Kasumi Mahô Minarai Teiruzu
(Kasumi Magic Apprentice Tales)
Introduction: This is the side story to Beast Within, concerning Kasumi Tendo’s training to be a 
sorceress. You don’t necessarily have to read Beast Within to enjoy this story, but it would lessen 
any confusion. As always, the standard disclaimer still stands as Ranma, Darkstalkers or any other 
character mentioned belongs to their original creators. Enjoy the story!
< >: Thoughts
Chapter 1
Magical Registration
Diary entry May 5th,
It’s hard to believe that it’s been over 5 months since I first began on this journey of magic. Well, 
technically speaking, it’s only been two weeks. However, if you count the time I spent in Henry’s 
training dimension, it’s been more than 150 days. I have seen and done things that I never dreamed 
was possible and now my biggest challenge is about to begin.
I am now preparing to leave for the Makai, also known as the Other Realm or Demon Dimension, in 
order to take part in a competition known as the Apprenticeship Games. I am not at all certain that I 
have what it takes, though my teachers, the Grimbards, assure me that I am ready.
I certainly hope I am. Before I met the Amazons and the Witch Sisters, I would have never thought I 
had ANY talent in magic. Come to think of it, I didn’t even believe in magic until the Saotomes came to 
my home. After they had arrived, my view on reality took a one-hundred-and-eighty-degree turn.
However, it was Elder Cologne who first saw I had potential in a field I never knew existed. Henry the 
Halfling, (such a very dear person), continuously praises me for my progress. And as for my teachers, 
the Grimbard Sisters, they have offered to make me their official apprentice. From what I’ve heard, I’ve 
been given an opportunity in which hundreds of applicants have been denied.
I’m not all that sure that I am deserving of such praise. I haven’t done ANYTHING that’s really 
noteworthy. I’m neither a martial artist like Akane, nor do I have any head for financial endeavors like 
Nabiki. I only know how to cook and clean and that’s all I have been doing since I was nine. However, 
my instructors in sorcery are confident that I will do them proud.
Hence my trip to the Makai and participation in the Apprenticeship Games. I can only do my best to 
validate their confidence in me. Not only will this be my first trip out of Tokyo, but it will also be my first 
trip abroad. However, this is not like my sister Nabiki’s overseas journey with the Talbane family, but 
rather in another dimension.
According to what Henry told me, the Makai occupies the same area that the Earth does, but exists in 
another plane of reality. I suppose you could call it a parallel universe or some such thing from those 
science-fiction or fantasy shows on television. However, being a student of magic, I can only accept 
these as fact and reality can only be measured by one’s experience. And I’m certain that this is one 
experience I shall never forget. I suppose that magic is like a drug and I am very much an addict. I 
cannot wait to see what other wonders are in store for me in the Other Realm.
End of entry…
In an extremely large and exotic city in the Other Realm, a shimmering, tunnel of light appeared 
near one of the main gates. As it became wider, several beings made their way into the Makai. 
Some were human, but others had varying similarities to people of Earth, while some had no 
humanlike traits at all. However, all would be screened before being allowed into Ala Maron, the 
Magic Capital of the Makai.
Just as the mystic portal closed, two people made their way through and found themselves at the 
end of a very long line to the gate doors. One was a slender, willowy girl with brown hair tied up in 
a lush tail. She was dressed smartly in simple, but elegant sorceress clothes, consisting of a short-
sleeved tunic, leggings, gloves, and cape and leather boots. The other was short, and slightly 
chunky, with pointed ears. He was wearing blue coveralls, boots and a white shirt. Both were 
carrying their bags as they waited to be admitted through the gate.
Kasumi Tendo, daughter of Soun Tendo, sorceress-in-training and caretaker to the Tendo Family 
Home, looked about the crowds and the city before her in total awe. It seemed as if every fairy 
tale, legend and childhood story she had ever heard had suddenly come to life. There were 
creatures and beings of all shapes and sizes, with more arriving from all directions and methods. 
And the city of Ala Maron was so imposing and wondrous; it made Tokyo look like a rundown 
village. She had never seen such structures outside of a fantasy book. And the flying dragons, 
witches on brooms, and even an occasional genie on a magic carpet, had left her speechless as 
she tried to take in all the sights. It was then that she felt a slight nudge on her waist. Looking 
down, she gazed upon her diminutive companion.
“Oh, I’m sorry Henry! I didn’t mean to ignore you or anything!” Kasumi apologized profusely.
The Halfling shrugged. “It’s all right Lass. I can understand you being in awe at your first trip to the 
Makai and Ala Maron. However, we do need to hurry and get you registered, so follow me.”
Kasumi nodded as she followed the Halfling away from the crowds and toward a smaller entry 
point.
“We’re not going through the main gate?”
“No Lass. Fortunately, I happen to have quite a few connections in this city, and I’ve even done 
some business with Lord Belial himself. Therefore, we’ll be going through the Special Merchants 
Entrance and bypass the normal channels. Stay close to me.”
As they approached the smaller, but still imposing gate, they met by two huge figures made of 
living rock. The daughter of Soun Tendo nodded as she recognized the beings as golems. One 
seemed to be made of gray-colored granite while the other was composed of copper-colored 
sandstone. Both were about seven feet tall and probably weighed more than an entire football 
team. On their massive shoulders were engraved rune symbols.
“Halt! This entry point is for very important people only!” The gray one said as he brandished a 
metal spear that was about nine feet in length. His cohort held up a wicked-looking battleaxe.
Henry gave the golems a nonchalant wave. “Oh do put those things away! I would think that you 
two would know me by now!”
The sandstone golem looked down and noticed the Halfling. He nodded to his partner to back off. 
“Identity confirmed as Henry the Halfling, owner of Potion and Magic Shop. Lord Belial gives special 
permission to enter through here.” Then he pointed to Kasumi. “Do not know you. Go back to Main 
Gate for processing.”
“She’s with me.” The shopkeeper said. “She’s going to be competing in the Apprenticeship 
Games. I’ll vouch for her.”
The two golems gave Kasumi an assessing gaze, and then stepped aside.
“You may pass.” Both said in unison.
Kasumi breathed out a small sigh of relief as she and Henry were admitted through the gate.
--------
At the end of the ever increasing line at the Main Gate, a pampered individual pouted as he stood 
with all the other ‘common people.’
The person in question was a young man who about 18 years old, dressed in elaborate clothes 
that one might find in a medieval nobleman’s house. He had long, blond hair done up in a kind of 
Fabio-style, and was of medium build. He had the classic good looks that Tatewaki Kuno would 
have killed for, but as for his personality…
“I don’t know why we must wait in line with all these peasants! Don’t they know who I am? I am 
the heir to the Blanchet Family and sorcery extraordinaire!”
The smartly-dressed butler standing beside him tried his best to calm down his master. “Now, 
now my Lord. We must observe protocol. After all, this is your first trip to the Makai and every 
newcomer must be properly screened. Even the Blanchets must follow the laws of the Other 
Realm.”
“Hmph!” Conrad Blanchet snorted. “If I must degrade myself and stand beside the unwashed 
masses, explain to me why others are cutting in front and being admitted to the city through 
other gates.” He then pointed to two individuals who were being let into a smaller entrance to Ala 
Maron. “Those two! Why can’t we enter the city through there?”
The butler named Edgar looked toward the gate his master was indicating, and then noticed the 
sign above the door.
“Ah! That is the Special Merchants Entrance. That is only for those who have important financial 
business with Lord Belial. He only allows those who have sold him great magical and rare items.”
Conrad snorted again in disgust as he saw what appeared to be a Halfling and some peasant 
sorceress being admitted through the gate. Then the girl turned around to look back at the line.
At that moment, it would have been impossible for him to remember his own name. The vision of 
loveliness had him enraptured to the point in which he forgot to breathe. Then he suddenly 
sucked air back into his lungs as she passed through the gate and disappeared from sight.
Then he did something completely foolhardy.
“MASTER CONRAD! WHERE ARE YOU GOING?!”
The so-called nobleman began running toward the Special Merchants Entrance at full speed. He 
needed to see her again. He needed to talk to her! He needed to know her name! He was ready to 
propose to her in that instant!
However, he had also forgotten the two hulking golems that were guarding the gate.
“HALT!”
--------
Kasumi paused as she heard a tremendous melee of noise from behind the large doors she had 
just passed through. The sounds of heavy impacts and girly screams sent a bit of a shiver down 
her spine.
“Henry…?”
“Ah, pay it no mind, Lass.” The Halfling assured. “That’s just the guards doing their job to keep 
uninvited folk out. Lord Belial himself reserved this entranceway for honorable businessmen and 
their guests. Don’t you worry your pretty head over it. Now come! We must get to the Hall of 
Wizards to get you registered.”
The eldest Tendo sister paused for a moment longer before following her one-time mentor.
--------
Outside the doors…
“Not know you! Go back to Main Gate!” The gray golem bellowed after he and his brother had dealt 
with the would-be intruder.
Conrad Blanchet was in no condition to protest after being pounded headfirst into the soil like a 
tent stake. Just about all of his upper-body was under the ground with his leg and posterior 
sticking up. Beside him, with a huge sweat drop on his head, his butler Edgar shook his head.
<Dear me! It’s a good thing he was wearing his protective, impact-resistant garb. Though I have a 
feeling that those golems didn’t hit him with full strength! Oh my! I’d better get a shovel to dig 
Master Conrad out!>
-------
A little later…
“Fresh Lizard Tail! Fresh Lizard Tail for sale!”
“The latest volumes of the Karmela Scrolls!”
 “Magic flying carpets half-price, just for today!”
“I fix magic wands! I repair magic weapons!”
“I have the latest in magical garb!”
Kasumi was like a little girl in a candy shop and she beheld the Magical Market of Ala Maron. She 
had never so many shops and stands in one area. The entire marketplace of Tokyo wouldn’t even 
come to within a hundredth of its total area size. She could only imagine the deals she could find 
here, especially with her lifetime pass to the city and its fifty-percent discount on all purchases. 
There was just so much wealth, ingredients and things to buy, that Kasumi may consider never 
returning to Earth.
Henry noticed the dreamy look in her eyes and reminded her of more important matters to attend 
to first. “Now, now Lass. There will be plenty of time to go shopping, but we must get you 
registered first.”
She shook herself back to reality and nodded. “Yes, of course.”
The novice sorceress followed the Halfling through a maze of alleyways and countless stands. 
Crowds of human and nonhuman beings were passed by as they made their way toward the 
center of the city where the Hall of Wizards stood, just forward of the Great Coliseum. 
The structure was bigger than most European castles on Earth. It was square-shaped, with a huge, 
golden emblem just above its front doors. Huge statues of jade stood outside on the front lawn, 
one was that of a griffin, and the other was a great dragon. The walls of the building were made of 
finely-polished marble and shimmered like gemstones. There were various murals and wall 
etchings, inlaid with gold and precious jewels. And at the front doors, was a very long line of 
applicants, hoping to register for a chance to compete in the legendary Apprenticeship Games.
Henry sighed as he and Kasumi found themselves near the end of the queue. 
“Sorry Kasumi. I’m afraid that this is one line we can’t avoid. The Elder Council of Wizards is very 
strict when it comes to screening new applicants. They do NOT play favorites. Even my influence 
and reputation with Lord Belial can only go so far.”
“It’s all right.” The gentle girl assured. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s how to be patient.”
--------
In another part of Ala Maron…
“Serena! Great to see you again!”
A young girl of about fifteen-years old and dressed in witchlike clothes smiled as she met up with 
an old friend at one of the market stands.
“Clea! When did you get here?”
The novice witch shook hands with her childhood friend, who happened to be a Reptyl or lizard 
person. She was quite fetching, despite her nonhuman appearance. She was about six feet tall and 
had scaled claws for hands and feet. She even had a tail out the small of her back and finlike 
projections on the sides of her head. However, she had a busty, and slender frame of tight 
muscle. She was wearing an armored breastplate and shorts. 
Her friend was small and frail-looking with short black hair. Her personality was also the reverse of 
her companion’s personality. Serena was timid and somewhat mousy, while Clea was outgoing and 
didn’t hesitate to express herself.
“Just got into Ala Maron this morning.” The reptilian girl commented. “Lucky for me that the line 
wasn’t too long at the Hall of Wizards and I managed to qualify for the games. You?”
“I qualified yesterday and let me tell you, it wasn’t easy!”
“Tell me about it. You’ve got it over me when it comes to spellcasting and I just barely squeaked 
by with my magic-enhanced fighting skills.”
“We’ve got some really stiff competition this year.”
--------
At the Hall of Wizards, an hour later…
An elfin aide walked up to the front door, and addressed the next applicant.
“Kasumi Tendo?”
“Yes?”
“The Elder Council of Wizards will see you now.”
The brown-haired girl took a deep breath and gave her Halfling companion a hopeful expression. 
