Another day, another class. If I had to be honest, I was already getting tired of this.
The day just started.
The day was even worse as I felt countless eyes piercing through me. The reason? It seemed Rune had turned even more people against me. After yesterday’s fiasco, he arrived in class limping. When asked what had happened, he accused me of using Shade to attack him. Of course, without definitive proof—and given Rune had his own secrets to protect—he merely claimed I had assaulted him on his way home. With little evidence to support his claim and Rune’s questionable history, Ms. Lonnie didn’t take his story too seriously.
It was a different story for my classmates. Rune had somehow convinced some of them that I was some egotistic sociopath that felt I was better than all of them. Using my “special treatment” and the dangers of my summons, along with his own power as the grandson of an Elder, he managed to get a good chunk of the class against me.
But eh, it is what it is. I doubt any of them are willing to actually bully me………I think. Kids are pretty brutal.
Ms. Lonnie spoke to the class. “These four styles are the cores of elemental magic, and as a whole, they are used by every mage. While it’s not always a case of being a master at all four, a skilled mage can use all four at their will.”
She pointed to a student. “Henry, what’s an example of a substyle for elemental magic?”
“Uh……lightning?”
“Good.” She wrote down “Lightning” under Water and Wind, making sure that it was also in the middle. Drawing arrows, she made sure that the students could understand that Lightning was formed specifically from these two styles.
“As you have all learned, Lightning is a substyle for both Water and Wind. But, here’s the thing. What does that really mean?” She wrote “Birth” and “Effort” on the board.
“Do you manually learn the substyle by mastering both Water and Wind? Do you have to master a spell that uses both before you can begin learning Lightning magic? Or, is it simply a matter of whether you were born for the style or not?”
No one seemed to know the answer. Arthur did his best to stay silent, hoping Ms. Lonnie wouldn’t call on him. Elaine was ready to take notes, and for once, Rune wasn’t smirking. Instead, he watched the front with a mix of confusion and curiosity. Orion remained expressionless, while Matthias, as usual, gazed out the window.
Do you know?
“........Nah.” It could very well be both. I can see why one had to master both the core styles needed, and if they even had the affinity for it in the first place. Both seemed like good answers, but I just didn’t know which one.
Huzzah! Here’s where I come in.
“Eh.”
I don’t like how you said that. Is there a problem with my help?
“Your ‘help’ wasn’t so helpful last time.”
And yet, you ended up giving the right answer.
“Yes, but that was because of-”
No, no, no. It was me, and you’re welcome, by the way.
“......Okay, what’s your advice then? What’s the right answer?”
You already know the answer. You must simply find the way again.
“Yo, you’re actually gonna make me do something I’m going to regret.”
Find the path, lost one.
Okay, forget Sys. Let’s just try to solve it on our own.
We already have two possible answers, being either Birth or Skill. Obviously, the
issue is which one, but that’s hard to tell when both seem plausible. It also doesn’t help that I have an inkling that maybe the answer isn’t even those, and that there’s actually a third answer………”Just tell me, Sys.”
No, young one. I cannot, for it will reset your progress.
“Oh my gosh, stop trying to sound old and wise. You just sound like an annoying bi-”.......Reset?.........Hold on.
Remember how when I had my Core Reset, my True Avatar showed up? And, there were those sparks that represented the elements that I could master……..What if, both of the answers are right, and there’s simply multiple answers? Maybe, a True Avatar’s one of them.
Since nobody knew the answer, and Ms. Lonnie looked like she was holding the class hostage until someone answered, I took the bait.
“I think they’re both right, but there’s just multiple factors to it.”
Ms. Lonnie seemed to like that answer. For everyone else, they seemed shocked that I was willing to answer. Rune grinned, probably thinking that I would just embarrass myself. Arthur nervously bit his nails, while Elaine calmly watched.
“How so, Beric?”
“When your True Avatar shows, the elements you have the most affinity with also appear. In that sense, your affinity with the elements being connected to substyles is correct.”
Rune tsked in annoyance. I guess he took my statement as a sort of flex.
