Marked Ones: Advent of the Demon Prince

Thomas walked from class to class today with his group of friends as he did every day. They had gotten back from their work study just the other day and were able to pawn off the written portion to a group of mages who fancied themselves future scholars.

He promised to help them find positions in a noble court after graduation if they did so and the better the score they got him, the better the position he would grant them. Many different people were given this promise, but only the talented among them would be given anything of import.

"Lord Kirby, what do you think of this year's first years? We have seen a number of their practical lessons. Anyone stand out?" Thomas asked one of his friends.

Alex Kirby was the heir to his family's title, though he was only a minor noble. They owned land on the outskirts of Arcadios that was of little importance, but the man himself was quite talented with his sword and shield. In fact, of the senior class, Alex was given the nickname 'Bulwark' because of his skill with his Shield Arts.

"Honestly, Lord Petra, I do believe there are some potentially talented people within the Martial Courses. There is one young gentleman who seems to use a Halberd. Arts like his are a rare find." Alex answered.

Thomas had also heard about this student, but had also heard he was a commoner on scholarship. Worst case scenario he could make him a retainer if he had enough prowess, but really it would have been better if he was from even an unlanded knight family.

"I don't know much about magic, but I hear there are a few talented individuals amongst the Magical Courses this year?" Alex continued, "What are your thoughts, Lord Arnold?"

"I hear there is a Ritual Magic user among the first years, though she lacks talent in any other capacity. She is also a Marked One."

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"Absolutely not." Thomas growled. "I will not work alongside creatures like that. They could be King or Empyrean Rank for all I care."

While he was busy fuming and raving, he felt a gaze fall upon him. It was intense and unfamiliar to him. Feeling concerned someone might have been trying to assassinate him, he moved his hands to the practice weapon on his belt out of instinct and began looking around.

From the corner of his eye, he spotted a small woman sitting on a bench looking directly at him. Her eyes were unphased by him catching her gaze and she gave him a kind smile. The girl stood and made her way over to their group.

"Good afternoon, my lords," the woman said as she bowed, "Especially to you, Lord Petra. What an honor it is to meet the heir to the illustrious House Petra."

"I am sure it is." Thomas said carefully, "To what do I owe the pleasure, miss…"

"Oh, do forgive my manners." She said as she went into a perfect curtsy, "I am Lady Briene von Lindtforth, third daughter of the Lindtforth family. Once again, it is a pleasure, Lord Thomas von Petra."

A massive grin spread across Thomas's face. The Lindtforths were one of the great houses of Arcadios, along with the Petra's and Carmichael's. They were one of the wealthier groups and excelled in trade. They were also known for being a family of extremely devout followers of the Church of Celestia.

Knowing of their connection to the church, he was confident that she was an ally worth making. Though not profoundly religious himself, he certainly agreed with many of the church's tenants. Especially those having to deal with Marked Ones.

"Actually, I believe the pleasure is all mine, my lady." Thomas smirked and kissed the back of her hand, "I believe this to be quite the fortuitous encounter. The future of the Petra family and Lindtforth family looks bright indeed if we were to cooperate. Our goals may align more than we think."

Now that he was thinking about it, she was a very attractive young woman. She was a senior student like himself, despite her diminutive size, so upon graduation he could see himself marrying her. Since she was the third daughter, the Lindtforth's would be in a weakened position for any marriage negotiations because the primary heir to House Petra was the one seeking to be wed.

He could not help but smile at his cleverness as he continued to lay on the charms. If he made her fall for him before the year was done, then the negotiations would go even better.

"Say, Lady Briene, might we continue our discussions over lunch? I heard of an excellent shop just inside the noble district that serves a small selection of Eroan Pig from the castle's personal ranch." He offered.

"Why of course, I would love…"

Her response was cut short by a series of screams near the entrance to the academy. The jarring sound shocked everyone around them, not just Thomas and his group. Quickly jumping into action, he and his friends pulled their real weapons out of their storage rings, casting aside the practice ones they usually had equipped.

Briene also pulled out her weapon which was a thin and light rapier with a beautiful golden hand guard. "[Lux: Enhance Speed]"

Golden light wrapped around her and the men as they all felt lighter than before. Thomas quickly thanked her and they darted toward the source of the commotion. Students were in chaos, running different directions. Even though they were trained in Arts and Magic, the surprise of everything scared the training out of many of them.

Academy guards attempted to rally themselves and some of the older students into groups. Though everyone was reacting to what seemed to be an attack, they had yet to see who it was. That was when it hit them. Thomas could smell the fire before they saw it.

At first it was no different than the smoke of any other flame, however as they drew closer to the source, the odor changed. It became a sickening, rancid smell that he had experienced once before when fighting bandits with his brother back near Lelvern. It was a smell many people would never forget because of how bodies were treated in this world after death.

"Everyone, be prepared for what we are about to see." He warned.