The silver arb is bewitchingly beautiful, a native of the forests of light elves with a light gray trunk and a luxurious ever crimson red crown. Arb does not shed its leaves in autumn and grows only on land filled with magic. It turns out that Karagat has its own magical source, it is strange that not a temple was erected in such a place, but a military academy.

With pleasure, I ran my hand along the slightly rough trunk of the cart and breathed in the earthy, slightly sweet aroma of the forest. Just in order to see such beauty, it was worth visiting the northern foothills. I hid my hands under my cloak and walked more slowly, enjoying the walk. Wow, I forgot what it's like to be alone with yourself. After entering the school of illusions, I became part of a large noisy family, so much like a disturbed anthill.

It used to be that you would only tear your eyes, and you had to rush to class. You wake up already on the way, miraculously avoiding traps - the creations of larks who liked to get up early and fill the corridors of the THORN with surprises. Teachers encouraged such arbitrariness and awarded especially successful dirty tricks with additional points. So every morning I was among the last to run through the corridors, collecting general impressions, so that by lunchtime I would scribble a note in the Illusory Messenger - a local two-page newspaper reporting on the main events of our school.

I wonder how they treat printed news, and in some places non-printed news, at the military academy? The poor devils probably have nothing to read except for official orders.

The passage promised by the Essir Royce suddenly appeared, the silver carts seemed to part, revealing to me a long bridge, on the other side of which the Karagata Military Academy towered.

It was a multi-level military fortification, surpassing the local garrison both in size and area. There was no outer wall, so anyone who drove up to the bridge could admire the lines of defense encircling the castle: two deep ditches with water, alternating with training grounds. The first is sandy, the second is muddy, and it is unlikely that the viscous slurry in it has ever dried up. It smelled exactly like a fetid swamp. On the other side of the bridge, training barracks and shooting ranges with dummies and targets could be seen, dark figures flashed among them. A greenish fog swirling above the ground prevented them from examining them properly - the eternal companion of the silver cart and a side effect of the magic absorbed by this tree.

I put on the illusion of a brainwashed scribbler on my face, but this time without a bruise on my cheek. Essir Royce is right, I don’t need extra attention, and the bruise will make me ask questions: who, where and for what. I thought - and did not spoil my hair. The more voluminous the shock, the more convenient it is to hide behind it, especially during cheating. In this form, I stepped onto the bridge and quietly gasped, catching the resistance of the air. The feeling was fleeting, as soon as I took a couple more steps, and it was gone, but it became clear - an ordinary wall was replaced by a magical barrier. Perhaps if I were a stronger magician, I could see him.

A barely audible squish and plop made me pay attention to what was happening to the left of the bridge. On tall pillars rising out of the mud, battle mages balanced like ruffled black storks. They had to get to a dry piece of land by jumping from pole to pole. The task was complicated by the same fog. It sucked in my stomach, but not from the sight of jumpers, I saw a well-coordinated line of people running along the castle, and they were heading towards the forest.

Calm down, adept Lesart! Your report card never had a section on physical standards. Here the guys were driven a little at school, but what can you take from the girls, except for lifelong exemption from physical education? Releases were issued at the local infirmary and were inexpensive, so I never broke away from the team.

At the end of the bridge a surprise awaited me: a skinny adept in dark trousers and a long sweater. The guy was leaning against the railing, obviously waiting for me. Clothes hung on him like on a hanger, and he looked so haggard that I was even confused. And this is my partner? Em! It looks like we'll be a great couple. Two goons!

— Adept Lasart? - Waiting for my nod, the guy continued: - Excellent! Ordered to escort you to the door of your room.

Yeah. So, it's not Elmar after all.

- How long have you been standing? I inquired ingratiatingly.

- Yes, about two minutes since I returned. They sent me to the city to pick you up, but I didn't risk going into the garrison. It was reluctant to shine in front of the commander-in-chief once again. I thought I would pick it up when the people began to leave, and you jumped out ... and it was the most amazing sight for this school year! What kind of gnome came out of you - you will swing. And how the guard chased after you later - you will laugh! A familiar, rapturous gleam appeared in the adept's eyes. I think I'm starting to get fans here too. - Our people will be stunned when they hear!

