Chapter 65: Training.
"Alright, let's begin the meeting. First off, thank you all for coming. We'll do a more official introduction between members once the new recruits are selected from the tournament. As you may be able to tell, all of you are of at least Duke/Duchess ranking. Congratulations, your hard work has rewarded you with more work." I chuckle and a wave of soft laughs follow. I look over the various faces before continuing.
"Tomorrow evening is simple, once classes end just head to the campus dueling grounds and report to Fable. He will direct you to your seats that will be to the side of the Student Council. Claire you will be sitting with them for this event, but future events you will be seated with the student council." Claire nods and I pull out a sheet of paper with a list of names of all the students that had registered for the tournament.
My eyes quickly found Arthur's and Elijah's as well as some other familiar names such as Lucas and Nicolas.
"Alright, the 2 stripes will be placed in the tournament from the very beginning, but the 3 stripes won't be filtered in until the 3rd round. This will give us the ability to see if any new students are at least rank 2 level worthy before most of them most likely get defeated by rank 3s. Honestly I only see 3 that I think can beat the rank 3s. Those would be Arthur Leywin, Elijah Knight and Lucas Wykes." They all nodded, but Feyrith spoke up.
"Why do you think those 3 can defeat rank 3s?" I looked at him for a moment before looking back to the paper.
"I've been living with Arthur and Elijah, as Elijah is staying with Arthur and Arthur's family lives with mine. I know their abilities, as for Lucas. Well let's just say I know some things and he most likely will not be getting a spot in the disciplinary committee regardless of his placing." The group nodded before I continued.
"Anyways, that's pretty much it. I won't you all to pay attention during the matches and make notes of competitors that catch your eye for good or bad. Alright, it's getting late so I'll late you get on with whatever you have planned. Remember, report to the dueling field as soon as your classes finish tomorrow. Dismissed." With that everyone rose and left, except for Claire, Kathyln and myself. Once everyone was out the room I stood as well and gestured for the 2 to follow.
Kathyln immediately encircled her arms around my left and I caught Claire's disappointed look and could only sigh to myself. I'm really going to have to do something about this crush. I was hoping that her seeing me and Kathyln being together would let her give up on it without the embarrassment of being rejected, but I guess that's not the case. We begin our walk down the corridor through the empty hallways being illuminated by candles.
Had I not walked through caverns and monster filled dens, you could almost think this place was spooky. Shadows flicking across the walls and creaks of distant doors opening and closing, but I honestly found it calming. A stark contrast from the loud bustling auditorium, or the packed crowded hallways. Here and now I could enjoy the silence and companionship of my girlfriend and a very close friend.
My thoughts drift back to Claire and I become annoyed once again, I don't want to upset her and potentially lose our friendship. But it's been a year of her seeing me with Kathyln everyday and everyday her expression contorts and it's beginning to grow tiresome. In my last life I had only had one girlfriend, that didn't last very long, and I definitely didn't have the droves of girls fawning over me like I do now. I just don't know the right way to approach this without losing our friendship we've gained over the years.
Shaking the thoughts from head, I realize we have already made it to the training hall. I feel Kathyln grip my arm slightly and see she has a concerned look on her face. Hmm guess I should have expected this when dating such an observant person like her. Even the minute changes of emotion, seemed to alert her. I'll have to be more careful in the future, I pat her hand that's gripped around my elbow and wink at her with a smile. She doesn't look convinced and gives a look that demands answers eventually.
Sigh, where did the timid Princess go that followed me like a puppy everywhere. Though I will admit, I much prefer this more assertive and action taking Kathyln. She no longer just an untouchable porcelain doll, but an actual girl slowly cracking out of that porcelain shell. Revealing the real Kathyln that's underneath, the one that I've known has been there since the beginning, but has been hiding in fear of being betrayed or hurt by anyone she lets too close.
We pass by the guard who stands outside the door to the private training ground Cynthia has set aside for only me and my training partners to use. Opening the door we are met with the sounds of a spar taking place. Metal against metal as Arthur and Elijah clash, Arthur's sword meeting Elijah's metal spikes. Arthur used some wind magic to propel himself forward to Elijah like a speeding bullet only for a metal spike to be sent towards him.
