01-13-2018, 05:20 PM -
Period 3: Class Time Conclusion
After Combat class, the students of Class A walked across the lawn to the west wing for Translocation. “Hitojo is pretty adept at magic, isn’t he?” Kotone asked the girls walking next to her.
“Well, he is a noble,” said Pamira.
“What does that have to do with anything?” Rin wasn’t pleased by Pamira’s assessment. “He’s still the same as us!”
“Yes, and no,” spoke Pamira slowly. The girls looked at her quizzically. “I’ve heard rumors of some nobles receiving special magic instruction before going to an academy. Apparently if you have enough money, you can get a special clearance to practice magic without a license.”
“So like a private instructor?” asked Kotone.
Pamira nodded. “Precisely.”
“Yikes, that can’t be cheap,” commented Erin. “Even a tutor for primary education charges at least twenty silvers an hour.”
Rin furrowed her eyebrows. “I don’t know. Hitojo doesn’t seem to be that far ahead of us.”
“Yeah, I don’t think he’s been through private instruction,” agreed Kotone. “But he’s pretty good. Also, have you three met Ava Human?”
“Who?” Erin and Rin replied.
“Human? Like, us humans?” asked Pamira, perplexed.
Kotone shrugged. “I’m not sure, to be honest. She’s very, very strange and was assigned to the same dormitory as me. I’m not sure she can even speak properly… beats me how she managed to get accepted to Manoyama Academy.”
“Strange,” said Pamira, furrowing her eyebrows. “You’ll have to introduce us to her- maybe she’s just shy.”
“... I don’t think so,” replied Kotone. “But yeah, I will.” As they finished conversing, the group of students from Class A arrived at Translocation.
While the other students headed back into the castle for their next class, Hitojo stayed out on the practice field. He approached Instructor Minori, hoping to gather some more information. “Excuse me, instructor?”
“Yes?”
“I was wondering if you are going to teach any ways to immobilize your opponent. I am a pacifist and would like to be able to prevent opponents from fighting without endangering their lives.” Hitojo told the instructor the truth, but was really interested in determining a good way to capture Ava for questioning. He didn’t voice this ulterior motive, however.
“Certainly, there are many ways,” replied Instructor Minori. “However, there is no sense in rushing things. We will get there in due time, once a proper foundation of combat magic has been built.”
“Great, but could I convince you to instruct me on such a technique now?”
“Convince me? With what?” The instructor squinted at Hitojo suspiciously.
Hitojo slipped a sack of silvers out of his pocket. “This.”
Instructor Minori glared at him. “What are you trying to do? I hope you are not forgetting our academy’s non-violence policy?”
“I am very well aware,” spoke Hitojo. “However, I would have use for this technique.”
The instructor sighed. “Unfortunately, I do not have time to provide personal instruction to students outside of class. I would recommend you check for a book in the library that covers the subject instead.”
Hitojo bowed his head, disappointed. “Very well, thank you for your time.”
“I do hope you will stay out of trouble,” said Instructor Minori. “Combat magic is a powerful tool.”
“Yes, Instructor Minori, I will keep that in mind.” With that, Hitojo left the practice field and headed to class. As he approached the door to Instructor Woskian’s classroom, he saw Genghis standing outside.
“Hey, Hitojo,” said Genghis, who had apparently been waiting for Hitojo to arrive.
“What’s up?” asked Hitojo.
“What were you talking to Instructor Minori about? Anything interesting?”
“I was asking her about combat magic… didn’t manage much though.” Hitojo let out a sigh. “I’ll tell you what though, come meet me in my room tonight. It’s room 26.”
Genghis perked up, intrigued. “Oh? What for?”
“I’m concerned by Ava.”
“Oh,” spoke Genghis. “That girl that keeps trying to grab me?” Seeing Hitojo nod, he said, “I don’t think she’s dangerous- just crazy.”
“Well, whatever it is let’s get to the bottom of it. Meet me in my room after dinner, alright?”
“Ok, you got it Hitojo,” replied Genghis. They entered the classroom and sat down in two seats at the front.
After Illusion class, Akihiko confronted John. “Arguing with you was pointless, thanks to that neither of us got to reveal the illusion.” He looked around, searching for Azuma. He spotted Azuma leaving the room with Koji by his side. “And that Azuma guy was no help.”
John shrugged in response. He didn’t care to keep fighting with Akihiko after the fact. “Whatever,” said John. He walked to the front of the classroom and approached Instructor Eclieth. “Hi instructor,” he began, hoping Eclieth would be a good person to talk with.
“Dick,” said Akihiko, hitting John on the shoulder as he left the classroom.
“You are?”
“John Smith, sir.”
Instructor Eclieth laughed merrily. “John Doe, John Smith, what jolly good names.”
“John Doe? Who is-”
“Never mind that,” said the instructor, cutting John off. “What is it you wish to discuss with me? Having a good first day of classes?”
“Yes, sir,” said John, nodding his head. “Classes have been good, but I was wondering if there is any way I could get switched into Class A. I’ve been having some issues with the students in this class, and I already know quite a few people in Class A.”
“Ha! Friend-sick, aye?”
“No, like I said sir-”
Instructor Eclieth waved his hand. “No matter the reason, switching classes is rarely permitted.” He thought for a moment. “I say rarely, but in actuality I’ve never heard of any first years having their class reassigned. But who knows, I’ve only been here for the longer part of five years.” He gave another little laugh.
“So then… does that mean…”
“You should speak with Instructor Tanaka. She is in charge of the first years, so she would be the one to talk to about this, not me.”
“Great,” spoke John, thankful he hadn’t been flatly refused. “I’ll ask her then, thank you very much.”
“Not a problem, not at all,” said the instructor happily. He looked at his wristwatch and jumped. “Well, maybe it was. Out! Out! Everybody out, I have a meeting!” Instructor Eclieth ushered John and two lingering students out of the classroom. Deciding that he didn’t have enough time to speak with Instructor Tanaka just yet, John set off for Combat class.
“I like walls!” Ava shouted this out as her class began filing out of Translocation.
“What are you talking about, Ava?” Ichiro made his way over to Ava, who had begun trying to take a bite out of the wall. “Stop that!” He said, pulling her back away from the wall.
Ava struggled in his grip. “No, I like walls!”
“What is going on?” asked Instructor Woskian, approaching the pair as they continued to wrestle with one another. “Stop this immediately and go to class!”
Ichiro released Ava, who promptly jumped at the wall. She busted off a small portion of the wall and held it up with both hands. “The wall!” Ava yelled in victory.
Instructor Woskian shook his head. “Trying to destroy the school, first years these days…” He rested his hand on the damaged part of the wall and quickly repaired it. “You two had better get going before I have a word with the disciplinary committee.”
Ichiro gulped, and made to leave. Ava followed him, apparently satisfied now that she had a chunk of the wall with her.
Class A: Translocation
Instructor Woskian’s class proceeded normally, without any interruption like had occurred in Class C. This time, Genghis had the pleasure of catching the instructor’s blood-soaked arm. Hitojo, sitting next to him, backed away quite a bit as blood dripped onto the table.
“Sit back down, it’s just a bit of blood,” chided Instructor Woskian. He enveloped the area in his magic and the blood disappeared.
“I… why would… yes.” Hitojo tripped over his words and, deciding the table was clean, sat down.
“Thank you, Mister Yoshiwara. Now, how about we have you read us the introduction chapter starting on page 2?”
“Certainly,” Hitojo readily agreed to the instructor’s request. He flipped there in one of the textbooks lying atop the table that he and Genghis were seated at. Clearing his throat, he began reading aloud. Towards the back of the room, Kotone, Pamira, Rin, and Erin were speaking in loud whispers so as to not distract from the book reading.