"Ha ha..." I muttered darkly.

I didn't count on the audience. I didn’t even think that, besides Royce, I could interest someone. It would be necessary to study the "chuyku" - a spell that warns of increased attention.

- So we're going? Yes? - A slight uncertainty in the guy's voice hinted that he was afraid that I would throw something out.

- Let's go. And who will you be?

— Adept Lance. First course.

"And will you take me to my room?"

- Well, yes, I already said. Rest, change clothes, sleep. The boy looked at me with obvious sympathy.

Maybe I really overdid it a little? Well, okay, he offered me not to wash, but the fact that I am a horror story was just what was intended. Another thing bothered me: they were going to escort me and lock me up in four walls.

- It won't. Junior paladin Lathar promised otherwise. It was not only about accommodation, but also about getting to know the academy.

- So Elmar will acquaint you!

If he finds time for it. Do you think it's easy to realize that my own partner doesn't need me? “I made the face of a suffering drowned woman. In the test for material phantoms, I created just such a one.

The freshman frowned.

- He had some business. personal character.

- What kind of business can someone who the commander-in-chief does not let outside the academy have?

“Personal,” the militant muttered stubbornly. - Okay, let's go. Now I will quickly tell you what and where we have.

We walked a little further and found ourselves on a round platform, from which paths paved with stone radiated. In the center stood a bronze statue.

“Lord Adamant Lien,” Lance breathed out almost in a whisper. — Founder of our academy.

— And a local style icon? — I examined the bronze hulk.

No, definitely, the sculptor flattered the original. The real Lord Lien was shorter, and his shoulders were narrower, and the sword was normal, she saw it herself. An ordinary thin sword, not a two-handed horror with a curved blade resembling a serrated butcher's cleaver. The handle is a separate story. It was a skull with curved horns. Exactly the same flaunted on the chest of our commander in chief. But the helmet on his head was already real. It was as if someone carefully covered Lord Lien's face with a piece of iron. Did the sculptor screw up so badly and the original did not like the result?

“Lord Lien’s personal gift to the best graduate of Karagath.” It is mined after graduation, everyone has only one attempt, ”Lance announced with fanatical delight.

- That is, twenty bullies beat each other for the sake of obtaining a rare piece of iron?

“Adamant Lien’s helmet is not a piece of iron!” It's a piece of paladin armor! What can you understand, girl, - the militant snorted haughtily.

Everything is clear, not a word more about the commander-in-chief. Otherwise, my tour will end, plainly and without starting.

The academy's castle housed classrooms, a canteen, a library, an archive, and even a ballroom. The latter was told to me with such a sour face that I immediately suspected something was wrong and demanded an explanation.

- The Board of Trustees believes that the training of combat magicians should be comprehensive, so they arrange receptions, and girls are invited to them, mostly healers and spellcasters from the capital's boarding houses. They shake and faint all evening, moan when they step on their feet, and squeal like seizures when you try to kiss them.

“And I’ll give it to the eye,” I blurted imprudently. I completely forgot how I look now.

Here, the adept didn’t have such a problem, so he stared at me in surprise, swallowed and ... remained silent. The pause that occurred in the conversation was so awkward that I had to push Lance to continue the story.

“Okay, I understand about the ballroom. Come on.

The boy nodded happily, then shuddered and looked away. Not otherwise than presented a joint kiss. No, if I come to him now and at night, then these are no longer my problems!

- Adepts from the first to the third year live on the upper floors. Graduates are transferred to the tower.

- This one, right? I glared at my target.

- No, it's a teacher's room. The Alumni Tower is to the left of the castle. And behind this one is a park with a house for members of the board of trustees and important guests. When we have them, they stop in it. By the way, I don’t recommend to meddle in the park, local spirits do not like guests.

What other spirits?

- Restless. Banshees are especially fierce. The adept rubbed the bridge of his nose sadly. — Eh, I was left without a shroud.

“Um… Are you preparing in advance?”

“Without a shroud of banshee!” This is a test for freshmen.

- Are there others?

- Certainly. The adept nodded solemnly and pulled out a leather-bound notebook from his pocket, after which he began to read.

