Everyone continued to stare at the sudden arrival, the atmosphere growing tense yet again. After a moment, Shi'an broke the silence.

  "…And you are?" she asked. Her voice was even and steady, despite the slight hint of hesitation.

  The Native Euphorian smiled in response, her teeth unnaturally sharp. She looked amused by the question, though her expression remained impassive otherwise.

  "I see you're curious," she chuckled almost tauntingly, taking a step closer.

  As she took a step closer, Alice, Due, and Sóley took a subconscious step backwards without realizing it.

  Shi’an, however, remained in place, though her expression had hardened considerably.

  "You haven't answered my question," she repeated. "And I'd prefer you didn't come any closer."

  Instead of heeding the warning, however, the Native Euphorian merely smiled again. "Or what?" she practically purred, taking another step closer.

  Shi'an tensed even further, her eyes narrowing. "Don't test me.”

  The woman's smirk only grew wider at that, clearly enjoying Shi'an's discomfort. "Oh?" she mused, tilting her head slightly.

  "Then by all means," she said with a dramatic sweep of one hand, gesturing toward the empty space between them as if inviting some kind of challenge:

  "Show me."

  A tense moment of silence passed where no one moved before Shi'an finally took another step forward, and held her ground this time, holding the woman's intense gaze with a glare of her own.

  "...Don't push me," she said through gritted teeth, her voice almost a low growl.

  The woman didn't respond for a moment, she just continued to stare back. Then finally…she laughed.

  "Oh, I'm going to enjoy this," she grinned, taking yet another step closer.

  Shi'an's glare darkened further at that, her teeth now almost grinding together.

  The others, meanwhile, were watching the exchange with increasing tension, Alice holding her breath, Due clenching his wrench a little tighter, Sóley gripping her hands into fists…though none of them dared to speak.

  The Native Euphorian only chuckled again, seemingly savoring Shi'an's obvious frustration. "You know…" she began, her voice almost a mocking purr as she took yet another step closer, "You really are so cute when you're angry. Actually, would you mind coming with me for a moment?”

  Everyone's eyes widened at the unexpected request…none more than Shi'an, though. Her jaw tensed as an unreadable expression crossed her features.

  "…And why would I do that?" she replied, her voice still holding a hint of irritation.

  The Native Euphorian didn't respond at first, simply grinning that same smug smile as she let her eyes rove over Shi'an's form.

  "Oh, you know…" she said finally, her voice now low, "There's a debate going on in the next city over, involving the leader of Aetheria herself."

  At the mention of the leader of Aetheria, Shi’an's eyes widened slightly, though she tried to mask her obvious surprise.

  The others noticed the change though, their gazes going back and forth between her and the Native Euphorian for a moment.

  The Native Euphorian seemed to notice too…and her grin widened. "Oh? Did that catch your interest, perhaps?" she asked, voice laced with barely hidden amusement.

  Shi’an's expression remained guarded, but there was a flicker of something in her eyes, something between suspicion and reluctant curiosity.

  "...What kind of debate?" she asked cautiously.

  The woman tilted her head slightly. "One that involves Void Magic. More specifically, its users," she said simply, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

  Alice's breath hitched at that statement while Due stiffened visibly next to them both…Sóley looked equally taken aback by this revelation now, though none dared speak yet either (partly because they didn’t know what to say).

  Shi’an’s eyes darkened at that, her stance shifting subtly into something more defensive. "Void Magic isn't just some debate topic," she said sharply.

  The woman only chuckled in response, her grin widening further, as if amused by the reaction alone (which it probably was).

  "Oh? And what makes you so sure?" she asked with a mocking tilt of her head before continuing: "Perhaps I should enlighten you then."

  Before anyone could react or stop it from happening, she raised one clawed hand and snapped two fingers together once…

  A sudden burst of Void Energy erupted from the woman's fingers, forming a swirling sphere that pulsed ominously in the air between them.

  The group flinched back instinctively, Alice stumbling slightly, Due tightening his grip on his wrench again while Sóley tensed like she was ready to bolt at any moment…though none dared move otherwise (they weren’t that stupid).

  Shi’an just stood frozen for a second before recovering quickly enough though, her glare sharpening as realization dawned across her face.

  "You’re one of them."

  Her voice was low now, a barely contained snarl hidden beneath forced calmness instead (which only made it sound more dangerous somehow).

  There was a sharp popping sound, like an audible flash, and a moment later, their surroundings changed entirely.

  Gone was the clearing, the trees, the dirt, the grass, replaced instead by an arena-like stadium.

  Everyone stumbled for a moment, blinking and disoriented at the sudden change in setting.

  Alice whipped around, her head spinning from the abrupt transportation. "W-What the-"

  But the words died on her lips as she took a proper look at the new surroundings...and the people. And among those people? A legion of witches in elegant robes and finely crafted staves, all lined up side-by-side and standing tall like an army.

  The group's eyes widened, taking in the sudden change in scenery, and the unexpected appearance of the large number of witches.