"But that's not all. You mentioned that most mages can use all four core styles, even if they don’t master them. This could mean that mastery of a core style directly influences its substyles. For example, a mage proficient in Fire magic might struggle with Lightning magic compared to someone who has mastered both Water and Wind."
Ms. Lonnie stayed silent for a bit. The students then began whispering amongst themselves, debating whether I was right or not. Rune grinned like a madman seeing their reactions. He made himself comfortable as he expected to see Ms. Lonnie say I was wrong.
It was only when Ms. Lonnie began speaking that Rune’s stupid smile was wiped clean. “To those who doubted Beric’s capabilities, just know that this right here, is proof that he’s the best student in this entire classroom.” Smiling at me while passing a glance at Rune’s dismayed expression, she turned to the board once more, now adding the term “True Avatar” to the board. “Now students, do we all remember what a True Avatar is?”
“Yes, Ms. Lonnie.”
“Good.” Turning to face us once more, she reached her hand out, palm faced to the top, as if she was preparing to grasp something. It was then that a fiery ball formed right there.
All of the students seemed mesmerized, and even Matthias sneaked a glance.
Changing to a blob of levitating water, then a small wisp of air, and finally a floating ball of dirt, Ms. Lonnie put her hand away. “Upon your Core Reset, the elements also appear. It is then that you realize which elements you have the most affinity with, meaning which ones you can truly master.”
She drew a stickman on the board.
A few of the students snickered at her drawing.
Don’t you laugh either. Remember that hive drawing?
“I wasn’t even going to.”
Accompanied by symbols for Water and Wind, the stickman was adorned with a hat and a robe.
“Let’s call this man Helcro.” Ms. Lonnie added to the drawing by drawing a staff in the hand of Helcro.
“Helcro just had his Core Reset, and he now knows that he has affinities with Water and Wind magic.” She added a happy face to him.
“Many years passed, and Helcro is now a fully fledged mage.” She gave Helcro a wispy beard.
“Now, Helcro wants to learn a substyle, specifically Lightning.” A symbol for lightning was added.
“But, how does Helcro do it? How does he begin learning Lightning magic?”
Once again, no one was willing to answer. Maybe some of them knew, but they were just too nervous to speak up.
“Remember, Helcro has fully mastered both Water and Wind. What else can he do to learn something new with what he already knows?”
It was only then that Rune took the initiative. “Can’t he just learn from someone else?”
“He could. But, what I’m asking is what does he do? For your answer specifically, what does this other person tell Helcro to do?”
Rune was irritated that he couldn’t come up with a full answer.
Since Rune had failed miserably, Arthur found new confidence. Like a bolt, his hand quickly shot up. “What if he uses them at the same time?”
Ms. Lonnie was taken aback by that. “Go more in depth.”
Arthur looked like he didn’t expect his answer to be right. “Uhm……like…….Helcro could use a Water spell, and then force Wind into it…….and make a storm……maybe?”
“You’re not far off.” Ms. Lonnie scanned the room. “Can anyone finish what Arthur’s trying to say?”
Elaine took a shot. “I think he meant to experiment with the two.”
As expected. Elaine knew exactly what to say.
“Go on.”
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"As Arthur mentioned, Helcro could experiment by combining both elements simultaneously. He could use his Wind magic to create turbulence within his water orb, mimicking the chaotic and rapid nature of Lightning magic. By generating a storm-like effect inside the orb, he could gradually learn to control it, conditioning himself to the chaotic energy of Lightning magic."
Ms. Lonnie was very proud of Elaine. “Amazing work as always, Elaine.”
Drawing a circle with the symbol for Water inside, and what I assumed to be wind currents going into the orb, Ms. Lonnie finished the drawing by making a lightning bolt.
“What Elaine said is right. Helcro first has to get used to the feeling of the chaotic energy of lightning magic. Only when he’s used to it, can he begin creating sparks within the orb. To create the sparks, Helcro has to use his Wind magic to make the water flow inside even quicker. Combining the moisture with the quick winds, sparks begin to form. Quickening the winds even more, the first thunder is eventually heard.”