Henry nodded while confidently smiling. He then stepped back and sat down on one of the waiting 
benches. The registration and interview was to be for Kasumi alone.
Soun’s daughter walked through the front doors of the building and was led by the elfin aide 
toward the center of the building. She was very nervous at that point, but made the effort not to 
show it outwardly. Then she was ushered into a huge space where it was dimly lit. The elf gestured 
toward a spotlight that illuminated an ornate, golden chair, and then left the room.
Then she heard a firm, and very commanding voice.
“Let the interview for applicant number #437 begin. Kasumi Tendo, please sit down.”
Kasumi did as she was told and sat down. At that moment, the entire chamber lit up with a gentle 
array of soft lights. Magic gem lights provided enough illumination for her to gaze upon the most 
powerful group of spellcasters in the Makai and on Earth.
She found herself facing a raised and elevated podium with a dozen seats behind a large stand. 
The first person who caught her attention was the elderly individual sitting in the center. He had a 
long, white beard, and was dressed in classic wizard robes, topped off with a pointed hat. She was 
reminded of Principal Dumbledore from Harry Potter. Then the man spoke in the same firm voice.
“I am the Grand Spellmaster of the Elder Council of Wizards. My name is Lucius. I shall be leading 
this interview for your application to the Apprenticeship Games. Please state your name and place 
of origin.”
Kasumi took a deep breath and responded. “I am Kasumi Tendo, from Japan on Earth.”
Lucius nodded as he was handed a report from one of the aides standing near the podium. “Ah 
yes, it says here that you are a free-study novice.”
“Yes, I am. I have learned from several experts in magic, but I have not been formally made 
anyone’s apprentice.”
Another member of the council, an elderly woman who was wearing a set of clothes similar to 
what Kasumi had on, took on a bit of an introspective express. “That could make things difficult.”
“Is something wrong with me being a free-study?” Kasumi asked with a bit of apprehension in her 
voice.
“Not necessarily.” Another member assured. This member was a blue-skinned individual with 
curled horns on his head like a ram’s. “Having no master does not bar you from competing in the 
games. However, in the past, those who have not had any formal training for at least two years 
had not been able to perform well in competition. It’s been over 2,000 years since the last free-
study competitor was able to make it to the battle-phase of the contest.” 
“However,” Lucius continued, “we are not as concerned with how you learned magic, but rather 
the level in which you’ve mastered it. Therefore, it is necessary for us to give you a sort of exam, 
in order to determine if you have the skills and potential needed to survive the games. Do you 
agree to this process?”
“Yes, I understand.” 
“Very well. Then let the test begin.”
With those words, the head of the Council made an intricate wave of his right hand while chanting 
a short spell. Almost immediately, Kasumi’s surroundings changed as she quickly got up from her 
chair. She found herself in what appeared to be void of nothingness as she heard Lucius’ telepathic 
voice in her head. The other council members disappeared from view.
“The test shall be a simple one Kasumi Tendo. Your goal is to endure.”
--------
Meanwhile…
“So what was your application test like?” Clea asked as she ate with her friend.
The young witch paused for a long while, before finally replying. “I’d rather not talk about it. You?”
The lizard girl shuddered slightly. “No comment. I can understand why the other applicants, who 
made it into the games, didn’t want to talk about their tests either. And I don’t want to even THINK 
about those who failed. Those Council Wizards sure are brutal when it comes to thinning out the 
herds.”
“Well, I heard that the application tests were different for everyone, and it really shakes you down 
to your soul. You become an open book to them, and you’ve got to admit, that test is really 
effective when it…”
Clea immediately held up a clawed hand. “Please! Not while I’m eating!”
Serena nodded as she looked down at the bowl stew that she was dining on. She shook her head 
as a few fleeting flashbacks of her application test crossed her mind. She then returned back to 
eating.
-------
A little later…
“How long has she been in there?”
“About nine minutes now.”
“I can’t believe the mana levels I am reading from her!” 
“What’s with that seal?”
“Why isn’t she using that power to escape?”
“I think it’s because she doesn’t know how.”
The object of the Council’s discussion was a huge ball of blue-white energy, which was about the 
size of a small bus. Green and purple sparks crackled across its surface. Within the globe, the 
applicant in question was being tested as never before.
 “Must we do this with every applicant?” A female council member with green skin asked. She also 
had gills on the side of her neck. “We run the risk of causing some serious trauma to the 
contestants.”
“Magic is not something to be trifled with.” Lucius pointed out. “Within that sphere, Kasumi 
Tendo’s mind and spirit are being put to the test. The illusions she is seeing are so real, they may 
as well be. If she wishes to compete in the Games, which will be even more intense, she must 
show her determination and willingness to take a chance. If not…”
At that moment, the wizard’s words trailed off as the shimmering globe began to flicker and 
become unstable.
“What’s going on?”
“What’s happening to the spell?”
Soon the sphere started to lose its shape. The energy flows started to reduce in coherence and 
stability. No one knew what was going on, until their leader spoke in an awed voice.
“She’s doing it.”
“Doing what? What is she doing?” One of the others asked.
“She’s actually taking the spell apart. She’s literally unraveling my magic!”
In a flash, the globe disappeared as Kasumi dropped down to the floor in exhaustion. Her wand 
dropped out of her hand and clattered on the floor.
Inside the Hall of Wizards, the Council sat in varying degrees of amazement as Kasumi Tendo 
finished with her application test. The young girl was on her hands and knees as she was sweating 
and shivering from her experience. To her, it felt as if she had just gone 10 rounds with the 
Grimbard Sisters again. The spell that had been cast upon her to test her worthiness to compete 
faded away into nothingness.
Finally, after about five minutes of relative silence, the Tendo girl picked up her wand, rose up and 
stood before the Elder Council of Wizards. 
Lucius gazed upon the young sorceress-in-training for a long moment before finally addressing 
her. 
“How did you do that?”
The young girl nodded as she replied, “That spell had very effective illusions.”
“How did you know they were illusions?”
“When I found myself being attacked by monsters that weren’t affected by my spells, I began to 
wonder if they had some kind of immunity to magic. However that didn’t sound right since they 
WERE created by your magic.” She held out her dagger. “My knife has orichalcum in it, and they 
weren’t affected by it either. So while I was running for my life, I began to consider the possibility 
that everything I was experiencing was just an illusion and that you were tricking my senses into 
believing that what I was seeing was real. So while I was dodging the monsters, I reached out with 
a scrying spell to find the nexus of the spell and I just unwound it.” 
Kasumi shrugged her shoulders as she finished explaining.
Lucius nodded in understanding. “Very good, young novice. You showed some initiative and some 
ingenuity. Exactly what we’re looking for in a contestant. Kasumi Tendo, know that this test was 
simply a sampling of what you will experience in these games, and any future endeavors you may 
undertake in your journey to become a sorceress. The one thing you should always expect is the 
unexpected.”
“I understand.”
“And do you still wish to continue and compete in the Apprenticeship Games, with full knowledge 
that you may encounter such horrors and hardships?”
“I do.”
The elderly wizard stood up to his full height while speaking. “Kasumi Tendo, the application test 
spell does not just measure the strength of your magic, but also the strength of your character. It 
would tell me if you were lying to me. Furthermore, this test has no grading curve. You do not get 
partial marks or half-credits. This is strictly pass or fail.”
There was another long stretch of silence as the wizard gathered his final thoughts on Kasumi’s 
entry into the Apprenticeship Games. And finally, he gave his answer with a slight smile.
“I, Grand Spellmaster Lucius of the Elder Council of Wizards, hereby give you a passing grade. 
Welcome to the Apprenticeship Games.”
Kasumi let off a relieved sigh and smiled. “Thank you! Thank you Grand Spellmaster!”
Lucius nodded as he continued. “I must admit, your performance was quite impressive. I cannot 
recall any other applicant who handled his or her application test in such a manner. Your methods 
were a bit unorthodox.”
“But I did pass.”
“Indeed. And now it is time to assign you to the division, in which you shall be competing in.”
“Division?”
“Yes. These games are separated into 4 divisions, since there will be over 800 contestants. The 
divisions are the Gold Griffin, the Ruby Dragon, the Silver Pegasus, and the Jade Sea Serpent. By 
the finals, each division will have their two best competitors vying for the grand prize.”
Kasumi nodded in understanding. “So what division will I be in?”
The ancient spellcaster gave her a playful wink. “Why don’t we leave that to Fate… or rather to 
Chance?”
“Chance?”
As if on cue, a certain someone stepped out from behind a nearby curtained entrance. The being 
gave the novice sorceress a bit of a sultry wave as she greeted her.
“I’m Chance.”
Kasumi stared at the one who was going to decide her path in the Apprenticeship Games. 
Chance was a kitsune or nine-tailed fox spirit. She appeared to be humanoid, but with lively looking 
fox ears, and nine, flowing tails behind her. She wore a very tight-fitting, red Chinese-style silk 
dress with a slit on one side and pink sandals. She had a very voluptuous figure and a flirting 
attitude.
Lucius subtlety cleared his throat and introduced the newcomer. “This is Chance, who will divine 
the division in which you will be placed in. She is a powerful seer on loan to us from Castle Talbain.”
“Castle Talbain?” The brown-haired girl repeated in confusion. “Don’t you mean Castle Tal…”
 “Let’s get on with the division assignment, shall we?” Chance interrupted quickly. 
Kasumi’s attention was immediately diverted as the floor beneath her began to glow as a large, 
mystic circle appeared around her. She noted that the image was split into four sections, each 
with a special symbol that depicted one of the four divisions of the Apprenticeship Games.
“Now then, let us see what fate has in store for you.” The kitsune said as her tails splayed out like 
a peacock’s. She raised her hands above her head and began making very intricate magical 
gestures. The mystic circle glowed in response as the symbols began to flash alternatively. Finally, 
after a minute, the symbols stopped flickering, except for one.
The image was that of a gold-colored beast with the body of a lion, and the wings and head of an 
eagle.
Lucius nodded as he made a magical hand gesture of his own, ending with his index finger 
pointing at Kasumi. “So be it! Kasumi Tendo, you shall compete in the Gold Griffin Division! 
Congratulations!”
A flash of light appeared on the front of Kasumi’s tunic. She looked down to see a small metal 
badge pinned above her left breast. It was a silver plate with an image of a golden griffin in its 
center. She also noted her contestant number on the bottom, 437.
The master wizard then gave her new instructions. “Please report to the coliseum two days from 
now. Since we have a very high number of applicants this year, we've decided to postpone the 
start of the games by one day. We expect you bright and early on Tuesday. Once again, good luck 
to you Kasumi Tendo.”
Kasumi bowed and left the Hall of Wizards to rejoin Henry outside. Once she was out of earshot, 
Lucius then addressed Chance.
“I would like you to pass on a message of thanks to Jon Talbain for the loan of your talents, 
Chance. Your impartial judgment and divination skills will ensure a fair and exciting competition.”
“You can thank him personally, Spellmaster. He’s here in Ala Maron, along with his son and a friend 
of theirs.” The foxgirl said. “In fact, that friend happens to be very close to that applicant you just 
interviewed.”
“How close?”
“She’s her sister.”
“Well, now that’s interesting.” Lucius stroked his beard a bit, and then nodded to the kitsune. “Tell 
the aide to give us ten minutes and then send in the next applicant.”
“Will do.” Chance said as she exited the main conference room.
After she had left, the Council conferred among themselves about the latest addition to the 
Apprenticeship Games contestants.
The blue-skinned wizard with the horns first spoke. “About the newest applicant, Lucius.”
“Yes? What is it, Gregori?”
“Don’t you think you should have disqualified that girl?”
“Why would I do that? She handled the application test spell without any ill effects. I would say that 
she was qualified to compete.”
“Didn’t you even notice the level of mana that girl was emitting?!”
“That was the first thing I noticed.” The Grand Spellmaster confirmed. “It was most impressive. I 
also noticed that she wasn’t emitting anywhere NEAR her full potential, due to that high-level seal 
on her right hand.”
“I was wondering about that too!” The elderly woman on Lucius’ right side said. “Since when does 
a beginner sorceress need a Level Seven Seal?!”
“That does need looking into, Sariah.” Lucius conceded. “However, she is already assigned to a 
division and I will NOT reverse my decision.” 
“But we are supposed to be impartial.” Gregori pointed out. “That amount of mana will give her an 
unfair advantage over novice-level competitors.”
“Yes, it would.” The head of the Council agreed. “If she had full control over it, which she doesn’t.”
“What?”
“Think about it.” The old man pointed out. “If she even had a moderate amount of control over 
that much mana, then she wouldn’t need such a high-level seal to keep it restrained. Furthermore, 
did you not notice how clumsy she used her magic during the application test spell? With that 
much power, she could have breezed through the test without any problems. She struggled 
through it. She couldn’t access that mana when she needed to.”
