Chapter 50 – Council for Change

The group made their way back to the Arena without anything else happening to cause them any concern, which Titus was rather thankful for. They had moved with far more caution now as Jordan’s Stamina was yet to recover to a usable amount, and Petra’s was also pretty low. In fact, Titus was the only one among them who hadn’t been missing a drop of Mana or Stamina, his Mana having already recovered from his two fireball attempts already.

The citizen that they’d saved from the level six Jötnar Warrior had disappeared a moment after the fight had finished, and he’d offered the group his most heartfelt thank-yous, but nothing more. Jacob had remained unconscious. It had actually started getting a little worrying that he was yet to wake up, but there was nothing any of them could do save for getting him back to the Arena and to someone who knew what they were doing.

The Jötnar Warrior had been a great example of an overpowered enemy that dwarfed the group in level. Yes, it had been far stronger and far more resilient than anything they’d encountered directly thus far, but the fight had highlighted how important it was to work as a team and how difficult it must’ve been for anyone, friend or foe, to be a one-man army.

The three friends had a combined level of six, which had matched the Jötnar, but it was clear to all of them as they completed their journey back home that simply adding levels together didn’t equal one higher level. In this case it seemed so, but Titus knew that only a day previous when he and his friends had all been at level one, they wouldn’t have had the abilities they’d used to best the creature. He knew that even ten level one Contestants wouldn’t have been able to take down that thing, no matter how determined they were.

As soon as the group passed the door into the welcoming torchlit comparative darkness of the Arena proper, Titus felt warm. It was like he was being embraced by safety and knowledge, and he knew that without question, this was where he was supposed to be.

Jordan led the way to the hospital where healers would be able to help Jacob, with Titus and Petra following silently behind. Eventually, they made it to a room where a middle-aged woman ushered them inside and took Jacob from Jordan – surprisingly easily – and laid him down on a stone table.

The table itself made Titus wince. It wasn’t a soft bed or even a warm wooden construction. Stone had been used for whatever reason, and it had a gutter carved into its surface that led around the perimeter to a drain hole. A gutter and drain hole that were stained red with blood.

The woman saw Titus’ eyes bulging as he took in the table. “Oh, don’t get your knickers in a twist,” she said, knowing exactly what Titus was thinking. “Easier to keep the dirt out on this one; wood's got too many cracks and crevices. Plenty of wounds to heal here, and this is usually the best way.”

Titus didn’t reply. He simply watched as the woman flattened Jacob out so that he lay on the stone table, full starfish. Then she began slowly tracing her palms over all of Jacob about an inch from his body.

Titus couldn’t have been sure if it was his adrenaline falling after the night’s events, or if it was something he was actually experiencing, but he both felt a slight charge in the air like he was being pricked by tiny needles all over, and also a distinct warmth radiating from the table.

“He’s not in great shape, is he?” The woman said with a frown.

Jordan spoke quickly and straight to the point. “He was hurt out there by some low-level monsters. It could’ve been worse, but he’s been out for at least an hour. A citizen made this paste to stop the bleeding…”

“And if they hadn’t, then the boy would be dead right now,” the woman finished for the large Defender. “I haven’t seen this method for a very, very long time but if it is what I recall, then the paste does indeed prevent the wound from leaking too much, but it also keeps the patient unconscious until it is removed. A good way to stop someone from moving around too much and reopening a wound that is yet to be treated, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Like a poison?” Titus asked, his eyes widening again. He always knew Millicent had some ulterior motive in whatever she did.

“Not really,” the healer said. “More like exactly what I said. It is there to aid, and so that patients can be transported safely, exactly how this boy has come to be here now. Anyway, perhaps you could excuse me for just a moment…”

The healer then turned her attention back to Jacob, focusing her attention on his neck where beneath the hard brown paste that Millicent had concocted, his neck had been seriously wounded.

Titus watched as a warm white light filled the space between the healer’s hands and Jacob’s neck for a count of three and then faded away to nothing.

The charge in the room, along with the warmth, dissipated.

“There we go, he’ll be good to go in no time,” the healer announced with a smile.

“What? That was it?” Titus asked in shock.

“Well it takes a long time to get to the point where an individual can almost instantly heal a half-severed neck, boy,” the healer said. “But nonetheless, this one will require some rest and recovery time. For that, I think I shall leave the paste on so that he can have some peace. As for the rest of you, if you aren’t hurt in any way then I suggest you leave in case any more wounded come in.”

