The duellist with the hair of fire (volume 1)

Chapter 40: The Last Rider

Here's what's next with the arrival of the last Shadow Rider. Feel free to vote if you like it or comment.

Selya's point of view

The last Shadow Rider still hadn't appeared. Which confused me. No matter how hard I tried to feel any trace of darkness. But nothing. Which was very strange. Moreover, Banner's absence was making itself felt, especially for Jaden. The other students, including Syrus, Chazz and Chumley, were far less complimentary of Banner. I wondered why. Admittedly, Banner wasn't exactly the model of a courageous teacher, but it was hard not to hold that against him. So, on my way to class, I tried to talk to my dear friend.

Me: Jaden?

He snapped out of his melancholy and looked at me.

Jaden: Oh...Selya.

Me: I don't like it when you do that look.

Jaden: Sorry, Selya. But I miss Banner.

Me: I don't blame you for doing it, Jaden. You don't have to apologize for it. It's only natural, since you seem to like him so much.

Jaden smiled: Thank you.

Me: I'm sure we'll find him. After all, why would the riders attack him? He doesn't have a key on him. He's either lost or doing alchemical work in a secret laboratory.

Jaden smiled: I hope so.

I could only return it, not knowing what else to say. However, I knew he needed me right now. The last time he'd had a face like that was when he was all alone, with no one to be his friend. Supposedly because he was cursed. Low-level rumors, in my opinion, because I'd never had any problems. In fact, it was this that got me hooked on my passion for duels.

Following the absence of the Slifers' main teacher, Crowler had to be called back urgently to teach the alchemy classes. It couldn't be said that the latter was very enthusiastic about doing so. Which was rather funny, as the poor fellow understood absolutely nothing of what he was reading and doing, which earned him a nice mark on his forehead. The latter repeating that alchemy was a scam.

Solra: Tss....Normal, he doesn't understand anything

Warrior: I didn't know you could turn metal into gold. But what's the point of doing it? And what's gold?

Solra: Seriously, Selya, where did you get the inspiration for this monster?

I just shrugged. Maybe a combination of my memories and my personality. Or quite simply, I loved the design of my Na'vis and monsters, a combination of many influences.

Nevertheless, the course was still quite interesting. Already for this Amnaël, the meaning of which I unfortunately still didn't know (because poor Crowler understood absolutely nothing) and the principle of alchemy

"What is below is like what is above. And what is above, is like what is below".

Mmm... That was pretty interesting. Is the mark of Amnaël linked to this principle? A lot to think about, I thought. Then we were summoned to the principal's office, who informed us that he'd found no trace of Banner. Which was rather strange. Crowler confirmed that no one had left the island. Something wasn't right. As for Jaden, he was more than determined to go out and find him.

Shepard: Something wrong, Selya?

Me: I find it strange. Why go after Banner, if he was the last horseman? What's in it for him?

Zen: Maybe to lure us into a trap.

Me: Probably.

Jaden: It doesn't matter! If he's in danger, we have to go and rescue him!