“She could have been faking it.” The horned man pointed.
“You know very well she wasn’t. The application test spell would have alerted us of any duplicity. 
She was honesty having trouble and it took her a full ten minutes before she figured out the 
mechanics of the spell and dispersed it. Then again, that also shows her ingenuity. Not too many 
applicants have been able to do that, and certainly not in 10 minutes. I think she has more than 
earned a spot in the Games.”
Gregori was about to argue the point more, but decided that he didn’t have a snowball’s chance in 
Hades in changing Lucius’ mind. He was the Grand Spellmaster and his final word was law. Then he 
changed the subject.
“In any case, there’s still the matter of that Level Seven Seal on her hand. Who would put a seal 
like that on a novice sorceress?”
“Actually, the better question would be who COULD put on a seal like that?” Lucius pointed out.
Seriah snorted. “Well that’s obvious! Only a Category A or S-Level sorcerer could make one!”
“Exactly! So here’s the real question. If Kasumi Tendo happens to be from Earth, then who could 
have placed that seal on her; if the majority of Category A and S-Level sorcerers are in the Makai?”
There was a long stretch of silence in which one could have heard crickets chirping. Finally, Gregori 
broke the silence.
“The magic community of Earth is mostly made of Category C or B-Level entities and true human 
sorcerers. There are high-ranking Old Races and Darkstalkers, such as the Talbain lycanthropes and 
that vampire lord Alucard. If we’re talking about Category A or S-Level, then there’s only three that 
we know of.”
“Do you mean the Grimbard Witch Sisters?!” Seriah exclaimed. “They’ve been turning down our 
invitation to join the Council for over 150 years! Are you saying that Kasumi Tendo might be their 
apprentice? She said she was a free-study novice!”
“And the application test spell proved that she was telling the truth.” Lucius remarked. “It could be 
that she was briefly trained by them. They would be the only ones on Earth skilled enough to 
create that Level Seven Seal. And remember what Chance told us? Miss Tendo’s sister is also here 
in the Makai, along with the Talbains, who happen to be employing the Grimbard Sisters.”
“I must say, that you have now caught my full attention.” Gregori admitted.
At that moment, the elfin aide knocked on the door and announced that the next applicant was 
ready for the interview.
Lucius nodded and waved to aide to show the next contestant in. He then addressed the rest of 
the Council.
“We shall table this discussion for a later time.”
--------
Out in the marketplace…
“So Lass, how was your interview and registration process?” Henry asked as he and Kasumi quietly 
walked through the crowds.
The brown-haired girl shuddered as she remembered the experience. She politely shook her head 
in response.
“I would rather not speak of it. In fact, I would prefer if we NEVER speak of it.”
Henry gave her an assessing look and nodded. “Very well, Lass. The only important thing is that 
you’re in the Games! So we’ve got a whole day to enjoy tomorrow before the contest starts! Do 
you have any plans?”
“Let’s just get settled down for tonight. I’m really hungry now.”
“Say no more! I know a quaint little café around here that serves very good food! Follow me.”
After a few minutes, the two came across the restaurant in question, as Kasumi began looking 
about for an empty table. She then noticed a small table near two beings that were in the middle 
of eating their meals. One of them was wearing a witch’s outfit, while another had clawed hands, 
feet and a lizard’s tail.
The two sat down and began looking over the menus. 
“Oh my! I’ve never had this kind of food before.” Kasumi commented as she looked over the 
selections of entrées.
“Hmmm, I think I will be having the mutton tonight.” Henry commented as a fairy waitress came 
fluttering toward their table. She was only about three feet tall and had butterfly-shaped wings. 
She had a happy expression on her face as she held out a notepad.
“Welcome! May I take your order?”
“I will be having the mutton stew with a side salad and a glass of your best mead.” The Halfling 
replied as he closed the menu.
“And you?” The fairy asked Kasumi.
The Tendo girl took on a thoughtful expression and replied. “I believe I will try the sautéed pork 
cutlets with a side of rice and some scalloped potatoes. Oh, I think I’ll have a glass of nectar.”
The waitress nodded and flitted away to have their orders filled. A few minutes later, she returned 
with a large, magic tray floating beside her. With a wave of her wand, she levitated each dish from 
the tray to the table without spilling a drop. Then the utensils, napkins and condiments were set 
down. She then gave the two a bow.
“Enjoy your dinners.”
After she and the tray departed to serve the other guests, the pair began to eat their first meal in 
the Makai. Henry took a spoonful of the heavily-spiced stew, inhaled deeply to take in the aroma, 
and then took a bite. He smacked his lips after swallowing.
“Ah yes! Just as I like it!”
He was about to take another spoonful, when he noticed his companion pausing after taking a bite 
of her meal.
“Is something the matter, Lass? Is the food not to your liking?”
Kasumi shook her head. “Oh no! It’s actually quite delicious. However, I feel that this pork dish 
tastes somewhat incomplete. It’s very well-seasoned, but it’s lacking something.”
“Oh? And what do you think would make the dish complete?”
She stroked her chin in thought. “Hmmm, I would say that a tangy spice… not too sharp to 
overpower the natural flavor of meat… but enough to bring about its savory texture… “She 
snapped her fingers as she brought out her bag. “Wait! This should do.”  She took out a small 
container that resembled a salt shaker.
“What is that?” Henry asked.
“It’s something I’ve been experimenting with. It’s a kind of special spice I’ve been developing in 
my alchemy research. Now, let’s see…”
She sprinkled a small amount of the spice on the dish, and then took out her wand. She waved it 
over her dish and invoked a spell. The food glowed slightly as the spice magically absorbed into it. 
Then a very enticing aroma began to rise from the plate. 
“Ah, yes I think that will work.”
Henry smiled as he caught the scent. “My word! That DOES smell delicious! Mind if I have a bite?”
The Tendo daughter nodded her assent. Taking out a fork, he speared a piece of meat. When he 
tasted the sample, his eyes widened in stunned delight.
“Amazing! It tastes incredible! Kasumi, you may be a novice, but when it comes to cooking, you 
are a sorceress supreme!”
The other patrons were also drawn by the aroma and started to crowd around their table. Two 
people in particular became especially interested.
“Damn! I could never get my meals to smell THAT good!” Clea remarked. 
Serena nodded as she stood with her friend in the throngs of people. “Hey, look at that badge 
she’s wearing! She must be a competitor, like us.”
The Reptyl girl nodded as she noted the Gold Griffin symbol. Clea was wearing the symbol of the 
Ruby Dragon while Serena sported the Jade Sea Serpent. That meant that if they all made it to the 
finals, they would be competing against each other.
--------
A few hundred meters away, a pair of teenage werewolves were strolling the market areas after 
eating their dinners. One was a male with a trim, but hard-muscled build, while the other was a 
female with a muscular and voluptuous figure. Both were wearing form-fitting clothes and walked 
with a steady pace. They stopped as the female half caught a whiff of something.
“What is it Nabs?” The male werewolf asked.
“Do you smell that Matt?” The female lycanthrope asked.
Matthew Talbain, son of Jon Talbain nodded as he caught the scent too. “Yeah. That smells awfully 
good. It’s too bad we’ve already eaten.” 
“I wonder…”
“Wonder about what?”
“No, it couldn’t be. That would be silly.”
“What?”
“It’s nothing. It’s just that I started thinking about my sister and her cooking when I caught that 
smell. No offense to the Talbain staff and that chef Bennett makes a mean rack of lamb. Still, I 
really do miss Kasumi’s cooking once in a while.”
“You want to go check out that smell? We know that she’s here in Ala Maron to compete in the 
Games, so maybe…?”
Nabiki Tendo, Kasumi’s sister and currently a Secondary Lycanthrope, shook her head. “No, I don’t 
think that smell has anything to do with her. I mean, she is one the best cooks in Japan, but I 
don’t think she could make something that can smell THAT heavenly. Come on; let’s get back to 
our hotel.”
Little did Nabiki know, as she and Matthew walked away, was that the spice had also masked 
Kasumi’s scent. Without it, Nabiki’s werewolf sense of smell would have immediately picked up her 
sister.
--------
A little later…
“Ah, that was very nice dinner.” Henry commented as he and Kasumi exited the café and headed 
toward a nearby hotel. During her application test, he had taken the liberty of booking a couple of 
rooms for the week.
“Yes, it was very pleasant.” Kasumi remarked. For her, it was the first time since her mother had 
died, that she didn’t have to cook for anyone. 
“And I must say that it was generous of you to give that spice to the café. I expect their business 
to greatly increase in the near future. Though I do want to know why you didn’t accept their offer 
to buy it. They were offering quite a large sum of gold.”
The gentle girl shook her head. “Oh, I couldn’t accept their offer. I can always make more spice 
and I really don’t need the money.”
Henry considered her words, and nodded. With her top-notch cooking skills and potion-making 
ability, she could make a fortune opening up a restaurant or even work at his potion shop. She 
already had a lifetime pass for free food and lodgings in Ala Maron. Furthermore, she did know how 
to create high-quality gold from her alchemy lessons, courtesy of the Grimbard Sisters. Despite 
having so much magical potential, it was Kasumi’s modesty and humble demeanor which kept her 
from getting an inflated ego concerning her magic skills. 
No wonder the legendary Grimbard Witches offered her the chance to become their apprentice. In 
fact, just about any wizard or sorcerer would have snapped her up as a disciple in a heartbeat.
--------
Back at the Hall of Wizards…
“And I believe that fills up the remaining spots in the Silver Pegasus division.” Lucius said as the 
last of the day’s applicants had left the building. The Elder Council of Wizards was having its final 
discussions before turning in for the night. They would begin interviewing novices again in the 
morning.
“I wouldn’t have thought that Blanchet fellow had it in him to pass the application test.” Gregori 
commented as he closed the folder which had all the names of the division within it. “Did you hear 
how he screamed like a little girl?”
“Well, I must admit that he did a lot more running than actual spellcasting, but he did last long 
enough to qualify. I believe he’ll survive in the Silver Pegasus group.” The head of the council 
admitted. “Now are there any other opinions about the competitors?”
A spellcaster with blue wings and a purple crest on top of his head raised his hand.
“Yes, Ondoro?”
“I’d like to announce that Alexis Val Karas VIII was delayed and will be arriving tomorrow to register 
for the games.”
“Val Karas you say? Well, that’s quite a family lineage of magicians. She will certainly to make the 
games more interesting.”
“I have no doubt she’ll qualify. What division will she be placed in?”
“She’ll either go to the Jade Sea Serpents or the Gold Griffins.”
“Gold Griffins?” Another wizard with silver hair and bronze skin repeated. “Isn’t that the same 
division you placed that Tendo girl in?”
“Indeed. Are you disputing her right to compete, Kadaras?”
The wizard shook his head. “Actually, I do agree with your decision to let her compete, since her 
experience is far less than her potential, which makes her level that of a novice sorceress. 
However, I do question why she is a free-study. A potential like hers wouldn’t have gone unnoticed 
for very long, especially for more than nineteen years. A wizard or master magician would have 
long picked her up as an apprentice. According to what she wrote on her application form, she had 
just begun studying magic for only a couple of weeks.”
“I suspect she’s had more than just a fortnight to train.” Lucius corrected. “I would say that she’s 
had at minimum five to six months of practical instruction. However, the application test spell 
proved that she was not lying. Therefore, I would surmise that she’s had two weeks REAL TIME 
training, and perhaps a few months of DELAYED CHRONAL training.”
“A pocket dimension with a time-dilation enchantment?” Sariah suggested.
“Most likely.” Lucius agreed. “She’s seems to be well-acquainted with Henry the Halfling, and I do 
know that he owns a pocket dimension with a 30:1 time ratio. In five days, Miss Tendo could have 
received a half-year’s worth of training.”
“But that STILL does not explain why she’s at the same level of skill as a 2-year apprentice.” 
Gregori pointed out. “Six months of constant practice is not enough.”
The head wizard held up a hand while trying to stifle a yawn. “It is getting late, so therefore I move 
that we adjourn for the evening and continue this discussion tomorrow. Are there any final 
comments or thoughts?”
“Just one.” Sariah pointed out as she let off a tired sigh. “I have just received word that Jason 
Blackstorm will also be arriving tomorrow for the games.”
“Oh dear. That WILL be quite difficult. We cannot turn away his application, despite his penchant for 
massive amounts of rage-fueled destruction. Perhaps we should just put him in the Ruby Dragon 
division with all the other magical warriors and fighters.”
The other members of the council agreed wholeheartedly.
--------
Meanwhile…
“Hey you! Wait up! We want to talk to you!”
Kasumi and Henry stopped in their tracks and turned around as a teenage witch and lizard girl 
approached them.
“Yes? Can I help you?”
Clea nodded excitedly. “Yeah! You can tell me where you got that spice and…”
WHAP!
“OW!”
