War of Emperium

- Side Story 4 -

Morroc, the Frontier, the city of mud brick houses amid the eternal sands of the great Sograt. We arrived at Morroc after an hour leaving Geffen. We were lucky to have come across a party of twelve Acolytes in the mountains, and they warped us for 2500 zeny.

If truth be told I was nervous. I have never been this far away from Geffen, like all of my classmates. I know that behind those excited grins they are all wishing to return to the safety of our stone houses there in the mountains. But Master Nerva had taken us very far from there now, and there was no turning back.

The Pyramids were crowded with all sorts of people, ranging from all ages. We had to stay close to each other to avoid getting lost in the crowd. But as I walked, my fear and nervousness increased with each step that took me nearer the Pyramid.

"Master Nerva, just where exactly will you train us there?" I inquired.

Master Nerva did not answer. I swallowed. Irina, another classmate, tapped me on the shoulder. I spun around to face her, and I was surprised to see a horrible scowl on her face.

"What's wrong, Irina?" I asked, frankly bewildered.

"Don't think about it, Marina, because I won't let you!" she whispered savagely, eyes blazing as they stared. "Don't you even think about it."

"Think about what?!?" I repeated.

Irina grabbed my arm in a steely grip. I cried in pain, but the others did not hear.

"If you think you can steal Master Nerva away from me, you're wrong!" she said in a deadly voice.

And I felt cold numbness sweep through my body.

Our stay in Morroc was horrible. It turned out that we had to face the demi-human Isis. Master Nerva did nothing except to cast Ice Walls while we scurrie around trying to kill the monster with our meager spells. It was infuriating.

I was more miserable than anyone else, because my secret was now known to Irina. I knew I was no match for her; she was beautiful and rich, being the niece of Master Lothair, our ruler. She could have Master Nerva anytime she wished. I was in a peculiar position. I couldn't ask questions now, not with her glaring at me.

After that horrendous two-day stay in Morroc we went to the Undead-infested caves of Payon, where we faced the ghost of Sohee and the flame creature, Horong. It was horrible too, many of us had injuries, but Master Nerva was uninterested, maintaining that nobody died, right, so what was there to fuss about?

But I could swear to you all that we have improved. Our magical levels increased by ten points, while some of my classmates, Jin especially, regained twenty percent increase in both Magical defense and damage. We've all progressed.

We went around Glast Heim next for another two days. All I can say to you lot is that it was probably the scariest place I've visited all my life. Only Master Nerva had the guts to actually laugh really hard while thwacking two Nightmares and three Wraiths without breaking a sweat.

Argh. I wish I were like him... 

When we returned to Geffen, Master Nerva was gone for five days. Many of us were anxious about this, we kept asking other teachers. Master Deucalion, one of Master Nerva's mentors when he was still a Magician. 

Master Deucalion told us he got summoned by his guild in Al de Baran.

At those times I felt a dull ache in my heart. I wished I could see him, teach us new things and well, I guess it would be idiotic not to admit to you guys. Yes, I like him. I've never felt like this before... but what is he going to see in me? I'm just his student. I'll never have a chance with rivals like Irina and that white-haired Huntress who picked him up the other day.

I'm in a depressed state right now, and the only one who can cheer me up was my one and only beloved... 

I was busy doing my homework that day. I needed to be prepared for his return. Should he summon another monster infront of us I was ready. I knew basic spells now, and I can proudly say that I can summon four spirits for the Soul Strike spell. That's better than nothing at all, right?

And then Jin came bounding into the library, face positively flushed.

"HE'S BACK! HE'S HERE!" he announced loudly, much to the disapproval of the toothy librarian.

I got up and ran to meet him. I was very excited, I didn't care if Irina chose to shoot me with a spell when she would. All I knew was that I was very, very happy.

My other classmates were already clustering around him when we arrived. He was smiling too, handing out Santa Hats for everyone. Apparently he exhanged his Sakkat for a Wizard's hat. It suited him better, made him more handsome...

"MASTER!"

I ran and hugged him really tight. "I missed you master..." I whispered passionately.

My heart went haywire again when he answered, his voice very low and seductive...

"And I missed you too..."