Chapter 22: Planning A Path
"Yes, I got word from an old friend that his son would most likely become my student, So I decided to go and pick him up personally. In disguise of course."
I looked over at Carin questioningly but she ignored me.
"Well that makes this easier." Vivienne turned to me before continuing on.
"As you have witnessed, Carin is a gifted user of Body Activation. Changing ones physical appearance to that of a different gender is quite simple for a master like her."
"Then that means. . ."
"Yes. Along with mentoring your group, she will also be your personal instructor in the technique."
At that moment, Fleur and Raya decided to speak up.
"Um, what exactly is 'Body Activation'?"
"I'm interested in this as well."
The two girls seemed interested in learning more about this ability they have never heard of. Even Luna who didn't outwardly state her interest was watching and listening intently to the conversation.
The three girls were looking at Vivienne but instead of answering, It was Carin who provided an explanation. It seems she wanted to be the one to do it since she will be working with us from now on.
"It makes sense that you wouldn't have heard about it. Its quite rare."
"Basically, Body Activation gives one nearly complete control over their body. Its a simple ability but with a lot of depth for what one can accomplish when using it."
Carin continued on to explain that with this technique one can enhance their physical attributes. You can control the muscles and tissue in a single part or the body as a whole to enhance things like speed and power. Masters of this technique are even able to do things like alter their gender temporarily or speed up thought processes.
"That sounds like an amazing ability, what is the cost?"
"Raya was it? You're smart, Indeed this power comes with risks. For one you must keep yourself in top condition or the strain of altering yourself could destroy you. There is also the risk of overuse."
Carin then went on to tell a story about one such individual who overused their power.
"It is said that there was once a user that enhanced his thought processes too far past his capabilities, causing his power to go out of control. He blacked out and spent hundreds of years trapped in his own head."
"When he woke up, only a few days had passed since he fell unconscious. There was a disconnect between his mind and his physical body and it could not comprehend or keep up with the time spent trapped inside his own mind, causing the poor man to essentially short circuit."
All three girls grimaced at the gruesome story
"That wont happen to Rune will it?" Fleur asked with a worried face.
"Hahaha! you don't need to worry. That's why I'm here. I'm going to whip this welp into shape and teach him proper control."
During the rest of the meeting Vivienne quietly watched, allowing us to get acquainted with our new teacher. During that time Carin told us a bit about herself and we learned that she is a former soldier that took part in the skirmishes in Oto. When she mentioned this, Luna's ears perked up but she continued listening silently to the rest of Carin's story.
Apparently Carin realized it was impossible to overcome the Neko priestesses and fully seize control of the country. So she deserted and started a life as a hunter, a type of adventurer that specializes in capturing or eliminating dangerous monsters and individuals.
Its seems she's a bit of a battle maniac and chose a path where she is able to use her strength frequently. Her and Raya have that in common in that they wanted to escape to a more care free life.
"Alright. We should probably talk about what path would be best for each of you. I've read your files, So I know a bit about what each of you specialize in."
"Since all of you will be taking the Adventurer course, the only required classes you will have is a class on the study of monsters and one on adventurer regulations."
"Lets start with you kitten." Carin said, pointing at Luna and earning herself a glare.
"You are a close ranged fighter that uses enhancement magic. Aside from taking a class on martial arts, I recommend taking up the gauntlets as well as daggers."
Luna seemed incensed at Carin's mention of her enhancement magic but continued taking in her advice.
"Gauntlets will protect your hands and increase your destructive power. Daggers should be self explanatory. Your fists wont always work and a short bladed weapon will allow you to stay in close range where you are comfortable."
Next was Fleur
"You little bunny, are a healer type. I recommend you take classes on Enchantment and Conjuration, on top of expanding your knowledge of healing spells. Enchantment will expand your repertoire and Conjuration will allow you to alter the forms your spells take."
Fleur's eyes sparkled with expectation.
"I also want you to take a class on archery. You will be your group's lifeline, so its important for you to stay out of harms way. Combined with Conjuration you could even create something like magic arrows."
Next was Raya
"It says in your file that you are an elemental spell caster that favors both fire and earth. There isn't much you should do besides expanding your destructive capabilities. You should take up the bladed staff and take a class on spears."
"Its important to have something available to use at close range when you are in a tight spot. Besides that a taking a class with Fleur on Enchantment could prove beneficial."
I was amazed at how she was able to recommend courses that would benefit us the most as a team. Carin seemed like the solo type to me, but it would appear she is also experienced in working with groups. Guess that just goes to show the difference of a veteran.
It seems the others all had at least a little experience in using their abilities and had already developed their preferred styles. It makes sense. Luna and Raya both come from important families in other countries and although I don't know Fleur's history, I would imagine she learned some things from her family as well.
The only one left was me. I had a feeling that my schedule would be the most demanding, especially since my Body Activation is so dangerous.
"Rune. I'm going to be honest, you have a lot of work ahead of you."
'Damn it, I knew it. Why me?!'
"Swimming, Martial arts, Yoga. You will need to take all of these on top of mastering a variety of weapons and your personal lessons with me."
"Yoga, that is ridiculous? Why would I need to take a class on something like that?"
"I told you, you need to keep your body in peak condition. Do you think stretching and flexibility has nothing to do with that?"
"tch"
"Actually now that I think of it, its important for you as well. Kitten you are taking the class with him." she said pointing at Luna.
"WHAT?! Why do I need to take a class with him?!"
'What is this girls problem? What did I possibly do for her to act like this towards me' Well I did see her naked, but that totally wasn't my fault!
"What is your deal Luna? We are going to be a team from now on, cant we learn to get a long? I don't know what you want from me."
"You...hmph. Fine" She said, turning her head away to hide her blush. Carin watched our exchange silently from the side with an amused expression.
After we planned our classes with Carin, we talked for a bit longer and she told us about what kind of things we will need to buy. Due to the widespread use of holo technology, there was no need for study materials or textbooks. The only thing she mentioned that we will need is our adventurer outfits and some cheap practice weapons for out practical classes. She said it was important to get used to fighting in whatever kind of armor we plan on wearing.
Soon we had nothing left to discuss and Vivienne dismissed the three girls, Asking me to stay behind.
"Alright you three can go. Rune I want you to stay, we have some important things to discuss."
I nodded.
"Alright"
Coincidentally, it seems Carin was going to be staying as well. She was leaning against the wall with her arms crossed over her chest. I'm not sure what they want to talk about but it must be important for them to want to speak to me privately.
I took a seat once the others had left and waited patiently to find out what all the fuss was about. Vivienne took out her holo plate and enlarged the projection for a Video call. When the call connected my mother, Norma appeared on the screen.
"Hello Rune, have you been taking care of yourself?"
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Tasty_Dragon
Tasty_Dragon Longer chapter today. I've been feeling like my word count it a little too low, so I've been trying to make the chapters a little longer. They wont all be as long as this one, but I'm hoping to consistantly keep it around 1k words.
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Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone