The Wards of Emberfell

Chapter 7: Rumors..?

Zain sat in class, his gaze drifting out the window as Professor Hawke delved into the intricacies of manipulation. With a subtle flick of his fingers, he slipped his earbuds in, the gentle thrum of upbeat music cocooning him in a private sanctuary of sound. The rhythmic pulse offered a welcome contrast to the professor's dry lecture, letting Zain drift in a space where the mundane classroom faded into the background. 

His phone buzzed with a notification, breaking the monotony of the lecture. It was a message from Zackariah, he'd exchanged numbers with him after their last training session, where they'd promised to duel frequently.

"Yo, some chick wants to fight you."

Zain barely glanced at the message, dismissing it with a swipe. Just as he was about to turn off his phone, two more texts arrived in quick succession.

"Don't ignore me, dumbass."

"Meet me at the bathroom near the cafeteria."

With a sigh, Zain pocketed his phone, contemplating the sudden summons.

Zain slipped out of class, heading towards the bathroom near the cafeteria. The usual hum of chatter and clattering trays filled the hallway as he approached the rendezvous point. Zackariah was already waiting by the entrance, leaning casually against the wall.

"Hey," Zain said, nodding as he walked up. "What's this about?"

Zackariah pushed off from the wall, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "So, remember that rumor going around about you? Apparently, Miyah's got a bone to pick with you because of it."

"Miyah?" Zain raised an eyebrow. "I don't even know her."

"Yeah, well, she's heard that you've been talking shit about her." Zackariah explained, shrugging. "She's been itching for a fight ever since. Figured I'd give you a heads-up."

Zain smirked, rolling his shoulders as if preparing for an unseen challenge. "And you thought you'd play messenger?"

"Pretty much," Zackariah said, chuckling. "Just thought you'd want to know what you're walking into. She's not exactly known for backing down easily."

"Thanks for the heads-up," Zain replied, the thrill of the impending duel beginning to take hold. "Guess I'll find out what all the fuss is about."

"Yeah," Zackariah said, clapping Zain on the back. "Good luck. You might need it."

Zain frowned, his gaze sharpening. "What's that supposed to mean? You calling me weak?"

Zackariah's grin widened, and he rolled up his sleeve, revealing a faded but still noticeable dented gash on his right shoulder. "Not at all. It's just that nobody's managed to beat Miyah's dermakinesis—me included. She's got this relentless drive that's hard to overcome."

Zain's eyes flicked from the scar to Zackariah's face. "Seriously? You've fought her?"

"Yeah," Zackariah admitted with a nod. "She's tough. I've taken my fair share of hits, but she's a different kind of challenge. Just don't underestimate her."

Zain's expression hardened with determination. "I wasn't planning to. Thanks for the warning, but I'm not backing down."

Zackariah's eyes twinkled with approval. "That's the spirit. Go show her what you're made of."

Footnote-

1. intricacies: details, especially of an involved or subject.

2. Dermakinesis: the ability to manipulate skin and all skin-type properties