The Forgotten Slayer-Chapter 12: Catch Up

The smell of ash was thick. No civilans died in the incursion but there was a few losses of life from young slayers. Clyde was already settled at a nearby inn preparing to get some rest. After all according to Bell he's been gone for over a month meaning he technically hasn't slept for that long.

Avelyn decided that they would talk more tomorrow after she gets done with the paperwork.

Clyde did also not expect Bell to be referring to her as Ava. It was almost as suprising that she got herself enrolled in the academy. No matter how the thought about it, Bell had accumulated too many coincidences in his mind. She managed to accomplish what he was planning on doing before dying and she did it alone. Avelyn must have sensed what he saw in her during that fight against the wendigo.

Clyde was still getting used to his own power. Despite learning a lot about how to control it he had felt to realize the drawbacks. Beneath the bandages of his right arm was his skin with heavy burns. Previously during his time in the trial he had grown accustomed to being restored before the next fight. Now he had no choice but to deal with the consequences of his actions. He would need to be more careful later on.

With much to be completed tomorrow, Clyde finally rested his eyes.

***

"... and that would cover the events as I understood it."

Ava was reporting directly to the kings delegate, Vu. He was a mysterious character who appeared just a few years ago, despite that he has became well known throughout the lands.

"So this friend of yours showed up and slayed the creature with a single strike. What intrigues me is that you claim he used a power he didn't have before and that it was as if he conducted lightning."

"As I said yes.."

The chamber was quiet for a few moments. Then all of the sudden, the delegate vanished.

Ava turned around and left through the doors.

***

Sunlight broke the darkness in Clyde's room.

'I'm so tired.'

Since it had been so long, Clyde was needing to remind himself to breathe frequently.

Hunger and thirst.

He wasn't sure whether to be happy or annoyed that these daily requirements were expected from his body once again.

One thing he desperately missed was the trial healing him because the pain in his arm was strong.

'I was really gone for over a month. So many things happened.'

Now that he finally had a chance to gather his thoughts and he reflected on his time spent in the previous realm. The two people he met were unlike anyone he'd ever seen. An old self proclaimed nobody who knew things that shouldn't be possible. Then there was Orion, the dweller of the land of dust.

Distracted by his thoughts, Clyde didn't hear the initial knocking on his door.

"Clyde, are you in there?"

It was Bell.

"Yes give me a moment and I'll be out shortly."

As he was getting dressed, Clyde was reminded of the hole in his armor. Since he wasn't going anywhere outside of the city he put on a casual shirt and pants.

Opening the door Clyde was met with a stunned Bell.

"I've never seen you look so normal."

"I'm not sure what you mean."

To Clyde's indications, he did not recall dressing weirdly

"It doesn't matter, let's go meet Ava."

There it was again, her relationship with Avelyn was out in the open but Clyde couldn't believe it.

"Why do you call her Ava?"

Bell seemed confused.

"Because she said I could."

To Clyde that was the last thing he expected to hear. In the past she would have struck him over the head if he referred to her that way.

As they made their way out of the inn Clyde realized he would need to find a more suitable location for residence if was planning to stay here for awhile.

Once they were outside the sight of the city brought a memories to his mind. The first time he stepped foot in Avalor was on a shopping trip with his sister and father.

"What are you smiling about?"

"I'm just glad you managed without me. After all you seemed like a lost cause."

Bell pouted.

"To be fair I did have my share of luck. This doesn't mean you can just disappear again though."

Clyde felt a connection to Bell that he couldn't explain. They hadn't known each other for very long but he believed he she was important to him. Perhaps she reminded him of his sister.

"I don't plan to die again."

"How could you even be sure you really died?"

"I'll tell you and Avelyn at the same time."

With no further words the two made their way to a local cafe. The interior was deserted with a lone woman sitting at a table. The storeowner was as about to say something to Clyde and Bell but Avelyn gave him a look.

"Welcome Clyde, have a seat."

Clyde pulled out a chair for Bell and then sat down himself.

"You know before I get started telling you what I've been up to, I am seriously hungry."

As if expecting this a waiter came out and laid several platters of food on the table before him. Clyde was about to drool.

"Don't over eat, your body is likely adjusting."

Bell was right so Clyde finished whatever was in his mouth and cleared his throat.

"So what do you want to know?"

Clyde explained the situation up to this point but left out a few important details regarding his encounter with Orion and the man who guided him to the cave.

Bell was silent the entire time listening deeply with hints of shock appearing on her face every now and then.

Avelyn looked directly at Clyde with no signs of emotion at all.

"All of this is a little hard to believe and honestly I wouldn't believe you if I didn't see your new power yesterday. That being said there is one thing I don't understand about your story."

"And that is?"

"Why you were on a train to Avalor on the first place. After all you made it clear you didn't want to see me again so what changed?"

Clyde glanced at Bell.

"Well the truth is I came here to get stronger, I underestimated my ability and it almost cost my life as well as hers. Now that I've gained a new ability it's even more important I understand it. Despite fighting through countless trials yesterday made me realize I wasn't using it practically. Additionally I'm sure you've noticed her strange aptitude to magic which gave me another reason."

Avelyn digested the information for a moment and laughed.

"I guess we need to get you enrolled. It's good timing as well because in three months is the annual arcane crucible."

Bell spoke up.

"What is the arcane crucible?"

Clyde remained silent.

"It's a competition between all of the academy's in the nation. If you win you will get a small fortune and a promising reputation. The school of the winner would get a lot of publicity and first pick of next years enrollment. Better yet it's a great chance to test your skills as the opponents you would be facing would be of all ages and backgrounds. However there are only ten slots available per academy."

"How are the ten chosen?"

This time Clyde answered.

"A trial by combat amongst the people who want to represent I imagine."

"That is correct Clyde, everyone besides the headmaster of an academy could compete. Usually teams consist of a few faculty and promising students."

Bell was confused.

"How come teachers could compete but you couldn't?"

"That's a simple question to answer but the reality is that headmasters are in a league of their own."

"I see."

While Clyde was listening he couldn't really grasp how strong Avelyn had become. In just four years since they last saw each other she had became the headmaster of a prominent academy.

"Clyde I need you to continue resting for another day or so while your arm heals, Bell you will be returning to the academy with me when we are done here."

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Eventually Clyde parted way with the two once they talk about a few more things and made his way toward the local guildhall. After all now he could qualify to join and not resort to back door request.