He sent a blast of wind to his side to whip out of the way and then coated his sword in wind mana and slashed through another approaching spike. He was met with resistance at first, but he increased his focus and finally managed to slice halfway through before his sword could move no further. With no other choice he released his sword and deflected another spike with a pillar of rock.
He began erecting pillars all over the battlefield but I could tell the use of his weakest affinity was draining him, each subsequent pillar being more brittle than the last. Though I suppose the strength of them wasn't the point, they were being used to hide as he tried to get close to Elijah. Arthur shot gusts of wind at him, but Elijah just formed metal walls and dimes before reusing it as attacks of his own. He started to attempt to box Arthur in with walls but with his wind magic boosting him he was able to stay just out of his reach.
The climax came when Arthur finally retrieved his sword again and this time managing to slide through the spike that Elijah sent, causing Elijah's eyes to go wide in surprise. This momentary freeze costed him the spar as Arthur used some vertical spikes and earthen pillars to launch himself at Elijah once more and resting his blade on Elijah's shoulder. Both were breathing heavily, shoulders rising and falling almost in sync before they fell to the floor sprawled out and began laughing.
"Look at these idiots using up all their energy before we even get here." I say and then we hear a sigh off to the side of us.
"I tried to tell them to wait, but they kept saying that there's no telling how long your meeting is going to last." The voice belonged to Tessia and she walked up to stand beside us as she looks out across the field at Arthur. She feigned annoyance but it was clear to us that she wasn't actually annoyed, and seemed to be openly enjoying hearing Arthur's laughter with his friend.
"Alright, alright! The real training begins now, either move off the field to rest or join in. Continue to lay there at your own risk." I called out to the 2 of them and they broke out into a nervous sweat as they looked at me. They both quickly scurried to the side where Tessia had originally been sitting and a sleeping Sylvie continued to.
Taking off my council cloak once again I floated it over to Sylvie who snorted at the disturbance before snuggling into the warmth.
"Let the training begin." I said with a smile to the 3 girls standing ready. We started with meditation and cycling our mana through our body to prepare it for the arduous training. Then went into basic exercises before I gave them targeted training instructions and we all split off. Tessia and Claire were close by since like me they were currently training with a sword. Kathyln was a bit further away practicing her ice magic and combining it with her water.
I also had her attempting to make her water as pure as possible so that it didn't conduct electricity and she seemed to be getting close. This technique is the water equivalent of turning the colors of fire mana from red to blue, and I was sure she would succeed.
After resting Arthur eventually joined the sword users while Elijah joined Kathyln and they practiced deflecting and countering various attacks from the other while also remaining in motion themselves. This exercise was to get used to subconsciously preparing defense spells when you're under attack and immediately countering. The movement part was just to add another layer of difficulty as you should never stand still in a battle, especially as a conjurer.
Us swords users were mainly going through the basics. Particularly Tessia as she is much newer to sword fighting compared to the rest of us, though she'll eventually join Kathyln and Elijah since she's a conjurer as well.
This continued for some hours until it was nearing midnight when everyone finally slumped against rocks or trees in exhaustion. I chuckled at the sight and began getting out my tea set and began brewing some for everyone. Nothing like some good refreshing tea after a hard training session after all.
We all sat chatting amongst ourselves while sipping on tea in the middle of the room for only 10 or so minutes until the eyes of a few of our members began to grow heavy. Leaving only me and Arthur still awake as Kathyln snoozed softly against my shoulder, and Tessia against Arthur's. He tried to act indifferent to her charms, and I knew why, but he didn't realize how enamored he was with her. I smiled as I embraced the scene, it's something I would have never gotten in my last life.
A group of friends all hanging out together, not a worry in the world even though you could say this world is much more dangerous than Earth. Though those worries never drifted too far, moments like these make all the training and preparation worth it. A small dribble of drool leaks from Kathyln's mouth and I chuckle softly in hopes I don't wake her. Only to have to really stifle my giggles when I see the puddle of drool developing on Arthur from Tessia.
