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Chapter 24: Through The Maze
Last Updated:
2025-03-20 19:13:36
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Jade: The Hybrid Mage Chapter 25: The Final Test Of Brilliance
I didn’t have long to rest before the senior mage called my name again. The murmurs of the crowd quieted as I stepped forward, my chest tightening with anticipation.“Jade Ishola,” he said, his voice steady but laced with authority. “The second stage to test your brilliance awaits.”‘The second stage already?’ I thought, swallowing hard. Naila stayed silent, her presence steady in the back of my mind like a calming pulse."The final stage is done to confirm the mental fortitude of those who came out top at the first stage. It would have only three chambers. Good luck."I took a deep breath and stepped into the glowing doorway that had appeared in the chamber’s wall. The air shimmered, and the light swallowed me whole.:~*~:When I opened my eyes, I was in a vast, empty expanse. The ground beneath me was made of smooth, reflective glass, and the sky above swirled with hues of gold and blue."This place is unreal," I murmured, my voice echoing in the stillness.‘Focus,’ Naila said. ‘We’
Last Updated : 2025-03-22Jade: The Hybrid Mage Chapter 26: Friends & Foes
The moment I stepped out of the final chamber, a chorus of gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd. The other participants had been watching my trial, their faces etched with varying degrees of awe, resentment, and disbelief."Did she really finish it that fast again?" someone whispered."Impossible," another said, shaking their head.I walked forward, trying to ignore the sea of eyes boring into me. My heart raced, not from the trials but from the overwhelming attention.‘You’ve made quite an impression,’ Naila said, her tone amused.‘I didn’t ask for it,’ I replied, feeling heat creep up my neck.The senior mage who had overseen the test approached, his eyes sharp and assessing.“Jade Ishola,” he said, his voice carrying over the murmurs. “You’ve not only passed the trial—you’ve shattered the previous record.”A stunned silence followed his announcement.“Congratulations,” he added, inclining his head slightly before stepping back.I nodded, unsure of what to say. The weight of
Last Updated : 2025-03-22Jade: The Hybrid Mage Chapter 27: The Beast Who Reads
I woke to the sound of chanting. The words were faint at first, but they grew louder, their rhythm steady and controlled. I sat up slowly, rubbing my eyes, and turned toward the source.Bainer was seated cross-legged in the middle of the room, a star traced with white powder surrounding her. Candles flickered at each point of the star, casting long, shifting shadoqws on the walls. A thick, weathered book lay open before her, its yellowed pages vibrating slightly.She spoke in a low, melodic voice:“Estra me seish kruel. Estes ses seish kruel. Hillma re kuvena celin. Oshrma celin.”The candles flickered wildly, and the air in the room grew colder.‘That’s black magic!’ Naila’s voice rang sharply in my mind.I stiffened. ‘How do you know that?’‘It’s written on the book’s spine. That’s a forbidden spellbook.’Pushing aside my surprise, I swung my legs off the bed and crossed the room in quick strides. “What are you doing, Bainer?” I asked sharply, my tone cutting through her chant.She
Last Updated : 2025-03-24Jade: The Hybrid Mage Chapter 28: Truth Brand
“Lieutenant Lasha!” I said, excitement spilling into my voice as I walked toward her and saluted with my fist pressed to my forehead.“You’re not an official cadet yet, Jade,” Lasha chuckled. Her smile faded as she added in a hushed tone, “Weren’t you warned not to carelessly reveal the symbol on your palm?”I froze, immediately tucking my hand behind me, making a tight fist. “I . . . I’m sorry. I’ll be more careful.”“Good,” she said firmly. “Now leave. He’s in an important meeting.”“I just need Blooby, please,” I pleaded.“We don’t do that here, Jade,” Lasha snapped, her eyes narrowing. “When given an instruction, you obey. Got it?”“I understand,” I mumbled, my voice heavy with defeat. “I’ll just take—”The heavy doors behind her creaked open, interrupting me mid-sentence. Lasha quickly straightened, moving to stand beside the guards, her posture rigid. She nodded toward me, and I scrambled to mimic her, saluting toward the figure emerging from the chamber. I could’ve sworn I hear