While the female Reptyl rubbed her head after receiving a sharp rap, Serena bowed in apology. 
“Please forgive my friend’s impertinence. She was so excited about that wonderful spice we 
smelled at the café, that she completely forgot about proper manners. I am Serena Ravenwing. 
This is my friend, Clea Bodaryl.”
“Hi.” Clea said with a sheepish smile.
The brown-haired girl nodded and bowed in return. “Pleased to meet you. My name is Kasumi 
Tendo.” She gestured to the Halfling. “This is Henry.”  She then noticed their badges. “Oh! Are you 
going to compete in the Apprenticeship Games too?”
“Yes. I guess we all are.” The novice witch commented as she nodded to Kasumi’s badge.
Clea nodded as well. “In any case, I was kind of wondering where you got that spice. It smelled 
totally awesome! Did you get it from the Belenian Spice Traders? I bet it cost you a lot!”
“Perhaps it’s from a traveling gourmet wizard?” Serena suggested.
The Tendo girl shook her head while smiling. “Oh no! It didn’t cost me a thing and I didn’t get it 
from anyone. I made it myself.”
“Really?!” Both Clea and Serena said in surprise.
Nodding again, Kasumi reached into her handbag and took out another vial of spice. With a simple 
application of mana energy, she levitated the glass container above her palm. “It’s nothing really 
special. It’s just one of my experiments in alchemy and potions.”
“Whoa! I’ve never seen a spice like that.” Serena remarked as she gazed upon the vial’s contents. 
The substance within the glass tube sparkled like tiny beads of colored crystal. Despite her 
knowledge on rare herbs and exotic ingredients, the young witch had never encountered anything 
similar to Kasumi’s spice.
“Since I do a lot of cooking at home, I figured that I could apply my magical skills towards it.”
“You can cook?” The lizard girl said in surprise. “How good are you?”
“Well, I’d like to think that my skills are fair and…”
“Fair?!” Henry exclaimed in surprise. “Lass, you shouldn’t be so modest! You could give the Chefs 
of Tiranat a run for their money! In any case, it is starting to get late, so we’d best be on our way 
to our hotel rooms.”
Kasumi nodded as she gave the vial to Clea. “Here. You can have this. I can always make more. It 
was nice meeting you.”
The Reptyl girl looked down at the unexpected gift in her hand, and then said, “Wait! Are you doing 
anything tomorrow?”
Nabiki’s sister paused for a moment and pondered. She shook her head. “Actually, I didn’t really 
have any special plans for tomorrow. Since the Apprenticeship Games won’t be starting until 
Tuesday, I was just planning to tour the city. This is my first time in Ala Maron. In fact this is my 
time in the Makai.”
Clea brightened up. “Well if that’s the case, you just found yourself a couple of guides!”
“Pardon?”
She gestured toward her witch friend. “If you want to see the sights, Serena and I can show you 
around!”
At this point, Clea’s companion raised a hand. “Hold on, Clea! Are you sure you about this?”
“C’mon Serena, it’ll be okay.” The reptilian girl insisted. “It’s not like we had any plans for 
tomorrow, right?”
“Well no, we don’t.” Serene admitted. “But she’s from the Gold Griffin division. She’s our rival 
and…”
“And what? You’re from the Jade Sea Serpents and I’m from the Ruby Dragons. We’re all rivals 
here and we’ll all be competing in the games. However, those games won’t be starting in a couple 
of days, so that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun until then, right?”
“I suppose.”
“And also keep in mind that we’ll be competing against others in the same division first. If we do 
face each other, it won’t happen until the finals, right?”
“I guess.”
“So why don’t we all have some fun together? And no matter what happens in the competition, 
that doesn’t mean we can’t be friends afterward, right?”
Kasumi smiled at openness and honesty of the Reptyl girl. “Well, I suppose I could use someone 
to guide me around, if it’s not too much trouble.”
“It’s no trouble at all!” Clea said as she held up the vial of spice. “I’m also interested in what other 
cooking secrets you have. So we’ll see you tomorrow morning, right?”
“Yes.”
Henry smiled as he stepped forward. He considered himself very capable in judging a person’s 
character and he thought the two girls were just what Kasumi needed. “Well, if you two are going 
to be guiding Kasumi tomorrow, then you can find her at the Dancing Elf Inn. You know where that 
is?”
“Yeah, we know the place.” Clea confirmed.
“Henry, is this all right with you?” Kasumi asked.
“It’s fine. I was going to show you around, but then I remembered some business I need to 
attend to before the games start. These fine young lasses will be your guides. If you get lost or 
need any questions answered, you can always ask Google.”
“Google? Who’s Google?” Serena inquired.
The brown-haired girl nodded as she reached into her handbag and brought out a small book. The 
witch’s eyes widened as she read the cover.
“Whoa! Isn’t that the Makai Universal Almanac Version 5.0 Special Edition? That’s like the ultimate 
magical index! I heard that it won’t be released until next year!”
 “Actually, this is the next generation Almanac, given to me by my teachers.”
“The next generation?!” Serena exclaimed. “Where did you get that?!”
Kasumi blushed a bit, and then remembered her promise to the Grimbards not to reveal her 
connection to them. “Let’s just say that I know some very good people in high places.” She then 
opened up the book, which caused the pages to glow slightly. Then a playful little sprite that 
resembled a tiny, winged fairy, appeared hovering near the top of the book.
“What would you like to know?” The little spirit asked.
Her owner smiled as she introduced her. “And this is Google, my index spirit. She works just like 
the Google search engine on the Internet, so I gave her that name.”
“A universal almanac with a built-in index guide spirit?! This is top-notch stuff!” Serena the witch 
said in total awe. 
Soun’s eldest child nodded as she addressed the spirit. “Nothing for right now, Google. Thank 
you.”
The sprite nodded as she faded back into the pages as the book was closed. Kasumi then placed 
the book back into her handbag.
“So I will be meeting you at the front lobby after breakfast? Say at around 8:00 o’clock?”
Both girls nodded as they parted from their new acquaintance and walked off. Kasumi and Henry 
continued on their way to the hotel.
--------
A little later, at another hotel…
Conrad Blanchet winced as his butler applied some magical healing ointment to his buttocks. Even 
though he had passed the application test, he didn’t come out of it unscathed. Currently, he was 
lying on his belly on the bed with his pants pulled down so his servant could administer treatment 
to his sore posterior.
“Ow! For an illusion spell, that application test felt QUITE real!”
“Well, that’s to be expected, Master Conrad.” Edgar commented. “They don’t just let ANYONE take 
part in the Apprenticeship Games. If you can’t pass the minimum requirements, then you cannot 
participate. There, that should do it.” He screwed the cap back on the tube of ointment and began 
removing the gloves he was wearing. “Now I would suggest that you take tomorrow off in order for 
your injury to heal.”
“Nonsense!” Conrad insisted as he sat up and pulled up his pants. “I cannot waste a single day 
when my future wife is out there! We shall search for her at first light!”
“Master Conrad, please!” The manservant pleaded. “You mustn’t exert yourself. The games are a 
mere two days away and you shouldn’t aggravate your wounds. You are also still recovering from 
the injuries you sustained from those golems earlier today. We can wait until the games are done 
before looking for this girl.”
“Never! I will not run the risk of some other lout claiming my goddess! I will find her, mark my 
words!”
“But, Master! Finding a single girl in a population of well over 65 million inhabitants in a day is next 
to impossible!”
“We Blanchets do not know the MEANING of the word impossible!”
<They also don’t know the meaning of the words ‘common sense’ either.> Edger mentally added. 
Though the family paid well for their services, many members of the house staff were driven close 
to their breaking points with the Blanchets’ overbearing arrogance, especially when it concerned 
the heir to the family fortune. Conrad’s idiotic escapades had landed him in deep trouble, which 
Edgar and the other butlers had to bail him out, whenever his magic failed him, which was 
frequently. In terms of magical strength, the family line was considered mediocre at best.
“Please sir, can this not wait until after the competition?”
“No! I will not wait to claim my bride-to-be! And I will expect your full cooperation in this!”
Edgar let off a tired sigh and nodded. “Very well, Master Conrad. Since the girl we saw was 
apparently human, we can rule out any non-human individuals. Furthermore, it may be safe to 
assume that she might be a competitor or spectator in the Apprenticeship Games, since she was 
wearing sorceress clothing.”
Conrad nodded in satisfaction. “There, you see? We’ve already narrowed down our search!”
<Oh yes, we’ve narrowed it down all right. Considering that there’s over 800 competitors in the 
games and more than 10 million human spectators alone. There’s also the chance that the girl we 
saw was a member of the Old Races wearing a human disguise.> The servant managed to keep 
from groaning and began to wonder if he should apply for a position at Castle Talbain. His distant 
cousin William Dubroke and his family had long-enjoyed their employment with the werewolf clan.
Tomorrow was going to be a very trying day.
--------
The next morning…
Kasumi smiled as she walked toward the front lobby of the hotel. Today was going to be her first 
tour through the magic capital of the Makai. Ever since she had arrived, she had been eager to see 
the sights and inhabitants of this incredible alternate world. She was especially looking forward to 
seeing her two new acquaintances. 
Ever since she had become the caretaker to the Tendo Family at the tender age of 9, Kasumi had 
never had much of a personal life. Between school, cooking and cleaning, her entire world had 
become limited to the shopping district of Tokyo and her own home. Whatever friends she had at 
school before her mother had died had long since grown up and drifted away. By the time she had 
graduated high school, her entire existence had become nothing but a never-ending and tedious 
cycle of picking up after her sisters and father.
Though she bore no ill will toward her family, it was because of constantly taking care of their well-
being that she had to sacrifice her own freedom and future. As a result, she was denied any 
chance for advancement in neither a career nor even starting her own family. In just under ten 
years, her status changed from being the eldest daughter of Soun Tendo to a mere housekeeper. 
She had become little more than an overworked, unpaid servant; a virtual slave to her own family.
That all changed when she met with a Chinese Amazon Elder and her cousins, the Legendary 
Grimbard Witch Sisters. After seeing her cooking skills and how they could be applied toward 
potion-making, the Matriarch of the Joketsuzoku had given her a beginner’s spellbook that had 
been written by her distant relatives, the Grimbard Sisters. It was then that Kasumi found out she 
had an extraordinary talent for learning magical spells quickly.
From that point, her life took a new direction as she began to learn the ways of magic, despite her 
immature father’s protests that she remain as the family caretaker. Soun Tendo was considered as 
a respected member of the Nerima community and part of the neighborhood council. His prestige 
as a martial arts dojo master was known throughout the area, which only added to that respect.
However, the reality of the situation was far from outward appearances. No matter how respected 
a martial artist her father was, he still needed to earn income to provide for himself and his family. 
After the death of his wife, Soun became a blubbering and immature individual, (though 
considering how he acted before losing his wife, it was hard to tell the difference). As a result, he 
became unsuitable as a sensei as his students began to abandon him. As time went on, he began 
to ignore other duties, such as paying for the food, utilities and mortgage. He simply did not want 
to shoulder the responsibilities as the head of the family. In fact, he started to go on and on about 
his old training partner and how he was going to join the two branches of the Anything Goes Martial 
Arts.
Though she wasn’t a martial artist by trade, Kasumi had thought it odd for her father to plan to join 
the two schools, when each branch was barely identifiable on their own. As far as she knew, the 
School of the Anything Goes Martial Arts belonged only to one Grandmaster, and her father and his 
friend were actually pupils of the first generation. With very little reputation to speak of the Tendo 
branch, it wasn’t until later that she realized that her father was shirking his duty as a martial artist. 
He didn’t want to go through the trouble of building up his branch of the Anything Goes. He didn’t 
want to develop his own style and techniques. He just wanted to foist all responsibility to someone 
else.
As much as she didn’t want to describe her father and his martial arts as such, the closest 
comparison she could come up with was an immature five-year-old. He had to be led by the hand. 
He threw childish tantrums whenever things didn’t go his way. And most of all, he wanted 
everything to be done for him. And when he laid that bombshell that one of his daughters was 
going to marry the heir to the Saotome School to ensure the future of the Tendo School; that had 
clinched her suspicions that her father did NOT want to go through the trouble of building up his 
own branch of the Anything Goes. He was more than content to let his friend advance his own 
branch, and then claim whatever techniques that were created, through the marriage of his 
daughter.
She had narrowly dodged the bullet when her youngest sister Akane was chosen to be ‘Ranma’s’ 
fiancée, but that did not change the fact that her father expected her to remain as the 
housekeeper. When she finally put her foot down and told him that her family would have to help 
out with the chores, (if they expected to have three meals a day), her parent went into that 
Demon Head and tried to cow her into submission. Thank goodness she had the Grandmaster of 
the Anything Goes on her side, which her father deathly feared. Once her magic had improved 
enough, Soun Tendo had no means whatsoever to force her to do his bidding, which included this 
secret trip to the Makai.