“This sure is complicated,” muttered Erin.
“Talk about it,” Kotone agreed with a sigh. She was having trouble keeping up with all of the new terminology.
“That’s why we’re starting with all this theory,” said Pamira. “Instructor Woskian’s act was supposed to scare us out of trying it ourselves, probably.”
Rin shuddered silently. “I bet they’ve had gruesome injuries here in the past. In this very classroom, even.”
“Hmm,” said Kotone, thinking. “I wonder if you could use translocation magic to teleport…”
Pamira shook her head. “No way! You’d kill yourself!”
“How do you know?”
“Just think about,” said Pamira. “If we were the object being translocated, our magic would no longer be anchored to anything.”
“Maybe,” spoke Kotone, “but without having-”
“Is something the matter, girls?” Instructor Woskian interrupted their conversation.
“U-uh.” Kotone looked at the other girls, desperate for some help.
“Yes,” replied Pamira. “We were wondering if translocation magic would permit things like teleportation.”
The instructor smiled, causing the wrinkles on his face to bunch up. “Very well,” he said slowly. “The I will tell you. Yes, teleportation is indeed a possible feat of translocation magic. However, it is also one of the most dangerous applications of magic, and thus rarely used. Few actually have the skill, and even fewer still would use it on a moment’s whim. Such is the severity of the art.” He raised his eyebrows at Pamira. “Does that satisfy you?”
Pamira nodded back. “Yes, thank you instructor.”
“Very well, let’s continue where we left off. Mister Yoshiwara, if you would.”
Kotone gave Pamira an embarrassed smile. “Thanks, Pamira.”
“It’s what friends do.” Pamira smiled in return and pointed to her textbook. “But we really should follow along.”
“Yeah, you slackers,” said Erin, whose nose was already buried in her book.
“So uncultured, this generation,” added Rin, whose face was showing sarcastic disgust.
“Yeah, yeah,” said Kotone, giving Rin’s shoulder a friendly nudge.
✔ Genghis Khan gains 100 EXP in Translocation!
⨹ Genghis Khan’s Translocation skill leveled up to Level 1!
✔ Hitojo Yoshiwara gains 100 EXP in Translocation!
⨹ Hitojo Yoshiwara’s Translocation skill leveled up to Level 1!
✔ Kotone Miu gains 100 EXP in Translocation!
⨹ Kotone Miu’s Translocation skill leveled up to Level 1!
Class B: Combat
As Class B left from Illusion class, there was much talk about Instructor Eclieth, especially by the girls.
“Instructor Eclieth is so hot, I think he’s my new favorite teacher!”
“Did you see the way he fawned over Rana? I wish he’d do that to me!”
“Yea well with that tiny spark you made there’s no way he won’t notice you,” said a third girl sarcastically.
“What’s next, combat lessons?” Koji seemed nervous for the upcoming class.
“That’s right, I can’t wait!” Azuma spoke with an anticipation that he hadn’t shown before the previous two classes.
“I hope I’ll manage something.”
“You’ll be fine! Everyone’s just as new to this, trust me,” said Azuma reassuringly.
Akihiko followed the Vespiri twins down three flights of stairs and out of the castle. “I bet you two strong, burly men are going to be looking to join the magic forces,” said Akihiko sarcastically. “Let me guess, the special combat squadron?”
“Nope!” Shingo shook his head. “We’re real men, try the close engagement squadron.”
“Yeah, we aren’t having none of that weak stuff,” added Moliarth. “How are you going to serve your country? The airborne patrol?”
Shingo faked a laugh. “No, I bet he doesn’t even have enough magic in him. A future foot soldier, this one!”
“Ah! You’ve caught me!” Akihiko gave a wink.
The students walked out into the training grounds, where they would be having their next class. The combat instructor was already waiting for them, standing in the grass with her hands resting above a sword stuck in the ground. Once all the students had congregated in front of her, she addressed them. “Welcome to my class, first year students. I am Instructor Minori, the combat specialist at Manoyama Academy.” She spoke militantly, commanding the attention of every student standing before her.
“In these training grounds I will teach you the many styles with which magicians fight.” Instructor Minori lifted the sword up out of the ground and swung it outwards. “The sword- one of the most standard weapons of war. Yet in the hands of a foot soldier confronted by a magician, it is as useless as wielding a stick.” She tossed the sword into the air and vaporized it.
“Magicians, however, often use swords and other materialized weapons to assist in combat.” The instructor transformed the air in front of her into a sword of swirling red mist. The sword seemed to pulsate from the magic surrounding it. “As long as the magician controls the space in which the sword exists, it cannot be harmed by an enemy’s magic. The sixth tenet of magic; one cannot control the magic of another, is the foundation upon which all magicians’ weapons are based.”
A boy in the class of students raised his hand. “Will we be fighting with swords?”
“You may eventually, but everyone has a different fighting style. Today I’m going to teach you the most basic of magic attacks, the bolt.” The instructor’s sword dematerialized and she walked to the target range. “This is a bolt.” She raised her hand and shot a white bolt of magic at her target. It struck the wooden frame dead center, creating a mark on its straw surface and making it wobble slightly. The class clapped in respect of her talent.
“Bolts can take the form of any of the different elements, or if you don’t specify any specific material in your mind, it can take on the form of what is referred to as magic.”
“But magic isn’t a form of matter!” Rana protested against Instructor Minori’s statement.
“Don’t worry about it, girl.” The instructor dismissed her outcry. “It’s way over your head.” Some boys in the back of the group of students snickered at Rana. She mouthed something rude back at them.
“Of course, I used illusion magic to give my bolt a visual color. Now, I want you all to form five lines behind each of the practice targets. Try drawing from the air around you to launch a bolt at the target. and then rotate to the back of the line.” The students shuffled around and organized themselves into lines. Students at the front began trying to produce bolts and shoot the target.
In the leftmost line, Rana was the first one up to fire at the target. She still looked very angry at the instructor’s rude remarks to her, and her hand was shaking slightly because of it. She let out an audible “Humph!” and a purple bolt of magic was released from Rana’s hand at incredible speed, sailing high over the target.
“What was that?” Shingo and Moliarth, who were in line behind her, laughed at the missed shot. “Do you need glasses? The target is down there!” Rana stomped furiously to the back of the line, pretending not to hear the two boys.
Azuma was the next one up in his line. Azuma’s first shot at the target hit it dead center, earning him some words of amazement from the students around him. Koji stared at Azuma’s bolt protruding from the exact center of the wooden target. He gulped and asked “How do you do that?”
Azuma smiled, telling him “I dunno, guess I just believed that I could do it so it worked.”
“Alright,” said Koji, “I’ll go for it then.”
“You can do this!” Azuma gave him a word of encouragement.
Koji held up his hand and released a bolt of light, tinted a slight red color, and it struck the target on the left side. Koji looked relieved and gave a thumbs up to Azuma, who had walked around to the back of the line.
In another line, John and Emelia took their turns at the target. John was able to strike the target with a bolt on his first try, but Emelia had more difficulty. John watched as she struggled to compress the air properly and pushed a small gust of wind that quickly dispersed. “Hey, do you have any tips John?” Emelia asked as she got in the back of the line behind John.
“H-huh?” John started then turned around. “O-oh, sure,” he replied, surprised that Emelia asked him. “Visualize gathering the air into a tiny space and making it shoot out. Don’t think too hard about it, just concentrate on launching a small burst of air.”
“Or magic,” said Emelia.
“Yeah, I guess. That’s what Instructor Minori called it, anyways. I just think of it as air though.”
“Air doesn’t sound very exciting.”
John chuckled. “True, it certainly doesn’t.”
“Well, thanks for the tip,” spoke Emelia with a smile.