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I closed the door behind me, glancing at the guard stationed outside. He was one of the Watchers Kema had assigned to ensure Blooby stayed safe while he was with me. His presence was a silent reminder of the commander’s strict orders. Inside, Bainer stared wide-eyed at Blooby, who stood on the floor between us, his copper frame glinting faintly."What in my blood is that thing?" Bainer asked, her voice rising with confusion and suspicion."My name is . . . bloob . . . Blooby. Nice to meet . . . bloob . . . you," Blooby said in his mechanical voice, tipping his head slightly in what almost looked like a bow.Bainer flinched so hard she nearly stumbled, clutching the edge of her bed for support. "Did that thing just talk?!"‘Being on the other end, it’s a funny reaction,’ Naila said with a chuckle.I smiled faintly. "He’s a machine knight, built by the best magic engineer I know.""And you have him why? Are you royalty or something?" Bainer asked, her voice turning frantic. Then she fro
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The dining hall reminded me of the cathedral where I had my magic awakened—except here, long wooden tables stretched across the space, their surfaces scarred from years of use but enchanted to remain unbroken. Enchanted chandeliers floated high above, their crystal orbs casting a warm, golden glow. Even the Sky Border’s dining hall didn’t disappoint.The air was thick with the scent of roasted meats, spiced vegetables, and freshly baked bread, mingling with the noise of laughter and conversation. Cadets and aspirants clustered in groups—some laughing loudly, others whispering conspiratorially, while a few sat alone, lost in their own thoughts.I sat at the end of a long table, absently poking at my food. Despite the room’s vibrance, I couldn’t shake the unease that had clung to me since the ritual with Bainer.“Jade!” A familiar voice called, pulling me from my thoughts.I looked up to see Nyomei approaching, her shy smile a welcome sight. Lotanni followed close behind, her familiar C
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I ignored Bryon completely, focusing on the bleeding boy before me. His wound needed tending—not the attention of a bully.But Bryon wasn’t one to be dismissed so easily."You think you're a hero?" he sneered, stepping closer. His hand curled into a tight fist, and I braced myself, knowing he was about to strike."Bryon, stop."Petrusia's voice cut through the air, cold and sharp as glass.Bryon froze, his jaw clenching as she approached. She stepped between us, her silver hair catching the light like a crown of ice."She thinks she's bold because the commander has some interest in her," Petrusia said, her tone filled with mockery. "Let her play the hero she craves. There are other ways to deal with her."Bryon's lips twisted into a snarl, but he dropped his hand. Instead, he turned to the boy still trembling on the floor, and then spat at him before walking away.I felt a wave of revulsion hit my chest. Disgust wasn't a strong enough word for what I felt—for Bryon, for Petrusia, and
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"What are you doing, Brand?" Randul shouted, panic rising in his voice."Stay out of this, Randul," Brand barked, his eyes blazing. "She's one of them!""One of who?" I gasped, fighting to keep my composure. My magic simmered beneath the surface, ready to defend me if needed, but I held back. Let him think he had control—it might loosen his tongue.Brand's gaze dropped to my palm, his lip twitching in disgust. "That symbol," he said. "Care to explain how you got it?"'Shit. I was careless again,' I thought, my pulse quickening."I got it in Gyrange's Cave," I began, but his grip tightened the moment the words left my lips. His eyes, filled with fury, bore into mine."Gyrange's Cave?" he snarled.I had no choice but to break his hold. Pushing against his arm with ease, I freed myself, leaving him momentarily stunned by my strength."You need to calm down and listen, Brand," I said firmly. "Your father and the entire gang think you're dead. If anyone needs to explain anything, it's you.