And I found out how much to take away, get, steal, find, cut off and uproot should be a future battle mage in five years of training. This celebration of vandalism and looting crowned the hunt for Lord Lien's helmet. I turned around and looked at the statue of our commander in chief.

“Lucky for the First Paladin of Gloom. Just got off with a piece of iron.

* * *

The story about the training grounds behind the academy plunged me into a state of absolute despondency. According to the freshman, these were the most comfortable, modern, magically equipped training grounds. There were no such awesome places for pumping strength, agility and endurance of battle mages in any military academy of the Dark Alliance. And yes, all this incredible happiness was the merit of Lord Lien, who was literally prayed for here.

- Shipovites are unrealistically lucky! You, goners, will be pulled up by the best masters of magic and martial arts. Yes, you will learn more in a couple of weeks in Karagat than in a year in your miserable school of illusions.

"And we'll die," I muttered grimly. - Here, at one of the most modern training grounds, they will then dig us in.

- That is unlikely. We have a good infirmary too,” Lance waved him off and began to methodically list the wonders and possibilities of the local infirmary.

And he didn't give a damn! He was really grateful to the healers, who could heal bones in just a couple of hours, save them from burns, regenerate what was accidentally beaten off or carelessly lost. And it was a freshman! Count, a recruit who has not lost a touch of enthusiasm and faith in miracles. Actually, the armor of the paladin of Gloom was for him the crown of all miracles and dreams.

I was reminded of the muzzles of undergraduate militants. These people no longer believed in anything, did not hope for anything, they knew, and this knowledge and experience erased from their faces any hint of a sense of humor and carelessness. Which is not surprising. With such a whip and gingerbread is not needed. Physical activity at the military academy was not exactly respected or loved, it was taken for granted. But we are not fighters!

The premonition of a global ambush made me lose my vigilance, so I did not notice the approach of danger until a fiery whip cut the air near me. The flaming ribbon coiled around me and tied my arms tightly to my torso, and the ensuing tug slammed my face into the battlemage's stone chest. Almost broke my nose!

It hurt so much that tears flowed from my eyes, and the freak calmly pushed me back and began to examine, holding my shoulders. It was a senior combat magician, I had already seen this blond in the garrison courtyard, among the same tall, broad-shouldered bulls, but now, through a veil of tears, I began to notice the details: a square jaw, simply created for meeting with something heavy, a piercing look of blue eyes frankly enjoying the situation. The gunman knew that he had hurt me, and it amused him!

“And this is the main prize of the SHIP?” Elmar is an idiot, since he chose a girl as a partner.

Not Elmar! Thank the gods, that freak wasn't my partner! The relief I felt caused tears to flow.

Jeremy, let her go. Or Elmar will count all your teeth.

— And where is he? Why doesn't he meet his prize?

“I’m just taking her to him.”

That's the news! I was so surprised that I didn’t even freak out because they called me a prize. She looked at her escort, who nodded.

- I'll actually take it. It will be… safer.

That is, he does not guarantee me this very security within the walls of the academy? What are they doing here?! Tears dried up in an instant, and I glared at Jeremy.

- Quickly put away his whip!

“Otherwise what?” Will you turn it into a flower?

No, but this is an idea! Thanks for the tip, fish-eyed freak!

I slowly examined the militant in search of a target, but here's the ambush - there was no weapon on his belt.

"Where are you looking, baby?"

"I'm looking for a sword," I muttered. “Or do you, apart from your whipping, do not know how to manage anything else?”

“The little one wants to see my sword?” Jeremy jerked the whip and I was thrown forward again.

Now we were nose to nose, I even examined the bright blue rim of the pale blue iris, and if I could hardly restrain myself so as not to butt the militant in the nose, mine had already suffered! - then Jeremy was now smiling, and somehow carnivorous. Is he a jerk?!

“So, baby, do you want me to stab you with my sword?”

“Are you sure you have it?” And you even know how to manage it? Or do you rely on the old fashioned way?

There was a strangled grunt from behind. This was carefully masked by the laughter of the first year.

Jeremy's reaction exceeded all expectations: his face suddenly went red spots, the grip loosened, the whip slid along the torso and fell at my feet, and then I was suddenly thrown back. Unable to keep my balance, I plopped down on my ass. Fortunately, we were standing next to a green lawn, so I landed on the grass, and not on the paving stones.