“No problem! Just let me know if you ever need help,” said John, turning back around to face the student in front of him.
✔ John Smith gains 100 EXP in Friendship!
⨹ John Smith’s Friendship skill leveled up to Level 1!
“Hey look,” said Akihiko, nudging Shingo on the shoulder. “The girl with terrible aim is up again!” It was Rana’s turn again, causing the boys behind her to crowd around in breathless anticipation as if prepared for something amazing to occur. Rana raised her hand and a bolt of purple magic shot backwards towards Akihiko, Shingo, and Moliarth, creating a scorch mark in the ground at their feet. The three boys jumped back in fright.
“Oops, sorry. It looks like my aim is off.” She smiled sweetly at them.
“Why you-” growled Moliarth.
“Please make sure to shoot towards the target.” Instructor Minori said to Rana. Nodding, Rana turned around and walked to the back of the line. She stuck out her tongue as she passed the three boys.
Emelia managed to successfully hit the edge of the target on her next attempt, earning her a “Great job!” from John. She smiled shyly at him, saying “It was thanks to your help.”
The students continued to shoot at the targets for fifteen minutes, at which point the instructor told them all to stop. “Not terrible for a first attempt,” Instructor Minori looked them all over scornfully, “but many of you still have a long ways to go. While it is wonderful to have adequate ability in the art of offensive combat magic, no magician will stand a chance on the battlefield without even better defensive techniques. Most magicians use some variation of a magical shield to protect themselves, so I’d like you all to try deploying a basic shield in front of your hand. Watch me do it.”
Their instructor pointed her hand towards the ground. Large cracks appeared in the earth, and a moment later she had pulled a large section of dirt cleanly away. The dirt leapt up towards her hand, where it formed into a brown, disk-shaped shield. “While it sufficed for the bolt to be composed of highly compressed air, a shield should be a solid material. In this case, I have hardened the structure of some dirt, providing me with a rock-like shield. Crude, but it gets the job done and done quickly.” She looked around at them all. “Well, we don’t have all day, show me your shields!” The students jumped and began attempting to conjure their own shields from the dirt around them. “I will be testing each of your shields, so make sure you’re ready when I walk by!”
“Need help?” Azuma asked Koji, watching his attempts.
Koji gathered together a ball of dirt, which fell to the ground. He looked slightly embarrassed. “Yes, please.”
Azuma held out his hand and drew some dirt from the ground. “First shape the dirt by visualizing the shield you want to make.” The dirt in Azuma’s hand molded into a circular shield with a handle on the end. “If it’s too much to do it all at once, you can make it in parts too.”
“Alright,” Koji held out his hand and lifted some dirt. He squinted, appearing to concentrate intensely, until the dirt formed into a brown oval.
“Yeah, that’s the idea…” said Azuma, trying not to laugh at the lopsided shape of Koji’s shield. “Now try to refine and condense the dirt. Squeeze it together with your magic.” Azuma’s shield shrunk a bit and turned a light silver color. He tapped on the frame with his knuckles, demonstrating how the dirt had changed structure. “You’ll want to make a hard carbon like this.”
“Carbon?”
“Eh, don’t worry about it. Just visualize a rock-hard shield.”
Koji went back to focusing on his shield. His shield shook and began condensing, but then a chunk of dirt from the center shot out onto the ground. “Aw man.”
“You’ve got the idea, just keep trying.” Azuma tried his best to give Koji some encouragement.
A ways away, Instructor Minori was testing students’ shields. She would launch small, rubbery looking balls towards the shield, making certain it held solid. The balls went straight through Wanabi Birkov’s shield, who seemed to be having as little luck in this class as he had in the previous two.
Next to Wanabi, Mikoto Moriko burst into a fit of laughter at the sight of balls smacking Wanabi in the face. “You’re next,” barked the instructor to Mikoto.
“Sure,” he said, holding out his shield. The shield was a large blue rectangle almost as tall as a person. It successfully deflected all of Instructor Minori’s balls, earning him a compliment for his abilities. “And that’s how you don’t get nailed in the face,” he said to Wanabi, as though finishing some kind of demonstration for his benefit.
“Can’t you give it a break?” Satori spoke up in Wanabi’s defense. Nearby classmates stopped talking to listen in on the exchange.
Mikoto was taken back for a moment, but then replied “What? I’m just trying to help out my pal Wanabi here.”
Satori looked annoyed by Mikoto’s attitude. “He’s obviously embarrassed by you showing off like that. We’re all new to magic here, can’t you just recognize that it takes some of us a bit longer to get the hang of things?”
“That’s exactly the attitude low-lifes have that stops them from advancing their status in society.” Mikoto spoke in a superior tone as he explained this to Satori.
“Are you an idiot? That isn’t logical in the slightest.”
“How dare you address me, the sole heir to the Moriko family, in such a manner?”
“Mo-riko? What’s that?”
“Moriko! The greatest wizard family in all of Hotagi!” Mikoto was clearly exasperated by Satori’s ignorance of his lineage.
“What does your background have to do with anything? All that matters is who you will become.”
“Ha! Such blatant idiocy! I swear…”
Mikoto advanced towards Satori, as though about to pick a fight, but at that instant Instructor Minori yelled out “Alright, that’s quite enough from you two!” They both stopped talking and Satori turned her back to Mikoto, who was looking indignant at being called out by the instructor.
“Put up your shield, please.” The instructor was waiting for Azuma, who had gotten too caught up in the argument between his two classmates to realize it was his turn.
“Oh, sorry.” He raised his shield, deflecting the balls Instructor Minori generated.
“Good, you next.” She moved on to Koji, whose shield was still flickering strangely. Instructor Minori launched three balls at his shield. It deflected the first two, but the third lodged itself into the shield. “Work on hardening the shield’s structure.” Koji nodded nervously and the instructor moved along.
After testing the shields of five more students, Instructor Minori clapped her hands together. “Alright, that’s everyone! Next I would like you all to pair up. One person will practice firing a magic bolt at the other, who will be practicing deploying their shield. Be sure not to aim for any vital locations, but just fire at where your partner is holding their shield out. And if you aren’t yet confident in your shield’s ability, be the one to fire the bolt.”
The students got into groups of two to practice attacking and defending.
“Would you like to be partners?” said Emelia, speaking to John.
John was caught somewhat off-guard by Emelia’s proposal. “Y-yeah, that would be great.”
Wanabi ended up without a partner. He looked around shyly, as though still looking for a student to partner with. “Looks like we have an odd number.” Instructor Minori approached Wanabi. “I’ll partner with you for today.”
“Yes ma’am,” said Wanabi nervously. He didn’t look particularly thrilled about his partner assignment.
Azuma had partnered with Koji, and backed away to prepare for their practice. He collected a new shield, assuming Koji would not want to be the person shielding.
“Ready?” asked Koji.
“Whenever you are,” Azuma replied.
Koji began by firing a bolt of magic at Azuma’s shield. It was a little off target but Azuma moved his shield to connect with it. Koji continued to fire bolts at his shield every second or so. A ways away, Wanabi was firing bolts at the instructor, many of which were sailing far off target. “Focus!” Instructor Minori barked at him.
Next to the instructor and Wanabi, Mikoto was unleashing a flurry of bolts upon a small, scared looking kid that he had forced to partner with him. He looked as though close to tears, staggering back from the force of the bolts Mikoto was firing at him. Mikoto hardly seemed to notice, however, and seemed to be trying his hardest to hold back his laughter from his amusement at Wanabi’s spectacularly bad aim.
Further away, Rana and Satori had paired up. They seemed to both be excelling at the instructor’s task. “Alright! It’s time to switch roles.” Instructor Minori yelled out to the class, bringing a halt to their combat.