Last Updated : 2025-03-27
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Jade: The Hybrid Mage Chapter 49: Silent Heart
"Did you use your flames as a momentum boost?" Nyomei asked, eyes wide, her voice bubbling with excitement. "How did you move so fast? Are you secretly a Champion too, back home? That was so neat!"I didn’t answer."Didn’t you see the replay on the magic veil?" Lotanni chimed in, still breathless with laughter. "She moved by her strength alone. No magical propulsion, no boost—just raw, physical movement. But how?"They both turned to me, leaning forward on the edge of the low bench in my lodge. Nyomei’s braid swung over her shoulder, her eyes practically glowing with admiration. Lotanni, always so poised, had tears in her eyes from how hard she’d been laughing earlier. The image of Petrusia knocked out cold had been playing over and over in her mind like her favorite song.And me?I sat on my bed, legs crossed beneath me, still in my sparring uniform. The sweat had dried but the fire in my chest hadn’t. Not the victorious kind. The other kind. The kind that coils around your heart whe
Jade: The Hybrid Mage Chapter 47: Fire and Shadow
Flashback – Leaving the Head Healer’s WardWalking beside Kema, I could still hear Kalu Drya’s parting words echoing in my head. The commander moved with his usual effortless authority—no heavy armor, no cloak, just his presence keeping people at a distance.“You’ve already drawn enough attention,” Kema said, glancing at me. “If you end up in a sparring match against someone stronger, don’t use anything... unusual.”I knew exactly what he meant.“Stick to your fire magic,” he continued. “You came first in the Test of Brilliance, so that puts you at an advantage. And I saw your movement and control—you’re a solid mage. Trust that.”I folded my arms. “So I’ll be fine win or lose, because I nailed the intelligence test? But that was thanks to my inner beast.”“Your inner beast?” He gave a short breath. “Jade, I’m saying be smart. Against a real threat, you might lose control and shift.”He paused, then added, “You know why most werewolves transform in battle?”I raised an eyebrow.“They
Jade: The Hybrid Mage Chapter 46: Blood on Shadow
The sun had begun its descent, bleeding orange across the sky. The final rounds of sparring crawled toward their end, and still—no sign of Jade.Bainer paced at the edge of the staging area, arms folded tight across her chest, eyes flicking between every entrance. Nyomei sat nearby, wringing her fingers, her human form still shaky from earlier adrenaline.“She should be here by now,” Bainer said under her breath.“Unless she didn’t make it back,” Nyomei whispered.That thought alone made both of them fall silent. No one ever came back from the Test of the Great Gods unscathed. Most didn’t come back at all.The sparring field continued to roar with blows, dust, and magic. But for Bainer and Nyomei, the noise faded behind the thrum of quiet dread.Then the final matchup was called.“Final round—Bainer Rhys versus . . . Petrusia Króna.”The room erupted.Even the announcer’s voice wavered, just slightly. Everyone knew the outcome before a single step hit the field.Bainer blinked. “What?
Jade: The Hybrid Mage Chapter 45: Claws, Water, and Bruised Pride
Four matches passed in a blur of footwork, sparks, and strained breaths. A few impressive. Most forgettable. The crowd, still buzzing from Nyomei’s performance, was hungry for the next highlight.They didn’t have to wait long.“Next match—Lotanni Ryel versus Bryon Aros.”A hush settled.The name Bryon alone drew tension. Petrusia’s second-in-command. Royal werewolf. Born with both privilege and power, and trained like a weapon since childhood.He stood and cracked his knuckles, shoulders flexing as he rolled them back. His golden-brown hair shimmered faintly in the sun, eyes narrowing with anticipation.Across the room, Lotanni exhaled slowly, rising to her feet. Her loose braids swayed slightly as she stood. On her shoulder, a small, liquid-like creature purred—a cat-shaped familiar, glimmering like sunlight on rippling water.“Be careful,” Bainer warned, gently brushing Lotanni’s shoulder. “Don’t try to match him in brute strength.”Lotanni smiled, a little too calmly. “I wasn’t pla
Jade: The Hybrid Mage Chapter 44: The Prodigy Behind the Shy Eyes
