POV You (Izzelia)
A rhythm of hurried footsteps echoes in the distance. Hearing faint, urgent breaths accompanied by the rhythm of running. While your eyes closed against the chaos. You hear endless screams from your townfolk. Your eyes open slightly and just enough to see a barrage of fireballs raining down aimlessly, obliterating the building next to you. A surge of magical barriers protected you. Coating around the perimeter. Protecting you from the flames, then vanishes as you move forward.
You feel someone holding your hand with a tight grip. Someone you dearly know. Your Mother. You are unable to recognize your mother's look due to the fogged ash. Her voice trembles and soothes you.
"Hold my hand, my dear ones, and keep on running."
You and your mother keep on running with the ampule of strength left in you. Escaping from the ruined kingdom. You glance back and witness your home destroyed, turned to ruins. At the end of the entrance, outside, near the forest. An explosion erupts, decimating the heart of the city. The explosion of a cloud is almost mushroom-like. You saw from far away. The remaining of survivor who has not yet evacuated, screaming to escape. Vaporised to a charcoal figure. The explosion almost reach to you, but the impact pushes you and your mother to the ground. You stand up and see a city now burned to ash and understand that your home is no more.
At the heart of the city. An from the crumbled shadow emerges into the burning sky. A colossal creature. Wings blaze with a blue fire, scale gleaming like diamond. Armed with sharp, clawed, and once-sharpened teeth, with blue plasma blood covering his mouth. Searches for someone. Searching to kill.
The Ancient Dragon Jagat, Flying and Enrage. He saw you and your mother. He gives a thundering scream that reaches the continent.
"RENALA!!!"
Your mother turns with frighting expression on her face. Jagat charges towards your mother and you with an unstoppable fury and bloodlust. Your mother embraces you tightly, looks into your eyes for one last moment, and whispers.
"Be brave, my dear ones."
You look past her shoulder and see Jagat closing in, forming a powerful plasma beam. You turn back and look at your mother again. Her face is no longer recognisable. The appearance of Rotten flesh left only the lower facial. With a chilling, dead voice.
"Why did you leave me?"
"Izzelia" awaken.
At the present time.
Izzelia jolts upright. Again, escaping one of the endless nightmares. Panting with a terrified expression. Holding her chest tightly to slow down her heartbeat.
"Not again."
She stood up from her bed and went to the table beside her. Looking at an open rusted locket shows a picture of her younger self. Next to her, a picture of a woman, her mother. Half of her mother's picture been burned, only showing her lower face. Izzelia wondering why she keeps dreaming this nightmare as it etches into her everyday. Unclear to remember the incident, trying to puzzle the pieces together to remember her past. A sudden loud door knock outside her room, and Izzelia instinctively conjures a firebolt, aiming at the door with fear and caution. Afraid of who might enter the door. Izzelia asked the person outside the door.
"Who is it?"
A familiar tone answered with sarcasm
"What do you mean, who is it? It's Ingrid, you lazy bum".
Izzelia exhales, dismissing her spell with a sigh of relief. It is her classmate, friend Ingrid. She lay on the bed and covered her face with a pillow, muffling her tireless tone.
"Uhhh god dammit".
From the outside, Ingrid raps on the door.
"You're going to be late for your ranking qualifications ceremony".
Izzelia quickly glanced at the wooden clock, and she was 10 minutes late. She mutters
"Adui"
Outside of the world. With a serene, bright blue sky. Clouds are drifting lazily. A Flock of birds soaring on a summer breeze, flying above the few lands and mountains. Below the island. A patch of green grass with blooming flowers embracing the sunlight. Amid this peaceful tranquility. Two shadow streaks across the sky. Two sorcerer apprentices. Izzelia, Blonde hair with streak crimson, pure-blooded female elf, and Ingrid, 24, green-haired and a female halfling. Both ride atop the pet Giant Bird and are currently a few minutes late racing against time.
Izzelia frantically tidies her hair and grumbles.
"Why didn't anyone wake me up?"
Ingrid smirks with a snarky tone.
"I've been knocking and screaming like a hysterical banshee for forty minutes!"
Izzelia, combing her hair and almost nearly tumbling off the giant bird, replied.
"Why didn't you just kick the door down?"
Ingrid scoffs.
"Because, unlike you, I have standards. I'm a lady, not a brute. Unlike you, Brute face."