Koji put up his trembling shield. “Are you sure it’s ok?” Azuma seemed unwilling to attack Koji’s flimsy defense.
“Please, shoot me,” said Koji, gritting his teeth. “I need to practice.”
Reluctantly, Azuma raised his hand. He fired a weak bolt that wasn’t even as powerful as the ones Koji had used to assault his shield. Koji’s shield successfully caught it. They both smiled in relief. “Nice one!” Azuma continued to fire more bolts at Koji, whose shield appeared to be getting more stable. After a few minutes had passed, the instructor told them to stop.
“That’s enough for today. Feel free to practice what you have learned on your own time, but remember that attacking other students outside of combat class is against Manoyama Academy’s rules. Should you fail to respect any school rules you may be expelled and rendered ineligible for obtaining a magic license. You are dismissed.”
✔ John Smith gains 100 EXP in Combat!
⨹ John Smith’s Combat skill leveled up to Level 1!
✔ Emelia Will gains 100 EXP in Combat!
⨹ Emelia Will’s Combat skill leveled up to Level 1!
✔ Akihiko Fujushina gains 100 EXP in Combat!
⨹ Akihiko Fujushina’s Combat skill leveled up to Level 1!
⚔️ John Smith learned Bolt Attack!
⚔️ Emelia Will learned Bolt Attack!
⚔️ Akihiko Fujushina learned Bolt Attack!
The students walked out of the practice field, talking about how much fun combat class had been. “I’m glad we’re finally learning useful stuff.” Akihiko walked back towards the first year dormitories with Shingo and Moliarth.
“Yeah,” said Shingo. “I finally have something to practice on my sister.”
“Good luck,” laughed Moliarth. “I’m not going to fight the devil.”
“Is she really that bad?” asked Akihiko, interested in the way the twins always talked about their sister.
Shingo shuddered. “Terrible.”
“Agreed, I’m amazed we even grew up properly,” said Moliarth.
“Well we didn’t.”
“Ha! That’s right, I nearly forgot!”
Akihiko stared at the strange duo. They were certainly unlike anyone he had ever met before. A few feet away, Azuma and Koji were walking side by side back to the first year dormitories.
“Instructor Minori sure is tough though,” Koji complained.
“Well she has to be, she’s the instructor for the class where we practice being violent, after all.”
Koji let out a sigh. “Fair enough. It definitely beats having a wimp give lessons on attacking and defending.”
“Definitely,” Azuma agreed. “I would love to go one on one with Instructor Minori.”
“With the instructor?!” Koji appeared shocked. “What are you talking about, you wouldn’t stand a chance!”
“You’re right, never mind that. There’s no way I could face her.” Koji eyed Azuma suspiciously but didn’t comment on his sudden change of heart.
Class C: Transformation
The students of Class C filtered into classroom 6A for Transformation. Upon entering the room, Ray Scott immediately panned the rows of seats for cute looking girls. Spotting a cute girl that looked like she had no one to sit with, Ray made his way to the back area of the class where she was seated.
“Hi,” spoke Ray, holding out his hand to the girl. “My name’s Ray.”
The girl eyed his hand suspiciously, then shook it gingerly. “Hi. I’m Amy.”
Ray sat down beside Amy, hoping to hit things off smoothly with her. Meanwhile, Ichiro took a seat next to Sami and Nakashima, two guys he hadn’t yet spoken with. Ava walked into the class still holding her piece of wall. Instead of sitting down, she moved to the side of the classroom to inspect the wall.
“Welcome to Transformation,” said Instructor Tanaka, addressing the seated students. “This class will form the backbone of your magical education. Every other field of magic relies on transformation, so you would all be wise to do well in my class.” She looked at Ava, who had begun running her hand across the wall of the classroom. “The first step to doing well is to sit down and listen,” the instructor said with a scolding cough. When Ava didn’t budge, she said “Child, you need to take a seat.”
Ava looked at Instructor Tanaka, still holding her bit of wall. “But Ava likes walls, not seats.”
“I don’t care what you like,” replied the instructor. “You need to take a seat or you can get out of my class.”
“O-K.” Reluctantly, Ava walked to a nearby row of seats and sat down.
“Very well, now who here thinks they already know a basic definition of transformation magic?” Instructor Tanaka looked around the classroom. Ichiro and Chris raised their hands. “Yes?” she said, pointing to Ichiro.
“Transformation magic is magic that changes something into something else, right?”
“Certainly, you just described what a transformation is, but can we get a little more?” Instructor Tanaka pointed to Nakashima, who was sitting two seats away from Ichiro.
When Nakashima was pointed to, he pushed the glasses he was wearing up on his nose. “Transformation magic can alter any properties of a space. For example, elemental composition, density, velocity, and gravitational force. By harnessing this power, magicians can accomplish any number of things.” Upon finishing what he was saying, Nakashima nodded to the instructor smartly.
“Very good, that was a much more adequate definition. And your name is?”
“Nakashima Kiro.”
“Well class, as Nakashima just said, transformation does provide a way for magicians to harness power over the many properties of matter. While transformation magic does truly permit an unlimited number of things, some actions are far more difficult to manage than others. For example, changing a bit of matter from being in a gaseous state to being a solid is much more taxing on a magician than slightly changing the velocity of an object.”
“Being a magician is pretty taxing no matter,” said Sami from beside Ichiro.
Instructor Tanaka continued, saying “Now, I want each of you to try creating a simple flame. Don’t burn down the school, just make a small flame above your hand to demonstrate a basic transformation.”
The class all began attempting to create flames. As it was their first time attempting magic, many of the students struggled to produce actual fire. Some simply reflected light or were unable to sustain a constant flame. Amy was easily able to create a brightly burning flame.
“Wow, that’s pretty hot,” Ray commented to Amy.
She blushed slightly, and replied “Yours looks hot too.”
“I like the color of yours though,” said Ray. His flame was a dark blue color, while Amy’s was a vibrant orange. “It’s beautiful.”
Amy’s face turned a deeper red. “Thanks.” She turned her face away from Ray, a little embarrassed.
✔ Ray Scott gains 100 EXP in Romance!
⨹ Ray Scott’s Romance skill leveled up to Level 1!
Once most students in the class had created a flame, Instructor Tanaka addressed them again. “A very good showing, from the looks of things. Now that you all understand the basic idea of transformation magic, we will begin looking into the techniques of good practices. Please open up your textbooks.”
Sami let out a small groan, saying “Not reading again!”
Ichiro hoped that the instructor was unable to hear him. “Hey, at least we don’t have to listen to that old bearded guy this time,” he said in reference to Instructor Woskian. “Or get blood on our hands.”
“I’m sure you’re happy about that,” snickered Sami.
Ichiro nodded solemnly. “I don’t need any more diseases.”
“Please open to page five,” said Instructor Tanaka, “where we will begin reading about the history of transformation magic. Could we get a volunteer to read the first page, please?”
Nakashima raised his hand again, so the instructor called on him. “Yes, go ahead Nakashima.” Nakashima began reading the first page, which detailed the history of transformation achievements. Unlike in Class B’s Transformation lesson in the morning, Principal Foliart did not make an appearance.
✔ Ray Scott gains 100 EXP in Transformation!
⨹ Ray Scott’s Transformation skill leveled up to Level 1!
✔ Ichiro Ito gains 100 EXP in Transformation!
⨹ Ichiro Ito’s Transformation skill leveled up to Level 1!
✔ Ava Human gains 100 EXP in Transformation!
⨹ Ava Human’s Transformation skill leveled up to Level 1!
Period 4: Evening
After their last classes of the day, the first year students returned to their dormitories to await the dinner feast.
Choose your action!
Suggested actions: Go to dinner and socialize | Go to the library to get a book about X.
