. “This academy doesn’t function without the support of the noble houses. I can’t have you running around causing more trouble. You’ve already drawn enough attention.”

Rael raised an eyebrow. “You want me to apologize?”

“Gods, no,” Hargath said with a wave of his hand. “But I do want you to keep your head down. At least until the dust settles. If you keep making enemies, I won’t be able to protect you from what comes next.”

Rael frowned. “And what exactly is coming next?”

Hargath’s gaze flickered to Olysia for a moment before he spoke. “You’ve caught the attention of people outside this academy. Powerful people. I’ve received word that you’ve been… approached.”

Rael tensed. “Approached by who?”

Hargath’s expression darkened. “A faction that doesn’t officially exist. They operate in the shadows, manipulating events behind the scenes. They want you, Phaze. And if you’re smart, you’ll stay far away from them.”

Rael clenched his fists under the table. “What if I don’t want to stay away?”

Hargath’s eyes flashed with warning. “Then you’ll find yourself in over your head, fast. I’ve seen what they can do. They’re ruthless, and they don’t care about the academy’s politics or the kingdom’s laws.”

Rael met his gaze, unflinching. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

Hargath nodded, his tone softening slightly. “I’m not your enemy, Phaze. But I also can’t shield you from the consequences of your actions.”

Rael stood, nodding once before turning to leave. As he walked out, Olysia fell into step beside him.

“So,” she said quietly. “What’s your next move?”

Rael exhaled, his mind racing. “No. f*****g. Clue.”