Elijah was asleep as well on Arthur's other side with Sylvie sleeping in his face, I'm not sure how he can sleep like that but I guess to each their own. Claire was passed out next me, her head just inches from my left knee and I sighed before looking to Arthur.
"Time to go. You get your 2 and I'll get mine." He frowns slightly before looking at Sylvie.
"But I have 3." I chuckle softly at his plight while carefully standing up with Kathyln in my arms in a Princess carry and using mana strings I lifted Claire up on to my back. I used my strings to hold her in place and move her hair out of my face.
"How am I supposed to carry both of them?" Arthur complained and I just smirked at him.
"Should have practiced your mana strings like I told you, but I'm sure you'll figure it out Mr. Quadra Elemental." He looks at Claire's face resting on my shoulder and I just shake my head.
"You don't have to worry about her, she's out cold. Though even if she wasn't, she wouldn't say anything. Claire is a great friend like that, and I think after today she acknowledges you and your dedication to getting stronger." His gaze lingers a moment longer before nodding and standing. He tossed Sylvie up on top of his head, gaining only a mewl in protest before she settled back into his hair.
Then he lifts Elijah up on to his back, and then lifts Tessia up the same way one holding Kathyln. We exit the room to see the guard still standing there.
"Apologies Mathias, we got a bit carried away. Here's a little something for your trouble." I drop a bag of gold coins into his hand, he froze when they weighed his hand down and looked at me thankfully.
"You're too kind Lord Helstea. I'll be able to buy my kids new clothes for the school that Mr. Rez is opening." I looked back at him dumbfounded for a second before realizing how dumb I was. I created a school that would be free expecting the common folk and orphans to go, and they probably will but of course they'd still feel outcasted wearing their dirtied attire. Seems I'm gonna have to change some more things.
"I wouldn't worry about that Mathias, I heard that Rez is going to be issuing uniforms to all students. Just show up to the entrance ceremony and there will be a tailor there ready to get measurements on every student." His eyes widened even further than when I had dropped the gold pouch in his hand.
"This is great news! We'll be able to live off this money for quite a while without having to pay for clothes. Thank you again Lord Helstea!" He said bowing at a near 90 degree angle. I wave him off as best I could but with Kathyln sleeping it wasn't visible, especially to a guy bowing the way he was.
"No worries, Mathias. I'm glad to hear your family will be well taken care of." He stood straight with hands at his sides and I could see faint tears building at the rims of his eyes and with a thankful smile he headed home.
"That was kind of you." I heard Arthur speak up from behind as we began walking down the hall.
"Bah. I'm just annoyed I've become so pampered that I forgot something as simple as that. Of course a parent is going to want to get their children new clothes for school. The ones with hand me downs or low quality clothes always get bullied or out casted." I sigh, only to catch Arthur staring at me strangely, and I realize I might have said a bit too much. I guess I must be a little fatigued as well, looks like I'll have to train harder when I come back later.
"Haven't you been a noble all your life?" Arthur questioned me. I just shook my head with a sad smile.
"Nope, I lived in an orphanage until I formed my mana core and that's when mom and dad adopted me." Arthur mulls over that, probably thinking over his own time as an orphan in his past life.
"Well it's good that you found a good family then." I nodded to his words and smiled warmly.
"Ya, it's pretty nice."
We eventually split off since Tessia's room was nearby, with her being a student council member. I continued toward the girls dorm, and subsequently to Kathyln's room which happened to be closest. I stepped into the room and laid her onto the bed and Claire on a couch in the room before heading to her bathroom and began running a bath for her. When the tub filled I walked back to where she was laying picked her back up carrying her to the bath.
"Princess you need to wake up, I'm sure you don't want to go bed all sweaty after all." She groaned in her sleep as I let one of her feet dangle in the water. She shifts in my grasp and her eyes fluttering.
"Help me stand up." She said and I let her feet softly hit the floor and turned around with her hands on my shoulder. I could feel her clumsily undressing in her still mostly asleep state. She almost fell, but I caught her with mana strings and righted her. When I did she leaned forward and wrapped her arms tight around me and her head smushed against my back, but that wasn't the only thing I felt press against my back.