After Combat class, the students of Class A walked across the lawn to the west wing for Translocation. “Hitojo is pretty adept at magic, isn’t he?” Kotone asked the girls walking next to her.
“Well, he is a noble,” said Pamira.
“What does that have to do with anything?” Rin wasn’t pleased by Pamira’s assessment. “He’s still the same as us!”
“Yes, and no,” spoke Pamira slowly. The girls looked at her quizzically. “I’ve heard rumors of some nobles receiving special magic instruction before going to an academy. Apparently if you have enough money, you can get a special clearance to practice magic without a license.”
“So like a private instructor?” asked Kotone.
Pamira nodded. “Precisely.”
“Yikes, that can’t be cheap,” commented Erin. “Even a tutor for primary education charges at least twenty silvers an hour.”
Rin furrowed her eyebrows. “I don’t know. Hitojo doesn’t seem to be that far ahead of us.”
“Yeah, I don’t think he’s been through private instruction,” agreed Kotone. “But he’s pretty good. Also, have you three met Ava Human?”
“Who?” Erin and Rin replied.
“Human? Like, us humans?” asked Pamira, perplexed.
Kotone shrugged. “I’m not sure, to be honest. She’s very, very strange and was assigned to the same dormitory as me. I’m not sure she can even speak properly… beats me how she managed to get accepted to Manoyama Academy.”
“Strange,” said Pamira, furrowing her eyebrows. “You’ll have to introduce us to her- maybe she’s just shy.”
“... I don’t think so,” replied Kotone. “But yeah, I will.” As they finished conversing, the group of students from Class A arrived at Translocation.
While the other students headed back into the castle for their next class, Hitojo stayed out on the practice field. He approached Instructor Minori, hoping to gather some more information. “Excuse me, instructor?”
“Yes?”
“I was wondering if you are going to teach any ways to immobilize your opponent. I am a pacifist and would like to be able to prevent opponents from fighting without endangering their lives.” Hitojo told the instructor the truth, but was really interested in determining a good way to capture Ava for questioning. He didn’t voice this ulterior motive, however.
“Certainly, there are many ways,” replied Instructor Minori. “However, there is no sense in rushing things. We will get there in due time, once a proper foundation of combat magic has been built.”
“Great, but could I convince you to instruct me on such a technique now?”
“Convince me? With what?” The instructor squinted at Hitojo suspiciously.
Hitojo slipped a sack of silvers out of his pocket. “This.”
Instructor Minori glared at him. “What are you trying to do? I hope you are not forgetting our academy’s non-violence policy?”
“I am very well aware,” spoke Hitojo. “However, I would have use for this technique.”
The instructor sighed. “Unfortunately, I do not have time to provide personal instruction to students outside of class. I would recommend you check for a book in the library that covers the subject instead.”
Hitojo bowed his head, disappointed. “Very well, thank you for your time.”
“I do hope you will stay out of trouble,” said Instructor Minori. “Combat magic is a powerful tool.”
“Yes, Instructor Minori, I will keep that in mind.” With that, Hitojo left the practice field and headed to class. As he approached the door to Instructor Woskian’s classroom, he saw Genghis standing outside.
“Hey, Hitojo,” said Genghis, who had apparently been waiting for Hitojo to arrive.
“What’s up?” asked Hitojo.
“What were you talking to Instructor Minori about? Anything interesting?”
“I was asking her about combat magic… didn’t manage much though.” Hitojo let out a sigh. “I’ll tell you what though, come meet me in my room tonight. It’s room 26.”
Genghis perked up, intrigued. “Oh? What for?”
“I’m concerned by Ava.”
“Oh,” spoke Genghis. “That girl that keeps trying to grab me?” Seeing Hitojo nod, he said, “I don’t think she’s dangerous- just crazy.”
“Well, whatever it is let’s get to the bottom of it. Meet me in my room after dinner, alright?”
“Ok, you got it Hitojo,” replied Genghis. They entered the classroom and sat down in two seats at the front.
After Illusion class, Akihiko confronted John. “Arguing with you was pointless, thanks to that neither of us got to reveal the illusion.” He looked around, searching for Azuma. He spotted Azuma leaving the room with Koji by his side. “And that Azuma guy was no help.”
John shrugged in response. He didn’t care to keep fighting with Akihiko after the fact. “Whatever,” said John. He walked to the front of the classroom and approached Instructor Eclieth. “Hi instructor,” he began, hoping Eclieth would be a good person to talk with.
“Dick,” said Akihiko, hitting John on the shoulder as he left the classroom.
“You are?”
“John Smith, sir.”
Instructor Eclieth laughed merrily. “John Doe, John Smith, what jolly good names.”
“John Doe? Who is-”
“Never mind that,” said the instructor, cutting John off. “What is it you wish to discuss with me? Having a good first day of classes?”
“Yes, sir,” said John, nodding his head. “Classes have been good, but I was wondering if there is any way I could get switched into Class A. I’ve been having some issues with the students in this class, and I already know quite a few people in Class A.”
“Ha! Friend-sick, aye?”
“No, like I said sir-”
Instructor Eclieth waved his hand. “No matter the reason, switching classes is rarely permitted.” He thought for a moment. “I say rarely, but in actuality I’ve never heard of any first years having their class reassigned. But who knows, I’ve only been here for the longer part of five years.” He gave another little laugh.
“So then… does that mean…”
“You should speak with Instructor Tanaka. She is in charge of the first years, so she would be the one to talk to about this, not me.”
“Great,” spoke John, thankful he hadn’t been flatly refused. “I’ll ask her then, thank you very much.”
“Not a problem, not at all,” said the instructor happily. He looked at his wristwatch and jumped. “Well, maybe it was. Out! Out! Everybody out, I have a meeting!” Instructor Eclieth ushered John and two lingering students out of the classroom. Deciding that he didn’t have enough time to speak with Instructor Tanaka just yet, John set off for Combat class.
“I like walls!” Ava shouted this out as her class began filing out of Translocation.
“What are you talking about, Ava?” Ichiro made his way over to Ava, who had begun trying to take a bite out of the wall. “Stop that!” He said, pulling her back away from the wall.
Ava struggled in his grip. “No, I like walls!”
“What is going on?” asked Instructor Woskian, approaching the pair as they continued to wrestle with one another. “Stop this immediately and go to class!”
Ichiro released Ava, who promptly jumped at the wall. She busted off a small portion of the wall and held it up with both hands. “The wall!” Ava yelled in victory.
Instructor Woskian shook his head. “Trying to destroy the school, first years these days…” He rested his hand on the damaged part of the wall and quickly repaired it. “You two had better get going before I have a word with the disciplinary committee.”
Ichiro gulped, and made to leave. Ava followed him, apparently satisfied now that she had a chunk of the wall with her.
Class A: Translocation
Instructor Woskian’s class proceeded normally, without any interruption like had occurred in Class C. This time, Genghis had the pleasure of catching the instructor’s blood-soaked arm. Hitojo, sitting next to him, backed away quite a bit as blood dripped onto the table.
“Sit back down, it’s just a bit of blood,” chided Instructor Woskian. He enveloped the area in his magic and the blood disappeared.
“I… why would… yes.” Hitojo tripped over his words and, deciding the table was clean, sat down.
“Thank you, Mister Yoshiwara. Now, how about we have you read us the introduction chapter starting on page 2?”
“Certainly,” Hitojo readily agreed to the instructor’s request. He flipped there in one of the textbooks lying atop the table that he and Genghis were seated at. Clearing his throat, he began reading aloud. Towards the back of the room, Kotone, Pamira, Rin, and Erin were speaking in loud whispers so as to not distract from the book reading.
“This sure is complicated,” muttered Erin.
