The Dark Warlock's Gambit

console. Memories of his time swallowed up in the virtual world of Rune Quest Flooded his mind, a world that once held

m to stir from his reverie. "Vardy, are you in there?" Mason's voice pier

locked briefly, a silent exchange of understanding passing between them. Mason's news of a summon

choing off the worn linoleum floors. The stark contrast between their reality and the opulence enjoyed by t

n of unspoken struggles and unmet expectations. The academy officer's presence at the front, armed with

nding discourse promised nothing but a reiteration of their perceived insignificance within the confines of the academy's hierarchy. Yet, as they b

ady gathered. Most looked just as worn down as Vardy felt. At the f

despite your lack of powers, you've been given a chance. The Frame Initiati

son. "Sounds like the s

"They must have

ind wandered again, thinking of *Rune Quest* and the freedom he felt there. Here, in this acade

physical endurance tests will begin.

Mason turned to Vardy. "You th

d calm. "I made it this

his classmates, Luthor, to the ground. The academy grounds felt more like a battlefield, and the powerle

students sneered. "You really think yo

is face. "I'm not afraid of you," he said, his voic

g between his fingers, stepped forward. "Train? You? You're a wast

t didn't move. He knew gett

y walked away, Luthor sat up, groaning but sm

ffered a hand. "You sho

lp. "What's the fun in that? Besides

. "Still, you need t

place is tough, but we'll survive,

shaking his head. "You're crazy, Luthor. I'

ng from a distance. "If we give up now, we'll never know what we could

gged. "Honestly, I don't care either way. If

nnection. "We have to stick together," he said quie

dy, I like your calm approach. It's p

e felt a flicker of respect for Luthor's optimism. "W

. "You're right. We ca

don't know, man.

"Leaving won't solve anything. We're

just the beginning. The academy wouldn't get any eas