  Due and Sóley exchanged nervous looks, both their hands instinctively going for their weapons. Alice just gaped at the sight, utterly speechless.

  Shi’an, meanwhile, was the only one to keep her composure...though even she couldn't hide the hint of wariness in her eyes completely this time.

  The Native Euphorian, still standing where she was before, let out a small chuckle at their stunned expressions.

  "Impressive, isn't it?" she asked smugly, glancing around the new arena briefly before adding: "Welcome to the Great Magic Debate, the one place where the Witch community can gather without prejudice to discuss things of importance...including the matter of Void Magic."

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  Shi’an's eyes narrowed at that, her expression hardening again. "I see," she said curtly. "And I suppose I have you to thank for this sudden abduction.”

  "Why, you would indeed, congratulations on your observation skills," the woman replied mockingly, though there was a hint of actual amusement in her tone as she turned back to face Shi'an.

  Shi'an only let out a low, irritable huff in response, not dignifying the jab with an answer.

  The Native Euphorian chuckled lowly at the look on the other’s face, seemingly enjoying the sight of Shi’an being so visibly riled up. "Oh, don't get so upset," she teased. "After all...the show is about to start. Just look, you can get a peek of the leader herself if you look in between the conga line of witches.”

  The others exchanged another uncertain look before slowly turning to look where the woman had gestured, and right at that moment, one of the witches in the conga line stepped aside to make way for a figure they could only assume to be the leader of Aetheria.

  She was an old woman, looking to be in her seventies. Despite her age, she stood firm with her chin up, looking just as regal and formidable as one would expect. Her long black hair with gray tips was tied back into a tight bun, the arena lights showing the wrinkles in her olive-toned skin. A jeweled crown of sapphires adorned her forehead, and she was dressed head-to-toe in formal black-trimmed robes adorned with the Aetheria faction logo and many other decals related to various other organizations, making her an obvious figure of authority.

  Shi'an's eyes widened slightly in surprise at the sight of the leader herself, and the others were almost equally as speechless.

  The Native Euphorian, still as smug as ever, chuckled under her breath, clearly enjoying their reaction.

  "You're lucky. The leader of Aetheria rarely participates in these debates," she said with an almost tauntingly casual tone.

  "And considering what's on the table today, I reckon you should feel honored to be here. You get to witness something truly...unusual.”

  Shi’an’s jaw tightened at the taunt, but she held her ground, refusing to give the woman any more satisfaction.

  "Enough games," she said coldly. "If there's something you want from me, or this debate, then say it."

  The Native Euphorian grinned wider at that response, clearly enjoying Shi'an’s frustration even further now (if possible).

  "Oh? So impatient..." she mused before finally dropping all pretense of amusement and turning serious for a split second:

  "They're debating whether Void Magic should be allowed to be used by humans or not."

  There was a moment of surprised silence among the group as they absorbed this information, their eyes widening in shock.

  Finally, Shi’an was the first to recover, her expression darkening even more.

  "And I trust that the ones she's going to debate are arguing in favor of human use of Void Magic?" she asked, her voice low and tight.

  The Native Euphorian nodded almost casually, her grin returning as she looked at Shi’an with a smug sort of satisfaction.

  "You would be correct in that regard," she confirmed with a small chuckle.

  Shi’an didn't respond at first, her jaw clenching even tighter at the confirmation. The others exchanged a look of unease now, knowing the implications of this information.

  If the leader of Aetheria herself was leading the argument for humans to be allowed to use Void Magic, then that could only mean bad, bad news.

  The leader of Aetheria slammed the bottom of her cane, which was made of pure obsidian and studded with sapphires, on the ground, shutting down the commotion of the crowd before she cleared her throat.

  Every single person in the stadium silenced immediately, all of them going eerily quiet as they gave her their undivided attention.

  Even Shi’an's shoulders tensed up at the sharp sound, her fists clenching almost unconsciously at her sides now.

  "Good evening, all," the leader of Aetheria began, her voice carrying throughout the entire arena, "I am Grand Witch Ennis of Faction Aetheria, here to debate anyone present today on the topic of humans using Void Magic. I humbly implore individuals of all ages and backgrounds to come to the stand and challenge me on this topic.”

  For a moment, nobody moved. Shi’an remained frozen in place, her fists still clenched tightly at her sides even as she stared at the woman on the stand, the rest of the group casting uncertain glances between her and their surroundings.

  Then, finally, one individual did push forward, heading up to the stand with his chin high and an almost cocky look on his face.

  He was tall, easily six feet, and looked to be in his mid-thirties. He wore a dark brown robe with the Aetheria faction logo embroidered on the chest.

  His expression was smug and confident, as if he knew he was going to win just by glancing at his opponent.

  Grand Witch Ennis' expression, however, didn't change, as she calmly fixed her gaze on the newcomer before speaking again.

  "And your name, sir?" she asked simply, her voice even and cool.

  The man's grin widened as he stopped a few feet away from the stand, meeting her gaze confidently.