“Talk about it,” Kotone agreed with a sigh. She was having trouble keeping up with all of the new terminology.
“That’s why we’re starting with all this theory,” said Pamira. “Instructor Woskian’s act was supposed to scare us out of trying it ourselves, probably.”
Rin shuddered silently. “I bet they’ve had gruesome injuries here in the past. In this very classroom, even.”
“Hmm,” said Kotone, thinking. “I wonder if you could use translocation magic to teleport…”
Pamira shook her head. “No way! You’d kill yourself!”
“How do you know?”
“Just think about,” said Pamira. “If we were the object being translocated, our magic would no longer be anchored to anything.”
“Maybe,” spoke Kotone, “but without having-”
“Is something the matter, girls?” Instructor Woskian interrupted their conversation.
“U-uh.” Kotone looked at the other girls, desperate for some help.
“Yes,” replied Pamira. “We were wondering if translocation magic would permit things like teleportation.”
The instructor smiled, causing the wrinkles on his face to bunch up. “Very well,” he said slowly. “The I will tell you. Yes, teleportation is indeed a possible feat of translocation magic. However, it is also one of the most dangerous applications of magic, and thus rarely used. Few actually have the skill, and even fewer still would use it on a moment’s whim. Such is the severity of the art.” He raised his eyebrows at Pamira. “Does that satisfy you?”
Pamira nodded back. “Yes, thank you instructor.”
“Very well, let’s continue where we left off. Mister Yoshiwara, if you would.”
Kotone gave Pamira an embarrassed smile. “Thanks, Pamira.”
“It’s what friends do.” Pamira smiled in return and pointed to her textbook. “But we really should follow along.”
“Yeah, you slackers,” said Erin, whose nose was already buried in her book.
“So uncultured, this generation,” added Rin, whose face was showing sarcastic disgust.
“Yeah, yeah,” said Kotone, giving Rin’s shoulder a friendly nudge.
✔ Genghis Khan gains 100 EXP in Translocation!
⨹ Genghis Khan’s Translocation skill leveled up to Level 1!
✔ Hitojo Yoshiwara gains 100 EXP in Translocation!
⨹ Hitojo Yoshiwara’s Translocation skill leveled up to Level 1!
✔ Kotone Miu gains 100 EXP in Translocation!
⨹ Kotone Miu’s Translocation skill leveled up to Level 1!
Class B: Combat
As Class B left from Illusion class, there was much talk about Instructor Eclieth, especially by the girls.
“Instructor Eclieth is so hot, I think he’s my new favorite teacher!”
“Did you see the way he fawned over Rana? I wish he’d do that to me!”
“Yea well with that tiny spark you made there’s no way he won’t notice you,” said a third girl sarcastically.
“What’s next, combat lessons?” Koji seemed nervous for the upcoming class.
“That’s right, I can’t wait!” Azuma spoke with an anticipation that he hadn’t shown before the previous two classes.
“I hope I’ll manage something.”
“You’ll be fine! Everyone’s just as new to this, trust me,” said Azuma reassuringly.
Akihiko followed the Vespiri twins down three flights of stairs and out of the castle. “I bet you two strong, burly men are going to be looking to join the magic forces,” said Akihiko sarcastically. “Let me guess, the special combat squadron?”
“Nope!” Shingo shook his head. “We’re real men, try the close engagement squadron.”
“Yeah, we aren’t having none of that weak stuff,” added Moliarth. “How are you going to serve your country? The airborne patrol?”
Shingo faked a laugh. “No, I bet he doesn’t even have enough magic in him. A future foot soldier, this one!”
“Ah! You’ve caught me!” Akihiko gave a wink.
The students walked out into the training grounds, where they would be having their next class. The combat instructor was already waiting for them, standing in the grass with her hands resting above a sword stuck in the ground. Once all the students had congregated in front of her, she addressed them. “Welcome to my class, first year students. I am Instructor Minori, the combat specialist at Manoyama Academy.” She spoke militantly, commanding the attention of every student standing before her.
“In these training grounds I will teach you the many styles with which magicians fight.” Instructor Minori lifted the sword up out of the ground and swung it outwards. “The sword- one of the most standard weapons of war. Yet in the hands of a foot soldier confronted by a magician, it is as useless as wielding a stick.” She tossed the sword into the air and vaporized it.
“Magicians, however, often use swords and other materialized weapons to assist in combat.” The instructor transformed the air in front of her into a sword of swirling red mist. The sword seemed to pulsate from the magic surrounding it. “As long as the magician controls the space in which the sword exists, it cannot be harmed by an enemy’s magic. The sixth tenet of magic; one cannot control the magic of another, is the foundation upon which all magicians’ weapons are based.”
A boy in the class of students raised his hand. “Will we be fighting with swords?”
“You may eventually, but everyone has a different fighting style. Today I’m going to teach you the most basic of magic attacks, the bolt.” The instructor’s sword dematerialized and she walked to the target range. “This is a bolt.” She raised her hand and shot a white bolt of magic at her target. It struck the wooden frame dead center, creating a mark on its straw surface and making it wobble slightly. The class clapped in respect of her talent.
“Bolts can take the form of any of the different elements, or if you don’t specify any specific material in your mind, it can take on the form of what is referred to as magic.”
“But magic isn’t a form of matter!” Rana protested against Instructor Minori’s statement.
“Don’t worry about it, girl.” The instructor dismissed her outcry. “It’s way over your head.” Some boys in the back of the group of students snickered at Rana. She mouthed something rude back at them.
“Of course, I used illusion magic to give my bolt a visual color. Now, I want you all to form five lines behind each of the practice targets. Try drawing from the air around you to launch a bolt at the target. and then rotate to the back of the line.” The students shuffled around and organized themselves into lines. Students at the front began trying to produce bolts and shoot the target.
In the leftmost line, Rana was the first one up to fire at the target. She still looked very angry at the instructor’s rude remarks to her, and her hand was shaking slightly because of it. She let out an audible “Humph!” and a purple bolt of magic was released from Rana’s hand at incredible speed, sailing high over the target.
“What was that?” Shingo and Moliarth, who were in line behind her, laughed at the missed shot. “Do you need glasses? The target is down there!” Rana stomped furiously to the back of the line, pretending not to hear the two boys.
Azuma was the next one up in his line. Azuma’s first shot at the target hit it dead center, earning him some words of amazement from the students around him. Koji stared at Azuma’s bolt protruding from the exact center of the wooden target. He gulped and asked “How do you do that?”
Azuma smiled, telling him “I dunno, guess I just believed that I could do it so it worked.”
“Alright,” said Koji, “I’ll go for it then.”
“You can do this!” Azuma gave him a word of encouragement.
Koji held up his hand and released a bolt of light, tinted a slight red color, and it struck the target on the left side. Koji looked relieved and gave a thumbs up to Azuma, who had walked around to the back of the line.
In another line, John and Emelia took their turns at the target. John was able to strike the target with a bolt on his first try, but Emelia had more difficulty. John watched as she struggled to compress the air properly and pushed a small gust of wind that quickly dispersed. “Hey, do you have any tips John?” Emelia asked as she got in the back of the line behind John.
“H-huh?” John started then turned around. “O-oh, sure,” he replied, surprised that Emelia asked him. “Visualize gathering the air into a tiny space and making it shoot out. Don’t think too hard about it, just concentrate on launching a small burst of air.”
“Or magic,” said Emelia.
“Yeah, I guess. That’s what Instructor Minori called it, anyways. I just think of it as air though.”
“Air doesn’t sound very exciting.”
John chuckled. “True, it certainly doesn’t.”
“Well, thanks for the tip,” spoke Emelia with a smile.
“No problem! Just let me know if you ever need help,” said John, turning back around to face the student in front of him.
