“What are you doing here?” He demanded as he came to a stop outside the door. The building was three stories tall and decorated in the same fashion as the main building. Gold and black dominated while dashes of flowers made the eye wander.

“He’s here to work, boy.” A gravelly voice stated just as a man emerged from the front door. He was almost as tall as Aidan and looked to be in his mid-forties. His hair was cropped short and his dark skin stood out against the cream shirt he was wearing.

Rain was still coming down in waves, drenching everything it touched. The man quickly ushered them inside before closing the door.

“Unfortunately, the job we have to do is out there.” The man stated with a weary shake of his head. “I’m Ravick but you already know that. Our main job is to secure the perimeter of the grounds and check all the wards. Sometimes they weaken overtime and stray demons use this to their advantage and break in.

“It doesn’t happen often but it does happen. Never forget that. We won’t be the only ones out there checking the wards. Since there are so many, we have select groups that rotate shifts on what wards to check. I’ll be arming you like true Demon Hunters.” Ravick finished in a no-nonsense voice.

Aidan and Fabien shared a look before following Ravick further in the room. The left wall was lined with dozens upon dozens of books, stacked ceiling to floor. The opposite wall was adorned with a variety of fighting gear down to weatherproof underwear and socks.

The back wall was decorated with so many swords, knives, and other weaponry that one could get lost in taking time to examine each one.

“Those,” Ravick started when he saw where the two men were looking, “aren’t anything more than metal forged by a blacksmith.”

“What do you mean?” Aidan asked. 

Ravick’s light brown eyes widened in disbelief. “I mean what I mean. Demon Hunters don’t use weapons modified by magic. It’d be nearly impossible if we tried.” Taking in Aidan’s blank look, Ravick continued in an irritated voice. “Magic, as we all know, has a mind of its own—a will of its own. If the metal was infused with magic, it would be the creator’s magic and not the user’s. If the magic doesn’t like the user, the blade won’t use the magical components given to it.

“It’s much different than the magic technology we use. That is created for people to use their magic on the device. The technology is simply a tool that allows a person’s magic to flow into it and use it for its intended purpose. The weapons we use are just that—weapons. If you want to use your magic on the weapon, feel free. But don’t get stuck on the idea that you can only use your magic on the weapon.

“Some of the most powerful Demon Hunters don’t even use weapons. If you get lucky, I’ll be able to introduce you to a powerful team I used to work for. And, before you ask, I got injured on the job. I specialize in creating wards and offered my protection to this place. Now, enough chit-chat. Get changed and meet me on the roof in five.”

Aidan watched him leave before glancing at a table and seeing a stack of clothing in two neat piles.

“What kind of education did you receive?” Fabien demanded in a smooth voice. 

Aidan bit back a retort before walking forward and glancing at the clothes. He grabbed the stack with his name on it and started stripping down to his underwear, happy that he had chosen a waterproof shirt, despite the dampness he could feel in the fabric.

“I’m curious, Aidan.” Fabien continued as he stepped forward and started changing, his tone surprisingly serious.

Aidan looked over and met Fabien’s stare. “Curi—” 

Fabien raised his eyebrows with a mocking smile. “If my intentions weren’t clear earlier, let me rephrase. I’m curious. And if you haven’t figured it out, come find me for private practice.”

Aidan forced his gaze away from Fabien’s, feeling his cheeks flush with embarrassment. Neither said a word until both were changed, armored, and had reached the door leading to the roof. 

Fabien grabbed Aidan’s upper arm before he could pull the door open. “I am serious.” He urged in a suddenly vulnerable voice. 

“Well, I’m not.” Aidan snapped while pulling out of Fabien’s hold. He threw the door open and made his way onto the roof, which was surprisingly dry.

“Took you long enough.” Ravick commented.

He was standing on the far edge of the roof. He had changed into the same fighting gear as the other two. Dark black pants, the ends tucked into battle-ready boots accompanied by a fitted black undershirt with straps used to hold and conceal a variety of weapons. A sleek, black jacket hid even more weapons and useful tools when in combat. Two knives were strapped on each side of Ravick’s waist and a long sword was strapped to his back.

Aidan and Fabien were almost identical in clothing and weapons. However, Aidan favored two extra knives concealed behind his back.

Fabien chose to have the barest amount of weaponry as possible. His main weapon was a long knife concealed somewhere in his jacket. He ignored Ravick’s disapproving stare as he followed Aidan to the opposite side of the roof.

“A little light for a fighter-in-training.” Ravick noted with a sour taste in his mouth. 

“Let me be concerned about that.” Fabien shot back in a quiet voice. 

Ravick rolled his eyes before saying, “As you can see, magic prevents the rain from reaching the roof. It allows us to safely see, in any weather conditions, the different warding points on campus. Our main focus tonight is on the ward furthest from here. We’ll be using a personal portal of mine to get us there. No sense in making a big ordeal out of this than necessary.

“After we check that one, there are two smaller, but still important, wards we’ll need to check. If we run into demons, I’m counting on you two to keep them busy while I focus on checking and, if necessary, fixing the wards. Understood?” Ravick’s gravelly voice demanded.

Aidan nodded his understanding, still refusing to acknowledge Fabien.

 “Good.” Ravick turned to face the edge of the roof. He pulled out a clear, rectangle shaped block the size of his palm and started drawing a complicated pattern with his index finger. Bright yellow lines slowly wound their way across the device until most of it was covered in a complicated pattern.

Ravick grunted in appreciation before tossing the block in the air and stepping aside. 

Aidan’s eyes widened in surprise as he watched the block grow and expand to the size of a normal door, yellow lines crisscrossing in complicated patterns.

“Never seen a portal before?” Ravick asked in amusement. 

Aidan mutely shook his head.

 “After you then,” Ravick stated with a deep laugh. “It’s rather simple to use. I’ve already programmed the destination so all you have to do is step through.”

Aidan nodded his head before taking a steadying breath and stepping through the portal.