Izzelia freezes, eyes wide caricature face.
"Brute face?! Ok, that's it!"
Their banter echoes through the skies as they soar towards the academy, almost reaching their destination. Away from Izzelia and Ingrid. Far below, on a random secluded island. A mysterious figure with an ominous cloak watches them through a magical binocular. He monitors with a shrouded cloak that covers his face. He activates his cloak. His cloak crackles blue energy around him, summons a teleport, and vanishes into thin air.
Izzelia and Ingrid finally arrived at the prestigious academy for wizardry and sorcery called Talons of Magika. The towering citadel rising a thousand stories high and home for aspiring mages from across Umbra Malaya and beyond the continent.
Inside the grand hall, the ceremony is already underway. Mahaguru Astrid Ashcroft, a half-elf, half-human, with black hair with white stripes, bearing 300 years of wisdom, yet with the appearance as if she had drunk from the fountain of eternal youth. She delivers a finale speech that captivates every soul present. Her words radiate confidence and grace.
"I would like to congratulate all attending graduates that has worked their way on to becoming great to excelence"
Astrid's sharp eyes scan the crowd, pausing at two empty seats. Looking for her two prodigies. Astrid continues her speech.
"Shortly after the event. Every graduate will be chosen by the mata stone, and it will choose which kingdom to be represented across Umbra Malaya."
"Each and every one of you has given your entire dedication to the way of the magicka arts. Everyone learns and grows when ideas and strengths are shared, not for the purpose of destruction, but for the peace and knowledge."
"All of you, no matter how different your skin, your race, and your voice, have shown me that Unity and Fellowship still exist even in this golden era."
With her hand raised and showing the direction to the student.
"I am proud to witness your growth and your resolve to build a better future, not just for Talons, but for the world."
Thunderous applause filled the hall as students clapped their hands after hearing her heartwarming speech. With her sharp perceptions. She finally saw the two prodigies, Izzelia and Ignis, squeezing into their seats while awkwardly exausting yet achieving applause. Mahaguru Astrid gave a sigh of relief.
A few hours after the ceremony, all of the graduates are lined up waiting to be evaluated. Groups of Senior High Wizards and Sorcerers are preparing to conjure high-grade magic energy into a powerful artifact called the Mata Stone.
It is a Jaded stone, the size and shape of a human palm. The stone conjures a magical vision and can be customized depending on the wielder's wishes. Mahaguru Astrid and one of the founders of Talons, Budi, the 60-year-old human male with a wrinkly face, wearing a heavy robe. Budi with the old tone.
"I see the mata stone is ready to be activated."
Astrid, with a calm and soothing tone, replied
"Thanks for the help, Budi. It's been many years since I haven't felt."
Budi cut off with a humorous tone.
"Content? I know that's not enough at your age hohohoho."
Astrid witha gentle chuckle.
"Moving forward, Yer cheeky coot."
Astrid looks to Izzelia with a mother-like expression, with a calm sigh
Budi looks at Izzelia
"Izzelia? Well, as you know, she's considered old enough to start her own venture in the world. Maybe one day she will be an astronomical wizard like you, Astrid. hohoho."
"Still, why do I still have a bad feeling about this."
Budi assures Astrid.
"No matter the good or the bad. We can't change what has been written. We can only witness and continue what will unfold."
Astrid covers her solicitude. Both Astrid and Budi look at Izzelia talking with Ingrid, laughing.
At the centre of the hall. There are 30 graduates who are in line for the appraisal. The appraisal will be determined by the mata stone that represents the selected states. There are 6 states in Umbra Malaya. Now there are 5 states currently.
At the stage. Mahahuru Budi the Amber came forth and started the appraisal.
"Good evening to all graduates. We will now proceed with the appraisal."
He uncovers the cloth and shows the Mata stone. Wave his hand, forming a magical energy around his fingertips, activating the stone. Everyone was stunned and intrigued by the shape and definition. Shines green bright lights like a diamond. Mahaguru Budi explains the artifact to the graduates.
"This is The Mata Stone. It is a powerful artifact to see the vision of your future, on which you will be represented, to bring glory to the Country of Umbra Malaya."
The graduates and Izzelia with Ingrid clap their hands
Mahaguru Budi continues.
"Now step forth to the stage to be appraised by the mata stone."
Every graduate gathers and lines up to step on the stage. One of the graduates, Alan, a male human, touches the stone. The bright yellow light shines a beam above the hall. forming an insignia for the country he will represent. A state of insignia that is shown above the hall, to the right, is the Abode of Ehsan. Budi expressed with a proud tone.
"He is now representing the state of Abode of Ehsan."
All of the graduates clap their hands. Izzelia and Ignis, in surprise.
"That is a good place, not bad."
Another graduate steps onto the stage. Ambrosia. A female tabaxi sabre tiger with white fur and dark stripes touches the stone. A blue light shines between her hands. Budi was shocked that the stone changed into a well-known color. A ray of light forms a rare insignia. The state insignia shows Confulence City. Budi was surprised and showed a proud expression.
"Confulence City"
The graduates, high wizards, and sorcerers clap their hands as the chosen insignia has many powerful wizards and sorcerers. They rarely accept graduates unless the graduates have rare, exceptional talent.
Mahaguru Budi with a surprise tone.
"Interesting, Confulence City? The city of modern technology and sorcery. My hometown hohoho. Only a few have chosen to be represented there. I am sure that you will show great potential."
Ambrosia bows gently and with a proud expression.
"This is a high honor to be complimented by you, Mahaguru Budi."
Ignis few meters away from the podium. Shows jealousy of Ambrosia. Quietly with a snarky tone.
"Ugh, Poyo."
Ambrosia, with sensitive beastly tabaxi ears, heard Ignis snarky response and looked at her with her sharp gaze, with an angry expression.
Ignis was scared by Ambrosia's wild gaze. She quickly tucks behind Izzelia. With a wary tone.
"Ahh Izzelia save me."
Izzelia look at Ignis with a nonchalant expression. She looks back at Ambrosia, knowing that she would cause trouble. Ambrosia looks at Izzelia. Her sharp gaze tried to pry Izzelia's mind open with fear, but failed. Izzelia's eyes show no reaction when looking her eye to eye. Ambrosia tires of Izzelia's brash expression, then turns her head to the opposite direction and walks away from the podium. Izzelia with a tight expression
"Thats right thats right, walk away Abby"
She pats Ignis's head.
"You are safe, little sheep."
Ignis feels embarrassed and tries to escape Izzelia's clutches.
"Stop....you ruined my hair."
28 students have been evaluated for their assigned Insignia, which has selected by the states.
Only left Ignis and Izzelia. Izzelia felt a bit uneasy and worried if she would ever be chosen. She looked up at the podium and saw her mentor, Mahaguru Astrid. Mahaguru Astrid gave her a thumbs-up as a sign of good luck. Izzellia felt at ease again and shook her head, ready to face the future.
Mahaguru Budi loudly calls.
"Ingid Ehsan. Please come up to the podium for the evaluation."
Ingid quickly held Izzelia's hands with an anticipating expression she said to her.
"Wish me luck, Izzy."
Izzellia firm gently to her hand. Gave Ingrid a big smile.
"You too"
Izzelia watches as Ingrid takes a step to the podium and approaches the mata stone. Ingid felt nervous as she touched the stone. Quietly chanting, hope not to be assigned to anything other than Ambrosia. A light flashes between ingrid hand. An Insignia appears. Ingrid closed her eyes and took a peek. She fully opened her eyes with a surprised expression. The state insignia shows. New Malacca insignia. Ingnis clenched her fist with pure excitement.
"Finally hahahaha"
Mahaguru Budi announces the Insignia.
All graduates, including Izzelia, clap for her. Ingrid looks at Izzelia and gives a sincere smile, making a peace sign, knowing that all her hard work has reached this moment. Ambrosia, sitting beside the podium, swirled her eyes with a narcissistic expression.
"Whatever"
Mahaguru Budi congratulate to Ingrid.
"Congratulations, little one."
Ingrid gave a warm smile.
"Thank you teach"
Ingrid walks down the podium
Mahaguru Budi announced the last graduates.
"We will now commence the final graduates to stand in this podium."
Mahaguru Budi looks at the middle of the podium
"Izzelia, please come to the podium."
All the graduates, students, and teachers look to the final graduate, Izzelia. Izzelia takes a deep breath and walks to the podium. At each step, she feels time slows down. She looks to her friend, her students, and her teachers. She feels joy at knowing what is next for her. She finally reaches the podium. Mahaguru Budi gave her a wink for her good luck. Izzelia respond Mahaguru Budi with a smile.