Creating a play-by-play scene of what she just spoke of, the class marveled at the arduous process. “Helcro has to continue experimenting if he wishes to master lightning magic, but eventually, when he does, he won’t need to do all of this to use it. The thing about elemental magic is that you can’t use substyles by themselves. Before you can use a lightning spell, you have to first conjure Water and Wind to allow yourself the opportunity to use it. Of course, this becomes unneeded when you master it. If you really want to, then you can use lightning magic just as how you would use a core style.”
Ms. Lonnie then erased her drawings. “Any questions on what we just learned?
“No, Ms. Lonnie.”
“Good, since we’re going to take a test over all of that.”
The entire class groaned.
So, how are you doing? Is this school still a waste of time to you?
“Nah, it’s not. I’m actually learning a lot of things here. Things which I could have already known, if my personal system wasn’t so lazy.”
Yeah, what a shame. Anyways, I’m going to take a break so uh, have fun on that test.
“Fuck you.”
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The test itself wasn’t anything crazy. I’m pretty sure I aced it. I think Arthur failed it, because he wrote for a minute before taking a nap.
After everyone finished their tests, we all turned them in before preparing for study hall. Here, it’s called “Self-Time”.........Yeah, I’ll just stick to study hall.
That’s all we did for the rest of class. Everybody either talked to their friends or read their books, just like yesterday.
I figured that I might as well read. Skimming through the pages, I learned a lot of the history.
But, hey. You probably don’t want to sit here and listen to me ramble about the old civilizations and heroes for the next 30 pages. So, Sys here will make a quick summary for you. “Right, Sys?”
………….
“Sys?!”
Oh, right, hahahahah, yeah, I got you covered. No problem. Just…..give me a second………..
“........Sys? Are you……doing some-”
Alright, I got it.
People lived like savages.
- They made tribes and communities to defend themselves against the strong monsters, such as orcs and giants.
- It was after the gift of magic by Unknown, and the guidance of the Elemental Deities, that humans became more civilized.
- The monsters also became more intelligent, giving birth to races like the Elvenkind and the dwarves.
- Villages were formed, along with law and order.
- Bigger villages were formed, until they came together and became kingdoms.
- Heroes, who defended their people and the villages from either monsters or hostile villagers became the rulers, eventually being the start of the royal government system.
- Wars began between humans and the other races. It was only because of the Demon King’s advances that the world as a whole allied together against him.
- After the war, civil unrest still lies within the world, with all of the people fearing the possibility of another war. -ChatECG
Perfect.
“Yeah, that’s real nice………It’s just that I suspect that you used another A.I. to make this.”
What? How dare you? After all I do for you, without expecting anything in return, you have the audacity to accuse me of using A.I. to do my own work? What is wrong with you? Why on Zarvendia would I-
“You forgot to cut the ChatECG part out.”
……………
“..........Did you just copy and paste everything? You seriously couldn’t have just tweaked it a little bit? At least then, you would’ve seen the ChatECG part.”
…………In my defense, you asked me while I was on break.
“YOU DON’T HAVE BREAKS YOU FUC-”
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Eventually the study hall ended, and with that, today’s class was done. As we all began packing up to leave, Ms. Lonnie pulled me aside.
“Elder Walden would like to begin tutoring you today. Your parents already know, and I’ll walk you back home after you’re done. Wait here for now, and Elder Walden will be here shortly.”
And with those words, I went back to my seat and waited. Of course, Rune and his group of goons laughed at me.
If only Rune knew that his grandfather was paying more attention to me than him.
Why are you proud of the fact that an old man favors you?
“Don’t make it weird.”
Ms. Lonnie left shortly after, and I was left alone.
Since it was a while since I had my summons out, and because no one was here anymore, I decided to give them some fresh air.
Summoning Rogue, Drill, Melvin, Jittear, and Nightclaw, I expended almost all of my mana. With only 21 mana left, I laid back in my chair as my summons frolicked in the classroom. I listened to their conversations as I took a short rest.
Melvin: “Guys, we should play hide and seek.”
Jittear: “I’m down.”
Drill: “Sure.”
Rogue: “Not it.”
Nightclaw: “What? Are you all serious? I can’t play that.”
Drill: “Why?”