As she left the front door of the hotel, she smiled as she caught sight of a certain Reptyl girl and 
apprentice witch.
“Hey Kasumi! Over here!”
 She nodded as she approached the pair and looked about at the throngs of people that were 
milling about the area. She was amazed that the streets were so crowded when it was still early 
morning.
“I’m surprised it’s so busy.” Kasumi commented. “I think it’s even busier than yesterday.”
“I’m not surprised.” Serena commented. “The Apprenticeship Games are going to start the day 
after tomorrow.”
“I’m glad that you two are going to show me around. I was a little worried that you might not be 
able to find me.”
“Nah, that wouldn’t have happened.” Clea assured with a nonchalant wave. “I already caught on to 
your magical scent, so there’s no way you could have hidden from me.”
“My magical scent?”
The young witch nodded as she explained. “Clea happens to be a special type of lizardman called a 
Reptyl. They’re known for their tracking abilities and can actually SMELL a person’s magical aura.”
“Amazing!”
The reptilian girl shrugged her shoulders. “It’s no biggie. The only ones who could track better 
than me are werewolves. In any case, what I really want to know is how you made that awesome 
spice last night!”
Now it was Kasumi’s turn to be modest as she replied, “I don’t think it was that good.”
“Are you kidding?! I only sprinkled a dash of that stuff on a snack I had last night, and it tasted 
incredible!”
“Oh it was really nothing. I can give you the recipe if you like.”
“Really? That would be awesome!”
At that point, the novice witch gestured to the two. “C’mon Clea. She can give you the recipe later. 
Let’s get this tour started.”
As the three headed out to see the wonders of the city, Serena gazed upon their new friend with a 
bit of curiosity. Like all beginners, her magical senses were rough and undefined. She could only 
detect general auras and Kasumi’s was something of an enigma. Her aura felt somewhat restricted 
and Serena was especially interested in what seemed to be a concentrated amount of magical 
power on Kasumi’s right hand. The gloves that the Tendo girl was wearing obscured any markings 
and the apprentice witch couldn’t help but feel that they were hiding something important.
--------
An hour later…
Kasumi looked about in awe at the huge marketplace of Ala Maron. She had only glimpsed a small 
part of it on her way to the Hall of Wizards to register and it STILL made the one in Nerima look like 
a low-class yard sale. There was just so much merchandise and exotic food ingredients. She just 
didn’t know where to start.
“Okay, normally the marketplace is made up of sections, with each area specialized in one of two 
types of items.” Serena began explaining. “If want things like magic wands, equipment or spell 
ingredients, then they’re usually placed toward the Hall of Wizards. You just head south.”
“If we’re talking about spellbooks, scrolls or any kind of mystic literature, then you’ll find them in 
the eastern areas.” Clea said.
“Why there?” Kasumi inquired.
“Well, on the eastern side of the city are a LOT of magic publishers and writers. Those who are 
involved with incantations, engravings, libraries and revisions are situated in that area. You’ll find a 
LOT of scholars and researchers. You might say they represent the brainy side of Ala Maron.”
“I see. So what’s on the western side?”
“Okay, that’s where you’re going to find magical animals.” The young witch replied. “We’re talking 
about pets, familiars or sometimes even food items.”
“And the northern side?”
“That’s my favorite area.” The Reptyl girl said with a smile. “We’re talking about magical weapons 
and armor. You can get some top-quality blades there, both regular and enchanted. You can also 
get some really good metalwork done there.”
“And where would I find clothing, food and general things?”
“Cloth items, foodstuffs and general merchandise are normally near the center and you have to do 
a LOT of shopping around to find what you want and at a good price.” Serena said.
At that point, Kasumi smiled as she was very adept at shopping for food and things. She reached 
into her handbag and took out her Almanac. Opening the book made her Index Guide Spirit appear 
before them.
“What would you like to know?” Google asked.
The young apprentice sorceress nodded. “Google? Would you please show me a detailed map of 
the Ala Maron Marketplace and our position?”
The spirit nodded as she made the pages come alive to project magical image of the city and its 
marketplace. She then indicated with a small red dot of the girls’ position.
While smiling, Kasumi reached into her handbag and took out a five-yen piece with a string 
threaded through the hole in its center. Holding the string at one end, she let the coin dangle 
above the map and began focusing her mana.
Serena and Clea looked on with curiosity as the sorceress-in-training cast her spell.
“What’s she doing?” The reptilian tomboy asked.
“I think she’s using some kind of searching spell.” The little witch surmised. “I wonder what she’s 
looking for?”
The coin began to sway back and forth above a certain area on the map, and then flashed slightly. 
Afterwards, Kasumi nodded and put the coin away before pointing to the indicated area.
“I think we should go here first.”
--------
In another part of the marketplace, near the Hall of Wizards…
A young sorceress-trainee let off a tired sigh as she exited the Hall of Wizards. Walking behind her 
was one of her house servants; an elderly man in his early sixties, dressed smartly in a black, 
butler’s uniform.
“Well I must say that the application test went quite well.” Joseph commented.
Alexis Val Karas VIII had an irritated expression on her face as she addressed her butler. “It would 
have saved everyone a lot of trouble if they had just skipped the test and given me the badge. It 
was bad enough that we had to wait in line to get into the Hall of Wizards, but for that old fogey of 
a magician to put me through that spell…”
“May I remind you, Mistress; that old ‘fogey of a magician’ happens to be the Grand Spellmaster 
Lucius? He was also the one who ‘approved’ your entry into the Apprenticeship Games. He could 
just as easily revoke it. Perhaps you should not speak ill of him?”
“Hmph!” Alexis continued to pout as they began to tour the marketplace. Pinned on her tunic was 
her division badge, with the symbol of the Gold Griffins.
------
In his office, Lucius looked over the current listings of the divisions for the Apprenticeship Games.
Due to the fact that there was always a huge number of applicants every year, the Elder Council of 
Wizards needed to group them into smaller categories for ease of control and to make certain that 
each person would compete against opponents of similar power and skill levels. That ensured a fair 
contest and would eventually produce the strongest of each division to compete in the finals. 
The Ruby Dragon division was composed of the fighting-types. They were spellcasters who used 
magic to enhance their physical skills. Enchanted weapons were widely used among them. They 
were considered as aggressive, extremely competitive and tend to depend on sheer power to 
overcome any obstacles. The Reptyl girl Clea Bodaryl was a good example. And so was the half-
human son of the Demon Lord Argus; Jason Blackstorm.
The Grand Spellmaster shuddered a bit at Jason’s application this morning. That kid had a LOT of 
Hellfire power within him, which allowed him to BULLDOZE his way through the application spell. If 
it wasn’t for the fact that he didn’t have much control over his abilities, then he would have been 
considered as ineligible as an apprentice-level competitor. Hopefully, the gamekeepers would be 
able to keep him in line.
The White Pegasus division was made up of individuals who focused on defensive spells and 
transport. In a way, they were the direct opposite of those in the Ruby Dragon division. They also 
had some ability in terms of illusions. However, in terms of competition, they were normally the 
first to get eliminated.  It wasn’t that they were weak, but being constantly on the defensive could 
only go so far. It had been several decades since a White Pegasus member had given a good 
showing in the finals, let alone win the Grand Prize.
Lucius could only hope Conrad Blanchet wouldn’t suffer too much.
The Jade Sea Serpent division was composed of intellectuals and potion-makers. The novice witch 
Serena Ravenwing was a prime example. These magicians excelled in terms of creating mystic 
concoctions and using their brains to outthink their opponents. They were the strategists and 
planners. However, their main drawback was the fact that they needed preparation time in order to 
invoke their stronger spells. There was going to be many events in which the competitor would 
have to think on the fly and adapt. Jade Sea Serpent members frequently get thrown off their 
game whenever they encounter the unexpected or get caught unprepared.
Finally, there was the Gold Griffin division which was made up of the all-rounders. Members of this 
division had varying ability in all types of magic and their usage. They were strong in some forms, 
while weak in others. On average, they were capable of performing any kind of spell with decent 
skill.  These were the ones who had the potential to become master magicians. Alexis Val Karas 
VIII was a good example. And so was another candidate.
A girl from Japan named Kasumi Tendo.
The master magician thought for a long while about her. According to his application test spell, the 
novice had a very high aptitude toward potions and mixing magical ingredients. Technically 
speaking, she should have been placed in the Jade Sea Serpent division. However, Chance had 
divined that Kasumi would be more suited with the Gold Griffin members. And if there was one 
thing that kitsune was famous for, it was her talent for calculating the odds. She was after all part 
of the Oracle Trio at Castle Talbain.
However, as he pondered some more, he recalled that Kasumi had also demonstrated some 
considerable defensive magic and divination skills. That would have earned her a spot with the 
White Pegasus group. Then there was that Level Seven Seal on her hand, which meant that she 
had more than enough mana stored within her. Such a power level would put her on an even 
footing with the Ruby Dragon competitors. The more he thought about it, the more Lucius had to 
agree on Chance’s choice for Miss Tendo’s position with the Gold Griffins. 
At that point, he decided to go for a short walk before interviewing the final batch of hopefuls this 
afternoon. 
--------
A little later…
“Wow! I can’t believe we’re getting such good deals!” Clea commented as she looked down at her 
new swordbelt. On her forearms were brand-new protective bracers. The equipment had been 
made by the Tanners of Crimolo, well-known in the Makai for their leatherwork. Their products 
always fetched a high-amount at market, but Kasumi had haggled the asking price down to half. 
Furthermore, Clea had gotten some very good cooking tips from the Japanese girl. The more she 
got to know her, the more the Reptyl girl liked her.
Serena was also impressed with Kasumi’s negotiation skills. Even with Clea’s help, she never would 
have collected the ingredients she needed for the games in time. Thanks to Kasumi, her entire 
shopping list was almost complete in less than two hours and at a fraction of the cost.
She had planned on spending the day searching for several rare herbs and potion materials that 
she required to prepare for the competition. Since she was part of the Jade Sea Serpents, she 
needed to plan ahead for any and all eventualities. Her most powerful spells came from potions, 
but those had to be created in advance. In the heat of battle, she would have very little time to set 
up a laboratory and carefully mix each concoction. Serena’s cousin had taken part in the 
Apprenticeship Games last year and didn’t prepare sufficiently enough. She had been eliminated 
during the third round of competition.
“Where did you learn to shop like that?” 
Kasumi shrugged her shoulders as she walked beside her new friends. In her handbag were her 
own purchases, magically shrunk down for ease of transport. “I’ve had a lot of practice with 
bargaining, so I used my dowsing spell to find the best places in which we could all get the lowest 
prices. I figured that we could all use some extra supplies and equipment in the competition.”
Both girls took on a bit of a surprised look. They had not expected that a fellow competitor would 
use her own magic to help them in the games. If destiny willed it, they would end up against each 
other.
The Tendo girl nodded at their surprise. “You two were so kind to offer to be my guides, I thought 
the least I could do was to help you prepare for the games. We may be rivals, but that doesn’t 
mean we can’t be friends.”
The pair continued to gaze upon her in awe. There was something just so soothing about her 
presence, that it put the calming influence of the Makai Serenity Priests to shame. It was almost 
impossible to believe that such kindness existed anywhere.
At that moment they began hearing an angry voice.
“What do you mean there’s no more?! Do you have any idea who I am?!”
They all looked to their left and saw someone arguing with a elf who was manning a small stand of 
rare herbs. The customer was quite perturbed that the seller did not have the merchandise that 
she wanted. The person in question was wearing what appeared to be high-quality silk clothes and 
had a haughty air about her. She had long, blonde hair done up in a kind of elaborate braid. She 
would be considered quite the elegant beauty, if her features weren’t currently marred with anger.
“What do you mean that you don’t have any Seikian Root?” Alexis cried out. “I was told that you 
had the rarest of herbs and spell ingredients!”
“Yes, I do.” The elf merchant said. “However, I cannot sell you what I do not have. I just sold my 
last batch of Seikian Root. You’re going to have to wait until tomorrow when my new shipment 
comes in.”
“I can’t wait that long! Tomorrow is the start of the Apprenticeship Games! I need to prepare my 
potions tonight!”
“I am sorry, but I cannot do anything until the caravan from Seiki Derai comes in, and that won’t 
be until tomorrow morning. You will just have to be patient.”
“Why you little peasant! How dare you tell me what to do!? I will have you flogged for your 
insolence!”
“Uhm… excuse me?”
Alexis and the peddler turned to face the newcomer as she stepped forward from the surrounding 
crowds. 
Alexis Val Karas VIII gazed upon her fellow competitor Kasumi Tendo.  Behind her was Clea and 
Serena.
“Yes? And what do you want?”