“Any more wounded?” Petra asked, picking up on what the healer had just said.

“Well of course there are more wounded!” The woman replied without looking at Petra. “What did you think would happen when…”

“I can explain it to them myself, I think,” a new voice came from the doorway, interrupting the healer. It was a voice that made Titus inwardly smile and one that brought warmth and safety along with it: Miss Kane. She was standing there behind the group in her dark robes with darker patches of what could only have been blood scattered over her.

“These Contestants after all, should not have been thrown into battles so soon. I would guess they have questions that I can answer.”

The healer looked at Miss Kane and nodded. The Grandmaster just had a way of owning a room, yet at the same time making everyone within feel more comfortable, more at ease.

“Come with me, all three of you,” Miss Kane ordered and swept back out of the room, her cloak billowing out behind her.

Jordan, Titus, and Petra followed quickly behind, having to jog a little to catch up to the Grandmaster and her more than formidable stride.

“Grandmaster?” Petra tried as they walked, but Miss Kane simply replied with a ‘not now’ and continued along their path.

It took a few minutes for Titus to grasp the fact, but it eventually became clear when he recognised some of the hallways – something he could be forgiven for given that they were all very similar – that Miss Kane was leading them all back to her office. Presumably, it was where they could talk without being interrupted or overheard.

When they reached Miss Kane’s office they all walked inside, closed the door behind them and took a seat each, with the three friends facing Miss Kane across her polished wooden table.

“First off, I must tell you that I am sorry,” Miss Kane said. “It was never my intention for you to see combat – real combat that is – so soon. In fact, it has been decades since any Contestant has had to do battle within the City walls to protect the people, so for that, you should be applauded.”

“What happened?” Petra asked, unable to hold her tongue. “I’ve never heard those alarm bells before… and the monsters… Jacob…” she was struggling to ask about anything she wanted to, but Miss Kane held up a hand to stop her.

“The City was under attack. The North gates had been overrun by a small group of monsters, all above rank twenty. This was why the bulk of our forces were sent there to aid the City Guards. It was unfortunate that simultaneous groups of significantly lower-levelled enemy creatures attacked at both the Southern and Eastern gates, and some managed to make it through and disappear into the City. The alarm bells kept ringing to remind the Citizens to stay in their homes, as they would have been wholly outmatched by even the lowest-rank monster.”

“We fought a group of goblins,” Jordan said in an official tone. “They were all level three.” Then he told the Grandmaster about Jacob, about Titus’ former home where they received a little help, and then about the Jötnar Warrior. Titus was thankful that his friend had skipped over the fact that they’d had an altercation with his stepmother, something he’d have preferred not to explain. But Jordan told Miss Kane about everything else.

“The three of you managed to fight and beat a level six Jötnar Warrior?” Miss Kane asked as soon as Jordan had finished speaking. “That must’ve been something. Lucky too, though. I mean, those brutes are strong but they lack any abilities at such low levels, as far as I understand it. Good job; you must’ve worked well together.”

Jordan nodded once to accept the praise, but both Petra and Titus remained silent.

“I am happy to report that the incursion has been dealt with. We do not yet know the cause of such behaviour from the minions of Chaos, but the City is safe once more and the gates have been barred. I thought that was something that you would’ve liked to have heard from me.”

Titus felt a surge of gratitude for Miss Kane then. She must’ve been up to her neck in people asking her what was happening, and she had chosen to tell Titus and his friends personally. And that was why he felt like he owed her something.

“That’s not all,” Titus said. “We levelled up. All three of us are level two.”

“Oh?” Miss Kane raised an eyebrow. “A Defender, A Rogue… and you… all level two. So can I presume that you’ve all taken new abilities?”

Titus nodded and looked at his friends. Their advancements were theirs to tell, not his.

“I took Shield Bash,” Jordan said.

“And I took Active Camouflage,” Petra said.

Then Miss Kane’s eyes fell to Titus.

“They know I’m a Capacitor,” he said immediately, just so Miss Kane knew they could all speak freely. “But I wasn’t really given anything out of the ordinary. I took the Fireball spell. We’ve been in so many fights together now, and I’ve been next to useless in all of them. I wanted a way to help.”

Miss Kane’s expression flashed with something that Titus thought was disappointment but as soon as he had seen it, it was gone.

