Chapter Seventeen. The Hunt

Walden agrees that regular planar patrols are wise and accompanies Mark to sweep Chetwood. On the magically dense original grounds, the chapel mirrors the mundane world, filled with vivid stained-glass light. They find imps, two fifth‑order demons, and an eighth‑order skinner in the vestry. As Walden arrays a banishment, her right arm itches—the Phoenix strains to hunt and, for the first time, speaks in her mind.

Walden completes the banishment; the skinner tries to flee but Mark kills it with an explosive evocation. The resulting surge of wild magic makes Walden realize Old Faithful’s disintegration has drawn scavenging imps, explaining recent minor infestations. They continue across the site, carefully checking vehicle-heavy areas due to possession risk.

In the coach park, the Phoenix abruptly screams a warning. A massive archdemon, structured by the idea of a school minibus, slams Walden’s shield while Mark, injured in the arm, struggles to maintain his. Recognizing the demon is nearing possession, Walden tries to destabilize its link, but the Phoenix berates her slowness and demands instruction—forcing Walden to articulate teaching principles under pressure.

Seizing control, the Phoenix “models” the response. It connects Walden to the school’s protective web via staff passes, staking territorial claim without touching the students’ power. With a simple but dazzling display, it intimidates the predator. Then it reframes banishment as opening an escape route: Walden’s glowing hand points a dark road out of claimed territory. The archdemon yields, shedding the minibus form and shrinking to a weaker sixth‑order demon before fleeing.

As the residue disperses, the Phoenix calmly siphons lingering magic, leaving Walden strengthened and shaken. She finds Mark with a deep arm gash; he declines an ambulance, planning for A&E. Back in the mundane plane, he recognizes the Phoenix and, impressed by its elegant, territorial banishment, praises Walden’s “beautiful” magic.