Field Trip
On Saturday, Mason awakes to someone knocking on his door. He gets out of bed and opens it. Cole stands on the other side.
“Are you coming?”
Mason is confused about what’s happening.
“Going where?”
Cole now also seems confused.
“There’s an optional field expedition today. Well, really, we’re just going into the city with the teachers. You should come.”
Mason nods his head and then begins to prepare to go to the city. Mason was unaware but his journey into the city would change the course of events to come.
Mason and a party of around 90 students, including Professor Lund and Professor Norman head into the city. Mason is mesmerised by the sight, as if it is still the first time he has seen it.
Professor Norman begins to speak.
“Now students, you’re free to explore the city but please return here in 30 minutes. If you aren't back by then, you’ll be in serious trouble.”
Cole walks over to Mason.
“Hey. Me and some of the others are going to go looking around. Why don’t you join us?”
Mason nods his head but before he can continue further, he looks over at Priscilla, who is standing by herself. Despite her intimidating and stern appearance, Mason walks over to her.
“Hey. Walk with us, Priscilla.”
Cole looks over at the both of them with confusion, certain that Priscilla would have no interest in joining them.
Priscilla glares at Cole who shrugs his shoulders. She then turns to Mason.
“No thanks. But I appreciate the offer.”
Mason walks back over to Cole. Cole comments on Mason’s attempt.
“Did you really think she would join us? That girl is a lone wolf. People like that don’t want any friends.”
In the distance, Priscillas eyes are filled with a sad expression.
As Mason begins to walk around with a group of students, Cole asks the group a question.
“Who do you guys think the strongest magus is?”
The students begin to talk. From the varying magical families and levels of experience, the students begin to ponder who might be the strongest magus on the planet.
“It has to be Damon Temples. He’s the head of the international magus police. Only the best of the best are selected to join them, so imagine what you’d need to do to become the head. “
Another student interjects.
“Then, it’s got to be the head of Damage Control, Axel Hatman. He was once the head of the magus police too, but he’s more senior… so he’s got to be stronger, right?”
Another student thinks and comes up with an answer.
“What about the five raiders?”
Another student laughs.
“The five raiders disappeared 10 years ago. We’re talking about the current strongest.”
Another student thinks closer to home.
“What about our headmaster? Didn’t James Paladin save the entire magus world once?”
Another student thinks.
“That’s true but that was also a long time ago. He seems to be out of his prime but who knows…”
Another student interested in crime speaks up.
“It’s not a true conversation if you only talk about the good. What about one of the world's top 10 most wanted magus? Like, Mad Hatter Alister or Toon Force?”
Another student agrees.
“Yeah. The world's most wanted man, Harold Wagner. He’s said to be untouchable, even by the magus police.”
Mason wonders what kind of magus somebody like that must be. He wonders about how different their level of skill must be from where he is now.
As they continue walking, Mason stops in his tracks. He is drawn to a figure wearing an almost inconspicuous but ice white outfit, with a mask reaching above his nose. The figure gives off a melancholy aura. A feeling of loss, like that of Mason.
Mason walks over to the figure. The mysterious person is surprised.
“Can I help you?”
Mason speaks openly.
“I’m looking for someone. Well, I'm trying to find someone that disappeared a long time ago.”
The figure turns away.
“Sorry, kid. I don’t think I can help you. If you need help finding someone, go to the magus police.”
Mason shakes his head.
“I want to find them on my own. You’re looking for someone too, right? I spotted you from all the way over there and you look like something or someone’s missing.”
The man looks at Mason.
“Yeah. You have a natural instinct, kid. Reminds me of someone I used to know. You’ll make a great magus one day.”
The man continues to speak.
“My name’s Artemis. You?”
Mason responds.
“Mason.”
Artemis questions Mason.
“Who are you trying to find?”
Mason thinks back to his early memories of his father.
“My father. He disappeared when I was a kid. What about you?”
Artemis looks lost in thought, but a deep rage stirs within him.
“I’m looking for a man named ‘Blackreach’.”
Before they could continue the conversation further, someone calls Mason’s name.
“Mason.”
Mason recognises the voice as Cole’s and begins to leave.
“I gotta go now. Good luck in finding who you’re looking for.”
Artemis nods as Mason begins to run towards Cole’s voice. Artemis is about to walk away when he senses something strange. The mysterious figure with bandages on his face, red eyes and a strange hat, who watched Mason from the shadows when he first entered the magus world, watches again.
Artemis notices the immense power of the presence.
“Mason, just what have you been getting yourself into…”