- Shut up! Jeremy pointed his finger at Lance, and then suddenly remembered who was the toughest fighter around here, and a fire broke out in the upperman's palm.

Lance swallowed hard and backed away.

- No, you don’t want to, don’t show it - why freak out? I spoke quickly. “But I still have to point out that such a reaction is not normal. No, I heard that some warriors have downright intimate feelings for their sword, but to get so turned on when they ask him just to show ... Or do you not have a sword?

- There is! the fish-eyed man barked, and he actually drew his sword. And right out of thin air!

- Oh, how pretty! So hold it, please!

I stared at the sword with enthusiasm. As a blue glow flickered across the edge of the blade, a gasp escaped the first year's chest. I glared at him in warning, and the adept suddenly jumped up to me and offered his hand.

- Why are you upset? Elmar is already coming here.

“And also with a sword?” I clarified.

“Naturally,” Adept Lance nodded gravely. And his sword will be more impressive. And, judging by the reviews, he manages them much better.

Well, lucky guy. I shrugged indifferently and grabbed Lance's hand.

Getting to my feet, I turned to Jeremy, who was looking at his blade grimly. Trying hard! My surprise will only reveal itself when steel touches steel. Oh, I hope there will be a lot of spectators!

“Don’t be upset, you are still young - you will learn,” I smiled affectionately.

Lance coughed and pulled me briskly in the direction of the upperclass tower.

The skirmish with Jeremy ruffled my nerves, the militant mood faded away, instead of it there was a desire to quickly find the girls and ... No, do not complain. I didn’t like to complain about fate, but I wanted to exchange impressions as I wanted, at the same time and understand how we should behave further. But a door was already looming ahead, behind which was the room of my partner.

— Yes, you do not drift, go boldly. Elmar is not such an asshole as Jeremy, the first year correctly recognized my doubts. - Fuck Jeremy. He and Elmar have had a war for first place in the ranking since the first year. Moreover, Elmar is now leading both in training and in informal. But Jeremy is still a sneak, he looked after you before Elmar. Somehow he got access to your personal files and planned for himself the best illusionist, and Elmar intercepted you already on principle. As the leader of the rankings, he had the right of first choice.

That is, I also got stuck in local showdowns of combat magicians? Pretty! And I, naive, thought that it could not be worse than now!

"Come in or take me to your room?" I already lost half a day because of you. Elmar excused me from classes for today, but no one canceled homework.

- What else homework? Now is the time for exams.

- Nevermind. In military academies, holidays are two months instead of three, and even those ... not for everyone. - The militant's face became so sad that it became clear that he could not count on the holidays. - And I also screwed up with pleasure. Only one trophy per year. I thought that during the holidays I would get the rest with the guys, and such a bummer ... Well, okay. Not your sadness.

Lance looked at me expectantly, I had no choice but to knock on the door.

— Yes who so knocks something! Like a mouse scratched! — The adept thumped the door with his fist heartily, and then generally took it and pushed it. - Come on, come on. They let you through, but I'm calmer.

- How will he miss it? Aren't there guards here? I stared doubtfully into the dimness of the room.

“So after all, the casts of your auras were handed over to your partners along with personal files.

- What?! Are you saying that now everyone in the academy will be able to track us?

— Save. And not all. Specifically, you - only Elmar. The protection of illusionists is now entirely on the shoulders of battle mages. So-so problem, but otherwise you would have been blown away in a week and all the beds in the infirmary would be yours. So rejoice that our commander-in-chief is so kind and put tough conditions on the militants.

Kind?! Yes, if not for him, we would not be in this academy at all. The bad premonition that accompanied me from the very moment Lord Lien's order was read to us took shape in a concrete question:

“So this test is not for us, but for future paladins and defenders of the Dark Alliance?”

- Well, yes ... And you ... - Lance blinked in confusion, looking for the right description. You are their helpers.

“Well, thanks, at least I didn’t call him training equipment on legs,” I muttered.

Notice I didn't say that! The first year chuckled so clearly that it became clear that I hit the mark.