Nightclaw: “Look at the size of me. There’s nowhere I can hide. Rogue can just slip into a book. This isn’t fair.”
Rogue: “I’m failing to see how that’s our problem.”
Jittear: “For real. Just be the seeker then.”
Nightclaw: “I don’t want to be the seeker. The only fun part about hide and seek is hiding.”
Drill: “That’s an interesting take.”
Melvin: “It’s okay. We can play something else.”
Rogue: “What? No, Melvin. We shouldn’t play something else just because Nightclaw can’t play it. It’s his fault that he has big ass wings. It’s not our problem.”
Nightclaw: “How’s it my fault I was born with these?”
Jittear: “I don’t know, Nightclaw. From the way he’s angry about your wings, maybe he’s still mad over that race.”
Nightclaw: “He probably is. He’s just mad he can’t ever beat me in a race.”
Rogue: “So we’re lying now? You only won because you hid like a little bitch. If we raced for real, then I would’ve dusted you.”
Jittear: “You hid, Nightclaw?”
Nightclaw: “No, I didn’t hide. I just outsmarted him. It’s his fault for not thinking out of the box.”
Rogue: “Outsmarted my ass. You’re the dumbest here, birdbrain.”
Jittear: “Birdbrain is crazy.”
Nightclaw: “My head is bigger so it has more room. That means my brain’s bigger.”
Rogue: “HELL NO!”
Drill: “Can yall shut up? Master’s trying to sleep.”
Melvin: “How about we play the quiet game?”
Rogue: “We can race right now. Let’s settle it, birdbrain.”
Nightclaw: “Bet then, pipsqueak. No more excuses after this.”
I said I was going to take a quick rest, but as you just witnessed, there were a lot of distractions.
Jittear: “Master, I hear footsteps coming this way.”
“Thank you.” Recalling my summons, I waited a few more seconds until I heard the footsteps. Stopping at the doors, the person behind opened them fully. It was a cloaked older man who used a walking stick.
“Did I keep you waiting?” It was Elder Walden.
“No.” I replied.
He said, lyingly.
“No time to waste.” Elder Walden raised his stick at me. “Call your summon, boy.”
“I have a name.” Once again, I called out Shade.
Elder Walden moved in close, analyzing every single part of Shade. He checked his fangs, his strong paws and legs, his silver fur, and his gleaming golden eyes. “Where exactly did you meet this wolf?”
“In the forest near my home.”
“Hmm……” Elder Walden mumbled to himself as he checked the inside of Shade’s mouth. “What exactly happened when you binded his soul?”
Here we go. This was an important question that I knew would be coming.
“He looked friendly, so I raised my hand to him. He then put his head to my hand, and I could feel a strong warmth entering my chest area.”
“I see……” He turned to me. “I heard from your parents that your True Avatar had all four core elements. Is this true?”
“Yes, sir.”
He mumbled to himself once more.
He seems kinda……weird today.
“Maybe he’s like this when it’s concerning magic? He could be a magic nerd.”
“Boy, before you learn elemental magic, you should focus on Arcane magic.”
That made sense. Bonding magic fell under Arcane magic, so it would be better to improve what I have…………except that’s not what I have. I have soul magic, so this wouldn’t exactly help.
Nah, Arcane magic has its uses. Barriers, magic missiles, body enhancement, there’s a lot of useful applications.
“I guess…….” Well, it’s not like I can learn elemental magic either. Thanks to that deal with Death, I’m incapable of learning elemental magic………which is strange. Why am I supposedly “able to master all four core styles” after that deal I made?..........Then again, I do have an idea of a workaround. But will it work? Hell if I know.
“Are you familiar with Arcane magic? Such as barriers?”
I did make a barrier for my soul, but is that worth mentioning? It’s not exactly tangible, and it’s probably not the barrier that he’s thinking of.
“I know what Arcane magic is, but I haven’t made barriers yet.”
“Disappointing.” He began mumbling to himself again.
Dang, you already disappointed your teacher.
“Man, I don’t give a fuck. He probably can’t even teach well.”
“Alright boy. I will aid you with your first barrier.”
Lock in.
“Yes, sir.”