Soun’s daughter nodded as she replied. “Well, I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation, and 
I do understand your need to prepare your potions in advance for the Games. However, since 
tomorrow will only be the opening ceremonies; there won’t be any competitions until the events 
are announced and the preliminary selections are made. You would have at least one more day to 
prepare. By that time, I’m certain that the shipment of Seikian Root will be available.”
“Yes.” The elfin seller confirmed. “The caravan will arrive in Ala Maron at dawn tomorrow. I’ll have 
plenty of Seikian Root to sell.”
“Are you suggesting that I should just wait for something that should have already been in my 
possession?!” Alexis shot back in a very haughty tone. “Who are you to tell me what I should do?”
“Well, I’m…” Kasumi began.
“Wait!” She held up a hand, and then began emitting her magical aura. “Though it behooves me to 
speak to a commoner, it is still proper manners to introduce one’s own name first! Know this, and 
tremble! I am the heir to the greatest line of magicians in all of Europe! We are the nobles of the 
ancient mystic ways and are known throughout the Makai! I am Alexis Val Karas the Eighth! I have 
been tutored by the greatest masters of spellcasting for years and I shall be the ultimate victor in 
these games!”
The Tendo girl could only gaze upon the arrogant rich girl for a few moments, and then replied. “I 
am Kasumi Tendo, of Japan. I’m afraid I can only claim to a few months of training and I haven’t 
studied under a great master for any considerable time.”
“Hmph! Just as I thought!” She snorted in disdain. “Nothing but a lowly free-study! A commoner 
with little magic to speak of and wasn’t worth the attention of any respectable magician to train!”
Kasumi flinched slightly at the accusation as she unconsciously clasped her hands together. Due 
to the Level Seven Seal that the Grimbards had put to restrict her overwhelming mana reserves, 
Alexis’ senses were not picking up the Japanese girl’s overall potential. If she had even an inkling 
of Kasumi’s power, she would have been more careful with her choice of words.
Then Alexis really put her foot in her mouth with her next words.
“I should have realized you and your friends were just nobody-beginners. The second-rate clothes 
are sure sign.” She first pointed to Serena, then to Kasumi. “You obviously are happy to use things 
that no one else wants. I’ll admit that your cloak is finely made, but it’s obviously a hand-me down.  
And your friend’s dress is so out of style, that it’s a crime to out in public!”
“Hey!” Serena exclaimed. Her garb was actually a gift from her cousin who had competed in last 
year’s games.
As for Clea, she didn’t like people who openly insulted her friends, as she started to reach for her 
sword.
“Who do you think you are insulting my friends?!”
“I am you better.” The rich girl said as her magical aura flared a bit. She glowed hotly in a golden 
corona of light.“I should think you reconsider before raising a weapon against me.”
The lizardgirl paused as she gauged her opponent and didn’t like the odds. In spite of her 
arrogance, Alexis had the power to back up her claims. However, the confrontation took an 
unexpected turn as another magical aura made itself known.
“Secundus campester solvo!” (1)
With that quiet whisper, Kasumi released two levels of her seal. Her body was surrounded 
with a blue aura. Her mana levels took an immediate jump in power, catching the attention 
of everyone present, including the spoiled heiress. She was especially surprised at the 
amount of power Kasumi was radiating.
Kasumi then spoke in a firm voice. “I think everyone should calm down.” She gestured to her 
badge. “You know the rules. No fighting outside the competition or you WILL be disqualified.”
There was a long, anxious stretch of silence before Clea stepped back and Alexis powered 
down. The Tendo girl did the same as she addressed her rival. She held out one end of her 
cloak.
“I’ll admit that my clothes are not brand-new, but I see no reason they should be thrown 
away.” She then pointed to the spoiled sorceress trainee. “If you have an issue with second-
hand things, then perhaps you should not be involved with magic itself.”
“What are you talking about?” Alexis demanded.
Kasumi took on an innocent expression as she merely stated the truth. “Magic in itself is NOT 
a new thing. It is as old as time itself and its history is the first thing we learn! That 
knowledge is HANDED-DOWN to us by our teachers. Do you deny that?”
The blonde girl is taken aback by the unexpected question. “Well, I…?”
“And are the lessons in the basics of magic the same for each generation? It may vary now 
and then but their foundations remain the same.” 
“Well I suppose…”
“If those lessons are the same and have been HANDED-DOWN from the previous 
generations, then you should have rejected them, because they ARE HAND-ME-DOWNS.”
“Now wait a minute…!”
“I am proud to wear this hand-me down cloak and clothing and the lessons that I had learned 
from my teachers. In fact, we should all be thankful that the previous generations left us so 
much to learn from.”
At that point a round of applause from one person was heard. Everyone turned and gasped 
as they beheld the elderly man. 
Grand Spellmaster Lucius smiled as he approached the group. The crowd parted to allow him 
through.
“Bravo! Bravo Kasumi Tendo! Well said! Well said indeed!”
“Grand Spellmaster!” Kasumi exclaimed as she gave him a respectful bow.
Lucius nodded to her, and then addressed Alexis. “You should be thankful, Miss Val Karas. 
Miss Tendo had stopped you from doing something rash. I would have certainly disqualified 
you and Miss Bodaryl if you were to break the rules of the Apprenticeship Games. And I 
would think that many if not all previous generations of spellcasters would take offense from 
your dislike of ‘hand-me downs.’”
Alexis flinched as she realized she had indirectly insulted Lucius and all other veteran wizards. 
She immediately cleared her throat and replied with a much subdued tone, “I meant no 
offense to the great magicians and I was merely… er, that is… well, I mean… uhm… oh look 
at time! I’m afraid I must prepare for the games. I can obtain the Seikian Root tomorrow. I’ll 
see you at the Opening Ceremonies. Good day!”
She quickly departed with her butler in haste, though she still bore some hostility toward her 
new rival, Kasumi Tendo.
As soon as she was out of sight, Clea turned to her new friend and gave her a thumbs-up. 
“Way to go, girl!”
Serena also looked up to Kasumi with new appreciation, after she had defended her from 
that snob.
“I must admit, you handled that situation quite nicely.” Lucius commented as he motioned for 
the girls to walk with him. “Normally, a novice would have difficulty controlling either his or 
her magic and temper. You showed great restraint and kept a level head.”
“I’ve had a lot of practice.” The gentle girl admitted as she remembered how trying it had 
been to keep the Tendo home in order and deal with her family’s immature behavior 
constant basis.
“Indeed. And that attitude will serve you well in the games and in your future magical 
studies.” He then looked about to make certain no one was listening in as he led them to a 
secluded area of the market. “The Grimbard Sisters did a fine job in your basic magic 
training.”
Kasumi immediately stopped in her tracks and stiffened a bit when their names were 
mentioned. Serena and Clea both took on shocked expressions on their faces.
“I don’t know what…?” The eldest Tendo daughter began, only to be silenced as the Grand 
Spellmaster raised a hand.
“It is pointless to deny your association with the Legendary Salem Sisters, though I do not 
blame you for trying to keep your relationship with them a secret. Your Blood Oath Mark 
indicates to me that you had promised to not reveal that you had trained under them. 
However, since I had already deduced that fact, you should not fear of any violation of that 
vow on your part.” He then grasped Kasumi’s right hand and held it up for the other girls to 
see. “And this Level Seven Seal is definitely their handiwork.”
Both Clea and Serena gasped as Lucius made the seal visible to their eyes. Due to the 
camouflage power of her gloves, Kasumi’s mark was hidden from regular scrying spells and 
was barely detectable to even the most sensitive of magical senses. With a short incantation, 
Lucius made the seal visible.
“A LEVEL SEVEN SEAL?! THAT’S WHAT I’VE BEEN SENSING?!” The young witch exclaimed as 
she looked on in wonder at her idols’ work.
“Whoa! I’ve never heard of anyone who needed a high-level limiter like that!” The Reptyl girl 
commented.
The Grand Spellmaster nodded as he let go of Kasumi’s hand, allowing his revelation spell to 
disperse. He then took hold of her cloak. “And though this garment has been modified, I still 
recognize it, even after three hundred and forty-seven years. After all, I was the one who 
gave it to Parelle Grimbard.”
“Really?” The brown-haired girl said in surprise.
“Indeed.” The elderly man said with a smile. “She was quite the beauty during our years at 
the magical academy.” He waved his hand over the material, causing the mystic runes to 
flicker briefly into view, before fading back into the fabric. “I originally inscribed this cloak as 
a gift to her during our senior year. Many people thought that we would be together for 
eternity.” He let off a wistful sigh before letting go of the cloth. “Ah me, where has the time 
gone?”
After reminiscing about his past for a few moments, he then cleared his throat and spoke in 
a more serious manner. “Know this Miss Tendo, that I will not divulge to anyone what has 
been spoken here. However, your association with the Grimbards does not gain you any 
advantage in the Apprenticeship Games. I will not play favorites. You and your friends will be 
judged SOLEY on your magical abilities and your wits. Do you understand?”
All three girls nodded as the elderly wizard turned to take his leave.
“Then I bid you all good luck in the games. See you all tomorrow at the coliseum.”
At that moment he disappeared in a flash of light. After taking a deep breath, Kasumi turned 
to face her friends. She immediately noticed the starstruck look in Serena’s eyes.
“Wow! You KNOW the Grimbard Sisters?”
<Oh dear!>
-------
In her hotel room, a certain heir to one of the greatest family of magicians paced back and 
forth in anger.
After being publically humiliated in front of the Grand Spellmaster, Alexis Val Karas VIII was 
carrying quite a grudge against Kasumi Tendo.
<How DARE she?! How dare she humiliate ME in front of the head of the Elder Council of 
Wizards?! Who does that… that PEASANT girl thinks she is?!>
Throughout the long history of the Val Karas Faimily, there had been very few instances in 
an outsider was able to put down a member’s pride so quickly and thoroughly. It was an 
even rarer event that the offended member was unable to immediately retaliate. Kasumi 
Tendo had unknowingly achieved both goals, and as result, made an enemy of the heir to 
that line of powerful sorcerers.
Alexis’ magical family heritage was a long one, dating back to year 1123 A.D., just a few 
decades before King Richard the Lion-Hearted was born. Her ancestors had discovered the 
ancient texts of the famed wizard Merlin of King Arthur’s court. From those tomes, they 
developed a high aptitude for general magic and were able amass a huge family fortune, 
second only to the Talbains. Throughout the centuries, they had also gained considerable 
political power and connections throughout Europe and the Makai. They were not people one 
should casually trifle with.
As Alexis continued to angrily pace, there was a knock on her hotel room’s door. After giving 
her assent, her butler entered with a thin folder in his hands.
“Well?” The blonde sorceress trainee asked. “Give me the report on that peasant girl so I can 
destroy her.”
The elderly servant let off a sigh and nodded as he read the report. “There’s not really much 
to say about her. Her name is Kasumi Tendo. She’s nineteen years old and her place of 
residence is the Nerima District in Tokyo. Apparently, her father Soun Tendo owns a dojo 
and teaches his branch of the Anything Goes Martial Arts.”
“Anything Goes Martial Arts?” Alexis repeated. “Never heard of it.”
“I’m not too surprised. It’s not a very well-known fighting style. The discipline itself has its 
origins some three hundred years ago, but it hasn’t spread very far, even in Japan. In fact, 
the Tendo branch of the founding school is barely worth noting. According to all current 
information, it hasn’t trained any disciples for over ten years. There has been no appreciable 
mention about the Tendo School of Anything Goes in any of the major martial arts circles. It 
almost does not exist as a training hall. As for Soun Tendo, he is a member of the Nerima 
Community Council, but his participation is minimal at best, and he has no regular source of 
income. Apparently, he seems content to allow his daughters to take care of the household 
chores and finances and he’s very adamant over joining his branch of the Anything Goes 
with another family, the Saotomes.” The butler paused in contemplation before continuing. “I 
find that rather odd. The Tendo branch has only just started. Why eliminate it as a separate 
school so quickly?”
“Like I care!” Alexis remarked with scorn. “It’s just as I thought! She’s nothing more than an 
insignificant commoner from an equally insignificant and worthless dojo. She will soon learn 
of her mistake in humiliating me!” She took a more restrained expression as she brought her 
anger down a notch. “So what about this family’s magical line?”
“We’ve researched the past generations of Tendos and have found no appreciable mention 
of any magical skills or knowledge. There are some indications of lineage toward the 
samurai, but those are very distant relations at best. Soun Tendo had no priests, seers or 
monks in his family tree.”
“And what about the maternal side?”
Joseph shook his head as he closed the file folder. “The family ancestry of Kasumi Tendo’s 
mother, Kimika Tendo could not be accessed. There is very little data concerning her. It could 
mean that Miss Tendo may have inherited her magical ability from her.” He paused again 
before continuing. “If I may be so bold to say so, I have some misgivings about the current 
state of affairs. May I remind you, Mistress that you are forbidden to make any attack 
against a fellow competitor outside of the Apprenticeship Games?”