"My, Princess. How bold of you, but I'm afraid I'll have to stop you there." She groaned in protest as I used mana strings to scoop her up and lower her into the tub. One of her hand was outstretched and gripped my shirt.
"Don't go. Stay." I chuckle again, she really is like a drunk person when she's sleepy. Saying things she would never say while wide awake.
"You're lucky I'm a better person than that Princess. Now wash up, I'll be back to make sure you got out of the tub and back in bed." I hear a mewl of protest escape her lips, but her grip eventually loosened and sunk into the water with a soft splash. I tied a loose bit of mana strings to keep her from slipping underneath the water in the tub, and they would still be connected to me so I could save her if she somehow managed to go under anyways.
Walking back out into the main room I find Claire still passed out on the couch, so i lift her up into my arms in the same princess carry I had carried Kathyln to her room in. She only stirred slightly, and made soft mumbles that I couldn't quite make out. Eventually arriving at her room I proceeded to do the same for her that I had done for Kathyln.
"You'll have to do the rest yourself, Red. Even this much has been entirely improper of me, especially considering I'm dating Kathyln." Like Kathyln I had brought her to the tub and turned away, but I didn't leave her arms on my shoulder like I didn't with Kathyln supporting her only with mana strings.
She didn't respond, but when I heard the last piece of clothing fall she too like Kathyln leaned forward and wrapped her arms around me. Though hers were more fragile and unsure of her own actions. I sigh audibly and I feel her quiver slightly, but she tightens her grasp. Her soft but nervous breathing hitting my neck, I realize I'm probably the envy of probably the entire male student population. However I only felt a pain in my chest, it was a pain I wasn't used to in this world. Nervousness.
I knew what I had to do, that this wasn't healthy for her nor our friendship. But I was still scared of losing a dear friend. Sighing once again I speak.
"Claire, you know I can't return your feelings.I-I love someone else." I feel her breath hitch slightly and her whole body tenses, before her arms suddenly fall slack to her side but her body is still pressed up against my back. I feel wet droplets fall onto my shoulder, and that pain in my chest flares.
"It's not fair." She mumbles and all I can think to do is nod.
"Sorry, Red." Taking the opportunity I whisk her up with mana strings and deposit her into the tub. I take one step and pause before letting out a breath.
"I care for you deeply Red, and I want to remain friends as I consider you one of my closest friends. But I need you to accept that I'm with Kathyln… Goodbye Claire." Soft sobs come from her behind, and rather than try to console her I left. I'm not sure if that's the cowards choice or not, but I can only hope that friendship can continue. I swiftly exit the room, but not before leaving some mana strings to make sure she doesn't dip under either.
Returning to Kathyln's room I find her having just gotten out of tub and wrapped in a towel as well as her hair. I guess it smelled too bad from the sweat, smiling I walk in.
"Need me to dry your hair?" She turns to me and gives a meek nod as she sits on her bed, I could see her cheeks were flushed bright red. Whether it was her state of dress or if she remembered what she said before I left I couldn't be sure, but I took up a spot just behind her on the bed. Using wind and a bit of fire mana I began drawing out the water in her hair and warming the hair up. She let out a soft moan from the pleasure of the heat hitting her cooling skin.
"All done." I bring her out of whatever moment she was in and she turned to me, cheeks still quite red.
"I was quite embarrassing earlier." I just shook my head and smiled.
"It was adorable." She looked down, and seized the opportunity to place a soft kiss on her forehead. I could feel the blood rush to her face, and she turned away slightly before looking back at me. I smiled and went to stand only for my cheeks to get sandwiched between her hands and she pulled me towards her and our lips met. This was the first time we had kissed, truly kissed. There was still a bit of saltiness from left over sweat she hadn't rinsed off her face yet, but also a faint flowery taste from the tea we drank earlier.
