*BOOM*
The entire arena was covered in smog, Ravien a Gravechant in the Maga path and a Crimson Sigil in Knighthood felt something strange lurking about. It wasn't outright threatening but his senses were instinctual telling him to be wary of what was on the field.
*Whoosh*
All the magma and ash was suddenly vacuumed to a specific point. Looking at Jarren's shadow, it was bizzare to see his shadow execute such a feat before it suddenly hit. 'Where was Jarren?!' He was nowhere to be seen on the arena.
"Jarren come out you bastard?!" Serrant's voice boomed as he stood where Jarren's last position was. Looking around, he couldn't sense any Malcore readings whatsoever however the glyph noted that there were two combatants in the ring indicating that he was probably hiding.
*BAM*
His face was met with Jarren's punch staggering him backwards. 'What the- He was right in front of him, but I didn't sense him?!' Ravien was now invested with Jarren's skills. "I'm here." Jarren let out a chuckle before the two exchanged in close quarters combat.
Serrant's shield flickered as the magma would wane. With all of his attention dedicated towards Jarren, he couldn't properly utilize his abilities. He swung a jab, he moved to the side narrowly dodging it before making a counter.
*Slap*
A backhand, lacking in efficiency but it was without a doubt ridiculing towards Serrant. He closed the distance once more hoping to catch Jarren off guard but never once did he ever get a chance. 'Since when did he get do good in close combat?' Serrant thought only to be interrupted with a hard punch to the face.
Most were amazed with Jarren's skills, his footwork would make some knights shy away in embarrassment, Serrant was roughly taller than him but he used it as an advantage. Exploiting his blindspots and harsh advances, Serrant's edge was slowly slipping through his hands.
Serrant leapt way back across the arena and assessed his options. 'I didn't think that I can he would also be good in terms of close quarters combat. Damn it!' His mind cursed at Jarren who merely met him with a smile that never reached his eyes.
'I can't use another attack like the one I did earlier. My malcore reserves are low and my stamina isn't that great. I have to end this quick!' Never once did Jarren take the initiative to attack.
"What is Jarren doing?! Now's the time to attack when Serrant's low on energy!" A voice shouted. Ravien knew with Serrant's underhanded tactics that that was exactly what Serrant would have wanted. 'It's a shame he won't be able to do that because Jarren doesn't seem to take the initiative.'
After a deep breathe, Serrant's eyes locked onto Jarren. The ground beneath him gave a faint molten glow and in an instant, his figure was thrown across the arena. 'Let's see how you deal with this Jarren!'
A punch directed to his head, he dodged to the left as Serrant had expected. 'I got you!' His left hand now charged with molten gave off an eerie glow that arched to connect with his head. But the image of Jarren's figure shot to the sky never came. Instead a dark figure flashed and already committed to the punch couldn't stop himself.
*BAM*
Jarren's shadow hit Serrant's face making turn upside down but still mid air, a sharp kick to his ribs came from Jarren whose smile never faded.
*Boom*
Serrant felt as if all the air in his lungs were sucked out, his face in disbelief before his figure was flung across the arena and crashed at the protective barrier. Jarren made sure that he didn't shatter his ribs but the force behind that kick was no joke.
'He baited Serrant into thinking that he couldn't use his shadow while in close combat as it stood aimlessly. It's equivalent to facing two people at the same time! Jarren, here I thought that you were just a spoilt noble...' Ravien couldn't help but think as his eyes never left Jarren.
He didn't gloat or celebrate, he merely towered over Serrant and that was enough. "I can't believe Serrant got turned on like that!" Some second year students laughed at the scene which had now garnered way more attention than Jarren initially wanted.
The barrier fell and some students made their way to Serrant, to make sure that he was okay. "You! What was that glyph you have?!" A professor inquired as his eyes looked at Jarren's feet. A dark circle that moved as if it was alive, constantly shifting about.
Glyphs were usually constant, any others cast would rotate either in clockwise or counterclockwise. But his, it changed direction mid rotation, new circles formed while the words etched on it were incomprehensible to this world. "A darkness glyph I've been working on."
The professor's face, calm, bore into Jarren's figure. But what ticked him off was that smile he had. "You do know that such lethal attacks could result in punishment." He hinted, hoping to wipe that smirk of his face. "I'm aware but it's not I who lashed out like a crazed berserker on the field."
His shadow melted back as if a failed summon and the glyph shattered. Serrant's coughs echoed, his face dejected as he was dragged away to the infirmary. "Jarren Velros, doesn't your family specialize in pyro? Why would you take darkness as your element?" Jarren shrugged his arms, his smile growing longer.