“It is a noble thing to want to help others,” Miss Kane said. “I can see why you would’ve chosen such a spell. We can only hope that it does not divert your path too far from the one intended by the God of Balance.”

“I… didn’t really have a choice,” Titus admitted.

“It is a good spell nonetheless, and you could’ve been offered spells with far less use,” the Grandmaster said. “I hope to see it in action within the Arena soon.”

Titus hadn’t really thought about fighting in the Arena but now that Miss Kane had mentioned it, he felt the urge to head back to the dorms to see what they could fight next.

“It… it’s not that useful, actually,” Titus said. And then he explained how the spell didn’t act like the others he’d seen. In the end, he did the only thing he could to get his point across. He stood up and readied the spell, aiming it at the ground a few feet away.

“That won’t be necess…” Miss Kane began, but her words came too late and Titus called the fireball into being.

Just like before, the tiny ball of flames sauntered around aimlessly for a moment before making a tiny effort to float slowly through the air at the target Titus had intended.

“Well, that’s certainly a new one on me,” Miss Kane said, staring at the place on the ground that the fireball had struck and turned to smoke. “I am afraid that this is not something that I can help you with. Perhaps Instructor Torr…”

Then without warning the door slammed open, and everyone in the room leapt to their feet.

"YOU THREW MY SON INTO A DUNGEON FOR A WEEK?" The booming voice preceded the man entering the room. It was easy to tell by context who it was, but all three of the friends recognised the man instantly as Henderson’s father.

“Mr. Valeri,” Miss Kane began in a soft tone.

"I DON'T WANT TO HEAR YOUR EXCUSES OR YOUR PLATITUDES; I WANT YOU TO ANSWER FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE!"

Miss Kane, despite the sudden intrusion and the man's towering rage, maintained a composed demeanour to Titus’ amazement. She gestured calmly for Mr. Valeri to take a seat, her voice steady and authoritative.

"Mr. Valeri, please, let's discuss this matter civilly. I am sure that I can explain…"

"Civilly? My son has been locked away without my knowledge, and you expect me to be civil?" His voice echoed off the walls of the office.

Jordan, Petra, and Titus exchanged uneasy glances, sensing that Miss Kane could very well be in trouble here. What was worse was that when Titus analysed Mr Valeri, he received a notification of his name but nothing more.

Miss Kane stood up, her stature and confidence undiminished by Mr Valeri's imposing figure.

"Your son broke the rules of the Arena, Mr Valeri. His actions have endangered not only himself but his fellow Contestants as well. You must have seen what transpired in his first Arena battle? It was a mockery, to say the least. And then to be punished for such actions by the God of Balance? You do not need me to tell you the risk that poses to everyone here, and thereby the City and its citizens? The disciplinary action taken was necessary and in accordance with our protocols."

Mr Valeri's anger seemed to simmer momentarily as he processed Miss Kane's words. "And it is you who decides these protocols? Who decides my son's fate without even consulting me, is it not?"

Miss Kane met his gaze unflinchingly. "As Grandmaster of this Arena, it is my responsibility to ensure the safety and order of all who train and fight here so that they may one day become Hunters. Hunters who safeguard this City…”

“From threats like what we’ve seen happen tonight,” Mr Valeri finished Miss Kane’s sentence. “Is that what you were about to say? Because if it was, then you’d better change direction because our beloved Hunters… and those in training,” the man glanced at Titus, Jordan, and Petra who were gawking at him taking such an attitude with the Grandmaster, “…didn’t prove themselves infallible tonight, did they?”

“My Contestants did exactly as they were charged, and the Hunters are not present here in the City as you well know. It just so happens that these three Contestants fought no less than seven creatures of Chaos alone, as first-level Blue-Rankers, and in the process saved the lives of more than one person, so please do not presume that…”

“And how many of the City Guard fell?” Mr Valeri growled. “How many citizens had their throats cut or their bodies smashed to paste before your Contestants made their way into the fight? I am sorry Grandmaster but I have seen the result of tonight’s incursion, and I have to say that your Arena has been found wanting.”

Miss Kane looked like she wanted to reply, but her mouth opened ever so slightly in surprise at Mr Valeri’s words. Eventually she managed to speak.

“And this is the view of the council?” Miss Kane asked quietly, or just yours as a father of a Contestant who tried to take the easy road and has been soundly punished for it?”