✔ John Smith gains 100 EXP in Friendship!
⨹ John Smith’s Friendship skill leveled up to Level 1!
“Hey look,” said Akihiko, nudging Shingo on the shoulder. “The girl with terrible aim is up again!” It was Rana’s turn again, causing the boys behind her to crowd around in breathless anticipation as if prepared for something amazing to occur. Rana raised her hand and a bolt of purple magic shot backwards towards Akihiko, Shingo, and Moliarth, creating a scorch mark in the ground at their feet. The three boys jumped back in fright.
“Oops, sorry. It looks like my aim is off.” She smiled sweetly at them.
“Why you-” growled Moliarth.
“Please make sure to shoot towards the target.” Instructor Minori said to Rana. Nodding, Rana turned around and walked to the back of the line. She stuck out her tongue as she passed the three boys.
Emelia managed to successfully hit the edge of the target on her next attempt, earning her a “Great job!” from John. She smiled shyly at him, saying “It was thanks to your help.”
The students continued to shoot at the targets for fifteen minutes, at which point the instructor told them all to stop. “Not terrible for a first attempt,” Instructor Minori looked them all over scornfully, “but many of you still have a long ways to go. While it is wonderful to have adequate ability in the art of offensive combat magic, no magician will stand a chance on the battlefield without even better defensive techniques. Most magicians use some variation of a magical shield to protect themselves, so I’d like you all to try deploying a basic shield in front of your hand. Watch me do it.”
Their instructor pointed her hand towards the ground. Large cracks appeared in the earth, and a moment later she had pulled a large section of dirt cleanly away. The dirt leapt up towards her hand, where it formed into a brown, disk-shaped shield. “While it sufficed for the bolt to be composed of highly compressed air, a shield should be a solid material. In this case, I have hardened the structure of some dirt, providing me with a rock-like shield. Crude, but it gets the job done and done quickly.” She looked around at them all. “Well, we don’t have all day, show me your shields!” The students jumped and began attempting to conjure their own shields from the dirt around them. “I will be testing each of your shields, so make sure you’re ready when I walk by!”
“Need help?” Azuma asked Koji, watching his attempts.
Koji gathered together a ball of dirt, which fell to the ground. He looked slightly embarrassed. “Yes, please.”
Azuma held out his hand and drew some dirt from the ground. “First shape the dirt by visualizing the shield you want to make.” The dirt in Azuma’s hand molded into a circular shield with a handle on the end. “If it’s too much to do it all at once, you can make it in parts too.”
“Alright,” Koji held out his hand and lifted some dirt. He squinted, appearing to concentrate intensely, until the dirt formed into a brown oval.
“Yeah, that’s the idea…” said Azuma, trying not to laugh at the lopsided shape of Koji’s shield. “Now try to refine and condense the dirt. Squeeze it together with your magic.” Azuma’s shield shrunk a bit and turned a light silver color. He tapped on the frame with his knuckles, demonstrating how the dirt had changed structure. “You’ll want to make a hard carbon like this.”
“Carbon?”
“Eh, don’t worry about it. Just visualize a rock-hard shield.”
Koji went back to focusing on his shield. His shield shook and began condensing, but then a chunk of dirt from the center shot out onto the ground. “Aw man.”
“You’ve got the idea, just keep trying.” Azuma tried his best to give Koji some encouragement.
A ways away, Instructor Minori was testing students’ shields. She would launch small, rubbery looking balls towards the shield, making certain it held solid. The balls went straight through Wanabi Birkov’s shield, who seemed to be having as little luck in this class as he had in the previous two.
Next to Wanabi, Mikoto Moriko burst into a fit of laughter at the sight of balls smacking Wanabi in the face. “You’re next,” barked the instructor to Mikoto.
“Sure,” he said, holding out his shield. The shield was a large blue rectangle almost as tall as a person. It successfully deflected all of Instructor Minori’s balls, earning him a compliment for his abilities. “And that’s how you don’t get nailed in the face,” he said to Wanabi, as though finishing some kind of demonstration for his benefit.
“Can’t you give it a break?” Satori spoke up in Wanabi’s defense. Nearby classmates stopped talking to listen in on the exchange.
Mikoto was taken back for a moment, but then replied “What? I’m just trying to help out my pal Wanabi here.”
Satori looked annoyed by Mikoto’s attitude. “He’s obviously embarrassed by you showing off like that. We’re all new to magic here, can’t you just recognize that it takes some of us a bit longer to get the hang of things?”
“That’s exactly the attitude low-lifes have that stops them from advancing their status in society.” Mikoto spoke in a superior tone as he explained this to Satori.
“Are you an idiot? That isn’t logical in the slightest.”
“How dare you address me, the sole heir to the Moriko family, in such a manner?”
“Mo-riko? What’s that?”
“Moriko! The greatest wizard family in all of Hotagi!” Mikoto was clearly exasperated by Satori’s ignorance of his lineage.
“What does your background have to do with anything? All that matters is who you will become.”
“Ha! Such blatant idiocy! I swear…”
Mikoto advanced towards Satori, as though about to pick a fight, but at that instant Instructor Minori yelled out “Alright, that’s quite enough from you two!” They both stopped talking and Satori turned her back to Mikoto, who was looking indignant at being called out by the instructor.
“Put up your shield, please.” The instructor was waiting for Azuma, who had gotten too caught up in the argument between his two classmates to realize it was his turn.
“Oh, sorry.” He raised his shield, deflecting the balls Instructor Minori generated.
“Good, you next.” She moved on to Koji, whose shield was still flickering strangely. Instructor Minori launched three balls at his shield. It deflected the first two, but the third lodged itself into the shield. “Work on hardening the shield’s structure.” Koji nodded nervously and the instructor moved along.
After testing the shields of five more students, Instructor Minori clapped her hands together. “Alright, that’s everyone! Next I would like you all to pair up. One person will practice firing a magic bolt at the other, who will be practicing deploying their shield. Be sure not to aim for any vital locations, but just fire at where your partner is holding their shield out. And if you aren’t yet confident in your shield’s ability, be the one to fire the bolt.”
The students got into groups of two to practice attacking and defending.
“Would you like to be partners?” said Emelia, speaking to John.
John was caught somewhat off-guard by Emelia’s proposal. “Y-yeah, that would be great.”
Wanabi ended up without a partner. He looked around shyly, as though still looking for a student to partner with. “Looks like we have an odd number.” Instructor Minori approached Wanabi. “I’ll partner with you for today.”
“Yes ma’am,” said Wanabi nervously. He didn’t look particularly thrilled about his partner assignment.
Azuma had partnered with Koji, and backed away to prepare for their practice. He collected a new shield, assuming Koji would not want to be the person shielding.
“Ready?” asked Koji.
“Whenever you are,” Azuma replied.
Koji began by firing a bolt of magic at Azuma’s shield. It was a little off target but Azuma moved his shield to connect with it. Koji continued to fire bolts at his shield every second or so. A ways away, Wanabi was firing bolts at the instructor, many of which were sailing far off target. “Focus!” Instructor Minori barked at him.
Next to the instructor and Wanabi, Mikoto was unleashing a flurry of bolts upon a small, scared looking kid that he had forced to partner with him. He looked as though close to tears, staggering back from the force of the bolts Mikoto was firing at him. Mikoto hardly seemed to notice, however, and seemed to be trying his hardest to hold back his laughter from his amusement at Wanabi’s spectacularly bad aim.
Further away, Rana and Satori had paired up. They seemed to both be excelling at the instructor’s task. “Alright! It’s time to switch roles.” Instructor Minori yelled out to the class, bringing a halt to their combat.
Koji put up his trembling shield. “Are you sure it’s ok?” Azuma seemed unwilling to attack Koji’s flimsy defense.