It was honeysuckle, my favorite tea from my love of the honeysuckle water we drank back in the orphanage. She had begun to like it as much as me, so whenever we drank to tea together it's what we drank. I had been focusing so much on the taste I wasn't keeping up with pace and the sensation she was causing. Living up a free hand i cupped the side of her face and deepened the kiss. Eventually we separated, breathing heavily and both with flushed faces.
She held a hand tentatively up to her lips and her eyes fluttered with sleep threatening to take over, so I smiled and lifted her up before placing her back into the bed. Tucking her in with another quick peck on the lips
"You started this Princess remember that." I smirk at her before standing straight up and heading to the door. Her hand brushed against mine as I walked way, and once I reached the door I turned to her.
"Goodnight… Kathyln." I saw her eyes go wide, and her cheeks went red but I didn't let her respond as I exited the room. Feeling with my mana strings I could tell that Claire had already gotten into bed, so I dispersed them and headed back to the training room. Now by myself I could really train, like I usually do. Though it's nice having company, I can't get the kind of training I need in while they're there.
I enter the room and shut the door, and pull out my training outfit. This outfit was mostly just a disposable outfit that didn't matter if it got torn or shredded, which was likely to happen. But first meditation. Sitting in cross legged position I begin pulling in mana at a much faster pace than I had when they were in here. The mana was pulled from the air towards me as if I was a bottomless black hole, only the impure particles were released back into the air. I had realized since I've continued my daily meditations, that even white is not the purest form.
Which when you think about it makes sense, you still can't see through the white of a mana core. No the purest form would be… clear. My mana cycling and purifying capabilities are astronomical due to my wish I was granted before coming here. 2 times faster learning than the fastest. When I came here I naively thought that was Arthur that I would be comparable to, but no. Through the memories I've gained from the wills of the Asuras Phoenix's I've come across stories of genius level people inside a race already considered to be the geniuses of the Asuras.
I'm not sure if anyone has ever broken through into a clear core before, but I wouldn't be surprised. After all Asuras are ageless from what I understand, so it's plausible some dedicated member broke through. Even with the amount of time I've been a white core, I'm already beginning to see cracks with an even brighter white waiting beneath. Seems White cores skip the dark stage and go straight to mid. I've also noticed my Aether half of my core fluctuating in tune with continuously purifying mana.
As if it's helping and accelerating it's progress, which I can only thank it for. After an hour my meditation was over. I had practically drained the room dry of mana, and it was now time to begin the real training. I pulled out my katana and lashed it side to side feeling the thrum of mana vibrate off it, and continue as I channeled more mana into it.
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{Cynthia Goodsky POV}
I was sitting in my office when Avier fluttered his owlish wings. I looked up to him and he looked to me and with a serious tone he spoke, though he sounded slightly frightened.
"That boy is even stronger than I thought." I cocked my head to the side and set down the quill I was using.
"What do you mean? I can't feel anything." Avier shuddered slightly before lookin in the direction of the training rooms.
"That's because I'm not sensing him through mana or power. I'm feeling my animal instincts of fight or flight, and they are screaming at me to fly as far away as possible." My eyes narrowed and my face hardened as I went into contemplation. Is he strong enough to go against them? I couldn't help but wonder to myself. Using wind mana to aid me I stand up from my seat and float along to training room. Though hesitant, Avier still follows me. I can't imagine the type of pressure young Jaron must be giving off to ruffle the feathers of one as strong as Avier. Even I would have a tough time fighting Avier.
Once outside the room I could feel faint tremors, which that in itself shocked me as these rooms were built to withstand the attacks of multiple S class beasts, and reinforced with multiple artifacts and spells. Right before my hand could touch the door the tremors stopped and the door opens though no one was there to do it. I saw a faint string like thing whip through the air before dispersing. His mana strings.
I look toward the young man I came to see, the one who seemed to surprise me at every turn. Jaron Helstea, or the Rez. I wasn't 100% certain but he had hinted heavily to it multiple times and I honestly don't think I would be surprised. If anything I would be thankful that instead of 2 unfathomably powerful people it was only one parading around as 2. Though that still left the truly unnerving idea that a boy of only 12 was the most powerful person on the content.