The spoiled, rich girl shrugged her shoulders. “There’s more than one way to skin a cat, 
especially a scruffy, alley cat. I may not be able to pay her back outright, but that doesn’t 
mean I can’t throw a few obstacles her way during the games.”
Though she was confident that she could handle Kasumi, Alexis did feel a slight uneasiness as 
she remembered back to when the Tendo girl unleashed her own magical aura. With her 
senses rated as top-notch, the Val Karas heir had found it strange that she hadn’t picked up 
on Kasumi’s magical power levels until she openly expressed it. She quickly dismissed the 
lack of awareness as merely a fluke as she began to scheme.
--------
A little later…
“Please! Can you get me the Grimbards’ autographs?” Serena pled with excitement.
For Clea, it was a bit surprising how much the novice witch’s personality did a complete 180 
after she had found out that their new friend was affiliated with the three of the greatest 
spellcasters in history. She had been cautious with her since they had met, and now she was 
fawning over Kasumi like an obsessed fan with her favorite movie star.
“Please, could you not say out loud that I know the Grimbards?” Kasumi asked gently while 
trying to keep her new associate from shouting out that fact to the general public. They were 
currently taking a secluded alley to avoid the crowds.
“But you’re their apprentice!” Serena pointed out.
“Not officially.” The gentle girl corrected. “Yes, I will admit that I was trained in the basics of 
magic, but any decent master of the mystic arts could have instructed me. To be honest, 
I’ve only had a few months of training at best. That does not make me anyone’s 
apprentice.”
“Yeah, but still you were TRAINED by them!” Ravenwing insisted. “Do you realize how many 
novices have asked to become their disciples? Just about everyone in the Witches Coven has 
heard about them and the Elder Council of Wizards has been asking them to join for over a 
hundred and fifty years now!”
“Yes, I do recall Parelle telling me about that. However, I would appreciate it, if you and Clea 
would keep the fact that I know them to yourselves. I would prefer to compete in these 
games with my own skills, and not because of my association with them. I would also like to 
avoid any trouble that might arise if that fact gets out.”
“Yeah, I get it.” The Reptyl girl nodded. “Don’t worry. We won’t say anything, right Serena?”
The witch was a bit reluctant to agree with the lizard girl, until Kasumi gave her a reassuring 
smile.
“I promise that the next time I see the Grimbards, I’ll get their autographs for you.”
Serena smiled and nodded.
“So where would you like to go, and what would you like to do next?” Kasumi asked as she 
held out her almanac and five-yen piece.
“I’ll tell you what.” A new voice said as three unsavory figures appeared from the shadows 
of the alley. “You can come with us, and give us all your money and valuables!”
The trio of girls turned to see some bandits appear, brandishing some very nasty-looking 
weapons. The leader turned out to be a humanoid weasel, about six feet tall and dressed in 
dirty garments. His cohorts were similarly dressed and were a humanoid bat and goat man. 
The bandits wielded swords and clubs and were intent on robbing them and doing other 
unspeakable acts.
At that moment, Clea drew her sword and took a defensive stance in front of her two 
friends. Serena reached into her cloak and drew out her magic wand. However, Kasumi did 
not take out her wand as her five-yen piece suddenly glowed, along with her eyes as her 
psychic awareness caught a premonition.
“Oh dear.”  She first addressed Clea. “You don’t need to bother with them. Please put away 
your sword.”
“Why? They’re trying to rob us!” The Reptyl girl asked in surprise.
“They’re about to get punished for their actions, in a very painful manner.”
The leader of the bandits laughed. “Ha! What are you talking about girl? You think we’re 
afraid of three novice magicians like you?” He pointed with his sword at her badge. “We 
know you three are competing in the games, so that makes you beginners.”
“Oh, you misunderstand me.” Kasumi explained. “My friends and I will not be the ones who 
will punish you.”
“Then who’s gonna punish us?” The head bandit sneered.
“Me.” A stern voice from behind had replied.
The three criminals turned around to see a new figure standing at the entrance to the alley.
The newcomer was tall and emitted a fiery red aura. He had short, black hair and was 
dressed in a black shirt, blue jeans, high-top sneakers and a leather jacket. On the right 
breast of his jacket was a silver badge with the symbol of the Ruby Dragon Division. He 
pointed to the badge with his left index finger as he began to gather power in his right hand.
“This badge means I can’t pick a fight with anyone in the games. But I don’t see any badges 
on you three.”
He raised his right hand above his head as the power condensed almost instantly into a huge 
fireball that was the size of an elephant. 
 “This means that you three are TOAST!”
With those words, he launched the fiery projectile at the would-be bandits. There was a large 
explosion as the fireball detonated. However, he made certain that the energies were 
restricted to a certain area, leaving Kasumi and the others unscathed. When the light died 
down, the robbers went screaming off with their clothes and hair on fire, and sporting some 
very impressive burns.
Satisfied that they would not return, Jason Blackstorm turned towards the brown-haired girl 
who had foreseen his arrival.
“I thank you for your assistance.” Kasumi said as she held out her hand. “My name is 
Kasumi Tendo.”
After a long pause, Jason reached out with his own hand and shook Kasumi’s.
“Jason Blackstorm.”
--------
In a nearby area, another spoiled magic trainee was searching high and low for his intended 
soul mate.
“Where is she? Where is my sorceress beauty?” Conrad Blanchet asked as he looked about 
for any sign of Kasumi Tendo. Walking beside him was his butler Edgar.
“Please Master Conrad, we’ve been searching all morning and it is nearly noon. Why don’t we 
hold off finding this girl and have some lunch?”
“Never!” The arrogant rich trainee insisted. “We shall search all day and all night if he have 
to! Nothing will prevent me from finding my lifemate! Not even something as trivial as 
hunger!”
At that moment, his stomach growled its own argument for halting the search.
Edgar could only sigh tiredly as he led his employer to the nearest restaurant.
--------
Walking toward the same restaurant, Kasumi, Clea, Serena and Jason were set on having 
lunch.
Both the witch and Reptyl were a bit uneasy walking beside the son of Argus Blackstorm. 
After he had told them his name, the pair immediately backed away from him. There were 
not many people in the Makai that did not know of the infamous halfbreed child of the 
Number Two Demon Lord. Jason was one of the most powerful and dangerous possessors of 
Hellfire Magic. His flames could not be doused by mere water and only the strongest of 
materials in the Other Realm could withstand the heat he was able to generate. He was also 
able to use that power to boost his physical abilities and could summon other monsters. He 
was a force to be reckoned with.
However, it seemed that Jason had finally met someone who was not intimidated by his 
lineage or his power.
Kasumi Tendo.
There was just something about her that made any tension he felt seem to melt away. She 
had a calming presence that made him drop his guard. And the way she was able to casually 
speak with him, without flinching or cringing, was an entirely new experience for him. What 
was most surprising of all was the fact that she was not put off by his eyes.
By definition, Jason was a demi-demon; the child of a human and a demon. On the outside, 
he looked just like a normal person, except for the eyes. By some strange quirk of fate and 
genetics, he had inherited his father’s eye color and pupils. His irises were a glowing scarlet 
and the pupils were slitted like a lizard’s. Whenever he visited the Human Realm, he had to 
wear special blue-colored contact lenses, to hide his eyes’ unusual shade and appearance. It 
was because of this condition and his penchant for destruction, that he was also given the 
nickname of Jason Blood Eyes.
“So this is your first time in the Makai?” He asked.
“Yes. We’re all here to compete in the Apprenticeship Games.” She pointed to his badge. “I 
see that you’ll be in the same division as Clea.”
The lizard girl winced a bit at the realization that she would be competing against him. Of all 
the people to go up against in the first rounds. Though she was still wondering why Kasumi 
was so calm and open toward him. Didn’t she know who she was talking to? Was she really 
so ignorant of one of the most destructive individuals in the Makai?
At that time, her stomach rumbled and she decided to table those thoughts until after lunch.
-------
Ten minutes later…
“Yeah, I’ll have the Mamorian Steak special, medium rare please.” Jason said as he handed 
the waiter back the menu.
The satyr nodded nervously as he responded in a trembling voice. “O-Of course! And the 
meal will be on the house for the son of Argus Blackstorm.”
The demi-demon became a tad annoyed. “No, I’m paying for this meal, just like everybody 
else. In fact, I’m treating these three girls to whatever they want.”
“Oh no! You don’t have to…” Kasumi began, but then Jason held up his hand.
“No, I don’t have to, but I WANT to.” The son of Argus stated, before turning back to the 
waiter. “And don’t you go putting their meals on the house either. Regardless who my father 
happens to be, that does NOT excuse me or anyone else from paying for their meals. You 
bring that check to me, GOT IT?”
The waiter nodded vigorously as he went to fill their orders. As soon as he was gone, Jason 
turned back to his three dining companions.
“You really don’t have to treat us.” Kasumi pointed out.
“Yeah, well my mom raised me to treat good people with respect and I’ve got lots of petty 
cash. I’m never gonna use it all, so why not share it with some friends? Though, I don’t 
really have many of those.” He said the last part quietly.
“No friends?” The brown-haired girl asked with genuine concern in her eyes.
Jason let off a long tired sigh. What was it about this girl that made him feel so warm? 
“When you happen to be the son of the Number Two Demon Lord, you either have people 
too scared to come near you, or you have idiots challenging you in hopes of making a name 
for themselves.”
“You are the son of a Demon Lord?”
Jason and the other two girls gave Kasumi looks of complete disbelief. Did she REALLY not 
know about Jason Blood Eyes? However, as the demi-demon thought about it, this may be a 
good thing. Due to his reputation, making any relationship, especially with a girl was a very 
distant dream at best. If he could make friends with her, then perhaps he could get others to 
understand him as well.
However, before he had the chance to further his acquaintance with the Tendo girl, a new 
wrinkle quickly approached them.
“Ah! I have found you at last, my sorceress beauty!” 
Kasumi and the others turned toward the new voice as two people came up to their table. 
Jason’s eyes narrowed as he noted the family insignia on the cloak of the one with the 
blonde hair. He could barely hold a snort of disgust.
<Oh no, it’s a Blanchet. I think I just lost my appetite.>
Like many of the denizens of the Makai, Jason’s family didn’t hold much respect for 
Conrad’s. However, in Blackstorm’s case, he had good reason to dislike the Blanchets. Some 
thirteen years ago, a member of the Blanchets had the nerve to try and take his mother 
away from his father.
Shidori Maseraki had been a Miko Priestess when Argus Blackstorm fell in love with her and 
brought her to the Makai. Due to the fact that he had brought her to the Other Realm 
without a Blood Oath, has caused quite a commotion, and some of the higher nobles 
demanded for her execution. Fortunately, Lord Belial took pity on his vassal and allowed him 
to wed his human lover, on the condition that she would never return to Earth. Two years 
after their marriage, Jason was born. 
When he was five, he first met up with the Blanchet Family at a party at Lord Belial’s Castle. 
For Jason, it was an experience that he’d rather forget. 
Conrad’s uncle, Charles Blanchet had been his family representative at that event. Even at 
that time, his family was arrogant over their status as mages and wizards, though they were 
considered a weak and barely noticeable clan. Then Charles Blanchet met Jason’s mother and 
fell in love with her at first sight. Though she was human, she was, (and still is), considered 
one of the most beautiful women in the Makai.
Conrad’s uncle wasted no time in trying to woo her, though Shidori politely turned him down 
and reminded him that she was already married. That fact didn’t seem to deter him as he 
frequently pestered her, trying to convince her to leave her husband and her half-breed 
child. The way that he described him was comparable to the way one would describe a lowly 
cockroach. That earned Charles a hard slap to the face as Shidori berated him for insulting 
her son. At that point, Argus found out what was happening and was about to incinerate the 
impudent one, when Belial stopped him. Regardless of Blanchet’s idiocy, he would not have 
his nobles kill each other in his own castle.
That should have been the end of it, but Charles proved to be more stubborn and idiotic than 
what was thought possible. For weeks, he would try to woo and romance his mother 
whenever he found her alone, but every time she would shoot him down. Finally, he got 
desperate enough to try and kidnap her away to Earth. That almost proved fatal to Shidori. 
Because she had no Blood Oath and had lived for so long in the Makai, she had become 
spiritually bonded to the Other Realm. As a result, removing her from the Makai had caused 
her life energy to become unstable. She nearly perished before Argus came and rescued 
her, taking her back to be restored by the best healers. However, the damage had already 
been done. Her life essence had been severely weakened and she would not survive another 
trip to Earth.
Though Jason and his father disagreed on many things, the one thing they did agree on was 
that they both loved Shidori. Argus had threatened to wage a Vengeance Feud on the 
Blanchet Family for what had happened to her, but cooler heads intervened and even his 
wife spoke out in defense of them, stating that Charles had been unaware of her lack of a 
Blood Oath. Though Jason’s father wanted to tear off Blanchet’s head and use it for a soccer 
ball, he was finally calmed down and the annihilation of Conrad’s family had been averted. 