“Please, shoot me,” said Koji, gritting his teeth. “I need to practice.”
Reluctantly, Azuma raised his hand. He fired a weak bolt that wasn’t even as powerful as the ones Koji had used to assault his shield. Koji’s shield successfully caught it. They both smiled in relief. “Nice one!” Azuma continued to fire more bolts at Koji, whose shield appeared to be getting more stable. After a few minutes had passed, the instructor told them to stop.
“That’s enough for today. Feel free to practice what you have learned on your own time, but remember that attacking other students outside of combat class is against Manoyama Academy’s rules. Should you fail to respect any school rules you may be expelled and rendered ineligible for obtaining a magic license. You are dismissed.”
✔ John Smith gains 100 EXP in Combat!
⨹ John Smith’s Combat skill leveled up to Level 1!
✔ Emelia Will gains 100 EXP in Combat!
⨹ Emelia Will’s Combat skill leveled up to Level 1!
✔ Akihiko Fujushina gains 100 EXP in Combat!
⨹ Akihiko Fujushina’s Combat skill leveled up to Level 1!
⚔️ John Smith learned Bolt Attack!
⚔️ Emelia Will learned Bolt Attack!
⚔️ Akihiko Fujushina learned Bolt Attack!
The students walked out of the practice field, talking about how much fun combat class had been. “I’m glad we’re finally learning useful stuff.” Akihiko walked back towards the first year dormitories with Shingo and Moliarth.
“Yeah,” said Shingo. “I finally have something to practice on my sister.”
“Good luck,” laughed Moliarth. “I’m not going to fight the devil.”
“Is she really that bad?” asked Akihiko, interested in the way the twins always talked about their sister.
Shingo shuddered. “Terrible.”
“Agreed, I’m amazed we even grew up properly,” said Moliarth.
“Well we didn’t.”
“Ha! That’s right, I nearly forgot!”
Akihiko stared at the strange duo. They were certainly unlike anyone he had ever met before. A few feet away, Azuma and Koji were walking side by side back to the first year dormitories.
“Instructor Minori sure is tough though,” Koji complained.
“Well she has to be, she’s the instructor for the class where we practice being violent, after all.”
Koji let out a sigh. “Fair enough. It definitely beats having a wimp give lessons on attacking and defending.”
“Definitely,” Azuma agreed. “I would love to go one on one with Instructor Minori.”
“With the instructor?!” Koji appeared shocked. “What are you talking about, you wouldn’t stand a chance!”
“You’re right, never mind that. There’s no way I could face her.” Koji eyed Azuma suspiciously but didn’t comment on his sudden change of heart.
Class C: Transformation
The students of Class C filtered into classroom 6A for Transformation. Upon entering the room, Ray Scott immediately panned the rows of seats for cute looking girls. Spotting a cute girl that looked like she had no one to sit with, Ray made his way to the back area of the class where she was seated.
“Hi,” spoke Ray, holding out his hand to the girl. “My name’s Ray.”
The girl eyed his hand suspiciously, then shook it gingerly. “Hi. I’m Amy.”
Ray sat down beside Amy, hoping to hit things off smoothly with her. Meanwhile, Ichiro took a seat next to Sami and Nakashima, two guys he hadn’t yet spoken with. Ava walked into the class still holding her piece of wall. Instead of sitting down, she moved to the side of the classroom to inspect the wall.
“Welcome to Transformation,” said Instructor Tanaka, addressing the seated students. “This class will form the backbone of your magical education. Every other field of magic relies on transformation, so you would all be wise to do well in my class.” She looked at Ava, who had begun running her hand across the wall of the classroom. “The first step to doing well is to sit down and listen,” the instructor said with a scolding cough. When Ava didn’t budge, she said “Child, you need to take a seat.”
Ava looked at Instructor Tanaka, still holding her bit of wall. “But Ava likes walls, not seats.”
“I don’t care what you like,” replied the instructor. “You need to take a seat or you can get out of my class.”
“O-K.” Reluctantly, Ava walked to a nearby row of seats and sat down.
“Very well, now who here thinks they already know a basic definition of transformation magic?” Instructor Tanaka looked around the classroom. Ichiro and Chris raised their hands. “Yes?” she said, pointing to Ichiro.
“Transformation magic is magic that changes something into something else, right?”
“Certainly, you just described what a transformation is, but can we get a little more?” Instructor Tanaka pointed to Nakashima, who was sitting two seats away from Ichiro.
When Nakashima was pointed to, he pushed the glasses he was wearing up on his nose. “Transformation magic can alter any properties of a space. For example, elemental composition, density, velocity, and gravitational force. By harnessing this power, magicians can accomplish any number of things.” Upon finishing what he was saying, Nakashima nodded to the instructor smartly.
“Very good, that was a much more adequate definition. And your name is?”
“Nakashima Kiro.”
“Well class, as Nakashima just said, transformation does provide a way for magicians to harness power over the many properties of matter. While transformation magic does truly permit an unlimited number of things, some actions are far more difficult to manage than others. For example, changing a bit of matter from being in a gaseous state to being a solid is much more taxing on a magician than slightly changing the velocity of an object.”
“Being a magician is pretty taxing no matter,” said Sami from beside Ichiro.
Instructor Tanaka continued, saying “Now, I want each of you to try creating a simple flame. Don’t burn down the school, just make a small flame above your hand to demonstrate a basic transformation.”
The class all began attempting to create flames. As it was their first time attempting magic, many of the students struggled to produce actual fire. Some simply reflected light or were unable to sustain a constant flame. Amy was easily able to create a brightly burning flame.
“Wow, that’s pretty hot,” Ray commented to Amy.
She blushed slightly, and replied “Yours looks hot too.”
“I like the color of yours though,” said Ray. His flame was a dark blue color, while Amy’s was a vibrant orange. “It’s beautiful.”
Amy’s face turned a deeper red. “Thanks.” She turned her face away from Ray, a little embarrassed.
✔ Ray Scott gains 100 EXP in Romance!
⨹ Ray Scott’s Romance skill leveled up to Level 1!
Once most students in the class had created a flame, Instructor Tanaka addressed them again. “A very good showing, from the looks of things. Now that you all understand the basic idea of transformation magic, we will begin looking into the techniques of good practices. Please open up your textbooks.”
Sami let out a small groan, saying “Not reading again!”
Ichiro hoped that the instructor was unable to hear him. “Hey, at least we don’t have to listen to that old bearded guy this time,” he said in reference to Instructor Woskian. “Or get blood on our hands.”
“I’m sure you’re happy about that,” snickered Sami.
Ichiro nodded solemnly. “I don’t need any more diseases.”
“Please open to page five,” said Instructor Tanaka, “where we will begin reading about the history of transformation magic. Could we get a volunteer to read the first page, please?”
Nakashima raised his hand again, so the instructor called on him. “Yes, go ahead Nakashima.” Nakashima began reading the first page, which detailed the history of transformation achievements. Unlike in Class B’s Transformation lesson in the morning, Principal Foliart did not make an appearance.
✔ Ray Scott gains 100 EXP in Transformation!
⨹ Ray Scott’s Transformation skill leveled up to Level 1!
✔ Ichiro Ito gains 100 EXP in Transformation!
⨹ Ichiro Ito’s Transformation skill leveled up to Level 1!
✔ Ava Human gains 100 EXP in Transformation!
⨹ Ava Human’s Transformation skill leveled up to Level 1!
Period 4: Evening
After their last classes of the day, the first year students returned to their dormitories to await the dinner feast.
Choose your action!
Suggested actions: Go to dinner and socialize | Go to the library to get a book about X.
This post was last modified: 01-13-2018, 05:23 PM by Ostinyo.