"Why not professor? But if you're interested in my glyph I can always give you some lessons but they won't be free of course." Gritting his teeth, the professor couldn't make any direct moves on Jarren. "Just behave yourself." And with that he took his leave.
Students were in shock of how casual Jarren was with the professor, most usually afraid of one due to the power they had. Capable of handing out harsh punishments or down right expulsions if they had the power. Jarren merely ignored the whispers that ran through the tongues of those unfortunate to be in his position.
"Jarren Velros." Ravien mused, his tone casual. "You have an interesting set of skills. I'm aware that you're not in any faction so I'll make this quick. Join the Aurex Sanctum, a letter will be sent to your room so don't miss it." Without waiting for his confirmation Ravien took his leave.
Rather than take offense at Ravien's bold declaration, his smile waned into a thin flat line. Making his way out of the Bastions, he was intercepted by a student. Her blue hazy eyes and shoulder length loose blue hair adorned in a black blazer added an edge of coldness around her.
"Jarren Velros, I'd like to invite you to the Eyrie faction. I'm already aware that Ravien has asked you and I'm not here to persuade you into denying it but take a look what we have to offer." Her voice precise as her eyes locked with his. Jarren was barely fazed, his demeanor worn out into apathy. "I'll look into it."
And just like that he took his leave. His room welcomed him to which he took a shower allotted to himself, the privilege a blessing. A few hours later a letter from both factions arrived at his door. The Aurex Sanctum draped in gold and a seal show casing their opulence made the Eyrie pale in comparison.
A standard letter with nothing special about it. He read both letters, his mind half absent already planning his sadistic games. Done with both, he burnt them both with a flicker of his fingers. 'Almost every single student has joined a faction, most in Black Whet or Gravemire Fold.'
'Because the Aurex Sanctum is populated with only nobles, it has less than the prior two but those in it are considered a threat to the other factions. Prodigies? Don't make me laugh!' His smile arching into something that held more meaning than logic.
"I guess a rise from the bottom to the top would be captivating. Besides in the Aurex Sanctum, they have some rules that'll slow me down." With his mind already made up, he made his way out of his room and to the Bastion Grounds. The meetup expected at dusk.
***
"It's quite obvious that he'll take the Aurex Sanctum. To have a fifth year student personally ask you, who wouldn't take the offer?" A voice rang, already expecting Jarren to pick the prestigious former. Orissa, the girl who had a look of anticipation ran the choices Jarren was offered.
"I can't believe that I convinced myself into thinking that he would choose us." Some of the Eyrie faction members were testing out their malcore control, others locked in small spars thanks to the leader of the faction being present.
Eldroin Veil heart, a mage within the Dreadbound rank alongside a Knighthood rank of Crimson Sigil. One of the few reverend fifth year students. As some would usually focus on one path, he chose balance and rose to fame due to his control. Sure his opponent would be of a rank higher than him but in one field that was thus he had an edge in the other.
However his interest when forming a faction wasn't power or control but rather a place where those picked on could rest. Like a parent watching over, he was known for his calm temperament and patience. "You don't have to worry yourself over Orissa. It's his choice after all."
His eyes wandered towards Orissa who seemed rather lost in her own mind. "It's expected of a noble to refrain from a club lacking a noble to begin with. Their pride wouldn't allow it." A third year student spoke up, toying with the glyph in his hand. Orissa realizing that she was too naive let it go.
Before she could test out her malcore, the faint footsteps could be heard echo across the cobblestone. "It's Jarren! He actually came?!" Most were perplexed seeing his figure there, Eldroin merely let our a faint smile. "I hope I'm not late." His smile barely there. His frame, his face and the air around him felt perfect in all the wrong ways.
"Jarren Velros, you actually came." It was clear that some of the members weren't pleased in seeing him. The reason as to why they came to this party to begin with was to flee from the nobles who heavily dictated what would happen in the other two factions.
And now it felt as if welcoming a snake to their house. "Of course, why wouldn't I?" His eyes looked around without interest. "I thought that you'd pick the Aurex Sanctum but I'm glad that we have you here." Jarren felt the sharp glances casted at him, his smile forming on his face.
"I thought that it was crowded anyway. So do I have to go through some form of initiation or something?" Orissa stepped up, she was Eldroin's right hand. "Yes, but first you have to understand that you won't be receiving any special treatment because of your status." His hands remained pocketed, his attention felt lacking.
"As for your initiation, you'll have to face me in a fight. No elements."Jarren remained unfazed, removing his hands out of his pockets. "If so then it's fine with me."