Crucipher stood at an intimidating eight feet and wore black robes instead of the normal blue robes. A scar that gave off a faint green glow marked his face, an old wound that had left him blind in his left eye. His black hair fell to his broad shoulders, with one braid in the back.
"Master Zerka has asked me to train you," he began in a deep, stern voice. "I must warn you, I do not know support magic or any of the tedious nonsense that some people may teach you. I know battle magic, offensive and defensive. The reason for this is that I have been tasked with hunting and destroying abominations."
Asander was puzzled. He'd never heard of such a creature.
"Abominations?" he questioned.
"Abominations are people corrupted and possessed by creatures of pure magic. They have never had a body and wish to gain one to bring more of their kind here," Rip answered, sounding like a very boring encyclopedia.
Crucipher held up his arm as if he were holding a shield. A blue field surrounded him.
"This is a shield created by my magic."
"What's it called?" the twins asked together.
"It's called... Shield," Crucipher replied dryly.
The twins shared a look, then returned to looking at Crucipher. Malreki was already mimicking Crucipher with a cruder version of the shield. Crucipher gestured for them to stand, and they did.
They both held up their arms exactly like Crucipher and Malreki. Fields of energy encased them: Asander in teal energy and Rip in red.
"What do the different colors mean?" Rip asked after looking at all of them.
"It is a subject of debate. Some say it's a difference in strength. Others believe that it is just a manifestation of your personality, faith, and overall will in your magic," Crucipher answered slowly and carefully.
It was almost as if someone or something spoke to Rip. He moved his arm forward and pointed at a target, willing his shield to reach out and ram it like an aurox in the plains of Tiberia. The target shattered, causing Crucipher to turn to Rip. There was no surprise or even judgment, just simple regard.
"That ability should not be possible for someone just learning to manifest their shield. However, I suppose there is a difference between 'should not be possible' and 'is not possible,'" Crucipher stated. "Although your shield bash is strong..."
He then brought his hand forward in a flash, destroying several targets and reducing them to splinters.
"It is not as strong as it could be."
Asander scoffed. His brother was pulling ahead of him in terms of power. No, he would be the most powerful of the group. In fact, he was the most powerful.
He willed his shield forward, but it drew back and collided with his face, dropping him to the ground. Crucipher stood over him.
"You are much too inexperienced to try something as precise as body-tight shields."
Asander knew this wasn't criticism, and it wasn't mockery. Crucipher was simply making a statement. It hurt nonetheless, so when Crucipher offered his hand to help him up, Asander raised his legs and performed a kick-up.
Malreki tried both abilities, but his shield would not budge from its position. After a few minutes of great effort and energy spent, he collapsed to his knees in exhaustion.
Crucipher nodded at Malreki's effort and continued his teaching of the twins. Malreki rose to his feet and walked away from the group.
"You must establish in your repertoire trusted spells, moves, and techniques to neutralize opponents," Crucipher explained. "Within the week, I would like you to come up with a move set you trust."
The boys nodded and took that as a dismissal. Asander headed toward the museums. Rip headed toward the library.