His eyes were hard currently as he stared at me and his whole body was still tensed from training no doubt. His shirt was ripped to shreds and pants were doing no better, but that was nothing compared to the surrounding in the room. Deep scorched furrows could be seen in the ground and numerous cracks splintered up the walls that were supposed to be nigh indestructible. Resistant to mana based attacks, the only way to do this is either overpower them with an ungodly amount of mana or with pure brute strength and both were terrifying to consider.
Looking back to Jaron, his usually soft but disinterested smile wasn't that rather he seemed annoyed, cold, almost villainous if I didn't know him better. His usually pristinely kept hair was frayed and disarrayed across his face and shoulders. The next second however his expression shifted back to his usual one and he brushed his hair back with a deep sigh.
"What are you doing here Cynthia?" The voice didn't match his typical tone and I could tell he really was annoyed, I could only hope it wasn't at me.
"Avier, told me that you were down here training." His glance to Avier made the Wyvern cloaked as an owl shudder like he had in the office.
"I wasn't aware my training was noticeable." Something that I hadn't seen before happened, Avier spoke to someone other than me.
"It's not your mana that's being sensed, but rather it feels like an animalistic presence. And it's overwhelming my fight it flight senses." Avier spat out quickly, and I could only look at him in shock as I had never heard such a nervous tone from him. Jaron's gaze locked on to Avier before he sighed once again and conjured a canteen of water from his ring.
"It must be because you're a Wyvern, and most likely S class that you can feel it." Avier nodded with the statement. And I could only watch the exchange as I didn't know if this was true and it wasn't like I could feel it but that I would want to anyways.
"How can you tell he is a Wyvern?" I questioned and Jaron just smirked at me.
"There's a lot of things you don't know about me, Cynthia. Lets just say one of those things is what lets me." The next thing I knew a dome of wind and sound magic more complex than anything I had ever thought hamming making before was conjured around me. I could see Jaron speaking to Avier, but I couldn't hear what was being said. I pushed and willed mana against the barrier, but nothing worked which should be impossible unless he's… a white core mage. Even then he must be stronger than the average one as I'm high Silver I should be able to provide some small semblance of resistance.
{Jaron POV}
"Wyvern. Can you tell what I am?" I asked the owl as it looked at the barrier surrounding Cynthia, perplexed. It turned back toward me and nodded slightly.
"Tell me." I spoke again and I could see Avier shudder.
"You smell and feel like a Phoenix wyrm, but I can tell you're much stronger than that. Purer also, though I don't know fully. I've never come across anything like you in my lifetime." I just nodded at his words and released the barrier.
"Good, just make sure not to slip up in front of Cynthia. It wouldn't… be good for her to hear it yet." I gazed at her as she looked at me confused.
"Now if you'll excuse me, it's about time I get to bed. First day of school tomorrow after all." They didn't protest though I could see the wish to know in Cynthia's eyes, but I ignored it.
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Author's Note
Alright bit of a lengthy chapter today, hope you enjoy. 5.2k words before Author's Note.
We had a good bit of everything in this one, hope it wasn't too mushy. Also hope the romance scene with Kathyln was decent. Lastly I hope none of the Claire fans come to kill me in my sleep, but it needed to be done!
You guys got to see some of Jaron's dedication to training as well. He's never stopped training just because I stopped adding it into the story, I just didn't see a reason to add a training passage every arc.
More fun stuff to come.
Next chapter will be Thursday.
Also you don't have to, but I made another FF for shits and giggles and it's a Spongebob x TBATE FF. The idea got memed around in a discord server I'm in and I decided to make it real lol. It will only be around 1k words per chapter and won't be near as accurate as this story. If you're just looking for something fun to read in the TBATE world, check it out. Uploads will be sporadic as it's just a fun side project. Title: Spongebob Squarepants in TBATE. It's got Spongebob(obviously), Patrick, Gary, Sandy, Mr. Krabs, Squidward, Plankton and Karen. It's also being used as training ground for me in writing strictly 3rd person.
Thanks for reading
-SocioPhobia
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