  "My name is Marcus," he said, bowing his head respectfully before continuing: "and I believe I'm the perfect candidate to show you the error in your logic, Grand Witch Ennis.”

  The corners of Ennis’ lips briefly twitched downward in what almost resembled a scowl, but she was quick to mask her true feelings.

  "Are you, now?" she asked coolly, raising a single eyebrow as she eyed the man from head to toe.

  Marcus chuckled in response, his confidence and bravado only seeming to grow.

  "Absolutely," he said, his voice almost smug now. "I have a strong argument in my favor, one that's practically bulletproof.”

  Ennis’ expression didn’t waver, but there was a subtle shift in her stance, something that spoke volumes to those who knew how to read it.

  She hated arrogance.

  "Then by all means," she said coolly, gesturing toward the debate stage with one hand as if inviting him up for his inevitable humiliation (because that's what this would be). "Let’s hear your bulletproof argument.”

  Marcus didn't hesitate. He strode forward confidently, stepping onto the debate stage before turning to face Ennis with a smirk.

  "Very well," he began, his voice smooth and practiced, like this was something he'd rehearsed many times before (which it probably had been). "Let me start by asking: Why should Void Magic be denied to humans? What is their crime exactly?"

  The crowd murmured among themselves at that question, some agreeing while others seemed less convinced already.

  Ennis merely folded her arms across her chest as she studied him for a long moment…then finally answered in an even tone:

  "Because Void Magic should not be used exclusively for things that do not benefit out society. Witches have used Void Magic exclusively for the betterment of Witchkind, from infrastructure to architecture. Humans use Void Magic for selfish reasons. Wars, conflicts, and even tournaments centered on crowning the most powerful Void Mage of all time. Void Magic shouldn't only be used for combat or to engage in conflict with others, but to advance society, science, and improve and refine the worlds we inhabit as a whole."

  For a few seconds, a heavy silence filled the room as people digested her words.

  Marcus, however, broke it immediately, his smirk only widening. "Ah, but Grand Witch Ennis," he began, his tone oozing with confidence, "you're forgetting one thing.”

  Ennis raised an eyebrow at that, her expression still cool and unreadable. "Really?" she asked, her tone a subtle mix of caution and skepticism. "And what, might I ask, am I forgetting?”

  Marcus' smirk widened as he leaned forward slightly, clearly relishing in the opportunity to reveal the supposed 'truth' to her.

  "I'll put it bluntly," he started, his voice practically taunting now. "While you focus on peaceful applications for Void Magic in the name of Witchkind…the one flaw in your logic is that humans are inherently selfish."

  His statement hung in the air for a moment, the crowd seeming to hold their collective breath as they waited for his next words.

  Ennis, to her credit, didn't bat an eye or even twitch a muscle as she stared him down.

  "And you base that assumption on...?" she asked coolly, not denying the statement, merely prompting him to prove what he was insinuating.

  Marcus chuckled again, clearly feeling like he was winning this argument. "Oh, I base this on all of history," he declared, his tone almost condescending as if this should’ve been common sense. "Humanity has been selfish since the beginning, fighting for their own gain. They are incapable of thinking about anyone except themselves."

  This time, the murmurs became louder with the audience members, several of them clearly agreeing with the man's statement.

  Ennis' face was still stoic and blank, but the grip on her cane tightened in the smallest way possible.

  "Then we agree. Why debate me if we're already on the same page here?”

  "Because I can give you examples," Marcus said smoothly, clearly enjoying himself at this point. "Human history, from wars to slavery, even down to minor things like fights in schools, all of them started because of selfish desires. Humans are driven by their own needs and wants, and will do anything and everything to get what they want."

  More people in the crowd were now nodding along, clearly buying what Marcus was selling. It was hard not to when he was speaking with such confidence and conviction.

  Marcus took a small, dramatic pause before driving his point even further home, his voice growing just a bit more intense. "And that's the thing: even when it comes to something like magic, humans only seek to use it to their own advantage, with no thought to the consequences, or whether or not they're even able to wield such power responsibly."

  The audience murmured in agreement once more, several people nodding fervently and giving small words of approval. Ennis nodded along in approval. "So indeed, we already agree on this. I'm here to debate those who disagree with me. You are dismissed.”

  Marcus' expression changed at that, his smirk faltering for the first time as he quickly realized that his so-called 'winning argument' wasn't quite as convincing as he thought it was. "Wait, no, hold on!" he sputtered with a mixture of confusion and frustration. "I…I have more to say!”

  Ennis tilted her head slightly, watching him with veiled patience. "There is nothing else to say. I agree with everything you have just said. I'm here to debate, not join an echo chamber. So let someone else come up and try a hand at proving me wrong.”

  The frustration was now obvious in Marcus' face, but he couldn't exactly say that Ennis was wrong. So, after a moment of tense silence, the man finally huffed and stepped down from the stand, his previous confident and smug facade all but crumbling.

  No one else in the crowd immediately moved to take his place, leaving the arena eerily quiet for a moment or two…until finally, one hand slowly rose into the air…