As she is close to the vision stone. A whisper in her left ear. It is unclear as the sounds are muffled. A language that she is not familiar with. She was reluctant, halted from touching the crystal, and looked around aimlessly at the podium. Mahaguru Astrid knows that something is wrong. Ignis, outside and near the podium, was confused.
"What is holding Izzelia right now?"
Ambrosia teleported beside Ignis with an intrigued expression.
"Interesting"
Ignis with a clueless expression.
"What's interesting and how are you beside me all the sudden?"
Ambrosia points her finger, showing Ignis at the mata stone.
"The mata stone is glowing."
The mata stone pulsing with a rhythmic light. Izzelia quickly turns and reacts to the stone. Another whisper. Feels as if an unknown gave a command, from the old language, but a familiar tone that she recognised.
"Pegang dan Lihat"
Izzelia's eyes are glowing, following orders from an unknown. The stone began shaking furiously as Izzelia's hands drew near. Mahaguru Astrid noticed her current condition and rushed to the podium to stop Izzelia. Just as she arrived at the podium to warn Izzelia. She froze for a split second. With fear, she gasped as she saw a dark cloud figure. Resemble's a woman right beside Izzelia's shoulder. No one on the podium currently sees what is happening except Mahaguru Astrid. The dark figure gave the command again.
"Pegang dan Lihat"
Then the dark figure uses her hands and closes both of Izzelia's ears. Izzelia is now in a spell, and proceeds to touch the stone. Astrid quickly rushes to Izzelia, preventing her from touching the stone. But it is too late. The time stopped. As a surge of light accumulates inside the stone. The stone shook furiously until it formed an afterimage, wanting to be released. Suddenly, the stone stopped moving. A crack formed in the stone
A blast of light exploded at the podium. Releasing an impact pushes everyone 10 feet away from Izzelia. The mata stone formed a strong gust of wind around Izzelia. Floating together. Mahaguru Astrid stands up, tries with might to reach Izzelia, but a wave of impact pushes her away. Mahaguru Astrid shouted loudly to Izzelia.
"Izzelia, wake up. Snap out of it. Izzelia!!!"
A powerful vision struck her mind. She saw a sword strike an unknown figure. Blood splattering on the wall. A heart plucked out of a person's chest. Hundreds of soldiers and civilians are screaming and running from a flock of wyverns. A heat plasma blast from an Ancient Dragon Jagat destroyed the entire continent. The nation of Umbra Malaya has succumbed to the tyrannical ancient dragon Jagat.
Another vision appears. Currently in the present time. Ancient Dragon Jagat lies on a rubble pile, acting as a throne, with an army of dragons. Open his eyes. Large as the towers. With a grumbling tone
"I found you."
Izzelia opened her eyes. Her breathing turned shallow and frantic. The place resembles a space. An astral plane. She noticed a light shining at her back. She turned her back and saw an animal. Larger than the ancient Jagat himself. An Deity Eagle. It shows a crown with a golden structure. Jaded crystals and a diamond wrapped around the crown. Izzelia intrigued to the item in front of her. She proceeded to touch the crown. Suddenly, the astral plane pushes Izzelia back to the real world.
On the other side. While Astrid and the graduates near the podium brace from the constant gust of wind at the podium. The groups of graduates, students, and teachers let out a collective gasp. Shocked as a ray of light began to form a state insignia.
A state crest that was destroyed and now resurfaced. The Insignia of the Renala Kingdom. Mahaguru Astrid continued, reaching out to Izzelia and finally taking her hand. She is bound to levitate as well. Astrid moved her fingertips, flowing with magic. Uses her counterspell magic on the Mata Stone. The stone has been successfully deactivated.
Another impact pushes the graduates again. Izzelia and Astrid stopped levitating and short of the podium floor. Mahaguru Astrid quickly went to Izzelia and held her arms. Izzelia passed out and was unresponsive to her calling. Her tears and nose blood began to flow. The red blood ruined her dress. Astrid noticed her condition and cried out with the others in a distressed tone.
"I need a Healer!!!!!"
Astrid quickly looks at Izzelia and hold her hands. Comfort her to stay awake.
"You are going to be okay, Izzy. Stay with me."
As Izzelia's sight begins to dim and the sounds around her muffle. All fade to black.