However, there still remained a lot of tension between the clans, and it would only take so 
much to set off that potential powder keg.
 “Marry me!”
That sudden declaration brought Jason’s thoughts back to the present as he saw Conrad get 
down on bended knee and hold Kasumi’s right hand with both of his.
“I beg your pardon?” The Tendo girl asked in total shock and confusion.
Conrad’s eyes twinkled as he looked upon her. “From the moment that I saw you, I knew 
that I had found my life’s partner. Would you do me the honor, of consenting to be my 
bride?”
“Bride? I don’t know what you are talking about… er… I’m sorry but I don’t even know your 
name.”
“Oh! How dreadfully thoughtless of me! You’re right; I should have introduced myself first!” 
He quickly stood up. “Please forgive my lack of proper manners! I am Conrad Blanchet; heir 
to the Blanchet Family Fortune.”
Kasumi quickly took her hand back as she stood up. “I’m Kasumi Tendo.” She then gestured 
to her friends. “This is Serena Ravenwing, Clea Bodaryl and…”
“Ah yes! Kasumi, what WONDERFUL name!” Conrad cut in while clasping his hands in delight. 
“It is the name of the angel descended from the heavens who will become my wife!”
“Wife?! I’m afraid that…”
“Oh, I can just see it now! We’ll be married in front of the Blanchet Chateau in the forest, 
surrounded by meadows and fields!”
“No.”
“You’ll be wearing a beautiful wedding dress, made of the finest of silks…”
“Did you not hear me? I said no.”
“And we shall honeymoon in Paris and…” At that moment, his brain finally comprehended 
Kasumi’s words as he turned to face her again. “I’m sorry. I didn’t quite catch that last part. 
It sounded like you said…”
“You heard me clearly. I must turn down your proposal.”
“B-B-But why?”
“I would think it would be obvious. We just met. I know nothing about you. How could I 
possibly agree to marry someone who is practically a stranger?” 
With those words, Kasumi thought back to the marriage that her father had almost arranged 
for her. 
“Well I’m certain that we will grow to love each other and…”
“The lady said NO.”
At that point, Conrad finally noticed the lone male sitting at the table.
Jason growled as he began to rise from his seat. Already, a fierce, red aura surrounded him. 
Beside him, Clea and Serena could feel the heat he was emitting. Conrad gulped a bit as 
Jason stood at his full height, dwarfing him by at least a head. The power he was radiating 
began to envelop the restaurant as he glared at spoiled rich boy.
“You can’t get a clue when a girl says she’s not interested. Are all Blanchets THIS stupid? 
You’re just about as brainless as that idiot Charles.”
Jason’s rival became indignant at the insult to his relative. “How dare you speak of my uncle 
in that manner? Just who do you think you…?”
He was cut off when he felt and insistent tapping on his shoulder. He turned to see his butler 
with an agitated look on his face.
“What is it, Edgar?”
The servant took on a very nervous and pleading expression as he shook his head. “Please 
Young Master! Do NOT antagonize this individual!”
“What’s gotten into you Edgar? Why should I be concerned about some commoner when my 
bride-to-be…?”
“He is NO commoner! Look at the emblem on his jacket!”
Conrad glanced at Jason’s jacket and noted the Ruby Dragon badge. He shrugged. “So he’s 
from the Ruby Dragon division, so what?”
“Not that symbol!” Edgar then pointed to a family crest emblazoned on the jacket’s right 
shoulder. “That one!”
It was then at Conrad noticed Jason’s family emblem. It was the symbol of Argus 
Blackstorm, which was a picture of a black beast that resembled a bear, with twin crossed 
swords, and a lightning bolt in the center of the design. Blanchet gulped harder as a wet 
sensation went down his left pants leg. 
“Y-Y-You wouldn’t happen to be…?”
The son of Argus growled even deeper as his crimson eyes glowed with a furious light.
“My name is Jason Blackstorm, though a LOT of people call me Blood Eyes.”
“B-Blood Eyes?!” Conrad stammered as he looked into Jason’s crimson irises. Oh yes, he had 
heard about the son of Argus Blackstorm and he almost fainted away in shock. If even half 
the stories were true, then the heir to the Blanchet Family was in a potentially deadly 
situation. 
Then Jason held out a hand and made a fireball appear above the palm.
“W-What are you doing?” Conrad immediately took a few steps back. He could sense that his 
rival had not created a normal fireball, but had summoned up a sphere of Demonic Hellfire, 
which was about 100 times more destructive. Even a small amount was enough to reduce 
the entire restaurant and everyone in it to cinders.
 “What do you think I’m doing, Blanchet?” Blackstorm snarled. “Your family had caused a 
great deal of pain to mine, especially with what your uncle did to my mother. I don’t think 
my Dad would mind if I started that Vengeance Feud he wanted. In fact, I think he’d look 
forward to wiping your entire clan out of existence.”
“H-Hold on a moment! Competitors aren’t supposed to fight each other outside of the 
competition! You’ll be disqualified!”
“If it means incinerating you into oblivion, I might just RISK it!”
Just as Jason was about to roast Conrad alive, a gentle hand placed itself on his shoulder. 
Then he heard a quiet voice as a spell was invoked.
“Sparsum saevio intus thy pectus pectoris”
Almost immediately, Jason felt the anger seem to drain out of him as he sunk to his knees. 
A calming feeling that reminded him of his gentle mother filled his body, making his flames 
die out instantly. He looked up in surprise at Kasumi as she withdrew her hand and 
addressed Conrad.
“Please forgive my friend’s impetuous actions. I would prefer that everyone enjoy their 
meals, without having to deal with any unwanted violence today.”
An immediate sense of relief washed over the surrounding crowds as they had been 
preparing to vacate the premises had Jason attacked.   
Conrad smiled as he misinterpreted this intervention. “Ah, your good sense is only 
outmatched by your beauty, my fair Kasumi Tendo. I have chosen well for my bride…”
She then held up a hand, stopping him as she smiled sweetly. “I do not think you fully 
comprehend your situation, nor the meaning of my words, Conrad Blanchet. As I have stated 
before, we have only met, and since I do not know you, I cannot accept your marriage 
proposal, though flattered I am. Furthermore, the calming effect of my serenity spell will 
only last for a short while. Already, I can see that it’s wearing off, and I think that it won’t 
be nearly as effective a second time. I would suggest that you take your leave NOW!” She 
emphasized that last part as her spell completely wore off.
Blanchet then noticed that Jason was getting back to his feet and his red aura was starting to 
show again. Taking Kasumi’s hint, he bowed quickly and left with butler, just as Blackstom 
stood up. 
“You coward! I’m gonna…!”
He was about to go after him, but felt that calm hand on his shoulder again, stopping him 
from moving forward. 
Kasumi gave Jason a gentle smile as she indicated back to their table. At that point, the 
waiter had arrived with their food.
“Please, can we not have lunch together and perhaps later enjoy what Ala Maron has to 
offer? Let’s have some fun before the games, okay?”
After a long pause and looking into Kasumi’s beautiful brown eyes, Jason nodded.
“Okay.”
The restaurant patrons stared in total disbelief as the son of Argus powered off his aura and 
sat down. 
Someone other than his mother had CALMED Jason ‘Blood Eyes’ Blackstorm!
--------
Outside…
“Did you see that, Edgar? This is proof that Kasumi Tendo and I are meant for each other!” 
Conrad said excitedly.
“What do you mean?” The butler asked in confusion. “I was beginning to think that we 
wouldn’t get out of there in one piece!”
“Yes, but my bride-to-be put herself in front of that brute for my safety! This is irrefutable 
proof that she cares for me!”
“Actually Master Conrad, I believe she intervened to protect everyone present and not just 
for your own well being.”
“Nonsense Edgar! It is obvious that she DOES love me as I love her and only wishes not to 
rush things! How very charming of her!”
Edgar could only sigh and shake his head. It was just like his Master to totally misread an act 
of common courtesy as a declaration of love. 
Could anyone be as dense as Conrad Blanchet?
--------
In Nerima, Japan, a certain samurai wannabe sneezed.
Back at the Makai restaurant, the group peacefully ate lunch as Jason tried to keep his eyes 
from wandering. However, it was quite difficult for him not to avert his gaze upon the pretty 
apprentice sitting beside him. 
Yes, he would admit this one thing with his hated enemy Conrad. He could see why that 
pompous fool fell head-over-heels for Kasumi. Not only was she very pleasant to look upon, 
but she emitting a kind of feeling. It was hard to describe, but it reminded him of sunshine 
on a cloudy day and felt so wholesome. And he’d bet ten Domolian Star Gems that she 
wasn’t wearing any makeup.
He shook his head a bit and wondered why he was thinking such thoughts about a girl. Is this 
what his father felt when he met his mother?
As for the witch and Reptyl, they were still a bit nervous with eating alongside the son of 
Argus Blackstorm. However after seeing how Kasumi was able to handle him, and defusing a 
potentially dangerous situation, they decided to trust in her judgment. After all, he insisted on 
paying for their meal, so he couldn’t be ALL bad, right?
 A little later, after the group had finished off their desserts, the waiter returned and handed 
Jason the bill. He nodded as he reached into his right jacket pocket and pulled out a lump of 
coal that was the size of a golf ball. He smiled as he clenched his fist. His hand began to emit 
a very intense flame that turned blue white. For a few seconds, he focused his power on the 
lump of coal. When he let the flame fade away, he opened his hand to reveal a very shiny 
object. It was about the size of a large ball bearing, but had an intricate red star pattern in 
the center of its sky-blue crystalline form.
“A Scarlet Star Sapphire!” The satyr gasped. 
Jason smirked as he casually tossed it into the waiter’s trembling hands.
“Keep the change.”
--------
Later…
“Wow! That was the first time I ever saw Hellfire alchemy!” Serena chirped as they walked 
out of the restaurant.
“Hellfire alchemy?” Kasumi asked. 
The young witch nodded. “For most magicians, we have to use the standard method of 
alchemy which involves potions, intense flames, and a lot of guesswork. You know what I’m 
talking about, right?”
Soun’s daughter nodded as she remembered back to her alchemy lessons with the Grimbard 
Sisters. It had taken her several attempts before she mastered the foundations in turning 
base metals into gold.
“Yeah, Blackstorm’s lucky.” Clea added. “With his Hellfire abilities, he’s a walking alchemy 
furnace! He doesn’t need to prepare any potions or chemicals, because his flames will cause 
the change all by themselves. A lot of people say that Hellfire magic is the purest form of 
alchemy.”
“And I was surprised that you gave that waiter a Scarlet Star Sapphire.” Serena exclaimed 
as she addressed Jason.
 The teen in the leather jacket shrugged. “It wasn’t much.”
“Wasn’t much?! Are you kidding?! Those things are super rare! They can only be created 
naturally in the Hellfire Pits of Marotta. They’re one of the most coveted gems in the Makai! 
Their magical properties are so potent, that wizards pay top price to mount them in their 
magic wands and amulets! It would take an expert alchemist sixty years to make one! You 
made a top-quality sapphire in sixty seconds!”
“Yeah, well I can’t do it all the time.” Jason admitted. “After making one, it takes me about a 
fortnight before I can make another. My Hellfire flames aren’t as strong as my Dad’s, most 
likely because I’m half-human.”
“Still, I can understand why you have so much petty cash. You could make as much gold and 
gems you want, anytime you want.” The lizard girl commented.
Kasumi smiled as she watched her new friends become more relaxed in the presence of the 
son of a demon lord. She was also happy that she was making new acquaintances in this 
amazing world. One could only guess how mundane and boring her life would have been if 
she had never discovered her talent for magic.
The rest of the day flew by as the three girls and boy toured the sights and enjoyed each 
other’s company. Jason was especially courteous to Kasumi, and the Tendo girl found the 
other side of his personality to be quite charming. He was rough around the edges, but he 
had a gentle part of his personality that she liked. It also helped that this boy didn’t go insane 
like Dr. Tofu and didn’t give her the willies like Conrad Blanchet.
However, all good things had to come to an end. Before they knew it, it was late evening and 
they had to rest and get some sleep before for the opening of the Apprenticeship Games the 
next day. Jason insisted on escorting Kasumi back to her hotel. Once they arrived at the 
lobby, they all bid each other good luck and went their separate ways.
The main competitors of the Apprenticeship Games were now present and this year would be 
unlike any other.
To be continued…
Author’s Notes
Wow! This was a long first chapter and the start of a brand new side-story to Beast Within. 
For the next chapter, we’ll get more on each character as the opening ceremonies begin, 
plus we’ll have some more cameos from Matthew, Nabiki and other Darkstalkers. We’ll see 
you there!

(1)	Latin: Second Level Release
(2)	Latin: Scatter the rage within thy heart.