A bell rang twice, silencing the chatter. The instructors had returned with a brass raffle box—one by one, names would be drawn to determine the match-ups. The tension thickened, each aspirant sitting stiffer than before, eyes trained on the box like it might bite.One instructor held up the first strip of parchment. “Nyomei Eral.”Lotanni and Bainer instantly turned to her.“You’ve got this,” Lotanni said, bumping her knee.Bainer nodded with an encouraging smile. “You’re stronger than you think.”Nyomei’s stomach twisted, but she rose anyway. “Thanks,” she said quietly, nerves prickling under her skin. She walked toward the gate that led out to the sparring ground, each step heavier than the last.Across the field, her opponent was already grinning as he warmed up. Wiry, confident, and brimming with kinetic energy. He bounced on the balls of his feet, fists flaring with dull-orange sparks.“Your opponent,” the announcer said, “is Orin Zarrin. Mage class. Energy Burst magic.”That dr
Jade: The Hybrid Mage Chapter 43: The Test of Strength
“Why are you alarmed by the news? Or don’t you see the resemblance?” Kalu Drya asked, smiling a little deeper.“No, it’s just . . . I didn’t expect to meet the commander’s mother so soon. Least of all like this. It’s really an honor to meet you,” I said, sliding off the couch and dropping to one knee.'Naila would’ve been so thrilled if she wasn’t stuck in the void right now.'But then something clicked.My heart began to race. 'Wait . . . the head healer is a mage. Kema’s a werewolf. So—does that mean he’s a hybrid like me?'I looked up at her, eyes wide.“Get up, child,” she said gently. “It’s fine. And yes, I know what you’re thinking.”I stayed silent, but she didn’t wait for me to speak.“You’re wondering if Kema is a hybrid, aren’t you?”“Well,” I mumbled. “Yeah . . . is he?” The question left my mouth faster than I could stop it.Kalu Drya smiled, but this time there was a quiet sadness in her eyes. “He’s my adoptive son. No blood between us—just bond. I’ll say nothing more on
Jade: The Hybrid Mage Chapter 42: Cray Cray
“So, the test of the Great Gods for you was Jodeicasca, the tailless snake of regret?” Kalu Drya, the Sky Border’s head healer, asked. She was an elderly woman with a smile as gentle as her voice, her presence oddly soothing despite the weight of her words.“For the last time . . . Yes!” I snapped, exasperation leaking into my tone.I lay on a long chair, staring at the ceiling, arms crossed in defiance—yet fear coiled around my heart, twisting inside me.Ten Hours EarlierI woke up gasping, as if I had been drowning and had just broken through the surface. My breaths came in frantic gulps, my chest rising and falling with violent urgency.I was in a large bed—soft, unfamiliar. Blinking through the haze of panic, I took in my surroundings. The room was spacious, pristine, and entirely white. The only piece of furniture was the bed I lay in. Even the loose garment draped over my body was a stark white, blending me into the room like a ghost.I didn’t understand what was happening, but
Jade: The Hybrid Mage Chapter 41: Light & Darkness
There was no warmth left in Klaus's lifeless body to fight the cold, but I clung to him regardless, my tears soaking into his brittle skin. I wept until my sobs dwindled to whimpers, shaking not just from the icy darkness but from the fear creeping through every inch of me.Then, without warning, a violent force yanked his body from my arms. It happened so fast, so silent, that I couldn't tell where he had been taken or what had done it. The air seemed to hold its breath, leaving only an oppressive, heart-pounding silence in its wake. My chest thudded so hard it felt like my ribs would crack under the pressure.'What just happened?'"The smaller creatures are warm as a meal from an oven," Klaus had said. Could it be that the larger ones are the opposite? But there was no light, no glowing hint of whatever had taken him."Please . . . don't hurt me," I quavered, my teeth clattering as I wrapped my arms around myself. I looked to my left, then to my right, but the darkness was lung-crus
Jade: The Hybrid Mage Chapter 40: The Icy Mouth of Death
“Find her head and crawl out of her mouth,” Klaus said, his voice weighed down by hopelessness. “Her tail is endless, leading straight to death and then hell. It’s a gamble to know which side leads to her head—right or left.” He let out a long, defeated sigh. “It’s up to the Great Gods to decide our fate. There’s no such thing as luck here.”‘Her mouth . . . Of course, that must be the way out!’ I thought, my pulse quickening. 'Oh Spirits, what direction should I take if I’m to start this fickle journey?'“I followed the worms,” Klaus continued. “I suppose you were doing the same?”His hand brushed my thigh, and I cleared my throat sharply. He withdrew it without a word.“I got caught in a slime,” I said. “It swallowed me, and I ended up down here. After that, I followed the sound of your humming. But now that I really look at the worms, they’re all moving in one direction.”I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to scratch at the wounds that pained me so. My lovely skin—although not