Mr Valeri's stance softened slightly, though his anger was still evident. "And what of his future here? Will he be branded a troublemaker, treated differently because of one mistake? Will the God of Balance shun him no matter what he’s been found guilty of? Maybe these are the questions that should be asked in a different forum, no?"

Again, Miss Kane looked shocked at what the man was saying, and Titus could see she had ever so slightly paled too. When she spoke again, she sounded far less sure of what she had to say.

“Your son's actions warranted the measures taken. However, I understand your concern as a parent. I assure you, Henderson is safe and has been released already, now that his punishment has been served."

“Oh, I know he’s safe, Grandmaster,” Mr Valeri said. “I have already spoken to my son and he has explained everything to me. But things have progressed onwards now, and with the judgment of the Council, there may be some changes on the horizon for this establishment.”

Miss Kane regained her composure quickly, though her expression became more guarded.

"I am always open to feedback from the Council," she said, her voice steady but with an undercurrent of concern. "However, the Arena has its own protocols and traditions that have been upheld for generations. These are not easily or lightly changed.”

Mr Valeri nodded, his expression softening from anger to a more calculated seriousness. "Traditions are important, Grandmaster, but so is adaptability. Tonight’s events have shown us that perhaps there is room for improvement in how we prepare our Contestants for the realities outside these walls. And perhaps that improvement involves room for a new Grandmaster."

Miss Kane, to her credit, didn’t flinch at that remark.

"The Council will be meeting to discuss these matters further over the next few days," Mr Valeri continued. "I suggest you prepare your arguments and justifications for the current methodologies of the Arena. Change is often necessary and sometimes it is inevitable." His voice was like pure venom, and Titus wanted more than anything to leap to Miss Kane’s defence, but something was telling him that an outburst at that very moment would’ve been far worse than simply keeping quiet.

Miss Kane nodded. "I understand, Mr Valeri. The Arena has always adapted to the needs of the City and its people. We will continue to do so while upholding our core principles. Your concerns, and those of the Council, will be taken into serious consideration.”

With that, Mr Valeri seemed somewhat appeased, though Titus did see a grin tugging at the corner of his lips. It was obvious that this was not to be the last they’d hear from Mr Valeri.

“Expect a summons, Grandmaster,” Mr Valeri said. He turned to leave the room, opening the door with one hand. But then he paused and raised his free hand as though he’d remembered something.

“Oh and one more thing,” he said. “Two of the Council members had sons in the City Guard. They were watching over the Northern Gate when the incursion began, so… well, let’s just say they are less than pleased with the situation tonight. I wouldn’t go around bragging about taking down seven monsters and saving two unknown individuals if that is even what happened; It may be seen as in poor taste, would you not agree?” And then he left without waiting for an answer. As soon as he did so, the room seemed to exhale, and a fair amount of pressure Titus hadn’t realised was there dissipated.

Miss Kane took a deep breath, still staring at the closed door and then let her gaze fall back to the three young Contestants.

"This has been an unusual and challenging night for all of us," she said softly. "You three have shown exceptional bravery and skill. Whatever changes may come, know that your actions tonight have been a testament to your potential and the strength of the Arena's training. No matter what some others may think," she added purposefully.

Miss Kane gave them a small encouraging smile. "Now, go and rest. You've earned it. We will face tomorrow's challenges when they come, as we always do - together."

“Can I ask something?” Titus said before the group was about to be dismissed from the room.

Miss Kane nodded. “If it is about what happened, then there isn’t much more that I can tell you. If it is about your Class or skills, again I have told you everything I know. If it is about the Arena, the City Council, or even Mr Valeri himself, I am afraid I cannot tell you anything.”

“Just… is he a Contestant?” Titus asked. “Because I could see his name like the others here, and…”

“I am afraid that as I have said, Mr Valeri is not a subject that I am able to comment on, though I will say that he is not a Contestant. Now please, get some well-deserved rest, and tomorrow it’ll be back to normal, you’ll see.”

Titus didn’t need a special lie detector skill to know that was a line, but he knew when to keep his mouth shut and his head down. He glanced at his friends and shared an understanding gaze before each of them stood up from their chairs.

Jordan, Petra, and Titus left Miss Kane's office. They each knew that something big had just happened, but for now, they also knew that there was nothing they could do about it. They would get some rest, and then go to check on Jacob in the morning.

Hopefully, Miss Kane would’ve been right, and everything would be back to normal.